A former presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, has commended the registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for admitting to errors in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Oloyede, in a rare admission, told a news conference in Abuja earlier in the week that there were glitches in the recently-conducted UTME.
His action has split opinions among Nigerians. But Laolu said the JAMB chief deserves commendation for the work he has done so far in the fight against examination malpractice.
“A lot of cheating is going on. We are having very troubling circumstances and situations where parents are paying for people to sit for their wards. It’s become a pandemic, and Oloyede is moving against that,” the former presidential spokesman said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily.
“And so we have to be careful not to let the people that are on the receiving end of that important reform use this occasion to push back against somebody like Oloyede or even the education minister, who is clearly also reform-minded. So my take is that: Oloyede has come out to say that, ‘Hey, this is, this is an embarrassment. I take responsibility’.
“Not many people would behave that way. So, we need to encourage him to continue to reform, and we need to encourage the minister,” he said.
READ ALSO: [JAMB Error] Responsible Parties Should Be Punished – Ex-Provost
JAMB’s Error
JAMB error: Oloyede did what is uncommon by taking responsibility; not everybody would do it, says ex-presidential spokesman Laolu Akande.
He says those pushing examination malpractice should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation. #CTVTweets@SunriseDailyNow pic.twitter.com/ribbAuzwnW
JAMB’s admission of error in the 2025 results came after a flurry of backlash over the conduct of this year’s UTME – the entrance examination into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Amid claims of glitches, unusually poor scores, and other issues, JAMB called for a review of the examination, after which it admitted to problems in the 2025 UTME.
Oloyede said that 379,997 candidates affected by the glitches would retake the UTME, beginning from May 16, 2025.
The first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia on ending their war in more than three years started on Friday in Istanbul, with expectations low that the two sides would agree to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Kyiv is seeking an “unconditional ceasefire” to the fighting, which has killed tens of thousands, destroyed large swathes of Ukraine and displaced millions of people.
Moscow says it wants to address the “root causes” of the conflict and revive failed 2022 negotiations in which it made sweeping territorial and political demands of Ukraine.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations around 1:35 pm (1035 GMT) in Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace.
He sat at the head of a table in front of Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian flags — with Russian and Ukrainian delegations facing each other, footage from the room showed.
Russian delegation (right side) Aleksandr Fomin (3rd L),deputy Minister of Defence, Mihail Galuzin (4th L), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vladimir Medinsky (5th L) , head of the peace talk delegation, Igor Kostyukov (6th L), Director of Russian Military Intelligence, (centre side) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan(C) , Turkish Intelligence Organisation Director Ibrahim Kalin (2nd L) and Ukrainian delegation attending a meeting for Ukraine-Russia peace talks at the Turkish Presidential office Dolmabahce, in Istanbul. (Photo by Handout / TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP)
Hundreds of journalists were camped outside the palace.
READ ALSO: Putin ‘Must Pay Price For Avoiding Peace’ In Ukraine – UK PM
The two sides spent the 24 hours before the talks slinging insults at each other and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of not being “serious” about peace.
Nevertheless, the fact the meeting was taking place at all was a sign of movement, with both sides having come under intense pressure from Washington to open talks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to travel to Turkey for the talks, which he had proposed, sending a second-level delegation instead.
Members of Ukrainian delegation prepare for a meeting with members of Russian delegations at the Turkish Presidential office Dolmabahce, in Istanbul. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP)
Zelensky criticised Russia for not taking the talks “seriously” by despatching people who he said had no power to make decisions.
Both Moscow and Washington have also talked up the need for a meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump on the conflict.
“Contacts between presidents Putin and Trump are extremely important in the context of the Ukrainian settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday, adding that “a meeting is undoubtedly necessary.”
Trump had said Thursday that nothing would be settled until the two leaders met.
‘Unconditional ceasefire’
“Ukraine is ready for peace and a long-term and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelensky’s top aid Andriy Yermak said Friday.
“The Ukrainian delegation is in Istanbul today to achieve an unconditional ceasefire — this is our priority,” he added.
Ahead of the talks with Russia, Ukrainian officials held meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg and the national security advisors of Britain, France and Germany.
Rubio “discussed the importance of seeking a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine war”, and reiterated “the US position that the killing needs to stop”, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
A Ukrainian diplomatic source in Istanbul told AFP the delegation also wanted to discuss a possible Putin-Zelensky meeting.
Another source accused Moscow of blocking US participation in the peace talks — the first since early 2022.
Western leaders have criticised Putin for skipping the talks and sending his aide — a former cultural minister who is not seen as a key Kremlin decision-maker — Vladimir Medinsky.
Rubio acknowledged that the Russian representation was “not at the levels we had hoped it would be at” and downplayed expectations for a breakthrough.
‘Points of contact’
Russia’s Medinsky led the failed 2022 talks with Ukraine at the start of the war, held right after Ukrainian forces pushed the Russian army away from Kyiv.
He said Thursday that Moscow sees the talks as a “continuation” of talks that failed in 2022 — a sign that Moscow’s hardline demands have not changed.
But Medinsky pushed back against Zelensky’s criticism and insisted that the Russian delegation has a mandate from Putin to ” find possible solutions and points of contact.”
Russia has repeatedly said it will not discuss giving up any territory that its forces occupy.
Kyiv’s chief negotiator is Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who has roots in Crimea, the peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.
‘Avoiding peace’
Kyiv and Moscow last held direct talks in March 2022, in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They collapsed and fighting has raged since, with Moscow now occupying around a fifth of Ukraine.
Russia continued its attacks in the hours ahead of the talks, with Kyiv saying at least two people were killed.
European leaders slammed Putin for skipping the Istanbul talks.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas charged Friday that Russia was “clearly” not working for peace with Ukraine.
And NATO chief Mark Rutte said Putin had made a “big mistake” by sending a lower-rank Russian delegation to Istanbul.
The Eurovision Song Contest is as political as it is musical, and has had its fair shares of controversies over the years – ranging from sneaky fake acts to full censorship
Krista protested Finland’s anti-same-sex marriage stance with her 2013 performance (Image: Getty Images)
If there’s one thing the Eurovision Song Contest is guaranteed to do, it’s put on a show. The music competition has been running since 1956, and in the decades since has built up a reputation as being one of the most outlandish, bizarre, entertaining events out there – whether you think the singing’s actually any good or not.
Alongside the spectacle of heavy metal Vikings and banana-obsessed wolves on stage, Eurovision also makes headlines for its more dividing moments. From national feuds and law-breaking moments to stage blunders and eyebrow-raising behavior, Eurovision has it all.
The 69th final of the Eurovision Song Contest is just moments away, taking place at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday, May 17. Before we’re given even more shocking antics to debate over in the coming weeks, let’s take a look back at some of the most controversial moments leading up to this year’s event.
Francisco Franco vs Cliff Richard
Fascist dictator Francisco Franco is said to have rigged votes to stop Cliff Richard from winning(Image: Popperfoto)
You would have thought that world leaders would have bigger things to worry about than Eurovision, but that might not be the case. While it’s often more unknown singers who enter the competition, back in 1968 the legendary Cliff Richard represented the UK.
He was obviously expected to win, but was beaten by Spanish entrant Massiel by just one point. While it might be down to the musical tastes of voters, a modern Spanish documentary claimed that there was something more menacing going on. Apparently, the dictator Francisco Franco strongly felt that winning Eurovision was essential in showing the strength of his fascist regime, and so rigged the vote to make sure they came out on top.
Article continues below
The song contest made it clear that they weren’t going to investigate the matter, with director Bjørn Erichsen stating: “No! Just to make Cliff Richard a little happier and the Spanish winner a bit more unhappy? I don’t think you should dig up old bodies to prove he was or wasn’t the father. It’s history.”
Drugs bust
David Damiano’s band Måneskin won the contest, but fans were distracted by claims he was taking drugs live on air(Image: BBC)
More recently, viewers were certain that they spotted a competitor sneakily taking drugs live on air. Damiano David won Eurovision in 2021 as the lead singer of his band Måneskin, but prior to the win was seen lowering his head behind a bucket of drinks while the presenters interviewed the contestants, before quickly raising his head when his bandmate nudged him.
The band was quick to respond on X, formerly known as Twitter, when the allegations spread, writing: “We really are AGAINST drugs and we never used cocaine. We are ready to get [tested], cause we have nothing to hide. We are here to play our music and we are so happy about our Eurovision win and we wanna thank everyone for supporting us. Rock’n Roll never dies. We love you.”
Damiano stayed true to his word and underwent voluntary testing, which gave him the all-clear. Eurovision also released a statement firmly denying the allegations, writing in part: “No drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed. We are alarmed that inaccurate speculation leading to fake news has overshadowed the spirit and the outcome of the event and unfairly affected the band.”
Undercover journalists
In one wild turn, it was discovered that some singers in a band weren’t singers at all. In 2000, the band PingPong beat out all of Israel’s other entries to represent the country at the final stage. They ended up placing a low 24th, but that wasn’t the only controversy.
In their song, ‘Be Happy’, the lyrics mentioned a boy from Damascus dating an Israeli girl. If that weren’t enough in the tense political climate, they then unfurled Syrian flags at the end of their performance – a country with whom Israel has incredibly tense relations.
PingPong was then officially ‘disowned’ by Israel, and damned for their political message and wild routine. However, it turned out that they weren’t exactly a real band anyway. They initially entered the song contest as a joke, and two of the band were actually journalists writing for the newspaper Ma’ariv.
Same-sex scandal
Considering the values Eurovision is supposed to represent and the sexual overtures of many performances, it’s shocking to think that some things are still considered to cross the line. Unfortunately, this happened in 2013, when Finland included a same-sex kiss in its performance at the final.
Krista Siegfrieds performed the song ‘Marry Me’, taking to the stage in a wedding dress and singing about nuptials. Basic enough, until she proudly kissed one of her female backing dancers.
This was a classic case of performers not revealing their plans until live on air, and caused a furore in some countries. Krista was protesting Finland’s anti-same-sex marriage stance, but some nations refused to get the message. China censored the moment, while Turkey decided not to air the show at all. Gladly, however, same-sex marriage in Finland was legalised just a few years later in 2017, and Eurovision is no longer so shocked by the occasional same-sex kiss.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Dermatologist approved skincare brand from Yorkshire that ‘clears skin in a week’
Everything you need to know about F&F clothing’s big spring sale, as the Tesco brand shares exciting news for shoppers
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
F&F has double exciting news for shoppers…(Image: Getty)
Tesco shoppers, get ready because we’ve had a heads up that the next highly-anticipated 25% off F&F clothing sale is officially happening in stores from Monday May 20th, and it’s set to serve you some big bargains. Whether you’re topping up your summer wardrobe, hunting down affordable kids’ bits (it’s never too early to think about back to school!) or eyeing up a couple of smart pieces for work, now’s the time to plan a trolley dash.
The sale covers all F&F fashion with just a few exceptions– underwear, hosiery, and socks are excluded, but everything else is fair game. That means deals on dresses, denim, loungewear, kids’ school uniforms and more. With savings like this, sizes tend to go fast, so if you’ve had your eye on something in-store, don’t hang around.
But that’s not all– F&F is finally shoppable online
READ MORE: M&S issues fresh cyber attack update– and with no end in sight, here’s where to shop instead
READ MORE: We’ve found a £28 alternative that looks just as luxe as Molly-Mae’s Miu Miu bag
You can now shop F&F online, including special collections(Image: F&F)
In what might be even bigger news for fans of Tesco fashion, the supermarket has just launched F&F Online for the first time ever. That’s right– you can now shop an expansive range of F&F clothing on Tesco.com and through the Grocery and Clubcard app. Until now, F&F clothing has only been available in selected Tesco stores, and many shoppers have been calling for online access for years.
Now, Tesco is delivering (quite literally). The new online shop, which is up and running now, features a curated selection of women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion, including seasonal staples (like school uniforms), popular basics, accessories and even exclusive collaborations from the likes of Kate Ferdinand and Abbey Clancy.
When you shop F&F online, you’ll also earn Clubcard points on your purchases– another win if you’re already racking up rewards through Tesco. There’s a £3.99 delivery fee, or you can upgrade to express delivery for £5.50 if you need your items quickly. Need to return something? You’ve got 30 days to send items back either by courier (£2.50) or for free in larger Tesco stores.
While it’s a more curated selection than what’s on offer in larger stores, the new F&F Online range covers a bit of everything, from summer-ready pieces and comfortable basics to affordable occasionwear and wardrobe essentials. The digital shelves will continue to grow over the coming months, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled on bargains for you.
For now, here’s what to add to your virtual cart from F&F Online
Top pieces you can shop from F&F online now(Image: F&F)
F&F Striped Tie Waist Shorts with Linen in Blue
Pair with the matching button-up shirt for a classic and coordinated outfit on warm days and on holiday.
F&F Striped Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers with Linen in Cream
Featuring an elasticated drawstring waistband for adjustable comfort and side pockets for small essentials, shop these linen trousers as part of a co-ord or on their own to pair with a casual t-shirt or blouse.
Both Prince William and King Charles attended the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey this morning, where William was installed as a Great Master of the Order
Prince William was today installed as a Great Master of the Order of the Bath today after processing through Westminster Abbey with his father in lavish crimson robes. The Prince of Wales attended the historic service for the first time, having been appointed to the ancient order last year by the King.
Meanwhile, the King took part for the first time as sovereign of the order, which is awarded to members of the military or civil service for exemplary work and this year celebrates its 300th anniversary. Father and son, both dressed in the order’s billowing satin robes, arrived at the Abbey’s Great West Door separately, shortly after 11am to be greeted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.
King Charles and Prince William at the Order of the Bath ceremony today(Image: Getty Images)
Inside, the King greeted his son warmly, with an affectionate pat on his shoulder; before they enjoyed a brief, jovial conversation with the dean in the Chapel of Saint George. They then processed through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order before taking their seats in the Quire.
The King was accompanied by his young page Guy Tryon, ten, the son of his godson, Lord Charles Tryon, and the grandson of the late Lady Dale Tryon, an Australian socialite who enjoyed a close relationship with the King in his younger years.
The service was conducted by the Dean, who read the lesson from St Paul’s epistle to the Philippians chapter 4, verses 4 – 8 and gave the address.
Article continues below
During the service, the King and Prince William processed to the Henry VII Lady Chapel for the installation ceremony, which took place below the banners of living knights hanging above the stalls and was relayed to the congregation on television screens.
Prince William arrives for the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey(Image: Getty Images)
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and Admiral Sir Philip Jones took the oath as Knights Grand Cross of the Order and were installed, while General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and Lord Young of Old Windsor – Elizabeth II’s former private secretary – and Sir Tom Scholar, took the oath but will not be installed until spaces arise.
In the chapel, the Bath King of Arms bowed to those being installed before they stepped up to their stalls. The King then presented the Book of Statutes to his son before the Prince and the Dean read the oath simultaneously. Each Knight then took the oath before bowing to the Grand Master.
After both the King and the Prince had made an offering of gold and silver at the altar, each Knight who had taken the oath turned towards the altar, behind Prince William, who drew his sword.
The Knights followed suit, holding their swords forward before the Prince’s sword was briefly laid upon the altar. They then processed back to the Quire to Elgar’s Nimrod.
King Charles with the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle(Image: Getty Images)
The outing today comes just weeks after Prince Harry talked about his strained relationship with his father and brother in a bombshell interview with the BBC. The service for the Order of the Bath takes place every four years, with the monarch traditionally attending on only every other occasion and the Prince of Wales, as Great Master, attending every service.
The King, as Prince of Wales, last attended in May 2022. This year’s service was brought forward by one year to coincide with the 300th anniversary, meaning that the next one will not take place until 2030. The congregation comprised only members of the order and their guests.
The order consists of up to 120 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 295 Knights and Dames Commander, and 1455 Companions, in addition to the Sovereign and the Great Master. It is the fourth most senior order of merit, after the Orders of the Garter, the Thistle, and of St. Patrick.
The late Queen last attended the service in 2014, when, due to her frailty, the then Prince Charles stepped in to perform her duties by making the offering, a task that involved climbing steep wooden steps in full regalia.
Article continues below
The order was established by George I on May 18, 1725, taking its name from the symbolic bathing which was often part of the preparation of a candidate for knighthood. The honour was only conferred on a knight after he had performed a number of rituals designed to purify the inner soul – fasting, vigils and prayer.
A professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, on Friday said he is receiving support from some Nigerians who are planning to mobilise 500 lawyers to defend him against the Department of State Services.
Utomi disclosed this in a post on X.
“It’s energising (that) some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS,” he said.
The DSS had sued Utomi over his alleged plan to establish what he calls “a shadow government” in the country.
According to the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS prayed the court to declare the move an attack on the Constitution.
The professor of Political Economy, who is the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was sued as the sole defendant.
READ ALSO: DSS Sues Pat Utomi Over Alleged Shadow Government Plan
In the suit filed on May 13 by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde, the agency contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.
The DSS had argued that the planned shadow government was not only an aberration but also constituted a grave attack on the Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government currently in place.
However, Utomi said he was gladened by the solidarity he had received from across the country.
“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know. I want to thank all.”
READ ALSO:I Won’t Seek Public Office Again, Accept Govt Appointment In Nigeria — Pat Utomi
The planned shadow cabinet was greeted by reactions from several Nigerians, including a former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, who said it was an ineffective symbolic gesture that lacked real-world impact on Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Inside Sources on Channels TV on Sunday, Sowore argued that the idea of a shadow cabinet was futile in a country where the existing government is itself opaque and largely unaccountable.
He said, “Well, how do you replace a shadow government with another set of shadowy governments? I would not begrudge anybody who thinks of solutions that can bring awareness to the people.
