Ethiopia University Teachers Threaten Action Over “Adminstrative Abuse”

By

-

August 19, 2022

University teachers have stressed that unless their demands for salary raises, promotions, housing, life insurance, credit mechanisms, and transfer rights for teaching staff are met, the Ministry of Education shall be held responsible for any subsequent measures that will be taken, which would in turn affect the teaching-learning process.

The University Teachers’ Association, which numbers 40,000 teachers under its wings, sent a letter on 03 August 2022 to the Ministry of Education and other high-level governmental institutions. The letter detailed that the teachers’ demands were communicated to relevant ministries and governmental institutions repeatedly and then cautioned that if their questions were not answered by the 11th of September, the teachers would enact their own measures.

The union’s letter describes that regarding earlier demands for promotion amendments (JEG) preliminary recommendation notes were discussed in the presence of concerned stakeholders on 18 October 2021 and then sent to the Ministry of Education, and while changes were being expected, however, a decision with no connection to impacts on the living conditions or work motivation was passed and this was found as inappropriate.

The executive committee of the teachers’ union detailed what it called ‘administrative abuses’; it was said that firstly, the promotion amendments (JEG) were deemed unworthy even through the lens of the entire teaching sector, more so individuals with professor rankship have seen no improvements and during the month of July 2019, the announced salary scale by the Civil Service Commission, Federal Civil Servants Job Allocation and Assessment, was not made applicable to university teaching staff.

Additionally, there were indications of interest for the housing allowance to be revised immediately taking into consideration the housing costs, stating that the promotion revision was conducted in a manner inconsiderate of teachers’ experience, and moving forward with this revision does not allow for an equitable salary parity between teachers thus it called on the revision to be cognizant of experience and rank, it was expressed.

It was explained that the assistant professorship academic title now requires the minimum bar of a post-grad degree on which the teachers say they have comments, previously those who possessed an MA/MSc/M.Phil was able to progress into assistant professorship as long as they met the requirements. Thus the decision is unscientific, illogical, and unreasonable, according to the teachers. They explained that there are those who are internationally published and also others who are waiting to meet the needed service time, hence this decision is not right.

Furthermore, it was indicated that the standards might have seemed to need improvements, however, canceling the previous path of academic entitlement completely would go against the rights of teachers, plus there are fields of study that don’t have Ph.D. programs within the country, all this would impact on the future teaching careers of many.

The union stated that the minimum required education level for academic technical assistants is a bachelor’s degree, and associated with this, the association said that they want the future of technical assistants who were at the diploma level to be detailed, and if bachelor levels were demanded, they requested universities pay for their salaries and benefits and ask for them to acquire their undergraduate degree.

Finally, it was said that most university teachers have a master’s degree, however, the revised Chief Technical Assistant II level of education requires a third degree (Ph.D.), which does not take into account the realities on the ground.

The association has issued a strict warning that if the Ministry of Education does not accept the demands and give an appropriate response, we will take the necessary legal measures, including stopping work, to enforce the rights.

The association added that the Civil Service Commission and the Ministry of Education, who failed to understand the teacher’s pain and burden, will take responsibility for any procedural disruption, disruption of the education program, student misbehavior, and additional pressure on their families.

Group Speaks On Lasting Solution To End Incessant University Strike

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

August 19, 2022

0

The Secretary General of the African Universities Association, Prof. Olushola Oyewole, says it is in the interest of the country that the government and the Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, find a lasting solution to the incessant and often long strikes in the Nigerian higher education sector.

Prof. Oyewole also called on the Nigerian government to listen to the concerns of the members of Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU on the Integrated Payroll & Personnel Information System IPPIS ,saying the system negates autonomy of universities.

Responding to emerging issues between the government and lecturers of public universities in Nigeria, Prof. Oyewole said that the no work , no pay pronouncement has never worked with the University.

According to him, “All that the world knows is that there is disruption in the higher education system of Nigeria.“

“The resultant effect is that our youths are affected as many of them are stagnant now and the Nigeria situation will be used by the world to access them in the future.“

He added that the complexity of the system makes it difficult for Universities to attract short term international staff into the universities.

According to him, “On the issue of IPPIS, Government should listen to the concerns of ASUU on IPPIS. The system negates autonomy in universities and makes it difficult for universities to attract short term international staff into the University.“

2022 Nigeria’s Annual Teachers’ Conference Set To Hold Aug 22-23

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

August 19, 2022

0

Nigeria’s annual teachers’ conference is set to hold with over 30,000 professional teachers duly registered to participate.

The conference, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will also attract tens of thousands of viewers from across the world.

This was made known by the Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, in a statement made available to Journalists in Abuja on Friday.

According to the TRCN Registrar, the teachers’ conference- the second in series, which will hold virtually on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd August, 2022, would be declared open by Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

Ajiboye said the annual conference has been institutionalized in fulfillment of TRCN’s mandate, adding that the theme of this year’s edition is : “Strengthening Teacher Capacity for More Resilient, Transformative and Inclusive Education System.”

“The 2022 annual conference of registered teachers is the second edition of the conference and over 30, 000 participants have registered online, about 9,000 followers are expected to follow on our social media handles such as Facebook streaming live.

”Similarly, over 10,000 others will view the programme live on UNESCO social media handles.

”A couple of others will be viewing the program in set up viewing centers across three states – Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna,” he said.

According to the registrar, apart from UNESCO, this year’s conference is also being supported by PLANE and Save -the- Children- International (SCI) as well as some government agencies such as National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

Recall that the first edition of the conference was held January 26th and 27th, 2021, with thousands of registered/professional teachers in attendance.

China’s Drought Disrupts Industry, Hydroelectric Dams

By

Elizabeth Williams

-

August 19, 2022

0

China’s driest summer in six decades left one of the mightiest rivers barely half its normal width and set off a scramble to contain the damage to a weak economy in a politically sensitive year.
Factories in Sichuan province and the adjacent metropolis of Chongqing in the southwest were ordered to shut down after reservoirs that supply hydropower fell to half their normal levels and demand for air conditioning surged in scorching temperatures.

River ferries in Chongqing that usually are packed with sightseers were empty and tied to piers beside mudflats that stretched as much as 50 meters (50 yards) from the normal shoreline to the depleted river’s edge. Smaller ships sailed down the middle of the Yangtze, one of China’s biggest trade channels, but no large cargo ships could be seen.
The disruption adds to challenges for the ruling Communist Party, which is trying to shore up sagging economic growth before a meeting in October or November when President Xi Jinping is expected to try to award himself a third five-year term as leader.
The world’s second-largest economy grew by just 2.5% over a year earlier in the first half of 2022, less than half the official target of 5.5%.
The drought’s impact in Sichuan is unusually severe because the province gets 80% of its power from hydroelectric dams.

Usyk And Joshua Hit The Scales Heavier For Their Title Rematch

By

Emenike Agu

-

August 19, 2022

0

Oleksandr Usyk v Anthony Joshua – WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Title – Weigh-in- Shangri-La Ballroom, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – August 19, 2022 General view as Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua go head to head during the weigh-in Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Ukraine’s defending world champion Oleksandr Usyk and British challenger Anthony Joshua hit the scales heavier than before ahead of their heavyweight title rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Usyk weighed in at 100.5kg (15st 11lbs and 10oz), barely changed from before although still the heaviest of his career, while Joshua was 110.9kg (17st 6lbs and 8oz) — four pounds more than when he lost the titles last September in London.

Former undisputed cruiserweight world champion Usyk weighed 15st 11lbs last time around but the 35-year-old had been expected to bulk up considerably for his first defence of the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts in Jeddah.

“You see, your expectations are not always met,” the unbeaten champion said unsmilingly when asked if he had been tricking everyone ahead of the ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ clash.

Joshua went first, keeping on his trousers and socks, before the two big men stood face-to-face after the weigh-in, staring fixedly at each other with Usyk looking up at his taller opponent.

Asked what he had seen in Joshua’s eyes, the Ukrainian replied: “Myself. It was the reflection of myself.”

Joshua, 32, shrugged off the pre-fight psychology when asked what went through his mind.

“Not much. Just a face-off. For me personally face-offs don’t mean nothing. Face-offs don’t win fights,” he said.

“All this stuff doesn’t matter. It’s just about the fight. Real talk. All this stuff, weight and face-offs, none of it matters to me. I’m just looking forward to the fight.

“I’m just ready for 12 rounds. 100%. Anything short of that is a bonus.”

British bookmaker William Hill has Usyk as the 4/7 favourite on Saturday night, with 80% of customers backing the Ukrainian to win by knockout or stoppage. Joshua was down as a 13/8 underdog, with a draw at 16/1.

Usyk is also carrying the hopes of a nation, one scarred by battle and fighting a real war for survival after Russia’s invasion, while another defeat for Joshua would pose big questions about his future.

Energy Source: German community fights energy costs with wood

By

Elizabeth Williams

-

August 19, 2022

0

Wood Could Be German Answer to Soaring Energy Prices
In search for alternatives to heating with gas, Germans are increasingly turning to wood. Wood-burning stoves are subsidized by the government, but experts warn of serious health repercussions.
Germany is one of Europe’s most densely forested countries, and soaring oil and gas prices are leading more households to switch to modern wood-burning heating systems, Germany’s forest owners’ association says.
Heating systems fuelled by wood pellets have been installed in 70,000 German buildings in recent years. The technology — which is more expensive than oil or gas burners — is subsidized by the German government.
Nearly half of all homes in Germany are heated with gas. Ever since Russia started waging war in Ukraine, however, supplies of the fuel have become unreliable. The price has jumped and supply cuts through the strategically important Nord Stream 1 pipeline remain unsolved.
Demand has increased by 30 to 40%, said Alexis Gula, head of Germany’s Association of Chimney Sweeps (ZIV). Customers of his business near Stuttgart tell him why they’re turning to wood for heating.

Players’ Union, ANFPU Hails Nff For a Successful General Assembly

By

Emenike Agu

-

August 19, 2022

0

NFPU members at the NFF AGA, from Left to Right: Larry Kubeinje (BOT), Chikeleu Ileonyesi (Anambra State FA Chairman) and Olisa Onuchukwu (General Secretary)

All Nigerian football Players Union (ANFPU} has congratulated the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after it held the Annual General Assembly on Thursday in Lagos.

Before the event, the holding of the meeting had been subjected to controversies and postponements.

But rising from the event, which was initially envisaged to be engulfed in controversy, the apex Players Union sent congratulatory message to the NFF Executive and described the assembly “a very successful event.”

According to the spokesperson of the union,Monday Kanu, “the general assembly has paved way for the much talked about election of new EXCO members and it also offered opportunity for us to present our nine-point agenda.

“Top on the list are our desire for an effective collective bargaining agreement with the League Management Company (LMC) and increased representation of our members on the various Football related boards across the country, from the NFF to the State and Local Council Football Associations.”

Continuing, Monday Kanu pointed out that the assembly afforded the players’ union an occasion to meet with some of the contenders for the position of the NFF President.

“We are especially excited at the increased expression of interest from retired players who are determined to throw their hats into the ring. The All Nigerian Football Players Union desires to engage them all on Zoom sessions subsequently as we chat a more progressive path for the benefit of Footballers both active and retired.”

Nigerian Government Plans to Spend N3.35 Trillion On Fuel Subsidy in 2023 -Ahmed

By

Elizabeth Williams

-

August 19, 2022

0

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, has said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given approval for a planned summit of the government, leadership of all political parties and relevant groups to discuss and agree on the removal of petroleum subsidy.
Ahmed disclosed this on Thursday when she appeared before the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy.
She also said the government is planning to spend N3.35 trillion on subsidy in 2023, which will last till June of that year.
Ahmed said the idea of a national forum to take a decision on petroleum subsidy was suggested by the leadership of the National Assembly and that the arrangement for the forum is underway.
The minister said the federal government is spending N18.6 billion daily on PMS, and that it spent N6.2 trillion on subsidy between 2013 to 2021.

Niger Governor Inspects Renovation of State’s School

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

August 19, 2022

0

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has said his administration will do all it can to create a conducive learning teaching and environment for both students and teachers, especially in the state public secondary and primary schools.

Governor Sani Bello stated this after inspecting the ongoing renovation of Ahmadu Bahago Secondary School in Minna, the state capital, under the Whole School Development Approach Programme.

The governor, who expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far in the school, said the project was part of the second phase of the programme.

He noted that some of the schools in the state have not undergone renovation for over 40 years, stressing that his administration will not allow schools to collapse.

“So far so good. The work is commendable. This is one of the missionary schools, and for me to allow this school to collapse or die off, we will be doing injustice to ourselves.

“So I am glad we have started rebuilding the school and hopefully it will provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for students and teachers.”

“We will continue to do what we have to do and what we need to do in our educational sector. This will be the tenth project under the Whole School Approach Programme, the others have been completed and hopefully, we will start that of the technical schools,” the governor stated.

The governor said his administration may not be able to fix the 54 boarding schools in the state, stressing that it has, however, started and expressed hope that the next administration will continue with the programme.

Also speaking to newsmen, Commissioner for Education, Hannatu Jibrin Salihu explained that the Whole School Development Approach Programme is a policy initiated by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello- led administration in the state to comprehensively renovate selected boarding schools across the three geopolitical zones of the state.

Euro Zone Inflation Hits New Record High

By

Elizabeth Williams

-

August 19, 2022

0

European Union flag against European Parliament — European Union flags in front of the blurred European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium

Euro zone inflation reached a new record high of 8.9% year-on-year in July, the EU’s statistics office confirmed, with the core measure, excluding the most volatile components and key for monetary policy, also sharply up.
The Euro zone annual inflation hit a new record high of 8.9% in July, up from 8.6% in June, according to official figures on Thursday.
The figure was 2.5% last year.
The highest contribution to the annual euro area inflation rate came from energy, followed by food, alcohol and tobacco, services and non-energy industrial goods.
The annual inflation diminished in six member states, remained stable in three, and rose in 18 compared to June.
The lowest annual rates were seen in France, Malta (both 6.8%), and Finland (8.0%), while the highest annual rates were recorded in Estonia (23.2%), Latvia (21.3%), and Lithuania (20.9%).
Meanwhile, the EU annual inflation was 9.8% in July, up from 9.6% in June.