The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Be of good conduct, Bingham varsity tells new intakes

Vice – Chancellor, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. William Qurix, has admonished newly admitted students into the institution to be of good conduct.

Prof. Qurix reminded the students that the university had zero-tolerance for social vices.

The vice – chancellor gave the advice at the 19th matriculation ceremony of the university yesterday in Karu, Nasarawa State. “Bingham University is a faith-based institution, we maintain a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against social vices, including cultism, sexual misconduct, drug abuse, bullying, and similar behaviours. Any individual found in violation of these principles will face appropriate sanctions.

“It is imperative for every student to acquaint themselves with the university’s rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook, and to adhere diligently to them. Your cooperation in upholding the values of our academic community is vital for a positive and respectful learning environment.

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“It may interest you to know that over 7,000 candidates applied to the University this year, out of this number, a total of 1,500 were granted admission to study various courses and are, therefore, being matriculated today.”

The vice-chancellor said the school has secured full accreditation for its programmes with exception of those who are not due for assessment.

He said: “Bingham University has obtained full accreditation for nearly all our programmess with exceptions for those not yet due for assessment. Over the past four weeks, we have hosted accreditation teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the process has been highly successful. “In a recent milestone, 46 pioneer pharmacy graduates were officially inducted by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the first set of 11 graduate nurses underwent induction into the nursing profession by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), marking a momentous achievement for our institution.”

A population development expert and former Dean, Department of Geography, University of Abuja, Prof. Rhoda Mundi, urged the students to see the school as an opportunity to build on their existing skills.

Prof. Mundi, who was the guest speaker, urged parents to allow their children to choose their career path.

December 7, 2023
‘Why we can’t offer First Class students automatic job’
- 158 bag First Class
Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State Prof. Adebayo Bamire has explained why the institution’s management can not offer automatic employment to students who bagged First Class.

Bamire during news conference to mark the commencement of 47th convocation ceremony of the institution also highlighted that 158 students bagged First class, 1,970 others made Second class Upper, 2,906 got Second Class Lower, 942 finished with Third Class and 65 (Pass category).

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The VC, while responding to questions from reporters, noted that the school is willing and ready to retain students who bagged first class but due to Federal Government employment policy, it is impossible.

He explained: “We will actually be ready to retain first class students, but then, with the policies of government in respect to recruitment in the university, we can’t do this on our own. Before you can actually recruit any one into any department in this university now, your paper has to go through seven agencies of government. It is not like you just pick anybody on the street and just say this is who you want bring in.

“For us, we don’t want to throw away our first class students, but because of the limitations that we have, it appears very difficult for us to retain them. But if we have any opportunity at all, they will be the first set of people for us to take in.”

He disclosed that the 47th convocation ceremony has been fixed for today and Saturda
December 7, 2023
1,251 graduate as Nile varsity holds 11th convocation

Nile University of Nigeria has held its 11th convocation ceremony at the institution’s campus in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

About 1,251 undergraduate and postgraduate students across seven faculties, including Health Sciences, Law, Engineering, Computing, Science, Arts & Social Sciences and Management Sciences, received their degrees at the event.

Eighty-four of them were awarded first-class degrees and 45 of the 632 Post-Graduate students were awarded Doctor of Philosophy. The varsity’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Dilli Dogo, reiterated the university’s commitment to support the government to raise and maintain a high standard of education in the country.

He said: “We graduated the first set of medical students this year and the Federal Government has requested for an increase in the number of medical students to cater for the migration of doctors due to the “Japa Syndrome. To that effect, we are admitting 195 students into our medical programme, representing an increase of 100% over that of last year”.

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“In our pursuit to ensure sound educational competence for our students, Nile University has invested heavily in infrastructure. In addition to the existing academic infrastructure commissioned last year, we will be commissioning new facilities, including a STEM Laboratory Complex. This will be the only state-of-the-art, purpose-built STEM Laboratory in the country.

“We are also constructing a medical simulation centre, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. This will bridge the gap and promote the best medical and clinical practices. When completed, it is going to house nine suites of high-definition mannequins that will provide the necessary skills for training of medical students,” he added. At the convocation, five outstanding students, who achieved a perfect 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) received special recognition scholarships and cash gifts from sponsors, including Providus Bank and Zenith Bank.

They are Oluwabusayo Olawale Ifonjala (LLB Law), Bolaqis Muhammad Sani (B.Sc. Biochemistry), Musa Adesegun Badaru (B.Eng. Electrical & Electronics Engineering), Abundance Abimbola Adejori (LLB Law), and Anas Abubakar (LLB Law).

Two distinguished individuals received honorary degrees for their invaluable contributions to society.

December 7, 2023
Realising Africa’s growth aspirations through education
- By Jane Muthumbi and Sweta Saxena
Africa has ambitious development aspirations. Realising these aspirations – reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want – requires actions that promote inclusive and equal opportunities for all.

As recent crises have laid bare, growing poverty and rising inequalities pose challenges to an increasingly fragile social contract that could threaten the social fabric and the attainment of peace and security. Indeed, as our future prosperity depends on the extent to which the benefits of development are broadly distributed, member states need to rethink their relationships with their citizens.

The need for member states to forge a social contract that ensures the benefits of development accrue to all was at the core of the fifth session of the Committee on Social Policy, Poverty and Gender (CSPPG) held on November 2 -3, 2023. Aptly titled, “Building Nes Social Contracts in Africa: Choices to fulfill Development Aspirations through Education,” deliberations focused on the role that education can play in tackling Africa’s development challenges.

While education can be a lever for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), its potential to fulfill Africa’s development aspirations is yet to be realised. Quality education remains largely unaffordable and beyond the reach of the poor and other marginalised groups. At the same time, lack of access to quality education, hampered by infrastructural deficits and poor urban planning, disproportionately affects children from poor and marginalised communities.

Moreover, with the education obtained having limited applicability, in large part due to the mismatch in skills acquired and those that the labour market demands, the employment prospects of high school and university graduates are often curtailed.

Member states deliberated on how best to provide high-quality education and promote lifelong learning that can effectively respond to Africa’s development challenges. Among the recommendations made were the need to provide education and training opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with concerted efforts aimed at encouraging girls and young women to pursue professions in these fields, along with the need to accelerate digital technical and vocational training for employment and other economic opportunities, and to foster better planning and infrastructural improvements at local levels.

With climate change, urbanisation, digital transformation and demographic shifts expected to shape the continent’s future, Africa seeks to reap benefits from the four mega trends if they are properly managed.

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The continent, however, faces demographic headwinds: With more than half of Africa’s population below the age of 25 by 2050, Africa’s youth has the potential to support the ageing population globally. However, the reality is more sobering: with a fifth of Africa’s youth currently not in employment, education or training, the continent is grappling with an urgent challenge to provide quality education and equip its youth with the appropriate knowledge and skills to enable them to take advantage of economic opportunities, and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

To unlock the potential of education to contribute to the achievement of a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future, member states need to:

•Implement targeted policies that reduce underlying economic, social and institutional barriers, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including women, the poor and those who live in rural areas, so that all can benefit from accessible and affordable quality education and skills, and

•Increase government spending in education and boost investment in skills development in order to provide the relevant labour market skills that promote competitiveness, raise productivity, and foster structural transformation in Africa.

In addition to supporting member states to accomplish these goals in the next two years, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) will also engage with partners, and the African Union in particular, in the ongoing dialogue on ensuring education can play its rightful role in supporting the continent to realise its development aspirations.

•Muthumbi and Saxena work with the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division of Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
December 7, 2023
Over 100 youths trained at Abiru’s SAIL Innovation Lab get lucrative jobs

No fewer than 100 youths who had undergone Tech Talent and Data Science training at the SAIL Innovation Lab, Ikorodu, Lagos have got artificial intelligence jobs with Awari AI, a fast growing AI/Robotics firm.

The firm is dedicated to the development and adoption of frontier technology on the African continent, beginning from Nigeria.

The firm, which has chosen the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu as a launchpad to several locations in Nigeria and Africa, also partnered with the SAIL Innovation Lab for continuous talent sourcing for the emerging multi-billion dollar AI industry that is expected to shape all spheres of life in a few years from now.

The co-founder of the SAIL Innovation Lab, the Senator representing Lagos East, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, in his remarks, said the launch of partnership with Awari AI signalled the beginning of a transformative journey in Ikorodu, and Lagos East Senatorial District as a whole.

He said: “The Awarri AI project, which we launch today, stands as a testament to our resolute commitment to embracing technology and innovation.It heralds a new era where industries will be redefined, jobs will be created, and our youth will be empowered.

“Throughout the annals of history, humanity has been witness to extraordinary revolutions. From the advent of steam power to the electrifying dawn of electricity, and from the proliferation of computers to the connected world of the internet, each era brought profound transformations to our lives.

“Today, we stand on the precipice of the 4th Industrial Revolution, a realm characterised by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, biotechnology, and automation. This revolution promises unprecedented opportunities for Nigeria and Africa, and it is incumbent upon us to seize this moment”.

Abiru disclosed that he was passionate about tech and digital skills because of the massive job opportunities and economic growth that the sector can facilitate. He recalled that since 2022 when he embarked on the SAIL Innovation Lab project with five pilot programmes, over 150 participants in-class and 1,200 online trainees have been impacted positively.

“Today, the SAIL Innovation Lab has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 4,173 participants through a diverse array of programs, including Tech Talent Development, STEM initiatives tailored for Senior Secondary School Students, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Start-Up Accelerator, and Data Science for Society.

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“These programmes have now evolved to offer job prospects through our esteemed partner organisations. Awarri AI has taken the lead by employing nearly 100 of our graduates and pledging to continue its role as a platform for future outstanding participants seeking employment.

“In an era where digital skills have become an essential currency, the SAIL Innovation Lab serves as a bridge, closing the digital divide. Our vision is to provide free training to young individuals in high-demand tech skills and work collaboratively with our partners to secure them decent job placements”, Senator Abiru said in his remarks.

The co-founders of Awari AI, Mr. Silas Adekunle and Ms Eniola Edun, said Artificial intelligence is the new wave that should be embraced by Nigeria in its quest to harness opportunities in the current digital and innovation age.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the SAIL Innovation Lab has been achieving its goals in less than seven months after the state of the earth innovation lab was commissioned.

Dr. Tijani said, “We set out to open up the minds of young people to opportunities that are available globally, and these opportunities are no longer the preserve of the developed world. We live at a time when technology now connects each and every one of us strongly. The technologies have given us the opportunities to overcome barriers and be part of the global economy.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence due to its foreign origin, “We (Nigerians) have not been able to participate fully and harness its benefits. For the first time in the history of Nigeria and anywhere in Nigeria, Awari AI have decided to start a company that will focus on building that knowledge so that computers will also think like us. For the first time in Nigeria, hundreds of people are being hired from the SAIL Innovation Lab”, the minister said.

Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Tunbosun Alake, disclosed that the state government will be partnering on the project. He thanked Senator Abiru for driving the initiative.

Dignitaries who attended the occasion include; Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, HRM Oba Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba David Raji, Eweye of Isiu, Prince Amid Oduborisha, President Oriwu Club, Local Government council chairmen, Hon. Abidoun Moshood Aro, Hon Gbolahan Ogunleye, Dr. Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Hon (Princess) Adebimpe Akinsola, Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, Mr. Deji Abisola, Chief impact consultant on SAIL Innovation Lab who worked on the project till date, among many others.

December 7, 2023
VC urges Fed Govy to amend TETfund lauw to include private varsities
- Al-Hikmah varsity produces 26 first class
Vice Chancellor of an Islamic faith-based Al-Hikmah University, Prof Noah Yusuf has appealed to the Federal Government to amend the law establishing Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) to enable the fund extend its support to private universities in Nigeria.

Private varsities in the country have over the years, been clamouring for TETfund support.

Prof Yusuf added that private varsities in Nigeria would continue to advocate for their inclusion in TETfund, adding that the universities would soon take their case to the National Assembly to lobby the lawmakers.

“The issue of TETfund support for private universities has been on for awhile. Is it not illogical that private universities which are part of the private sector contributing to TETfund are exempted from benefiting?

“We urge Federal Government to amend the law establishing TETfund so as to factor in the private universities,” professor of.sociology has said.

The vice chancellor told reporters in Ilorin, Kwara state capital ahead of this week Saturday 13th convocation ceremonies of the university.

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He revealed that the university would produce 26 first class graduates at the convocation ceremonies.

“We are humbled and blessed to present to this gathering 1,207 undergraduates, 345 post graduates and 31 diplomas totalling 1,583. The breakdown is as follows: first class honours 26, second class honours (upper division) 472, second class honours (lower division) 600 and 109 third class. Others are 27 doctoral degress, two masters of philosophy, 211 masters,” he said.

Reeling out some of his modest achievements Prof Yusuf said that National Universities Commission (NUC) had successfully accredited “48 out 51 percent of our undergraduate academic programmes with full accreditation status.

“There has also been improved and sustained students enrollment since my assumption of office. For the first time in recent years, the university recorded the highest number of admitted regular and part-time and professional programmes– 1,287 in 2021; 1,450 in 2022 and 2,450 in 2023.”
December 7, 2023
Hon Ayebusiwa lauds Isimijola on birthday

Chiarman, House Committee on Tertiary Institutions and member representing Okitipupa Constituency I at Ondo State House of Assembly, Honourable Chris Ayebusiwa, has eulogised Senior Project Development Manager, Mrs Eunice Titilayo Isimijola, on the occasion of her birthday anniversary.

A statement by the lawmaker on his verified Facebook page, said Mrs Isimijola is a lady who in every respect has done well for herself and family, and who continues to improve on her sterling performances.

The statement reads, in part: “Here is a lady who in every respect has done well for herself and family and continues to improve on her sterling performances and self-development each day. That is the modest portrait of the personality I am always happy, proud and feel blessed to have as a sister.

“I admire her greatly as a blood sister, friend and more. It is my sincere believe that Titi deserves a double of her many great deeds towards others, and so I am wishing her, among other things, surplus sunshine and God’s unfailing strength and shield as she marks a new addition.”

Mrs Isimijola, formerly Miss Titilayo Ayebusiwa, is a construction cost expert, value Engineer and a Senior Project Development Manager.

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Hon Ayebusiwa enthused about the fine personality traits of the celebrant expressed good wishes to her.

He prayed: “May the Almighty God be your abiding strength and family’s, Titilayomi. I wish you a truly happy returns of your beautiful day.”

December 7, 2023
Robbery victim didn’t die in Maitama Hospital, says FCTA secretary
- Orders FCT health facilities to treat gun wound patients without police report
Secretary, Health Services and Environment, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said Ms Goodness Olorunfemi had died before getting to Maitama District Hospital.

The secretary said this while receiving reports of a panel investigating the incident.

Olurunfemi was reportedly thrown out of a fast-moving vehicle by her attackers on September 26 while returning from work. She died at Maitama General Hospital, Abuja where she was rushed to after the attack on Katampe-Kubwa Road.

On October 4, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, constituted a nine-member panel to investigate the death.

Two months later, the panel, while presenting its report at the Abuja Property Development Company, said based on investigations, Olurunfemi was brought to the hospital dead.

Noting that the cardinal objective of medical personnel was to save lives, Fasawe regretted that her painful death was due to insecurity in the FCT.

She added that the FCT Minister was, however, determined to beef up security in the territory, particularly issues of one-chance with the planned introduction of mass transit buses in the nation’s capital.

The secretary, while apologising to the family that the body of their late daughter was not treated properly, noted that the profession’s ‘dignity in death’ principle was tended to handle bodies with dignity.

Chairman of the panel, Prof. Mohammed Mohammed, said the deceased was attended to 40 seconds after she was brought to the hospital, adding that no request for a police report was made as alleged on social media.

Mohammed, who is also the president of Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria, said the video online showing the late Ms. Olorunfemi in a sitting position did not show any evidence of life.

He said her cause of death was strangling and contrary to social media reports, she did not bleed to death, as minimal blood stains were found on her.

He did, however, state that systemic inadequacies were noted in the handling of her body after death, as there was delay in putting the body in the morgue due to lack of space.

An eyewitness account from a victim, who claimed she was in the same vehicle, was also debunked by the panel. They said investigations showed that the witness, upon further questioning, revealed that her ‘one chance’ crime experience occurred a day after Olorunfemi was declared dead.

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The panel noted that professional standards were not adhered to by the Maitama General Hospital official, as she was examined in the vehicle and open space in the hospital, as opposed to being put on a stretcher and treated privately in an E&E unit.

While asking the police to carry out proper investigation into the incident, the panel called for a detailed autopsy to ascertain the full causes of her death.

It said hospitals were under an obligation of law to attend to all emergency cases without requesting a police report, as they must save lives first.

The panel reiterated that in Olorunfemi’s case, she was attended to 40 seconds after her body was brought to hospital at 8:35pm.

Based on the CCTV camera footage, the panel said the victim was attended to at 8:35:50pm, 8:39:00pm and 8:41:00pm.

It also apologised to the family for the way Olorunfemi’s body was treated at the hospital, noting that all bodies must be treated with proper dignity.
December 7, 2023
NSSF launches annual youth empowerment

The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) is set to launch her inaugural WeNaija Youth Fest event to close out its 2023 WeNaija campaign.

General Manager, Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), Dr Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko, stated that the annual WeNaija campaigns have been dedicated to reskilling and retooling creative Nigerian youth through innovative avenues like photography, literature, and video to mobilize, empower, and upskill Nigeria’s vibrant, tech-savvy, and creative youth.

According to her, the 2023 WeNaija campaign united young people aged 18 to 35 in a national video content creation contest themed ‘WeNaija Awareness to Action’ which launched on October 11th, 2023.

“The campaign was aimed at raising awareness about HPV and the HPV vaccine for girls aged nine to14 through video content. The videos created will be used as advocacy tools to encourage youth participation in advocating for essential healthcare improvements,” Chinye-Nwoko said.

She noted that the WeNaija Youth Fest is the grand finale of the ‘Awareness to Action’ campaign.

She explained that the festival will allow participants to showcase their impactful videos with the hope of being recognized and celebrated as the top five finalists to win amazing prizes worth up to N5 million and internship opportunities.

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She added that the event will also feature capacity-building sessions for young advocates in health, storytelling and video content creation, led by some of esteemed WeNaija video contest judges and influencers. “Exciting opportunities to win prizes also await participants in the ‘Spontaneous’ competition.

The WeNaija Youth Fest event will provide a meaningful avenue for growth, empowerment, and economic upliftment for all participants involved. It is an opportunity to empower youths, captivate and equip young minds with essential advocacy skills, particularly in the realm of health,” Chinye-Nwoko said.

The NSSF was born from a partnership during the COVID-19 era between Global Citizen (GC) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The fund promotes its mission of transforming health outcomes in Nigeria by supporting impactful initiatives that provide critical intervention in the areas that improve leadership and governance of routine immunization (RI) programmes.

December 7, 2023
We must make development happen, says Edo APC governorship aspirant

Frontline aspirant in Edo 2024 governorship election, Victor Eboigbe, has announced his aspiration for the number one job on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made this known at Ward 1, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government.

Eboigbe said: “We are gathered here today because I want to tell you, my people, that I have taken the decision to vie for the position of governor of our dear state. There is no way I can ever make the final formal decision without first informing you. You have to be the first to know because charity, the saying goes, begins at home.”

The aspirant, a federal commissioner with Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), recalled his political journey from the Action Congress (AC), through the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), to the APC, and urged the people to rally round him as they have always done over the years.

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He said the time has come for the people to be involved in governance.

Eboigbe thanked the people for their support, which, according to him, is the pivot on which his success stands.

“I am glad we have walked roads together. I am happier today that we are still together, knowing that we have many more memorable journeys to go together. Your ever ready support made past journeys possible. With it I have contended with and conquered numerous challenges. With it, I will be able to conquer more, including this one.

“With your support, I am certain that I will be able to make our dear state the envy of other states in the provision of people-oriented development. This is the reason I am stepping forward to take the challenge. This is the reason I am putting it before you,” he said.

December 7, 2023