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  • Simeone: Lookman is different, better than Griezmann

    Simeone: Lookman is different, better than Griezmann

    Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has hailed the “different” qualities of Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian international marked his Atlético Madrid debut with a stunning strike.

    The former Atalanta star joined the Spanish giants in the final days of the January window and wasted no time making an impact during a 5-0 rout of Real Betis. Simeone believes the attacker offers a unique threat to his squad.

    Atlético Madrid had the likes of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann in attack before adding Ademola Lookman.

    Lookman showed off his talent by scoring a goal and helping set up another as Atlético beat Real Betis 5-0, securing a place in the semifinals.

    The Super Eagles player was always a threat during the game, displaying quickness, skill, and composure when playing near the opponent’s goal.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 states with highest FAAC allocation in 2025

    After the game, Simeone spoke about Lookman’s strengths, saying that his skill in one-on-one situations adds a special touch to Atlético’s attacking play.

    Diego Simeone told Europa Press, “His traits show clearly. He’s a type of player unlike any of the others on the team. He is better at handling one-on-one situations than working in team plays, even though he can do that too.”

     “That lets us use him in various positions,” he added. “We’re learning about each other step by step, and today he really positively helped the team.

    “The team sensed it, and I believe he was feeling good as well. Hopefully, we can help him become an even better player, and he can help us grow as a team,” Simeone concluded.

    Meanwhile, Lookman has set a new record after scoring his first goal on his debut for the club.

    According to OptaJose, Lookman became the first Atletico Madrid player to debut as a starter against a LaLiga opponent with a goal and an assist in any competition since the 2013/14 season.

  • Nwabali: I have no club to go to

    Nwabali: I have no club to go to

    Super Eagles No 1 goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has insisted he does not have a new club yet after he mutually terminated his contract with South African club Chippa United.

    “To be honest with you, I don’t have a club or a contract in front,” he told SABC Metrofm

    “It’s an agreement that both parties will feel like [at peace], we wish each other well, and I can look forward in my career.

    “I’ve been at this club for four years, it’s really nice working here, but we all really need to move forward as players or as a manager.

    “Football deals with happiness; my happiness comes first.”

    Nwabali has lost his place as Chippa United No 1 goalkeeper to Dumisani Msibi on return from the 2025 AFCON.

    Read Also: Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    Msibi has posted four clean sheets in as many league matches.

    However, the Super Eagles shot stopper said that is not what forced him out of the club with six months left on his contract.

    “No, it’s not like that. Before I went for AFCON, I was injured, let me say, from the [Orlando] Pirates game, and I was trying to fix myself for coming back strong for the team and also go to AFCON,” he explained.

    “So coming back from AFCON, it’s an understanding between me and the chairman [Siviwe Mpengesi] – you’re coming back from a bigger tournament and have been playing for one month, ok, you really meed to rest for like one or two games.

    “That was before the decision was made, and ever since I arrived at this club, we have been talking like father and son, understanding literally every day.

    “So, as I said, when I talked to him, yes, it was difficult to take that kind of decision, but he feels like it’s probably going to be best for me, which, like I said, I made this decision by myself.”

  • FULL LIST: Top 10 states with highest FAAC allocation in 2025

    FULL LIST: Top 10 states with highest FAAC allocation in 2025

    The 2025 ranking of the top 10 states by net Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) receipts underscores a familiar fiscal pattern. Oil-producing states and leading commercial hubs dominate the table, buoyed by multiple shared revenue streams and, for producing states, the added advantage of the 13 per cent derivation fund.

    In 2025, state allocations were shaped by key revenue components, including net statutory distribution, net Value Added Tax (VAT), the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and the 13 per cent derivation for oil-producing states. Taken together, these inflows favoured states with stronger production bases and higher levels of economic activity.

    Below are the top 10 states with the highest FAAC allocation in 2025

    1. Delta State — ₦649.67bn

    Delta led the 2025 FAAC table with ₦649.67 billion in net allocation. Its dominance was driven largely by oil receipts, particularly the 13 per cent derivation fund. Combined with statutory allocation and VAT inflows, the oil advantage cemented Delta’s position at the top.

    2. Rivers State — ₦526.30bn

    Rivers ranked second with ₦526.30 billion, reflecting a similar structural edge. As a major oil-producing state with a vibrant commercial base, Rivers benefited from derivation revenue alongside strong VAT performance generated by high transaction volumes.

    3. Lagos State — ₦514.56bn

    Lagos emerged as the highest-ranking non-oil state, posting ₦514.56 billion. Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre leveraged its vast consumption market and electronic payment ecosystem to record robust VAT and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) inflows.

    4. Akwa Ibom State — ₦494.23bn

    Akwa Ibom secured ₦494.23 billion, reinforcing its status among the top tier. Oil production and derivation earnings, backed by statutory and VAT components, sustained the state’s strong FAAC standing.

    5. Bayelsa State — ₦488.08bn

    Bayelsa received ₦488.08 billion, underscoring the weight of derivation revenue in the FAAC formula. Despite a relatively smaller population and market size, oil-linked inflows lifted the state above several larger counterparts.

    Read Also: 2,000 doctors shut out of housemanship yearly, MDCN tells Senate

    6. Kano State — ₦270.86bn

    Kano led the northern non-oil states with ₦270.86 billion. Its large population and commercial scale supported solid VAT receipts, strengthening its position among the top allocations.

    7. Oyo State — ₦213.75bn

    Oyo recorded ₦213.75 billion, reflecting the impact of population size, trade and consumer activity. Though without derivation benefits, the state’s economic base bolstered its share of statutory and VAT distributions.

    8. Anambra State — ₦199.88bn

    Anambra posted ₦199.88 billion, driven by sustained private-sector activity and transaction flows. While lacking oil derivation revenue, its commercial strength kept it competitive in the FAAC rankings.

    9. Borno State — ₦198.75bn

    Borno received ₦198.75 billion, highlighting the broader factors embedded in the allocation formula. Beyond oil output and commerce, fiscal considerations and statutory criteria shaped its final share.

    10. Ondo State — ₦198.42bn

    Ondo closed the top 10 with ₦198.42 billion. As an oil-producing state, derivation revenue enhanced its allocation, enabling it to compete favourably despite having a smaller consumer market than some peers.

  • Globacom donates ₦1bn to Lagos Security Trust Fund

    Globacom donates ₦1bn to Lagos Security Trust Fund

    Globacom has donated ₦1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to support security infrastructure in the state.

    The donation followed the company’s participation in the LSSTF Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with chief executives hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on January 30, 2026.

    Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, described the donation as a major boost to the Fund, which relies on voluntary contributions from corporate organisations to support security operations.

    Read Also: Globacom dismantling fetters to Nigeria’s digital future

    Ogunsan said the funds would be used to procure security equipment, including multipurpose helicopters and drones, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, digital communication equipment and Smart CCTV systems to enhance policing and rapid response across the state.

    A senior Globacom executive said the donation reflects the company’s belief that security is a shared responsibility necessary for economic growth and public safety.

    Globacom said the intervention aligns with its corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include support for disaster relief, education, youth development and digital inclusion.

  • Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    • …says Nigeria won 373 medals in 2025, backs unified funding framework under NSC

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set in motion a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s sports sector, directing key ministries and agencies of the Federal Government to reset sports funding and make the industry more economically viable.

    The President announced the plan on Friday evening in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, where he described sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands and a major tool for unity and global influence.

    The President said the reforms were anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which he described as a strategy to position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.

    He added that his administration would build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, active grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations, and hosting major international events in Nigeria.

    “Sports is our national asset and thus must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature and demands devoid of any bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he said.

    Tinubu pledged that the future of Nigerian sports would be “planned, properly funded, and competitive,” assuring that athletes would be supported early, prepared thoroughly, and celebrated proudly.

    “Nigeria will continue to win, with pride,” the President declared.

    “In 2025… scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud,” Tinubu wrote, citing the achievements of individual champions in athletics and other sports, Nigeria’s “winning female football and basketball teams,” and the Super Eagles who, despite finishing with a bronze medal at AFCON2025, “captured our hearts.”

    The President disclosed that Nigerian athletes recorded what he called an unprecedented 373 medals across all sports in 2025, stressing that the performances proved Nigeria’s capacity to excel when talent is supported with structure and preparation.

    “From grassroots competitions to continental and global stages, the evidence is clear that when talent is supported with structure and preparation, Nigeria delivers,” he said.

    Tinubu commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what he described as progress despite challenges, praising the commission’s leadership under its chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, for driving a reform agenda aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and “shared prosperity vision.”

    However, the President acknowledged longstanding issues that have undermined Nigeria’s sports development, particularly delays in funding and weak infrastructure investment.

    “For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” he said, adding that “no meaningful investment is made towards sports infrastructure development and maintenance that meets international benchmarks.”

    Tinubu declared that the cycle must end, announcing that he had approved and directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation to reset sports funding starting from the 2026 fiscal year.

    He said adequate provisions must be made annually in the national budget for sports infrastructure development, maintenance, sporting activities, programmes, events, and participation in international competitions.

    He further directed that all funds appropriated for sports must be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to.

    “Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” the President stated.

    As part of the reform, Tinubu said allocations for sporting activities currently spread across various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would be reviewed, restructured and streamlined, with savings transferred into a unified funding framework under the NSC to strengthen domestic programmes and international participation.

  • A diplomatic masterstroke: When the World prays with  ‘Mother of the Nation

    A diplomatic masterstroke: When the World prays with  ‘Mother of the Nation

    • By Hon. Durosinmi Meseko

    The hallowed halls of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, have witnessed many historic moments, but few have resonated with the profound diplomatic significance of the 74th National Prayer Breakfast. Amidst a gathering of global leaders, lawmakers, and spiritual icons, the spotlight fell unmistakably on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. 

    The impressive accolades showered upon her by President Donald Trump were not merely pleasantries; they represented a seismic shift in how the world’s most powerful democracy perceives the “Giant of Africa.”

    Only a few months ago, Nigeria found itself in a precarious diplomatic position, having been designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the U.S. government. However, the deliberate and public recognition of Senator Oluremi Tinubu by President Trump serves as a powerful diplomatic courtesy that effectively pivots this narrative.

    This recognition signals a thawing of tensions and a robust recalibration of bilateral relations between Nigeria and the USA. When the American presidency chooses to honor the First Lady of Nigeria on such a prestigious platform, it is a clear endorsement of the sovereignty and the emerging positive image of our great nation.

    Crucial to this international commendation is the global appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s uncompromising stance on security. 

    The world has watched closely as the administration moved to curb the activities of jihadists and armed bandits.

    Read Also: Kidnappers demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    The specific acknowledgment of the government’s swift and decisive actions following the tragic massacre in the Woro Community of Kwara State has not gone unnoticed. By tackling these security threats head-on, the President has demonstrated a commitment to protecting all citizens, a move that President Trump’s accolades have now validated as a victory for regional stability.

    For months, local and international naysayers have cast shadows of doubt over the bold “Shock Therapy” reforms of the Tinubu administration. Critics predicted gloom following the removal of subsidies and currency unification.

    However, the “Trump Endorsement” acts as a profound embarrassment to those who bet against Nigeria’s recovery. This high-level validation serves as a “Green Light” to the international financial community. The impact on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is expected to be immediate; when the U.S. signals confidence in the leadership of a nation, global capital inevitably follows.

    The accolades in Washington are the harvest of a seed planted over two decades ago.

    Since her days as the First Lady of Lagos State in 2000, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has been a consistent champion for the marginalized.

    Through the New Era Foundation, she revolutionized youth engagement. Her advocacy for the education and protection of the girl-child has become a global blueprint for social development.

    Her interventions have provided lifelines to thousands in underserved communities.

    Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), her philanthropy has reached new heights, touching the lives of widows, orphans, and the elderly across the 36 states. 

    Her presence at the National Prayer Breakfast—an event rooted in faith, prayer, and moral reflection—perfectly mirrors her life’s work: a blend of spiritual devotion and practical humanitarianism.

    This recognition has bestowed an unprecedented level of prestige on both Senator Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It reaffirms her status as a global stateswoman and a compassionate pillar of the Renewed Hope agenda.

    As she returns from Capitol Hill, she does so not just as the wife of the President, but as a symbol of a Nigeria that is respected, secure, and increasingly indispensable to the global community. The message is clear: Nigeria is back, and the world is taking note.

    • Hon. Durosinmi Meseko Deputy National Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC)
  • Gowon: Bible is a source of light, hope and truth

    Gowon: Bible is a source of light, hope and truth

    Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), has described the Bible as far more than a religious text, calling it “light in darkness, hope in despair and truth in confusion,” as The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) marked its 17th Founder’s Day Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

    Gowon spoke at the event, which also capped the Society’s 60th anniversary celebration and was themed Celebrating Impact and Building a Legacy of Hope.

    The ceremony drew prominent national leaders, church figures, captains of industry, scholars, development partners and supporters of the Bible Society. The Chairman of the occasion, former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was represented by a former Military Administrator, Lt Colonel Paul Edor Obi (rtd.).

    Gowon said the relevance of the Scriptures has never been more critical at a time the world is grappling with moral decline, conflict and erosion of values.

    “The Bible is not merely a book. It is light in darkness, hope in despair and truth in confusion,” he said, adding that national renewal begins with moral renewal, which starts with hearts transformed by the Word of God.

    He traced the journey of the Bible Society of Nigeria from its modest beginnings in 1966 to its growth into a national and global force, commending its efforts in translating the Scriptures into indigenous languages and making them accessible through print, audio, digital and Braille formats.

    Gowon also praised BSN’s literacy programmes, trauma healing initiatives and outreach to schools, prisons, security agencies and displaced communities, describing the organisation’s work as a significant contribution to nation-building.

    “These efforts speak not only to faith, but to nation-building,” he said.

    The former Head of State further commended the Founder’s Day Annual Lecture for sustaining thoughtful engagement on faith, leadership and societal transformation, stressing that ideas shape values, values shape actions and actions shape the future.

    He honoured the award recipients, describing them as living examples of faith expressed through service, integrity and generosity, and urged them to continue serving as lights in their respective fields.

    Read Also: Kidnappers demand N260m for abducted children in Edo

    Looking ahead, Gowon called for stronger partnerships, innovation and deeper youth engagement to secure the future of BSN. He also appealed for support for the proposed Bible House project, describing it as a legacy initiative that would serve future generations.

    “When we support the Bible Society, we are investing not just in an institution, but in the spiritual and moral foundation of our nation,” he said.

    In his remarks, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described BSN as one of the most consistent Christian organisations in the country, noting that CAN, established in 1976, has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Society.

    “Even though CAN was formed ten years after BSN, we have seen in BSN a very solid partner,” Okoh said. “If Christians in Nigeria are asked to present their testimonies, BSN will certainly be one of them.”

    He shared a personal account of how access to Braille Scriptures and audio Bibles sustained his family after his elder sister became visually impaired, describing BSN’s work as both impactful and deeply personal.

    Delivering the keynote lecture, Senior Pastor and Founder of The Covenant Nation Global, Pastor Poju Oyemade, described BSN as a quiet but powerful force shaping Nigeria’s moral conscience and civilisation.

    Using the biblical imagery of light and salt, Oyemade said while the work of the Church as light is visible, the work of salt in preserving society is often unseen but indispensable.

    “That invisible but powerful work is what the Bible Society of Nigeria has been doing for decades,” he said.

    He highlighted the importance of Bible translation into indigenous languages, noting that BSN has made the full Bible available in over 27 Nigerian languages, with New Testaments and portions in many others.

    He paid tribute to early pioneers such as Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and other translators whose work made it possible for Nigerians to encounter the Bible not as a distant foreign text, but as a living voice within their own cultures.

    “The power of translation cannot be overstated,” Oyemade said. “Scripture truly comes alive when it speaks the language, culture and worldview of the people. God Himself demonstrated this by coming to save humanity in human form.”

    According to him, translating the Bible into indigenous languages aligns with Christ’s command to “teach all nations,” explaining that the original meaning of “nations” refers to peoples, tribes and tongues, not a generic global audience.

    He noted that the democratization of access to Scripture has strengthened accountability within the Church, as believers can now personally examine the Word, just as the Berean Christians did in the Book of Acts.

    “Today, no leader can easily manipulate Scripture because the people also have access to the same texts,” he said, adding that this openness has helped prevent the kind of spiritual darkness that characterised periods when the Bible was restricted to a privileged few.

    Oyemade also commended BSN’s inclusive efforts, including the production of Braille Scriptures for the visually impaired and ongoing work on Nigerian Sign Language translations, stressing that access to Scripture must leave no one behind.

    Earlier, BSN General Secretary/CEO, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, welcomed guests and described the Founder’s Day celebration as a moment to reflect on lives touched, communities transformed and hope restored over 60 years of service.

    “Legacy is not built in a day. It is built through consistent acts of kindness, courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to a better future,” Sanusi said.

    Awards were presented to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh; Chairman of LAWNA Territory, Pastor Gabriel Uyeh; General Overseer of Love of Christ Chapel International Ministries, Prophet P. A. Olowoporoku; Chairman of Padua Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Engineer Paul Ajisafe; and Dr. Dare Ajiboye, former General Secretary of BSN and Business Manager of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria.

  • Eno charges Youths to shun narcotics, embrace productive ventures

    Eno charges Youths to shun narcotics, embrace productive ventures

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has charged youths across the country to shun narcotics and hard drugs, warning that drug abuse poses a grave threat to families, communities, and national development.

    He urged young people to take advantage of available opportunities and engage in productive ventures.

    The Governor gave the charge on Friday in Ikoyi, Lagos, during the public presentation of the book Kick The Habit, by Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang.

    Represented by Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Eno described drug abuse as a cross-generational menace that destroys lives, weakens families, and undermines societal progress.

    “Drug abuse is a challenge that touches families, communities, and every generation. It steals dreams, destroys lives, and weakens the foundations of our society,” the Governor said.

    He disclosed that his administration is working closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify the fight against illicit drugs, while sustaining advocacy and behavioural change campaigns through the State Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), religious, social and cultural organisations. He added that the State Government is also implementing various youth-focused development programmes to ensure positive engagement.

    Eno noted that books such as Kick The Habit play a critical role in combating substance abuse by educating the public on its dangers, prevention strategies, and the need for collective action.

    Commending the author, Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang, the Governor described the book as more than a literary work, calling it a powerful tool for awareness, advocacy, and behavioural change.

    Read Also: 14 things to know about late gospel music legend Ron Kenoly  

    “This book is not just a story; it is a tool for awareness, advocacy, and change. Through research, real-life experiences, and practical guidance, the author has provided a roadmap for individuals, families, and communities to understand and combat drug abuse,” he stated.

    The Governor called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth leaders, community leaders, and policymakers to move beyond awareness and actively apply the lessons contained in the book, stressing that a coordinated effort is required to curb the rising tide of substance abuse.

    “As we launch this book today, let us remember that awareness is the first step toward change. I encourage everyone here to read it, share its message, and act on its lessons. Together, we can build a society where our children and youths are safe, healthy, and empowered,” he added.

    Governor Eno congratulated Dr. Udoma-Eniang on what he described as a timely and impactful contribution to the fight against drug abuse, expressing hope that the book would spark meaningful conversations, inspire positive choices, and save lives.

    The book was presented by the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji. The event also featured the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), alongside representatives of the NDLEA and other relevant agencies.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Lagos Liaison), Mr. Michael Effiong, among others.

    Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development, public health advocacy, and policies aimed at building a drug-free society.

  • Food prices ease under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, markets urged to reflect gains

    Food prices ease under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, markets urged to reflect gains

    • By Gbenga Abiola

    The Tinubu Media Force has observed with keen interest the gradual easing of food prices across major markets nationwide, a development that underscores the growing impact of the economic and agricultural reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Key staples including rice, various strains of pepper, and poultry feed have recorded noticeable price reductions, signalling improved supply conditions and stabilising market dynamics.

    These improvements are clear indicators that President Tinubu’s policy direction is beginning to yield measurable results. Strategic interventions in agricultural production, import regulation, logistics efficiency, and market coordination have significantly reduced pressure on production inputs, particularly within the agricultural value chain.

    A clear example of this progress is the drastic reduction in the price of poultry feed across the country. Poultry feed constitutes one of the highest cost components in egg production, and its recent price drop should ordinarily result in a corresponding reduction in the price of eggs. 

    However, despite this significant decrease in input costs, the price of eggs has largely remained unchanged in many markets. This disconnect highlights a gap between policy gains and retail pricing behaviour, where relief achieved at the production level has yet to reach the average consumer.

    Despite these policy-driven gains, the Tinubu Media Force notes with concern that the benefits have not been fully transmitted to consumers at the retail end of the market. While prices were swiftly increased when costs surged, many local vendors and retailers have been slow to reflect the current downward trend, thereby weakening the intended impact of recent reforms.

    For the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu to translate into tangible relief for Nigerian households, pricing practices must be fair, responsive, and reflective of prevailing market conditions. When prices rise, Nigerians feel the impact immediately. When prices fall, relief should follow with the same urgency. We therefore call on market associations, retailers, and vendors to align their pricing structures with current realities in the national interest.

    The Tinubu Media Force reiterates that sustainable economic recovery is a shared responsibility. As food prices continue to stabilise under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, cooperation across the supply chain will ensure that Nigerians experience the true dividends of reform, affordable food, improved purchasing power, and renewed confidence in the economy.

    • Gbenga Abiola is the national coordinator of Tinubu Media Force (TMF). 
  • 2,000 doctors shut out of housemanship yearly, MDCN tells Senate

    2,000 doctors shut out of housemanship yearly, MDCN tells Senate

    About 2,000 newly qualified medical doctors in Nigeria are unable to secure housemanship placements every year due to limited capacity in the existing centralised system, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has told the Senate.

    The Registrar of the Council, Dr. Fatimah Kyari, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while defending the MDCN’s 2026 budget before the Senate Committee on Health.

    Kyari explained that although about 6,000 medical doctors graduate annually from accredited medical schools across the country, the current Centralised Housemanship System can only absorb 4,000, leaving a shortfall of 2,000 every year.

    “A total of about 6,000 medical doctors are produced annually from the various medical schools, while the Centralised Housemanship System in operation has capacity for 4,000 medical doctors,” she said.

    “As a way of accommodating the 6,000 at once yearly, there is need to include state and privately owned hospitals in the Centralised Housemanship System,” Kyari added.

    She stressed that expanding the scheme to cover state and private hospitals would not only ensure placement for all graduates but also help address the worsening brain drain in the health sector.

    According to her, the inability of young doctors to secure timely housemanship positions often pushes many to seek opportunities outside the country.

    Read Also: Nigerian doctors perform W/Africa’s first robotic gynaecological surgery

    Kyari also lamented poor funding of the council, revealing that no capital funds were released to MDCN from the N1.2 billion appropriated for capital projects in the 2025 fiscal year.

    She said that of the N100 million approved for overhead costs, only N37.5 million was released.

    However, she noted that the council received N13.859 billion out of the N16.8 billion earmarked for personnel costs in the same fiscal year.

    In his response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), assured the registrar that the committee would work to ensure adequate funding for the council to enable it carry out its statutory responsibilities effectively.