Green Bridge Weekly Education News Digest (28 August - 4 September 2026)

This Week's Highlights

The Nigerian education sector witnessed a dynamic week, marked by strong examination performances, significant strides in student support, and crucial policy discussions. While the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) celebrated improved pass rates, concerns about examination malpractice came to the forefront, prompting renewed calls for integrity. Admissions processes are in full swing for various institutions, with important guidance issued for students navigating the JAMB CAPS portal. Furthermore, federal and state governments rolled out initiatives to boost student entrepreneurship and foundational learning, amidst a broader national conversation on bridging the gap between education and economic opportunity.

Examination Performance & Integrity Concerns

NABTEB Records Impressive Pass Rates, Minister Decries Malpractice

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) released the June/July 2026 National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) results, revealing a significant improvement in candidate performance. According to the Registrar/CEO, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, 81.24% of candidates (79,504 in total) obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics. This marks a substantial increase from the 68.18% recorded in the May/June 2025 examinations. Overall, 91.53% of candidates secured five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics. The examinations saw an increased participation with 97,867 candidates sitting for exams across 2,144 centres, reflecting growing interest in technical and vocational education. A commendable 24.65% were certified as craftsmen, aligning with NABTEB's mandate to promote practical skills. Despite the positive outcomes, 847 candidates were involved in examination malpractice, representing 1.55% of candidates, prompting the Board to reiterate its commitment to fair and firm application of regulations.

Allegations of Examination Malpractice Shake Public Confidence

In a troubling revelation, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that examination questions for the National Examinations Council (NECO) were allegedly sold for as little as N3,000 before the exams. Speaking at a meeting with private school proprietors and other stakeholders, Alausa described the extent of malpractice as "alarming" and deeply rooted, creating an unfair environment for genuinely prepared students. He recounted instances where leaked questions were forwarded to him, confirming their authenticity before scheduled papers. The Minister emphasized that examination malpractice is not solely a student problem but involves a wider ecosystem of schools, parents, teachers, principals, and invigilators. The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu's administration, is committed to introducing stronger measures, including serialised examination questions, to safeguard public examinations and restore confidence in Nigeria's education system.

Key Takeaways: Combating Exam Malpractice

• Alarming Scale: NECO questions allegedly sold for N3,000 before exams.
• Systemic Issue: Malpractice involves parents, schools, teachers, invigilators, and students.
• Government Response: Stronger measures, including serialised questions, to restore integrity.
• Call to Action: Stakeholders urged to resist temptations to compromise examination credibility.

Navigating Post-UTME: Free Resources Over Paid Bundles

For students preparing for Post-UTME screenings, a critical piece of advice emerged: do not pay for "official" past questions. Many vendors sell compiled notes from memory, which are often inaccurate or outdated, as most Nigerian universities do not officially publish their Post-UTME past questions. Instead, students are encouraged to utilize free resources, such as online question banks and JAMB preparation materials, which focus on UTME subjects often retested during screenings. Effective preparation involves timed drills, keeping a "wrong answer log" for missed questions, and consulting the specific school's official portal for screening formats to avoid scams and ensure genuine readiness.

Admissions and Application Updates

NABTEB Sets Deadlines for November/December 2026 Examinations

Prospective candidates for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) November/December 2026 examinations have important deadlines to note. Registration for the National Business Certificate (NBC), National Technical Certificate (NTC), Advanced National Business Certificate (ANBC), and Advanced National Technical Certificate (ANTC) examinations will close on Thursday, September 10, 2026. For the December Modular Trades Certificate Examination, registration concludes on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Approved registration fees are N22,500 for NBC/NTC, N25,500 for ANBC/ANTC, and N6,000 for the Modular Trades Certificate. Candidates and institutions are urged to complete registrations promptly through authorized channels to avoid complications.

University Admissions in Progress: LASUSTECH and AKSCONS Updates

The admission season is gaining momentum, with several institutions processing applications. The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has commenced uploading its 2026/2027 admission lists to the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). Candidates who applied to LASUSTECH are advised to regularly check their JAMB CAPS profiles and the university's official portal for updates. Upon receiving an admission offer, candidates should accept it on CAPS and proceed with the university's acceptance, screening, and clearance procedures.

Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS), Ikot Ekpene, has opened applications for its 2026/2027 National Diploma (ND) Nursing Programme. Eligible candidates must have scored at least 190 in the 2026 UTME and possess five O'Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, obtained in not more than two sittings (NABTEB results cannot be combined). The application portal closes on Friday, October 2, 2026, with the Post-UTME screening scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Aka Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo. AKSCONS cautions applicants against admission fraud, advising adherence to official channels for all processes and payments.

Important Note: JAMB CAPS Navigation

• Old vs. New Admissions: Rejecting an old JAMB admission offer WILL NOT affect a new 2026 admission. JAMB reassured candidates not to be apprehensive.
• Action is Key: An offer left unanswered past the deadline (September 30, 2026, for offers from 2021 onwards) automatically reverts to "Not Admitted." Rejecting is a clean, deliberate answer.
• Checking Status: Log into JAMB e-Facility, then CAPS, and click "Admission Status" for the relevant year.
• "Provisional Admission": Congratulations! Accept if desired, but verify course/institution first.
• "Admission in Progress": Be patient; check back in a few days.
• Profile Recovery: If you've lost your JAMB email/password, send "PASSWORD youremail@example.com" or "RESEND" (for profile code) to 55019 or 66019 from your registered phone number. Ensure you have airtime.
• Beware of Scams: Never pay anyone for CAPS checks or to "influence" admission; these services are free or done officially by institutions.

Student Support & Welfare Initiatives

FG Launches N50 Million Student Venture Grants

The Federal Government has opened applications for the second cohort of its Student Venture Capital Grant, also known as the "Next Moonshot Initiative." This initiative aims to provide up to N50 million in equity-free funding to 50 outstanding student-led ventures across Nigeria. The grants are specifically for student entrepreneurs with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-based business ideas. The application portal opened on August 30, 2026, and will close on September 30, 2026. National Coordinator, Adebayo Onigbanjo, announced a nationwide roadshow visiting nine tertiary institutions and activating a Campus Ambassador Programme in 20 others to widen access. Successful ventures will also receive a six-month mentorship programme, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry of Education's focus on human capital development and skills acquisition.

NELFUND Defends Student Loan Disbursements Amidst Scrutiny

Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), firmly dismissed allegations of financial misappropriation, defending the transparency and integrity of the student loan scheme. Sawyerr stated that there is no evidence to support claims of mismanagement, explaining that NELFUND's electronic payment system ensures all disbursements are traceable. He highlighted recent transfers of over N1 billion to the University of Ibadan, with funds going directly to the institution and upkeep payments sent directly to students' bank accounts. He emphasized that the application process is impartial, relying on electronic submissions and eligibility requirements like National Identification Number (NIN) and JAMB registration, rather than ethnicity, gender, or personal connections.

NYSC Extends Service Year for Indiscipline, Highlights Rules

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Osun State extended the service year of 27 corps members due to various acts of indiscipline, while 31 others absconded from service. The State Coordinator, Ekeng Kubiangha, urged outgoing corps members to leverage entrepreneurial skills acquired through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. Common reasons for service extension include absenteeism (missing mandatory activities without permission), abscondment (traveling without approval or abandoning PPA), assault, unauthorized private practice, and breach of confidentiality or rules.

SULPCHILD Opens Lagos Office to Support Vulnerable Children

The Support for Vulnerable and Less Privileged Children Initiative (SULPCHILD) is set to officially open its head office in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State, on Thursday, September 17, 2026. This milestone aims to strengthen its interventions for underserved children. A key event during the opening will be the distribution of school bags and educational materials to indigent pupils under the Eti-Osa Local Government Area's Welfare Plan. This Children’s Outreach Programme (SCOP) reflects SULPCHILD's commitment to improving access to education and promoting child welfare regardless of socioeconomic background.

Addressing the "Hidden Pressure" on Academically Gifted Children

An insightful article shed light on the subtle but significant pressure faced by children labeled as "smart" or "brilliant" in Nigerian homes. While parental praise can be motivating, the constant expectation to excel can transform into a burden, leading to a fear of failure, perfectionism, or avoidance of challenges. This pressure can affect self-perception, decision-making, and even family dynamics. The article recommends that parents separate a child's identity from academic performance, praise specific behaviors like persistence and curiosity, allow for mistakes, and broaden the definition of intelligence beyond examination scores to foster well-rounded, resilient individuals.

Education Sector Development & Strategic Reforms

Borno State Records Historic School Enrolment, Expands Infrastructure

Borno State has achieved its highest-ever school enrolment, with 1,801,295 learners recorded in the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Annual School Census (ASC) Report. This remarkable figure represents an increase of over one million learners from the 766,551 recorded in 2017/2018. Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, attributed this growth to increased public confidence and sustained government investment in rebuilding and expanding the education sector, particularly after years of insurgency. The state also saw an expansion in its teaching workforce and a significant increase in functional public secondary schools, from 34 in 2021 to 129 in 2026. Efforts are also underway to formally integrate Sangaya education into the wider system.

Oyo State Partners to Strengthen Foundational Learning

The Oyo State Government, through its Universal Basic Education Board (OYO SUBEB), is partnering with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and Think Equal Organisation (United States) to implement a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative. Tagged "Think Equal Pre-Primary and Primary Literacy Programme," this initiative aims to strengthen foundational education by equipping children with skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive social interaction. This complements conventional literacy and aligns with the state's efforts to enhance early childhood education, which includes training 320 Early Childhood Care, Development and Education teachers. Oyo State's leadership in education was acknowledged by UBEC for its sustained investment in basic education, teacher development, and infrastructure.

Bridging the Gap: From Learning to Earning in Nigeria's Education System

The 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NES #32) Pre-Summit Event addressed a critical structural problem: "The Missing Link: From Learning to Earning." This theme underscores the weak connection between educational attainment and securing productive livelihoods in Nigeria. The discussion emphasized that measuring educational progress solely by enrollment or graduation is insufficient; the focus must shift to what happens to individuals after learning – their ability to convert capabilities into productivity and income. The discourse advocated for a national shift from solely asking what students are learning to what they are actually able to do, calling for a genuine learning-to-earning framework. This framework requires government and partners to track outcomes beyond the classroom, integrate education and labour-market data, and foster greater private sector involvement through internships, apprenticeships, and industry collaborations. It also calls for rethinking the hierarchy of education, valuing technical and vocational pathways, and preparing young people to be "opportunity-ready" with diverse skills beyond a single job. Ultimately, Nigeria needs a national compact to build a robust pathway from learning to earning, ensuring that education genuinely serves as a bridge to opportunity for its growing youth population.

ASUU-NDU Suspends Strike After Agreement with Bayelsa Government

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Niger Delta University (NDU) branch, suspended its indefinite strike following an agreement with the Bayelsa State Government. The industrial action, initiated over delays in implementing Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Professional Allowance, concluded with a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Under the terms, the state government will commence payment of CATA and Professional Allowance from October 2026, with nine months of CATA/Professional Allowance arrears and 19 months of wage award arrears to begin payment from January 2027. Despite the suspension, ASUU-NDU continues to appeal to Governor Douye Diri to review the university's subvention policy and address the critical challenge of staff accommodation.

Looking Ahead

As September progresses, students and educational stakeholders should remain attentive to several key deadlines and ongoing developments. Prospective NABTEB candidates must complete their November/December examination registrations, with deadlines set for September 10 and September 30, 2026, depending on the examination type. Student innovators have until September 30, 2026, to apply for the Federal Government's N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant. For aspiring nurses, the AKSCONS ND Nursing application closes on October 2, 2026, with screening on October 10, 2026. Furthermore, the national dialogue on connecting learning to earning will continue to shape policy, while efforts to ensure examination integrity and enhance foundational learning remain paramount in building a more robust and responsive education system for Nigeria.