According to The Guardian, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced strong opposition to the compulsory adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for all secondary schools. Obi warned that enforcing a digital-only format without providing the necessary ICT infrastructure would disenfranchise students in rural and underserved communities, further widening the educational gap in Nigeria.
Speaking at a school event in Anambra, Obi argued that while digitalization is necessary, it must be preceded by a massive investment in school laboratories and reliable electricity. He cautioned that many schools currently lack the basic facilities to register candidates under the new CBT guidelines, which could lead to a massive drop in examination enrollment.
In response to these concerns, some philanthropists have begun donating ICT centers to schools to help them meet the new requirements. However, Obi insists that private intervention alone cannot bridge a gap created by systemic government neglect.
ThisDay reported that several civil society groups have joined Obi in calling for a phased implementation of the policy. A school principal quoted in The Nation stated, “We cannot test children on computers they have never touched in a classroom.” Meanwhile, Daily Post quoted an education official who argued, “The transition to CBT is inevitable if we are to eliminate examination malpractice, but the timeline must be realistic.”
Echotitbits take: Obi is tapping into a very real anxiety among parents and educators. While CBT reduces cheating, the “digital divide” is a legitimate threat to national literacy rates. Expect this to become a major talking point in the upcoming education reform debates.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/peter-obi-criticises-jamb-over-unjust-clampdown-on-cbt-centres-in-anambra/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
Tag: Nigeria News
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Peter Obi Warns of Educational Inequality Over Mandatory CBT Policy
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Presidency Rebuts Allegations of Looming 25% Post-Election Tax Hike
In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims made by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi regarding a purported plan to implement a 25% tax increase following the next general election. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga labeled the allegations as “egregious lies” intended to incite public fear and create political instability. The government insists there are no such provisions in the current or proposed tax laws.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed the former minister warning citizens that an APC victory would lead to a significant tax burden on business transactions and rent. Amaechi had suggested that the government was delaying the implementation of these taxes to avoid voter backlash, urging the public to verify the “new tax law” with legal experts.
In its rebuttal, the Presidency clarified that the ongoing tax reforms are focused on simplification and efficiency rather than arbitrary increases. The administration reiterated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and cautioned political actors against spreading misinformation that could disrupt the economy.
The Nation corroborated the Presidency’s stance, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance has no such 25% levy in its 2026 projections. A legal expert quoted in ThisDay stated, “There is no legislative record of a post-dated tax law of this magnitude; such claims appear to be purely speculative.” Additionally, Channels TV reported that the viral video has sparked intense debate on social media, with one analyst noting, “Political rhetoric regarding taxation must be grounded in documented policy to avoid unnecessary market panic.”
Echotitbits take: This exchange highlights the heightening political tension as the 2027 election cycle begins to loom. Expect taxation to remain a central, albeit contentious, campaign issue as both sides scramble to define the economic narrative.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/presidency-rebuts-kpmgs-claims-on-new-tax-laws-defends-reform-choices-2/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard -
Funke Akindele Expands Business Empire with Global FinTech Partnership
According to The Nation Online, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has officially secured a major ambassadorial deal with MonieWorld, a product under the Moniepoint Inc. umbrella. The deal is aimed at bridging the financial gap for Nigerians living in the diaspora.
Akindele, who recently shattered cinema records with her latest film, expressed her excitement about the partnership, noting that the brand’s values of hard work and reliability align with her personal journey. She emphasized that the collaboration is about empowering Nigerians to build lives regardless of their location.
The partnership marks a significant business move for the actress, further solidifying her status as a commercial magnet and a cultural icon. It also highlights the growing trend of FinTech companies leveraging Nollywood’s massive reach to connect with global audiences.
This move reinforces Akindele’s “A-list” status not just in entertainment, but as a formidable entrepreneur. As the face of a diaspora-focused financial tool, her influence will likely drive high adoption rates among Nigerians abroad who already consume her content.
* Legit.ng (Website): “Funke Akindele bags fresh ambassadorial deal with MonieWorld… uniting two forces committed to enabling progress.”
* Moniepoint Official (Press Statement): “We are thrilled to welcome Funke Akindele to the family… her story of resilience inspires millions.”
Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/funke-akindele-bags-fresh-ambassadorial-deal-with-monieworld/ February 13, 2026
Photo Credit: The Nation -
Banking Sector Crackdown: CBN Imposes Stiff Fines for Cheque Violations
Figures cited by Daily Post show that the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced a new penalty regime for banks and printers found guilty of cheque-related violations. Under the new guidelines, infractions can now attract fines of up to N20 million, a significant increase from previous sanctions.
Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the integrity of the Nigerian payment system. The CBN is particularly concerned with the quality of cheque leaflets and the security features embedded in them, which are vital for preventing fraud and ensuring smooth interbank transactions.
The apex bank warned that it would not hesitate to blacklist printers who fail to meet the required standards. Banks are also required to conduct more rigorous due diligence on their cheque clearing processes to protect customers from the rising wave of sophisticated financial crimes.
Vanguard and ThisDay have verified the issuance of these new guidelines. Vanguard noted that “the policy aims to restore confidence in paper-based transactions,” while ThisDay quoted a banking executive stating, “these fines will force institutions to prioritize security over cost-cutting.”
Echotitbits take: While the world is moving toward digital payments, cheques remain a staple for corporate transactions in Nigeria. This crackdown is a necessary evil to ensure the “old school” payment method doesn’t become the weakest link in the financial chain. Expect banks to pass on some of these compliance costs to corporate clients.
Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2025/01/14/cbn-sanctions-banks-for-failing-to-dispense-cash-via-atms/, February 13, 2026
Photo credit: Channels TV
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Federal Government Unveils Farmer Moni Scheme to Boost National Food Security
Figures cited by The Nation show that the Federal Government has officially launched the “Farmer Moni” Dry/Wet Season Programme, alongside the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP 3.0). The initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s social investment strategy, aimed at providing direct financial support to 300,000 farmers across the country.
Reporting by the same outlet highlights that the program is designed to bridge the funding gap for smallholder farmers, particularly in the face of rising input costs and climate-related challenges. The funds are expected to be utilized for the procurement of high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment to enhance agricultural productivity.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which oversees the project, emphasized that the selection process was digitized to ensure transparency and eliminate middle-men. This move is seen as a vital step in mitigating the current food inflation crisis and ensuring a steady supply of staples in the domestic market.
Tribune Online and Daily Post validated the launch, emphasizing the regional distribution of the funds. Tribune Online mentioned that “the program leads a global push for youth and women investment,” while Daily Post reported a government spokesperson saying, “our goal is to make farming a profitable business for the grassroots.”
Echotitbits take: While the Farmer Moni scheme is a welcome relief, its success hinges on efficient disbursement and the security of the farmlands. Insecurity remains the biggest threat to agricultural output in Nigeria; without addressing the “mining marshals” and banditry issues, financial aid alone may not lower food prices.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/fg-launches-n300000-interest-free-loans-for-22000-farmers-opens-portal-across-774-lgas/, February 13, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
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NAPTIP Rescues 23 Nigerians from Cybercrime Ring in Southeast Asia
According to Vanguard reporting on the latest human trafficking trends, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully repatriated 23 Nigerian youths who were trapped in a cyber-enabled criminal syndicate in Thailand. The victims were lured abroad with promises of high-paying jobs in the tech industry, only to be forced into conducting online fraud and cryptocurrency scams under duress.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, revealed that the rescue was part of a coordinated international effort to dismantle “cyber-scam compounds” operating across Southeast Asia. These operations often involve confiscating the passports of young Nigerians and subjecting them to physical abuse if they fail to meet “scam targets.” The agency warned that traffickers are increasingly using social media to recruit tech-savvy youths for these illegal operations.
Upon their return to Nigeria, the 23 individuals are being provided with psychological support and rehabilitation services. NAPTIP has also initiated investigations into the local agents who facilitated their travel. The agency is urging parents to be wary of “unbelievable” job offers in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, which have become hubs for these modern-day slave camps.
Validating this, Daily Post notes that “NAPTIP has identified a new trafficking route through North Africa to the East.” The Guardian also reported on the rescue, quoting a NAPTIP spokesperson who warned, “The digital age has made recruitment easier for traffickers, and we must increase our cyber-vigilance.”
Echotitbits take: This “cyber-trafficking” is a growing global menace. Nigeria’s youth, driven by economic hardship and high digital literacy, are prime targets. Beyond rescue missions, there is an urgent need for a massive public awareness campaign targeting the “Japa” syndrome that blinds many to the risks of undocumented travel.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/naptip-rescues-23-nigerians-trapped-in-southeast-asia-cybercrime-ring/, February 12, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
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Tension in Edo State as Gunmen Kidnap Police Officer and Four Others
According to Daily Post reporting from Benin City, a wave of panic has gripped Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following the brazen abduction of five individuals, including a Police Inspector. The victims were taken in separate incidents, with two individuals snatched from the Makeke Primary Health Centre. The Police Inspector, Segun Obanowa, was reportedly kidnapped from his residence alongside his daughter, while his wife was released to source a N100 million ransom.
The surge in kidnappings has turned the local government area into a high-risk zone, prompting traditional rulers and council authorities to impose a strict curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Community leaders have expressed frustration over the deteriorating security situation, noting that abductions have become a “daily routine.” The Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People has issued a statement calling for urgent state and federal intervention to secure the release of the victims.
Local residents are currently living in fear, with many staying indoors even before the curfew begins. The Edo State Police Command has reportedly deployed a tactical team to the area to track the kidnappers into the surrounding forests. However, no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning, and the kidnappers have maintained communication with the families to demand hefty ransoms.
Further validation comes from Vanguard, which reported, “The Akoko-Edo axis has become a flashpoint for criminal elements fleeing operations in neighboring states.” Channels TV also provided coverage, featuring a local witness who stated, “We are helpless; even those meant to protect us are being taken away.”
Echotitbits take: The kidnapping of a police officer in his own home signals a dangerous level of audacity among criminal gangs in Edo State. The curfew might offer temporary relief, but without a coordinated “forest-clearing” operation, these gangs will continue to use the rugged terrain as a safe haven.
Source: Daily Post -https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/12/tension-in-edo-as-gunmen-kidnap-police-officer-four-others/, February 12, 2026
Photo credit: Daily Post
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Former Governor El-Rufai Set to Return to Nigeria and Face EFCC Inquiry
According to Premium Times reporting in an exclusive update, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is expected to return to Nigeria within the next 48 hours. Contrary to ongoing rumors that he was in self-imposed exile, sources close to the former governor confirm that he has already notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his intention to appear at their office. He is scheduled to meet with investigators at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.
The return of the high-profile politician comes amid various investigations into his eight-year tenure as governor. El-Rufai, who has recently aligned himself with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that the current administration is using state institutions to exert political pressure on opposition figures. His voluntary return is seen by many as a move to clear his name and re-engage with the Nigerian political scene ahead of future electoral cycles.
Sources indicate that the EFCC inquiry will likely center on financial allocations and urban renewal projects undertaken during his administration. El-Rufai has maintained that his actions were always in the best interest of Kaduna State and has expressed readiness to defend his record. His homecoming is expected to be a major political event, potentially shifting the dynamics within the opposition bloc.
Validating this, The Nation reports that “security at the EFCC headquarters is being reviewed ahead of the high-profile visit.” Vanguard also confirmed the story, quoting an ADC chieftain who said, “The former governor is coming back to show that he has nothing to hide from the public.”
Echotitbits take: El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing and influential political figures. His decision to face the EFCC directly, rather than fighting from abroad, suggests a calculated strategy to reclaim his political narrative. This could be the start of a long-drawn legal and political battle.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/856066-el-rufai-im-on-my-way-back-to-nigeria.html, February 12, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
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Federal Government Unveils ‘RenewHER’ Initiative to Transform Women’s Healthcare
According to Daily Post reporting on Thursday, the Federal Government has officially launched a strategic deliberative process aimed at revamping healthcare delivery for women across Nigeria. The initiative, coordinated through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, brought together over 20 prominent women’s groups at the Presidential Villa to align grassroots needs with national policy. The move is central to the “RenewHER Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative,” which seeks to eliminate barriers to medical access for underserved populations.
The program adopts a “statewide approach” to ensure that health interventions are not centralized but felt at the community level. During the stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, officials emphasized that the primary goal is to listen to civil society and professional leaders who interact daily with women in rural areas. By fostering this collaboration, the government intends to examine existing policies, increase advocacy, and improve the actual delivery of maternal and reproductive services nationwide.
The project emphasizes that the solutions for women’s health cannot be designed in isolation. Dr. Steinacker noted that by involving groups closest to the grassroots, the administration can better understand the specific pain points and cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking care. This coordinated framework is expected to serve as a blueprint for future health investments under the current administration’s development agenda.
Validating this development, The Guardian reports that the initiative is a response to rising maternal mortality concerns, noting, “The RenewHER project represents a shift toward data-driven and inclusive health governance.” Similarly, Leadership highlights the involvement of international partners, quoting a health advocate who stated, “This is the first time we are seeing a dedicated presidential office focused specifically on the nuances of women’s clinical needs.”
Echotitbits take: This initiative is a critical step in addressing Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates. By shifting from a top-down approach to a “listening” model, the government might finally bridge the gap between policy and the reality of rural clinics. Watch for the rollout of specific funding allocations to primary healthcare centers in the coming months.
Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/12/nigerian-govt-initiates-strategies-to-improve-women-health/, February 12, 2026
Photo credit: Daily Post
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Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Reveals Death Threats During EndSARS Protests
In a report by The Punch, Nollywood veteran Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has opened up about the harrowing experience her family faced during the #EndSARS protests. The actress revealed that her children received death threats, which prompted her to be more cautious about her public political stances in recent years.
According to Omotola, the period was one of extreme anxiety, as her vocal support for better governance made her family a target for online and offline harassment. She emphasized that while she remains committed to a better Nigeria, the safety of her children remains her primary concern.
This revelation comes as a response to recent criticisms of celebrities who have stayed silent during recent economic hardships. Omotola urged Nigerians to seek leaders who are selfless and willing to “die for the cause,” while acknowledging the personal cost of activism.
* The Cable Lifestyle: “Omotola: My kids got death threats during #EndSARS. We need leaders who are selfless.”
* Daily Nigerian: “Rapper Falz and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde urge leaders and citizens to take responsibility for Nigeria’s future.”
Echotitbits Take: This admission sheds light on the “invisible” pressure Nigerian celebrities face when engaging in politics. While the public demands they use their platforms, the security risks are often ignored. Omotola’s story serves as a reminder that the digital space in Nigeria can be as dangerous as the physical one for high-profile activists.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/my-children-got-death-threats-during-endsars-omotola/ February 9, 2026
Photo Credit: The Punch