Author: Opalim Lifted

The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria has unveiled a nationwide textbook ranking system aimed at improving the quality of learning materials used in primary and secondary schools. Announced on 26 April 2026, the policy introduces a structured evaluation process that will rank all approved textbooks using strict academic and teaching standards. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue approving books but will now subject them to an additional national ranking system. Under the new framework, only top-ranked textbooks will be allowed in classrooms from September 2026. Any unranked books—regardless of previous approval—will be banned from use in…

Iran has proposed a new deal to the United States, offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war if America lifts its blockade on the waterway. Axios first reported the offer, citing a US official and two sources familiar with the matter. The deal, passed to the Americans by Pakistan, also postpones nuclear negotiations to a later stage. It is uncertain if Donald Trump will accept the offer, as ending Iran’s uranium enrichment is one of the US leader’s war goals. America’s control over the Strait of Hormuz is also one of its key levers in the…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pushed back against criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government over remarks made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at a recent opposition summit in Ibadan. The controversy centres on Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie,” a violent episode in Nigeria’s political history. The APC and federal authorities had described the comment as inciting violence. But in a strongly worded response, the Peoples Democratic Party insisted the governor’s remarks were misinterpreted, arguing they were intended as a historical warning rather than a threat. According to the party, invoking past events was meant to…

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Seyi Makinde of inciting violence following remarks he made at an opposition summit in Ibadan. Makinde, governor of Oyo State, raised alarm over what he described as growing attempts to centralise legislative control under one political party. He spoke on Saturday at a gathering of opposition leaders in the Oyo State capital. During his address, Makinde referenced the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis, warning against political complacency. “Those acting as if there’s no tomorrow should remember that ‘Operation Wetie’ started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West,” he said.…

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected the resolutions reached at the opposition coalition summit held in Ibadan ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sowore, who contested under the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2023, said his party would not be part of any alliance he believes is aimed at recycling Nigeria’s old political elite. The summit, hosted by Seyi Makinde, brought together prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to…

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has described the Opposition Summit held in Ibadan over the weekend as a gathering of recycled failures. The meeting was attended by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others. Some notable figures present included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso, PDP National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, among others. Reacting, Sowore stated that he declined an invitation to represent his…

Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header settled a scrappy FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley as Chelsea made a winning start after Liam Rosenior’s sacking. Calum McFarlane was put in interim charge until the end of the season and will now lead Chelsea out against Manchester City on Saturday, 16 May. Leeds’ hopes of reaching a first FA Cup final since they lost to Sunderland in 1973 were dashed as they were left to regret missed chances that might have turned a tight game in their favour. Daniel Farke’s side had the game’s first big opportunity when Brenden Aaronson raced…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that Nigeria could face its most distrusted election since 1999 if Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Joash Amupitan, oversees the 2027 general polls. Speaking at the National Opposition Leaders’ Summit in Ibadan, ADC national chairman David Mark said public confidence in the electoral body has collapsed, describing INEC as no longer neutral. He argued that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on an independent electoral umpire, warning that any perception of bias would undermine the legitimacy of the process. According to Mark, “If nothing changes, Professor Amupitan is about to preside over…

A suspect accused of opening fire at a high-profile media gala attended by US President Donald Trump is due in court on Monday, as investigators continue to probe the motive behind the dramatic security breach in Washington, D C. Federal prosecutors confirmed the arraignment will take place in the US capital, where the 31-year-old suspect is expected to face charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. According to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the suspect exchanged gunfire with Secret Service agents during the incident but was not wounded. Speaking…

A 31-year-old Nigerian man has been arrested for allegedly plotting to kidnap his own aunt, the woman who raised him for a decade in a case that police say highlights a disturbing trend of betrayal. The suspect, identified as Chukwemeka Destiny, was apprehended by operatives of the Delta State Police Command after he paid ₦900,000 to individuals he believed were kidnappers. According to police spokesperson Bright Edafe, the payment was made in two instalments: an initial ₦200,000 deposit followed by ₦700,000 to execute the abduction. However, the plan failed after the supposed kidnappers turned out to be informants. “Unknown to…