(DDM) – A leading NHS GP, Dr Abdul, has issued a stark warning to patients about the dangers of taking paracetamol alongside co-codamol.

DDM gathered that paracetamol, one of the most commonly used over-the-counter painkillers in the UK, is often considered safe when used alone.

Around 200 million packets of paracetamol are sold annually in the UK due to its ability to relieve mild-to-moderate pain and reduce fever.

However, Dr Abdul cautioned that combining paracetamol with other medications containing the same ingredient could have severe and potentially fatal consequences.

He specifically highlighted co-codamol, a prescription painkiller that contains both paracetamol and codeine, which is used to manage moderate to severe pain, including migraines, toothaches, and muscle pain.

Many patients are unaware that co-codamol already contains 500mg of paracetamol per tablet, and taking additional paracetamol on top of the recommended co-codamol dose risks overdosing.

“The mistake many patients make is taking extra paracetamol thinking their pain isn’t controlled, not realising they’ve already reached the daily limit,” Dr Abdul explained.

Medical experts advise that the maximum safe daily intake of paracetamol is four grams. Exceeding this can cause serious liver damage or even liver failure, a condition that is considered a medical emergency.

Dr Abdul urged patients to avoid other paracetamol-containing medications while on co-codamol, including common cough, cold, and migraine remedies like Lemsip, Night Nurse, Tramacet, and co-dydramol.

Instead, he recommended using alternative pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which are generally safe to combine with co-codamol when additional pain control is necessary.

The NHS also stresses the importance of disclosing all medications to a healthcare provider, as co-codamol may interact with other drugs and reduce their effectiveness.

Patients should be particularly vigilant about over-the-counter remedies, as many contain hidden doses of paracetamol that could cumulatively exceed safe levels.

Dr Abdul’s warning follows reports of frequent accidental paracetamol overdoses, a major cause of acute liver failure in the UK, often stemming from a lack of public awareness about combination painkillers.

He emphasized that proper education and careful attention to dosing instructions are key to preventing these life-threatening situations.

Healthcare professionals continue to stress that while paracetamol remains an effective analgesic, its misuse, especially in combination with co-codamol, can have irreversible consequences.

Patients experiencing severe or persistent pain are advised to consult their GP rather than self-medicating with multiple paracetamol-containing drugs.

DDM will continue monitoring guidance from NHS officials to ensure patients are fully informed about safe painkiller use.

This advisory highlights the growing need for public awareness campaigns on safe medication practices to prevent accidental overdoses and protect public health.

(DDM) – Students of the University of Nigeria (UNN) have expressed frustration over the latest school fee adjustment, describing it as insufficient to ease financial pressures.

DDM gathered that the university had initially proposed a fee increase from around N90,000 to N240,000, depending on the course.

Following negotiations with student representatives, the management announced a reduction of 60 percent, bringing some fees down to N176,000 for the current session.

Despite this reduction, many students say the fees remain too high, particularly when combined with hostel and other expenses.

Veronica Okonkwo, a final-year student, said the sum is challenging for her family to meet.

“When they said they reduced the fee, we thought it would be significant. My mother is struggling to cope,” she lamented.

Another student, IK Eze, accused the management of misleading the student body.

“How can they claim a sixty percent reduction when we are paying N176,000 after increasing from below N100,000? The fee is still extremely high,” he argued.

Eze compared UNN’s fees with other federal universities, noting that Ahmadu Bello University charges roughly N98,000, highlighting UNN’s rising cost.

He warned that the steep fees could make access to university education increasingly difficult for Nigerian families.

Engineering student Oliver Ogbodo urged the administration to demonstrate that the fee increment will improve university infrastructure.

“They claim the increase is for infrastructure development, but we have yet to see tangible improvements. Judicious use of our funds is necessary to justify this hike,” he stated.

Ogbodo added that any mismanagement could provoke strong student backlash, emphasizing accountability in fund usage.

In a separate development, UNN has finalized plans to establish an International Centre for African and Taiwan Studies to boost academic collaboration with Taiwan.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uchenna Ortuanya, said the proposed centre will focus on business development, education, and security studies.

He explained that the centre aligns with UNN’s vision to expand global partnerships and become a leading research hub in Africa.

The Ambassador of Taiwan to Nigeria, Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu, visited the Vice-Chancellor and praised UNN’s proactive approach to international academic cooperation.

He emphasized the importance of research collaboration and academic exchange for mutual benefit, reinforcing the university’s commitment to global engagement.

As UNN navigates fee controversies, the balance between financial sustainability, infrastructure development, and student affordability remains under scrutiny.

Parents, students, and stakeholders continue to monitor the university’s actions closely, hoping for measures that truly ease the financial burden on families.

This ongoing tension underscores broader challenges faced by Nigerian universities in funding education while maintaining accessibility and quality.

DDM will continue to follow developments on the UNN fee adjustment and the impact of the upcoming international academic initiatives.

(DDM) – A horrific incident occurred in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, as two students of Adekunle Ajasin University tragically drowned in a hotel swimming pool.

DDM gathered that the victims, Oludere Opeyemi, 22, and Adegbola Blessing, 19, were attending a party for newly matriculated students when the incident happened.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the deaths in a statement released on Tuesday.

According to police reports, Blessing was first found unconscious in the pool around 8:00 pm on January 29, 2026.

He was rescued by the pool manager, administered first aid, regained consciousness, and was taken home by friends.

Shortly after, Oludere Opeyemi was discovered unconscious in the same swimming pool.

Opeyemi was promptly rescued and rushed to the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, where medical personnel later confirmed his death.

Tragically, Blessing also passed away in the early hours of January 30, 2026, despite initial signs of recovery.

Police operatives from the Akungba Divisional Police Station were immediately deployed to the scene to begin investigations.

The hotel manager, Ayomide Badejo, and the pool manager were invited for questioning as part of preliminary inquiries.

The case was subsequently transferred to the command’s monitoring unit for a discreet, thorough, and comprehensive investigation.

The remains of both students have been deposited at the State Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, morgue for preservation and autopsy.

Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the drowning, including possible lapses in safety protocols at the hotel pool.

Hotel pools are increasingly popular venues for university parties in Ondo State, raising concerns about safety measures during such events.

Previous incidents in the region have highlighted the risks of inadequate supervision and the absence of certified lifeguards.

DSP Jimoh’s statement underscored the commitment of the police to conduct a meticulous investigation to prevent similar tragedies.

Community members and fellow students have expressed shock and grief over the sudden deaths, describing the event as a devastating loss to the university community.

The victims were reportedly active students who had just begun to settle into campus life, making the incident all the more tragic.

This double drowning raises urgent questions about safety standards in recreational facilities frequented by students across Ondo State.

Police have advised the public and students to exercise caution near swimming pools and to ensure that safety equipment and personnel are present during gatherings.

The Adekunle Ajasin University community, alongside state authorities, is expected to review safety guidelines for student events to avert future incidents.

Families of the deceased have called for justice and clarity on how the tragedy unfolded, emphasizing that accountability is critical.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance, safety enforcement, and emergency preparedness in public recreational spaces.

This tragedy has sparked nationwide conversations on student safety during social and recreational activities, with public calls for stronger regulations.

(DDM) – A senior academic at Modibbo Adama University in Adamawa has linked Nigeria’s growing building collapse crisis to unqualified personnel handling construction projects.

DDM gathered that Arch. Bala Baba, a lecturer in the Department of Architecture, also serves as Adamawa State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA).

In an exclusive interview, he said quack builders are primarily responsible for the structural failures claiming lives nationwide.

Baba emphasized that if the government strictly enforced laws against quackery, the frequency of deadly building collapses could drastically reduce.

He explained that clients often prioritize cost over safety, awarding contracts to unqualified individuals charging significantly less than certified professionals.

“People want to use little money to build big houses, so they prefer quacks who charge as low as ₦500,000, whereas a professional charges from ₦3 million and above,” he said.

Baba highlighted that quacks often cut corners by using substandard materials, including old iron rods recycled from other collapsed structures.

He also noted that these builders frequently reduce cement quantities and overuse sand when casting concrete bins, undermining building integrity.

According to the architect, the lack of awareness among clients worsens the problem, as many cannot distinguish between licensed professionals and quacks roaming the streets offering cheap services.

He urged fellow architects to educate the public on the dangers of employing unqualified builders, warning that lives are at stake with every compromised project.

Baba called for collective action among NIA members to combat quackery and elevate construction standards nationwide.

He said addressing quack practices is crucial for human safety, sustainable development, and professional growth within the building sector.

The NIA Adamawa State chapter was inaugurated in 2017 with only 11 registered members, Baba revealed, but the chapter has since grown to over 32 professionals.

He urged members to contribute actively to the development of the chapter and support the training of students entering the field.

Baba noted that NIA membership offers numerous benefits, including professional certification, technical training, and participation in industry advocacy.

Experts argue that the proliferation of quack builders in Nigeria results from weak regulatory enforcement and public ignorance of construction standards.

Past incidents, including multi-story building collapses in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, underscore the deadly consequences of hiring unqualified personnel.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that lack of adherence to building codes and poor supervision remain central causes of structural failures.

Baba’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for government oversight, professional vigilance, and public awareness campaigns.

He concluded that tackling quackery requires joint efforts from regulators, architects, engineers, and citizens to prevent further tragedies.

In Nigeria, where urban expansion and housing demands rise daily, the stakes are high, and the cost of negligence remains measured in human lives.

Baba’s call to action emphasizes that professionalism and adherence to building standards are not optional—they are essential to safeguarding communities.

The interview signals a critical moment for architecture and construction stakeholders to prioritize safety over profit and curb the epidemic of collapsed buildings.

This warning comes at a time when families continue to mourn losses from preventable building failures across the country.

By raising awareness and promoting professional engagement, the NIA aims to reduce future tragedies and restore public confidence in the building industry.

(DDM) – A leadership dispute in Umuogbo-Agu Autonomous Community in Igbo-Eze North has intensified after new institutional records surfaced.

DDM gathered that Enugu State University of Science and Technology confirmed the past dismissal of a contender in the royal tussle.

The university identified the individual as Mr. Obiora Simon Ngwu, who features among figures linked to the chieftaincy contest.

Officials said the confirmation followed a formal information request handled under the Freedom of Information Act.

An official letter dated January 26, 2026, conveyed the details from the Office of the Registrar.

Registrar Ambrose Ugwu signed the correspondence and addressed it to a private legal firm.

The document stated that Ngwu previously worked at the university library.

Records show the institution employed him as a Library Assistant in January 1982.

The letter explained that the university later terminated his appointment in September 2012.

The institution linked the termination to an alleged admission-related irregularity.

University records alleged that the issue involved an admission scheme affecting hundreds of students.

The document said the discovery led authorities to expel more than 500 improperly admitted students.

The disclosure emerged while the community continues a legal struggle over the Igwe stool.

Several families and quarters within the community claim rights under a rotational system.

Court filings show that some leaders accused others of manipulating community rules.

One claimant, Chief Sylvester Ali, stated his position in a sworn deposition before the High Court.

Ali argued that certain actors attempted to alter the community constitution.

He claimed the alleged amendment did not receive general assembly approval.

He further alleged that the disputed document listed names of deceased persons.

Ali insisted that the community never debated or ratified the document.

He maintained that no valid election has produced a recognized Igwe-elect.

He warned that bypassing accepted procedures could disturb community peace.

The suit before the Enugu-Ezike High Court lists multiple parties from the community.

Two representatives of Umuonoda-Eze Clan instituted the case against Ngwu and others.

Ali explained that Umuogbo-Agu consists of four traditional quarters.

He said the quarters rotate leadership based on an agreed framework.

He argued that it is currently his quarter’s turn to present a candidate.

He stated that his family and supporters endorsed his nomination.

He also said he faced no challenger during his selection.

Community members previously approached state authorities over the dispute.

They reportedly contacted the Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters.

Observers say chieftaincy disputes often arise from succession rules and documentation.

Such conflicts sometimes stretch for years in courts across southeastern Nigeria.

Legal experts note that courts usually rely on written constitutions and testimonies.

When contacted, Ngwu declined public comment on the allegations.

He cited the ongoing court process as his reason for silence.

He said he would address issues only within legal proceedings.

Checks indicate that the case remains pending before the court.

Residents continue to watch the outcome because traditional leadership influences local governance.

Analysts say peaceful resolution remains vital for community stability.

The unfolding case now places both legal and historical records under scrutiny.

(DDM) – Fidelity Bank Plc has renovated an administrative building at Community Secondary School in Enugwuabo Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, to improve learning conditions.

DDM gathered that the project targeted long-standing infrastructure problems that teachers and students had faced for years.

The bank completed a comprehensive upgrade of the one-storey administrative block to restore offices, workspaces, and essential facilities.

The school community received the renovated structure during a formal handover ceremony attended by officials and community stakeholders.

Residents said the building had previously shown visible signs of decay that worried parents and staff.

The ceremony drew local education authorities, traditional leaders, and representatives of the state government.

Fidelity Bank representatives said they chose the school after identifying urgent needs in underserved communities.

The bank linked the intervention to its corporate social responsibility programs across Nigeria.

Dr. Nosa Orumwense, Regional Bank Head in Awka, said the project supports youth development through better education spaces.

He stated that improved facilities can raise discipline, morale, and academic focus among students.

He added that investment in schools strengthens the long-term future of communities.

Education officials welcomed the renovation as timely support for a public school system under pressure.

Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh represented the Anambra State governor at the event.

She described the intervention as a practical example of corporate responsibility in action.

She said organizations show their human side when they invest in social needs.

She recalled that authorities earlier placed the school on an emergency list because of poor infrastructure.

She said previous inspections raised safety concerns for both learners and staff.

She noted that the school environment now looks safer and more encouraging for study.

Community members expressed gratitude and urged other companies to support public schools.

Parents said better facilities can motivate students to attend classes regularly.

Nigeria’s public education sector has struggled with funding gaps and overcrowded classrooms for decades.

Many rural schools operate with aging buildings and limited teaching resources.

Analysts say private sector interventions increasingly fill gaps left by tight government budgets.

However, experts warn that isolated projects cannot replace systemic education reforms.

They argue that sustained funding and policy stability remain essential for quality schooling.

Fidelity Bank listed education as a priority area in its national CSR framework.

The bank serves millions of customers through digital platforms and physical branches.

It operates offices across Nigeria and maintains a United Kingdom subsidiary.

Observers say bank-led projects can build goodwill and strengthen community relations.

Critics also question whether CSR projects sometimes double as brand promotion.

Supporters counter that communities benefit regardless of corporate motives.

Students at the Ufuma school resumed activities in the improved facility with optimism.

Teachers said a better workspace can improve administration and record keeping.

Local leaders called the renovation a partnership between business and society.

They encouraged sustained collaboration to address broader educational challenges.

Education advocates stress that safe buildings alone do not guarantee quality learning.

They recommend teacher training, materials, and monitoring alongside infrastructure.

The Anambra project now stands as one example of private support for public education.

Many communities across Nigeria still await similar upgrades.

The debate continues over how best to fund and manage Nigeria’s schools.

For now, students in Enugwuabo Ufuma study in a safer environment because of the intervention.