News October 16, 2026 Tinubu signs bill transforming polytechnic into technology university

President Bola Tinubu has assented to a bill converting the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, into the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna, in a move aimed at expanding technical education and strengthening vocational skills development.

The development was announced by the member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Daniel Amos, who also chairs the House of Representatives Committee on House Services.

Amos said the elevation of the institution would widen access to higher education, promote technical and vocational training and contribute to Nigeria’s development.

He commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for sponsoring the legislation, describing his role in the process as a demonstration of commitment to educational advancement.

“Speaker Tajudeen’s leadership on this bill demonstrates purposeful commitment to education and national development,” he said.

The new legislation repeals the existing law establishing the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, and provides for its conversion into the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Kaduna.

According to Amos, the transition would enable the institution to expand its degree programmes, improve its research capacity and produce graduates with practical competencies needed in the labour market.

He also praised Tinubu for assenting to the bill, alongside another piece of legislation establishing the Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos. Both bills were sponsored by Abbas.

The lawmaker described the presidential assent as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to educational reforms and human capital development under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Amos congratulated the people of Kaduna State, as well as the management, staff and students of the former polytechnic, on the institution’s elevation.

He expressed optimism that the new university would expand opportunities for higher education and strengthen technical and vocational training in Kaduna State and neighbouring communities.

The conversion is expected to create opportunities for additional academic programmes and research activities while enhancing the institution’s capacity to produce skilled graduates capable of meeting Nigeria’s technological and industrial needs.

News October 16, 2026 Cosmopolitan University secures permanent licence as NUC urges sustainance of academic standards

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has urged the management of Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, to maintain high academic standards following the institution’s successful completion of its three-year probationary period and the award of a permanent operational licence.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Abdullahi Ribadu, gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja while presenting the licence to the university’s management at the commission’s headquarters in Maitama.

Ribadu said the institution had undergone an assessment during its probationary period, which involved examining its academic processes, students, staff and other operational activities before the commission approved its permanent licence.

“During your probational period, you were judged, you were monitored, because it’s like you took an exam, actually,” he said.

“A committee went to verify your processes, your students, your staff and everything. The idea was either to recommend a full license for you or withdraw the existing one because something has to happen after three years.

“So, after three years, you either graduate to get the full license or you don’t. But of course, in some cases it’s not all of you that were examined passed.”

The NUC chief explained that institutions that failed to satisfy the commission’s requirements could be granted additional time to address identified shortcomings, rather than immediately losing their operational licences.

He said the decision to grant extensions in some cases was informed by the need to give universities an opportunity to improve, considering the investments already made in their development.

“We also felt a lot of investments have gone there and at the level of management we said let’s give them one year extension to remedy the issues identified. You have to give people chance,” he added.

Ribadu urged Cosmopolitan University to consolidate its achievements by maintaining strict quality controls, particularly in the recruitment of academic staff and the admission of students.

According to him, obtaining a permanent licence marks the beginning of a new phase in the institution’s development and comes with greater responsibility to maintain established academic standards.

“This is just the beginning because it’s now that you have a solid foundation. Now, you are a university and not just a probationary period.

“You now have to build on the structures that you have started, which means in terms of quality, you should not compromise in terms of recruitment of staff, and number of students. As a private university, you should have a benchmark, you should have standard,” he said.

Cosmopolitan University received its initial operational licence on May 15, 2023, authorising it to commence academic activities.

The institution was among 37 private universities licensed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking at the presentation, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Carl Adams, described the award of the permanent operational licence as “momentous” for the institution.

“This is a recognition of the quality processes and transparency processes that we have put in place to develop quality education for our students,” Adams said.

He said the licence affirmed the institution’s commitment to providing quality education and adopting recognised best practices in university administration and academic delivery.

“We build on the best practices in the UK, in the states and of course in Nigeria,” he said.

 

News October 16, 2026 Man dies after wife reportedly cut off his private part over interest in young girls

A 30-year-old man, Haruna Ishaka, has died following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his 24-year-old wife, Maimuna, in Maigoje village, Mai Idanu Ward, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to a police report from the Gashaka Division, the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The report stated that Maimuna allegedly cut off her husband’s manhood during the incident.

Ishaka reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 13, following the attack.

His remains were subsequently buried in accordance with Islamic rites, the police report indicated.

Preliminary findings cited in the report suggested that the incident followed a disagreement over Ishaka’s alleged interest in young girls outside the marriage.

The report stated that Maimuna had previously warned her husband about the alleged behaviour but that he did not heed her warnings.

As of the time the police report was prepared, Maimuna was reportedly at large.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

News October 16, 2026 Police remove 2 officers over renovation of station by suspected cultists

The Rivers State Police Command has removed two senior officers from their positions pending an investigation into allegations that suspected cultists renovated a police outpost in the state and celebrated the project alongside police personnel.

The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Abuloma Police Division and the divisional officer overseeing the police outpost where the renovation took place.

The development followed the circulation of a viral video showing individuals suspected to be cult members celebrating the completion of the renovation at the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full investigation into the incident, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.

The statement, titled ‘Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation’, said the two officers had been queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

The command expressed concern that the incident could undermine public confidence in the police and create an impression of acceptance or recognition of suspected criminal groups.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.

“The Command strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.

“Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.

“Under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, the Command maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the Police.

“Consequently, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.

“Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation.”

According to the command, investigators will determine whether the renovation was officially approved, whether established procedures were followed and whether any police personnel violated professional standards in connection with the project.

The investigation will also examine the identities of the individuals or groups that funded or facilitated the renovation and establish whether the necessary checks were conducted before the work commenced.

However, the police clarified that community contributions towards improving police facilities are permissible under the law, provided they do not compromise the independence and integrity of the force.

The statement added, “The Command welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

“However, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.

“The investigation will establish whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.

“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.

“The Command reiterates that it will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer.

“All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.”

The command said any individual found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal measures in accordance with the findings of the investigation and applicable laws.

It also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible, timely information that could assist security agencies in maintaining peace across the state.

In the video circulating online, the individuals suspected to be cultists appeared to present themselves as students, at intervals chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before reportedly switching to slogans associated with cult groups.

They were seen wearing black trousers and white shirts, with some donning red fez caps and others black berets. The group appeared to celebrate in front of the renovated police facility alongside some police officers.

Naija Confra, an online platform focused on exposing and discouraging cultism, also shared videos and photographs purportedly showing the individuals chanting slogans at the outpost on Thursday.

The footage reportedly showed the individuals taking photographs with police officers at the facility before the celebrations.

It was gathered that October 15 marks the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity.

The police have yet to announce the outcome of their investigation

News October 16, 2026 Court jails Abba Mustapha, one other for supporting Boko Haram

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two men to life imprisonment and an additional 20 years in prison each for providing logistical support to Boko Haram and concealing information about the proscribed terrorist organisation.

The convicts, Abba Mustapha, from Bori village in Borno State, and 41-year-old Bukar Ibrahim, also from Borno State, were sentenced by Justice Salim Ibrahim after pleading guilty to the charges brought against them.

The judge imposed life imprisonment on each defendant on the first count and an additional 20-year jail term on the second count.

The sentences were handed down during the latest phase of the Federal Government’s mass trials of suspected terrorists at the Federal High Court.

The exercise, which commenced on Thursday, is being conducted across several courtrooms as the government intensifies efforts to prosecute suspects accused of terrorism and related offences.

Other judges presiding over the proceedings include Justices James Omotosho, Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, Hauwa Yilwa, Joyce Abdulmalik and Peter Lifu.

At least 34 defendants were scheduled to appear before Justice Salim Ibrahim, while 25 others were listed for proceedings before Justice Lifu.

In July, the Federal Government announced the resumption of trials involving suspects allegedly linked to terrorism and other serious crimes against the Nigerian state.

The government said the exercise was part of its commitment to promoting social justice through a transparent judicial process.

It explained that the proceedings were being conducted in line with the International Criminal Justice (ICJ) system by the Federal High Court, with support from the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The process also involves other relevant stakeholders operating under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to the government, more than 300 suspects were facing trial, with five judges presiding over five courts and chambers established to accelerate the administration of justice in terrorism-related cases.

The latest convictions follow an earlier mass trial in April, during which the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted 386 suspected terrorists over four days.

Those convicted received varying prison sentences, ranging from five years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of their offences.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed the outcome of the exercise at the time, stating that 508 defendants had been arraigned before 10 courts.

Fagbemi told journalists after the conclusion of the proceedings that eight defendants had been discharged, while two others were acquitted of the charges against them.

News Politics October 16, 2026 Why Shettima is wrong on Obi’s statistics – Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has challenged Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s criticism of Peter Obi’s use of statistics, insisting that the party’s presidential candidate generally presents accurate figures.

Kwankwaso’s response followed Shettima’s description of Obi as “the master of bogus statistics and incoherent economic prescriptions” during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the former Kano State governor said he independently examined figures cited by Obi and found most of them to be correct.

He acknowledged that Obi, like other public figures, could occasionally make mistakes or experience slips of the tongue but argued that such instances did not justify Shettima’s sweeping criticism.

“I always listen to him (Peter Obi), like all others, I take time to check the statistics. As far as I am concerned, most of the figures he was saying were correct and the only thing, of course as human beings you are bound to make mistakes or a slip of tongue as they call it.

“But for him (Shettima) to come and make that statement, I don’t think he is correct. So, I am happy that our presidential candidate is somebody who is conversant with statistics, not only in this country but all over the world, in Europe, Asia, everywhere and I think that is a good one,” Kwankwaso said.

Meanwhile, Kwankwaso has expressed hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will address the omission of the NDC’s Kano State governorship candidate, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, from its recently published list of candidates for the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that the party had submitted a formal complaint to the electoral commission following its request but had yet to receive a response.

The former governor urged the commission to correct the omission, particularly reassuring the party’s supporters in Kano that efforts were being made to resolve the matter.

“I just want to tell our supporters especially in Kano that our gubernatorial candidate His Excellency Aminu Abdusalam unfortunately recently, the INEC was not able put his name on the register. Of course, the party and our representatives went to them, there was no answer yet. They asked our party to write to them which we did and I hope INEC will correct that,” he said.

The omission comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the publication of candidate lists serving as an important stage in the electoral process.

News October 15, 2026 Why I sent 5,800 Muslims to Mecca – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended himself against allegations that he disparaged Islam, citing his longstanding support for Muslim pilgrims and his sponsorship of thousands of Christians to religious sites abroad.

Akpabio said he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims to Mecca and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem, insisting that his record contradicted claims that he held Muslims or their religious beliefs in contempt.

The Senate president spoke during plenary on Thursday while responding to the controversy surrounding his remarks during deliberations on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District, seeks to address issues relating to suicide prevention.

During Tuesday’s debate, Akpabio reportedly said some young people contemplate suicide because “they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife.”

The comment drew criticism from some commentators, who accused him of making disparaging remarks about Muslims and their religious beliefs.

However, Akpabio maintained that his statement had been taken out of context and misinterpreted for political reasons, arguing that disagreements during legislative proceedings should not be portrayed as attacks on particular religious groups.

“I love the Muslim religion. I send people to Mecca to pray for me and to pray for this country, and I do that even up to yesterday, and I have been doing that since the last 25 years,” he said.

He expressed displeasure over what he described as the misrepresentation of discussions in the Senate, particularly when comments made during debates were subsequently discussed on television programmes.

“So I don’t know why people go and sit down on television and they try to misinterpret what we say here because politics is coming,” he said.

Akpabio argued that lawmakers were expected to disagree during debates as they worked towards making laws that would serve the country’s interests.

“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the senate,” he said.

“We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other.”

To reinforce his position, the Senate president referred to his record of supporting religious pilgrimages during his tenure as governor, saying he had facilitated trips to holy sites for both Muslims and Christians.

According to him, his relationships with people of different religious backgrounds also demonstrated that he did not discriminate on religious grounds.

Akpabio disclosed that his aide-de-camp had served him for 19 years and was a Muslim, adding that he regarded him as a brother rather than viewing him through the lens of religion.

“My ADC for 19 years is a Muslim. I don’t recognize him as a Muslim. I recognize him as a brother; he’s from Azare in Bauchi state, the same thing with my CSO,” he said.

He added that a significant number of people working with him were Muslims and said their relationships were built on mutual respect.

“There’s no way I will talk down on Muslim religion, so people who go out there to talk should study the personalities involved,” he said.

The Senate president also cautioned against associating terrorism with any particular faith, arguing that religious identity should not be used to justify violence or suicide attacks.

“Terrorists are not Muslims. Terrorists are not Christians. Terrorists are human beings who believe in taking their lives and the lives of others,” he said.

He maintained that Islam, as he understood it, prohibited suicide and the killing of others, rejecting the suggestion that the religion encouraged people to take their lives in anticipation of a heavenly reward.

“The Muslim religion that I know forbids suicide; it forbids killing,” he said.

Akpabio further referred to provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code relating to suicide, urging lawmakers to consider the issue carefully, including the distinction between people experiencing mental health challenges and those who deliberately take their own lives.

He said the debate surrounding the bill should be viewed within the broader objective of developing legislation to address suicide and related concerns rather than being reduced to a controversy over isolated remarks.

The Senate president also urged Nigerians to consider the outcome of legislative proceedings when assessing debates in the chamber, noting that lawmakers could hold opposing views before reaching a final decision.

“No matter the discussion, please take the final decision of the senate into consideration,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to concentrate on substantive issues in political discourse rather than what he described as attempts to damage public officials’ reputations through the misinterpretation of their statements.