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Welcome to your Golden News Nigeria Morning Roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, October 13, 2025.

Stay informed with the latest updates across politics, education, economy, sports, and empowerment.

ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike Starting October 13

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike across all public universities in Nigeria.

Prof. Chris Piwuna, the Union’s National President, announced the development during a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday.
He stated that all ASUU branches are to withdraw their services from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.

This strike adds to the long-running disputes over university funding, lecturers’ welfare, and the unresolved 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

Peter Obi Denies Alliance With Goodluck Jonathan Ahead of 2027 Election

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied rumours of any political alliance with former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2027 general elections, clarifying that there is no pact or political agreement between them to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The clarification was made by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Obi’s media aide and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, during an exclusive interview with The PUNCH.

According to Dr. Tanko, reports suggesting that Obi and Jonathan were forming an alliance were “baseless and speculative.” He explained that while Obi maintains cordial relationships with political figures across party lines, there has been no discussion or collaboration toward forming a coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over Presidential Pardon List

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of a “reckless misuse of presidential powers” following the release of the 2025 presidential pardon list.

Atiku said the inclusion of individuals convicted of drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption undermines justice and emboldens criminal behavior.
He warned that 29.2% of those pardoned were drug offenders, describing it as a blow to Nigeria’s anti-crime efforts.

The naira extended its gains at the official market last week as it gained 0.72 per cent (or N10.5) to close at 1,455.17/$, the strongest it had been since December 2024, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria has revealed.

Analysts noted that the domestic currency’s performance was driven by robust foreign exchange inflows from portfolio investors and remittances.

At the parallel market, the naira strengthened 0.88 per cent to 1,475/$, also supported by improved liquidity.

Presidency Confirms Wale Edun Is Indisposed; Cardoso to Lead IMF/World Bank Delegation

The Presidency has confirmed that Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, is currently indisposed and will not attend the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso will now lead the Nigerian delegation, alongside Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.
Sources indicate that Edun may be receiving medical care abroad.

Labour Party Denies Reports Peter Obi Will Step Down in 2027

The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed reports suggesting Peter Obi might withdraw from the 2027 presidential race to support another candidate.

Tony Akeni, the party’s interim spokesperson, said any attempt to force Obi out “would betray the hopes of millions of Nigerians seeking change.”
He urged Atiku Abubakar to support Obi, emphasizing that “our motto is forward never, backward never.”

Nigerian Army Rescues Three Kidnap Victims in Kwara as Operation FANSAN YAMMA Intensifies

The Nigerian Army has announced the rescue of three more kidnapped victims from the Babanla Forest in Kwara State, as troops of the 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, continue intensified operations against bandits terrorizing communities in the region.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, the victims were rescued during a coordinated clearance operation conducted on Saturday.

The operation followed credible intelligence reports on the movement of suspected kidnappers within the Babanla axis, leading to swift military action and the successful rescue of the abductees without casualties.

Captain Nwankwo reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Kwara State and neighboring regions, stressing that Operation FANSAN YAMMA will continue to pursue criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored.

He urged residents to continue providing timely and accurate information to support ongoing efforts by the military and security agencies to eradicate banditry and kidnapping in the state.

This latest success adds to a series of breakthroughs recorded by Nigerian troops in recent weeks, as part of the military’s renewed nationwide counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.

Tinubu’s Aide Warns Jonathan Against Political Manipulation

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to President Bola Tinubu, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against re-entering active politics.

He stated that Jonathan’s possible return “poses no political threat” and urged him not to listen to individuals “trying to destroy his legacy.”

Umahi Reveals Southern Governors’ Pact on Power Rotation

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed that the 17 Southern Governors agreed in 2023 that the presidency should remain in the South for two terms.

Speaking on Sunday, Umahi urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, noting it would promote fairness and political stability.

FG Appeals to ASUU to Suspend Planned Strike

Following ASUU’s strike declaration, the Federal Government has appealed to the union to embrace dialogue instead of industrial action.

In a joint statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, said the government has presented a comprehensive offer addressing staff welfare, working conditions, and teaching allowances.

However, it warned that if ASUU proceeds, the “No Work, No Pay” rule may apply.

Portable Says He “Can’t Love” Babymama Ashabi Simple

Controversial singer Portable (Habeeb Okikiola) has publicly declared that he cannot love his fourth babymama, Ashabi Simple.

In an audio post shared on Instagram, Portable described the relationship as “a mistake” and accused Ashabi of being attracted to him only for fame.

Nigeria, Benin Suffer Player Suspensions Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

Both Nigeria and Benin Republic will be without key players in Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier.

Benin’s Sessi d’Almeida and Yohan Roche are suspended, while Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman will also miss the match after accumulating yellow cards.
Despite this, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to win.

Zidane Reaffirms Desire to Coach France National Team

Legendary French footballer and ex-Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has once again expressed his desire to coach the France national team someday.

Speaking at a sports event in Italy, Zidane said, “What I want one day is to coach the national team.”
Fans continue to see him as the natural successor to Didier Deschamps after the next World Cup.

The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of the 2025/2026 Regular Recruit Intake exercise, giving young Nigerians a golden opportunity to serve their nation through a rewarding military career.

According to the Army, the online application portal is now open, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply free of charge via the official recruitment website: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.

The application window is open from September 29 to November 14, 2025.

Basic Requirements

To qualify for the 2025/2026 Regular Recruit Intake, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth and possess a National Identity Number (NIN) and BVN printout.
Must be single, medically, physically, and psychologically fit according to Nigerian Army standards.
Must be free from any criminal conviction.
Must possess a valid birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission, Hospital, or Local Government Council.
Must possess a certificate of state of origin.
Minimum height requirement: 1.68 metres (male) and 1.65 metres (female).
Must be between 18 and 22 years for non-trades applicants and not more than 26 years for tradesmen/women as of December 30, 2025.
Must have at least four passes, including English Language, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, GCE, NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS.
Applicants for trades roles must also possess Trade Test/City and Guild Certificates.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Nigerian Army Begins 2025 Short Service Combatant Commission Recruitment (SSC 49/2026)

The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of online applications for its Short Service Combatant (SSC) Commission Course 49/2026, inviting eligible Nigerians to apply for enlistment into various combat and support corps.

The application process is free of charge and will run from Thursday, October 9, 2025, to Wednesday, November 12, 2025, according to the public notice signed by the Military Secretary (Army), Army Headquarters, Abuja.