Category: Uncategorized

… Medicine, Law, Sciences Oversubscribed As Over 500,000 Seek Placement

… Education, Agriculture Struggle With Weak Candidate Demand

As of May 11, 2026, Nigeria’s 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission cycle has placed 1,009,736 candidates across tertiary institutions, but 706,418 spaces remain vacant, leaving 41.16 percent of the total 1,716,154 quota unused.

The figures, released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), show a stark contrast between high-demand professional courses and low uptake in teacher education, agriculture and basic sciences.

Degree-awarding institutions recorded the highest uptake, admitting 785,180 candidates out of 1,060,919 spaces, which is 74.01 percent, leaving 25.99 percent unfilled.

National Diploma programmes followed with 198,760 admissions against a quota of 409,229, or 48.57 percent, leaving 51.43 percent vacant.

The gap is widest in National Certificate of Education (NCE) and National Innovation Diploma (NID) categories.

Colleges of Education admitted only 24,736 candidates out of 234,981, representing 10.53 percent, while Innovative Enterprise Institutions admitted 1,060 out of 11,025, or 9.61 percent, leaving 90.39 percent of their quota unused.

The faculty-level breakdown for degree programmes reveals why the system remains strained despite available spaces.

Medicine, Pharmacy and Health Sciences attracted 433,298 applications for 148,486 spaces, but admitted 120,241 candidates, leaving 19.02 percent of the quota unused.

Sciences drew 323,828 applications for 239,082 spaces and admitted 181,799, leaving 23.96 percent vacant. Engineering, Technology and Environment had 161,501 applications for 111,422 spaces and admitted 86,358, leaving 22.49 percent unused.

Social Sciences recorded 256,364 applications for 161,337 spaces with 120,414 admissions and 25 percent of the quota unfilled.

Administration saw 127,556 applications for 70,478 spaces and admitted 55,338, leaving 21.48 percent vacant. Arts and Humanities attracted 106,128 applications for 75,369 spaces and admitted 56,491, leaving 25.05 percent unused.

Agriculture had 42,809 applications for 44,553 spaces and admitted 32,805, leaving 26.37 percent vacant. Education, with the largest quota at 198,661, received 146,418 applications and admitted 122,064 candidates, leaving 38.56 percent unused.

Law had the most disproportionate demand, with 58,033 applications for 10,874 spaces, but only 9,724 admissions, leaving 10.58 percent of the quota unfilled.

For NCE programmes, Arts courses admitted 9,792 candidates while Sciences admitted 5,049.

In ND programmes, Technology courses accounted for 137,040 admissions compared to 72,240 in Non-Technology courses.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ish-aq Oloyede during the recent JAMB Policy Meeting explained that the persistent vacancies are driven by candidate rigidity in programme choice, particularly for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery ( MBBS) Nursing, Law and other professional degrees.

Many applicants also present mismatched demand and supply, lack interest in existing vacancies in NCE, Education, Agriculture and Basic Sciences, and include trial candidates without O’Level results or those awaiting results.

Others are underage, have wrong O’Level subject combinations, low post-UTME scores, UTME combination deficiencies, or fail to accept offers due to inflexibility.

Absence from post-UTME screening and mismatch of catchment institutions further contribute to the gap.

In a bid to address the shortfall in teacher education and agriculture, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa that UTME requirement has been abolished for NCE programmes in Colleges of Education and for ND Non-Technology Agriculture and Agriculture-related programmes in Polytechnics and Colleges of Agriculture nationwide.

The decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and is aimed at expanding access, strengthening teacher education and agricultural manpower, and reducing the number of out-of-school adolescents.

Under the new policy, candidates will still obtain the JAMB application form and process admissions through the JAMB platform and CAPS.

All admissions must be conducted strictly through CAPS, and existing minimum admission requirements remain unchanged.

Applicants must upload their O’Level results on the JAMB portal, and admission letters for the affected programmes will continue to be issued exclusively by JAMB after verification.

While the data underscores a system where competition is fierce for a few courses while thousands of spaces in critical areas remain empty, the Education minister expressed hope that with the policy shift now in effect, more candidates will take up places in education and agriculture.

JAMB Admission Paradox: 706,418 Spaces Empty Amid Rush For Elite Courses is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and ex-presidential adviser, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, have described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a performer and builder of a modern Ekiti, who deserves to be re-elected for a second term. They spoke on Wednesday during the final leg of Oyebanji’s campaign tour of the 16 local government areas […]

The post Ekiti guber: Fayose, Ojudu describe Oyebanji as a builder of modern Ekiti appeared first on Tribune Online.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 national teams competing across North America from June 11 to July 19.

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the month-long event will culminate in the final at the New York/New Jersey venue, with matches staged in major cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City and Monterrey and others. 11 major US cities, two Canadian cities and three Mexican cities will host football fans

Spanning an entire continent, the tournament is expected to draw massive global crowds, from packed stadiums in the United States to key fixtures across Canada and Mexico.

US says international fans planning to attend will need to complete all necessary travel and visa requirements to be part of what is billed as a record-breaking global spectacle.

Nigeria will not be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing out to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in qualification, and a check by our correspondent on Thursday on the U.S. Department of State website further shows that Nigerians—alongside nationals of some other countries—are subject to limited entry into the United States under Presidential Proclamation 10998, a restriction in effect since January 1, 2026.

In February, the Federal Government stated that it was engaging the United States through diplomatic channels to seek Nigeria’s removal from the list of countries affected by Washington’s recent immigrant visa restrictions.

Three months later, there has been no visible change in the status of the policy as the tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, our correspondent reports.

This means sports writers and football fans may face constraints but can still apply for visas under specified conditions, although eligibility for issuance or admission is not guaranteed, while checks on countries such as Ghana returned different, more detailed travel guidance.

“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe,” President of the United States, Donald Trump, was quoted to have said.

As obtained from the website, here are all you need to know:

Step-by-Step Visa and Travel Requirements for World Cup Fans

If you need a U.S. visa and don’t have one yet, NOW is the time to apply! The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens — as well as all of the teams and fans participating in FIFA World Cup 2026 events — by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.

If you’re not sure what travel documents you need to visit the United States, click on the country-specific information below.

Please click on your country here: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Visas – United States Department of State

Foreign travelers planning to visit the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ should ensure they have the correct travel documents:

All visitors traveling to the United States are required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the United States, unless they are a citizen of an exempt country. For more details, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Canadian and Bermudan passport holders do not require any additional authorisation to seek entry into the United States as tourists.

Foreign visitors from any of the 42 countries who participate in the Visa Waiver Programme can apply using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Fans from all other countries are required to have a valid U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2) to travel to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in to FIFA PASS the chance to interview for a B1/B2 visitor visa before the tournament begins. Additional information on FIFA PASS and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.

FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS)

The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in to FIFA PASS the chance to interview for a B1/B2 visitor visa before the tournament begins.  Here’s how FIFA PASS works:

Step 1: Log into your FIFA.com* account and submit the FIFA PASS opt in form.

Step 2: Complete the visa application process (you can get started here):

Select your country of nationality or residence where you’ll be applying;

Fill out the online DS-160 visa application form, upload a current photo and pay the visa fee.

Step 3: Schedule your visa interview appointment. If asked if you’re a FIFA ticket holder, be sure to answer “Yes.”

If the information you entered in the FIFA PASS opt in form matches your visa application information, you’ll get access to a FIFA PASS Appointment!

*If you received your ticket via FIFA’s Ticket Transfer feature, you must create a FIFA ticketing account (if you do not already have one), agree to all applicable terms and conditions, and accept the transfer before you can submit the FIFA PASS opt in form.

Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee the visa will be issued. Like all visa applicants, ticket holders must undergo thorough screening and must demonstrate they qualify for a visa.

The prices of rams, foodstuffs, and other essential commodities have suddenly skyrocketed as Muslims prepare for celebrations across the country.

Muslims are preparing for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, during which animal sacrifices are performed as part of the religious rites.

In Kaduna State, several markets visited during the survey showed that although there were many rams, goats, and chickens for sale, prices had increased beyond expectations. However, the prices of these animals differ according to size, ad many prospective buyers complained about the hike in prices.

For example, rams in some markets, such as the Central Market, are priced between N300,000 and N1 million, depending on their sizes.

Although Muslims sometimes use chickens when they cannot afford to buy rams, the prices of chickens have also risen marginally. A three-month-old chicken now sells for between N20,000 and N30,000, while a bag of rice rose to N80,000 as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

In an interview, Alhaji Bulama, Senior Manager of the Rams Sellers Association, said the prices increased due to the shortage of rams, coupled with insecurity that has left many families homeless across the country.

“Many families, especially those rearing animals in local villages, have deserted their homes due to insurgent attacks. They are not rearing animals anymore. Only a few people are rearing animals nowadays. Again, the cost of feeding these animals is extremely high,” he said.

Also, Mallam Musa Adamu, who sells various animals at Television Market, said the cost of transporting the animals is extremely high, which has necessitated the increase in prices.

“Since insecurity has continued  across the Northern region, and residents are unable to rear household animals, we buy these animals and transport them from far distances. The cost of transportation, added to the selling price, makes them expensive,” he said.

However, Dr. Musa, who has vowed to slaughter a ram this season, said he must buy one no matter the cost, adding that “as Muslims, slaughtering an animal is a necessity, though not compulsory. It depends on the size of your pocket,” he said.

“I have made up my mind to slaughter a ram this season, no matter the cost, because I planned for it a long time ago.

“I advise all our Muslim brothers to be cautious during the celebration and pay only for what they can afford. They should not borrow money to celebrate. Sallah is a yearly celebration; if they cannot afford it this year, maybe they will be able to in the years to come.”

Eid-el-Kabir: Prices of rams, other commodities skyrocket as Muslims prepare for celebrations

 

Mashelia Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, says the bank filed a suspicious transaction report (STR) in respect to the transactions on an account linked to Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice. 

Bata appeared before the federal high court in Abuja on Wednesday in the ongoing trial of Malami, his wife, and son

The defendants are being tried on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N8.7 billion. They had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the compliance officer was cross-examined by Adebayo Adedeji, counsel to the defendants

Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that the deposits in the account statements complied with the guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

However, the compliance officer said the bank “had to file a suspicious transaction report” in respect of the deposits.

During the proceedings, Jibrin Okutepa, EFCC counsel, asked the witness to explain the meaning of a suspicious transaction report.

But Adedeji opposed the question, arguing that there is no ambiguity in the term.

Responding, Okutepa said section 215(3) of the Evidence Act did not preclude him from re-examining the witness while urging the court to allow the question for proper explanation.

Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, overruled the defence and permitted the witness to answer the question.

The witness told the court that when fund deposits come in a repetitive pattern, banks are required to report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

“Any deposition of funds seen in a pattern or repetitive, you must escalate it to the NFIU,” he said.

After the testimony, the compliance officer was discharged from the witness box, while the judge adjourned the case to May 22 for continuation of trial.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, disclosed that Akwa Ibom State will deliver the highest number of votes for the election of President Bola Tinubu, in the South South geo-political zone. Akpabio stated this during the consultation of critical stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), […]

The post Akwa Ibom ‘ll deliver highest votes for Tinubu —Akpabio appeared first on Tribune Online.

Rising costs and shrinking incomes are forcing parents, students, and schools to make tough choices, threatening access and quality in Nigeria’s education system. MODUPE GEORGE explores how the economic tension is playing out across the system through the voices of parents, students, school owners, teachers, and experts. The inter-house sports competition had not started but […]

The post When learning gets expensive: Parents, students, schools sound the alarm appeared first on Tribune Online.

Former England international, Eniola Aluko has maintained that the Super Eagles’ strike was not the main reason Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Recall that the national team decided to embark on strike two days before their crucial African playoff semifinal against Gabon, to force the hands of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, to pay their entitlement.

However, the team ended the dispute and went on to beat Gabon after extra time but suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoff final.

Aluko insisted that Nigerian players failed to deliver against the Leopards being the reason they will not be at the World Cup.

“We are not going to the Fifa World Cup because we lost to DR Congo. They were not good enough on the day,” Aluko said on ThePlayzone podcast. 

Aluko, who played her football for Chelsea, added, “I agree we should have won, but going on strike is not the reason we lost the game.

“But I think the timing was wrong. I agree if they agree to do that, they are not focusing one hundred percent on what they need to do.

“My point is to eliminate the chance for any player to do that, and when I say that I’m talking about the Federation and management.

“That’s an easy thing. Just pay people on time so they don’t have an excuse to say when they lose.”

While Lagos-born Eniola played her international football for England, earning over 100 caps, her brother, Sone Aluko, played for the Super Eagles.

2026 World Cup: Why Super Eagles failed to qualify – Ex-England star, Eniola Aluko

Manchester United have decided not to bring goalkeeper, Andre Onana back to Old Trafford this summer after the team secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Man United had sent Onana on loan to Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor following a series of poor displays.

The Red Devils, who signed the Cameroonian from Inter Milan, opted to sign Senne Lammens as his replacement.

But Onana’s loan with Trabzonspor is set to expire in the coming weeks, and the shot-stopper has already reportedly expressed a desire to return to the Premier League club and fight for his place.

However, according to ESPN, Man United has no plans to include the former Ajax star in the club’s squad.

The report added that United have already started working to find potential suitors to sign the 30-year-old.

Man Utd take decision on bringing Onana back after qualifying for Champions League

Manchester City playmaker, Phil Foden, has warned Arsenal that the Premier League title race could be decided on the final day.

Foden was speaking to Sky Sports, after putting in a man-of-the-match performance in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

The England midfielder provided the assists for Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush goals, as City went two goals up in the first half.

Savinho added the third after a jinking run from Rayan Cherki, to boost their goal difference.

“It’s a team game at the end of the day, if you want to win titles and trophies it’s about a full squad and everyone playing their part,” Foden said.

“The aim is to keep pushing and keep them on their toes. We’ve seen a lot of things can happen on the final day.

“I’ve experienced it many times when the game doesn’t go your way.”

 EPL: A lot can happen on the final day – Foden sends title warning to Arsenal