The Founder, Joint Professional Training Support International, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has declared his intention to run for the 2023 presidential election.

The frontline academic and philanthropist, who pulled a massive crowd at the National Women and Development Centre, Abuja, said he was out to address the`leadership deficit’ affecting the development of the nation over the years.

According to Imumolen, who is the Vice Chancellor, Global Wealth University, Togo, the leadership deficit, has been hugely responsible for the state of affairs in the country.

He stressed the need for new orientation in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“Nigeria needs a new kind of leadership. Things are not working here because there is a leadership challenge.

“I have travelled to many parts of this country and I can boldly say that we have all it takes to make our country one of the best in the world.

“We have been looked down upon for so many years and many other nations do not reckon much with the green passport.

“What we must do now is to work hard to ensure that our children do not go through the pains we have suffered already.

“We believe in our time, Nigeria will be a better place. Nigeria is rich but it is crippled because it is kept in the pockets of few connected individuals,” he said.

The entrepreneur, who pledged to change the fortunes of Nigeria for good, said that he possessed the required qualities and capacity to lead Nigeria to a level it could start competing with advanced nations of the world.

Imumolen, also attributed unemployment as one of the major causes of criminality threatening the peace of Nigeria, pledged to address the cause of insecurity and poverty if given the opportunity.

He called on Nigeria youths not to allow themselves to be used by selfish politicians in the 2023 general elections, saying “let’s us resolve never to travel the old path again.l

“In 2023, let’s vote a leadership that will change this country for good so that all of us will be proud to call ourselves Nigerians. Nigeria will be great again,” he said.

When asked on which platform he intends to run for the Office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the educationist  said: “It is not about the party on which platform I will run

“I am going to run on the platform of a political party but that will be made known in due course”, He added.

The Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello has faulted the plan of the Federal Government to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country, adding that it is an effort in futility.

Bello, who made this statement in Minna during the flag off of the National Campaign of out-of-school children in the six geo-political zones on Monday, said the current insecurity in some states will make the programme unachievable.

He stated that it will be insensitive to encourage people to return or take their children to school when they are battling with their lives.

Bello added that unless insecurity is addressed, there will be more out-of-school children, noting that no parent would allow their children to risk their lives because of school.

He said, “Unless these situations are tackled, this programme can’t work. If we can’t secure the lives and properties of our people, and ensure that they are safe in their homes and safe to go to school, then this will not work.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, also affirmed that insecurity increased the number of out-of-school children in the country.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Obafemi Awolowo University OAU chapter, has commenced strike over non-payment of earned academic allowance by the school authority.

The union after its congress on Monday, January 31, 2022, said it observed that there was no serious attempt by the authority to pay eligible members their dues, hence, the decision to embark on indefinite strike.

The resolution signed by OAU ASUU Chairman, Adeola Egbedokun added that the industrial action would not be called off without a congress resolution.

The statement partly reads, “Congress noted that there was no serious commitment on the part of the University to effect payment of EAA to deserving members. Congress also noted that all political and diplomatic means to resolve the imbroglia have failed.

“Total, Comprehensive and Indefinite Strike should commence immediately. The strike must not be called off without a congress resolution to the effect.

“Payment of EAA must be based on ASUU computation. Anything short of this would be unacceptable. The Strike Coordinating Committee be set up to monitor the strike.

“Based on the above and on the strength of the permission granted by ASUU National President, the Chairman, on behalf of the congress declared the commencement of ASUU OAU’s strike at exactly 11:53 am”.