Federal Govt. Needs Time To Implement Agreements – SSANU, NASU

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August 29, 2022

The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) chapters of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have said they suspended the industrial actions to give the Federal Government time to implement the agreements it reached with the university workers.

The Unilorin-SSANU Chairman, Naheem Falowo, stated this on Monday while fielding questions from newsmen in Ilorin.

Faliwo explained that the decision to suspend the protracted industrial dispute was informed by the need to enable the federal government some time to implement the agreements comprehensively.

He noted that government accepted to put machinery in motion for the onward implementation of all the eight-point demands before it.

The SSANU chairman, who is also staff of the Bursary Department of Unilorin, explained that the government accepted to work towards a remarkable improvement in the welfare of staff of state-owned universities as demanded by the unions.

Also speaking, the NASU Chairman of Unilorin, Ibrahim Suberu, said the federal government equally promised in the agreements voluntarily signed with the unions to implement the agreed percentage increment in the salaries of university staff without any exception as from Sept. 1, 2022. Suberu also disclosed that the government has approved the release of N50 billion for the payment of earned allowances.

He added that the unions were assured the money would be shared among federal government-owned universities for onward payment to all their staff members and without any form of discrimination in its disbursement between the academic staff and their non-teaching counterparts as witnessed in the past.

The NASU chairman pointed out that the sustained efforts of the unions also eventuated in the federal government’s realisation of the absurdities that have characterised the implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS).

He added that one of the successes of the strike was that the government was now poised more than ever before to have a rethink on the IPPIS as it has empowered a committee chaired by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Issa Pantami.

According to him, this is to harmonise the payment platforms jointly proposed by SSANU and NASU and the one put forward by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

CDC seeks timely Detection, Response to curb Polio

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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August 29, 2022

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The United States Government, through its Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said the threat of wild polio re-emergence and the circulating variant of poliovirus two, calls for timely detection and response by Nigeria.

The Public Health Programme Specialist, US-CDC, Ms. Adeyelu Asekun, told the Newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, that working with the military and armed forces would be key in bridging the gaps created by insecurity.

US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

“In 2020, Nigeria became the last country in Africa to be certified polio-free by the Africa Regional Certification Commission.

“As a result, the African continent was declared free of this debilitating disease in August 2020.

”Exactly two years since that certification was received and with a robust surveillance system, Nigeria can quickly detect and respond to wild polio and any other type of poliovirus.

“This is even more so important now with the confirmed wild polioviruses in Malawi and Mozambique and polio detection in the US and the United Kingdom (UK),” Asekun said.

She said that despite the achievement of the wild polio virus-free status by Nigeria, ”there were still challenges that needed to be overcome.”

This, she said, was to ensure that every child five years and below receives the polio vaccine and was protected against this debilitating and life-threatening disease.

The expert described COVID-19 and other competing priorities at the sub-national level as challenges too.

“This is where integration will be key and the government of Nigeria has taken up this initiative to ensure a broader reach with limited resources. But these challenges can be overcome.

“We have seen Nigeria overcome challenges time and time again. We have seen the power of coordination and collaboration at work,” she said.

Asekun stated that the national polio emergency operations centre, with oversight from the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, was the epitome of what true coordination and collaboration were.

“It is important to recognize that engagement with traditional and religious leaders was key in the polio eradication efforts in the country.

”Interfacing with the military was a game changer in completely eradicating wild poliovirus from the country.

“Since 2012, the US CDC has also worked collaboratively with the government of Nigeria on polio eradication efforts and it has been a very rewarding experience. Coordination and collaboration work,” she said.

Asekun, however, said that the US government remained committed to sustaining the course until polio becomes a disease of the past.

“We will continue to support the government of Nigeria with innovations to ensure that we finish the polio race and we finish it well. Congratulations to Nigeria. Congratulations to us all,” she said.

The Public Health expert stated that big recognition of efforts was important for not only boosting morale but for improving performance.

“We have seen Nigeria improve from 33 per cent routine immunization coverage to 56 per cent between 2016 and 2021, and this is despite the disruptions made to routine immunization and primary health care services by COVID-19.

“And then, there was COVID-19! Another seemingly insurmountable challenge that Nigeria was faced with.

”But, Nigeria had once again risen to the challenge. We have seen huge uptakes of COVID-19 vaccinations across many states and numbers are still rising,” she added.

NAN reports that Nigeria celebrated three years of eradicating a viral illness caused by poliovirus that can lead to paralysis, limb deformities, breathing problems, or even death.

Poliovirus resides only in humans and passes on to the environment in the faeces of someone.

Nigeria was the latest country to have officially stopped endemic transmission of wild poliovirus, with its last reported case in 2016.

Wild poliovirus had been eradicated in all continents except Asia, and as of 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where the disease is still classified as endemic.

Vaccines against each of the three wild strains of polio have given rise to strains of cVDPV, with cVDPV2 being the most prominent. cVDPV caused 689 reported paralytic polio cases worldwide in 2021.

Strike: Union Dissatisfied With FG’s Response To Demands – Osodeke

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 29, 2022

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government over response its demands, and declared a “comprehensive, total and indefinite” strike.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke made this known in a statement issued at the end of the Union National Executive Council (NEC) emergency meeting early hours on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement is entitled “ASUU strikes are to save public universities”.

It would be recalled that the lecturers have been on strike since Feb. 14, over alleged failure of government to keep to agreements entered with the unions.

The demands of the striking lecturers include issues bordering on funding of universities, salaries and earned allowances of lecturers, among others.

Osodeke said that the meeting was called to review developments since its last resolution that rolled over the nationwide strike action for another four weeks starting from Aug 1. “In view of the foregoing, and following extensive deliberations on government’s response to the resolution of Feb. 14, 2022 , so far, NEC concluded that the demands of the union had not been satisfactorily addressed.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to transmute the roll-over strike to a comprehensive, total and indefinite strike action beginning from 12.01am. on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022,’’ he said.

According to him, NEC observed with regret that the union has experienced a lot of deceit of the highest level in the last five and half years as the Federal Government engaged ASUU in fruitless and unending negotiation without a display of utmost fidelity.

Osodeke said that ASUU and other well-meaning Nigerians had expressed serious disappointment and consternation on the attitude of the government conveyed by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

He said that for the avoidance of doubt, however, none of the issues that forced the union to resume the suspended strike as listed in the December 2020 FGN-ASUU Memorandum of Action (MoA) had been satisfactorily addressed by the government to date.

Orunsolu Adebayo Named As Lagos State Director Of Examination Board

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 29, 2022

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The Lagos State Ministry of Education has appointed Orunsolu Adebayo as the Director of Examination Board.

The Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Board, Fatai Bakare, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Bakare said that the appointment, which took effect from Aug. 24, was carried out after the statutory retirement of Supo Gbadegesin.

According to the statement, the appointee, who resumed at his new post on Wednesday, was formerly Head of Computer Unit, Science and Technology of the Ministry.

State Varsities’ Pro-chancellors Reacts To Osodeke’s Comment

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 29, 2022

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The Committee of Pro-chancellors of state universities on Monday said state universities could not be coerced to implement the agreement reached between the Federal Government and lecturers in Federal Universities under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The pro-chancellors also stated that there was a need for the democratisation of memberships of unions in the universities, noting that state varsities’ membership was voluntary.

Some state universities have come under fire over their failure to pull out of the ongoing strike declared by the national body of ASUU.

The spokesperson of the ministry of education, Ben Goong, had told news correspondent that the agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU wouldn’t be binding on state universities.

However, the ASUU president, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, alongside some state university ASUU chairmen, had kicked against the development claiming that “ASUU is one”.

In a communique made available to news men on Monday, the pro-chancellors said, “ The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-owned Universities read with alarm and disbelieve a statement made by the President of the ASUU Prof. Emmanuel Osodike on a television programme on Arise, where he said that State Universities are “irrelevant and quacks” on 26th August 2022.

“Our first reaction was to ignore this tendentious, ill-conceived and flagrant unconscionable statement by the President of ASUU, but on reflection, it was thought necessary to do a rejoinder to this rather unfortunate statement having regard to the position of the President of ASUU in the scheme of things in our University system in Nigeria.

“Though COPSUN will not want to go into any diatribe with the President of ASUU, the Committee wishes to state as follows to put records straight:

“That the Pro-Chancellors of our State Universities and indeed members of the councils are distinguished and accomplished eminent persons who served and still serve this Nation in many capacities. Amongst the members are retired Ambassadors, retired Generals in the Armed forces, retired Vice-Chancellors, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, renowned politicians and other distinguished professionals.

“COPSUN wishes to appeal to the President of ASUU to realise that the membership of ASUU is voluntary. Therefore, it is not his ill-informed approach and denigration of state universities that will lead to fashioning out creative approaches to avoid existential extinction that will solve the myriad of problems confronting the University system in Nigeria.

The pro-chancellors added, “The very unfortunate ill-digested view of the President of ASUU had vindicated the position of this Committee on the following issues;

“The negative professionalisation of offices of the Unions that operate in our Universities and the unserious belief among many members of the Unions that the Unions are superior to the Councils of the Universities that are their employers.

“The need for immediate democratisation of the membership of Unions in the universities to the extent of the freedom of any individual to belong to a Union with options of not belonging.

“Devolution of powers on the issues of labour, wages and salaries with freedom of the employers to negotiate with their employees, as practised in other parts of the world, where we borrowed the University system.

“State Universities cannot be forced or coerced to implement agreements reached between the Federal Government and her workers in the Universities to which they are not parties.

“It is time to respect the Federal nature of our government in all matters and not selectively, especially on the issues of salaries and wages”.

ASUU Extends Six-month-old Industrial Action

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 29, 2022

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has extended its six-month-old strike.

The decision was taken after a series of heated discussions at the National Executive Council meeting held at the union’s headquarters at the University of Abuja on Monday morning.

Speaking on the extension, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, told newsmen that the government had taken all possible steps to end the strike.

He said, “As regards the next steps, the government has already inaugurated a committee to harmonize the IPPIS, UTAS, and UP3. This will ensure that the government will pay with only one payment platform that will harmonize all the technical peculiarities.

“If you bring some demands and almost 80% have been attended to, there is no need to drag the strike anymore.

“It is unreasonable for the strike to be lingering seeing as the government has worked towards fulfilling most of the demands.”

ASUU had declared the commencement of a strike on Monday, February 14, 2022, at the University of Lagos.

Beautiful Nigeria: Longest Beach In West Africa, Ibeno Beach, Akwa Ibom State

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 29, 2022

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Ibeno Beach stretches for about 30 kilometres from Ibeno to James Town along the Atlantic coastline of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria.

Ibeno Local Government Area is located at the South end of Akwa Ibom State, occupying a vast coastal area of over 1,200 sq. km.

It stretches from Okposo I at the eastern flank, bordering Mbo Local Government Area and Bakassi Pennisula to Atabrikang village on its Western flank.

It is bounded in the South by the Atlantic Ocean and shares border with Eket, Esit Eket, Onna and Eastern Obolo local government areas.

It is said to be the longest beach in West Africa.

With its beautiful coastline, Ibeno provides endless natural facilities for tourism, water sporting, beach soccer and general boating.

The endless white sand dunes extending as far as the eyes can see along the Atlantic are unaltered by the waves that pour violently on the seashore.

History has it that the area was first occupied around 1200-1500 BC by Ibeno indigenes.

The alluring array of trees lined along the beach provides good shelter from the burning rays of the sun for visitors looking for shade after sunbathing or taking strolls about the place.

The beach provides an ample view of the Gulf of Guinea over which the scattered gas flares from ExxonMobil offshore oil platforms create a scintillating image of flaming tongues of fire on the sea.

Ibeno beach is the longest sand beach and most popular beach in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It’s a fantastic beach that showcases the best of natural Nigeria.

Ibeno beach is located in Ibeno Local Government Area and is South of Eket LGA.

Ibeno is also very popular for tourism since it was the landing site of the qua Ibo christian missions from scotland which was one of the most successful christian missions in Nigeria, in the early 20th century leading to the conversion of many Nigerians to the faith, Ibeno Houses a lot of relic of that missionary expedition.

Ibeno is also home to the Mobil/Exxon QIT terminal where crude oil is processed for export all over the world and has seasoned guards on patrol 24 hours a day to keep visitors safe and to ensure orderliness.

Exploring Langkawi Skybridge, Malaysia

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 29, 2022

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The Langkawi Skybridge is the longest free span and curved pedestrian bridge in the world, located in Malaysia.

The bridge deck is located 660 metres (2,170 ft) above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang on Pulau Langkawi, an island in the Langkawi archipelago in Kedah.

Located 2,300ft above sea level, the Sky Bridge is easily accessible by the Langkawi Cable Car.

The journey to the top starts out at the Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok.

Once the cable car gets going it gets a little chilly as winds flow through the ventilation slits at the top, so put on a sweater beforehand.

The bridge is 125 meters long, and 1.8 meters wide (the middle section has a wider walkway), with two steel railings as well as steel wire mesh on either sides.

It is designed as a curved walkway to maximize the viewing experience, providing shifting perspective as a visitor walks along the bridge.

The walkway, formed of steel and concrete panels set on top of an inverted triangular truss, connects two hilltops at Gunung Mat Chinchang.

The first 25m of the bridge is straight, following 3 curved 25m sections, then a final straight 25m section.

At each end of the walkway, the bridge has a 3.6m-wide triangular viewing platform that serves as resting and viewing areas for visitors.

The bridge is suspended by 8 cables from a 81.5m high single pylon, and hangs at about 100m above ground.

The pylon is anchored onto a concreted pad set at an elevation of 604.5m, and its tip reached 686m above sea level.

It is inclined at angles of 78° and 2° in two directions, and supported by two cables.

The bridge is designed to carry a maximum capacity of 200 persons.

Officially the bridge was opened in February 2005, and costed $1.2 million.

There were some repairs made between 2012 and 2015, during which time it was closed for visitors, however, it was opened again in December.

So, it may sound like a cliché but it is really true. The views from the bridge are simply stunning, great for those picturesque moments!

The views on the way to the top of Langkawi’s second-highest peak include those of the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and the rain-forest.

After traveling a bit upwards, the cable car levels outs and stops at the Sky Bridge, the final station.

Those with a fear of heights might be a little afraid of the altitude, but it is a very safe bridge with double steel railings and an enclosed wire mesh, from where you will make stunning pictures and have a quite an experience to tell about.

Abia Poly’s Accreditation Restored Says State Commissioner

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 29, 2022

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The Abia Commissioner for Information, Chikamnayo Eze, has announced the restoration of the accreditation of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba.

Eze made the announcement during a press briefing at the Government House, Umuahia on Monday.

LN247 reports that the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) had on July 19, 2022, announced the withdrawal of the accreditation of Abia State Polytechnic owing to over 30 months of unpaid salaries.

He said that this was in fulfillment of the state government’s promise to ensure that the accreditation of the institution would be restored within a month.

According to him, this was made possible through the efforts of the state government which include release of N450 million to the institution for the settlement of four months of salary arrears.

“Also the state government has put into force sustainable measures to ensure that best practices will be upheld in the operations of the institution moving forward,” the commissioner said.

Eze noted that the institution as a semi-autonomous organisation ought to have ensured prompt payment of salaries.

He commended the committee set up to interface with NBTE on the matter for doing an excellent job.

The commissioner said that the state government had instituted measures that would ensure that the institution does not experience interrupted academic sessions going forward.

Artists Celebrate As Art Jakarta Resumes After Hiatus

By

Koko Lawrence

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August 29, 2022

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Two years since the last Art Jakarta was held, the fair is back and stronger than ever – with galleries, artists, collectors, and curious observers flocking to the Jakarta Convention Center.

The return of the fair, which began on Friday and is now in its 12th iteration, marks the first major art event in Indonesia since the pandemic began.

Its primary purpose is commercial – to connect artists, galleries, and other stakeholders with potential buyers.

More than 60 galleries from Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia are showing their collections at the fair. More than 500 artists will attend, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected.

“Indonesia is a superpower when it comes to art. It has strong output and a strong scene. It stayed intact and was able to re-establish itself and come back strong. Everyone is happy to be here,” Gil Schneider, consultant for Art Jakarta, said.

“The most important thing is to show the market is strong, and there is demand. Collectors are back, buying art. We are happy to see that sales are strong, and the market is back on its feet.”

This year’s event also has a distinctly celebratory tone. It is a reunion for Indonesia’s established art world, a chance to reconnect, as the country’s creatives emerge from a difficult period.

“It’s not just the artists, but those who display art, like galleries and art management, everyone is excited to work together again. Slowly, we can see the situation is getting better,” said one of the artists at the fair, Depok-based artist Meliantha Muliawan.

Esti Nurjadin, the owner of D Gallerie in south Jakarta, said she’s enthusiastic about showing her pieces in person again.

“This is the first big event for art, and it has made us very excited, after two years of everything being online. It was difficult for galleries,” she said. “For us, to be able to get to the point of transaction, we need to meet in person. Collectors want to see the art and experience it – rather than looking at it on a screen.”

One of the pieces she is displaying is by Indonesian artist Soni Irawan. Ten guitars are stuck to the wall, but the bodies of the instruments have been swapped out for briefcases.

“It is difficult to take a picture and show this on a screen. If you are here, you can see the depth, you can imagine: What would this look like in my home or office? Showing an artwork like this online will not have the same feel or grab people’s attention.”