Author: premier radio premier radio

NAN-H-23

Graduation

Lagos, Jan. 18, 2017 (NAN) No fewer than 231 out of 12,617 graduating students of  the University of Lagos  (Unilag) will be awarded first class division during its 49^th convocation scheduled for Jan. 24.

Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahmon Bello, who said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos added that 46 of them would be from the Faculty of Engineering.

According to him,6, 900 out of the 12,617 students that would be  graduating, representing 54.7 per cent, would  receive first degrees and diploma certificates.

He said 5,717 others, representing 45.3 per cent, would receive postgraduate degrees.

“With this output, the institution is maintaining its stance of gradually becoming a postgraduate institution,’’ the V-C said.

Bello, giving a further breakdown of the categories of the graduating students, said that 1,705 of the students would be passing out in Second Class Upper division.

“We will also be graduating 2,972 students in the Second Class lower division, while 1,372 others will be graduating in the Third Class division.

“Also, 103 students will graduate with ordinary pass degrees, while 517 others will have degrees or diplomas that are not classified,’’ Bello said.

According to him, 5,420 postgraduate students will receive their Masters Degree certificates in various fields during the convocation,

He also said that 95 others would be conferred with the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees in various disciplines.

Bello said the university produced two female students, who came top in the first class category with ‘perfect scores’ Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.00 point in the 2015/2016 academic session.

They are Miss Taiwo Bankole from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Miss Ajoke Omotuyi from the Department of Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/PAD

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde,Peter Dada

NAN-H-44

JAMB

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

Lagos, Jan. 15, 2017 (NAN) The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it is set to meet with heads of other public examination bodies to fine tune examination schedules in order to avoid infringement on its examinations.

The Head, Media and Information of the  board, Dr Fabian Benjamin, gave the hint in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Benjamin stated that the board was determined to address “myriad of challenges confronting public examinations in the country’’.

He said that the board had yet to roll out its applications for 2017 UTME because it was working to improve on the conduct of its examination.

“You cannot do things the same way and expect different result.

“This year, we shall improve on a lot of things to get better results.

“However, we are mindful of the fact that there will be challenges accepting new directions of doing things by candidates.

“There will be improvement in our new payment platform, process of change of name; change of course; change of institution and others.

“This also applies to other difficulties that may arise in our attempt to improve on the entire process, which we have resolved to tackle.

“To make this feasible, the board had started working with other examination bodies to achieve a holistic result for the Nigerian child desirous of sound education,’’ Benjamin stated.

He stated that in view of the above, the board had slated a meeting with the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC,  the Registrars of NECO and NABTEB, scheduled  for Tuesday, Jan. 17.

The meeting is expected to come out with a suitable time table that will not infringe on other examinations.

According to him, the meeting is part of the final preparations to begin sale of the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application forms.

Benjamin stated that the board did not want candidates to be stranded during examination due to clashes in dates of their various external examinations.

He said during the meeting, there would be a harmonisation of calendar of sister examination bodies.

“We appeal to Nigerians to support our drive to ensure that the board’s matriculation examination meets international best practice,” Benjamin stated. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/AMY

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-55

Matriculation

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

Lagos, Jan. 13, 2017 (NAN) Two graduating students of  the University of Lagos have also recorded 5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in 2015/2016 academic session, just like Ayodele Dada recorded same feat in the previous year.

Prof. Rahamon Bello, the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of the institution, who gave the hint during the 2016/2017 matriculation on Friday, named the two students as: Miss Taiwo Bankole and Miss Ajoke Omotuyi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the V-C had, during the 2014/2015 convocation,  had described 5.00 CGPA as ‘a perfect score’.

According to Bello, both students are from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and the Department of Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, respectively.

“Both students, females, had also posted a `perfect score’ of 5.00 CGPA, thus matching the record set by Dada in 2014/2015 academic session,’’ he said.

The V-C stressed that such feats were achievable by a dint of hard work and not a myth.

“All it requires is to be focused, disciplined and consistent,’’ Bello said.

Giving a breakdown of the number of the matriculating students, the V-C said that 7,882 students, representing 18.69 per cent, met the admissions criteria after a thorough screening.

He explained that 38,140 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) applicants and 4,310 direct entries, totaling 42, 440 applicants, began the selection process.

He said that out of the figure, 25,883 candidates scored 200 and above at the UTME.

Accordingly, 19,732 presented themselves for screening.

“Those offered provisional admissions were 6,506 in the UTME category and 2,238 in the direct entry category, totaling 8,744.

“Today, after a thorough screening exercise, there are 7,882 of you, representing 18.69 per cent of the total number of applicants (UTME and Direct), who have fully scaled the registration procedure.

“You will from this day, become bona-fide students of the University of Lagos,’’ Bello said.

He told the matriculating students that gaining admission into the 54-year-old institution was not only noble, but also glorious.

The V-C added that completing the matriculation process was not the end of their journey to obtain tertiary education.

“It is the first step of a journey that will determine your future.

“It, therefore, requires you all to be determined, diligent, focus and resilient.

“You must show the zeal to acquire academic excellence for which this university is reputed.

“Shun cultism, indecent and immoral behaviours and other vices that can  mar or abruptly end your sojourn here; as all forms of misconduct and misbehaviours  will not be condoned,’’ Bello warned.

He urged the students to work hard to distinguish themselves in their academics as the university had a motivational package for scholars.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was a breakfast meeting between the management of the university and the students.

The university registrar, thereafter, administered the matriculation oath on the students on faculty basis.

The students had early in the week, taken on a familiarisation tour of the university as part of the orientation. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/PAD

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde, Peter Dada

NAN-H-40

Mathematics

By Rukayat Adeyemi

Lagos, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) Fourteen-year-old Samuel Oluwadare, winner of the 2016 On-line National Mathematics Competition, says his success was due to hard work, commitment and prayer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oluwadare floored other participants in the competition jointly organised by the National Mathematics Centre and a private firm, the GLAN Consulting.

No fewer than 2,000 secondary school students across the country participated in ‎the competition.

Oluwadare, an SSS 2 student of the Xplanter Secondary Schools, Ikorodu, told NAN that consistent practice of solving mathematical problems, tutorial from his teachers and parental support also contributed to his victory.

“I will not relent in my academic pursuit as my wish is to always be the best and be at the top in the future,’’ he said.

The student appealed to government at all levels to improve the facilities that could enhance the standard of education technology in the country.

“Let us get more internet access in our schools so that Nigerian children can compete with their counterparts around the world,’’ he said.

According to him, the economy will be better improved through technology.

Oluwadare urged Nigerians to maximise and positively use the online industry and get savvy with e-commerce.

Mr Gbolahan Laniyan, the Chief Executive Officer of GLAN Consulting, told NAN in Lagos that over 2000 secondary school students all over the federation participated in ‎the competition.

Laniyan said the 2016 edition of the competition ‎was the second organised by the Centre.

According to the CEO, the competition took place online on Dec. 5, 2016 ‎while the award ceremony took place recently at the Mathematics Academy, Remo in Ogun.

He said the award and endorsement was presented by the foremost National Professor of Mathematics, Prof. Adewale Solarin of the National Mathematics Centre, Abuja.

According to him‎, the winner was given a plague and an award for his feat.

Oluwadare was appointed the Ambassador to represent Nigeria and Africa in the 2015 World Education Games due to his outstanding performance.

He was adjudged to be excellent in solving mathematics problems.

Oluwadare was selected from about six million students that participated globally.(NAN)

RUKY/AIB/SOA

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NAN-H-37
ASUU
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday expressed confidence that the future of Nigerian university education would be bright.

The ASUU National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, expressed the optimism in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ogunyemi said that he was hopeful that the negotiation committee set up by the Federal Government would henceforth chart the way forward for universities.

NAN reports that members of the union had, on Nov. 16, 2016, gone on a one-week warning strike to press home their demands.

ASUU members protested Federal Government’s none implementation of an agreement it had with the union in 2009.

It also accused the government of using establishment of universities to score political points.

ASUU said that it was opposed to such establishment.

ASUU is also aggrieved that the government did not pay entitlements such as the Earned Academic Allowance amounting to about N128 billion.

However, Ogunyemi told NAN that the government had begun to take steps toward discussing the issues with ASUU.

“On Tuesday, Jan. 10, members of the executive committee of the union had a fruitful discussion with the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

“He set up a negotiation committee over the issues raised, and we are ready to dialogue; the stage is set.

“The minister assured us that most of the issues would be looked into, and that there would be an improvement in the education sector, particularly in the university system.

“We are hoping that government will keep to its promise,’’ Ogunyemi said.

He said that removal university staff school teachers from its payroll – which was also one of the contentious issues – had been resolved.

According to him, a court judgment on Dec. 5, 2016, ruled that the staff schools are part of federal universities and, therefore, must be paid by the Federal Government.

“The court ruled that government must continue to finance university staff schools.

“Government has agreed to that in principle; when implement, we can actually heave a sigh of relief,’’ he said. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/IGO
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-H-22
Sowore
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) A lawyer and rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa on Thursday described the arrest of Mr Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters, as uncivilised.

Adegboruwa, who made the condemnation in a press statement in Lagos, called for strict adherence to the rule of law.

The Lagos State Police Command had arrested Sowore on Wednesday over alleged threat to life of Mr Lekan Fatodu, Publisher of Checkout International Magazine.

Sowore was arrested at his residence in Lagos and moved to Area ‘F’ Command, Ikeja, after Fatodu lodged a complaint to the police.

In the statement, Adegboruwa urged respect for the constitutional provisions on fundamental human rights.

“Injustice and unchecked arrest will bare its wicked fangs, even against those previously considered to be its progressive allies, especially in the media.

“The police are, thus, urged to stay away from civil disputes between citizens, and allow the regular courts the opportunity of adjudicating upon all grievances that are of a civil nature.

“If, however, there are allegations against Sowore that border on crime, the appropriate thing is for the police to prefer charges against him in a competent court of law,’’ the lawyer said.

He urged that all rights and privileges granted to Sowore by the Constitution should be observed and obeyed, adding that the police should demonstrate impartiality in the case.

Adegboruwa advised law enforcement agencies to be concerned with protection of individual rights and liberties. (NAN)
UNS/AIB/IGO
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-H-31

Meetings

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

Lagos, Jan. 9, 2017 (NAN) The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will hold its International Committee meeting to review its 2016 activities in Lagos.

Mr Adelowo Maliki, the Council’s Head of International Office, announced the meeting through a press statement in Lagos on Monday.

He said the meetings slated for Jan. 16 to Jan. 25 in Lagos is tagged “WAEC International Committees meeting’’.

According to Maliki, such committee meeting holds three times a year.

He said that various committees such as the International Appointment, Research Sub-Committee and International Administrative and Finance would discuss range of issues for ratification by the Council.

Others at the meeting are the Trustee of WAEC Endowment Fund and the International Examinations Committee.

“The International Appointment Committee will meet from Jan. 16 and Jan. 17.

“This will be followed by the International Administrative and Finance Committee scheduled for Jan. 18 and Jan. 19.

“The Research Sub-committee meeting will then take place on Jan. 20 while that of the Trustee of WAEC Endowment Fund will hold Jan. 23.

“The International Examinations Committee meeting will wrap up the series of the international meetings on Jan. 25,’’ Maliki said.

He said that the Chairperson of WAEC and the Chief Government Nominee of each member country would also attend the meeting.

According to Maliki, council members across member countries, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Heads of National Offices and Senior Management Staff of WAEC across member countries will also attend.

“Decisions reached at such meeting is subject to ratification by council, at a meeting expected to hold in March before implementation,’’ he said.

Maliki said the decisions reached would ensure better service delivery.

NAN reports that the examination body is jointly owned by five Anglophone West African countries namely: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/MZA

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Maharazu Ahmed

By Chinyere Nwachukwu

Lagos, Dec. 28, 2016 (NAN) The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), says blind candidates also cheat during examinations.

They cheat by colluding.

The Head of Test Administration of WAEC in Nigeria, Mrs Frances Iweha-Onukwu, made the revelation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

Iweha-Onukwu said the reason could be that the candidates were usually not well equipped individually for the examinations.

She added that this had been responsible for what she described as ‘not too wonderful performance’ among the blinds.

“We have discovered that there is usually high incidence of collusion among blind candidates during examinations.

“That is why their performance has not really been anything wonderful.

“Our society is such that there have not been adequate and conscious efforts to take care of the challenged.

“There have not been enough trained personnel to guide blind candidates before being exposed to major external examination’’, she said.

She lamented a situation where just one teacher who studied Special Education in higher institution is employed to cater for the needs of physically challenged persons of various dimensions. She said the situation must be reviewed.

“I cannot explain how one teacher, who studied special education can be given the singular task of meeting the academic needs of the deaf, dumb, the blind and all others.

“Meanwhile, there are candidates who need personalised attention on one-on-one basis.

“If we intend to give the best and all-inclusive education, Federal Government must employ more trained teachers in special education to take care of the different defects among the physically challenged students.

“There must also be consciousness in policy formulation that will take care of these persons.

“This is because there is ability in disability. These persons can do better if adequate care is given’’, Iweha-Onukwu added. (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-H-36

Food

By Muhammad Bashir

Dutse, Dec. 19, 2016 (NAN) The Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini, on Monday stressed the importance of zakat (alms giving) as enshrined in one of the pillars of Islam.

The Emir made the remarks while distributing Zakat to people of Jaringa village in Amaryawa district of the emirate on Monday.

Hussaini explained that Zakat as ordained by Allah is a way of redistributing wealth among people so as to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

The royal father emphasised that alms giving to the needy brings wealth and economic prosperity.

He explained that grains worth N5.7 million were distributed as Zakat to 16,652 indigenes of Jaringa village.

According to him, the exercise is in continuation of the 2016 Zakkat collection and distribution.

He said that the grains were distributed to deserving families identified by the zakat distribution committee in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Emirate had on Dec. 1, distributed grains worth N5.2 million to 2,041 less privileged people in Maraganta village under the zakat programme.

Similarly, grains worth N8 million were distributed to 2,219 families in Karkarna village.

The Emir reaffirmed the commitment of the Emirate council towards the propagation of Islam through wealth redistribution so as to reduce poverty among people in the emirate. (NAN)

MNB/HS/AIB/IS

Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-80
Results
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Dec. 16, 2016 (NAN) The results of 13,488 private candidates, out of the 172,699 who sat for the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), have been withheld.

Mr Olu Adenipekun, Head of National Office (HNO) of the WAEC, announced this while releasing results of the Nov/Dec diet of the examination on Friday in Lagos.

Adenipekun said the results were withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice.

According to him, the results withheld represent 7.81 per cent of the total number of candidates who sat for the examination.

He said that the cases of malpractices were being investigated and that reports of the investigations would be presented to the appropriate committee of the council in due course, for consideration.

The HNO added that the committee’s decision would be communicated to the affected candidates thereafter.

Giving a further breakdown of the results, Adenipekun said that 176,621 candidates registered for the examination, out of which 172,699 sat for the tests.

He said that of the figure, 88,290 were males, while 84,409 were females, representing 51.12 per cent and 48.88 per cent respectively.

Adenipekun said that 1,210 other candidates had some of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them in the course of writing the examination.

“Such errors are being corrected by the council to enable the affected candidates get their results fully processed and released subsequently,’’ he said.

According to him, out of the 172,699 that sat for the examination, 72,229 candidates, representing 41.82 per cent obtained credits and above in six subjects.

A total of 95,294 representing 55.18 per cent obtained credits and above in five subjects, while 116,133 candidates, representing 67.25 per cent, obtained credits and above in four subjects.

Similarly, 134,152 candidates, representing 77.67 per cent, obtained credits and above in three subjects, while 149,651 candidates, representing 86.65 per cent, also scored credits and above in two subjects.

Adenipekun explained that 66,497 candidates, representing 38.50 per cent, obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Giving a comparative analysis of the performance of the candidates who sat for the 2016 Nov/Dec of the examination, the HNO said there was an improvement when compared to candidates’ performance in the same examination in the 2014 and 2015 diets.

“In the percentage of candidates that obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English and Mathematics in this year’s examination, there is improvement in the performance this year when compared to the 29.37 per cent in 2014 and 20.59 per cent in 2015 respectively,’’ he said.

Adenipekun attributed the improved performance to the impact of democracy in the country.

He said that many state governments were now showing commitment towards improving education in their respective states.

“More infrastructure are being put in place, more schools also being built, while existing ones are being improved upon,’’ the HNO said.

On its part, he said that WAEC maintained the standard of the examinations at all times.

He assured that the council would continue to organise seminars for stakeholders to discuss the way forward for the Nigerian child.

“We will always ensure the examinations are taken to the places of habitat of the candidates, no matter the challenges.

“This is to ensure that no one is denied the right to education,’’ he said.

The NHO said that 19 blind candidates registered and sat for the examination.

Adenipekun said that candidates who sat for the examination would be able to check the details of their performance on the council’s website in the next 24 hours. (NAN)
CCN/AIB/PIO
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Idonije Obakhedo)