By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Kogi State Government has said that the temporary closure of schools across the state was a preventive decision, taken on the basis of credible intelligence and the overriding need to put protective measures in place around schools to safeguard pupils, students, and teachers.

Speaking to newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, explained that the decision was not borne out of panic, but of responsibility, stressing that the government chose to act proactively rather than wait for avoidable incidents.

He said, “Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately deploy necessary modalities to ensure that schools resume academic activities as soon as it is safe, so as not to disrupt the state’s academic calendar.”

Fanwo commended the security agencies for their timely and actionable intelligence, noting that such cooperation underscores the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture.

He reassured the people of Kogi State that the government is fully on top of the situation, adding that security agencies are already working around the clock to identify, locate, and decisively deal with criminal hideouts.

“The safety of our children, teachers, and educational institutions remains non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education,” Fanwo said.

Meanwhile, a message from the Kogi State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Pastor Reuben Jimoh, to his members stated that the state government has decided to fast-track the midterm break into the emergency lockdown.

“The midterm break for school has been fast-forwarded and we shall be resuming back on 16/02/2026. ‎Therefore, there will be no school tomorrow until 16th/02/2026.

“No school should go against this adjustment,” Jimoh said.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulazeez Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They face a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

Justice Joyce Abdumalik presided over the arraignment, as reported by Channels Television.

The arraignment follows the recent grant of bail to the former minister, his wife, and son by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a separate, ongoing money laundering case.

The court proceedings will determine the next steps in this new case as the charges are heard.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the results of the 2025 External Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, made the announcement at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, outlining key statistics, performance highlights, and concerning trends in examination malpractice.

He said that sixteen subjects were examined and a total of 96,979 candidates registered for the examination.

This figure comprises 51,823 male candidates, representing 53.43 percent, and 45,156 female candidates, representing 46.56 percent.

He stated that 95,160 candidates eventually sat for the examination. Of this number, 93,425 candidates sat for English Language, out of which 73,167 candidates, representing 78.32 percent, obtained credit and above.

Similarly, 93,330 candidates sat for Mathematics, with 85,256 candidates, representing 91.35 percent, securing credit and above.

According to him, 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 percent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The Registrar further disclosed that 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 percent, recorded five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

He revealed that 9,016 candidates were booked for various forms of examination malpractice, indicating an increase of 31.7 percent compared to the 6,160 cases recorded in 2024.

Professor Wushishi also announced that five supervisors—two from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and one each from Kano, Adamawa, and Ondo States, were recommended for blacklisting for aiding and abetting examination malpractice.

In addition, four centres two from Niger State and one each from Yobe and Kano States found to have been involved in whole-centre malpractice were recommended for de-recognition.

Professor Wushishi reaffirmed NECO’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the national examination system and cautioned candidates and officials against engaging in malpractice.