Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 14th August, 2025
1. Tinubu Govt Bans Creation Of New Federal Universities, Others For Seven Years
The federal government of Nigeria has announced a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal tertiary educational institutions in the country.
The development was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, led by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
Naija News reports that the seven-year ban covers universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Alausa explained that the intention is to focus on developing the quality of existing institutions and address a major decline in both infrastructure and workforce quality.
According to him, the pressing issue in Nigeria’s education sector is not about accessing federal tertiary institutions, but rather the problem of having too many institutions.
He added that some existing tertiary institutions have no students but have to pay their workforce.
He cited a federal university with fewer than 800 students but 1,200 staff as an example of the inefficiencies and waste in the system.
2. Full Text: Tinubu Govt’s Decisions On Comfort Emmanson, KWAM 1, Aviation Security, Others
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government on Wednesday took decisive actions following recent scandals in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Naija News reports that the scandal had involved popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate; and Comfort Emmanson.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has revealed the federal government decision on KWAM 1, Comfort, Aviation security and airport officials.
Keyamo directed the withdrawal of the criminal complaint filed against musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly called KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate.
Keyamo directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
He asked the NCAA to restore the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET after one month and undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal.
The Minister also directed Ibom Air to withdraw its criminal complaint against unruly passenger, Comfort Emmanson.
Keyamo said he has conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her, adding that when the Police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
3. JAMB Announces Fresh Decision On Fate Of Underage Candidates For 2025/2026 Admission
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that a special screening committee will be set up to review the eligibility of over 500 outstanding candidates below the age of 16 who are seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session.
This decision was announced on Wednesday by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, following a virtual meeting with relevant stakeholders.
Oloyede explained that of the 41,027 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), over 40,000 did not meet the initial qualification criteria.
The conditions include a minimum score of 320 in the UTME (80%), 80% in the post-UTME, and 80% (24/30 points) in a single WAEC or NECO sitting.
However, for the over 500 who met the basic criteria, a special screening committee will be set up to review their eligibility for admission. He added that the screening will take place from September 22 to 26, 2025.
Professor Oloyede said three centres have been designated for the process: Lagos (397 candidates), Owerri (136 candidates), and Abuja (66 candidates).
The screening aims to ensure that only the most exceptional and adequately prepared underage candidates are considered for admission.
4. ‘You Have No Reason To Be Poor’ – President Tinubu Tells Nigerians, Reaffirms Support For MSME
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that Nigerians have no reason to be poor, emphasising his administration’s commitment to fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Naija News reports that the Nigerian leader made the declaration during the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Calabar on Wednesday, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources that can be harnessed for economic prosperity.
He specifically highlighted the state’s potential for agriculture, pointing out that Cross River has the capacity to grow nearly every type of crop due to its fertile land.
Speaking on agricultural development, the president shared that the Federal Government plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees, a project he said would make Nigeria the leader in oil palm production.
5. Goodluck Jonathan: No Single Politician Can Defeat Tinubu In 2027 – Bwala
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has expressed confidence that his principal will secure a second term in office by winning the 2027 presidential election.
According to Bwala, no single politician has the capacity to defeat President Tinubu at the polls.
Naija News reports that the presidential media aide stated this on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Bwala said his words are not based on assumptions, but a critical evaluation of Nigeria’s political climate.
The declaration by Bwala comes at a time when some stakeholders have been calling on former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.
However, Bwala stated that those making the call only want to damage the international reputation Jonathan has built since leaving office in 2015.
The presidential aide argued that those calling on Jonathan to contest against Tinubu are the same ones who facilitated his exit from power.
6. Obasanjo Library Gives EFCC Seven Days To Pay ₦3.5 Billion
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding ₦3.5 billion in damages over what it described as an armed, ‘Gestapo-style’ invasion of its premises in the early hours of Sunday, August 10, 2025.
According to the library management, the raid carried out by operatives from the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 not only disrupted business activities but also inflicted immense reputational and financial damage on the institution and its founder, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a statement signed by OOPL Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, the management accused the EFCC of storming the Rounda Fun Spot, a relaxation facility within the library complex, around 2 a.m. during a popular event tagged the Wet & Rave Splash Extravaganza.
Ortese alleged that the EFCC team, led by an operative identified only as Olapade, arrived in a convoy of about 50 armed operatives in several vehicles.
The management warned that if the EFCC fails to meet these demands by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the matter will be taken to court.
7. PSG Beat Tottenham Hotspur On Penalties To Win 2025 UEFA Super Cup
Paris Saint-Germain fought back from two goals down to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on penalties and claim the 2025 UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night.
Tottenham, managed by Thomas Frank, appeared on course to win the UEFA Super Cup after taking a 2-0 lead through goals from defenders Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
Spurs maintained control for much of the match and were minutes away from securing their second European trophy in three months. However, PSG mounted a late comeback, with Lee Kang-In pulling one back in the 85th minute after a neat exchange on the edge of the box.
The French champions then drew level in stoppage time when substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed in a 94th-minute equaliser from a lofted cross, forcing the game straight into a penalty shootout.
The result denied Frank his first piece of silverware with Tottenham and capped another successful European night for PSG.
8. Rashford Slams Manchester United’s “Reactionary” Approach, Says Club Lost Principles After Ferguson
Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford has delivered a blunt assessment of Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, accusing his parent club of abandoning the principles that once made them dominant.
The England international, now in his second consecutive loan spell after spending last season at Aston Villa, believes the Red Devils’ decline began after the retirement of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the Manchester United academy graduate said the club’s constant chopping and changing of managers has eroded the foundation that once unified the first team and the youth ranks.
Rashford argued that long-term success in football requires a clear set of values and a consistent plan, something he claims United have lacked in recent years.
9. God Is Never Late, Can Be Trusted – Toke Makinwa Says As She Announces Pregnancy
Media personality, Toke Makinwa, has revealed that she is expecting her first child.
Naija News reports that the popular host shared the news on her Instagram page.
The 40-year-old actress described the journey as the most important and fulfilling chapter of her life.
Makinwa reflected on her hopes for 2025, saying she entered the year with a declaration that it would bring life-changing experiences.
She expressed gratitude for the timing of the pregnancy, describing it as the perfect moment and a blessing she had long awaited.
The on-air personality, known for her years in radio, television, and brand influencing, said motherhood is a role that surpasses all others she has played.
She expressed excitement about raising her child and thanked God for what she considers the biggest gift of her life.
10. How Yahoo Boys Are Funding Some Nigerian Singers – MI Abaga
Veteran Nigerian rapper, Jude Abaga, better known as M.I Abaga, has raised concerns over the sources of funding sustaining the country’s music industry.
Speaking on the So Nigerian podcast, the hip-hop star said that a large share of financial backing for Nigerian artists comes from foreign sources and individuals involved in internet fraud.
Naija News reports that he described the situation as a poor reflection of the nation.
The One Naira crooner stressed that such a thriving creative sector should not depend heavily on illicit or external funding.
M.I called on wealthy Nigerians to invest more in homegrown musical talents.
He pointed out that many young artists currently rely on financial help from other young people rather than from established industry investors or local benefactors.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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