Brain Drain: 2,000 Doctors left Nigeria 2022 – NARD

By

-

January 30, 2023

The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Orji Innocent, raised the alarm over the huge number of members of the association moving out of the country for greener pastures, saying that the association has lost over 2,000 members in the last two years.

He said if the situation is not tackled, it may degenerate to a point where Nigerians would wake up one day and discover there are no more doctors in the hospitals.

Innocent raised the concern while fielding questions from journalists after the presentation of a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s conference in Uyo.

He said a survey conducted in December revealed that over 2,000 members left for greener pastures.

Meanwhile, in the communiqué, the association called for increased budgetary funding of the healthcare sector in the country, to the tune of 15 per cent annual budgetary allocation to improve the quality of healthcare delivery.

The communiqué read in part, “The National Executive Council welcomes the committee set up by the Federal Government to mitigate the brain drain in the health sector.

“The association urges a speedy conclusion of the task and immediate implementation of their recommendations to improve healthcare service delivery and reduce the emigration of skilled healthcare workers from the country.

“NEC calls for increased funding of the healthcare sector in the country, to the tune of 15 per cent annual budgetary allocation in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration for healthcare financing in Africa and global best practices as well as the digitalisation of the healthcare services to improve the quality of healthcare delivery to Nigerian citizens.”

The President said NEC urged the Chief Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals in the country to take responsibility for security in their various hospitals as NARD would no longer continue to watch her members being assaulted by staff members, patients, relatives or security operatives.

He said the association called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of the illegal shooting of one of its members in Delta and to ensure they are adequately punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

NPFL Round-Up: Big Win For Enyimba And Lobi Stars

By

Emenike Agu

-

January 30, 2023

0

There were fewer goals this weekend compared to previous match days.

The concluding fixtures of the NPFL matchday four were played across different centres on Sunday.

Five home wins and three draws with 11 goals were recorded in the eight encounters.

Enyimba and Lobi Stars were the teams with the highest scoreline during Sunday’s home games.

The People’s Elephant bounced back from last weekend’s loss to Plateau United with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Kwara.

Lobi Stars recorded their third consecutive win against newcomers, Bayelsa United with an identical scoreline

Emeka Obioma’s brace and a debut goal from Adebambo gave the Elephant some respite after the disappointment in Jos.

For Kwara United, their woes continue as they are now the only club yet to score in the 2023 season.

Big wins

The Peoples Elephants came in front in the 11th minute from Emeka Obioma’s tap in to Sadiq Abubakar’s through ball.

Meanwhile, Enyimba doubled the lead from Adebambo who scored his debut goal against his former club seven minutes later.

However, the floundering Kwara United failed to reduce the deficit after Ayobami Junior wasted a goal-scoring chance in the 25th minute.

Another attack from the Harmony boys was poorly delivered by Bright Etagbara, whose shot was saved by John Noble in the 33rd minute.

The hosts couldn’t add their third goal after Obioma’s shot went wide four minutes later.

Tanzania Special Operation To Uncover Missing Students

By

Precious Obazee

-

January 30, 2023

0

The Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner’s office will begin a special operation to identify Form One students who have not reported to school.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Nurdin Babu revealed at the weekend that only 87 per cent of all Form Ones had reported to school, since they reopened on January 9, this year.

Speaking at an occasion to hand over digital tablets to teachers in Same District, Babu said his office would embark on a special operation of flush out those whom he suggested, could be hiding in their homes.

According to Babu, it is understood that some of the missing students had opted for private schools after shunning public schools.

He asserted that while this is not a problem, the low enrolment is still alarming.

Babu also urged teachers to closely work with parents and guardians with a view of addressing the decay of morality in the society.

On the distributed teaching aids, the Regional Commissioner said he was optimistic that with the digital tablets, students will get inspired, motivated, and overjoyed by their newfound freedom when learning is no longer limited by the walls of a classroom.

Govt Beefs Up Security As Buhari Arrives In Kano

By

Koko Lawrence

-

January 30, 2023

0

Security has been beefed up in parts of Kano metropolis in readiness for President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state to commission eight development projects.

According to reports as early as 7 a.m., security personnel – the Police, the Civil Defence Corps, the FRSC and the state’s Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), were drafted ahead of the visit.

The roads manned by the security operatives included Sabo Bakin Zuwo, formerly known as State Road, Emir’s Palace, Ahmadu Bello Way and Audu Bako Way.

A statement on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, said arrangements had been concluded to receive the President.

Garba said Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje would receive the President and his entourage.

While in Kano, Buhari would commission the 10 megawatts Federal Government’s Kano Grid Solar Power, and the multi-billion Naira Dala Inland Dry Port in Zawachiki, Kumbotso Local Government area.

He also said Buhari would ccommission the Kano State Data Centre at Audu Bako Secretariat, Tier Data Centre and office complex at Galaxy Backbone Limited on Ahmadu Bello Way.

The others are Cancer Treatment Centre at Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu; Muhammadu Buhari Road Rotary Interchange at NNPC Station, on Maiduguri Road; Aliko Dangote Ultra-Modern Skill Acquisition Centre, Zaria Road and Federal Government Housing Units at Gandun Sarki, Darmanawa.

Olu Of Warri Abolishes ‘Omajaja’ Among Itsekiris

By

Koko Lawrence

-

January 30, 2023

0

The Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, has abolished the Omajaja term from Itsekiris’s vocabulary owing what he described as it’s negative connotation over time.

He made the declaration in a Royal Proclamation in a statement he personally endorsed as the Kingdom rolled out drums to celebrate its annual Praise day.

He noted the palace would no longer make reference to the term, saying all Ìtsekírìs are now to be referred to as Omiwere, and that every Itsekiris’s individual is freeborn.

Ogiame added that the classification does not alter the law and manner of succession to the throne.

He said, “All Ìtsekírìs are now to be referred to as Omiwere. The official palace approved symbol or logo for Omiwere will be the awerewere leaf. Those that wish to add something unique to represent them, are free to do so. The logo shall be worn with pride by all Omiwere. “Today, we move to make further clarifications to our existing society. These clarifications are not to make one feel inferior or superior to the other, but simply to establish identity and general order in our society.

“Ìtsekírìs are Omajaja, this is not to say we should remove slave from freeborn, because slaves no longer exist in our society. Both the Prince and Princesses, and the children of the Chiefs are Ìtsekírì children. Before now, they were all referred to as Omajaja. The term Omajaja, has come to take on a negative connotation overtime in our society. It is important to note that from today henceforth, I use my authority to abolish the word Omajaja from our vocabulary.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of Itsekiri sons and daughters on Saturday gathered at the Aghofen, Olu Palace church, Warri to give thanks to the Almighty God.

The soul lifting event called “Annual Praise Day” was convened by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The annual Praise and Thanksgiving day is a yearly event held by the Iwere Nation to give thanks to God for sustaining the Warri kingdom.

Different gospel artistes and praise group gave ministration at the well-attended event.

Scam Alert: JAMB Issues Warning To The Public

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

January 29, 2023

0

The Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned members of the public against a social media account that was created in the name of the board.

The Board said it does not have a social media account.

The Registrar made this known in a statement by the board’s Head of Pubic Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, which was made available to journalists in Abuja.

”The attention of the Board has been drawn to a LinkedIn account purported to be the account of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, and sending friend requests to members of the public.

” This is a ploy initiated with the sole aim of defrauding gullible members of the public.

”The Board wishes to state that Prof. Is-haq Oloyede does not own or operate any social media account and neither has he asked anybody to open or manage one on his behalf.

”LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. As such, it should be noted that the goal of the site is to enable registered users to connect with people they know and trust professionally. Professor Oloyede does not belong to this class of individuals nor intend to join.”

Dr Benjamin said the disclaimer became necessary in view of some unscrupulous elements, who have purportedly opened a LinkedIn account on his behalf to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public.

He said their claims included erudite professors helping to network business enterprises, managing careers, providing jobs, running a research firm or connecting people with business contacts of firms or industry through the account.

He added that the board urges the general public to be wary of these criminal elements so as not to fall victims to the scammers.

Old Naira Notes Extension: Reps Reject CBN’s 10-day Deadline

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

January 29, 2023

0

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on new naira re-design and naira swap policy has rejected the 10-day extension granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for the exchange of old notes.

The CBN had fixed January 31 as the deadline for the exchange of the old naira notes – N200, N500 and N1,000.

The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Sunday, said President Muhammadu Buhari gave permission for the deadline to be extended to February 10.

In its swift reaction, the Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by the leader of the House, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, rejected the extension, insisting that the CBN must comply with sections 20 sub 3, 4, and 5 of the CBN act.

Recall the House, during its sitting on Tuesday, following the outcry by Nigerians, constituted the ad hoc committee to look into the issue.

Doguwa said that, ” The 10-day extension for the exchange of the old naira notes is not the solution.

“We as a legislative committee with a constitutional mandate of the House, would only accept clear compliance with section 20 sub 3, 4, and 5 of the CBN act and nothing more.

“Nigeria as a developing economy and a nascent democracy must respect the principle of the rule of law.

“And the House would go ahead to sign arrest warrant to compel the CBN Governor to appear before the ad hoc committee.”

He said under his chairmanship, the committee would continue its work until it gets the demands of Nigerians addressed in accordance with the laws of the land.

Describing the extension as a mere political gimmick to further deceive Nigerians and worsen their economic and social livelihood, Doguwa said the CBN governor must appear before or stand the risk of being arrested on the strength of legislative writs signed by the Speaker on Monday.

He also said the policy is capable of frustrating the forthcoming general elections.

“Security agencies and their operations, especially at the state level, are generally funded through cash advances and direct table payments of allowances to operatives during elections,” he said.

PDP Candidates Jandor Promise To Reduce out-of-school Children In Lagos

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

January 29, 2023

0

The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos state, Abdul-Azeez Adediran said he will partner with 5000 registered private schools, as well as churches and mosques, in order to reduce the rate of out-of-school children in the state.

Jandor, as popularly known, made this promise while speaking on his plans at ThePlatform debate organised for governorship candidates in the state on Sunday.

He said, “I will partner with the 5000 registered private schools in the state, churches, and mosques to ensure that the number of out-of-school children is reduced.

Other governorship candidates, who participated in the debate include Olufunso Doherty of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP).

Yabatech: Students, Lecturers, Awaits Appointment of New Rector

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

January 29, 2023

0

As the tenure of Engineer Obafemi Omokungbe as the Rector of the Yaba College of Technology, Yabatech, Lagos came to an end on Sunday, students, workers and lecturers at the College are waiting anxiously for the appointment of a new helmsman for the Institution.

The Council/Selection Committee that interviewed aspirants for the position had recommended three names from which the federal government is expected to choose a substantive rector, but that has not been done because of the complaints by some of the aspirants alleging some unwholesome practices in the selection process.

Even when the Governing Council met few days ago, the matter was still not resolved.

With the development, it is expected that by Monday, an acting rector will be appointed for the College.

Speaking on the development, the Public Relations Officer of the College, Ndubueze Ejiofor, told Vanguard at the weekend that Omokungbe still had until the midnight of Sunday to stay in office as rector and that anything could still happen before then.

However, as at Sunday, the government had not come out with who is the next rector of the institution.

Omokungbe became the first alumnus of the 75-year-old College to become its rector when he was appointed five years ago.

UK Govt Lists Priority Subjects for Immigrating Teachers

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

-

January 29, 2023

1

Nigeria and United Kingdom flag together realtions textile cloth fabric texture

The Department for Education, United Kingdom has highlighted the priority subjects for Nigerian and other nationals seeking to come to the country through the Teaching Regulation Agency from February 2023.

In June 2022, the DfE announced that they would be changing the way they award qualified teacher status to teachers from overseas.

According to the report, some subjects which are much needed in the UK will be prioritised.

DfE said that under retained EU and domestic legislation, teachers from some countries can easily apply for QTS, but others cannot, even if they have equivalent skills and experience.

It added that the new legislation will make this process consistent and fair, adding, “It will also support the movement of well-qualified teachers to the English workforce.”

Announcing a new development on the visa status and how to appy, the Government of UK on its website, DfE said, “A new professional recognition service, called ‘apply for qualified teacher status in England’, will set consistent standards so the qualifications and experience of overseas teachers can be fairly assessed.

“It will eventually be open to qualified teachers from all countries outside the UK.

“From February 1, 2023, applicants with a teaching qualification from the following countries and regions (Australia, Canada, the EEA, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Ukraine and the USA) will be able to use the new service to check if they meet the requirements for Qualify Teacher Status and apply.”

It further explained that applicants with a subject specialism in languages, mathematics or science and a teaching qualification to teach 11 to 16-year-olds from Ghana, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Jamaica and India will be able to use the service to check if they meet the requirements for QTS and also apply.”

Speaking on the priority subjects, DfE noted that a teaching qualification that meets the standard of a level 6 qualification qualifying you to teach children aged 11 to 16, and a bachelor’s degree made up of at least 50 per cent mathematics, science or a language (excluding English) taught in English state schools.”

DfE listed the priority subjects as French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish, excluding English Language.

It, however, added that there will be an update on other subject specialism by May.