馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
FCT CBT centre reports smooth start for 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME began nationwide on Thursday, April 16, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across 966 accredited computer-based test centres until April 22. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB organized the examination in multiple daily sessions. At the Rosa Mystica Academy CBT centre in Byazhin, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, the morning session proceeded smoothly. Peter Idu, a biometric verification officer, reported that 236 out of 250 scheduled candidates were successfully screened for the 8:30 a.m. session without technical issues. Adeosun Olawola, the centre's supervisor, confirmed the exercise started on schedule and was well-coordinated, with no cases of misconduct due to early sensitization and strict entry checks. All technical and environmental systems, including cooling and computers, were functioning properly following extensive preparations. JAMB had finalized arrangements, advising candidates to print examination slips and deploying enhanced technological measures like biometric verification and real-time monitoring to curb malpractice. The board previously delisted 23 CBT centres and removed 11 officials for failing to meet standards after a mock UTME. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, charged officials to demonstrate diligence. The arrival time for the first session was adjusted from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., maintaining an 8:30 a.m. start time for thorough pre-examination proced
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE decision to suspend traffic stops following two fatal shootings within a week. The Department of Homeland Security DHS halted the practice after a Colombian man was shot dead in Maine on Monday and a Mexican man was killed in Texas last week. Trump stated on Truth Social that traffic stops are a crucial crime-fighting tool and should not be abandoned, urging ICE to be judicious and resume their work. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, confirmed a "pause" in traffic stops but maintained their effectiveness and anticipated their return. Rights groups identified the Maine victim as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, a delivery driver authorized to work in the United States. Colombian leader Gustavo Petro called Guerrero's killing a "murder of a Latin American Colombian at the hands of the US government." In the Texas incident, immigration authorities claimed Lorenzo Salgado, 52, attempted to run over an ICE agent, an account disputed by witnesses. ICE agents have faced backlash for aggressive tactics and previous shooting deaths of US citizens in Minneapolis.
Must ReadThe Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC had established reasonable suspicion that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The court found that Malami, his family members, and associated companies failed to disprove the EFCC's allegations regarding the legitimacy of the funds used for acquisition. The properties are located in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna states. This judgment follows an interim forfeiture order granted in January over 57 properties, with the EFCC alleging they were proceeds of unlawful activities valued at N212.8 billion. While 48 properties were ordered for final forfeiture, the interim forfeiture order for some others was discharged.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA has issued a flood advisory, indicating that 14 states face a medium flood risk between July 14 and July 20. Mr. Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, stated that this advisory is based on the agency's latest hydrological forecast, which predicts localized flooding along major river channels and identifies 16 high-risk monitoring stations. The states identified are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau. NIHSA warned that various local government areas and communities, including schools, health facilities, and markets, could be impacted without precautionary measures. Mohammed explained that the Annual Flood Outlook AFO provides flood predictions to aid disaster preparedness, response planning, and risk reduction. He urged state governments, emergency management agencies, and communities to enhance early warning systems, evacuation plans, and public awareness. Critical locations on the projected flood path include Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate, clear drainage channels, avoid flooded roads, and stay informed by NIHSA's forecasts. Emergency management agencies are also encouraged to pre-position relief materials and activate community-based early warning systems to mitigate flood impacts.