By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Awka, April 24, 2025 (NAN) The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) officially started on Thursday at multiple Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Awka, the capital of Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored activities at several centres in Awka and surrounding areas, observed that the examination was going on smoothly.

Some of the centres visited are the Integral Development Konsult(IDK) on Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, White House in Awka, Grafil Centre and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Others included St. John of God ICT Hub, Awka and Kachukwu Ventures Staff Development Center, behind Government House in Awka.

NAN also reports that the examination centres take candidates in three batches: 7.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m.

At the St. John of God ICT Hub, candidates described the process as smooth and free of any major hitches.

Miss Ifeoma Mbah, a candidate who took part in the examination, praised the officials at the centre and JAMB for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the exercise.

“This is my first time writing the UTME, and I’m really pleased. The computers functioned properly, everything was well-organised, and the calm atmosphere helped me concentrate. I did my best,” she said.

At the Grafil Centre, the examination was observed to be proceeding smoothly, with the exception of a few candidates who missed their scheduled time.

Michael Nnaji, a candidate, explained that he traveled from a distant town and faced transportation challenges, which caused him to arrive late at the centre.

“The exam had already started by the time I got here. I’m really hoping and praying that the officials will reschedule it for me,” he said.

Another candidate, Ezekiel Okpala, said this was his second time taking the UTME, and he remained hopeful about gaining university admission.

“This is my second attempt at the UTME. With the experience I’ve gained, I was able to handle the questions better.

“I”m very optimistic that I’ll pass and secure admission this time,” he said.

NAN reports that no fewer than two million candidates are expected to write the JAMB UTME, which commenced on April 24 and would end on May 5.

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were seen monitoring and securing the accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. 

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

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.