FG Orders Strict Implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy for Striking ASUU Members.

The Federal Government, has directed Vice-chancellors to strictly implement the No work, No-pay policy on striking members of the  Academic Staff  Union of Universities (ASUU).

As reported, lecturers,  who are members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), are, however, exempted from the order for not joining the strike.  

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has now ordered vice-chancellors to carry out physical headcounts of lecturers who report for work, adding that the National Universities Commission, NUC, would monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report  to his ministry.   

Nigeria, Benin Begin Final Preparations Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and  the Cheetahs of Benin, are set to begin their official training at the main pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, in Uyo, ahead of tomorrow’s battle for Group C’s lone ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America.

According to reports from the team, the Cheetahs will train first from 5pm, while the Super Eagles take their turn at 6.15pm.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time, for Group C’s lone automatic ticket, also depends on the outcome of the clash between South Africa and Rwanda for qualification decisions.

Israel Confirms Return of Hostages, Prepares Mass Release of Palestinian Prisoners.

The Israeli Defense Forces, IDF, has confirmed that the seven freed Israeli hostages in Gaza and are now back in Israel, with hopes to receive additional hostages in a ceasefire deal that many hope will lead to the end of the two-year-old war.

As part of the ongoing agreement, Israel is set to release two hundred and fifty Palestinian prisoners and over one thousand, seven hundred detainees in exchange for the hostages, marking a critical step in the complex Israel-Hamas deal.

Meanwhile, United States President, Donald Trump, has arrived in Israel and is expected to address the Israeli parliament before traveling to Egypt for a regional summit.

China Urges Philippines to Halt “Provocations” After South China Sea Clash.

China has urged the Philippines to not challenge its efforts to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, after vessels from the two countries clashed near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the foreign ministry, confirmed this at a regular press briefing, urging the Philippines to immediately stop violations and provocations.

This comes as China and the Philippines, traded accusations on Sunday over a maritime confrontation near Sandy Cay, a coral reef within the Spratly Islands.

Madagascar President Rajoelina Reports Coup Attempt Amid Widespread Unrest

Madagascar President, Andry Rajoelina, has announced that an attempted coup was underway, as scenes of solidarity between soldiers and anti-government protesters unfolded in the capital, Antananarivo.

The stunning development came amid three weeks of escalating unrest that has gripped the Indian Ocean nation, with parts of the military openly expressing support for demonstrators calling for Rajoelina’s resignation.

The United Nations reported that about twenty-two people were killed, a figure the government disputes, as civic groups and labor unions rally behind the youthful movement demanding political reform and accountability.

Montessori Instructor Challenges Age Limit for Tertiary Admission in Nigeria

A Montessori Instructor, Moyosoreoluwa Odegbayi, has suggested that age should not be a restriction to education acquisition, stressing that age is not a measure for academic competence, following the debate around the age for entry into institutions.

Odegbayi, who stated this in an interview with Dominion News, affirmed that age plays an important factor especially in identity formation, emphasizing the need for parents to help their children prepare rightly for their future.

Recall that, the Federal Government through the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the two thousand and twenty-five Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board held in Abuja formally set sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

FG Urges ASUU to End Strike, Says All Demands Have Been Addressed

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, said it has addressed every request made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, thereby appealing to the lecturers to return to the classrooms.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said during a recent interview that there was no need for the union to go on strike, debunking claims that the government has been slow or unwilling to respond to the union’s demands.

The minister stated that President Bola Tinubu, had expressed his commitment to relating with labour unions fairly.

Public Universities Shut Down as ASUU Begins Comprehensive Two-Week Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has announced a total and comprehensive two-week warning strike affecting all public universities across Nigeria.

The Union’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, made the announcement during a press conference at the University of Abuja, stating that there had been no meaningful progress to prevent the union from moving forward with its planned industrial action.

He explained that the fourteen-day notice had lapsed without any substantial response from the relevant authorities, adding that all ASUU branches across the country have been directed to commence a full withdrawal of their services beginning at midnight on Monday, October thirteen, two thousand and twenty-five.

ASUU accused the government of playing a game of delay and deception, adding that ASUU could no longer continue to tolerate endless appeals without tangible outcomes.

Presidency Denies Reports of Stroke, Confirms Finance Minister Wale Edun Is Recuperating in Abuja

The Presidency, has debunked reports circulating in some online media, claiming that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for treatment.

Presidential officials confirmed that the minister is recuperating in his Abuja residence after taking ill and is being attended to by Nigerian doctors.

A presidency source confirmed that while Edun remains under medical observation, there is no plan to replace him. Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that the minister is receiving medical care within Nigeria.

President Tinubu Arrives in Rome for Aqaba Security Summit on West Africa

President Bola Tinubu, has arrived in Rome, the capital of Italy, to participate in the Aqaba Process heads of state and government level meeting on security crisis in West Africa.

According to the statement, participants at the meeting will exchange assessments of the current security landscape in West Africa and foster collaboration between regional and international partners to address cross-border security challenges.
In addition to attending the plenary sessions of the Aqaba meeting, President Tinubu, accompanied by the Minister of

Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; the National Security Adviser, and other officials, will hold bilateral talks with fellow leaders to explore ways of addressing the rising security challenges across the subregion.