News
No PDP Structure Has Defected to APC, Nasarawa Chapter Says
…Suspended Chieftain Speaking for Himself, Party Says; Ombugadu Remains Guber Candidate
From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has dismissed reports alleging that a faction of the party linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).The party, in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bako Labaran Musa, described the report as false and lacking official backing.
Musa said the individual reportedly linked to the publication, Sani Muhammed Keffi, no longer had the authority to speak on behalf of the PDP, alleging that he was suspended and removed from office by the party’s National Headquarters on June 2, 2026, over alleged anti-party activities.The PDP said Keffi’s views were personal and should not be regarded as the position of the party. It also denied the existence of factions within its Nasarawa chapter, insisting that the party remained united.
The party further reaffirmed the legitimacy of its candidates for the 2027 general elections, saying they emerged through processes conducted in line with its guidelines. It specifically identified Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election and said other candidates who emerged from its primaries remained valid nominees.
The PDP urged its members and the public to disregard reports suggesting that any Wike-aligned faction in the state had defected to the APC. The party said only statements issued by its recognised leadership through authorised officials should be regarded as its official position.
News
Kaduna Police to Hold Three-Day Youth Engagement Programme on Crime and Drug Abuse
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command will hold a three-day Police–Youth Engagement Programme from Thursday, August 20, to Saturday, August 22, 2026, as part of activities to mark International Youth Day and strengthen community efforts to prevent crime and promote peace.
The programme, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” will bring together police officers, youths, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the initiative was in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to deepen engagement between the police and young people.
According to the Command, activities will include a Walkathon/Peace Walk aimed at promoting unity, healthy living and responsible citizenship. A medical outreach will also provide basic healthcare services and health awareness to young people and community members.
The programme will conclude with a lecture and interactive session addressing crime prevention, cultism, drug abuse, political and digital thuggery, responsible social media use, youth participation in community policing and emerging security challenges.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, urged youths, community leaders and other stakeholders to participate actively in the programme. He called on participants to support efforts to promote peace, unity, responsible citizenship and a safer Kaduna State.
News
FUL Matriculates 900 Postgraduate Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Research
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has matriculated 900 postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ggenga Solomon Ibileye, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding postgraduate opportunities and strengthening its research culture. Ibileye made the commitment during the postgraduate matriculation ceremony held at the university’s permanent site in Lokoja.
The Vice-Chancellor said research remained central to the value of postgraduate education and stressed the university’s commitment to maintaining and improving its academic standards.
He said postgraduate students would undergo prescribed coursework and examinations, while their projects, theses and dissertations would be subjected to originality and similarity checks. According to him, students would also be required to defend research proposals, participate in internal seminars and submit their work to external examiners.
“These processes ensure that the certificate eventually conferred by the university is worth the years a candidate will spend earning it,” he said. Ibileye said the university currently offers postgraduate programmes at the Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy levels, covering both professional and academic disciplines.
He commended the Provost of the postgraduate college, Prof. Matthew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi, for his leadership and expressed confidence that the institution’s academic standards would continue to improve. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students and welcomed them to the postgraduate scholarly community of the university.
News
PAAU Vice-Chancellor Attends 37th CVCNU Annual General Assembly at Unilorin
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, is participating in the 37th Annual General Assembly Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).
According to a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the conference began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the University of Ilorin Auditorium.
The conference, themed “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,” brings together vice-chancellors and key stakeholders in the university system to discuss institutional challenges, policy innovation and strategies for strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
The statement said the conference was declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.Prof. Usman joined other university leaders and education stakeholders at the gathering, which provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exchange of ideas on strengthening university education in Nigeria.
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