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Unity Colleges defer resumption over Kings’s College concession dispute

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Students of Federal Unity Colleges in Abuja have deferred their scheduled resumption following opposition by teachers’ unions to the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.

Most of the colleges earlier scheduled to resume students on Sunday, Sept. 13, were under lock and key when newsmen visited the institutions.

The development followed a directive by the teachers’ union against the proposed concession of King’s College by the Federal Government.

NAN observed that several of the colleges had no teachers or students on their premises as of Sunday morning.

Some of the schools had notices pasted on their gates, indicating that academic activities would not resume as earlier scheduled.

One of the inscriptions read, “Unity Colleges are not for sale,” “No resumption until reversal of King’s College concession,” clearly linking the deferred resumption to the ongoing dispute.

Other inscriptions included, “Save the future of our children” and “Unity Colleges are the pride of the masses.”

The messages highlighted concerns among teachers and other stakeholders over the possible implications of concessioning a Federal Unity College.

At the Federal Government Boys’ College, Apo, the school premises were deserted, with no teachers available to receive students.

NAN also observed that no parents brought their wards to the school, apparently because of the uncertainty surrounding the scheduled resumption.

Speaking in an interview, Mrs Amina Abdullahi, the Chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Federal Government Boys’ College, Apo, confirmed that the school did not open as scheduled.

Abdullahi said the development was in compliance with the directive of the teachers’ union.

She added that the school was also awaiting further directives from the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) on the matter.

“We are asking for openness in all of this because the old boys have been helpful to the schools,” she said.

Abdullahi explained that the school gate had been locked by the union, making it impossible for teachers to resume normal activities.

“The union has locked up our gate. So, we are not expected to fly through the fence. So, that’s it,” she said.

The PTA chairperson said she could not provide a definite timeline for students’ resumption because some underlying issues had yet to be resolved.

She urged the Federal Government to ensure openness and transparency in resolving the dispute over the proposed concession.

Abdullahi said former students had continued to contribute to the development and improvement of the schools.

She urged the government to recognise the contributions of old students and other stakeholders in the management and development of Federal Unity Colleges.

According to her, parents would have to await further developments before determining when normal academic activities would resume.

Abdullahi stressed the need for all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the concerns surrounding the proposed concession of King’s College.

She said the interest of students should remain paramount in any decision concerning the future of the Federal Unity Colleges.

Also speaking, Mr Adamu Ali, Financial Secretary, Federal Government Girls’ College, Bwari, said the school complied with the union’s directive.

Ali said the directive affected the scheduled resumption of students in Federal Unity Colleges across the country.

He called on the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently interface with the unions to resolve the dispute.

According to him, direct and transparent dialogue between the government and staff unions is critical to resolving the disagreement.

Ali said such engagement would also help to ensure the safe reopening of the affected schools.

He warned that prolonged disputes could disrupt the academic calendar and affect the welfare and safety of students and staff residing in the colleges.

Ali urged all parties to prioritise the interests of students by resolving the matter through constructive engagement.

Meanwhile, the National President, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, backed the suspension of resumption in Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.

Amba urged the Federal Government to suspend the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos, and consult relevant stakeholders on the policy.

He said the leadership of the union’s Federal Wing would meet on Monday to deliberate on the development and determine the next line of action.

Amba described the situation as avoidable, saying all stakeholders ought to have been consulted before the government took such a decision.

He said teachers, who were central to the running of schools, should have been carried along before the proposed concession was introduced.

According to him, concessioning the college could lead to a change in management, thereby raising concerns about the fate and welfare of teachers.

“There can never be school without teachers. And every worker should be able to be seen protecting his place of work,” Amba said.

He said the concession of one Federal Unity College could encourage similar demands involving other Federal Government Colleges, potentially undermining their original public-service purpose.

Amba, however, clarified that the NUT had not officially directed teachers to withdraw from work or declared a closure of schools, saying Monday’s meeting would enable the union to assess the situation and communicate its position to teachers.(NAN).

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Business and Economy

NCC commends Glo’s efforts on customer service     

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) the telecoms industry regulator, has commended Globacom on  its outstanding performance in consumer complaint management and resolution.

In a letter to the company, which was signed by Kabiru S. Haruna, Principal Manager, Consumer Protection & Advocacy

Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB), the Commission expressed happiness at Globacom’s treatment and resolution of customer issues during the month of August, 2026.

The letter read in part: “We are pleased to note that your organization achieved and surpassed the Commission’s complaint resolution thresholds of 90% and 97% for Level 2 (L2) complaints. This accomplishment reflects your commitment to regulatory compliance, consumer satisfaction, and the continuous improvement of service delivery.”

NCC noted that Globacom’s dedication to timely complaint resolution and adherence to established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) put in place by the Commission has contributed significantly to enhancing consumer confidence and promoting a positive customer experience within the telecommunications sector.

The Commission further encouraged Globacom to sustain this level of outstanding performance while continuing to implement measures aimed at further improving service quality and consumer satisfaction.

Globacom noted that constant training of its customer-interfacing staff and investment in the latest technology were  responsible for observed improvement. The company promised not to relent in this regard.

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Business and Economy

TCN, NISO, KEDCO, others meet in Kano to map out outage, load diversion on Kumbotso-Dan Agundi 132KV transmission line

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By Chidera Orji

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kano Region, has held a coordinating meeting with Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), project contractors, and Kano State Ministry of Works, aimed at discussing a proposed outage and load diversion for the elongation of Towers 27 and 28 on the Kumbotso–Dan Agundi 132kV Transmission Line.

The meeting, which was held on Monday, October 5, , at the Regional Conference Room, Kano, was chaired by General Manager (Transmission), Kano Region, Engr. M. K. Bello, according to press statement made available to DISCLOSURE News by the Management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), yesterday.

In his opening remarks, Engr. Bello expressed confidence in the contractors’ competence but emphasized that they must thoroughly assess all proposed technical connections and switching arrangements before implementation to ensure operational safety and network reliability.

Also speaking at the meeting, the NISO Regional Operations Coordinator (ROC), Engr. Kunle Egbedinni, stressed the need for strict Grid Code compliance, particularly the requirement to submit planned outage applications at least 14 days in advance for approval.

The Head, Operations and Maintenance, KEDCO, Engr. Sabiu Haruna proposed diverting the load served by Dan Agundi 132kV Substation to alternative substations, including Dakata 132kV, Tamburawa 132kV, Rimin Zakara 330kV, Kumbotso 330kV, and Wudil 132kV substations, within a proposed two-day outage window.

Participants reviewed network capacity and alternative supply arrangements for the exercise. They observed that Hadejia 132kV Substation could not absorb the full 60MW load earmarked for diversion, and assessed supply options from the Tamburawa, Rimin Zakara and Dakata substations. They also emphasised the need to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

The meeting concluded with all stakeholders committing to strengthen inter-agency coordination, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate timely project execution.

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General News

APC appoints Wike, Gov Adeleke as campaign coordinators

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a revised list of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections.

It appointed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to key campaign positions.

Wike will coordinate President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Rivers State and the FCT, while Adeleke has been named the campaign coordinator for Osun State.

The appointments were contained in a notice obtained on Tuesday, which announced the inauguration of the campaign council for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The revised list also names Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as Director of Finance, while Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), will coordinate fundraising.

Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been listed among the campaign council advisers alongside Obafemi George, who will also advise on media matters.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has been appointed Deputy Director-General for South II, while Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule will serve as South-South Deputy Coordinator for State Assemblies mobilisation.

Minister of Works David Umahi has also been named Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure and Sensitisation.

In the media and communications team, the list includes Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, Abdulmumin Jibrin, Lere Olayinka, media aide to Wike, and Segun Sowunmi.

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has been appointed Deputy Director for Sports Sector Mobilisation, while businessman Ayiri Emami will serve as Director of Special Duties.

Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been named Director of Stakeholder Mobilisation, while former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola will coordinate stakeholder mobilisation in the South-West.

Senator Abdulaziz Yari retains his position as Director-General of the campaign council, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole serving as Deputy Director-General for Mobilisation and Femi Gbajabiamila as Deputy Director-General for Administration.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also retains his position as secretary of the council. APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as deputy secretary and assistant secretary, respectively.

Dele Alake remains the campaign council’s spokesman, while James Faleke will oversee election planning, coordination and monitoring as Deputy Director-General.

The revised list follows controversy over the composition of the campaign council initially unveiled in August.

President Tinubu had constituted the council ahead of the 2027 general elections, with himself as chairman and Vice President Kashim Shettima as vice chairman. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda was also named a vice chairman.

Yari was appointed Director-General, while the initial list generated controversy over the inclusion and exclusion of some political figures and party leaders.

The Presidency had previously dismissed reports that the list was withdrawn for a comprehensive review, maintaining that it remained valid but could be adjusted where necessary.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Dare explained that the campaign structure was still being developed and that additional names would be included in the subcommittees yet to be constituted.

“As it is with every other list, there’s a room for subcommittees. Those subcommittees have not been formed, and so many other names will come into that subcommittee,” he had said.

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