Admissions: JAMB to announce cut-off marks on July 18
Admissions
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN)The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed Friday, July 18, 2024, for the Policy Meeting to deliberate on admissions cut-off marks into tertiary institutions.
The meeting which is expected to set minimum cut-off marks for 2024/2025 admissions, would be chaired by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
This was disclosed in the Board’s weekly bulletin and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.
JAMB listed critical stakeholders expected at the meeting to include heads of regulatory agencies, such as the National University Commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Others are National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Heads of tertiary institutions in the country, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), among others.
“During the exercise, the Registrar will present reports on the just-concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the ongoing Direct Entry (DE) applications.
“The registrar will also analyse key performance indicators that could shape the policy directions of the government in the area of admission.
“Also, the meeting would apprise stakeholders of the salient issues that cropped up in the course of the previous year’s admission exercise.
“In addition, the policy meeting will look at the performance of candidates in the current year’s UTME in order to determine the year’s minimum admissible score,” it said.
Recall that stakeholders had in the previous year agreed on the minimum admission requirement for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The meeting would determine the year’s admission requirements while kick-starting the admission process for the current year.
It would also discuss unresolved issues emanating from the previous academic year; and also appraise the compliance of stakeholders with extant advisories and suggest further amendments where necessary. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has urged companies that operate on foreign technologies to submit their technology transfer agreements to NOTAP for proper evaluation and registration.
Its Director-General, Dr Obiageli Amadiobi, gave the advice on Monday at a news conference in Abuja.
Amadiobi said companies that failed to submit their agreements to NOTAP for proper evaluation and registration would face stiff penalties and prosecution.
“Available records show that a greater percentage of companies in Nigeria operate on imported technologies which run into millions of dollars without NOTAP registration necessitated by Law, thereby shortchanging the Nigerian economy.
“By law, it is mandatory that NOTAP should be involved during the technology negotiation stage to ensure that the Nigerian entrepreneur acquires appropriate technology in best contractual terms,’’ she said.
The D-G expressed NOTAP’s commitment in synergising with companies that strictly comply with its rules, adding that there would be stiff punishment for erring ones.
She stated that NOTAP was established to regulate the inflow of foreign technology through the registration of technology transfer agreements to promote the development of locally motivated technologies.
According to her, NOTAP is working assiduously to ensure that Nigerian companies are offered the best contractual terms in acquisition of foreign technologies,
“This act is shortchanging the system because they have lumped up software and hardware together, thereby not giving room for proper evaluation and registration.
“Some companies are hiding under non-registration of hardware to avert registration of their agreements,’’ director-general said.
According to her, this will enable rendition of services commensurate with the money expensed on it.
“In line with the renewed hope mantra of the present administration, no company is allowed to continue to avoid registration of technology transfer agreements with NOTAP.
“Some operators lump acquisition of foreign hardware with the software with the claim that the technology cannot be registered since it is hardware.’’
She emphasised that such companies were doing great disservice to the nation and should henceforth desist from such practices. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Arraignment
By Alaba Olusola Oke
Akure, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An octogenarian, Idowu Akomolafe, and two others were on Monday arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court over alleged malicious damage and threat to life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other two defendants were: Tope Williams, 45 and Ismaila Yinusa, 26.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp Martins Olowofeso, told the court that the defendants and others at large, on May 22 at Elemo/Igoba community in Akure, conspired to commit misdemeanour to wit: forcible entry, malicious damage and threat to life.
Olowofeso said that the trio conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace and apprehension.
He said that they unlawfully encroached into the peaceful abode of one Prophet Abiodun Olofe and maliciously caused damage to the perimeter fence of the place, valued at N1.2 million.
Olowofeso said that the offences contravened Section 517 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. I, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Though the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, the prosecutor asked the court to remand them in a correctional facility, pending the filing of notice of hearing.
The Magistrate, Mr Damilola Sekoni, however, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N300,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
Sekoni, thereafter, adjourned the case till Aug. 7, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OKEO/KOO/WAS
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Nigerian Army pledges continuous fight against insurgency without reservation
Security
By Naomi Sharang
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has said that the military would continue to operate without any reservation in ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Lagbaja said this at a roundtable held in Abuja on Monday, organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), in collaboration with Development Specs Academy.
The event is themed, “Asymmetrical National Security Challenges, the Army and National Development”.
Declaring the roundtable opened, Lagbaja said that the Nigerian Army would not relent in combating insurgency and other security threats in the country.
“The Nigerian Army in collaboration with its sister services and other security agencies will continue to operate without any reservation in ensuring the safety and security of the country for the development of all Nigerians.
“The theme of the event is apt particularly at this time when the nation is facing various security challenges.
“I am optimistic that this interaction will deliver practical solutions that can be easily implemented.
“I assure you of the army headquarters’ engagement to a timely resolution of all insecurity issues in a manner that is favourable to the country and its citizens.”
He, however, appealed to Nigerians to support the army with the needed information on suspicious persons
in their communities.
“I appeal to all Nigerians to continue supporting the Nigerian army and other security agencies in their quest to bring rapid peace, which is necessary for sustainable development.
“Nigerians should continue to support the army; it is the people’s army. We are working to bring about the peace and security that Nigerians yearn so much for.
“I appeal to Nigerians to support the army with information and any other form of support that will grant flexibility to the troops, to be effective in combating the enemies of the state.
“Security is a whole of society’s responsibility and all stakeholders must understand each other and build trust and relationships among themselves,” Lagbaja said.
He further said that the position of the army to all forms of threat was that, “we will work in line with the constitutional provisions to combat all enemies of the state and bring about the much desired peace and stability within the country”.
Also speaking, Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab said the military owed Nigerians the responsibility to combat insurgency.
“We owe ourselves the responsibility to tackle our security challenges. We must find a way of ensuring that these issues are tackled.
“This forum is not about fault finding but finding solutions that will improve performance by the Nigerian Army,” Wahab said.
Similarly, Executive Director, Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, decried the situation where soldiers and the military no longer get intelligence from communities in the fight against insecurity.
“Soldiers and the military have been doing a lot. But that which they are doing is misunderstood.
“Most communities no longer give them intelligence. So you find the people whose job depends on the information they get from communities not helping them.
“These men are here to secure us, so we need to give them the needed information. This is our country. We need to fix it,” he said.
In his presentation, the President, Nigerian
Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, said that the media ought to carry out reporting and discussions with responsibility with regards to issues on insecurity.
“When we don’t take responsibility in whatever we are doing as we report our nation, we leave our nation vulnerable to the risk of assessment and perception by other nations and when that happens, our reputation will be in deficit,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable had as strategic partners, the Voice of Nigeria (VON), NAN and NIPR. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Council awards $250,000 grant to 4 innovative research teams
Research
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has awarded a 250,000 dollars grant to four innovative research teams in Nigeria.
This followed the successful implementation of the Research for Impact Initiative (R41) under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
In this initiative, four teams were shortlisted to advance their developed ideas through a collaborative research grant established under SGIC with Innovation Technology Hub as the technical partner.
Dr Saliba Bakare, Director of Research and Development of TETFund, said Nigeria joined the SGCI in 2020, five years after the programme inception and had made tremendous impact.
Bakare was speaking at the project inauguration and initial bootcamp of SGCI funding in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the 250,000 dollars grant will support four Nigerian research teams, each working on projects with the potential to drive significant change.
Among these initiatives are advancements in the processing of garri, a staple food, and pioneering efforts in renewable energy, amongst others.
He said the funding was aimed to bridge the gap between research and practical application by fostering innovations that could be commercialised.
“The essence is to help them transform their research findings into commercialisable goods and services in this country,” he said.
He noted that a critical component of the grant was its focus on helping research teams to develop their innovations into market-ready prototypes.
He added that this involved not only technical development but also pitching these products to industries by ensuring that the research was translated into tangible economic benefits.
“Four teams are going to use this money to develop their research into prototypes and pitch them with industries so that there will be take-off of the product coming out from the research,” he said.
Recall that TETFund is one of the 17 members of the Sub-Saharan Africa Science Funding Councils Initiative (SGCI) which seeks to strengthen Science Financing Councils in supporting research and evidence-based policies that contribute to the socioeconomic development of countries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Obi suggests ways to tackle exodus of multinationals
Multinationals
By Monday Ajogun
Onitsha (Anambra), June 24, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s Presidential Candidates in the 2023 General Elections, on Monday suggested ways Nigeria could tackle exodus of multinational companies.
The former governor of Anambra State made the suggestions on his X handle.
According to Obi, exodus of multinational companies from Nigeria has cost the nation N95 trillion in the past five years.
Obi said that tackling the issue would require creating a business-friendly environment that would boost investment, innovation and growth.
“This includes prioritising security, stabilising our policies and reducing energy costs.
“We must also cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability and good governance.
“We can build an economy that benefits all Nigerians. Let us unite to transform Nigeria into a nation conducive for business and attractive to investment.
“Together, we can make Nigeria a beacon of hope and progress in Africa and the entire world,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
By Joy Akinsanya
Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, on Monday, declared open the 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at the Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Usman noted that the competition was aimed at promoting unity among troops.
He added that the event was put together to improve leadership traits and organisational ability.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for providing enabling environment, while assuring him of the division’s commitment to executing all Nigerian Army Training Directives.
The GOC urged participants to abide by the rules and exhibit sportsmanship, emphasising the importance of training in achieving military professionalism.
” The competition will run for four days, and it is expected to be a hitch-free event.
“The competition will promote spirit-de-corps among troops.
“Toward this end, some events have been outlined to test competing formations within the division.
“Some of these events which will be rigorously competed for include Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing and Weapon Handling/Range Classification,” he said.
Usman reminded the contestants that globally, training had remained a fundamental precursor for every battle winning army.
” This is premised on the fact that troops performance in peace and war is a direct result of the qualities of their training. Also, training remains a veritable tool for enhanced military professionalism,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Aminu, emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, urging participants to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the competition.
“I enjoin you all to abide by all the rules and regulations guiding the competitions and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship.
“I want you all to put in your best and compete in the best way you can.
“However, you should be mindful of your safety and safety of your colleagues throughout the period of the competition,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IOJ/CHOM/JNC
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lafia, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Dr Hassan Ikrama, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia, says the hospital has employed 28 medical doctors to address manpower shortage at the facility.
Ikrama made the disclosure to newsmen on Monday in Lafia.
He explained that the employment became imperative to fill vacancies at the hospital in order to strengthen their capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.
The CMD noted that the country’s health sector was being threatened by so many challenges including brain drain since COVID-19 struck.
“Due to the havoc wreaked by COVID-19, many nations opened their borders to healthcare workers especially doctors from other climes.
“As a result, doctors across the country including our facility had left to take jobs overseas,” he added.
Ikrama appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the approval to replace all those who left in order to maintain high standard of healthcare services.
He said that plans were ongoing to employ more doctors to cater to the needs in the various departments of the hospital.
The CMD, therefore, assured members of the public of the hospital’s determination to continue to offer quality healthcare services to the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), says no life was lost to the Monday morning flash flood in Trademore Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.
The acting Director-General (D-G) of FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, stated this while assessing the extent of the flash flood that submerged some of the houses up to window level.
“There was no distress call from the residents of Trademore Estate. It was a passerby that saw the flooding and called us and there was no report of anybody missing.
“I am here with some members of the residents’ association and none of them reported that somebody is missing, dead or that somebody was drawn.
“If there is any, we have not received such a report,” Wenegieme said.
Supporting FEMD’s position, a security man with Pento Security Guard, Mr Eborn Sunday, equally said: “I am not aware of anyone that was killed by the flash flood this morning.
“We were on duty when the rain started around 7 a.m. Suddenly we saw the water level rising up and we started securing our belongings.
“After that, we started helping people whose houses were being submerged to safety. The water flooded the houses towards the estate gate up to window level, but no life was lost.”
The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that FEMD, along with officials from the National Emergency Management Agency, Department of Development Control, Department of Engineering Services, and Fire Service were at the scene to assess the situation.
Wenegieme explained while speaking to journalists that the emergency officials were not supposed to be at the estate because it was declared a disaster zone in 2022 due to the recurring flooding in the area.
Wenegieme said that the 2023 incident submerged almost all the houses in the estate.
She equally said that her team was not supposed to be at the estate because the residents had dragged FCT Administration to court over plans to demolish all houses built on waterways.
She said that about 116 houses were marked for demolition because they were built on waterways, but FCTA was restrained from removing the houses by a Court Injunction obtained by the residents.
Houses submerged to window level at Trademore Estate Lugbe, Abuja, after a heavy downpour Monday morning.
According to her, the houses that were submerged by the flash flood were part of the 116 houses marked for demolition for sitting on flood plain.
“The injunction stopped FCTA from removing all obstruction along the waterway, which was part of the solution to the lingering challenge.
“The residents were also advised to move out of the area, but they refused to move.
“We are here again to advise them that they should move out of the location in their own interest,” she said.
The acting D-G further said: “We have just discovered a school on the flood plain with students that could be up to 500, including their teachers, management and other non-academic staff.
“Their lives are at stake.”
She advised the school management to relocate the school to safer grounds for the sake of the children and the teachers, including the properties.
“You all are not safe when there is flooding.
“If there is a heavy downpour again, you never can tell what will happen and that is why we don’t want our children, the leaders of tomorrow, to remain here.
“We are just here to advise you for now,” she said.
She noted that the residents of the estate had mobilised their engineers who came up with an engineering solution that apparently did not solve the problem.
She appealed to the residents to move and allow the government to put the necessary infrastructure in place.
“But a situation where houses are still sitting on waterways and they are refusing to move, tell me how we will be able to solve the problem?
“If the court injunction is removed, and we are given the opportunity to come and put things in place, the FCT Administration will come and put things in place,” she added.
On the contrary, Mr Inemesit Udofot, Chairman, Trademore Estate Residents Association, Phase II, said that no house was sitting on a flood plain in the estate.
Udofot claimed that the recurrent flooding in the estate was largely caused by the channelling of water into Trademore by the adjoining estates.
According to him, demolition is not the way out. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Kano, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Salman Dogo, the new Commissioner of Police in Kano State, has promised to combat crimes and improve security of lives and property in the state.
Dogo, who assumed the office on Monday in Kano, promised to initiate and implement security method that would enhance peaceful coexistence among the residents.
“I appeal to residents to imbibe the spirit of volunteering credible information that could aid in apprehending bad characters in their midst.
Earlier, outgoing Commissioner of police, Hussein Gumel, appealed to the officers and the public to support the new commissioner of police to succeed.
Gumel, who is recently promoted to AIG, expressed gratitude to the Kano Police Command and urged continued support for the new commissioner of police.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists honoured Gumel with outstanding performance award while some police officers and philanthropists were also honoured for promoting peace. ( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
