The Federal Government has moved to remove data charges on selected educational platforms, allowing Nigerian students and teachers to access approved digital learning resources without paying for internet data.

The initiative is being driven by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under its proposed Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content framework.

The NCC on Thursday, September 10, 2026, announced that it was advancing the initiative as part of efforts to make digital learning more accessible and promote digital inclusion.

The NCC said the initiative is aimed at improving digital access to education and reducing the financial burden of internet costs on learners.

Under the proposed arrangement, selected educational websites and digital learning platforms would be accessible without users’ data bundles being deducted.

The commission had earlier opened a public consultation on the framework, seeking contributions from students, educational institutions, telecom operators, technology companies and other stakeholders before its implementation.

However, the policy does not mean that students will have unrestricted free internet access. The zero-rating is expected to apply to approved educational platforms and content under the framework.

The move is expected to benefit students who struggle to afford regular data subscriptions, particularly those who depend on online resources for lectures, research, assignments and other academic activities.

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Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has argued that agriculture and production, rather than subsidy-driven spending, offer a better path out of poverty for Northern Nigeria.

Obi made the argument during an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Thursday while outlining his approach to tackling poverty and economic hardship in the region.

According to him, Northern Nigeria has vast agricultural potential that remains largely underdeveloped despite the large population and available land.

He said government should focus on investments that allow people to produce and earn, including agriculture, infrastructure and human capital, instead of relying mainly on interventions that provide temporary relief.

Obi’s position reflects his wider argument that Nigeria must shift from a consumption-based economy to one driven by production.

He also linked economic hardship to insecurity, arguing that poverty, unemployment and the inability of people to earn sustainable livelihoods have consequences for stability.

The former Anambra governor has made economic restructuring, job creation and human capital development central themes of his campaign as he prepares for the 2027 presidential election.

The post Obi: Northern Nigeria Needs Farms, Jobs, Not More Subsidies appeared first on Blackbox Nigeria.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has claimed that he remains the only contender in the 2027 presidential race widely celebrated across Northern Nigeria.

Obi made the claim on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he also outlined his plans to tackle poverty and economic hardship in the region.

According to him, his administration would focus on reducing poverty through accountable governance and better use of Nigeria’s resources, rather than corruption.

“If there’s one presidential candidate who the North celebrates, it’s me,” Obi said.

He said agriculture would be a major part of his economic plan, promising increased investment and targeted subsidies to boost production and create opportunities for Nigerians in the North.

Obi also said his government would prioritise the education and welfare of almajiris, with plans to return them to formal education while providing support in other areas.

He argued that addressing poverty and insecurity in the North would require investment in people and productive sectors rather than relying solely on infrastructure projects.

The post 2027: ‘I’m the Only Presidential Candidate the North Celebrates’ — Peter Obi appeared first on Blackbox Nigeria.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has delayed the hearing of a fundamental rights suit filed by detained Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is seeking his release or bail pending trial.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu returned the case file to the court registry for reassignment after ruling that the 72-hour period given to the respondents to respond to Adeyemi’s application had not yet expired.

Adeyemi’s lawyer, Muhammad Abdulaziz, told the court on Thursday that the respondents had been served and that his client was ready for the hearing.

But the court registrar confirmed that the order was served on the respondents on September 8, while the hearing notice was served the following day.

Justice Egwuatu questioned the timing of the service and also raised concerns over the validity of the proof of service for the hearing notice.

The judge consequently declined to hear the application, directing that the matter should return when the respondents’ response period had expired.

The court had earlier ordered the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney-General of the Federation to explain why Adeyemi’s remaining requests should not be granted.

It had, however, granted one of his requests by ordering the authorities to allow him access to lawyers of his choice at reasonable hours while in custody.

Adeyemi is also asking the court to order his release, grant him bail and allow him access to medical practitioners of his choice.

He wants the police restrained from interrogating him or obtaining a statement from him without his lawyer present.

He was arrested in Osun State in July after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant following his repeated failure to appear for arraignment.

Adeyemi is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation over his claim to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has disowned as “fake.”

His arraignment is expected to take place on September 30.

The post Court Sends Self-styled DG Adeyemi’s Bail Case Back for Reassignment appeared first on Blackbox Nigeria.

Professor Olatunji Abanikannda has praised the Lagos State Government for the appointment of Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University.

Badejo was appointed the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of LASU by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

In a lengthy post titled “The Government That Listened,” Abanikannda said the appointment was significant because it followed months of public scrutiny over the university’s leadership succession process.

He claimed that concerns had earlier been raised over the wording of the eligibility requirements, the shortlist of candidates and the composition of the Selection Committee.

According to him, the issues were raised in the interest of transparency and accountability, rather than out of malice.

Abanikannda said the Lagos State Government’s eventual decision demonstrated its willingness to listen to concerns about the process instead of simply endorsing the outcome presented by the outgoing university administration.

“Responsiveness in governance is not a slogan; it is a discipline,” he wrote, arguing that government must be willing to examine contested processes and act where necessary.

He described Badejo’s emergence as an “emergence against the odds” and said the new Vice-Chancellor now has the responsibility of restoring confidence and stability within the university.

Abanikannda congratulated Badejo and wished her wisdom and fortitude as she takes charge of the institution.

He also expressed appreciation to the LASU Governing Council, Senate Selection Committee, Pro-Chancellor and other stakeholders, particularly Sanwo-Olu, for what he described as a peaceful transition.

“I hereby formally rest this case and pray that Lagos State University would grow from glory to glory!” he said.

Badejo succeeds Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor began in September 2021.

The post LASU VC Appointment: Abanikannda Hails Sanwo-Olu, Says ‘Government Listened’ appeared first on Blackbox Nigeria.

US President Donald Trump has promised to give every American adult a $5,000 “Trump dividend” if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.

Trump made the pledge on Wednesday at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, as he urged voters to back Republican candidates.

“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump Dividend,” Trump said.

He compared the proposed payment to a cash distribution made by successful companies to their shareholders, adding that the money would have to be spent in the United States.

However, major questions remain over how the proposal would be funded and implemented. Estimates put the cost at more than $1 trillion if all eligible adults receive the payment.

Vice President JD Vance later suggested that wealthy Americans could be excluded and pointed to tariff revenues as a possible source of funding. Critics, however, say tariff revenues would be far below what would be required to finance the proposed payments.

The proposal would also require congressional approval, meaning Trump cannot simply order the payments to be made.

The announcement comes as Republicans prepare for a closely watched midterm election in which control of both chambers of Congress is at stake.

The post Vote Buying In Saner Clime As Trump Promises Voters $5,000 If They Vote Republican Party appeared first on Blackbox Nigeria.

The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance for academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, covering January to August 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation.

Alausa said the payment was made in fulfilment of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to him, all affected institutions have been notified to commence payment of the allowance to their academic staff.

“The full CATA payment has now been released by the Federal Government from January to August 2026 to all universities, all polytechnics and colleges of education,” Alausa said.

The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance is intended to support lecturers in purchasing essential materials and tools required for teaching, research and other academic activities.

The minister also disclosed that payment of the corresponding allowance to non-academic staff was being processed and could be released within the next few weeks.

Alausa said the latest payment underscored the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving staff welfare and strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

He added that the government was also investing in infrastructure across tertiary institutions, as well as basic and postgraduate education.

The minister maintained that the reforms were aimed at ensuring Nigerian students receive quality education capable of competing with global standards.

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Popular Nigerian skit maker and streamer, Carter Efe, has lost his TikTok account with more than 5.6 million followers after the platform permanently banned the account over alleged multiple policy violations.

Screenshots circulating online on Wednesday showed that the creator’s account had been removed, with reports indicating that TikTok cited violations of its community guidelines.

Before the ban, the account had reportedly amassed over 5.6 million followers and 158 million likes through comedy skits, music promotions and livestreams.

The development has sparked reactions among fans and social media users, with many expressing concern over the loss of an audience that took years to build.

Some users questioned the reason for the ban, while others speculated that repeated reports or Carter Efe’s conduct during livestreams may have contributed to the platform’s decision.

However, there is no independent confirmation of the specific violation that triggered the latest ban.

The latest development is not Carter Efe’s first experience with a TikTok ban.

In June 2025, the content creator lost another TikTok account with about 3.5 million followers after making controversial remarks about Afrobeats star Wizkid during a livestream.

He later apologised and blamed the incident on mass reporting by Wizkid’s fans.

Carter Efe subsequently rebuilt his TikTok presence and grew the replacement account to more than 5.6 million followers before its latest removal.

The ban comes months after the streamer also faced trouble on Twitch, where his account was suspended in December 2025 for alleged violations of the platform’s Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.

Despite the latest setback, Carter Efe remains active on other social media platforms and has built a significant following through livestreaming, comedy and music.

The incident has renewed debate over the vulnerability of digital creators who depend heavily on third-party platforms, where account suspensions can wipe out years of audience growth and digital engagement.

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NDC Presidential candidate Peter Obi has moved to Plateau State, barely 24 hours after his convoy was reportedly blocked by a mob during a visit to Benue State.

Obi travelled to Plateau to sympathise with victims of recent attacks and displaced residents in Mangu Local Government Area.

During the visit, the former Anambra State governor condemned the recurring killings and displacement, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action to protect communities.

His Plateau visit came a day after tension erupted in Makurdi, where youths reportedly stopped his convoy while he was visiting victims of the Yelewata attack.

Obi said the incident was unacceptable, while the Benue State Government disputed aspects of his account and accused him of failing to follow the required protocol for the visit.

The latest development has placed renewed attention on the security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where attacks have continued to force thousands of residents from their homes.

The post After Benue Mob Ordeal, Peter Obi Heads to Plateau appeared first on Blackbox Nigeria.

Lionel Messi is close to completing a deal to acquire Spanish second-tier football club CD Eldense, in what would mark his first ownership of a professional club in Spain.

The Argentine superstar has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to purchase 100 per cent of Eldense’s shares from Colombian investment group TH Soluciones Group S.A.S.

The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days but remains subject to legal procedures, including approval from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD).

Eldense, based in Elda in Alicante, currently compete in Spain’s Segunda División. The club have endured a difficult start to the season, collecting just two points from their opening four matches and recently parting ways with manager Claudio Barragán.

The proposed takeover would expand Messi’s growing football investment portfolio.

In April, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acquired Spanish fifth-tier side UE Cornellà, strengthening his business ties to Catalonia.

If completed, the Eldense acquisition would give Messi control of a second Spanish club and deepen his transition from football superstar to club owner and investor.

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