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Behind the Scene: Why NAHCON Boss Resigned

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Facts have beginning to emerge on why Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON), resigned from his position.

Since assuming office, Professor Usman was embroiled in a series of controversies ranging from questions over his competence and allegations of nepotism to concerns about his limited grasp of the administrative demands required to effectively manage Nigeria’s Hajj operations.

Investigations revealed that the final straw was a petition jointly written by all members of the NAHCON board, outlining serious concerns over his leadership. The petition was forwarded to the Presidency for action.

Sources further disclosed that the President was particularly displeased after being briefed on the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 50,000 pilgrims, a development believed to have negatively impacted intending pilgrims nationwide.

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In addition, reports from intelligence agencies and an ongoing financial investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were said to have compounded the situation, ultimately weakening the chairman’s position.

However, other sources disclosed that the decision was taken personally by Prof. Saleh after deep reflection, stressing that the move was not prompted by the board or external pressure, but by his desire to step aside at this time.

The sources further explained that Prof. Saleh chose to resign to allow the Commission remain focused on its core mandate as preparations intensify for upcoming Hajj operations. They added that he remains committed to cooperating with relevant authorities and believes his exit will help shield the institution from distractions, while arrangements are underway to ensure continuity at NAHCON.

Mr Usman, a professor, was appointed chairman of NAHCON by President Bola Tinubu in 2024. He oversaw his first Hajj operations in 2025, marking his debut in managing Nigeria’s Hajj affairs at the national level.

He was appointed in 2024 to replace Jalal Arabi, who was sacked by President Bola Tinubu. At the time he was removed, Mr Arabi was being investigated for allegedly misappropriating funds released by the federal government for the 2024 Islamic pilgrimage.

Despite the denial of the latter sources agreeing to the former sources Prof. Sale’s relatively short tenure was marked by a series of controversies that generated tension within the commission. Central to the disputes were allegations of financial mismanagement and misappropriation of funds during the 2025 Hajj exercise—claims that heightened internal disagreements and drew public attention to the commission.

The situation prompted the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who convened a meeting with key stakeholders approximately two weeks ago in an attempt to reconcile aggrieved parties and restore stability within NAHCON.

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JAMB Arrests Two, Parent over Result Falsification

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced the arrest of two candidates and a parent for falsifying 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results using Artificial Intelligence and other electronic tools.

The disclosure came as the board released scores for 632,788 candidates who sat the examination on Thursday, April 16.

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JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, said the suspects were apprehended for manipulating official SMS result notifications to fabricate or alter scores with the intent to deceive others, including parents and guardians.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement read.

Benjamin warned that such conduct constituted a serious criminal offence and that the board would pursue all culpable persons to the full extent of the law.

He also cautioned candidates against tampering with result messages from JAMB’s official SMS platforms, 55019 and 66019.

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Group asks Governor Yusuf to appoint Ganduje’s daughter as Kano Deputy Governor

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A group has called on the Governor of Kano State to appoint the daughter of former Governor of Kano, Dr. Asiya Balaraba Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Deputy Governor.

The group, known as Haɗin Kan Jam’iyyar APC ‘Yan Dangole from Kano State, expressed its support for Dr. Asiya Ganduje to become the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

According to the group, Dr. Asiya Ganduje is a woman committed to serving the people, especially the youth, through various programs that have improved their lives.

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They stated that she has demonstrated competence and dedication in politics, contributing to opportunities for youth and women in areas such as education, skills acquisition, and self-reliance.

The group also emphasized that Dr. Asiya Ganduje possesses compassion and vision for improving the lives of citizens, while encouraging women to participate in politics and economic activities.

Furthermore, they praised her cooperative character and loyalty to party principles, saying this has made her a role model for women and youth.

In conclusion, the group declared that her appointment as Deputy Governor would help bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the people of Kano State.

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UTME 2026: JAMB to Release Day 1 Exam Results Today Before Midnight

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the results of all candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, will be released on Friday, April 17.

Spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, announced this in a post on X, noting that an announcement would be made when the results are available.

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“This is to inform all candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16th April 2026, that their results will be released today before midnight. An official announcement will be made to the public and posted on this page as soon as the results are available. Thank you,” he wrote.

Scheduled to run through April 22, the examination is structured into four daily sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., a framework designed to manage the large volume of candidates and reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

This year, nearly 2.2 million candidates are participating across 966 accredited centres, each expected to meet operational benchmarks such as functional computer systems, stable internet connectivity and electricity as well as adequately trained personnel.

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