The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Wike berates critics of First Lady’s honorary Degree

    The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike has  faulted critics of  the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan over the honorary doctorate degree conferred on her by a University in South Korea.

    The Minister said the criticism were “not only out of place, but bereft of common sense”.

    Those opposing the award had claimed that it was ill-timed and improper for the First Lady to receive such award when universities in the Nigeria were shut down because of strike action by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Wike on Sunday  maintained that there was nothing wrong with the action of the First Lady as long as it was the university that decided to extend such gesture to her.

    He stressed that the award was in recognition of the First Lady’s humanitarian services and in particular, her efforts in fighting cyber crimes.

    He said: “One will not necessarily bother himself because most of these critics do not understand how governance operate.”

    “The mere fact that ASUU is not on campus, does not mean all activities of government would be grounded.”

    “It does not also mean that other staff of the universities are not working. They are working; the only thing is that academic activities are not taking place.”

    Wike continued: “So, if other institutions all over the world want to honour the first lady for her contribution to mankind, I do not see anything wrong with that.”

    “That ASUU is on strike does not mean all universities are on strike. University of Illorin is a public university but they are not on strike.”

    “There are also other private universities in this country. So, to me such criticism is completely out of place; it does not make any sense,” he stated.

    He also appealed to the ASUU members to shift ground on their demands, just like the way government had done, in order to end the four months strike.

    He noted that the demands the staff are demanding from government had been there for over 20 years.

    Stressing that it was impossible for the government to fully fund the tertiary institutions, he advocated for financial autonomy for the universities.
    “We agree; ASUU is making some demands that would have improved on what we have in the universities. But, government is saying that in as much as we agree with you, these problems that had been there for over 20 years cannot be solved within two to three years. It is not possible and they should appreciate what government has done.”

    “Mind you, the fund that government is releasing has nothing to do with the TETFUND fund. So, if you put all together, you will find out that government is now spending at least N200billion to N300 billion every year, apart from the normal federal budget.” He stated

  • Jonathan hails Eaglets

    President Goodluck Jonathan has  congratulated  the Golden Eaglets on their stunning victory over their Mexican counterparts in the on-going Under-17 World Championships holding  in the United Arab Emirates.

    As the nation celebrates the  victory however, President Jonathan in a statement by his spokeman, Dr Reuben Abati  urged the Eaglets to remember that they have just overcome their first opponents in a long tournament and must therefore stay focused on winning their subsequent matches.

    According to the President, the Eaglets should get to the finals and claim the championship once again for the country.

    He called  on the Eaglets to avoid all possible distractions and continue to display the exhilarating soccer skills, commitment and dedication which overwhelmed the Mexican team yesterday, in all of their subsequent matches.

    He assured  the Eaglets and their handlers of the steadfast support and encouragement of the Federal Government saying he  looks forward to another victory when they take on the Swedish youth team on Tuesday.

  • Student Leaders to FG, ASUU: Save us from boredom

    Student leaders from Akwa Ibom State have  cried out to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to save them from prolonged stay out of school.

    The students under the auspices of Akwa Ibom Students Leaders’ Forum in a statement in Abuja lamented that they were tired of staying at home.

    The statement was signed by 52 Akwa Ibom student leaders drawn from within and outside the state.

    They include the Vice President (Special Duties), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Ubon Marcus, Saviour Ekpe of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) Uyo, Comrade Joshua Akpan of the University of Uyo and Comrade Uko Michael Ukpong of the University of Uyo , among others.

    The students further urged a quick resolution of the Federal Government and ASUU impasse to prevent escalation in crime rate across the country.

    They said: “The quick implication of this strike borders also on internal security as crime rate will soar, because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.

    “We are not laying blames for the current impasse but all we want is to go back to school and we want to do so as soon as possible.

    “We hereby appeal to ASUU and Federal Government to kindly ensure that the strike is called off and students return to classes as we are tired of being idle. We do not intend to be students for ever.

    “Think about our future. Think about our respective families that have suffered to send us through school and the financial implication of our continued stay in school on their lean resources. We are tired of this strike. We want to go back to school.”

    The students lamented that the strike which was called to positively improve the nation’s tertiary education is today having a negative impact on the students.

    They said: “While we salute the doggedness and resilience of ASUU towards ensuring that the 2009 agreement is implemented by the Federal Government, we wish to remind both ASUU and the Federal Government that this strike is affecting us negatively.

    “ASUU embarked on strike with the aim of achieving positive developments in the education sector but with the prolonged strike coupled with FG and ASUU’s uncompromising stance, the reverse is the case.

    “ASUU has accused the Federal Government of insincerity in implementing the 2009 agreement, while the Federal Government on its part has accused ASUU of making unrealistic demands.

    “We are hereby calling on both parties to consider the hardship imposed on us due to this strike. As the saying goes that when two elephants fight the grasses suffer, we the students are the casualties in this case.

    “There are some self sponsored students who make a living through small businesses like selling recharge cards on campus and other business ventures but with this strike, economic activities have been paralysed for such students. The question is: How will they survive?

    “Additionally, while the strike is ongoing, we are growing older without commensurate academic attainment but the age limit for employment is not adjusting to reflect strike.

    “In fact, most companies do not employ any person who is above 25 years as a fresh graduate. Is this not a ploy to give our colleagues in private universities and those studying abroad undue advantage over us? What wrong have we done in attending public universities?”

  • Iheanacho a star in the making – Eaglets coach

    Iheanacho a star in the making – Eaglets coach

    Golden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba, has tipped Kelechi Iheanacho to be one of the stars at the ongoing U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

    MTNFootball.com reports that Iheanacho scored four goals as Nigeria dumped reigning champions Mexico 6-1 in an opening group game on Saturday.

    “I am not surprised that he was able to score four goals for us because he is a very good player and I have no doubt that he would be one of the stars to watch out for at this tournament,” Manu remarked.

    The four-goal hero revealed that he prayed for two goals and got even more.

    “Before the match, I specifically requested for two goals from God and after scoring the first two in the first half, I never knew God has better plans for us,” he said.

    “The glory of this victory belongs to all of us because it was a team effort and we are all looking forward to a good tournament.”

    He said the goals are to the memory of his late mother as well as his younger brother, Chibuike.

    Mrs. Iheanacho passed on in February and Iheanacho said her memories flooded back as he entered the pitch against the defending champions, adding that she would be proud of his achievement.

    “Of course, I remember my mum before the start of the match, but there is nothing I can do about her death. I dedicate the goals to her memory as well as to my younger brother, Chibuike Iheanacho, who I believe would be a very great player in the future,” he said.

     

  • Expect stable power supply by mid 2014 – Jonathan

    Expect stable power supply by mid 2014 – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday promised reasonably stable power supply in the country by the middle of 2014.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the President made this promise while inaugurating the Phase II 500mw Omotosho National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) Plant in Ondo State.

    He added that the Federal Government was targeting 4,700MW from 10 NIPPs which are expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

    According to him, the 10 NIPP projects would be handed over to the private sector next year after completion and inauguration.

    He expressed optimism that the private sector, which had invested $3 billion into the nation’s power sector, would do what it did in the banking and the telecommunication sectors.

    Jonathan implored workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, who had yet to receive their entitlements and severance package, to be patient, adding that they would be paid soon.

    The President enjoined them not to go on strike or do anything that could affect the government’s effort at ensuring reasonable efficiency in the power sector.

    Prior to his speech, Jonathan directed that a minute’s silence be observed in honour of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State, during whose tenure as Minister of Power the project started.

    Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state commended the President for his commitment to the improvement of the power sector.

    He said the state government had also embarked on the building of 30MW NIPP in the Omotosho area of the state.

     

     

  • Tunisia forces kill nine militants

    Tunisian security forces have killed at least nine suspected Islamist militants who are blamed for a deadly attack on a police patrol, officials say.

    They said at least three other suspects were arrested in the operation in the Mount Taouyer area, about 70km (44 miles) west of the capital, Tunis.

    BBC reports that two policemen died when they were attacked in the area on Thursday.

    Interior Ministry spokesman, Mohamed Ali Aroui, said the militants belonged to the Salafist Ansar al-Sharia group.

    The group has been declared a terrorist organisation by the government and the interior ministry spokesman told reporters on Saturday that the three-day operation “has been a success.”

    About two tonnes of materials used to make explosives were also seized.

    The killing of the two police officers led to an angry response from security forces when Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, Prime Minister Ali Larayedh and other senior officials attended a memorial service for the men on Friday.

    The leaders were forced to leave the ceremony because of the hostility.

    Ansar al-Sharia has been blamed for the murders of two secular opposition politicians earlier this year.

    Their deaths also triggered mass protests against Tunisia’s Islamist-led government.

    Several other militant groups – including al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb – also operate in the region.

     

     

  • Return to classrooms, Jonathan pleads with ASUU

    President Goodluck Jonathan has  appealed to the striking members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider their stand and return to classrooms for the sake of the students.

    He made the appeal while commissioning the College of Engineering Complex in the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, named after him.

    No matter the grievances involved, he said that it was unpatriotic to keep the students out of school for four months.

    He said: “I once again appeal to the entire membership of ASUU to pause and ponder on the adverse effect of their action on the future of the vibrant youths of this great nation.”

    “The collective destiny of tens of thousands of tomorrow’s leaders should not be held hostage to vagaries of labour disputes. As long as we are humans, as long as we are a developing society, this labour dispute must come up.”

    “I always says that even in the developed societies, we hear about labour dispute and there is no society, even the most developed that has provided the facilities for every worker.”

    He went on: “Our security services, the Police, the Armed Forces, Navy, Air Force and para-military, intelligence services are also operating in an environment that is not the best.”

    “If all of us should go on long strike because our environment is not optimum, then, definitely we can never get the Nigeria of our dream.”

    “So, let me use this unique opportunity that I am interfacing with our future leaders, our students, to plead with ASUU members.”

    “If it is a genuine strike, keeping students out of classrooms for almost four months, by that they have demonstrated to everybody that they have a case.”

    “And if the strike is motivated by some other interests, they have also achieved that by keeping students out of schools for more than a semester,” he added.

    He cautioned that the freedom of association and the right of workers to go on strike should not be abused and used to the detriment of the nation.

    “I believe that labour has the right to go on strike, but in that strike, any action taken must be built on patriotic zeal. In as much as you can go on strike, you must be patriotic to our country.”

    “No matter how and what you feel about Mr president and the federal government, I plead with ASUU that for the sake of our students, they should resume classes,” he said.

    Since the government has shown commitment to improving the qualities of infrastructure in the universities and the operating environment, he said that ASUU should reconsider its stand.

    He decried the situation where students in public institutions are kept for extra one or two years before graduating.

    He promised that government will continue to work with all Nigerians to build a better country for all and future generation.

    Jonathan congratulated the founder and President of ABUAD, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) for the feat achieved in the institution.

    He said he was deeply humbled by the decision to name the College of Engineering of the institution building after him.

    “It is often said that great minds leave great history behind them and this. History is built on a very great vision. The vision of Aare Afe babalola founder of this promising institution is a noble one.

    Describing Babalola as a man of unassailable character, profound vision, an epitome of the highest ideals and a quinttessential Nigerian patriot, he charged the pioneer graduating students of the institution to become good ambassadors of the school and descent citizens that will make Nigeria proud.

    In his welcome address,  Babalola said that the institution which was built three and half years ago
    is worth over 60 billion private investments.

    With over 4000 students from 36 States of Nigeria and FCT, the institution, he said, is reputed to be the fastest growing private universities in Africa.

    He said that ABUAD is the second best private university in the country and the 14th best among all public and private universities in Nigeria.

    Babalola also said that he decided to invest in the education sector because of his firm believe that government cannot fund the sector alone.

    According to him, the best universities in the world like Oxford and Havard are privately owned.

    The naming of the College of Engineering of the institution after the president, he said, is in recognition of the immense contributions of the administration to education sector.

    He also called on the President to intervene in the development of the Ekiti Airport.

    He said that despite the over N600 million approved by the federal government for the commencement of the prooject in 2011, nothing has happened at the airport site.

    Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike congratulated Babalola for setting standard in private university’s funding and operation.

    He said that ABUAD can favourably “compete with any university on earth” with world class infrastructure and well behaved and brilliant students.

    Among the governors at the ceremony include Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Ramalan Yero of Kaduna, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe and the host governor, Kayode Fayemi.

    Also in attendance were Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide and Sen. Phillip Aduda (PDP-FCT).

    The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRH Festus Adejuyigbe, other traditional rulers and prominent citizens from the State also attended the ceremony.

  • Nigeria can’t break up – Abdulsalami

    Despite the growing fear of a possible break up of the country by 2015, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has reassured  that Nigeria cannot split.

    He said those drumming for disintegration of the country will be disappointed as the umbilical cord of the federating units cannot be separated.

    According to Abdulsalami, “God has joined us together. Whether you break Nigeria into pieces, we will remain joined by our umbilical cord. No matter what happens our umbilical cord is still there. We will live together either as neighbors or as communities.”

    Abdulsalami who expressed this optimism while fielding questions from newsmen in Minna called on Nigerians to decide on what they want the country to become.

    “The issue is what do we want to become? Do we want to be a fire fighting nation where we always find ways of quenching the fire? Do we want to have a united nation? All Nigerians have to do is live together in peace and harmony. We must all join hands to bring peace and security to the nation.”

    On security challenges facing the country, the former leader stated that the security of the nation cannot be left in the hands of government alone as everyone has a role to play.

    He called on the public to pass relevant information regarding security to the authorities as most of the perpetrators live within the midst of the people while calling of the security agencies to protect their source of information to enable them get more relevant information.

    Abdulsalami also berated those engaged in oil theft urging them to search their conscience and turn a new leaf, describing them as unpatriotic.

    “It is sad that some people are unpatriotic. They think they are getting their share by stealing whereas they are not. I want them to search their conscience to see if they are doing the right thing and turn a new leaf so that we can have a peaceful and developing country”.

  • U-17 World Cup: Nigeria drubs Mexico 6-1

    U-17 World Cup: Nigeria drubs Mexico 6-1

    Three-time champions Nigeria on Saturday defeated holders Mexico 6-1 in the ongoing U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates.

    In the opening Group F match played at Al Ain, the Golden Eaglets overcame a nervous start to go top of the group

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria now leads the group with three points and a +5 goals difference from one match, ahead of Sweden and Iraq.

    The Mexicans were unable to take advantage of their opponents’ trepidation, as striker Ulises Jaimes had a chance to score with his head after only three minutes.

    But the Nigerian defence deflected the ball out of danger to get a respite until after about 30 minutes when the Eaglets settled into their rhythm.

    After 33 minutes, the Eaglets went ahead through Success Isaac who raced in and rounded the goalkeeper, before pulling the ball back across goal.

    Kelechi Iheanacho added the second goal with a clever finish, hitting the ball high into the net over a pair of Mexican defenders.

    Seven minutes later, the Eaglets scored again, after Isaac crossed from the left following a fast-break.

    But the Nigerians enthusiasm got the better of them as they conceded a goal a minute later, after failing to clear their lines.

    The ball fell kindly in the goal area for Jaimes who rounded his marker to score with a low shot into the corner.

    However, Iheanacho claimed his hat-trick four minutes into the second-half, slamming home a low shot at the near post after a flick-on from a long throw-in.

     

  • North ready for national confab – Niger governor

    North ready for national confab – Niger governor

    The Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, on Saturday said the north is ready for the proposed national conference.

    Aliyu made the declaration in Yola during the conferment of the traditional title of Talban Adamawa to Mr Daniel Mustapha, at the palace of the Lamido Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Mustapha.

    The governor, who is also the Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, said the region was prepared to participate in the conference without any fear.

    “The north is ready for the conference, no matter what happen, we will come up better, more developed and indeed more united.

    “And I believe what will come out from the conference is for the advantage of Nigeria and its unity.

    “There is no doubting the fact that all parts of Nigeria need unity,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the governor as saying at the event on Saturday.

    Aliyu also defended the decision of the seven Peoples Democratic Party governors to challenge the national leadership of the party, saying it was in Nigeria’s best interest.

    “Many people in the country did not understand why we came out to challenge the leadership style of the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee.

    “All we are saying is that we wanted democracy, because whatever happens in PDP affect Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “The reason for our action was that we were looking for true democracy, justice, equity and fairness in our great party, the PDP.”

    Earlier, the Lamido, had while conferring the title on Mustapha, appealed to Nigerian leaders to be more committed to the unity and development of the country.

     

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