• NDLEA, Education Ministry to begin drug tests for tertiary students
• Nurses and Midwives union maintains strike amid government talks
• Peter Obi donates over ₦650m to support education and welfare
• Naira closes week slightly weaker at ₦1,533.74/$
• Governor Fintiri donates 23 SUVs to boost judiciary in Adamawa

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

NDLEA, Education Ministry to begin drug tests for tertiary students

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Ministry of Education have formed a technical working group to implement compulsory drug tests for students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

According to NDLEA officials, the initiative is expected to commence at the start of the upcoming academic session, with planning already underway. Although academic calendars vary, many institutions will resume in September.

Data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) shows that over 800,000 students have been offered admission this year, making them potential candidates for the upcoming screening exercise.

Nurses and Midwives union maintains strike amid government talks

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) says its nationwide seven-day warning strike is still ongoing, contrary to reports of suspension.

The union announced it would meet today (Saturday) to assess the Federal Government’s promises following a meeting held on Friday.

NANNM-FHI spokesperson, Omomo Tibiebi, confirmed that despite the discussions with the minister, the strike, which began on Wednesday, remains active until further notice.

Peter Obi donates over ₦650m to support education and welfare

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has donated more than ₦650 million to educational and humanitarian initiatives across 11 Nigerian states since the start of the year.

Obi shared the updates on his verified X account, noting that the donations span states including Anambra, Ebonyi, Cross River, Enugu, Kaduna, Edo, Borno, Abuja, Abia, Plateau, and Imo. The support went to health, education, and poverty relief efforts.

He emphasized that investing in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation is vital for building a stronger and more sustainable nation for future generations.

Naira closes week slightly weaker at ₦1,533.74/$

The naira ended the trading week on a slightly weaker note, closing at ₦1,533.74 to the U.S. dollar on Friday, losing 19 kobo compared to Thursday’s rate of ₦1,533.55.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira showed minimal fluctuations throughout the week. It traded at ₦1,534.52 on Wednesday and ₦1,533.18 on Tuesday. The week had opened on Monday with a slight gain at ₦1,534.20.

Despite the small daily movements, the naira continues to experience pressure at the official market amid broader economic challenges.

Governor Fintiri donates 23 SUVs to boost judiciary in Adamawa

Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has handed over 23 brand new 2024 GS8 4WD SUVs to judicial officers as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s justice system.

In a post on X, the governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to building effective institutions and supporting a judiciary that delivers justice without fear or favour. “We remain focused on building institutions that work,” he stated.

During the handover at the Government House in Yola, Fintiri noted that the vehicles were provided to enhance the efficiency and performance of judicial officers and reaffirmed his dedication to their welfare.