News
Temporary Halt to JAMB’s New Admission Age Policy by Delta State High Court
In a significant development, the Delta State High Court in Warri has issued a temporary injunction halting the implementation of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) new policy, which mandates that candidates must be at least 16 years old to gain admission into Nigerian universities. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Warri, representing candidates born between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, who successfully passed the JAMB examinations in 2024.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Anthony Akpovi, comes in response to JAMB’s announcement on October 16, 2024, outlining that the new age requirement would take effect starting August 2025. The case, identified as W/311/FHR/2021, names JAMB and Edwin Clark University as the first and second respondents, respectively.
Justice Akpovi’s ruling confirms the granting of all requested reliefs, particularly emphasizing the rights of Nigerian children born within the specified dates to retain their admission status. The court order restrains JAMB and related institutions from enforcing the new age requirement until the motion underlying the case is resolved. Furthermore, it includes provisions for maintaining the status quo regarding admission lists prior to the circular issued by JAMB.
In a notable aspect of the ruling, the court granted specific reliefs to ensure that Angel Aikpokpo Martins, one of the applicants, continues her access to educational facilities pending a final decision. This decision underscores the court’s commitment to upholding the educational rights of students amidst evolving admission policies.
As this legal matter unfolds, it raises critical questions about access to education and the implications of regulatory policies on prospective students in Nigeria. The Delta State High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding educational opportunities for all, particularly in a rapidly changing academic landscape.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
A Special Birthday Tribute to Mrs. Linda Aronu C.
A Special Birthday Message to Dike Christopher Nnamdi.
