ASUU Declares Two-Week 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.
ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the decision at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, stating that all branches should withdraw their services from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The latest industrial action adds to the longstanding disputes between the union and the Federal Government over issues such as university funding, lecturers’ welfare, and the unresolved 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Atiku Slams Tinubu Over ‘Reckless’ Presidential Pardon
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s latest list of 175 pardoned individuals, describing it as a “reckless use of presidential powers.”
In a statement on Sunday, Atiku said Tinubu extended clemency to persons convicted of drug trafficking, murder, and corruption, “thereby undermining justice and emboldening criminality.”
He noted that 29.2 per cent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes and warned that “clemency must never be confused with complicity.”
FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows ‘No Work, No Pay’
The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its planned strike and embrace dialogue.
In a joint statement on Sunday, Ministers of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, assured the union that most of its demands had been addressed, including improved working conditions and allowances.
The statement warned that the government would implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy if the strike proceeds, while emphasising President Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the education sector.
Umahi Urges Southeast To Support Tinubu’s Second Term
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on Nigerians, particularly those from the Southeast, to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking in Abuja, Umahi said southern governors had agreed before the 2023 polls that the presidency should remain in the South for eight years.
He urged the Southeast to be patient, noting that the region’s turn would come after Tinubu’s tenure ends in 2031.
Tinubu Arrives Rome For Aqaba Process Meeting
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Sunday evening for the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting.
The summit will focus on tackling the escalating security crisis in West Africa.
Tinubu was received at Rome Fiumicino International Airport by senior Italian officials, Nigerian diplomats, and top aides around 7:20 p.m. local time.
NDLEA Arrests 52-Year-Old With 127 Wraps Of Cocaine
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for drug trafficking.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect, who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, excreted 127 wraps of cocaine after days under observation.
Ejiofor was intercepted on arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, via Ethiopian Airlines.
Nine Killed, Six Missing In Nasarawa Attack
No fewer than nine persons have been confirmed dead while six others remain missing after gunmen attacked Nindama village in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue the missing persons and track down the perpetrators of the assault, in which eight victims were reportedly gruesomely slaughtered.
Naira Hits Strongest Level Since 2024, Closes At ₦1,455/$
The naira strengthened further at the official foreign exchange market last week, appreciating by 0.72 per cent to close at ₦1,455.17 per dollar — its best level since December 2024.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the gain was driven by improved foreign exchange inflows from portfolio investors and diaspora remittances.
Dangote Cement Launches Operations In Ivory Coast
Dangote Cement has officially launched its operations in Attingué, located about 30 kilometres from Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
According to Managing Director Serge Gbotta, the plant’s opening marks a major milestone in the company’s expansion across West Africa.
The announcement was made at an event held at Novotel Abidjan-Marcory on Wednesday.
Nigerian Bartender Shot Dead In South Africa
Gunmen have shot dead a Nigerian man identified as Chimezie at a bar in Durban, South Africa.
Sources said the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday while the victim, who worked as a bartender, was attending to customers.
Local police have launched an investigation into the killing.
Nigerian Arrested In India For Cocaine Smuggling
A 30-year-old Nigerian, Nsude Chimaobi, has been arrested by Mumbai’s Anti-Narcotics Cell for possession of 523 grams of cocaine worth ₦5.23 crore.
According to The Free Press Journal, Chimaobi was arrested along with eight other suspects during a raid in Santacruz, India.
Presidency Confirms Wale Edun’s Illness, Cardoso To Lead IMF Delegation
The Presidency on Sunday confirmed that Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is indisposed.
Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, announced that Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso will now lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., starting Monday.
The delegation will also include Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Labour Party Rejects Alliance Talks, Says Obi Won’t Step Down
The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed speculation that its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, might step down for a political coalition or rival aspirant.
Speaking to Punch, LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, said forcing Obi to withdraw “will amount to betraying the hopes of millions of Nigerians.”
He urged Atiku Abubakar to “do the right thing” by supporting Obi’s candidacy in 2027.
Tinubu’s Aide Warns Jonathan Against Political Manipulation
Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Print Media, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against people “trying to destroy him.”
In an interview in Kano, Abdulaziz said there was no cause for concern if Jonathan decides to contest in 2027, adding that “his defeat as a sitting president shows he poses no political threat.”
Zidane Reaffirms Dream To Coach France National Team
French football legend Zinedine Zidane has reiterated his ambition to manage the France national team someday.
Speaking at an event organised by La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy, Zidane said, “I’m sure I’ll get back into coaching. What I want one day is to coach the national team.”
Zidane, who led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, remains one of the most sought-after coaches in world football.
Nigeria, Benin Suffer Key Suspensions Ahead Of WCQ Clash
Nigeria and Benin Republic will both be without key players when they meet in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Uyo.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr confirmed that Sessi d’Almeida and Yohan Roche will miss the game due to suspension, while Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman will also sit out after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite the setbacks, both teams expressed confidence in securing vital qualification points.