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The Ongoing Strike at Niger Delta University: A Call for Government Action.
The ongoing strike by lecturers at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, has become a significant concern for the academic community and stakeholders in the region. This strike, which commenced on December 10, 2024, stems from the state government’s failure to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on October 30, 2024.
Dr. Oyinkepreye Bebeteidoh, the chairman of ASUU’s NDU chapter, has reiterated the union’s position, highlighting critical issues such as inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and unresolved salary structures. In a recent statement following a union meeting in Yenagoa, he emphasized that the commitment to the strike reflects a broader dedication to the future of education in Bayelsa State. “We cannot, in good conscience, return to the classroom under the current circumstances,” Bebeteidoh asserted.
The lecturers are demanding a 25% to 35% salary increment, with arrears to be paid from January 2023 onward. Additionally, ASUU is advocating for the immediate implementation of an N80,000 minimum wage for its members, alongside the payment of promotion arrears dating back to 2018. The union has also called for improved residential accommodation, recruitment of additional academic staff, and continuous funding to meet accreditation requirements.
Bebeteidoh acknowledged the hardships faced by students and their families due to the strike but maintained that such action is essential for achieving an equitable and sustainable education system. He urged the state government to fulfill the terms of the October 2024 MoU, warning that further delays could have dire consequences for students, faculty, and the broader educational landscape in Bayelsa State.
The ASUU leadership has called on the government to demonstrate sincerity in addressing these pressing concerns to resolve the ongoing crisis and restore normalcy to the university. The situation remains critical, and the time for decisive action is now.
DAURA, Katsina State – In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited the gravesite of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
Both Kwankwaso and Saraki offered their condolences to the family of the former Head of State in Daura. Images circulating on social media depicted the leaders in prayer at the gravesite.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London following a period of illness. His remains were interred in Daura earlier this week. The visits by Kwankwaso and Saraki mark the latest in a series of tributes paid to the late president.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This declaration is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, the Minister described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the holiday’s purpose: to allow Nigerians to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and national development. Citizens are urged to use this day to promote peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, aligning with the late President’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast. The Federal Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful dismantling of two major human trafficking syndicates operating across the country. In coordinated sting operations spanning Enugu, Anambra, and Ondo States, law enforcement rescued numerous victims, including children, pregnant women, and foreign nationals, and apprehended 11 suspects.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, commending the officers involved for their bravery and precision.
In one operation spearheaded by the Zone-13 Police Command, authorities targeted a child trafficking and “baby factory” ring. Eight suspects were arrested, including Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56), who allegedly confessed to involvement in child abduction, illegal adoption, and operating unlicensed medical facilities used as baby factories. The syndicate operated strategically across communities in Enugu and Anambra States, preying on vulnerable women and children. Rescued victims included a seven-month-old baby, a four-year-old child, and two pregnant women, all discovered in a secluded village. The expectant mothers, from Ebonyi State, were reportedly lured and detained for forced childbirth, with the intent to sell their newborns. The victims are currently receiving medical and psychological support under protective custody, while the search continues for fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a separate incident in Ondo State, an operation led by the state police resulted in the rescue of David Angerinya, a Ghanaian national trafficked into Nigeria under false pretenses. This operation stemmed from a formal petition from the Interpol Liaison Office in Abuja, highlighting a suspected case of transnational human trafficking. Investigators uncovered a broader international trafficking network and arrested three suspects: Hayford Nyamekye, Awine Alex, and Kojo Felix. These individuals were allegedly part of a syndicate deceiving individuals from neighboring West African countries with false promises of jobs and travel visas to destinations like Canada, only to hold them in exploitative conditions in Nigeria. During the raid, police discovered 39 additional Ghanaian nationals, many without valid travel documents or with expired passports, and in dire health conditions. These victims are now receiving medical treatment.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers for their swift response and dedication to dismantling trafficking networks. He reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and cross-border crimes. He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Inspector-General emphasized the Police Force’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice, stating, “These operations send a strong and clear message: there is no hiding place for human traffickers in Nigeria.” He added that the Nigeria Police Force will continue working to disrupt criminal networks and safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals within the nation’s borders.
Kwankwaso and Saraki Pay Respects at Buhari’s Gravesite.
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