Welcome to Thursday’s roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines, where we scan the papers and then gently remind power that citizens are still awake.
1. Daily Trust: 2027: No appointments for non-APC members – Nentawe
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has stirred the political pot by declaring that after the 2027 elections, only party loyalists, not technocrats or professionals, will get political appointments, because, in his words, governance is ‘inherently political’ and appointees must back the party that put them in power.
Our Take: In response, we as citizens should demand a clear, enforceable commitment to merit, transparency, and accountability in appointments, because while loyalty can win elections, it cannot fix potholes, balance budgets, or keep the lights on. Nigerians must insist that competence, experience, and integrity remain non-negotiable criteria for public office, regardless of party colour or campaign chorus.
2. The Guardian: FG Affirms Plans to Abolish HND, Empower Polytechnics to Award Degrees
So here’s the gist: the federal government says it wants to finally scrap the HND–degree divide by allowing polytechnics to award degrees. According to the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, who announced this in Abuja at a big retreat of education stakeholders, the idea is to boost technical and vocational education and make it a real driver of national development.
Our Take: Nigerians should not just clap for this announcement; they should also question the why, the how, and the now of it. We must demand a clear explanation of the real problem this policy is meant to solve, and whether abolishing HND will actually improve skills, employability, and educational quality, or simply rebrand the same system with a shinier certificate. We should be demand for data, impact assessments, funding plans, and safeguards to ensure polytechnics do not become ‘universities without laboratories’.
3. Punch: Counter-terrorism campaign: FG moves to fast-track trial of 5,000 insurgents
So here’s what’s going on: about 5,000 people suspected of terrorism-related activities are currently sitting in pre-trial detention across Nigeria, and it’s creating a serious backlog of cases. This detail came from the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, which The Punch got hold of on Wednesday.
Our Take: This revelation should push citizens and civil society to demand urgent reforms in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism justice system, because holding about 5,000 people in pre-trial detention is not exactly a poster child for due process. The government must be pressed to set clear timelines for investigations and prosecutions, strengthen judicial capacity, and ensure that only evidence-backed cases go to court, because detention centres have become long-term ‘waiting rooms’ for people who have not been convicted of anything.
4. Vanguard: 5 soldiers killed, many injured in Boko Haram suicide attack in Borno
So here is what happened: five soldiers were killed after a Boko Haram suicide bomber slammed an explosives-laden car into a military convoy in the Timbuktu triangle area of Borno State. Security sources said an unknown number of other troops were injured, and that two senior officers, a major and a lieutenant, were among those affected.
Our Take: This tragic attack should push citizens to demand urgent action from the federal government, the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Army, and the National Security Advisor to strengthen troop protection, intelligence gathering, and equipment support for soldiers on the front lines. Nigerians must insist on better surveillance, improved convoy security, modern counter-IED technology, and proper welfare for troops who are literally paying with their lives.
