By Suleiman Yakubu

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 41 academic programmes for the taking off of the Niger State University of Education, christened Abdulkadir Ƙure University of Education, for the 2023–2024 academic session.
The Chairman of the Implementation Committee for the taking off of the university, Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, made this disclosure during an International Press Conference to inform the public on the progress made so far by the committee towards the smooth taking off of the specialized university.
He said the committee presented about 41 programmes under four faculties, namely, the Faculty of Science Education, the Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, to the NUC, and they were all approved for full-time programmes.
Prof. Kuta Yahaya observed that the revalidation of the earlier approval of the Niger State University of Education on September 28, 2023, and the subsequent inauguration of an Implementation Committee by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, which according to him was historic and worthy of commendation, had explicitly shown the vision and commitment of the present administration to educational development.
He disclosed that immediately after their inauguration, they swung into action by taking inventory of the physical facilities, understudying the legacy documents, partnering with relevant stakeholders, and paying visits to JAMB and NUC, which gave birth to the resource verification exercise visit by a team from NUC last week.
The implementation committee chairman disclosed that the outcome of the resource verification exercise was positive, adding that the dream of the committee was to commence academic activities in the 2024–2025 session but got approval for the session to begin in the 2023–2024 session.
"We are pleased to inform the general public that NUC has graciously approved forty-one (41) full-time courses in four (4) faculties with effect from the 2023–2024 academic session," said Prof. Kuta Yahaya.
While appreciating and congratulating Governor Umaru Bago for the achievement and his support for the committee, the chairman promised that they would embark on an aggressive media campaign to promote and project the image of the institution within and beyond the shores of the state and country.
On his part, the Provost of Niger State College of Education and Ag. Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Yakubu Auna, who is also a member of the committee, appreciated the leadership style of the implementation committee chairman, adding that the university had come to stay and needed the support of all to grow.      

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Police Command tactical team stationed at Gwacipe checking point, along Izom-Suleja road, has arrested seven suspects allegedly for criminal conspiracy, illegal arms dealing, as well as possession of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
The state police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abidoun, said in a press release signed by him and obtained by Newsline crime correspondent yesterday that the police tactical team had, on December 5, 2023, at about 06:20 hrs, encountered four suspected armed men who were on motorcycles with sacks as they attempted to attack the team.
DSP Abidoun disclosed in the press release that the team responded swiftly, and in the process, one Peter Padda, 24 years old, of Sulu village in Gurara LGA, was shot on the leg and was arrested, while three others escaped from the scene into the bush.
According to the PPRO, three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered from their possession.
He said that the suspect, during interrogation, confessed that he was sent by his brother James Padda to purchase the rifles from a local fabricator in Shiroro LGA at the rate of N100,000 each.
The police image maker further disclosed that, in the course of the investigation, six other suspects were arrested by the police as a result of his confession of illegal arms dealing.
The suspects, he said, were James Padda, 30 years old, from Gbakoro village; Isah Audu, 25 years old; Ahmadu, 35 years old, from Gabi village Lapai; Isah Bako, 24 years old; and Rabo, all of Gusoro, Shiroro LGA.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects, according to the press release, were three locally fabricated AK47 rifles, three magazines, one AK47 live ammunition, one local bulletproof vest, and charms. The suspects, according to the release, have been charged to court.