The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Poor funding, cultism, bane of education in Nigeria – Don

    Prof Vongai Nyawo from Zimbabwe, has identified students involvement in cult activities and poor funding in tertiary institutions by the government as major threats in Nigeria’s institutions and other African countries 

    Nyawo dropped the hint Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, during the maiden International Conference by Prof Ezenwa Ohaeto Resource Centre.

    The two day conference with the theme; Emerging Trends in Tertiary Education in Africa also featured book presentation.

    The book entitled: On Justice, Equity and Dignity: Recreating Woman being in Contemporary African Society was edited by Dr Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto and Ijeoma Nwajiaku.

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, Nyawo, expressed worry over the manner in which mainstream knowledge was  produced and applied in today’s challenges facing education in Africa.

    He added that financial meltdown had compounded the crisis in the education sector, which she said, included low salaries, and infrastructural decay.

    According to the History lecturer, “the third generation institutions of 80s and 90s faced challenges of inadequate funding, increasing students population, limited infrastructural capacity, challenges of quality  , relevance and massive brain drain and lots of other vices”

    “The fourth generation coming around 2000 to date was introduced to face new demands for trained manpower as well as new forms of training that match the economy”

    Read also: Lagos to partner Netherlands in education, health, others

    “Nigeria education is also riddled with cultism which is not very common in Southern African tertiary institutions where I come from”

    “Cultism poses great danger to lives and properties of citizens. Sadly, on the increase in southern African tertiary institutions is suicide going up to ten students per year”

    “Reason for these suicides have largely revolved around matters of the heart, love that would have gone wrong and in most cases, it has been male students dying because a staff member snatched their girlfriends” 

    “So, the question to ask is whether government has braced themselves to capacitate institutions of higher learning with funding, space for autonomy and promotes research and development”

    “Africa has a challenge to practice due diligence to demonstrate equality and set national benchmarks linked to world class standards,” the Professor said 

    The convener, Dr. Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto, said the conference theme aimed at  stimulating critical discourse among individuals in tertiary institutions, with the intension of  exposing and tackling identifiable issues that were  emerging in the nation’s tertiary system.

    She informed that the core values of the resource centre was built around Prof  Ezenwa-Ohaeto, who during his lifetime, won seminal laurels and brought fame to Nigeria and African literature.

    While the vision, she continued, revolved around creating forum for creative writing, revitalizing reading culture in the society, especially among the youths, mentoring young academics and creating forum for academic discourses.

    Ohaeto said, “to further promote academic activities, we have added academic journal to our operations”

    “The journal dubbed:  Prof Ezenwa Resource centre Journal of Arts and Humanities) with formidable editorial crew, is an online journal, very visible in the Google scholar. We are also in the business of indexing other journals,” Ohaeto said.

  • ‘No controversy in NAHCON over tenure renewal’

    The alleged controversy in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is nothing but a ruse, sources within the commission have confided.

    They dismissed the report as handiwork of mischief makers intent on distracting the Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed-led leadership.

    Some media reports had alleged of divisions in the commission over the extension of the appointment of the Acting Chairman of the NAHCON.

    Several officials, who claimed not to have authorisation to speak on the matter, said staff of the commission are proud of the achievements of the present leadership and welcome the re-appointment of the acting chairman and other members of the board.

    “Who will not be proud of what the chairman (acting) and his team have done here? Today the management have given us a befitting office complex valued at over N2 billion that is the Metro Plaza.

    “Also, our commission has now become a financially self-sufficient agency that can fund hajj with little or no government fund, embarking on renovation/upgrades of hajj camps across the country from development levy and reforms of administration of hajj through innovative information communication technology,” one of the officials said.

    Read Also: Eight things Nigerian pilgrims should expect during 2019 Hajj – NAHCON

    Also, another staff of the commission said it was a milestone for the Islamic Development Bank, reputed for its financial discipline and integrity, to partner with the NAHCON in its programs.

    “This speaks to the great works being carried out by Mallam Mohammed and his team. If anybody says there is controversy, it is simply mischief and it should not be so amongst the Muslim Ummah,” the staff said.

    According to the staff, Saudi Arabia Hajj authorities now rate Nigeria as the third best hajj organisers in the world. “Nigeria pilgrims for the first time are being refunded for service not render or rendered unsatisfactorily. Honestly, they deserve another opportunity to complete this cycle of transformation,” he added.

    Speaking directly on the issue of the reappointment, a senior staff of the commission said the current chairman was permanent commissioner and not chairman, “so no sincere person can say he had served as chairman before, therefore no eligible for second term.”

    “Let me tell you this, the people selling this fake story have no idea of the Furthermore, NAHCON Establishment Act 2006, because if they do, they won’t be waving any so-called letter other than the NAHCON ACT 2006 which separates the office of chairman as a distinct office from the three permanent commissioners. Office of Chairman as the chief accounting officer is not and cannot be the same as the office of permanent commissioner.”

    Section 3 (1) of the commission’s act states that the commission shall consist of (A) The chairman who shall be:

    The Chief Executives and accounting officer of the commissionResponsible for the commission for the day to day management of the commission

    This was followed by section 3 subsection (b) which stated that “Three full-term members and six part-time members representing two geopolitical zones two who shall be women.

    Another management staff of the commission expressed shock at the introduction of ethnicity into the affairs a religious body by people of the same faith.

    “It is really unfortunate for anybody to attempt to attach ethnic or regional yardstick to appointments in a religious body like NAHCON that is doing well in managing the affairs of Muslims concerning Hajj.

    “In case you are not aware, out of the three permanent commissioners in NAHCON, the commissioner representing the South-East and South-South in the person of Dr Sale Okenwa has left NAHCON since 2015 and the Federal government is yet to appoint someone to fill the position.

    “But no one from the zones has raised the dust of ethnic tension. That office is being headed by someone from the south-west. Official issues should not be personalized because as a Muslim, we all believed that it is Almighty Allah that gave power to whom he wishes.”

  • Obaseki counts gains of NAFEST

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the annual National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) has lived up to the noble objectives for which it was created, including deepening unity among Nigerians.

    Obaseki said this on Thursday during a reception organised for the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe and the directors of culture of over 30 states of the country.

    The governor who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, noted that: “NAFEST has continued to foster greater unity among Nigerians through its numerous artistic and cultural offerings.”

    He explained that with unity, Nigeria as a country can attain any heights, and assured that Edo State was upbeat about hosting a colourful NAFEST come October this year.

    Read Also: NAFEST 2019: Stakeholders storm Benin for final preparations

    Earlier at the Oba Palace, the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, pledged the support of the palace for the festival and extolled the NCAC DG Otunba Runsewe.

    The revered monarch said Nigeria needs great minds like Runsewe who are passionate about the promotion of the country’s rich and diverse cultures and expressed his delight at the choice of Benin as host of the next edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture slated for October.

    In his address, Runsewe hailed the Oba whose impressive antecedents as Nigeria’s ambassador, he said, ensured the restoration of peace to Angola amongst other noble achievements.

    The NCAC boss intimated that at least three million people from around the world will be in Benin City for NAFEST, including exhibitors, art collectors, culture enthusiasts and other stakeholders.

  • AFCON 2019: Nigerians in South Africa urge the Eagles to defeat Algeria

    The Nigeria football supporters club, South Africa chapter, has urged the Super Eagles to remain focused and committed to be able to soar above their high-flying Algerian counterparts in the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    According to Okeke, the Eagles have the potential to win their remaining matches because there is improvement in every game after their loss to Madagascar.

    He noted that the Super Eagles victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa was awesome even though Nigerians could not celebrate the victory on the streets for fear of their hosts.

    Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 to qualify for the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations tournament.

    Okeke told NAN that the club’s members and some Nigerians watched the match against South Africa at a viewing centre they set up.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Nigeria to play Algeria in Semi-final on Sunday

    “Members of the supporters club and some Nigerians set up a viewing centre in Johannesburg to watch the match. It was tension soaked and we are happy that the Eagles won the match,” he told NAN.

    Okeke said that at the end of the encounter, Nigerians celebrated the victory quietly till the early hours of Thursday.

    “Nigerians are still celebrating the victory, though on a quiet note. We are happy that the Super Eagles made us proud and we are very optimistic that Nigeria will win the Cup,’’ he said.

    He appealed to the team’s head coach, Gernot Rohr to ensure his squad for the match was that would play as in the last match.

    Okeke added, “Chukwueze made us proud and I believe, other Nigerians too, because he was spectacular in the match. He has a bright future and I am optimistic that he will go places with his career in football,’’ the chairman said.

    (NAN)

  • 3 men arraigned for damaging Customs’ vehicles

    Three men were on Friday arraigned before a Badagry Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for alleged willful damage of two vehicles belonging to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), among other vehicles.

    Abiola Joyi, 36; Monday Taiye 28; and Whesu Sewedo, 34, whose addresses were unknown, are facing a count charge of malicious damage.

    The defendants on arraignment, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

    The Prosecutor, ASP. Akpan Nkem, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on July 2, at about 10:20 a.m. at Customs Check Point, Mowo, Badagry.

    Nkem alleged that the defendants damaged the side door glasses of two Customs’ vehicles with registration numbers CS060AI and HQ192CS, valued N15,000.

    Read Also: Man arraigned for raping girl, 17

    “The defendants also damaged the windscreen and side glasses of a Peugeot 406 with registration number APP 207 EX valued at N38,000, property of Waziri Abubakar.

    “They also damaged beyond repairs a Nisssan Murano with registration number LND 364 DJ valued at N3.5million property of Uwaifo Friday.

    “The defendants also damaged the windscreen of a truck with registration number AAA 33 XN valued at N55,000, property of Kolade Ebenezer,’’ he told the court..

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The Magistrate, Mr Patrick Adekomaiya, after listening to the charge, granted the defendants bail of N1 million each with two sureties in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until Aug.13, for mention.

    (NAN)

  • Man arraigned for raping girl, 17

    A 45-year-old man, Emmanuel Toviho, on Friday appeared in a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl.

    Toviho, whose address is not provided, faces a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor, ASP. Akpan Nkem, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 6 at Godo Guest House, Ibereko in Badagry.

    Nkem said that Toviho unlawfully had sexual intercourse with the girl without her consent.

    “The defendant forcefully penetrated the girl’s private part without her consent.

    Read Also: Pressure mounts on COZA pastor over rape allegation

    “He also conducted himself in a manner likely to breach the peace,’’ the prosecutor said.

    Ikem said that the offences contravened Sections 168 and 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Patrick Adekomiya, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    He adjourned the case until Aug.6.

    (NAN)

  • Nasarawa Govt partners ALGON on rural development

    The Nasarawa State office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has entered into partnership with the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to identity and address the priority needs in the rural areas.

    Abubakar Murtala, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Abdullahi Sule on SDGs made this known in Lafia on Friday during a courtesy call on Aminu Maifata, ALGON Chairman, who is the Chairman, Lafia Local Government Area.

    He said that his office served as an intervention one, aimed at intervening in the challenges confronting the society, especially rural communities.

    SDGs, otherwise known as Global Goals, comprising 17 goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

    Murtala explained that he intended to consult properly to know the priorities of the people before carrying out any project.

    He said that the office had already identified primary and secondary schools across five of the local government areas in order to supply them potable water and toilet’s facilities in line with goals four and six of the SDGs.

    “Water system is to be provided in secondary schools, while toilet’s facilities are to be provided in primary schools.

    Read Also: Zamfara, ALGON at war over joint account

    “We would also build five new schools and provide them with water and toilet’s facilities in order to make them conducive enough for teachers and the students,’’ Murtala said.

    He said plans had been concluded by the state SDG to flag off the construction of the five schools in the next one week, saying that the government would start from Awoma Community of Lafia.

    Murtala gave an assurance that his office would do everything possible to attract intervention from foreign partners to complement the efforts of the state government for the benefit of the people.

    Responding, the ALGON chairman commended Murtala for the initiative of consulting with the view of carrying them along, unlike the practice in the past.

    Maifata said that nobody borders to consult local government officials in the past before executing projects in their areas.

    He promised that since the governor’s aide had decided to carry them along, on behalf of all the 13 Chairmen, they would accord him the necessary support to enable him succeed.

    (NAN)

  • Fashion designer arraigned for stealing items worth N3m

    The police on Friday arraigned a fashion designer, Unyine Uya, in an Upper Area court at Mpape in Abuja for allegedly stealing perfumes and fabrics worth N3million belonging to her employer.

    Uyi, 40, who lives on No; 2/2 court Gado Nasco, kubwa, Abuja is charged with criminal breach of trust and theft.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Edwin Ochayi told the court that the case was reported at the Maitama Police Station by Ms Okyo Cynthia.

    Ochayi alleged that the defendant sometime in May, entered the complainant’s house and stole her perfumes, lace fabrics, and other materials worth N3 million.

    He alleged that during police investigation, some of the fabrics were recovered from the defendant.

    Read Also: Woman arraigned for assaulting neighbour over loud music

    The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 314, 287 and 298 of the Penal Code.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Judge, Hassan Muhammad, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N3 million with one reasonable surety in like sum.

    Muhammad ordered that the surety must be reliable and must be a civil servant of no less than a level 12.

    The judge also said the surety must deposit his or her identity card, letter of first appointment and letter of last promotion at the court registry for verification.

    He adjourned the case until Aug. 9 for hearing. (NAN)

  • Engineers develop artificial muscles

    An international team of engineers in U.S. and China have developed a powerful artificial muscles which can generate a power 40 times that of human muscles.

    A study published online on Friday in the journal Science, explained that the engineers developed the muscles using a polymer sheath around inexpensive yarns.

    It described the sheath-run artificial muscles in which the outside sheath absorbs energy and drives the actuation of the yarns inside.

    Previous artificial muscles were made by twisting yarns, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), fishing line and nylon thread, to the point that they coil.

    Those twisted yarns can drastically contract when heated and return to initial conditions when cooled, according to the study.

    “In our previous twisted and coiled muscles, we applied thermal energy to the entire muscle, but only the outer twisted part of the fiber was doing any mechanical work.

    The central part was doing little, said the paper’s lead author Mu Jiuke at the University of Texas at Dallas.

    Also, it takes a relatively long time to transmit the energy into the inner part of yarns, thus slowing down the muscle’s response speed,” Mu told Xinhua.

    Read Also: Benefits of artificial intelligence and robotics

    Mu said with the sheath, the input energy can be converted into the mechanical energy of the muscle more quickly and efficiently.

    In the experiment, the researchers twisted the yarns while the sheath was still wet since the sheath will crack after it has dried.

    Researchers from Donghua University in Shanghai also demonstrated a consumer application of sheath-run artificial muscles.

    They knitted them into a textile that increases porosity when exposed to moisture in order to bring more comfort to cloth wearers.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Apapa gridlock: Reps proposes development of inter-modal transportation

    The House of Representatives Wednesday said palliative measures are not likely to resolve the traffic gridlock in Apapa, Lagos until the provision of alternative means of transporting goods such as railway and waterway are given priority.

    The lawmakers said development of other deep seaports and dry ports around the coastal area of the country, in addition to the provision and development of road infrastructures around Apapa and other major projects around the country would go a long way in solving the challenges of movement of goods and services from the ports.

    Nonetheless, the House urged the Federal government to ensure that palliative measures are carried out on the dilapidated roads especially that linking the Apapa/Oshodi Expressway and the Tin Can and Coconut axis.

    All stakeholders especially the leadership of the Truck Owners/Drivers were also urged to comply with President Muhammadu Buhari directive on the removal of all trucks/trailers on the road.

    Read Also: Apapa gridlock: FG committed to building new sea ports – Osinbajo

    The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion by Egberongbe Adewale (APC, Lagos), who lamented that Apapa Port was designed to accommodate 33 million metric tons of goods per day, but currently, it is processing not less than 80 million metric tons which was overstretched its infrastructure, thereby resulting in an overarching traffic situation leading to loss of valuables by motorists to armed robbers.

    According to him, experts have cautioned that siting Tank Farms, which are highly combustible, in residential areas, poses major threat to lives and properties of the residents.

    Adewale noted that the Presidential Task Force is steadily clearing the gridlock by regulating the entry of trucks into the road and its environs, but fashioning a long term solution that would create an efficient and friendly management regime in the area that will pave way for economic activities to thrive, may take a longer time to achieve.

    “In spite of the efforts being made by the Presidential Taskforce, truck drivers still park indiscriminately on the expressway, thereby undermining the laudable efforts of the government and adversely affecting the socio-economic activities of the area which does not have an alternative route for transporting goods from the ports to other parts of the country,” he added.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after a voice vote by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamil