The Global Vice Chairman (Africa) of the International Commission for Peace and Good Governance and Head of Mission–Nigeria for the International Peace Commission, Ambassador Hussaini Coomassie, has expressed profound grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a true patriot and a devout leader.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ambassador Coomassie remarked: “He came, he saw, and he conquered. President Buhari’s passing is not only a monumental loss to Nigeria but to the global community. This news is deeply saddening and shocking. Yet, I find comfort in the knowledge that he lived a purposeful and impactful life, departing at the age of 82, what I call the injury time of life. Life remains a journey full of uncertainties.”

On behalf of the International Peace Commission, Ambassador Coomassie extended his sincere condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family in this time of mourning.

“May Allah grant him eternal rest. Aameen,” he concluded.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is facing intense scrutiny over its handling of a recent promotion exercise, with allegations that staff rights have been violated. A source close to the matter claims that the commission is struggling to justify its actions and is now searching for new evidence to pin down affected workers.

The source questioned whether, in a democracy, employees’ rights can be so blatantly disregarded, including the right to privacy. “This is looking like NCC does not exactly have anything tangible to hold onto as far as the current issue is concerned and now looking for new evidence to nail the affected workers,” the source said.

The source also alleged that directors and heads of departments are unable to offer objective advice, allowing management to perpetuate unfair practices under the Executive Vice Chairman’s leadership.

In contrast, Nnena Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs, defended the commission’s actions, stating that the promotion exams were conducted fairly and in line with public service rules. She emphasized the commission’s commitment to integrity, fairness, and competence.

However, the controversy surrounding the promotion exercise continues to raise questions about the NCC’s adherence to these principles.

Kaduna State has once again placed education at the heart of its development agenda as it hosted the KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025 at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Centre, Murtala Square. Governor Uba Sani used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to leveraging education as a strategic weapon against poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

Addressing stakeholders and global partners at the summit, Governor Sani declared that education is not just a sector to be administered but the state’s most potent tool for social transformation and economic revitalisation. He unveiled a comprehensive, data-driven blueprint focused on infrastructure renewal, teacher quality enhancement, digital learning, and inclusive policies aimed at reaching vulnerable groups such as girls, nomadic children, those living with disabilities, and children affected by conflict.

Despite prevailing global fiscal constraints, Kaduna has maintained a strong education budget, expanding digital and radio learning platforms and prioritising foundational literacy. The administration’s investment in technical education is also gaining traction with the completion of three NBTE-certified Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba facilities now considered among Nigeria’s most advanced, even rivaling established polytechnics and universities.

The governor further revealed that the iconic Panteka Market Africa’s largest informal skills hub with over 38,000 apprentices—is undergoing a major transformation under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework, including modern facilities and updated training equipment.

In higher education, the state has injected ₦500 million into Kaduna State University (KASU), leading to accreditation for 40 new academic programmes. The introduction of a 40% tuition cut across all state-owned tertiary institutions has already sparked a surge in enrolment.

Tackling the issue of out-of-school children, Governor Sani highlighted the ongoing Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project. The initiative has seen the construction or rehabilitation of over 1,000 classrooms, the establishment of 62 new secondary schools, distribution of nearly 1.5 million instructional materials, and provision of 31,000 two-seater desks. These interventions are monitored through digital dashboards to track impact and progress.

The summit also spotlighted the KADA EduPACT framework, which is built on six pillars: equitable access, quality teaching and learning, sustainable financing, digital innovation, gender inclusion, and a resilient, well-monitored education system.

Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, praised Kaduna’s proactive policies, calling the summit a model for national and sub-national education reform. British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever OBE, reaffirmed the UK’s continued partnership with Kaduna through the PLANE programme. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed lauded the state’s efforts to localise global education goals amidst worldwide disruptions caused by inequality and climate-related challenges.

Kaduna’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sambo, described the summit as a defining moment for the state’s education transformation. He applauded the government’s record 26% allocation of the 2025 budget to education, which he said is already driving measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

Jointly organised by the Kaduna State Government and international partners—including FCDO, UNICEF, the World Bank’s AGILE initiative, the Islamic Development Bank, Save the Children, the Malala Fund, and Miva University the summit aims to forge a sustainable educational compact between the government and the people, grounded in shared accountability, measurable targets, and long-term impact.