ASUU Strike Hindered Stipends To Education Undergraduates – FG

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September 26, 2022

The Federal Ministry of Education on Monday noted that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities has hindered the payment of bursary to students of education in universities.

The permanent secretary of the ministry, Andrew Adejo, made this known during the 2022 World Teachers Day press briefing held in Abuja.

In 2021, President Buhari reportedly promised to release bursaries to students studying education in universities and colleges of education.

“Undergraduates of B.Ed/B.A. Ed/BSc. Ed in Public institutions are to receive stipends of N75,000.00 per semester while NCE students will get N50,000.00 as stipends per semester.

“Federal Government should find the modality through which respective states’ governments could provide automatic employment for NCE graduates at Basic Education level,” Buhari had said through his minister of education, Adamu Adamu.

Speaking to the press, Adejo said, “The implementation of the payment of stipends has commenced.

However, due to the strike, we have not been able to get the data of all the students in universities. We only have 7 per cent of the required data to be processed for payment.”

Speaking further, Adejo said, “I must state here that the national implementation of the New National Teaching Policy has commenced. It is a holistic package that will ultimately address the career path, remuneration, professional teaching standards, qualification, deployment and management of teachers.

“The theme for the year 2022 WTD which is ‘the transformation of education begins with teachers’ strongly stresses the importance of empowering teachers for the effective transformation of education to ensure quality teaching and learning as well as galvanize technological advancements to meet the ever-changing needs for national growth and development.”

Kogi State Begins Distribution Of Response Commodities To Hospitals

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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September 26, 2022

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The Kogi State Government has commenced the distribution of response commodities to the health facilities, particularly the tertiary health institutions and zonal hospitals.

The State Health Commissioner, Dr. Zakari Usman, who inaugurated the exercise in Lokoja, the state capital said it was meant to keep any disease outbreak in the state under control.

He said the beneficiaries of the health facilities included the State Teaching Hospital, the Specialist Hospital, and the five Zonal Hospitals within the three senatorial districts of the state.

The Commissioner noted that the programme was geared toward assuring the populace that the government was committed to providing quality health care services to its people at all times.

Usman enjoined health workers to always watch for emerging incidents of public health threats at their places of work and report same to the Ministry of Health as early as possible.

He said such vigilance would enable the government to mount an appropriate response to safeguard the health of the populace.

The commissioner, however, implored the benefiting facilities to make good use of the items to improve health care delivery services in their hospitals and Kogi State in general.

Ondo Varsity Announces School Fees Reduction

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 26, 2022

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The University of Medical Sciences, Ondo town, Ondo State has announced the reduction of school fees for the students of the institution.

Also, the institution said it had commenced a scholarship scheme tagged, ‘NextGens’ as part of the means to assist the students.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Tope Akintayo, and made available to our Correspondent on Monday.

According to the statement, the scheme was designed to support the development of the next generation of innovation-minded young scientists.

Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, stated that the initiative would begin from the current admission exercise for the 2022/23 academic session, which will run for three years in the first instance.

He also explained that “the initiative entails a 45 per cent discount in school fees for students who gain admission into UNIMED to study chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, animal and environmental health science, community health science, and human nutrition and dietetics.”

Explaining further, the VC said the school fees for the students, either indigene of Ondo State or non-indigene, in the listed programmes would only be N100,000 per academic session and the scholarship would be tenable till graduation as far as the students maintain a minimum grade of second class lower in each session.

He stated further that the graduates with first class or second class upper are eligible for a 50 per cent school fees discount to study the specialised areas of health sciences such as medical physics, environmental physics, medicinal chemistry, analytical and environmental chemistry, molecular biology, health statistics and mathematical biology.

“Science is the bedrock of development, and the future of health development nationally and globally lies largely in advancing the foundational basic sciences. Also, COVID-19 has demonstrated the need for Nigeria to significantly grow its scientific abilities. Our goal is to provide a platform and an avenue for the advancement of science in our country by growing and supporting innovation-minded and science-inclined young people.

“We also see this as an opportunity to support the education of highly intelligent and interested candidates who may have limited economic support to pursue a career in these important fields,” Fatusi stated.

Nigerian Govt Orders Varsities To Reopen, Commence Lectures

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 26, 2022

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The Federal Government through the National Universities Commission has ordered vice-chancellors to re-open schools and allow students resume lectures.

This was made known in a letter signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the NUC, Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed.

The letter which was made exclusively available on Monday was addressed to all vice-chancellors; Pro-Chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.

Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses”, the letter partly reads.

The national industrial court of Nigeria on Wednesday ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities to call off its ongoing nationwide strike.

ASUU had been on strike since February 14 to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Several meetings between ASUU and the Federal Government have ended in a deadlock.

Consequently, the Federal Government went to court to challenge the strike.

The government through its counsel, James Igwe, prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU from taking further steps as regards the strike, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The counsel to the Federal Government James Igwe on Wednesday prayed the court to order the striking varsity lecturers to in the interim, return to work, pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court.

He maintained that the matter was not only urgent, but of a great national interest as millions of students have been at home for over seven months.

“Sections 47 of the Trade Dispute Act, TDA, gives your lordship the power to direct that no worker should continue to embark on strike pending when the applications are heard and determined,”,

Igwe argued.

Igwe said there was need for the matter to be expeditiously determined to enable university students to return to school, adding that failure to call off the strike would cause irreparable damage to not only the students but also to the nation.

According to him, since the dispute between FG and lectures was already before the court for adjudication, it would be proper and in the interest of justice for the strike to be suspended.

In his ruling, Justice Hamman held that the application was meritorious and deserved to be granted by the court.

While dismissing objections ASUU raised through its lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, the court held that the strike action was detrimental to public university students that cannot afford to attend private tertiary institutions.

“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant.

“I hold that this application is meritorious and this application is granted”, Justice Hamman ruled.

The court, thereafter, issued an order, restraining ASUU, “whether by themselves, members, agents, privies or howsoever called, from taking further steps and doing any act in continuance of the strike action, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed.”

ASUU had since filed 14 grounds of appeal to challenge the order.

Saudi Arabia Launches 5 Renewable Projects, To Produce 3,300 MW Energy

By

Angel Gimalo

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September 25, 2022

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Saudi Power Procurement Co. has launched five projects to produce electricity using renewable energy, with a total capacity of 3,300 megawatts, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The launch includes three wind energy projects and two solar projects. The wind energy projects, located in Yanbu, Al-Ghat and Waad Al Shamal have a total production capacity of 1800 MW, with 700 MW, 600MW and 500 MW distributed respectively.

The total capacity of production from the two solar energy projects amounts to 1500 MW. The projects are based in Al Hinakiyah and Tabarjal and have capacities of 1100 MW and 400 MW respectively.

The launch of the projects is part of the fourth phase of the Ministry of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Program.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the program is part of the Kingdom’s aims to reach the optimal energy mix for electricity production from renewable energy sources.

In August, Saudi Arabia’s Ministries of Finance and Energy fully nationalized the Saudi Power Procurement Co. after buying up shares in one of the firm’s subsidiaries.

The ministries announced the government had acquired the Saudi Electricity Company meaning Saudi Power Procurement Co. is wholly owned by the state.

This acquisition is part of the Kingdom’s plans to restructure the electricity sector and introduce financial and organizational reforms, the Ministry of Energy said in a statement.

The Saudi Power Procurement Co. is responsible for planning and putting forward projects to generate the country’s required electric power.

It is also responsible for concluding electric power purchase and wholesale agreements, developing energy trading markets and purchasing fuel for the company, the statement added.

Also, in August, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry signed a power purchase agreement for the 80 MW solar photovoltaic independent power producer project, according to MEED.

Tropical Storm Ian: President Biden Issues Emergency Declaration

By

Angel Gimalo

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September 25, 2022

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President Biden has issued an emergency declaration for the state of Florida as Tropical Storm Ian intensifies in the Caribbean.

Biden’s move directs federal assistance to supplement Florida’s storm response, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security to help coordinate emergency relief efforts, according to the White House.

The president’s planned trip to Florida Tuesday was also canceled due to the storm.

As Florida braces for the storm’s forecasted arrival, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Saturday extended an emergency declaration initially set for a handful of Florida counties to apply statewide.

DeSantis has urged Floridians to monitor the storm and take precautions as it approaches.

Tropical Storm Ian comes just a week after Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico, bringing dangerous wind and flash flooding conditions and at one point cutting power to the entire U.S. territory.

After tearing past Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, Fiona made its way north to hit Nova Scotia and other parts of Canada as a post-tropical cyclone.

Ian is expected to push past Jamaica and Cuba before approaching the Florida Keys and becoming a “major hurricane” by the time it nears Florida’s west coast, according to the most recent forecasts from the National Hurricane Center.

“Regardless of Ian’s exact track and intensity, there is a risk of dangerous storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall along the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of the week,” the forecast reads.

Hong Kong To Scrap Quarantine Rules For International Arrivals

By

Angel Gimalo

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September 25, 2022

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Hong Kong has announced it will end mandatory hotel quarantine, scrapping some of the world’s toughest travel restrictions, which battered the economy and kept the finance hub internationally isolated.

The long-awaited move brings relief to residents and businesses clamouring for the city to rejoin the rest of the world in resuming unhindered travel.

For the past two and a half years Hong Kong has adhered to a version of China’s strict zero-Covid rules, deepening a brain drain as rivals reopened.

The announcement leaves mainland China as the only major economy still hewing to lengthy quarantine for international arrivals.

Chief Executive John Lee said the current three days of hotel quarantine would be reduced to zero for those arriving from overseas.

From September 26, travellers will be subject to PCR tests on arrival and will be unable to visit restaurants and bars for the first three days under a system authorities have dubbed “0+3”.

“Under this arrangement, the quarantine hotel system will be cancelled,” Lee told reporters.

Overseas arrivals will also need further PCR tests on days two, four and six in the city.

Tourists who test positive face being isolated in hotel rooms at their own expense. Most residents can isolate at home, but those who cannot may be sent to government facilities.

Authorities also said they were lifting quotas on arrivals from mainland China.

US Launches Spy Satellite Into Orbit From California

By

Angel Gimalo

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September 25, 2022

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A classified satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office launched into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 Heavy rocket on Saturday.

The NROL-91 spy satellite lifted off at 3:25 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California’s Santa Barbara County.

It was the last launch of a Delta 4 from the West Coast. Additional launches are planned from Florida before the Deltas are replaced by ULA’s next-generation Vulcan Centaur rockets.

The Delta IV Heavy configuration first launched in December 2004. This was the 387th flight of a Delta rocket since 1960 and the 95th and final launch from Vandenberg.

The National Reconnaissance Office is the government agency in charge of developing, building, launching and maintaining U.S. spy satellites that provide intelligence data to policymakers, the intelligence community and Defense Department.

Once Upon A Time – Sept 25. – 1513 – Spanish Explorer, Vasco Nunez de Balboa Becomes 1st European To See Pacific Ocean

By

Angel Gimalo

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September 25, 2022

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1066 Battle of Stamford Bridge: English army under King Harold II defeat invading Norwegians led by King Harald Hardrada and Harold’s brother Tostig, who were both killed

1237 Treaty of York signed between kings Henry III of England and Alexander II of Scotland which establishes a boundary between the two countries (mostly unchanged in modern times)

1513 Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa crosses the Panama Isthmus becoming first European to see the Pacific Ocean

1789 US Congress proposes the Bill of Rights

1906 Leonardo Torres Quevedo successfully demonstrates the Telekino at Bilbao before a great crowd, guiding a boat from the shore, considered the birth of the remote control

1926 Henry Ford announces an 8 hour, 5-day work week for workers at the Ford Motor Company

1981 Sandra Day O’Connor sworn in as the 1st female US Supreme Court Justice

Historical Events Today
Today in Film & TV
1957 18th Venice Film Festival: Influential Indian film “Aparajito” directed by Satyajit Ray is first film to win the Golden Lion and the Critics Award

Today in Music
1975 Pink Floyd’s concept album “Wish You Were Here” reaches No. 1 in the US, goes on to sell 13 million copies

Today in Sport
1844 Canada defeats USA by 23 runs in the first cricket international match at the grounds of the St George’s Cricket Club in Manhattan, NYC

MORE FACTS…
1939 Andorra and Germany sign a treaty ending World War I, as Versailles Peace Treaty forgot to include Andorra

1878 British physician Dr. Charles Drysdale warns against the use of tobacco in a letter to The Times newspaper in one of the earliest public health announcements on the dangers of smoking

Famous Weddings
1845 Confederate army Nathan Bedford Forrest (24) weds Presbyterian minister’s daughter Mary Ann Montgomery (18) in Hernando, Mississippi

1873 Frontiersman and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok supposedly marries Calamity Jane according to the latter’s daughter (disputed)

1889 Prime Minister of Canada Robert Borden (34) weds Laura Bond

Beautiful Nigeria: Ogba Ukwu Cave And Waterfall, Anambra State

By

Angel Gimalo

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September 25, 2022

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Ogbaukwu Caves presents one of the greatest natural tourist attraction in Anambra State.

But very little is known about the site, which has been in existence for many years.

Hidden away from the busy routes that crisscross Anambra, the Ogbaukwu Caves and Waterfalls are located in Owerre Ezeukala community that borders three other states: Abia, Enugu and Imo.

It is approximately 75 kilometres east of Onitsha.

The Ogba Ukwu cave is considered to be one of the largest cave in West Africa, which will take upwards to two hours to explore.

It forms a deep and complex rock formation with roomy compartments large enough to take in an entire village.

There is one particular compartment, accessed by the aid of stone steps where an old elephant’s foot still stands, long dead and dry.

In another crevice, there is a natural spanner of rock, and in yet another is a gun of stone, as old as the cave.

Guided tours in and around it is a wonder, and leaves a visitor dumbfounded to this wonderful work of nature.