NAN-H-10
Courses
Lagos, March 10, 2018 (NAN) Anchor University, Lagos, says it is taking steps to introduce more courses in the 2018/2019 academic session.
Mr Sanusi Okesola, Head of Communication and Strategy, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the institution would also introduce scholarship award to deserving students.
NAN reports that Anchor University, owned by the Deeper Life Christian Ministry, is located at Ayobo-Ipaja, Lagos. It was established in 2017 and currently runs 15 programmes in the Faculties of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences and Natural and Applied Sciences.
Okesola said that the university had been engaged in discussions with the National Universities Commission (NUC) over the planned courses.
“We are taking steps toward introducing new courses.
“We are discussing with NUC on the new courses.
“We want to introduce competitive courses such as law.
“Right now, we have natural and applied sciences but we don’t have biological sciences; we are working toward that.’’
On scholarship, Okesola said the university was planning to put in place full scholarship.
“For the pioneer students last year, they had 20 per cent discount on their school fees.
“Students who graduated from Deeper Life High School and pastor’s children are given 10 per cent discount,’’ he said. (NAN)
One of the Computer Based Centres for the UTME in Lagos
NAN-H-66
UTME
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, March 9, 2018 (NAN) The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it is optimistic that the conduct of its 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which begins on Friday, will be successful.
The Head, Media and Information of the board, Dr Fabian Benjamin, expressed the optimism in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
NAN reports that 1.6 million candidates, inclusive of 367 visually impaired candidates, are participating in the examination scheduled to end on March 17.
According to Benjamin, the board has put logistics in place to ensure the conduct of one of the best examinations in recent times.
“If you come around to the board, you will find out that the atmosphere is relaxed.
“We are fully ready and on top of the game, just as we expect a hitch-free conduct of the examination nationwide.
“Today, we will start with just one session, which has been the tradition every year.
“From tomorrow (Saturday), we shall have the full three sessions for the candidates as stated in their examination slips.
“Our advice, therefore, is for the candidates to ensure that they adhere strictly to all the rules guiding the examination.
“There is no shortcut to success. Our helplines are always open to candidates with issues.
“They should feel free to talk to us rather than resort to self-help or engage the services of fraudsters, who might want to take advantage of them,’’ he said.
An official at one of the examination centres, Dalewares Institute of Technology in Lagos, Mr David Babalola, told NAN that the centre was prepared for the test.
He said some candidates slated for the examination on Friday had been around the centre as early as 8.00 a.m.
“But they will have to wait till about 1.00 p.m. when they will be allowed in for their accreditation,’’ he said.
Babalola said the examination would start by 3.00 p.m. as directed by JAMB.
At the WAEC International Office in Ikeja, another centre for the examination, the official in charge, Mrs Adedoyin Oladipo, told NAN that the centre was fully prepared for the conduct of the examination.
“We are fully ready here but the examination will be starting proper by 3.00 p.m.
“The candidates scheduled for that time have been here early enough but we cannot start until we are told to do so,’’ she said. (NAN)
CCN/AIB/OJO
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Mufutau Ojo)
Lagos March 7, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday said it was committed to end the on-going strike by the non-teaching labour unions in Nigeria universities.
The Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs Priscilla Ihuoma, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Recall that the unions, comprising of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAATs) had on Dec. 4, 2017, embarked on an indefinite strike.
The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Actions Committee (JAC), are protesting the none implementation of an agreement they entered into with the Federal Government in 2009.
They are also agitating the sharing formula of the N23 billion released by the federal government as part of the earned allowance of workers of federal universities across the country, among other issues.
“Right now, the government is giving priority attention to the strike issue.
“There is a process in place to bring an end to the lingering strike.
“The National Assembly too has stepped into the matter.
“With this development, we are sure that very soon, the entire issue will be resolved and normalcy restored,’’ Ihuoma told NAN. (NAN)
Mr Adedipo Olagbegi, Chief Executive Officer of Delpha Technologies, Lagos.
NAN-H-25
Programming
By Adebola Adegoke
Lagos, March 6, 2018 (NAN) A computer programming expert, Adedipo Olagbegi, has urged the Federal Government to incorporate computer programming in the primary and secondary school curricula, to boost ICT knowledge among Nigerians.
Olagbegi, who is an ICT consultant, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to him, the Nigerian school curriculum needs be reviewed because the teaching programming should be made compulsory at primary and secondary school levels.
He said that Nigeria needed to move with the world, to the point where her people can develop algorithms and solutions to solve problems.
“I think the Nigerian school curriculum should be reviewed.
“Programming needs to be taught at the primary and secondary school levels compulsorily, across all schools in Nigeria.
“The world has moved on; we need to move to a point where people are taught how to write computer programming, develop algorithms, create unique solutions to solve problems and how to write programmes in different programming languages,’’ he told NAN.
The programmer, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Delpha Technologies, also appealed to Nigerian youths to learn computer programming, irrespective of their courses of study or careers.
He explained that programming was the skill of being able to configure a computer to do what one wants it to do.
“Programming basically helps us to control how computing power is used in the digital age.
“We have seen this manifesting in so many ways, especially in the social media.
“Programming is being used in every aspect of life, which enables people to become more productive.
“I will, therefore, plead with all Nigerian youths to learn computer programming.
“In whatever career or course you’re going to learn, programming is going to be very important.
“As we evolve into a digital age, computers begin to play a more significant role in every industry.
“There is almost no career or profession that doesn’t have an IT component now.’’
Olagbegi also called on the federal government to develop more initiatives like the “Code Lagos Initiative” by the Lagos State Government, which is aimed at making coding education accessible to every student.
He said the government should have curriculum roadmaps and plans that would focus on educating people that will lead to a lasting impact on the world.
“We need to have an action plan from the government by way of a curriculum roadmap or a technology challenge group.
“I believe that one of our biggest resources in Nigeria is not oil but the people.
“And if we can educate people, we will definitely make a profitable impact in the world,’’ he added. (NAN)
AI/AIB/PIO
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Idonije Obakhedo)
Comrade Michael-Alogba-Olukoya, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
NAN-H-5
Strike
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, March 6, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has pleaded with the Federal government to intervene in the on-going strike by non-teaching staff in universities nationwide.
The National President of the union, Comrade Michael Olukoya, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
NAN reports that labour unions, comprising Senior Staff Association of Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and the National Association of Academic Technologists have been on strike since Dec. 4, 2017 over allowances.
The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Actions Committee, are protesting none implementation of the 2009 agreement it entered into with the federal government.
They are also protesting against the sharing of the N23 billion earned allowance released to the universities by the government.
“I want to plead with the federal government and the striking university labour unions to come to a negotiating table and dialogue.
“This is because, in all of this, the most hit at the end will be the Nigerian child and the country’s education system.
“The federal government, being the employers of these people, must be sincere in every one of its dealings, especially when it concerns negotiations and agreements.
“I want to see the federal government bring about a lasting solution to the crisis so that we can move forward,’’ the unionist said.
According to him, the Ministers of Labour and that of Education should meet with the unions in the overall interest of the nation.
He advised all parties involved “to exhibit undiluted patriotism in the interest of the Nigerian child.”(NAN)
CCN/AIB/MZA
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Maharazu Ahmed
Lagos, Feb. 26, 2018. (NAN) Some 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates in Lagos on Monday applauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for conducting a hitch-free mock examination.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the mock examination is optional.
The mock examination is to familiarise candidates with the process and test-run centre equipment (computers, servers and other backups) ahead of the main examination, slated to hold from March 9 to March 17.
A NAN correspondent who monitored the mock examination at the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) International Office Agidingbi, Ikeja, reports that candidates started arriving the centre as early as 5.30 a.m.
The board had programmed candidates to take the examination in three sessions of 7.00 a.m., 9.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
The examination started with a thorough body search of candidates by men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), followed by the biometric verification by the JAMB officials.
One of the candidates, Opemipo Babajide, told NAN that the experience was worth the while, as it was his first time of participating at such examination.
“Initially, I was not sure of what I was going to see in the hall, but on getting there, I just ensured I followed instructions.
“I discovered that it was really nothing to be afraid of, as everything turned out to be seamless.
“JAMB has done a great job with the introduction of this mock,’’ Babajide said.
Victor Akuwudike, another candidate, said he relished the smooth way the system responded while the examination lasted.
According to Akuwudike, from the launch of his browser through the entire process, it is interesting.
“I really like my experience today with the entire examination process.
“Everything worked for the good of the examination and I want to salute JAMB for all the `behind the scene’ efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of this mock examination.
“My prayer is for the board not to relent in ensuring a perfect conduct of the main examination come March,’’ Akuwudike said.
NAN, however, reports that some candidates reported late for the mock examination.
Some of the affected candidates missed their schedule, which automatically, disqualified them for the examination.
The candidates claimed they came from far areas, which led to their late arrival at the centre.
An official of JAMB at the centre was seen admonishing the candidates on the danger of getting to examination centres late.
The official, who pleaded anonymity, urged the affected candidates to be conscious of the time of any the examination as this might stop them from achieving their aims.
NAN reports that 245,753 candidates were expected to sit for the 2018 UTME mock examination nationwide. (NAN)
Unilag VC appeals to protesting unions to embrace peace
NAN-H-12
Protest
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Feb. 16, 2018 (NAN) The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, on Friday pleaded with striking workers in the institution to embrace peace, as appropriate authorities were addressing their agitation.
The workers, under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the institution, had embarked on a peaceful protest on campus, demanding the release of two of their members that were arrested by the Police on Feb. 15.
Addressing the protesting workers, Ogundipe said he did not have a hand in the arrest.
He described as unfortunate, instances where some persons were already indicting him as being solely responsible for the arrest.
“Since the beginning of this strike, I have not had course to stop you from prosecuting your struggle.
“It is your right to demand what rightfully is yours.
“But at the same time, let us not destroy the structure, because this strike will come and go.
“If we destroy the structure at this time of the strike, then when we come out of it, there will be no structure to fall back on.
“The strike is a national one and not a local one, so it also behoves on us to think globally and act locally.
“This will be for the benefit of all,’’ the VC said.
In their response, the union leadership assured the vice-chancellor of their support for his administration.
They said the struggle had nothing to do with him or his management team.
Mr Sulaiman Lawal, Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAATs), called for a better working relationship between members and management.
He described as unfortunate, the various incidents that had been happening on the campus while the strike was on.
“We are not happy about recent happenings on campus.
“ We need to tell ourselves the truth; many things have been unfolding and we are not happy with that,’’ Lawal said.
Mr Kehinde Ajibade, Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of the institution, urged the Police to stop intimidating its members, as they were always carrying out their protest peacefully.
According to Ajibade, members, though striking, are also mindful of the need to maintain law and order.
“We are part of the system and we do not think we will want to do anything that will collapse it totally.
“On the arrest of the members, we strongly believe that our vice-chancellor is not behind it.
“When we contacted some key members of our unions, they all affirmed that the vice-chancellor is innocent about the arrest.”
According to him, there is the need for peaceful coexistence in an effort to take the university to its desired height.
He emphasised the need for constant dialogue between members and management, for a healthier working relationship.
The NAN reports that the unions, on Dec. 4, 2017, embarked on an indefinite strike.
They are protesting non-implementation of the agreement they entered into with the Federal Government in 2009.
The unions are also protesting the sharing formula of the N23 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the earned allowance for workers of Federal universities. (NAN)
A cross session of matriculating students of the University of Lagos for the 2017/2018 academic session on Friday (NAN PHOTO)
Unilag matriculates 9,204 for 2017/2018 academic session
NAN-H-11
Matriculation
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Feb. 16, 2018 (NAN) A total of 9,204 students, who had been screened, were formally admitted into various academic disciplines of the University of Lagos for the 2017/2018 academic session on Friday.
Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-Chancellor of the institution administered the oath of allegiance to the new students.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was held amidst tight security as armed personnel were seen at strategic places around the venue.
The tight security might not be unconnected with a threat by the non-teaching staff of labour unions of the institution that are currently on indefinite strike.
In his brief address, Ogundipe congratulated the students for their success in enrolling into the university.
He urged them to stay off drugs, robbery and any other vices capable of compromising their stay in the institution and ruining their future career.
“I want to admonish you all to stay focused; take your academics seriously in order to graduate peacefully as and when due.
“You must all carry yourselves well; eschew all forms of violence by staying away from bad gangs.
“Always be of good behaviour so as to prove a worthy ambassador of this great university and a pride to your parents and the society in general,’’ he said. (NAN)
From left: Mr Ahmed Badamosi, Counsel to dismissed ASUU-LASU chairman and deputy, Dr Adekunle Idris, immediate past Chairman, ASUU-LASU, Dr Dele Ashiru, Lagos Liaison Officer of ASUU National after hearing in a suit filed by the LASU-ASUU chairman and deputy against LASU before the National Industrial Court in Lagos on Wednesday (NAN Photo)
NAN-H-111
ASUU
Lagos, Jan. 31, 2018 (NAN) The National Industrial Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday adjourned until April 18 hearing in the case between the Lagos State University (LASU) and two academic staff of the institution.
Justice Nelson Ogbuanya said the adjournment was to enable counsel to the claimants to file verifying affidavit that did not have NBA stamp and seal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the claimants are Dr Isaac Oyewunmi and Dr Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, chairman and deputy chairman of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), LASU chapter.
Ogbuanya gave the claimants seven days to do the needful and serve the counsel to the defendant (LASU) to enable the defence counsel to file their response.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Adeleke Agboola, had objected a prayer for the hearing of the case, claiming that copies of documents as demanded in previous sittings did not carry MBA stamp.
Ahmed Badamosi, counsel to the claimants, said an order in Suit No: NICN/LA/557/2017, deemed it that the said documents were already filed and served properly.
Following the objection by the defence counsel, Badamosi prayer for an adjournment, which was granted by the Court.
After the court session, Badamosi told NAN that the issues raised in the preliminary objections by the defendants were being resolved.
“We brought a motion to salvage the suit and the court bid to take our application after a ruling and adjourned for continuation of hearing until April 18,’’ he said.
Prof. Olusiji Sowande, the Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Lagos Zone, also told NAN that the union was resolute to follow the case logically.
He said it was sure that the union has a good case.
“Our position on this issue is that our members were unjustly dismissed.
“The pieces of evidence at our disposal proves that the processes leading to the dismissal of the union leaders did not follow due process.
“But since the case is in court, we leave the case to court to decide,’’ he said.
NAN reports that LASU’s Governing Council had on Sept. 8, 2017, dismissed the claimants and 13 other academic staff as well as two non-academic staff.
They were dismissed by the institution’s council at its 115th meeting over various allegations bordering on corruption. (NAN)
Some visually impaired candidates, writing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
NAN-H-96
UTME
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Jan. 31, 2017 (NAN) Twenty-five visually impaired candidates from the Bethesda Home for the Blind in Lagos have been prepared to sit for 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for March.
The Proprietress of the Home, Mrs Chioma Ohakwe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that “their registration for the examination is ongoing’’.
According to her, preparations are in top gear towards ensuring that the candidates come tops in the examination.
She said the candidates were showing commitments in an effort to surpass records set by their sighted counterparts.
“This year, we will present 25 candidates for the all Computer Based Test (CBT) mode of the UTME.
“We had 23 candidates from the home, who wrote the examination 2017.
“All of them scored 200 and above with the highest, scoring 250.
“The least score by the candidates was 211 and I think this is an encouraging feat that is worth celebrating, considering their challenge,’’ Ohakwe said.
The Proprietress said that to ensure better performance in the coming examination, the home had employed more special teachers for the candidates.
“This year’s examination might take the same mode as that of 2017, by dictating questions to the candidates.
“This dictation mode is different from what we used to have for these special candidates in the past.
“In 2017, rather than using the Braille Note Apex machines, that is more convenient for the candidates, the JAMB opted for the dictation mode.
“However, we are fully ready for the examination as we have prepared the minds of the candidates.’’ (NAN)
