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IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice

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IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice

By: Michael Mike

Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has welcomed the recent action taken by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in suspending three judges and nullifying the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State, asking the body to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust

IJAP, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Honourable Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade JCA (rtd.), noted that: ‘‘The decisions, taken in response to judicial misconduct and procedural irregularities, reflect growing public demand for transparency, integrity, and accountability within the judiciary,” adding that: “However, this must not remain a reactive gesture. As a body entrusted with safeguarding the independence and ethics of the judiciary, the NJC must rise beyond disciplinary enforcement driven only by public petitions. We reiterate the urgent need for the NJC to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust.”

IJAP’s recommendations, outlined in its Technical Working Group’s policy submissions, call on the NJC to: Implement a “Punishment and Reward” System. Judges who uphold integrity and demonstrate consistent professionalism should be elevated. Conversely, those who compromise due processincluding misusing ex parte orders should not only face sanctions but also be disqualified from elevation to the Higher Bench and from being given sensitive roles like election tribunals.

IJAP commended the NJC for its resolution to henceforth publish the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to Superior Courts of Record for information and comments by the public, noting that this will Introduce Citizens’ Scrutiny in Judicial Appointments, to enhance transparency, build public confidence, and ensure that only fit and proper candidates ascend to the bench

IJAP also recommended that Disciplinary Reports should be made public to deter judicial misconduct and align the Council’s actions with public interest; Strengthening of Judicial Oversight by investing in the collection and analysis of judicial performance data, addressing inconsistent judgments, and collaborating with the National Judicial Institute to train judiciary staff on global best practices.

It also advocated for the Passage of the Whistleblowing Bill on Judicial Misconduct, which would provide a formal mechanism for reporting unethical behaviour in the judiciary while protecting whistle-blowers from retaliation.

IJAP also called for urgent reform in post-electoral justice delivery, to ensure that tribunal decisions are not only timely but also uphold the democratic mandate of the people—free from political interference or inducement. “We further emphasise that justice in electoral matters must be both swift and credible. The current constitutional timelines for pre-election and post-election petitions—though important—must be revisited to ensure that all election disputes are resolved before the swearing-in of declared winners. Nigeria must learn from regional peers like Kenya, where judicial processes prioritise electoral integrity and prompt adjudication.” It further stated.

IJAP said that: ‘‘In this defining moment, we call on all judicial stakeholders including the NJC, legal practitioners, civil society, and the general public—to collectively restore faith in Nigeria’s judiciary by demanding proactive reform, fostering ethical leadership, and holding all actors accountable.’’
Independent Accountability Judicial Panel (IJAP) consists of a team of renowned retired court of appeal judges, academia, legal practitioners and development experts with a track record of transparent leadership in judicial matters, to review Judicial pronouncements/actions and provide informed analysis that will enable Citizens to hold the Judiciary accountable.

IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice

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Charterhouse Lagos purpose-built secondary boarding school set to open in September

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Charterhouse Lagos purpose-built secondary boarding school set to open in September

By: Michael Mike

Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in Nigeria, marked its one-year anniversary with a special reception held at the British Residence:

The event brought together an esteemed gathering of senior educators, parents, diplomats, and cross-sector leaders to celebrate the school’s achievements over the past year.

A key moment of the evening was the announcement of the school’s next major milestone, which is the launch of its purpose-built secondary boarding school set to open in September 2025. The event also served as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of Lagos’ commitment to offering traditional Nigerian values alongside British academic excellence.

The evening featured remarks from key stakeholders, short films showcasing the Charterhouse journey so far, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of education in Nigeria. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and partnership, reinforcing Charterhouse Lagos as a beacon of UK–Nigeria educational collaboration.

Part of the prestigious Charterhouse family of schools, whose legacy dates to 1611, Charterhouse Lagos, opened its doors in September 2024, with a vibrant primary school programme, and is now set to expand significantly with the opening of its secondary school in September 2025, offering boarding for students from Year 7 upwards and full IGCSE and A Level pathways by 2026.

Speaking at the event, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “The UK and Nigeria have built a strong and enduring educational partnership over the years. Generations of Nigerian students have studied in British schools and universities, forming lifelong connections and shaping global careers.

“Today, that relationship is evolving. UK institutions are increasingly investing in Nigeria’s future and Charterhouse School, Lagos, is another great example. By bringing world-class British education to one of Africa’s most dynamic cities, it supports the aspirations of Nigerian families and reflects the UK’s commitment to long-term collaboration and growth in the region.”

Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, Mr. John Todd said: “This is more than a school project. We are building a learning environment that combines British rigour with Nigerian warmth, where children can grow in confidence, character, and global awareness. The response from families has been remarkable, and we are excited to begin the next phase with the secondary school.”

With an investment of over USD $150 million sitting on a 70-hectare campus, Charterhouse Lagos will house state of the art academic buildings, boarding houses, STEM labs, a performing arts centre, a full-size football pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool, and on-site healthcare delivered in partnership with Evercare Hospital.

Charterhouse Lagos is a British international school located in Nigeria, offering a rigorous British curriculum for primary and secondary students. It’s the first British independent school in West Africa and part of the prestigious Charterhouse family of schools. The school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, and a holistic approach to education.

Charterhouse Lagos purpose-built secondary boarding school set to open in September

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Eight die, three injured in Lagos-Badagry Expressway crash

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Eight die, three injured in Lagos-Badagry Expressway crash

By: Zagazola Makama

At least eight persons were confirmed dead while three others sustained serious injuries in a fatal road crash involving a commercial bus and a truck along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Sunday.

Zagazola report that the accident, which occurred around 5:00 a.m. at the Army Intelligence checkpoint in the Atura area of Morogbo, involved a Mazda commercial bus and a DAF.

It was gathered that the bus, driven by one Solomon Audu, 59, reportedly lost control and rammed into the stationary truck, which was loaded with goods.

Among those who died on the spot were the bus driver, his conductor identified as Akibu Ogundele, and six other passengers.

Three passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Badagry General Hospital for treatment by emergency responders.

Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and other first responders swiftly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and rescue victims.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy, while the two vehicles have been recovered for inspection by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).

Eight die, three injured in Lagos-Badagry Expressway crash

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No Going Back On Nuclear Test Ban In Nigeria, VP Shettima Tells CTBTO

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No Going Back On Nuclear Test Ban In Nigeria, VP Shettima Tells CTBTO

** Says Africa’s priority for now is to address poverty, climate change, not nuclear weapons

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President @officialSKSM, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a comprehensive nuclear test ban through collaboration with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (@CTBTO).

He said Africa’s priority, at the moment, is to address its existential challenges of poverty and the effects of climate change, not the pursuit of nuclear weapons capability.

The Vice President stated this on Monday when he received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), Dr Robert Floyd @DrRobFloyd.

“The outcome of any nuclear conflict is never a win-win situation; it is always the opposite. We are fighting poverty; we are fighting a war against the relationship between the economy and ecology in sub-Saharan Africa. We have no business dabbling in anything that has to do with nuclear weapons.

“I want to assure and reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive nuclear test ban, and I want to appreciate your organisation for the extra vigilance you have taken, having 337 stations spread across the world. All seven tests conducted by DPR Korea were detected,” he noted.

The VP, while commending the CTBTO for its role, said, “The beauty of CTBTO’s function is that its monitors also serve civilian purposes, especially in assisting us to detect tsunamis, volcanic seismic activities. Your functions are contributing to the global stability of our ecology.”

Earlier, the ES of CTBTO, Dr Floyd, applauded Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for contributing to the attainment of the global average in the reduction of nuclear testing and establishment of strong norms against it, describing the relationship between the organisation and the country as a natural partnership.

Highlighting the contributions of Nigeria through focal agencies – the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Dr Floyd acknowledged the quality of technical inputs and the commitment by the country in the actualisation of the goals of the CTBTO.

He spoke about the significance of the data generated by the NAEC and NNRA, particularly in saving lives through early detection of natural disasters and other human activities that are inimical to orderliness in the ecosystem.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of NAEC, Engr. Anthony Ekedegwa said Nigeria’s partnership with the CTBTO through the commission has been instrumental in building capacity and equipping the centre for the development of the sector in the country.

In the same vein, the Director General/CEO of the NNRA, Dr Yau Idris, spoke about the collaboration between his agency and the CTBTO in ensuring global adherence to international regulations on nuclear tests and ban.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, CTBTO’s Senior External Relations Officer, Mr Charles Oko, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NAEC and NNRA.

No Going Back On Nuclear Test Ban In Nigeria, VP Shettima Tells CTBTO

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