Green Bridge Weekly Education News Digest (15 - 22 November 2025)

This Week's Highlights

This week in Nigeria's education sector has been marked by both celebration and crisis. While we celebrate the achievements of dedicated educators and the launch of new academic programs, the shadow of insecurity looms large. The Federal Government ordered the closure of numerous Unity Colleges due to rising abductions, casting a pall over the academic year. In brighter news, we recognize the outstanding educators and students, along with announcements concerning admission processes, scholarships, and upcoming events across various tertiary institutions.

Insecurity and School Safety Concerns

Federal Government Shuts Down Unity Colleges Amid Rising Abductions

In response to a surge in school abductions across several states, the Federal Government has taken the drastic step of temporarily closing 41 Federal Unity Colleges. This decision, announced in a circular from the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to protect students and staff from potential harm. This closure, while temporary, underscores the growing insecurity and its impact on education.

• Key Takeaway: Classes are suspended to review and enhance security measures in the face of increased threats.
• Affected Schools: The directive includes a comprehensive list of affected schools, including prestigious institutions like Federal Government College, Zaria, and Federal Government College, Kano.
• Action Item: Students and parents should await further communication from school authorities regarding reopening.

Kebbi School Attack: Minister Condemns Heinous Act

The Minister of Education, Chief Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has condemned the brutal attack on Government Girls School, Maga, Kebbi State, where students were abducted and the Vice Principal was killed. The Minister offered condolences to the families, staff, and students, emphasizing that such attacks are an assault on the nation's future. The Federal Ministry of Education is collaborating with security agencies and the Kebbi State Government to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"No parent should face the fear of sending a child to school and never seeing that child return."

Plateau State Schools Shut Down Due to Security Threats

The Plateau State government has ordered the closure of all schools across the state due to increased attacks and threats by gunmen targeting educational institutions in the North-West. Secondary schools will shut from Saturday, November 22, while primary schools and day/boarding schools will close from Monday, November 24. This temporary measure aims to prevent potential attacks and ensure public safety.

Higher Education Updates

UNILAG Extends Hostel Application Deadline

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has granted a one-week extension for hostel accommodation applications for the 2025/2026 academic session. The new deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the balloting exercise scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2025. Only students in 200 to 500 level who have completed course registration are eligible to apply.

• Important Dates:
• Application End Date: 11:59 p.m., Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Balloting Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
• Movement into Halls of Residence: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

UNILAG Announces Extension for Inter/Intra Faculty Transfer Forms

UNILAG has also extended the sale of application forms for inter and intra-faculty transfers for the 2025/2026 academic session. The new deadline for completion of the forms is Friday, November 28, 2025. Students interested in changing faculties or programs are advised to review the eligibility criteria and follow the prescribed procedure.

UNILAG’s Mop-Up Toxicology Screening Exercise Begins

The mop-up toxicology screening exercise for newly admitted candidates at UNILAG for the 2025/2026 academic session will commence on Monday, November 24, 2025, and continue daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Jelili Adebisi Omotola (Multipurpose) Hall. Candidates should attend the screening on the day assigned to their respective faculties, as detailed in the official schedule.

UNN Releases Supplementary Admission List III

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has released its third supplementary admission list for the 2025/2026 session. Admitted candidates are required to accept their admission on the JAMB CAPS portal and follow the registration steps outlined on the university's website.

MDCN Induction Ceremony for Foreign-Trained Graduates

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has announced the induction ceremony for foreign-trained medical and dental graduates who passed the June 2025 assessment examination. The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the MDCN Auditorium in Abuja. All prospective inductees are encouraged to check their emails for important updates, complete their registration, and ensure that their Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) has been verified by their home universities.

• Key Details:
• Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Venue: MDCN Auditorium, Abuja.

FUDUTSE Releases Academic Calendar

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has released its academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session. Registration for new students begins on Monday, December 1, 2025, and registration for returning students will start on December 14, 2025, followed by the Christmas and New Year break. Lectures for the first semester will begin on January 12, 2026.

AAU Reaffirms Ban on Wild Jubilation Ahead of Exams

The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) reiterated its policy against wild jubilation or celebrations on and off campus during examinations. Students are reminded to celebrate their achievements at the official university convocation ceremony and to adhere to all university rules.

Admissions and Examinations

YABATECH Releases ND Full-Time Admission Notice

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has issued important guidelines for all ND full-time applicants for the 2025/2026 academic session. The notice details key steps including uploading O’Level results on JAMB CAPS by the November 23, 2025 deadline, the change of course period from December 8-10, 2025, and the acceptance and printing of admission letters.

• Key Steps for Applicants
• Upload O’Level results to JAMB CAPS by November 23, 2025
• Change of course (if needed): December 8-10, 2025
• Accept admission and print admission letters (JAMB and YABATECH)
• Ensure name consistency across all documents.

UAST Releases Pre-Degree and Remedial Admission List

The University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh, has released the 2025/2026 Pre-Degree and Remedial Admission List. Applicants should check their admission status on the UAST Admissions Portal. Admitted students must pay an admission status-check fee of ₦2,000, and those offered provisional admission should pay the acceptance fee and prepare necessary documentation for registration.

UNIMAID Highlights Academic Activities

The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has released the official highlights for the 2025/2026 academic session. The first semester commences on January 15, 2026, with examinations starting on April 13, 2026.

AKSU Announces Admission into Law Degree Programmes

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has received NUC approval to commence a full-time Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree program, beginning in the 2025/2026 academic session. Interested candidates who selected AKSU as their first choice during UTME can apply online starting November 17, 2025, and candidates are also advised to apply for change of institution through JAMB if they didn’t initially select AKSU.

NECO GCE Timetable Released

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the timetable for the 2025 Nov/Dec GCE External Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), scheduled to take place from Wednesday, November 26 to Saturday, December 13, 2025. Candidates should be mindful of exam dates and times as they prepare for their exams.

• Action Item: Review the full timetable to prepare properly for the exams.

WAEC GCE 2nd Series CBT Timetable

WAEC has released the timetable for the 2025 GCE 2nd series CBT, with exams starting Friday, October 24, 2025 and ending Thursday, December 18, 2025. This is the first time WAEC is using CBT, thus, students should get familiar with the CBT environment and past questions.

Scholarships and Opportunities

NLNG Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

The Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme is now open for applications. The scholarship supports Nigerian undergraduates with an annual award of ₦300,000, renewable based on academic performance. Interested candidates must be citizens of Nigeria, currently enrolled as full-time first-year students in an accredited Nigerian federal or state-owned university, and meet other eligibility criteria. The deadline for submission is December 12, 2025.

• Key Requirements
• Must be a citizen of Nigeria
• Must be a first-year student in an accredited Nigerian university
• Must be between 18 and 25 years of age
• Deadline: December 12, 2025

Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025

The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025 is open to African startups building hardware, software, and infrastructure solutions. Selected startups will receive ₦10 million in funding, mentorship, and access to pilot projects. The application deadline was November 21, 2025.

2026 Fully Funded Beijing Normal University Scholarship, China

Beijing Normal University Scholarship is a full scholarship for international students. The Beijing Normal University Chinese Government Scholarship provides full scholarships, including tuition fees, living stipends, travel costs, and health insurance, for selected candidates. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026.

Fully Funded Brunel University London Shared Scholarship 2026

Brunel University London offers the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in the UK, providing full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of £1,781, travel costs, a warm clothing allowance of £534, and other benefits for 2026. The deadline to apply is December 9, 2025

Kings College Commonwealth Shared Scholarships UK 2026

The Kings College Commonwealth shared scholarship is for students from eligible low and middle income Commonwealth countries to study approved master’s programmes at King’s College London. This is a fully funded opportunity that covers airfare, and full tuition fees, and provides a £1,781 monthly stipend, as well as study and clothing grants. The deadline is December 9, 2025

Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship at University of East Anglia, UK

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship offers £39,000 to international students covering a full-time one-year Master’s course at the University of East Anglia (UEA). The deadline to apply is December 9, 2025.

Nigeria’s literacy divide: why millions of children still can’t read after primary school

Literacy is the foundation of all learning, yet for millions of Nigerian children, it remains a distant dream. Every year, pupils spend six full years in primary school and still struggle to read a simple sentence. Nigeria’s deepening literacy divide is the product of structural inequality, underfunded schools, poor teacher preparation, inconsistent language policies, cultural and economic pressures, and an educational system that focuses on progression rather than mastery.

Awards and Achievements

13-Year-Old Wins UBA Foundation Essay Competition

Ebunoluwa Seth, a 13-year-old student, has made history by becoming the youngest winner of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition. He was awarded a ₦10 million educational grant to be used for his future studies. The competition, which attracted thousands of entries, highlights the importance of critical thinking and writing skills.

"This competition has shown me that passion and hard work truly pay off."

Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025: Serah Yusuf Wins

Serah Yusuf, an English Language teacher from Wisdom International School of Excellence, FCT Abuja, has been named the Maltina Teacher of the Year for 2025. This award recognizes her exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact on the Nigerian education system. The winner received ₦10 million.

Best Graduating Student at FUTA Achieves 4.97 CGPA

Olasile, a civil engineering student, emerged as the best graduating student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), with a remarkable 4.97 CGPA. His achievement reflects his dedication, academic excellence, and the support he received through scholarships and mentorship.

Other Key Announcements

BMU Scam Alert on Fake Admissions

Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) has issued a warning about fake social media pages and ads that are falsely advertising admission lists and supplementary forms. The university advises the public to rely solely on official BMU channels for all admission-related information.

• Important Note: Do not respond to unsolicited messages or offers of admission from unofficial sources.

UNN Supplementary Admission List III, 2025/2026

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has released its third supplementary admission list for the 2025/2026 session. Admitted candidates must accept admission on JAMB CAPS and complete registration steps.

NUC Bans Honorary Doctorates for Serving Public Officials

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued a ban on honorary doctorate degrees to serving public officials as part of a major effort to curb the growing misuse of such honors across the country. The commission also warned against the misuse of honorary titles, as this undermines the integrity of universities and weakens public trust in genuine academic qualifications.

OAU Announces 49th Convocation Ceremony

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced the programme of events for its 49th Convocation Ceremony, which will feature the award of degrees, honorary degrees, and special ceremonies. The event is scheduled for December 10-13, 2025.

Igbinedion University Announces 23rd Convocation

Igbinedion University, Okada, has released the details for its 23rd Convocation Ceremony, scheduled for November 28-29, 2025. The convocation lecture is on November 28, 2025, and the main ceremony takes place on November 29, 2025.

FUDUTSE releases Academic Calendar

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has officially released the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session, outlining key dates and activities for both new and returning students.

NMU introduces mandatory continuous assessment within 2 weeks of resumption

The Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State, has announced a new academic directive mandating all lecturers to conduct at least one continuous assessment (CA) test within two weeks of students’ resumption.

Looking Ahead

With the rising insecurity and the recent school closures, the coming weeks will be crucial for safety planning and the resumption of academic activities. Students should remain vigilant and monitor official communications from their institutions. Also, keep an eye on announcements for the next round of scholarship deadlines and events.