(A S U P) Academic Staff Union of Polytecnics Suspends 15days nationwide strike.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended its nationwide strike 15 days after the industrial action began.  

Usman Duste, the National President of ASUP made the announcement today during the union’s 14th National Delegates Conference at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi state. He said the decision to suspend the strike followed the series of meetings held between the leadership of the union and the Federal Government.

According to him, both parties agreed to a Memorandum of Settlement and Action (MoS) on each of the issues raised by the union.  “The union considered the suspension to give an opportunity for implementation of the content of Memorandum of Settlement and Action, and shall be reviewed according to the timelines outlined in the MoS,” Duste said.  

The decision to commence an indefinite strike was the outcome of the National Executive Council meeting of ASUP which held on November 11 at the Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State.  According to the union, the industrial action followed the failure of the Federal Government to implement all the agreements it entered with them since 2016.  Some of the demands included non-implementation of the NEEDS Assessment Report and shortfalls in personnel releases and withdrawal of allowances.  

Others were non-passage of the amended bill of the Polytechnic Act, alleged infractions in the appointment of rectors, as well as improving the conditions of state-owned institutions among other issues.  The union had lamented that despite the long period given to the government to address some of the issues it had raised, government did not consider it necessary to address the demands for improved funding of polytechnic education in the country.  

Dutse had also told reporters after the Council meeting that ASUP had given government sufficient time to implement all the agreements, saying they had no choice than to embark on an indefinite strike after the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued earlier.  

“On October 24, a reconciliation meeting was convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja. The ministry in the eye of the storm, the Federal Ministry of Education, was poorly represented that no memorandum of action was agreed on.  “This clearly shows the level of disdain and disrespect with which the issues of the sector are being handled by the relevant agencies. In view of the above, our union resolved in its emergency meeting of NEC on October 31, 2017 to commence an indefinite and comprehensive strike effective from November 13, 2017,” he had said.

TASUED: Following the suspension of political activities, students threaten to shut down school

Being one of the conclusions of the Congress of Students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), the students have urged the university management to rescind the ban which has been placed on all political activities on campus or risk halting academics activities on campus indefinitely.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, one of the students said that the school management had a memo signed by the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. O. D. Adejoye placed an indefinite ban on all political activities. 

The letter which was obtained by our correspondents, dated 13th of November, 2017, also ordered that no election should be done to fill any students’ political post.

Reacting to the decision of the management, the students demanded a vivid and substantial explanation from the management to back the suspension order. The students also requested that ban on all political activities be lifted.

“At the end of the Congress, the entire students deem it fit to ask the management explicitly give reasons for the suspension of the political activities and that all elections should come up appropriately and as at when due,” a student said. 

Pondering on likely reason for such ban by the school, the students posited that the management is planning to increase tuition fee in the school starting from next academic session. The students also revealed that the ban on political activities is to clear any opposition to the proposed increments in tuition fee.

“We heard from a reliable source that the school wants to add N10,000 to the fee being paid by both new and existing students.”

“This evidently means that they ban political activities so that there will be nobody or organization to oppose the management when they implement the fee increments,” the students maintained. 

The students threatened that they will mobilize themselves and lock down the student's affairs unit, stop all transport system, and paralyze all academics activities if the management failed to give an acceptable reason for placing a ban on political activities. 

The Congress of Students also insisted that the school takes back its ban if no reason is given as the ban is an illegal and students should enjoy their inalienable right to freedom of association. 

OAU workers protest over sharing of earned allowances

Irate members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU, and National Association of Academic Technologist, NAAT locked down the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Monday over what they termed a skewed sharing formula in the disbursement of money released for their earned allowances by the federal government.

The federal government had, two months ago, released N23 billion for the country’s public universities to settle earned allowances arrears. That amount was part of the N220 billion the government pledged to the schools, as part of a resolution reached to address the last strike action embarked on by staff unions of the universities over the non-implementation of previous agreements.

But OAU’s share of the money has now caused internal crisis. During a meeting held between the Vice Chancellor, Eyitope Ogunbodede and the unions on Monday, the school proposed 89:11 ratio. That is, the academic staff, ASUU, take 89 per cent, while other unions take 11 per cent.

No sooner had the meeting ended than the non-academic staff, NASU, the academic technologists, NAAT, joined by members of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU embarked on protest, which brought parts of the school’s routine activities to a halt.

The aggrieved staff said that the sharing formula could not be accepted by their unions because it was too skewed against them. They said they, like ASUU, also fought for the release of the funds.

“This earned allowance was released by the government and we all fought for it together,” said a representative of NAAT who identified himself as Mr. Olusoji. “What is good for the goose, is good for the gander. I see no reason why any union should lay claim to a higher percentage of the money.”

He disclosed a congressional resolution that the protest should not cease, “until they yield to our demands and that a letter should be sent to the national body.”

A member of NASU, Abu Adamu, insisted the money must be shared equally between ASUU and other unions.

“This is not the first time money will be sent and we will all share it 50:50,” said Mr. Mr. Adamu “It is not done anywhere. Even before the money will be released for disbursement, all the unions must sign that they’ve agreed to the ratio, which we will not do.”

“I’m afraid if by tomorrow, it is not addressed, we will end up going on strike.” added Mr. Adamu.

This was corroborated by the branch chairman of NASU, OAU, Wale Odebunmi, who said, unless there is resolution, a strike action may ensue.

The aggrieved staff further alleged that there was no letter from the government prescribing the sharing formula. He alleged that purported government’s template shown by the management was not duly stamped.

Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the school could only urge the protesting staff to embrace peace.

“We urge everyone to allow peace to reign. Let them come to the round table and let the money be shared,” Mr. Olanrewaju said.

NYSC approves the re-deployment of 52 pregnant and nursing corps members

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Jigawa has approved the re-deployment of 52 nursing and pregnant corps members to states of their choice.

The state NYSC coordinator, Michael Amolo, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Dutse on Tuesday that the NYSC authority had also approved the re-deployment of 10 other corps members with health challenges.

“As for now, this is the number of corps members seeking re-deployment; we will listen to those with genuine cases but will not entertain those with flimsy reasons.

”We will not just allow people to come and go back like that without cogent reasons.

According to him, the essence of the NYSC is for national unity and integration.

“It is mandatory for corps members to stay and serve in places where they are posted for primary assignment so that they can gain experience.”

The coordinator advised the corps members posted to the state to conduct themselves properly and to respect the culture and traditions of the people.

He warned corps members against the indiscriminate use of the social media, adding that anyone found wanting would be sanctioned.

(NAN)

UNILORIN: Student brutalized and, extorted by police cries for help.

A student of the University of Ilorin, who alleged he was brutalised and extorted by some officers of the Nigerian Police Force has called on the authorities for redress.

Oluwaseun Awogbenle, a 400-level student of Biochemistry, said he was brutalised and tortured by the police officers on November 18 during the local council elections in Kwara State.

Mr. Awogbenle said on a current affairs programme of Royal FM, a private radio station in Ilorin, Kwara State, that he was at a polling booth around Tanke area to monitor the electoral process as a citizen reporter and policy analyst on radio.

Narrating his ordeals, he alleged that he was maligned, brutalised and extorted by the officers because he took pictures at the polling centre.

“When I got to the polling booth, I approached a police official who gave me permission to cover the event and report.

“But just as I was about to take pictures, an APC agent accused me of being sponsored by the opposition and prevailed on the Police Corporal that we could not take pictures of the exercise and the ones I had earlier taken must be deleted,” he said.

“While the argument ensued, the Inspector who had earlier consented to my request became uncooperative and the APC agents threatened to get me arrested, but I dismissed it as an empty threat. In no time, the Police officers were hoodwinked into contacting their Area Commander.”

He explained that the Area Commander, on getting to the scene of the incident, asked why he would take pictures at a polling unit, to which he explained that he was a citizen reporter.

Mr. Awogbenle alleged that in the presence of the police officers, the APC agent slapped him in the face and was later joined by the police officers who rushed at him and forced him on his knees.“On my knees still trying to justify my action, a police man came and slapped me twice, poured water on me, humiliated me and seized my phone.

“I sobbed and wept bitterly for my ordeal. I requested that they take me to my house where I could get my ID Card for identification, they denied me that right and insisted I must be a criminal! My plea was to no avail, we were quickly rounded up into their van.

“In the van were some boys who they had earlier arrested. After we moved a little distance, they stopped, asked the boys to contribute some money, collected the money from them and they were released, but they insisted we were not going to be released and that we would be taken to their office.

He continued, “As we moved further, they thoroughly searched our phones, deleted the pictures we took. As in my usual tradition in a bid to prove my innocence, once again, I requested that they take me to Royal FM office in Ilorin for identification. They vowed not to, rather the same police officer slapped me.

“As they drove us through Ilorin, somewhere in town, two of my friends from school identified me, followed the van through on a motorcycle. When we got to Maraba in Ilorin, the place they had been earlier assigned, the man who had dealt with me so ruthlessly asked the guys what they had to free me.

“The guys offered them N2000 at first, but they utterly declined, promising to carry us to their station and that we won’t get bail till the next Monday. Out of that anxiety, the guys quickly rallied and we could only manage to raise N4000 since none of us had our ATM cards. After so much plea, they collected the N4000 and freed us.”

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi,  said the case had not been brought before him. He advised the alleged victim to report to the command officially.

But in a petition by Mr. Awogbenle’s lawyer, Titilope Joseph, the victim is calling on the Kwara Police Command to investigate the matter and bring the alleged culprits to book.

The petition, dated November 21, also demanded a public apology published in a national newspaper from the Kwara State Police Commissioner and the Kwara State Police Command.

ABU best graduating student gets NNPC scholarship

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has announced the award of a full postgraduate scholarship to the 2016/17 best graduating student of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Maikanti Baru, announced the scholarship in a statement by NNPC spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu.

Mr. Baru said the recipient, Al-Amin Bugaje, would be sponsored to further his education up to Ph.D level in any institution in the world.

Mr. Bugaje, 23, bagged a First Class degree in Electrical Engineering with the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93 to emerge the university’s overall best graduating student.

”This gesture is in line with NNPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of championing educational excellence nationwide.

”We equally want to encourage other students who are still in school to aspire towards achieving excellence in their academic pursuits,” Mr. Baru, himself a First-Class degree holder in Mechanical Engineering from ABU, said.

He noted that the NNPC recently held the grand finale of its Annual National Quiz Competition.

”At the end of that quiz, we rewarded the state winners with a one-off educational grant of N100,000 each, the national finals winners: first place (Delta), second (Abia) and third place (Ondo) won N300,000, N250,000 and N200,000 respectively as annual bursary support for the entire course of their tertiary education,” he added.

Responding, an elated Mr. Bugaje expressed his gratitude to the NNPC for giving him the opportunity to further his education, stressing that he was “shocked” to hear the GMD announce the scholarship gesture to him.

”I thank the NNPC for this wonderful opportunity to go and compete with the best of the best in the world.

”Hopefully, I will utilise this opportunity to go and groom myself the more and see how we can come back to contribute our quota to nation-building,” Mr. Bugaje said.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Ibrahim Garba, lauded NNPC’s support to the institution’s best graduating student saying ”it is very encouraging on the part of the corporation.

”It would show the way to other corporate bodies to follow suit and invest in education.

”It also shows NNPC as not only a critical supporter of the nation’s economy, but also a pillar in the nation’s educational development,” the vice Chancellor said.

The vice chancellor also thanked the GMD for his gesture in supporting the university’s mini-petroleum refinery project, saying that most of the milestone achieved in the refinery initiative came from the NNPC.

NAN recalls that Baru delivered the Pre-Convocation Lecture where he harped on the need for Nigeria to diversify its economic base away from the vulnerability and fragility of oil and gas revenue.

A total of 50 of the 8,260 undergraduates bagged first degrees, 3,600 were awarded postgraduate diplomas, 256 graduated with Ph.D degrees and 2,300 obtained masters degrees across the university’s 13 faculties.

(NAN)

Former Ebonyi Deputy Gov. named VC

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has appointed a former Deputy Governor of the state, Chigozie Ogbu, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University (EBSU).

The Secretary to the State Government, Bernard Odo, announced the on Friday.

Mr. Odo said the governor, as the university’s visitor, directed that Mr. Ogbu would replace Francis Idike whose appointment as the acting vice-chancellor would elapse on November 26.

“Idike has been operating as the university’s acting vice- chancellor for the past six months while Ogbu’s tenure, which commences from Nov.27, will also last for six months,” he said.

Mr. Odo said the governor also approved the termination of Mr. Ogbu’s appointment as the university’s Pro Chancellor to enable him to assume duties in the new position.

He said the governor also approved the appointment of a former Minister of Culture and tourism, Franklin Ogbuewu, as the university’s Pro-Chancellor with effect from Monday, November 27.

Mr. Ogbu was deputy governor from 2003 to 2011.

Mr. Ogbuewu is also the chairman of the Ebonyi Elders Council. (NAN)

ABU: VC boasts about the university

No fewer than 50 students would graduate with first class degree during the 40th convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) scheduled to hold on Saturday Nov. 25. 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Ibrahim Garba disclosed this on Thursday while addressing a news conference held at the main campus of the university in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The vice-chancellor said: “This year, we are graduating a total number of 8,260 undergraduates students, out of this number, 50 have made first class and these first class achievers were spread across almost all faculties. 

“The university has 13 faculties at the moment which include; Administration, Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine, Life Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, Education, Law, Veterinary Medicine and Environmental Design, among others. “The university had continued to move more and more into a postgraduate university. ‘‘Our postgraduate population has been increasing, so also the graduands, so this year we are graduating 3,600 postgraduates,” he said. 

Giving the breakdown, Garba said, 256 Ph.Ds and 2,300 masters degree would be conferred with their degrees. He recalled that in the past the institution hardly graduate five Ph.Ds in just one year. This, according to him, showed that people were actually studying into higher degrees in Nigeria. “The numbers are so huge that we hardly can afford to accommodate all the applicants for higher degrees, because every given year, we receive nothing less than 12,000 applications for higher degrees annually. 

“But our carrying capacity cannot allow us take, maximum is 3,000. So, at any one time you have close to about 10,000 postgraduate students studying in the university,” he said. He said in the course of the year, the university had recorded some achievements and continued to develop the system being the largest university in West Africa. 

According to him, ABU has the largest carrying capacity, largest diversity and it remained the most sourced university in view of the fact that people still prefer to come to the university as matter of choice. “Given our resources and provision by government, our carrying capacity will not allow us to take all the candidates that applied, that is why it has become incumbent on us to open up the space more in any innovative way. 

“This will pave way for more people to meet their aspirations of taking ABU degrees, so, what we have is to increase our affiliation with tertiary institution. ‘‘Now many Colleges of Education particularly in the north are taking their degrees from ABU through affiliation. “So all these Federal Colleges of Education in Zaria, Kano, Zink, Taraba State, Sokoto, Kwara and Kontagora in Niger State, among others have affiliations with ABU to run degree programmes,” he added. (NAN)

Assessment of basic schools in Nigeria to improve education standard

Worried by the perceived low quality of basic education in the country, the Nigerian government said it has commenced a national assessment of teaching and learning quality in that sub-sector.

The assessment will hold between November 22 and 24.

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Hamid Bobboyi, said this on Monday in Abuja while briefing journalists. He said the exercise was part of the commitment of the current administration to reposition basic education in the country.

He said the poor quality of teachers in basic education in the country is due to poor remuneration of teachers by state governments.

He said the recent incident in Kaduna “where a lot of teachers failed simple tests administered to them was a clear indication of the crisis and rot in the basic education sub-sector.

“The neglect of basic education over the years is responsible for the crises that have continued to plague the nation including the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east”, he said.

“Boko Haram is an example. Boko Haram emerged out of this particular situation where schooling was a problem, learning was a problem in the North,” he said.

Mr. Bobboyi said UBEC is committing N3 billion to resuscitate the ”rudiments of teaching and learning in Northern Nigeria.”

He said the learning assessment last conducted in 2011 adding that the current one would enable the government gauge the state of basic education and proffer solutions.

Mr. Bobboyi said the assessment will enable ”the tracking of standards of education at the basic schools.”

“We have to know exactly which state is doing well in basic education and to know where basic education is functioning better. We also want to know why basic education is really having problems and to ensure that responses of intervention agency such as UBEC is tailor made to bring everyone on board”, he said.

He said the assessment of learners’ achievement is crucial to the implementation of the basic education programme.

“The exercise exposes learners’ performance in curricula delivery and impact of intervening variables”, the Executive Secretary explained.

He also spoke on the specifics of the intended exercise.

“For the primary level, the Local Government Education Authorities in each of the 36 states and the FCT were stratified on the basis of location. Simple random sampling was used to select six LGEAs in the urban and rural locations”, he said.

“The exercise will involve head teachers and teachers of selected primary 5 and 6 classes. The sample will consist of 216 LGEAs, 1080 primary schools, 1080 head teachers, 2160 teachers and 43,200 pupils.

“In the junior secondary school level, 17,280 students and 12,960 parents would participate. 432 principals and 1728 teachers of English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology and Social Studies teachers will be selected to participate in the study”, Mr. Bobboyi added.

On the sustainability of the assessment, the UBEC boss said Nigeria will maintain international standard of conducting the exercise every 2 years.

JAMB sets proposed date for 2018 UTME and prices of forms

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has proposed a date for the 2018 examination.

The board proposed March 9 to 17 and said it is taking into cognisance dates of other public examinations.

The Registrar of the board, Ishaq Oloyede, said this during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with stakeholders on the plans and programmes for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, and Direct Entry, DE.

Mr. Oloyede said students who express interest will write mock examination from January 22 to 24.

“The mock examination is starting the same date the sales of form is ending.”

He said the price of the form will be N5000.

“Eye glasses are to be examined properly before candidates are allowed into the examination hall,” he said.

Details in abit.

UNICAF offers scholarships to NYSC corps members in Lagos

UNICAF is proud to announce its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps, Lagos State Secretariat in Nigeria. The partnership was reached by the NYSC State Co-ordinator, Prince Mohammed Momoh, and Dr. Nicos Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer of UNICAF, in the presence of Olufemi Apena and Emmanuel Ebanehita, Country Manager and Marketing Manager of UNICAF Nigeria and distinguished members of the NYSC management.

Through the partnership, all eligible members of the NYSC in Lagos will be offered guaranteed 80% UNICAF scholarships to pursue online degree programmes of Unicaf University, plus free Windows 10 tablets upon payment of the required deposit. Furthermore, one selected NYSC member will receive a full UNICAF scholarship, covering 100% of tuition fees, to study with Unicaf University, with the added bonus of a free Windows 10 tablet. All successful applicants must meet the academic and financial criteria set out by UNICAF and Unicaf University.

With a physical presence in 9 African countries, with learning centres and branch campuses, UNICAF is rapidly becoming a key player in online and blended learning education on the continent. The UNICAF Scholarship Programme is one of the most generous in the world today, and the UNICAF Virtual Learning Environment is the largest digital platform available for online study in Africa. Studying with a UNICAF scholarship towards an internationally recognized undergraduate or postgraduate degree, offered from partner universities is flexible, affordable and easy to do and it connects you with an international community of UNICAF scholars in 156 countries.

• The application for a UNICAF scholarship is quick and easy; experienced student advisers guide applicants through the whole process, helping them select payment plans that suit their financial capabilities.

• The 24/7 online delivery of study material allows students to study at any time and in any place convenient to them, provided they have Internet access. New modules start every month, so students can commence their studies as soon as they are accepted.

• The easy to navigate UNICAF VLE (digital platform) facilitates delivery of course material, submission of assignments, access to a well-equipped e-library, and regular contact with tutors and fellow classmates from around the world.

• Unicaf University offers a wide range of well-structured degree programmes at Bachelor, Master’s and Doctorate levels.

Interested applicants should contact the local office of UNICAF for more information about the UNICAF Scholarship programme and the Unicaf University degree programmes on offer, at: Tel: 07066440343, email e.ebanehita@nigeria.unicaf.org  or visit www.unicaf.org

NNPC enters into partnership with WAEC!

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says it has entered into a partnership with the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the Junior Engineering Technical Society(JETS), and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), to grow the country’s educational sector.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2017 National Quiz Competition, Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mr Maikanti Baru, said the partnership would help in deepening knowledge in science and technology

Baru said that the NNPC prized education, dearly adding that the corporation was working with its partners to ensure that the best standards of its competition were maintained.

He said that it was in realisation of the importance of science and technology that the NNPC decided to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (STEM), education as a key element of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, and strategy.

This, he said informed the establishment of the annual quiz competition.

“In this respect, our arc tilts towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM, branches of knowledge, given the great roles they play in nation-building.

“For a reason, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literary, and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation is the pillars of any progressive economy.”

Baru said the 2017 edition was the sixteenth in the competition’s history, stating that it had been expanded from the previous editions, while the prizes had been improved upon also.

He noted that the 2017 edition took place in all the 774 local government areas of the country and also featured in states in the North-East, that were affected by insurgency.....NAN

UNIBEN, two others win £6.8m UK research grant

The University of Benin, Edo State, and two other institutions have won the Global Challenge Research Fund Grant provided by the United Kingdom to promote research and development.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the 43rd convocation and 47th Founder’s Day ceremony of the institution.

Orumwense explained that the university was awarded the grant worth £6.8m in partnership with Lancaster University, United Kingdom; and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana.

He noted that the grant would assist to boost research capability to address the problems faced by developing countries.

“The grant, which is part of a new £225m rate of investment, aims to grow research capability to meet the challenges faced by the developing world.

“The Britain’s £6.8m project will be led by Lancaster University, UK, with the University of Benin and CSIR, Ghana, as core partners,” he said.

UNIBEN to graduate 9,993 students during the convocation ceremony

A total of 9,993 graduands will be awarded with various degrees and diplomas at the 43rd Convocation/47th Founder’s Day of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), scheduled to hold on Wednesday, November 22.

The awardees are made up of graduating students of 2015/2016 sessions.

Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Faradey Orunwense, disclosed this while announcing programs for the convocation ceremony which commences on Wednesday, 22 November.

Breakdown of the graduands are as follows: 100 made 1st Class, 1,843 made 2nd Class (Upper division), 4,607 made 2nd Class (lower division), 1,351 made 3rd Class, 188 Diplomas, 152 for Post Graduate Diplomas, 1,120 for Masters Degrees, 102 PhD and 2 unclassified certificates.

Other programmes lined up for the Convocation/Founder’s Day ceremony include Founder’s Day and Convocation lectures, exhibitions, commissioning of various projects executed by the incumbent Vice Chancellor at the two campuses of the University.

The University will also honour the first female Vice Chancellor in Nigeria and a former Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Grace Alele-Williams, “for her outstanding contributions​ in the field of education at both national and international levels.”

Also to be honoured is Dr. George Osemwegie Agbonlahor, “in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless commitment towards the growth and development of education in Nigeria.”

Tambuwal Campaigns, promises to enrol 1.4m children in school

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has inaugurated a state-wide campaign to enrol 1.4 million children into primary schools in the state.

Tambuwal, who flagged off the campaign at Riji village in Rabah Local Government area of the state on Tuesday, described the campaign as the largest enrolment drive in Nigeria.

Riji is the birthplace of late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto.

The governor also used the occasion to inaugurate the State Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme, the Nigerian Partnership for Education Project and a prototype Early Childhood Development Centre.

He said that during the enrolment campaign which targets 1.4 million new intakes in the next one year, government would reach out to communities and adopt house-to-house advocacy.

“The enrolment drive is a high level advocacy mechanism to ensure that all stakeholders partake in ensuring effective awareness and mobilization.

“It involves parents, guardians, communities, religious and traditional leaders as well as the School Based Management Committees (SMBCs).’’

Tambuwal stressed that government would empower relevant stakeholders to drive the campaign and sensitise communities and parents on the importance of enrolling their children in school.

“This will be achieved through empowerment of SBMCs, mothers’ associations, religious and traditional leaders and other stakeholders to conduct campaign in their communities.

“They will, in addition, regularly track and monitor attendance of enrolled children in their respective schools and communities as part of their oversight responsibilities,” the governor explained.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Jabbi Kilgore, said the “ambitious’’ campaign was “realisable because of government’s target of integrating 4000 Qur’anic schools with existing school models, and other strategies.

“Moreover, the planning and implementation process for the enrolment drive involves working with state legislators and religious leaders as well as partnering with the media to successfully achieve the set objective.’’

He added that the mobilisation committee would collaborate with the National Population Commission for data of new births recorded in every community.

According to him, the state has recorded significant reduction in out-of-school children and recorded 7.3 per cent increment in enrolment, with girls having 4.4 per cent of the figure in 2016/2017 academic session.

In a goodwill message, UNICEF acting Chief Field Officer for Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi, Mr. Paul Mudzondo, described the event as unique and historic.

He noted that apart from the campaign to raise school enrolment, the “government has provided stipends to poor families to support enrolment and maintenance of children, especially girls, in schools.”

Best Graduating Law Student of UI tells his success story

The best graduating Law student of the University of Ibadan, 2015/2016 academic session, Joseph Ogunmodede, on Monday explained how he was able to achieve the academic feat.

Mr. Ogunmodede, who had a first class degree, said he was able to attain the feat due to hard work and diligence, adding that nobody can be a success except he or she can pay the price.

Mr. Ogunmodede also explained why he established an online platform to “creatively educate the world on their legal rights and duties.”

”In short, you can begin from anywhere and still reach for the stars. All you need is to summon the courage. As we move on in life, create value and watch yourself climb the ladder of success.

“As you know, for you to achieve anything, you must have a sense of purpose. My fellow graduating students, we need to set goals for ourselves and be focused. With patience, determination and dedication, we shall reach the better tomorrow that is ahead of us, for we have a very bright future.

”The world has gone digital; technology remains the future of human relations and we now have access to the global market if only we can make optimal use of our technological gadgets. Check out the lives of the most successful entrepreneurs, they look for a need and meet it. Why don’t we do likewise?”

‎He made the remarks on Monday while delivering a valedictory speech on behalf of his colleagues at 69th convocation ceremony of the university.

The graduand, whose father, Benjamin Ogunmodede, is also a legal practitioner said the online platform, www.thelegaldiary.com, known as ‘The Legal Diary’, would remain ”part of his testimony as a lawyer.”

“Personally, with all sense of humility, I have led by example in this regard by founding “The Legal Diary,” which is an online platform to creatively educate the world on their legal rights and duties,” he said.......Premuim Times

UI: Produces 1st First Class graduate in history

For the first time in 69 years, the University of Ibadan has produced its first graduate with a First Class honours degree in History.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Idowu Olayinka, said Ozibo Ekele of the Department of History was one of the 186 students who earned First Class degrees at the 2015/2016 convocation ceremonies, which began Monday in Ibadan.

Mr. Olayinka said 5,629 students graduated in various academic programmes from 12 faculties, including the Distance Learning Centre at the convocation.

According to him, 186 passed with first class honours, 1,538 finished with Second Class Upper, while 3,133 finished with Second Class Lower.

Similarly, 434 students finished with Third Class, while 81 others graduated with Pass degrees.

The VC enjoined the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university, saying they should impact positively on their world.

He remarked that the students would have graduated a long time ago but for the strike embarked upon by the academic and non-academic staff unions.

According to him, the breakdown of the graduating list showed that 3.5 per cent and 28.6 per cent finished with First Class and Second Class (Upper) honours, respectively.

“I am aware that there has been strident public criticism of the large number of first class graduates from our universities.

“We are exceedingly proud of all Ibadan graduates.

“We see this phenomenon from the strategic point of view of input-process-output.

“The University of Ibadan has arguably the most competitive mechanism for undergraduate admissions in the country.

“This has been attested to consistently by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, in which Ibadan is the only university in the country ranked among the topmost 1,000 universities in the world,’’ the VC said.

He was full of praises for Ekele for breaking the jinx as the department had never produced a first class student since inception.

“We warmly congratulate Ozibo Ekele, who is graduating today with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 6.6 out of a maximum of 7.0,’’ the VC said.

Meanwhile, giving a valedictory speech on behalf of others, the overall best graduating student in Law, Tolulope Ogunmodede, attributed their successes to hard work and prayers.

On his personal experience, Mr. Ogunmodede said that although he faced challenges during his academic pursuit, he was focused on his priorities.

He urged his fellow graduates to generate ideas that could make them entrepreneurs and not to trade their integrity for anything evil. (NAN)

Education Ministers tells PMB to allocate more funds to Education

President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to declare a state of emergency in education in Nigeria and to substantially increase government’s investment in the sector.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, made the appeal on Monday at a retreat the presidency held for ministers on education. The event was at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to Mr. Adamu, President Buhari should pay attention to education the way he has done to insecurity and the economy.

He said Nigeria is seriously underfunding education, even when compared to other sub-Saharan African countries, and warned that the federal government would have to spend significantly more, if it would achieve its goals as a change government.

According to the minister, to meet the 13 campaign promises he made to Nigerians on education, the president needs to spend at least one trillion naira yearly on the sector.

In the 2018 budget proposals he presented on Tuesday to the National Assembly, President Buhari allocated N605.8 billion, representing seven per cent of the budget, to the sector.

The minister said this is not adequate, as other countries at par with Nigeria allocate at least 20 per cent of their budgets to the sector.

“Mr. President, to achieve the desired change that education needs, there is the need for improved funding and a measure of political will in national governance.

“Such is the weight of the problems that beset our education and the deleterious effect it has had on our national development efforts that I believe that this Retreat should end with a declaration of a state of emergency in education so that we can face the challenges frontally and squarely,” he said.

The minister noted that since 1999 when democratic governments returned, annual budgetary allocation to education in Nigeria has been between four per cent and ten per cent.

“None of the E9 or D8 countries other than Nigeria, allocates less than 20 per cent of its annual budget to education. Indeed even among sub-Saharan Africa countries, we are trailing far behind smaller and less endowed nations in terms of our investment in education,” Mr. Adamu said.

He, therefore, urged Mr. Buhari for a major investment in education in the nation’s interest.

He stressed that such investment, which requires about N1 trillion each year, would be in line with the president’s as well as APC’s campaign promises before the 2015 election........Premium Times