The Senate of the Federal University, Dutse, in Jigawa State, has approved the expulsion of 20 students and the rustication of 15 others over their involvement in examination malpractice.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Academic Affairs, Nora Dannatta, and issued in Dutse by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Yahaya-Bello, on Wednesday.

The statement indicated that the action was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Examination Misconduct for the Second Semester of the 2024/2025 academic session.

It disclosed that the Senate also approved the exoneration of two students and issued written warnings to three others.

“The decision was in accordance with the categories of offences and punishments governing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and those affected were drawn from various faculties and departments of the university,” it read in part.

PUNCH Online had reported a similar development in which the University of Abuja expelled 28 students for offences including cult-related activities, examination malpractice, drug possession, and threats to life.

According to the school, “the affected students were found culpable of serious misconduct, including assault, conspiracy, burglary, theft, falsification of ‘O’ Level results uploaded on the university portal for admission, as well as possession and use of hard drugs.” (NAN)

The Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, has conferred the title of “Queen Mother of the Polytechnic” on the wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Fatima Aliyu, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for vulnerable groups.

The honour was announced in a statement issued by the institution and shared on the First Lady’s Facebook page on Wednesday.

The statement said the recognition followed her contributions to the welfare of women, children and other vulnerable members of society across the state.

The polytechnic noted that the First Lady had distinguished herself through various initiatives in education, healthcare and social intervention programmes aimed at improving community well-being.

The statement read, “In a corresponding tribute, Her Excellency, Dr Fatima Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, was formally invested with the distinguished title of ‘Queen Mother of the Polytechnic.’

“The honour recognises her exemplary humanitarian work and steadfast advocacy for the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups across Sokoto State.”

It added that her interventions had provided support to families and strengthened community development across the state.

“Through her extensive initiatives in education, healthcare, and social intervention programmes, Her Excellency has demonstrated exceptional leadership and compassion,” it added.

The statement further said her work had helped promote the values of service, integrity and moral character among students of the polytechnic.

The awards were presented on behalf of the polytechnic community by Malama Khaltumi Abdullahi and Mrs. Sumayyah Abubakar Shamaki.

Meanwhile, the institution also conferred an Award of Excellence on the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, citing his administration’s support for tertiary education and youth empowerment in the state.

According to the polytechnic, the governor’s recognition was linked to his government’s financial sponsorship of newly accredited academic programmes at the institution, which it described as a significant investment in expanding access to quality education.

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has announced the commencement of online registration for the 2026 Screening Test into Model Colleges and Upgraded Junior Secondary Schools with boarding facilities for the 2026/2027 academic session.

In a statement by the Lagos State government on Wednesday, the registration exercise is coordinated by the Lagos State Examinations Board, opened on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will close on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The Registrar of the Board, Mr Adebayo Orunsolu, described the eligible candidates as “Primary Six pupils from both public and private primary schools across the state.”

Orunsolu advised parents, guardians, school owners, and head teachers to complete the registration process online through the Board’s official portal.

He said, “The Screening Test, which will be conducted using the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, is tentatively scheduled to take place from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29, 2026, at designated centres across Lagos State.”

“The registration fee has also been fixed at ₦10,000 only,” noting that “candidates of Lagos State origin are required to upload a valid Lagos State Indigeneship Certificate as part of the registration process,” he added.

Urging all stakeholders to comply with the guidelines, the Registrar reaffirmed that the State Government remains committed to “maintaining transparency, merit, and high standards in the admission process into the State’s Model Colleges and upgraded junior secondary schools.”

Meanwhile, students in Education District III have received financial support for their National Examinations Council examination through an intervention by a Non-Governmental Organisation, 100 Smiles.

At a presentation ceremony held at the District Headquarters, Falomo, Ikoyi, 10 Senior Secondary School students were given cash assistance to support their registration for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

Facilitating the presentation, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mr Olusegun Olawale Osinaike, commended the NGO, saying the gesture was “a laudable intervention” that complements government efforts.

He said initiatives such as the support provided by 100 Smiles ensure that “no child is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints,” stressing that “education remains the bedrock of meaningful development.”

Addressing the beneficiaries, Osinaike urged them to remain “disciplined, focused, and determined,” describing education as “a priceless asset that no one can take away.”

Also speaking, the founder of 100 Smiles, Mr Okusanya Rilwan Olumade, said the initiative was designed to “restore confidence in students, put smiles on their faces, and help them understand their words, worth, and world.”

Olumade disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from public secondary schools within the district “based on their character, behaviour, and demonstrated financial need.”

Organisers said the 100 Smiles Campaign continues to underscore the importance of partnerships in advancing educational development and empowering students for a brighter future..

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