Nigerian Air Force Names Victims of Ondo Plane Crash; INEC Staff Paid Least in Nigeria

Today’s news recap highlights two significant issues in Nigeria. First, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Ondo State have died. The plane was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the tragedy occurred.

The incident has prompted condolences from various leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and other political figures. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed his sympathies to the families of the victims.

In another development, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated that INEC staff are the lowest paid workers in Nigeria. He made this claim during a press conference in Abuja, where he discussed preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Amupitan emphasized the need for better pay to ensure staff accountability. He mentioned that improving the welfare of INEC personnel is crucial for the commission’s effectiveness.

Additionally, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, explained the decision to set up a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) center in Canada. This center aims to help Nigerians living in North America take the exam for admission into Nigerian universities.

Aina clarified that the initiative is focused on expanding educational access rather than generating revenue. The center is expected to begin operations for the 2027 UTME.