🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Oyo State approves N650 million grant for LAUTECH Iseyin Campus research farm
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Oyo State Government has approved a N650 million take-off grant for the Teaching and Research Farm at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH, Iseyin Campus. This grant is part of broader investments in infrastructure, ICT, healthcare, housing, and mobility support for the campus. Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy Bayo Lawal at the institution's 18th convocation ceremony, stated that the approval aims to elevate LAUTECH into a globally competitive center for innovation, research, and development. He emphasized that the campus's development aligns with the state's economic agenda, focusing on agriculture, food security, youth employment, and agribusiness. Makinde also highlighted the university's improved stability and uninterrupted academic calendars since the resolution of ownership issues. Prof Olu Aina, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission, recounted the diplomatic efforts that resolved the protracted ownership dispute between Oyo and Osun states over the institution. He urged graduates to prioritize character alongside their qualifications. Vice-Chancellor Prof Razaq Kalilu encouraged postgraduate graduands to continue seeking knowledge and striving for excellence, while Pro-Chancellor Prof Ayodeji Omole noted the university's sustained position as a leading state university despite operational challenges.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadR&B singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is facing murder charges in connection with the death and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. A US prosecutor stated on Thursday that child pornography was found on Burke's mobile phone. Burke, 21, faces a possible death penalty for the alleged murder and dismemberment of Hernandez, whose decomposing body was discovered in his Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Hernandez on April 23 last year to protect his burgeoning career, as she had threatened to expose their alleged sexual relationship. Her body was found in the front trunk of his car in September, shortly before her 15th birthday. At a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, prosecutor Beth Silverman revealed that a search of Burke's iPhone uncovered "a significant amount of child pornography," though no details were provided regarding the imagery or if it involved the deceased. The murder has garnered international attention, with some noting parallels to Burke's music, including his hit "Romantic Homicide." Burke was arrested a week ago after a seven-month investigation. An autopsy indicated Hernandez died from "multiple penetrating injuries," and illegal drugs and alcohol were found in her system. Burke has denied one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He remains in jail, with his case scheduled for Wednesday to negotiate a date for a preliminary hearing.
MTN Nigeria announced its compliance with a Nigerian Communications Commission NCC directive to compensate subscribers affected by service shortfalls from November, December, and January. The company stated that this decision highlights the regulator's commitment to consumer protection and places customers at the core of regulatory decisions. MTN Nigeria affirmed that all consumers in the affected areas will receive compensation according to the applicable framework. Beyond compensation, MTN Nigeria emphasized its long-term goal of enhancing service quality and minimizing network disruptions. The telecommunications company plans to accelerate capital expenditure to strengthen infrastructure, including upgrading network equipment, improving resilience against outages, and fostering closer collaboration with tower infrastructure partners. MTN Nigeria acknowledged challenges such as infrastructure constraints and external disruptions but reiterated its dedication to working with regulators and stakeholders to address these issues. The NCC has increased enforcement actions in the telecom sector as Nigeria aims to improve digital connectivity and service reliability amidst growing internet usage.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its support for the 1,028-kilometer Lagos–Abidjan Corridor project but has expressed new concerns regarding its design standards, funding structure, and the unequal distribution of the highway's length among participating West African countries. Minister of Works, David Umahi, conveyed this during a meeting with delegations from the ECOWAS Commission and the African Development Bank in Abuja. Umahi emphasized that while Nigeria is fully committed, critical issues require resolution at the Heads of State level before the project can advance. He noted that President Bola Tinubu fully backs infrastructure development. Umahi highlighted unresolved technical and political issues, including the unequal distribution of corridor length, which he believes can only be resolved by Heads of State. Nigeria's portion of the corridor is approximately 79.5 kilometers, which Umahi stated would be constructed to a significantly higher standard than the original ECOWAS proposal, using reinforced concrete and three lanes on each carriageway instead of the two-lane ECOWAS design. He also mentioned rejecting aspects of the ECOWAS design due to a lack of consultation and impractical elements, and that Nigeria is developing its own design blueprint. Umahi stressed that agreeing on a funding model is a major hurdle, warning against premature procurement without political consensus. Despite these concerns, Nigeria remains committed, viewing the project
The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has directed banks and other financial institutions to submit monthly reports on failed electronic transactions across various digital channels. This directive is part of new compliance measures outlined in its revised Guide to Charges, issued via a circular on April 21, 2026. Chief Compliance Officers and Heads of Information Technology are required to jointly submit electronic reports of all failed transactions from Automated Teller Machines ATM, Point of Sale PoS terminals, mobile, web, and other electronic channels. These reports are to be sent to designated CBN email addresses. The revised guide, effective May 1, 2026, replaces the 2020 version and aims to promote a safe financial system, encourage innovation, and expand financial inclusion through lower tariffs on micropayments. It also introduces broader accountability, mandating top management to ensure strict adherence and proper configuration of banking systems to apply only approved charges. The guide caps several banking charges, requires clear disclosure of fees, and allows customers to negotiate charges where applicable. Any new product or service not covered must receive prior written CBN approval. The new structure applies to a wide range of institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance banks, and mobile money operators. To enhance consumer protection, non-credit-related charges can only be applied if funds are available, and unpaid charges must be deferred without accr