- UNICEF ranks Nigeria second-highest in cholera cases in West and Central Africa
- NNPC seeks more funds for refinery repairs, rules out PHRC sale
- Over 40 on trial for UTME exam malpractice — JAMB
- FG backs drug tests and education reform in schools
- FG to launch light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
UNICEF ranks Nigeria second-highest in cholera cases in West and Central Africa
UNICEF has revealed that Nigeria has the second-highest number of cholera cases in West and Central Africa, highlighting a worsening health crisis.
According to Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s regional director, cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths reported across 34 states by the end of June 2025.
He warned that the outbreak poses a severe risk to children across the region, calling for urgent public health interventions to curb the spread and protect vulnerable communities.
NNPC seeks more funds for refinery repairs, rules out PHRC sale
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced plans to secure additional funding to complete the ongoing rehabilitation of its three refineries, including the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), which it insists is not for sale.
Between 2002 and 2012, the NNPC received over ₦16 trillion for turnaround maintenance of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. The company is now pursuing advanced technical partnerships to speed up the overhaul of PHRC.
Reaffirming its stance, NNPC stressed that the Port Harcourt refinery remains a key national asset, and efforts are focused on restoring it to full operational capacity through high-quality rehabilitation.
Over 40 on trial for UTME exam malpractice — JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that more than 40 individuals are currently on trial for engaging in examination malpractice in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) over the last five years.
JAMB also reported that it successfully prosecuted over 70 persons between 2019 and 2024, with more than 10 convicted for various exam-related offences during the same period.
Since introducing the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format in 2015 to fight cheating, JAMB has intensified efforts to detect and prosecute candidates attempting to manipulate its system.
FG backs drug tests and education reform in schools
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa has endorsed mandatory and random drug integrity tests for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions as part of efforts to curb substance abuse.
The move was agreed upon during a meeting with NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa in Abuja, where both leaders also discussed reviewing the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education content.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the agency proposed a three-pronged strategy: revising school drug education, introducing dedicated anti-drug programmes in secondary schools, and launching a drug testing policy for both new and returning tertiary students.
FG to launch light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano
Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has announced plans by the federal government to commence light rail projects in Kaduna and Kano to modernise Nigeria’s transport system and promote regional integration.
Speaking at an interactive forum hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna, Alkali said the projects are being executed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and align with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
He noted that the Kaduna–Kano standard gauge rail, which was 15% complete in May 2023, has now reached 53%, with completion targeted for 2026. The minister described the rail sector as vital to boosting trade, national unity, and economic growth.
