As the week comes to an end, PUNCH Online presents the most significant stories that dominated the news this week.
From the return of fuel lines and the government's decision to raise public sector workers' salaries to the startling 77% failure rate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, here's a recap of the top stories that made headlines this week.
- UTME large number of failures
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board disclosed the outcomes of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, indicating that out of 1,842,464 candidates, 1,402,490 did not achieve a score of 200 out of 400 marks. This failure rate accounts for 77% of the candidates whose results were released.
The board's Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that 8,401 candidates scored 300 and above, 77,070 scored 250 and above, and 439,974 scored 200 and above. Oloyede mentioned that because the board does not publish the names of top scorers and admission criteria vary among institutions, identifying the highest scorer may not be feasible. Furthermore, the results of 64,624 candidates were withheld pending investigation.
After the release of the 2024 UTME results, showing a 77% failure rate, Nigerians have started identifying reasons for the low performance. Some attribute it to excessive use of social media by candidates, neglecting their studies. Others cite issues such as computer problems during the exam, exam misconduct, and inadequate preparation.
Some propose stricter actions, such as requiring candidates with scores below 50% to retake the exam. However, concerns about early morning exam schedules and the need for better computer skills among students have also been raised. Overall, there is a demand for a comprehensive investigation into the root causes of the mass failure.
- The lines are back!
The fuel shortage situation in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria continues despite assertions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited that the logistical issues causing the scarcity have been resolved. In Lagos, many fuel stations remained closed over the weekend, leading to competition for Premium Motor Spirit among Nigerians.
The scarcity has resulted in a rise in illicit trading activities, with some residents resorting to purchasing fuel at high prices.
As the fuel shortage situation worsens, occurrences of violence and desperation are on the rise, as evidenced by the tragic shooting at a gas station in Obalende, Lagos, where a man was killed in a dispute over a place in the line.
Toheeb Eniafe was shot and killed after a confrontation with two individuals, one of whom has now been confirmed to be a police officer, who tried to bypass the line at the gas station.
Onlookers reported that Eniafe, along with others in the line, confronted the officers, insisting that they wait in line like everyone else. The confrontation turned into a physical altercation, resulting in Eniafe being shot and later succumbing to his injuries. The incident has sparked anger and fear, underscoring the tension amid the ongoing fuel scarcity.
The Lagos State Police Command has identified the police officer who shot Eniafe.
“The person who did the shooting has been recognized as a police officer working at Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 17, Lion Building, Lagos,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said on Thursday.
- Underbridge apartments
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed on Wednesday the finding of an apartment under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, where tenants paid an annual rent of N250,000.
The apartment, made up of 86 partitioned rooms ranging in size from 10×10 to 12×10, was uncovered by the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. Videos shared by Wahab showed the removal of illegal settlers and structures, including a container used for various illegal activities.
Wahab announced on Thursday the discovery of another illegal settlement, this time beneath the Osborne Bridge in Ikoyi. He stated that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as KAI, had started immediate clearance operations.
- Coastal highway demolitions
Earlier this week, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered the closure and later demolition of Landmark Beach in Lagos, citing the need to clear the area for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Umahi stressed that only shanties and structures encroaching on the Federal Government’s right-of-way would be affected. The demolition started on Monday.
The building of the 700-kilometer coastal highway, projected to cost N15 trillion, is promoted as Nigeria’s largest single infrastructure project and is anticipated to take eight years to finish. Views on the project are split, with some highlighting its potential benefits while others regret the loss of Landmark Beach’s iconic status.
Other beach businesses affected include Mami Chula, Breeze Beach Club, Moist Beach, Xchange Lagos and G12 Oniru Beach
- Salary raise for military, police, others
The Federal Government endorsed a salary increase ranging from 25 to 35 per cent for various sectors, including police officers, armed forces, and public servants. This increase, effective from January 1, 2024, covers six consolidated salary structures, according to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. Additionally, pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme will receive a raise of 20 to 28 per cent.
Before this decision, negotiations for a higher minimum wage were ongoing, with unions proposing figures up to N615,000 per month.
Talks are ongoing, influenced by factors such as inflation and the recent electricity tariff hike.
- Measles kill 42
The Adamawa State Government has reported a measles outbreak in Mubi and Gombi Local Government Areas, resulting in 42 deaths. According to the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwame, the outbreak affected eight wards in Mubi and seven in Gombi, with 131 and 177 individuals affected, respectively. Measures have been implemented to contain the spread, including the distribution of measles vaccines and coordinated efforts with partners to manage the situation.
- Freedom of the press?
Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist working for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, has reportedly been captured by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police on alleged cybercrime charges.
Ojukwu went missing on May 1, 2024, causing worries for FIJ, who tracked his last active phone location to an address in Isheri Olofin. Despite his family finding out about his detention at Panti in Lagos, Ojukwu has been kept incommunicado for three days without legal representation, raising concerns about press freedom and the right to freedom of expression, especially as his abduction coincides with World Press Freedom Day. This incident follows previous harassment of FIJ by law enforcement.
In a similar event, Segun Olatunji, the abducted Editor of FirstNews Online Newspaper, was detained by men of the Defence Intelligence Agency after being kidnapped by military personnel on March 15, 2024.
