Oriontimes

  The debate over whether some university courses should be scrapped in Nigeria deserves more depth than emotional reactions or sweeping conclusions. On one side, the Federal Government appears driven by a practical concern: employability. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital economies, data science, renewable energy, and global competitiveness, policymakers argue that universities must produce graduates whose skills match labour market demands. The concern is not entirely misplaced. Nigeria faces a rising unemployment challenge, and there is increasing pressure on institutions to justify the relevance of programmes in relation to economic realities. Yet, the counterargument by ASUU also raises legitimate concerns. Universities are not designed merely to serve immediate labour market needs; they are institutions for building knowledge, culture, ethics, identity, and critical thinking. A nation cannot thrive on technical competence alone while neglecting disciplines ...

  CONNYSA DG says monetised politics, failed leadership and exclusion of grassroots youths are deepening frustration and insecurity across the country. The Director-General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Safety and Security Affairs (CONNYSA), Ambassador Ade Mario, has lamented the rising cost of politics in Nigeria, declaring that contesting for elective office has become nearly impossible for ordinary citizens without wealth or powerful connections. Speaking during a hard-hitting interview on OrionTimes while discussing the topic, “Is Nigeria Losing Its Youth to Crime Because of Failed Leadership or Failed Values?” Amb. Ade Mario said the country’s political process has gradually shut out competent but financially disadvantaged Nigerians. According to him, except an individual is prepared to “sell family inheritance,” participating in elections in Nigeria has become an expensive venture dominated by money, influence and recommendations from political elites. He maintained t...

The Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, has reiterated the importance of collaboration, unity, and mutual respect among security agencies in ensuring effective security operations across Osun State. Speaking during separate courtesy visits to the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Corps Commander stated that the visits formed part of deliberate efforts by the Osun Amotekun Corps management to engage all security stakeholders and strengthen operational synergy for the protection of lives and property. During the visit to the Comptroller of Correctional Service, CC Rotimi Oluwadele, High Chief Omoyele expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to his team and stressed that security remains a collective responsibility that requires strategic partnership and understanding among agencies. According to him, collaboration remains the key to successful security operations, adding that while disagr...

  The Lagos division of Appeal Court, has quashed the conviction and 17-year jail-term imposed by Justice Ismail ijelu of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, on a businesswoman, Oluremi Phillips, holding that the allegations against her arose from a purely civil transaction and did not disclose any criminal offence. In a lead judgment delivered virtually via Zoom on Thursday, by Justice Yargata Nimpar, the appellate court allowed Phillips’ appeal and set aside the Justice Ijelu's judgment which had earlier convicted her on several counts of stealing and issuance of dud cheques. The appellate court judgment was delivered after Phillips had already served the jail term imposed by the lower court. Justice Nimpar held that after reviewing the submissions of counsel and the issues formulated for determination, the court found that the dispute between the parties stemmed from a commercial transaction that lacked any criminal element. “This was essentially a civil transaction without ...

Tension reportedly erupted during the ongoing Agege Federal Constituency primary election following reports that Hon. Oluwaseyi Kazeem Sarumi allegedly physically attacked electoral officials supervising the exercise, leading to the disruption and eventual cancellation of the election process. According to reports from the venue of the primary election, the incident occurred after a phase of the ongoing exercise reportedly did not favour Hon. Sarumi. Witnesses alleged that the aspirant became aggressive and personally led an attack on officials assigned to conduct and supervise the electoral process. Among those reportedly attacked were an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oyebiyi Toluwanimi, and the party’s Returning Officer, Mrs. Adeola Olusi. Eyewitnesses described the incident as not only an assault on electoral officers but also an attack on women carrying out official democratic responsibilities. Sources at the venue alleged that the attack wa...

 Oriontimes News Desk| May 21, 2026 TICC says report indicates favourable voter sentiment for Osun governor, urges calm and calls for heightened electoral vigilance amid rising political tension The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has referenced what it describes as a political assessment allegedly commissioned within strategic circles of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state. According to TICC, the document reportedly prepared by independent election and voter behaviour analysts examined electoral sentiment, governance perception, and voter dynamics across Osun State. It is said to suggest a favourable position for the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the election. The council claims the assessment points to broad-based public support cutting across multiple social and occupational groups, while projecting a significant advantage for the governor in voter preference. However, these figures and claims ...

Management of Adeleke University has denied reports alleging that Monimichelle Sports was responsible for the construction of the institution’s sports complex. In a statement issued by the university’s management, the institution described the report as inaccurate, clarifying that Monimichelle Sports did not handle the construction of the Adeleke University sports facilities. The statement further noted that the university does not have any relationship with the company mentioned in the report and has no information regarding its ownership or operations. According to the statement, the sports complex at Adeleke University was constructed by a different contractor entirely. The university management therefore urged members of the public and media organisations to disregard reports linking Monimichelle Sports to the institution’s sports complex. The statement advised the public to seek verified information concerning Adeleke University projects through the institution’s official communic...

  Football has once again reminded the world that experience, tactical discipline, and consistency still matter at the highest level of the game. Spanish manager Unai Emery has further cemented his legendary status in European football after guiding Aston Villa to a commanding 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in the Europa League final. The triumph did not only deliver major silverware to Aston Villa, it also marked an extraordinary personal achievement for Emery, who has now won the Europa League title five times in his managerial career — a record that continues to separate him from many modern coaches. For years, Unai Emery has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most effective knockout competition managers. From his dominant era with Sevilla FC to later successes with Villarreal CF, the Spaniard has repeatedly shown a unique ability to navigate difficult European nights with tactical precision and mental strength. His arrival at Aston Villa transformed the club’s ambition. What o...

  Who Truly Understands Mikel Arteta’s Philosophy? Football has once again proven itself to be more than a game. The triumph of Arsenal F.C. has revealed how sport can unite people across political divides, tribes, backgrounds, and social classes. From the streets of Lagos to viewing centres in Osogbo, celebrations poured endlessly as supporters embraced one another in joy, pride, and relief after years of waiting. For many fans, Arsenal’s recent glory is not just about trophies. It is a lesson in resilience, patience, and the power of belief. It is the story of turning years of mockery into moments of celebration. In football, banter is unavoidable. Rival supporters mock, criticize, and provoke one another endlessly. Yet victory has a way of rewriting narratives. Interestingly, the spirit of football banter often finds its way into politics, especially in Nigeria where supporters defend political camps with the same passion football fans defend their clubs. Now, let us return home...

  The National Youth Council of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission to abolish the expiration of unused mobile data, arguing that the policy places an unfair burden on young Nigerians who rely heavily on internet access for education, business and innovation. The council made the call under its proposed Consumer Equity and Digital Inclusion (CEDI) Framework, describing data expiration as a practice that undermines digital inclusion and economic opportunities for youths. Speaking on behalf of the council, Ambassador Taiwo Ajayi Adeola said in a statement that internet access has become essential for learning, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and national development, stressing that millions of students, corps members and young entrepreneurs lose valuable resources monthly through expiring data subscriptions. “Data is no longer a luxury. It is the oxygen of the digital economy,” he said. According to him, Nigerian youths depend on...