Opebi-Mende Link Bridge: Lagos State Government Engages Stakeholders On Right Of Way

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August 14, 2022

The Lagos State Government has engaged stakeholders on the need to establish a smooth Right of Way (RoW) and construction of the Opebi-Mende link Bridge, a priority project of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, who spoke during the stakeholders’ meeting in Alausa, described the construction of the Opebi-Mende link Bridge and approach roads as an iconic project that would help in addressing the Traffic and Transportation and the Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy Pillars of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of the Lagos State Government.

“It is a known fact that the people are the ultimate beneficiaries of development projects like this. As promised through the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of the present administration, the State Government led by Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will continue to take concrete steps towards ensuring the delivery of the dividends of democracy to our people.

Evidently, this particular project, like many that have been executed across sectors, will add on as a good example of making life more abundant for the governed”, he said.

He enjoined the people to grant Public Officers and contractors working on the site unhindered access and hitch-free operations for the project to be executed in record time.

Salako stated that, as part of the procedure for the establishment of the RoW, officers from the Ministry would serve Statutory Notices on buildings earmarked for removal, mark such affected buildings at the expiration of the notices and also invite officers from Lands Bureau to carry out a valuation exercise for compensation purposes before the actual removal of structures.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, noted that it behoves all property owners to respect the RoW of public facilities to avoid the removal of structures whilst the Governor had approved the consideration of compensation for buildings that must give way for public infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, urged the stakeholders to take ownership of the project and accord it the deserved support as their inputs and suggestions were factored in.

At the meeting were also the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola; General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Ms. Ajibike Shomade, and the General Manager, Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency, Tpl. Daisi Oso, among others.

Exploring Gothic Styled Turaida Castle In Latvia

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Angel Gimalo

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August 14, 2022

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Turaida Castle is a recently reconstructed castle from medieval times, located in the historic Vidzeme region, in the Republic of Latvia.

Situated opposite from the Gauja River from Sigulda, the castle dominates the Museum Reserve, which visually is the most impressive element it has.

Built out of red bricks, it has a Gothic style, where the first evidence of its construction suggests that it was built in 1214 by the Archbishop of Riga, Albert.

Before the brick castle was built, on the same site there has been a wooden castle of the Livonian leader Caupo of Turaida.

The development of the castle continued throughout the years, and the castle slowly started losing strategic importance.

Badly damaged by fire in 1716, and not reconstructed, its condition slowly deteriorated and fell into ruin.

In the 1970s there have been archaeological excavations, which followed restoration and conservation works that slowly started showing how the castle was looking in the past.

The surroundings of the Turaida Castle are simply unique and amazing and from the main tower, one can witness the alluringly beautiful landscape of picturesque Gauja valley.

One of the important landmarks of Latvia, today this castle has many visitors who want to witness how the life has been in the past in Latvia.

Lagos To Host Education Summit for Stakeholders Aug 30-31

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2022

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The Lagos State Ministry of Education has concluded arrangement to host a Summit for stakeholders in the public and private sectors, billed from Aug. 30 to Aug. 31.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Asst Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Ganiu Lawal.

It stated that the theme would be: “Creating a Sustainable Fit-for-Purpose Education Model” and primarily for public and private education stakeholders to co-create ideas and solutions.

According to the statement, the event will hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, and will have resource persons as speakers from both the public and private sectors.

“The summit will address issues on the main and various sub-themes relating to development of fit-for-purpose education framework and partnership.

“It will also deliberate on advocacy for collective commitment from all stakeholders to achieve quality and equitable education in the state,” it added.

Once Upon A Time – August 14 – 1945 – V-J Day, Japan Surrenders Unconditionally To End WW II

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Angel Gimalo

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August 14, 2022

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1281 During Kublai Khan’s second Mongol invasion of Japan his invading Chinese fleet of 3,500 vessels disappears in a typhoon near Japan.

1842 Second Seminole War declared over by US Army Colonel Worth, after nearly 7 years; more than 3000 Seminole Nation survivors re-located from Florida to Oklahoma, only about 300 allowed to remain.

1945 V-J Day, Japan surrenders unconditionally to end WW II (also August 15 depending on time zone).

1947 Pakistan gains independence from Great Britain.

1969 British Army deploys on the streets of Northern Ireland, marking the beginning of Operation Banner.

1980 17,000 workers go on strike at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, marking the beginning of the Solidarity movement.

Historical Events Today
Today in Film & TV
1938 BBC’s 1st feature film on TV (Student of Prague)

Today in Music
1995 “Battle of Brit Pop” rival bands Oasis (Roll with It) and Blur (Country House) release singles on the same day

Today in Sport
1987 Oakland’s Mark McGwire sets rookie HR record at 39, en route to 49

MORE FACTS…
1040 King Duncan I of Scotland killed in battle against his first cousin and rival Macbeth (not murdered in his sleep as in Shakespeare’s play). The latter does succeed him as King.

1901 The first claimed powered flight, by Gustave Whitehead in his Number 21.

Famous Weddings
1756 Frontiersman Daniel Boone (21) weds Rebecca Bryan (17) in Yadkin River, North Carolina

1939 “A Star Is Born” actress Janet Gaynor (32) weds MGM costume designer Adrian (36)

1952 UK Prime Minister Anthony Eden (55) weds UK prime minister’s niece Clarissa Spencer-Churchill (32) in a civil ceremony at Caxton Hall, London

Lagos Govt. Introduces History Back To Schools’ Curriculum

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2022

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The Lagos State Government, weekend, announced the teaching of History as a stand-alone subject in schools in the state.

Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA, at the state’s Ministry of Education, Abiola Seriki announced this in a directive through the Director of Research, Mrs E. Pelemo.

The directive titled ‘Re-introduction of History in Lagos Schools,’ reads: “I have the directive of the DG (OEQA) to inform you that the teaching of History as a stand-alone subject is back to schools.

“In line with the directives from the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council, NERDC, the subject has been re-introduced in the National Curriculum and the current Lagos State Unified Schemes of Work for primary and junior secondary schools.

“You are to note that while the subject (History) is compulsory for both primary and junior secondary school classes, it is an elective subject in the senior secondary school.

“To this end, I am further directed to inform you that the subject should be taught in primaries 1 and 2 and JSS 1 and 2 classes in the 2022/2023 academic session.”

ASUU: Students’ Body Mobilizes For NLC’s Nationwide Strike

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 14, 2022

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commenced mobilization in preparation for a nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) over the failure of the Federal Government to reach an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

The students’ body said it would join forces with the labour centres comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress until the Federal Government reached an agreement with the

NANS position was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Comrade Adegboye Olatunji, Coordinator, NANS Zone D, Comrade Kehinde Damilola, Chairman NANS Ogun, Comrade Adeleke Quadri, Chairman NANS Oyo, and Comrade Omotosho Surprise, Chairman NANS Ondo, issued at the end of an emergency meeting of South West students leaders and stakeholders held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The emergency meeting attended by the Students Union Government (SUG) Presidents and other present and former leaders of NANS from Zone D, deliberated on critical issues affecting the students constituency in particular and the entire masses of Nigeria.

The union condemned the government for treating the strike by university lecturers with levity, urging the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu to ensure the strike was called off without delay.

“We frown totally at the Federal Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards the sector especially by treating the strike action of University staff Unions with levity.

“We are resolute on mobilising all our forces to show our displeasure and we call on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to deepen the struggle by mobilising for a national strike action until the government finds a solution to the strike action,” NANS said in a communique at the end of the meeting.

ASUU on February 14 embarked on strike to press home its demands for a better welfare package, revamping of the nation’s education sector among others, a situation that has forced many Nigerian students to be at home.

Worried by the lingering industrial dispute, President Muhammadu Buhari had on July 19 directed Adamu to proffer a solution to the challenge and report back to him in two weeks.

Adamu offered to take over negotiations with the university unions from the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige who has been at the forefront on the negotiations on July 19, 2022.

The minister subsequently gave himself two to three weeks to reach agreement with the unions and revert to President Buhari.

The ultimatum ended on August 9th with Nigerians in dark over the progress of work done by the minister.

On August 1, the union extended the strike by another four weeks, dashing the hopes of students to return to school.

Nigerian Govt. Approves 33 Private Varsities In 16 Months

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 13, 2022

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Data obtained from the National Universities Commission on Friday revealed that a total of 33 private universities were approved by the regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari within 16 months (January 2021-April 2022).

While 21 of the private universities were approved in 2021; 12 were approved during the present strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

Prior to the establishment of the 33 universities, the total number of universities in Nigeria stood at 186 comprising 49 federal universities; 59 state universities and 78 private universities.

Speaking in an interview, the Programme Director, Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin noted that while private universities have their benefits; they shouldn’t take the place of public universities.

“The failure of the government to efficiently manage the public university system gave rise to the birth of private universities in Nigeria. While one cannot fail to admit the importance of private universities, it is very important to note that not everyone in Nigeria can even afford payment of fees in public institutions, not to talk of private fees who charge exorbitant fees.

“However, the government should ensure that sanity is returned to the administration of our public institutions. For instance, ASUU has been on strike for months now and nothing has been done.”

The strike by ASUU which started on Monday, February 14, 2022 entered its 180th day on Saturday, making it the second longest strike since return to democracy in 1999. The longest strike ever was in 2020 under the regime of Muhammadu Buhari.

*FOREIGN EDUCATION*

According to the latest statistics made available by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the release of dollars for foreign education by the apex bank increased by 13 per cent in quarter two of the year 2022 (between April 2022 and June 2022 ).

Within Q1 [January to March 2022], Nigerians spent $217.36 million dollars on foreign education.

$60,202,730.84 in January; $69.9m in February 2022.

There was a significant increase in March when a total of $87.26 million was spent.

So far in Q2, Nigerians have so far expended a total of $246.2 million.

$78.62 million in April; $82.70 million in May 2022 and $84.9m in June 2022 making a total of $462 million in 2022 altogether.

Education in Nigeria, especially in the tertiary education sector, has been marred by industrial actions by tertiary institution-based unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union.

Currently, academic activities in Nigerian universities are grounded on issues bordering on lecturers’ welfare.

The data from the apex bank revealed that Nigerians remitted more than $462million to foreign academic institutions in five months without significant reciprocity in form of inflows from foreign sources to the local education sector.

The huge net dollar outflows have dual adverse effects of underinvestment in domestic education and creating pressure on the naira exchange rate.

The high demand for dollars to pay foreign educational institutions affects Nigeria’s foreign reserves and increases pressure on the exchange rate.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation observed that about 76,338 Nigerians were studying abroad as of 2018, the highest from an African country.

While commenting on the state of tertiary education in Nigeria, a Professor at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Victor Olumekun siad, “Education is an essential ingredient for national development hence the government needs to substantially invest in it. However, universities can then look for other sources to complement.

“Unfortunately, our leaders have stolen more than enough to cater for their great grandchildren that are yet to be born. They can afford to send their wards to Oxford, Cambridge that charge in excess of #35,000 per session”.

So far, the ongoing strike by ASUU seems to have no end in sight as the union has vowed to sustain its strike until the government meets its needs,

The union is seeking for the release of more funding for universities; release of earned allowances; deployment of the University Transparency Accountability System for the payment of salaries and allowances of university lecturers; Renegotiation of condition of service among others.

Prakis Educational Services Forum To Hold in Pretoria, Sept 12

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 13, 2022

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Prakis Educational Services (Pty) Limited, is hosting an international education conference, known as “Prakis –IEC”, in Pretoria, South Africa from September 12 to 17.

The conference seeks to address educational issues within the African continent by bringing all educational stakeholders and interested communities together under one roof to discuss, brainstorm and come up with positive outcomes.

The conference’s theme is the Transformation of Education in Africa towards Globalisation.

“Prakis Educational services decided to organise the international education conference in partnership with the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF), Pan- African Parliament, African Career Development Centre (ACDC), African Tourism Board (ATB), Achievers University, Nigeria and Revealed Word University, South Africa, Rwanda, and the USA, Moleboheng Matli Foundation, SouthGerian Lifestyle, COWAN, and many more,” the organiser said.

The conference is the beginning of the annual series of PRAKIS – IEC to create a platform for an exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences between the education planners, and other stakeholders.

Stakeholder Charges Lagos School Graduands To Dream Big

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 13, 2022

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Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance Lagos State, Abiola Seriki-Ayeni has advised the graduating class of Mind Builders Secondary School to start “to dream big all the time” in accordance with the theme of the school’s 2022 valedictory and graduation ceremony.

Seriki-Ayeni, who was represented at the school’s Annual Prize Giving Day and valedictory event in Lagos by Director of Private Education and Special Services, ‘Bambi Falayi, advised the pupils that it was not the time to be complacent.

“You must pursue your academics to attain success, standing tall in the midst of all, with assurance to your parents and indeed your teachers that you will not only continue to dream big but will also achieve your dreams.

“Dreaming big is a higher calling and a never ending vision that requires you to push yourselves to the limit to achieve your set goals, and the main ingredients are; overcoming fears of failure, self-confidence and having good role models.

“To achieve your dreams, you must have set goals and you must believe in yourselves and be practical to achieve the set goals. Your set goals must be S.M.A.R.T; they must be Specific, Meaningful, Achievable, Realistic and Trackable for you to have a better sense of progress.

“Hard work is another major ingredient to achieving ones dreams. Therefore, you must continue to work hard because the future leadership of this great nation rest on your shoulders. Today, as we celebrate you, we are also preparing you for leadership. Hence, you have to be diligent, focused and determined for you to achieve your dreams all the time.”

According to her, it was the time for the graduating pupils to be totally committed to their academics and educational progress.

She hailed the school for its dedication to the development of education in Lagos State, the growth of the school and commitment to the progress of students.

The DG urged the school’s management to continue to support the state government in its quest to achieving excellence in the education sector by ensuring the delivery of quality education at all levels.

McPherson New VC seeks Collaboration With University Of Ibadan

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 13, 2022

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Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University (McU), Prof. Francis Igbasan, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with great institution like the University of Ibadan (UI).

Igbasan stated this when he visited the Vice-Chancellor of the Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.

The V.C, who hailed Prof. Adebowale for his determination and commitment to academic excellence, said McPherson University is ready to partner with the University of Ibadan due to its track records of excellence in the last 73 years.

He stressed that McPherson University would appreciate robust partnership that would help in further exposing the institution’s Nursing students.

Prof. Adebowale thanked Prof. Igbasan for the initiative which he described as very noble and welcoming.

Professor Igbasan who assumed duties barely seven days ago said his goal was to expand the frontiers of learning and to position McPherson University among the best universities in Nigeria and Africa.

“We are ready to partner with great universities like the UI in important disciplines like Nursing Science and in other important disciplines. My administration is running with a grand vision of repositioning McU as one of the best,” he said.

Similarly, McU new helmsman also paid a visit to the Provost and Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and described the outcome of the visit as “very positive”.