Education
JAMB remits N6bn to FG coffers after conduct of 2024 UTME

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday said it has remitted over N6 billion to the federal government coffers as part of its operating surplus after the conduct of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Board disclosed that it has so far contributed over N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years under the watch of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.
The details of the remittances are contained in the Monday Bulletin of the Board made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.
According to the board, in 2024, it generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 and spent N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.
According to JAMB, 2024 represented a pivotal moment, marking a time to reap the rewards of the various innovations it had implemented.It noted that one area where the Board has demonstrated commendable courage over the years was in enhancing accountability, transparency, and openness in its financial practices, stressing that since 2017, it has consistently provided weekly income and expenditure reports for public scrutiny.
While looking ahead to 2025, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.
It stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the Board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.“From this amount, It expended N18,198,739,362.68 towards conducting examinations (UTME), paid service providers, and covering essential expenses, including staff claims amounting to N2,119,571,022.88.
“Upon assuming office, Professor Is-haq Oloyede’s management team prioritized financial responsibility. In line with government regulations, it remitted over N7 billion from its operational surplus during the first year.
“Additionally, management initiated a programme to give back to candidates by reducing the cost of its application documents by N1,500, a practice that has continued with subsequent remittances to the federal treasury.
“In 2024, the Board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government. When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the Board remains committed to maintaining accountability, transparency, and openness in all financial dealings.
“The Board will also continue to ensure equity and fairness for all candidates in the admission process, which remains its core mandate.”
The Board also highlighted various reforms instituted by the management of JAMB under the leadership of Prof. Oloyede over the years culminating in significant achievements and recognition in 2024.
It recalled that at a roundtable organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in January 2024, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, commended the Board and specifically highlighted Prof. Oloyede’s exemplary character, purposeful leadership, and prudent management of resources.
“This recognition was underscored by the Board’s remarkable contribution of N50 billion as an operating surplus to the national treasury over the past seven years,” it noted.
Also, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) shortly after rated JAMB highly in its performance index using its Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).
During an official visit to JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on March 19, 2024, BPSR Director-General Dr Dasuki Arabi praised the Board for its commitment to efficient service delivery and acknowledged Prof. Oloyede’s visionary leadership.
In response to the government’s confidence in JAMB, the Board was tasked with combating the prevalence of fake degrees and certificates in the country.
To enhance its efforts in this area, JAMB collaborated with relevant agencies, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In April 2024, this partnership was formalised to protect the integrity of tertiary education certificates, helping to identify fraudulent candidates seeking to participate in the NYSC scheme. (Nation)
Education
Minister of Education calls for scrapping of JSS, SSS and replacing it with a 12-year basic education model

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has called for the scrapping of all Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools in the country and the introduction of a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education.
The Minister proposed this while speaking at the 2025 National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, which was held in Abuja on Thursday, February 6. The meeting hosted the commissioners for education from the 36 states and the FCT, MDAs, and other development partners.
Alausa said phasing out the 6-3-3-4 model and introducing a 12-4 will reform education in Nigeria to align with ‘’global standards.”
Nigeria operates the 6–3–3–4 education system where a child enrols in school at age six and undergoes six years each of primary and secondary education, at the end of which they are expected to be aged 18.
Alausa said the government is seeking approval from the NCE to set 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions. He said subsuming secondary schools under basic education would provide uninterrupted learning until students turn 16.
The minister said a 12-year basic education system will ‘’reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic barriers.” He added that the move would ‘’standardise the curriculum and offer early vocational training to prepare students for higher education and employment.”
He said that if the policy is adopted, it will ‘’enhance economic and social development by equipping young people with relevant skills and reducing child labour.”
‘’“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardised curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation. This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.
Many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specialising at tertiary levels. This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness,” he said.
Education
Tinubu sacks Uni Abuja VC, overhauls leadership of federal varsities

President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.
The changes take effective immediately, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Thursday.
“At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Prof Aisha Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
“Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University.
“He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Sen. Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education,” said the statement.
To succeed Maikudi, Tinubu appointed Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.
She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.
The President has also removed Prof. Polycarp Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, before his tenure ends on Feb. 14.
Prof. Oguejiofu Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
“The leadership changes at UNN extends to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.
“President Tinubu appointed Engr Olubunmi Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
“Prof. Zubairu Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja,” said the statement.
Sen. Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Sen. Joy Emordi, while Stores is now a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Mr Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra.
“All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
“President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
“The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” concluded the statement.
Education
Tinubu appoints Awuzie substantive Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Chioma Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
Mr Chijioke Ibezimako, Public Relations Officer of the institution confirmed the appointment to NAN in Awka on Thursday.
Awuzie is a globally recognized scholar with a rich portfolio of research and publications.
Ibezimako said the appointment of Awuzie as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko took effect from February 5 for a five-year term.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Chioma Awuzie as the Polytechnic Rector.
“This follows the recommendation of the Institution’s Governing Council under the chairmanship of Sen. Dr Barnabas Gemade,” he said.
Awuzie holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry and Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology.
Until her appointment, Awuzie was the Director in charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Projects in the Polytechnic.
She has held several leadership positions in the institution, including Head of the Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development, Director of the Petroleum, Coal, and Renewable Energy Research Unit, and Director of International Higher Education Academic Organisations.
Awuzie had served as Coordinator, Technical, Vocational Education, and Training, TVET.
She was part of the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, which drafted the Renewable Energy Technology curriculum for Nigerian Polytechnics, currently in use.
-
Environment5 days ago
Ogun government seals petrol station for alleged underground water pollution
-
News2 days ago
Lagos Signs MoU With Summa Group To Construct Lekki-Epe Int’l Airport
-
News5 days ago
Nasarawa Polytechnic student arrested for hacking another student to death
-
News5 days ago
Troops kill ‘notorious bandit leader’ in Zamfara
-
Local News4 days ago
Police arrest man who allegedly killed his brother in Anambra
-
International3 days ago
Wreckage of plane missing in Alaska found on sea ice; all aboard dead
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Ogun Govt warns Portable against assault on officials
-
News4 days ago
Abductors of former NYSC DG, Gen Tsiga demand N250m ransom
-
News2 days ago
SARS remains dissolved- Police
-
News4 days ago
Police parade woman who conspired with neighbours to steal her cousin’s six-month-old baby for sale
-
Health3 days ago
Nigeria reports 41,000 diphtheria cases