The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Emefiele’s arrest and the face of Buhari’s government
By Mike Kebonkwu

The arrest and detention of Godwin Emefiele is no longer a subject of speculation or social media gossip. The Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed his arrest less than 24 hours after his suspension as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   He was said to have been grabbed in his Ikoyi home in Lagos and whisked to waiting private jet to Abuja. The speed of his arrest almost gave away the feeling that it was a plot to settle score with the suspended CBN governor for his many sins. The arrest was accompanied with the usual media frenzy and hype with which the DSS has been known to conduct its business. Emefiele was visibly shaken, rattled and frightened as he was herded into a waiting aircraft by men of the DSS who displayed aplomb of a successful hunt of prized behemoth.   There was the usual histrionic deployment and open display typical of security agents of show of force even when it is not necessary. The operatives had handcuffs hanging loosely on their waist belt not in its holster in a most unprofessional manner serving absolutely no useful purpose other than empty display of braggadocio.

The message behind the arrest and detention of suspended CBN governor is beyond bringing an alleged criminal to justice just as we have seen in the past with similar arrest by the DSS. There are stories making the rounds being bandied in the social media and gossip links on how Emefiele is behind terrorism financing and sponsor of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), unknown gunmen among others allegations and charges. The sources of such wild allegation is not difficult to decipher as part of the whole drama with government agents always trying to poison the well whenever there is dirty job to be done.

We have passed this road before; we saw that in the media trial of Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) and other high profile cases, including the five Justices of the apex Court who were needlessly humiliated more for political reasons when their homes were invaded at the middle of the night. The message of the arrest is to draw attention to the former saintly president, Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Integrity, that after all he is not as clean as the outward appearance and facade that he wears like an emblem tend to portray.

Read Also: Emefiele arrested in Lagos as DSS commences probe

The government should not just make a show of Emefiele and turn blind eyes to the rot which Emefiele represents and was just an infinitesimal part of.   President Tinubu should be ready to go all the way so as to restore confidence that we are about to embrace the rule of law where nobody is above the law. There is so much for the president to unearth; first is the Nigeria Air scam which the former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika procured President Buhari to hurriedly commission days to handing over power with a hired aircraft from the Ethiopian Airline fleet.

The DSS did not uncover the plot and grand design of the whole fraud, or preferred to close its eyes to it while the whole country looked like a huge joke before the international community.

What about the multimillion dollars oil deal where the former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami was fingered for complicity, the DSS did not look in that direction. There are several other mindboggling corruption and stealing allegations under the former administration.

Nobody has any problem with the arrest of Emefiele but no one is interested in the histrionics and drama to make a show of one individual from the lot. If they have credible evidence against him for terrorism financing, they should go ahead and press charges rather than engage in propaganda and media trial with bogus allegations without substantiation. Lying and exaggerating on his investment portfolios home and abroad will not change anything about the perception of the general public about Emefiele.   After all, most Nigerians are yet to get over the pain of Naira re-design policy that Emefiele was used hoist on the nation, acting the script of the cabal in Aso Rock.

Bringing Emefiele to be a sponsor of terrorism, unknown gunmen and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) is to take the rogue conspiracy theory beyond its elasticity limit. We have passed this road before; one prefers to wait and see the evidence in court than this circuit show and histrionics.

The president’s decisions so far have been well calibrated whether it is the petrol subsidy removal, or directives to the security agents to deal with crimes, criminalities and insecurity in the country. Godwin Emefiele is not above the law but the law must be deployed to serve justice and not as a weapon of vengeance. To be able to deal with the sundry challenges facing the country, the president must strengthen the necessary agencies of government to reposition them to be professional so as to perform optimally. First is to build and strengthen relevant institutions and not vest power on individuals who appropriate so such power and act outside or above the law. The agencies must not only be professional, they must be anonymous and neutral. We are talking about such agencies like the anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) amongst others. For the DSS, it operates as if its roles are not properly carved out or defined under the statute creating it. There seem to be no difference between its duties and that of the EFCC as both agencies compete in rivalry over official matters with great distraction and irritation as if without supervision. The president should draw a red line on the sand to which no one should cross in matters of professionalism in discharge of official duties; there should be no overlap.

We are unable to determine whether Emefiele is facing investigation for economic offences or financial crime or offence relating to breach of national security. Arresting a suspect first before asking a court order for extension of his detention to enable the police look for evidence is unprofessional display of incompetence. We need wholesale institutional overhaul of government agencies and departments to give them good leadership to be able to move the country forward. If the government does not act timely, it is just a matter of time that security agencies would be struggling to enforce environmental laws in the Federal Capital Territory because they want to get at somebody, and thereby abandoning their primary roles of gathering intelligence for national security. Let justice be done to Godwin Emefiele in accordance with the law. However, he should not be made a scapegoat; the government should follow through every genuine allegations of corruption in Buhari’s government. We should not ethicize it or give it a religious colouration. Nigeria is bigger than any individual or tribe.
- Kebonkwu Esq is an Abuja-based attorney.
June 15, 2023
June 1993 and February 2023 election deniers

On Democracy Day, last Monday June 12, President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to Chief MKO Abiola, a martyr who stood for “principles that are far more valuable than life itself”, and his wife, who had declared from the trenches shortly before her assassination by agents of the state that “June 12 is worth defending with our lives, otherwise, our children will continue to be slaves in their own fatherland”.

The president also paid tributes to others who “gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today,” such as Pa Alfred Rewane, the chief financier of NADECO, assassinated in his Ikeja home and others, including Pa Ajasin, Adesanya, Enahoro, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Col. Tanko Umar, Balarabe Musa, Lt.-Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Dr. Kayode John Fayemi of ‘Radio Kudirat’ etc.

For the records, we must also not forget the anti-June 1993 villains. Topping the list is the evil genius himself, Ibrahim Babangida, who annulled the most credible election in our nation’s history. His accomplices include Olusegun Obasanjo, Sani Abacha, Francis Arthur Nzeribe, Clement Akpamgbo – then Attorney-General of the Federation, Justice Bassey Ikpeme, Walter Ofonagoro, Uche Chukwumerije and Odumegwu Ojukwu who served as Abacha’s ambassador to Europe to de-market Abiola.

President Muhammad Buhari in 2018 became an unexpected hero of democracy when he conferred the nation’s highest honour, Grand Commander of Federal Republic of Nigeria on Abiola and declared June 12 Nigeria’s Democracy Day. This was after Obasanjo, the major beneficiary of Abiola’s sacrifice had for eight years danced on Abiola’s grave without acknowledging Abiola’s heroic sacrifice,

Read Also: Accord Party urges Tinubu to declare late MKO Abiola President-elect

But the late Balarabe Musa, Nigerian elder-statesman and the conscience of the north had wanted Buhari to “complete the task he started by investigating the circumstances that led to annulment of June 12, (fish out) those responsible for the annulment and punish them effectively so that it will not happen again.” For Balarabe Musa, impunity of those who betrayed Nigeria has only brought the past to pain.

For instance, in 1999, Obasanjo literally climbed the palm tree from the top by becoming elected president without a political base having being roundly rejected by his Yoruba people only to vindictively rig out all southwest governors except Lagos in the 2003. He went on to inflict more injuries on our nation in 2007 when he presided over the most scandalous election in the nation’s history, denounced by the chief beneficiary of the electoral heist, Umaru Yar’Adua who promptly set up the Uwais electoral Review Commission to ensure such calamity never befalls our nation again.

Nigerians paid for the perfidy of Obasanjo and his other anti-June 12 1993 elements. First, they confiscated 25% of the national budget, institutionalised the fuel subsidy regime to fleece Nigeria of billions of naira and sold to themselves Nigeria’s total investments of over $100b for a paltry $1.5b through ill-implemented privatization. They had no qualms converting into personal use, properties dating back to the pre-colonial period kept in their custody for future generation, in the name of a dubious commercialisation policy.

Fast-track to 2023; it will appear the anti-June 12 enemies of democracy have regrouped under Obasanjo. Taking a leaf from their 1993 playbook, Obasanjo and Charles Oputa had planned massive protests against the February 2023 election. Obasanjo followed up with an open letter to Buhari and a press conference calling for the abortion of announcement of the result alleging fraud without proof. Then, the ‘Obidients’ demanded for an Interim National Government or outright military take-over. The only difference: unlike duplicitous Babangida who violated his own electoral decree, Buhari remained faithful to the constitution.

As it was in 1993, prominent Igbo leaders, including elder-statesman Chukwuemeka Ezeife, threatened to make the country ungovernable if the then president-elect was sworn in. Pat Utomi was on various platforms alleging fraud without proof. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) publicly declared his lack of confidence in the judiciary. The ‘Obi-media’, like 1993 pro-Babangida section of the media, was on hand to manipulate public opinion through misinformation.

The 2023 election in which stalwarts of the ruling party, including the president, the party chairmen, the presidential candidate and many governors, lost their political strongholds because of APC’s eight years of mismanagement of our crisis of nation-building was perhaps the most credible elections after the 1993 as a result of application of technology. But as it was in 1993, for Obasanjo and his fellow 2023 election deniers, their only reality is the picture in their heads.

Tinubu’s 2023 historic victory was a defeat of Obi’s appeal to regionalism, ethnic particularism, and sectarianism. But just as in 1993 when Igbo elite withdrew support for Abiola, alleging ethnicisation of his struggle by his Yoruba people, todays efforts by Yoruba to prevent the replication of Anambra tragedy in Lagos has been seen as attempt to des-enfranchise Igbos in Lagos.

In 1999, godfather Sir Emeka Offor, installed Mbadinuju as governor of Anambra State. Dividends on his investments were in form of direct monthly deductions from Anambra federal allocations. The burden soon became too much for Mbadinuju and Anambra that salaries of Anambra civil servants could not be paid while schools in the state had to be closed for a year.

In 2003, Andy Uba, publicly admitted rigging Chris Ngige into office, following an oath-taking before the Okija shrine. Uba was also said to be responsible for the appointment of all Ngige’s commissioners. Then, Ngige was kidnapped and locked up like a common criminal for refusing to sign a prepared document authorizing direct monthly deduction of N10b for some 89 months. Embattled Ngige said he had only 48 months as governor. Audu Ogbe’s appeal as chairman of PDP to Obasanjo “to act now and bring any and all criminals, even treasonable activities, to a halt” only earned him a sack after sharing a lunch of pounded yam with President Obasanjo, Uba’s godfather.

Ojukwu installed Peter Obi before moving from APGA to join PDP, following the death of his godfather. Obi also installed Willie Obiano.

The only legacy of 24 years reign of anti-democracy traders in Anambra is a daily harvest of deaths visited by Igbo on Igbo according to Governor Charles Soludo.

Lagos on the hand was taken over by Bola Tinubu, one of the heroes of today’s democracy in 1999. He laid the foundation for the rapid transformation of Lagos from one of the dirtiest states to a modern city now rated as the sixth economy in Africa. Fashola the self- proclaiming ‘actualiser’ followed Tinubu’s masterplan. So was Ambode except for a moment of absent-mindedness when he temporarily abandoned the masterplan. Sanwo-Olu has today completed some of the legacy projects including the metro-line, the new Lekki airport and Lekki deep sea.

It is doubtful if Igbo 2023 election deniers who want to make an Anambra of Lagos by foisting a Rhodes-Vivor with no cognate experience on Lagos see any difference between Anambra and Lagos. They also want us to believe Obi who exploited the sentiments of his people at home and support of Igbo urban immigrants to secure 25% in 16 states below the 25 constitutional thresholds, defeated Tinubu who secured 25%in 30 states scoring as many votes among Christians as among Muslims across the nation.

2023 like 1993 is an attempt to play the ostrich by those bent on imposing their own world view no matter how depraved on others. President Tinubu may not be able to change the past; he must however understand even from his recent travails, that our problem is not economics but politics. Restructuring, to borrow Bode Thomas phrase, ‘is the only way to prevent being ruled by one-eyed king’.

June 15, 2023
Loose cannon
- El-Rufai is danger waiting to happen, with his self-imposed project to stop Christians from becoming president or governor in the country
If a loose cannon is “someone who behaves in an uncontrolled or unexpected way and is likely to cause problems for other people”, then, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, qualifies as one. And, if anyone had been in doubt as to the kind of person that the former governor is, his interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC shed light on his personality. His utterances during the interview were not only unbecoming of a person of his caliber but they were highly insensitive, divisive and potentially disruptive, especially in a secular country like ours.

According to el- Rufai, he had used Kaduna State as guinea pig and succeeded in achieving his aim of installing a Muslim-Muslim governor/deputy governor. This was the first time ever that such a thing would happen in the state. He is emphatic that no Christian would ever smell the governorship and deputy governorship positions in the state. El-Rufai’s successor and his deputy are Muslims.

That he even had to do this by subterfuge is particularly disgusting. According to his interview, which he has not denied, he reportedly said they lied to the Christians during the last political campaigns that they were not after religion but competence, making the Christians vote for them, only to abandon them after the polls. Thereafter the Christians can’t aspire to be governor or deputy governor but be contented with having access to healthcare, education and jobs.

This is unbecoming, coming from a man that had governed a state with 99 per cent Christians in the southern part, 40 and 50 per cent Christians and Muslims, respectively, in Kaduna Central, and 99 per cent in Kaduna North. Even if this statistics is not particularly accurate in every material particular, the fact of the matter is that Kaduna State is home to people of both faiths in appreciable numbers. It is therefore expected that a man who is occupying the governor’s seat in such a state should understand and respect such sensitivities.

Read Also: Gov Sani retains Kaduna SSG, El-Rufai’s aides

Although there is usually the deliberate effort to ensure religious balancing for social cohesiveness in such appointments in the country, we have no issues with Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket. After all, this is not the first time that we would be having such combinations in leadership positions in the country. The much-talked-about June 12, 1993 presidential election featured Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola as presidential candidate and Alhaji Babagana Kingibe as vice presidential candidate; this did not stop Nigerians from voting overwhelmingly for the duo in what both local and foreign election observers described as the fairest and freest election in Nigeria.

Right from the Second Republic to date, we have had both governors and their deputies from the same religious belief in some states. Even the incumbent president and vice president are both Muslms, yet Nigerians voted for them. So, there is nothing spectacularly novel in the idea of same faith president or governors and their deputies.

But that has almost always come naturally.

What we find reprehensible is the idea of a sitting governor preoccupying himself with the idea of making Muslim/Muslim governorship ticket his pet project. It was bad enough that el-Rufai devoted the time, energy and resources that he would have used to advance the cause of the state to such pettiness. To now come public with it and be beating his chest as if he has done a Yeoman’s job makes the matter even worse.

That the former governor is not satisfied achieving his ambition in his home state but is pushing to elevate it to a national credo leaves a sour taste in the mouth. His claim that he supported the Muslim/Muslim ticket of the incumbent president and vice president not necessarily because of what they had to offer but because they are Muslims tells us that he is not interested in society’s progress but in religious fundamentalism. As a matter of fact, we may not need to look too far for the reasons why southern Kaduna has remained the epicenter of violence and arson, especially in the better part of the el-Rufai years as governor.

Without doubt, el-Rufai has by these unguarded utterances poisoned the minds of Christians against Muslim/Muslim ticket, not only in his state but nationwide because his utterances have since been well publicised, even if not well received in some quarters. As a matter of fact, his belief runs contrary to that of some Muslims who raised funds to buy motorcycle and pay bandits who abducted some Christians in the state, to secure the captives’ freedom. This shows, as some Nigerians have always argued, that it is the elite that use ethnicity and religion to cause disaffection in the country for selfish reasons.

It is bad enough that el-Rufai has uttered his offensive statements. That no reputable Nigerian has been able to caution him on this matter not only throws the door open for others to make such reckless comments but also has the potential of Christians not looking dispassionately at such same-faith tickets in the future but with outright hatred and rejection. Should this happen, no one should pretend not to know the genesis.

It is sad that a man who attended prestigious schools both home and abroad could even broach such an idea, not to talk of begin its implementation. How then is he different from, or better than the illiterate Boko Haram members who have been holding the north captive these past years?
June 15, 2023
Stakeholders raise posers over new Student Loan Law

Respite came the way of indigent students and parents on Monday when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law, the Access to Higher Education Bill, popularly called the Student Loan Bill. The Bill was sponsored by former Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to the President. It was passed by the National Assembly last month.

The purpose of the Bill, which disbursement will start between September and October, is contained in its title: “A Bill for an Act to provide for easy access to higher education for Nigerians through an interest-free loan from the Nigerian Education Bank established in this Act to provide education for Nigerians and other purposes connected thereto.”

However, since signing the bill, President Tinubu has received numerous praises from stakeholders in the educational sector and outside over the move. Despite people’s positive reactions, including students, key academic unions and experts have raised posers over the implications for prospective students’ future.

Reacting, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) described the loan bill as discriminatory between the children of the rich and the poor. Its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, in an interview, said: “The union will react soon but everyone knows our position on student loans because you will end up encumbering the children of the poor with loans and debt after graduating.This is discriminatory. If what I read online is correct, it said it is only for children whose parents earn at least N500,000 per annum. That means if your father earns more, you won’t benefit.”

Read Also: Student loan law takes off in September

Similarly, the National President, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Mr. Anderson Ezeibe, said: “I have not studied the bill and we don’t want to react on the surface. But I have seen one area that will not be practicable. It says that students should refund the money two years after NYSC. But what is the provision for someone who is not working after NYSC? And will they all get jobs immediately after NYSC?”

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the student loan bill as a “way forward” in the country’s education system, faulted the repayment terms.

In a statement, the Coordinator, NANS, Zone D, Adejuwon Emmanuel, said: “Without saying much, the Student Loan Act is a way forward to the educational system in Nigeria, because it will assist students whose parents cannot afford to pay tuition fee to pay with the loan.

“But as good as this is, there are some questions that need to be answered by the government. The ultimatum for repayment is not feasible. As we all know, there is no work anywhere and most graduates don’t get work immediately. How will they pay back? How will it work when most of our graduates do not get jobs. Is there any plan or opportunity for those that have no work two years after NYSC?”

A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, Prof. Ini Uko, lauded the initiative, saying: “Well, this means that tuition fees will go up. The subsidy on tertiary education will be removed.Vice-chancellors will be able to introduce tuition fees. This is a good initiative. I am a beneficiary of a student loan and, of course, the people who benefit from it will have to pay back.

“The truth is that we have to stop pretending that the government alone can continue to fund tertiary education. It is not possible.”

Prof. Nasiru Medugu Idris of Nasarawa State University, Keffi also claimed that the new Student Loan Act would cause an increment in tuition fees for students.

Also, Prof. Ben Ugwoke from the University of Abuja also attested that public institutions are not allowed to charge tuition fees as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, except for other miscellaneous charges that keep the school running.

“To the naive, it means relief but to my mind, I think it means higher charges are on the horizon for students,” Ugwoke said.

After the signing of the bill into law, Nigerians have been sharing online a 1980 newspaper’s publication by the defunct Nigerian Students Loan Board containing the particulars of defaulters who gave false addresses and non-existent guarantors to the board when they were students for the purpose of obtaining loan.

With the questions raised by stakeholders, parents and students have appealed to the government to inaugurate the new loan board immediately to douse the doubts being raised by academic unions and experts as well as streamline its functions in line with what obtains in advanced world.

Those who will not benefit

But, more details of the Student Loan Act have shown that students and parents with loan default history, exam malpractices, and drug-related offences may not benefit from the law.

The interest-free loan also specifies that defaulters of repayment or anyone aiding them shall be liable, upon conviction, to two years’imprisonment, or a fine of N500,000 or both.

The Student Loan Act specifies: “A student can be disqualified if they or their parents have defaulted on any loan in the past, or they (student) have been convicted of drug-related offences or any felony involving dishonesty or fraud, or they if the student has been found guilty of exam malpractices by any school authority.”

The Presidency maintains that the Act would be implemented through the use of the Nigerian Identity Number (NIN).

Following the signing of the bill, stakeholders have been showering praises on the President

‘It will alleviate burden of financial constraints’

The Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties yesterday praised Tinubu for signing bill into law. The youth leaders said bill would alleviate the burden of financial constraints on students.

Its Chairman, Amb. Muhammed Musa, briefing reporters on the development, said the law would shape the future of Nigeria and the youth.

Musa said: “By signing the Student Loan Bill into law, you have opened the doors to a brighter future for countless indigent students. This legislation, which provides interest-free loans, is a remarkable step towards empowering our youths and ensuring that financial constraints no longer hinder their pursuit of education.

“Education has always been the cornerstone of progress and development in any society. It is through education that we can unlock the potential of our youth and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to build a prosperous nation. However, the unfortunate reality is that many talented and deserving students have been unable to access higher education due to financial limitations.

“But, today, thanks to President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, that reality is changing. The Student Loan Act will alleviate the financial constraints faced by indigent students. By providing interest-free loans, this legislation levels the playing field and ensures that no talented young mind is left behind. It opens up a world of opportunities for those who have the passion and dedication to pursue their dreams but lack the means to do so.”

Students’ loan: dropout rate to reduce, says NANS

Vice President, External Affairs of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, said the students’ loan would drastically reduce the rate of school dropouts, while more students would be encouraged to apply into higher institutions.

In a statement, he lauded President Tinubu for the ‘special gift’ to students on Democracy Day.

Afeez said the Act would correct many anomalies and put several Nigerian institutions at par with their counterparts abroad.

He noted that the rate at which students committed suicide due to depression when they drop out of school, and the rate at which some of our female students engage in some vices to meet up with payment of their fees, would reduce or die naturally because there would no longer be financial pressure to warrant such acts.

“The first Democracy Day in this new dispensation came with a special gift for us the students and our parents – signing of the students’ loan bill into law. This is because whatever affects us equally affects our parents.

“All the presidential candidates in the last presidential election in Nigeria had their manifestos and they had the parts that talked about their plans for the education sector but none surpassed that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His plans for education were meticulously spelt out and even a novice would be able to relate with it because it was straight to the point and the goals were not too complex to be achievable.

“After perusing his manifesto with my team, we were able to convince students; hence an endorsement of Tinubu’s candidature.

“Right from his first hour in office, Nigerians have started to feel the change of power and the light of the renewed hope has shone round every sphere since he assumed office.

“I want to sincerely appreciate Tinubu on behalf of students and I want to categorically say that we don’t regret endorsing Mr. President,” he said.

Ogunbanjo: Tinubu has brought succour to parents, students

Deputy National President of National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, described Tinubu as a true democrat, who had brought succour to parents and students.

Ogunbanjo, who hailed Tinubu for putting smiles on the faces of parents and students, noted that it was a win-win situation for them because it is interest-free loan.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu is two weeks today in office and he has done very well. In our days, there used to be Students Loan Board in Surulere, Lagos, but all that is no more. The military government didn’t believe in it. Thank God Tinubu has brought a big succour for parents. Indigent students can apply for a loan. It is a good development.

“Parents are delighted and we congratulate the President for signing the bill into law. It shows Tinubu is a true democrat by signing the bill into law on Democracy Day. It is a good step in the right direction. We, at NAPTAN, celebrate him for putting smiles on the faces of parents and students. It is quite wonderful that the loan will be interest-free. It is quite commendable. Students will not be deprived of education with this. It is a win-win situation for parents and students. Kudos to Mr. President.”

CONUA: a positive development

National President, CONUA, Niyi Sunmonu said the initiative was welcome.

“For us and from the little we can read on the pages of the newspapers, it is a positive development that would grant equal opportunity to students to access higher education.

“Once we have access to the Act, we would be able to talk more,” he noted

‘Good decision by President’

Also, an educationist, Mr. Akintoye Hassan, lauded the move. He, however, hoped it would have a lasting positive effect.

He said: “It is a good decision but we will tarry to have the detail of the bill. What we advocate is proper funding of education from primary to tertiary level that will provide free and quality education to the citizenry.

“It has happened in this country before, where university students used to have free meals. Later, they paid for it, but subsidised and eventually they stopped till today. You can only talk about loan where the cost becomes unaffordable.

“In the advanced clime, foreign students pay high school fees to bear the burden of their citizens. This is achievable with proper funding of education that will be able to deliver quality and unique knowledge in some specific aspects of human endeavours through problem-solving research that will attract foreign students.”

June 15, 2023
School hails Michelle David’s feat in UTME Mathematics

Michelle Ada David’s exceptional academic achievements with her 99 per cent score in Mathematics at the just-concluded UTME exams have earned her praises.

In one of such praises, the Fountain Heights Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos – her school – said her remarkable score in Mathematics marked her out as a brilliant lad with a future to watch out for.

The school authorities said the 15-year-old Michelle demonstrated outstanding level of proficiency in Mathematics and other sciences, making her parents and school proud with her aggregate score of 334 in the UTME.

Read Also: Direct Entry, UTME candidates to sit for same examination henceforth — JAMB

The school Principal, Mrs. Adebimpe Delano, said: “This is a testament to her incredible intelligence and dedication to her studies. It is a true inspiration, especially given how challenging this subject can be for many students. Her score is a clear indication of her exceptional ability to solve complex problems and think critically.”

The Delta State-born Michelle said her ambition is to study Software Engineering.

June 15, 2023
Mixed reactions trail policy banning
underage pupils from NECO exam

Stakeholders have expressed divergent views on the policy of the Federal Government banning pupils who are not up to 11 years from sitting for the National Common Entrance Examination conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) for admission into unity colleges. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.

The Federal Government has said henceforth, underage children would no longer be allowed to participate in the National Common Entrance Examination conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) for admission into unity colleges nationwide.

The government told the examination body to deploy strict measures to stop underage pupils from registering for the examination, adding that birth certificate would be compulsory for registration.

It stated that to get into secondary school, a candidate should be at least 12 years and that a pupil could be 11 plus during the examination and by the time of admission, such a person would have attained the age 12.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, gave the order in Abuja while monitoring the conduct of the Common Entrance Examination into the 116 Federal Government Colleges across the nation.

Checks revealed that 72,821 candidates sat for the examination.

Government’s argument

Adejo was unimpressed that many underage persons wrote the examination after monitoring the exercise at the Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, and Government Day Secondary School, Bwari, Abuja.

He described registering candidates less than 11-year-old as “unacceptable”. According to him, Air Force School, among others, does not accept pupils less than 12 years for admission.

Adejo said: “This year, I have advice for parents and I beg you, take this advice to any single home you know. We are killing our children by allowing underage children to write the Common Entrance Examination.

Read Also: NECO shifts entrance exam for ‘gifted pupils’

“I saw children that I know that are not up to 10, and three of them accepted that they are nine years old. We are doing many things; one, we are teaching the children the wrong values. Education is not about passing exams. Education is teaching, learning and character formation.

“I beg the parents, let these children do the exams when they should. We don’t get value by pushing a child too far. Most of the times, if a child starts too early, he or she will have problems later in life.”

Our stance, by stakeholders

But, reactions from stakeholders have trailed the permanent secretary’s directive.

Deputy National President, National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, appealed to the Federal Government to reduce the age to 10, so that when pupils clock 11, they could proceed to secondary school. He noted that the pressure to make ends meet made parents enrol their wards early in school.

“In today’s age and world, mother and father are working. They want to ensure they can provide for their children. Hence, they put their wards in creche or day care. That means schooling has started; education is on. By the time you look at how the child is doing at school, he or she can do what older kids are doing in school.

“We want them to start school early not because we like it but because of the situation of the country. Because they want to make ends meet, parents make children start school from age two or three. In our days, we put our hands to ears. If it didn’t touch the ear, we couldn’t start school. But during that time, we had people to stay with even if we didn’t start school.

“We appeal to the government to consider today’s parents who can’t afford house helps or get them. The government should reduce the age to 10. So that by 11, they enter secondary school. One year reduction won’t mess up that policy,” he said.

But, the Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), Lagos State chapter, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, noted that if policymakers insist the child must be 12 years, it meant that educators were experiencing more challenges in schools. According to her, a child is mature to cope in JSS1 at age 12.

Oyelakin believes the government has cogent reasons for such a decision, adding that many parents of private schools want their wards to enter secondary school even at 10, which eventually becomes a challenge to the schools because many of them find it difficult to cope very well in class. She said an issue like that causes corruption in many schools among teachers, parents and students while also affecting universities in the long run.

She said: “Firstly, what age do they classify as underage? If it’s below 10 years when writing the exam, I think, the child is underage.

“Some of these children are actually very timid when they enter JSS1 and could be vulnerable. They get intimidated and this could affect their mental wellbeing and sometimes affect their academic performance.

“I believe the age approved for secondary school entrance is 11 years; that is if the child started Primary School 1 at age five. Spending six years in Primary School will make the child 11 years by the time he or she enters JSS1.

“But if they insist the child must be 12, maybe they are experiencing more challenges in schools. Because really, by 12, a child is more matured to cope in class at JSS1 and by the time the child is in SSS3 he or she is 18, a more appropriate age to cope in university. This is relative because age may not be the only determinant of level of maturity.

“It is believed that at 18, someone is mature enough, (age of independence). So, he or she should be able to cope better in the university.

“The government will have their reasons for such a decision, many parents of private schools pupils want their wards to enter secondary schools even at age 10, which eventually becomes a challenge to the schools because many of them can’t cope well in class. This brings corruption in many schools among the teachers, parents and pupils, which fall back to our universities.

“Some students feel they have grown to an adult who can make his or her own decisions. Students think going off to college is a declaration of independence. Sometimes this is fine. When a student is mature, motivated, self-directed and responsible, he or she can be expected to make good choices, to learn from mistakes, and to use his time, money and mind well.

“There are some factors contributing to readiness to learn which are: maturation, intelligence, motivation and readiness. These can generate active, self-directed learners and improve learning outcome/achievements.

“The assessment of a child’s readiness for learning involves the combined consideration of children’s socio-emotional, cognitive and behavioural strengths and vulnerabilities and the individual literacy and numeracy skills the child brings to school.”

Principal, King’s College Lagos, Mr. Andrew Ali Agada, in a short response on WhatsApp, backed the directive.

He wrote: “I don’t have to react to what my boss has said. That’s the view of the ministry and he’s given enough reasons. I concur with the policy.”

A parent, who doesn’t want her name in print, said: “There is no need to hurry in life. This jet age mentality is the cause of many social vices today; we want everything fast. Let us wait for these children to grow in spirit, body, mind and wisdom.

“In the past, you have to use your hand to cross your head to your ear to start school. Later, you have to be six years and now what do we have? Let’s take it easy with these children; there is no need to be in a hurry. God has blessed each one for a mission in this world.

“May this policy help our children to grow in wisdom, knowledge and greatness to the usefulness of the family, the society and the world.”

June 15, 2023
Self-esteem, academic excellence and
development

By : opeyemi Adebiyi

The well-being and education of African students is critical for the continent’s pursuit of global competitiveness and economic growth. But various factors such as bullying, poverty, and limited access to quality education are damaging their self-esteem and mental health. Sadly, low self-esteem can lead to negative impacts on academic performance, mental health, and engagement in extracurricular activities To promote positive self-esteem and academic excellence, all stakeholders have roles to play.

The relationship between students’ mental health and their academic results is captured in a World Health Organisation (WHO) report entitled: “Mental health and academic performance” (2021) which discusses the relationship between students’ mental health and their academic outcomes. It indicates that those with poor mental health, including those who have low self-esteem, are more likely to underperform. Furthermore, a UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) research entitled: “Education for all global monitoring report”‘(2021), suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation by increasing stress levels in many students and negatively affecting their mental health and academic performance.

Similarly, a study by the African Journal of Education and Technology (AJET) entitled: “Stereotyping and academic performance among African adolescents” (2022) found that students who experienced negative labelling and stereotyping had lower levels of self-esteem, which in turn impacted their academic performance.

The study also found that students who attended schools that promoted inclusivity and reduced stigma had better mental health and academic outcomes compared to those in less supportive environments.

Furthermore, research has indicated that students with high self-esteem are more likely to be successful in life and have better academic performance.

Read Also: World Health Day: NGO takes free medical outreach to market

Governmental organisations and educational ministries should embrace the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4 and double their efforts to address the crucial issue of promoting positive self-esteem among students. By doing so, they can work towards building a brighter future for the next generation of African leaders.

The African continent, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse populations, has the potential to be a global leader in innovation and development. However, this potential can only be realised if its future leaders, students, are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to take on the challenges of the 21st century.

As we celebrate Mental Health Month, it is important to remember that education and well-being of our future leaders should be our highest priority. Let us work together to promote positive self-esteem and empower the next generation of African leaders to reach their potential.

June 15, 2023
Transportation cost: Students battle for survival

Students are battling to cope with the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government. They noted that it has led to high price of some other commodities. Thus, they want the government to mitigate the effects of the removal. RASHEED ALADEJANA (AAUA) and PRECIOUS AKINTULUBO (OOU) report.

In his inauguration speech, President Bola Tinubu said: “fuel subsidy is gone”. It immediately took effect with queues at petrol stations in major cities, including Abuja, Lagos and others.

However, students nationwide expressed their frustration with the increase in transportation fares and prices of commodities due to the rise in petrol pump prices. They said they didn’t prepare for high fares with the economy not looking good.

Manuwa Shola, a 300-Level Mass Communication student at the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, said the hike in the price of fuel had affected not only transport fares but other commodities.

“The price of fuel, we all know in Nigeria dictates and controls the price at which a commodity is to be sold because every commodity will be transported to the market or locations where those who need them will get them,” he said.

He said the price of fuel is what every other commodities rest on and when there is a hike in the price of fuel, there will be a hike in other goods in the market.

Another AAUA student, Ibitola Adegboyega said the removal of fuel subsidy has made life hard for students.

Read Also: Transportation: Coping with new realities

He said since there is an increase in the price of fuel, the price of shuttle on campus to different lecture theatres has increased from N50 to N100.

“The Federal Government might have good intentions for the removal of petrol subsidy but it is too sudden and not the right time for us as masses.

“Shuttle price on campus was N50 when the announcement of the removal of subsidy was not yet made, but immediately it was announced, the price increased from N50 to N100,” he added.

Akinyemi Victor, a 300-Level Mechanical Engineering student at Ekiti State University(EKSU) said since the hike in price of fuel, it has slowed down the pace of lectures. He said it affects students and lecturers too.

He said the amount he normally spends on transportation had doubled from what it used to be and it is really hard for students on campus.

“It’s very hard. I spend N400 to and fro everyday to enter school for lecture previously. Now it’s doubled, N800 to and fro. Some lecturers even find it difficult to come to class.

“We’ve been in school since 8am on Thursday, we’ve three lectures. None of the lecturers came, why? They all complained of hike in fuel. It’s really hard for me and every other student. You see students with cars going to class with bikes.

” I think subsidy removal is a good move but the timing is wrong,” he added.

Oluwagbenga Ajayi, a 300-Level student of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB) said many students find it hard to adapt to the new change because of the increase in fare.

“The hike in price has really affected lots of students on campus.

One way is that most students find it hard to go to school daily since there has been increased transportation cost and many have not been able to adapt to the change in prices.

“I now spend quite a lot on transportation almost twice what I used to spend.

“The speech of the President was made not long ago, but we saw it taking effect even though it should start by the end of June and this thing has caused many other things in the market to go up,” he said.

Omolade Gbemisola , a 400-Level student at Tai Solarin University of Education(TASUED), Ijagun,Ogun State,said: ” I have been significantly affected by the rise in fuel price, which has greatly impacted my daily life. The increased cost of transportation has made it increasingly difficult for me to commute from my home( hostel) to my teaching practice centre.

“This situation has put a strain on my limited student budget, leading to instances where I have had to pay double the usual fare, such as paying N200 for a N100 bike ride due to the fuel price hike.

“Despite the challenging situation, I am determined to find strategies to cope with the current situation. Firstly, I am exploring the option of temporarily staying at a friend’s place closer to my teaching practice centre, which would reduce my daily transportation expenses to N200 instead of N400.

“Secondly, I will be more mindful of my purchases and carefully consider my destinations to avoid unnecessary spending.

“Regarding the administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I strongly recommend that the government prioritise the well-being of its citizens and ensure that the transition to a subsidy-free system is manageable for all stakeholders involved.

“Furthermore, I suggest that the government adopt a phased and gradual approach to reducing subsidies, allowing citizens, including students, to adapt and find alternative solutions.”

Uyemhi Queen-Ann, a 400-Level student at University of Port Harcourt(UNIPORT), said: “I come from home, and with the hike, planning my fare to school is really distorted. It is the most frustrating feeling. At the moment, it is hard to talk about coping. As adjustments come, adapting happens.

“There should be enforcement on a certain level of fuel price despite the removal of subsidy. Marketers are making it difficult for people to access this, and it is unfair. Subsidy removal isn’t the issue; it is the marketers and distributors of this that make it hard and invariably, the scarcity of fuel will affect the selling price.”

Omolabake Salako, a 500-Level Nursing student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, said: “The rate of inflation was somewhat unexpected. For instance, travelling back to school was overwhelming, as there were less vehicles to convey passengers and the fares were almost twice their original prices. Also, living in a student area makes the situation worse, as original inflated prices have become super-inflated. It’s hard being a student with little financial support in these times.

“There’s really no choice but to cope and survive. You have only a single choice during a crisis such as this in Nigeria– adapting to survive. I have chosen to adapt, in high hope that things will become better soonest.

” The removal of fuel subsidy doesn’t in any way improve the lives of the masses, it simply impoverishes them and ultimately leads to both financial and mental exhaustion. So, the subsidy should be suspended till better solutions are created and implemented.”

For Adejumo Itunuoluwa Blessing, a 300-Level Accounting student at University of Ilorin(UNILORIN), she has been affected in multiple ways.

She said: “Prices of goods have increased ridiculously. Transport fare is becoming overbearing. A place I would board bike at N100 is now double the price. Talk of transport fare to school, it has increased and the sitting conditions are so unbearable. The N20,000 I collect for foodstuff normally can only buy half of what I’m supposed to buy. Going to school everyday as a student now requires a lot of thinking because of the increase. I’ve really been adversely affected. It should be suspended for now.”

Adeleke Nimotallahi Idera, a HND 2 Banking and Finance student at Federal Polytechnic Kaduna( Kadpoly), said : “I am seriously affected because normal price of transportation has tripled. I manage myself though, before going for lecture I do call my class representative to confirm if the lecture will hold because I don’t want to waste money and getting to school the lecturer will not be available. The subsidy should end because it is not easy for us students.”

Paul Olagbegi Oluwasegun, a 200-Level UNILORIN student, said: “I’m just hoping that the price is regulated and everything can return to business-as-usual. Other than this, I will say an average Nigerian is now able to adapt to any “sudden hardships” in certain sectors of our economy and society and as such everyone has personal coping mechanisms.

“I think the removal of fuel subsidy is for the good of all Nigerians as this will help in building and focusing on other sectors of the economy at large.

“Government and the NNPCL should enforce fuel price regulations to curb the tendencies of our local fuel stations from going overboard in fixing of prices.

For Ariel Cyril, a 400-Level student at University of Jos(UNIJOS), government should consider suspending it and improve on minimum wage.

His words: “I’ve been affected by the subsidy removal and the hike in fare that followed suit. I stay off campus and I pay double the previous amount to get to school. Coping with the situation is not easy, but one has to find a means. In doing so, I’m more cautious of my spending and also working on myself to get an extra source of income as well.

“Government should try to improve the lives of the citizens; let actions and decisions it takes be to the best interest of the citizens and in doing so, they should put into consideration the great fraction of Nigerians living below the poverty line.

“Suspending the subsidy in the meantime and giving ample time for the people to prepare and gradual removal of the subsidy will be better. The government should also improve on the minimum wage.”

Adedokun Mazeedat, another TASUED student said: “I am undergoing my teaching practice which makes it compulsory for me to make use of public transport from Monday to Friday. Of course, there’s no other alternative to take than to take a bus despite the hike in fare.

“Transportation and charging of mobiles are eating up larger part of my income.

“In a situation like this, I have to just set apart more money on transportation, be cautious of reckless spending, do more of trekking to attain destination(indeed a typical student life) and try buying things in bulk.

“The government should make sure there is a decrease in price of commodities. Policymakers should help citizens cope with the effects.”

Daniel Oluwafunmilola Gabriel, a student at Lagos State University (LASU), said: “As a student, the removal of fuel subsidy has really affected me because drivers have inflated fare. There is no day I don’t go late to class all because of the fuel price hike. There is no way I can cope at all.”

Peter Emmanuel, a 300-Level student at AAUA, said: “The fuel price hike has affected me because I have to forfeit some of my classes. My movement has been restricted because I can’t go out freely as usual anymore. Despite the hike, we don’t have electricity and we need to charge our gadgets, now charging centres have increased their fees.

“I doubt if students like me will cope because of this hot weather, but we shall survive as we did during naira scarcity months ago.”

Agbeleye Mercy Oluwarantimi, a 400-Level Biology student at Federal University of Technology, Akure(FUTA), said: “The aspect that affects me the most is the hike in transport price which has also led to an increase in goods and services.Transportation now costs twice the normal price likewise goods.

This is so painful for me as a student who fends for herself. Now, I have to consider how important a lecture is before I attend.I have decided to reduce my food to twice a day and also trek once or twice to class to reduce my cost of living.”

Food vendor, driver not left out

A food vendor in Akungba-Akoko, Mrs. Alonge Idowu said she had to raise the price of her food due to the increase in transportation costs. The cost of foodstuff in the market has also risen, and she has had to spend more on getting ingredients.

”It has not been easy. Our customers are also complaining. In fact, some of them have stopped patronising us.

”There is no food for N500 now. I can’t blame them because people don’t have enough money to move around, not to mention buying food.”

A commercial vehicle driver who takes passengers from Ikare to Akungba, Mr. Aliu Kazeem, stated that the rise in fare is not the fault of transport operators. He noted that motorists in Akungba and neighbouring communities buy petrol between N500 and N700 per litre.

“You should check it yourself now. Cost of transportation has to go up too. And we the drivers union are working to ensure that the price will not affect the passengers because we don’t want them to suffer,” he said.

END.

June 15, 2023
American varsity awards honorary degree on businessman

By : Akinbobola Vera Ajoke

American Heritage University of Southern California, USA has conferred an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration on Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Global Shipping & Logistics Limited, Eric Opah, in recognition of his commitment to industry and intellectual excellence.

He said: “The areas that the award emphasised are areas of interest to me. Education changes society quickly, and commitment to best practices in business has been a core value of our services”.

The award, he said, was a call to do the things he has been doing better.

The university is renowned for its unique attention to “revolutionary education” which concentrates on business and accessibility of education to people in different circumstances.

It found Opah’s long provision of valuable, reliable services, and his development of people and communities worthy of its doctorate.

Holder of a B.Sc.degree in Business Administration, Opah started his career in the logistics industry with Panalpina World Transport Group.

He is a board member of the Nigeria-America Chamber of Commerce; an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria, the President of Eric Opah Foundation; the of President of Umunna Nsulu Progressive Forum as well as President of Mbubo Transformation Group.

Opah was nominated to participate in the All-WorldNetwork Executive Programme in Harvard University, USA.

Read Also: Ndokwa greets pioneer VC of Medical Varsity

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Logistics, and a Fellow, Ports and Terminal Management Academy of Nigeria.

He founded the Eric Opah Foundation which focuses on empowering youths through educational grants and diverse support.

In recognition of his devotion to humanitarianism and community development in Abia State, the State Government also honoured him.

June 15, 2023
Challenges of community relations

By : Akinbobola Vera Ajoke

In Nigeria, community relations remain a sensitive issue, especially in recent years with rising cases of ethnic and religious conflicts. The country, with its diverse cultures and traditions, is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique customs and beliefs. However, the lack of understanding and tolerance for each other’s differences has led to mistrust, suspicion, and outright hostility, resulting in communal clashes that have claimed many lives and destroyed properties worth millions.

One of the most significant challenges facing community relations is tribalism. The country’s political and economic structures are skewed perhaps in favour of certain ethnic groups, leading to resentment and feelings of marginalisation by other groups. This situation has created a sense of “us versus them” mentality, which fuels tribal conflicts.

Religious differences have also contributed significantly to poor community relations. The country is divided almost equally between Christians and Muslims, and there have been many instances of religious clashes, especially in the North. The Boko Haram insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people, is an example of religious divide in the country.

The government’s response to these conflicts is inadequate, with many accusing authorities of playing a divisive role in fuelling ethnic and religious tensions. The lack of accountability and justice for victims of communal clashes has also contributed to the cycle of violence.

Read Also: Enugu community leader escapes assassination

However, there are still some positive developments. Civil society organisations, religious leadersb and other stakeholders have been actively engaging in peace building and reconciliation efforts. The “Not in My Name” campaign, which was launched in response to the 2018 killings in Plateau State, is a good example of such initiatives.

The campaign, which brought together people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, aimed to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among citizens.

Another positive development is the growing awareness of the need for inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue. Many young Nigerians are taking the lead in promoting dialogue and understanding among different communities. For instance, the “One Nigeria” project, which was launched by a group of young Nigerians, aims to promote national unity and patriotism through cultural exchange and dialogue.

Community relations remain a complex issue with many challenges and opportunities for improvement. While the government has a significant role to play in addressing the causes of communal conflicts, it is essential to recognise the efforts of civil society organisations, religious leaders and young Nigerians who are working tirelessly to promote peace and unity in the country.We can only build an inclusive, tolerant and prosperous society through collective efforts.

June 15, 2023