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On Wednesday, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund announced that its Student Loan Application System has been fully transitioned to a digital format, aiming to accelerate and streamline the loan processing experience for both students and educational institutions. “With this enhancement, all accredited schools must now apply for access to the SLAS to authenticate and submit student information concerning loan applications. This is an essential measure that guarantees the prompt processing and distribution of sanctioned student loans,” stated NELFUND through its Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi. The Fund further encouraged institutions yet to adopt this system to promptly send an access request to [email protected]. Once access is provided, schools will be equipped to track the progress of each application, confirm the information provided, and access a real-time overview of their students’ loan applications. “We call on all institutions to act swiftly for the benefit of their students, as the verification and submission of data by the schools are vital actions that must occur before final approval and loan distribution can be finalized,” the statement emphasized. President Bola Tinubu’s significant initiative in the education sector is the formation of the student loan program. Shortly after his inauguration as president, Tinubu enacted the Access to Higher Education Act, which establishes a legal framework for providing loans to underprivileged or low-income Nigerians, assisting them in covering their tuition fees in Nigerian higher education institutions. The law, refreshed, birthed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

In the wake of the reported 200 fatalities during a two-day rampage by alleged herders, a rising tide of Nigerians on social media is urging the Federal Government to impose a state of emergency in Benue State. Numerous individuals are drawing parallels between the silence surrounding the Benue massacre and the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alongside the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025. The situation in Rivers has been portrayed by Nigerians as a severe response to a political upheaval that has not led to any lives lost. Reports indicate that at least 45 individuals were confirmed dead in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, with community leaders asserting that the actual toll could exceed 200, including security personnel and entire families who were burned alive. As of Monday morning, President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency have not officially responded to the tragedy, despite the significant number of casualties, which has sparked considerable outrage on social media. “My thoughts are with the people of Benue. 200 is an immense number!!!!!! And yet the government hasn’t declared a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders despise Nigerians!” tweeted a user known as @1creeknation. Human rights advocate Rinu Oduala also chimed in. Using the handle @SavvyRinu, she remarked, “Zero deaths in Rivers State – state of emergency declared. Over 200 Nigerians brutally slain in Benue and other regions – no state of emergency. Tinubu, it’s time to resign. The harm you have caused is sufficient.” Multiple users expressed that the government’s reaction highlighted a preference for political control over human lives. “Israel and Iran are in conflict and haven’t recorded this many casualties yet. The President declared a state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructure was targeted but showed indifference toward the murder of people in Benue,” commented Kunle, tweeting as @Soulmedika. Another user, KHAN, with the username @khanofkhans11_, stated, “I anticipated a state of emergency and a heavy military presence at once. They should search every inch of the state and apprehend them. Yet, it’s merely ‘I have been briefed’ along with appeasing terrorists! Utter incompetence.” In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu expressed alarm over the killings and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to gather all stakeholders to quell the violence. Tinubu stated, “Political and community leaders in Benue State need to act judiciously and refrain from incendiary remarks that could further escalate tensions and bloodshed. Now is the time for Governor Alia to step up as a statesman and lead the dialogue and reconciliation process that will restore peace to Benue.”

Woli Arole, a Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor, has stirred up controversy online with his stern critique of women opting for surrogacy, even when they are fully capable of carrying a pregnancy.Arole described such choices as ill-advised and influenced by ‘wokeness’ and modern concepts that, in his view, undermine divine design, in a post shared on his Instagram account on Monday.He stated, ‘Pay attention. It is a privilege for a woman to nurture her child within her womb.’That’s the way God intended it. Don’t allow wokeness to lead you astray.’Unless for medical reasons, she should consider options like surrogacy, IVF, and others.’Arole criticized surrogacy as merely a matter of personal preference, yet he recognized the importance of assisted reproductive techniques in situations of infertility or medical concerns.He dismissed the notion that women can choose surrogacy strictly for convenience or personal freedom.’You can’t claim, ‘my body, my choice. I don’t wish to carry a child. I prefer surrogacy.’No!! Your body is a sanctuary of God!!’ Arole asserted.The comedian elaborated that the womb is a holy gift designed to fulfill a sacred purpose, not something to be avoided for lifestyle preferences.’Don’t let wokeness mislead you. Your body is a sanctuary of God.’Surrogacy isn’t simply an option you select!! There’s a reason God endowed you with a womb,’ Arole emphasized.Since then, his remarks have sparked reactions on social media, drawing both admiration and criticism for his views on women’s reproductive decisions and the broader conversation around bodily autonomy and evolving family structures.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, situated in Maitama, Abuja, granted bail on Monday to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, amounting to N2 billion. Emefiele faced charges in eight counts related to the purported unlawful acquisition of a housing estate comprised of 753 units. He was also alleged to have embezzled and managed billions of naira using proxy accounts. Reports indicated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Emefiele, under the reference CR/350/25, dated Friday, May 30, 2025, for conspiring with one Eric Ocheme, who is currently at large, to secure the property and associated funds. The contested property is located in the Lokogoma District of Abuja at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) represented the prosecution, whereas Matthew Bukka (SAN) led Emefiele’s defense team. At the proceedings’ commencement, Oyedepo informed the court of the planned arraignment on an eight-count charge. However, he acknowledged that the defense had recently submitted a motion to halt the trial. In response, Bukka contested the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that the charges did not directly connect the defendant to the alleged crimes. Referencing Supreme Court precedents, he argued that the defendant’s arraignment should wait until the jurisdictional issue was settled. Justice Yusuf Halilu remarked that it is common for criminal trials to begin despite preliminary objections. He stated that the defendant’s plea must be entered before any other motions could be evaluated. “This situation is not unprecedented. It has occurred in the past. There is a distinct difference between criminal and civil litigation. I cannot make any ruling until the defendant enters his plea,” Justice Halilu decreed. The charges were then presented to Emefiele, who pleaded not guilty to all eight counts, including the unlawful acquisition of property and the management of substantial sums believed to be proceeds of illegal activities. After the plea, Oyedepo called for an expedited trial, referencing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. He also requested that the court keep the defendant in custody. In reply, Bukka emphasized a bail application he had filed on June 13, noting that this was the fourth criminal charge against Emefiele by the Federal Government. He urged the court to consider granting bail on similar terms to those previously provided in other cases, asserting that Emefiele had consistently adhered to bail conditions. While Oyedepo did not oppose bail, he called for more stringent conditions given the gravity of the charges. In his ruling, Justice Halilu affirmed that the constitution presumes every accused individual is innocent until proven otherwise. He recognized that Emefiele had complied with prior bail conditions and conceded bail, stipulating that the defendant must submit his travel documents to the court. “He must present two sureties who reside in Abuja and own real estate valued at N2 billion within the court’s jurisdiction, specifically in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, or Life Camp. “In the event of bail jumping, the properties would be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” held Justice Halilu. Bukka then requested that Emefiele be entrusted to his legal representatives until bail terms were finalized. Oyedepo opposed this, labeling the request as a covert attempt to modify the bail conditions. Justice Halilu approved Bukka’s request, ruling that if the bail conditions were not satisfied by the subsequent Wednesday, Emefiele would be remanded in custody. The case was adjourned to July 11, 2025, for further proceedings.

Iran said early Wednesday it fired hypersonic missiles at Israel in the latest round of overnight strikes between the archfoes, hours after Donald Trump demanded the Islamic republic’s “unconditional surrender”. The US president insists Washington has played no part in ally Israel’s bombing campaign, but also warned Iran his patience is wearing thin as the conflict enters a sixth day. Israeli warplanes targeted the Iranian capital before dawn Wednesday after the military issued a warning for civilians to leave one district for their safety. The Israeli military later said it struck weapons manufacturing sites and a facility used to make…

Real Madrid may be without striker Kylian Mbappe for their opening match in the Club World Cup against Al Hilal, a team from the Saudi Pro League, as the French player missed training due to illness. New head coach Xabi Alonso will be making his debut on the Real bench for the Group H match at Hard Rock Stadium and could potentially be missing several key players. Defender Antonio Rudiger and the versatile Eduardo Camavinga are also expected to be unavailable for the match against the Saudi side. “Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not sufficiently. The…

Champions Liverpool will commence the 2025/26 Premier League season with a Friday night clash against Bournemouth at Anfield. One of the highlight matches of the opening weekend will feature Manchester United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. The fixture list published on Wednesday confirmed that the reigning champions will play at home on Friday, August 15, officially starting the 2025–26 campaign. Newly promoted Sunderland will return to top-flight football for the first time since the 2016/17 season as they take on West Ham United at home on Saturday. Other newcomers, Leeds United and Burnley, will face tough challenges against…

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on Wednesday that his country would show no mercy towards Israel’s rulers, hours after US President Donald Trump demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender”. “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,” Khamenei posted on X. Israel last week launched an unprecedented bombing campaign hitting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, as well as residential areas. Iran has responded by launching missiles and drones, and early Wednesday said it had fired hypersonic missiles at Israel. On Tuesday, Trump demanded the Islamic republic’s “unconditional surrender” and boasted…

The Gambian Government says it will partner with the Kebbi Government to adopt the state’s agricultural strategies to attain self-sufficiency in rice production. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a high-powered delegation of agricultural experts from Gambia was in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday for a study tour to Nigeria. NAN also reports that the team leader, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security of the Gambia, Mr Alhagie Nyangado, led other members of the entourage on a courtesy visit to Gov. Nasir Idris at Government House, Birnin Kebbi. Nyangado expressed delight that…