The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the timeline for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, commencing on January 26, 2026, and concluding on February 28, 2026, at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide.
This announcement provides prospective candidates with a one-month window to complete the process, ensuring ample time for preparation ahead of the main examination.
Registration must be conducted exclusively at JAMB-approved CBT centers to avoid issues with authenticity and compliance. The board has emphasized the importance of adhering to this guideline, as previous years have seen cases of fraud at unauthorized locations. Candidates are advised to verify center accreditation through JAMB’s official website or offices.
The UTME is a critical requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. For 2026, JAMB has maintained its focus on efficiency, with potential mock exams scheduled for March 28, 2026, for those who opt in by February 16. The main examination dates are expected to be rolled out later, typically falling between April and May, based on historical patterns.
Direct Entry (DE) registration will run separately, from March 10 to April 7, 2026, catering to applicants with higher qualifications seeking direct admission. The cost for UTME registration remains around ₦6,200, covering the form, e-PIN, and compulsory novel, though candidates should confirm the exact fee at CBT centers.
JAMB has introduced measures to enforce age eligibility, aligning with educational policies. This year’s process builds on 2025’s improvements, including enhanced biometric verification to curb impersonation.
Prospective students are encouraged to gather required documents, such as National Identification Number (NIN), O’Level results, and passport photographs, in advance. The board’s portal will open on the start date for online profile creation.
This development signals the beginning of the 2026 admission cycle, with JAMB urging all stakeholders to support a smooth exercise.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a significant victory in its anti-drug campaign with the seizure of 30 kilograms of heroin concealed in coffee packs at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria.
A Brazilian woman, identified as the courier, was arrested on January 23, 2026, during a routine screening of incoming luggage, marking a major blow to international drug trafficking networks targeting Nigeria.
The operation unfolded when NDLEA officers intercepted the suspect’s baggage from SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Upon inspection, the agency discovered the heroin expertly hidden inside sealed coffee packages, designed to evade detection.
The street value of the seized substance is estimated at over ₦10 billion, highlighting the scale of the attempted importation. The Brazilian national, who was traveling alone, has been taken into custody for further interrogation, with investigations underway to uncover potential accomplices in Nigeria and abroad.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest, stating that the agency remains committed to disrupting drug supply chains at entry points.
This seizure follows a series of successful interdictions at Nigerian airports, including recent busts at Lagos and Abuja involving cocaine and other narcotics. The operation demonstrates NDLEA’s enhanced use of advanced scanning technology and intelligence sharing with international partners like Brazil and the UNODC.
The incident underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking through African routes, with Nigeria serving as a key transit hub for heroin from South America to Europe and Asia.
Authorities have linked such imports to rising crime rates and health issues in local communities. The arrested woman faces charges under the NDLEA Act, with a court appearance pending.
This development reinforces Nigeria’s role in global anti-drug efforts, as NDLEA continues to collaborate with international agencies to combat transnational crime.
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not remain in power indefinitely, emphasizing that political power in Nigeria is contestable and subject to change through elections.
Speaking in Sokoto during a grassroots mobilization tour, according to Vanguard News, El-Rufai predicted that the APC could lose in the 2027 general elections, drawing parallels to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which governed for 16 years before being defeated in 2015.
El-Rufai’s comments reflect ongoing internal tensions within the APC, particularly following the party’s performance in recent elections and public dissatisfaction with governance. He highlighted the need for accountability and warned that voters could reject the ruling party if it fails to deliver on promises.
“El-Rufai’s comments reflect ongoing internal tensions within the APC, particularly following the party’s performance in recent elections and public dissatisfaction with governance, such as the controversy over the $9m US lobbying contract.”
The statement has sparked debate among political analysts, with some viewing it as a critique of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, while others see it as a call for party renewal.
The APC, in power since 2015, faces challenges including economic hardship, insecurity, and opposition criticism from parties like the PDP and Labour Party. El-Rufai’s remarks come amid speculation about the 2027 elections, where the APC’s ability to retain power will depend on addressing these issues.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics, where no party has ruled perpetually since the return to democracy in 1999.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia, along with other predominantly Muslim countries, have accepted U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the “Board of Peace,” a new initiative aimed at facilitating the Gaza ceasefire and broader regional stability.
The announcement came on January 22, 2026, marking a significant step in Trump’s diplomatic efforts following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and ongoing Middle East negotiations.
The board, chaired for life by Trump, includes founding members like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, with the goal of overseeing post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza and resolving international disputes.
“The announcement came on January 22, 2026, marking a significant step in Trump’s diplomatic efforts following the Netanyahu’s acceptance to the Board of Peace and his successful call with Venezuelan Interim President Delcy RodrĂguez.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan confirmed participation, stating it would promote peace in the region while protecting national interests. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed this, emphasizing the board’s potential to address humanitarian issues in Gaza and foster economic cooperation.
This development expands the board’s scope beyond its initial focus on Gaza, incorporating Muslim-majority nations to balance representation. Trump highlighted the acceptances as “tremendous progress,” noting it could lead to trade deals and security pacts. However, some European countries have declined, citing concerns over the board’s structure and potential bias.
The inclusion of Turkey and Saudi Arabia underscores shifting alliances in the Middle East, with implications for U.S. foreign policy in 2026.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at resolving international conflicts, starting with the Gaza ceasefire and potentially expanding globally.
Netanyahu’s office announced the decision on January 21, 2026, via social media, marking him as a founding member of the board chaired for life by Trump.
The announcement followed initial criticism from Netanyahu’s office regarding the board’s executive committee, which includes Turkey, a regional rival of Israel.
Despite this, Netanyahu agreed to participate, emphasizing Israel’s role in decisions impacting Gaza’s future and security interests. Azerbaijan also confirmed its acceptance on the same day, joining as another member.
Trump’s Board of Peace was initially envisioned to oversee Gaza’s post-war reconstruction and stabilization, with ambitions to address broader global disputes.
Invitations have been extended to dozens of nations, reflecting Trump’s approach to international diplomacy. Some Western European nations have declined, citing concerns over the board’s composition and objectives.
Netanyahu’s participation occurs amid ongoing ICC scrutiny, with an arrest warrant issued for war crimes in Gaza, raising questions about the board’s objectivity. The move strengthens U.S.-Israel ties under the Trump administration, building on recent meetings at Mar-a-Lago.
This development highlights shifting dynamics in Middle East diplomacy and Trump’s influence on global conflict resolution.
The driver accused in the car crash that injured boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two others appeared in a Nigerian court on January 20, 2026, as the star’s uncle publicly questioned whether the trial is “really worth it.”
The hearing at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, addressed charges of manslaughter and reckless driving against the driver, identified as the one operating the Lexus SUV involved in the December 29, 2025, collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occurred near Sagamu when a burst tire caused the vehicle to veer into a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two occupants and minor injuries to Joshua. Joshua, who was visiting family in his ancestral hometown, was discharged from the hospital shortly after but has since returned to the UK for recovery.
His uncle, speaking to reporters outside the court, expressed frustration over the legal process, stating, “Is this really worth it? We lost two lives, but dragging this out… it’s tough for everyone involved.
The driver, charged under Sections 324 and 319 of the Criminal Code Act, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million with two sureties.
The case has highlighted ongoing road safety concerns in Nigeria, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, known for frequent accidents due to poor maintenance and reckless driving. Joshua’s family has emphasized the tragedy’s impact, noting the loss of close relatives in the crash.
This development follows Joshua’s initial statements expressing gratitude for surviving and condolences for the victims. The trial’s outcome remains pending, with the next hearing scheduled for February 2026. The case continues to draw attention to judicial processes in high-profile incidents involving international figures.
“The incident occurred near Sagamu when a burst tire caused the vehicle to veer into a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of two occupants and minor injuries to Joshua, as reported in our initial coverage.”
Gunmen carried out coordinated attacks on three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, on January 18, 2026, abducting more than 150 worshippers during Sunday services. The assailants, suspected to be bandits, stormed the churches in broad daylight, opening fire to create panic before rounding up the victims and fleeing into the surrounding bushes.
Kaduna State Police confirmed the incident, stating that over 100 individuals, including women and children, were taken hostage. The attacks occurred at ECWA churches in the Tiv-dominated area, with gunmen arriving on motorcycles and vehicles, shooting indiscriminately to scatter the congregation.
Local sources reported that the bandits targeted the worshippers specifically, abducting them for potential ransom or as part of ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
This event marks one of the largest mass abductions in recent Kaduna history, exacerbating the state’s ongoing security crisis. Kajuru LGA has been a hotspot for banditry, with frequent raids on villages and highways leading to dozens of deaths and kidnappings annually. Security forces, including the police and military, have launched a joint operation to track the gunmen and rescue the victims, but challenges like the dense forest terrain have slowed progress.
The abductions come amid heightened insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, where bandit groups have increasingly targeted religious sites and communities.
Local leaders and residents have called for immediate government intervention, criticizing the lack of adequate protection for vulnerable areas. The incident has drawn condemnation from national figures, with demands for swift action to prevent further attacks.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the fate of the abducted worshippers remains uncertain, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures in Kaduna and similar regions.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has approved a $9 million lobbying contract with U.S. firm DCI Group, sparking intense political debate over whether the expenditure is a strategic move for image management or a misplaced priority amid domestic challenges.
The deal, signed on December 17, 2025, through Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to communicate Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities and sustain U.S. counter-terrorism support against jihadist groups in West Africa. The initial six-month term requires an upfront payment of $4.5 million, with monthly retainers of $750,000, potentially totaling $9 million upon renewal.
The contract has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue it reflects desperation and insensitivity, especially with Nigeria facing economic hardship, insecurity, and diplomatic pressures under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The African Democratic Congress described the deal as a “glaring example of misplaced priorities,” questioning the focus on foreign lobbying while citizens grapple with rising insecurity and poverty. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Labour Party condemned it as wasteful, highlighting the government’s failure to address local issues like banditry and economic instability.
In defense, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress dismissed the backlash as “orchestrated outrage,” insisting the lobbying is a standard tool of modern governance to counter negative perceptions and maintain international partnerships. The agreement comes amid renewed U.S. scrutiny, including threats from President Donald Trump and potential designation as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations. DCI Group, a Republican-connected firm, is tasked with engaging U.S. policymakers to highlight Nigeria’s security measures.
This development underscores broader tensions in Nigeria’s foreign relations, particularly with the U.S., where lobbying efforts aim to mitigate risks of sanctions or reduced aid. Critics point to the absence of ambassadors and perceived diplomatic paralysis as factors exacerbating the need for such costly interventions. The contract’s scale—potentially a record for African lobbying in Washington—has amplified calls for transparency and accountability in government spending.
As debates rage, the lobbying deal highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance global image management with pressing internal priorities.
(FILES) This image, taken in Toulouse on January 13, 2025, shows screens with the logo of Grok, a generative AI chatbot created by xAI, an American artificial intelligence startup founded by South African entrepreneur Elon Musk. (Image by AFP/Lionel Bonaventure)
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI and integrated into the social media platform X, has triggered a wave of global outrage after users exploited its image generation capabilities to create non-consensual sexualized images, including deepfake content involving real women and minors. The controversy has rapidly escalated into government investigations, regulatory scrutiny, and temporary country-wide bans, raising urgent questions about AI safety, online harm, and platform accountability.
How the Grok AI Controversy Began
The backlash began when users discovered that Grok’s image editing feature could be prompted to digitally alter photos of real people with commands such as “remove her clothes” or “put her in revealing clothing.” These prompts reportedly allowed the creation of AI-generated sexualised images without consent, a practice widely condemned as abusive and illegal in many jurisdictions.
Reports indicated that thousands of explicit images were being generated per hour, with some allegedly involving minors. The scale and speed of misuse exposed serious gaps in AI content moderation, especially for tools embedded within large social platforms like X.
Global Reaction and Regulatory Investigations
Governments and regulators across the world responded swiftly. Authorities in the United Kingdom, the European Union, France, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and California launched investigations into whether X and xAI violated online safety laws, child protection regulations, and data privacy standards.
The UK regulator Ofcom opened a formal probe under the Online Safety Act, stating that platforms hosting or enabling harmful AI-generated content could face severe penalties if safeguards were inadequate. European regulators similarly questioned whether Grok breached Digital Services Act obligations related to risk mitigation and user protection.
Several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, temporarily blocked access to Grok, citing concerns over the spread of illegal sexualized content and the lack of effective controls.
Officials worldwide described the images as “appalling,” “manifestly illegal,” and “deeply disturbing,” reinforcing the growing consensus that AI-generated sexual exploitation content represents a serious societal threat.
xAI’s Response and Mounting Criticism
In response to the backlash, xAI announced a series of changes aimed at limiting abuse. The company initially restricted Grok’s image generation feature to paying subscribers on X, a decision that drew immediate criticism. Many observers argued that placing the feature behind a paywall risked monetizing harmful behavior rather than preventing it.
xAI later introduced additional safeguards, including technical filters, stricter prompt controls, and geo-blocking in regions where generating sexualized images of real people is illegal. The company stated it maintains “zero tolerance” for child sexual exploitation material and non-consensual imagery.
Despite these measures, concerns remain. Critics have warned that the standalone Grok app may still allow explicit image generation, and regulators have made it clear that investigations will continue until full compliance with local laws is verified. Ofcom confirmed that its inquiry remains ongoing.
Why the Grok Scandal Matters for AI Regulation
The Grok controversy has become a defining moment in the global debate over AI ethics and governance. It highlights how rapidly powerful generative AI tools can be weaponized when deployed without robust safety frameworks, especially on platforms with massive user bases.
This case has intensified calls for:
Stronger AI content moderation systems
Clear accountability for AI developers and platform owners
Mandatory safeguards against deepfake abuse and non-consensual imagery
Faster enforcement of online safety legislation
As generative AI adoption accelerates, regulators are increasingly signaling that “move fast and break things” is no longer acceptable when public harm is at stake.
The Road Ahead for Grok and AI Platforms
For xAI and Elon Musk, the challenge now extends beyond technical fixes. Rebuilding trust will require transparency, cooperation with regulators, and demonstrable commitment to user safety. For the wider tech industry, the Grok incident serves as a cautionary tale about the real-world consequences of deploying AI systems without adequate guardrails.
As governments tighten oversight and public awareness grows, the future of AI innovation will depend not just on capability, but on responsibility, compliance, and ethical design.
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, was arraigned on January 13, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, facing a nine-count charge. The charges include assault, theft of musical equipment, car theft, resisting arrest, and causing harm, stemming from incidents dating back to November 2022 in Okeosa, Ilogbo, Ogun State. The court denied bail and remanded Portable in custody, pending further hearings.
According to Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, the allegations involve Portable assaulting a police officer during an arrest attempt, alongside theft and harm charges. The singer pleaded not guilty, but the judge ruled for remand due to the severity of the accusations and the need for investigation. This development follows Portable’s history of legal issues, including previous arrests for similar offenses.
The case has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions on celebrity accountability in Nigeria. Further court dates are expected, with potential implications for Portable’s career in the music industry. Updates on the proceedings will be monitored as they unfold.
