According to Nivo News, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sounded the alarm over what it described as widespread mismanagement of funds and persistent governance lapses in several Nigerian universities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

ASUU President, Professor Chris Pinuwa, raised the concerns in Abuja on Wednesday during the unveiling of the 2025 agreement reached between the union and the Federal Government. He warned that the prevailing situation continues to weaken accountability, institutional stability and academic standards across the university system.

Pinuwa noted that fragile governance structures in some institutions have hindered the proper use of available resources, despite the formal recognition of university autonomy in law. He explained that while autonomy exists in principle, its implementation remains weak, allowing sustained external interference in the management of universities.

He pointed to the frequent dissolution of governing councils and undue influence in the appointment of vice-chancellors as recurring practices that undermine merit-based leadership and destabilise institutions. According to him, such actions often trigger disputes, court cases and internal divisions among staff, disrupting academic programmes and effective administration.

The ASUU president also expressed concern over the growing trend of prolonged acting vice-chancellorships, stressing the need for closer oversight of governing councils and principal officers to protect the integrity of the university system.

On research and innovation, Pinuwa emphasised that adequate funding is essential for Nigerian universities to remain relevant and competitive globally. He disclosed that research and development funding forms a key aspect of the 2025 renegotiated agreement with the Federal Government.

He added that the agreement provides for the transmission of the National Research Council Bill to the National Assembly, proposing the allocation of at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to research, innovation and development. Pinuwa expressed confidence that lawmakers would act swiftly to pass the bill in the interest of advancing higher education and national development.

According to Nivo News, former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and defender Ola Aina have sent messages of encouragement to the Nigerian national team and coaching staff, including head coach Eric Chelle, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semifinal against Morocco.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Both Troost-Ekong and Aina expressed pride in the team’s performance and confidence in their ability to succeed. Troost-Ekong retired from international football shortly before the tournament began, while Aina was initially named in the squad but missed the final selection due to fitness issues.

The Super Eagles enter Wednesday night’s semifinal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on the back of an unbeaten run in the tournament. Sharing his thoughts via the team’s official social media channels, Aina commended the players, technical staff, managers, coaches, physios, and medical personnel for their efforts. He wished the squad success and assured them of his support and prayers from home.

Troost-Ekong also sent a heartfelt message, praising the team’s teamwork and tactical setup. Highlighting the effectiveness of the diamond formation in midfield, he urged the players to stay united, enjoy the experience, and give their all on the field. He encouraged them to fight for one another and seize the opportunity to make the semifinal a memorable moment in their careers, assuring them of his unwavering support from afar.

Both former players’ messages underscore the pride and faith in the Super Eagles as they aim for a historic triumph in the AFCON 2025 tournament.

According to Nivo News, Bauchi State recorded 50 fatalities and 468 injuries in road accidents during the last quarter of 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the FRSC Sector Commander in Bauchi, Apaji Boyi, revealed that a total of 76 crashes occurred between October and December, with 193 passengers escaping unhurt.

Breaking down the figures, Boyi said October saw 10 crashes involving 77 people, resulting in eight deaths and 58 injuries. November recorded 25 crashes with 201 individuals involved, leaving 14 dead and 144 injured. December was the deadliest month, with 41 crashes affecting 433 people, causing 28 fatalities and 266 injuries.

The sector commander attributed many accidents to factors such as speeding, reckless overtaking, driver fatigue, overloading, and the unsafe transport of passengers in trucks carrying goods. He also warned against motorists travelling with fuel stored in plastic containers, which further heightens the risk of accidents.

Boyi emphasised that driver behaviour remains a key factor in highway safety, highlighting violations like ignoring traffic rules, using drugs, failing to wear seat belts, and making phone calls while driving as major contributors to preventable crashes.

He commended the Federal Government for its support of the Corps and urged motorists to maintain their vehicles, exercise caution, and comply with traffic laws. Boyi assured that the FRSC would continue to conduct public awareness campaigns to enhance road safety across Bauchi State.