The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that there will be no extension for the registration of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) beyond March 8.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, emphasized that the registration, which began on February 3, will officially close on March 8, 2025.

He reiterated that this deadline had been clearly stated in all advertisements and the official schedule for the 2025 UTME.

“We want to remind all prospective candidates that there will be no extension of the registration period,” Benjamin stated.

He highlighted concerns over the recent decline in the number of candidates registering and urged those interested to complete the process promptly rather than waiting until the last minute.

According to him, over 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered, which aligns with the Board’s expectations for the 2025 examination cycle.

He further explained that JAMB operates on a fixed calendar, with multiple subsequent activities such as examinations, results processing, and admissions. These processes are coordinated with other agencies that depend on JAMB’s schedule.

“Extending the registration deadline would not only disrupt JAMB’s timetable but also affect our partner institutions and agencies,” he said.

Dr. Benjamin encouraged candidates to finalize their registration within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any complications.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing primary health care (PHC), eradicating polio, and addressing health system challenges through various initiatives.

According to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, these initiatives include training over 60,000 health workers and implementing a N1 trillion ($1.2 billion) performance-based financing program for states.

Speaking at the 2025 First Quarter Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery in Abuja on Tuesday, Pate praised traditional leaders for their 16 years of voluntary dedication to improving health outcomes.

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“Perhaps this initiative should be submitted for recognition in the Guinness Book of Records—to determine if any other purely voluntary leadership effort, meeting quarterly with such commitment, has lasted this long,” he remarked.

The minister outlined ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, including deficiencies in selecting and training vaccination teams, accountability issues, and weak frontline engagement.

During recent visits to four states with the Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) and NTLC leaders, these challenges were identified, particularly concerns over compliance with finger-marking and the need for stronger supervision.

“We have overcome similar hurdles before. In 2009, despite limited resources, Nigeria vaccinated more children than in previous years. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again,” Pate assured.

He emphasized the government’s intensified efforts to revamp PHCs, focusing on training and retraining 60,000 health workers, expanding maternal and newborn health services under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and providing free emergency treatment for obstetric complications.

Additionally, Pate announced the launch of the National Health Fellowship Programme, aimed at developing young health leaders across the country.

“The program attracted over 360,000 applications, with fellows selected purely on merit. They will be deployed nationwide to enhance accountability and service delivery,” he stated.

To further strengthen PHCs, the federal government has approved N1 trillion ($1.2 billion) in performance-based financing for states to recruit additional health workers and improve services.

Pate also raised concerns about the spread of misinformation on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, urging traditional and religious leaders to counter conspiracy theories and promote accurate health information.

He called on all stakeholders to remain committed, noting that Nigeria’s grassroots-led health interventions are gaining international recognition.

“Together, we have made progress, tackled challenges, and will continue to build a stronger, healthier Nigeria,” he concluded.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police commands to implement a strategic plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025.

He issued the directive on Monday during the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta.

The three-day event, themed *”Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,”* runs from February 24 to 26 and is attended by over 1,000 senior police officers.

Egbetokun emphasized that the theme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s security agenda and underscores the commitment to addressing insecurity.

“The theme reflects the President’s vision for a highly skilled, intelligence-driven police force capable of tackling emerging security threats,” he stated.

He added that intensified security operations, in collaboration with the military and other agencies, are yielding positive results in combating organized crime.

Speaking at the event, Niger Delta Development Commission Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, called on the Federal Government to conduct regular evaluations and screenings of police officers, including psychiatric assessments.

He also praised the police for their dedication to improving security but noted that their efforts often go unrecognized.

“With just 370,000 officers responsible for the safety of over 230 million people, the force deserves greater appreciation,” Ebie said, pledging the commission’s continued support.

A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that many commands have already begun implementing the crime reduction directive, resulting in an increase in prosecutions across the country.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on assuming office, urging him to prioritize the welfare of the people.

Aiyedatiwa, who took over from former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was sworn in on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu encouraged the governor to build on the achievements of his predecessor.

“I congratulate you on your successful inauguration today for a new term after an impressive performance in the last Ondo State governorship election.

“You have the rare privilege of succeeding a distinguished leader who contributed to the state’s growth and Nigeria’s progress,” the statement read.

The President emphasized the importance of leadership that improves citizens’ well-being and drives national development.

He also lauded Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to governance and urged him to seize the opportunity to foster positive change.

“I will stand by you as a partner in progress to bring prosperity to the people of Ondo State,” Tinubu assured.

Five federal lawmakers from Rivers State, aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have urged their counterparts loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, to stop presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The lawmakers made this call during a solidarity visit to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly on Monday, just days after pro-Wike federal lawmakers visited the Amaewhule-led faction.

The visiting National Assembly members included Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro), Boma Goodhead (Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru), Boniface Emerengwa (Ikwerre/Emohua), Allison Anderson Igbiks (Okrika/Ogu-Bolo), and Manuchim Umezuruike (Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 1).

Speaking on behalf of the group, Abiante stated that their visit aimed to counter misinformation spread by the pro-Wike lawmakers.

He criticized their recent visit, arguing that their statements raised concerns about credibility.

Abiante reassured the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly of widespread support from Rivers residents and condemned the opposing lawmakers for misleading the public.

He dismissed claims that a ruling by Justice Omotosho affirmed the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, emphasizing that the judgment made no such declaration.

He reiterated that the 27 lawmakers voluntarily defected in December 2023, thus forfeiting their seats.

Citing Supreme Court rulings from Plateau and Ondo states, Abiante insisted that lawmakers who defect lose their positions.

Addressing concerns about the Assembly’s ability to function, he referenced former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen’s ruling in *Dapialong v. Dariye*, which upheld that an Assembly can continue with its remaining members until vacancies are filled.

He criticized Amaewhule and his colleagues for attempting to retract their defection despite submitting affidavits confirming their move, calling their actions an embarrassment to legislative practices.

On the 2024 budget dispute, Abiante dismissed ongoing legal challenges as irrelevant, noting that the year had progressed beyond the controversy. He assured that Governor Fubara would act within legal bounds.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Judicial Council, and the Inspector General of Police to disregard alleged misrepresentations by Amaewhule’s group.

In response, Victor Oko-Jumbo commended the lawmakers for their support and vowed to lead the Assembly without fear.

He emphasized that the Rivers State government remained focused on governance and development, undistracted by political conflicts.

Oko-Jumbo reaffirmed his stance, declaring, “The 27 lawmakers are gone.”

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s appointments since he assumed office, claiming they are skewed in favor of the South-West.

El-Rufai expressed these concerns on Monday during an interview on Arise News’ *PrimeTime* program.

He argued that the appointments were not based on merit or to represent the Yoruba community, but rather to reward individuals close to the President, particularly his allies from Lagos.

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“The appointments are not being made because they are Yoruba, but because they are his boys. Most of the appointments don’t even reasonably cover the South-West,” El-Rufai explained.

He cautioned against blaming the entire Yoruba people for the perceived bias and emphasized that the issue should be viewed as an individual matter.

He further urged President Tinubu to address the growing discontent in the north, suggesting that it’s not too late for him to correct the imbalance in his appointments.

El-Rufai also voiced his disappointment over Tinubu’s leadership so far, stating that the president has not met the high expectations set during the election campaign.

“Two years after Tinubu’s election, none of the party organs are functioning, the progressive ideals are not being pursued vigorously, and the high hopes we had for the president to elevate the country are not materializing,” he remarked.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has distanced himself from his successor, Governor Uba Sani, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, declaring that they are no longer his friends.

Speaking on Arise News Channel’s *PrimeTime* show on Tuesday night, El-Rufai stated that while both individuals were once his close associates, that is no longer the case.

He also asserted that the 2027 elections would determine who holds real political relevance.

Additionally, he accused Ribadu of harboring a presidential ambition for 2031 and alleged that the NSA was determined to sideline anyone perceived as an obstacle to his aspirations.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed his preference for another Nigerian from the South to succeed President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Speaking on Arise News Channel’s *PrimeTime* show on Tuesday night, El-Rufai also hinted at uncertainty regarding his continued membership in the All Progressives Congress (APC) by 2027.

Addressing concerns over President Tinubu’s alleged bias in political appointments favoring the South-West, El-Rufai clarified that the President was prioritizing his loyalists rather than the Yoruba ethnic group as a whole.

The abducted National President of the Afenifere National Youth Council, Eniola Ojajuni, has appealed for help, seeking contributions to meet the N100 million ransom demanded by his captors.

In a viral video, Ojajuni revealed that the kidnappers have set a 3 p.m. deadline for the payment, threatening to kill him if the ransom is not met.

The footage shows a gunman pointing an AK-47 at Ojajuni’s chest as he pleads with the public for financial support.

“Nigerians, please help me! Your donations—whether N100,000, N50,000, or N1,000,000—can save my life,” he says in the video. “My name is Prince Eniola Ojajuni. God bless you. Aderohunmu, please help share this video.”

The council’s National Secretary, Abiodun Aderohunmu, confirmed the abduction, stating that the kidnappers are demanding N100 million for Ojajuni’s release.

“The Afenifere National Youth Council is deeply troubled by the kidnapping of its National President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, in Abuja,” the statement read.

He further disclosed that Ojajuni sustained a gunshot wound during the attack and expressed grave concern for his safety.

Aderohunmu urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly in securing his release.

The federal government has reportedly spent approximately $8 billion to stabilize the exchange rate of the naira against the US dollar at its current level.

Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director/CEO of Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Company, disclosed this information, attributing the recent appreciation of the naira to the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Speaking during a presentation on Channels Television, Rewane highlighted the issue against the backdrop of the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting. However, he cautioned that the naira’s rapid appreciation is temporary and advised policymakers not to become overly optimistic.

“We are witnessing the naira strengthen, but we must proceed with caution. Let’s not rush, as the market will self-correct,” Rewane stated.

He explained that Nigeria’s foreign reserves, which once exceeded $40 billion, are declining, and the country has borrowed $4 billion through bond issuances. “When you consider all these factors, nearly $8 billion has been used to sustain the naira at its current level,” he added.

Despite a steady decline in external reserves, the naira has remained stable across foreign exchange (FX) markets.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira appreciated to N1,502.50 per dollar week-on-week, marking a 0.56% gain (N8.50) from the previous week’s closing rate of N1,511 at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

On Friday, authorized currency dealers quoted the highest dollar exchange rate at N1,509, stronger than the N1,520 recorded the previous Friday. The lowest rate recorded was N1,491 per dollar, improving from last week’s N1,500.

In the parallel market (black market), the naira strengthened by N45, gaining 2% as the dollar was exchanged at N1,510 on Thursday and Friday, down from N1,555 the previous Friday.

Rewane acknowledged the naira’s newfound stability but urged caution. He noted that the currency has appreciated by 9% in 2025, continuing its rally since December following CBN-led reforms aimed at improving market efficiency.

He pointed out that inflationary pressures are easing, presenting a positive outlook for Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

“On the positive side, the naira has gained 9% in 2025, inflationary pressures are reducing, and GDP growth remains stable. Fuel prices are dropping, and the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is expanding,” he explained.

However, he also warned of challenges, including high money supply at 17%, elevated interest rates, increased borrowing costs, and rising fees for PoS, ATM transactions, telecom services, and electricity tariffs.

Regarding inflation, Rewane stressed that it was unrealistic to expect a price drop of over 10% in such a short period.

Although rebased figures put inflation at 24.48% for January 2025—down from 34.8% in December—Rewane’s team at FDC calculated the actual inflation rate to be around 33.35%.

“The average Nigerian does not believe that inflation has truly decreased,” he remarked.

During the 299th MPC meeting, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso acknowledged the difficulty in comparing the newly adjusted inflation figures with previous ones, noting that it would be like “comparing apples to oranges.”

“But we can see that inflation is gradually declining,” he added.

The MPC is scheduled to meet on May 19 and 20, 2025, by which time three more inflation reports will have been released. These will help determine whether to adjust the benchmark interest rate from its current 27.5% level.

Meanwhile, Ayo Teriba, CEO of Economic Associates, urged caution regarding the naira’s stability, arguing that it is not as significant as it appears.

He noted that while the naira strengthened to N1,300/$ in April last year, it has since averaged N1,500/$, making the current level less impressive.

“The exchange rate previously weakened to N1,900 before improving to N1,300 in April last year. Now it’s fluctuating between N1,650 and N1,500.

Compared to N1,300 last April, there’s little to celebrate,” Teriba stated in an interview with BusinessDay Television.

However, other economists and analysts have expressed optimism about the naira’s prospects, citing steady gains since the CBN introduced reforms last December to improve FX market transparency.

Teriba, however, cautioned against premature optimism, emphasizing that inflation remains high.

“For Nigeria, the issue is not just exchange rate fluctuations but also the soaring cost of living. Inflation remains at 24.48% even after the revised consumer price index,” he said.

Rather than praising the CBN, Teriba urged monetary authorities to take further action to restore meaningful stability.

“I don’t think an exchange rate of N1,500 per dollar is worth celebrating, given that it was below N500 per dollar in the past. The exchange rate significantly influences our dollar GDP value and per capita income,” he argued.

While acknowledging that the naira has improved, Teriba stressed the need for sustained efforts to push the exchange rate below N1,000 per dollar.

“The government should work aggressively to bring the exchange rate below N1,000 per dollar instead of congratulating itself over N1,500,” he concluded.