NEWS
FG Issues “No Work, No Pay” Policy to Striking Doctors

The Federal Government says it will evoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy on members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for the number of days that they observed the nationwide industrial action.
Mr Ado Bako, the Assistant Director, Information Public Relations, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Report says that members of the association embarked on a seven-day warning strike on Monday to push home their demands on the Federal Government.
The demand is to secure the release of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted in December 2023, along with her husband and nephew.
Her husband was later released, while Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity.
According to Bako, the measure is in line with extant law and is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of medical professionals.
He added that the measure was to further ensure that essential healthcare services were not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.
He also said that the ministry was disappointed over NARD’s decision to embark on the seven-day warning strike.
He said NARD members disregarded all negotiations and plea attempts by the Federal Government to resolve the concerns.
Bako explained that the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had been working to ensure immediate and safe rescue of Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
“High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
“The ministry will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the safety, improve the welfare and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors.
“Significant strides have been made in recent negotiations, and government has demonstrated good faith by addressing many of the concerns highlighted by NARD.
“The ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike, in the midst of ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable.”
He, however, said that continued dialogue was the best approach to resolving outstanding issues.
He encouraged the doctors to return to the negotiation table so that stakeholders could collaboratively find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the nation’s healthcare sector.
Bako added that the ministry is open to constructive dialogue and committed to working with stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution. (NAN)
NEWS
2 policemen injured in fight against armed robbers in Kano
By Aminu Garko
Two Policemen, AbdullahiIbrahim and Yahaya Saidu, have sustained injuries during a fierce fight with a gang of armed robbers in Kano.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano, yesterday.
“The Kano State Police Command responded to a distress call on April 22, 2025, at about 1pm regarding an armed robbery syndicate led by a wanted notorious suspect, Halifa Baba-Beru of Gwammaja Quarters, Dala LGA.
“The gang was reportedly wielding dangerous weapons and attacking innocent people at Gwammaja Quarters in Dala LGA, Kano.
“Upon arrival, the police team was attacked by the hoodlums, leading to a fierce fight.
Two officers, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Yahaya Saidu, sustained injuries, ” Kiyawa said.He said that the principal suspect, Baba-Beru, also sustained serious injuries, adding that all the injured parties were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.
According to Kiyawa, the suspect died at the hospital while receiving treatment, just as the officers were treated and discharged.
He said that the command had launched an investigation into the incident and had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect’s accomplices.
Kiyawa said, “We assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served.
“The command commends the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the operation.
“We remain committed to protecting lives and property in Kano State and urge the citizens to continue supporting our efforts by providing valuable information and intelligence.
“The command appeals to the public to report any suspicious activities or information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect’s accomplices.” ( NAN)
Education
FG Releases ₦50bn to University Unions

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, ha announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This landmark development stands as yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
According to a statement by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folashade Boriowo on Wednesday, the move reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.
The statement quoted the minister as saying Minister as saying, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
” By prioritizing their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”
The Minister expresses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.
Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community.
The President reiterated that, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past—forever.”
The Minister has also pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, comparable to global standards.
“This announcement marks a significant step in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the Federal Government’s determination to make the Nigerian education sector a shining model for Africa and the world”, the statement added
Education
Earned allowances: FG releases N50bn to varsity unions

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, April 23, 2025 (NAN) Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by Director Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Alausa said that the money was for settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, this ‘landmark development’ stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure and human capital.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of our president’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youths and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” he said.
The minister expressed the president’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across the country’s federal institutions.
“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history.
“This is a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” he said.
Alausa pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education comparable to global standards.