News & Politics
Admission: Age limit, university autonomy, Senate and discretionary powers of the universities (Part 2)
What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB was to allow underage candidates this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents. …JAMB will admit students who are below that age, but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18

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By AARE AFE BABALOLA, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D (Lond.)
NIGERIANS are in a state of uproar following the announcement by the Honourable Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman,that from 2025 the age for entering into tertiary institutions in Nigeria will be 18 years in accordance with the Nigerian Education Policy. This announcement was hinged on the 4-10-3-4 system of Nigeria Education Policy of 2013. Under the policy, it is true that application of the 4-10-3-4 system of education will put the age of entrance into tertiary institutions at 18 years. This system has been in existence for decades but was not enforced apparently because all previous governments were aware of the adverse effect on outstanding or gifted children.
To remedy its non-implementation of the education system over the years, the Honourable Minister of Education has announced that: “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB was to allow underage candidates this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents. …JAMB will admit students who are below that age, but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18. We are not actually coming up with new policies contrary to what some people are saying. We are just reminding people of what is existing. In any case, NECO and WAEC, henceforth, will not be allowing under-age children to write their examinations”. IT’S NOT A MATTER OF AGE. It’s a matter of the years spent at each level of education”.
While the Honourable Minister stated that it is not a matter of age, his announcement admits the contrary.
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Implications of the sudden implementation of the education system
The Federal Ministry of Education is attempting to make up for its failure to implement the education system over the years. However, the proposed mode of implementation is ill-advised for the following reasons:
Psychological implication
There are millions of students in senior secondary schools who will finish the secondary school before they are age 18 years. Will these students be asked to wait one, two or three years just because the most important pre-qualification condition for writing the WAEC, NECO and JAMB is age? This policy will forcefully halt academic momentum leading to an irretrievable loss of valuable time. It will certainly affect the psychology of the students negatively leading to loss of interest in education.
Likewise, this policy disproportionately affects gifted students and those who earn accelerated promotions in elementary and secondary schools. The minister recognised these sets of students but communicated his unwillingness to concede special recognition for them. He has this to say on the matter: “At the moment, this is what we have. But it’s very legitimate to appeal and look at that window of how we care for our smart children. And this is a conversation for another day. Other countries do similar things. They have age specifications for each level of education. But again, they look at the possibilities of smart children. A lot of times in Nigeria, what sometimes is a widow eventually becomes a door.”
Admission into tertiary institution
Statistics reveal that 1,985,642 candidates registered for JAMB in 2024. Only 385,050 students were admitted to tertiary institutions in 2023. There is the likelihood that the admission rate will be less than 500,000 in 2024. The question therefore is: will all candidates who are 18 years old be granted admission on the year of first application from 2025? Nigeria has a peculiar situation that makes it unique and therefore discourages imitating what is obtainable in other climes. Admission is not automatic upon qualification because Nigeria is bereft of adequate tertiary institutions to fully admit deserving candidates. Also, the Federal Ministry of Education cannot guarantee that all qualified candidates will be admitted into tertiary institutions. Imposing other mechanisms to slow down promising youths is therefore needless, ill-timed and ill-advised in Nigeria
Education tourism
Education tourism is a culture in Nigeria. The speed at which Nigerian students migrate abroad in pursuit of foreign education has continually been on an exponential rise. • Between 2006 and 2016, over 10,000 Nigerian Students were enrolled in one university in Benin Republic, not counting several other universities along the coast of West Africa and the West. • The data from the British government education tourism to the UK reveal that there were 6,798 in 2019. This rose to 59,053 in 2022 which amounts to a 768.7 percent difference. In 2022, the number of Nigerian students who received a UK student visa was 65,929. • According to the data, 14,438 Nigerians enrolled for education in the US in 2022 as against 12,860 recorded in 2021. • In Malaysia, there are lots of Nigerians pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Reports have it that there are over 13000 Nigerian students in Malaysian universities. • The number of new study permits issued to Nigerians for study in Canada increased to 13,745 from 10,550 in 2020. • The United Arab Emirates has more than 1,755 Nigerian resident students • Hungary is gradually becoming a destination country for foreign education with over 700 Nigerian students studying there • Reports show that there are about 71,000 Nigerian students in Ghana paying about US$ 1 billion annually as tuition fees and their upkeeps. In 2022, over 78,000 Nigerian students were in universities across Ghana compared to 13,919 according to a UNESCO report in 2016, a whopping 560.38 percent. • Foreign education cost Nigeria $28.65billion from 2010 to 2020, with Personal Transport Allowance totalling $58.7billion.
These figures do not include countless Nigerian children enrolled in primary and secondary schools abroad.
Many experts and parents indicated that the shabby state of the Nigerian education system is basically fuelling the education tourism, especially as it concerns tertiary education.
This education tourism may be further amplified where parents are desirous to preserve the academic momentum of their wards who fully qualify for admission into tertiary institutions before they are age 18 years.
Brain drain
With over 90 million people under 18 years of age, Nigeria ranks as the world’s third-largest youth population, trailing only India and China. However, there are obviously not enough schools to provide tertiary education to all of them.
Most of the students who will qualify for admission into tertiary institutions before they are 18 years would have shown a high propensity for intelligence. What the current education policy does is that it encourages our young brilliant children to seek tertiary education elsewhere.
More often than not, graduates tend to stay in the country where they obtained their tertiary education for employment.
AARE AFE BABALOLA, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D (Lond.)
Global Affairs
Iran–Israel War Escalates: Today’s Attacks, Trump’s Warning & Biblical Insights
The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls. Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.

Latest Developments
- Israel’s Operation Rising Lion launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites (Natanz, Isfahan, Fordow), key IRGC commanders, and missile infrastructure—including in Tehran—claiming “total air superiority” (theguardian.com).
- Iran retaliated with over 300 missiles and drones, landing in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions (apnews.com).
Current Casualties & Damage
- Iran: Health Ministry reports 224 killed, ~1,277 injured; independent sources suggest up to 400+ deaths, many civilians, with extensive damage to city infrastructures—water, power, hospitals (theguardian.com).
- Israel: Official sources confirm 24 civilian deaths, ~60–500 injured from Iranian strikes (apnews.com).
Official Statements
President Donald Trump
- Urged all Tehran residents to vacate right away; left G7 early to address crisis (reuters.com).
- Pushed for a “real deal” nuclear agreement with Iran, denying ceasefire claims (reuters.com).
Israeli Government (PM & IDF)
- PM Netanyahu stated the operation will persist “as many days as needed to neutralize the threat”—emphasizing hits on nuclear/scientific and missile facilities (understandingwar.org).
- The military claims destruction of 120 missile launchers (~1/3 of Iran’s stockpile) and “total air superiority” over Tehran (theguardian.com).
Iranian Response
- Supreme Leader Khamenei denounced strikes as “crimes” and promised a “bitter fate” for Israel (en.wikipedia.org).
- IRGC’s spokesperson declared readiness to retaliate further; Foreign Ministry blamed U.S. for dangerous consequences (en.wikipedia.org).
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Humanitarian Impact & Civilian Exodus
- Over 100,000 Tehran residents have fled northwards to Mazandaran, Gilan, and Alborz provinces (en.wikipedia.org).
- Reports of fuel shortages, hospital strain, internet blackouts, and psychological distress are emerging (en.wikipedia.org).
🔮 What’s Next?
- Further military escalation — Iran may strike U.S. or allies if intervention continues (understandingwar.org).
- Nuclear diplomacy in limbo — Iran paused talks pending Israeli ceasefire; Trump supports negotiation .
- Broader regional ripple effects — Proxy groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iraqi militias, could escalate (en.wikipedia.org).
- Global economic disruptions — Oil prices spiked after Tehran warnings; airlines diverted flights (en.wikipedia.org).
Biblical Perspective
- Operation Rising Lion invokes Isaiah 31:4 (“As a lion… roars!”), reinforcing Israel’s belief in its God-given resolve (newarab.com).
- Some Christian prophecy scholars see this as part of eschatological build-up (Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17)—though cautioned by others to avoid hasty conclusions (forums.crosswalk.com).
- Biblical themes abound: calls for justice, divine defense, and the lament over cities under siege echo Psalms and prophets (e.g., Lamentations 2:1; Joel 3:2). Prayer for peace and wisdom is urged.
Key Takeaways
- The Iran–Israel conflict has surged into a full-fledged air war with growing humanitarian tolls.
- Trump’s evacuation call adds urgency and affects global stability.
- Expect continued conflict, potential negotiations, and regional escalation.
- Many believers are interpreting the events through biblical lenses—prayers for peace are critical.
Global Affairs
Israel-Iran Conflict: History, Latest Impact & Solutions–Trackingtimes
This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Historical Background
Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, tensions with Israel have grown over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for proxy militias like Hezbollah. Israel has consistently opposed any perceived existential threat. This opposition has led to covert operations and battlefield skirmishes across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. These conflicts are mostly orchestrated from the shadows. This rivalry has rarely escalated into full-scale war.
Most Recent Updates & Casualties
🛑 Israeli “Operation Rising Lion” (Started June 13)
- Targets hit: Over 100 Iranian sites—including Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, IRGC bases, missile production plants, Tehran’s Ministry of Defense HQ, and oil/fuel depots near Tehran (english.mathrubhumi.com, theguardian.com, en.wikipedia.org, wsj.com).
- Casualties in Iran: At least 78–224 killed (including 20+ senior commanders such as Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Gen Hossein Salami, Gen Gholam Ali Rashid, Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh); 6–14 nuclear scientists killed; hundreds wounded; many civilians among victims (theguardian.com).
- Notable death: Brigadier Gen Mehdi Rabbani and his family were killed in one strike (en.wikipedia.org).
🇮🇷 Iranian Retaliation
- Missile & drone attacks: Waves launched at Tel Aviv and Haifa; 65 ballistic missiles and scores of drones fired (theguardian.com).
- Casualties in Israel: At least 14–24 killed and ~390 injured; critical infrastructure—including a power plant and U.S. Embassy wing—was damaged (theguardian.com).
Official Statements
Iran – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei
“Israel opened its wicked and blood‑stained hand… will receive a bitter and painful fate… severe punishment awaits.” (thedailyguardian.com)
Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
“We acted pre‑emptively to prevent Iran’s nuclear bomb… we’ll do what we need to do. Regime change is possible.” (ft.com)
USA – President Donald Trump
“We were aware of the impending Israeli operation… working behind the scenes on a deal… vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader… unprecedented retaliation if Iran targets the U.S.” (theguardian.com)
🌍 Regional & Global Impacts
Middle East
- New proxy wars erupt across Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
- Oil markets surged, then stabilized—global energy remains vulnerable .
- Gulf and NATO countries deploy military to deter escalation amid high tensions (theguardian.com).
USA
- Supports Israel’s missile defenses and may deploy naval vessels.
- Oil price fluctuations could worsen inflation.
- Diplomatic pressure mounts with vetoes and summit-level interventions .
Africa
- Rising oil prices strain developing economies.
- Cargo and shipping risks impact African trade.
- Diaspora populations in Africa may intensify local debates or protests via spiritual and cultural channels.
📖 Historical & Biblical Lens
- Biblical parallels: Books like Ezekiel (chapters 38–39) discuss invasions from the North targeting Israel. Some interpret modern Iranian threats through this prophetic narrative.
- Spiritual implications: Maxwell Nnawuihe’s teachings on justice, fearlessness, and faith echo strongly amid this crisis.
- Economic ties: Faith & Fortune Finance’s messages on biblical stewardship and fiscal resilience are directly relevant as nations and individuals face uncertainty.
🕊️ Pathways to Peace
- U.N.-mediated ceasefire with verified arms monitoring to halt further strikes.
- Inclusive regional security framework involving Gulf states, Iraq, and Syria to reduce proxy aggression.
- Faith-driven diplomacy: Interfaith councils (Christian-Muslim-Jewish) promoting reconciliation, trust-building, and shared economic ventures.
- Economic resilience programs: Channel resources into reconstruction and economic stability—aligning with themes from Faith & Fortune Finance’s “Kingdom Wealth” strategy.
- Faith & Fortune Finance’s content tied to economic resilience:
- “Biblical Wealth Under Crisis”
- “Kingdom Finances When Markets Shake”
Maxwell Nnawuihe’s video on prophetic motivation and fearless leadership:
“Courageous Voices Precede Peace”
Conclusion
This Israel–Iran conflict marks a historic escalation, with devastating strikes, high-profile casualties, and global political impact. Blending historical, biblical, and economic insight provides deeper understanding—and grounds your YouTube channels in relevance.
Biafra
Tinubu Refused To Honour Our Agreement To Release Nnamdi Kanu After Election– Kanu’s Brother
Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.

Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has said they had an agreement with President Bola Tinubu for the release of his elder brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Emmanuel disclosed that he had the pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, in Abuja before the 2023 presidential election.
Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Emmanuel, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing his elder brother and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the DSS dungeon in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to him, it was agreed that IPOB would not bycott the polls on the condition that Tinubu would release Kanu if elected President.
Prince Emmanuel expressed disappointment that nearly two years after the emergence of Tinubu as President, his brother (Kanu), has continued to languish in detention despite the fact that the presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had since recused herself from the matter.
He said it was disappointing that those who claimed to be honourable, failed to keep their words.
The statement read:”Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi the son of President Tinubu wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother. The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and if need be provide independent verification should the need arise.
“Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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“In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience. This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.
“When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected. We took his public statement as a tacit reaffirmation of the understanding I reached with his son Seyi.
“At the end, IPOB did not call for election boycott despite having the capacity to do so. IPOB also made sure that discordant voices urging election boycott were overcome because election boycotts would not reflect well on the reputation of a global movement that prides itself on adherence to democratic tenets.
“It therefore, defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him. It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case.
“This is on top of the fact that Appeal Court had earlier discharged him of the sham charges and ordered his release which the previous regime of Buhari declined to obey.
“Supreme Court determination that his bail ought not to have been revoked has been ignored by the courts and the government. The latest insult is that Abuja courts of all persuasion are no longer willing to determine the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on merit but are rather relying on ludicrous and inapplicable technicalities to stall the timely determination of his cases.
“The truth is that Nigerian courts cannot, will not and do not have both the substantive and procedural jurisdiction to try him. His detention is without the backing of any known law in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.”
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