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Joint Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking the beginning of the admission process into Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions for the 2026/2027 academic session. According to JAMB, the registration exercise began on Monday, January 26, 2026, and is scheduled to close on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Sales of e-PINs commenced earlier on January 19 and will end on February 26, giving candidates ample time to complete the process. Direct Entry and Examination Schedule Candidates seeking admission through Direct Entry (DE) will begin registration on March 2, 2026, with the exercise running until April 25, 2026. Unlike UTME candidates, Direct Entry applicants are required to register strictly at JAMB state or zonal offices, not at CBT centres. The Board has also announced that the optional Mock UTME will take place on March 28, 2026, while ...

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, briefly stumbled during an official engagement in Turkey on Tuesday, drawing momentary concern but no interruption to his diplomatic schedule, according to Nigerian officials. The incident occurred as the President was moving between scheduled activities during his state visit, which is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Turkey, particularly in the areas of trade, defence cooperation, and infrastructure development. Presidential aides said the President quickly regained his balance and was immediately assisted by security personnel and aides on ground. They emphasized that the stumble did not result in any injury and described it as a minor misstep rather than a fall. “The President is in good health and high spirits,” a senior official in the Nigerian delegation said. “He continued with his engagements as planned and held all scheduled meetings.” Following the incident, President Tinubu proceeded to attend bilateral t...

 FC Barcelona secured a crucial and hard-fought  4–2 comeback win against Slavia Praha on a bitterly cold evening in the Czech capital, keeping their hopes alive for automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. From the opening whistle at Prague’s **Fortuna Arena**, the hosts took the game to their illustrious visitors. Slavia capitalised early, as Vasil Kušej bundled home from close range following a well-worked corner in the 10th minute , sending the home crowd into raptures and leaving Barcelona on the back foot. Barcelona responded gradually, and midway through the first half, Fermín López emerged as the catalyst for the comeback. The young Spaniard first levelled the score in the 34th minute with a sharp finish and followed it up eight minutes later with a superb strike from the edge of the box to put Barça ahead. Just as Barcelona looked to be heading into the break with momentum, Slavia drew level in dramatic fashion. A corner delivered moments befo...

‘Leave Greenland alone!’ shouted at NBA London game as US anthem is interrupted and draws cheers At the O2 Arena in London on18 January 2026 , ahead of an NBA regular-season game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic , a fan disrupted the performance of the US national anthem by loudly yelling “Leave Greenland alone!” during the rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner by actress Vanessa Williams .  The shout, heard as Williams was nearing the end of the anthem, was met with applause and cheers from sections of the crowd, reflecting visible support for the sentiment. Williams continued and completed the song despite the interruption. The remark was a political protest tied to recent tensions between the United States and several European nations over US President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland . Trump had recently threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on the UK, Denmark and other European countries unless Greenland was made available for purchase by the Uni...

  Dr. Tunji Alausa For decades, holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Nigeria have faced systemic disadvantages in employment, career progression, and national recognition. But recent policy actions by the Federal Government signal a turning point, as authorities move to reposition technical and vocational education at the heart of national development. One of the most significant breakthroughs is the Federal Government’s decision to make full-time HND graduates eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)  This policy, announced through the Ministry of Education and implemented in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), resolves a long-standing exclusion that limited career opportunities for HND holders. Under the new arrangement, only graduates of full-time HND programmes qualify, while part-time graduates remain exempt from NYSC participation. NBTE has been mandated to compile and upload data of eligible graduates to ensure sm...

  Despite decades of advocacy and expanding legal protections in parts of the world, homophobia remains a defining human rights issue in 2026, affecting the safety, well-being, and economic stability of millions of LGBTQ+ people globally. Recent international research spanning more than 150 countries highlights the far-reaching impact of discrimination based on sexual orientation. The findings link homophobia and family rejection to poorer mental health outcomes, limited economic opportunities, and social isolation—particularly in societies marked by inequality and weak legal protections. In many regions, progress has been uneven. Parts of Europe and North America have recorded long-term improvements in legal rights and public acceptance, yet hate crimes and harassment persist. Authorities in some European regions report rising incidents of homophobic abuse, with online platforms increasingly identified as major drivers of hostility and misinformation. Public opinion surveys sugges...

   Juventus will host SL Benfica at the Allianz Stadium tonight (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) in one of the most consequential fixtures of the UEFA Champions League league phase, as both sides pursue progression to the knockout rounds.   The Old Lady arrive in Turin with renewed confidence after back-to-back victories in the competition, while Benfica have rejuvenated their campaign under manager José Mourinho and carry strong momentum from recent league and European outings.  Juventus currently sit in a favorable position in the group, and a win would secure their place in the round of 16, a significant objective for the club following a challenging domestic season. The Bianconeri’s preparations have been bolstered by solid performances in training and key tactical work under coach Luciano Spalletti.  Benfica, unbeaten domestically this season and with important recent European victories, enter the match determined to extend their unbeaten run against Ital...

 A public disagreement between Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti and global Afrobeats superstar Wizkid has reignited a broader cultural debate about legacy, influence, and respect for Nigeria’s musical pioneers—particularly the enduring legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The controversy began after Seun Kuti, son of the late Afrobeat icon, criticised comparisons frequently made by Wizkid’s fan base between the contemporary hitmaker and his father. According to Seun, such comparisons are inappropriate and diminish Fela’s historical significance, which he insists transcends commercial success or global popularity. Seun Kuti’s Position Seun Kuti argued that Fela’s legacy cannot be measured by modern metrics such as chart performance, streaming numbers, or international awards. He emphasised that Fela was not only a musician but also a revolutionary figure whose work was deeply rooted in political activism, social justice, and resistance against oppression. In several public comments, Seun urged...

In a commanding display on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Arsenal continued their flawless UEFA Champions League campaign with a 3–1 victory over Inter Milan, reinforcing their status as one of Europe’s most formidable sides this season.  Arsenal — already unbeaten with a perfect record in the group phase — arrived in Milan determined to build on their European momentum, and they delivered with efficiency and flair against a proud Inter side eager to secure a vital home result.  The match burst into life when Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalising on a well-worked move and showing clinical instinct in front of goal to silence the San Siro crowd.  Eight minutes later, Jesus doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a composed finish inside the box, illustrating his sharpness and importance to Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup.  Inter responded through Petar Sučić in the 18th minute, threading a precise strike beyond Ars...

In one of the most stunning results of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, Bodø/Glimt produced a breathtaking performance to beat Manchester City 3–1 at the Aspmyra Stadion in Norway on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — marking a landmark moment in European competition. Against all expectations, the Norwegian underdogs executed a near-perfect tactical game plan, combining intense pressing, clinical finishing, and ruthless counter-attacking to overwhelm their illustrious visitors.  The match ignited in the 22nd minute, when Kasper Høgh opened the scoring with a powerful header — and just two minutes later, he struck again to double the lead, stunning the Cityzens and electrifying the home crowd.  Bodø/Glimt maintained their momentum into the second half, with Jens Petter Hauge curling a superb third goal in the 58th minute, a finish that encapsulated the hosts’ confidence and composure.  Manchester City briefly responded through Rayan Cherki in the 60th minute, offering a glimmer...

Senegal emerged as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, securing their second continental title in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in a final that will be remembered for both its football and its controversy.  The decisive moment came in extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Pape Gueye’s spectacular strike in the 94th minute broke the deadlock and sent the Lions of Teranga into wild celebration. This goal was particularly notable as Senegal’s first-ever goal scored in an AFCON final.  However, the match was overshadowed by a series of contentious events in stoppage time. A late VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and coaching staff, culminating in a brief walk-off from the pitch in protest of the decision. After a 14-minute-delay and intervention from senior figures including Sadio Mané, Senegal returned to complete the game.  Morocco’s star forward Brahim Díaz, who finish...

  Amid Squad Reshaping, Chelsea FC are entering a decisive phase of the January transfer window as the club balances short-term reinforcement with long-term squad planning. With domestic ambitions still alive and European qualification in sharp focus, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy has adopted a cautious but strategic approach, blending selective recruitment with the management of high-profile assets. The west London club has been active behind the scenes, addressing structural weaknesses while remaining mindful of financial sustainability and regulatory constraints. The current window has therefore been characterised less by dramatic headline signings and more by calculated decisions aimed at stabilising performance and protecting future value. Returns, Loans and Squad Adjustments                           David Datro Fofana One of the clearest developments has been the recall of striker David Datro Fofana from his l...

” In a tightly contested La Liga Round 20 clash at the Estadio Martínez Valero in Elche, the home side delivered a disciplined performance to secure a 1–0 victory over Sevilla on Monday, 19 January 2026. The match began under cool evening lights as both teams sought valuable points in the middle of the La Liga table. Elche — buoyed by a strong home record that had seen them lose just once in their previous ten matches — took the initiative early. Their persistence paid off in the 14th minute, when Aleix Febas found the breakthrough, finishing confidently after sustained pressure in the final third. From that moment, the hosts controlled the pace of the game while maintaining tactical discipline. Elche’s compact defensive structure frustrated Sevilla’s attempts to find an equaliser, forcing the visitors to rely on wide play and set-piece deliveries. Despite sporadic pressure in the second half, Sevilla were unable to carve out a clear scoring opportunity, as Elche’s backline held fi...

Helen Folasade “Sade” Adu, the British–Nigerian singer whose velvety voice and restrained elegance have defined generations of soul and jazz-influenced music, is once again at the centre of global cultural attention—without saying very much at all. As of mid-January 2026, Sade marked her 67th birthday amid renewed retrospectives from music critics and broadcasters, many of whom revisited her legacy as one of the most distinctive and disciplined artists of the modern era. Commentaries highlighted not only her celebrated discography but also her long-standing resistance to overexposure, a trait that has deepened her mystique rather than diminished her relevance . Despite having released no full studio album since Soldier of Love in 2010, Sade’s music is experiencing a notable resurgence. Industry observers point to a sharp rise in streaming numbers driven by social media nostalgia, curated playlists, and younger listeners discovering her catalog for the first time. Songs such as No...

Agit Kabayel has announced himself as a serious contender for heavyweight supremacy after extending his unbeaten record and openly calling for a blockbuster fight against Oleksandr Usyk. The German heavyweight, who remains undefeated in his professional career, strengthened his credentials with a dominant stoppage victory over Damian Knyba to retain the WBC interim heavyweight title. The win not only preserved his perfect record but also propelled him firmly into the conversation for a full world-title opportunity. Speaking after the fight, Kabayel made his intentions clear, naming reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as his desired next opponent. He expressed confidence that the matchup would be worthy of a major stadium setting, suggesting Germany as a potential host for what could become one of Europe’s biggest heavyweight events in recent years. Kabayel’s rise has been built on consistency, physical strength and growing knockout power, attributes his team believes ma...

For Manchester United, Saturday’s Premier League showdown with cross-town rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford represents more than just another derby — it marks the beginning of a new era. Michael Carrick makes his first appearance in charge of United’s first-team after being appointed interim manager until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month. Carrick, a former United midfielder and club stalwart, has addressed the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with leading one of English football’s biggest clubs. In pre-match comments, he emphasized his focus on improving the team while tuning out external noise, underlining his commitment to both short-term results and long-term development. The narrative surrounding United going into the derby is one of frustration mixed with cautious optimism. After an inconsistent campaign that has seen the Red Devils struggle for form — they are currently positioned outside the Champions League ...

January 16, 2026, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opened in theaters as the highly anticipated continuation of the 28 Days Later franchise. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film marks the fourth installment in the long-running post-apocalyptic series and follows the harrowing journey of young Spike as he confronts new horrors in a fractured Britain. Industry analysts estimated a strong Martin Luther King Jr. weekend debut, with early previews generating $2.1 million and projections targeting $20 million-plus in total opening weekend revenue — enough to position The Bone Temple in close competition with other major releases. Early critical and audience responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with media outlets reporting glowing reactions from advance screenings and strong praise for the film’s performances and direction. Creative Direction and ThemesDaCosta’s approach to the material has been widely noted for bringing a fresh stylistic sensibility ...

16 January 2026 Middlesbrough pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Thursday, thanks to a last-gasp strike from Delano Burgzorg. The win marked a dramatic start to life under new Baggies boss Eric Ramsay, who witnessed his side concede a decisive goal in the final moments. Middlesbrough took the lead in first-half stoppage time, albeit controversially, as a West Brom own goal by Connor Taylor handed the visitors the advantage. The second half saw Sam Silvera extend Boro’s lead in the 58th minute, demonstrating his growing influence in the Championship this season. West Brom responded with two quickfire goals from Isaiah Price (75’) and John Wallace (80’), giving the home fans hope for a late turnaround. However, Burgzorg’s 90th-minute strike, assisted by Silvera, snatched victory for the visitors and ensured Boro left the West Midlands with all three points. The result continues Middlesbrough’s strong form against West Brom, having also ...

Abuja, January 17, 2026 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has unveiled a series of regulatory reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s capital markets, enhancing investor protection, and aligning local practices with global standards. In a landmark move, the SEC raised minimum capital requirements for market operators across the industry. Brokers, dealers, fund managers, issuing houses, and digital asset platforms are now required to hold significantly higher capital levels, with a compliance deadline set for June 30, 2027. Brokers are required to maintain ₦600 million, up from ₦200 million, while dealers and broker-dealers must hold ₦1 billion and ₦2 billion respectively. Fund managers and digital asset platforms also face tiered increases to bolster market resilience and safeguard investor interests. “The goal is to create a stronger, more resilient market capable of attracting long-term investments,” SEC officials said. Analysts note t...

Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, marking a significant upgrade to its popular mid-range smartphone series. The device, first launched in China in mid-2025, has now rolled out globally, offering premium features at a competitive price. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ boasts a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Its sleek glass-and-aluminum design is complemented by dust and water resistance, ensuring both durability and style. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, built on a 4nm process, making it one of the most powerful options in the mid-range segment. Buyers can choose from 8GB, 12GB, or even 16GB of RAM and 256GB to 1TB of UFS storage, paired with Android 15 running Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2. Photography enthusiasts will be impressed by the 200MP primary camera, supported by an 8MP ultrawide lens and additional depth and telephoto modules depending o...

After years of volatility and pressure from global and domestic headwinds, the Nigerian naira has shown measurable strength against the US dollar in recent months, reflecting improvements in foreign exchange market dynamics and policy-driven stability. At the start of 2026, the naira extended the positive momentum it had built toward the end of 2025. On the first official trading day of the year, the local currency appreciated to around ₦1,430.84 per US dollar at the official foreign exchange market, marking a modest but meaningful gain from about ₦1,435.75/$ recorded at the close of December 2025. This movement represented a 0.34 percent increase in value, underscoring an early-year rise in demand for the naira and a better balance in dollar liquidity. The strengthening trend continued into the second trading week of January 2026, when the naira closed at approximately ₦1,424.50/$, up from roughly ₦1,431/$ a week earlier. This week-on-week appreciation reflected improving foreign...

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ordered the resumption of the long-running ₦1.35 billion corruption trial involving former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and his sons, Mustapha and Aminu Lamido, effectively overturning their discharge by the Court of Appeal in 2023. In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel of the apex court, the justices held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was right to challenge the appellate court’s ruling, which had struck out the case on technical grounds. The Supreme Court ruled that the lower court erred in law and directed that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court in Abuja for continuation of trial. The defendants are facing 37 counts bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and unlawful conversion of public funds, allegedly committed during Sule Lamido’s tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015. The EFCC claims that the accused persons laundered approximately ₦1.35 billion in ill...

January 16, 2026 Manchester City are on the brink of signing England international Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage and both clubs understood to have agreed a fee in the region of £20 million, including potential add-ons. The 25-year-old centre-back is expected to complete the move before the close of the January transfer window, ending a prolonged period of speculation over his future. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday that Guéhi would not feature in the club’s upcoming match as discussions with Manchester City near completion, a development signalling that the transfer is “in the final stages.” Guéhi’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season, leaving Palace with the prospect of losing their captain on a free transfer in the summer. That commercial reality appears to have accelerated the timing of the move, with City acting decisively to secure his signature in mid-season rather than risk losing ...

Volendam produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Sparta Rotterdam 2–1 on Wednesday night, booking a place in the quarter-finals of the KNVB Beker and ending the hosts’ cup campaign at Het Kasteel. Volendam, who came into the Round of 16 clash as underdogs, showed resilience and clinical finishing to upset Sparta Rotterdam in front of their home supporters. The visitors struck first in the 13th minute when Brandley Kuwas capitalised on defensive hesitation to give Volendam an early advantage. Sparta responded positively and were rewarded before halftime as Ayoni Santos levelled the score with a composed finish, restoring parity and swinging momentum back to the hosts. Sparta dominated possession for large periods of the second half and created several chances, but were repeatedly denied by Volendam goalkeeper Filip Stanković, whose series of saves proved crucial. The hosts’ inability to convert their dominance ultimately proved costly. Deep into stoppage time, Volendam deliv...

NASA continues to advance human spaceflight, as several astronauts have successfully returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) following recent missions. These returns highlight the agency’s commitment to crew safety, scientific research, and long-duration space exploration The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the United States government agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space exploration initiatives. Since its establishment in 1958, NASA has conducted groundbreaking missions in Earth science, solar system exploration, and human spaceflight. Partnerships with private companies, including SpaceX, and international agencies such as JAXA, ESA, and Roscosmos, enable NASA to expand human presence in space safely and efficiently. Recent Astronaut ReturnsSpaceX Crew-11 Mission – Medical EvacuationMission: SpaceX Crew‑11 Return Date: January 15, 2026 Landing Location: Off the coast of San Dieg...

Nigerian music superstars Wizkid and Asake have joined forces once again with the release of their latest single, “Jogodo”, on January 16, 2026. The track serves as the lead single from their forthcoming collaborative EP, REAL, Vol. 1, scheduled for release on January 23, 2026. Produced by Magicsticks, “Jogodo” seamlessly blends Afrobeats with mid-tempo percussion and brass elements, performed predominantly in Nigerian Pidgin. The song explores themes of carefree indulgence and enjoyment, highlighting the chemistry between the two artists as they trade verses effortlessly. Wizkid described the collaboration as natural, emphasizing that they “speak the same musical language”, while Asake highlighted the friendship and mutual respect that underpin their partnership. Previous CollaborationsWizkid and Asake have a proven history of successful collaborations: “MMS”: Featured on Asake’s 2024 album Lungu Boy, the track became an instant hit and earned a Grammy nomination for Best African...

Barcelona Edge Racing Santander to Reach Copa del Rey Quarter-finalsEl Sardinero, Santander – 16 January 2026: FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Racing Santander to advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. The win extends Barcelona’s remarkable run, marking their 11th consecutive victory under coach Hansi Flick across all competitions. Barcelona faced a determined Racing side, currently leaders of Spain’s Segunda División, who tested the visitors with disciplined defending and two disallowed goals for offside. Despite the resilient opposition, Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when Ferran Torres converted a well-worked chance to put the visitors ahead. Racing continued to press for an equalizer, creating late chances, but it was Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal who sealed the victory in stoppage time (90+5′), ensuring a clean sheet and a place in the quarter-finals. The match, held at El Sardinero Stadium, experienced a brief 15...

The 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) who earlier appeared divided reunited and reaffirmed their support for impeaching Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. They publicly declared unity and tasked Speaker Martins Amaewhule to carry the process to completion. Assembly members stated they will continue the impeachment proceedings despite mediation efforts and political pressure, insisting their actions are constitutional. U‑Turns and Lawmakers’ ReversalFour lawmakers who had earlier advocated for dialogue and restraint reversed course and now support the impeachment again — a political twist that strengthens the Assembly’s position. This reversal followed days of internal divisions where some had briefly urged a political solution, but they now align with the broader impeachment movement. The Assembly has formally called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to set up an investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and ...