The Transition Committee for seamless integration of the existing College of Health Sciences and Technology (CHST), Tsafe, into the newly established Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology (FUHST), Tsafe, has visited the college for a smooth transition.
A statement issued by the institution’s spokesperson, Jamilu Sani Tsafe, said that during the engagement, the acting provost, Jamilu Lawal, expressed the college’s commitment to collaborating with the committee to achieve a smooth transition.
The committee was formed by Governor Dauda Lawal in November 2025 with Professor Lawal S. Bilbis as chairman.
The panel’s responsibilities include ensuring the university’s smooth launch, overseeing the transfer of CHST’s facilities to become the permanent site of FUHST; and reviewing and verifying CHST student records for integration into appropriate university programs that meet NUC and JAMB standards.
The panel will also assess CHST staff qualifications and experience for potential absorption into the university, in line with NUC staffing requirements; and propose land for future university expansion and consider relocating the CHS.
Professor Bashir Kaka is the co-chair of the committee, with state commissioners and education officials as members.
The statement said the provost highlighted the institution’s evolution, noting that it began as the School of Health Technology in 2001, initially offering professional certificates and diplomas across five departments.
Over the years, it expanded its programs and student body, now accommodating 2,294 students and offering 25 courses, including certificates, National Diplomas, and Higher National Diplomas.
In 2014, it was upgraded to its current status as the College of Health Sciences and Technology.
In his remarks, Professor Bilbis explained that their visit was to assess the college’s facilities and resources.
He said the committee’s findings will guide recommendations to the government on how best to utilise these assets for the new university.
The meeting underscores a pivotal phase in the institution’s growth, aligning with broader educational advancements in the region.
The Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, conferred an honorary doctorate on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
The honour was bestowed on Saturday during the university’s joint maiden convocation at the University Convocation Arena in Aleru.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that Governor Lawal was selected and confirmed for the honorary doctorate by the university’s Senate.
He added that the maiden convocation commenced on Wednesday with a press briefing by the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Danshehu Bagudu Gwandangaji.
The statement read in parts: “On Saturday, Governor Dauda Lawal was conferred with an Honorary Degree by the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology.
“The university said the honour reflects its commitment to recognising individuals whose work has had a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
“The Kebbi State Varsity conferred on Governor Lawal the Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to societal development.
“The Senate highlighted Governor Lawal’s achievements in education, health, infrastructure, the economy, and workers’ welfare as major reasons for the honour.
“Such recognitions will make the governor put more effort into his resolve to make Zamfara State greater.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bagudu Danshehu, revealed that since its founding in 2005, the university has graduated 7,221 undergraduate students, along with 669 postgraduate students, between the 2010/2011 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
Governor Dauda Lawal has praised the Nigerian Army’s gallantry and dedication towards restoring peace and security to Zamfara state.
The governor disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the 2025 West Africa Social Activities organised by the One Brigade Command in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Works, Lawal Barau, Mr Lawal praised officers and soldiers of One Brigade for their gallantry and commitment under Operation Fansan Yamma.
He said, “His Excellency also extends sincere appreciation to the officers and soldiers of 1 Brigade, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, for their sustained sacrifices and commitment towards restoring peace, security and stability across Zamfara State.
“The Government and people of Zamfara State do not take these efforts for granted and remain grateful for your gallantry and dedication.
“As this event draws to a close, His Excellency reiterates the commitment of the Zamfara State Government to continued collaboration and support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, within available resources, in the collective pursuit of lasting peace and development in the State.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander of One Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, Brigadier General Mustapha Jimoh, said terrorist and banditry activities in Zamfara State have been reduced to the barest minimum, assuring residents of improved safety across the state.
He said sustained military operations under Operation Fansan Yamma have significantly improved security, enabling residents and commuters to travel freely within and outside Zamfara State without fear of attacks.
“I must let you know that the efforts of the military and other security agencies in Zamfara State, the terrorists and banditry activities in the state have reduced to the barest minimum,” he stated.
“You can all witness that you can travel from Funtua to Gusau, Gusau to Sokoto without any threat, so the level of insecurity in Zamfara State has reduced to the minimum, and we shall continue to do our best to see that we come to the end of these terrorist activities not only in Zamfara State but all the Northwestern states and the entire country.”
Jimoh reiterated that the improved security situation is the result of collaboration between the military, other security agencies, and the support of local communities.
The Zamfara State Government has completed the renovation of JB Yakubu Secretariat Complex in Gusau, the state capital.
It said the renovation of the final phase of the secretariat has been completed and furniture installation will be done within coming weeks.
This was revealed by the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, on Tuesday when he inspected the project consisting of Block C of the Complex.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work done by the contractor Sources Plus Nigeria Limited, a statement by the SSA Media in the SSG’s Office, Suleman Ahmad Tudu, said on Wednesday.
During the inspection, the SSG expressed confidence in the timeline, while urging the contractor to address some minor observations raised to ensure high-quality standards.
Recall that Governor Dauda Lawal has already commissioned the first and second phases of the project consisting of Blocks A and B, which are now fully operational with solar power and Wi-fi connectivity, enhancing service delivery to the people of the state.
The 30-year-old JB Yakubu Secretariat complex had languished without any major renovations, despite hosting many Ministries, Departments and Agencies until recently.
Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has prioritized the provision of modern office facilities for the state workforce, recognizing that a conducive environment is essential for productivity and effective service delivery.
Before now, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been regarded as a city where peace and security were supreme. Regrettably, two recent deaths that shook public confidence in the security of the FCT reveal that such a sense of assurance has been eroded increasingly. NICHOLAS KALU reports.
A capital losing its sense of safety
For years, Abuja has worn the image of a guarded capital, a city of wide roads, planned districts and visible security presence. It was often said to be one of Nigeria’s safest major cities; a place where order prevailed, and violence felt distant. But that sense of assurance has been steadily eroding, and recently, it collapsed under the weight of two disturbing deaths that shook public confidence and forced a difficult conversation about insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The victims were two professional women, a nurse and a lawyer, both navigating routine journeys within the city. Their deaths, initially believed to be linked by a common pattern of ceone-chan attacks, have since revealed a more troubling and complex reality. While one is still suspected to have fallen victim to commuter robbery, the other was kidnapped, tortured and killed despite ransom demands and police intervention.
The first victim, Chinemerem Pascalina Chukwumeziem, was a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi. According to reports, she had completed her duties and boarded a vehicle to return home, a familiar routine for thousands of healthcare workers who work long hours and commute late into the night. She never arrived.
Her body was later found by the roadside, sending shockwaves through the health sector and beyond. The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives condemned the killing, describing it as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by healthcare workers who must move around the city at odd hours to keep essential services running.
Although investigations are still on, the circumstances surrounding her death, particularly her disappearance after boarding a vehicle and the location where her body was found, have kept suspicion focused on “one-chance” criminal gangs, long notorious in Abuja for posing as legitimate commercial transport operators before attacking passengers.
Just days later, Abuja was plunged into further shock with the discovery of the body of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer, along the Kubwa Expressway. Chigbo was a former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch and a respected member of the legal community.
At first, the details appeared to fit the familiar “one-chance” pattern. Her bag was found some distance from her body, a sign often associated with attacks in which victims are robbed and dumped. Documents recovered at the scene suggested that she was a member of staff of the FCT High Court. Early reports and social media posts quickly grouped her death with that of the nurse, reinforcing fears of a resurgence of deadly commuter attacks in the capital.
In a detailed statement issued by Dr Maureen Chigbo, Publisher of Realnews Magazine and a former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, the family disclosed that Princess Nwamaka was abducted by kidnappers, not killed by one-chance operators.
According to the family’s account, the incident occurred on Monday, January 5 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory.
Before her abduction, the lawyer had been on a phone call with her sister, Anthonia. The call was briefly interrupted when Anthonia attended to a client. When she returned to the call, the line was still live, and she could hear her sister’s distressed cry before the phone suddenly went dead.
Repeated attempts to reach her were unsuccessful. When a call eventually connected, a male voice speaking in English and Hausa demanded three million naira and threatened that she would be killed if the money was not sent.
As the family tried to make sense of the situation, they made repeated calls to the number. During some of these attempts, they say they could hear Princess Nwamaka screaming in pain. In one of her final pleas, she reportedly told her family that she was dying and begged them to send the money. The phone then went silent and unreachable.
The family contacted the FCT Police Command and reached out to senior police officers, including the Inspector-General of Police. They were eventually linked to the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, the unit responsible for kidnapping cases in Abuja. According to the family, they were informed that the police were tracking the kidnappers and that the victim might be released once the ransom was secured.
Throughout Monday night, the family remained in contact with the police, holding on to the hope that Princess Nwamaka would be rescued alive.
By the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, hope began to fade. Later that day, the family was informed that a woman in critical condition had been found and taken to a specialist hospital in Abuja. When identification was requested, Maureen Chigbo immediately travelled from Lagos to Abuja.
At the hospital, she found her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary. According to the family, the lawyer had bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull, all signs of severe torture. The family later met with police authorities, who assured them that investigations were going on and that those responsible would be apprehended.
Princess Nwamaka’s death triggered renewed outrage within the legal community. She was described as a committed professional, an active member of the NBA, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the Global Association of Female Lawyers, as well as a deeply devoted Catholic with leadership roles in several religious groups.
The clarification surrounding her death has reshaped the conversation about insecurity in Abuja. What initially appeared to be a wave of “one-chance” killings is now understood to be a convergence of different but interconnected crimes, including commuter robbery, organised vehicle theft and kidnapping.
The danger lies in how easily these crimes blur into one another, creating confusion that criminals exploit and making response more difficult for law enforcement agencies.
Kubwa and a notorious red spot
Both deaths have drawn attention to Kubwa, one of Abuja’s busiest satellite towns and a major commuter hub linking the city centre to surrounding areas. Within Kubwa, residents frequently cite Jaji Street, located behind Kubwa Market in the Old Maitama Kubwa area, as a notorious hotspot for criminal activity.
Residents and traders say cars parked along Jaji Street often disappear within minutes. In 2025 alone, over 10 vehicles were reported stolen from the area, according to local accounts. Informal warnings circulate constantly, advising motorists to avoid parking there, while many residents believe the pattern of crime is widely known yet insufficiently addressed.
Security analysts warn that areas where property crime persists without disruption often evolve into breeding grounds for more violent offences, providing criminal networks with logistics, escape routes and confidence.
Just like Jaji Street in Kubwa, there are similar pockets of criminal activity quietly emerging across Abuja, areas that residents now recognise as no-go zones after certain hours. From poorly lit inner streets to informal parking stretches near markets, motor parks and residential clusters. These locations thrive on weak surveillance, slow emergency response and growing public fear.
As insecurity deepens, criminal groups appear to be adapting faster than law enforcement, identifying vulnerable spaces where cars can be stolen, victims attacked, or residents intimidated with little immediate consequence. What worries residents and security observers alike is that these hotspots often operate in plain sight, gradually becoming normalised as danger zones, suggesting a city struggling to contain the spread of organised street-level crime before it becomes entrenched.
A city under strain
Abuja’s rapid expansion has further complicated its security challenge. While central government districts remain heavily guarded, satellite towns such as Kubwa experience weaker patrol coverage, poor lighting, congested road networks and limited surveillance infrastructure.
As a result, everyday activities such as commuting from work, entering a vehicle or parking a car now carry a heightened sense of risk for residents.
The deaths of Chinemerem Pascalina Chukwumeziem and Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo should not be reduced to passing tragedies. One may have been killed by suspected “one-chance” operators and the other by kidnappers, but both deaths expose the same uncomfortable truth. Insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory has grown more complex, more daring and more deadly.
Until those realities are confronted with decisive and transparent action, Abuja’s residents will continue to move through the city with caution rather than confidence, hoping that an ordinary journey does not become their last.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and a Northern advocacy group, the Arewa Think Tank, have thrown their weight behind the Tax Reform Laws introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging residents, particularly youths, to embrace the reforms as a pathway to sustainable development.
The governor spoke through the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, who represented him at a sensitization summit organized by the Arewa Think Tank on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Speaking on the theme, “The Benefits of the Renewed Hope Tax Reform Laws,” Governor Sani explained that the reforms are designed to streamline Nigeria’s multiple revenue sources into nine clearly defined and harmonized revenue lines.
According to him, the initiative will simplify tax compliance, reduce confusion, and significantly improve the ease of doing business, especially for youth-led enterprises and small businesses.
Addressing youths from across Northern Nigeria, the governor underscored their critical role in the success of the reforms, describing them as entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, and community leaders whose understanding, compliance, and demand for accountability would determine the long-term impact of the tax policy.
“The summit is not merely about sensitisation; it is about empowerment and partnership. Tax reform must translate into tangible outcomes such as better roads, quality education, accessible healthcare, improved security, and expanded economic opportunities,” the governor said.
He noted that when citizens clearly see the link between taxes paid and development outcomes, public trust grows and voluntary compliance increases.
Governor Sani urged participants to use the platform to engage constructively, exchange ideas across states, and serve as ambassadors of responsible tax citizenship across the Northern region.
He also encouraged collective ownership of the development process, stressing that the workshop should deepen understanding and inspire collaboration among all stakeholders.
The governor reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to progressive tax reforms, youth inclusion, and inter-state collaboration aimed at strengthening governance and economic resilience in Northern Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to the Arewa Think Tank, its partners, and participants for choosing Kaduna State as host for the sensitization summit.
Earlier, the Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the Tax Reform Laws present a unique opportunity for Northern states to become more innovative, economically self-reliant, and competitive.
According to him, the reforms would particularly enable states to responsibly harness solid minerals and other natural resources to drive development.
Yakubu noted that the reforms would also promote creativity and meaningful engagement with the Federal Government and the National Assembly on constitutional amendments that support resource-based development.
He said the reforms hold “huge fortunes and prospects” that would benefit future generations if fully embraced.
The Arewa Think Tank called on Northern political, traditional, and opinion leaders to patriotically support the reforms, urging state governments to leverage them to diversify their economies, strengthen internally generated revenue, and invest in education, healthcare, agriculture, solid minerals, and infrastructure.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to standing with President Tinubu on the implementation of the Tax Reform Laws and pledged to intensify public sensitization on the importance of taxation for national development.
According to the group, tax reform should be seen not as a burden but as an investment in a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria.
Highlights of the event included a solidarity road show by youths who marched with placards bearing inscriptions such as: “On Tax We Stand with Nigeria’s Progress,” “We Stand with President Tinubu,” “Tax Is an Investment,” “Pay Tax, Build Nigeria,” “Tax Today, Better Tomorrow,” “Our Tax, Our Future,” and “Tax Is Progress,” among others.
The planned release of 70 suspected bandits on trial for their alleged involvement in banditry is aimed at consolidating the peace deal between communities affected by insecurity in 15 local government areas of the state and repentant bandits, the Katsina State government has explained.
It maintained that such tactics are adopted in war situations globally.
The government said the deal had led to the release of at least 1,000 persons held captive by the suspected bandits in various attacks.
On January 2, this year, a letter came to the open detailing the state government’s plan to secure the release of the suspected bandits facing criminal trials for their involvement in banditry related activities.
The letter, classified as “SECRET,” was issued by the Ministry of Justice and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Musa Abubakar.
In the letter, the state government, through the ministry, sought the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspected terrorists.
The letter, which was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, indicated that a list of 48 individuals accused of banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Justice ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
According to the letter, the planned release of the suspected terrorists was to facilitate “their release from detention, as one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between the frontline local governments and the bandits.”
The government also said while some of the suspects were standing trial before the Federal High Court,others remained in detention awaiting trial at various magistrates’ courts across the state.
Umar added that a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before various high courts across the state was submitted, seeking their release under the same peace arrangement, urging the state Chief Judge to take “necessary action” to that effect.
It was gathered that the request falls within the statutory powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Danmusa, said the government did not do any wrong, advising any one who felt displeased with the decision to seek legal redress.
There was calm but increased security in Kano State yesterday following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
There was, however, no official speech by the governor, his aides and the state government on the development.
A formal ceremony to herald his defection, which was initially scheduled for yesterday, also did not take place.
Yusuf was not in the Government House, where The Nation sighted some political aides removing NNPP’s flag at the main entrance. They hung the Nigerian Green –White- Green national flag in the place of NNPP’s.
The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also removed.
Some of the political aides were seen walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s famous freedom cap.
Tinubu’s freedom cap was first seen on the premises last Sunday at a function attended by Governor Yusuf and his exco members.
Many junior workers who were also spotted discussing in groups did not wear the Kwankwasiyya cap, which hitherto was a part of their dressing.
There was a heavy presence of armed security personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs) in parts of Kano, especially around the Government House.
An exco member, who did not want his name in print, told The Nation that the governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.
“We are no longer in NNPP. The most important thing about the defection to APC has been done, and others are still ongoing,” he said.
The Nation gathered that Yusuf would soon fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu on his defection.
Another government official revealed that the governor defected with all the state’s council chairmen and all NNPP House of Assembly members.
Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP, but has, for months, had open disagreement with Musa Kwankwanso, widely regarded as the leader of the party(NNPP).
It was also gathered that the governor’s decision to defect stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state, has vehemently disapproved the move by the governor. He insists Yusuf should relinquish his position if he must defect.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, parted ways because of rift over 2027 governorship poll.
A source said that the governor defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to realise his re-election bid.
According to the source, a major crisis has earlier broken out between the governor and the party leader because he was not prepared to back him for a second term.
He also explained that although Yusuf is Kwakwanso’s father-in-law, the governor has always alleged high-handedness.
The source said Yusuf decided to leave for the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he will automatically become the Kano APC leader and has a bright chance of flying the party’s ticket in 2027.
The source added: “The governor of Kano made up his mind to leave NNPP because his career would be sealed there in 2027. The deputy governor has been asked to prepare.
“The supporter of Yusuf believe that he has performed well to earn a second term ticket, which was being blocked. Kwakwanso and his successor, Abdullahi Ganduje, spent eight years. The governor has the support of the House of Assembly.”
He added: “Governor Yusuf is also joining the party in power to combine strength with the federal might to retain Kano. It is a major blow to the NNPP and its leader.”
The Kogi State Government yesterday expressed profound sorrow over the death of three All Progressives Congress leaders in the Confluence State.
They are: Onojah James Ignatius, Special Adviser to Governor Usman Ododo and former Chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area; Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; and Alih Atabo, APC Chairman of Anyigba Ward in Dekina Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Information and Communication Kingsley Femi Fanwo announced their demise in a tribute contained in statement released in Lokoja yesterday.
He spoke of the deceased dedication and service.
The statement reads: “These men served Kogi State and the All Progressives Congress with uncommon dedication, loyalty, and commitment. Hon. Onojah James Ignatius was a seasoned grassroots mobiliser and administrator whose passion for community development and good governance was evident in all his engagements.
“Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman discharged his duties with humility, diligence, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always placing the interest of the people above personal considerations.
“The Government and people of Kogi State have received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of three distinguished sons of the state: Hon. Onojah James Ignatius, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State and former Chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area; Hon. Jatto Onimisi Suleiman, Senior Special Assistant to the governor; and Alhaji Alih Atabo, APC Chairman of Anyigba Ward in Dekina Local Government Area.”
He added that the men served Kogi State and the APC with uncommon dedication, loyalty, and commitment.
According to him, Onojah James Ignatius was a seasoned grassroots mobiliser and administrator whose passion for community development and good governance was evident in all his engagements.
The commissioner did not however state the circumstances that led to their demise.
