NUC Slams NBTE’s ‘Top-Up Degree’ Scheme For Poly Graduates

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised strong objections to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) over its introduction of a “top-up degree” program for Nigerian polytechnic graduates holding Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). The NUC, through its acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, expressed that this initiative contradicts the commission’s mandate.  The NBTE had initially established a partnership with foreign universities to offer a one-year conversion course, allowing HND graduates to convert their diplomas into full-fledged degrees.  This move was well-received by HND graduates seeking to bridge the gap between university degree holders and themselves. However, the NUC issued a stern statement, urging the NBTE to reconsider its plan. The NUC emphasized that the “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for Employment, and for Related Matters,” which passed in 2021, has not been assented to by the President.  Thus, the dichotomy between university degrees and HNDs remains. The NUC clarified its authority as the sole regulatory agency for university education in Nigeria, underlining the significant differences in the educational processes and requirements between universities and polytechnics. Additionally, the NUC pointed out that candidates with HNDs who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in Nigerian universities must meet specific admission criteria. The NUC advised the NBTE to focus on its core mandate and refrain from introducing programs that fall outside its jurisdiction and lack legal support in Nigeria. The commission emphasized its commitment to regulating and maintaining the quality of university education in the country.

Katsina Varsity Suspends 6 Students Amid Allegations Of Colleague’s Murder

The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), in Katsina State has suspended six students over the alleged murder of a 200-level student of the institution. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Malam Habib Aminu-Umar, the spokesperson of the university and made available to newsmen in Katsina on Sunday. The State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of six students of the university in connection to the death of Abubakar Nasir-Barda, a 200 level-student. “The management of the University on behalf of its Senate, staff and student is deeply saddened, concerned and highly regrets the unfortunate incident involving some of its students. “It led to the sudden death of a 200-level Computer Science and Information Technology, from an unfortunate altercation over a female student. “The University Management has been up and doing since the occurrence of the unfortunate incident to ensure justice is served to all. “The management upon getting wind of the incident swiftly constituted an Interim ad-hoc committee to look into the case and feed management on development as they unfold,” he said. According to him, a preliminary report submitted to the management on Sept. 30, by the committee revealed that the unfortunate incident occurred outside the university’s campus. “But upon receipt of information, the university’s security were quickly mobilised to the scene for prompt intervention that halted further altercation between the students and apprehension of some students involved. “The matter has already been taken over by Police, which led to the arrest of six students that are in connection with the incident as confirmed by the Police official press statement,” Aminu-Umar said. According to him, the ad-hoc committee’s interim report had equally recommended the University Management to invoke session 5.5(a) Of the University Academic Policy by suspending all the six students involved in the matter pending the outcome of the police investigation. “Which the management has approved by suspending indefinitely all the six students involved,” the university’s spokesperson revealed. He said that while the police investigation was ongoing, the university management was assuring the public, particularly the university community that no stone shall be left unturned in ensuring justice was served. Aminu-Umar further disclosed that the university management prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

AAU suspends academic activities indefinitely

The Management of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo, has announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Head, Corporate Affairs, Otunba Mike Aladenika, and made available to the on Tuesday in Benin. Aladenika said the suspension of activities was announced in a memo signed by the school’s Acting Registrar, Mr Ambrose Odiase. “The suspension of academic activities became necessary following an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate in Ekpoma on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students running into days.  “In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice than to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities. “To this effect, all students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence within the next 24 hours. “This is an indication that no student should be seen in or around the halls of residence of the University by 3.00 pm on Tuesday,” the statement said. Aladenika further said that the 40th Matriculation Ceremony of the university scheduled to be held on Tuesday, had also been put on hold indefinitely. Students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in school fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities. The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government while the school management had severally denied increase in the tuition fees of returning students. 

NUC, VCs deny bribery allegation against Reps C’ttee

The National Universities Commission (NUC) and Committee of Vice Chancellors (VCs) have denied bribery and extortion allegations against the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing job racketeering and mismanagement of IPPIS in MDAs. Prof. Chris Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary, NUC, and Prof. Isiah Tanko, the VC of University of Jos, denied the allegation as reported by an online medium. They denied the report attributed to them when they jointly appeared before the committee in Abuja on Friday. Speaking on the issue as reported by the medium which alleged that the committee collected money from NUC and VCs for soft-landing over the probe, the NUC official said the report was baseless. According to him, the publication is regrettable, whatever the substance is, we wish that this does not impugn the partnership we have with the lawmakers which we should be promoting. Maiyaki said the universities occupied a special place in the life of any nation, advising that the lawmakers and the universities should come together to create a game changer for the country. On his part, Tanko, who represented Prof. Lilian Salami, the Chairman of the Committee of VCs, said they read the publication, but added that the VCs were not part of the allegation. “We read the disturbing publication and I can say that the VCs were not part of that and we did not provide any bribe to anybody, “We all dispersed from the committee investigative hearing as soon as we finished the last time we appeared before you,” said the representatives of the VCs. Maiyaki stressed that: “Soliciting money for bribes is out of contest and not true, the reporter did not find out the fact. We have hope and confidence in this ad hoc committee.” He said more than five programmes of University of Jos were in danger of being dis-accredited because of lack of manpower, adding “we were looking up to the committee to correct that”. The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, however noted that the publication was a sponsored to divert the attention of the members from finding out the deep-rooted evil that existed in public sectors. “It is not even our mandate to investigate the publication by Premium Times, but to investigate alleged racketeering in MDAs. “The investigating authorities like the ICPC and EFCC have been given the mandate to investigate those allegations and the account number,” he said. 

Mrs. Tinubu extends scholarship grants to 43 students

In a significant stride towards educational empowerment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, granted scholarships to 43 higher education students during a ceremony held in Abuja. The scholarships were bestowed through the National Scholarship Programme (NASP) under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). During the inaugural event of the initiative, Senator Tinubu announced that each recipient would receive N4 million per annum for four academic sessions along with a brand-new laptop. She expressed her belief that the Renewed Hope Initiative’s scholarship would be a transformative force, reshaping the destinies of youth across the nation. Highlighting the value of quality education as a fundamental right for every child, Senator Tinubu emphasized the collective responsibility of the populace to ensure that access to education is not hindered by financial constraints. She lamented that many young individuals are unable to pursue tertiary education due to financial limitations and reiterated the importance of providing opportunities for every child to reach their fullest potential. The First Lady underscored the scholarship program’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to accessible tertiary education, especially with the introduction of the student’s loan scheme. She outlined the RHI scholarship initiative as a promise to stand by the youth, acknowledging their dreams and aspirations as significant. Senator Tinubu emphasized that the scholarship program aimed not only to offer financial support but also to foster an environment where talents are nurtured and potentials recognized. She envisioned a country where quality education is accessible to all children, regardless of their background. The initiative garnered support from various stakeholders, with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) contributing 50 laptops to aid the cause. Senator Tinubu praised the cooperation of coordinators, governors’ wives, service chiefs’ spouses, and other organizations that played a role in realizing the program. Beneficiaries from all corners of the nation expressed their joy and gratitude for the opportunity. Awardees like Adijat Ayodele, Daniel Sunmonu, Eze Ijeoma, and Usman Sanni shared their happiness regarding the grants. The selection process ensured representation from every state and the FCT, with nominees being chosen by their respective state governors. Criteria included having proof of admission to a Nigerian tertiary institution, good academic standing, and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 and above. Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s scholarship program through the Renewed Hope Initiative marks a vital stride towards nurturing talents and breaking down barriers to quality education, ultimately fostering a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.

NBTE introduces online top-up programs for HND holders

*Task FG to sign Bill removing HND-BSc Dichotomy in Public Service The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has launched an innovative online top-up program for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, along with a dedicated portal to streamline the mobilization process for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. In an official statement released in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Fatima Abubakar, the Head of the NBTE Media Unit, disclosed these initiatives. Abubakar detailed that one of the portals is specifically designed for HND holders seeking to attain a Bachelor’s Degree through a one-year online top-up program facilitated by accredited foreign universities. This initiative aims to simplify the progression of HND holders toward higher academic degrees. She highlighted the historical challenges faced by HND holders when pursuing further education, including the inability to obtain NUC approval for a two-year Master of Technology program or the necessity to undertake a one-year Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before enrolling in a Master’s program. This new pathway aims to address these challenges by providing a streamlined and recognized progression opportunity. The online top-up program can be accessed at https://topup.nbte.gov.ng. Addressing another concern, Abubakar mentioned the difficulties encountered by many polytechnic HND graduates during the mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to admission into non-accredited programs. To address this issue, NBTE has introduced an HND admission portal accessible to all polytechnics. The portal will exclusively display accredited programs, granting NYSC the ability to view admitted candidates eligible for mobilization. This measure is expected to curb the admission of students into unaccredited programs and ensure adherence to quality assurance guidelines. The statement further underscored NBTE’s appeal to the President to sign the bill aimed at removing the HND-BSc Dichotomy in the Public Service, which was passed by the previous National Assembly. This legislation seeks to eradicate unjust and unwarranted discrimination against graduates of the polytechnic system. Abubakar emphasized the importance of providing legal backing to enhance the standing of HND holders, as they hold significant potential for driving Nigeria’s industrialization and contributing essential skills for the nation’s infrastructure development.

YABATECH is Nigeria’s Best Polytechnic for record 6th time

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has retained the first position for the sixth time in the biannual Webometrics ranking among Polytechnics in the country released in July 2023. This is contained in a statement on Saturday, signed by YABATECH Deputy Registrar, Mr Joe Ejiofor, Lagos. Ejiofor said the College also moved up by two steps, displaced other universities, widened the gap between the College and the first runner-up polytechnic by 17 steps, and improved upon its January 2023 position. According to Ejiofor, Webometric is a ranking of higher institutions of learning; it uses both Webometric and Bibliometric (research) indicators. Webometrics ranking is based on web content impact, top-cited researchers, and papers published on research and publication platforms online. The primary objective is to promote open access to the knowledge generated by institutions. “This milestone success is attributed to the support the Management has consistently given to relevant research units in the college. “In particular by providing the tools needed by the Centre for Information and Technology Management (CITM) to work professionally on the website tailored toward the sensitisation of the academic community. “This idea was to create an enabling environment so that they can publish their journals in relevant high-impact platforms,” he said. Ejiofor noted that the school had implemented strategies to improve its ranking through the increase in the quantity and quality of its web content. Earlier, the statement said that Dr Ibraheem Abdul, Rector, YABATECH, on assuming office on May 22, 2023, and in line with his erect agenda, promised to lift the college to the topmost height of academic excellence. This, according to the statement, was brought to bear by putting in place the necessary structure that would enable the College to grow, and take her stand among her global counterparts.  

Gov Alia inaugurates panel to audit Benue State Varsity

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has inaugurated the Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi visitation panel to audit the institution from 2016 to date. Alia, who was represented by the deputy governor, Chief Sam Ode, also urged the members of the panel to investigate the application of funds allocated for specific projects and to also assess staff development problems. He equally tasked the panel to evaluate the relationship between the management and stakeholders of the institution, assess the conditions of physical infrastructure and instructional materials, and scrutinize student enrollment within the period. The governor further urged the panel to approach the assignment with the utmost diligence, thoroughness and to be impartial and called on the management of the University to give their full cooperation and support to the panel. In his response, the Chairman of the panel, Prof. Gabriel Moti promised transparency and fairness in its assignment. Mori urged stakeholders to cooperate with the panel. Other members of the panel are Prof. Kwaghkondo Agber, Mr. Peter Igyeigye, Prof. Christie Ekoja, Mr. Sam Yuhwa, Prof. Okpe Okpe, and Mr. Simon Orkuma (Secretary).

COREN to sanction varsities over-admitting Engineering students

The Council for the Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), has vowed to sanction any university or polytechnic that admits engineering students above its admission quota. The president of the council, Engr. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, who disclosed this Wednesday in Abuja said: “Education is one of the key scorecards of COREN, and I am sure you know when you study the medical profession, there is an admission quota and if your university exceeds the number granted by the medical council, then that university will be sanctioned. If the number of enrollments exceeds your facilities, they will withdraw the certificate. “Engineering is not anything less, so we have activated that because it is already in our law, we have what we called the BMASS that defines the maximum number a university can admit in any of its engineering professions based on the facility of teaching and practical in workshop and laboratories, just like the medical students.  “We have already written to all universities; polytechnics and we are supposed to follow up with enforcement. We have had discussions with JAMB to do exactly what they are doing with the medical courses. And from the next academy session, you will not see any university that will admit engineering students more than their capacity. “Any institution that does that will be put in the spotlight and withdraw the mandate for them to teach just like other professions are doing. We want to make sure that the skill and proficiency of the graduates whether in universities or polytechnics in engineering is sacrosanct.”

Subsidy: CIEPUK offers varsity scholarships to public, private sector workers’ wards

The Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom (CIEPUK) on Monday said it was set to offer university scholarship to the wards of both public and private sector workers across the country. CIEPUK had earlier revealed that it was partnering several institutions and the National Association of Private School Proprietors’ (NAPSP) to award scholarship to outstanding students in the just concluded 2023 JAMB/UTME examinations. Prof. Marcel Ezenwoye, the National President of CIEPUK, however said that the Institute had decided to extend its scholarship programme to students whose parents were either working for government or in the private sector. He said the gesture was a way of helping the workers cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy regime being introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He explained that CIEPUK was partnering several universities both within and outside the country to offer 50 percent scholarship to these children of civil servants and private sector workers in the country. Ezenwoye noted that the 50 percent scholarship would cover part of the student’s tuition, hostel and other fees throughout their four-year period in which they are expected to study in the university of their choice. He added that the 50 percent scholarship to any university of their choice, would cover both JAMB/UTME students who did very well and other students with lower scores, provided they apply between now and Aug. 30. “In line with the Federal Government’s policies on inclusive, affordable and accessible education under the able watch of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice Kashim Shettima. “Our goal is to lighten the burden of these government/private sector workers and the strain on their finances occasioned by the fuel subsidy regime. “So that for a semester, they pay N60,000 as tuition fees, N30,000 for hostel and N5,000 as medical fees for their wards. “CIEPUK has therefore decided to allocate 20 scholarship slots each to staff of the various ministries, government institutions, parastatals, agencies as well as private organisations across the country. “Interested staff with eligible wards are advised to apply through their various ministries and private organisations as CIEPUK would deal directly and officially with the management of the organisations for a seamless and well-coordinated exercise. “The beneficiaries would access categorised scholarship to enable them study the course of their choice in any of our collaborating public and private Universities and polytechnics in Nigeria and overseas, for 2023/2024 academic session. “The list of tertiary institutions involved in the scholarship programme include; Hipdet University, Cameroon, Gideon Robert University, Lusaka, Zambia, St. Monica University, Cameroon, Paul University, Awka, Tansian University, Umunya Anambra State and Maduka University, Enugu State. “Others are Covenant Polytechnic, Owerri, Temple Gate Polytechnic, Aba and Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja,” he said. “Admission forms are already on sale and first scholarship/admission screening interview holds on August 30th, 2023 at the Old Registrar’s office, Paul University, Awka or CIEPUK Head Office, Abuja at 12 noon prompt. “You can go to our website www.ciepuk.org.uk to confirm the courses we offer as well as call 08069030670, 07030808907 or visit Ciepuk Educators House (Head Office), 39A First Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja for more information,” he said. He noted that government ministry, parastatal and private organisation would receive an award letter for the 20 university scholarship slots to enable them compile the list of their nominees within the next seven days. He urged the various ministries and private organisations who do not receive their award letters within the next seven days not to hesitate to call or visit the CIEPUK headquarters for prompt response. NAN