WordPress

Blog

  • Caleb University among top 20 in latest ranking – VC

    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
    =======
    Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

     

     

  • NUC accredits 43 programmes at Federal University, Kashere

    Accreditation

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Universities Commission (NUC) has fully accredited 43 academic programmes at the Federal University Kashere (FUK) in Gombe State.

    The commission granted the approval for all the programmes presented by the institution for the  October/November, 2023 accreditation exercise.

    This is contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs Janet Ezekiel in Gombe on Friday.

    Ezekiel said the approval is contained in letter with reference number NUC/ES/412/VOL.14/327 addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Umaru Pate.

    “The document captioned: Result of the October/November 2023 Accreditation of Academic Programmes in Nigerian Universities indicated that in line with the provision of section 10 (1) of the Education (National Minimum Standard and Establishment of Institutions) Act CAP E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    “The commission has organized the accreditation of academic programmes at Federal University Kashere in October/November, and accredit all the 43 academic programmes that were presented in either Accredited, Full or Interim Accreditation Status,” she said.

    Ezekiel said the exercise covered undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for initial accreditation and re-accreditation.

    She said that four postgraduate and 3w undergraduate programmes earned full accreditation, while 7 other undergraduate programmes had interim accreditation.

    “It is important to note that by implication any postgraduate programme with accredited status and undergraduate programme with full accreditation will remain valid for five years after which it will be presented for re-accreditation whereas, those with interim accreditation status will last for two years before re-accreditation,” she said.

    According to Ezekiel, 98 academic programmes being run by the university got full accreditation including 49 postgraduate and 42 undergraduate while seven undergraduate programmes got interim accreditation status.

    The statement quoted Pate as expressing joy over the successful outcome, describing it as “a collective achievement”.

    While reiterating commitment to consolidate on the achievement, Pate sought for the support of the staff to transform the university into a “real citadel of learning”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HUL/RSA

    =========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Man, 24, jailed 6 months for allegedly stealing canned beer, drinks

    Man, 24, jailed 6 months for stealing canned beer, drinks

    Stealing

    By Joy Akinsanya

    Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced a 24-year-old man, Wisdom Emmanuel, to six months imprisonment for stealing canned beer and other soft drinks valued N216,000.

    The convict, whose address was not provided, was convicted on a one-count charge of stealing.

    The Magistrate, Mrs B.V Williams held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the defendant was guilty as charged.

    She, however, sentenced Emmanuel to six months imprisonment without an option of fine.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp.Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May. 18 at about 2:30am at No 2 Olubara Road Housing Estate, Ibara in Abeokuta.

    Olu-Balogun said that the convicts broke into the shop of one Mrs Taiwo Olayinka and stole different brands of can drinks, and cartons of Indomie

    “Emmanuel entered the shop of the complainant at mid-night and stole one pack of canned Guinness valued N12,000, 12 pieces of Lord’s dry gin valued N18000, 12 pieces of canned Bullet valued N24,000.

    “He also stole eight cartons of Indomie valued N64,000, five packs of Maltina valued N20,000, six pieces of Five Alive valued N18,000, six pieces of 33 canned beer valued N5000.

    “12 pieces of Goldberg valued N12,000, twelve pieces of Legend Stout valued N12,000, two pieces of Coca-Cola valued N700, and a cash sum of N20,000 all valued N216,000,” he said.

    He further explained that the convict was caught by the patrol team of the police, while some of the stolen items were recovered from him.

    The prosecutor, however, said the offence contravened sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IOJ/AYO/MNA

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Nigeria among top 5 countries streaming Amapiano- Spotify

     

    Nigeria among top 5 countries streaming Amapiano- Spotify

    Amapiano

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 14, 2024 (NAN) Online streaming platform, Spotify, says Nigeria, South Africa, United States, United Kingdom and Germany are the top five countries that have streamed Amapiano music in the last 10 years.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub Saharan Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Amapiano music.

    Amapiano, meaning “the pianos in Zulu, is a subgenre of Kwaito and house music that emerged in South Africa in 2014.

    It is a hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterised by synths and wide percussive bass lines

     

    Okumu said in 2023, the South African dance genre hit over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify.

    “South Africa, United States Of America, United Kingdom, Nigeria and Germany are the top five countries streaming Amapiano in the last 10 years.

    “The top five Amapiano playlists in 2024 are: AMAPIANO grooves, SoulPiano, Beast Mode Amapiano, Amapiano 101 and Amapiano Rising.

    “Top 10 Amapiano artistes streamed in Nigeria in the last 10 years are: Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Tyler ICU, Titom, Yuppe, Kabza De Small, Mellow and Sleazy, Tumelo_za, Uncle Waffles and Justin99.

    “One of the most affirming parts of watching Amapiano explode over the past decade is seeing how people use it for self-expression,’’ Okumu said.

    She said that the genre had recorded over 345 per cent growth in 2023, with critical assessment from 2014.

    She said Amapiano attracted over 153,000 per cent growth in export in 2023 compared with critical assessment from 2014.

    She noted that the genre attracted 87 per cent growth of female artistes in 2023 compared to 2022.

    She said that 40 per cent of Amapiano listeners were between the age of 18 and 24.

    “The Amapiano’s influence on the music culture in South Africa, and beyond has seen the world grip in an Amapiano frenzy from dance challenges to inspired collaborations and fusions.

    “This international phenomenon is reflected in Nigeria, where Amapiano listenership increased by 181 per cent between 2023 and 2024.

    “This critical influence has led to the launch of ‘A Decade of Amapiano’.

    “This is a site looking at the past decade of Amapiano and its different key influences, complemented by an on-platform Amapiano destination with pivotal playlists and podcast for anyone wishing to learn more about the genre’s origins, sounds and future,” she said.

    Okumu noted that COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a game-changing year for Amapiano’s growth on the platform.

    She said in 2020, the genre hit its first 100 million streams, followed by an impressive 300 million streams in 2021, further solidifying its rising popularity.

    “A Decade of Amapiano, launches today, 14 June, in the lead up to South Africa’s commemoration of Youth Day.

    “The 16th of June marks a historical turning point for the country’s youth and their quest for freedom and justice.

    “Today they use Amapiano as a platform to amplify their voices, freely express their aspirations and showcase their resilience and creativity.

    “In June 2023, Spotify launched “Afrobeats: Journey of a billion streams”, a website dedicated to celebrating the Afrobeats genre.

    “Spotify through ‘A Decade of Amapiano’ reinforces its commitment to supporting the growth of home-grown music genres in Africa,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/FAA

    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

     

     

     

  • Man in court for allegedly stealing transformer cables worth N800,000

    Man in court for allegedly stealing transformer cables worth N800,000

    Cables
    By Victor Adeoti
    Ede (Osun), June 14, 2024 (NAN) A 28-year-old man, Adam Yusuff, on Friday appeared before an Ede Magistrates’ Court in Osun, for allegedly stealing transformer cables worth N800,000.

    Yusuff, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, housebreaking and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Mr S.O Ibrahim, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 2, at about 10.30p.m at Oke-Iresi in Ede town.

    Ibrahim said that the defendant, with others still at large, broke into the premises of retired Maj Adewusi Samuel and stole transformer cables belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

    He said that the transformer cables, meant to serve three communities in the area, were stolen from the premises of the retired Major by the defendant and others still at large.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 411, Cap 34, Laws of Osun.

    The defendant who was without legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.

    The Magistrate, V.O Adedokun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties in like sum.

    Adedokun ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

    He adjourned the case until July 25 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VE/AYO/IKU
    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

  • FG declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays to mark Eid-el-Kabir

    FG declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays to mark Eid-el-Kabir

    Declaration

    By Yahaya Isah

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, on Friday in Abuja.

    She stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora.

    She quoted the minister as urging the Muslim community to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

    Tunji-Ojo also urged them to use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of the country.

    The minister assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would safeguard the lives and property of everyone. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YI/MAM/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • NITDA DG calls for curriculum overhaul 

    Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA (Right) and Prof. Janaidu Ismail of NERDC

    (more…)

  • COREN begins probe into 5-storey building collapse in Onitsha

    Panel
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has set up a 10-member panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a five-storey building in Onitsha, Anambra.

    The state Chairman of the council, Mr Victor Metu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Friday.

    Metu said that the panel’s mandate was to unravel the truth about the cause of the incident.

    He said that the panel was expected to interface with the building committee, the man who laid the foundation but later relieved of his job and Chukwuemeka Ugwuoke, who was later invited to continue with the job.

    “I have a picture of the collapsed building, the second and third floor had a crack.

    “It showed that it was not done by an engineer because of inconsistencies and corruption.

    “I want to know why that was done, as it contributed to the failure of that project.

    “We are inviting them and we are going to scrutinise each of them.

    “At the end of the day, we are going to come out with a White Paper on the cause of the collapse to be presented to Gov. Charles Soludo,” the COREN chairman said.

    He said that the panel is headed by Mr Sylvester Ezeaguyi, with other prominent professionals as members.

    He gave assurance that the panel sitting would be made public. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/OIF/USO
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Recapitalisation: Wema Bank gets regulatory approvals for N40bn rights issue

    Mr Moruf Oseni,  MD/CEO of Wema Bank

    Approval

    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Wema Bank says it has successfully concluded the first tranche of its recapitalisation exercise having secured all relevant regulatory approvals for the allotment of its N40 billion rights issue.

    Its Managing Director, Mr Moruf Oseni, disclosed this in a statement made available on Friday in Lagos.

    Oseni said as a forward-thinking and pioneering bank, the financial institution in December 2023 launched N40 billion rights issue which had been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CBN, in March, launched a recapitalisation programme requiring commercial banks to raise fresh capital.

    This is in alignment with the minimum requirement for their respective banking licenses within a 24-month timeline spanning April 1 to March 31, 2026.

    The goal of recapitalisation is to simultaneously boost the Nigerian economy and strengthen its financial services industry.

    Oseni said: “With this remarkable development, Wema Bank has now successfully raised the first tranche of its plan in the minimum requirement laid down by the CBN.

    “The bank’s resolve in retaining its commercial banking license with National authorisation and the N40 billion rights issue is a step in that direction.

    “Our move to commence our capital raise programme very early demonstrates our push for excellence, and with a strong emphasis on our digital play, we are set to amass more successes in the coming months,” he said.

    The managing director expressed satisfaction with the vote of confidence given by the bank’s shareholders during its first rights issue exercise, noting that its shares were fully subscribed.

    Oseni stated that the bank also obtained the approval of its shareholders at its 2023 annual general meeting to raise an additional N150 billion to meet the capitalisation threshold set by the CBN.

    He hinted that the process was expected to be completed within 12-18 months.

    Oseni said: “We are committed to providing optimum returns for every stakeholder and the successful conclusion of this N40 billion rights issue is a bold step in the right direction.

    “In addition to the upward trend in the bank’s financial performance and the success recorded so far in its recapitalisation exercise, Wema Bank’s corporate rating was recently upgraded to BBB+ by Pan African credit rating agency, Agusto and Co.

    “The bank was also retained at BBB by international rating agency, Fitch.”

    According to him, over the medium to long term, Wema Bank is positioned to not only dominate the digital banking space but also the Nigerian financial services industry at large as it translates its industry leadership to significant market share. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/KOLE/AWA
    =============
    Edited by Remi Koleoso/ Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Global Energy Show: Ekpo woos Canadian investors 

     

    Energy

    By Emmanuella Anokam

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo says the path to a sustainable energy future requires partnership, innovation, and a shared commitment to addressing global energy challenges.

    Ekpo said this at a reception hosted by the Nigerian High Commission in Alberta, Calgary, Canada, where he is attending the ongoing Global Energy Show.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a copy of Expo’s speech was made available to newsmen in Abuja by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah.

    The minister of state described the Global Energy Show as a platform where the brightest minds and influential leaders in the energy sector converge to brainstorm on sustainable pathways.

    He said the gathering offered an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s immense potential in the global energy landscape, particularly in the gas sector.

    “We welcome Canadian businesses and investors to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities.

    “Our government is dedicated to ensuring a stable and conducive environment for investments, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and mutual benefit.

    “Nigeria is blessed with one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, and is committed to harnessing this resource not only as a catalyst for economic growth, but as a vital component of its energy transition strategy,’’ Ekpo said.

    The minister said in the past few years, the Nigerian government has made substantial strides in creating an enabling environment for investment in the gas sector.

    He said initiatives such as the Decade of Gas had been inauguratedto transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy by 2030.

    He also said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 established the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).

    This, he said provided a strategic framework to remove bottlenecks, incentivise investments and foster a conducive environment for gas infrastructure development.

    Ekpo urged private sector investors to see Nigeria as a destination of their choice, highlighting their importance in the journey towards the country’s energy security and sustainability.

    “Let us foster deeper connections, share knowledge, and pave the way for a future where our energy collaboration leads to mutual prosperity and a sustainable world,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ELLA/EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams