ASUU UNILAG Reacts To Order Asking Lecturers To Resume Work
The court ruling came after the Federal Government, in a suit, had filed for an application for an order compelling ASUU to call off its strike.
Showing posts with label EDUCATION. Show all posts
32 Kaduna Baptist Students Regain Freedom, 31 Still In Captivity
They were released on Friday, August 27, and have since been reunited with their parents.
32 Kaduna Baptist Students Regain Freedom, 31 Still In Captivity
32 out of the remaining 63 who were abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi, Kaduna state who were abducted by bandits have been released.
The Chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Joseph Hayab, who confirmed the students’ release to newsmen, said they were released on Friday, August 27, and have since been reunited with their parents.
On July 5, 2021, bandits had invaded the school located some few kilometers from Kaduna metropolis and abducted 121 students.
28 of the students were released on July 25 after their parents allegedly paid N100 million as ransom. Last week, the bandits released 15 of the students who were in their captivity.
See Full List Of Top 100 Universities in Nigeria
Webometric's recent ranking is the largest academic ranking of Higher Education Institution in Nigeria.
Webometrics has released a list of top 100 universities in Nigeria in 2021.
The University of Ibadan, UI was ranked as the number one university in the country.
Webometric's recent ranking is the largest academic ranking of Higher Education Institution.
Its judgment is based on the assessment of Composite Indicators and Web Impact Factors.
Also, Covenant University, and Obafemi Awolowo University are ranked second and third respectively by Webometrics in its latest rating.
The University of Nigeria, UNN, located in Enugu State, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) are fourth and and fifth in Nigeria in the recently released ranking.
Here is a full list of top 100 Nigerian universities, according to Webometrics
1 University of Ibadan
2 Covenant University Ota
3 Obafemi Awolowo University
4 University of Nigeria
5 University of Lagos
6 University of Port Harcourt
7 Ahmadu Bello University
8 Federal University of Technology Akure
9 Landmark University
10. Federal University of Technology Minna
11. Bayero University Kano
12 Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
13 University of Calabar
14 University of Benin
15 Adekunle Ajasin University
16 Ekiti State University
17 Olabisi Onabanjo University
18 University of Uyo
19 Nnamdi Azikiwe University
20 Federal University of Technology Owerri
21 Lagos State University
22 University of Abuja
23 University of Jos
24 Redeemer’s University
25 Federal University Oye Ekiti Ekiti State
26 Federal University Dutse Jigawa State
27 University of Ilorin
28 Ebonyi State University
29 Osun State University
30 Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
31 Delta State University Nigeria
32 University of Agriculture Abeokuta
33 Rivers State University of Science & Technology
34 Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola (Federal University of Technology)
35 Federal University Lokoja Kogi State
36 Niger Delta University
37 Benue State University
38 Usmanu Danfodiyo University
39 University of Maiduguri
40 Imo State University Owerri
41 Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
42 American University of Nigeria
43 African University of Science & Technology Abuja
44 Cross River State University of Science & Technology Calabar
45 Babcock University
46 Kogi State University
47 Kwara State University
48 Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
49 Enugu State University of Science & Technology
50 Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo FUNAI
51 Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma
52 National Open University of Nigeria
53 Federal University Kashere Gombe State
54 Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna
55 Nasarawa State University
56 Federal University Dutsin Ma
57 Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University
58 Skyline University Nigeria
59 Southwestern University Oku Owa
60 Akwa Ibom State University of Technology
61 Kaduna State University
62 Edo University Iyamho
63 Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
64 Igbinedion University Okada
65 University of Medical Sciences Ondo
66 Abia State University Uturu
67 Nile University of Nigeria
68 Lagos State University College of Medicine
69 Bowen University
70 Baze University Kuchigoro
71 Federal University Otuoke Bayelsa
72 Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
73 Mountain Top University
74 Tai Solarin University of Education
75 Elizade University Ilara Mokin
76 Bells University of Technology Otta
77 Adeleke University Ede
78 Kebbi State University of Science and Technology KSUSTA
79 Kano University of Science & Technology Wudil
80 Lead City University Ibadan
81 Lagos Business School Pan Atlantic University
82 Federal University Lafia Nasarawa State
83 Pan African University Lagos
84 Federal University Wukari Taraba State
85 Benson Idahosa University
86 Technical University Ibadan
87 Gombe State University Gombe
88 Ajayi Crowther University Oyo
89 Edwin Clark University Kiagbodo
90 Bauchi State University Gadau
91 Godfrey Okoye University
92 Joseph Ayo Babalola University
93 Taraba State University Jalingo
94 Bingham University New Karu
95 Federal University Birnin Kebbi
96 Anchor University Lagos
97 Yobe State University (Bukar Abba Ibrahim University Damaturu)
98 Sule Lamido University
99 Caleb University
100 Augustine University Ilara Epe
Graphic Photos: Cultists Shoot Final Year Student Dead At Rivers State University
According to reports, the student was shot dead by suspected cultists at a cafeteria within the school campus.
Student shot dead by cultists
Details have emerged how a student of the Rivers State University was shot dead today, 19th August, 2021.
According to reports, the student was shot dead by suspected cultists at a cafeteria within the school campus.
According to NaijaCover Reports, the suspected cultists had trailed the victim to a cafeteria near the faculty of management science about 9:20am, where he was killed.
”He died on the spot and the situation caused serious panic. Students and people started running helter-skelter and we are writing exams now.”he said.
Confirming the incident To NaijaCover, the spokesperson of the university, Harcourt Whyte, said the assailants have been arrested while the police have commenced an investigation into the matter.
Three University Of Jos Students Feared Killed In Plateau Attacks
It was learnt that some students are currently receiving treatments in various hospitals following injuries they sustained during attacks on them.
No less than three students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have been feared killed and many missing following the escalation of Saturday attacks on commuters at Rukuba road in Jos, Plateau state, according to SaharaReporters.
It was learnt that some students are currently receiving treatments in various hospitals following injuries they sustained during attacks on them.
Some students of the institution have called on the Nigerian government, Plateau State, and the Management of the university to urgently send food to them at their hostels following the 24-hour curfew declared in the state.
It would be recalled that the governor of the state, Simon Lalong on August 15, declared a 24-hour curfew in the Jos North Local Government Area of the state following the massacre of about 22 travellers on Saturday by hoodlums.
The 24- hour curfew came on the heels of the earlier dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on three local government areas in the state, Bassa, Jos South, and Jos North, due to the security threats and tension witnessed by residents in some parts of the state.
“Due to the ongoing crises in Jos, Plateau State, for the past few weeks and the killing of some travellers on Saturday, the government imposed curfew to help maintain law and order,” one of the students told SaharaReporters.
“But the situation keeps escalating with killings and tensions all over. But the issue at stake now involves the students of University of Jos. The environment the school is situated is at a danger zone and some students have been killed while some are missing.
“Some states have provided security and buses to help evacuate their indigenes while some organisations and concerned citizens have provided buses to help bring out the students to town where it is a bit safe.
“More needs to be done to help safeguard the lives of innocent students. Their examinations were suspended by school management due to the ongoing crises and most of them in the hostels are out of food and no means to go out provide for themselves due to situation and environment the school is situated,” he added.
Check Out What Nigerian University Students Have To Say About The Suspension Of ASUU Strike
Nigerian students have spoken out about the suspension of the strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Students.
File photo: UNILAG
Some university students have expressed mixed reactions following the suspension of the three-month old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Students (ASUU).
Reports have it that the strike was suspended on Thursday, Feb. 7, after a conciliatory meeting between ASUU and representatives of the Federal Government led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.
The lecturers had demanded for the implementation of agreement entered into by the government with the union, including university revatilisation fund and earned allowances.
Some Nigerian students who took to Twitter to express their opinion said the action was a tactic to deceive youths because of the coming elections.
@iniobong tweeted: “How ASUU strike has not been a dominant issue in the ongoing presidential campaigns shows how unconcerned we all are about our shoddy education system.”
@oheng2000 said “As much as I like the fact that #ASUU has called off its strike, personally I think this is wrong timing. One week to election? Are they looking for ways to get students back to school and use them for election thuggery? Students shine your eyes ooo. Don’t be used.”
@Mayowasam1999 said “It is really a good step by the government, but we all know if there were no elections they won’t attend to it. I just pray we don’t go back to where we’re coming from after the election.”
Meanwhile, others expressed readiness to return to school.
@Bams_Jnr tweeted: “ASUU has finally called off the strike, yay!”
@Tchinedvu tweeted: “Finally ASUU strike is over, I can now finish this 400L in peace.”
Nifemi Adebowale, who just gained admission into the Federal University of Technology, Akure told NAN he was happy to finally start his university education, as his peers in other institutions were now ahead of him.
“My parents advised me to start working to keep myself busy till the strike is called off.
“My peers are now in their 100L second semester while I am just about to start my university journey.
“I am just happy that finally, I can resume school since I gained admission into the university last year,” he said.
Meanwhile, ASUU said if the Federal Government fail to fulfill its part of the agreement as reflected in the 2019 memorandum of Action, it would resume its suspended strike.
Photo Of Handsome Nigerian Student Who Jumped To His Death Over House Rent In Cyprus (Photo)
A Nigerian student in Cyprus has reportedly taken his own life after jumping from his apartment.
Tiombe David Afeah
A 21-year-old Nigerian student has died as a result of the head injuries he sustained after jumping from his apartment when his landlord came demanding for his rent.
Tiombe David Afeah, a student of the Cyprus International University, died on Wednesday, five days after he was admitted at the intensive care unit of the Lefkosa State Hospital.
He was said to have been unable to pay his house rent for a long time and was afraid of being evicted.
However, when the landlord came knocking on Friday, January, 11, Afeah jumped down from his balcony and landed awkwardly.
UNIBEN Student Who Survived Suicide Attempt After Writing O'Level
A university student who survived a suicide attempt after writing the O'Level exams 17 times, has told his story.
Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu
According to a report by TheGuardian, a University of Benin (UNIBEN) graduating student, Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu, popularly known as Mr. Voiceover, has revealed how he survived a suicide attempt after he had written O’level examinations 17 times, attended 16 primary schools, took the University Matriculation Examination (UME) five times and enrolled into 14 secondary schools before gaining admission into the university.
Ahmadu, who recently got an international award for student brand of the year West Africa, organized by West Africa Citizens Award, said he scaled through his ordeal of attempted suicide after enduring depression and hopelessness.
He said: ”I felt hopeless and desperate, with bleak pessimistic view of the future. It was such a heart-breaking experience for me to see my junior colleagues turned university graduates before my eyes and worse still, to see my self still wearing secondary school uniform and repeatedly rewriting O’level exams until the 17th time.
“All these were happening to me as a result of family crisis, and along the line, I became an orphan. I was haunted continually with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. I am today thankful to God that I did not succumb to the pressures to end my life. I am being celebrated today.” Surviving a suicide attempt may be seemingly impossible to victims; however, he revealed his recovering process to The Guardian. “I survived suicide thoughts by distancing myself and shifting attention away from the negative thoughts that could lead to a more devastating situation.
“I tried as much as possible to surround myself with people who care about me and let them know what I was going through. And I often remind myself that recovery is possible, especially from the numerous setbacks. At the weekend, the story came to light about the reported suicide of one Michael Asiwaju, known as Mike Cash, the founder of Asiwaju Royal Furniture. Members of the Twitter community had a week ago accused him of r*pe.
Mike was said to have drank Sniper, a poisonous insecticide in his hotel room on January 13, 2019 in Lagos a day after he threatened to take his life.Two days into the New Year, Lagos-based disc jockey (DJ), Seun Omogaji, popularly known as DJ XGee, committed suicide few hours after posting a cryptic note on his Instagram account. It was gathered that Omogaji allegedly took his life by gulping the insecticide, Sniper after unresolved marital crises.
Last year, one Ifeanyi Ugokwe was arrested and locked up for several weeks. His crime: He tried to take his own life. After weeks of reportedly being hungry and jobless, the 25-year-old claimed he reached breaking point after a security guard pushed him to the ground while he was searching for work at a building site.
“I was tired of walking around that day. And I was determined to work there, I tried to force my way in, then he pushed me, and I fell down flat on the floor,” Ugokwe had told CNN.“I started begging him because I was tired. I really needed that job because I needed to eat.” Humiliated, Ugokwe went to a nearby lagoon and jumped in. After being rescued by fishermen, Ugokwe said he was handed over to police officers who arrested and put him behind bars.
Attempting suicide is a criminal offence in Nigeria, under Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, and carries a penalty of up to one year in prison. The law was abolished in Britain under the Suicide Act of 1961, which happened after Nigeria gained its independence in 1960. Ugokwe said he is speaking out about his attempt to take his own life despite the stigma around the subject in Nigeria because he does not want people to suffer as he did.
Ajayi Yewande Elizabeth, a 400-level Psychology student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), noted that for every suicide, there are 25 suicide attempts arising from depression, failure or low self-esteem. She advised that sharing of thoughts with someone close or talking to a therapist could best curb suicide thoughts in the society.
Dr. Jubril Abdulmalik, a consultant psychiatrist has advised that inaccurate media depictions of mental health must stop, especially in Nigeria. He said the media must go beyond seeking traction when it comes to reporting on mental health issues and cases.
Citing examples of recent reports on suicide cases in Nigeria, the psychiatrist said the media must approach reports of mental health from a human angle and take leads from positions that do not seek to glorify the ugly side of the tragic events. He said the impact of reporting mental heath issues inaccurately, can be highly devastating.TheGuardian
Bodies Of NYSC Corps Members Who Drowned In Taraba River, Conveyed In Coffins For Burial (Photos)
A total of nine members of the National Youth Service Corps who drowned in a River in Taraba State have been conveyed in coffins back to their various states for burial.
Coffins of the dead corps members
The bodies of the nine NYSC Corps members who drowned in River Salihu Dogo at Mayo Selbe in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State last Sunday, were on Friday, conveyed back to their various states for burial.
A cross section of Corps members converged at the Specialist Hospital, Jalingo to pay their last respect to the departed colleagues.
A Corps member identified as Ezebuihe Charles, who shared the photos on social media, wrote:
"We came to taraba state together with the intention of going together but death took nine of you away from us. They obeyed the call to serve their fathers land not knowing that death was also calling.
"The news your drowning brought great shock to us. Death you have done your worst to us. Their families bid them fare well to serve their fathers land, now they are being brought home in lifeless state.
"To their families, may God grant you the grace to bear the lost and to our falling hero's, may your souls find peace with God."
Corps Members Can No Longer Travel Anyhow - DG Of NYSC Issues New Order, Releases Phone Number
Brigadier General Zakari Kazaure has declared that it is an offence for corps members to travel without permission, and admonished corps members to be above board and prove they are graduates.
Members of the National Youth Service Corps (PHOTO: NAN)
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Zakari Kazaure, said on Tuesday that to travelling out of camp or places of primary assignment without obtaining permission remained remained an offence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kazaure spoke at the Ekiti State Permanent Orientation Camp, situated in Ise/Emure, in Ise/Orun local government area of Ekiti.
He was on a visit to educate corp members on dangers inherent in playing with their health and security.
According to him, the standing rule of the agency is being repeatedly ignored in a manner that suggested that authorities had abdicated their roles of looking after the well-being as well as the welfare of the corp members.
“You all have to avoid night journeys and other unnecessary journeys for that matter. Remember that before you embark on any journey, the need arises that you first inform your immediate supervisors and obtain necessary permits
“A graduate is expected by the society to be above board. I, therefore, want you to please join hands with me to ensure that the tragic incident in Taraba is the very last of such.”
Kazaure, who arrived in the Ekiti state camp at about 4.45p.m expresssed deep regrets over the tragic death of nine corp members in Taraba State during the weekend, describing it as a huge loss to him personally, and the nation in general.
NAN reports that the director-general who himself claimed to have undergone the NYSC mandatory programme, over 30 years ago, said the sad incident was highly regretted and called for a minute silence to honour those who lost their lives.
According to him, there is also the need for corps members to respect the culture and tradition of their host communities.
Kazaure said that any corps member in the coiuntry was free to call his personal number on 07042542779, in case of any emergency that the felt their immediate supervisors could not handle.
He warned them, particularly the females, to avoid dressing irresponsibly and also pway from sharp practices such as engaging in Iinternet fraud among others.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the new State Director, Mrs. Aniefiok Okpongete, told the director-general that a total of 1,809 Corps members were currently registered, comprising 1,109 males and 700 females.
However, she said that a total of 187, among them, 149 females and 38 males had been advised to leave camp on account of being either pregnant, nursing mothers or facing critical health challenges.
(NAN)
ASUU Speaks On The S*x-For-Mark Scandals Involving University Lecturers
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has reportedly spoken out on the s*x-for-marks scandal that has rocked some Nigerian universities.
UNILAG gate
According to a Premium Times report, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has spoken on the recent s*x-for-mark scandal involving lecturers in some Nigerian universities.
The President of ASUU, Biodun Ogunyemi, a professor, spoke with Premium Times in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Since April, three Nigerian universities have been in the spotlight, after their lecturers got involved in s*xual harassment scandals.
These scandals followed actions of female students who opened up on abusive conducts of lecturers towards them in the three universities namely Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Lagos, Akoka and Lagos State University, Ojo.
While OAU, the first hit, dismissed the lecturer involved in the scandal, the other two, LASU and UNILAG are still proceeding with investigations.
On Tuesday, Mr. Ogunyemi told Premium Times that s*xual harassment involving lecturers is not as rampant as “exaggerated by the public”.
“The first thing I will tell you is that it is not as rampant as you think. When you say rampant, it means 70 per cent or more of lecturers are involved. There are only few cases of people who have not acted in the best manner expected of them. Majority of our members are decent people and they are hard working,” he said.
When asked by Premium Times about steps taken by the union to make sure that the public do not distrust university certificates awarded to students, Mr Ogunyemi said the union has always warned its members not to put themselves in situations that will be difficult for the union to defend them.
“As a union, we do our best to make sure that our members keep to the expectations of parents and students relationship at universities. We have always implored them not to put themselves in situations that will be difficult for the union to defend them.”
Mr Ogunyemi said the cases reported so far could be an exaggeration of the situation.
“We want to say that we are aware of these cases that have been reported. We understand there could be exaggeration on campus and that is why we maintained that such issues should be treated with due process and that due process, our union will be part of it.”
He said when alleged lecturers are proved beyond reasonable doubt to have acted below expectation, the union will not obstruct justice.
“We have never done that and will not do that. If the suspect has been taken through due process, our union will not stand against justice. That is the standard rule.”
Also while responding to investigations ongoing in University of Lagos and Lagos State University, the official said: “There are structures within the system that demand that unions should be represented in the Disciplinary and Ethics Committees in every campus. That has been institutionalised.”
Premium Times reported recently that Adekoya Martins, the spokesperson of LASU said investigation on lecturer alleged of s*xual harassment is almost at the final stage.
“The case has gone beyond issuing a query to him (accused lecturer). It is now before the joint committee of Senate and Council Disciplinary Committee. When they give their final verdict, the council will look at it and release the final thing. Just give us a little time, it is almost at the final stage,” Mr Martins said then.
Also, UNILAG management has appealed to Linda Ikeji to assist in convincing Nwanna Joy, the lady making the allegations asking her, to defend the s*xual harassment claim against the lecturer.
The institution’s vice-chancellor also said UNILAG may involve the police in coaxing her to appear.
ASUU Threatens To Embark On Fresh Strike
The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has hinted about a fresh industrial strike action which could cripple academic activities.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rose from its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Calabar yesterday and said it could no longer guarantee that its members would continue to work if Wole Babalakin, negotiating on the part of the Federal Government, was not sacked.
Addressing journalists at the University of Calabar, ASUU President Biodun Ogunyemi said that Babalakin had become a stumbling block to peaceful negotiations and implementation of the union’s demands.
Ogunyemi warned that the union might soon embark on strike if Babalakin was not replaced.
“Our Union has had series of negotiation meetings but it has been a fruitless exercise. The Chairman of the Government Renegotiating Team, in the person of Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), has constituted a stumbling block in the process of the renegotiation.
“He has arrogantly exhibited “I-know-it-all” attitude and also conducted himself as a judge, instead of a negotiator. With unwarranted arrogance, he has disregarded the cardinal principles of collective bargaining, deliberately slowed the process and made mockery of the core tenets of industrial democracy.
“He has arrogated to himself the power to decide matters that should be collectively debated, analysed, and agreed upon by the two parties. He has also consistently attempted to substitute core constitutional provisions of Nigeria on education, including university education, by market principles of trading in and purchasing higher education, putting Nigerian children in debt peonage in order to acquire higher education.
“This situation is not acceptable to the Union. ASUU has tried through several entreaties to make him see reason and return to the path of collective bargaining and respect for the Constitutional provisions on Education to no avail. The Chairman of the Government team has amply demonstrated that his major interest is to force ASUU to accept the dependence of the education of our youth on debts whereas the Constitution promises free education,” he said.
The national trustee of ASUU, Dr. Dipo Fashina and a former president of NLC, Hassan Sunmonu, said the union had been patient with the committee, but that had been overstretched, saying “anything can happen anytime from now if our letter to the Minister of Education was not addressed properly.”
Another Body Of Drowned Corper Recovered As Survivor Narrates What Happened
A survivor has revealed details of how nine out of twenty three corpers who went for a picnic drowned.
Late corpers who drowned at a river
A team of policemen, soldiers, officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and locals yesterday recovered another body of the nine corps member who drowned in River Mayo-Selbe, near the Gashaka falls in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, according to The Nation.
NYSC State Coordinator Mrs. Florence Yaakugh and some relatives of the deceased moved to the area of accident.
Nine out of the 23 corps members, who went for a picnic on Saturday drowned. Seven bodies were recovered the following day.
The deceased were identified as Mimidoo, from Benue State, whose surname name was not given; Miss Miracle Solomon, about 25, from Edo State, but based in Kaduna, where she schooled at the Queen Amina College. She graduated from Zenith University College, Accra, Ghana.
The deceased is in Batch A and ought to pass out in March.
Her friend, Mr. Olumide Oluwatosin narrating what happened, said: “Initially, I didn’t know she was serving here. On Sunday I received a call from a friend asking whether I know Miracle. I said yes, I know her very well, but the last time I met with her was in Ghana.
“I now demanded for her phone number from the caller, only to be told that she was dead. From there I called a couple of friends and they confirmed the news. “They said she and her friends went for a picnic and she didn’t return.”
One of the survivors, a male corps member, (name withheld), narrated the tragedy to his relative via WhatsApp. He wrote: “We went for picnic, 23 of us. We went to a waterfall. That was the first place.
“After taking pictures, we went to another side where there are beautiful rocks with clean water flowing under them. The water was very low though. After taking pictures there, eating and drinking, we were about leaving when someone just shouted seeoooh.
“When we turned, we saw very dirty water coming with so much force and speed, the kind of speed I have never seen in my life, coming from a distance of about 100 metres. We were almost leaving the place but within seconds, the water got to our position. I don’t know how I jumped out.”
But Police spokesman David Misal said he had not received information on the recovery.
VP Osinbajo Mourns Dead Of Corps Members Who Drowned In Taraba State (Photo)
Following the sad death of some National Youth Service Corps members, the vice president has reacted.
L-R, Chike Melvin Ijeh and Joshua: Among the drowned Corps members.
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is saddened by the drowning of nine National Youth Service Corps members in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State on Saturday.
They were among 22 youth corps members who had gone on a picnic around the area when the incident happened.
Osinbajo’s condolence was conveyed in a statement signed by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Acting President, on Monday in Abuja.
Consoling the families and relations of the nine youth corps members on behalf of himself and the Federal Government, Osinbajo lamented that the nation had lost some of its talented and productive young people in their prime.
“This terrible occurrence has brought an abrupt end to the lives of these young men and women while they were dutifully engaged in National Service.
“The Federal Government appreciates their service to the nation and it is my prayer that God will comfort their families and loved ones, and that we would not witness such a calamity again.
“I would like to express my condolences to the families of the late youth corps members, the NYSC management and the people of Taraba State, where the sorrowful incident occurred, and Edo, Enugu, Delta and Imo States from where the identified victims hailed.”
-NAN
Why Buhari Has Not Sacked Adeosun Over Certificate Forgery Allegation
As the certificate forgery allegation involving the Minister of Finance continues, Lai Mohammed has revealed why President Buhari has not acted.
Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari has not sacked Minister of Finance, Dr Kemi Adeosun over the certificate forgery allegation.
Speaking on Monday during an official visit to the Abuja office of The Authority Newspaper, Mohammed said Buhari was still keeping Adeosun in his cabinet, as the case against the Minister is still under investigation.
He said the appropriate agencies were still investigating the allegation against the Finance minister and should be allowed to do their jobs.
Adeosun was alleged to have forged a National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate.
“Until when an allegation is proven, you do not expect the President to act.
“The appropriate agencies have spoken and they say they are investigating. The only thing we can do is to wait.
“By saying that the minister should resign or be sacked while investigation is still ongoing may also not be feasible in our clime because of the level of false accusations.
“How many times have they accused me of embezzlement? Even recently, they said my driver jumped out of the car, abandoned me and decamped to PDP.
“People even made the allegation that President Buhari did not have certificate.’’
The minister insisted that the president will be usurping the powers of the investigating agencies if he sacked Adeosun before their reports.
“For instance, people have come to me that so and so TV and Radio stations are spreading fake news and I should shut them down.
“I told them that I do not have the power to do so; it is the responsibility of the National Broadcasting Commission, even though it is an agency under my watch.
“We are as concerned as you are; but having spent some time in government, you will see that a lot of lies are being peddled about us.”
Mohammed gave an assurance that the government would not sweep the matter under the carpet.
Unbelievable: Nine NYSC Members Drown During Riverside Picnic In Taraba...Shocking Details
As many as nine serving members of the National Youth Service Corps have reportedly drowned in Taraba.
File photo
According to a report by Sunday Punch, no less than nine members of the National Youth Service Corps who are currently serving in Taraba State on Saturday drowned in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka Local government Area.
Taraba State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP David Missal, who confirmed the death of nine out of the 22 corps members who were swimming in River Mayo-Selbe said seven corpses have so far been recovered from the incident.
“Information available revealed that 22 youth corps members had gone on a picnic party in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka LGA on Saturday when the incident happened.
“We were made to understand that while they were swimming in the river, there was sudden upsurge in the volume of water, which carried them away.
“Nine of them drowned, while others managed to escape.
“We have so far recovered seven corpses, while the search for the two remaining corpses is still in progress,” Missal said.
State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Florence Yaakugh, also confirmed the incident, which she described as “most unfortunate.”
Yaakugh also confirmed that seven bodies have been recovered, while the search for the other two bodies was still ongoing by the locals in collaboration with security agencies and the NYSC.
“It’s a very sad development and we would soon have the identity of all the corps members involved in the accident and make such information known appropriately.
“We have very sketchy information indicating that about nine of our corps members drowned in Gashaka yesterday.
“So far, seven bodies have been recovered and we are working with relevant persons to recover the rest of the bodies and to identify them.
“This is a very sad development and the entire NYSC family in Taraba State is already thrown into deep mourning,” she said.
EFCC Goes After Former JAMB Directors After FG Panel Uncovered N8 Billion Fraud
Ex-directors of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board are set to be grilled by the EFCC after a panel uncovered N8 billion fraud in the organization.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is set to invite a current director and an ex-director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for alleged fraud, according to a report by Punch.
This is coming after the a panel set up by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to probe JAMB discovered that the examination body failed to remit revenues in excess of N8bn to the Federal Government between 2010 and 2015.
The amount includes unremitted Value Added Tax and Withholding Tax.
The investigation was sequel to the remittance of N7.8bn to the Federal Government by JAMB led by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
The minister therefore set up a panel to understand why the highest amount that JAMB had ever remitted into the consolidated revenue fund before the current management was N3m.
A source at the EFCC said, “We are closing in on some senior officials of JAMB allegedly fingered in the loss of over N8bn revenue.
“Following the submission of the audit report, we set up a crack investigative panel to review the report and take further investigative steps to bring indicted culprits to book.
“We are looking at a number of accounts with suspicious inflows and outflows. From the detailed analyses of the accounts, we have identified a few officers that would help our investigations because funds have been traced to their accounts. Very soon, we will be inviting them for questioning.
“Among the officers that we may invite are a serving director and a retired director of the examination body.”
The source also revealed that the commission was set to prosecute some officials of JAMB already indicted in the investigation around the loss of revenues from sale of scratch cards by some of the state offices of the examination body.
Among those to be arraigned soon is an official based in Makurdi, Philomina Chieshe, who reportedly claimed that a snake swallowed N36m.
The money was part of the proceeds of the sale of scratch cards.
Chieshe who was arrested months back by the EFCC allegedly told interrogators that the money was collected in instalments from her by her Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Umoru.
She claimed that the coordinator usually asked her to withdraw proceeds of the sale of the cards from her account in two banks.
NYSC Corps Member Who Is Family's Only Son Dies In Abuja Car Crash As Friend Blames Police
A serving National Youth Service Corps member who is the only son of his family has had his life cut short after he was killed in a ghastly auto crash in Abuja.
Zitta, bashed car
An auto accident which occured at the Diamond Bank Junction on Ademola Adetokunbo Way, Wuse II, Abuja, has led to the tragic death of a 22-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps identified as Tony Zitta.
According to a report by PUNCH Metro, Zitta had gone to drop off a friend after an event on July 29 and was on his way back when his car was bashed by another vehicle
It was gathered that the driver, who was allegedly speeding, rammed into Zitta’s car from the passenger’s side, leaving the victim unconscious.
Reports revealed firther that some policemen, who were the first responders at the scene, allegedly tried to steal some of Zitta’s belongings but were prevented by sympathisers.
While speaking to a correspondent, one of Zitta’s friends, Sowa Alonge, accused the police of aiding the escape of the unidentified driver, adding that the driver escaped in an Uber car, adding that the police allegedly removed the number plate of his vehicle so that nobody would trace him.
Alonge, who co-founded a non-governmental organisation with Zitta, said, “The police took his personal effects instead of rushing him to a hospital. But some ladies that were around did not allow them to take the items away.
“The driver of the BMW that bashed Tony (Zitta) got into an Uber car with his friends, and called a towing vehicle to tow his car away. But people prevented them from towing the car.
“Sympathisers told us that the driver bribed the policemen, but people around did not allow the towing vehicle to tow the car. They made sure that the two vehicles were towed to Zone 3 Police Command.”
Alonge who disclosed that a Good Samaritan rushed Zitta to the Gariki General Hospital from where he was transferred to the Wuse General Hospital, added that Zitta was again referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital due to lack of bed space at the Wuse General Hospital.
He said, “We were told that there was blood in his head which had been drained. They said he was stabilising. He died the next morning due to complications.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Zone Seven came to Zone Three and told them to take the case seriously and the inspector handling the case said a Superintendent of Police in one of the police stations called him and said that he knew the owner of the BMW and that the owner is in a hospital.
“The SP was trying to find information about Tony (Zitta) and we played along as if he was still alive. He said he was going to send some people to check the state of the car.
“The DCP suggested to them to use the engine number of the car to find the suspect, but they ignored the DCP.”
He noted that Zitta’s mother was distraught as he was the only son of the family.
The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, said the police did not aid the suspect’s escape, adding that efforts were on to arrest him.
He said, “The case is still under investigation and the police do not have anything to hide in the case. It is unfortunate that we lost the young man; we sympathise with his friends and family.
“At first, we did not know the owner of the car. But after our investigations, we have been able to identify the car owner and we are making efforts to ensure his arrest. There is no cover-up in the case because ours is to serve justice to whoever deserves justice.”
NYSC Given 7 Days Ultimatum To Provide Documents On Kemi Adeosun's Certificate
The National Youth Service Corps have been given a 7-days ultimatum by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to provide the original certificate granted to the Minister of Finance.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request to Brigadier-General Sule Kazaure, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), asking him to “use his good offices and leadership position to urgently provide information on specific details and documents on the Exemption Certificate granted to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun”.
The organization also asked General Kazaure “to provide information and documents on whether Mrs Adeosun applied for NYSC Exemption Certificate, and if she did, to clarify whether the NYSC actually granted her the Exemption Certificate, the circumstances and the provisions of the NYSC Act under which the Exemption Certificate was granted”.
The organization said it “needs the information to determine if the crime of forgery has been committed, and if so, to consider possible action in the circumstances, including but not limited to asking the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), to pursue prosecution or in the absence of that, for us to consider the option of a private prosecution”.
In the FOI request dated August 2, 2018 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale, the organization said: “By providing information and documents on the Exemption Certificate, the NYSC would help put an end to any insinuation of complicity and show that the institution can embrace transparency and accountability in the discharge of its statutory mandates. This would in turn contribute to improved integrity and public image of the NYSC.”
According to the organization, Adeosun remains innocent until the allegations against her are properly tested and proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction based on relevant admissible evidence, but the continuing silence by the NYSC management on the matter may create an impression that an offence may have been committed, and lead to accusation that the management has something to hide.
“We urge you and the entire NYSC management and leadership to open up on the matter and provide information and documents as requested. This will be one step in the right direction. If the information is not provided to us within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request,” read the letter.
“SERAP is concerned about the perceived lack of transparency and accountability of the NYSC management and leadership in this matter, which has seriously undermined public trust and confidence in the NYSC as a public institution established to serve the public interests.
“SERAP notes that following allegations of NYSC Exemption Certificate forgery against Mrs Adeosun, the NYSC management issued a statement confirming that she did apply for an Exemption Certificate and promising to ‘investigate the origin of the purported Exemption Certificate in question’.
“However, we are concerned that the statement lacks specificity as to whether Mrs Adeosun was issued the Exemption Certificate. Further, although the statement was issued on 9 July 2018, the NYSC management has so far failed and/or neglected to publish the outcome of the investigation it promised. Nigerians are also entitled to the right to truth derived from the obligations of the government and its institutions to carry out an investigation into allegations of issues like forgery that have been levelled against Mrs Adeosun.
“By Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on the circumstances and the provisions of the NYSC Act under which any NYSC Exemption Certificate was granted to Mrs Adeosun.
“By Section 4 (a) of the FOI Act when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or urgency to whom the application is directed is under a binding legal obligation to provide the applicant with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within 7 days after the application is received.
“By Sections 2(3)(d)(V) & (4) of the FOI Act, there is a binding legal duty to ensure that documents containing information relating to the granting of any NYSC Exemption Certificate are widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means.
"The information being requested does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act. The information requested for bothers on an issue of national interest, public concern, good governance, transparency and accountability.”
Buhari Appoints New Provost For Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education,
A new Provost has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to oversee the affairs of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.
Alvan Ikoku College of Education
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr Dan Anyanwu as the Provost of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.
Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), announced the appointment in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the appointment was for an Initial Period of four years, with effect from July 25, 2018.
Buhari charged the new provost to transform the institution into an enviable National Academic and Moral Centre of Excellence.
Dr Dan Anyanwu hails from Orogwe in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
He holds a Ph.D in Fish Nutrition from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and was the Head, Department of Agric Science at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education between 2005 and 2008.
Dr Anyanwu was also the coordinator of SIWES between 2015 and 2016, and he had served in several committees in the College either as Chairman, Secretary, Member, including Staff Disciplinary Committee.
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