Education News Today, 9 November 2026: Oyo and Sokoto Varsity Strikes Suspended, NNPC/SNEPCo Scholarship, INEC Shield for Corps Members
Last updated: 9 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Monday 9 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Good morning. Lecturers and senior staff at two state universities return to work today, but both unions have set fresh deadlines for their governments. INEC has promised protection for corps members working as election staff, scholarship money is on offer from several sponsors, and JAMB has a warning for 2027 candidates. For anyone eyeing study in the US, today is the last day to comment on a proposed fee for post-study work.
Today at a glance
- ASUU at Emmanuel Alayande University, Oyo, and SSANU at Sokoto State University suspend strikes from today, with ultimatums attached.
- INEC warns that anyone who threatens NYSC members serving as election staff will face the law.
- NNPC/SNEPCo scholarship closes on 30 November; new grants from a Delta foundation and UNIMAID alumni.
- Oyo bursary screening starts on Wednesday; an inter-varsity essay contest offers N900,000 in prizes.
- JAMB urges 2027 candidates to check subject combinations before registering.
- US comment period on a proposed $70,000 OPT fee closes today.
1. Two state university strikes suspended, but the clock is ticking
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
The ASUU branch at the university is suspending its strike from today, Monday 9 November, after Governor Seyi Makinde met union leaders on 30 October and asked for two to three weeks to act. Branch chairman Dr Ojo says the university and LAUTECH are the only institutions in the region yet to implement the 2025 FG-ASUU agreement. The union wants the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance in the next payslip, arrears since January 2026 and other unpaid allowances, and says it will resume the strike if the promise is not kept.
Sokoto State University
SSANU’s branch ended a five-day warning strike (2 to 6 November) and returns to work today. It has given the Sokoto State Government until 27 November to pay arrears from a 25 per cent salary increase and approve a 35 per cent non-teaching allowance, or face an indefinite strike.
Why it matters
Students at both schools get their lectures back, but the deadlines fall in late November, close to exam season. Our ASUU strike explainer covers the 2025 agreement behind many of these disputes.
Source: The Nation; Nigerian Tribune; Leadership.
2. INEC promises protection for corps members on election duty
What happened
Closing its nationwide readiness tour in Lokoja, INEC chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan said anyone who threatens, intimidates or harms ad-hoc staff, including NYSC members, “will face the full weight of the law”. He said nine of 14 statutory milestones have been met, the certified voters’ register will be published on 15 December, and a new security framework will extend coordination down to local government level. The presidential and National Assembly elections hold on 16 January 2027.
Why it matters
Corps members make up a large share of polling-unit staff, and many families worry about their safety. Serving members thinking of applying should read our guide to INEC ad-hoc staff roles and requirements.
Source: New Telegraph; Blueprint.
3. Scholarship money on the table
NNPC/SNEPCo National University Scholarship
Applications are open until 30 November for full-time 200-level students at NUC-accredited public universities with a CGPA of at least 3.5. Shortlisted applicants sit a monitored computer-based test, and the top 10 per state and the FCT go to verification. Applying is free through the official Scholastica portal; the sponsors warn against agents who ask for payment.
New grants elsewhere
The Monday Onyeme Foundation presented more than N185 million in scholarships to 853 undergraduates from Delta North on Sunday at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. In Abuja, the University of Maiduguri alumni association said it plans to launch a N1 billion endowment fund next year to support needy students.
Why it matters
With fees rising, these awards can decide whether a student stays in school. The NNPC/SNEPCo grant runs to graduation as long as the student keeps a 3.5 CGPA.
Source: The Moment; Nigeria Startup Act; Independent; Daily Trust.
4. Two more dates for current students
Oyo State bursary screening
The Oyo State Scholarship Board will screen shortlisted final-year indigenes in public tertiary institutions from Wednesday 11 November to Friday 27 November, Mondays to Fridays only. Students in the South-West must attend in person at Room 83, Ministry of Education, Secretariat, Ibadan; those studying elsewhere may choose online screening. Completing online registration does not by itself guarantee a screening slot.
Fisayo Soyombo inter-varsity essay contest
The Union of Campus Journalists at the University of Ibadan is taking entries for the ninth edition, on the theme “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?” Essays of 1,500 to 2,000 words are due by 22 November. Prizes are N400,000, N300,000 and N200,000.
Source: Voice of Nigeria; Punch.
5. JAMB: the wrong subjects can cost you admission
What happened
In its “JAMB Explained” video series, the board warned 2027 UTME candidates that a high score will not save them if their subject combination does not match their chosen course. It told candidates to use the official JAMB brochure rather than advice from friends or cybercafé operators. The Federal Government’s harmonised calendar proposes the UTME for 15 to 25 March 2027, but JAMB has stressed those dates are not yet final.
Why it matters
Subject mistakes are among the most common reasons good scores fail to turn into admission. Check requirements before registration opens; our admission guide explains cut-offs and CAPS.
6. US: comment window on a $70,000 OPT fee closes today
What happened
The US Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to charge universities $70,000 the first time they recommend an F-1 student for Optional Practical Training, and $30,000 for each later recommendation such as the STEM extension, closes for public comment today, 9 November. The fee would fall on schools, but DHS accepts they could pass it on to students or employers. It is only a proposal: nothing has changed for current students, and any final rule would take effect 60 days after publication.
Why it matters
OPT is how many Nigerian graduates in the US gain work experience after their degree. If the fee is finalised, some schools may cut OPT support or raise costs, so anyone planning a US master’s should watch for DHS’s final decision.
Source: WION; Title8 News; Kulen Law Firm.
What to watch next
- 11 to 27 November: Oyo State bursary screening.
- 18 November: court hearing on the KASU unions’ case at the National Industrial Court.
- 22 November: Soyombo essay contest deadline.
- 27 November: SSANU deadline to the Sokoto State Government.
- 30 November: NNPC/SNEPCo scholarship closes.
- 15 December: INEC publishes the certified voters’ register.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the NNPC/SNEPCo scholarship?
Nigerian full-time 200-level students at NUC-accredited public universities with a CGPA of at least 3.5 who do not already hold another oil and gas scholarship. The deadline is 30 November 2026.
Are the 2027 UTME dates confirmed?
No. 15 to 25 March 2027 is a Federal Government proposal. Wait for JAMB’s official timetable before making travel plans.
Will NYSC members work in the 2027 elections?
Yes. Corps members are recruited as ad-hoc staff, and INEC says it has a security framework to protect them.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
