The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has disowned any levy reportedly being collected by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in connection with mobilisation for national service.

The NYSC made the clarification in a statement signed by its Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs Caroline Embu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Embu said the NYSC had neither discussed nor agreed to any levy with NANS in connection with the mobilisation of graduates for national service.

“The NYSC wishes to state unequivocally that it has not, at any time, discussed, agreed to, or entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with NANS regarding the collection of any levy from students,” she said.

She explained that the NYSC operated under the authority of the Federal Government and implemented only policies, guidelines and procedures approved by relevant government authorities.

According to her, the mobilisation process was conducted through established official channels involving NYSC management and Heads of Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs).

She said the institutions were responsible for providing required information on their graduates to facilitate the mobilisation process for national service.

“The mobilisation process is neither linked to nor contingent upon the activities of any student association or organisation,” Embu said.

She advised students and prospective corps members to disregard any information suggesting that payment of a levy to NANS or any other association was required for NYSC mobilisation.

Embu reaffirmed the NYSC management’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and efficient mobilisation process in line with extant government policies and guidelines.

The statement followed a viral publication titled, “NANS Moves to Collect N200 Levy from Nigerian Students, Links Dues to NYSC Mobilisation.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has removed Mrs Sonia Ebanehita Omonzane as Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The governor replaced her with Hon. Ayewoh Ambrose Oyakhilome, who was until his appointment the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Oyakhilome’s name will be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The governor described Oyakhilome as a dedicated politician and public administrator with a strong commitment to effective leadership.

He said the new SUBEB chairman was expected to promote policies and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and learning outcomes across the state.

Oyakhilome’s appointment marks another change in the leadership of Edo SUBEB under the Okpebholo administration.

In May 2025, the governor removed Barrister Onomen Goodness Briggs as SUBEB chairman and redeployed her to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE), while Omonzane was moved from BTVE to SUBEB.

The governor had earlier removed Dr Paddy Iyamu as SUBEB chairman and appointed him as Commissioner for Education.

The N44 billion Mararaba flyover in Nasarawa State is expected to be completed by December 2026, offering relief to motorists and commuters travelling along the busy Abuja-Keffi corridor.

The Nasarawa State Government disclosed this during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects in the state by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.

The five-day inspection tour, led by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, covered major infrastructure projects across Benue and Nasarawa states.

Speaking at the Mararaba flyover project site, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Agency (NSUDA), Wada Mohammed, said the project would be delivered by the end of the year.

Mohammed explained that the project was initially awarded for N11.1 billion with an 18-month completion period. However, the scope of the project was later expanded, leading to an increase in its overall cost.

According to him, the design was modified to increase the height of the bridge and provide sufficient clearance for heavy and high vehicles. The entry and exit ramps were also extended.

He added that the state government had paid more than N600 million in compensation to property owners affected by the construction.

The 2.6-kilometre project comprises a continuous flyover, two pedestrian flyover bridges and five pedestrian bridges designed to provide safer crossings for pedestrians.

Mohammed said the permanent construction works would cost nearly N40 billion, while compensation, road markings, signage, streetlights and other road furniture would bring the total project cost to about N44 billion.

He said the flyover was conceived as a long-term solution to the persistent traffic congestion in Mararaba, while ensuring that businesses and commercial activities in the area could continue during construction.

When completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Abuja and Keffi, from more than two hours during periods of heavy traffic to less than 40 minutes.

The NSUDA boss attributed the pace of construction to the capacity and commitment of the contractor, as well as the state government’s prompt payment for certified works.

He said Governor Abdullahi Sule had consistently approved funds for certified projects without unnecessary delays, allowing the contractor to maintain the construction schedule.

Mohammed also said increased federal allocations had given the state greater financial capacity to undertake the project, despite Nasarawa being among the states receiving relatively low allocations from the Federation Account.

He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to reimburse the state for the money already spent on the project.

Mararaba, located immediately outside Abuja, is one of the busiest points along the Abuja-Keffi corridor. Motorists using the route have historically faced severe traffic congestion, long delays, fuel wastage and significant travel stress.

The demolition of the old Mararaba bridge between late 2025 and early 2026 further disrupted traffic, with ongoing construction resulting in diversions, restricted movement, dust and delays.

During the inspection tour on August 5, members of the presidential media team travelled about 37 kilometres from the Federal Secretariat to Ado Village in approximately one hour and 20 minutes due largely to construction activities.

In contrast, the journey from Ado Village to Makurdi, a distance of about 300 kilometres, took approximately four and a half hours, highlighting the impact of construction-related congestion around the Abuja-Keffi corridor.

Once completed, the Mararaba flyover is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and connectivity, reduce travel time and boost economic activities along the corridor.

It is also expected to provide lasting relief to the thousands of motorists, commuters and businesses that depend on the Abuja-Keffi road daily.