Beware of German-based Human Trafficking Syndicate

Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, students, guardians and members of the unsuspecting public have been warned to beware of a German-based human trafficking syndicate that is operating under the guise of offering internship opportunities to lure the youth into a human trafficking net in Europe. In a circular, the National Universities Commission (NUC) today, drew the attention of Vice Chancellors to the existence of the syndicate which is based in Germany and specializes in luring unsuspecting students from third world countries to Germany and other European countries under the guise of offering them internship opportunities in industries and allied institutions. In a circular, which was signed by Mr. John Mairafi Ahmadu, a director in the Executive Secretary’s office at the NUC, the existence of the syndicate was busted by a careful investigation by Indonesian Police. It was stated in the circular that the discovery by the Indonesian police was shared with the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation (OSGF) which communicated the development to the NUC with the clear instruction that the development should be brought to the attention of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities for escalation to the Nigerian public.

KWASU expels 175 students

The management of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, says it has expelled 175 students for various offences. This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, on Tuesday. The university management said that the expulsion approval followed the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, which held sittings between Oct. 2021 and March 2024. The management said the expelled students were penalised for offences ranging from examination malpractice, theft, using fake results to gain admission, assault, fraud, belonging to unregistered associations and possession of firearm. ”The management of KWASU wishes to reiterate its zero-tolerance for all acts of indiscipline as the institution stands firm on producing graduates, who are excellent both in character and in learning,” Aliyu said.

UNIBEN Students Block Benin-Ore Highway Over Power Outage

On Wednesday, University of Benin (UNIBEN) students took to the streets, blocking the busy Benin-Ore highway to protest an ongoing power outage on campus. The students, who are just two weeks away from their first semester exams, said the lack of electricity has severely impacted their ability to study. The power outage is the result of a dispute between the university and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over a significant increase in the electricity bill. The university administration expressed frustration after the BEDC increased the monthly charges from approximately N80 million to between N200 million and N280 million. As a result, the university has been forced to rely on power generators, providing only limited electricity to the campuses and hostels. “We’ve had only one hour of electricity each day since this started. We’re tired of studying in the dark. We need electricity to prepare for our exams, and the university management needs to resolve this issue,” said John Afolabi, one of the protesting students. The protest began early in the morning, with students carrying placards and chanting slogans as they blocked the highway. “We won’t leave until something is done. We can’t afford to fail our exams because of the university’s negligence,” said Sarah Osaigbovo, a 300-level student. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, leaving many passengers stranded. “I’m supposed to be at work right now, but I’ve been stuck here for hours. I understand the students’ plight, but they need to find a better way to protest,” said a frustrated commuter who wished to remain anonymous. Despite the rain, the students remained resolute in their protest. UNIBEN spokeswoman Benedicta Ehanire confirmed that the university Senate was in a meeting to find a solution to the issue.

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.

Police rescue 6 abducted UniJos students

The Police Command in Plateau has rescued six out of the seven students of the University of Jos that were kidnapped by gunmen on Monday. DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement in Jos. According to Alabo, five of the students were rescued, while one escaped from the kidnappers’ den unhurt. ”The Police command is pleased to announce to the general public that six of the seven victims who were kidnapped on June 13, have regained their freedom. ”The command swung into action immediately after the incident was reported, worked tirelessly in collaboration with its Anti-Kidnapping unit, family members of the victims and the community to secure the release of the victims. ”Five of the victims were rescued, one escaped from the kidnappers den, while one victim is still in captivity,” Alabo said. He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bartholomew Onyeka, has ordered the Area Commander Metro, and the Divisional Police Officer Nasarawa Gwong, to ensure that the seventh victim is rescued unhurt and the perpetrators arrested. The victims were abducted from their hostel which is located off campus on Monday night in Jos while preparing for their second semester examinations.