The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently reported in the media.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a report that the Ministry, through the Federal Scholarship Board, announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among others.
The slash in scholars’ allowances under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA), was attributed to the economic crises.
Mamman said that there was no slash in scholars’ allowances but rather an adjustment due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations (FOREX).
“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.
“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.
“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.
“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said.
Nigerian Govt denies slashing foreign scholars’ allowances
Nigerian Govt denies slashing foreign scholars’ allowances
UBEC commits to addressing challenges of out-of-school children
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Hamid Bobboyi, has said the recently unveiled Universal Basic Education Effective Schools Programme will address the dual challenges of the learning crisis and the high number of out-of-school children.
He said the programme marked a significant step towards enhancing educational quality and accessibility.
Bobboyi made this known in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, during a five-day training programme for 56 master trainers selected from states across the southern part of the country, including Kwara and Kogi states, for the ESP
According to him, the training of Master Trainers is one of the activities in the implementation of the ESP.
Bobboyi disclosed that the establishment of UBE Effective Schools was aimed at providing Nigerian children with the necessary resources for improved learning outcomes and the acquisition of 21st-Century skills.
He added that UBEC had taken steps to achieve an effective UBE programme in 111 schools, even as he revealed that there were three UBE Effective Schools per senatorial zone and three in FCT, which he said, were selected as pilot for the programme.
“From here, you will be expected to cascade the training to the teachers in the 111 schools. This is in furtherance of the commission’s plans to promote smart education at basic education level and lay an enduring foundation for the development of relevant technological skills to cope with the 21st century world,” Bobboyi said.
“The Effective Schools Programme was designed to progressively improve instructional tools and practices to maximise the potential of both educators and students within the educational system.
“This initiative introduces a new perspective and practice in learning across the 111 schools previously designated as UBEC E-learning centres.
“The schools have been equipped with ICT equipment with alternative power supply to enable technology-supported teaching and learning,” Bobboyi said.
To this end, he added that the commission has established 37 smart schools, one in each state and FCT, with some already operational, maintaining that a Digital Resource Centre has been built and inaugurate..
The Executive Secretary of UBEC reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to providing functional basic education to Nigeria’s school-age population.
In his address at the event, the Executive Chairman, OYOSUBEB, Nureni Adeniran, said the board under his supervision, had keyed into the smart education system initiated by UBEC.
According to him, OYOSUBEB is currently conducting a recruitment exercise to employ 7,000 primary school teachers who are digitally literate.
Adeniran said efficient operation of the Smart Schools in the state, would enhance the overall effectiveness of UBE delivery, by ensuring that all educational programmes met and maintained minimum standards.
The Director, Teachers’ Development, Mr Mayowa Aleshin, said the UBE Effective Schools Program represented a substantial investment in Nigeria’s educational future, being tailored to bridging gaps in learning and fostering an environment where every child would thrive academically.
Bomb explosion injures girl in Yobe
An explosion, suspected to be caused by a planted Improvised Explosive Device, has occurred at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Channels Television reported that a resident of Buni, Ali Hassan said that the incident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday, injuring a girl.
The name of the girl and her current state of health has yet to be known
The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammad Shehu also confirmed the incident, saying another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully defused by the Army.
He further explained the only victim of the explosion, is currently receiving treatment at one of the health facilities in Buni Yadi.
He stressed the incident was a planted IED and not a suicide bombing incident.
Buni Yadi, located 54 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital, was the most severely affected local government area in Yobe State during the two years it was under Boko Haram insurgent control.
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‘Monumental loss’ – Ebonyi gov mourns late Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu
Governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed shock over the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Nwifuru, who also expressed sadness at the death of the Igbo chieftain, described late Iwuanyanwu as a visionary leader who lived for his people.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, on Thursday.
The governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu — the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a renowned elder statesman.
“His demise is a monumental loss to the entire Igbo race and our nation, Nigeria. He was a visionary leader, a champion of unity, and a tireless advocate for the welfare of his people.
“His wisdom, counsel, and contributions to the Igbo cause will be greatly missed. As an elder statesman, he played a significant role in shaping the Igbo history and promoting peaceful coexistence among our diverse ethnic groups.
“His legacy will continue to inspire and fuel the Igbo cause.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, Imo State — the Igbo community, and all those who mourn his passing.”
‘Monumental loss’ – Ebonyi gov mourns late Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu
Reps pledge to facilitate removal of varsities from Band A
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on University Education, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, has assured the Vice Chancellors and management team of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and Federal University Kashare, Gombe State, that efforts would be made to remove universities and other tertiary institutions from Band A group of electricity consumers.
Fulata, who made this known during his committee’s visit to the two higher institutions of learning, said the legislators are determined to remove obstacles to the smooth running of academic institutions.
He expressed optimism that the government will listen to them and remove universities from Band A, the same way the tertiary institutions were removed from IPPIS.
The committee observed that many universities are finding it difficult to pay electricity bills due to the hike in the tariff.
Fulata also tasked the managements of the two universities to try as much as possible to comply with relevant laws, particularly the Appropriation Act.
In his contribution, Victor Afam Ogene, one of the members of the committee, drew the attention of the management of ATBU to some irreconcilable figures in relation to income and expenditure of the school between 2021 to 2023.
He noted that it is inappropriate for a government institution to spend more than its income on a revenue generating facility like a quest house.
“Will it be appropriate to get less than N800,000 from the school quest house and spend over N5 million to maintain it?”, Ogene queried.
Adamu Gamawa, one of the committee members, speaking on the budget performance of Federal University Kashare, Gombe, said extra-budgetary spending is not allowed as it is unconstitutional.
“For instance, you cannot budget N10 million and spend N15 million. That is why there is room for supplementary budget,” Adamu said.
Similarly, Omirin Olusanya, a member of the committee, called for compliance with federal character principles. According to the lawmaker, non-compliance with federal character principles in recruitment is a violation of the constitution.
Responding, the acting Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Prof. Sani Kunya, thanked the Fulata-led Committee on University Education and sought the lawmakers’ support in order to address the challenges of the school.
In the same vein, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Kashare, Gombe State, Prof. Usman Pate, thanked the lawmakers for visiting the school.
Pate noted that apart from infrastructure challenges, many lecturers are reluctant to work in the school because of insecurity.
Reps pledge to facilitate removal of varsities from Band A
Kano sanctions six court registrars for forgery, extortion
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has sanctioned six court registrars for various misconduct, including forgery and extortion.
A statement on Friday by the commission’s spokesman, Baba Jibo, said the decision was taken at the commission’s 74th meeting held on July 22, 2024.
According to Jibo, the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee investigated a petition brought against two court registrars, Mustapha Makama and Yusuf Yakasai, who reportedly conspired and extorted N130,000 from the petitioner under the pretence of releasing a suspect on bail which turned out to be false.
“The committee found that their actions amounted to extortion and conspiracy involving unlawful receipt of funds,” the statement read.
Makama was directed to proceed on compulsory retirement having been found not to be fit and proper to continue in the service of the judiciary, while Yakasai, who is an accessory to the misconduct, has been demoted by one grade level.
Similarly, the JPCC also investigated a petition against a syndicate in person of Salisu Ado (Secretary at High Court Complex Bompai), Bilya Abdullahi (Senior Registrar High Court No. 9), Ismail Garba and Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil (Court Registrars) and found their action amounting to conspiracy, forgery and cheating by issuance of forged bank reversal court order and also forging the signature of a magistrate.
“The Judicial Service Commission upon adoption of the recommendation of the JPCC has suspended the above-mentioned staff immediately,” the statement added.
The statement said the commission will continue to apply the appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities, in order to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain public confidence
Police deploy 4,200 policemen ahead of hunger protest in FCT
In an effort to nip in the bud any likely eruption of violence during the proposed nationwide protest, the Federal Capital Territory police command has deployed a total of 4,200 policemen across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.
The command also announced the deployment of explosive ordinance device experts at various strategic locations.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the spokesperson of the command, Josephine Adeh, adding that the deployment was to ensure public safety, protection of protesters and to prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
Read also: RipplesMetrics: The economic reality of Nigeria’s N70,000 new minimum wage
She added that there would be raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, and stop and search operations among others in collaboration with sister security agencies.
TVN reports that the proposed hunger strike is scheduled to hold between August 1 and 10, 2024 across the country.
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Iwuanyanwu’s death colossal loss — Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a colossal loss to Nigeria, particularly the Igbo nation and the media industry.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, in Ikeja, on Friday.
The octogenarian, who was President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly, died on Thursday after a brief illness.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, I mourn the death of the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
“Iwuanyanwu was an active participant in Nigerian politics, having served his party in different capacities and contested for Nigeria’s presidency on three occasions.
“He contributed his quota for the development of his people and the country at large. He was very passionate about the interest, growth, and development of all Igbo at home and in the diaspora.
“As a media proprietor and accomplished businessman, he contributed his quota to the economy of Lagos State by providing job opportunities for many young Lagos residents in the media and other companies he established.
“He was a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his community, state, and the country in different sectors,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu described the late founder of Champion Newspaper and Heartland FC as a passionate sport supporter.
He said, “His footprints in sports development in Nigeria as the founder of Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which won several national and international championships would not be forgotten in many years to come.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and pray that God grants the Ndigbo, the deceased’s family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
He also consoled the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and the entire people of Imo over the death of their illustrious son.
The governor sympathized with the wife of the deceased, Lady Frances Iwuanyanwu, children, friends, and associates, as well as the management and staff of Champion Newspaper and other businesses of the statesman.
Iwuanyanwu’s death colossal loss — Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu
PDP, Kwara disagree over palliative distribution
The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Kwara State government have clashed over the timing of palliative and empowerment programmes being distributed across the state’s 193 wards.
The PDP alleged that the N50,000 empowerment given to 150 people in each ward under the Kwara State Investment Programme is a tactic to attract voters for the upcoming local government elections on September 21.
The government, however, contended that it has been equipping youths with empowerment tools to expand their businesses since 2020.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the PDP urged the people of Kwara to “be vigilant and not be swayed by the recent reintroduction of the Subsidised Transport Palliative Programme by the state government, ahead of the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024.”
The statement continued, “Aside from the subsidised transport palliative, the state government has reportedly directed that a list of 150 individuals from each of the 193 wards be compiled and submitted to KWASSIP for a purported N50,000 empowerment, with this exercise expected to cost about N700 million.”
The PDP expressed concern that these measures are desperate attempts by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to deceive the public and buy their votes after six years of hardship and poor governance under his administration. It further alleged that the governor is contemplating borrowing an additional N20 billion to finance the elections in favour of his party and selected candidates.
The statement also noted that with the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, the power now rests with the people, especially those at the grassroots level.
“We must seize this opportunity to ensure that the governor’s handpicked candidates do not prevail. Allowing these candidates to win would mean the continuation of the Transition Implementation Committees imposed by the governor since 2019, which have crippled the administration of the 16 local government areas and squandered resources without mercy.
“The PDP urges the people of Kwara to see through these deceptive tactics, accept whatever ‘Greek gifts’ offered by the government, but uphold their conscience and reject candidates handpicked by Governor Abdulrazaq. Now more than ever, we must remain united and steadfast in our commitment to bring about a new era of local government administration that genuinely serves the people and addresses insecurity.”
In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as baseless, asserting that the government does not need to bribe the electorate to win the upcoming local government elections.
Ajakaye stated, “The achievements of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq through various projects and programmes over the past five years are sufficient proof for the people to continue supporting the APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.”
He further explained that the government has been supporting youth business expansion through KWASSIP since 2020.
“The PDP’s claims are unfounded and petty. The state government, led by Governor Abdulrazaq, has been supporting business growth for the people since 2020. The government does not need to bribe anyone to win elections in the state,” Ajakaye concluded.
Why anti-subsidy protests didn’t turn violent under Jonathan
A former Director, Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has said the protest staged to kick against attempts by former President Goodluck Jonathan-led government to remove petrol subsidy in 2012 didn’t turn violent partly because of ‘the body language’ of the former President.
Ejiofor, who is the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, also said that the protesters also didn’t go irate because the situation in the country was not as bad as it is presently.
The former DSS boss gave the explanation while speaking on the planned #EndBadGovernance August 1 – 10 protests, and the moves of government to dissuade the organisers from storming the street.
Recall the DSS on Thursday warned the organisers of the planned nationwide protests against proceeding with the action, saying it uncovered a plan “by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.”
Also, the military and police have also warned against the protest scheduled to be held from August 1 to 10 in response to the economic hardship experienced in the country.
“The level of violence being envisaged can only be described as a state of anarchy. The armed forces on its part will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation,” defence spokesman, Major General Edward Buba said on Thursday.
Meanwhile, speaking during an interview on Arise TV Morning Show, Ejiofor on Friday while answering question on why the protest of 2012 was not subjected to threats and a clampdown by security agencies, said it was partly because of the body language of Jonathan who was the then president and the situation of the country as of 2012.
He, however, said the present situation in the country has left a hard condition posing fears that the planned protest if staged, has the tendency to be hijacked because people are now “hungry and desperate”.
“The 2012 protest didn’t turn violent, one, because of the body language of the sitting president then. He allowed everything to go and the situation was not as bad as what we have now. Now, it can be exploited because people are hungry, desperate and want to use anything to vent their anger,” he said.
Arguing that while the right of the people to protest remains sacrosanct, the fear of the protest being hijacked remains high, and could be exploited by people who may seize the situation to push their personal interest.
“It is their legitimate right to protest as enshrined in the constitution. But I think they (organisers of protest) did us a lot of good by giving sufficient notice to the government of their intentions to go on protest and you can see the grounds of appeals from various stakeholders, interests groups appealing to them to shelve the plan.
“No matter how good their intentions are, I believe this will be hijacked eventually,” he said.
Maintaining that “the fear is very high that this protest will be hijacked”, he added that “Some people see this government as the best government whatever because of their personal interest not because of national interest… they would also represent their own interest, not the interest of the government, so that’s why we are afraid it might be hijacked.
“Some people might tell you that this APC government is not doing well, others will tell you that this is the best government.
“So, you have conflicting interests. That is why it is necessary that for now because of the enormous security challenges we have, we should not compound our problems by engaging in more protest.”
Recalling the #EndSars 2020 protest which according to him led to properties being destroyed with losses incurred by the nation and individuals, he added that though the organisers pf the #EndBadGovernance protest may have a course to protest, considering the hardship in the country, people of ulterior motives may hijack the process.
“Looking at their demands, we will all agree that there is economic hardship in the country, there is hunger and anger in the land, but again people who are more hungry now will explore the opportunity to loot people’s shops and it will eventually turn violent and that’s why we will continue to appeal to organisers to shelve the plans and give government time to look at it,” he said.
On the warnings by security agents, Ejiofor said the security agents have the duty to respond with force should the protest turn violent.
“Nobody is saying they should not protest but if you protest and it turns violent, the government has the statutory mandate of protecting the state and the innocent citizens. The point remains that people have the right to protest as long as it doesn’t turn violent,” he said.
He, however, warned against comments by some aides of the President Bola Tinubu which he described as “provocative” and could engender provocations with ethnic colouration and religious connotations.
“There are other issues agitating my mind; the issue of some provocative statements that the president’s aides are making that is likely to provoke people, giving it political meaning, ethnic colouration, religious connotations and what a view. These are not helping issues,” he said.
He called on President Tinubu not just to stop at consulting with interest groups in the country, but to also extend the reach to the common Nigerians at the grassroots while stressing the need for the President to address the nation in a broadcast.
“The ordinary man in the street needs also to know what is happening because some people do not even have electricity to look at the nation to know what is going on. I think the president needs to directly speak to the people, maybe make a national broadcast, this will help in relaxing the situation,” he said
Maintaining a similar position, the National Coordinator, the Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative and former spokesperson for the Coalition of Northern Groups, Sama’ila Musa, called for dialogue, submitting the presidency should “come out and address the people and sympathise with them.”
Also featuring on Arise TV morning show on Friday, Musa mentioned that current cases of rampage and looting of goods of private individuals, particularly as experienced in the Northern part of the country pose a risk of what may become of the protest should it go on.
“There is so much anger in the land. A lot of people are not happy because of some kinds of hardship in the land. It’s obvious people are complaining, prices are rising and all that, and people are suffering and you believe with me that is why people are actually calling for this protest.
“We are afraid with the level of anger right now in the Country, especially in the North as it is, we’ve seen cases where truckloads of food stuffs belonging to traders, maybe got spoilt somewhere on the road and people just move in and start offloading it, helping themselves out and that’s without riot. How much more what’s going to happen when you call for a mass protest, to what extent can the police curtail the excesses when you have situations like this?”, he queried.
He mentioned the situation may degenerate to criminal elements of the protesters “going to start looting people’s properties and vandalising ordinary citizen’s properties, carting away their goods.”