Tinubu Makes key Appointments in Education, Devp’t Agencies
President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes in three key educational and development agencies likely to placate sectional interests. He has named new heads for the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD). Additionally, Fatima Umaru Shinkafi’s role as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has been renewed. Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, will now lead the NUC. PLEASE READ: ASUU to FG: Scrapping Education Tax Will Ruin Tetfund, Public Universities Ribadu previously held leadership positions as vice-chancellor at two Nigerian universities. Meanwhile, Prof. Salisu Shehu, known for his work in educational psychology, has been appointed to oversee the NERDC. His background includes founding the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and serving as vice-chancellor at Al-Istiqamah University. NEPAD’s new National Coordinator is Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri, a specialist in international diplomacy and public administration. His extensive experience in governance and legislative matters is expected to enhance the agency’s performance. In the mining sector, Shinkafi’s reappointment to the SMDF solidifies her role in advancing initiatives like the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative. A previous announcement of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani’s appointment to SMDF was withdrawn, citing no vacancy in the role. These appointments are seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to position experienced professionals in key roles to drive the nation’s development.
ASUU issues additional 14-day ultimatum to FG over university crises
It has been one day one trouble as Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) issues 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
BREAKING: FG, ASUU begin meeting over strike
The Federal Government has commenced a pivotal meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Abuja.
Controversy Brews as VC Appoints Self Director of University Institute
Controversy Erupts as VC of FUHSO Appoints Himself Director of University Institute
It’s Not Mandatory For Election To Hold In Imo On Saturday -NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns about the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, suggesting that it may not proceed as scheduled. Uchenna Ekwe, the NLC Head of International Relations, expressed these doubts during an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday morning. Ekwe emphasized that the Imo State population has been enduring ongoing violence, which has cast doubt on the election’s viability as a means for meaningful change. He questioned the legitimacy of past elections in the state, pointing out the lack of visibility of posters from other political parties and the disruption of an INEC meeting. Ekwe further highlighted the loss of faith in the election process among both workers and the general populace in Imo State. He asserted that the prevailing violence and fear may deter people from participating in the election. He stressed that the world would not come to an end if the election did not take place as planned, underscoring the urgent need to address the security concerns and restore confidence in the electoral process in Imo State.
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.
NUC Upgrades Niger COE To Varsity
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has upgraded the Niger State College of Education (COE) to the Niger State University of Education. The Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday. He said the upgrading would make it the 63rd state-owned university and 270th university in the Nigerian university system. Maiyaki noted that universities would continue to play a pivotal roles in national development while also congratulating the Governor of Niger, Mohammed Bago for his vision and creative leadership role in the life of the people of the state. “We are not reinventing the wheel for this university because the law has been passed in 2013 but has not been put to conclusion because successive administrations did not follow it up. “And it is on assumption of office that his Excellency, Mohammed Bago with his formidable team went through the record and rekindled the matter in August. “It would be recalled that Niger State university of Education was recognised as a duly established university in the Nigerian University System by the NUC by its letter with reference NUC/ES31, Volume 69 and dated May 8, 2015. He said the commission received a letter from the Niger Government dated Aug. 20, as well as strategic document including the relevant gazetted university laws, academic brief and physical master plan for the recognition of the university. “I proudly wrote on behalf of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to inform his Excellency that with effect from Thursday, Sept. 28, the recognition of Niger State University of Education has been revalidated as the 63rd state- owned university and 270th university in the Nigerian university system. “The NUC hereby pledges its full support to the university. “We also enjoin the governor and the Niger government to take full advantage of the professional and technical advice that the commission statutorily requires to provide on the establishment, sustainable funding and operational roles of the university,” he said. He, therefore, said that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), TETFund and NYSC would be duly notified of the establishment of the university. Meanwhile, the Governor Mohammed Bago, said that the state experienced deficit in education and learning, adding that it is therefore important to have an additional university to address the learning gaps. Bago also said that the state would provide a vocational hub where Nigerians could come and learn skills. “In 2013, our predecessor was here with a mission to convert the Niger State College of Education to a university of education, but somewhere along the line, it became a mirage. “We have come to rekindle this ambition. Secondly, the IBB University, Lapai is desirous of a Medical Department, so we want you to expedite approval so that we have full curriculum for Medicine and Surgery. “We are also proposing that the Federal College of Education, Kotangora and the Federal Polytechnics Bida, will be degree-awarding institutions,” he said.
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.
TETFund approves N130m intervention for polytechnics
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N130 million as ntervention for polytechnics in its 2023 intervention line, geared toward reinvigorating skills acquisition in polytechnics across the country. Malam Buhari Mika’ilu, Director of Infrastructure of the Fund, said this at the TETFund/ National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) sensitisation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday. The workshop was on the 2023 Zonal Intervention on Skills for Rectors and Directors of Skills in Beneficiary Polytechnics. Mika’Ilu said that the intervention was to consolidate the efforts of the NBTE in increasing the capacities of polytechnics to deliver on their mandate. He said the intervention was mostly used to support institutions to meet basic requirements for accreditation. “Funds are allocated in line with the provision of the establishment Act and guided toward addressing critical and essential needs of the beneficiary institutions for the improvement of quality and maintenance of standards in the tertiary educational institutions. ‘“NBTE has been at the forefront in championing the need to have skills in the educational system in Nigeria. “It is in response to this, that the fund has prioritised the 2023 Zonal Allocation to polytechnics to be geared toward reinvigorating skills acquisition in the polytechnics across the country. “This is to further consolidate on the efforts of NBTE to increase the capacities of Polytechnics to deliver on their mandate. “Therefore, the sum of N130million only allocated to each polytechnic has the main focus of procurement, installation, testing, training and commissioning of relevant training materials,’’ he said. The director also revealed that since inception of the Zonal Intervention in 2016, the Fund had allocated N52,046,079,584.7 as zonal Intervention to enlisted polytechnics. “In the year 2017, the fund focused the Zonal intervention on student dignity project. “Hence, the intervention was used to upgrade and standardise all lavatory facilities or provision of new ones where necessary in academic areas of institutions, also shuttle buses (coaches) were also procured for students use among other projects. “Most recently, the 2022 intervention was used for deployment of ICT facilities within the institutions in line with the guidelines developed by the Fund. This is essentially to increase the capacities of institutions to function effectively and deliver their programmes online,” he said. He said the intervention, a post-research activity, has created an opportunity for academic staff in Science and Technology Programmes to fabricate equipment, thus promoting skills development in the Polytechnics. Mika’Ilu expressed optimism that the intervention would in the long run, support the institution to resuscitate skills and improve graduate employability. Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, charged rectors of polytechnics to explore innovative approaches to skills development and devise effective solutions that would enhance the quality and relevance of technical education in the institutions. Echono said that skills development and entrepreneurship represented a holistic process in which individuals in society pursue opportunities and address needs through innovation. “Today, we recognise the significant strides made by TETFund and NBTE in promoting skills development in our beneficiary polytechnics. “Our unwavering commitment to advancing technical and vocational education has paved the way for countless success stories, empowering individuals and transforming communities across our great nation. “The purpose of this sensitisation workshop is to discuss and enlighten participants on two key areas: One is the skills agenda and occupational areas as a panacea for gainful employment of graduates and the second is the formalisation of the informal skills sector. “By focusing on these aspects, we aim to address the critical needs for aligning our educational system with the demands of the labour market,” he said.
How TETFUND paints Benue with projects
The TETFund official train currently moving around the country to inspect and or commission projects recently made a three-day stopover in Benue State of Central Nigeria. It was such an impactful engagement that the people have not stopped eulogizing President Muhammadu Buhari for uplifting the educational horizon and broadening opportunities in the State, especially the Benue South Senatorial District, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The TETFund executive train, driven by its Executive Secretary, Arc. Sunny Togo Echono, first pulled to a stop at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, JOSTUM, (formerly Federal University of Agriculture) Makurdi, where Chairman House of Representatives Committee on TETFund, Hon Aminu Suleiman, led the team to inspect four projects worth N1.20 billion which had been executed during the tenure of Prof Richard Kimbir as Vice-Chancellor. They were: a Laboratory/Workshop Block for Entrepreneurship Development Centre; Female and Male Hostel Blocks; as well as an Academic Office Building for College of Agronomy. The new Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Itodo, was beside himself with joy as he expressed gratitude to TETFund for the projects. Still in the State capital, Arc Sunny Echono moved over to the state owned Benue State University (BSU) where Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, a former Governor of the State, represented President Muhammadu Buhari to commission six gigantic Projects to the tune of 02.60 billion naira. These included one Academic Office Building; a Block of Offices at College of Health Sciences; Faculty of Education Complex; as well as the Health and Counceling Development Centre and the Centre for Research and Innovation. The TETFund Executive Secretary informed the audience at BSU that the Federal Government has made huge investments in Education, between 2011 and 2021 especially, adding that in Benue State BSU, JOSTUM, Benue Polytechnic, Colleges of Education in Katsina Ala and Oju, plus the newly established Federal Polytechnic at Wannune, have all been granted various developmental approvals awaiting releases. In his own remarks, Senator Akume thanked TETFund for having sponsored thousands of Lecturers in Benue tertiary Institutions for postgraduate courses both within and outside Nigeria, as well as to attend internal and foreign Academic conferences. Prof Joe Iorapuu, BSU Vice Chancellor, made a case for more TETFund intervention to enable the University achieve her expansion Program. From Makurdi, the TETFund train moved to Otukpo on Friday 12th May, with the Executive Secretary expertly deploying his great wealth of experience as a construction expert, to navigate the unmotorable Makurdi-Otukpo interstate highway. Even at that, the entourage still spent two and half hours on the hundred kilometers stretch. In Otukpo, the ancient capital of the Idoma people, the TETFund team inspected the ongoing remodeling of an Office Complex belonging to the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo. It is also a TETFund sponsored Project under the 2022 Special Impact Intervention Projects. Arc Sunny Echono, while in Otukpo, also visited HRM Och’Idoma V, Agabaidu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji to deliver a special message from President Muhammadu Buhari. At the newly reconstructed Och’Idoma Palace, glowing in its new splendor, Arc Sunny Echono presented the paramount ruler of the Idoma people a letter from Mr President appointing him Chancellor of the Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State. President Buhari, in the letter, said the appointment was based on the enviable track records of the royal father, in addition to his leadership qualities, integrity, commitment to the development of education and the sustenance of peace and stability of Nigeria. Accepting the offer, Agabaidu John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji expressed his utmost gratitude to Mr President for finding him worthy of the prestigious position. He also thanked Arc Echono for doing so much towards the development of Nigeria, especially Benue State. The TETFund Executive Secretary had earlier sent a heartfelt congratulatory message to the Och’Idoma in which he recognized that the highly revered position of Chancellor in the University system “personifies the highest ideals of the University, encompassing its vision, purpose, and relevance to society”. In his letter of congratulations, Arc Echono also stressed that as a royal father, the Chancellor would provide the moral compass to productively engage all segments of the University, and also act as the stabilizing antidote in times of inevitable crises. “As the custodian of our culture and traditions, you represent a veritable tool for national integration and cohesion, giving shape and direction to the University”, the Executive Secretary added. Saturday, May 13th 2023, marked the last phase of the three-day TETFund visit to Benue State. Obagaji town, headquarters of Agatu Local Government Area, hosted the team to the commissioning of the TETFund built National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Obagaji Study Center, as well as the Foundation Laying Ceremony of an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Center and Perimeter Fence. At Obagaji, Arc Sunny Echono pointed out, in his speech, that education represented the greatest love anyone could bequeath to children. He said the NOUN OBAGAJI STUDY CENTER would provide access to Education for those who otherwise could not attend regular Universities, thanking the Hon Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, for graciously increasing the number of Study Centers in the country. HRM Och’Idoma expressed joy that in addition to education, employment opportunities would also be extended to the people in the area through the establishment of the Obagaji Study Center of the NOUN, advising the people Agatu to take full advantage of the facilities. Others who appreciated TETFund included Deputy Governorship candidate of PDP in the 2023 elections, Hon Sir John Ngbede, and Rt Hon Solomon Agidani. Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO), Prof Innocent Ujah, mni, OON, very ably represented by the Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof Steve Abah, extolled the developmental disposition of the TETFund Executive Secretary, saying that his engagements so far clearly point to the direction of his leadership traits. In similar vein the JOSTUM Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Itodo, described Arc Sunny Echono as a pragmatic Patriot who is out to advance easy and fast learning across Nigeria. Prof Joel