News September 02, 2026 JAMB, WAEC end multiple O’Level verification charges, fix N4,000 one-off fee

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have clarified that candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions will pay N4,000 once for verification of their O’Level results.

The two examination bodies made the clarification in a joint statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, following consultations on the recently introduced policy for verification of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE/O’Level) results.

‎They said candidates whose admissions were regulated and coordinated by JAMB would verify their WAEC results once through JAMB.

‎They said the outcome of the verification would subsequently be made available to the tertiary institution to which the candidate sought admission.

‎According to the statement, candidates are required to pay N4,000 only for the verification service through the specified JAMB platform, and not through their preferred institutions.

‎The bodies said tertiary institutions would utilise the verified results shared by JAMB for screening, admission processing and other administrative purposes.

‎“Candidates shall not be required to pay for another verification,” the statement said.

They also disclosed that WAEC had authorised JAMB to share the outcome of the verification exercise with relevant tertiary institutions for the stated purposes.

‎They said the arrangement was designed to ensure that candidates who had successfully verified their WASSCE O’Level results would not be required to repeat the process.

‎According to them, the initiative will reduce the stress and costs associated with repeated visits to tertiary institutions or JAMB-approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

‎The bodies said candidates could initiate the verification process from the comfort of their homes or any internet-enabled location.

‎They therefore encouraged candidates to take advantage of the arrangement by verifying their WASSCE O’Level results through the JAMB-provisioned Verification Service once, noting that the verified result would be utilised by the relevant institution.

‎They said the collaboration underscored their commitment to putting candidates’ interests first, reducing unnecessary costs and simplifying the admission process while maintaining the integrity and security of candidates’ academic records.‎(NAN)

News September 02, 2026 Four dead, four rescued in Ilorin building collapse

The Kwara Fire Service has confirmed that four persons were rescued alive, while four others were recovered dead from a two-storey building collapse in the Popo-Giwa/Abemi area of Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.

The Chief Fire Officer, Mr Alabi Muhammed, confirmed this on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin.

Muhammed said that the building, located near Masalasi Gogoro, collapsed on Tuesday morning, trapping eight people in eight of its 26 rooms.

According to him, firefighters from the Kwara Fire Service, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service and other emergency responders, immediately commenced search-and-rescue operations to evacuate the victims trapped under the rubble.

“Four victims were rescued alive, while four others were recovered and confirmed dead.

“The four rescued victims have been taken to hospital for treatment,” he said.

He added that officials of the Kwara Hospitals Management Board, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other emergency agencies joined the rescue operation.

Also, the Secretary of the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Magaji Saadudeen, confirmed the death of four people and the rescue of four others.

He said eight people were trapped in the collapsed building, adding that the rescued victims and bodies of the deceased had been taken to hospital and morgue respectively.

“The rescued persons are receiving treatment presently,” Saadudeen said. (NAN)

News September 02, 2026 NDC governorship candidate condemns bandit attacks in four Kano LGAs, demands urgent security action

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has condemned the recent wave of bandit attacks reported in parts of the state, and called for urgent and coordinated security action to protect vulnerable communities.

Comrade Gwarzo, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, expressed deep sympathy with victims of the attacks and their families, particularly residents of Chiromawa in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, Beli in Rogo Local Government Area, Bebeji and communities around Gwarzo affected by the violence.

He described the attacks as a disturbing threat to lives, livelihoods and economic activities, warning that residents must not be forced to abandon their homes, farms and businesses because of the activities of criminal elements.

The NDC candidate commiserated with families who lost their loved ones and sympathised with those injured, displaced or otherwise affected by the attacks.

He called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted operations in vulnerable communities, stressing the need for rapid intervention whenever credible threats are identified.

Gwarzo also urged the government to urgently identify and close security gaps that could enable bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups to establish operational footholds in rural communities.

According to him, the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government and must be treated as an immediate priority.

“Every life lost to banditry is a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture. We must not allow our people to become prisoners in their own communities.

“We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and stand with everyone affected by these terrible attacks. The government must act decisively to protect lives, secure communities and restore confidence among our people.”

Gwarzo commended security personnel for their efforts in confronting criminal elements and urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations while improving rapid-response mechanisms in communities identified as vulnerable.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, saying timely intelligence could help prevent attacks, rescue victims and facilitate the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

The NDC governorship candidate prayed for the repose of those killed and the safe return of abducted victims, while urging affected communities to remain united and resilient in the face of the security challenges.

He stressed that sustainable economic development, agricultural productivity and social progress could not be achieved without peace and security.

Gwarzo noted that farmers, traders and other residents must be able to access their farms, businesses and communities without fear, warning that persistent insecurity could undermine food production, livelihoods and the wider economy of the state.

News September 02, 2026 Naira strengthens against Dollar as exchange rate falls to N1,329.43

The naira is trading at different levels against the United States dollar as of Wednesday, September 2, 2026, with a noticeable gap between the official foreign exchange market and the parallel market.

At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the latest available data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) put the naira at N1,329.43 to $1 on Tuesday, September 1, while the currency closed at about N1,329.00 per dollar.

The NFEM rate is derived from the volume-weighted average of transactions carried out in Nigeria’s official foreign exchange market.

Based on the latest official benchmark, $1 is worth approximately N1,329.43, while $100 would amount to about N132,943.

However, the story is different in the parallel market, where the dollar continues to trade above the official rate.

Data published by Aboki Forex on Wednesday showed that the dollar was being bought at approximately N1,400 and sold at N1,405 in the parallel market.

Another market tracker, NairaToday, quoted the dollar at around N1,410, highlighting the variations that often occur among currency dealers and across different locations.

The difference between the official and parallel-market rates reflects the contrasting conditions under which foreign exchange is traded. While NFEM transactions take place within the formal market, parallel-market prices are largely influenced by demand, supply and prevailing conditions outside the regulated banking system.

For individuals and businesses looking to buy or sell dollars, the actual rate may therefore differ depending on the dealer, location, transaction size and the time of the transaction.

Parallel-market rates can also change several times within a single day as demand and supply conditions shift.

As of Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the latest official NFEM benchmark stands at about N1,329.43 to $1, while parallel-market quotations are hovering between N1,400 and N1,410 per dollar.

The naira-dollar rates remain subject to further changes as foreign exchange trading continues throughout the day.

Health News September 02, 2026 Lassa Fever: 252 dead as outbreak spreads to 23 states

Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak is continuing to claim lives, with the death toll rising to 252 and 1,035 confirmed cases recorded across 23 states and 117 local government areas.

The latest figures released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) show that the case fatality rate has climbed to 24.4 per cent, up from 23.5 per cent recorded the previous week.

According to the agency’s epidemiological week 33 report, covering August 10 to August 16, Nigeria recorded 14 new confirmed cases in four states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Benue.

The figure marks a significant rise from the four cases reported in epidemiological week 32, when infections were recorded in only Ondo and Edo states.

The increase also pushed the cumulative number of confirmed infections from 1,021 in week 32 to 1,035 in week 33, while deaths rose from 240 to 252.

The current fatality rate is notably higher than the 18.6 per cent recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, raising concerns over the severity of the outbreak and delays in accessing treatment.

The NCDC said the number of weekly infections had continued to fluctuate, noting that the four cases recorded in week 32 represented a decline from the 17 confirmed infections reported in week 31.

Despite the fluctuations, the agency said the overall burden remained concentrated in five states — Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Benue and Edo.

Together, the five states accounted for 87 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases recorded by week 33, making them the major hotspots of the outbreak.

“By week 33, 23 states had reported at least one confirmed Lassa fever case across 117 local government areas,” the NCDC said.

The agency also identified people aged 21 to 30 years as the age group most affected during the two reporting weeks.

Meanwhile, there were no newly reported Lassa fever infections among healthcare workers in either week 32 or week 33, a development the agency said could reflect improved compliance with infection prevention and control measures.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in parts of Nigeria. While some infections may be mild, severe cases can become life-threatening, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

The NCDC said it would sustain surveillance and response operations in affected states while intensifying efforts to detect cases early, limit transmission and reduce fatalities.

Plateau Records 23 Suspected Diphtheria Deaths

As Nigeria continues to battle infectious diseases, Plateau State is also facing a suspected diphtheria outbreak that has claimed 23 lives in the past two weeks.

The state has recorded 143 suspected cases, with nine patients currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.

Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the figures, saying the government had activated measures to contain the spread and prevent further deaths.

“So far, we have 143 suspected cases; we have had 23 deaths and nine currently on admission at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos,” Baamlong said.

He said patients receiving treatment had been isolated, while the government was working with traditional rulers and other community leaders to increase public awareness about the disease.

However, the commissioner identified shortages of diphtheria antitoxin and delays in seeking medical attention as major challenges confronting the response.

“The biggest challenge is getting antitoxin, and most of them are presenting late,” he said.

Baamlong further disclosed that the state was experiencing difficulties confirming suspected cases because it lacked the specialised containers required to collect and transport samples for laboratory testing.

“We are having challenges with the diagnosis because the sample is supposed to be collected in a special container so that we can send it for confirmation, but we do not have such containers,” he said.

According to him, the NCDC has been notified of the situation and the state is expecting assistance with antitoxin and diagnostic materials.

Beyond medical intervention, the state government has begun grassroots sensitisation campaigns through traditional institutions and other stakeholders to educate residents on the symptoms, transmission and prevention of diphtheria.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals. Without timely treatment, it can cause serious complications and death.

Health authorities have therefore urged residents to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment remain critical to preventing severe complications and further loss of lives.

News September 02, 2026 You’re a trusted ally, patriot, Tinubu hails Shettima @60

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Vice-President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a trusted ally, patriot and valued partner in governance.

Tinubu ​‌‍‍‍⁠​‍⁠⁠‌‍‌​‌​‍​⁠‌​conveyed the felicitation in a statement personally issued by him on Tuesday in Abuja, hailing Shettima’s life of service, commitment and sacrifice to Nigeria.

“Today, I warmly congratulate Vice-President Kashim Shettima, my brother and partner in steering the ship of our state, on his 60th birthday on September 2.”

Tinubu also felicitated Shettima’s wife, Nana, his children, family members and political associates on the milestone, describing the birthday as an opportunity to celebrate his contributions to national development.

“Kashim is not just a trusted ally or a valued colleague, but also a patriot whose life has been defined by service, commitment and sacrifice for worthy causes.”

The President commended Shettima’s distinguished banking career and record of service as governor of Borno State and Vice-President of Nigeria, describing his public career as distinguished.

“In both capacities, Kashim has demonstrated courage, diligence, compassion and an abiding commitment to improving the lives of the people.”

Tinubu acknowledged Shettima’s loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), support for the administration and dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his government.

He highlighted Shettima’s role as Chairman of the National Economic Council, commending his purposeful leadership in coordinating economic policies and promoting effective economic management.

The President said Shettima had also promoted collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments in advancing national development and addressing challenges confronting Nigerians.

Tinubu further commended Shettima’s respect for constitutional governance, democratic institutions, dialogue and consultation, describing those qualities as essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

“As a trusted partner, his loyalty, wisdom and sense of duty have remained invaluable to the administration.”

The President thanked Shettima for his steadfast support as the administration continued to pursue its programmes and deliver on its promises to Nigerians.

“I must thank Vice-President Shettima for his steadfast support and partnership as we continue to join hands in delivering the promises of Renewed Hope to Nigerians.”

Tinubu expressed confidence that their partnership would continue to produce meaningful progress in building the Nigeria of their dreams and advancing the country’s development.

He prayed that Allah would continue to guide, protect and strengthen Shettima, while granting him wisdom, good health and many more years of purposeful service to Nigeria.(NAN)

Business News September 02, 2026 TOSLAD Group Chairman Unveils New Personal Social Media Identity September 1

The Chief Executive Officer of TOSLAD Group, an Abuja-based real estate company, Ambassador Dr. Tosin Ladejobi, has unveiled his personal social media platforms and Identity today, September 1 as part of efforts to give greater visibility to his personality, lifestyle and personal engagements.

Ladejobi, who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, explained that the move was necessary to create a clear distinction between his personal activities and the corporate communication of TOSLAD Group.

The new platforms, which will be known as “Dr. ATL,” are derived from his initials, Dr. Ambassador Tosin Ladejobi.

According to him, the creation of the personal platforms will not in any way affect the existing social media handles of TOSLAD Group or the company's operations and commitment to providing quality services to its clients.

He said the personal pages would provide an avenue for him to share aspects of his journey, lifestyle, experiences, ideas and engagements with the public, while the company's official platforms would remain focused on its business activities, projects, clients and corporate communication.

TOSLAD Group was established and registered in 2019 and commenced operations in March 2020 with a vision to provide high-quality residential and commercial properties for Nigerians across different income levels.

The company has positioned itself around the delivery of properties to world-class standards, with a strong emphasis on timely and cost-effective execution, while building lasting trust and a reputation for quality, integrity and customer satisfaction.

Over the years, TOSLAD Group has helped families and individuals take steps towards owning their dream homes, while also contributing to employment creation through direct and indirect job opportunities within the real estate value chain.

The company recently introduced Skilled Work Bricks, a new real estate brand focused on providing affordable housing solutions for low- and middle-income earners.

The launch of the “Dr. ATL” platforms is expected to further strengthen Ambassador Ladejobi's personal engagement with the public, while allowing TOSLAD Group to maintain a distinct corporate identity across its communication channels.

See the handles: 

New personal page Dr_Atl_official and Official page: 

Tosladgroup _official