The Federal Government and organised labour have reached an agreement to conduct a two-week examination of the King's College, Lagos concession arrangement in response to concerns regarding the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP).  The discussion, presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, included participation from the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Folake Olatunji David. This agreement emerged following an urgent high-level consultation between the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and its affiliated organisation, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), with the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. Following this consultation, ASCSN declared the cessation of its industrial action regarding apprehensions about the proposed concession framework and instructed personnel in Federal Unity Colleges across the nation to return to their regular responsibilities. ASCSN N...

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared on September 16, 2026, that containment initiatives targeting the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are demonstrating promising momentum, with transmission rates declining across sections of Ituri province—yet authorities emphasize the outbreak remains substantially uncontrolled. “We are starting to see encouraging signs that we’re gaining ground,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference in Geneva. The DRC has documented over 7,000 confirmed Ebola cases spanning seven provinces throughout this ongoing epidemic. The outbreak stems from the uncommon Bundibugyo virus, which presents distinctive intervention obstacles. While transmission is decelerating in the outbreak's core region within Ituri province and South Kivu has experienced zero new cases since May, health organizations remain apprehensive regarding extensive population movement and intensifying complications in adjacent regions such as N...

Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei firmly declined any possibility of negotiations with the United States on September 15, 2026, respectfully but clearly contradicting President Donald Trump's assertions that Tehran is genuinely interested in pursuing a swift diplomatic resolution.  On Monday, President Donald Trump shared on social media that the U.S. was prepared to participate in discussions, expressing his belief that Iran was eager to negotiate an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict "quickly and badly". “The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly. I will determine whether or not the U.S.A. will choose to engage — The concept of which we are open to,” Trump said on his Truth Social network. Tehran responded by thoughtfully rejecting these gestures as confusing signals and performative politics, emphasizing that meaningful official dialogue cannot commence until the U.S. addresses their fundamental requireme...

On September 14, 2026, President Donald Trump dismissed warnings about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, vehemently declaring such existential tech fears a "HOAX" on his Truth Social platform.  He likened these warnings to other significant controversies from his political past, branding the narrative a "SICK conspiracy" even more outrageous than what he referred to as the "Russia hoax" and climate change. Instead of halting development, President Trump contended that the best safeguard against possible AI threats is a "STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT." His main objections revolved around global competition and the fragmentation of regulations: Trump cautioned that enforcing strict safeguards could hinder the United States in its technological rivalry with China, insisting that "whoever wins AI, wins." He criticized state-level initiatives aimed at establishing separate AI regulations, describing a patchwork of 50 ...

  On Monday, oil prices surged significantly, with Brent crude surpassing $107 a barrel due to rising tensions in the Middle East, which heightened concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.  For November delivery, Brent crude increased by 2.8 percent to reach $107.54 a barrel, while the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate for October, saw a rise of 2.3 percent to $102.34. Both contracts built on last week’s gains, having climbed back above the $100 mark. The market's attention remained sharply focused on the Middle East, where new security issues posed threats to crucial export routes. This situation escalated as Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West pipeline following drone strikes, and a merchant ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, according to Iranian officials. Previously, the strait was open for transit, but Iran now mandates that vessels seek permission and is contemplating a system...

Senegal's goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has officially declared his retirement from international football at the age of 34. The former Chelsea player and current Al-Ahli shot-stopper announced the news on his social media platforms, sharing a highlight reel of his career with the Lions of Teranga, along with the message "Jerejef (Thank you) Senegal." Mendy's retirement marks the conclusion of an eight-year international career. He made his debut in 2018 under coach Aliou Cissé and played a pivotal role in the most successful period in Senegalese football history. He leaves with 59 caps for his nation, having kept 31 clean sheets and conceded only 34 goals.  Mendy is renowned for leading Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021, where he saved a vital penalty in the shootout against Egypt and was awarded the tournament's Best Goalkeeper. He also represented Senegal in two World Cups—the 2022 tournament in Qatar and the upcoming 2026 event...

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a caution to Nigerians regarding the acceptance of packages from relatives and friends overseas without fully understanding their contents.  This warning comes in light of a growing trend where illicit drugs are being hidden within consolidated cargo shipments. The alert was communicated by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, through a post on his official X account on Sunday. Babafemi indicated that some Nigerians residing abroad are reportedly sending consolidated cargoes that contain illicit substances, particularly types of cannabis referred to as Colorado and Loud, to their family and friends in Nigeria. He noted that unsuspecting recipients are often listed as consignees or recipients of these shipments, which could lead to their arrest and prosecution. "Some of our people living abroad are sending home consolidated cargoes tainted with illicit drugs, especially Colorado and Loud, design...