The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that there is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola linked to the index case detected in Nigeria.
The development leads the major headlines in Nigerian newspapers on Thursday, October 22, 2026, amid growing concerns over the country’s Ebola response and efforts to prevent further transmission.
In its daily newspaper review, Today in the News, Vanguard also highlights developments in petroleum import records, university admissions, abandoned public projects and electricity challenges across the country.
WHO Raises Concern Over Bundibugyo Ebola Strain
The WHO’s position on the Bundibugyo strain features prominently in the latest newspaper review as health authorities intensify surveillance and emergency preparedness.
The Punch reports that the diplomat diagnosed with the strain in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has reportedly deteriorated into multi-organ failure.
According to the newspaper review, federal and state authorities are strengthening contact tracing, monitoring and emergency response measures to limit the risk of further infections.
The absence of a specific vaccine or treatment for the strain has also drawn attention to the importance of early detection, infection prevention and prompt medical care.
Senate Questions NMDPRA’s Petrol Import Figures
Vanguard also reports that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts has rejected figures supplied by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imports for 2022 and 2023.
The committee reportedly identified significant discrepancies between the agency’s records and figures provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The development has raised questions about the accuracy of the reported import volumes and the need for clarification from the relevant authorities.
Only 108 Underage Candidates Pass UTME Screening
Another major headline concerns tertiary education, with Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa reportedly disclosing that only 108 of approximately 39,000 underage candidates who sat the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) passed the Federal Government’s screening for possible admission.
The screening forms part of the government’s process for determining which underage candidates may qualify for consideration for admission into tertiary institutions.
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The reported figures highlight the strict requirements facing candidates who seek admission before reaching the standard minimum age.
Thousands of Projects Reportedly Abandoned Nationwide
The Guardian leads with a report linking weak oversight and inadequate fiscal planning to the abandonment of more than 6,000 projects across Nigeria.
The newspaper reports that the combined value of the projects runs into trillions of naira.
The scale of the reported abandonment raises concerns about public spending, project monitoring and the effective use of government resources.
It also highlights the importance of stronger accountability measures to ensure that public projects are completed and deliver their intended benefits.
The Nation Reports Shettima’s Call on State Governments
Meanwhile, The Nation reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged state governments to take greater responsibility for addressing their electricity challenges instead of relying solely on the Federal Government.
The call places attention on the role of state administrations in developing solutions to power supply problems within their jurisdictions.
As Nigeria continues to address electricity access and reliability, the position underscores the need for cooperation between federal and state authorities.
The newspaper headlines reflect several major national concerns, including public health preparedness, petroleum sector accountability, education policy, abandoned infrastructure and electricity supply.
