Author: premier radio premier radio

NAN-H-97
Negotiation
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Feb. 13, 2017 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday said the Federal Government had inaugurated the negotiation team set up to look into its demand.

The National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that with the inauguration, all issues bordering on the welfare of members of the union would be appropriately addressed.

“As I speak to you now, the negotiation team is being inaugurated today in Abuja.

“Members of the team include representatives of the Federal Government, ASUU, other staff unions in the universities, the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education,’’ Ogunyemi said.

According to him, the union expects that members of the team will come to the negotiating table with open minds.

The unionist noted that with the inauguration, the team would speedily identify and provide the much needed solutions toward moving the tertiary education system forward.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the team to proffer lasting solution to the “decadence” in the university system and reposition it to for global reckoning.

ASUU on Nov. 16, 2016 embarked on a one-week warning strike to protest government’s failure in implementing the 2009 agreement.

The union also cited non-implementation of the 2013 MoU between the parties and what it described as “gross under funding’’ of the university system in the country. (NAN)
CCN/AIB/GY
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-120

Schools

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

Lagos, Feb. 8, 2017 (NAN) The Head, West African Examinations Council International, Mr Adelowo Maliki, has advised the Federal Government to open more schools to accommodate millions of school-aged children roaming the streets.

Maliki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that building more schools and equipping them with latest facilities and professional teachers would help in improving the state of education in the country.

He explained that WAEC, as an examination body, did not feel that it was enough just to set tests for students and end it there.

“Our main task, aside conducting examination, is also to research into education-related issues and seek ways of coming up with solutions.

“We have realised that some of the key challenges are inadequate schools, ill-equipped schools, and lack of professional teachers.

“The development is a major challenge in our effort to move forward as a nation.

“One of the ways we try to give back to the society, as our corporate social responsibility, is by noting these challenges and organising seminars that will benefit the teachers and students.

“This is mainly handled by the research unit of the council.

“We organise monthly seminars for these people as we want them to have feedbacks on what we are doing for them,” he said.

Maliki said that the seminars were mostly targeted at the teachers at the secondary school level.

He said that the seminar was supposed to be taken round the country, but due to paucity of funds, was concentrated more in Lagos.

In addition to the need for the more public schools across the country, Maliki said government should recruit more teachers and improve their welfare.

“Building more schools entails recruiting more qualified teachers and putting in place improved welfare package for them.

“I say this because another challenge facing the sector currently is the huge distraction facing the teachers.

“Just like the students, there are so many things competing for their attention, especially in the face of the current economic recession.

“These teachers are human and attend the same markets like every other person.

“So, if what they get is not enough to cater for their basic needs, then what is available becomes the next option for them,’’ he said. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/SOA

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-H-67

fee

By Stellamaris Ashinze/Rukayat Adeyemi

Lagos, Feb. 6, 2017 (NAN) Some parents have expressed concern over the 500 per cent hike in the acceptance fee for new students imposed by the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos.

The parents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the acceptance fee, outside the main school fee, was a strain in the budget for their wards’ education.

One of the parents, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that only FCE (T), hiked its fee unlike other federal colleges, whose acceptance fee was far less.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene by stopping the college from putting parents in difficult situation.

NAN report that the college had increased the acceptance fees from N5,000 to N50,000 for fresh students.

Another parent, Mr Folorunso Akinlabi, whose son was admitted into the college last session, said he paid N5,000 as an acceptance fee then.

“I was surprised to hear that the FCE, Akoka raised its acceptance fee to N50,000 this year.

“That is killing! How do you expect a civil servant whose salary, rather than increase, had reduced, to cope with such hike.

“I think government should intervene by calling the provost of the college to order,’’ he said.

Checks by NAN in other FCEs in Ogun and Ondo indicated that the acceptance fee charged by them was far below N50,000.

Fresh NCE students of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Oshiele, Abeokuta paid N12,500 as acceptance fee while the degree students paid N25,000 .

A 100 level degree student of the college, who does not want his name in print, told NAN that he paid N73,500 as school fees while he paid N25,000 as acceptance fee.

He pleaded with the Federal Government to speak with the college management in order to reduce the fees.

But, Mr Moses Akinfolayan, the Public Relations Officer of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, said that the college did not  charge its new students acceptance fee.

He said that fresh students for NCE 1 of Arts, Languages and Education pay N25,500 as school fee while their degree counterparts pay N55,500 in the 2016/2017 academic session.

Similarly, the Public Relations officer, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos State, Odunayo Adebowale, told NAN that the college charge N5,000 as acceptance fee for new students.

“The acceptance fee paid by the every new student was N5,000 but they also pay N10,0000 levy for sports, laboratory fees, Identity card and ICT,” Adebowale said.

According to him, about 1875 students are admitted into the college this year as against 1,250 admitted in 2015.

Meanwhile, the management of FCE(T), Akoka while confirming the hike in fees for new students, blamed the situation on increment in running cost of the college.

The Deputy Provost of the institution, Mr Kehinde Olojede, confirmed the hike but that the N50,000 acceptance fee was for the degree students.

He said that acceptance fee for the NCE programme was increased from N5,000 previously to N20,000 for the new students in the 2016/2017 academic session.

According to him, the increase in the tuition and other fees are unavoidable because of the increase in the running of public utilities in the college.

Olojede added that the dwindling subvention received from the Federal Government also compelled the college management to review upward the acceptance fee.

“The increment is a measure to sustain the system because the subvention from the government is dwindling.

“The costs of running public utilities such as borehole, generator and disposal of refuse by the Lagos State Waste Management (LAWMA) have all gone up,’’ he said.

According to him, any slight disparity in the amount charged by other colleges compare to FCE (T), Akoka, is because the college is technical school and its programmes are capital intensive.

“The current charge for the degree programme is the same with what students in UNIBEN main campus, with which the college’s degree programmes are affiliated, pay.

Olojede also cited hike in the cost of processing and regularising admission for the new students in the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) office, Abuja as another factor.

“Paper work for regularising admission into the college by JAMB is another factor because most of the candidates did not choose the college as first choice.

“The admission officer had to travel several time to Abuja for the processing and the burden of the expenses had to be spread among the students,’’ he said. (NAN)

SKA/RUKY/AIB/MO

=============Edited by Babatunde/Morayo Omolade

Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde

NAN-H-68

E-testing

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

Osogbo, Feb. 3, 2017 (NAN) The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Friday said it would partner with the Osun State Government in the area of electronic assessment of students.

WAEC Head National Office (HNO), Mr Olu Adenipekun, made the disclosure when he led a delegation of the Council on a courtesy visit to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo.

According to Adenipekun, the visit was in recognition of the state’s giant steps in the introduction of ICT to teaching and learning at the pre-tertiary level of education.

He said that WAEC was already considering the construction of ultra-modern testing and training centres in Osogbo and other parts of the country for the electronic assessment.

“We in WAEC will require support and assistance of the state government with allocation of land in conducive location for this project.

“The council is willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to create avenues for experience-sharing with teachers in secondary schools in the state.

“This will be in the areas of standardised testing and candidates/students assessment,’’ the HNO said.

He said that WAEC was working hard in curbing malpractice in its examinations, adding it was a major challenge and had remained a menace in the education sector.

“The council is committed to improving its service delivery to stakeholders in fulfilling its mandate as an examination body.

“We will continually ensure the smooth conduct of our examinations.

“We are equally open for collaboration in the training of teachers in order to improve the performance of candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE),’’ he said.

Adenipekun commended the governor, saying that the council was proud of his landmark achievements in the education sector.

He singled out the introduction of “Opon Imo’’ (meaning tablet of knowledge) by the state government as a major breakthrough of Aregbesola’s administration in the education sector.

“The immense contribution of your administration in the development of infrastructural facilities in schools, in particular, the ‘Mega Schools Project’, is remarkable.

“We also notice and commend your quest to sustain the Yoruba culture,’’ he said.

Responding, Aregbesola commended WAEC for diligent conduct of various diets of assessment tests that qualified candidates to pursue further education in tertiary institutions.

He said that he was ready to partner with WAEC in all developmental programmes that would impact on the students, the teachers and the state at large.

The governor promised to approve land for the proposed e-testing and training centre as requested by the WAEC.

“I am happy you are here today to recognise our little efforts in improving the quality of teaching and learning.

“But we are not particularly happy with our performance because we are still not where we want to be.

“Our progress is steady, certain and with that progress, it has guaranteed us the need to do more.

“Your visit has encouraged us to do more and I want to assure you that we are fully committed and willing to partner with you on all your projects aimed at driving our developmental effort in education.

“What you want to do is a blessing and therefore, I want to appeal to you to register us as your partner in all your projects,’’ the governor said.

Aregbesola also assured his visitors that he would attend the WAEC’s annual council meeting slated for March in Abuja. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/WOJ

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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde / Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-H-83

Fund

Lagos, Jan. 30, 2017 (NAN) The U.N. Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Monday announced the release of 100 million dollars from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to sustain aid operations in nine countries with neglected emergency.

A statement by the CERF, sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, stated that the amount, being its largest allocation of the year, would reach more than 6 million people in crises prone countries.

According to the UN, the targeted people are living where levels of vulnerability are high but funding remains critically low.

These countries are Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Madagascar, Somalia, Uganda and Libya.

“CERF is a lifeline for people caught up in crises that don’t make the headlines but where needs are just as urgent.

“This funding is crucial so that the UN and partners can continue assisting people who need our help so desperately.

“I thank all member states and donors who have made this possible,” Guterres said.

According to him, a large portion of the funds will reach people affected by displacement.

Displacement is regarded as one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in today’s world where more than 65 million people are displaced.

CERF funds will ensure that millions of people, who fled Boko Haram-related violence and conflict in Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, will receive health care, food assistance and shelter.

In Somalia, Uganda and Libya, CERF will bring relief to internally displaced people and refugees from neighbouring countries.

Urgent support will also reach those suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity in Madagascar, Mali and DPRK.

The UN scribe said the allocation of 100 million dollars addresses “only a small portion of urgent humanitarian needs’’.

As the scale and intensity of emergencies continue to increase, a larger, more robust CERF is needed so that aid can reach people, whenever and wherever crises hit.

To this end, the UN General Assembly has endorsed former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s recommendation to double CERF’s annual target to 1 billion dollars by 2018.

“CERF is one of the fastest ways to provide urgent aid.

“The allotment approved today will save lives in all nine countries,’’ said Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O’Brien.

“As we race to address the humanitarian challenges of today, our goal of a 1billion dollars CERF is vital so that help reaches people, whenever and wherever crises hit.

“A strong CERF — for all and by all – is a key step towards our shared commitment to leave no one behind.” (NAN)

AIB/MO

======Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Morayo Omolade

NAN-F-24

Pipeline

Washington, Jan. 27, 2017 (dpa/NAN) Pipeline operator, TransCanada, has submitted a new application to the US State Department to build the Keystone XL Pipeline, the company said on Thursday.

The move follows US President Donald Trump’s decision on Tuesday to advance construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which was blocked by his predecessor, Barack Obama, over environmental concerns.

In a news release, TransCanada President and Chief Executive, Russ Girling, said the Keystone XL project would create tens of thousands of well-paying jobs and spur the economies of both countries.

In addition to the direct and indirect jobs expected to be created, the Keystone XL is projected to contribute approximately 3.4 billion dollars to the US GDP, according to the news release.

It would also strengthen US energy security by giving the US access to an abundant energy resource produced by its neighbour to the north, which “shares a commitment to a clean and healthy environment,’’” TransCanada stated.

The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would carry oil from Canada’s tar sands in Alberta to the Midwestern state of Nebraska, where an existing pipeline would carry the Canadian oil to refineries in Texas on the US Gulf Coast.

The existing part of the Keystone pipeline has been in operation since 2010.

The proposed expansion would be 1,900 kilometres long and carry up to 830,000 barrels a day.

Environmentalists fear that construction of the pipeline could heighten greenhouse gas emissions and they are concerned about leaks.

In early 2016, TransCanada sued the US government for 15 billion dollars over investment it already made in the project after Obama put a stop to it.

The company also accused him of violating the constitution by taking the action singularly. (DPA/NAN)
AIB/AMY
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-F-11

Economy

Washington, Jan. 27, 2017 (Reuters/NAN) U.S. economic growth likely slowed in the fourth quarter of 2016 as a plunge in shipments of soybeans weighed on exports, according to a Reuters survey of economists.

Report of the survey, however, indicated a healthy increase in consumer spending and rising business investment should underscore the economy’s underlying momentum.

Gross domestic product probably increased at a 2.2 per cent annual rate after accelerating at a 3.5 per cent pace in the third quarter.

The government will publish its first estimate of fourth-quarter GDP on Friday at 8:30 a.m. (1330 GMT).

“Trade was a big boost to growth in the third quarter, that’s going to reverse,’’ said Gus Faucher, a Senior Economist at PNC Financial Services Group in Pittsburgh.

“Consumer spending, business investment and housing will add to growth, so we will still see a solid improvement in the fourth quarter.’’

But fourth-quarter GDP data could surprise on the upside after data on Thursday showed a drop in the goods trade deficit in December and a jump in wholesale inventories.

The Atlanta Federal Reserve is forecasting the economy growing at a 2.9 per cent rate in the fourth quarter.

Economists estimate trade could have subtracted as much as 1.5 percentage points from GDP growth in last quarter, reversing the 0.85 percentage point contribution in the third quarter.

Most of the drag is expected to come from soybean exports, which fired up GDP growth in the third quarter after a poor soy harvest in Argentina and Brazil.

With a labour market that is near full employment starting to lift wages and supporting consumer spending, the outlook for the economy is bright.

Growth this year could also get a boost from President Donald Trump’s pledge to increase infrastructure spending, cut taxes and reduce regulations.

Although Trump offered little detail on his economic policy, his promises have been embraced by consumers, businesses and investors.

Consumer and business confidence have soared, while the U.S. stock market has rallied to record highs.

“There is still great uncertainty over the details, particularly in regards to trade policies.

“That being said, risks to the U.S. growth outlook are likely to the upside,’’ said Sam Bullard, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities in the Charlotte, North Carolina.

A strong economy would also mean further interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve.

The U.S. Central Bank had forecast three rate hikes in 2017.

It raised its benchmark overnight interest rate in December by 25 basis points to a range of 0.50 per cent to 0.75 per cent.

Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, was expected to have increased at a rate of at least 2.7 per cent in the fourth quarter.

It rose at a 3.0 per cent pace in the third quarter.

Business investment likely shifted into higher gear, with spending on equipment expected to have rebounded after four straight quarters of declines.

The anticipated gain in business investment is likely to be driven by rises in gas and oil well drilling, in tandem with the recovery in crude oil prices.

Energy services firm Baker Hughes said Jan. 20 that U.S. energy companies added 29 oil rigs in the week, bringing the total count to 551 – the most since November 2015.

“We can see the first signs of an investment comeback in the oil and gas sector.

“That should continue to support growth in the early months of 2017,’’ said Thomas Costerg, a Senior U.S. Economist at Standard Chartered Bank in New York.

The gains, in both consumer and business spending, are expected to have resulted in a measure of private domestic demand rising at a brisk 3.0 per cent, accelerating from the 2.4 per cent pace notched in the third quarter.

Inventory investment likely contributed to growth for a second straight quarter.

JPMorgan is forecasting inventories adding six-tenths of a percentage point to GDP growth, up from the 0.5 percentage point contribution in the third quarter.

Investment in home building probably rebounded after two straight quarters of decline, making a modest contribution to growth.

While government spending is expected to have picked up, economists said a downward surprise could not be ruled out.

“Since 1992, there appears to be bias for it to be weak during presidential election years,’’ said Ryan Sweet, Senior Economist at Moody’s Analytics in Westchester, Pennsylvania. (Reuters/NAN)

AIB/MO

=====Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Morayo Omolade

NAN-F-19
Raid
Brazil, Jan. 26, 2017 (Reuters/NAN) Brazilian Police and Federal Prosecutors conducted a series of raids and searches on Thursday relating to a massive corruption probe, with one of the targets being former billionaire Eike Batista, news channel GloboNews reported.

According to GloboNews, Batista’s home was raided by police but he could not be immediately found.

Batista, who is currently traveling, plans to turn himself in to authorities on his return, GloboNews said, citing unnamed lawyers representing him.

According to the newswire service of O Globo newspaper, nine detention orders were issued on Thursday in a new phase of “Operation Car Wash,” as the probe is commonly known. (Reuters/NAN)
AIB/AMY
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-F-16

Trade-pact
Tokyo, Jan. 25, 2017 (Reuters/NAN) Japan will invite China to join a pan-Pacific trade pact abandoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, fearing such a step would boost Beijing’s clout and water down what was meant to be the ‘gold standard’ for rules of trade.

Report says government officials are eager to begin two-way trade talks with Washington, despite Trump’s stated preference for bilateral deals as part of his “America First” economic plans.

Although some said such negotiations could not be ruled out.

For now, that has left Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in the unenviable position of pledging yet again to persuade Trump that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is in the interests of both the United States and the global economy.

Trump signed an executive order withdrawing U.S. from the TPP on Monday.

The free trade system based on free and fair common rules is the source of growth for the world economy,’’ Abe told parliament’s upper house on Wednesday.

“I think President Trump also understands the importance of free and fair trade, and I want to steadfastly seek his understanding of the strategic and economic significance of the TPP agreement.’’

Asked about talks on a U.S.-Japan trade deal, Abe said he would refrain from speculating about Trump’s trade policy until his cabinet line-up was approved and policies became clearer.

Australia and New Zealand said on Tuesday they hoped to salvage the TPP by encouraging China and other Asian countries to join.

Chile had invited ministers from other TPP countries with China and South Korea to a summit in March to discuss how to proceed.

The TPP cannot take effect without U.S. participation unless rules are changed, so the deal is now in deep freeze.

Japan had hoped the TPP would help anchor security ally Washington in Asia and create a rule-based regime that would eventually draw in China.

Abe also touted the 12-nation pact as an engine of domestic economic reform and growth.

But inviting China to the TPP table now risks boosting Beijing’s clout while weakening the partnership’s rules of trade on matters from intellectual property protection and principles for currency management to support for state-owned enterprises.

China has not made clear whether it would be interested in joining the TPP.

But Beijing is pushing a proposed 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that has less ambitious goals on trade rules.
Progress so far has been slow.

If TPP is diluted by bringing in China, it will not be worthwhile investing energy to achieve that,’’ a Japanese source familiar with government thinking, said.

`Negotiating with China with possibility of changing what was signed is not wise.

`It will take years and the result may be watering down of ambitions,’’ the source said. (Reuters/NAN)
AIB/EAL/EAL
Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Ekemini Ladejobi

NAN-F-11

Partnership

Tokyo, Jan. 25, 2017 (Reuters/NAN) Japan is cool to the notion of inviting China to join a pan-Pacific trade pact abandoned by U.S. President, Donald Trump, fearing such a step would boost Beijing’s clout and water down what was meant to be the ‘gold standard’ for rules of trade.

Report says government officials are eager to begin two-way trade talks with Washington, despite Trump’s stated preference for bilateral deals as part of his “America First” economic plans.

Although some said such negotiations could not be ruled out.

For now, that has left Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, in the unenviable position of pledging yet again to persuade Trump that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is in the interests of both the United States and the global economy.

The new president signed an executive order withdrawing from the TPP on Monday.

“The free trade system based on free and fair common rules is the source of growth for the world economy,’’ Abe told parliament’s upper house on Wednesday.

“I think President Trump also understands the importance of free and fair trade, and I want to steadfastly seek his understanding of the strategic and economic significance of the TPP agreement.’’

Asked about talks on a U.S.-Japan trade deal, Abe said he would refrain from speculating about Trump’s trade policy until his cabinet line-up was approved and policies became clearer.

Australia and New Zealand said on Tuesday they hoped to salvage the TPP by encouraging China and other Asian countries to join.

Chile had invited ministers from other TPP countries with China and South Korea to a summit in March to discuss how to proceed.

The TPP cannot take effect without U.S. participation unless rules are changed, so the deal is now in deep freeze.

Japan had hoped the TPP would help anchor security ally Washington in Asia and create a rule-based regime that would eventually draw in China.

Abe also touted the 12-nation pact as an engine of domestic economic reform and growth.

But inviting China to the TPP table now risks boosting Beijing’s clout while weakening the partnership’s rules of trade on matters from intellectual property protection and principles for currency management to support for state-owned enterprises.

China has not made clear whether it would be interested in joining the TPP.

But Beijing is pushing a proposed 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that has less ambitious goals on trade rules.

Progress so far has been slow.

“If TPP is diluted by bringing in China, it will not be worthwhile investing energy to achieve that,’’ a Japanese source familiar with government thinking, said.

“Negotiating with China with possibility of changing what was signed is not wise.

“It will take years and the result may be watering down of ambitions,’’ the source said. (Reuters/NAN)

AIB/MO

=====Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Morayo Omolade