ABUJA — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that undergraduates are allowed to register for the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) exams, provided they disclose any existing matriculation status at the point of registration.
In a statement issued by JAMB Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board, emphasised that claims barring currently enrolled tertiary students from registering are false.
“JAMB does not prohibit candidates who are already enrolled in tertiary institutions from registering for UTME/DE,” the statement read. “Disclosure is required strictly for record and regulatory purposes and to prevent multiple admissions.”
The Board explained that failure to disclose existing matriculation constitutes an offence. The system can detect prior enrolment, and candidates who deliberately conceal this information risk forfeiting both opportunities.
Benjamin added that once a candidate secures admission through the latest UTME/DE registration, any previous admission automatically ceases, as Nigerian law does not permit holding two admissions concurrently.
JAMB also cautioned the public against misleading interpretations circulated by “self-styled education advocates” and urged students and parents to rely solely on official JAMB publications for accurate information.
This advisory comes ahead of the 2026 UTME/DE registration period, reinforcing transparency and compliance with national admission regulations. Prospective candidates are advised to carefully follow JAMB guidelines to avoid disqualification or legal implications.
Kuala Lumpur — As Nigeria increasingly turns to cross-border education to widen access and improve quality, former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, has received an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University, Malaysia, for his role in advancing higher education reform.
Lincoln University confers the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Management on Maiyaki during its convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, citing his contributions to policy innovation, institutional development and international academic collaboration.
The event draws senior academics, policymakers and education leaders from several countries, alongside a large Nigerian delegation, particularly from Gombe State, where Lincoln University recently establishes a branch campus following regulatory approval.
In his acceptance remarks, Maiyaki describes the honour as “both humbling and symbolic,” noting that it comes at a time when universities globally are reassessing their mission amid rapid technological and social change.
“Lincoln University represents innovation, creativity and leadership in global higher education,” he says, tracing the institution’s evolution from its founding as Lincoln College in 2002 to its emergence as a key player in transnational education.
Maiyaki highlights the 2025 licensing of Lincoln University Gombe Campus by the NUC as Nigeria’s first practical transnational education experiment, calling it a milestone for digital learning and international partnerships.
“It is with pride and deep fulfilment that we celebrate the Lincoln–Gombe story,” he says. “From what we have seen so far, the future looks excellent.”
He notes that within a year of operation, the institution has gained national attention for deploying digital technologies, innovative curricula and co-creation models to expand access to quality education.
Katsina, Nigeria- Nigeria could face a deepening skills crisis if its universities fail to urgently adopt technology-focused education, the chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) board, Aminu Bello Masari, says, urging institutions to shift from certificate-driven learning to globally competitive skills.
Masari makes the remarks on Saturday at the 17th convocation ceremony of Al-Qalam University in Katsina State, where the private institution awards him an honorary doctorate in public administration for contributions to public service and education.
“The number of graduates produced annually by our universities demands a paradigm shift,” Masari says, adding that a deliberate tilt towards technology is now inevitable for the survival of higher education and national development.
He calls on universities to equip students with practical skills in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, security, service delivery and mineral exploration, saying technology mastery would enable young Nigerians to compete in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Masari also highlights moral discipline and institutional resilience as essential foundations for sustainable development, warning that education systems lacking strong values would struggle to deliver long-term national progress.
On politics, the former Katsina State governor urges restraint among political leaders as Nigeria approaches another election cycle, cautioning that global experience shows even advanced democracies can suffer destabilisation when political competition is left unchecked.
He calls for leadership anchored on patriotism and national interest rather than personal ambition.
Also speaking at the event, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda says education remains the most powerful instrument for sustainable development, disclosing that his administration has invested more than 6 billion naira ($4 million) in scholarship awards for over 174,000 students in tertiary institutions within and outside the country.
Earlier, Al-Qalam University Vice-Chancellor Nasiru Musa Yawuri says the institution graduated 1,109 students across various disciplines, including 18 First Class degree holders.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, dismisses reports claiming that beneficiaries of the federal student loan scheme have been directed to commence repayment, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Fund says it has not released any directive instructing students to begin repayment and warns that a purported circular circulating online does not originate from NELFUND or the Federal Government.
The clarification follows a public disclaimer by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), who disowns the allegedrepay attributed to the institution.
The university confirms that the document is fake and that no repayment guidelines have been issued to students under the NELFUND loan scheme.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NELFUND has not issued any directive requesting students to begin repayment of their loans,” the Fund states.
According to NELFUND, the repayment framework is clearly outlined in the NELFUND Establishment Act, which protects students from repayment obligations while still in school.
Under the law, beneficiaries are not required to repay their loans during their studies or while unemployed after graduation. Repayment only begins in line with statutory provisions after a beneficiary secures gainful employment.
The Fund reiterates its commitment to expanding access to higher education through transparent, fair and student-centred financing, adding that any official communication on loan administration or repayment will be issued only through verified NELFUND channels and authorised government platforms.
NELFUND urges students, parents, educational institutions, and the general public to disregard the fake circular and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety.
The Fund reassures beneficiaries of its continued commitment to due process, accountability, and the welfare of Nigerian students.
AKWANGA, Nigeria – The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has launched a comprehensive review of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Minimum Standards and curriculum, signalling a major shift aimed at strengthening teacher quality and aligning training with global education trends.
The Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, announces the initiative during the flag-off ceremony held at the Nasarawa College of Education, Akwanga, describing the exercise as timely and critical to Nigeria’s education future.
Okwelle says the review of the 2020 NCE Minimum Standards seeks to close identified gaps in teacher preparation by responding to emerging national priorities, global best practices, and the real-world challenges facing colleges of education.
“This review will address identifiable gaps in line with global education trends and the realities confronting teacher preparation institutions,” he says.
The exercise brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including teacher educators, policymakers, practitioners, and development partners, whose contributions are expected to shape a more responsive and future-ready curriculum.
A major focus of the revised framework is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital competencies. Okwelle explains that the new standards will embed AI awareness, ethical technology use, data literacy, and adaptive digital pedagogy.
“The revised NCE Minimum Standards will ensure that future teachers are not just consumers of technology, but effective facilitators of AI-enabled learning,” he says.
He notes that the National Policy on Education designates the NCE as the minimum qualification for teaching at the basic education level, making the quality of its standards a matter of national importance.
Okwelle also highlights ongoing reforms by the NCCE, including the Dual-Mode mandate, which empowers Colleges of Education to award Bachelor’s degrees independently, without university affiliation.
“This landmark reform expands access, improves autonomy, and restores public confidence in Colleges of Education,” he says.
He commends Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for supporting teacher education and urges stakeholders to engage constructively, stressing that the quality of Nigeria’s schools ultimately depends on the quality of its teachers.
Abuja- A consortium of Nigerian and international universities announces plans to host a Global Day of Tributes and Orations in honour of the late Professor Adamu David Baikie, celebrating the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most distinguished educationists.
Professor Baikie, who died peacefully on December 12, 2025, at the age of 94, is remembered for his far-reaching contributions to education, national development, and global academic leadership.
The initiative is disclosed in a statement by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee at Walter Miller University (Proposed).
He says the event marks the formal commencement of efforts to immortalise Professor Baikie’s enduring impact on education and public service.
Participating institutions include Walter Miller Educational Resources Ltd./Walter Miller University, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; the University of Benin, Benin City; the National University of Lesotho, Maseru; and the Nigerian Academy of Education.
Organisers say the event is scheduled for January 15, 2026 will bring together scholars, policymakers, and members of the public to reflect on Baikie’s lifelong dedication to learning and institutional development.
The consortium invites members of the public to submit tributes and scholarly orations on or before January 10, 2026, to enable compilation and publication ahead of the ceremony.
“The family, colleagues, and friends are grateful to all who sent condolence messages, attended the funeral and burial, and offered prayers, support, and encouragement,” the statement says. Baikie is laid to rest on December 23, 2025, in Wusasa, Zaria, in his hometown.
The organisers describe him as “an accomplished scholar and teacher; a Vice-Chancellor of exceptional repute; a gifted administrator and researcher; and a global citizen whose influence spanned generations.”
He serves as Vice-Chancellor of three universities, Chairman of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Dean and Director at ABU Zaria, and Acting Vice-Chancellor of ABU on five occasions.
Beyond academia, Baikie holds key national roles, including Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Chairman of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
His Royal Highness, Sanusi Mohammed III, is expected to deliver the keynote address titled “Professor David Adamu Baikie: A Trailblazer in Education.”
UMAISHA, NASARAWA STATE — Today, the ancient kingdom of Opanda-Umaisha stands still to honor a titan of administration and a custodian of heritage. His Royal Highness, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha and President of the Toto Local Government Traditional Council, marks his 82nd birthday—a milestone that celebrates over three decades of stability, integrity, and fatherly leadership.
Born into royalty on January 4, 1944, Alhaji Abdullahi is the great-great-grandson of the legendary Ohimegye Negedu, the founder of the Opanda dynasty. As the 28th monarch to ascend the throne, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Ohimegye in the history of the chiefdom and the oldest first-class traditional ruler in Nasarawa State.
A Journey of Excellence: From Classroom to Palace
The story of Ohimegye Abdullahi is one of consistent excellence. From his early days at Elementary School, Umaisha, where he consistently ranked first in his class, to his time at the prestigious Government Secondary School, Abuja, his leadership qualities were evident. He shared classrooms with notable figures such as the late Mamman Vatsa and former Minister Buba Ahmed, serving as a house prefect and a model student.
His thirst for knowledge led him to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and eventually to the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Administration.
A Principled Administrator
Before ascending the throne on June 21, 1995, Alhaji Abdullahi carved out a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. He rose to the position of Area Manager for the Northern Region at the United Africa Company (UAC) and served the Plateau State government in various high-ranking capacities, including Permanent Secretary and Commissioner for Health.
Known for his uncompromising integrity, the Ohimegye once resigned from a government position when he felt the processes conflicted with his personal values—a rarity in public service. Justice C.A.R. Momoh once described him as a man with “the tenderness of a lamb but with the heart of a lion.”
A Champion of Unity and Development
Throughout his 30-year reign, the Ohimegye has been a glue for the diverse ethnic groups within Toto Local Government. His palace has remained an inclusive sanctuary for Egbira, Bassa, Gade, Gbagyi, and Hausa peoples alike.
His commitment to inclusivity is documented in his traditional titles; he has honored Bassa, Gbagyi, and Hausa leaders with prestigious roles within the chiefdom, ensuring that every group feels a sense of belonging.
Beyond social cohesion, the Ohimegye has been a tireless advocate for economic revival. He has long championed the resuscitation of the Umaisha River Port, arguing that its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would decongest Abuja’s roads and transform the regional economy.
A Message for the Nation
Even at 82, the Royal Father remains a vocal advocate for national peace. His philosophy is rooted in three pillars:
On Ethnicity: “God who created us has destined that certain tribes have to live together… We must therefore tolerate one another.”
On Religion: “Our faith is between us and our Creator… morality and sanity must prevail.”
On Patriotism: “Nigeria is our country… It is the duty of every Nigerian to be decent, tolerant, and upright.”
The Ultimate Birthday Gift: Peace
As celebrations commence, the most significant backdrop is the return of relative peace to the Toto region. In a recent town hall meeting on December 29, 2025, the Ohimegye urged all stakeholders to maintain this harmony.
For the people of Opanda and Toto Local Government, the 82nd birthday of Alhaji Usman Abdullahi is more than a personal milestone; it is a celebration of a leader who has spent his life building bridges where others saw divides.
As the drums sound in Umaisha today, the refrain remains the same: Agaaba-Iddu! May your reign continue in health and wisdom.
Plateau News Online 