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New LASU VC, Olatunji-Bello Resumes

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The newly appointed vice-chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,makes her way to the university’s main campus in Ojo to officially assume duty.

Earlier reports indicated that the New Vc was to resume on Wednesday, September 22, when the 30-day extension of tenure granted the acting vice-chancellor, Oyedamola Oke, ends.

But the VC confirmed to the media that the letter of her appointment indicated that her resumption date was supposed to be Friday, September 17.

“My letter indicated September 17. But of course, I just got it on the same day, so I couldn’t resume on Friday. So, definitely, today is for resumption,” Olatunji-Bello said.

Meanwhile, the professor was welcomed to the university by many people amidst songs and dances.

Workers awaiting the new VC at the entrance of the university’s senate building

The centre’s coordinator, Ademola Adekoya, said the university was eager to start a new phase of excellence.

“This morning, the Prof. of Physiology makes a gallant entry into the scenic main campus of the university, no longer as Director, LASUDA, but as the Vice Chancellor of the 37-year old institution.”

Meanwhile, as soon as she was led into the office by the staff and students, a prayer session was held.

The new VC is the area pastor in charge of the Testimony Chapel, under Lagos Province 1 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Lagos.

Vice President Osinbajo Advocates Provision of Basic Education for Girl-Child, Others

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Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has called on government at all levels to deliver on their roles on provision of basic education for the benefit of all Nigerians, especially the girl-child.

The Vice President made the call over the weekend as the special guest at the Mallpai Foundation 2021 Literacy Day, with the theme: “Promoting Literacy for Better Education in Nigeria,” in Abuja.

The MALLPAI Foundation is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2009 by the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Aisha Atiku Bagudu.

MALLPAI, which means in full “Mass Literacy for the Less Privileged and Almajiri Initiative”, addresses concerns around illiteracy and out-of-school children, with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life by supporting and empowering initiatives that improve access to health, education and agriculture opportunities for Nigerians.

According to Osinbajo in a statement issued by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, access to education is the best ticket to the full enjoyment of all human civil, socio-political and economic rights.

He observed that getting disadvantaged out-of-school children into formal education is a massive challenge, especially where, in some cases, the prevailing culture is an obstacle.

The vice president reiterated the need for more to be done through the courage of individual and corporate convictions, for the goals of girl-child education to be achieved

The vice president commended the Foundation for its initiative towards improving people’s access to education and skills acquisition opportunities for poor and underprivileged communities.

Again, Nigerian Club Crash Out Of Champions League As Akwa Crumbles In Algeria

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Poor Akwa United! They put up stiff resistance to hold on their solitary lone goal win in the first leg.

But the resistance was broken in the 72nd minute by Hicham Khalfallah. While the game appeared to be heading to a likely lottery of penalty shoot-out, Chemseddine Nessakh took the game beyond the Nigerian champions with his strike six minutes to expiration of regulation time.  

Belouizdad will now face ASEC Mimosas in the second preliminary round after the Cote d’Ivoire  giants defeated Senegal’s Teungueth 2-0 on aggregate.

Nigeria’s other representatives in the competition, Rivers United advanced into the next round after overcoming Tanzania’s Young Africans 1-0 in Port Harcourt to secure a 2-0 aggregate victory.  The hosts waited for 82 minutes before  for Uche Onuwasonaya to break the deadlock.

The next round of the Champions League games are scheduled to take place between Oct. 15 and Oct. 17, while the second leg will be from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24.

Plateau Polytechnic Students Protest Postponement Of Semester Examinations

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Students of Plateau State Polytechnic have staged a peaceful protest over the postponement of their semester examinations by the school authorities.

The students trooped out in large numbers and blocked the Yakubu Gowon way, a major highway leading into and out of Jos.

The postponement of the examination was as a result of an indefinite strike embarked upon by lecturers of the institution who had issued a notice of strike to the government over what they called the government’s inability to meet their demands of earned allowances and other sundry issues.

Speaking to journalists, a student of the institution, Deborah John, described the decision of the management to postpone the examination as an attempt to truncate their academic journey.

Another student, Isreal Longdu, decried the incessant strike by their lecturers, adding that the development has stagnated their academic progression.

When contacted, a member of staff of the Public Relations Department of the institution, John Ramadan promised to furnish journalists with details on the strike soon.

YPP Calls For A Reorganised Education Sector

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The Young Progressive Party (YPP) of Nigeria has called for an organised educational system to prepare Nigerian youth to be more innovative and globally competitive.

The party made the call on Monday in its manifesto released via the YPP Media and Publicity Directorate ahead of school resumption across the country.

It stated that the government needs to galvanise the youths through several interventions and programs especially with the aim of creating political awareness and participation for those in tertiary institutions.

“Education is an important social instrument for national unity amongst the diverse people of Nigeria.

“The educational system should be improved upon and an educational framework that is Nigerian oriented should be developed but with world standard.

“There is need for constant transformational leadership drive to sponsor visionary, innovative and selfless young Nigerians,’’ it stated.

The manifesto also called private and voluntary organisations to establish schools subject to compliance with and adherence to existing government policies.

It urged the government to crave entrepreneurs to provide hostels and accommodation at an affordable cost for university students and staff quarters for members of staff.

The YPP also wants the social and economic status of educational personnel to be raised through improved conditions of services.

It also called for an aggressive training of teaching personnel and that the enforcement of the requirement of the national certificate in education shall be the minimum qualification for primary school teachers.

It advocated for the promotion of a pre-primary education system, where every child is expected to begin school from a nursery level.

The party also called for the expansion of unity schools as models and as instruments in fostering national unity.

It advocated for the provision of special schooling facilities for children of nomads and the provision of adequate schooling needs for children with physical or special needs.

Government To Set Up White Paper Committees In Tackling Unilag Crisis

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The Nigerian Government says plans are ongoing to set up White Paper Committees to address all the findings and recommendations of Visitation panels, including that of the University of Lagos in a holistic manner.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong, the government had dismissed media reports that a panel report had indicted the management of the University of Lagos, following the leadership crisis that engulfed the university last year.

“The Ministry wishes to state in very categorical terms that these claims are false, unfounded, and to say the least, mischievous, as they have no bearing with the report submitted by the Panel, which was chaired by a reputable four-star general, Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), one of the finest officers of the Nigerian Army”

“Government had earlier issued a White Paper on the report of the 2020 Special Presidential Visitation Panel to the University of Lagos which culminated in the dissolution of the former Governing Council and the reinstatement of the Vice-Chancellor.

“Stakeholders and the general public are therefore advised to ignore in totality, these false, malicious and self-serving publications as well as their orchestration on Social and Electronic Media while we await the release of the Government White Paper on the Panel’s reports,” Ben Bem Goong said.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last year dissolved the governing council of the university over the leadership crisis that engulfed the institution, reinstating the suspended vice-chancellor

He directed that all allegations made against the vice-chancellor and the management of the university before and after the constitution of the “Special Visitation Panel” be referred to as “Regular Visitation Panel.”

National Youth Service: D.G Tasks Corps Members On Conduct During Service Year

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Members of the National Youth Service Corps have been advised to avoid induced rejection, but to accept their posting in good faith and settle down to contribute their quota to the development of their host communities.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim stated this while de-briefing the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two Corps Members and Camp Officials through a nationwide virtual address.

According to him, any Corps Member caught inducing posting or redeployment would be sanctioned in line with National Youth Service Corps bye-laws.

He debunked the two weeks break after leaving the Orientation Camp myth as held by Corps members, adding that if there is a compelling need for any Corps Member to travel, the concerned must obtain permission from the NYSC through the established channel.

Ibrahim said no Corps employer is authorised to grant permission to any Corps Member to travel.

He urged them to be patriotic in the service to their fatherland and ensure they equally add value to themselves, NYSC Scheme and the society at large.

The Director-General admonished the newly inducted members to use the opportunity of NYSC platform to excel in life.

“You have gone through the rudiments of the Orientation Course, please take advantage of it and see what you can do for your fatherland.

Let the spirit of the Orientation Exercise live in you forever as Nigerians. National integration should be your watchword. We should be united as a country”, the DG added.

General Ibrahim warned against the negative use of social media, urging them to verify every information before it is shared online to avoid any action that will haunt them in the future.

The Director-General implored the Corps Members to continue with the Post-Camp training in Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.

He further said that efforts are in top gear towards the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund, which would make start-up capitals available to interested Corps Members to start – up their businesses as they exit Service.

He revealed that the Scheme had partnered with some financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Access Bank, Bank of Industry, Unity Bank, NYSC Foundation, Leventis Foundation, among others that are ready to support Corps Members with loans and training.

Ibrahim also enjoined the Corps Members to be security conscious at all times and avoid any action that may endanger their safety.

He warned them against boarding vehicles from unauthorized motor parks, enjoining them to use approved motor parks.

He said the Scheme is making efforts to get a rebate on flight charges for Corps Members that may want to travel by flight.

He informed the Corps Members that efforts are ongoing as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to enlist Corps Members in the National Health Insurance Scheme for effective medicare during the service year.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues nationwide, the Imo State Corps Camp Director, Otobo Joshua Osa, IM/21B/1740, lauded the Director-General for his doggedness and passion for the welfare and security of Corps Members.

In conclusion, he said “We remain eternally grateful and we assure you of our commitment to the ideals of the NYSC, having imbibed all the lessons taught us in the course of the Orientation Programme.”

Today in History – Sept. 20 – 1990 – East And West Germany Ratify Reunification

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451 Roman General Flavius Aetius defeats Attila the Hun at The Battle of the Catalaunian Plains (Chalons-sur-Marne), halting Hun invasion of Roman Gaul

1519 Spanish expedition led by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan sets off on the 1st successful circumnavigation of the globe (Magellan killed on route)

1854 Battle of the Alma: first major battle of Crimean War. British and French alliance defeat the Russians

1990 Both East and West Germany ratify reunification

2001 In an address to a joint session of Congress and the American people, US President George W. Bush declares a “war on terror”

2019 Students from 185 countries stage the world’s largest-ever protest on climate change culminating in Manhattan rally led by Greta Thunberg

Today in Film & TV
1984 “Cosby Show” premieres on NBC-TV

Today in Music
1969 Virtual band Archies’ single “Sugar Sugar” hits #1

Today in Sport
1973 Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs in battle-of-sexes tennis match

Do you know this fact about today? Did You Know?
Maryland passes 1st anti-amalgamation law to stop intermarriage of English women & black men on this day in 1664

Would you believe this fact about today? Would You Believe?
Capture of Rome by Italian army, Pope Pius IX surrenders to King Victor Emmanuel which unifies Italy and ends 1,116 year reign of Papal States on this day in 1870

Premier League: Liverpool, Arsenal Secure Wins, Man City Held To Draw

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Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season as they crushed Crystal Palace 3-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool were wasteful in the first half as Diogo Jota fired over the bar from a few yards out in a glorious position, while Thiago and Jordan Henderson were also denied by keeper Vicente Guaita.

Jurgen Klopp’s side created numerous chances against a resilient Palace before Sadio Mane pounced on a rebound at the back post in the first half. The goal was Mane’s 100th goal for Liverpool.

Mane’s opener on Saturday made him the first player to net in nine consecutive league matches against a single opponent.

It took his total to 13 against Palace in the Premier League – the most anyone has scored against them – and was the perfect way to notch up his 100th goal in all competitions for Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah doubled their lead with just over 10 minutes remaining when he smashed home a flick-on from a corner.

Naby Keita’s late curling strike made it 3-0 for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Arsenal got their first away win of the season as they defeated Burnley 1-0.

Martin Odegaard curled home a freekick in the 30th minute after Ashley Westwood had clipped Bukayo Saka on the edge of the area.

It was Odegaard’s first goal since joining the Gunners on a permanent basis from Real Madrid in a £30m deal last month.

Arsenal’s midfield axis of Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe either side of a deep-lying Thomas Partey was particularly effective, even if the goal threat of Nicolas Pepe and skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was negligible.

Still only 22, Odegaard still has plenty of time to prove why Real Madrid bought him as a 16-year-old in January 2015.

Although he only made 11 appearances for the Spanish giants, the Norwegian evidently has plenty of confidence.

He was happy to take responsibility from the set-piece after Westwood had fouled Saka and provided the perfect finish, over the ball and beyond the dive of Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Manager Mikel Arteta might have wanted more goal threat from his team, who dominated possession but surprisingly had fewer shots and corners than their hosts.

Burnley were denied a chance to equalise from the penalty spot when referee Anthony Taylor overturned his initial decision after reviewing Aaron Ramsdale’s challenge on substitute Matej Vydra on the pitchside screen.

It was the high point of a spirited second-half performance by the hosts, whose manager Sean Dyche was this week given a new four-year contract and handed a debut to Ivory Coast wide-man Maxwel Cornet.

A second successive win eases Arsenal into mid-table following their poor start to the campaign, but Burnley remain second from bottom with a single point to show from their opening five games.

Defending champions, Manchester City, could not find a way through a resolute Southampton side and ended up fortunate to get a 0-0 draw despite the noisy backing of the home fans at Etihad Stadium.

City, who did not manage a single shot on target until the 90th minute, were sloppy in possession as well as lacking their usual spark in attack and Saints will feel they should have left Manchester with all three points, not just one. The visitors were awarded a penalty on the hour mark when Kyle Walker was sent off for bundling Adam Armstrong over in the box, but both decisions were overturned when VAR intervened and referee Jon Moss watched replays of the incident.

Armstrong had burst into the box after City had again given the ball away cheaply but, despite being first to the ball he was adjudged to have fouled Walker as the City defender attempted a challenge.

That reprieve brought a raucous response from the City supporters, who had already been making themselves heard all afternoon, but they could not galvanise their side.

City thought they had snatched victory right at the end of the 90 minutes when Raheem Sterling followed up after substitute Phil Foden’s header was saved, but he was flagged offside as he converted the loose ball and a lengthy VAR check did not over-rule the decision.

This was a frustrating 90 minutes for City boss Pep Guardiola, but this time he cannot argue his side’s fans did not do their bit.

Any suggestion that Guardiola’s controversial midweek comments asking more City fans to come to this game might cause a rift between him and supporters were emphatically answered from the off.

The City fans in a near-capacity 53,500 crowd serenaded their manager within 70 seconds of kick-off, singing “we’re glad all over, we’ve got Guardiola” and kept the volume up throughout.

If Guardiola’s intention was to get the crowd going immediately, it worked – but while the crowd was lively, his players looked lethargic for long spells against a well-organised and hard-working Southampton side.

Saints remain winless after sharing the points for the fourth time in five league games, while the draw leaves City three points behind leaders Liverpool.

Chelsea Climb To Top Of Premier League After Defeating Tottenham

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Chelsea stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to five games as Thomas Tuchel’s team beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on Sunday.

After managing no shots on target in the first half, Thomas Tuchel’s side looked like a different team after the break and scored three second-half goals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Blues opened the scoring four minutes after the re-start when Thiago Silva headed past Hugo Lloris from Marcos Alonso’s corner.

Half-time substitute N’Golo Kante added a second with his first goal in 49 league appearances, though his long-range effort took a massive deflection from Eric Dier.

Spurs started the game brightly and were the better side in the first half, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side managed just two shots on target throughout and struggled to find a response after going behind.

Silva, Alonso, Rudiger, Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner all came close as the Blues enjoyed eight second-half shots on target, but Lloris made a number of saves to deny them.

Chelsea are one of only three teams yet to lose in the Premier League this season, along with Liverpool and Manchester United.

The victory lifts the Blues to joint top of the table, alongside Jurgen Klopp’s side.