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“Reforms Must Align with the Interests of the Vast Majority of Nigerians” – Atiku
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria and prominent political figure, has expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing discussions about the Tax Reform Bills.
Through a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku emphasized the need for a fiscal system that is just, fair, and equitable for all Nigerians, urging that the reform process should not perpetuate inequalities between the states.
In his message, Atiku noted the widespread public discourse surrounding the tax reforms, stating that Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that does not favor a select few states.
According to Atiku, it is crucial that the reforms do not inadvertently increase the disparity between the federating units.
He voiced concern over the potential for the reform bills to boost the status of certain states while unduly burdening others, further deepening the already existing inequalities.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest,” Atiku began, acknowledging the nation’s frustration and desire for a tax system that serves the collective good.
He went on to emphasize that Nigerians are loud and clear in their demand for a fiscal system that upholds justice and fairness, calling for a tax structure that benefits all states equally.
Atiku also appealed for objectivity and transparency in the public hearing process being organized by the National Assembly.
He strongly believes that the hearings must be conducted with fairness and integrity to ensure that all stakeholders are included in the decision-making process.
This includes Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and experts in relevant fields.
“Transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making,” Atiku said, underscoring the importance of an inclusive process that allows all Nigerians, regardless of their background or position, to contribute to the discussions.
He further called on the National Assembly to make the resolutions of the National Economic Council public, recognizing it as an important body with the constitutional mandate to advise the President on economic matters.
The National Economic Council, which Atiku referred to, plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.
It is composed of the 36 state governors, the Central Bank Governor, and other key figures, making it a crucial stakeholder in Nigeria’s economic affairs.
Atiku’s call for transparency from the National Assembly reflects a desire to ensure that the final tax reform bills align with the interests of the majority of Nigerians, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked in the process.
A teenage girl, Lawal Hameedat Adenike, has filed a lawsuit against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the PEFTI Centre after allegedly being forced to remove her hijab before sitting for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The suit was filed by her mother and legal representative, Basirat Ojo, who spoke to journalists in Abuja about the distressing incident. Ojo explained that on April 25, 2025, at the PEFTI CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, her daughter was told she could not take the exam unless she removed her hijab, which she wears as a religious obligation. Ojo described the experience as humiliating and emotionally distressing for her daughter, adding that it was a clear violation of her rights.
The lawsuit is seeking a public apology from both JAMB and PEFTI, to be published in two national newspapers. Additionally, it calls for compensation for the rights violation and a court ruling that any policy requiring female candidates to remove their hijabs is unconstitutional.
Lawal’s lawyer, Qousim Opakunle, emphasized that the case is based on constitutional rights. He argued that the directive violated Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, especially for minors who are vulnerable to such injustices.
Many Nigerians are expressing deep concern over the poor performance recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), following the release of the results by JAMB on Friday. Social media has since been flooded with reactions from worried parents, students, and education stakeholders, many of whom believe the scores don’t reflect the true efforts of the candidates.
One user, Oluwaseun, took to X to voice his frustration, sharing a screenshot of a student named Egbaze Victoria who allegedly scored 295 in last year’s UTME but shockingly got 132 this year. “Something is seriously wrong with these results,” he wrote. “These scores don’t reflect the abilities or track records of these students.”
Another user, Chukwuma Pius, also shared his frustration, claiming JAMB sent his daughter a result that doesn’t belong to her. “This is heartbreaking,” he said. “As a retired teacher, I know what she’s capable of. The result they sent cannot be hers.”
These complaints come after JAMB disclosed that over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 this year, sparking widespread calls for an investigation into the entire process. Reacting to the controversy, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described the outcome of this year’s UTME as worrisome and emphasized the need for urgent reforms in the education sector.
JAMB has officially released the results for the 2025 UTME, but not without controversy. According to the board, results of 39,834 candidates have been withheld over suspected exam malpractices.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the announcement at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, explaining that investigations are ongoing. He also revealed that around 80 individuals are currently under scrutiny for various exam-related offences, with Anambra State topping the list of those being investigated.
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