
The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has criticized Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH for suspending students involved in a peaceful protest. The protest concerned the relocation of the Anatomy and Physiology Departments from the College of Health Sciences to the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences. NANS, in a statement signed by Public Relations Officer Olugbemi Timothy, General Secretary Ojetola Babatunde, and Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah, stated that while it does not condone law and order breakdown, it finds it unfair that students raising legitimate concerns are being punished instead of engaged constructively. The association lamented that the institution chose a punitive path rather than addressing the underlying issues. NANS views the four-semester suspensions as excessive and inconsistent with fair hearing principles. The association also highlighted the prolonged suspension of the Students’ Union Government in LAUTECH, which it believes has widened the communication gap between management and students. NANS demands an immediate review and reversal of the suspensions, open dialogue between the university management and students, and a clear roadmap for restoring the Students' Union Government. To demonstrate its commitment, NANS South-West plans to lead a delegation to LAUTECH on Monday, June 8, 2026, for a peaceful protest and to engage with university management and stakeholders.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

The contest for the Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives has intensified as acting minority leader George Ozodinobi rejected Ikenga Ugochinyere's aspiration, calling it "a joke taken too far." This follows reports that 61 lawmakers endorsed Ugochinyere for the position after Kingsley Chinda resigned to pursue the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket for Rivers State in 2027. Ozodinobi, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, argued that parliamentary tradition does not support a first-term lawmaker holding a principal office. Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, disowned his signature on Ugochinyere's nomination documents, stating it was used without his authorization for a purpose different from what he agreed to. Agbese claimed he signed a document related to equitable distribution of principal offices among minority parties, not an endorsement for Ugochinyere. He described the use of his signature as a "gross misrepresentation and a clear case of forgery" and has reported the matter to authorities for investigation. This dispute highlights growing divisions within the minority caucus regarding the selection of a new Minority Leader.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, national teams have showcased creative preparations, including unique photoshoots and dramatic departures. Norway marked its return with a Viking-themed photoshoot featuring Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Brazil's team aircraft received a traditional water cannon blessing at Galeão International Airport. Turkey's team journeyed to the airport in Istanbul with a convoy of over 100 vehicles. Japan was welcomed in Mexico with cowboy hats from fans. Senegal held a farewell dinner at Stade Abdoulaye Wade. Argentina's plane, carrying Lionel Messi, featured his number 10 and three gold stars. South Africa's Bafana Bafana received the national flag from President Cyril Ramaphosa at a send-off dinner. Co-host Mexico released a traditional squad portrait. France's President Emmanuel Macron met with Kylian Mbappé and the Les Bleus squad before their departure. England, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, arrived in Florida for their pre-tournament camp.

Households and businesses in Abuja are increasingly adopting traditional fuels like charcoal and firewood due to a sharp rise in cooking gas prices. The cost of cooking gas in the Federal Capital Territory has escalated from approximately N1,200 per kg to N2,000 per kg in recent months. Industry operators attribute this increase to supply shortages, higher depot costs, foreign exchange pressures, and rising transportation expenses. Consumers and vendors, including food vendors like Mrs. Mayo Akinpelu and Ms. Victory Samson, report that the soaring prices have made cooking gas unaffordable, impacting profit margins and forcing them to seek cheaper alternatives. Mrs. Grace Oluwatimilehin, a business owner, now uses electric hot plates, charcoal, and firewood. Mrs. Abike Ojo, a mother, expressed concern about the pressure on her household budget. Gas vendors, Mr. Bamishile Bolanle and Mr. Alfred Orshio, confirmed the price increase and noted a decline in customer patronage and purchasing power. Conversely, charcoal distributors like Mrs. Amina Yakubu and Mrs. Saratu Ibrahim, along with firewood seller Mr. Taninu Ibrahim, have seen a significant increase in demand for their products, leading to higher prices for these alternatives as well. Stakeholders are calling for government intervention to stabilize prices, warning that continued scarcity and reduced purchasing power could further decrease gas consumption.