The Management of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, has postponed its ongoing 2023/2024 second-semester examinations due to the planned nationwide protest from Thursday to Aug. 10.
The Head of the Communication Unit of the institution, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.
Alaga-Ibraheem said all examinations scheduled for Thursday and Friday had been postponed till further notice.
“A new schedule for all the papers initially listed for these two days will be announced in due course.
“Members of the university community are, hereby, advised to remain calm, safe and security conscious at all locations,” she said.
She said the management had put in place precautionary measures to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of staff on the three campuses of the university.
“Security is everybody’s business.
“All members of the university are, therefore, enjoined to go about their legitimate business and not hesitate to report anything or anyone suspicious on campus to the security unit.
“The university recognises the right of citizens to lawful and peaceful assembly.
“However, members of the institution, particularly staff and students, are implored to remain civil, orderly and responsible in their utterances and behaviour, offline and online,” she said.
Hardship: UNILAG postpones 2nd-semester exams over nationwide protest
Hardship: UNILAG postpones 2nd-semester exams over nationwide protest
NAFDAC trains stakeholders in pharmaceutical ingredient production
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has trained stakeholders in comprehensive knowledge and practical skills on various aspects governing active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing.
APIs are the essential components of pharmaceutical products responsible for the intended therapeutic effect.
The training, held in Ikeja was titled, ‘Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain: second Regional Workshop on Manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Excipients in Nigeria.’
NAFDAC in the two-day program which ended on Tuesday said it recognised the need to encourage, build capacity and strengthen the regulators and local manufacturers with all that’s required to explore this critical area in the healthcare system, thereby improving access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines.
Speaking at the event, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the executive order issued two weeks ago was a significant step forward, adding that it would facilitate easier importation of manufacturing goods by reducing customs duties and other fees, substituting one challenge for another.
She said, “This workshop is essential for preparing us before we start manufacturing. If we lack the capacity and understanding of what we’re working with, it’s only a matter of time before we fail. We are committed to building quality from the beginning, which involves capacitating regulators, manufacturers, and the future workforce. It’s about being mentally and intellectually prepared before we start manufacturing.
“Failure is not an option because NAFDAC is fully dedicated, with the support of partners like WHO, the Gates Foundation, USAID, and USP. We cannot do it alone, so we also rely on resourceful colleagues who have joined us from the US and other countries. This collaboration is crucial for building a solid foundation, not just for immediate success but for long-term sustainability.”
She revealed that Emzor was building up a facility for antimalarials, and a consortium led by FIDSON, including about five or six manufacturers, focusing on analgesics, antibiotics, and some cardiovascular medicines.
The lawmaker representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency and Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mr Uchenna Okonkwo, said, “As legislators, we can enact laws to facilitate manufacturing in Nigeria. For example, the executive arm has already helped by allowing no VAT and no levies on the importation of active ingredients for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Our role is to ensure that these ingredients and laws passed by the executive translate into better productivity, efficiency, and efficacy in the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing industries.”
A representative from the United States Pharmacopeia, Dr Jude Nwokike, revealed “We are here as part of the Promoting the Quality of Medicine Plus program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development. Our work, as staff of the United States Pharmacopeia, involves setting standards for medical products and active ingredients. These standards guide regulators and the industry to ensure that medical products are of the highest quality.”
WHO representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, mentioned that WHO participation aims to gather the necessary information to better support NAFDAC in achieving its goals.
He added that the workshop focused on developing guidelines and training relevant stakeholders, in collaboration with key partners such as the USP, the US Government, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and most importantly, the manufacturers themselves.
Mulombo said, “Currently, Nigeria, like many African countries, depends heavily on imported APIs, with over 90 per cent being sourced from abroad. We need to rethink our approach to health products for our continent and developing nations. This workshop is a significant step towards enabling Nigeria to start producing APIs locally.
“It’s important to highlight that local manufacturing does not equate to low quality. The WHO works closely with the Nigerian government, supporting them at the policy and regulation levels.”
Hardship protest will make or mar Nigeria, no need for panic – Shehu Sani
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has allayed fears over the scheduled protest, assuring Nigerians there was no need to panic.
Sani, who wrote on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, said, “Tomorrow is the Scheduled day of the protest. It will come and go. There is no need to panic. If it turns out peaceful, it will strengthen our democracy, if otherwise, the nation shall learn from it.
“Rights and freedoms can only be guaranteed in an atmosphere of peace. The security forces should provide security for those who want to protest and for those who don’t want to. In all that we want and don’t want, we must have a country first. Any thug or terrorist who wants to exploit or capitalise on the exercise of rights and freedom of the citizens to instigate mayhem and chaos must be fished out and handed over to authorities.
“All the measures taken by the Government of Kaduna State to protect the rights of the citizens and secure the state is commendable in view of our history and experiences.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Hardship protest will make or mar Nigeria, no need for panic – Shehu Sani
Onyeka Onwenu: Family confirms how singer died
Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, children of Veteran Nigerian singer, Onyeka Onwenu have confirmed the death of their mother.
A statement jointly signed by the two brothers said the actress and journalist was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life but sadly she passed.
“It is with heavy hearts that my brother and I wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much-loved Onyeka Onwenu.
The children stated that their mother was greatly loved and will be missed.
They described Onyeka as an “icon and legend” who inspired multiple generations with her music, acting, philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.
They also appreciated those who supported their mother in her final moments, including Mr Peter Obi, Mr and Mrs John Momoh and Mr and Mrs Okonkwo as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr Okpara and Governor Alex Otti who condoled with the son after her passing.
“We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts.
“As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.” the statement added.
Onyeka Onwenu: Family confirms how singer died
Heavy security at N’Assembly as lawmakers hold emergency session
A heavy security presence has been established in and around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as lawmakers hold an emergency plenary session today.
Contrary to the usual practice, the Sergeant-At-Arms has barricaded the entrance to the National Assembly, requiring identification cards for entry at the MOPOL Gate.
The heightened security is allegedly intended to prevent protesters from gathering at the venue.
The Red and Green Chambers had announced an emergency session for Wednesday (today) on Sunday.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Wednesday plenary will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention.
The statement read, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
“Honourable members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”
Akin noted that it is customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.
Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, to Senators indicated that the Red Chamber would also be sitting on Wednesday. The memo read:
“The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened,” it added.
The memo noted that the plenary will commence at noon on Wednesday.
Hardship: Protect sports infrastructure – SWAN President tells protesters
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has appealed to protesters to be mindful of mostly sports infrastructure across the country as any form of destruction will further create a needless deficit.
Making the call on Wednesday in a statement by the National President,
Isaiah Benjamin, SWAN urged Nigerians, mostly youths and sports personalities to toe the path of peace and dialogue, instead of engaging in violent protest regarding the challenges facing the country.
The call is coming on the heels of planned protests by some persons in parts of Nigeria, beginning August 1, 2024.
Benjamin, in the statement which was signed on his behalf by the association’s Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo, said while citizens have a right to protest, such should be done peacefully.
“Instead of embarking on the destruction of lives and properties, citizens should reflect on positive and progressive moves aimed at ensuring improved sports development, which has obvious potential to uplift the country’s economy,” Benjamin pleaded.
“As the second most economically viable option in the entire world, Sports serve as a catalyst for needed growth and development in any society.
Sportsmen and women including athletes, officials, administrators and of course, the sporting media, have the responsibility to lead the way in terms of conduct and influence in various residential and public places.
“Instead of joining any bandwagon of destructive tendencies, let us encourage fellow Nigerians to engage in sporting activities in terms of physical exercise and other areas of gainful endeavours,” he said.
The number one sports writer in Nigeria, also admonished leaders at all levels to, in line with global standards, use legislative means to initiate sustainable policies that will loosen tight ends and clear bureaucratic bottlenecks, which had hampered sports development in the country.
He asked that Nigeria, as a developing nation, be made a fortress for talent discovery and development because of the abundance of human capital resources that abound in each of its nooks and crannies.
“Again, the government at all levels should do more in the provision of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots, as a veritable way of engaging mostly the young people, because sports, with the right funding approach, has enormous potential to drastically reduce unemployment.”
Hardship: Protect sports infrastructure – SWAN President tells protesters
US embassy changes service providers in Nigeria over racketeering
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced a new visa services provider for its Abuja and Lagos consulates, expected to take effect from August 26, 2024.
The announcement was made on its website and its official X account on Wednesday.
This comes amid complaints from Nigerian applicants over late appointment dates and racketeering at its consulate general office in Lagos.
Following the development, the embassy announced a change in its service providers.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos are moving to a new visa services provider on August 26, 2024,” it said.
The embassy explained that applicants in Nigeria who had already booked an appointment date would no longer have access to the U.S. travel website from August 16.
“This means you will not be able to cancel or reschedule your appointment from August 16, 2024, and will have no access to customer service. You should print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16, 2024, and we strongly encourage you to attend your visa interview if possible – if you fail to appear for your scheduled interview, please check here on or after August 26, 2024, for instructions on rescheduling your appointment,” the announcement stated.
According to the announcement, a “new visa appointment website goes live” by August 26 to ease visa services.
Recall that in the past weeks, many Nigerians applying for a U.S visa have lamented over the difficulty in getting appointment dates despite charging and paying visa fees.
US embassy changes service providers in Nigeria over racketeering
Olympics 2024: There will be sanctions – Sports Min vows after Ofili’s 100m race ban
Nigeria’s sports minister, John Enoh has said he would not tolerate ‘utter recklessness’ after Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili, was denied a 100m race at the ongoing 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Ofili, in a series of tweets on Tuesday, disclosed she will not take part in the 100m race at the Olympics.
She explained that the reason was because of administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, NOC.
However, upon hearing Ofili’s distress on Tuesday, Enoh said he had reached out to the AFN and the NOC to find out the root cause of the matter.
According to him, there will be thorough sanctions after investigations into where and from whom this gross negligence originated.’
Enoh made this known in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday.
He said, “I reached out to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
“I am in touch with the President of the NOC on this and await his explanation.
“As Minister of Sports, I will not tolerate this utter recklessness. It is highly inexcusable, and there will be thorough sanctions after investigations into where and from whom this gross negligence originated.
“All parties must take their duties very seriously.”
Olympics 2024: There will be sanctions – Sports Min vows after Ofili’s 100m race ban
Nigerian students to get N850m loan today
The Nigerian Educational Loan Fund on Tuesday said it would disburse the sum of N850M to institutions as fees Today (Wednesday).
This is apart from the over N1.7Bn that has been disbursed to about 20,000 students.
The Managing Director of the Fund, Akintunde Sawyer, made this known during an ongoing press briefing in Abuja.
“The sum of N850M will be leaving the account of NELFUND Today to institutions. This is apart from the N1.7Bn naira that has already been disbursed.”
Earlier, Sawyer revealed that the Fund had disbursed institutional fees to 20,000 students through their institutions.
He also noted that a total of 260,000 loans including institutional fees and upkeep have been approved.
No fewer than 1.2 million students are expected to benefit from this cardinal programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The President approved N35bn for the take-off of the scheme after signing the law backing the scheme on April 3.
Deborah, has three years of experience covering the education sector, trade unions, politics and international affairs, and is a journalist with The According
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PROTEST: Ekiti yet to recover from EndSARS violence, Oyebanji tells youths
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday, begged the residents of the state not to fall into the agenda of those who wreak havoc in the state all in the name of protest.
Recall that the #EndBadGovernance protests targeted at drawing the Federal Government’s attention to the economic hardship in the country is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Oyebanji, who spoke in a Special State Broadcast, titled: ‘Need to uphold peace during the August 1 planned nationwide protest’ to the people of the state ahead of the planned nationwide protest, noted that the state was yet to recover from the violence and destruction of the 2020 EndSARS protest.
However, he appealed to Ekiti residents to go about their daily routine without any fear or hesitation.
He added that nobody will be allowed to obstruct, intimidate, impede, or harass anyone in the name of protests in Ekiti.
Oyebanji said: “On our part, we want to assure our citizens that we are more than resolved to protect our state and to ensure no breakdown of laws and orders. The security agencies will be on high alert and will not allow anybody to bloodstain our immaculate name as a peaceful and progressive state.”
He also urged parents and guardians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders “to appeal to the youths not to submit themselves to the evil merchants who want to use them to cause violence in our state as protests can easily be hijacked by hoodlums. No matter how peaceful a protest might seem at the beginning, no one can predict its eventual dynamics and its ending.”
The governor acknowledged that it is the Constitutional right of the citizenry to protest.
READ ALSO: Kenyan cleric warns Nigerian youths against violent protests
“It is therefore expected that a protest will be conducted under a peaceful atmosphere without recourse to any violent disturbances to other citizens who also enjoy their inalienable right to unhindered movement and life,” he said.
Oyebanji said that violence would be “counterproductive now that everything is being done to re-set the economy to productivity through different fiscal and monetary measures that are already showing early indication of success and we cannot afford a rollback of the present gains.
“As a people, we cannot also afford another expensive destruction of our economic base as we did in 2020 during the #EndSARS protest that led to the destruction of many private and government infrastructures. Multimillion naira businesses were completely ruined and the owners destroyed forever.
“Till today, the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency’s store room and other government institutions remain in ruins because of the arson and looting that were visited on the State by retrogressive elements masquerading as protesters.
“Many of our silos which serve as national strategic reservoirs for food and seedlings were burnt, looted, and vandalised. Government is still struggling with replacing or repairing these infrastructures, even in the face of scarce resources.”
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