BRAINIACS NEWS AS AT FRIDAY, 16 JANUARY, 2026

FG, ASUU UNVEIL AGREEMENT TO END STRIKES, VARSITIES
CLOSURES.

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Wednesday unveiled a renegotiated agreement aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, resulting in incessant strikes and closure of universities. The 2025 agreement is the conclusion of a renegotiation process that began in 2017 to review the 2009 FG-ASUU pact, which was due for revision in 2012. The agreement restructures nine earned academic allowances to promote transparency and fairness by tying payments strictly to duties performed. The Federal Government approved a new Professional Cadre Allowance for Senior academics for the first time.

NRS CLARIFIES VAT ON BANK TRANSACTIONS, SAYS NO NEW TAX INTRODUCED.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has clarified that there has been no new imposition of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on banking services, dismissing claims circulating no some media outlets. In a statement released on Thursday, the NRS explained that VAT has always applied to fees, Commissions, and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions, and the Nigeria Tax Act did not introduce any new tax obligation on customers.
NRS clarfies VAT on bank transactions, says no new tax introduced.

ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY: TINUBU PAYS TRIBUTE TO
FALLEN HEROES, SERVING PERSONNEL.

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to fallen heroes and Serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces as the nation marks the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. In a statement he signed and released on Thursday, the President said January 15 is Nigeria’s
opportunity to pause and honour the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for the country. Tinubu also addressed the families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the weight of their loss. Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tinubu pays tribute to fallen heroes, serving personnel.

WISE QUOTES

– Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach their goals.

– Goals transform a random walk into a chase.

– Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment

– Vague goals are the enemy of progress.

– Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.

NEWSCASTERS

• Mirabel Ayo-Ajayi
• Deborah Jayeola
• Champion Oluwatosin