Education
FG Approves Upgrade Of YABATECH To University Status
FG Approves Upgrade Of YABATECH To University Status
FG approves upgrade of YABATECH to University status. President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Dr. Alausa made the announcement on Friday during a working visit to the institution, where he addressed the management, staff, and students.
“The rector mentioned that the college community has been praying and fasting for this transformation. When I discussed the matter with President Tinubu, he swiftly approved it. We are now awaiting the official memo and necessary protocols,” Alausa said.
He praised YABATECH’s legacy, noting that with over 200 PhD holders among its staff, the institution is well-equipped to transition into a university.
Support for Technical and Vocational Education
The minister also commended the college’s management for maintaining its facilities despite their age and emphasized the federal government’s commitment to supporting technical and vocational education.
“We need more investments in technology and innovation, and the government will fully back you,” he assured.
Alausa highlighted the administration’s focus on technical education as a means to curb the Japa Syndrome—the mass emigration of skilled Nigerians abroad.
“We are prioritizing fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding. With the right skills, Nigerian youths can work for global companies remotely and earn foreign exchange, reducing the need to seek menial jobs overseas,” he explained.

YABATECH
Legislative Process for the Upgrade
The rector, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, reiterated YABATECH’s readiness to become a university, stating that the institution aims to be a center for technical and vocational education that drives innovation and addresses societal challenges.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Afolabi, urged the minister to support the school’s demands.
A bill formalizing the college’s new status and name is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval and presidential assent.
Economy
NNPC, SNEPCo, NCDMB Donate Geosciences Centre To UNILAG
NNPC, SNEPCo, NCDMB Donate Geosciences Centre To UNILAG
NNPC Limited, in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), commissioned and donated the newly built UNILAG Geosciences Centre of Excellence to the University on Friday.
Purposely built to strengthen geosciences education and research in Nigeria, the Centre was inaugurated by the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services Ltd. (NUIMS), Olanrewaju Igandan, alongside the Managing Director of SNEPCo, Ronald Adams; Director of Capacity Building (NCDMB), Abayomi Bamidele; Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule; and the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola.
The Centre boasts of a 250-seat auditorium, geoscience and instrumentation laboratories, a rock preparation workshop, hydrogeology, mineralogy, environmental geology, sedimentary and palaeoenvironmental sciences laboratories, a seismic interpretation room, a modern library, a digital museum, and collaborative spaces for students and researchers. It is also supported by a 600 kVA transformer, a 40 kVA solar power facility, and a field investigation coaster bus.

SNEPCo, NNPC
By connecting academia, industry, and government under one roof, the Centre provides Nigerian students and researchers with hands-on access to modern energy tools, reduces the oil and gas industry’s reliance on international markets for testing and training, and builds the in-country expertise Nigeria’s energy sector needs.
NNPC Limited remains committed to driving capacity building, supporting national development, and working with partners to secure a stronger energy future for Nigeria.
Crime
Anambra Police Arrest ‘Fake JAMB Coordinator’, Recover Exam Slips
Anambra Police Arrest ‘Fake JAMB Coordinator’, Recover Exam Slips
The Anambra police command says its operatives have arrested Eric Nwombu over alleged impersonation and unlawful possession of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination materials.
In a statement on Saturday, Tochukwu Ikenga, police spokesperson in Anambra, said the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, April 14, in Atani by operatives of the inspector-general of police’s safe school initiative in the state.
He said Nwombu was apprehended after he was reported to be collecting 2026 unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME) slips from candidates at a cybercafé.
Ikenga said items recovered from the suspect include eight UTME slips and an exercise book containing names and examination numbers of students, which he could not account for.
The police spokesperson said the suspect allegedly claimed to be a coordinator for the 2026 UTME in Atani when questioned by staff of the computer centre.
He added that the workers, dissatisfied with his explanation and suspicious of his activities, alerted police operatives in the area.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended,” the statement reads.
Ikenga said preliminary investigation has commenced, adding that the case would be transferred to the state criminal investigation department (SCID) in Awka.

Police Arrests
He said Ikioye Orutugu, the commissioner of police in Anambra, reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public examinations, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Education
Benue Links Driver Arrested Over Abduction Of UTME Candidates, Others
Benue Links Driver Arrested Over Abduction Of UTME Candidates, Others
Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the arrest of its driver involved in the night trip that led to the abduction of passengers, including UTME candidates, along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.
The company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, said the driver is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The bus, which was not authorised for the journey, was att@cked on Wednesday night at Ikobi while conveying passengers.
Out of the victims, two have escaped, while 13 remain in captivity.
Management revealed the driver violated company policy by embarking on a night journey without approval, documentation, or official record.

Benue Links
The General Manager, Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, described the incident as distressing and assured that efforts are ongoing with security agencies to rescue the remaining v¡ct¡ms.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, is leading operations to secure their release.
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