Category Nigeria News

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its online student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, allowing eligible students to apply for financial assistance to support their education.

This was made known in a statement posted on NELFUND’s official X handle on Tuesday, titled ” NELFUND Announces Opening of Student Loan Application Portal for 2025/2026 Academic Session”.

According to the statement, the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The Fund appreciated the cooperation of tertiary institutions across the country and urged them to continue collaborating to ensure a smooth and inclusive loan process for all qualified students.

NELFUND directed all accredited tertiary institutions to update and upload verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal.

It emphasised that this verification step is crucial for students to successfully apply and benefit from the scheme.

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The agency further stated that fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a Matriculation Number, while institutions are encouraged to show flexibility with registration and fee deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session were advised to formally notify NELFUND with their approved academic calendars to enable scheduling flexibility.

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints”, the statement read.

For technical support and inquiries, institutions and students were advised to reach NELFUND through its official communication channels or via its verified social media handles on X and Instagram, and Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND on Facebook and LinkedIn.

NELFUND Announces Opening of Student Loan Application Portal for 2025/2026 Academic Session
#NELFUNDStudentloan pic.twitter.com/rLHxFPEBTw

Ojema Ojotu, a member of the House of Representatives for the Benue State’s Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, has resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (APC) and joined the All Progressives Congress.

Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, made this known on Tuesday while presidating the plenary session.

On the Green Chamber’s floor, he read the lawmaker’s letter of defection.

The Benue lawmaker’s resignation from the PDP was connected to the ongoing crisis involving the PDP, according to the letter read on the floor by Kalu.

Also read: Makinde’s Most Significant Defection To Ever Take Place

Before dumping the PDP, Ojotu claimed to have had in-depth discussions with his constituents, family members, and political allies.

The lower chamber was met with opposition after the announcement that Ojotu’s seat had been vacated by the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s Aliyu Madaki, the House Deputy Minority Leader.

However, Ibrahim Halims, the House Majority Leader, opposed his Point of Order.

According to him, “when there is an unresolved crisis in a party and that party cannot resolve its crisis, the person concerned can leave to protect his future” according to Order 7.

The Deputy Speaker addressed Ojotu to the APC in his remarks and assured him of the party’s continued support.

The House Committee on Inland Waterways is led by Ojotu.

10 of the 11 members who made up the APC’s Green Chamber before Ojotu’s departure were from the various North Central State constituencies.

The House of Representatives has approved a resolution to protect strategic private investments in Nigeria from upcoming industrial actions following the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria’s (PENGASSAN) recent strike action.

Following a motion that Hon. and Hon. jointly sponsored, the resolution was adopted. Hon. and Ado Doguwa. On the House floor, Abdussamad Dasuki was presented.

The lawmakers claimed that the strike action allegedly violated the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act because the refinery is located within a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). Investments that are active within FTZs are subject to a 10-year no-strike rule under the Act.

NANS Threatens To Block Federal Highways Due to “The Sabotage Of Dangote Refinery”

The House expressed concern that the most recent industrial action may have violated the NEPZA Act, and it expressed concern about the possible effects such disruptions might have on investor confidence and the nation’s economic outlook.

The lawmakers also made note of the financial losses made during the three-day strike and demanded that the Federal Government step in and ensure that such disputes are resolved without compromising important economic assets.

Additionally, the House pledged to work on policy frameworks that will stop future tragedies like those that have occurred, and asked its leadership to speak with stakeholders to address the growing concerns about labor actions affecting significant private sector investments.

PENGASSAN members started a strike last month in protest of the Dangote refinery’s management’s alleged illegal sacking of over 800 Nigerian workers.

PENGASSAN claimed that the refinery had violated international labor organization conventions and labor laws.

It claimed that “over 2, 000 Indians” were hired in place of the sacked employees, and that this action amounted to a retaliation against Nigerian workers.

Meanwhile, allegations of widespread sackings were refuted by the Dangote Refinery, which was put in place in May 2023.

Only a small number of the company’s 3, 000 Nigerian employees were affected, despite the company’s insistence that the restructuring was necessary for safety and efficiency.

Dele Farotimi, a civil rights advocate and lawyer, claims that the Nigerian state is more concerned about impunity and the rule of law than about armed groups terrorizing its citizens.

His statement comes as a result of a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, from custody. On Monday, the protest was led by activist Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate.

Farotimi said that the Nigerian government has consistently shown hostility toward people who peacefully demand their rights while allowing violent criminals like bandits and terrorists to participate in the morning program of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.

When you examine the objective facts, it seems simple to elicit the truth. Nigerians were peacefully protesting on October 20, 2020, while also singing the country’s anthem and waving flags. They were brutally murdered. That is the Nigerian government’s response to those who want to be treated like citizens, he claimed.

Farotimi cited the #EndSARS protest as a response to years of impunity being enforced by the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which he characterized as the “brutal arm” of the Nigerian government. He claimed that the state used violence rather than address the concerns of the population.

He continued, the Nigerian Police always respond with “full force, always ready to murder and maim,” but they continue to remain silent when bandits, terrorists, and armed militias commit atrocities every time activists like Omoyele Sowore and others protest.

You see complicit silence by the state when you observe how the same Nigerian state treats bandits, terrorists, and Fulani militia members who murder Nigerians in front of the full attention of everyone. He claimed that the Nigerian state fears being held accountable for its victims and upholding the rule of law.

#FreeNnamdiKanu: “Nigeria Mimicking Democracy,” Farotimi Faults Police, and Judiciary Clampdown On Protesters, READ ALSO.

Farotimi lamented that those who carry weapons against the nation act with impunity while the Nigerian government only exercises its muscles against unarmed citizens. He criticized the government’s continued repression of so-called “repentant terrorists,” arguing that those who demand justice are the ones who are punished.

The world’s most effective deradicalization program is reported. It ought to be exported, too. However, he claimed that in Nigeria, those who demand that they be treated decently as people who are governed and protected by law are frequently beaten and murdered.

Farotimi argued that the state punishes dissent rather than crime, citing Chinedu Agu’s case, who he claimed is currently being detained in Owerri for his criticism of a governor.

“Those who need to be afraid of the Nigerian state are those who demand both human rights and citizenship.” Regardless of their ethnicity or religion, the Nigerian state has no problem with those who roam the country and kill them, he said.

Farotimi argued that the Nigerian state’s greatest fear was being “yoked to the rule of law” and made to treat people with respect and respect.

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, has accused security personnel of attacking peaceful protesters without warning during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally on Monday in Abuja.

Sowore, who spoke on Monday’s edition of The Morning Brief on Channels Television, claimed security forces opened fire shortly after the protests started at the hotel’s front in Abuja.

He also confirmed that some people had been detained as a result of the incident, including his lawyer and Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, who allegedly suffered beatings before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.

The historic Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos hosted the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria’s (SPAN) Esther’s Ball Gala on October 19th.

A powerful fusion of Nigeria’s creative sector, corporate leaders, and respected political figures made for the glamorous night, which marked SPAN’s 20th anniversary, culminating in a happy moment for Founder Sarah Boulos and the entire SPAN community.

The celebration kicked off with a red carpet, cocktail reception featuring live violinists, and the Unbreakable Thread art exhibition, which Evander Smith had curated. The evening’s program featured some skilled artists and impact in a well-paced, elegant presentation.

Governor pledges support for creative youth

The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, was a major highlight of the evening’s address and presence. The Governor applauded SPAN’s transformative work and expressed her sincere gratitude for Sarah Boulos’ two-decade contribution to the creative industry. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the initiative behind the first Queen Esther’s Ball speech and commended SPAN for its significant 20th anniversary achievement in his remarks.

He praised the efforts of his government to support initiatives that empower young people who have great creative potential but who lack support. The Governor also expressed his support for the debutantes and the work that they had commercially displayed at the Gala.

A host of other important dignitaries and long-time SPAN supporters made up the prestigious guest list, which included prominent figures from the diplomatic community, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business leaders, and creative sector icons like the legendary Nigerian actress Joke Silva, as well as a number of other notable people and a true celebration of the legacy of the late.

The Show is Stealed by Debutantes and Performances.

The Gala’s main goal, which was to honor outstanding young debutantes, was met with sincere apprehension. Sarah Boulos made the official opening remarks and formally congratulated Val’s Dance Studio on its tenth anniversary. She honored the legacy of Mr. Valentine Humphrey Aneke, a pioneer in Latin and ballroom dancing in Nigeria, who was well represented by his daughter Ms. Angela Aneke. Following that was followed by a powerful “Launch of the Debutants,” which was eagerly awaited and gracefully performed.
SPAN@20″ segment.

An elegant Cello &amp, Dance Trio Performance was included as part of the segment’s captivating artistic interludes. The Debutants Showcase, which featured three sets of debutante presentations, kicked off with a dinner service. Walk-on music was played to each young woman who shared her entrepreneurial vision and resilience. The Muson Centre Band & Choir performed a powerful excerpt from the highly anticipated Queen Esther Ball Musical Performance, which included SPAN’s best dancers, actors, and singers live.