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University of Ibadan Joins ASUU’s Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

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University of Ibadan Joins ASUU’s Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

The University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the union’s two-week nationwide warning strike, effectively shutting down all academic and administrative activities on campus.

Checks across the campus on Monday revealed that lecture halls and offices were locked, while the movement of students and vehicles was drastically reduced as the strike directive took full effect.

Students, who had been notified in advance, largely stayed indoors as the institution adjusted to the disruption.

Confirming the development, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, Chairman of ASUU’s UI chapter, said the strike commenced at midnight on Sunday and would continue until further notice from the national leadership.

“There is full compliance with the directive from our national body,” Afolabi stated. “The warning strike commenced at midnight on Sunday and will continue until we receive further instructions from the union.”

He added that the chapter’s monitoring team was touring faculties and departments to ensure total compliance, noting that “no academic or related activity is taking place on campus at the moment.”

The national body of ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities, citing the Federal Government’s failure to meet its long-standing demands.

ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the decision during a press briefing at the University of Abuja, stressing that the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue.

“It goes without saying that there is nothing sufficient on the ground to stop the implementation of ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike,” Piwuna said. “Consequently, all branches are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting.”

Israel To Deport Nigerian Involved In Gaza Aid Flotilla, Calls Mission ‘Publicity Stunt’

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Israel To Deport Nigerian Involved In Gaza Aid Flotilla, Calls Mission ‘Publicity Stunt’

Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has confirmed that a Nigerian national who participated in a recent Gaza-bound flotilla will be deported, describing the voyage as a “public relations stunt” rather than a genuine humanitarian mission.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Freeman said the flotilla’s organisers were not focused on providing relief to Palestinians but on tarnishing Israel’s image.

“Regarding the Nigerian, the Nigerian will be deported soon,” he stated. “He was part of this flotilla that was a publicity stunt. These people pretended to be bringing aid when the Pope himself intervened and said, ‘Please pass the aid to Israel, and Israel will guarantee it goes into Gaza.’ They refused.”

Freeman maintained that Israel remains open to facilitating the safe transfer of humanitarian supplies through official and verified channels.

“They’re not interested in transferring any aid,” he said. “When the flotilla was intercepted and we boarded the boats, there was virtually no aid on board whatsoever. This was all about selfies, a PR stunt, and trying to demonise Israel — nothing to do with helping the Palestinians.”

The ambassador added that hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian supplies currently enter Gaza daily through authorised routes to ensure assistance reaches civilians in need.

“Today, hundreds of trucks of aid are making their way into Gaza to reach the Palestinian people — not some PR stunt by people who’ve got nothing better to do,” he said.

The flotilla incident, which has drawn international attention, is the latest in a series of activist-led maritime attempts to breach the Gaza blockade. Israeli authorities insist such missions undermine legitimate humanitarian efforts and risk escalating tensions, even as they reaffirm continued cooperation with global partners to ensure aid delivery to Gaza.

Macron Rejects Resignation Calls, Vows To Lead France Through Political Turmoil

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Macron Rejects Resignation Calls, Vows To Lead France Through Political Turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed growing opposition calls for his resignation, pledging instead to stay in office and steer France through what analysts describe as its most severe political crisis in decades.

Speaking during a visit to Egypt on Monday, Macron reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional mandate and ensuring national stability, just days after reappointing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to lead his government.

“Never forget that the mandate given by the French people is to serve, to serve and serve,” Macron said. “To provide answers to the questions of everyday French people, and to do everything possible for the independence of France.”

The president, whose second and final term ends in 2027, dismissed speculation about an early exit from office, emphasizing that his focus remains on governance and unity.

“That is the only thing that matters. The rest is the government’s business… I will continue to ensure stability,” he stated.

Opposition figures have called for snap elections in response to weeks of political unrest and widespread public dissatisfaction. However, Macron’s comments from Cairo underscore his determination to complete his term and navigate France through its ongoing political and economic challenges.

Hamas Releases Final 13 Hostages, Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Deal

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Hamas Releases Final 13 Hostages, Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Deal

Hamas on Monday released the remaining 13 Israeli hostages, completing the handover of all 20 captives under a US-brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement aimed at ending two years of war in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the final transfer, hours after receiving the earlier group of seven hostages. The development triggered emotional celebrations in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where families and supporters waved flags and embraced as the names of the freed hostages were announced.

“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to the Reim military base to reunite with her son.

As part of the deal, Israel simultaneously released several Palestinian prisoners, with buses carrying them into Gaza on Monday. The truce, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough and a turning point in efforts to end hostilities.

Speaking in Jerusalem, President Trump described the moment as “a great day” and “a new beginning,” adding when asked about the status of the war, “Yes, it’s over.”

The coordinated exchange marks the most significant progress under the ceasefire agreement reached in Cairo last week, as world leaders prepare to convene a peace and reconstruction summit for Gaza.

Two years of conflict have left the enclave devastated, with widespread displacement and immense civilian suffering. Monday’s final release has renewed hope that a sustained peace may finally be within reach.

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off Tournament

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CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2026 World Cup African Play-Off Tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco will host the decisive African play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for November 2025.

The mini-tournament will decide which African nation claims the continent’s final qualifying spot for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In a statement signed by Samson Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, the body announced that the semi-finals will be played on 13 November 2025, with the final set for 16 November 2025.

Morocco, which will also host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, was chosen for its proven capacity to deliver high-profile international events.

The play-off will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, determined after the final round of group matches in mid-October 2025.

CAF also confirmed that the FIFA World Rankings of 23 October 2025 will be used to determine the seeding for the semi-final draw. According to the format, the highest-ranked team will face the fourth-ranked side, while the second-ranked team meets the third.

The two semi-final winners will advance to the final, where the victor will earn Africa’s last ticket to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026.

Competition for the slot is expected to be intense, with countries such as Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar among the potential contenders.

The winner of the Moroccan tournament will proceed to face an opponent from Asia, South America, Oceania, or CONCACAF, with the eventual victor booking Africa’s 10th and final place at the 2026 World Cup.

For many nations, the Moroccan play-off represents a final opportunity for redemption and glory, and a chance to secure their place on football’s grandest stage.

Falana Defends Workers’ Right to Unionise, Strike

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Falana Defends Workers’ Right to Unionise, Strike

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has reaffirmed that Nigerian workers have a constitutional and international right to unionise and embark on strike actions when necessary.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Falana described recent attempts to discredit labour unions as “legally baseless and morally irresponsible.”

Citing Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, he said workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are fully protected under the law.

Falana’s remarks follow a recent standoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour practices, which triggered a nationwide strike threat before government intervention.

“The two strikes were avoidable,” Falana said. “When workers are forced to strike over issues settled since the colonial era, the blame lies with the government.”

He stressed that unions have been part of Nigeria’s history since 1912 and dismissed claims that organised labour threatens national security or economic stability.

“What happened was that some workers were sacked and redeployed. By law, once you are a junior employee, you are automatically entitled to union representation,” he clarified.

Falana noted that strikes often occur because employers and the government fail to negotiate in good faith, adding that “strikes are the last resort when workers’ rights are disrespected—it’s not about sabotage, it’s about justice.”

Responding to claims that union leaders exploit their positions, he said: “I don’t know any union leader who is a billionaire. Unions like PENGASSAN and NUPENG are responsible bodies that only strike after exhausting all legal channels.”

He urged both government and employers to see unions as partners in national development, not enemies.

“To allow unionisation is to engage meaningfully with workers. They are stakeholders whose labour sustains the economy,” he said.

Falana concluded that labour rights are integral to Nigeria’s democracy and cannot be suppressed.

“It is too late in the day to say there should be no unions in Nigeria. Labour rights are not mere formalities—they are constitutional guarantees,” he declared.

Nigeria Tops Medal Table at 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship

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Nigeria Tops Medal Table at 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship

Team Nigeria has emerged overall winner at the 2025 Africa Para Badminton Championship, which concluded in Umuahia, Abia State.

Nigerian athletes dominated the competition, clinching 10 gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze medals, making a total of 36 medals across various categories.

Kenya placed second with 11 medals (4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze), while Egypt finished third with 8 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze). Benin Republic secured the fourth position with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, and the Democratic Republic of Congo ranked fifth with 1 gold and 2 bronze medals.

At the closing ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti commended the athletes, officials, and delegates for their outstanding performance. Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Otti praised the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) for their partnership and professionalism, noting that their collaboration contributed significantly to the success of the event.

The Director of Sports in Abia State, Mr. Obioma George, described the championship as the first of its kind, lauding Team Nigeria’s exceptional outing. He attributed the victory to Governor Otti’s support and commitment to sports development, adding that Abia has now earned recognition as the home of Para Badminton in Nigeria.

George highlighted a major milestone in the women’s wheelchair singles event, where a Nigerian player from Abia dethroned the reigning Egyptian world champion.

He further revealed that Abia State has been approved to host the tournament again in 2026, with the National Sports Commission endorsing the state as the permanent host of Para Badminton in Nigeria.

The two-week championship featured top Para Badminton athletes from 12 African countries, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship across all events.

INEC Pledges Inclusive Election for Persons With Disabilities in Anambra

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INEC Pledges Inclusive Election for Persons With Disabilities in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a disability-inclusive governorship election in Anambra State.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement on preparedness for a disability-inclusive election, held in Awka. The event, organised by TAF Africa, brought together representatives of the Police, Civil Defence, Civil Society Organisations, and the media to review provisions of the Electoral Act regarding the participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Dr. Agwu said the Commission is ensuring that persons with disabilities participate not only as voters but also as electoral officials in the forthcoming poll.

She revealed that all non-sensitive election materials have been deployed to local government areas across the state and that INEC will provide assistive tools such as Braille ballot guides for the visually impaired, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, and Form EC30E for voters with hearing impairments.

“There will be no hitches. We have alternative networks and backups that ensure a smooth process, and I am under no pressure to deliver for anybody,” Dr. Agwu stated.

The REC identified voter apathy as the greatest threat to the exercise and urged Anambra residents to turn out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice.

The Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, disclosed that the organisation will deploy 150 persons with disabilities as election observers and 25 sign language interpreters in areas with high numbers of hearing-impaired voters.

According to him, PWDs are entitled to priority voting, which allows them to cast their ballots as soon as they arrive at polling units.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, assured of adequate security, noting that personnel have been trained to give special attention to voters with disabilities.

“Restriction of movement during election is a security strategy, not a punishment. We advise voters to move closer to their polling areas before election day,” Ikenga said.

Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) representative, Mr. Edwin Okadigbo, said the command had activated a PWD Desk Office to protect persons with special needs from intimidation or discrimination during the election.

In his remarks, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra, commended INEC for its inclusive approach and urged the media to provide timely and accurate information to counter fake news and misinformation ahead of the polls.

FG Urges ASUU To End Strike, Says All Demands Have Been Met

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FG Urges ASUU To End Strike, Says All Demands Have Been Met

The Federal Government has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its ongoing two-week warning strike, insisting that it has met every one of the union’s demands and provided a formal counter-proposal.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the appeal on Monday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, stressing that there is no justification for the industrial action.

“We have addressed every single request by ASUU; there is no need for this strike, and we are pleading with them to go back to school,” Alausa said.

ASUU on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities, citing the government’s failure to fulfil its promises. The decision was announced by ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, during a press conference at the University of Abuja.

However, Alausa dismissed the claim, saying the Tinubu administration has demonstrated sincerity and commitment to addressing the union’s concerns.

“I can tell you today, literally all the demands of ASUU have been met. So I do not see any reason why ASUU has gone on this strike,” he stated.

According to him, the government has paid ₦50 billion in earned academic allowances and budgeted ₦683 billion for infrastructure in federal tertiary institutions in 2025 to rehabilitate hostels, lecture theatres, laboratories, and workshops.

He added that the government has also released funds for medical schools, academic staff training, and student support programmes, but alleged that delays in disbursement of needs-assessment funds were caused by ASUU’s insistence that the first tranche be paid only to the union.

“It is ASUU that is holding those disbursements,” Alausa said, urging the union to allow the funds to reach the institutions directly.

The minister further noted that most issues related to promotion arrears and third-party deductions have been addressed, while others fall under the purview of university governing councils.

He reaffirmed that the federal government will not pay the full backlog of salaries withheld during ASUU’s previous strike, as earlier agreements only covered partial payments.

Appealing directly to parents and students, Alausa said:

“We need to keep our children in school. This strike should not have gone on at all. I am pleading with ASUU again to shelve this strike.”

The two-week strike, according to ASUU, is intended as a warning to the government to address all outstanding issues or face a more extensive industrial action.

ASUU Declares Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

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ASUU Declares Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Sunday by ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, during a press conference at the University of Abuja.

Piwuna said the union had no choice but to proceed with the industrial action following the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 28, 2025, without any meaningful response to its demands.

“There has been no meaningful progress to prevent the union from moving forward with its planned industrial action,” he stated.

All ASUU branches nationwide have been directed to commence a total withdrawal of services from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025, in line with the resolution reached at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Background to the Strike

ASUU had, in its September ultimatum, decried the Federal Government’s neglect of the university system and failure to address lingering issues affecting the welfare of academics and funding of tertiary institutions.

“Both the federal and state governments have shown a consistent disregard for the education sector and the welfare of university academics,” the union said in its earlier statement.

Federal Government’s Response

In reaction, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, last week appealed to ASUU to shelve the planned strike, assuring that the government remained committed to addressing all outstanding issues.

He noted that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Tertiary Institutions Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted to fast-track dialogue with academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Alausa added that President Bola Tinubu had directed all efforts toward avoiding another disruption in the tertiary education calendar.

ASUU’s Position

However, ASUU dismissed the government’s appeal as belated, accusing it of poor communication and lack of urgency.

“The government waited until just two working days before the strike to appeal to us,” Piwuna said. “Our 2009 agreement, which has been under renegotiation for eight years, remains unresolved. The appeal has come a little too late.”

The two-week warning strike, ASUU said, is intended to push the government to act decisively on the unresolved issues or risk a full-scale industrial action.

Tinubu to Attend 2025 Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit

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Tinubu to Attend 2025 Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit

President Bola Tinubu will attend the 8th edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) as the Special Guest of Honour, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The summit is scheduled to hold from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja. The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Organised annually by NiDCOM, the NDIS serves as a platform to mobilise investment from Nigerians abroad into key sectors of the national economy.

Dabiri-Erewa said that since its inception in 2018, the summit has grown significantly, attracting diaspora investors, government officials, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to explore opportunities in sectors such as real estate, healthcare, agriculture, ICT, energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

She disclosed that the 2024 edition generated investment deals valued at ₦673 million across various sectors.

“The last edition welcomed over 1,500 participants, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials. About 56 investment pitches were presented, resulting in 168 deals worth ₦673 million,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

Speaking on the upcoming event, she confirmed that President Tinubu would again grace the occasion, alongside prominent business leaders, diaspora investors, policy advocates, and creative industry icons.

The 2025 summit will focus on “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment.”

Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the summit’s contribution to the local economy, noting that past editions have injected over ₦500 million into local businesses through services procured from SMEs and creatives.

“We are determined to build on this momentum and continue to spotlight key sectors such as finance and fintech, ICT, creative industries, sports and entertainment, agribusiness, healthcare, education, real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy,” she added.

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