No extension of UTME registration after March 8 deadline – JAMB (DailyTrust)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says registration period for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which began on February 3, will conclude on March 8, 2025.
The JAMB Spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement said the deadline had been clearly communicated in all advertisements and the official calendar for the 2025 UTME exercise.
“We wish to inform all prospective candidates that there will be no extension of the registration period. This notice is particularly important given the recent decline in the number of candidates registering for the examination. We urge all individuals who wish to participate to register promptly and avoid waiting until the last minute,” he said. Read more
Alleged Defamation: Senator Natasha sues Akpabio for ₦100b (Channels)
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly defaming her
The suit was filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday with Akpabio and his senior legislative aide Mfon Patrick listed as second to third defendants.
In the suit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, referred to Akpabio’s words published by his aide on his Facebook page with the title, “Is local content committee of the senate Natasha’s birthright?” where he stated that the claimant thought being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers. Read more
I was not involved in June 12 activities – Obi (NewTelegraph)
2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has said the report on social media linking him with the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), is the handiwork of hired mercenaries out to dent his image and demarket him.
Obi in a statement issued by the spokesman of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Ibrahim Umar, recalled that a similar publication appeared in June 2023.
Obi who said he was never directly or indirectly involved in the activities of the June 12 struggle noted that the author who was not bold enough to put his name, was afraid of his rising political profile. Read more
Why INEC vote count can’t be accurate, says Jonathan (Punch)
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said the nation was not getting accurate vote counts during elections due to the involvement of those he described as ‘ghost voters.’
He also said it is better and more honourable for the chairman and other officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to resign rather than yield to pressure to manipulate elections.
Jonathan made the assertion at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa held in Abuja. Read more
You’re marginalising Muslims, Shariah Council tells Tinubu (Guardian)
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah Council in Nigeria (SCSN)
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah Council in Nigeria (SCSN) has expressed disappointment over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima into office in 2023.
Islamic clerics under the SCSN said that even though both Tinubu and Shettima are of the same faith, it has not changed the plight of the Muslim community.
They also insisted, despite the general belief that the ticket would favour the Muslim community more, the reverse is the case as millions of Muslims are politically marginalised under the current administration. Read more
Sokoto distributes foodstuffs and financial assistance to islamic leaders (Sun)
The Sokoto State Government has distributed foodstuffs and financial assistance to Imams, their deputies and Mu’adhins across the state to support them during the holy month of Ramadan.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who flagged off the distribution ceremony, announced that each Imam would receive five bags of maize and N100,000, while their deputies would receive three bags of maize and N50,000. He said Mu’adhins would also receive two bags of maize and N50,000.
In addition, 300 senior Islamic scholars will receive N200,000 each, while another 100 scholars will receive N100,000 each. The government will also provide financial assistance to 10 ‘Malaman Zaure’ from each ward of the 23 local government areas, as well as 150 Islamic organisations. Read more
FCCPC summons MultiChoice over price hike, vows to protect consumers (Vanguard)
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its planned subscription price increase set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
In a statement by Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, the commission expressed concerns over the recurrent price hikes in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry, warning against possible anti-competitive practices and market exploitation.
According to the statement, the commission has invited MultiChoice’s chief executive officer for an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025, at its headquarters. Read more
Ayo Edebiri to Write and in Talks to Star in ‘Barney’ Live-Action Movie From A24, Mattel and Daniel Kaluuya (Variety)
“The Bear” star Ayo Edebiri is set to write the screenplay for the upcoming live-action “Barney” movie and is also in talks to star in the film.
“Barney” will be co-developed and produced by A24 and Daniel Kaluuya’s 59% Productions in partnership with “Barney” IP owner Mattel Films. Kevin McKeon and Andrew Scannell are overseeing the project for Mattel Films. Robbie Brenner will serve as producer for Mattel Films with A24. Daniel Kaluuya and Rowan Riley will produce for 59% Productions.
Though Kaluuya is a lead producer on the film, sources tell Variety he will not be starring in the movie alongside Edebiri. Plot details are being kept under wraps. Read more
Zoe Saldaña reveals age she’ll likely be when all the Avatar films are finished (Unilad)
Zoe Saldaña has opened up about her journey with James Cameron’s Avatar series.
Saldaña has starred in The Terminal, Emilia Pérez and Star Trek, however, she’s probably best known for her recurring role in James Cameron’s iconic Avatar franchise in which she plays the role of Neytiri.
The epic sci-fi franchise kicked off in 2009 with the first Avatar movie released in December, meaning Saldaña was 31 years old when the first film came out. Read more
8 sentenced to death for murder of Tunisia opposition leader (VOA)
A Tunisian court sentenced eight defendants to death on Tuesday over the 2013 assassination of leftist opposition figure Mohamed Brahmi, according to local reports.
Charges included “attempting to change the state’s nature” and “inciting armed conflict,” local media reported.
Three of the defendants also received additional death sentences for “deliberate participation in premeditated murder,” according to the reports. Read more
Justin Bieber raps about being ‘high’ in puzzling video after rep vehemently denies drug use (PageSix)
Today’s Page Six Headlines
Justin Bieber rapped about being “high” in his latest social media video after his spokesperson called out recent “harmful” allegations that he was on drugs.
On Tuesday, the two-time Grammy winner took to Instagram to share a shirtless video of himself singing while munching on a bag of snacks.
“I fly like a fly guy, I fly high like a bagpipe, I go high like a bad guy,” he rapped alongside a friend who was smoking a cigarette. Read more
Neil Young and the chrome hearts announce world tour (Uncut)
Neil Young has confirmed tour dates for 2025, including his first European shows since 2019. Young will be joined by his new band, the chrome hearts: Spooner Oldham (Farfisa organ), Micah Nelson (guitar), Corey McCormick (bass) and Anthony LoGerfo (drums).
The tour begins in Sweden on June 18 and travels through Europe before reaching North America in August. No UK shows are currently listed, though Young says “More dates will be added shortly.”
Tickets will be available beginning Tuesday, February 25, through an exclusive, 48-hour presale for Neil Young Archives members. General on-sale begins on Friday, February 28. More information on North American dates is available through Ticketmaster. Read more
Donald Trump strikes rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine (Newsweek)
President Donald Trump’s administration has reached an agreement with Kyiv on the framework of a rare earth mineral deal that Ukrainian officials hope will strengthen ties with the Trump administration and lay the groundwork for a long-term U.S. security commitment.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and White House on Tuesday afternoon for comment.
The agreement could be finalized as soon as Friday, with plans underway for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to travel to Washington for a meeting with Trump, a Ukrainian official told the Associated Press. Read more
Onuachu, Aribo feature as Chelsea thrash Southampton to end losing streak (CompleteSports)
Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo were in action for struggling Southampton who got hammered 4-0 by Chelseat in Tuesday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Onuachu and Aribo were in the starting line-up as Southampton suffered their fourth consecutive defeat while Chelsea ended their three-game losing run.
The win took Chelsea up to fourth place on 46 points and Southampton remain bottom on nine points in the league table. Read more
Arsenal, Liverpool contact Atalanta over summer move for Lookman (Guardian)
Arsenal and Liverpool have been in contact over a possible summer move to sign 27-year-old Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman from Serie A club Atalanta, reports thehardtackle.com.
According to a report by Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sport Switzerland, Lookman might return to the Premier League in the summer transfer window. Arsenal and Liverpool are among the prospective suitors vying for the signature of the Atalanta attacker after his recent clash of words with Gian Piero Gasperini.
Lookman has established himself as one of the best attackers in Serie A since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig, in August 2022. Read more
Enyimba, 3SC clash in Aba as Lobi, Nasarawa Utd fight for survival (DailyTrust)
The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League is intensifying as Matchday 26 promises thrilling encounters nationwide today and tomorrow (Thursday).
Southwestern teams appear to be in strong form, with Remo Stars maintaining a 10-point lead at the top. They will closely watch Shooting Stars’ high-stakes clash against Enyimba International, the nine-time league champions and a historic powerhouse.
Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Ikorodu City complete the top five, with goal difference separating Rivers and Abia at 39 points each, while Ikorodu sits just one point behind. Plateau United hovers above the relegation zone in 16th, level on points with struggling Sunshine Stars in 17th. Akwa United and Nasarawa United share 24 points, with Akwa narrowly ahead in 18th. Read more
WNBA icon Diana Taurasi retires after 20 seasons (NYPost)
After a legendary professional basketball career spanning two decades, Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, a six-time Olympic gold medalist and a three-time WNBA champion, is stepping away from the game of basketball for good.
Taurasi, 42, announced her retirement Tuesday afternoon in Time Magazine, telling the outlet that she realized on New Year’s Day “it was time to walk away.”
“Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” Taurasi told Time. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.” Read more
Messi scores in Champions Cup win (USAToday)
A busy week for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami ended with a relatively easy night at the office.
Messi and Inter Miami played their best game of the young season, relying on three first-half goals to oust Sporting Kansas City in the first round of their Concacaf Champions Cup series, winning 3-1 on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium (4-1 on aggregate score).Messi scored in the 19th minute, taking a pass off his chest from Luis Suarez, then swinging his legendary left boot to send a goal into the back of the net to start the night. Read more