The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has summoned Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos State, following her viral TikTok post criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Naija News reports that a message from the NYSC Local Government Inspector (LGI), obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday, instructed Rita, identified by code number LA/24B/832, to report to the Eti Osa 3 local government office by 10 a.m. on Monday without fail.

Recall that Rita had posted a tearful video on TikTok under the handle @talktoraye, expressing frustration over the rising cost of goods in Nigeria. Her emotional outcry quickly gained widespread attention, prompting an official response from the NYSC board.

In the video, she described Tinubu as a “terrible” President, accusing the government of neglecting the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government,” she stated.

“I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”

She also lamented the financial struggles she faces as a corps member, stating that the monthly NYSC allowance is insufficient to cover basic expenses.

“So, I am coming from a supermarket where I went to get foodstuff, and everything has gone up again. It’s just like every single week, prices keep increasing. I want to know, what is the government doing about this increase? Is there going to be a particular time when prices will stop going up?

“Why am I going to get a crate of eggs and I’m told it costs N6,500? It doesn’t make any sense that eggs would cost that much. I literally remember when eggs cost N800. I am so overwhelmed because this is the first time I’ve stayed out of my family house.

“After I left the supermarket, I got home, and the security and electricity (NEPA) bills have skyrocketed, doubling in price. It is insane. I can’t keep up with these bills. Every single penny I make, I am using it to pay bills.

“The crazy thing is, you want to go out with your friend, and Uber is N25,000. Why are things so expensive?

“To make it worse, Lagos stinks. Everywhere smells. What is the government doing about the smell?

“Being an NYSC corper, there is nothing so beneficial about this scheme. The money I spend on transportation is much more than the allowance the federal government pays us.

“We should start calling out the government. For example, Tinubu, you are a terrible person. What are you doing to help our economy?” She questioned.

Less than 24 hours after posting the video, Rita shared another clip showing her receiving a call from an NYSC official.

She revealed that she had been receiving multiple calls from NYSC authorities, urging her to delete the video and stop criticizing the government.

Rita said: “Yesterday, I made a video talking about the Nigerian government and how terrible President Tinubu is, and I was crying in the video.

“Thirty minutes ago, I received a call from the NYSC board, starting with the secretariat before the LGI. I’m going to attach some of the things she said so you guys can hear.”

Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak helped Newcastle United win the 2025 Carabao Cup ahead of Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

A stunning header from the newly selected England left-back, Burn put Eddie Howe’s team ahead just before half-time. This goal was well-earned, as Newcastle effectively restricted Liverpool to a mere single shot throughout the first half.

Shortly after Isak had a goal ruled out for offside, the talented Swede extended the lead to 2-0 with a precise finish following an assist from Jacob Murphy.

Naija News reports that Newcastle successfully executed their strategy in the first half of their Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool on Sunday evening.

Kieran Trippier delivered a corner kick that soared high and was directed deep away from the goal.

The intended recipient was none other than Dan Burn, the towering 6ft 7ins defender from Blyth, who stands nearly two meters tall.

Burn has consistently been the focal point for Newcastle’s corner kicks, successfully connecting with nearly everyone using his head, often against the significantly shorter Alexis Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Konate and Van Dijk occupied zonal positions within the six-yard box.

This arrangement effectively ensures that Burn is almost certain to win the aerial duels.

He did so, executing a perfectly placed stooping header into the bottom-left corner, eluding a diving Caoimhin Kelleher, who may have had an obstructed view.

A 94-minute goal from Federico Chiesa could not help Liverpool win the Carabao Cup trophy this season.

The Reds, however, are still favourites to win their first trophy under manager, Arne Slot with the club sitting top of the English Premier League.

An elder statesman and politician from the First Republic, Tanko Yakasai, has hailed President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, which, according to him, have brought some relief for Nigerians.

According to Yakasai, the price of rice, beans, and other food items, as well as the price of petrol, has been reduced following President Tinubu’s policies.

He expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and prayers for the success of the incumbent administration.

In a statement to journalists in Kano on Sunday, Naija News reports that Yakasai highlighted the administration’s advancements and accomplishments as evidence of Nigerians’ confidence in it.

He also noted the recent reductions in fuel prices, which he believes will alleviate the financial strain on the populace.

As a prominent advocate for Tinubu’s 2023 electoral campaign, Yakasai called on the people of the North to unite in support of the administration, stressing that the region remains an integral part of national matters.

He said, “From some of the reports I received, the prices of basic foodstuffs have been coming down. Unlike before, families can now afford to buy essentials such as rice, beans, maize, sorghum, and other food items needed to feed their homes.

“I was also made to understand that the cost of petrol at filling stations has been coming down.

“In some places, I was told that petrol is now being dispensed for about ₦850 per litre instead of the earlier ₦1,150.

“This is good for transportation costs and will make movement easier for Nigerians.”

The former adviser to President Shehu Shagari and the ex-National Publicity Secretary of the NEPU emphasized that President Tinubu’s most significant contributions are still forthcoming, as his administration has prepared a range of developmental and citizen-oriented policies aimed at benefiting Nigerians, particularly those in the North.

He urged Nigerians, particularly those in politics, to engage constructively in governance through thoughtful criticism and informed political participation, highlighting that such actions would enhance democracy and enrich the political environment of the nation.

Yakasai also took this opportunity to extend his condolences to the families of the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clarke, as well as to the communities in the southwest and South-South regions mourning their loss.

“The loss of these two great and patriotic Nigerians, who were not only my political associates but also personal friends, is a great tragedy for the nation,” he said, praying to Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who alleged that she received threats after a viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku, in a statement shared on ? (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, described Raye as a symbol of a new generation of politically active Nigerian women, advocating for democratic participation and accountability.

“Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” Atiku wrote

Naija News reports that the former presidential candidate compared Raye to historical female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, who played key roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and social justice.

He urged Nigerians to support the young corps member rather than vilify her for expressing her opinions.

“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” Atiku added.

Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after her TikTok video went viral, in which she criticised the government’s economic policies and described Tinubu as a “terrible leader.”

In the video posted on her TikTok handle, #talktoraye, on Saturday, she lamented Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, arguing that hard work no longer guarantees financial security.

She further questioned the government’s commitment to easing the hardships faced by citizens, sparking intense reactions online.

Following the video’s circulation, Raye claimed she had received threats from NYSC officials, who allegedly pressured her to take down the post.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) executive secretary, Idris Bugaje, has asserted that University Degrees will lose relevance in the next 10 to 15 years.
Naija News reports that Bugaje made this submission while speaking on the claims that there are more people seeking university admission than polytechnics.

Bugaje highlighted a concerning aspect of Nigerian psychology, where there is a prevailing belief that a degree is superior to a diploma or even a higher national diploma.

According to him, the mindset is regrettable. He stressed the need to educate the public to change this perception.

The NBTE official also noted that one of the factors contributing to the low admission rates is that universities account for approximately 70 percent of total admissions, polytechnics represent only about 18 to 20 percent, and colleges of education comprise around 10 to 12 percent of admissions nationwide.

Another significant issue affecting these statistics is the existing divide in public service between degree holders and those with Higher National Diplomas (HND).

He explained that individuals with an HND are currently restricted to a maximum grade level of 14 in public service, whereas degree holders can advance to director positions. This limitation lacks a practical basis, as HND graduates often possess superior hands-on skills that enhance their performance.

“In the next 10 to 15 years, degrees will lose their relevance. Skills qualification is what will give you a job.

“There are so many reasons for that. There is some unfortunate psychology, the Nigerian mentality that a degree is higher than a diploma or even higher national diploma. It’s a very unfortunate psychology, and we need to sensitise people to reverse that.

“Another reason for the low dismal admissions is that universities take about 70 percent of the total admissions. Polytechnics account for just about 18 to 20 percent. Colleges of education take about 10 to 12 percent of the total admissions in the country. Now, the other reason for the dismal statistics is the dichotomy in the public service between degrees and HND.

“At the moment, an HND in public service cannot go beyond grade level 14. A degree holder can become a director, but an HND is limited to grade level 14 for no real practical reason, because when it comes to delivery, the HND will even do better than the degree holder because he has hands-on skills. The industry also prefers HND to a degree holder. So, for that reason, we are now proposing to the government to let us scrap the HND. In all our polytechnics, after the national diploma, let them go and do a bachelor of technology honours. But this will be a degree different from a university degree.

“In the universities, you give degrees based on character and learning. In the polytechnics, we shall give bachelor of technology degrees based on character, learning and skills. The three major components will be there. So, this is the best way to end the dichotomy, and by the time we do this, I’m very sure that we are going to grow the admissions into our polytechnics, and the dichotomy will be over. There will be a progression path for polytechnic graduates. Technical education will still end with ND — national diploma, technician qualification. But those who want to aspire higher can go for the bachelor of technology honours, and after that, they can even go for higher degrees,” Bugaje said in an interview with TheCable.

He added, “So, this is the option we are given. Ghana has implemented that. South Africa has been implementing it dually. The polytechnic where I did my sabbatical about 21 years ago in South Africa, they were offering both HND and bachelor of technology concurrently. So, it’s the choice of the candidate. Industries globally prefer the HND, but more importantly, industries today also recognise more of the skills qualification. The skills that you acquired during your training. That is why we have introduced the mandatory skills qualification in every polytechnic. Every ND, every HND must acquire skills qualification in addition to the HND. But our prayer is that the Polytechnic Act be amended to allow polytechnics to offer a bachelor of technology honours. The College of Education Act has already been amended. Now they are doing NCE and B.Ed honours. So, we want the same thing. We shall be offering ND and B.Tech honours.”

Bsc/HND Dichotomy A Sign Of Underdevelopment In Nigeria
Speaking on the Genesis of dichotomy between HND and Degree in the civil service, Bugaje believed that the reason is simply a sign of underdevelopment.

The NBTE official said, “The answer is simple. That is a sign of underdevelopment being exhibited in Nigeria. That dichotomy itself is a sign of underdevelopment. Countries that have developed don’t look at your papers. The degree will soon be obsolete and of no use. In the next 10 to 15 years, degrees will lose their relevance. Skills qualification is what will give you a job. Even if you get a job, you have to upskill from time to time, improve your skills, and get certifications on those skills. In that way, you can now move forward.

“In Nigeria, it’s very unfortunate. I don’t think it’s even colonial psychology. It’s a psychology of underdevelopment that is haunting us. If you look at the system, the civil service top echelon is dominated by degree holders. Even if you go to the polytechnics now, the lecturers and the heads of departments, 90 percent are from universities. That’s what we are trying to change. In the polytechnics, we are saying, we should allow HND holders to be employed as assistant lecturers. If we want, we can allow the degree holder also to be given assistant lecturer status.

“The polytechnic has its system. Somebody who has done a university degree and has no understanding of the polytechnic system will graduate and become an assistant lecturer, while HND holders will be given the position of a technologist. So, the new scheme of service that we propagated last year, that provision is there. HND holders will be given employment as assistant lecturers, primarily in the polytechnics because it’s their system. They have gone through it. So, they can now go to do their masters, become senior lecturers, do PhD, become chief lecturers, and eventually become rectors.

“We want HND holders to be heads of polytechnics, not university graduates. The civil service is dominated by university graduates, and they are deliberately trying to keep HND holders from progressing. There’s no justification for that dichotomy. And I hope this unwarranted dichotomy will come to an end very soon.”

On whether the National Assembly and the ministry will buy his idea on the lingering problem, Bugaje said: “For the commission, we have, but this one is in the pipeline. I have already written to the honourable minister of education on the amendment of the Polytechnic Act. We have a new minister of education who is very passionate about skills. He is trying to reposition the entire TIVET sector. Not only at the tertiary level but even at the sub-tertiary level. He is bringing NELFUND to support those who go for TIVET training, giving them stipends for certification of the skills training. So, we have an honourable minister who is very passionate about skills, and I am very sure he is going to support this change from a HND to be replaced with a bachelor of technology honours.”

Naija News understands that Bugaje was appointed as NBTE secretary in 2021.

Under his leadership, NBTE has introduced significant reforms to bridge the skills gap, enhance polytechnic education, and ensure that graduates are equipped with academic qualifications and practical expertise.

The Federal Government has launched an investigation into how suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central gained access to the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official nomination by Nigeria.

According to a report by an online newspaper, Premium Times, sources within the President Bola Tinubu administration confirmed that the Department of State Service (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were conducting the probe.

The agencies aimed to determine who facilitated the suspended lawmaker’s accreditation, whether her participation was orchestrated by interest groups to “embarrass the Nigerian government”, and if she violated any IPU or National Assembly protocols.

The IPU, a global parliamentary body, strictly regulates member participation, allowing only officially nominated delegates to attend meetings and speak on behalf of their respective countries. For Nigeria, the delegation comprises selected Senators, House of Representatives members, and parliamentary officials. Attendance as an observer requires explicit approval from both the IPU and the home country’s delegation.

However, Nigerian authorities argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan did not follow the protocols before gaining access to the IPU meeting on March 11. At the event, she addressed her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate, alleging it was politically motivated and meant to silence her for exposing misconduct in the legislative chamber. She also raised allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that the parliamentary body would investigate the matter while also giving the Nigerian Senate an opportunity to present its side of the story.

A member of Nigeria’s official delegation to the IPU meeting, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. Speaking at the UN Secretariat a day after the embattled senator’s address, Mrs. Ogbara read a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, stating that the suspension of Natasha was due to violations of Senate Standing Rules during plenary sessions, not retaliation for her allegations against Senate President Akpabio.

Bamidele also questioned the legitimacy of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s presence at the meeting.

“Outside of Nigeria, or outside of this Senate, when it comes to our inter-parliamentary engagements, every one of those organisations, from the Inter-Parliamentary Union to the Commonwealth Parliament, to the African Union Parliament, to the ECOWAS Parliament, is run on the basis of rules and regulations, drawn from the protocols establishing those organisations.

“That’s why the IPU president, after listening to our colleague, Distinguished Senator Natasha, had to go by their rule. One, that the issue she raised was outside of the agenda of the meeting. Number two, having heard her, it would also be important to listen to the other side because they are all guided by rules,” he stated.

He further emphasised that the IPU membership was based on national parliamentary organisations, not individual members, and that only designated delegates could officially attend.

“If, for any reason, one of our colleagues, who was not even supposed to be there, found her way to the place, sat on the seat meant for Nigeria, and spoke for herself rather than for Nigeria, that’s another issue altogether,” Bamidele added.

Similarly, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, affirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had no official authorisation to represent Nigeria at the IPU meeting.

“Her attendance was not approved by the Nigerian Senate or its Inter-Parliamentary Committee,” he said in a statement on Friday.

The probe by both intelligence agencies DSS and NIA followed complaints from the Senate regarding the suspended Senator’s participation at the international event. They were focusing on whether she obtained unauthorised credentials, if external facilitators aided her attendance, and whether her statements at the IPU misrepresented Nigeria’s official position.

The investigation will also determine if any individuals or organisations helped Natasha gain access without government approval and whether any breaches of IPU regulations or Nigerian parliamentary protocols occurred.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cocaine concealed in prayer beads and locally-made shoes.

The NDLEA said the owner of the consignments was intercepted while attempting to smuggle the illicit substances into the Holy Land.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, stated this in a statement posted on social media.

Part of the statement read that: “In this holy month when people are consecrating themselves and making supplications to their God, some persons were preoccupied with concealing cocaine in prayer beads and locally-made shoes to desecrate the precincts of the holy land in the holy month.

“They were, however, intercepted by #ndlea_nigeria officers as shown by the attached pictures.”

Isaac Fayose, businessman and brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has donated N500,000 to Fatai Odunsi Adeshina, father of popular Nigerian singer Asake.

The donation comes after Fayose publicly called out Asake for allegedly abandoning his ailing father.

Fayose announced the donation on Saturday, stating that he had spoken with Asake’s father and had sent the funds to support him.

Fayose said:

“As I promised, we will take care of Asake’s father if he refuses to do so.

“I spoke with his father this morning, and he’s a very happy man. I prayed for him and sent N500,000 to support him.”

See screenshot of the receipt below;

The donation follows a public plea for help from Fatai Odunsi Adeshina, who claimed that Asake had abandoned him since his health began deteriorating in 2022.

Odunsi, who has been battling a stroke, alleged that Asake has not been financially supportive despite his fame and success. He disclosed:

“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I gave birth to Asake, Ahmed, the singer. Babatunde Ololade Odunsin, Mr. Money. Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help.”

Taking to social media to address the situation, Asake in a video sang his response. The singer who reportedly exited Olamide’s YBNL record label accused his father of trying to manipulate him, despite spending a lot of money.

Adijat Ajoke, the woman claiming to have an 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat, for Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, known as Asake, has finally broken her silence, laid bare everything that transpired between them.

Recall in the wake of Asake’s father, Fatai Odunsi, lamenting abandonment, a video surfaced online showing the singer’s family members gathered.

Among them was Adijat, seated beside his father as voices in the background called on Asake to take responsibility for his father, his alleged child, and the woman who claims to have stood by him in his darkest days.

Speaking in a TikTok interview, Adijat disclosed how she supported Asake through his time at Obafemi Awolowo University, used her little savings and thrift contributions to help him stay afloat. According to her, during those struggling years, the singer constantly appreciated her for sticking by his side.

However, she alleged that everything changed when Asake moved to Lekki, Lagos. She claimed he became distant, cut off communication for a long time. According to her, when her mother reached out to him for clarity, Asake told her that Adijat was forcing herself on him.

The lady revealed that the singer, consumed by his ambition in the music industry, not only threatened to block her but also dismissed their relationship entirely, made it clear she no longer fit into his plans.

Adijat admitted that after Asake achieved fame, he offered some assistance at a point, but when she approached him about investing in her business, he became evasive, failed to follow through on any of his promises.

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has revealed the weirdest rumours he has heard about himself on the internet.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rema disclosed that he has heard rumours about being part of the Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and drinking blood.

The singer noted that these rumours have caused him to lose a considerable number of fans, stressing that some people believe whatever they see online. He said:

“Random stories have been made up about me being Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and drinking blood. I definitely lose some fans who just believe anything they see.”

Rema also explained why he wears pendants in memory of his late father and brother. He added:

 
“It was just a dark moment that changed my life, so I always wear this chain—mostly because I never want to forget. While any craziness or any fantastic shit is happening, I always remind myself, ‘Know the struggles you came from,’ because, for real, people be forgetting.”

The singer then revealed that he is not open to having children out of wedlock. Disclosing that he doesn’t abhor promiscuity, the Ozeba crooner stressed that he’s an intentional man.

Rema who made history as the first Black African star to cover Rolling Stone magazine shared:

“I feel like there’s a need for us [family] to get bigger and become a whole empire if we can. And then neither do I want to wait for it to become a mistake before I decide to be a father. I’m very particular and I don’t really be hoeing around.”

Rema also spoke about his relationship with Ayra Starr and South African Tyla. He said

“Ayra’s family, for sure. Tyla’s family. We’re good friends because I’ve been friends with Tyla even before everything.”