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Tag: Students

  • Student Loan Bill Not Favourable To Students – ASUU

    Student Loan Bill Not Favourable To Students – ASUU

    On Monday, Tinubu signed the bill, describing the law as a fulfillment of one of his campaign promises. The bill aims to give poor students tuition free education, which will be paid back when the students graduate and start working.

    But, Osodeke said the law would affect millions of prospective students who rely on tuition-free higher institutions of learning to acquire knowledge.

    He said;

    “A country where more than 133 million are living below the poverty line and you want to introduce tuition fees? It will be counterproductive.

    “Every Nigerian should know what is going to happen next and there may likely be another bill waiting for signature that will introduce tuition fees.

    “If the bill indicated that the loan is to pay tuition fees and there are no tuition fees in Nigerian universities, then what is your next approach?”

    Osodeke said the bill is not new, revealing how the union rejected it when former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration brought it up.

    He added that the union is yet to have access to the accurate copy of the law signed by Tinubu.

    “We have said long ago, in 2017, to President Buhari when they came up with the issue of tuition fees, that every student will pay N1 million and we said you cannot put that in our agreement and you cannot use that to negotiate with us and with the nature of the country we have today, there is no way that will work.”

    “What will happen is that the majority of students whose parents cannot afford it will pull out of school in anger and you know what that means, they will fight the society back. But let us get the correct information first before knowing the next steps,” he added.

  • 300 Students Benefited From Dr Wailare’s NECO Support

    300 Students Benefited From Dr Wailare’s NECO Support

    BY Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Dr. Saleh Musa Wailare, has been commended for supporting 300 students to sit for the forthcoming  National Examinations Council (NECO)  across Dambatta/Makoda federal constituency.

    Dr. Saleh Musa Wailare who is the PDP candidate for  the House of representatives from Dambatta/Makoda federal constituency has been contributing towards the educational development at the constituency which was recognized by the constituents.

    Speaking to our correspondent on Saturday, parents and guardians described the gesture as one of the best offer that would continue to benefits their sons and daughters, adding that educational support is an important project especially at present when everybody needs a helping hands.

    Alhaji Aminu Sani Dambatta disclosed that Dr. Wailare is well known for his utmost contribution to education across Dambatta and Makoda local governments and his contribution is rapidly aiding progress in education sector respectively.

    Similarly, Malama Amina Adamu from Koguna lamented that ” we are mothers, and we know the value of Dr. Wailare’s educational supports usually rendered to our childrens and we are ready to rewards him with our votes because we are certain that his representation would yield profit”. She concluded.

  • ASUU Strike: Students to Block Abuja Airport, Kaduna-Abuja Expressway

    ASUU Strike: Students to Block Abuja Airport, Kaduna-Abuja Expressway

    Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students have said they will be blocking the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja and Kaduna-Abuja Expressway today Wednesday, September 21, as they protest the lingering strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

    Recall that on Monday, September 19, the aggrieved students also blocked the access roads to both the local and international terminals of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, leaving people stranded.

    Reacting to plans by the students to block the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, the Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement released said while the state government was not depriving citizens of the right to express discontent, public security and safety must always be the foremost consideration.

    The statement read

    “The Kaduna State Government wishes to remind members of the public that any move to block the Kaduna-Abuja Road (or any routes) to express dissatisfaction, is unacceptable and a prelude to the breakdown of law and order.

    The danger of barricading a strategic route like the Kaduna-Abuja Road is better appreciated within the context of ongoing security operations covering the route, and other areas of interest. Citizens are therefore strongly advised against participating in such processions.”

    Meanwhile the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, said security operatives have been deployed to Abuja airport to maintain law and order during the protest by the students.

  • Oyo TESCOM Honors Students, Teachers for Excellent Performance

    Oyo TESCOM Honors Students, Teachers for Excellent Performance

    The Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, (TESCOM) today, honored two students and five Teachers for distinguishing themselves in various competitions.

    The Chairman, TESCOM, Pastor Akinade Alamu in his address at second phase of Teachers’ Solidarity rally for Governor Seyi Makinde, held in Ibadan noted that the award was initiated to motivate the students and their teachers, who had performed brilliantly and also encourage others to follow suit.

    He added that Oyo State Government is poised to recognize and celebrate excellence, success, diligence, hard work, dedication and selflessness.

    The awardees include, Mrs. Egunjobi Elizabeth Mofolashade, a Principal at St. Anne’s School, Molete Ibadan, who received an award for her selfless dedication during the long COVID-19 vacation.

    Also awarded were Mrs. Olatunji Olufinmilayo Ayoade, Mr. Olanrewaju Olaiwola Olateju and Miss Adepoju Aminat Adedayo, from St. Anne’s.

    According to Alamu, they were recognized for their exceptional methods of coaching their students to earn global awards.

    The Chairman noted that their dedication earned two students from St. Anne’s School first and second positions in the recent Commonwealth Essay competition globally.

    The students, Mariam Lawal and Deborah Olatunji were also given awards of recognition by the State Government.

    The state Government also recognized a Ph.D student who teaches at Bishop Phillips Academy, Ogundiji Olasunkanmi, for winning the National Maltina competition.

    The Chairman stated, “These students and their teachers exhibited outstanding zeal in attaining excellence at various competitions. It took them commitment, responsibility, focus, determination, creativity, innovation, purpose-driven attitude and the fighting spirit to win laurels at local and international competitions”.

    He noted that the celebration differs from the other solidarity rallies, because the State Government dimmed it fit to return same gesture to teachers who willingly gave themselves to support the Governor Makinde’s re-election bid.

    He promised that the State Government will give more awards to different recipients and other stakeholders that have been collaborating with the State to advance the education sector.

    His words: “We are proud of Oyo state students who are winning laurels in global and National competitions. We have two of our student from St. Anne’s that won the Commonwealth Essay Test. It is a global competition and I must say this is a great feat for us in Oyo TESCOM. On behalf of Governor Makinde, I am honored to present them these awards. This is a token of our appreciation, to let them know that we appreciate what they are doing and we want them to do more”.

    Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary, TESCOM, Mrs. Bisi Oderinde acknowledged the teachers for their commitment and determination at making the students excel in the global competition, saying that they were the reason the students are being celebrated.

    She urged students and teachers in the State not to rest on their oars, adding that more awards await them in future.

    “Do not rest on your oars, this is just the beginning, there are more honors awaiting you in the future, globally”, the PS stated.

    In her welcome speech, the Head of Zone 3, Alhaja Ololade Azeez commended the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the State, for its unrelenting support towards the workforce.

    The event was attended by representatives of all affiliate bodies of Nigeria Union of Teachers, including Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Non-Academic Staff Union, among others.

  • Drug Abuse: Group Cautions Students Of Jeopardizing Future

    Drug Abuse: Group Cautions Students Of Jeopardizing Future

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Executive Director of the Enemona Josh Humanitarian Foundation, Mr. Williams Illah has cautioned students of tertiary institutions against the use of illicit drugs and other substances capable of destroying their future.

    Mr. Illah stated this in his paper presentation titled “Illicit use of substances and drug abuse,” presented during the Education Outreach Programme organized by the organization for matriculating students of Kogi State College of Education Ankpa.

    He pointed out that the President and founder of the Foundation, Ambassador Gabriel Onoja is worried over the decay in the society as a result of ritual killings, cultism, drugs abuse and other unethical conducts that are prevalent in the society as well as educational institutions.

    He noted that Onoja’s concern necessitated his social intervention programmes in schools to educate Nigerian youths on the dangers of social vices and how to distance themselves to better their future.

    The Executive Director attributed the major causes of drug abuse in the society to peer groups, lack of parental care, influence from parents that are into drugs, failure of the mass media to create educating contents, exposure of drugs to youths and lack of monitoring by the regulatory agencies.

    Illah who noted that the effect of illicit substances most often led to students having psychologically and emotionally problems which affects their studies, however, called on parents, government and regulatory agencies to be proactive in eradicating the incessant use of illicit drugs in tertiary institutions.

    “Illicit use of drugs also lead to stress, fatigue, anxiety, emotional disability” It is largely responsible for bullying, students beating up lecturers, suicide, rape and killing of fellow human beings,” he said.

    In his speech, the Provost of the College, Dr. Muhammed Kabir Ibrahim described the sensitisation embarked upon by the Foundation on the effect of illicit drugs as a welcome development, assuring that the institution would sustain the partnership already created by the organisation.

    “Apparently government alone cannot provide all the needs of any tertiary institution and we have been searching for a robust and sincere partnership, and Enemona Josh Humanitarian Foundation has proved to us that they are capable of partnering with us to move the citadel of learning higher” he said

  • ASUU Sensitises Students on Planned Strike

    ASUU Sensitises Students on Planned Strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Calabar chapter, has sensitised students of the institution over the planned strike by the union if the federal government fails to meet their demands.

    Dr John Edor, Chairman of the union in UNICAL, who organised a forum on Thursday in Calabar, sensitised the students on the demands of ASUU and why they intend to embark on strike.

    He said that the students were critical in the decision of the union.

    According to Edor, ASUU was demanding for the deployment of the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) in the payment of salaries of lecturers.

    He highlighted other demands to include; release of funds for revitalisation of universities, payment of salary arrears, payment of Earned Academic Allowance, and the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement.

    Edor noted that the state of infrastructure in public universities had deteriorated to a level where students no longer have accommodation in the hostels due to lack of facilities, adding that lecture halls were no longer enough to meet the students’ population.

    After the sensitisation engagement between ASUU and the students, the chairman led the students in a solidarity walk with other members of the union to press for their demands from the federal government.

    “The federal government entered into a Memorandum of Action in Dec. 2020 with ASUU to end the prolonged strike action by the union.

    “One year down the line, the federal government has willfully refused to honour the Memorandum of Action.

    “What we are struggling for is the good of the students and the growth of the education sector in the country.

    “We have to sensitise the general public and in particular the students of the University of Calabar.

    “I am happy that the Nigerian students in UNICAL are joining forces with ASUU to press home their demands for the growth of the education sector,” he said.

    He called on the federal government to rise up to its responsibility especially as it concerns the education sector in Nigeria.

    Edor urged the federal government to prioritise education in Nigeria by investing massively in the sector.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, Mr Tryon Bassey, who is the Students Union President, said that the demands by ASUU were genuine and timely, following the dearth of infrastructure in public universities.

    “We the students of the University of Calabar have joined forces with ASUU to ensure that their demands are met.

    “The federal government should release funds for the revitalisation of universities in Nigeria,” he said.

  • 2 students killed as cultists unleash attacks on police team in Kwara

    2 students killed as cultists unleash attacks on police team in Kwara

    The Kwara Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected cult students during an attack on security detectives.

    A statement from the command in Ilorin said some cultists on Saturday unleashed attacks on a team of Police detectives from the Special Tactical Squad (STS) FIB, Abuja, thereby causing pandemonium around the Kwara State Polytechnic gate, Ilorin.
    The statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, explained that the team came on the trail of some cultists in the area.

    It however allayed fears among residents around the state Polytechnic area that the pandemonium experienced on Saturday within the area, arose as a result of the attack.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that cultists attacked and killed a student of Kwara State University, Malete, on Friday.
    The statement said that four of the cultists were arrested and dangerous weapons recovered from the suspects.

    It noted that some of the cultists were hiding at Lajolo area of Kwara Polytechnic Ilorin, where a similar attack was unleashed on one student named Idris Aderemi, at about 0600hrs on Saturday.
    “This prompted the visit to the area by the STS team.

    “Surprisingly, the cultists who were already in ambush, attacked the police team damaging the police Hummer bus, and inflicting a gunshot injury on the head of one police Sergeant, Adebayo Abdulahi, attached to the STS team.
    “In the ensuing imbroglio, students in their numbers came out to block the road and prevented free flow of traffic and burning tyres on the road.

    “The state Commissioner of Police, Tuesday Assayomo, immediately dispatched teams of policemen to the area to restore peace.

    “However, two cultists, one Ahmed ‘m’ surname unknown, and one Musibau ‘m’ A.K.A Shaban, were arrested with one fabricated English pistol with 3 live ammunition, 2 live cartridges and one pistol magazine.

    “The injured policeman and the suspects have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
    “The commissioner of police, had however, advised members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of attack or intimidation,” the statement read in part.

    It said calm has been totally restored in the affected area, while securitymen were on standby to forestall any further act of lawlessness.
    Reacting to the development, the Polytechnic management described as misinformation that the institution’s campus was under siege by students’ protest.

    The school’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Yunus Abdulkadir, explained that students of the institution were law abiding citizens and would not indulge in any illegal activity that would disrupt their academic careers.
    “Meanwhile, the incident that occurred at Lajolo community early Saturday morning was between the police and Lajolo community and has nothing to do with the polytechnic students or the campus, as first semester CBT examinations are going on right now at the Campus without any disturbance.
    “However, the management of the polytechnic has magnanimously accepted the plea of the students who could not make it to the campus before the blockage at Oyun.

    “Their examinations will be rescheduled to another date, which will be communicated to them via their heads of the department,” the statement said.

  • KadPoly Expels 96 Students Over Exams Malpractice

    KadPoly Expels 96 Students Over Exams Malpractice

    The Management of Kaduna Polytechnic has expelled 96 students over malpractices and other academic misconducts.

    This is contained in a circular with reference number KPT/CA/S/PR. 11/VOL.XXIII/417 dated 1st September, 2021 and signed by H.S Jandutse.

    The students affect are from various departments cutting across 100 to 400 level students.

    The circular indicated that the disciplinary measures were taken by the academic board of the institution during its extra-ordinary meeting held on 25th August 2021 where it considered the reports examination malpractice committed.

    Out of the 96 students tried for examination malpractice, 85 were expelled.
    Eight others were suspended for failure to appear before the examination malpractice committees.

    While one was exonerated, another was rusticated and one other had his certificate withdrawn for impersonation in exams hall.
    Our correspondent could not get comments from the school management as the phone of the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Godwin Ayegba, was switched off at the time of filing this report.

  • Farouq condemns Kaya students kidnapping, calls for adequate security in schools

    Farouq condemns Kaya students kidnapping, calls for adequate security in schools

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has condemned the recent kidnapping of 73 Government Day Secondary School, Kaya in Zamfara State.

    This was contained in a press statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    According to the statement, Farouq sympathised with the Zamfara State Government , the school and the parents of the abducted students adding that the recent kidnapping is one too many.

    The minister prayed for the safety of the students adding that adequate measures are being taken by relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescure of the kidnapped students.

    In a report the Police Spokes person in Zamfara, Muhammad Shehu who confirmed the incident on Wednesday said that a large number of bandits stormed the Public school and whisked away the students. This occurred following the new stringent policies announced by the state governments of adjoining north-west states to cut off supply of enssential commodities to bandits operating from Forest in the states.

    The Minister however, urged State governments and school authorities to provide adequate security in all schools across the country to avoid future occurrence. She further pledged the readiness of the Ministry to provide any humanitarian assistance that would be required in the affected villages.

  • BREAKING: Abducted Zamfara College Students Regain Freedom

    BREAKING: Abducted Zamfara College Students Regain Freedom

    The abducted students of the College Of Agriculture and Animal Science Bakura, Zamfara State, have regained their freedom.

    According to Governor Bello Matawalle, the students were released on Friday through the help of some repentant bandits.

    They arrived at the State House amidst heavy security, as they were received by the governor and other top officials.

    The governor also noted that no ransom was paid for their release.

    Meanwhile, Governor Matawalle has declared the closure of all major markets in the state, close all filling stations in local areas, no selling of fuel in jerry cans.

    Details later…