The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NASRDA takes space tech promotion to secondary schools in Southeast

    NASRDA takes space tech promotion to secondary schools in Southeast

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), through its Southeast – Zonal Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory (SE-ZASTAL), has begun space technology applications promotion in secondary schools in the region.

    The coordinator of SE-ZASTAL located at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, EbonyiMr. Andrew Onwusulu, made this known at the workshop for over 442 students and teachers recently at the main hall of Federal Government College, Okposi, Ohaozara, Ebonyi State.

    He said the significance of the training was knowledge expansion to the grassroots.

    Onwusulu said: “The space applications promotion outreach is part of activities designed for secondary school students to motivate interest in space science and technology innovations.”

    Tagged, “Capacity Building for Young Minds: Benefits of Space Science and Technology Applications,” he said the training would linger in the minds of the students that participated in the hands-on demonstrations and lectures.

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    The principal of the school, Mr. Frank O.A. Omale, in his opening address, thanked the agency’s new DG, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, and the SE-ZASTAL coordinator for the privilege of hosting the event.

    Omale urged the students to be serious about the lecture, describing it as a great opportunity for FGC, Okposi, to be the first school selected for such training in the Southeas.

    The principal observed that no nation can survive the present technology world without adequate involvement in space technology and its innovations.

    He, therefore, urged the science pupils to rededicate their time to deep reading and align with current trends in technology, which remain pivotal to national growth.

    Other instructors included Chinedu Akarugwo, an engineer, who spoke on the topic: “Basic Space Science and Technology,” and a scientific officer, Precious Ugwu, who discussed “Space Careers” and Agu John-Paul Okechukwu presented “Understanding Our Environment through Earth Observation.”

    During the training sessions, the pupils had opportunities to access SE-ZASTAL’s facilities. They were exposed to NASRDA activities in other states, such as the National Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos, the Centre for Basic Space Science in Nsukka, Enugu State, the Centre for Atmospheric Research in Anyigba, Kogi State, and facilities at Ile-Ife and Lagos, among others.

  • How to curb maternal mortality in Nigeria, by don

    How to curb maternal mortality in Nigeria, by don

    By Tunde Adeniyi

    A Professor of  Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo,Ogun State,  Prof. John Sotunsa, has said addressing Nigeria’s maternal mortality crisis requires a comprehensive, indigenous approach.

    Sotunsa stated this while speaking at Babcock University’s 49th inaugural lecture entitled:“Beyond superficial success: Holistic approaches to maternal mortality.”

    The don , who also serves as the Provost of the Benjamin Carson Snr College of Health & Medical Sciences of Babcock,   suggested the Ondo State government-driven Abiye Initiative  to stem Nigeria’s maternal mortality.

    He emphasised the effectiveness of the  initiative as a model for nationwide implementation.

    He highlighted how it  successfully addressed critical delays in maternal healthcare.\

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    This initiative integrated efforts between Primary and Tertiary Health Care Centres and employed trained health workers to  provide timely and appropriate care.

    The result was a dramatic drop in maternal mortality rates from the national average of 545 per 100,000 live births to 100 per 100,000 live births within the first year of implementation.

    Addressing the causes of maternal mortality,  Sotunsa identified several key delays that exacerbate the crisis, delays in seeking appropriate care, reaching healthcare facilities, and receiving adequate care and referrals.

    He urged both governmental and private entities to focus on  transforming the maternal health landscape of the country.

    “The statistics are clear. Delays in seeking help for pregnancy and childbirth, reaching specific facilities, and getting necessary care and referrals are major risk factors.

    “Improving the accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality of primary healthcare centres is critical to improving health outcomes, particularly maternal mortality rates,” he said.

    The don  recommended a multi-faceted strategy that include enhancing social support networks, implementing social insurance schemes, and improving mentorship, communication, and documentation within the healthcare system to curb such delays.

     He emphasised that adequate social support can significantly enhance pregnancy experiences, reduce premature deaths by 26 percent, and lower the incidence of depression, anxiety, stroke, heart disease, and dementia among women.

    “We can keep our women alive if we look inward and maximise our opportunities.

    “What we have, know, and do can prevent the majority of maternal deaths in Nigeria if we are available, consistent, ingenious, committed,” he added.

    The don stressed  the importance of community-driven, locally adapted solutions in addressing the maternal mortality crisis.

  • ASR Africa starts construction of lab on FULOKOJA campus

    ASR Africa starts construction of lab on FULOKOJA campus

    By Timothy Odusina

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has begun the construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja(FULOKOJA) Kogi State. This is in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions. The laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from its $100 million Fund for Social Development and Renewal.

    Speaking at the groundbreaking event for the project, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, thanked the Chairman of ASR Africa, for his benevolence towards the university. He said the project would address infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research, and provide a learning platform for discoveries, innovations, and scientific advances in physical and life sciences.

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    Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, thanked the management and students of the university for the warm reception accorded  him and his team. He reiterated the commitment of the chairman to supporting quality education within tertiary institutions in the country. He urged the management and students to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility.

    The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the ASR Africa is a personal commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to give back to the continent and to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of people.

  • LASU bursar, director, inducted into African Legendary Hall of Fame

    LASU bursar, director, inducted into African Legendary Hall of Fame

    By Tofunmi David

    Lagos State University (LASU) Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka, and the Director of the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)  Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin, were at the weekend inducted into the prestigious African Legendary Hall of Fame (ALHF) by the Afrikanwatch Network.

    This was done  at the Afrikanwatch 13th Lecture, Awards, and Induction Ceremony held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH),Yaba, Lagos.

    Olayinka, an accomplished chartered accountant, and Enikuomehin, a professor of computer science, were inducted into the prestigious African Legendary Hall of Fame (ALHF) by the Afrikanwatch Network alongside some other eminent Nigerians.

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    The event also featured  robust intellectual engagement among the attendees, with a  lecture entitled:  Nigerian Politics of Today: The Quest for National Rebirth …. Reclaiming the Identity of a Nation, delivered by Prof. Hope Eghagha, a professor of English and Literary at the University of Lagos(UNILAG).

    The two LASU staff  stole the spotlight as they mounted the rostrum to receive their induction medals and plaques, flanked by colleagues and well-wishers who celebrated what is yet another accolade for the Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello-led administration. Also honoured  were another LASU staff, the chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Agnes Sessi, as well as a business tycoon who is the chief executive officer of Sedav Construction Company, Mr.. Bayo Akinwunmi, an engineer and contractor with the university.

  • Global literacy decline: How Nigeria can rise to the challenge

    Global literacy decline: How Nigeria can rise to the challenge

    By Olusegun Oruame

    In the 21st century, the world is witnessing a paradox: while access to information is at an all-time high, literacy levels are declining globally. This unsettling trend presents significant obstacles to socioeconomic progress, especially in developing nations, Nigeria being no exception. The causes of falling literacy standards are multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach, which includes innovative educational strategies. One promising solution lies in the realm of co-curricular activities, with spelling competitions serving as a influential tool to foster literacy from a young age.

    The Global Literacy Decline and Nigeria’s struggles

    Despite advancements in technology and education, literacy rates are stagnating or falling in many parts of the world. Key among the factors contributing to this decline include, inadequate educational infrastructure such as the shortage of qualified teachers and learning materials, socioeconomic inequality where poverty and gender discrimination hinder access to education, and digital distractions presenting the allure of digital media often overshadowing traditional literacy activities.

    Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population, is significantly affected by these challenges. According to UNESCO, approximately 35 percent of Nigerian adults are illiterate, and many children remain out of school. To combat this, we must explore every possible avenue to improve literacy, including the enhancement of co-curricular activities.

    Co-curricular Activities: A holistic approach to education

    Co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, debate clubs, and academic competitions are essential components of a well-rounded education. They can significantly improve literacy by fostering teamwork, building confidence and motivation.

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    Spelling Bees: A pillar of literacy

    Among these activities, spelling bees stand out as particularly effective in promoting literacy. A good and effective spelling programme should offer to the student

    vocabulary expansion, improved comprehension,

    discipline and dedication.

    Mastering spelling is foundational to effective communication. Misspellings can lead to significant misunderstandings. For instance, confusing “affect” and “effect” can completely change the meaning of a sentence, leading to miscommunication in both written and verbal exchanges.

     Learning from the Scripps National Spelling Bee

    The Scripps National Spelling Bee a prestigious competition held annually in the USA, targeted at students no older than 13 years, is a global example of promoting literacy through competition. Entering its centenary in 2025, the Scripps Spelling Bee has been a benchmark for excellence in spelling. Notably, Ghana has been participating for the past 18 years, and in the 2024 edition, Ghanaian students made it to the semi-finals, bringing pride to the continent.

    This achievement begs the question: What would it take for Nigerian students to participate in such a global and prestigious competition? The benefits would be manifold; participation would enhance Nigerian students’ literacy, boost the nation’s image, and celebrate its rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

    A clarion call for collaboration

    Addressing the literacy crisis requires a collaborative effort. The private sector must complement government initiatives by investing in education and literacy programmes. Initiatives like the Cowbellpedia Mathematics Competition demonstrate the impact of private sector involvement in education. A similar focus on literacy through spelling bees and reading programmes could yield significant improvements. By supporting co-curricular activities, particularly spelling bees, we can lay a strong foundation for literacy, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    In conclusion, literacy is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Nigeria has the potential to turn the tide on declining literacy rates by embracing innovative educational strategies and fostering a culture of learning. Let us collectively strive to nurture the minds of our young learners, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.

  • University administrators urged on discipline, others

    University administrators urged on discipline, others

    By Christianah Adewale

    University administrators have been told to maintain laws, rules and regulations to protect their institutions’ integrity and ensure discipline.

    This was part of the resolutions at a ‘Professional Talk Show’ organised by the Joseph Ayo Babalola University’s chapter of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Association, (ANUPA), Ikeji-Arakeji,Osun State.

    The event which had the theme: “Navigating the Complexities of University Administration: Bridging the Gap Between Academic and Non-Teaching Staff” was moderated by a former Zonal Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, Bolatito Joseph.

    The discussants, Dr Olusegun Akinyemi  of MacPherson University, Ogun State and Prof. Taiwo Amos of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, maintained that teaching and non-teaching staff  play a crucial role in the university system and must work together to achieve a common goal.

    They also  recommended a robust synergy between the office of the Vice Chancellor and that of the Registrar to save the university system from collapse. They also stressed the need for universities to leverage technology to streamline examination processes and improve record keeping.

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    In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of  JABU, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, said effective management of resources, streamlining of processes and support of academic and non-teaching functions are crucial to achieving institutional goals.

    “By fostering the culture of inclusivity and cooperation among all staff categories, we can create a more cohesive and efficient administrative environment that benefits the university system,” the VC said.

    While commending the university’s chapter of ANUPA, he said the forum provided valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing, best practice dissemination and capacity building especially at this time that the evolving educational landscape requires continuous learning and professional development.

    The forum in its 12-point resolutions stressed the need for every administrative officer to possess integrity.  It also recommended regular training for teaching and non-teaching staff for optimal performance.

    Parts of the resolutions were the need for internally generated technological tools to process admission and examination results; assigning academic and non-teaching staff to the job they fit into, staff motivation among others.

  • China opposes UK sanctions against firms over Russia

    China opposes UK sanctions against firms over Russia

    China yesterday voiced firm opposition to the United Kingdom’s decision to sanction five Chinese firms over the so-called Russian involvement.

    In spite of China’s representations and the sound development momentum of China-UK economic and trade relations, the UK insisted on listing Chinese companies in the latest round of sanctions against Russia.

    Such move would have a negative impact on the bilateral economic and trade relations, said a spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce.

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    UK’s unilateral sanctions have no basis in international law and no mandate from the United Nations, which is a typical act of “long-arm jurisdiction,” said the spokesperson.

    “China urges the British side to bear in mind the overall interests of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, immediately correct its erroneous practices, and unconditionally cease the inclusion of Chinese enterprises on its sanctions list.

    “China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises resolutely,” the spokesperson said.

  • Israel violates use of precision bombs in Gaza war, says UN

    Israel violates use of precision bombs in Gaza war, says UN

    Israel has not been paying sufficient attention to the protection of civilians when using precision-guided bombs during the Gaza war, the UN Human Rights Office said yesterday.

    “The requirement to select means and methods of warfare that avoid or at the very least minimise to every extent civilian harm appears to have been consistently violated in Israel’s bombing campaign.”

    Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in Geneva that his office has investigated six Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip between October 9 and December 2.

    It assumes that bombs of the types GBU-31, GBU-32 and GBU-39 were used, which can penetrate concrete and destroy several floors of a building.

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    They were used to attack residential buildings, a school, a refugee camp and a market, the office said.

    At least 218 people had been killed.

    In an attack presumably with nine GBU-31 bombs on December 2, the destruction affected an area with a diameter of 130 metres, the UN agency said.

    It noted that it had destroyed 15 residential buildings and damaged 14 others.

    The section of international humanitarian law governing combat situations states that civilian facilities must be spared as much as possible during attacks.

  • Ramaphosa inaugurated, vows to fight inequality

    Ramaphosa inaugurated, vows to fight inequality

    Leader of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), Cyril Ramaphosa, yesterday took oath as the nation’s president for the next five years at Pretoria, the administrative capital.
    Ramaphosa, 71, was re-elected as South African president by the National Assembly on June 14 with 283 votes against the other nominee, Julius Malema from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 44 votes.
    South Africa has begun a “new era Ramaphosa announced as he was sworn in for a second full term in office.
    Ramaphosa hailed this government during his inauguration speech, but also warned that unless it addressed deep inequalities, the country could become unstable.
    “Through the ballots that they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together,” President Ramaphosa, 71, said solemnly.
    “They have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.”
    South African dignitaries and African heads of states were invited to the inauguration.
    They included the leaders of Nigeria, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo-Brazzaville, and Eswatini, and gathered in the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre outside the Union Building in Pretoria.
    A huge crowd of supporters formed outside the official seat of government, waving national flags.
    Under a sharp blue winter sky, the Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, administered the oath of office.
    “I swear I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa… I will obey, observe and uphold the constitution and all other laws of the republic,” the president said.
    A band then played the national anthem. The rendition was followed by a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by army helicopters.

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    The ANC, which has governed since the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994, lost its majority for the first time after the 29 May election produced no outright winner.
    The party got 40% of the vote, a drop of 17 percentage points, and it lost 70 seats in parliament.
    Under the South African Constitution, once elected as president by the National Assembly, the president-elect must assume office within five days.
    In the general elections on May 29, the ANC secured 159 out of the 400 seats in the National Assembly.
    This is the first time the ANC is falling below the 50 per cent needed to maintain its 30-year-old outright majority in the lower house of parliament.
    A weakened Ramaphosa pledged that his new multi-party government would work to improve basic living conditions for all citizens as he was sworn.
    Ramaphosa’s ANC will share power with five other parties after it was humbled in a May 29 election, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years of democracy.
    The voters “have been unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of our performance in some areas where we have failed them,” Ramaphosa said at his inauguration ceremony in the capital Pretoria.
    He said the voters wanted everyone to have enough food, decent homes, clean water, affordable and uninterrupted electricity supply, well-maintained roads, good care for the sick and elderly, quality schools, and other basic services.
    “Today, I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you,” he said.
    “In this moment we must choose to move forward, to close the distances between South Africans and to build a more equal society.”
    The ANC remains the largest party after the election, followed by the pro-business Democratic Alliance, a critic of the ANC’s record in office, which has agreed to join the new government.
    While investors have welcomed the inclusion of the DA, which wants to boost growth through structural reforms and prudent fiscal policies, analysts say sharp ideological divisions between the parties could destabilise the government.
    Just before the election, Ramaphosa signed into law a National Health Insurance bill that the DA says could collapse a creaking health system. It was unclear what would happen to that law under the new government.
    The DA advocates scrapping the ANC’s flagship Black economic empowerment programme, saying it hasn’t worked — a highly contentious topic in a nation grappling with huge inequalities, some inherited from apartheid.
    Ramaphosa has yet to announce his new government, to be negotiated with members of the new alliance.
    A former liberation movement, the ANC came to power under Nelson Mandela’s leadership in the 1994 elections which marked the end of apartheid and had long been unbeatable.
    However, it lost its shine after presiding over years of decline.
    Weary of high levels of poverty and unemployment, rampant crime, rolling power cuts, and corruption in party ranks, voters punished the ANC, which lost millions of votes on May 29 compared with the previous election in 2019.
    “Our society remains deeply unequal and highly polarised,” Ramaphosa said.
    “We are divided between those who have jobs and those who do not work, between those who have the means to build and enjoy a comfortable life and those who do not.”
    African heads of state and dignitaries from as far afield as Cuba, a historical friend of the ANC, gathered outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the seat of the South African government, to bear witness to Ramaphosa’s inauguration.
    A ceremony full of military pomp and pageantry began with inter-faith prayers by Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and traditional African religious leaders, reflecting the country’s diversity.
    Military helicopters flew past in blazing sunshine, trailing South African flags, to cheers from the audience.
    The former trade unionist and business tycoon first became president in 2018 when his predecessor, Zuma, was forced to resign because of corruption allegations. Zuma has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

  • Ammunition depot explosion kills nine, wounds 46 in Chad

    Ammunition depot explosion kills nine, wounds 46 in Chad

    Nine people were killed and more than 40 injured when a fire set off explosions at a military ammunition depot in Chad’s capital, an official said yesterday.

    Government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah said 46 people were being treated for various injuries after the explosions jolted residents from their sleep late Tuesday in the Goudji district of the capital, N’Djamena. The situation has been brought under control, Koulamallah said.

    The explosions lit up the sky as thick smoke covered the clouds in the West African nation, setting off frantic efforts to extinguish the fire as residents fled their homes for safety.

    The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, and President Mahamat Deby Itno said an investigation would be conducted.

    “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the bereaved families and quick recovery to the injured,” Deby said on Facebook. He later visited the scene of the accident as well as hospitals where the injured were being treated.

    People living in the area panicked, thinking the explosion was an armed attack, resident Oumar Mahamat said.

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     “A fire broke out in a military ammunition warehouse located in Goudji, causing major explosions.

    “We urge the population to remain calm,’’ the Chadian government spokesman and foreign minister, said on social media.

    The exact cause of the explosions remained unclear at the time of the report.