The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

  • Nigerian-American receives diaspora service award

    Nigerian-American receives diaspora service award

    A Nigerian-American, Dr. Kayode Abegunde, has been recognised for his contributions to the development of politics and community development.

    He was honoured by Niccea Awards with North America Diaspora Political and Community Service Award.

    The award was bestowed on Abegunde during the Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards in Canada.

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    The event, the seventh edition, was held at Royal King Event Centre, Ontario, Canada. It was organised by Starboard Entertainment, under the leadership of its Chairman, a Nollywood actor, Temidayo Enitan, popularly called Starboy.

    The event was attended by stars in the Nigerian entertainment industry, who are based in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

    Abegunde hailed the organiser of the award, Mr. Temidayo Enitan, for his efforts in placing the Nigerian entertainment industry on the global scene and urged him not to relent.

  • NCDMB, Shell gift engineering studio, ICT hub to FUTO

    NCDMB, Shell gift engineering studio, ICT hub to FUTO

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), with its joint venture (JV) partners, have unveiled an engineering design studios and an information and communication technology (ICT) hub at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

    The facilities were donated in furtherance of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme, which had focused on institutional strengthening, equipping universities and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country, in a bid to develop competent technical manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors.

    The new facilities include two state-of-the-art Engineering Design Studios and a fully furnished 100-seater Main ICT Lecture Hall, equipped with computers and smartboards. The studios are designed to serve as a “visually stimulating collaborative workspace that fosters an environment where students can engage in group work, brainstorming sessions, and ideation meetings.”

    Other facilities are a 200KVA diesel generator, diesel storage tank, generator house, borehole, overhead water tank, perimeter mesh wire fence, a car park as well as shallow drains and landscaping.

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    In his remarks at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the studios and hub were initiated in furtherance of Federal Government’s aspirations for development of competent technical manpower to support activities in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors. The impartation of specialised skills through expansion and modernisation of academic infrastructure, he noted, has to be accelerated.

    According to the NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Board’s Director in charge of Capacity Building, Ama Ikuru, “We shall keep enhancing institutional capacity to equip our students with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to compete globally in the wake of the 4th industrial revolution where Artificial Intelligence, data science, Internet of Things, robotics dominate.”

    Recalling several interventions by the NCDMB in academic institutions to boost acquisition of contemporary skills, Engr. Ogbe said, “the Board has carried out the upgrade of many vocational schools and universities under its Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centres (TVETs) upgrade programme” and that it believes in “the significance of education particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses,”

    In his own address, the Managing Director and Country Chair of SPDC, Osagie Okunbor, described the Engineering Design Studio and ICT Hub as a “very important human capital development project” that has resulted from a fruitful collaboration between SPDC, JV partners, notably, NNPCL, SPDC, TotalEnergies, Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), and NCDMB.

    Represented by the General Manager, External Relations, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Igo Weli, Okunbor disclosed that FUTO was “selected to benefit from institutional strengthening in the catchment areas of SPDC’s Assa North Ohaji South Gas Development Project” and that the facility was in line with the associated Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development Plan” and “in accordance with the provisions of the NOGICD [Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development] Act, 2010 and NCDMB’s HCD Guidelines of 2020.”

    He promised that “A 40KW solar system will be installed in the coming weeks to ensure sustainable energy supply” to the facility.

    In a related address, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala M. Wunti, observed that “Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and developed,” adding that “The Engineering Studio and ICT Hub is designed to be such a place where students, researchers, and faculty can collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what is possible.”

    Represented by the Senior Advisor Stakeholders Relations, Halimat Wilson, the NNPC top official stated that the true impact of the facility would be measured by the success stories that emerge from it.

    Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Chimezie Amadi, thanked Shell and its partners and the NCDMB for providing the state with what he described as vital digital infrastructure. He said the facility would serve as a centre for innovation and creativity that would contribute to the development of the State.

    Earlier in a welcome address, the FUTO Vice Chancellor, Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, said the facility “aligns with the critical mandate of the University, to jumpstart national development through indigenous technology-based teaching pedagogy that emphasises practical knowledge, innovations and problem solving.”

    She expressed profound appreciation to the Managing Director and Country Chair of Shell, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, among others, “for making such a landmark donation” to the University.   

    The dignitaries were conducted round the facilities before the ribbon cutting.

    On the NCDMB team were the General Manager, ICT, Obinna Osuji, Zonal Coordinator, Abia and Imo States, Emma Ohanere, and Manager, Capacity Building, Dokubo Obongo.

  • ‘Prioritise digital transformation in tertiary institutions’

    ‘Prioritise digital transformation in tertiary institutions’

    Experts and educationists have stressed the need to prioritise and sustain efforts on digital transformation in tertiary institutions.

    They reached the consensus at the 2024 International Week and 17th Annual Research Conference organised by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the Tayo Aderinokun auditorium of the institution.

    The twin events had as themes: “Inclusive Digital Transformation and the University Promise” and “Digital Transformation for Inclusive Higher Education”.

    UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the International Week as one of the major ways the university opens itself to the world, forge new partnerships and make progressive strides towards cross-border collaboration in academia.

     “Two sessions ago, we ran a pilot programme where we obtained 250 licences to give our STEM undergraduates access to courses on Coursera.

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     “Last session, it became a fully-fledged programme embedded in our courses that allowed our students to enroll in world-class courses from institutions such as the University of California, San Diego, and IBM. We wanted this programme to encourage our undergraduate students to pace their learning in tandem with our traditional curriculum to give them a competitive edge in the digital world.

    “So far, this programme has impacted over 500 students across two departments,” she said.

    Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, said the international week underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence and global outreach.

    Maiyaki, who represented erstwhile Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, hailed UNILAG for its global partnership over the years and at a time technology is reshaping education globally.

    He said NUC  initiated the electronic networking project, which marked a stepping stone that  paved the way for the automation of the commission’s activities, adding that it came up with an  ICT policy and the university-wide policy guidelines on e-learning.

    The First Secretary, European Union Commission in Nigeria, Prof. Leila Mathieu, said the EU remains committed to supporting higher education, building infrastructure and enhancing digital transformations through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

  • NAAT gives Fed Govt two-week strike notice over withheld salaries

    NAAT gives Fed Govt two-week strike notice over withheld salaries

    • Union threatens to withdraw service November 6

    The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has given the Federal Government two weeks to pay the withheld salaries of its members or face a nationwide strike.

    The union asked its members to embark on a nationwide protest on November 6 to press home its demands.

    It directed all of its branches in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to mobilise their members to press home their demands.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that 50 per cent of the withheld salaries of university-based unions be paid to them, following their strike in 2022.

    The union had issued a three-week ultimatum on September 30, which expired on October 21.

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    NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma, who declared the ultimatum after the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting yesterday in Abuja, urged the Federal Government to resolve their grievances before the end of the ultimatum.

    The union leader said earlier ultimatums ended without any acknowledgment from government agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour and Employment.

    Addressing reporters after the union’s NEC meeting, Nwokoma said: “Several efforts were made in the past, including series of letters, protests, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) freely entered between NAAT and Federal Government (that is, MoUs of 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022) as the result of efforts by Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as conciliator of the Federal Government, but all to no avail.

    “Consequent upon the above, the union, having reviewed the situation critically, decided to give the Federal Government additional two weeks’ ultimatum, with effect from October 30, 2024. Meanwhile, the National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all her branches in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.

    “Within the two weeks’ ultimatum, branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct referendum to decide if the union will proceed on strike once the 14 days’ ultimatum expires on November 13, 2024. If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum there is no positive response from government, the union will embark on a national protest, which will culminate in a total and indefinite strike without recourse to government.

    “It is hoped that the government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on the ground with the view to averting any industrial action.

    “This decision is in line with our concern for the tertiary education system so as not to disrupt the academic calendar, which will eventually affect research and practical teaching; laboratory, workshop, farm and studio practices, and the attendant monumental loss of resources.”

  • Eight paths to academic excellence

    Eight paths to academic excellence

    Various obstacles can stand in the way of achieving academic excellence, particularly for undergraduates.

    In achieving academic excellence, there are key steps you must take to emerge as top in the class.

    Here are ways undergraduates can achieve academic excellence:

    1. Have enough rest:

    When you retire early to bed and have enough rest or sleep it improves your ability to learn, memorize, retain, recall, and use your new knowledge to solve problems creatively. When learning facts and information, most of what we learn is temporarily stored in a region of the brain called the hippocampus. Some scientists hypothesize that, like most storage centers, the hippocampus has limited storage capacity. This means, if the hippocampus is full, and we try to learn more information, we won’t be able to. That is when you have enough sleep you won’t fall asleep in class or during a boring lecture.

    2. Wake up early

    As Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.’ This timeless wisdom applies perfectly to academic life. By getting enough rest, you can wake up refreshed and arrive early at the lecture hall. Getting to the lecture hall early helps you to get a better seat, especially the front seat which can help to be focused during the lecture hour if you are determined to learn. By sitting in the front gives you a better view and it also gives you an opportunity of directly hearing anything the lecturer is saying.

    3. Set a daily goal or to-do list: 

    By setting a daily goal or to-do list for the day guides you on what to do with your time on campus for the day.

    4. Mark attendance yourself:

    By marking the attendance yourself helps you not to miss any class. When someone marks the attendance for you has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, when you’re not in a class and someone helps you and the lecturer finds out, it can implicate both you and the person who helped you to mark the attendance. And when you have someone helping you mark the attendance, it makes you lazy and relaxed and you won’t feel like going to the class because there is someone marking the attendance for you.

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    5. Avoid distraction during lecture:

    Avoiding distractions during lectures helps you stay focused, and for you to do that avoid sitting at the back seat during lectures because you might not hear what is being taught from the back and if this happens you get carried away. Also avoid pressing your smart phone in class if you are not using it to take notes. Pressing your phone during a lecture is the fastest way to get distracted.

    6. Take notes and make your research after:

    Taking notes during lectures helps you to have something to read, and taking notes also helps you actively engage with the material, making it easier to understand and remember. By making your own notes, you can highlight areas that are particularly important or challenging for you. This personalized approach allows you to focus on what you need to learn most, Notes help you organize information logically, making it easier to review and study later. This organization can save you time and reduce confusion when preparing for exams.

    7. Always check the class group frequently

    By doing this helps you stay connected to the class and helps you get notified of any important information in the group.

    8. Create a reading schedule that works for you

    Creating a reading schedule that works for you helps make reading a habit and integrates it seamlessly into your daily life. Consistency Strengthens the learning process and helps build fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and overall Academic excellence. To make reading a habit, set a regular reading schedule. Allocate a specific time and day to read.

    In conclusion, mastering these eight ways undergraduates can achieve academic excellence

    Will surely help you improve your academic performance.

  • Alumni donates laboratory building to Ekiti school

    Alumni donates laboratory building to Ekiti school

    *Names it after school’s first senior prefect

    The Old Students Association of Babatope Memorial High School Ikoro-Ekiti, Ekiti State has donated a renovated science laboratory building to the school. This was part of the Association’s reunion activities which took place in the school premises over the weekend.

    Speaking at the event, the National President of the Association, Pastor Kayode Adeosun, said to commemorate the 50th anniversary, the building is named after one of our renowned Old student’s leaders and the first Senior Prefect of the school, late Anthony Bello.

    This, it said, was  “to immortalise him while acknowledging his contributions and roles for the betterment of the school and the association when he was alive. This laboratory was completed with furniture, reagents and other equipment to make it function appropriately.”

    Speaking further, Adeosun said while the government is believed to also do her bit, old students should also try and complement government efforts in raising the standard of education at all fronts. At this critical moment old Students should always come to the aid of their alma maters in terms of provision of infrastructure and educational materials.

    “Over the years, Babatope Memorial High School Old students have been able to assist the School in the provision of infrastructures to aid in the functioning of the school. We as a body have intervened to fund the maintenance of the existing school borehole, Provision of School Chairs and tables, Textbooks and notebooks, Classroom renovation, award prizes to good students, Career talks for students from time to time.” he said.

    Thanking the members for their cooperation, Adeosun said: “I am indeed impressed and encouraged by the level of cooperation and unity among us in irrespective of age, calling, creed or class for the advancement of our Association. I must state here that we all the Old students have done well but we still have a lot of ground to possess. 

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    “After this Golden anniversary we cannot rest on our oars, but we must continue if not more, in same spirit of support and cooperation we have so far given to support our Alma mater as well as the realization of the overall objectives of the Association.

    “We also owe an immense debt of gratitude to the present Ekiti state government under the dynamic leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. We thank Mr. Governor, the Commissioner of Education, AGILE and other relevant agencies of the administration for good support being rendered to our alma mater. But Like Oliver Twist we will still ask more. The school still has a lot of infrastructural deficits which are still crying to be attended to.”

    Director General, Ekiti State Due Process, Pastor Babasola Folorunsho, congratulated the school for attaining the milestone and also hailed the old students for remembering their former school, saying; “the gesture is a great one which should be emulated by others.”

    Highlighting the efforts of the State Government in ensuring that public schools are adequately catered for, especially the state government’s interventions in the case of Babatope Memorial High School, Ikoro-Ekiti, Folorunsho said: “the government has approved a good number of classroom renovations in the school and to prevent further encroachment of the school land, the perimeter fence project is currently on going and shall be completed very soon.” 

    Some of the special highlights of the day was presentation of awards to different categories of people such as old students, former and present principals of the school as well as a good number of friends of the school, who are not old students but have been given support to the school.

  • Striking varsity workers to receive withheld salaries Thurs

    Striking varsity workers to receive withheld salaries Thurs

    Striking members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) will receive   50 percent of their four-month withheld salaries this week.

     Minister of State for Labour and Employment  Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who gave the assurance yesterday, revealed to The Nation via WhatsApp,   that President Bola Tinubu directed the payment in July.

    Onyejeocha also disabused the minds of the unions’ leaderships that the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun  withheld the payment.

    The leaderships of both unions under the Joint Action Congress (JAC) issued the strike directive on Sunday via a circular by NASU Secretary-General Adeyemi Peters and SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim to the chairmen of their branches nationwide.

     Their primary goal is to press for the payment of the salaries owed to them since 2022 by the government.

    The work boycott grounded non-academic activities in public universities, especially the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka which resumed for the 2024/2025 academic session, and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan in Oyo State.

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    It was gathered that UNILAG students would rely on online lectures until the strike was called off.

    However, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General-Secretary Peters Adeyemi expressed hope for an end to the strike, saying activities on the campuses would resume once the government fulfilled its promise.

    Onyejeocha had said: “The President approved that they should be paid since July. The minister of finance is facilitating the instrument. He said he will pay them before the end of the month.

    “The minister said he is on it. He has assured that they will get the payment before the end of the month.”

    SSANU  National President  Ibrahim said his members were surprised that nothing had been done by the government after  President   Tinubu approved the  50   payment.  

     ‘’If payment is made, we don’t have to meet. We will call off the strike,’’ Ibrahim promised during a national television programme.

    He added: “ The economy is harsh. Our members are going through a lot. To commute to work is tough. The price of petrol and other logistics are so high.

    “  All of us working in the universities are not happy to see this situation happen. We had severally called the attention of those in charge of our governance to understand that our universities are in their states.

    ‘’We extended our patience by two weeks, then another month. Three months passed, yet the payment remained unpaid.

    “So, we had exhausted all avenues of trying to pacify our members.”

     Ibrahim lamented the disparity between academic and non-academic staff of the universities.

     He pointed out that while academic staff members were paid 100 percent of their withheld four –month salaries early this year, the non- workers were left out.

    NASU Secretary-General Peters said: “Today (yesterday) is 28th October 2024 and they’ve not paid what they owe our members.

    ‘’You said the minister said the money will be paid by the end of this month. The last day of the month will be Thursday,  which is in three days.

    “The strike will be called off if they pay on Thursday. Until they pay what they promised to pay, the strike continues.”

    At the University of Lagos(UNILAG), Acting SSANU Chairman, Gbenga Adenaiya, and  NASU Chairman, Yinka Abiodun said, argued that if the government had paid the arrears, the strike would have been aborted.

     “We can no longer cope, hence the reason for our resumed strike, which this time is total, comprehensive, and indefinite for all members,” they said.

    In  UI, the strike affected both the non and academic activities.

    Although the entrance gates of the university were opened, when The Nation visited, many workers who reported for duty did not attend to any official matters.

    Lecture halls were locked, leaving students loitering within the campus.

    UI SSANU Chairman  Abiodun Omisore:  ‘’We are not happy.   We have been peaceful. The only thing that we have done is that we have not carried arms against the government.

    “The only truth that we have at our disposal is to go and strike. We must get our salaries. We worked for it.’’

     NASU UI Chairman  Oluwafemi Ogunlade said only the payment of the arrears would bring an end to the strike.

    He said: “The government should release our money. Not only that, the 2009 agreement is meant to be renewed every five years. But up to this moment, nothing has been done. So, we are still in 2009, even in 2024. All these are some of the many things that we have been agitating for. 

    “ There  are also  issues to do with poor funding of   universities and   our N50 billion  earned  allowance.’’ 

     ‘’Strike is the only option left to us. I don’t even think we need any dialogue. Because I can’t say the number of dialogues that we have had  with the government.’’

    NANS demands solutions to ASUU strikes

     The  National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the government to urgently address the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to avert its members’ latest strike threat.

    NANS  expressed concern over the impacts of  ASUU strikes on the university system, students, and the nation’s socio-political stability, economy, and technological development.

    The association added in a statement by its  Senate President Henry Okunomo that a thorough and immediate response to the grievances of ASUU should be looked into by the government.

    The statement reads in part:  “For decades, Nigerian students have been subjected to an unending cycle of strikes, disrupting academic calendars, prolonging graduation timelines, and undermining the nation’s human capital development.

    “The ASUU strike, now a recurring decimal, has devastating consequences on students’ productivity, research, and national progress.

    “Economic stagnation would persist as strikes hinder research, innovation, and human capital development, stifling economic growth.

    “Social unrest would also escalate as frustrated students may resort to destructive protests, compromising national security.

    “Government should develop sustainable solutions by establishing a comprehensive framework preventing future strikes and ensuring uninterrupted learning.

    ‘’The   Federal Government, to as a matter of urgent importance, should recognise the gravity of this situation and take decisive action.

    “NANS demands a permanent end to ASUU strikes, ensuring Nigeria’s tertiary education system functions optimally.”

  • Apostle Suleman, others bags award at Auchi Polytechnic convocation

    Apostle Suleman, others bags award at Auchi Polytechnic convocation

    No fewer than five notable Nigerians that have excelled in their chosen fields and other human endeavour will be awarded during the five-day long combined convocation ceremony and the 60th anniversary of Auchi Polytechnic which takes between November 12 to 16.

    Dr Salisu Umar, Rector of the Polytechnic who made the disclosure, noted that the contributions of the recipients is one that needed to be appreciated in order to serve as encouragement to others.

    The Rector listed the awardees to include Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and Apostle Johnson Suleman, President Omega Fire Ministries International.

    He further named Chief Dan Orbih, a politician and businessman, the chairman of Setraco, Abu Inu-Omoru and chairman of Jof, Dr Olusegun Olugboyegun as others that will be conferred with honourary award during the convocation.

    He said that the 60th anniversary of the institution and convocation ceremony will have graduands from 26 to 30 sets convoke.

    Umar reiterated his commitment to giving the Polytechnic the best and part of effort to reduce quality graduates that will in turn help in the transformation of the country.

    While commending the staff and students of the institution for their dedication, the Rector said since coming on board as the rector, he has embarked on projects aimed at improving learning and teaching environment in the polytechnic.

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    “I am inspired by the passion and dedication of our staff and students who work tirelessly to achieve excellence in education and research.

    “Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for the privilege to serve alongside such talented individuals.

    “I remain devoted to enhancing excellence in teaching, learning, research, and developing leaders in many disciplines that makes a difference globally,” he stated.

    Umar said that a total of 60,549 graduates will be conferred with Professional Diploma (PD), National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) for the combined 26th to 30th convocation ceremony.

    He concluded by giving a breakdown of the graduands to include 37,058 ND, 23,470 HND and 21 Professional Diploma (PD).

    According to schedule of activities for the convocation and anniversary, the event will Kickstart on November 12 with the convocation of the 23,470 Diploma graduands while the inter-relegious service, exhibitions and talk show holds on November 13.

    Similarly, November 14 and 15 will see the celebration of the Polytechnic 60th anniversary and convocation lecture respectively while the main convocation ceremony and project inauguration takes place on Friday November 16.

    According to the Rector, the main convocation will be proceeded with a lecture that will be delivered by the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje is titled: “Re-Engineering In Nigeria With The Skills Mantra: The Role of Polytechnics.”

  • GMind AI, hub for learners, researchers, educators, says Ojo

    GMind AI, hub for learners, researchers, educators, says Ojo

    An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert Dr. Success Ojo said GMind Artificial intelligence (AI) has became hub for educators, researchers, business managers, media and others.

    She urged people to embrace AI, particularly GMind AI, so as not to be left behind, saying GMind AI empowers individuals and team to innovate and achieve their goals with exceptional efficiency.

    Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Ojo, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder GMind AI, said though, many people had already been using the platform they still need to embrace it more to their unique needs and propels them towards success.

    She allayed fear of people that AI has come to take over their jobs, saying AI hasn’t come to render them jobless but augment their capacity and capability.

    According to her, AI has became global and come to stay, saying it goes nowhere.

    She urged people not to see AI as threat to their job but to help them to compete with their peers across the world.

    She described GMind AI as a revolutionary platform that centralised searching, analysing, generating and researching and task automation into single and seamless environment.

    According to her: “GMind AI is a top tier AI platform, it is all in one tools that help everyone automate their task and offload their workload.

    “Anybody can use it including someone without computer knowledge, we are the only AI platform you can chart with different languages, we are open to everyone to augment their productivity.

    “It allows teachers and learners to generate content in local languages, educators are coming on our platform, go back and impact it on their people.

    “GMind AI transcend traditional productivity tools, serving as catalyst for innovation and efficiency, it is your partner in unlocking potential and acheiving success.”

  • Polytechnic workers shift planned strike till Dec 2

    Polytechnic workers shift planned strike till Dec 2

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has deferred its planned strike to December 2 to enable the Federal Government to meet its demands.

    ASUP National President Kpanja Shammah announced this in a statement at the end of the union’s emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

    On October 7, ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands.

    The union said it was protesting the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE’s) alleged interference in the statutory duties of academic boards on the admission of Higher National Diploma (HND) students.

    Others include the need for infrastructure revitalisation through the NEEDS Assessment intervention, implementation of promotions in state institutions, and the payment of all outstanding promotion arrears.

    Shammah said the meeting was convened on October 23 to resolve the contentious issues.

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    He said: “Resolutions and an action plan were developed during the meeting to resolve the issues. The union’s NEC, therefore, met again on an emergency note on October 24 to review the action plan, as proposed in the meeting with the stakeholders.

    “After exhaustive deliberations, the union resolved to defer its proposed industrial action to December 2.

    “The decision was taken to gauge the government’s commitment to implementing the action plan as agreed at the meeting of October 23.

    “It is, therefore, the expectation of our union that the government will take advantage of the period to show commitment by diligently executing the action plan on each of the 11 items of dispute or risk a comprehensive withdrawal of service by academic staff in the Nigeria polytechnic system.

    “The union acknowledges and appreciates the partnership of the media and other stakeholders thus far in this struggle.”