JAMB Uncovers 88 Universities, Others That Conducted Illegal Admissions

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July 15, 2024

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered 88 universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions of learning in Nigeria that conducted illegal admissions during the 2022/2023 admission session.

An illegal admission is one conducted outside of the Central Admissions Processing System, popularly referred to as CAPS.

According to JAMB, admissions conducted outside CAPS are illegal, null and void. Introduced in 2017 by the admission board, CAPS is a centralised platform where all tertiary institutions upload the admission status of candidates offered admission.

In a recent statement, JAMB warned candidates against accepting admissions offered by the institutions without going through CAPS.

It noted that it would no longer condone illegal admissions outside the CAPS.

JAMB reiterated that all admissions applications for first degrees, national diplomas, national innovation diplomas, and the Nigeria Certificate in Education in full-time, distance learning, part-time, outreach, sandwich, etc., must be processed only through the board.

The board had earlier warned that admissions conducted outside of CAPS are null and void.

The list of indicted institutions includes several prominent universities, such as the University of Uyo, the University of Abuja, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

Starmer against banning children’s phones

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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July 15, 2024

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UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer says he is not in favor of simply banning phones for children under 16.

In May, a committee of MPs said the new government should consider a ban within its first year, warning of the serious dangers posed to children online.

The prime minister said there was a serious question to be asked about what content children can access.

He said he would not be drawn on whether his own teenage children have their screen time monitored.

But the prime minister, who has repeatedly expressed concerns about his children’s privacy, said he and his wife had taken a strong decision to keep their offspring out of political discussions.

Speaking to the programme during his trip to Washington DC for the Nato summit, Starmer said he would sit down with anyone to look at how to put in place better protections.

Somalia Teachers Rally Against Contract Termination, Demand Permanent Jobs

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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July 15, 2024

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SOMALIA-POLITICS-UNREST — Supporters of different opposition presidential candidates demonstrate in Mogadishu on February 19, 2021. - Somalia missed a deadline to hold an election by February 8, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, was due to step down, creating a constitutional crisis. (Photo by - / AFP)

In a significant show of solidarity, over 100 school teachers in Somalia recently staged a protest outside the Ministry of Education in Mogadishu.

The educators who have been serving the education sector for a decade, were protesting against the termination of their services and calling for their jobs to be made permanent.

The teachers, some of whom have been working on temporary contracts, argue that their long-term commitment to the education sector should be recognized by offering them permanent positions.

The demonstration comes amid concerns over job security and the lack of recognition for their contributions to the education system.

Speaking to local media at the protest site, the teachers expressed their frustration and called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to intervene in the situation.

They emphasized the importance of stable employment in the education sector and the need for the government to value the contributions of educators.

The protest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by teachers in Somalia, including issues related to job security, fair compensation, and recognition for their dedication to education.

It also underscores the importance of addressing these concerns to ensure the sustainability of the education system and the well-being of those who play a vital role in shaping the future of the country.

As the teachers continue to voice their demands, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to their call for permanent jobs and recognition for their services.

The outcome of this protest could have significant implications for the education sector in Somalia and the future of its educators.

Malawi Engages 4,200 Auxiliary Teachers for Primary Schools

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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July 15, 2024

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The Ministry of Education through Malawi Education Reform Program (MERP) has engaged 4,200 temporary Auxiliary teachers to be deployed in various primary schools across the country.

The Ministry has also increased the monthly honoraria amount from K80,000 to K120,000 representing a jump of 50 per cent.

The Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera confirmed the development saying the teachers have been drawn from the Initial Primary Teacher Education IPTE 14, 15 and 16.

He said the engagement of the teachers forms part of efforts by government to reduce the pupil qualified teacher ratio across the country.

Nkuonera added that the teachers will be placed in various primary schools in 32 education divisions for 2024 to 2025 academic year.

The selected teachers are expected to report to work on 1st September, 2024.

He however, reminded the prospective teachers that the engagement does not in any way guarantee automatic employment on permanent basis after the expiry of the temporary period.

MERP is a four year program which taps financial support from the Malawi Government, the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

22 Dead, 132 Injured In Plateau School Collapse

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 12, 2024

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The Plateau State Government says 22 persons have died and one hundred and thirty-two persons injured after a school collapsed in the Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms said this in a Friday evening statement.

“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been rescued from the debris. Sadly, 22 individuals have been confirmed deceased,” the statement read.

“Injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.”

1970 Bridge Collapses In Plateau After Heavy Downpour

Ashoms had earlier visited the scene of the collapsed two-storey structure and said while the school had a population of 400 students, the section that was affected had about 200 persons.

He said emergency workers took the survivors to hospital.

“To ensure prompt medical attention, the government has directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritize treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment,” the commissioner said.

“Governor Barrister Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.”

The collapsed structure is said not to meet the standards for buildings and warned schools that have similar structures to shut down.

“You can see that it is by the river bank and, from your eye evaluation, you know that it is not a very strong structure,” said the commission.

“We are calling on other schools that didn’t follow plans that have similar issues to close down in the interest of our state in the interest of our people, because we have established a committee to go around,” he added

Minimum Wage: Labour To Reconvene with Pres. Tinubu In 7 Days

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2024

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The Organised Labour is scheduled to reconvene discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in another seven days, marking a significant step in finding common ground on ongoing deliberations about a new National Minimum Wage for workers in Nigeria.

The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero and the Leader of the Trade Union Congress TUC, Felix Osifo, made this known to State House Correspondents on Thursday after the closed-door meeting held with the President at the State House Abuja.

According to the NLC President, the meeting held with President Tinubu was not a negotiation summit but a discussion meeting where issues were discussed in real terms with the expectation of reconvening in the next week.

Fed. Govt. Offers Labour N62,000 As New Minimum Wage

Speaking on the proposed N62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Nigerian government and the Organised Labour N250,000 demand, Ajaero said “the status quo remains, stressing that until the unions reconvened with the President final positions would be known.

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo told Journalists that the unions tabled current economic indices including the value of naira and increasing prices of commodities and goods in the market.

Osifo said; “In the meeting, we tried to put the issues on the table: the economic difficulties biting Nigerians today, the eroding value of the naira, and how these factors have affected the prices of commodities and goods in the market. We presented these concerns to Mr. President because he is the leader of the country, and the ultimate.

“We had previously discussed these matters with his representatives, but today we wanted to speak directly with the father of the nation. We presented Labour’s arguments, including economic analyses, and covered macro, micro, fiscal, and monetary issues. After presenting everything, the president made his remarks. We agreed to internalize the discussion, hold further conversations, and reconvene at a later time.”

After the meeting, the Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said that deliberations on the new minimum wage for Nigeria are ongoing.

He said that “the meeting is part of the President’s continuous efforts to reach a new minimum wage agreement that works for Nigeria.”

The Minister also mentioned that the organised labour requested one week to consult further with their respective members before reconvening.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha described ‘the one hour and thirty minutes meeting as an amiable deliberation between the President and labour leaders.’

Nato Vows Irreversible Path To Ukraine Membership

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2024

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Nato members have pledged their support for an irreversible path to future membership for Ukraine, as well as more aid.

While a formal timeline for it to join the military alliance was not agreed at a summit in Washington DC, the military alliance’s 32 members said they had “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Nato has also announced further integration with Ukraine’s military, and members have committed €40bn ($43.3bn, £33.7bn) in aid in the next year, including F-16 fighter jets and air defence support.

The bloc’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “Support to Ukraine is not charity – it is in our own security interest.”

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The ongoing invasion of Ukraine was top of the agenda at Nato’s summit, and a declaration agreed by all members said Russia “remains the most significant and direct threat” to security.

U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that US-built F-16 jets are in the process of being transferred to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands.

It will be the first time Ukraine has received the advanced aircraft, something which Kyiv has long called for. Mr Blinken told the summit the jets will be in use “this summer.”

Nato members agreed to set up a new unit to coordinate military aid and training for the Ukrainian army as part of measures designed to deepen ties between the alliance and Ukraine.

The joint statement said these measures, combined with aid commitments from individual members, “constitute a bridge to Ukraine’s membership in Nato.”

It said Ukraine had made “concrete progress” on “required democratic, economic, and security reforms” in recent months – but that a formal membership invitation would only be extended when “conditions are met.”

“As Ukraine continues this vital work, we will continue to support it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including Nato membership,” the statement added.

Belarus Seeks More Collaboration with Nigeria

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2024

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The President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has stated his country’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in key economic areas.

He remarked when he received the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu in his office in Belarus.

President Lukashenko highlighted some of the areas in which his country, Belarus is cooperating with Nigeria to include Agriculture, Food processing, Industry, and Education.

The President, who spoke through an interpreter pointed out that Mrs. Tinubu’s visit has further strengthened his administration’s resolve to enhance bilateral relations with Nigeria.

He noted that one key area they would be hoping to collaborate is on specialist training.

“We know your needs and we know the possibilities that you have. Let me underline that these possibilities are important and significant for us.

“We can render significant assistant to you and you can reciprocate for us.

Belarus Seeks Partnership With Nigeria On Agriculture

“We are willing to explore deeper collaboration in the area of education with your country. Please ask President Bola Tinubu for the visit of our Minister of Foreign Affairs to your country so we can develop these areas of collaboration further,” he appealed.

Responding, the Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu thanked the President for granting full scholarship to 20 Nigerian Students through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

She explained to President Lukashenko that the Renewed Hope Initiative is currently involved in empowering women, especially through the Women in Agriculture programme which is a way to improve food security and production in Nigeria.

She assured that Nigeria would also be reaching out further to the Republic of Belarus to see how the desired collaboration between the two nations would be pursued.

Earlier, the First Lady had met with the Belarusian Minister of Education, Andrey Ivanets who pointed out that currently, the Nigerian student population in Belarus is about 600.

Ivanets said the students who are studying in various fields are doing very well academically and that his Ministry looks forward to formalizing a bilateral agreement with Nigeria.

He also said the Belarusian government hopes to establish Specialists Training Centers in Nigeria.

Mrs. Tinubu, during the meeting, pointed out that the Work Experience programme of the Republic of Belarus is very commendable and would be explored by Nigeria.

During the First Lady’s visit, she also met with the Speaker of Belarus parliament Ms. Natalya Kochanova, and members of the Women’s Union of Belarus, including professionals from various sectors.

Israel Tells Everyone In Gaza City To Leave

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2024

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The Israeli military has told all residents of Gaza City to evacuate south to the central Gaza Strip, amid intensified operations in the north.

Leaflets dropped by aircraft instruct “everyone in Gaza City” to leave what is described as a “dangerous combat zone” via designated safe routes – marked as two roads that lead to shelters in Deir al-Balah and al-Zawaida.

The United Nations has said it is deeply concerned about evacuation orders being given. It is the second time since the war began that Gaza City as a whole has been asked to evacuate.

Israel-Hamas War: Stakeholders call for peace

Over the past two weeks, Israeli forces have re-entered several districts where the military believes Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters have regrouped since the start of the year.

Hamas has said Israel’s renewed activity in the city is threatening to derail negotiations over a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, which resumed on Wednesday in Qatar.

The talks are being attended by the intelligence chiefs of Egypt, the US and Israel, as well as the prime minister of Qatar.

Top Hamas official Hossam Badran said that Israel “is trying to pressure negotiations by intensifying bombing operations, displacement, and committing massacres.” Reports said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s commitment to a deal as long as its “red lines are preserved.”

There are estimated to be more than a quarter-of-a-million people still living in Gaza City.

Some were observed evacuating to the south after the Israeli military dropped leaflets there urging them to leave, which an Israel official later said it was a recommendation rather than an instruction.

Others, though, were not willing to leave.

Supreme Court Grants Full Autonomy To LGAs

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 11, 2024

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has endorsed autonomy for the 774 local governments in the country.

The ruling puts an end to the abuse of their affairs by State Governors.

The apex court directed that Local Government allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them henceforth and barred state governors from receiving, tampering, or withholding funds meant for the local government.

In his lead judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the refusal of the state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.

FG, States, LGS Share N715B, Allocation Drops – FAAC

He said local governments have since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead.

Justice Agim noted that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

He dismissed the preliminary objections of the defendants (state governors), saying that the Accountant General of the Federation has the right to institute the suit and protect the constitution.

The governors were also barred from dissolving democratically elected officials of local governments and doing so would amount to a breach of the 1999 Constitution.