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By— Pen Blog Media . Date: Thursday, 23rd April, 2026 | Dhul Qa’dah 5th, 1447 AH . THE Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has raised fresh concerns over the emergence of fake online platforms claiming to offer student loan registration services. The agency warned that such sites are fraudulent and should be avoided. According to NELFUND, these unauthorized portals are designed to deceive applicants into submitting sensitive personal and financial information. This has increased the risk of identity theft and financial loss among unsuspecting students. The agency emphasized that its interest-free loan programme is only accessible through officially approved channels. It noted clearly that it does not engage third-party agents or external websites for application processing. Students across the country have been urged to verify any platform before use. NELFUND advised applicants to rely strictly on information released through its official communication outlets. Education stakehold...

By— Pen Blog Media . Date: Thursday, 23rd April, 2026 | Dhul Qa’dah 5th, 1447 AH . IRAN has reiterated its position to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, citing the continued presence of United States naval forces in nearby waters. The announcement signals a deepening standoff in a region already known for its strategic sensitivity. Officials in Tehran confirmed that two vessels were recently seized in the area. The action has drawn international attention, with concerns growing over the safety of maritime activities along the crucial route. The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the most important channels for global oil transportation. A significant portion of the world’s crude exports passes through the narrow waterway daily, making any disruption highly impactful. Following the latest developments, global oil prices recorded a noticeable increase. Market analysts attribute the surge to fears of prolonged supply interruptions and rising geopolitical tension in the Gulf. ...

By— Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus | Pen Blog Media . Date: Monday, 20th April, 2026 | Dhul Qa’dah 2nd, 1447 AH . THE Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede, has commenced on-the-ground monitoring of the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with confirmed visits to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Ibadan, Oyo State. The inspection tour, which included centres at the University of Ibadan, forms part of JAMB’s nationwide supervision aimed at ensuring compliance with examination guidelines and maintaining credibility across all accredited venues. Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Oloyede noted that the examination process had so far recorded minimal disruptions nationwide, stressing that only a small fraction of centres experienced technical or operational issues. “We have observed that the exercise is largely hitch-free across the country, with only a few centres encountering challenges, which are being addressed ...

By— Pen Blog Media . Date: Monday, 20th April, 2026 | Dhul Qa’dah 2nd, 1447 AH . THE Nigerian currency, Naira has recorded fresh movements against major foreign currencies today, reflecting ongoing adjustments in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market at the start of the week. Early trading data showed fluctuations in the value of the local currency against the US dollar and British pound, amid persistent demand pressures and evolving policy measures. Reacting to the development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintained that efforts are ongoing to improve market stability and liquidity. A senior CBN official, who spoke in line with recent policy direction, noted: “Stability in the foreign exchange market remains a priority. We are implementing measures to enhance transparency and boost confidence in the system.” Economic analysts say the naira’s performance continues to influence business costs, import pricing, and household spending, with many stakeholders watching for clearer signs ...

By— Pen Blog Media . Date: Monday, 20th April, 2026 | Dhul Qa’dah 2nd, 1447 AH . THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released an additional batch of results for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), bringing the exercise closer to completion nationwide. In a brief update on Monday (today), the board said most candidates who sat for the examination have now been captured in the released results, while a smaller number remains under review. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the delay affecting some candidates was due to necessary verification checks. “We are committed to ensuring that every result released reflects the integrity of the examination process. Any candidate still awaiting results should remain patient,” he stated. The board reiterated that candidates should only access their results through official platforms, warning against reliance on unofficial channels. With the bulk of results now available, attention is expected to s...

By— Pen Blog Media . Date: Saturday, 18th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 30th, 1447 AH . TENSIONS in the Middle East have escalated once again as Iran announced that it has reimposed strict control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route responsible for a significant share of the world’s oil supply. In a statement released on Saturday (today), Iranian military authorities said movement through the waterway would now be closely regulated, citing what they described as continued obstruction of Iranian maritime activities by the United States. The development comes barely 24 hours after Iranian officials declared the strait open for commercial shipping under a fragile ceasefire arrangement. The previously announced reopening had briefly raised hopes of stability in global energy markets. However, Iranian officials now accuse Washington of failing to uphold its commitments, particularly regarding restrictions on Iranian ports. Tehran insists that continued U.S. naval pr...

By— Pen Blog Media Date: Saturday, 18th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 30th, 1447 AH . THE Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Sunday, April 19, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Qa’dah 1447AH, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon for Shawwāl on Friday across Nigeria. The announcement was made after consultations with the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, which gathered and reviewed reports from various observation points nationwide. According to the Council, no verified sighting of the new crescent was recorded on the 29th day of Shawwāl, prompting the completion of the month as 30 days in line with Islamic tradition. Based on this, the Sultan approved Sunday as the commencement of Dhul Qa’dah, the eleventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar, making Saturday (today) the last day of Shawwāl. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme C...

By— Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus | Pen Blog Media Date— Thursday, 16th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 18th, 1447 AH TENSION has gripped parts of Benue State following the abduction of passengers, including candidates of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), by suspected gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo road. The incident, which occurred at night, involved a commercial bus conveying travellers—some of whom were reportedly heading to their examination centres. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers intercepted the vehicle and forcefully took away several occupants into a nearby forest. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that 14 persons were abducted during the attack, while some passengers, including the driver, managed to escape. Police authorities say a rescue operation is currently underway, with security operatives deployed to track down the assailants and secure the safe release of the victims. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the saf...

By — Pen Blog Media Date : Thursday, 16th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 28th, 1447 AH THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed the controversy surrounding a hijab-related incident at a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, blaming the development on what it described as an “overzealous” ad hoc staff member. The clarification was contained in an official response issued by the examination body following the circulation of a video showing a candidate removing her hijab before being allowed into the examination venue. JAMB stated that the action of the staff member does not reflect its guidelines, reiterating that candidates are permitted to wear religious coverings, including hijab, during examinations. The board added that the situation was promptly handled upon discovery, ensuring that no candidate was ultimately denied the opportunity to sit for the exam. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting candidates’ rights and maintaining uniform stan...

By — Pen Blog Media Date — Thursday, 16th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 28th, 1447 AH A new report has emerged from the Eleyele axis alleging that another hijab-wearing candidate is denied entry at the Tinuade JAMB Centre. The development follows Pen Blog Media’s earlier report on a similar concern at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, for which verification is still ongoing. According to the latest information received, the affected candidate at the Tinuade centre is initially restricted over their hijab. However, the situation was later addressed, and those affected were reportedly allowed to proceed with their examination. This indicates that while such incidents may arise, some are being resolved at the centre level after intervention. At the time of filing this report, there is still no confirmed update on the situation at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre beyond earlier circulating reports. Pen Blog Media continues to monitor both cases and will provide verified updates as more details becom...

By — Pen Blog Media Date — Thursday, 16th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 28th, 1447 AH A verified video has shown a candidate, sitting in the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Board examination, restricted to enter the centre, leading to being asked to remove her Hijab. Pen Blog Media earlier reported the possible incident at the Esther Oshikoya JAMB Centre involving a female candidate wearing hijab who was temporarily restricted from entering the examination hall. The situation occurred shortly before the commencement of the examination and drew attention within the centre. No video shown to prevent the candidate's dignity and well-being, and to prevent the harassment pushed on her. However, reports claimed that it was finally handled by eyewitnesses and officials on ground, and the candidate was later allowed to continue with her examination without further interruption, following the delay. Meanwhile, candidates sitting for examinations are advised to comply strictly with centre inst...

By — Pen Blog Media . Date — Thursday, 16th April, 2026 | Shawwāl 28th, 1447 AH . REPORTS circulating in the early morning of Thursday (today) claim that some candidates wearing hijab may have faced restrictions while attempting to sit for the UTME at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, Sango–Eleyele Road, Ibadan. The situation remains unverified at the time of filing this report. According to the claims, certain candidates were allegedly asked to remove their hijab before gaining entry into the exam hall. Meanwhile, there has been no official confirmation from JAMB or local authorities regarding the incident. JAMB’s examination guidelines permit the use of hijab, aligning with constitutional protections on religious freedom, and any enforcement against this would contradict existing policy. Efforts to verify the situation are ongoing, with calls for witnesses to provide credible evidence, and updates will follow as soon as the claims are verified. Authorities have also been urged to look in...

By — Pen Blog Media | Thursday, April 15th, 2026 | Shawwāl 28th, 1447 AH . Date — Thursday, 15th April, 2026 . MANY candidates lose valuable marks in JAMB due to avoidable mistakes. Recognising these errors early can improve performance. COMMON MISTAKES AND SOLUTIONS 1. Poor Time Management Spend limited time per question and return later if necessary. 2. Ignoring Use of English This subject is compulsory and must be taken seriously. 3. Lack of Practice Practising past questions improves speed and accuracy. 4. Overdependence on Shortcuts Relying on leaked answers is unreliable and risky. How to Score High in JAMB CBT Exams 5. Exam Anxiety Staying calm helps maintain focus. 6. Unfamiliarity with CBT Practise using a computer before the exam. 7. Skipping Difficult Topics Face challenges early and work through them. 8. Late Preparation and Arrival to Examination Centres Start early to avoid pressure. And, make sure to arrive at the exam centre earlier. 9. Lack of Revision Regular revis...

By — Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola Badmus | Pen Blog Media. Date — Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 | Shawwāl 27th, 1447 AH. THE JAMB exam is conducted using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) system. Understanding how it works is essential for success. Below are some suggested ways to successfully score high in the JAMB CBT examinations. 1. Understanding the CBT Format Candidates answer questions on a computer system within a fixed time. So, you need to understand the Computer-based Test form of questions and answers. For other practical tips for success. Try to do these: i. Learn the System ii. Understand how to navigate between questions. How to Gain Admission with Low JAMB Scores 2. Manage Your Time Do not spend too long on a single question. Make sure you do not waste too much of your time on one single question. Use at least 30 seconds on each question. If they are working questions, use less than 2 minutes. 3. Use Navigation Tools Features like “next” and “flag” can help manage your progress. 4. ...

By — Pen Blog Media | Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 | Shawwāl 27th, 1447 AH . Dated — Wednesday, 15th April, 2026 . THE Federal Government has announced a new agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) aimed at ensuring stability in Nigeria’s public university system. According to government officials, the agreement addresses key issues that have previously led to industrial actions, including lecturer welfare, salary structure, and funding commitments to public universities. The development follows a series of negotiations between both parties in recent months. Authorities stated that the outcome is expected to prevent further disruptions to academic activities across federal universities. University strikes have been a recurring issue in Nigeria’s education sector for years, often leading to prolonged closures and delays in academic programmes. The new agreement is intended to provide a more predictable academic calendar for students. Officials also indicated tha...

By — Pen Blog Media | April 15, 2026 | Shawwāl 27, 1447 AH . Dated — Wednesday, 15th April, 2026. NIGERIA’S federal government has ordered an investigation into a recent military airstrike in the country’s northeast, following reports that civilians may have been killed. The airstrike took place in Jilli, a community near the Borno–Yobe border. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the operation targeted a location believed to be used by insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP. However, accounts from residents tell a different story. Some witnesses claim the strike hit a crowded area, possibly a market, raising fears that many of those affected were civilians rather than fighters. While official casualty figures have not been confirmed, local reports suggest that dozens—possibly over a hundred—people may have lost their lives. The conflicting narratives have sparked concern and renewed calls for accountability. Human rights groups have also reacted, warning about the risks c...

By — Pen Blog Media | April 13th, 2026 | Shawwāl 25th, 1447 AH . Date— Monday, 13th April, 2026. THE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the 2026 examination results, and candidates can now check their results online through the official portal. If you recently sat for the WAEC examination, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to check your result quickly and without errors. In this article, you will learn how to check WAEC 2026 result online, the official result checker portal, the requirements needed, and what to do if your result is not showing. Is WAEC 2026 Result Out? Yes, the WAEC 2026 result has been released. Candidates who participated in the examination can now access their results online using the WAEC result checker portal. However, if you are unable to see your result immediately, it may be due to network delays or processing time. In such cases, you are advised to check again after some time. Official WAEC Result Checker Po...

By— Pen Blog Media | April 9th, 2026 | 21st Shawwāl, 1447 AH THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed a viral image suggesting the release of a ₦5,000 banknote bearing the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The image, widely shared on social media, sparked speculation that a new high-value naira note had been introduced. However, the apex bank has clarified that the claim is false and not from any official source. In a brief statement shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the CBN stated, “This content is fake. Let the public be guided.” Findings show that there has been no official announcement from the bank regarding any new denomination. Reviews of its official platforms confirm that no such policy or currency design has been released. Further checks indicate the viral image was digitally created. AI-detection tools suggest a high probability that the note design was generated using artificial intelligence, raising concerns about misleading online content....

By: Pen Blog Media . Date: Monday, 6th April, 2026 ( 18th Shawwāl, 1447 AH ). THE conflict involving Iran, Israel, and U.S. forces continues to deepen, with updated casualty figures showing a growing human cost across multiple regions. The latest data reflects the widening scale of violence, especially in Iran and Lebanon, where the impact has been most severe. Iran has recorded the highest casualties, with 2,076 deaths and 26,500 injuries. The figures highlight the intensity of ongoing strikes, as emergency services remain under pressure and humanitarian concerns continue to rise. Israel has reported 26 deaths and 6,951 injuries. While fatalities remain relatively lower, the high number of injured points to continued missile attacks and defensive operations across affected areas. The U.S. military has confirmed 13 deaths and 200 injuries, reflecting its active role in the conflict. Lebanon has also been heavily affected, with 1,461 deaths and 4,430 injuries linked to spillover viole...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Monday, 6th April, 2026 (18th Shawwāl, 1447 AH). GAINING admission into a Nigerian university with a low JAMB score may seem difficult, but it is not impossible. Every year, thousands of candidates who score below top cut-off marks still secure admission by applying the right strategies and making informed decisions. If your JAMB score is not as high as you expected, this guide will show you practical and realistic ways to gain admission in 2026 without losing hope. Read carefully to understand the best options available to you. WHAT IS CONSIDERED A LOW JAMB SCORE? A low JAMB score generally falls between 120 and 180, depending on the course and institution you are targeting. 120–139: Very limited university options, but possible alternatives exist 140–159: Eligible for some universities and many polytechnics 160–180: Good chances in less competitive universities and courses It is important to understand that a low score does not define you...

By : Abdul-Qoyyum Adeshola, Badmus . Date : Sunday, 5th April, 2026 (17th Shawwāl, 1447 AH). THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the official benchmark cut-off mark for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Thousands of candidates who sat for the examination are now eager to know the minimum score required to secure admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria. In this article, you will find the official JAMB 2026 cut-off mark, expected departmental cut-off marks for popular universities, and what you should do if your score is below the required mark. Read carefully to understand how admission decisions are made. Is JAMB 2026 Cut-Off Mark Officially Out? Yes . JAMB has announced the general benchmark cut-off mark for the 2026 admission year. However, it is important to understand that the benchmark score released by JAMB is not the same as the final departmental cut-off mark used by individual...

By— Pen Blog Media . Date— Thursday, 2nd April, 2026 ( 14th Shawwāl, 1447 AH ). AS the United States-Israel military campaign against Iran enters Day 34, the situation remains tense, with continued hostilities despite official statements suggesting progress toward strategic goals. DIVERGING NARRATIVES ON WAR STATUS U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that operations are approaching completion, implying that key objectives are largely met. However, ongoing military activity contradicts this outlook. Iranian officials have dismissed such claims, insisting that no ceasefire discussions are taking place. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the campaign has passed its midpoint but is far from over. SUSTAINED MILITARY ENGAGEMENT Combat operations continue across multiple fronts, with persistent missile and drone exchanges between Iran and the U.S.–Israeli alliance. Military reports suggest thousands of strategic targets—including missile systems and i...