Nigerian Tertiary Students Will Access N100,000 Study Grant Per Semester If I’m Elected — AAC Presidential Candidate, Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress(AAC) has promised that all students in the Nigerian tertiary institutions will have access to N100,000 study grants per semester if he is elected as the country’s president in the 2023 general elections.

The AAC presidential candidate made this assurance while speaking on Wednesday on a programme on Channels TV, while insisting that his government would ensure free and qualitative education to all Nigerians.

He said, “I will never be part of those who asked the private sector to run education. It will be publicly run education programme and we are focusing on free education. I have said and I am repeating it that every student in Nigeria who is in a higher institution (there are about 1.7 million students in higher institutions) will get at least N100,000 per semester as a study grant from the federal government and I mean it; I’m not going to make them take a loan.”

While explaining how he intended to generate funds for such initiative, Sowore stated that he had discovered how to cover many loopholes from the Nigerian revenue generating system.

He continued: “It will come from the number of places that we have discovered money is hiding right now; where we are not efficiently collecting revenue. I found out that just two weeks ago, there is Over N11 trillion from revenue-generating agencies of the federal government that is returned to the consolidated account.

“The NLNG which is our gas-producing company of which we have 49% investment through the NNPC’s depositing huge amounts of dollars to us but they’re not transparently done; we’ll make them deposit that money in the consolidated account of the federal government, not the NNPC because that’s a cesspool of corruption. We have always found out that oil companies both local and international companies are owing over four something billion.”

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Unpaid arrears: ASUU set to skip academic sessions missed during strike over no-work, no-pay by FG

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to skip the backlog of academic sessions halted by their seven months strike if the federal government persists on its 'no work no pay' stance.ASUU members, mainly lecturers from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Chapter, Rivers state, made this known after a special congress and protest rally on Monday, November 21.

Some of the inscriptions on their protest placards read, “No to Pro Rata Salary Payment, “Lecturers are not casual workers” and “FG, stop maltreatment of lecturers”.

The argued that the policy of "no pay no work'' does not apply to them because they have started lectures from where they stopped seven months ago and currently clearing the backlogs of work by combining two sessions.

Chairman, ASUU, Uniport, Dr. Uzoma Chima, said, “Today’s special congress and protest rally is to express our dissatisfaction with recent attempt by federal government of Nigeria to reduce university lecturers to daily pay casual workers.

“Because we know that there is nowhere in the world where university lecturers are treated as casual workers. So, today we invited parents, and students to let them know the state of things since after the suspension of our strike.

“Since we suspended the strike following the National Industrial Court order, we have come back to resume our duties and currently doing the backlogs of work we should have done during the strike. As a union of intellectuals, our job makes the no work, no pay policy not applicable to us.

“Because during the strike we were doing research. It was only teaching we were not doing. We were doing research and members engaged in community services. The teaching that was not done, we are doing already. We are clearing the backlog of work.

“So, today, we called parents and students to carry the issue to the public. Let them not see it as a fight for only ASUU because we know and it is so clear now that the ruling class wants to decimate the public universities. And of course, as the eggheads of the nation, we will not allow that to happen.”

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Nigerian students to gain more access to education as National Assembly passes loan bill

Nigerian students in higher institutions of learning stand to gain more access to financial assistance as the two chambers of the National Assembly passed the Students Loan Bill sponsored by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.The draft legislation has as its short title, the 'Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2019,' While its long title is 'A Bill for an Act to provide for easy access to higher education for Nigerians through interest-free loans from the Nigerian Education Bank established in this Act with a view to providing education for all Nigerians and for other purposes connected thereto.'

The House had passed the bill earlier this year and forwarded it to the Senate for concurrence. The Red Chamber passed the Bill yesterday, Tuesday.

With the Senate's concurrence on the Bill, a clean copy will be produced and transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. Once it is signed into law, Nigerian students could begin accessing the loans.

The Bill seeks the establishment of the Nigerian Education Bank, which shall have powers to supervise, coordinate, administer, and monitor the management of student loans in Nigeria and receive applications for students loan through higher institutions in Nigeria on behalf of the applicants, screen the applications to ensure that all requirements for the grant of students’ loan under the Act are satisfied.

               

The bank shall also have the powers to approve and disburse the loan to qualified applicants; control and monitor and coordinate the students' loan account/fund and ensure compliance in respect of disbursement; monitor academic records of grantees of the loan to obtain information on their year of graduation, national service, employment to ensure that grantees of the loan commence repayment of the loan as at when due, among other functions.

The Bill provides that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in other enactments, all students seeking higher education in any public institution of higher learning in Nigeria shall have an equal right to access the loan under this Act without any discrimination arising from gender, religion, tribe, position or disability of any kind. 

"The loan referred to in this Act shall be granted to students only for the payment of Tuition fees. The grant of the loan to any student under this Act shall be subject to the students/applicant(s) satisfying the requirements and conditions set out under this Act."

Gbajabiamila had argued in the Bill that the hardship being faced by the unemployed and low-income earners coupled with the very high cost of living in Nigeria over the years has made access to quality higher education difficult, stressful and in some cases impossible.

He also noted that a well-educated citizenry is critical to our National development and our Nation’s ability to compete in the Global Economy, arguing that higher education should be regarded as a public good benefiting the entire country rather than a commodity solely benefiting the individual recipients.

"In tandem with the Federal government’s interest and quest in ensuring access to higher education, the National Assembly has agreed to prescribe a legislation that will guarantee access to quality higher education by qualified Nigerians," he said during the debate on the Bill.

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President Buhari commends Wike’s Benevolent support for Legal education in Nigeria

President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has described the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, built, furnished and handed over by the Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike's administration as a grand wonder, structured to be self-sustaining.The president noted that the project, among several others, is no doubt an abiding testament to the commitment of governor Wike to the promotion of law and development in Rivers State and beyond.

President Buhari spoke while inaugurating the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt on Friday. He was represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

"I need not engage in poetic verbosity to properly describe the grand wonder that is being commissioned today. The icing on the cake is the fact that this edifice and its state-of-the-art facilities are structured to be self-sustaining through, associated revenue earners, as designed by a man of higher vision who is now fondly referred to as Mr Project."

President Buhari said he was aware that governor Wike extended development initiatives to the neighbouring Bayelsa State, by executing multi-billion-naira projects that included a 900-bed space hostel and 1,500-capacity auditorium, in the Yenagoa Campus of the Nigerian Law School.This, he noted, is in addition to the provision of critical infrastructure support extended to federal courts in Rivers State, over the years.

"These are indeed pace-setting and unparalleled contributions by a State Government to what is ordinarily under the remit of the Federal Government.

"Governor Wike’s dedication to these projects is better appreciated from the viewpoint of his being an unrelenting advocate of true federalism in Nigeria."President Buhari said the resultant effects of governors sterling efforts has continued to strengthen the rule of law and national development.

The Nigerian president commended the good heart and Statesmanship of governor Wike, on behalf of the entire justice family and lovers of justice in Nigeria for his unifying efforts and commitment to national harmony.

"Governor Nyesom Wike has executed numerous landmark infrastructural projects which have transformed the human and economic development of Rivers State, while also forging socio-political alliances and promoting national harmony."Indeed, our dear nation needs more of such unifying efforts. It is in recognition of the foregoing that my administration discarded political considerations and acknowledged excellence, by conferring Governor Wike with the Nigerian Excellence Award in Public Service, in October 2022, for his unprecedented leadership role in the delivery of legacy infrastructural projects in Rivers State and beyond. Your Excellency, you have indeed immortalized yourself and history will be kind to you."

President Buhari reiterated that the ceremony served as an avenue for them to be reminded of the need to promote cooperation and understanding between the Federal and State Governments in the overall national interest and the welfare of all Nigerians.In his speech, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that sequel to his request for approval to build a law campus in Port Harcourt and subsequent approval given, he is today most delighted to have delivered the facility, completed within 10 months.

He stated that the contract for the project was awarded to indigenous contractors, who handled each of the structures under strict supervision, costing the State government about N17 billion.

Governor Wike revealed that one of the reasons why his administration has been able to embark on several projects is because President Buhari had graciously approved the payment and release of unpaid 13 percent derivation deductions since 1999 to all States in the Niger Delta.

The governor insisted that the financial support given by the Rivers State government to the Nigerian Law School should be expended on the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus and no where else.

The governor said it will be unfair for the Rivers State government to have spent so much on providing the campus and not have an admission quota exclusive to the State.

In his good will message, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, said governor Wike is a true leader who has shown excellence in governance and deliberately invested in the legal profession that will serve the course of justice to the people.

Speaking for the Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun noted that there is no legal professional who has contributed as much as governor Wike has done to the promotion of legal practice in Nigeria.

In his speech, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the day as epochal for the legal profession, decried the inability of the National Assembly and other stakeholders to enact a new Legal Practitioners' Act that should make the legal practice of international standard in the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Nnaemeka Ngige conveyed the appreciation of the council over the enthusiasm and cooperation of the government and people of Rivers State in the delivery of a landmark project that will serve to benefit the development of Nigeria.

On his part, the Director General of Nigerian Law School, Prof. Issa Hayatu Ciroma commended governor Wike for keeping to his promise of building a self -sustaining brand new campus for the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.He assured that legal education activities will now commence at the law campus fully, which is now a model to use by any person or government when establishing law campuses in the county.

On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. George -Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said the site, once occupied by the State's School of nursing, overtime became swampy, which was the situation when the civil work on the law school campus started.

According to him, with 21metere hight of sand-filling of the land, 15 buildings had been built, which include a 700 capacity cafeteria, a moot court, and a 1638 capacity three-storey classroom block. There are five hostels to house about 1,350 plus 1,638 students, library, 1,500 capacity auditorium and standby power plant.

In his address, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor recalled that on the 4th of June 2021, during the flag of the construction of modern facilities at the Yanagoa law school in Bayelsa State, governor Wike requested for a law campus in Port Harcourt.

He noted that the request was eventually granted with approval from the Federal government and council of legal education which necessitated the laying of the foundation stone on the 17th June 2021.

Prof. Adangor said, today, after 10 months, a brand new facility has been built, furnished, equipped and handover as a Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.

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Students body dissociate Self From Ipinsagba Bursary Scheme, warns Impostors

The Leadership of NATIONAL CONGRESS OF ÀKÓKÓ STUDENTS (NACAS) NATIONAL BODY, Which is the conglomeration of all the students of Akoko Origin from Primary to Tertiary institution schooling across the Globe under the capable leadership of Comr. KEMISOLA BABATUNDE (KHEMISTRY) and Sen. Comr. Adedoyin Oluwasegun, the Senate President write to dissociate the Respected Association from any "Student Bursary Scheme" by PASTOR JIDE IPINSAGBA.

Pastor jide Ipinsagba is The All Progressive Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Ondo North. 

In a  press statement sent to Ondomind by the National body sign by the National President and Senate President reads;

This disclaimer is necessary as some rumour mongers Who are hell bent on soiling the image of this Association, are already spreading unscrupulous words that NACAS, is participating in the scheme.

To set the record straight, at no point was any students body in Àkókó Land contacted for any BURSARY SCHEME by Pastor JIDE IPINSAGBA.

As an Association with high reputation among comitty of Indigenous Associations, it will be image denting for us to get Involved in a faceless bursary scheme whose beneficiaries are alien to Akoko and our Association

We hereby warn sternly, that on no account should anyone under any guise represent Akoko students at that event or give any speech on our behalf. 

Sen Comr. Adedoyin Oluwasegun, the Senate President of the Association as well distance self from the said Busary by pastor Jide Ipinsagba 

Anyone who does this must be ready to face every legal battle with the Association. 

He added 

We like to state without any equivocation that such Era where and when some unknown persons impersonate NACAS at any functions have gone, it's a new era, a redefining and repackaging moment for the Association and we won't watch and allow some agents of destruction stampede our rebuild process.

The leadership of NACAS remains committed to the welfare of the members and we shall continue to make that a priority.

Akoko tán, Ọmọ Onílé Obi

Ọmọ Onílé Obi, Ajumose wá ni

E_SIGNED

Kemisola Babatunde (Khemistry )

National President, NACAS

09033997847

Sen. Adedoyin Oluwasegun

Senate President

08107779835

Babaleye Jeremiah

National General Secretary, NACAS

09071243744. 

AGOi Ayomide (Tripple_A)

National Public Relations Officer, NACAS

07045292152

Photos: NANS Vice President extends Student's Must Vote Campaign to Adeyemi Federal University of Education

Comr.Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS National Vice President - External Affairs yesterday took the "STUDENTS MUST VOTE" campaign which is aimed to sensitize and urge the entire registered student's in the country to turn out enmasse to vote.The call is to urge ourselves to become more politically sensitive in a bid to have an impact and role playing in  shaping the future.

He started that It became a necessary wake up call immediately Dr Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, announced a total of 3.8 million students newly registered during the just concluded voter's registration process raising the tally of registered student's to over 10million students.The campaign which did kick off at Abuja was extended to Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo. As the Vice President - External Affairs arrived at the student's union building of the tertiary institutions, It was a sight to behold as the students turned out enmasse to participate in the sensitization campaign. The student's community promised to come out in their numbers to vote in all of their three polling units in the campus.Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez appreciates the student's union President and Senate President for the warm reception, coordination and cooperation. The NANS National Vice President - External Affairs also thank the entire student's populace for being part of the campaign.

Whilst the campaign continues, we encourage all students to be steadfast in concentrating on their studies. 

The campaign is expected to continue today at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa. 

The Vice President External Affairs also promised that it will also take the tour to other campuses around the Federation. 

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Half pay: ASUU plans protest, declares lecture-free day

The Academic Staff Union of Universities is set to embark on a one-day nationwide protest rally over the implementation by the Federal Government of a “no-work, no-pay” policy for lecturers in the country.The protest will be organised at the branch levels of the union across public university campuses nationwide and it will take place as a lecture-free day for all lecturers who are members.

A member of the National Executive Council of the union confirmed this in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday.

“We are protesting. Branches will choose their own dates, the government needs to understand that we are not casual workers.”

Confirming the development, a letter signed by the chairperson of ASUU, University of Lagos branch, Dr Dele Ashir,  noted that the branch would protest on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

The  letter which was addressed to “all stakeholders” noted that the special congress/ protest rally against the casualization of intellectualism in Nigeria  will hold on “Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Julius Berger auditorium.”

The national president of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke could not be immediately reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

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Coronavirus: The Growth of Online Learning Business

Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, especially with the absence of an immediate cure in sight, businesses, including schools have started to explore new modes of operations. Before now, many parents thought it would be impossible to execute digital learning in Nigeria and even to hook-up their children online to receive relevant teaching. The Federal Government has launched free e-learning portals for all students in primary and secondary schools as there is a closure of schools nationwide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The online learning process is coordinated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in conjunction with the States Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs). Also, many state Governments and executives have backed this initiative, including the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who on Saturday, joined the government-backed virtual digital training for youths in the state with a call on participants to compete to evolve with homegrown technological solutions to local problems.

Prior to this pandemic, online learning had existed. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, edx and still counting give opportunity for professionals and amateurs to exchange intellectual property and learn for a token of money or on scholarships.

The business comes when you either become a tutor or you own the learning platform. Anyone can just start with your WhatsApp and Facebook groups and teach what you know for free or for a fee

Speaker Gbajabiamila's Statement On ASUU's Half Salary

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has stated the reason why members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities were not paid in full.In a statement signed by the speaker and released on Monday, Gbajabiamila said, “The Executive position that it is not obligated to pay salaries to lecturers for the time spent on strike is premised on the law and the government’s legitimate interest in preventing moral hazard and discouraging disruptive industrial actions."

“Nonetheless, interventions have been made to explore the possibility of partial payments to the lecturers. We look forwards to a favourable consideration by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who has manifested his desire to what is prudent and necessary to resolve all outstanding issues," he added.

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FG Begins Payment Of 8-month Salary Backlog To CONUA As ASUU Gets October Half Salary

The Federal Government has commenced payment of the 8-month salary backlog to some lecturers who are members of Congress of University Academics (CONUA), the breakaway faction of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).Daily Trust reports that this development is coming as members of National Executive Council of ASUU have concluded arrangements to hold an emergency meeting with a view to addressing “half salaries” paid to them.

A member of CONUA and lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, who spoke to Daily Trust anonymously on Sunday night, said the leadership of the union has already got a hint from the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

The official also said the minister has assured members of the new union that they would start receiving alerts as from Monday, adding that he also pledged that the issue of “half salaries” paid to them would be resolved.

“We were not part of the last strike. We had earlier written to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. So, the minister has looked into our letter, and he has directed accordingly,” the official said.

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