U17 AFCON: Hard-Fighting Golden Eaglets Lose Against Morocco

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May 4, 2023

The match began in dramatic fashion, with Morocco taking the lead in the 2nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by Nigeria’s Tochukwu Ogboji.

In a nail-biting U17 Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Wednesday, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Morocco at the Stade Mohammed Hamlaoui in Constantine.

The match began in a dramatic fashion, with Morocco taking the lead in the 2nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by Nigeria’s Tochukwu Ogboji.

The young Nigerians refused to let the early setback dampen their spirits, as they gradually built confidence and pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

In the 20th minute, the Eaglets began to find their footing, but Abubakar Abdullahi squandered a close-range opportunity just a minute later.

Nigeria continued to press, winning a free kick in the 29th minute near the Moroccan goal area.

The initial effort was blocked, and although Abdullahi’s follow-up shot went off target, he was already in an offside position.

As the first half drew to a close, Nigerian defender Jeremiah Olaleke received a yellow card, and the teams headed into the break with Morocco holding firmly to their slim 1-0 lead.

Second half

In the second half, coach Nduka Ugbade made a substitution in the 46th minute, bringing on Anougu Aondoakaa for Tochukwu Ogbadibo.

The Eaglets remained on the front foot, with goalkeeper Richard Odoh making a brilliant save from a Moroccan freekick in the 48th minute.

Nigeria continued to create chances, but a lack of a finishing touch in the final third hampered their efforts.

Hope Linus’ 54th-minute free kick was saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper, while Favour Daniel missed a close-range opportunity in the 61st minute.

In the 64th minute, Nigeria made another change, with Light Eke replacing Precious Williams.

Despite their relentless pressure and fighting spirit, the Golden Eaglets couldn’t find a breakthrough, and the match ended in a 1-0 defeat.

The young Nigerians will now look to bounce back in their next game against South Africa, hoping to demonstrate the same determination and resolve they displayed in Constantine.

As for Morocco, they have all but sealed their place in the quarter-final and are also a step closer to picking one of the tickets to represent Africa at the U-17 World Cup later this year.

Sudan Crisis: First 376 Evacuees Arrive Abuja

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 3, 2023

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The first batch of evacuees from the war-torn Sudan to Egypt arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday.

The evacuees were the first batch who arrived at the Argeen border last week Wednesday, April 26 for airlifting in Aswan Egypt.

The first batch of evacuees experienced some delays as a result of the formalities issued by the Egyptian authorities to enable them to be airlifted to Nigeria.

In an audio sent to the Nigerian in the Diaspora Commission Situation Room on Wednesday, a Nigerian official explained the reasons for the delay in the airlifting of stranded Nigerians who ought to have arrived in the country earlier today.

The official explained, “Two aircraft, Air Peace and NAF C130, are supposed to airlift 350 passengers. Unfortunately, 26 additional persons sneaked into the buses. The Egyptian personnel were there. They counted and they found 376 Nigerians. They refused the 26 people to stay back at the airport and they also refused to allow Nigerian officials to take the 26 people back to the border.

Sudan Crisis: Nigeria Begins First Evacuation of Nationals

“Now, they want everyone to leave. Neither will they allow them to go back to the border. The only option is to overload the aircraft. The pilots were consulted and they said they could not airlift more people and have plenty of luggage.”

However, the Air Peace plane arrived at 11:35pm with 278 passengers while NAF C130 arrived at 11:55pm with 98 passengers.

The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed hope that those yet to arrive would be airlifted speedily.

Dabiri-Erewa said, “Everyone is excited to receive them. We hope that those over there will come back speedily. We are expecting that with the arrangements made by NEMA, there are going to be more planes because Egypt makes it difficult.

“For stranded Nigerians at Port Sudan, they are trying to get tickets because it is even more difficult to get flights to Port Sudan. But they have an airline. They are processing it, and once they get tickets, they will come back home. If other airlines get the landed permits, they will quickly go and airlift stranded Nigerians. We are glad that no one lost his or her life. Priority was given to women and children.”

Recall that Dabiri-Erewa had revealed that the first batch of those evacuated from Sudan would arrive in Nigeria Wednesday night.

She made this disclosure on her Twitter handle on Wednesday.

She tweeted, “Finally, homeward bound as the NAF C-130H aircraft has departed Aswan and is expected to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja by 2340hrs (11.23 pm) tonight. #Sudan. We pray for journey mercies.”

Senate Can’t Halt Ongoing Demolition At Lagos Airport

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 3, 2023

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⁣The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Wednesday, said the agitation of the Senate cannot halt the ongoing demolition of offices belonging to aviation agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. ⁣
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The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made the FG’s stance known after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja.⁣
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Sirika said, “Government is going to continue (with the demolition). The Senate is advisory. It’s an executive function, we are not bound by any court of law and the government cannot be stopped from giving development to its people. ⁣

Lagos Begins Massive Demolition of Illegal Buildings
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“So, a few individuals will not deny 250 million Nigerians the joy of having something that they will go outside Nigeria to see.” ⁣
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His remarks come barely 24 hours after a motion by the upper legislative Chamber directed the FG to halt the demolition works to allow the Senate Committee on Aviation, chaired by Senator Biodun Olujimi, to intervene.⁣
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The Senate on Tuesday directed the Minister of Aviation to stop the planned demolition of aviation agencies’ offices in Lagos pending the outcome of the intervention being made by its Committee on Aviation.⁣
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The Senate’s resolution followed a motion by the Chairman of the Aviation Committee, Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP Ekiti South), on the urgent need for the Senate intervention on the intending warning strike by aviation unions.⁣
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In the motion, Olujimi reminded the Red Chamber of the looming warning strike by the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers etc.⁣
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But reacting to a question on the matter, Sirika said that the Senate’s resolution is only advisory and cannot stop the demolition.⁣
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“I’m sure those people that are saying no to it don’t want to continue to see Lagos airport the way it is. ⁣
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“A few individuals will not deny 250 million Nigerians the joy of having something that they will go outside Nigeria to see. ⁣
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“People will go and see outside the country and say, ‘These leaders, don’t they travel? See Dubai?’ But now we want to give (Nigerians) something like Dubai and somebody is saying no? Common!” Sirika fumed. ⁣

Indian-American Banga Becomes World Bank President

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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May 3, 2023

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The World Bank on Wednesday confirmed Ajay Banga as its next president, taking charge at a pivotal time for the development lender.

The former Mastercard CEO was nominated for the post by U.S. President Joe Biden in late February and was the sole contender to replace departing World Bank chief David Malpass, an economist and former U.S. Treasury official during the Trump administration.

The confirmation comes after an extensive search process in which Banga was the sole candidate nominated for the position.

Zambian president to meet IMF, World Bank in Washington

“The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Banga on the World Bank Group Evolution process,” the bank wrote in a statement published shortly after the board voted to approve his leadership for a five-year term.

63-year-old Banga is the first-ever Indian-American and Sikh-American to head either of the two top international financial institutions — the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Banga began his career in business at Nestle’s Indian subsidiary in the early 1980s before moving to the United States.

He served as the CEO of Mastercard for more than a decade, from 2010 to 2021, and has also held board positions at the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc.

Currently, the Indian-American serves as the Vice Chairman of private equity firm General Atlantic.

Banga will take over the role from David Malpass on June 2.

Liberia’s MCSS Boss Stresses Importance of Science Education

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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May 3, 2023

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The Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), Isaac Saye Lakpoh Zawolo has emphasized the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, (STEAM) to the development of any nation.

Speaking at the Science and Art Exhibition Innovation 2023 Ceremony sponsored by the Aware International School System in Paynesville, Zawolo said that developing Countries should rely on technical education.

He further added that if Liberia is to grow economically, it should focus more on technical education.

He said STEAM education places a premium on critical thinking skills and innovation, added that critical thinking drives innovation and innovation allows countries to develop faster.

He expressed commitment to Liberia’s educational sector to introduce and incorporate technical education.

South Africa Education Minister Apologizes for School Feeding Scheme Chaos

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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May 3, 2023

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South Africa’s Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga has apologized after thousands of learners in KwaZulu-Natal were left without school meals for the past month.

The chaos began after Pacina Retail, a company with no previous background in distributing food to over 5,000 schools, was awarded a R2 billion school feeding scheme tender.

Motshekga, who visited the province, expressed concern over the disruptions to the feeding program and apologized for any inconvenience caused.

After a briefing by the Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s government about the crisis in over 260 schools, Motshekga said learners were no longer going hungry at school.

She said that all schools that were visited have received food and the situation has been restored.

As for the future of the Pacina Retail contract, Motshekga said the matter is with their legal team.

Pacina Retail has issued an ultimatum to the department, demanding payment for the goods already served to schools and that they are reinstated in the R2 billion nutrition tender.

JAMB Releases Tips to Check 2023 UTME Result

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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May 3, 2023

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the release of the results of the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The board disclosed that 1,586,765 candidates sat for the exam across its 708 CBT centers in 105 examination towns in the country.

The board stated that can check their 2023 UTME result via phone, send UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 on the phone number the candidate used to register for the exam.

It said the UTME result will then be transmitted to the phone number registered

The examination body has made provision for people who missed the exam on the scheduled dates, stating that all candidates, who missed the 2023 UTME within their scheduled time owing to no fault of theirs, would be rescheduled to take the examination on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

FEC Approves Use Of Blockchain In Nigeria

By

faith Jegede

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May 3, 2023

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The Federal Executive Council today approved the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy National policy on Blockchain.

What this means is that the Nigerian Government has now formally approved blockchain use in Nigeria. Relevant agencies are now expected to develop appropriate usage & regulatory frameworks.

A Steering Committee has also been established, to be led by the National Information Technology Development Agency, and all relevant Nigerian government agencies. The committee will oversee the implementation of the new National Policy on blockchain.

Prof Isa Pantami says this is the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy’s 23rd National Policy.

Avoid Closing Varsities During Strike – Ex-Labour Leader

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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May 3, 2023

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The Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin, Issa Aremu cautions trade unions in Nigerian universities against the total shutdown of tertiary institutions during strike.

Aremu said that there was a need for the unions to understand that industrial disputes were not industrial wars and that there was no need for a total shutdown of the institutions.

He stated this at a colloquium organized by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Federal University of Technology, Akure chapter.

He said the committee should adopt the culture of social dialogue and come to agreement not shutting down the facilities.

He added that the academic Staff Union of Universities does not operate as an industrial union and dialogue is important and should be adopted.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Oladiji said her administration was committed to peace and a stabilized academic calendar, urging the unions to embrace peace to attract developmental growth to the institution and the nation.

Masters, PhD As Professorship Requirement in Medicine- NUC

By

Nzubechukwu Anodo

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May 3, 2023

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The recently-inaugurated Committee on the Status of Medical Education in Nigerian Universities has met with the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, to present an interim report on their assigned task.

This is as the NUC reiterated its stance on the need for medical doctors in the academics to acquire Master’s and doctorate degrees to enable them attain the rank of professors.

According reports, there have been controversies over the need for medical doctors to acquire Master’s and doctorate degrees following the acquisition of medical fellowships.

The NUC’s Executive Secretary reiterated that the recently introduced Doctor of Medicine program was for an entirely different purpose from the original medicine by fellowship program, saying that one can never replace the other.

According to a statement posted on the NUC website, Rasheed received the team led by the NUC Deputy Executive Secretary, Academics, Noel Saliu.

The Executive Secretary said that the committee still has much work to do in areas such as: Basic Medical, Allied Health, Dentistry as well as Basic Clinical and Clinical Sciences as they were all part of medicine.

He urged the committee to work assiduously to generate a reliable record and status of medical education in Nigeria.

He urged them to dig deep into those salient issues that would restore the pride of medical education especially by looking into whether the nation’s available medical colleges have training facilities for students and if the students are also properly trained.

He applauded the medical doctors who had refused to engage in unsavoury issues, stating that it was through persistence that he was able to get medical doctors together to look at the medical curriculum.

He stressed that medical education had to change and expressed his delight about the changes brought into the medical curriculum.

The Executive Secretary further said that NUC had initially wanted to disassociate itself from the medical postgraduate institution that tried to exercise undue powers by awarding PhD’s, arguing that people could become world-class scholars in medicine but that a PhD in medicine makes it more complete.

He reiterated that PhD should be more of research, adding that without Master’s and PhD, no one would emerge as a Professor in Medicine.

He urged the committee to do its best to bring out a good document on the status of medicine in Nigeria.