ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES

(ASUU) AKURE ZONE

TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON 1ST JULY 2026 AT UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, ONDO

ASUU CONDEMNS ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUED FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT THE 2025 FGN–ASUU AGREEMENT

Gentlemen of Press,

ASUU wishes to bring to your notice the continued failure of the Ondo State Government to implement the provisions of the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement. Regrettably, despite receiving the agreement and being fully apprised of its obligations thereunder, the Ondo State Government has continued to actively ignore its provisions. This persistent inaction has adversely affected the welfare of our members and continues to undermine the effective functioning of the state-owned university systems. It is against this backdrop that ASUU considers it necessary to inform ALL Comrades, Stakeholders in the Education Sector, Parents, Students, Civil Society Organizations, and the General Public of Ondo State Government's continued failure to honourits obligations and to call for the immediate and faithful implementation of the 2025 agreement, in the interest of the University community and the advancement of quality higher education in Ondo State.

The 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement occupies a significant place in the history of university education in Nigeria. It is the first major agreement reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria and ASUU since the historic 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement. Coming 16 years after the last comprehensive agreement, the 2025 Agreement was expected to usher in renewed hope for lecturers and strengthen universities' capacity to fulfil their mandates for teaching, research, and community service.

The financial components of the Agreement took effect on January 1, 2026. The key financial provisions include:

These provisions were carefully negotiated to improve staff welfare, encourage academic productivity and excellence in research, and enhance the quality of university education across the country. Regrettably, six months after the effective date of implementation, the Ondo State Government has failed to adopt and implement these provisions for academic staff in the state-owned tertiary institutions. Consequently, lecturers have continued to bear the burden of denied entitlements while arrears continue to accumulate.

It is important to state that state governments possess the authority, responsibility, and financial capacity to adopt and implement the agreement. The resources required for this implementation are derived from our commonwealth and are intended to support the development of critical sectors such as education. There is therefore no justifiable reason for any state government (especially Ondo State) to delay the implementation of a nationally negotiated welfare package aimed at strengthening higher education.

Ondo State is the 5th largest oil-producing state in Nigeria, sitting right behind the primary Niger Delta oil hubs (Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa), and is officially recognized asone of the nine Niger Delta State by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The state has consistently benefited from 13% derivation fund and other federal allocations associated with its status as an oil-producing state. Ordinarily, such a privileged position should translate into enviable funding of education and staff welfare. With its ranking among Nigeria's oil-producing states and its undisputed position as the foremost oil-producing state in the South-West, one would reasonably expect Ondo State to be among the first states to spontaneously adopt and implement the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement. Instead, Ondo State has once again demonstrated a cold disposition towards this agreement. While neighbouring non-oil-producing states such as Ekiti State and Osun State have taken commendable steps towards implementing the 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement, Ondo State continues to lag behind despite possessing significantly greater resource advantages. More disturbing is the constitution of a committee to review the already approved 2025 FG-ASUU Agreement.

ASUU wishes to unequivocally state that the issue at stake does not require endless deliberations, repeated consultations, or bureaucratic bottlenecks. The 2025 FGN–ASUU Agreement already exists. Its financial components are clearly defined. Its effective date is already established. What is required is implementation—not prolonged committee engagements that merely postpone government action while lecturers continue to suffer the consequences.

More troubling is the fact that this delay is not an isolated occurrence. The Ondo State Government has, over the years, developed an unfortunate reputation for delayed implementation of nationally approved welfare packages and agreements affecting university lecturers. Time and again, academic staff have had to endure prolonged waiting periods before benefiting from entitlements already approved at the national level. This recurring pattern has created avoidable industrial tensions, diminished staff morale, and weakened confidence in the government's commitment to higher education. The consequences of this persistent delay extend beyond the welfare of lecturers. They directly affect students, research productivity, institutional stability, accreditation outcomes, and the overall quality of graduates produced by our institutions. At a time when universities worldwide are competing to attract and retain the best academic talent, policies characterized by delays and neglect only encourage brain drain and undermine institutional excellence. Ondo State ought to be a destination that attracts and retains the nation's finest intellectuals, where the best minds would aspire to work rather than leave. Regrettably, the reality is exact opposite, as many highly skilled academics are compelled to seek better opportunities elsewhere due to unfavourable working conditions and inadequate support for the university system.

Education remains the most strategic investment any government can make. No society develops beyond the quality of its educational system, and no educational system can rise above the commitment shown to those who sustain it. Having three state-owned universities - University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (the first medical university in Nigeria), Adekunle AjasinUniversity, Akungba-Akoko and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okiti-pupa is a blessing, not a curse. It is an answer to ancestral cravings for excellence.

Furthermore, the implementation delay has now lasted six months. The financial obligations that should have been discharged from January 1, 2026, have accumulated into substantial arrears. Experience has consistently shown that delayed implementation transforms manageable obligations into enormous liabilities that become increasingly difficult to liquidate. The longer the government delays, the greater the financial burden it ultimately creates for itself.

ASUU cannot continue to watch while legitimate entitlements are withheld and the future of tertiary education is compromised.

Accordingly, ASUU calls on the Ondo State Government to:

Failure to act with the urgency demanded by this situation will leave ASUU with no option but to activate all lawful and legitimate actions available within the framework of a trade union to drive home its demands. 

We sincerely hope that the government will choose the path of responsibility, dialogue, and prompt action. However, should the current neglect persist, responsibility for any industrial action and the consequences that may follow shall rest squarely on the shoulders of the Ondo State Government.

The future of higher education in Ondo State is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of administrative delay, committee-induced procrastination, and policy indifference.

Thank you.

In solidarity always!

Comrade Adeola O. Egbedokun

Zonal Coordinator

Comrade Anthony I. Odiwe

Chairperson, OAU

Comrade Pius B. Mogaji

Chairperson, FUTA

Comrade Sola Afolayan

Chairperson, EKSU

Comrade Abayomi Fagbuagun

Chairperson, FUOye

Comrade Abraham O. Oladebeye

Chairperson, UNIMEDO

Comrade Babatope Ogundare

Chairperson, BOUESTI

Comrade Olatunbosun Ajisafe

Chairperson, AFUED

Nigerian artist OVIEL has released a new EP titled “Masterpiece”, a project that gives new life to his early songs while capturing his growth and artistic evolution. The five-track collection brings together works that first appeared under his former names Ray’Em and Rae’Em, now reengineered for a new audience.

The project opens with his most recent release, *Shine*, an uplifting track about perseverance and self-belief that represents the culmination of everything that came before. *Reverso*, originally released as Ray’Em, follows as a reflective and poetic Afro Hip-Hop record exploring cycles, self-awareness, and the lessons found in life’s mirrored experiences. *Killer (Mama Roll)*, first shared under the name Rae’Em, returns with renewed energy. It remains one of OVIEL’s most infectious dance tracks. A song that blended Nigerian Afrobeats with South African House influences long before the Amapiano wave fully took shape.

Next is *Jason*, another standout from the Ray’Em era. Its cinematic tone and confident delivery remind listeners of the ambition and pioneering flair that has always driven OVIEL’s sound. Each song has been carefully reworked to retain its original emotion while showcasing a richer, more refined sonic quality.

The EP closes with *Masterpiece*, a spoken monologue that reflects on the meaning of a masterpiece, not as something flawless but as the honest result of growth, struggle, and discovery. It’s a moment of reflection that ties the entire project together.

Although these songs come from different periods of OVIEL’s journey, they share one thread: identity. Masterpiece shows how the heart of his artistry has remained consistent. The sound may have evolved, but the essence — emotion, storytelling, and soul — continues to shine through.

“Masterpiece isn’t just a collection of songs,” OVIEL says. “It’s a recognition of what it means to evolve — to embrace every version of yourself and realize that the real masterpiece is not the art itself, but the person who creates it.”

With this release, OVIEL doesn’t just revisit old music. He reignites it, giving listeners a clearer view of who he has always been and who he continues to become. What once were early sketches of an artist finding his voice now stand as timeless chapters of a story ever unfolding.

“Masterpiece” by OVIEL is available on https://stream.ovielmusic.com/masterpiece

Makanjoula, Gov. Sule, Olopade, Others Honoured with SWAN Awards for Excellence

Renowned football promoter and philanthropist, Mr. Nureni Makanjuola, Chairman of Water Football Club, received a prestigious award from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on October 31, 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

At a ceremony held at the VIP lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Mr. Nureni Makanjuola was honoured with the SWAN Distinguished Service Award (SDSA) by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. The event was part of a week-long celebration marking SWAN's 60th anniversary, with the theme "The Power of Sports Media: Honouring It's Legacy, Shaping The Future".

Speaking to sports journalists after receiving the award, Makanjuola, popularly known as "MK", expressed his delight at the recognition, thanking God for the opportunity to contribute to sports development, particularly in football.

In his words: “I feel happy, i feel good you know because we have been doing it and nobody recognized us but thank God that’s swan recognise people like us. I thank God because it is a privilege.

“You have been following me for many years and seen the work we do, I promise by God’s grace we shall do more.

“I feel happy , I am happy to be recognized by Swan .

In his words: “I feel happy, i feel good you know because we have been doing it and nobody recognized us but thank God that’s swan recognise people like us. I thank God because it is a privilege.

“You have been following me for many years and seen the work we do, I promise by God’s grace we shall do more.

“I feel happy , I am happy to be recognized by Swan .

When asked how the award will inspire him , MK said the awards has given him hope that whatever one does and doesn’t give up with time the results will begin to manifest.

“We were doing it before, They didn’t recognize us. And now that we can see that people recognize us, it gives me hope and it will motivate me to do more.

“Therefore, it will boost me to do more in terms of sport development for the benefits of the youth in Nigeria.

“It is a source of motivation to me and to my supporters”, Makanjuola said.

You may want to recall that Nureni, founder of Water FC Academy, has developed and sponsored numerous young talents who have gone on to represent Nigeria's national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

Other distinguished Nigerians including, the Director General, National Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, Chairman Federal Character Commission, FCC, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, Comptroller General Nigeria Customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi amongst others received awards of excellence in various categories.

Nigeria's foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

" We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos."

"Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

The African business world is about to witness a transformation of historic proportions. Dr. Judith Okafor, a US-based Nigerian-born certified 10X Business Coach, entrepreneur, and health-tech strategist, has officially joined forces with Theo Godson, the visionary behind the 10X Movement in Africa, to co-host the 10X Business Summit, happening live in Abuja, Nigeria on November 15, 2025.

This high-impact marketing and sales summit marks the official launch of the 10X Business Movement on the African continent, positioning Nigeria as the epicenter of global entrepreneurship, strategic growth, and high-performance sales systems.

A 10X Moment for Africa

Inspired by the legacy of Grant Cardone and the explosive growth of his 10X Movement across the globe, Theo Godson, Africa’s rising marketing mogul, strategist, and founder of BELT Africa and Theo Godson Agency has taken the bold step to plant the 10X flag in Nigeria, igniting a new era for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and growth-minded leaders across the continent.

“What we’re doing in Nigeria isn’t just another event,” says Godson. “This is a global movement for Africa, and Dr. Judith’s alignment confirms that.”

International Powerhouses Join the Movement

Joining the lineup are international experts and speakers, including:

● Daniel Weiner, growth strategist and performance coach, flying in to support the African expansion.

● Doug Boughton, globally recognized ClickFunnels expert and 7-figure online strategist, who will be speaking at the event.

● Top Nigerian industry leaders from tech, consulting, marketing, and finance sectors who are aligning with the 10X vision.

Dr. Judith Okafor has spent over 28 years in the United States building a powerhouse brand at the intersection of healthcare, consulting, and digital business infrastructure. She is the Founder of the Cehris Group, comprising Cehris Consulting, Cehris Capital, Cehris CRM, and Cehris Care.

Her participation in this Summit is both strategic and symbolic, bringing to the table her unmatched expertise in precision health, enterprise growth, and innovative business models, a unique perspective that unites prevention, performance, and profitability.

“This isn’t just a business trip,” says Dr. Okafor. “This is a legacy move. I’m coming back to build bridges between African entrepreneurs and global success systems. The 10X Sales system works, and now it’s Africa’s turn.”

Why the 10X Business Summit Matters

The 10X Business Summit – Abuja 2025 is designed to:

● Equip attendees with the 10X Sales System to dominate their industry

● Unlock high-level strategies in digital marketing, cash flow growth, and scalable business models

● Connect local business owners with global@ networks, opportunities, and capital

Attendees can expect a high-energy, results-driven experience with keynotes, workshops, networking, and virtual participation options for those tuning in from across Africa, the US, UK, and the diaspora.

The 10X Business Summit is set to become the most talked-about marketing event in Nigeria, capturing the attention of business leaders, influencers, and startups alike. As Africa's demand for world-class sales training continues to grow, this summit introduces the proven 10X Sales System to entrepreneurs and professionals across the continent with Nigeria at the forefront.

More than just a conference, it's positioned as the definitive business summit for Africa, focused on practical tools for revenue growth and market domination. From CEOs to aspiring founders, attendees will gain access to strategies that are reshaping entrepreneurship in Africa, driven by certified experts like 10X Business Coaches in Nigeria and abroad. Designed for impact, this event delivers transformational marketing strategies tailored to African entrepreneurs, helping them attract leads, convert customers, and scale faster than ever.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

With Theo Godson and Dr. Judith Okafor at the helm and the foundational support of Grant Cardone’s methodologies, the 10X Business Summit Abuja is not just an event. It is the start of an African business renaissance. It is strategic, global, and unapologetically bold.

Africa is rising. And it’s rising by 10X.

Come to Partner. Prosper. Propel

Event Details

Venue: Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja

 Date: November 15, 2025

 Tickets: Available for in-person and virtual attendees

 Learn More / Register: www.beltafrica.com/10x

Media Contact:

Theo Godson

 Founder, 10X Africa | Theo Godson Agency | BELT Africa

 Find him on any social media platform

For millions of Nigerians, Pidgin English is more than just a language, it is the pulse of everyday communication, heard on street corners, in markets, on radio stations, and in popular music. Yet, despite its widespread use, the language has often been neglected in structured documentation, especially online.

However, that is beginning to change with the launch of Pidginary, a new digital platform created by Nigerian product designer Raymond Emamezi Okoro, who is based in the United Kingdom. Described as the first modern dictionary dedicated to Nigerian Pidgin, the platform provides word definitions, usage examples, audio support, and a sleek, user-friendly interface that distinguishes it from previous fragmented or unfinished online glossaries.

Pidgin has become a unifying language in Nigeria, a country of over 232 million people and hundreds of indigenous languages. It cuts across ethnic, class, and social boundaries, spoken fluently by traders, students, artists, and professionals alike. But despite its cultural significance, it has rarely received the same permanence or quality treatment afforded to colonial languages like English or French.

Okoro believes that design can play a central role in changing this narrative. Speaking on the vision behind Pidginary, he said:

“Design leadership is about ensuring the quality of the final outcome and enforcing the vision regardless of what tools are used. Tools will keep changing, but designers have to protect the standard and direction of what we make.”

The launch has already drawn attention from designers and technologists at home and abroad, who see the project as a milestone in African-led innovation, showcasing how local culture can be preserved and elevated through global-grade digital products. Unlike platforms that imitate global design trends, Pidginary carves its own path by centering a Nigerian language in a polished, modern product.

Okoro developed Pidginary alongside his full-time role at UK mobility-tech firm YourParkingSpace, underlining a broader story about how Nigerian professionals in the diaspora are contributing to global industries while also investing in projects that resonate back home.

Though still in its early stages, with plans to expand its word list and introduce more features, Pidginary is already being hailed as a cultural-tech milestone giving Nigerian Pidgin the respect and digital recognition it has long deserved.

The platform is currently live at pidginary.xyz.

Univasa, a leading provider of travel data and connectivity solutions, has announced the launch of its WhatsApp eSIM Bot, a first-of-its-kind service designed to give international travellers instant, reliable and stress-free mobile data access.

With the new bot, travellers can purchase eSIMs in seconds, check balances, top up data instantly, and connect with human support—all without leaving WhatsApp. By integrating these services into the world’s most popular messaging app, Univasa removes the long-standing hassles of physical SIM cards, roaming charges, and complicated sign-up processes.

“At Univasa, our mission is to simplify global connectivity for every traveller. The WhatsApp eSIM Bot is about putting convenience, affordability, and reliability right in the hands of our users, wherever they go,” said Dr. Ben Adeniyi, CEO of Univasa.

The launch of this service builds on Univasa’s broader offering of global eSIM solutions, which provide coverage in over 150 countries across more than 400 networks. Travellers benefit from flexible plans ranging from 7- to 180-day bundles, as well as a lifetime option where data remains valid if refilled at least once a year.

Earlier this year, Univasa also partnered with Kalabash54—the fintech subsidiary of Wakanow Group—to integrate its eSIM service directly into Wakanow’s booking process, making it even easier for customers to stay connected abroad.

The WhatsApp eSIM Bot is live and available to all travellers. To get started, simply say “Hello” to +1 555 826 3971 on WhatsApp.

For more details on Univasa’s travel data solutions, visit esim.univasa.com.

About Univasa

Univasa is a registered Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) with operations in the US and Nigeria. The company provides innovative eSIM-based data solutions that enable international travellers, digital nomads, and businesses to enjoy seamless connectivity in over 150 destinations worldwide. With a focus on convenience, affordability, and reliability, Univasa is redefining how travellers access mobile data across borders.

Press Contact

Univasa Nigeria

+234 (0)915 050 1010

Remittra, a next-generation Nigerian fintech, has announced plans to launch a unified money app designed to digitize Ajo (rotational savings) while combining a suite of modern financial tools into one intuitive experience.

With Remittra, users will be able to manage savings, payments, trading, and expenses in a single platform. The app integrates Ajo-powered group savings with a multi-currency wallet, secure crypto trading, P2P transfers, a buyer-seller marketplace, co-investment features, virtual cards, bill payments, remittances, and an expense tracker.

Digitizing Ajo for the Digital Age

At the core of Remittra is Ajo, Nigeria’s trusted community savings practice. The platform enables users to create or join digital Ajo groups with:

Smart escrow and rotating payouts

Automated reminders and payout scheduling

Trust scoring and KYC/liveness checks

Default risk reduction through secure identity and fund-lock mechanisms

What Users Can Expect at Launch

Ajo (Rotational Savings): Private or invite-only groups with smart controls and secure payouts

Multi-Currency Wallet: Hold and exchange NGN and supported foreign currencies

Crypto Trading & Wallet: Buy, sell, and store supported digital assets securely

P2P Transfers: Fast, low-cost transfers between Remittra users

Marketplace:Trade goods and services with wallet escrow and verified accounts

Co-Invest: Pool funds into vetted opportunities for startups and investors

Virtual Cards: Global online spending with configurable limits and instant controls

Bill Payments & Remittances:Seamless local and international payments

Expense Tracker: Real-time insights, categories, and monthly summaries

“Our mission is simple,” said the Remittra founding team. “Bring Ajo into the digital age and pair it with modern financial tools so Nigerians can save smarter, move money faster, and grow wealth with confidence—from students and families to SMEs and creators.”

Security & Compliance

Remittra is being developed with bank-grade encryption, robust KYC/AML protocols, liveness detection, fraud monitoring, and audit-ready compliance. The company is working with licensed partners to ensure safety, regulatory alignment, and scalability from day one.

Roadmap & Availability

Remittra is finalizing testing and partner integrations ahead of its public launch. Early users can join the waitlist at remittra.com/waitlist and follow @Remittra across social media for product updates, beta invitations, and the official launch date.

About Remittra

Remittra is a Nigerian fintech platform reimagining everyday finance by digitizing Ajo and unifying multi-currency wallets, crypto, P2P transfers, marketplace trade, co-investing, virtual cards, bill payments, remittances, and expense tracking. The company’s vision is to deliver financial empowerment that is simple, secure, and culturally familiar.

Media & Partnerships

Press: hello@remittra.com

Partnerships: hello@remittra.com

Website: remittra.com

Socials: @Remittra (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok)