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Welcome to NowNowNaija! The Federal Government is taking steps to protect exam integrity by limiting student transfers into final year classes. Here's what the new rule means for students and schools nationwide.

TOP STORY

FG Bans Admission, Transfer Into Senior Secondary 3

The Federal Government has banned all admissions and transfers into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) starting from the 2026/2027 academic year. This new policy targets both public and private schools and aims to stop exam misconduct linked to last-minute school changes and special centres.

This ban affects students planning to switch schools or enroll directly into SS3, closing a loophole that unfairly advantaged some during exams. For families, it means planning transfers earlier, ideally at SS1 or SS2, to avoid disruptions. Schools will need to monitor students continuously to uphold academic standards. The policy promises a fairer examination system, boosting the credibility of qualifications for all Nigerian students.

Source: The Guardian
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Market Trends at a Glance

USD/NGN

1447.68

▼ 0.31%

GBP/NGN

1935.62

▼ 0.49%

EUR/NGN

1699.94

▲ 0.16%

Gold - Oz ($)

4359.30

▲ 1.38%

Brent Oil ($)

61.46

▲ 0.56%

BTC-USD

89746.99

▼ 0.61%

ETH-USD

3125.04

▲ 0.27%

USDT-USD

1.00

▼ 0.02%

BNB-USD

889.40

▼ 0.90%

SOL-USD

131.87

▼ 1.03%

Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

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Politics and Economy

Opposition Warns Against Rise of One-Party Rule

Opposition leaders accuse the Tinubu administration of pressuring rivals to defect using anti-graft agencies and security forces, raising concerns about Nigeria sliding toward a one-party state. They demand reforms to ensure the independence of institutions like the EFCC and call for a thorough review of public finances over the past decade.

This political tension means Nigerians might see more defections and fewer strong opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections, which could weaken democratic competition. Calls for embedding anti-corruption operatives in government payments aim to improve accountability but also reflect deep mistrust between parties. If unchecked, this shift could affect how government funds are managed and how transparent political processes remain, impacting citizens’ confidence in the system.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

  • The 2025 licensing round promises greater transparency to investors, aiming to curb human interference and protect Nigeria's upstream resources and revenue base.

  • SERAP demanded enforcement of a court order concerning N6tr abandoned projects, pressing for accountability and recovery of public funds for affected communities.

Tech and Business

NCC Tackles Abuja Telecom Service Outages Quickly

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recognized the telecom disruptions in Abuja caused by diesel supply issues affecting key power providers for Airtel and MTN base stations. The commission is working with stakeholders to resolve these supply challenges and restore reliable telecom service.

This means you might have experienced spotty calls or slow data in Abuja recently due to power interruptions at telecom sites. The NCC’s push to fix the diesel supply bottleneck aims to bring back consistent connectivity and better service quality. Reliable telecom is crucial for your daily communication, work, and emergencies, so resolving these outages will improve your access and digital experience. Efforts to ensure stable power for base stations will also support network growth and quality in the future.

Source: This Day Live
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Dangote Calls for Probe into NMDPRA CEO Over Graft

Aliko Dangote has urged an investigation into Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, accusing him of economic sabotage and corrupt practices linked to fuel import licenses. Dangote highlighted concerns over the issuance of import permits despite local refining capacity, and questioned Ahmed's ability to afford $5 million in children’s school fees in Switzerland. He also announced a reduction in petrol prices to below N740 per litre starting mid-December.

This crackdown signals a potential shift toward supporting domestic refining, which could reduce petrol prices for you and encourage local industry growth. If the probe leads to stricter regulation, importers may face challenges that could affect fuel availability and pricing nationwide. Dangote’s promise to lower pump prices at MRS stations means more affordable fuel, starting in Lagos. Consumers may soon see better quality, locally refined petrol, while the government’s response could reshape how fuel imports and licenses are managed.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

  • A GSMA warning urges regulators to expand mid-band access to prevent a severe spectrum shortfall that could constrain future 6G network capacity.

  • Enugu State boosts security by acquiring locally made surveillance drones with thermal imaging and a 100km range to enhance regional monitoring capabilities.

  • Tech lawyer Timi Olagunju urges the government to prioritise AI education as a national project to ensure fairness, dignity, and workforce readiness.

Entertainment and Culture

Adekunle Gold Announces Homecoming Show with Orchestra

Adekunle Gold is set to perform a landmark concert at Lagos' National Theatre on December 26, featuring a 55-piece MUSON Orchestra. This show will highlight his six-album journey, blending traditional Yoruba Fuji music with modern Afrobeats in a unique orchestral experience.

This concert offers fans a rare chance to experience Adekunle Gold's evolving sound live, highlighting his cultural roots and growth over a decade. It promises a vibrant fusion of indigenous music and orchestral arrangements that celebrate Nigerian culture on a grand scale. For Lagosians and Nigerian music lovers, it’s a milestone event that rekindles national pride and showcases local artistry internationally.

Source: Prima News
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The Social Feed:

  • A woman’s viral plea has drawn attention to Doris Ogala amid her public dispute with pastor Chris Okafor, raising concerns for the actress’s wellbeing.

  • A year-end roundup highlights the standout red-carpet and street styles that shaped Nigerian pop culture, celebrating memorable celebrity looks from across 2025’s biggest events and premieres.

  • Fans are questioning the cause behind TV star Rick Ness’s altered appearance after recent episodes, prompting public speculation about his sudden transformation.

Sports

Nigeria Claims 11 Medals at African Youth Games

Team Nigeria showcased extraordinary talent by winning 11 athletics medals at the fourth African Youth Games in Angola. The haul included six golds and five silvers across sprints, jumps, hurdles, and relays, highlighting the country's rising young athletes.

This medal count signals a strong future for Nigerian athletics, signaling promising careers for young stars like Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and others. It inspires local communities and sports programs to invest in youth development. The success at the continental level raises national pride and demonstrates Nigeria’s competitive edge beyond football. For fans and families, it means more role models and greater hope for international medals ahead.

Source: The Guardian
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Sports Spotlight:

  • Teenager Deborah Quickpen clinched silver and secured the Woman FIDE Master title, underscoring Nigeria's growing strength in youth chess.

  • The Super Eagles have begun a five-day camp in Egypt as final AFCON preparations accelerate ahead of the continental tournament, testing squad readiness.

Quote of the Day

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Nnamdi Azikiwe

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