ASUU Strike: Ngige Shares Why He Adopted Voluntary Conciliation

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August 3, 2022

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, yesterday explained that his ministry adopted voluntary conciliation for the resolution of the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, instead of arbitration, in order not to delay the resolution process.

Ngige disclosed this while answering questions from journalists at the Joint Workshop on International Labour Standards and Dispute Resolutions, Organised by the Industrial Arbitration Panel, IAP, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, ILO, in Abuja.

The minister said he could have transmitted the matter to the IAP or the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, but used his discretion to weigh the situation to know if it would cause more delay in the resolution of the dispute in a court process.

He recalled that ASUU embarked on strike on February 14, adding that he started voluntary conciliation on February 22 and subsequently, on March 1.

According to him, by the second meeting, most of the issues arising from the 2020 Memorandum of Action, MoA, signed between ASUU and the Ministry of Education with other government agencies involved, were conciliated, leaving out only two.

Ngige said: “The two outstanding issues were the conditions of service which, according to the 2009 agreement, would be reviewed every four years. The last review was in 2013 and we started the review in 2018 under Wale Babalakin SAN as the chairman of the renegotiation committee. We could not conclude because Babalakin left.

“A new committee, headed by Munzali came. Munzali finished his work and put in his report at the Federal Ministry of Education. All these committees, including the previous Onosode committee, were all internal committees of the Ministry of Education.

‘’They discussed with the unions and gave them offers and counter-offers vis-a-vis what they have said. Once the committees finished, their products are sent up.
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“The major issue here is salary and wage review. That is where they were before ASUU embarked on strike.”

Ngige explained that once a strike occurred, it triggers the content of the Trade Dispute Act, TDA, on how to resolve the industrial action.

He said the Ministry Education was still handling the matter because he transmitted it back to them.

“If a party wants us to transmit a matter back to them to have a second look, you assist them. That is what you call voluntary conciliation. It is voluntary because if I apprehend and bring all the parties to the negotiation table and a party requests that I should take the matter to NICN, I will do so,’’ he said.

Earlier in a keynote address, Ngige described the workshop as one of the reforms ongoing in his ministry as hitherto, some arbitrators had not fully understood the tenets of the panel (IAP) and were handicapped in discharging their duties.

He also described arbitration as one of the statutory stages in trade dispute resolution, commencing with internal mechanisms where they exist in any organisation, proceeding to mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, with the Appeal Court as the final arbiter.

Experts Kick As National Assembly Proposes 63 New Varsities, Others

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 3, 2022

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No fewer than 63 bills have been tabled before the Senate and the House of Representatives for the creation of new universities, polytechnics, colleges of education since the beginning of shutdown of activities in public tertiary institutions in the country in February 2022.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union have, however, warned the government against the establishment of new institutions while failing to fund the existing ones.

The official data from the National Universities Commission, revealed that Nigeria has a total of 49 federal universities, 59 state universities and 111 private universities.

The National Board for Technical Education also puts the number of Federal Polytechnics at 40, state owned at 49 and private at 76.

While a total of Federal and state owned colleges of health is 70, Nigeria currently has 17 private colleges of health.

Also, the National Commission for Colleges of Education put the total number of colleges of education in Nigeria at 219.

An analysis of the 63 bills on creation of new institutions being considered by both the Senate and the House of Representatives revealed that 26 bills are for federal universities, 33 bills for federal colleges of education; agriculture; health; technology; and forestry among other specialised colleges.

The lawmakers also proposed 4 bills for the creation of new polytechnics.

The National President of ASUP, Anderson Ezeibe, said the move showed a clear lack of direction.

“We have continued to maintain that government should fund existing institutions to enable them meet their mandates.

“Passing bills for new institutions at this time is for political convenience and not in the public interest,” he argued.

The General Secretary, COEASU, Ahmed Bazza, also faulted the development.

He said, “There is shortage of lecturers in all tertiary institutions because the system has made it so harsh that there is high level of brain drain in the system. We are trying to cope with that and also trying to cope with the funding and facilities.

“Then someone will just wake up for political reasons and say he is proposing a bill to establish a new university. That is not fair to the system honestly.

The Programme Director, Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, also accused the lawmakers of trying to score political goals.

Oluwatoyin said, “It is so unfortunate that we live in a country where lawmakers use matters like education to score cheap political goals, this is unheard of in any part of the world.

“How will you propose new bills for new institutions when the existing ones are on shutdown? Who advises these individuals?”

Asuu Breakaway Blasts Union Over Stance On IPPIS

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 3, 2022

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The Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has accused the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, of condemning the use of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System, IPPIS, as the payment system in the universities publicly and romancing same in private.

Speaking in a recent interview, the National President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, also said his members in various universities were working even when ASUU started its strike on February 14, until the authorities shut down the institutions.

On the claim that ASUU members did not enrol in IPPIS, he said, “Those who come to the public to condemn IPPIS, and every other person in the system were paid our salaries through the platform up until March this year before government stopped paying.”

The discontinuation of IPPIS as university payment platform is one of the demands of ASUU whose strike is almost six months now.

Asked whether his union has made any representation to the government to get them paid since they did not call for any strike, the CONUA boss said a memo to that effect was sent to the authorities some months ago, but nothing has been heard from the other side.

Sunmonu added that though his union did not call out members on strike, a number of variables have since set in.

“The variables include the closure of the universities and the stoppage of salaries. We were not the ones who shut down the universities or who stopped the payment of salaries,” he stated.

On the strength of his union, Sunmonu said it started in 2019 in six universities but has extended to 17 campuses now.

“From the members in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ambrose Alli University, Federal University, Lokoja, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and Kwara State University, we are now in 12 other campuses. We are growing in leaps and bounds,” he said.

CONUA is a rival academic staff union to ASUU though it has not got the membership strength of the latter

Kaduna University Defies ASUU Strike, Resumes 2020/2021 2nd Semester

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 3, 2022

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The management of Kaduna State University (KASU) has resumed the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic session for its undergraduate and post-graduate students, more than five months after the strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The resumption is for the continuation of the second semester examination which was suspended due to the ASUU strike which commenced in February this year.

The acting Vice Chancellor of Kaduna state University, Professor Abdullahi Ashafa explained that the school does not have any industrial dispute with the local branch of ASUU, hence there is no need to continue keeping the student at home.

He warned that there will be severe consequences for students and lecturers who fail to resume for classes as directed by the university management.

Nigerian Government Approves $2.59bn For Badagry Deep Seaport Project, To Generate $53.6bn In Revenue

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Angel Gimalo

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August 3, 2022

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The Federal Government, on Wednesday, approved the sum of $2.59bn for the development of the Badagry Deep Seaport project under a Private-Public Partnership.

The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, disclosed this to State House Correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Sambo explained that, under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer delivery system, the port will be operated by the private sector for 45 years after which it will be reverted to the government.

He noted that the project will generate $53.6bn in revenue and create about 250,000 jobs; while making Nigeria a maritime hub in West Africa.

The minister said, “I presented a memo today at council with respect to the development of the Badagry Deep Seaport under the public-private partnership arrangement, where the private sector will inject money for the development of the port and at the end of the concessionary period, the port reverts to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Ports Authority.

“The project cost as contained and approved in council based on the final business case as approved by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission in line with extant laws stood at $2.59bn.

It has to be developed in four phases with milestones and a concessional period of 45 years. Reversion is, like I said, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“This is to further the government’s goal of making Nigeria the maritime hub of the West and Central Africa sub-region.

This project, it may interest you to know, will also generate total revenue of over $53.6bn over the concession period. It will create about one quarter million jobs and also attract foreign direct investments to the country and help in improving Nigeria’s economy in general and the wellbeing of Nigerians.”

Dietitian Recommends Ways to Stop Sugar Cravings Before They Start

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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August 3, 2022

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No, there is no magic pill to take to stop your sugar cravings. However, sugar cravings are easier to handle when you know what’s causing them in the first place, according to Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO.

While sometimes a craving for sugar is a sign that your body needs more energy and carbs, it can also be prompted by stress and strong emotions,” says Moskovitz. “That said, the first step to managing sugar cravings is to learn more about the why behind them.”

Here are the methods Moskovitz recommends for eliminating a sugar craving before it takes over.

“Journaling can be an effective modality to explore why you’re making certain food choices and if you’re lacking anything from your diet that can trigger strong cravings,” says Moskovitz. “If you can pinpoint the cause, or even if you can’t, it may still be hard to shut it off.”

If you’ve seen some health guru tell you to drink water in order to suppress your food cravings…well, they aren’t completely wrong. One study published in Physiology & Behavior found that hydration status does alter one’s desire for food. While the study participants ate similar amounts of food, their cravings for food did change when properly hydrated. Researchers also found that water can help with feelings of satiety, which helps with managing sugar cravings for the longer term.

Yes—your blood sugar and your food cravings are certainly linked. Data published in Nutrients in 2020 concluded that those who followed a lower-carbohydrate diet (which won’t cause massive spikes and dips in blood sugar) had a greater reduction in sugar cravings. A healthier diet high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats will help with controlling blood sugar spikes, which in turn helps with sugar cravings during blood sugar dips.

It may seem counter intuitive, but if you’re truly looking to stop a craving in its tracks, many dietitians would say simply eating a portioned size of the food you are craving will help with feeling satisfied, instead of trying to satisfy the craving with a healthier alternative.

“Some people may take the road of complete sugar avoidance. While this may work for some, it can backfire for others,” says Moskovitz. “In that case, going for the real deal might be the only way to indulge your craving so you can move on. As long as your sweet treat doesn’t replace other nutritious foods in your diet, it’s perfectly healthy to incorporate desserts or anything sugary-tasting into your diet. Having that after-dinner dessert to look forward to can often be a helpful habit to regularly consume a more balanced, nutritious diet.”

Another nifty trick for eliminating a sugar craving is to pair that sweet treat with something nutritious and filling.

“If you notice that allowing any type of added sugar tends to lead to more sugar cravings, combine what you’re craving with foods that are nutritious and filling, says Moskovitz. “For example, instead of just eating chocolate or just eating an apple, combine the two. Instead of only opting for ice cream or nuts, top your ice cream with fiber and protein-rich almonds or walnuts.”

Rising Heat, Humidity Prompt Officials To Open Cooling Centers In Kentucky Towns

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Angel Gimalo

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August 3, 2022

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Withering heat was descending on a region of eastern Kentucky already reeling from massive flooding, forcing residents laboring to clean up after the deluge to cope with an oppressive new threat.

The grim task of cleaning up from the flooding continued, but rising heat and humidity prompted officials to open cooling centers Tuesday as forecasters warned of the risk of heat-related illnesses and some residents remained without power.

In Knott County, Kirsten Gomez said her flood-ravaged doublewide trailer was being gutted by her husband and cousin. They were stripping drywall, flooring and cabinets ruined by floodwaters from nearby Troublesome Creek that engulfed their home early last Thursday.

“It is so miserable. The humidity is so high, it takes your breath,” Gomez said Tuesday. “Your clothes stick to you. Your hair sticks to you. This mud is caked on you.

“But I’m just blessed that we don’t have rain anymore.”

The blast of heat and humidity comes as some residents try to salvage what they can, and as search-and-rescue crews continued looking for people unaccounted for days since the floods hit.

“Extreme heat, extreme humidity, that’s stressful in itself,” said Jerry Stacy, the emergency management director in hard-hit Perry County, Kentucky. “We’re just fighting through this and hoping that this weather don’t make it too stressful. It don’t get a lot worse than what it is.”

South Gloucestershire Council To Turn Farm Into Nature Reserve After 2028

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Angel Gimalo

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August 3, 2022

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A farm is set to be transformed into a nature reserve.

Frampton End farm, near Frampton Cotterell, near Bristol, will become a river and nature reserve after 2028.

Locals had expressed concerns that the land would be used for housing.

A local resident and parish councillors said: “Conservation is at the heart of what we want to achieve for our rural villages, and we strongly believe that this nature reserve would have ecological and environmental benefits.”

Turning the farm into a nature reserve could cost about £1m, funded by the West of England combined authority (WECA).

According to council chiefs, a new nature reserve would boost the local area in health, education and biodiversity.

The 102-hectare farm is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and has been let to the same tenant since 1993. It was originally used as a dairy and livestock farm.

Preservation Plan: Roman Villa Reburied On Recommendation Of Historic England

By

Angel Gimalo

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August 3, 2022

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A Roman villa unearthed on a building site and described as a potentially “the first of its kind” ever found has been reburied.

The remains of the large “stately home” and bath house were found in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in 2021.

Developer Keepmoat Homes said the site had been reburied on the recommendation of Historic England.

It said it planned to create an “interpretive depiction” of the ruins to inform future visitors.

The site has been reburied on the recommendation of Historic England

The excavations revealed a large complex of buildings, including a circular central room with a number of rooms leading off it and a bath house.

Speaking in April 2021 Keith Emerick, Historic England’s inspector of ancient monuments, said it was not clear what the building was used for but described it as a Roman version of a stately home, possibly owned by somebody of wealth and status.

He said the type of layout had “never been seen in Britain” and may be the first example “within the whole former Roman Empire”.

Following the discovery Keepmoat changed its plan to build homes on the site and instead preserve the villa beneath a public open space.

A Keepmoat spokesperson said: “To inform visitors of the significance of the findings, we have submitted a landscaping design to the Local Planning Authority which will incorporate an interpretive depiction of the remains.”

Mr Emerick added: “We are grateful to Keepmoat Homes for their sensitive and professional approach to helping ensure the future conservation of this important historical site.”

China Blocks Taiwan Imports, Includes Sand For Semiconductor Manufacturing

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Elizabeth Williams

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August 3, 2022

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China blocked imports of citrus and fish from Taiwan in retaliation for a visit by Nancy Pelosi, a top American lawmaker, to the self-ruled island but has avoided disrupting one of the world’s most important technology and manufacturing relationships.

China’s General Administration of Customs said in a statement Wednesday that some fish and fruit imports were suspended due to excessive pesticide residue detected “multiple times” on products since last year, as well as some frozen fish packages that tested positive for Covid-19 in June. The Ministry of Commerce said in a separate statement it banned natural sand exports based on provisions of related law but gave no further details.

The two sides, which split in 1949 after a civil war, have no official relations but multibillion-dollar business ties, especially in the flow of Taiwanese-made processor chips needed by Chinese factories that assemble the world’s smartphones and other electronics.

They built that business while Beijing threatened for decades to enforce the ruling Communist Party’s claim to the island by attacking.

Two-way trade soared 26% last year to $328.3 billion. Taiwan, which produces half the world’s processor chips and has technology the mainland can’t match, said sales to Chinese factories rose 24.4% to $104.3 billion.

“The global economy cannot function without chips that are made in either Taiwan or China,” said Carl B. Weinberg of High-Frequency Economics in a report.