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  • FG focused on equipping students with practical skills – Minister

    FG focused on equipping students with practical skills – Minister

    The Federal Government is determined to empower school children with life-changing skills, the Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir has said.

    The Minister, who made the submission during a project inspection in the Adamawa State capital, Yola, stressed that in the course of the President Bola Tinubu administration, young Nigerians will have integrated education which combines technical skills with regular learning. 

    Inspecting a vocational training centre being built by the Federal Government at the General Murtala Muhammad College (GMMC) Yola, the Minister said the Federal Government, in its determination to equip the youths with enduring life skills, commenced the construction of vocational schools across the nation.

    Tahir expressed happiness with the level of construction attained so far at the GMMC Yola vocational centre. 

    Read Also: Minister knocks NIS for asking married women to travel to Abuja for change of name

    He said: “This is one of the projects across the country. This vocational school is meant to provide the students with skills beyond literacy and numeracy so that by the time they finish the school they would have acquired some technical skills and they can go on with their lives even without further education.”

    According to him, the Federal Government has set up deliverables for ministries; that of education being to revamp the system using the bottom top approach, because a good foundation is necessary for the top  to work properly.

    “That is why we are giving a lot of attention to what is happening at the basic education level and secondary school level and the concern we have for secondary students is to have knowledge beyond numeracy and literacy and to ensure that when a child finishes secondary school, he has both skills and knowledge,” he said.

    Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir (in protective hat) at the GMMC vocational centre project site:

  • Lagos ranked 8th best African city in healthcare system

    Lagos ranked 8th best African city in healthcare system

    Numbeo, a research firm that focuses on statistics centered around quality of life, has ranked Lagos the eighth city with the best healthcare system in Africa.

    The Health Care Index is a measure of the overall quality of the healthcare system that accounts for factors such as physicians, personnel, equipment, and costs.

    It provides an assessment of the infrastructure, services, and resources for healthcare that are available in a certain location.

    Read Also: Lagos CAN condemns Plateau attack, seeks arrest of perpetrators

    According to the updated Health Index report from Numbeo, African cities are doing well when it comes to quality of life, cost of living, and many other socioeconomic factors that are common to cities and countries throughout the world.

    In the list, Numbeo uses an elaborate algorithm to arrive at ranked Cape Town in South Africa first, Pretoria second, and Nairobi third.

  • I have no apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan

    I have no apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he owes no one apologies for supporting the re-election of Bayelsa state governor Douye Diri in the state’s November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship poll.

    Jonathan also said it was the right thing to do as Diri supported most of the Bayelsa people to continue in office.

    He made the assertion yesterday during the Yuletide visit of the governor and a high-powered delegation to his residence in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    According to a statement by Diri’s chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also on hand to receive the governor and his entourage.

    Jonathan explained that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state.

    According to him, the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.

    He said: “I did what l did during the governorship election and l have no apologies to anybody because l know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.

    “I have not said others did not do well. After all, l was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.

    “Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, has reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”

    Jonathan charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

    In his response, Douye Diri expressed appreciation to the former President for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) victory at the poll.

    Diri said: “Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you as that has brought stability in the state.

    Read Also: Goodluck Jonathan: Model of democracy and peace

    “So, with the peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”

    He expressed the optimism that Jonathan would have more roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.

    Diri also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible election in the state.

    Dignitaries who accompanied the governor on the visit were National Assembly members such as Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central Senatorial District), Hon. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Rodney Ambaowei (Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency) and Oforji Oboku (Kolokuma/Opokuma/Yenagoa Federal Constituency).

    Others were Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, one-time Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Ishiaku Bawa, Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, and state executive council members.

  • Imo CAN receives Tinubu’s palliative for southeast residents

    Imo CAN receives Tinubu’s palliative for southeast residents

     Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma has flagged-off the distribution of President Bola Tinubu’s Christmas gift of rice to the five south eastern states as part of the President Bola Tinubu’s palliative measures to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    Uzodimma admonished the Church leaders who came to take delivery of the gift at the Secretariat of Imo State Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Owerri to constantly uphold the government of President Tinubu in their prayers.

    He thanked God for his mercies that made it possible for the people to overcome the challenges of 2023, noting that 2024 will be a lot more better for all. 

    The governor who thanked the men of God for finding time to be part of the event reminded them  that on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu introduced some reforms meant to recover our economy and reduce hardship in the country, strengthen the Naira, grow our economy, create jobs for the unemployed and generally make Nigeria great again.

    He said though some of those policies came with initial pains, like the high cost of items in the market and generally, high cost of living in Nigeria, “but the policies are meant to address these pains.”

    Governor Uzodimma recalled that towards the end of last year, the federal and state governments distributed palliative materials in Imo State, doing their best to send the materials to the nooks and crannies of the State and conscious of the fact that Southeast is predominantly Christians.

     He said: “80% of people living in the Southeast are Christians”, he noted adding that the Christmas celebration is taken as a very serious festival.

    Read Also: Group scores Tinubu administration high

    The governor who expressed the President’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the people, emphasized the significance of providing relief and other support to citizens, particularly during the festive season.

    He said that the trucks loads of rice they came to flag off the distribution neither came from the State nor Federal Government, rather a personal donation from President Tinubu to the Christians as gifts to the Southeast.

    The Governor said that he decided to involve Imo State CAN to ensure seamless distribution since all Christians in the zone are under the umbrella of CAN.

    However, he said that the Imo State Government will support CAN with the logistics to convey the truck loads of rice to all the Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and even Imo State.

    The governor then urged the Christian Communities in the South Eastern States to fervently pray for President Tinubu’s administration to do better having laid the foundation for a prosperous country with the ambitious 2024 budget already signed into law by the President.

    “Never in the history of Nigeria has anybody released such huge sum of money as an annual budget.”

    In his welcome address, Reverend Dr. Eches Divine Eches, the CAN chairman of Imo state, lauded Governor Uzodimma’s efforts in ensuring that the welfare of the people is taken care of, describing him as “a caring and lover of God and mankind, promoting the interests of the Igbo people on the national stage.”

    He also commended President Tinubu for his gift to Christian Communities in the region.

  • Govt controls only 2% of Anambra resources – Soludo

    Govt controls only 2% of Anambra resources – Soludo

    Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has said that fixing the state required the people and communities, in consonance with the government.

    He revealed that 98% of the state’s resources are in private hands, while the government controls only 2%.

    Soludo spoke during the official commissioning of a 500-metre road built in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area. 

    The road, constructed by Chief Josephat Onwualor, is another testament to the efficacy of private-public partnership in driving community development.

    The governor praised Chief Onwualor’s initiative, declaring him “a champion worthy of celebration.”

    He emphasized that community-driven approach is crucial for Anambra’s progress, stating, “Fixing the state requires the people and communities, in consonance with the government.”

    Acknowledging limitations of state resources, Soludo regretted that even the entire 2024 budget will not be enough to fix all the roads within a single local government.

    “98% of the state’s resources are in private hands, while the government controls only 2%,” he noted.

    The governor described PPCP as a major key to unlocking Anambra’s development potential, urging all well-meaning citizens to join the initiative, by contributing their resources and expertise towards building a better future for the state.

    Read Also: 2024 year to change gears of development in Anambra, says Soludo

    He expressed optimism that the coming year will witness “changing of gears” and predicted that 2024 will be a productive year for the state to make unprecedented progress.

    Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his leadership and sterling performance.

    He encouraged the governor to continue his good efforts, stating, “You are performing well, please don’t relent.”

    The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma and his Power and Water Resources counterpart, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, 

    Also present were Member Representing Anambra East at the State House of Assembly, Hon Nweke Obi Callistus, Transition Committee Chairman for Anambra East Council Areas, Hon. Anselm Onuorah, among others.

  • Junior doctors in England begin longest NHS strike in history

    Junior doctors in England begin longest NHS strike in history

    Junior doctors in England on Wednesday, January 3, begin their longest consecutive strike in the seven-decade history of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).

    The strike will run from 7am Wednesday, January 3, to 7am on Tuesday,  January 9, the longest in the history of the NHS,

    Health service executives said the strike could mean “one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced”, when it faces increased pressure from winter respiratory illnesses.

    But the British Medical Association (BMA) has said it was forced to take action and reject the government’s December pay offer as it failed to compensate for real-terms pay cuts going as far back as 2008.

    The NHS said the latest walkout, which could see up to half of the medical workforce on picket lines, would have “a significant impact on almost all routine care”.

    “This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced,” said its national medical director, Stephen Powis.

    The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the walkout in December after a breakdown in talks with the government.

    The union said junior doctors have been offered a 3.0 per cent rise on top of the average 8.8 per cent increase they were given earlier this year.

    Read Also: Abia govt uncovers ‘Japa’ doctors still collecting salaries

    It rejected the offer because the cash would be split unevenly across different doctor grades and would “still amount to pay cuts for many doctors.”

    Junior doctors have gone on strike at least seven times since March.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hospital leaders have criticised the action.

    Health policy is a devolved matter for the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the UK government overseeing England.

    Junior doctors in Wales are due to walk out for 72 hours from January 15.

    Those in Northern Ireland have voted for potential strike action.

    Their Scottish counterparts have struck a deal with the government in Edinburgh.

    The NHS typically sees a rise in the number of people in hospital in the two weeks after Christmas, due to people delaying seeking treatment in order to spend the festive season with loved ones.

    The service is already facing huge backlogs in waiting times for appointments and surgery, blamed on treatment postponement during Covid but also years of underfunding.

  • ICPC boss meets undercover reporter on Cotonou varsity’s alleged degree fraud

    ICPC boss meets undercover reporter on Cotonou varsity’s alleged degree fraud

    The chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has met with undercover reporter, Umar Audu, after the latter uncovered fake degrees given by mushroom universities in Benin and Togo.

    While meeting the reporter, the ICPC sought information from him to help the anti-graft agency look into the academic fraud.

    Recall that DAILY NIGERIAN in an article released on December 30, 2023, revealed  how corrupt government employees enabled the fraudulent business of certificate racketeering.

    According to the article, reporter Umar Audu of Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Cotonou, Benin Republic, “finished” the four-year curriculum in less than two months.

    He was able to get the certificate without having to apply, register, study, or take any tests.

    Despite the reporter never crossing any Nigerian borders, an immigration officer managed to get his passport stamped by both Nigerian and Beninois immigration officials so that he could participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    A statement by ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, reads: “To verify details and move beyond speculation, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, convened a critical meeting today at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja with a reporter from a news outlet,” 

    “They discussed the outlet’s December 30th report on alleged corrupt practices in rapid degree issuance at a Cotonou university, aiming to deepen the investigation and initiate relevant actions.

    “The investigation into Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) in Cotonou reveals a concerning situation where degrees are allegedly awarded in as little as six weeks, bypassing standard academic procedures like application, registration, coursework, and examinations.

    “In response to these critical allegations, the ICPC is embarking on a thorough investigation. This probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of our educational system.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Adamu, Olaopa as new ICPC, FCSC chairmen

    “Furthermore, the Commission will engage in a synergistic collaboration with relevant domestic and international bodies to jointly evaluate the legitimacy of academic qualifications procured from overseas institutions, especially those highlighted in the investigative report.

    “The ICPC calls upon all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to join hands in this critical endeavor. Together, we can work towards a future where the credibility of our educational qualifications is unimpeachable, and where corruption finds no refuge.”

    Earlier on Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru suspended accreditation of degrees from Benin and Togo.

  • Abducted LG chairman regains freedom in Nasarawa

    Abducted LG chairman regains freedom in Nasarawa

    Mr Safiyanu Isah-Andaha, Chairman, Akwanga Local Area of Nasarawa State, who was abducted by gunmen on Monday has regained freedom.

    DSP Ramhan Nansel, spokesperson of the  Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the release of the chairman and three other victims to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lafia.

    The local government chairman and three others were abducted by gunmen at about 8:30 p.m., in Ningo village, Akwanga LGA.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct council chair, godfather in Nasarawa

    Nansel said that the chairman and three others were released at about 8:45 p.m., on Tuesday in Andaha village, Akwnaga as a result of sustained pressure from the combined security agencies search-and- rescue team.

    The police spokesperson explained that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the chairman and other victims.

    He said that upon receipt of information about the incident on Monday night,  the Commissioner of Police, Umar Nadada, immediately deployed a team, whose effort in collaboration with other sister agencies had paid of with the release of the victims unhurt.

    Nansel said that the victims would be reunited with their families after receiving medical attention.

    (NAN) 

  • MURIC hails FG’s suspension of degrees from Benin, Togo

    MURIC hails FG’s suspension of degrees from Benin, Togo

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Federal Government for suspending the accreditation of degrees from the Republic of Benin and Togo.

    Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director, MURIC stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “A laudable move was made by the federal government when it suspended the accreditation of degrees from the Republic of Benin and Togo for their irregularities and fraudulent practices (FG Suspends Accreditation of Degree Certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    “It will be recalled that Umar Audu, an investigative journalist of Daily Nigeria newspaper, reported recently that he bagged a degree within six weeks of being admitted into one of such universities and also served as a corper in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the certificate obtained. The undercover journalist received both the transcript and certificate of the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT), Cotonou, Benin Republic after six weeks only.

    “MURIC lauds FG for banning those fraudulent certificates. The holders of such fake credentials pose grave danger to the lives of Nigerians and the quality of public service too.

    Read Also: MURIC pleads with President Tinubu on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

    “We charge the ministries of education at both federal and state levels to be wary of holders of such certificates. Those found to have been employed with them should be shown the way out. Furthermore, the security agencies should fish out those behind the fraudulent admissions within Nigeria. Those are agents of the fake tertiary institutions in faraway Benin and Togo. They should be made to face the full wrath of the law,’’ Akintola said.

    He added: “We demand investigation into circumstances surrounding the clearance letter issued by the Federal Ministry of Education which confirmed that the university (ESGT) is on the ministry’s list of accredited institutions. It was this letter which enabled NYSC to accept 51 fake graduates to serve in the scheme. On its own part, NYSC authorities must take necessary action on the 51 fake corpers from ESGT who are serving illegally. They must be flushed out.

    “We also advise gullible but innocent Nigerians who have obtained the certificates to quickly set the machinery in motion to correct the anomaly. They should upgrade themselves by seeking authentic university admission either within or outside the country.

    “Education may be the key to technological breakthrough and the concomitant industrial progress, but half-baked education and fake certificates are deadly dynamites in the system which are capable of destroying everything that may have been achieved.

    “Before we draw the curtain, we find the undercover journalist equally worthy of encomiums. He went underground to unearth this educational fraud. He put his life on the line for the sake of his country. Umar Audu is worthy of emulation by his colleagues in the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

    (NAN)

  • Full list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    Full list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    The federal government has announced the suspension of evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the neighbouring Benin Republic and Togo.

    In a statement signed on Tuesday, January 2, by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, the federal government lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.”

    The statement noted that the suspension followed an investigative report by an online newspaper, which unravelled a Cotonou-based University, which issued a degree certificate to an undercover Journalist within six weeks.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu suspended NSIPA boss Halima Sheu – Official

    Here is a list of blacklisted foreign universities in Nigeria

    1. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
    2. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
    3. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
    4. Collumbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    5. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    6. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    7. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    8. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    9. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    10. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
    11. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
    12. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
    13. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    14. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    15. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    16. African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
    17. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
    18. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.

    The commission warns Nigerians to avoid enrolling in these institutions.