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No plan to sell varsities to private investors, says FG

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No plan to sell varsities to private investors, says FG

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Tuesday said the Federal Government has no plans to sell universities to private investors.

Mamman clarified the Second Quarterly Engagement of the ministry with heads of units and chief executive officers of parastatals and agencies under the ministry.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities had accused the Federal Government of plans to hand over federal universities to investors through public-private partnerships.

”There is no plan to sell off universities to investors,” he said, noting that the policy of the government allowed for transnational education.

According to him, transnational education is a policy on what this government is doing to open up tertiary education by taking people from the rest of the world to come and invest in our tertiary system.

“Some people are carrying information that the Federal Government is selling off to private investors its universities. This is an absolute lie and completely false.

“This government believes in our public institutions. However, as we all know this government has reforms that this country needs.

“The private sector will play a major role in the provision of tertiary education, as there are more private universities in Nigeria than public universities combined.

“What this government has done is to open up the tertiary education level, in particular the universities, for global competitiveness,” he said.

The minister stressed the need to allow those who operate universities at the international level to come into the country and set up institutions either for themselves or in collaboration with our local universities.

He said that this was in no way to sell its institutions, noting that guidelines on transnational education had been in place.

Mamman said the country must take a cue from what is obtainable in other countries to benefit from the advantage of transnational education.

“In other parts of the world, like Asia, they have benefited immensely from having international institutions in those countries.

“They have taken standards to those countries and also for the exchange and bringing money to those countries,” he said.

He further said that the engagement with heads of agencies as parastatals was to review the progress, and challenges and reaffirm commitment toward the educational landscape of the country.

Court rejects Emefiele’s request to travel abroad for medicals

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Court rejects Emefiele’s request to travel abroad for medicals

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on Tuesday, refused an application by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to be granted permission to travel to the United Kingdom for a medical check-up.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before on an amended 20-count charge bordering on procurement fraud, obtaining by pretence, and forgery while he held sway as governor of the apex bank.

At the resumed hearing on the application for medical leave, the trial Judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, held that Emefiele failed to supply sufficient reasons to show that the medical trip was essential and unavoidable.

Justice Muazu, in a ruling, while denying Emefiele’s request said he failed to show the court a copy of the medical appointment or invitation from the United Kingdom he claimed invited him for a medical check-up despite stating he will be away from July 28 to September 10.

The judge also said Emefiele could not establish that his ailment could not be attended to in Nigeria.

The judge said although the court has the power to exercise its discretion, it might be a little too much of a request for Emefiele to ask because he is standing trial in three different courts in FCT and Lagos for various charges.

“As it stands now, I cannot use my discretion to grant the application, and he is standing trial in three courts.

“The application is hereby dismissed, and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands,” Justice Muazu said.

Recall that EFCC had argued against Emefiele’s application on July 8.

The prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, contended that there is no medical report showing that Emefiele was suffering from any particular ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria as presented to the court.

He argued that Emefiele is a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad, adding that the applicant is facing trials in three different courts.

Emefiele’s counsel, Hakeem Labi-Lawal, urged the court to grant his client’s request and release his passport which was deposited as part of his bail conditions to the court registrar.

He said the defence arguments were speculative.

He added that an international red alert could ensure Emefiele is returned if he did not comply after the medical trip.

After listening to both parties, Justice Muazu subsequently adjourned to today to rule on the application.

Among others, Emefiele was said to have forged a document titled: “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions ” dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He is also accused of using his office as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantage on two companies; April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele in the amended charge was alleged to have, on February 8, 2023, knowingly obtained, by pretense, $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation vide a letter dated January 26, 2023, with Ref No. SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance for $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive.”

NiMet unveils anti-corruption policy, vows to fight bribery

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NiMet unveils anti-corruption policy, vows to fight bribery

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, has urged staff to foster a workplace culture centred on ethical conduct.

Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of NiMet’s Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy and Code of Ethics in Abuja, Anosike emphasised the importance of ethics, integrity, and accountability as fundamental to organisational success.

He stressed, “Upholding these values will build trust with our clients and stakeholders, enabling NiMet to fulfil its mandate of contributing to national socio-economic development and safety of lives and property.”

Welcoming guests from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Anosike highlighted their collaboration in the fight against corruption, underscoring NiMet’s commitment to institutionalizing ethical standards in the public service.

Presenting the NiMet Code of Ethics and Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy, Anosike said, “These documents demonstrate our unwavering dedication to ethical behaviour and combating corruption. They signal our resolve to foster a culture where corruption is unacceptable.”

Anosike reiterated NiMet’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption, emphasizing the Policy’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability across all operations.

He urged all staff to adhere strictly to the NiMet code of ethics and Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy.

The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, represented by Charles Nwosu, commended NiMet for its initiative.

He noted, “We are impressed with the commitment shown by NiMet in launching these documents. We appreciate Prof. Anosike and NiMet’s leadership in joining hands with us in the national fight against corruption.

“Our impressions will be conveyed to the ICPC Chairman and ultimately to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, affirming NiMet’s alignment with national anti-corruption efforts.”

Student Loan: NELFUND onboards an additional 22 state-owned tertiary institutions [Full List]

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Student Loan: NELFUND onboards an additional 22 state-owned tertiary institutions [Full List]

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND said it has onboarded 22 additional state-owned Tertiary institutions into its scheme.
NELFUND made this known in a statement through its official X handle on Tuesday.
The development made the total number of state-owned tertiary institutions onboarded into the scheme to 70.
The implication is that the 70 state-owned tertiary can apply for the student loan scheme.
“The Management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is by this notice, announcing the onboarding of 22 additional State-owned tertiary institutions.
“Students from the following State-owned institutions (including the 48 institutions earlier announced) can now apply for student loans by visiting nelf.gov.ng”, it stated.
Full List of 22 additional Tertiary Institutions:
Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola,
College of Education Afaha Nsit,
Akwa Ibom State University,
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic,
Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare,
Niger Delta University,
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku,
Delta State University of Science and Technology,
Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba,
Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education Ihitte Uboma,
Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State,
Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya,
Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia,
Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru,
OGUN STATE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, IGBESA,
D.S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic Itori-Ewekoro,
Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State,
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree,
Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora,
Plateau State University Bokkos,
Port Harcourt Polytechnic and
IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION PORT HARCOURT.
Recall upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the Student Loan Act in April 2024, application for the scheme took off on May 24 with 1.2 million students in federal territory institutions.
Consequently, NELFUND said it has approved the disbursement of loans to successful students.
Student Loan: NELFUND onboards an additional 22 state-owned tertiary institutions [Full List]

France to report Argentina players to FIFA over racist chants

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France to report Argentina players to FIFA over racist chants

The French Football Federation plans to complain to FIFA about alleged racist chants from members of Argentina’s Copa America winning team.

The chants were heard during a live video posted on social media by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus in the wake of the Copa victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.

Some players, including Fernandez, sing a chant that dates back to the 2022 World Cup final that Argentina won against France that targets France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe and includes alleged homophobic insults.

A source close to the FFF told AFP on Tuesday that the French body plans to write to the Argentinian football federation and refer the matter to FIFA.

Two years ago, the FFF also filed a complaint against racist comments on social media.

Africa Facts Zone via X who also posted an update noted that  Enzo Fernandez and the Argentine Players have been accused of racism, after ridiculing French Players of African descent, following their Copa America victory.

According to them, they were chanting the words, “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.”

Enzo Fernandez has since been criticised by X users for his involvement in singing the chants.

A user #CFCMod_ wrote, “I can never defend Enzo Fernandez again, publicly making racist chants and laughing about it. There’s no apology that can redeem “racism” and I hope everyone understands this.”

Another #WelBeast wrote, “I just saw a video of Enzo Fernandez cheerleading to a racist song aimed at Kylian Mbappe, and that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is seeing a post from a Chelsea fan asking him to apologize so they can forgive him. I don’t want to speak.”

AFP

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Somali militiamen seize heavy weapons after looting convoy

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Somali militiamen seize heavy weapons after looting convoy

At least five people were killed when militiamen ambushed a convoy in central Somalia and seized heavy weapons, the local government and residents said on Tuesday.

This is coming seven months after a decades-long arms embargo was lifted.

The convoy was travelling on Monday with a security escort near the town of Abudwaq when militiamen from a local clan attacked and overpowered security forces, four residents told Reuters.

They said the arms, which included machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades, originated in neighbouring Ethiopia.

“Unfortunately, five people died from both sides yesterday over weapons,” said Ahmed Shire, a security adviser to the president of Galmudug State, where Abudwaq is located.

“We understand the weapons fell into the hands of civilians,” he added.

Rashid Abdi, an analyst with the Sahan Research think-tank, called the incident “the single most serious incident of arms proliferation in central Somalia” and said some of the weapons would likely be bought by al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate.

Writing on X, Abdi said it was a “clear case of why lifting of an arms embargo on Somalia was a big strategic mistake.”

The last restrictions under an arms embargo that had been in place, in some form, for more than 30 years were fully lifted by the UN Security Council in December.

Somalia’s government said the move would allow it to confront security threats and build up its national forces.

The country has been confronting an insurgency by al Shabaab for nearly two decades.

African Union peacekeepers are drawing down their presence to hand over great responsibility to Somali forces, but the AU and Mogadishu governments have warned of a possible security vacuum if that happens too quickly.

Clan-based militias have fought alongside government forces in a military campaign against al Shabaab in central Somalia.

They have also turned their weapons on one another in disputes over land and resources.

Reuters/NAN.

Delta Chief Judge reviews 215 cases in Kwale Correctional Centre

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Delta Chief Judge reviews 215 cases in Kwale Correctional Centre

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, has reviewed 215 cases of inmates in Kwale Correctional Centre.

Justice Diai made this known on Tuesday during her visit to the correctional facility in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.

She said, “While reviewing cases, a total of 244 cases were listed but due to the conclusion of some of the cases of the inmates or their release on bail, only 215 cases of inmates were actually reviewed.

“Out of the 215 warrants reviewed, no inmates were released, and none was granted bail as their cases were ongoing before the various courts.”

Diai commended all stakeholders for their efforts, particularly the office of the DPP, stating that without the input of the DPP’s office, the trial of the cases would not have moved so swiftly at the courts.

In his remarks, the Delta State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe applauded the painstaking and diligent manner in which the Chief Judge reviewed the individual inmate’s cases.

Erebe also advised youths to abstain from crime for their own good and avoid actions that may lead them to be inmates of a correctional centre.

“I was also impressed with the staff of the Ministry of Justice for their diligence in ensuring that witnesses were brought to Court to give evidence. 

“Most of the cases have gotten to the judgement stage, it was an indication that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 is working in the State” he said.

The Solicitor-General also commended stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice for their commitment to ensuring the success of the exercise.

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National Assembly members infiltrating constituency projects beyond N100bn

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National Assembly members infiltrating constituency projects beyond N100bn

A non-profit organisation, BudgiT, says there has been a growing trend of National Assembly members exceeding their constitutional limits by inserting personal projects into the general capital budget, beyond their traditional constituency projects.

The Head of Tracka in the organisation, Ayomide Ladipo, while addressing the press in Lagos on Monday said this was observed in the last one year.

She said the lawmakers now overstepped their bounds, encroaching on the purview of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

According to Ladipo, this has resulted in agencies being allocated projects unrelated to their core mandates, with lawmakers exerting control over procurement processes.

She said, “In previous years, empowerment projects were mostly limited to constituency projects within the 100 billion naira purse. So the National Assembly members who are mostly the drivers of this empowerment project, stay within the limit of their constituency project, but in the last one year, they have broken the ceiling. We have seen them infiltrate beyond the 100 billion naira constituency project into the general capital project earlier this year.

“The capital projects are within the purview of the MDAs, but now we have seen situations whereby they have totally infiltrated the capital project.

“We learnt that some of the Agencies have to grovel to National Assembly members to get their budget approved and that means the lawmakers have to insert their own. It is almost like a trade and barter system.

“It is evident in the budget when you see an agency that deals in technology being in charge of a medical outreach and you tend to see the connection when you look at the National Assembly members from these communities.

“You also discover they have people in these agencies that they have control over. So they take over the entire procurement system.”

She added that agencies were front to get the money which they illegally sub-contract it to another company who they cannot do oversight on.

She further revealed that Tracka had facilitated the completion of over 11,800 projects worth N5.3 trillion in the education, health, and infrastructural sectors in over 3,500 communities, currently serving over 10 million Nigerians.

While announcing BudgIT’s 10th anniversary slated for September 14, 2024, at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Ladipo noted that the event would feature an essay competition and Active Citizens Festival.

She said, “To commemorate this milestone, Tracka is staging the Active Citizens Festival, an entertainment event themed ‘Building People, Moulding Nations’. The festival will comprise activities designed for active citizens and serve as the intersection between the intricate work of governance and accountability with fun and entertainment for young Nigerians.

She added that “the anniversary is expected to host a series of signature activities, including a National Essay Competition for students in secondary schools across Nigeria, with N500,000 up for grabs for the winners, panel discussions to assess Tracka’s findings concerning suspicious allocations worth N624 billion in the 2024 Federal Government and how young Nigerians can be active participants in tackling corruption in Nigeria’s budgetary process.”

The Country Director of BudgIT, Gabriel Okeowo, said despite the hurdles, Tracka has achieved significant milestones in ensuring the proper implementation of public projects, citizens’ participation in governance, and advocating for community development.

He said through social advocacy, innovation, and active citizen mobilisation, BudgIT had facilitated improved service delivery for citizens.

“The Active Citizens Festival is a unique opportunity to celebrate these achievements and inspire the next generation of Nigerians to engage actively in governance.

“While we are excited about this milestone, it is also a call to action for all citizens to continue building a transparent, equitable, and accountable society,” he said.

LG Autonomy: Ex-AG Imo, Ume writes AGF, tasks Nigerian govt on true federalism

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LG Autonomy: Ex-AG Imo, Ume writes AGF, tasks Nigerian govt on true federalism

A former Attorney General of Imo State, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, SAN has asked the federal government to immediately embark on a holistic restructuring of the country having secured financial autonomy for the Local Government Councils in Nigeria.
In a message to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, Ume asked him to move further to secure a holistic and comprehensive independence and autonomy of the courts and other State Houses of Assembly.
He said the steps if taken, would become preludes to positioning the country in a functional and meaningful federalism that holds hopes for future generations.
The letter dated July 12, 2024, reads in part: “I sincerely appreciate and congratulate your good self and your office on your patriotic and historic efforts in conceiving, instituting and prosecuting the above much needed constitutional suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria leading to the heartwarming pronouncement of the court on the crucial political and financial autonomy of the Local Government Councils.
“We look forward to God continuing to assist you with the same wisdom, vision and strength of mind to further pull the country into institutionalising a holistic and comprehensive independence and autonomy of the courts and other State Houses of Assembly during your tenure.
“We also look forward to these becoming preludes to positioning our country into a functional and meaningful federalism that holds hopes for our children.
“The inevitable truth is that no living thing can exist without a good structure. The tree must have taproot in the soil, and grow its stem, branches and leaves to bear fruits.
“As of today, Nigeria is lacking these fundamental structures and that is why we are where we are today.
“Your bold and far-reaching endeavours have rejuvenated the true intentions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as to the independence and autonomy of the Local Government system, particularly on the intents and purpose of the federal constitutional democracy of our country, ” the letter reads.
LG Autonomy: Ex-AG Imo, Ume writes AGF, tasks Nigerian govt on true federalism

IMF maintains 2024 global growth forecast, warns of inflation risk

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IMF maintains 2024 global growth forecast, warns of inflation risk

The International Monetary Fund held its global growth expectations for 2024 steady in a report Tuesday even as it cut forecasts for the United States and Japan, while warning of inflation risks and trade tensions ahead.

The IMF expects the world economy to grow 3.2 per cent this year, unchanged from its April forecast, according to its World Economic Outlook update.

“Global activity and world trade firmed up at the turn of the year, with trade spurred by strong exports from Asia, particularly in the technology sector,” said the fund.

For 2025, it expects global growth of 3.3 per cent.

But even as many countries saw better growth than anticipated in the first three months this year, the IMF flagged what it called notable surprises in Japan and the United States.

The Washington-based lender also cautioned that upside risks to inflation have increased, with services prices holding up disinflation.

This increases the prospect of interest rates staying elevated for longer, “in the context of escalating trade tensions and increased policy uncertainty.”

An area of concern is trade and industrial policy, with countries potentially adopting measures that impact the global economy’s integration, said IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas.

Asked if risk assessments have shifted after the attempted assassination of former US president Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s nominee in November’s election, Gourinchas noted the fund will consider its implications.

Lower US forecast

While world growth appears stable, the IMF has lowered projections for the United States and Japan.

US growth in 2024 was downgraded to 2.6 per cent, 0.1 percentage points below April’s forecast, due to a “slower-than-expected start to the year,” said the fund.

Japan’s economy was seen expanding by 0.2 percentage points less than expected, by 0.7 per cent this year.

This was mainly thanks to temporary supply disruptions and weak private investment in the first quarter.

The euro area meanwhile is showing signs of recovery, with relatively strong services activity, Gourinchas said, although manufacturing shows weakness.

China and India are expected to power activity in Asia — with China’s 2024 forecast revised up to 5.0 per cent on a private consumption rebound and strong exports.

India, meanwhile, is set to grow 7.0 per cent, partly on better prospects for consumption.

Gourinchas also flagged risks to China stemming from weak confidence and unresolved property sector problems.

Should domestic demand weaken, China would rely more on the external sector — a situation that countries like the United States are pushing back against.

Inflation risks

There also remain risks of sticky inflation amid renewed trade or geopolitical tensions, the IMF cautioned, even as it expects inflation to return to target by the end of 2025.

Wage growth, if accompanied by weak productivity, could make it tough for firms to ease price increases.

An escalation of trade tensions could also raise near-term inflation risks, by lifting costs of imported goods, IMF said.

Higher inflation could heighten the chances that interest rates stay elevated for longer, increasing financial risks.

The IMF called for careful monetary policy adjustments.

A resurgence of tariffs can also trigger retaliation and a “costly race to the bottom,” said the report.

Another source of uncertainty is the chance of “significant swings in economic policy as a result of elections this year, with negative spillovers to the rest of the world.”

AFP

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