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Alapomu of Apomu marks two years on throne

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Alapomu of Apomu marks two years on throne

The Alapomu of Apomu, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, will be celebrating the second coronation anniversary on February 24, at the Palace Hall, Apomu.

In a statement signed by President, Apomu Descendants Union, (ADU), Abbas Soliu, a few programmes have been designed to mark the occasion.

He said some of the activities included a “colloquium on Apomu in Yoruba History meant to explore the critical roles Apomu played as an economic hub in the old Yorubaland, a documentary to chronicle the development of Apomu, book presentation and fund-raising for the completion of the ultra-modern palace.”

Read also: ASUU strike: Students bemoan frequent interruptions to school calendar

Soliu also talked about the contributions of Oba Afolabi and ADU to the development of Apomu. He said the monarch, with the support of some Apomu indigenes, had installed over 200 solar lights in different locations of the town, among others.

He said: “The security architecture of Apomuland has be been deeply re-engineered to enhance the safety of life and property.

ASUU strike: Students bemoan frequent interruptions to school calendar

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ASUU strike: Students bemoan frequent interruptions to school calendar

Nigerian students have bemoaned the incessant strike actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The recent strike which was announced by ASUU a week ago has left the students in what many of them have described as “exhausting and discouraging”.

According to ASUU’s National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodekehe, the recent strike is said to have resumed due to the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil the demands of the agreement it earlier reached with the union.

Some of the contending issues include funding for the revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowance, poor funding of state universities and promotion arrears.

Others are the sustainability of the university autonomy, which it said the introduction of IPPIS violates; immediate deployment of UTAS to replace IPPIS; renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement; release of the reports of visitation panels to federal universities and distortions in salary payment challenges.

Students count their losses…
As the strike continues, many students are having to accept the possibility of spending a longer time completing their courses, others are hoping for a speedy resolution to the crisis.

Nairametrics spoke with some students from some of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria to get their thoughts on the ongoing strike and how it affects their education. The students all expressed fears that the disruption of their school calendar will prolong the academic year and eventually, their stay in school

Phillip Udoh, a 500 level Law student at the University of Lagos told Nairametrics that the frequent strikes have been exhausting and discouraging. He said, “I have spent a good number of my course year sitting at home. The strikes keep happening every now and then. It’s almost very sure that it will happen every couple of months and it has become quite exhausting and discouraging”

Tobi Akindele, a final year student at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, said that the “strikes have become a tradition, so everyone just gives room for such occurrences”, a sign that some students may be adapting to the occurrence of strikes disrupting their educative schedule.

Another final year student, Charles Obot of the Economics department of the Obafemi Awolowo University told Nairametrics that his plan to graduate by September may have just been extended. He said, “According to our academic calendar, my plan was to graduate around September, but with the ongoing strike and the possible extension, it looks likely that my graduation period might just be extended, and so will every other plan that I have made.”

Uzoma Orji, a 400level student of the University of Ibadan says she can’t seem to understand why there is always a fallout in the negotiations and agreements between ASUU and government. “I don’t blame ASUU as much as I blame the government. It almost seems as if the government intentional plays ASUU to backdown on their strike actions with promises and then renege on these agreements everytime. It almost means they don’t care about the tertiary education sector,” she said.

Read also: Boko Haram Terrorists Dislodge Nigerian Army, Burn Down Military Base

The students all reserved sympathy for the cause of their lecturers, stating that they all understand the economic needs of the lecturers as Tolani Adenekan, a final year Economics student at OAU, agrees that the demand for increased and consistent pay of the salary of the lectures is valid, as food prices have also increased in the markets.

She also advised that government must be accountable to whatever agreements and commitments they make with ASUU to avoid repeated strike actions.

Recall Nairametrics reported that the Nigerian Labour Congress weighed in on the ongoing 4-week strike of the lecturers and has urged the FG to sign the renegotiated agreement with ASUU. Other bodies have also called on government to be responsible to agreements, but it is hoped that the FG would finally live up to expectations and put an end to frequent strike actions.

Boko Haram Terrorists Dislodge Nigerian Army, Burn Down Military Base

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Boko Haram Terrorists Dislodge Nigerian Army, Burn Down Military Base

Why we want Emefiele to run, by group

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Why we want Emefiele to run, by group

A group, Green Alliance, has said that Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele will reinvigorate the economy if elected as president.

The group claimed the banker has the backing of Corporate Nigeria and many politicians.

Its leader, Wale Fapounda, said Emefiele is being projected as a bridge, being from Igbo speaking part of Delta State, adding that Igbo in the Southeast and the people of the South-South would identify with him.

He noted that the CBN governor was born in Lagos where he also had his primary and secondary education.

Fapounda said: “It was remarkable that even if he were appointed by a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP administration, that the succeeding All Progressives Congress, APC government not only found him fit enough but also went on to make him the first CBN governor in the Fourth Republic to win a second term.”

He recalled Emefiele’s successes at Zenith Bank, noting that the bank achieved a hundred billion naira after tax profit under his management in 2012.

Fapounda said: “Since he was appointed the governor of the CBN he has spent his energy in building a resilient financial system that can serve the growth and development needs of the Nigerian economy.

“A typical example of this was seen during his first term, he supervised an interventionist currency policy at the behest of the presidency, propping up the Nigerian Naira by pumping billions of dollars into the foreign exchange market. He also introduced a multiple exchange rate regime to try to mask pressure on the Naira and avoid a series of devaluations.”

He dismissed criticism from certain quarters that Emefiele had deviated from the core role of sustaining monetary policy saying that the development functions of the CBN as espoused by the CBN Governor were well covered by the new CBN Act of 2007.

“He has not declared, we are saying we want a round peg in a round hole. We have looked at all the aspirants, those who have declared and who are about to declare that the facts speak for itself,” he stressed.

Fapouhnda said Emefiele would respond to the call to enter the 2023 contest, given his love for Nigeria and if not, he would be compelled to do so.

He also dismissed insinuations that Emefiele lacks a political structure, pointing out that he would be relying on God to make him president in 2023.

While noting that Emefiele is a completely detrabilised man, he added: “His achievements are numerous in the CBN. He is a man that has been ordained for this time.”

Kwankwaso And I Are Kano’s Modern Architects – Ganduje

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Kwankwaso And I Are Kano’s Modern Architects – Ganduje

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has hailed his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as one of the city’s architects.

Ganduje claimed that he and Kwankwaso are the architects behind Kano’s transformation into a modern city.

Read Also: 2023: Buratai disassociates self from partisan politics, campaign posters

The Governor made the remarks during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the state yesterday.

The Governor said he and Kwankwaso did their best to lift the State while speaking at the State’s Government House.

He went on to say that as governor, he would keep going in the same direction.

“Former Governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa, and I are the architects of modern Kano,” Ganduje says.

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has hailed his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as one of the city’s architects.

Read Also:  ASUU Strike: Coalition hails Gov Yahaya Bello, PAAU over stable calendar

“Those responsible for the new face of Kano State are Kwankwaso and Ganduje.

“We (Kwankwaso and Ganduje) have done our best in lifting the face of Kano State. And I will continue to maintain this as a governor of the state.”

ASUU Strike: Coalition hails Gov Yahaya Bello, PAAU over stable calendar

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ASUU Strike: Coalition hails Gov Yahaya Bello, PAAU over stable calendar

The Coalition for Education and Justice (CEJ) has welcomed the refusal of Prince Abubakar Audu University Ayingba, Kogi State, to partake in the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities strike, noting that it is another proof of Governor Yahaya Bello’s incredible reforms in the educational sector.

The group said since he assumed office in 2016, Governor Bello has done tremendously well in education, improving condition of service in tertiary institutions, such as the total financial autonomy at PAAU as regards its internally generated revenue.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Executive Director, Dr. Linus Obetta, said the institution’s refusal to join their colleagues is in appreciation of the notable attention received from the state government for seamless and uninterrupted academic programmes.

Due to this stable calendar facilitated by Governor Bello, Dr. Obetta added that graduates of the university are better equipped to contribute to sustainable growth and development in the country.

He, therefore, charged other state governors and indeed the Federal Government to emulate the governor’s working template in the educational sector to avoid persistent industrial action which has grounded academic activities in the nation.

While applauding the university authorities for resisting the pressure of ASUU, the Coalition for Education and Justice urged Governor Bello to sustain this sterling strides and continue to show support for the institution.

Read full statement below:

The leadership of the Coalition for Education and Justice, a civil society group in the vanguard of entrenching a regime of sustainable development in the educational sector in Nigeria through the instrument of advocacy and other critical engagements, welcomes you all to this press conference.

We wish to state that as stakeholders in the critical educational sector in Nigeria, we have on numerous occasions advocated for an educational system in Nigeria that meets global standards in terms of academic curricular engagement, as well as a suitable remuneration for academic staff of educational institutions across the country.

The one-month strike action recently embarked by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in this critical point of our drive for educational excellence is detrimental to attaining set goals and a disruption of the academic calendar in tertiary institutions across the country.

While we believe ASUU acted within their constitutional mandate, the more significant implication of their strike action is that it would increase the burden already experienced in our educational sector.

In all our numerous advocacies as a group, we have emphasized the need for the leadership of ASUU to devise other means of negotiating for better work conditions in tertiary institutions across the country. The constant use of strike action by ASUU defeats logic so much that we are tempted to believe more than meets the eyes in the recent strike action.
Our emphasis on roundtable talks is hinged on the consequences that are associated with strike actions that leave students frustrated and idle, which in turn culminates an increase in social vices in the country.

It is our considered opinion that the leadership of ASUU is failing to realize that there is so much catching up to make in our educational sector, and any attempt at further disrupting the academic calendar through strike actions can be viewed as counterproductive.

On this premise, we wish to commend the authorities of the Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi State for its refusal to join the one-month warning strike embarked on by ASUU. This is a welcome development that reinforces the stance of the visitor of the university, Governor Yahaya Bello.

We have it on good authority that the action of the authorities of Prince Abubakar Audu University is hinged on the notable condition of service in the university, amongst which is the total financial autonomy it enjoys as regards its internally generated revenue. This is indeed noteworthy of the Governor of Kogi State. He has done tremendously well in the educational sector in the state since he assumed leadership in 2016.

The Coalition for Education and Justice wishes to put it on record that Prince Abubakar Audu University is the only public institution in the country that is not a part of the one-month warning strike action embarked by ASUU.

We gathered from reliable sources that the refusal of the university to join the strike action is in appreciation of the notable attention it has received from the Kogi state government in support for the seamless and uninterrupted academic programmes in the university.

The Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi state has remained a pacesetter in educational excellence in the country with notable innovations that has positioned it as a first among equals in the educational system in the country that has seen graduates of the university excelling in their chosen careers within and outside the shores of the country.

It is also noteworthy that under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, the university has enjoyed an uninterrupted academic calendar that has placed it in an enviable position as a citadel of learning of repute.

The Coalition for Education and Justice wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the action of the Prince Abubakar Audu University is exemplary and should be imbibed by other public universities in our quest for the rapid development in the educational sector in the country.
It is also instructive to state that the governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, has once again set a worthy template in the operations of state-owned universities that other governors should emulate in the country.

It is our considered view that should the Kogi template be implemented across the board, the educational sector in the country would experience tremendous growth and sustainability that would reflect in the quality of graduates coming out from our ivory towers.

The leadership of the Coalition for Education and Justice extends its appreciation to the authorities of Prince Abubakar Audu University for its trailblazing record in ensuring that graduates of the university are well equipped to contribute to sustainable growth and development in the country.

We are consequently not surprised that the university has continued to attract the best hands into its fold, which has gone a long way in boosting the quality of teaching at play in the university and the steady and uninterrupted academic programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The Coalition for Education and Justice commends the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in availing the leadership of the Prince Abubakar Audu University of the necessary support in advancing educational excellence under an atmosphere suitable for learning through ways too numerous to mention.

It is our firm position that the Prince Abubakar Audu example is worthy of emulation. We urge the relevant authorities in the educational sector in the country to recognize the sterling strides recorded and implemented in the university.

Thank you all for your attention.

God bless.

NEPC Pegs Non-Oil Export As Nigerian Economy’s Survival Line

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NEPC Pegs Non-Oil Export As Nigerian Economy’s Survival Line

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has pegged the export of non-oil products as the survival line of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the weekend in Abuja, the Executive Director of NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak, called on Nigerians to embrace the export of made in Nigeria products to boost the country’s economy, create jobs and attract Foreign Direct Investments.

He reaffirmed that exporting Nigerian products is the key to economic survival as it has become an emergency for Nigerians to embrace the export of non-oil products.

“NEPC is working assiduously to create an enabling environment for exporters, the Council is currently working on the enactment of enabling laws to drive export. The Council would also embark on the sensitisation of Nigerians across the country on the importance of export for national development,” Dr Yakusak stated.

Read also: 2023: Buratai disassociates self from partisan politics, campaign posters

A Nollywood actor, Mr Francis Duru, commended NEPC for the new initiative, noting that Nigeria’s overreliance on oil has done more harm than good for economic development.

Mr Duru noted that the creative industry holds enormous potential for the nation’s economy, noting that the sector could jump-start the economy.

Another Nollywood Actor, Ejike Asiegbu, underscored the need for Nigeria to harness its abundant human and material resources to defeat the poverty plaguing the country.

2023: Buratai disassociates self from partisan politics, campaign posters

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2023: Buratai disassociates self from partisan politics, campaign posters

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), says he has no intention to delve into partisan politics.

The former Chief of Army Staff also disassociated himself from the calls for him to contest the next presidential election and campaign posters that have followed.

In a statement signed by Brigadier Gen Sani Usman (rtd), Buratai said he is content and committed to national service in his present capacity as envoy to Benin Republic.

“The attention of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), Nigeria’s Ambassador to Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, has been drawn to calls and dissemination of campaign posters calling on him to join partisan politics and contest for Presidential candidature of one of the political parties by some persons,” the statement said.

He, however, pledged absolute loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve.

“It is essential to state that the Ambassador has never indicated interest, discussed with, or directed anyone on such matters. Therefore, such calls and posters should be discountenance as they did not emanate from him, nor is he interested in them. It is entirely the handiwork of some people for reasons best known to them.

“His Excellency wishes to reiterate his contentment and commitment to national service in his present capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic. He remains loyal and eternally grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve. He, however, wishes to thank all well-meaning persons, friends and well-wishers who showed concern over this development”.

Fuel Shortage: Group Gives NNPC’s GMD Kyari 72 Hours To Resign

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Fuel Shortage: Group Gives NNPC’s GMD Kyari 72 Hours To Resign

The Coalition of Concerned Northern Forum (CCNF) has called on Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (MDPRA), to resign within 72 hours due to the country’s persistent fuel scarcity.

The group also demanded that the NNPC management make the genuine and comprehensive names of those responsible for the current petroleum product scarcity across the country public.
A statement jointly issued by the group’s chairman and the spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Bature and Comrade Abdulsalam Moh’d Kazeem, respectively, noted that, “if our demands are not met in the next three (3) working days, we shall occupy all NNPC zonal offices and its subsidiaries across our region and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

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The statement explained that it was not just a mere threat, adding that its members would follow up with full action after the expiration of their ultimatum and will serve as litmus test on the part of government on their fight against corruption and indiscipline.

According to the statement, “The mistake made by NNPC under the current management has caused us a lot as a nation; for instance, they claimed it will cost our nation over N200 billion to mop up and sanitize the adulterated fuel and at the same time, we don’t have enough facilities, so they will have to evacuate the bad products first before we can have access to the new products.

“As at today, the said products have already damaged many automobiles, generators, machines and other sundry equipment of citizenry nationwide.”

It lamented that the NNPC tried severally to cover up the importation of the fake fuel and what it called “their gross incompetency”, saying that they all witnessed how those they alleged to have imported the product with high Methanol qualities above their required standards came up with superior point and position to vindicate their companies and maintained that they knew nothing about it

The statement explained that NPCC should bury their head in shame and stop chasing shadows and be patriotic in their dealings with Nigerians.

Read Also:  IPPIS unsuitable for varsity system, says JAMB registrar

It noted that NNPC’s quality inspection unit which comprises of GMO, SGS, Geochem and G&G did not conduct any test before the said products were discharged.

The statement explained that with the importation of the fake fuel, the NNPC had dragged the country backward due to what it called “its deliberate errors”.

IPPIS unsuitable for varsity system, says JAMB registrar

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IPPIS unsuitable for varsity system, says JAMB registrar

Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has stated that the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System is unsuitable for the Nigerian university system as a payment platform for university employees.

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, who has stated categorically that he is not a fan of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, said the union had a point to fight for in terms of their pay.

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Oloyede made the remarks during a virtual lecture titled “Synchronising Cacophony: Interrogating Some Issues of Concepts and Perception in the Nigerian Higher Education Topology,” which was held in honor of Professor Peter Okebukola, the former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, on his 71st birthday.

He said, “I am not a fan of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, but they have a point here. IPPIS is unsuitable for the university system.

“Let me cite an instance, when I was the VC at the University of Ilorin, I went to Australia on an official assignment and there I met a Nigerian with PhD in an area of Botany where we lacked the manpower.

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“I spoke with the man and convinced him of the need to work with us and he agreed. Immediately, I put a call to the Dean of the Faculty of Science and told him about the development and that was how we secured the services of the man. He is now a professor in one of the nation’s universities.”

In the lecture, Oloyede also called for moderation in the setting up of universities by government agencies noting that there were institutions already created which could cater to the training of other agencies.
He added that the government should instead focus on the adequate funding of the already existing universities in the country.

“Also, we must be careful of the number of universities we are having, especially the ones being set up by government agencies and the military.

“We already have the Nigerian Defence Academy which trains officers for all the arms of the military. We also have the Police Academy that trains police officers, it can also help in training para-military men too.

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“In that regard, we don’t need more than one or two. If care is not taken, we will soon have the ‘University of Road Safety’ or the ‘University of Civil Defence’. Adequately funding existing universities should be our focus,” Oloyede added.

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