Nigerian Govt. To Reopen Varsities, Despite ASUU Strike

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August 30, 2022

Despite the insistence of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to continue its lingering strike, there are indications that the Federal Government is set to reopen universities.

According to sources in the Federal Ministry of Education, the academic staff are not the only set of workers in the university system and since non-academic staff are ready to go back to work, the universities should no longer be shut.

“Moreover, there are some lecturers who are also ready to work, such people should not be shut out.

“Only few days ago, a group addressed the press in Abuja, saying they are not part of the ASUU trouble. Their group is also working to be registered too.

“Non-teaching staff have also called off their strike and the university environment is not only for or about academic staff.

“Why should those who are ready to work be denied the opportunity to work? He asked.

This is just as a meeting of pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors of federal universities have been slated for next Tuesday at the National Universities Commission, NUC, Complex, Abuja.

They are to meet with the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

The letter inviting them marked NUC/ES/138/VOL. 64/125 was signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Administration, Chris Maiyaki, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.

The letter was titled “Industrial actions by university-based unions: Invitation to a special interactive meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education.”

It read in part: “As the pro-chancellors and the chairmen of councils and the vice-chancellors are quite aware, the industrial action by university-based unions has led to the closure of the institutions since February 14, 2022.

“You are also aware that the non-teaching unions have suspended their industrial actions with effect from 24th August, 2022, while a final decision is being awaited from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

“It has become necessary for the Governing Councils and the managements of the universities to be briefed on the decisions and actions taken by the Federal Government so far, to allow for a well-coordinated review of the situation, including building consensus around succeeding actions.”

It was gathered that at the meeting, the government would order the schools to be reopened and allow workers ready to work come back to their duty posts.

Recall that ASUU, on Monday, insisted on continuing its strike after holding a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

A group of lecturers, on the platform of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, led by Niyi Sunmonu, have dissociated themselves from the strike and said they are willing to resume work.

This is as the managements of some state universities are also taking steps to ensure the reopening of the institutions.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu Targets Raising Lagos Education Sector Budget Above 10%

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 30, 2022

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed the determination of his administration to prioritize the development of the education sector in the state through increased budget allocation to the sector which stood at 10 per cent presently.

The education ministry had got N133.5 billion in 2020, N146.9 billion in 2021 and N173.5 billion in 2022, out of N1.758 trillion, which are bigger than the entire budgets of some states.

However, the state government earmarked 10 per cent of its year 2022 Budget to the education sector to adequately groom the youths towards making the desired impact and contributing to the progress and future development of the state.

The governor, who was in Abuja for a meeting with President Muhamadu Buhari on the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, spoke on Tuesday, via zoom on the opening day of a two-day 2022, Lagos State Education Summit, held at Eko Hotel and Suites with the theme ‘Creating a Sustainable Fit-for-Purpose Education Model.”

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Folasade Jaji, said his administration has completed over 1000 education projects in the last three years, adding that improved education is one of the legacies he wished to leave behind by the time he left office.

He further said the Summit came at the right time when the state has recorded improvement in the West African Examination Council, WAEC, results from 40 per cent to 80 per cent.

“Education is not just a pillar in one of our THEMES agenda, it’s one of the dividends of democracy and one of the cardinal objectives of our administration.

“We see it as one of the tools that can end poverty in our system. “We are not paying lip service to education, we are taking it seriously. Education has continued to receive an increased budget in our administration,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu added that his government would commit more resources to ensure all out-of-school children in the state returned back to school.

He stressed the need to collaborate with stakeholders in the education sector to register more schools that would be monitored by the government in order to check how they are impacting the students.

The governor added that his administration is looking at improving the welfare and needs of the teachers, as well as working with private schools to improve the education sector. He further said the Ekoexcel Initiative is one of the major success stories of his administration in the education sector.

“We believe we can do more. At the end of the Summit, we can have a real conversation with the private schools and work with them to ensure we get more out of Out-Of-School children.”

The state Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, said Nigeria has a lot to do in improving the education sector, adding the Summit was organised to find solutions to the problems of education in Nigeria.

According to Adefisayo, “Lagos is an important player in education in Nigeria being the sixth largest economy in Africa.

“This summit is about audacity. Some of the outcomes of this Summit will contribute to the process of solving education problems in Nigeria. The focus is not on the problems but now we want to come up with solutions. We want practical ideas that the state can implement. We are ready to listen.

“The state has implemented 210 out of 220 resolutions since the inception of the administration. We have employed over 7000 teachers to replace our fast-aging teachers, Lagos State teachers are the best paid in Nigeria and we have executed 1,400 projects,” she said.

She further revealed the state is making use of technology in teaching as shown in the Ekoexcel Initiative.

ASUU Strike: Federal Govt. To Meet Varsity VCs, Others September 6

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 30, 2022

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The Federal Government through the National Universities Commission has convened a meeting with the vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors and management of Federal universities in line with the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The meeting is expected to hold on September 6, 2022, at the NUC secretariat in Abuja.

This was convened in a letter written by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Administration, of the NUC, Chris Maiyaki and addressed to all pro-chancellors, chairmen of councils, and vice-chancellors of Federal universities.

“As the Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of Councils and the Vice-Chancellors are quite aware the industrial action by university-based unions has led to the closure of the institutions since February 2022.

“You are also aware that the non-teaching unions have suspended their industrial actions with effect from August 24, 2022, while a final decision is being awaited from ASUU.

“It has become necessary for the Governing Councils and the managements of the universities to be briefed on the decisions and actions taken by the Federal Government so far to allow a for a well-coordinated review of the situation including building consensus around succeeding actions.

“Consequently, I am to invite the Pro-Chancellors & Chairmen of Councils as well as Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to a special interactive meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.”

ASUU had on Monday, August 29, 2022 declared an indefinite strike following a six month roll-over strike.

Lagos Varsity Wins $5,000 Millennium Oceans Prize

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 30, 2022

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The Lagos State University (LASU) has emerged winner of the 2022 annual Millennium Oceans prize worth five thousand dollars.

The Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, LASU, Ademola Adekoya announced the feat in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

He said that the university was represented by five students in its Department of Fisheries — Adeyemi Akanbi, Dawodu Fareed, Obadare Adenekan, Adebola Adewale and Precious Nkwor.

The students were supervised by two Associate Professors in the Department of Fisheries, LASU, Dr Ayofe Hammed and Dr Kafayat Fakoya.

LASU’s , tagged: ‘Lagos Plastic Revolution’, emerged best among applications received from over 200 universities in 53 countries across the globe.

The annual competition was organised by Millenium Campus Network (MCN) and Remmer Family Foundation.

Adekoya said that the Lagos Plastic Revolution (LPR) campaign was a students’ initiative aimed at reducing the menace of plastic litters ending up in Lagos waterways; starting with the three campuses of LASU as case studies.

“It is expected that the plastics collected would be processed into paving stones for building constructions,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has congratulated the students and their supervisors for their efforts.

Olatunji-Bello said that the feat would further strengthen the university in soaring higher in global reputation.

She said it would serve as a motivation for other students of the university.

Nigerian Government Releases N6.25 Billion For Establishment Of Cattle Ranches In Katsina

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 30, 2022

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Katsina State Deputy Governor, Mannir Yakubu, says the federal government has released N6.25 billion for the establishment of cattle ranches in local government areas affected by banditry in the state.

Yakubu, also Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, disclosed this during the Ranch Stakeholders Development Meeting in Katsina on Monday.

He said that the frontline local government areas where grazing reserves would be established were Jibia, Batsari, Dutsinma, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari and Sabuwa Dandume among others.

He said part of the funds would be used to construct schools, health centres and veterinary clinics in the affected communities.

The deputy governor said that the state government would engage reputable contractors to handle the projects.

He said the federal and the state governments were determined to ensure that peace and stability were restored in areas affected by banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other criminalities.

“We are therefore soliciting for the support and cooperation of the affected communities to provide suitable sites for the execution of these projects,” Yakubu said.

National Aeronautics And Space Administration Calls Off New Moon Rocket Launch

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 30, 2022

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration has called off the launch of its big new Moon rocket – the Space Launch System (SLS).

Controllers struggled to get an engine on the 100m-tall vehicle cooled down to its correct operating temperature.

They had previously worried about what appeared to be a crack high up on the rocket but eventually determined it was merely frost build-up.

The SLS is the biggest rocket ever developed by NASA. It will be used to send astronauts back to the Moon.

The maiden flight, part of NASA’s Artemis programme, is just a demonstration with no-one on board. But ever more complex missions are planned for the future that will see people live on the lunar surface for weeks at a time.

Tourism Revenue: Thailand Targets $11 Billion

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Angel Gimalo

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August 30, 2022

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Thailand aims to generate 400 billion baht ($11 billion) in tourism revenue in the second half of the year, the government said on Tuesday, as the tropical holiday destination welcomes back more visitors after pandemic-induced border controls.

The Southeast Asian nation has seen a rebound in tourism numbers in the first eight months of 2022, registering more than 4 million tourists, government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said. It is aiming for 10 million tourists this year.

The foreign arrivals so far, mainly from Malaysia, India and Singapore, have generated revenues of 176 billion baht ($4.93 billion), according to the government. read more

The return of international tourists have resulted in the registration of 549 new tourism-related businesses in the first seven months of the year, up 169% year-on-year, Rachada said citing commerce ministry data.

The Thai government has recently announced that it will extend one of its most popular tourist visas from 15 days to 30 days starting in October, to further boost the sector.

Last year, foreign arrivals plummeted to just 428,000 because of the so-called COVID-19 pandemic, compared with a record of nearly 40 million arrivals in 2019 when tourism made up 12% of the country’s GDP.

Only Former Players Can Revive Nigerian Football, Says Nwosu

By

Emenike Agu

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August 30, 2022

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Forms go on sale today

Ex-International, Henry Nwosu, has called on more former national team players to enter the race for Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) presidency.

His call comes as the NFF’s electoral committee is expected to start selling forms to individuals interested in contesting for the top position, which will become vacant when the incumbent, Amaju Pinnick’s tenure ends next month.

The form for presidency costs N500, 000, while candidates for the vice presidency will pay N400, 000. Already, the electoral committee has picked September 30, 2022 for the elections, which is slated for Benin City, Edo State.

Nwosu said the country’s football would be better served by ex-players, who have experienced the game both on pitch as footballers and outside it as stakeholders.

“Nigeria’s ex footballers should be elected to take charge of the NFF. They are exposed and credible to revive the league and all the national teams. This is how it is done in other countries.

“Ex footballers should get forms and participate in the election. They should dominate the entire process,” he said.

According to reports, collection and submission of forms for the election will last until September 8, 2022. The screening of candidates holds September 9 and 10, while the names of eligible candidates will be released by the electoral committee on September 12.

The committee will release the final list of successful candidates for the elections on September 19, with campaigns billed to commence on September 20.

Nigerian Youth Brigade Receive Education On Use Of Tobacco

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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August 30, 2022

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Two time winner of World Health Organization (WHO), World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Award in West Africa and the Founder of the Eye Opener Women and Youth Foundation, Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, has for the first time taken sensitization campaigns to hundreds of Nigerian youth brigade in kaduna state.

According to her, the Eye Opener Foundation took the campaigns to Nigeria Boys /Girls Brigade with the aim of educating youths on harmful effects of cigarette smoking and other substance and also to any youth using any dangerous substance to quit, so that they will not influence the upcoming ones.

Margaret Added that, “The participants of the conference were so excited to hear about the danger associated with cigarette smoking and at the end of the workshop, the foundation officially inaugurated the Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club, where teachings on how to abstain and how to help save life of the users will be done every week.”

The workshop ended with threading on Tobacco products as a sign of NO TOBACCO. The foundation had also promised to supply training materials for age group training to the Boys/Girls Brigade.

Nigeria’s Women Off To Botswana Tomorrow For U-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier

By

Emenike Agu

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August 30, 2022

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Nigeria’s U-19 women cricket team is set for the ICC World Cup qualifying competition in Gaborone, Botswana.

Nigeria’s team for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) African qualifier for the maiden Women U-19 World Cup will depart the country tomorrow for the host city, Gaborone, Botswana.

Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) President, Uyi Akpata, said while it is not in doubt that women’s cricket in the country is one of the leading development stories on the continent, the Federation has been working at spreading the effort across board.

He said: “It gives me joy to see the young teenagers that would be taking part in the maiden U-19 Women’s World Cup in Botswana. Virtually all the players representing Nigeria are the direct product of our schools developmental project, the ones that earned Nigeria the Global Development Awards.”

The final list of players to represent the country was released at the weekend after intensive camping at the Edo Boys High School’s high performance centre.

Miracle Imimole, who comes with experience as a current national team player, leads the list. Other players include Victory Igbinedion, Divine Uranta, Lucky Piety (Wk), Queen Joseph, Oseyande Omokhobhnlhio, Rebecca Awaji (Wk) and Aisha Shittu (Wk). They are all batters.

The bowlers include, Henrietta Mbam, Rejoice Assan (Spin), Peculiar Agboya, Ude Lillian, Judith Anthony, and Rukayat Abdulrasak, who is the team’s vice captain. The team’s standby players are Shola Adekunle and Amarachi Noko.

Team Coach, Onome Oghenekevwe, said they are primed for the event with a number of the players already regulars in the national women’s team.

“Our goal is to pick the World Cup ticket at the qualifiers. So, every game is important to us. The male side did it in 2019, so there’s nothing more than picking the ticket. Our team is motivated for the goal,” he said.

Nigeria will battle for the lone World Cup spot with Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and host Botswana. The qualifiers will run from September 3 to 12 in Gaborone.