• FG debunks rumors of switching to 12-year basic model
• NNPCL confirms there was no explosion at the Warri Refinery
• FG education officers lament a sense of promotion
• State Assembly proposes paternity leave for male workers
• Nigeria and 78 other countries show support for ICC as Trump imposes sanctions on ICC

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

FG debunks rumors of switching to 12-year basic model

The Ministry of Education has clarified that Minister Tunji Alausa has merely proposed introducing a 12-year basic education system, but the claims of an immediate policy change are false.

Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, emphasised that the National Council on Education will review the proposal before any final decision is reached. 

“A significant part of this proposal aims to remove the examination barrier between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS), enabling students to advance smoothly without external assessments at that level. However, this is still subject to further consultation and discussion.”

NNPCL confirms there was no explosion at the Warri Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed no explosion at the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). 

In a statement, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Mr Olufemi Soneye emphasised that any reports of the explosion are false. He also mentioned that routine maintenance activities are occurring at the facility. 

“NNPC Ltd wants to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any claims suggesting otherwise are completely unfounded,” the statement read.

FG education officers lament a sense of promotion

Education officials have raised concerns about the absence of promotions within the Federal Ministry of Education.

Despite fulfilling the requirements, they indicated that many have not experienced promotions for more than six years.

This situation has resulted in decreased motivation, lower productivity, and a downturn in academic performance.

The affected staff members have called President Bola Tinubu to seek a Special Presidential Waiver to establish more promotion opportunities.

State Assembly proposes paternity leave for male workers 

An Oyo State House of Assembly member has suggested implementing paternity leave for male employees. 

This initiative strengthens family connections and allows fathers to provide extra care for the newborn and their partners. 

Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, who represents the Oyo East/West State Constituency, presented the motion, stressing that a newborn thrives on a strong relationship with their caregivers. He claimed fathers could be crucial in supporting their partners during the recovery phase following childbirth.

Nigeria and 78 other countries show support for ICC as Trump imposes sanctions on ICC

Trump condemned the world’s international war crimes court, labelling its actions against the U.S. and its ally Israel as “illegitimate and baseless.”

In response, he enacted financial and visa sanctions on individuals and their families who supported the ICC’s investigations into American citizens.

The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes related to Gaza.

Trump further accused the ICC President of fostering a disgraceful moral equivalency, which has resulted in 79 countries publicly expressing their support for the ICC, thereby contradicting his accusations.