Breaking News
Secondary school students will no longer be allowed to use their phones in school starting next year
From January 2026, secondary school students will not be allowed to use smartphones and smartwatches outside of lesson time, such as during recess and co-curricular activities (CCAs), as part of tightened guidelines on screen use.
Currently, they are limited in their use of these devices only during regular lesson time.
The new tightened guidelines, which will also cover supplementary, enrichment and remedial lessons, align with the restrictions put in place for primary school pupils since January 2025.
The revised guidelines by the Ministry of Education (MOE) are part of a series of initiatives announced on Nov 30 to help children and their parents develop healthy digital habits.
MOE said in a statement that students’ devices will have to be kept in designated storage areas such as lockers or in their school bags during school hours.
Smartwatches fall under the guidelines as they enable communication through messaging and access to apps including social media, which can lead to distractions, passive screen use and reduced interaction with peers, it added.
“Where necessary, schools may allow students to use smartphones by exception,” the ministry said.
A ministry spokesman said some secondary schools had adopted these tighter guidelines after they were announced for primary schools, with positive outcomes. These included improved student well-being, enhanced focus, and more physical interaction during unstructured time such as breaks.
MOE said it also would bring forward the default time that personal learning devices are locked nightly to 10.30pm, from the current 11pm. This will kick in from January, meaning the devices will be on sleep mode nightly from 10.30pm to 6.30am.
“This can help students to manage device use before bedtime, and nudge them to sleep earlier,” it said.
Since 2021, secondary school students have had their own personal learning devices, which are school-sanctioned tablets or laptops – mostly iPads or Chromebooks.
Each personal learning device has a device management application installed on it, which allows schools to block access to undesirable internet content, such as pornography and gambling, and set screen time limits.
Outside of school hours, parents can opt for their child’s personal learning device to either keep to default management application settings, operate on modified settings, or disable the application entirely, which means the devices’ default screen time limits can be relaxed.
MOE said it strongly encouraged parents who had opted for less restrictive options to consider aligning with the 10.30pm shift.
Commenting on the revised guidelines, Minister of State for Education Jasmin Lau said in an Instagram post that while technology has become part of the education system and can be helpful in daily life, “we need to find a healthy balance and recognise that habits form early”.
The changes, she said, will support students in developing lifelong healthy digital habits.
She added that as a parent, she is concerned about the environment children grow up in.
“Even at pre-school age, my kids are already curious about screens and know how to swipe if given a screen,” she said.
Ms Lau said more details on the roll-out of the revised guidelines will be communicated through respective secondary schools.
The ministry spokesman added that this could be through start-of-year talks in schools, student handbooks, school websites and parent briefings.
Schools are given autonomy to formulate their discipline policies and school rules to align with MOE’s guidelines, to suit their student profile and the context, he said.
For misuse of smartphones and smartwatches, he added, schools typically work with students and engage parents to address the underlying issues and develop strategies to help students manage their use of these devices responsibly.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, he said those in junior colleges or Millennia Institute are expected to have developed sufficient self-management skills and discipline to use personal smartphones and smartwatches responsibly in school.
However, to minimise distraction, the use of these devices during lessons should still be restricted, and explicit permission should be given by the teacher. Device use outside of lesson time may be allowed when needed.
MOE’s announcement follows an update to the Ministry of Health’ screen use guidelines in January, which included, for instance, not allowing children under 18 months any screen time, and limiting screen time for those aged seven to 12 to less than two hours a day outside of schoolwork.
In that month, the authorities launched Grow Well SG, a national health promotion strategy aimed at helping children eat, sleep, learn, exercise and bond well.
A government survey published in September found that for teens aged 13 to 17, about a quarter of them spent more than four hours daily on digital devices during weekdays, with the number rising to nearly half on weekends.
At the National Day Rally in August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the Government will do more to support parents and make online spaces safer for children, and encouraged parents not to use phones as a babysitter.
To that end, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) announced two initiatives under Grow Well SG on Nov 30 – a series of digital parenting programmes, and a new children’s book on digital wellness.
The ministries said a range of digital parenting programmes will be rolled out from now until 2026, in collaboration with community partners, who will conduct the workshops in various modalities such as workshops and webinars.
These partners include Look Up Family, a digital wellness community that aims to help families manage digital life, TOUCH Community Services and YouthTechSG, a charitable movement dedicated to empowering young people in technology.
The ministries said the programmes will first be offered in areas with a higher proportion of young families, before they are expanded elsewhere.
Spokespersons for MDDI and MSF said workshops and talks are designed to support families with children and youth aged 0 to 18, with different programmes catered to families with children of different age ranges.
They added that more information on the programmes, including sign-up details, will be disseminated through local community networks.
On Nov 30, Look Up Family ran a pilot workshop in Bukit Batok, where parents shared about their digital parenting challenges and tips.
Separately, a new book called Timmy & Tammy: Guide To Digital Wellness was launched at the Bedok Public Library, by the Families for Life Council.
The book, targeted at children aged three to eight, features local characters and guides children on navigating online content safely, making responsible choices, and balancing digital and non-screen activities. It will be distributed to families under the ComLink+ scheme through social service offices.
Read The Full Article Here Now
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Art & Commercial students don’t fail JAMB because they’re dull. They fail because they’re taught like Science students. Science students calculate — JAMB rewards that. Art students explain — JAMB doesn’t. So you read hard, attend lessons, yet your score disappoints you. This online class fixes that. No theory overload. No confusion. Just real JAMB questions, clear breakdowns, and winning strategies. 📌 JAMB is not hard — you were just taught the wrong way.Click The Link To Reach Us Now 👉 https://wa.me/2349063958940
Breaking News
Federal Government of Nigeria Finally Commissions CNG Station to Boost Domestic Supply
The Federal Government has commissioned an integrated Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, refueling station at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic gas supply and promote cleaner energy alternatives.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Director of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Oluwole Adama, described the move as a major step toward advancing Nigeria’s gas-powered energy transition.
He noted that the facility goes beyond being just a refueling station, adding that it reflects progress, collaboration, and commitment to expanding domestic gas utilization in line with national energy goals.
“This project represents more than the commissioning of a refueling station. It symbolizes progress, partnership, and purpose in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition, promoting cleaner fuels, and deepening domestic gas utilization in line with national energy objectives,” Adama stated.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, praised the initiative, saying the facility will serve both the university community and residents of the surrounding area.
He added that the project would create opportunities for research, hands-on learning, and innovation in alternative energy solutions.
DAILY POST gathered that the federal government-backed initiative forms part of broader efforts to drive renewable energy adoption and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuel sources.
Read The Full Article Here Now
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Art & Commercial students don’t fail JAMB because they’re dull. They fail because they’re taught like Science students. Science students calculate — JAMB rewards that. Art students explain — JAMB doesn’t. So you read hard, attend lessons, yet your score disappoints you. This online class fixes that. No theory overload. No confusion. Just real JAMB questions, clear breakdowns, and winning strategies. 📌 JAMB is not hard — you were just taught the wrong way.Click The Link To Reach Us Now 👉 https://wa.me/2349063958940
MTN Nigeria said it invested N1tn in 2025 to expand fibre infrastructure, roll out additional base stations and strengthen network capacity nationwide, as the country’s biggest telco returned to profitability after a choking financial year marked by foreign exchange pressures and negative equity.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The capital expenditure, more than double the prior year’s spending, formed part of a broader recovery that saw the company post a profit after tax of N1.1tn for the year ended December 31, 2025. The rebound followed a difficult 2024 in which MTN suspended dividend payments and grappled with balance sheet strain.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Karl Toriola described 2025 as a defining year for the company, linking the improved earnings position to renewed long-term infrastructure investment.
“During the year, we invested N1tn in network expansion and modernisation, more than double the prior year’s capital expenditure. This investment translates to additional base stations, deeper fibre rollout, expanded capacity and improved network resilience across the country because sustaining critical digital infrastructure requires disciplined capital allocation and a deliberate long-term approach,” the executive said.
The telcos’ total subscriber base increased to 87.3 million, up 7.9 per cent, while active data subscribers rose to 53.2 million. Data traffic grew by 34 per cent during the year. These figures reflect sustained demand for digital services across the country and underscore the need for continued investment in network capacity and resilience.
“We are mindful that in a period of economic pressure, expectations from customers are heightened. When Nigerians purchase data or rely on our network for work, education, financial services or daily communication, they expect reliability, fairness and continuous improvement. That expectation is both legitimate and central to our responsibility, Toriola noted.
MTN’s service revenue rose 55.1 per cent to N5.2tn in 2025, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation more than doubled to N2.7tn. Earnings per share improved to N53.07 from a negative N19.05 a year earlier, reflecting the sharp turnaround in operational performance.
Chief Financial Officer Modupe Kadiri said the company’s financial recovery was built on deliberate balance sheet repair, disciplined capital allocation and reduced foreign exchange exposure.
“A year ago, MTN Nigeria was in negative equity. Today, we are declaring a N20 total dividend for the 2025 financial year,” Kadiri stated.
The board approved a final dividend of N15 per share, subject to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting, bringing the total dividend for the year to N20 per share, including an interim dividend of N5 already paid in the fourth quarter.
According to its report, MTN generated N1.2tn in free cash flow during the year and rebuilt shareholders’ equity to N548.7bn, with retained earnings standing at N400.4bn at year-end, signalling restored financial stability after the previous year’s market volatility.
Toriola said profitability would continue to underpin infrastructure expansion, noting that profit enables sustained reinvestment in network quality and broader coverage rather than serving as an end in itself.
“Profit, in our context, is not an end in itself. It is the mechanism that enables continued investment in network quality, broader coverage and enhanced customer experience. As Nigeria’s digital ecosystem continues to expand across fintech, small businesses, education and public services, resilient and future-ready telecommunications infrastructure remains foundational to national development,” he added.
Read The Full Article Here Now
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Art & Commercial students don’t fail JAMB because they’re dull. They fail because they’re taught like Science students. Science students calculate — JAMB rewards that. Art students explain — JAMB doesn’t. So you read hard, attend lessons, yet your score disappoints you. This online class fixes that. No theory overload. No confusion. Just real JAMB questions, clear breakdowns, and winning strategies. 📌 JAMB is not hard — you were just taught the wrong way.Click The Link To Reach Us Now 👉 https://wa.me/2349063958940
Breaking News
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA orders airline to refund passengers charged VAT before January 1
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed Overland Airways to refund passengers who were wrongly charged Value Added Tax on flight tickets purchased before January 1, 2026.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The directive followed clarification issued by the Nigeria Revenue Service on the implementation of the new tax regime affecting airline tickets.
Passengers had complained to the regulators after an elderly woman was forced to pay the new tax in 2025, a fee that was expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that the matter had been resolved after regulatory engagement with the airline and the Nigeria Revenue Service.
“As directed by the NCAA, the operator, Overland Airways, has reverted with clarification from the Nigeria Revenue Service,” Achimugu said.
He clarified that passengers who bought tickets before the new tax laws came into force should never have been subjected to additional charges.
“Tickets purchased before January 1, 2026 were not affected by the new tax laws,” he said, adding that passengers who bought tickets in 2025 but were later made to pay VAT at check-in in 2026 were not supposed to have been charged.
According to the NCAA, the airline had initially implemented the VAT requirement based on its interpretation of the new fiscal policy, prompting complaints from affected travellers.
Achimugu explained that regulatory clarification became necessary to determine the correct application of the tax.
“The onus was on the NRS to clarify, which they have now done,” he said, noting that the aviation regulator had earlier communicated its position to the airline.
Following the clarification, Overland Airways agreed to correct the situation.
“The airline has committed to redress the situation by initiating a refund for affected passengers,” Achimugu added.
The controversy arose after several passengers complained that they were compelled to pay additional VAT charges at airport counters despite purchasing their tickets months before the tax provisions took effect.
Travellers described the development as unexpected and financially burdensome, especially during peak travel periods in December.
Read The Full Article Here Now
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Art & Commercial students don’t fail JAMB because they’re dull. They fail because they’re taught like Science students. Science students calculate — JAMB rewards that. Art students explain — JAMB doesn’t. So you read hard, attend lessons, yet your score disappoints you. This online class fixes that. No theory overload. No confusion. Just real JAMB questions, clear breakdowns, and winning strategies. 📌 JAMB is not hard — you were just taught the wrong way.Click The Link To Reach Us Now 👉 https://wa.me/2349063958940
-
Breaking News6 months agoWorld’s Youngest Undergraduate is Nigerian JOSHUA BECKFORD, gained admission in Oxford University at the age of Six years
-
Breaking News4 months agoJUST IN: Finally United States President Donald Trump Revokes 80,000 Visas of Nigerians, Other Foreign Nationals
-
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Woman in Trouble For Burning 7-year-old Girl’s Private Parts With Hot Knife
-
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: FULL DETAILS! Top Secret Leaked Why SIM Fubara Fails to Return to Government House After Reinstatement
-
Breaking News4 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Nigerian Billionaire Lawmaker Ned Nwoko, Orders Arrest of His Mother In Law Regina Daniels’ Mother, Rita
-
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Federal Government Releases Proof of N25,000 Cash Transfers to 71 Million Nigerians in 8.1 Million Households
-
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Another Rivers Saga: Just Reinstated Fubara Told to Sack All Sole Administrators Appointees, Seek Tinubu’s Assurance Over Impeachment
-
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Finally Department of State Services (DSS) summons Sowore over post on Tinubu