Edo Govt condemns rape, murder of 22-year-old UNIBEN fresh graduate
Condemnation
By Usman Aliyu
Benin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Edo Government on Wednesday condemned the alleged rape and gruesome murder of one Glory Adekolure, a fresh graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The victim was reportedly raped and killed at Iyowa Community, Benin City, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
A source said that Glory, 22, was on her way home after processing her clearance forms, when she was tortured and raped to death by yet-to-be-identified persons.
Her corpse was later dropped close to her mother’s house.
In a statement by the state government in Benin, communications and orientation commissioner Chris Nehikhare expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
“Gov. Godwin Obaseki has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Funso Adegboye, to fish out the perpetrators of the evil act within the next seven days,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full accreditation status to the 18 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes presented by the Kwara State University (KWASU).
A statement from the Acting Director, University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, on Wednesday in Ilorin stated that the application was in the October/November 2023 round of accreditation of academic programmes in the institution.
The statement indicated that the accreditation was contained in a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, dated June 6, 2024, and signed by the Acting Director of Accreditation, Mr Abraham Chundusu.
”The accreditation is for six post-graduate and 12 undergraduate programmes valid for a period of five years,” the letter stated.
It listed the programmes to include Public Health, Film Studies and Production, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Fine and Applied Arts.
Others are Chemistry, Plant and Environmental Biology, Political Science, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Mass Communication.
The post-graduate programmes are M.Sc. Accounting, M.Sc. Business Administration, Masters in Business Administration, M.Sc. Finance, M.Sc. Public Administration, and Masters in Public Administration.
The statement quoted the Vice-Chancellor as describing the result as reflective of the commitment of the management and staff of the University.
He equally appreciated the roles played by the Kwara State Government and Ministry of Tertiary Education, commending their support during the accreditation exercise. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
* The block of two classrooms renovated by the Nawair-Ud-Deen Old Students Association.
Renovation
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Offa (Kwara), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Old Students Association of Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Offa in Offa local government area of Kwara, on Wednesday handed over a block of two classrooms it renovated to the school.
During the project’s handing-over in Offa, the association’s outgoing National President, Alhaji Lukman Babalola, said the donation was in line with the assignment given to his administration upon inception.
”At the last Annual General Meeting when this administration was sworn into office , one of the office assignments adopted was to renovate a block of two classrooms.
”The adoption was made in line with the request of the school management who complained about hoodlums taking over the dilapidated blocks and parading all sorts of immortalities at night in the school premises,” he said.
Babalola commended all members of the association for their support both financially and spiritually towards the completion of the renovated classrooms.
In his remarks, the Principal of the school’s Senior Secondary Section, Alhaji Bashir Bello, said significant projects like this one showed that the ex-students value their roots.
”Your positive impact in making teaching and learning meaningful and purposeful will make the present students in the school to work hard.
”It will be an inspiration to students to learn to be greater achievers because you can only give what you have,” he said.
On her part, Principal of the school’s Junior Secondary Section, Alhaja Bashirat Mustapha, while expressing appreciation about the project however called for more intervention in areas lacking in the school.
These, according to her, include provision of enough teaching staff, more security men to safeguard the school’s property and assets, well-equipped library and laboratory, computer rooms and computer equipment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by several ex-students of the school at home and diaspora.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Makurdi, June 18, 2024(NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has vowed to end the deep-seated corruption in the state’s education sector.
Alia said this at a public lecture and book launch organised by Dr Terna Francis, the Director General, Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme ”Nigeria: 25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy”, while the book is titled ”Moral Philosophy and Character Formation: Nigeria Under the Lens” and “Civic Education and National Values”.
The governor noted his administration’s commitment to addressing all forms of corruption in the education sector and upgrade the sector to global standards.
He added that combating corruption required more than mere statements, lamenting that the menace had permeated from families into the wider the society.
The governor, however, called for attitudinal change in order to achieve significant progress in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
“Change must begin with all of us; let us be the mirror of what we anticipate.
”What we talk of moral corruption at the national level, we should remember that it starts right from the primary school to homes, associations, the streets
”But we will start somewhere, and the starting point will be the education sector,” he said.
Earlier, the book reviewer, Prof Aloysius Ihuah, the National President of the Association of Physiology Practitioners in Nigeria, commended the author for promoting national ethics.
He said the book had provided a good account of moral issues in need of national debate in a depressed nation like Nigeria.
He added that the author took a critical examination of the many wrongs of the Nigerian state, particularly character deficit with its accompanying socio-economic baggage.
“The book argues that something morally significant is missing in the Nigerian character.
”That there is every need to advance a pragmatic solution in an effort to foist a national ethic that establishes a culture of wholeness, humanness and hospitality of humanity.
“The Twelve chapters book queries the paradox of human behaviour in a Nigerian that is seemingly saturated with many unanswered moral questions.
“In attempting to answers to these and many questions of moral concerns in the Nigerian social space, the book blamed the situation on the gradual weakening of national institutions,” he said.
Speaking, the author said that the book calls for character formation which is central to the morality of any society.
”This is made manifest through a contemporary Nigerian society which lacks this index of good character formation due to moral bankruptcy.
“Unemployment and poverty, compromised security apparatus, poor leadership recruitment model, poor parental control and endemic corruption among other challenges are currently staring us in the face,” he decried. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Accreditation
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, June 18, 2024 (NAN) National Universities Commission (NUC) has given accreditation status to 10 programmes at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa.
This is contained in statement issued by the Spokesperson for the university, Alhaji Abdullahi Yahaya, on Tuesday in Dutse.
Yahaya said that the accreditation approval for the programmes was communicated to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, in a letter signed by the NUC’s acting Director of Accreditation, Mr Abraham Chundusu.
According to him, the programmes with full accreditation include: Master in Public Policy and Administration, Fisheries, English, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Criminology and Security Studies and Political Science, while Cyber Security was given an interim accreditation.
The vice-chancellor thanked the commission for the accreditation of the programmes.
Mohammed also commended the management and staff members of the university for making the positive results possible.
He said that all hands must be on the deck to ensure that the standard attained was maintained. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MNB/VE/WAS
Edited by Victor Adeoti and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Lawmaker seeks establishment of entrepreneur university in Lagos
University
By Florence Onuegbu
Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Kalejaiye, House of Representatives member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency, has called for the establishment of Entrepreneur University in Lagos State.
Kalejaiye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, that he, in collaboration with his colleague, Mr Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Constituency, had succeeded in raising the Bill at the House.
”We have moved a Bill asking for an establishment of an entrepreneur university in Lagos, to be sited in Ikorodu.
‘‘We have already done the first reading of the Bill, it is going to the second,” he said.
The lawmaker said that there was the need for the university, owing to the populous nature of Lagos State and the necessity for another federal university.
”We have only one federal university in Lagos, and considering the population; considering the heterogeneous nature of Lagos; there is a need for us to have a second university.
”We are not just looking for a university for university’s sake, we are looking at a specialised university, which will be an entrepreneur university.
‘‘This is where the people can learn skills, where people can learn things that will make them to be employable,” he said.
According to him, a lot of graduates are unemployable, hence, the need for them to undergo re-entrepreneurship training, re-convertibility training.
He said that nowadays, nobody spoke about how many degrees one had, as what was being talked about was how productive someone is, and what innovations one could bring into the system.
Kalejaiye said that he had been concerned about things that would bring development to Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency, hence, had moved three motions (Bills), toward effecting positively on the constituents.
He said that one of his major concerns was the abandoned Federal Government Press in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, which was established in 1975.
According to him, the federal press was where bulletins, newsletters, gazettes are printed, when Lagos State was Federal Capital Territory.
”Since the Federal Government relocated to Abuja, the press has become very moribund.
‘‘The Federal Ministry of Information no longer carry out such exercises in that press, that press, more or less turned into an event centre where ceremonies and whatever take place.
”So, I succeeded in moving a motion on the floor of the House, asking for its convertibility into a skill and acquisition centre for the youths of our people.
”That have been passed and it is on that process as I speak with you, so I have been concerned about those things that will bring development to the area,” Kalejaiye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FON/FAK/VIV
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I’ll turn around fortunes of FUT, Minna- Pro-chancellor
FUT
By Ismail Abdulaziz
Minna, June 17, 2024(NAN) The new Pro-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, has pledged to turn around the fortunes of the institution.
He said his wealth of experience as an education administrator would be deployed to ensure that the institution retains its pride of place.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Minna, Santuraki said FUT, Minna would also maintain its academic excellence.
‘’FUT, Minna is one institution that has been a rallying point for not only people of Niger or the North but for all Nigerians.
‘’It is a microcosm of the country where youths are engaged in inventions, innovations and technology development with one common cause of realising the dream of a better Nigeria.
”Nigeria youth deserve to be encouraged to realise their full potential especially in a conducive educational environment,’’ he said.
NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Santuraki as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of FUT, Minna a fortnight ago.
He is a seasoned tertiary education administrator having served earlier in the same position at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), the Niger University.
Santuraki also served as the Vice Chairman of the Committee of Pro-chancellors of State-owned Universities in Nigeria.
The new pro-chancellor said that the appointment of the new boards of tertiary institutions would accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu in the education sector.
He said that the education sector of the country would be revitalised with a strong board comprising men and women with wealth of experience and passion to make positive changes.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IS/BRM
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Yola, June 15, 2015 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has engaged 500 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to promote digital learning in schools across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa.
Its Education Specialist, Mr Abdurahman Ibrahim, said this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen at a two-day training of 500 corps members on the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) in Yola.
Ibrahim said the NLP, which is a digital learning platform, was created to promote and strengthen digital learning for children in schools and those out of school.
“The NLP is a platform with over 15,000 learning content and the idea is to ensure every child is enrolled on the platform, register courses and complete all the courses.
“We had a bitter experience during COVID-19, where all activities were shut down, including the education of the children, hence we came up with the idea of an alternative learning programme,” he said.
He said the engagement with the 500 corps members serving as teachers in schools across the state was to complement and address the limited number of teachers available on the NLP platform.
” We are engaging corps members especially those serving in schools, to leverage on their one year service experience to boost learning activities among the children.
” Each corps member will be introduced to the NLP, so that when they return to their respective schools they can register more learners on the platform, register their courses and ensure they learn.
” This engagement will certainly increase the number of teachers, improve the learning ability and learning outcome of children in the state,” he said.
The education specialist added that the NLP comprises of various components which captures the educational needs of children in school.
He said the non-formal education component includes the integrated Quranic education, saying the NLP was applicable and targeted at all children both at the primary and secondary school levels.
“Presently, we have started the programme in some schools and we distributed tablets, routers for internet access as well as projectors to amplify the NLP platform in their various classes.
“We understand the power of children having tablets, therefore, we encourage parents to engage the children on the learning platform and minimise their indulgence in playing games daily.
Speaking on distribution of tablets and access to internet facilities across all schools in rural communities, Ibrahim said various partners are available to support the programme.
“We will like to state that there are other partners supporting the NLP here in Adamawa, providing all the necessary items like the tablets, routers and projectors to schools inorder to bridge the educational gap in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Activities at the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair on Friday in Lagos.
By Grace Alegba
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has reiterated commitment toward boosting the ease of doing business and helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, said this at the kickoff of the ‘Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Fair’, held in Oregun, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day hybrid fair, organised by the state government, is holding from June 14 to June 16, with Wema Bank as the major sponsor.
Aregbe said the trade fair was aimed at growing SMEs in the state, Nigeria and Africa at large.
“It is about growing the Naira, about taking the average SME in Nigeria and Lagos and giving them the support they need.
“It’s about telling our story. Nigerians are ready for business, and that is what we are seeing here today.
“And that is what Lagos Tourism is about. It is also about music, dance, and art,” he said.
He called for support from all residents toward building the “Lagos of our dreams” through business, entertainment, and art to showcase the state to the world.
“A working Nigeria and a working Lagos is what we all need to do together,” he said.
Also, Wema Bank Head of Department (HOD) Brand/Marketing, Mabel Adeteye, told NAN that the impact of the fair had been significant since the bank became a major sponsor in 2023.
Adeteye said the fair was an opportunity to connect with customers and empower the SME business community, which is very important to the bank.
She emphasised the importance of market access for SMEs.
“Access to markets is crucial for businesses of all sizes because it determines their ability to sell products and services, reach customers, and expand their operations,” she said.
Meanwhile shoppers defied the rainfall to attend the fair as those who spoke to NAN expressed their joy at finding affordable and quality local products, as well as goods from other states.
A cloth vendor selling children’s jean trousers at N1,000 each struggled to control the crowd, mostly women, who created human traffic as they bought large quantities.
One shopper, Hajia Hadiza Bankole, a trader, told NAN that she bought 30 pieces because she owns a boutique.
“The prices are incredible. I bought it for children between ages one and 12. I believe I can finish selling all during this Sallah,” she said.
Another shopper, Uduak Uzor, said she was able to buy hair care products from a vendor that came from Abuja.
“I always see these products online. Today, I was able to buy as many as I wanted without thinking of shipping costs,” she said.
An exhibitor, Mary Ojora, thanked the Lagos State Government for the opportunity to make sales and connect with clients.
Ojora, the Marketing Manager of Blends and Blinzg, appreciated the platform to showcase all the firm’s brands, which are 100 per cent made in Nigeria.
Another exhibitor of paints and other wall products, Mrs Precious Kenneth, said her firm was leveraging contacts from travel agencies and other luxury item providers at the fair.
“We are here because people who come to buy clothes and travel would also need to live in beautiful houses. We are here for everyone,” she said.
NAN reports that there were several side attractions, including the sale of various cuisines, pastries, drinks, medical checks, music, and more. (NAN)
Ranking
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota in Lagos, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, says the institution has secured a spot among top universities across the globe with its latest ranking.
Owens-Ibie said this in a statement by the Media and Information Officer of the university, Mr Olawale Adekoye, issued to newsmen on Friday in Lagos.
The vice-chancellor explained that the development was coming on the heels of the recent award to the institution as the ‘Best Private University’ in Nigeria in 2024 by the Times Higher Education (THE).
“It is indeed a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative research and student success.
“Caleb University Imota in Lagos has achieved an outstanding milestone for being ranked 18th best university, out of the total 272 public and private universities in Nigeria, according to the 2024 World University ranking by the respected Times Higher Education (THE).
“This unprecedented leap has secured a spot for the institution among the world’s top universities in which elite ones from 152 countries and regions were evaluated for the much anticipated 2024 ranking.
“For us to be winning national and international recognitions in quick succession is proof that we remain a showcase of the best and brightest. The future belongs to Caleb University,” he said.
The professor of Communication, Media and Development said that the ranking recognised the institution’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals, providing a world-class education, fostering a culture of innovation and producing talented graduates, who made positive impact globally.
In his contribution, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration (RISA) of the institution stated that when in 2021, the university was ranked 66th in Nigeria, the management went to the drawing board.
According to him, management held meetings and brainstormed and the target then was to put the institution to the top 30 by the year 2024.
“However, the top 20 placement in 2024 came as an amazingly pleasant surprise, all as a result of collective acceleration efforts.
“We have surpassed our strategic plan projection of top 30 by 2024. This is a great feat in all its ramifications, being our first global ranking,” Asikhia said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that THE is a topmost global university ranking body, that assesses institutions by identifying and celebrating universities that excel across multiple United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The organ also considers institutions that stand out in individual areas and demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable drives.
It also showcases commitments to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships as well as critical role of academia in driving sustainable change, amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MIL/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi
