• WASSCE records sharp decline in student performance
• Lagos declares 176 estates illegal, issues 3-week ultimatum to developers
• Kano to convert 115-year-old Kurmawa prison into historical museum
• Retired soldiers suspend protest after payment assurance
• Tinubu rewards D’Tigress with cash, homes, and national honours

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

WASSCE records sharp decline in student performance

Education stakeholders, including teachers and parents, have expressed concern over the poor performance of students in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

According to results released yesterday, only 754,545 out of 1,969,313 candidates (representing just 38.32%), secured credits and above in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics. This marks a significant drop from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024.

WAEC’s Head of Nigeria’s Office, Amos Dangut, announced the results at a media briefing in Lagos, noting that this year’s exams included both Computer-Based Tests and traditional Paper-Based Tests. Stakeholders have attributed the decline to several factors and are calling for urgent reforms in the education system.

Lagos declares 176 estates illegal, issues 3-week ultimatum to developers

Homebuyers in 176 estates across Lagos were thrown into uncertainty after the state government declared the properties illegal, citing lack of proper approvals for their development.

According to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the estates, mainly located in the fast-growing areas of Eti-Osa, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe, were constructed without obtaining the necessary permits. Developers have been given a 21-day window to regularize their documents or risk government sealing off the properties.

Reacting to the move, the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) condemned the government’s action, accusing it of acting in bad faith and causing panic among genuine investors.

Kano to convert 115-year-old Kurmawa prison into historical museum

The Kano State Government has unveiled plans to transform the historic Kurmawa Central Prison into a museum, aiming to preserve the state’s colonial legacy and boost tourism.

All inmates from the 115-year-old facility, located behind the Kano Emir’s Palace, will be moved to a newly built correctional centre in Janguza along the Kano-Gwarzo road. Built in 1910 during British colonial rule, the prison was originally designed to house 690 inmates.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, confirmed the move, noting that the proposed museum will showcase Kano’s correctional and colonial history for educational and tourism development, while also supporting modern rehabilitation efforts at the new facility.

Retired soldiers suspend protest after payment assurance

Retired soldiers who staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja have temporarily suspended their action following assurances from ministry officials that their outstanding entitlements will be paid by Friday.

The veterans had blocked the ministry’s entrance with chairs and a canopy to press for the settlement of their unpaid benefits. Their demonstration highlighted ongoing frustrations among security personnel over pension-related issues.

This protest came shortly after active police officers in various states also demanded removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme, labeling it exploitative and calling for a return to the more secure defined benefits system.

Tinubu rewards D’Tigress with cash, homes, and national honours

President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their historic win at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket with a generous reward package and national recognition.

Each player will receive $100,000, while members of the coaching and technical crew will get $50,000 each. In addition, all team members will be gifted a three-bedroom flat and conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a reception at the State House in Abuja, the gesture followed D’Tigress’s 78-64 victory over Mali, which secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.