Metro
Opinion: There Are Footprints in the Sky!
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“The sky is the basis (foundation) for champions! The sky is not the limit, but the beginning, therefore it is abnormal to be normal (ordinary)!”- Tolulope A. Adegoke
There are footsteps in the sky…Do not limit yourself! Don’t be frightened! Don’t be a slacker!
To break through into the sky’s beyond, you must rip up the sky’s ceilings…
There is a world out there beyond the sky! I’ve seen it, and I’m about to be catapulted into the sky, breaking through into the world beyond…
The Earth would soon be shut up…! Only those who can break through would be able to sail through! There are footprints in the sky…
The sky is a foundation (basis) for winners! The sky is not the limit, but rather the starting point…
Only the brave, courageous, indefatigable, loyal, modest, graceful, and appreciative would survive with wings and strength to fly into it and then burst through! There is life on the other side of the sky…
The sky has layers! The more modest you are, the more powerful you will be…
The stronger you grow, the higher you will soar…Your power is found in your obedience to the little quiet voice…
Maintain your attention on the world outside your boundaries! You are more powerful than you realize! Yes!
There are footprints in the sky! It is intended for those who are not self-centered, who have a ‘divini-stic’ attitude and grace…
The higher you fly, the more you uncover! The farther you look, the clearer your understanding! The more you know, the more you know!
The quicker you take action toward your life objectives, the closer and faster you will arrive at your destination!
The closer you go to your goal, the better and more satisfied you will become! An eagle’s power resides in its attitude, in its unwavering confidence in reaching the peak; its mindset is not surrendering to the storm, but rather maximizing the storm to fly to the sky when other kinds of birds are already hiding.
To reach the PEAK, you must have a clearer vision and a stronger mindset. One consistent feature of the PEAK is that it is already prepared and roomy, but only for a select few who are not ordinary (normal)…
Being normal is abnormal (ordinary). That is why the route to the summit is so small! In fact, the path to freedom is limited. There is FREEDOM at the PEAK! The sky is so big that any kind of bird can fly across it without colliding with another.
There are footprints in the sky! The sky has layers, but it is not for the sluggish! It is intended for hard workers since only hard workers can think smarter (think above their limitations)!
Smart employees are high flyers! The unfailing mind of an eagle!
There are footprints in the sky, but only champions may leave their imprints!
We all have footprints, but where exactly are you leaving yours? The sky is the starting point…
Don’t restrict yourself! You can’t become something you can’t see from inside! You may never realize what you have never worked for!
Only solution suppliers respect the sky and build their businesses on it! They are conquerors, survivors, and leaders all at the same time!
They are the ones that lead and conquer! They not only leave prints in the sky, but they also construct castles in it with stones hurled at them by mockers who haven’t even figured out where they are on the ground!
You can’t reach for the stars unless you wake up from your sluggishness and restrictions!
You must battle your way up with your thoughts and actions toward creating, assisting, supplying, leading, sharing, and concentrating on things other than’self’… Then the sky is always yours to grab!
Find your way up into the sky before you get entrapped by your limits! You’re not getting any younger; you have a job to play not just on the ground, but also in the sky! You have a ‘destiny’ to fulfill and a mission to achieve!
Never give up! Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise and shine!” You cannot shine until you take the risk of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone!
We all appreciate the moon, the sun, and the galaxy of stars since they are all beyond our reach (in the sky)!
We may also be there to be appreciated by others, to be examples of unwavering efforts and bold steps, to be living Legends, solution providers, gracious and thankful!
But, in order to spin to the sky, you must first be extremely humble to the earth!
What are you doing while you’re still on the ground? What imprint are you leaving? How many lives have you touched? How many destinies have you saved?
Be extremely modest in clear essence (sincerity), with a good mindset of effects, and the STAGE in the sky will be yours!
There are footprints in the sky! You are not exempted; you can make it there as well, but it must begin inside you!
Learn, Apply, and Disseminate.
Thank you very much!
Tolulope A. Adegoke’s book “The Power of an Empowered Zero” (From Zero to HERO) is one to look out for. Dr. Yomi Garnett (CEO/Chancellor, Royal Biographical Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, United Kingdom, and Abuja, Nigeria) wrote the foreword. Ola Aboderin edited the book.
Metro
Kogi Poly Withdraws 229 Students for Poor Academic Record
The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic has approved the first semester results for the 2025/2026 academic session and withdrawn 229 students over poor academic performance.
The decision was taken at the Board’s meeting held on May 12, 2026, in Lokoja and chaired by the Rector, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the acting Coordinator of Public Relations and Protocols, John Amos Onimisi.
The meeting had in attendance principal officers, deans, heads of departments and other members of the Academic Board, who deliberated on key academic issues affecting the institution.
Onimisi said the results were approved following a rigorous verification exercise conducted by the Academic Board Central Results Verification Committee.
He explained that the committee thoroughly reviewed and authenticated submissions from various departments to ensure accuracy, fairness and compliance with the polytechnic’s academic regulations.
“The committee’s report subsequently served as a critical guide in the Academic Board’s deliberations and final decisions on the results,” he stated.
The Rector was said to have commended members of the committee for their diligence, professionalism and commitment to maintaining academic standards in the institution.
The Board said the withdrawal of the 229 students is aimed at upholding academic excellence and preserving the integrity of certificates issued by the polytechnic.
It added that the decision is in line with existing academic regulations, and intended to promote discipline and encourage better academic performance among students.
Metro
Comedian AY Recounts Alex Ekubo’s Final Moments in Hospital
Comedian and actor, Ayo Makun aka AY, has recounted the final moments of actor Alex Ekubo before his death on May 11, 2026.
Ekubo reportedly died from complications following liver failure, having been diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024.
AY, who was reportedly present at the hospital, said Ekubo was smiling at the time of his death.
He described the loss as difficult to accept and reflected on their shared experiences in the film industry over the years.
The comedian stated that he witnessed the grief of family and friends at the hospital, expressing shock at the actor’s passing.
AY added that Ekubo would be remembered for his contributions beyond film and public recognition.
“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.
“From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.
“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame,” AY wrote.
Metro
Varsities Fix UTME Cut-off Scores After JAMB’s 150 Benchmark
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Monday, released the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks approved by universities across Nigeria for the 2026 admission exercise.
The cut-off marks were announced following the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
According to the approved list, Pan-Atlantic University fixed the highest minimum cut-off mark at 220.
Several institutions, including the University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Covenant University, Air Force Institute of Technology, and Obafemi Awolowo University, adopted 200 as their minimum benchmark.
JAMB stated that the approved figures represent the minimum thresholds for admission consideration.
The Board noted that institutions may still set higher requirements for competitive courses such as medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and law.
Below is the full list of universities and their approved minimum UTME scores for the 2026 admission exercise:
Pan-Atlantic University – 220
Air Force Institute of Technology – 200
Covenant University – 220
Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta – 200
Obafemi Awolowo University – 200
University of Benin – 200
University of Ibadan – 200
University of Lagos – 200
University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 200
Lagos State University of Science and Technology – 195
Lagos State University – 195
Lagos State University of Education – 185
Afe Babalola University – 180
Ahmadu Bello University – 180
Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun – 180
Nigeria Police Academy – 180
Nigerian University of Technology and Management – 180
Shanahan University – 180
University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University) – 180
University of Ilorin – 180
University of Jos – 170
Augustine University – 170
Babcock University – 170
Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia – 170
Federal University, Lafia – 170
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology – 170
Nasarawa State University – 170
BITS University, Bwari – 170
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University – 160
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University – 160
Admiralty University of Nigeria – 160
African Aviation and Aerospace University – 160
Ajayi Crowther University – 160
Al-Hikmah University – 160
Bamidele Olumilua University – 160
Bayero University, Kano – 160
Bells University of Technology – 160
Caleb University – 160
Chrisland University – 160
Dominion University – 160
Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – 160
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – 160
Federal University of Education, Pankshin – 160
Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo – 160
Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti – 160
Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi – 160
First Technical University – 160
Imo State University – 160
Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management – 160
Karl Kumm University – 160
Kwara State University – 160
Landmark University – 160
Lead City University – 160
Modibbo Adama University – 160
Nnamdi Azikiwe University – 160
Olabisi Onabanjo University – 160
Osun State University – 160
Plateau State University – 160
Redeemer’s University – 160
Summit University – 160
Tai Solarin University of Education – 160
Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery – 160
University of Ilesa – 160
AbdulRasaq Abubakar Toyin University – 150
Adamawa State University – 150
Adeleke University – 150
African School of Economics, Abuja – 150






