Bauchi State has recorded a significant decrease in its out-of-school children rate, reducing the 521,000 from the previous figure of 1.5 million.
This was made known by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Jamila Dahiru, while presenting the ministry’s achievements during the 2024 ministerial press briefing yesterday at the Conference Hall of the state secretariat.
The commissioner revealed that the reduction was due to the various strategies employed by the government through the ministry and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to ensure that all out-of-school children were mobilised to schools.
Dahiru attributed the success to the sustained efforts and support from the state government, adding that the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector by Governor Bala Mohammed yielded results.
Noting a significant increase in students’ enrolment, she stated that the state now has approximately 2,154,109 total enrolments of pupils and students at the basic and post-basic primary levels across both public and private, formal and non-formal schools and centres.
In her words: “Currently, the basic foundation of education in the state falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education, which includes six departments, agencies, and boards (the State Universal Basic Education Board, Special Schools Board, and Library Board, as well as the state agencies for mass and nomadic education).
“The Ministry of Education, along with the Special Schools Board and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), oversees a network of 3,854 primary schools, 1,038 junior secondary schools and 450 senior secondary schools, totaling 5,342 schools.
“We also collaborate closely with 1,463 registered private schools in the state. The ministry also manages 1,356 nomadic schools and non-formal centres, married women’s schools, and Islamic Quranic and Tsangaya schools through the Bauchi State Agency for Mass Education (BASAME) and the Bauchi State Agency for Nomadic Education (BASANE).
“Insights from the last Annual School Census (ASC) reveal that the public primary school sector boasts 1,808,256, with girls constituting 48% of this number. Approximately 1,470,625 constitute pre-primary and primary school enrolment, 216,326 for junior secondary schools, and 121,305 for senior secondary schools.”
She added that technical secondary schools’ enrolment stands at 3,886, while 113,937 are recorded as the enrolment of our non-formal centres and the existing Islamic and Quranic Tsangaya schools. Similarly, private schools contribute 228,030 to students’ enrolment.
“Therefore, cumulatively, Bauchi State has approximately 2,154,109 total enrolments of pupils and students at the basic and post-basic levels across both public and private, formal and non-formal schools and centres.”
Over fifteen schools in Lagos have showcased the talents of young Nigerians in the annual “Alluring Africa”, competition covering drawing, music and dance.
The event, which took place in the Anuwo Odofin area of the metropolis was hosted by Hands & Minds Consult as its seventh edition.
Sponsored by Grooming Endowment Trust and Amadeus University, the competition featured the creative prowess of students at both senior and junior levels, with schools like Clemmy High School, St. Jude’s Private School, Preserved Generation, and Moral Ville Academy coming in first positions in different categories.
Expressing his joy at the success of the competition, Co-founder and Managing Director of Hands & Minds Consult, Laurence Ekpe emphasized the impact the annual event has had on the participants over the years.
He said: “Our joy has been the testimonials we get from the schools and from parents of the children who come out tops. The prizes we usually hand over to the winners are nothing compared to the fulfilment that the kids derive from merely being given a platform to showcase their talents.
“For us, we are looking at improving the hands and minds of children. Since you can’t teach an old man a new trick, we are doing so from a young age, and giving the children a confidence boost. If children have talents that they hide or are afraid of showing, then their potential could be hidden forever. So for us, every child here is a winner whether they make a podium finish or not.”
Mrs. Iziegbe Ekpe, co-founder of Hands & Minds Consult, elaborated on the theme of this year’s competition. She said Nigerian children are oblivious to the richness of African culture because schools are not promoting it enough.
“Alluring Africa was the focus this year because we have realized that many Nigerian children seem to be unaware of the richness of African culture, and our heritage seems to be going extinct, especially in schools,” she remarked.
“You see schools investing heavily in phonetics; they want their children to speak a certain way, to sound more British, more American, and they’re now forgetting their father’s culture. But we don’t want our African heritage to die. We know that bringing up a child is a communal effort, and we are providing this platform for them to freely express their talents.”
“We see where the world is going now, that children are beginning to find their talents and giftings very early in life. So, we want to be one of the people providing the discovery platform, to the end that in the future, we would have them say, ‘Oh, it was at Hands & Minds Schools Competition that I discovered my talent.”
The event was filled with vibrant performances and creative displays, celebrating the cultural heritage of Africa in music, dance and art.
Also present at the event were, Amuwo-Odofin local council Supervisor for Education, Hon. Bimpe Doherty; a representative of Amadeus University, Joyce Ofua; and the Operations manager of Grooming Endowment Trust, Michael Adoghe, who all lauded the efforts of the organizers, saying they inspire and nurture the talents of young Nigerians, ensuring that the legacy of African culture lives on through the next generation.
Other schools that participated in the competition include Caleb International School, Christ the King Primary School, Golden Ville School, New Fountain School, Tender Touch School, Ostra Height School, and Cedars High School, among others.
Distinguished judges for the event included Uncle Sele, a values educator and parenting coach; Joanah Onasanya, a freelance dance and drama teacher; and Jonathan Ekowho, a marketing strategist at Pulse.
The competition concluded with three schools making it to the podium in each category, with the winners, first and second runners-up receiving cash prizes and memorabilia to celebrate their achievements.
PRO ALLY, a leading communication and stakeholder management firm, has announced the launch of the Nexus Community Cohort 1, an innovative programme designed to equip the next generation of energy and STEM students with essential power skills.
The ten-week intensive programme kicked off today.
In a press release, the Firm stated that the programme is a significant milestone in their commitment to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
The Nexus Community is a unique platform dedicated to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and the practical skills required in the energy and STEM sectors.
By offering tailored learning experiences, we aim to empower students to excel in their future careers and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Highlighting the programme, a statement from the firm said, the 10 weeks duration will be an engaging and interactive session, encompassing an 8 weeks class and group practical style teaching and 2 weeks capstone project week.
On the area of focus, it said students will benefit from “Soft skills, often referred to as power skills, not limited to critical thinking, adaptability and resilience, personal and professional leadership, fundamental human right knowledge, business and academic writing, communication, public speaking, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
It also said expert executive-led class sessions, group discussions, pre and post session assessment, and hands-on activities designed to enhance both personal and professional growth alongside a transparent structured grading system will form delivery on the programme.
The statement further said participants in the Nexus Community Cohort 1 will have the opportunity to develop key functional skills, build competencies that are essential for success in today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environments and also learn from industry leaders through gainful insights from professionals who are at the forefront of the energy and STEM sectors.
Co-founder at PRO ALLY, Tunbosun Afolayan expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “The Nexus Community is a cornerstone of our mission to democratise opportunities in the energy and STEM fields. We are excited to see the impact this programme will have on our participants and are committed to supporting their journey towards becoming impact driven leaders.”
The Firm urged stakeholders, educators, and professionals to support the initiative and join in celebrating the launch in order to create a brighter future for the energy and STEM sectors by empowering students with the skills they need to succeed.
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has renewed the appointment of Prof. Salisu Usman for second term as Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Usman was first appointed as Kogi poly rector by former Gov. Alhaji Yahaya Bello in 2021.
Usman’s reappointment was due to his superlative performance as rector of the institution over the last four years.
The rector, while reacting to his reappointment on Monday in Lokoja, thanked Gov. Ododo for acknowledging his modest contributions to the growth of the institution.
“I also appreciate the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for bringing me on board as Acting Rector, after which my appointment was confirmed in 2021.
“I thank the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, staff and students of the institution, for the invaluable support that assisted in the transformation of the Polytechnic thus far,” Usman said.
He promised to put in much more efforts in his second term, to strengthen the positive visibility of the institution.
Usman said that since he came on board, the institution had transformed with full accreditation of programmes that were stagnated for years.
He added there had been administrative reforms; restoration of discipline; general quality assurance; among others.
The Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol, led by Uredo Omale, congratulated the rector and wished him a more successful second term.
The University of Birmingham and Osun State University have shortlisted 22 early-career Nigerian scholars for proposal writing and grantsmanship in the humanities.
The scholarships were drawn from 17 institutions including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ekiti State University, and University of Ibadan among others.
Speaking at the commencement of the seminar, Professor Insa Nolte from the University of Birmingham, noted that the training is critical for early scholars because of the technicalities of proposal writing and to be more aware of all the opportunities that exist.
She noted: “We want to encourage people to take opportunities. We are supporting and encouraging them today, they should make the best of the opportunities they have, and by the time they reach that stage and support those who are coming after them.”
The pioneer Vice Chancellor of Uniosun, Professor Sola Akinrinade, admonished the scholars to be wary of using fictitious data for research warning that it has grievous consequences.
He also admonished: “Government while appointing Governing council members must ensure that they appointed people with capacity. If Governing Councils are full of mediocrity then there is a problem.
“The truth is that the University system, polytechnic system and college of education are not places for just anybody to be in the council, but people with an understanding of what the needs of our tertiary institutions are.”
The out-going Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has said the repositioned institution can serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s greatness and development.
Na’Allah, who served as VC for five years, said the institution has been transformed in line with international best practices to address some of the nation’s problems.
He spoke at an award ceremony organised by the university’s Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) to honour him as the “Best Performed” vice-chancellor of the institution.
He said the introduction of strategic courses/centres such as the SDC, Leadership Centre, Security Centre, Aeronautical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering among others has positioned the university as a catalyst to fast track the nation’s development.
Na’Allah said, “The SDC is one of our great centres established to respond to the needs of our world. Sustainable development is at the centre of the strategy of the UN to save our world from calamity; so at University of Abuja, we have put together this centre as a solution centre for Nigeria and the world.
“This is a centre that was established to look for solutions in every area of the SDG goals, so our PhD and masters students focus on finding solutions to our world.”
Na’Allah thanked the centre and the out-going PhD students for honouring him, while charging them to continue to contribute to the development of the country with the knowledge gained from the institution.
Also speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Gbenga Daniel said he was delighted to be associated with the transformative leadership of Na’Allah at the institution.
The former governor of Ogun State, who was the special guest of honour, stressed the need to always celebrate excellence, adding that the SDC could go a long way in proffering solutions to the nation’s current challenges.
Director of the Centre, Prof. Sule Magaji said the centre was out to champion holistic sustainable development and inspire students for a better tomorrow.
Acting Director of the Nigeria Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig. Gen. Adewale Adekoya expressed optimism that the SDC will give the necessary push in Nigeria’s quest to achieving the SDGs.
Adekoya, who is an out-going PhD student of the SDC, said the centre thrives on impacting applicable contemporary studies that will help achieve the SDGs and develop the nation.
The Sustainable Awards were presented to various recipients at the ceremony.
Former Benue Commissioner for Finance Dr. David Olofu, has launched a N50m Education Support Fund to cater for the hardship of Idoma students in tertiary institutions across the 9 Local Government Areas of Benue South.
Olofu, who was the Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Finance in Nigeria and Senior Technical Advisor to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, said the initiative was to support the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration’s resolve to provide succours to the students.
Olofu was initially nominated by the Idoma Area Traditional Council for a chieftaincy title in Otukpo, but barely 48 hours before, he was allegedly delisted.
But Olofu, at a briefing in Otukpo, Benue State on Friday, said he had put that behind him, saying, he would rather use the funds raised for the reception of the event, to put smiles on the faces of Idoma students.
“As you are aware, in the last couple of days, I was scheduled to be conferred with the chieftaincy title by the revered Idoma Area Traditional Council.
“And when I got the notification from his Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, I informed all my friends and associates, my political party and also constituted the central planning committee to make sure that we have a successful confirmation ceremony.
“Less than 48 hours to the event, I got notification that, that will no longer be the case. In the meantime, my friends, colleagues and associates had supported me to make sure that this event was held hedge free.
“I have to some extent, utilised the support that was provided, but I did not exhaust what was provided and I felt that, given that, that provision had been made by them, I reached out to them and we came to a conclusion that I should apply the balance of what has been contributed to support my people in any way possible, and in consultation with my constituency and my leaders across party lines.
“Let me also mention that, this contribution that I have mentioned came in from all over the federation, across party lines. Both people who are in PDP, APC, APGA and Labour, contributed to this event to identify with the honor that was going to be bestowed on me by His Royal Majesty, the Och’idoma.
“You may recall, I served as the chairman of the Forum of Commissioners of Finance of Nigeria, and currently serving as Senior Technical Advisor to Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
“So, the support came across board and from all over the federation. And after consultation with my leaders, we decided that we apply what is left from the support that I have received to support Idoma students in higher institutions, by way of what I refer to as Education Support Fund.
“So today, by the grace of God, we are using what has been contributed by my colleagues, friends and associates, to set up an Education Support Fund, under the umbrella of Apa Legacy Sustainability Initiative.
“And we have a window of about N50 million, with an initial inflow of about N20 million and a projection of N10 million per year to reach out to all the students that will qualify for this intervention,” Olofu said.
He recounted how he resorted to serving as a waiter in restaurants during his days at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, just to meet up with his education funding; adding that, he fought the temptations to quit schooling and saw himself to the graduation.
In naming the Board of Trustees of the Education Support Fund, Olofu said: “We consulted widely and we came to a conclusion that our brother, our leader and our son, who is currently serving as a senior lecturer at the Federal University Wukari; our own brother, Professor David Salifu, a former SSG to serve as the chairman of the Board of Trustees that will administer this fund.
“Let me emphasize that, this fund will devoid of political affiliations and to work with him in that team, we have also recognized that we bring on board the National Association of Idoma Students (NAIS).
“We also recognised the need to have a representative of the Idoma Area Traditional Council and also a representative of civil society on that team and to provide secretarial services, we have also nominated Honourable Owoicho Oyi, the former chairman of Apa Local Government, to serve in that capacity”.
The Board chairman, Prof. Salifu in his acceptance message, described the project as laudable and enjoined other Idoma sons and daughters to emulate the initiator of the project, Dr. Olofu.
“I accept my appointment to chair the Board of the Education Support Fund initiated by my younger brother, the immediate past Benue Finance Commissioner, Dr. David Olofu. I am totally committed to the goal of the Foundation and I call us to make ourselves available as the blocks to building this initiative to its logical conclusion”.
The President of NAIS, Comrade Vincent Odebugu expressed gratitude to Dr. Olofu, for his charity towards the Idoma students, despite the situation of things.
He said: “I stand here today in appreciation and in commendation to Hon. David Olofu, for this charitable act towards the Idoma nation, of a truth, you have experienced what it takes to pass through the four walls of the university, having a track record of facing challenges while on campus. These are the challenges we leaders of the association are facing and we are handicapped by not being able to render solutions.”
A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Chris Adaba Abba, and Comrade Joe Ochogwu, National President of NAIS in 1995, lauded the gesture of Dr. Olofu, urging other Idoma leaders to emulate him.
The duo acknowledged others would have retired home and be murmuring about the delisting, saying, anything done to support Nigerian students at this critical time, is godly and of great virtue.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian renewable energy expert Ridwan AbdulRazaq on winning the 2024 Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability Award.
AbdulRazaq was recognized for his innovative solar energy system design and deployment work, particularly in off-grid rural communities.
President Tinubu praised the Nigerian trailblazer, stating that his achievements demonstrate the country’s potential to achieve its climate goals and realize its green industrial vision.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president expressed his belief in the ingenuity of Nigerian youths, affirming that with their collective talent, the country can lead Africa and the world in science, technology, and manufacturing.
He encouraged Nigerians to continue utilizing their talents, ensuring that his administration remains committed to supporting and empowering their dreams.
“President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Mr. Ridwan AbdulRazaq, a renewable energy expert, on winning the 2024 Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability Award.
“Mr. AbdulRazaq was honoured for his accomplishments in advancing solar energy system design and deployment in Nigeria, especially in off-grid rural communities.
“President Tinubu commends the Nigerian green-solution pacesetter, stating that AbdulRazaq’s achievements reinforce the long-held conviction that Nigeria’s climate goals and his administration’s green industrial vision are realizable with the active participation of the nation’s tremendously gifted youths.
“The president affirms that Nigeria can lead Africa and even the rest of the world in science, technology, cutting-edge manufacturing, and other spheres of human pursuits with the composite ingenuity of the youth.
“President Tinubu enjoins Nigerians not to relent in applying the resources of their talents in any given area as his administration remains committed to providing support and giving flight to their dreams”, the statement said.
Osun State University (Uniosun) management has awarded research support grants to eight final-year students of the institution, emphasising its dedication to nurturing a robust research environment and promoting innovation in problem-solving.
The initiative aims to encourage outstanding research projects that promise significant societal impact.
During the grant presentation ceremony, Vice Chancellor Clement Adebooye announced that N500,000 was allocated to students whose research proposals demonstrated exceptional merit in terms of conception, execution, and potential for societal benefit.
He detailed the selection process, which included a call for applications from all final-year students, submission of project proposals, rigorous assessment by a distinguished Management Committee, and the identification of the most promising research endeavours.
The Vice-Chancellor underscored the university’s commitment to supporting academic excellence and fostering a culture of research and development among its students.
The grants are part of Uniosun’s broader strategy to empower students to address real-world challenges through innovative and impactful research initiatives.
He said: “At the end of the selection process, two final-year project proposals were recommended and approved by Management. The first award-winning research proposal is titled Biogas Production from Cattle Dung for Processing Shelf-Stable Sausage Treated with Indigenous Medicinal Leaves which aims to develop a sustainable and environment-friendly method of producing biogas from cattle dung.”
He noted that seven students would be working on the research project.
“Also, the second research grant which was awarded to a student of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, intends to develop a locally fabricated programmable voltage-current loop calibrator system.”
Adebooye congratulated the eight students and urged them to work hard with their supervisors.
Despite the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to prioritising the education sector, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over its outstanding demands. BOLA OLAJUWON and DAMOLA KOLA-DARE highlight some of the administration’s records amid parents’ and students’ anxiety over the issue.
Tinubu’s education policy
President Bola Tinubu had during presidential election campaigns, during and after his inauguration reiterated the commitment of his administration to prioritising education for national human capital development. He also pledged that his administration would spare no effort in ensuring Nigerian children have a solid foundation for realising their dreams. The president also reassured the nation of his commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for children, while enhancing the quality of education.
To show his commitment to concretising his pledges, President Tinubu approved more autonomy to federal universities, signed the students loan law and its amendment.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday confirmed that more than 30,000 students of tertiary institutions have been selected to benefit from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) introduced by the President.
Akpabio, who said this on Tuesday in a statement during his visit to the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja, stated that the Student Loan Law was one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed by the 10th Assembly.
He explained that the bill allows underprivileged children to pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints, adding that it made the legislature most appealing to him as the Senate President.
“One of the most important bills for the 10th Assembly was the bill sent to us by President Tinubu. The Student Loan Bill enables vulnerable Nigerian students and the less privileged to obtain higher education.
“And as I speak to you now, over 30,000 Nigerian students have already been selected to benefit from that scheme. That is one of the bills I will say appeal to me the most,” Akpabio said.
The president also approved three frameworks to enhance Nigeria’s educational sector.
The framework would comprehensively overhaul the education sector to improve learning and skill development, increase enrolment and ensure the academic security of the nation’s children.
The approved policies are captured as DOTS, an acronym for Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training & Development, and Skill Development & Acquisition.
The DOTS policy has become germane owing to a paucity of coordinated, verifiable, and authentic data on all aspects of the education sector in the country, which is critical for planning.
Therefore, the President approved the conduct of an extensive census of the following: All schools in Nigeria from primary to tertiary level, their conditions and live-in facilities, proximity to one another, educational infrastructure, etc. Also included is the census of all teachers in Nigeria, their qualifications, training support received; all pupils and students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, gender, exam grades, among others. The information, the Presidency stated, will guide federal and state interventions in educational development as well as overall support.
The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for Chairmen of Councils, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the Boards and Councils of Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education.
President Tinubu also launched a campaign to promote inclusive education, skill development, and gender equity. The campaign tagged #WeAreEqual is an initiative of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). The campaign had been launched in 15 African countries in different, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence.
The Nigerian component of the programme is tagged, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool for Change’, championed by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Budgetary and special financial allocations
The President also proposed increased 2024 budget allocations for the education sector when compared to the sector’s allocation in the previous year. A review of the budget indicates that the education sector got N1.54 trillion, representing 6.39 per cent of the total budget.
He had also approved N683,429,268 billion as the 2024 Intervention Funds for public tertiary education institutions in the country.
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, who disclosed this, noted that 90.75% was budgeted for direct disbursement and 8.94% for some designated special projects. A stabilisation of 2.27% was allowed to enable the Fund respond to emerging issues.
He also disclosed that each university would get N1,906,944,930.00, each polytechnic N1,165,355,235.00 while each College of Education shall get N1,398,426,282.00.
About ₦8 billion was approved for provision of Central Multipurpose Laboratories in some universities in the country. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, also confirmed that ₦5 billion was approved for the National Research Fund (NRF).
This, the minister noted, was indeed a strong demonstration of the president’s commitment to the promotion of research activities in tertiary institutions to support national development.
ASUU: varsities collapsing, need urgent resuscitation
But, despite government’s policy initiatives in the education sector, especially universities, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in a paid advertisement, called the president out over a number of unresolved issues allegedly hampering smooth operations and stability of public universities in the country. ASUU called for urgent resuscitation of the university system before it breaks down totally.
According to ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke, universities are collapsing due to government’s failure to address outstanding issues with the union.
The letter to Mr. President reads: “These issues are not new; they have remained the core concerns in our union’s engagements with the government since 2009. Our desire here is to formally appeal for your kind intervention, which we believe will assist in satisfactorily resolving these lingering issues for the ultimate health, growth, and stability of the universities. It was this desire for amicable resolution of these issues that informed our earlier request for an appointment vide a letter dated July 10, 2023.
“Your Excellency, you would recall that Nigerian academics were compelled to embark on a nationwide strike action on February 14, 2022, when all entreaties to government to resolve the issues in contention fell on deaf ears. This action, which lasted till October of the same year, had dire consequences.
“Our union was forced into the strike action due to the government’s failure to fully implement negotiated Memoranda of Understanding/ Action (MOUs/ MOAs) arising from the FGN/ ASUU Agreement of 2009, between 2013 and 2020.
“Specifically, the government’s refusal to implement the Memorandum of Action (MOA) of December 2020 provoked the 2022 strike action across the Nigerian public universities. Sadly, to date, a number of issues in the 2020 MOA remain unresolved.”
Some of the issues listed by ASUU include: Concussion of the renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU Agreement based on Nimi Briggs Committee’s draft agreement of 2021; release of withheld three-and-half months salaries on account of the 2022 strike action; release of unpaid salaries of staff on sabbatical, part-time and adjunct appointments owing to the application of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (1PPIS); release of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions; funding for revitalisation of public universities (partly captured in 2023 Federal Government’s Budget); and earned Academic Allowances (EAA) (partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government’s Budget).
Others are: Proliferation of universities by Federal and state governments; implementation of the reports of visitation panels to universities; illegal dissolution of Governing Councils; and implementation of University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) in place of IPPIS.
ASUU noted that it has been engaging the agents of government – particularly the Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment – on the above-listed and related issues in the last one year without much to show for its efforts.
It added that it was using the medium to formally request for the president’s intervention in finding workable solutions to the crisis to prevent public universities from being plunged into another round of avoidable crisis. It, therefore, issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over the outstanding demands.
Also, ASUU branches in the universities on Tuesday during rallies and media conferences called on stakeholders to prevail on Federal and state governments to address outstanding issues with the union to avert unnecessary industrial crisis in an already weak system.
Specifically, ASUU Chairman at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo State, Dr. Michael Ojo, during a rally, urged President Tinubu to immediately approve release of funds for the continuation of critical projects in universities campuses across the country. He also demanded full payment of entitlements of ASUU members, saying the ‘no work, no pay’ policy introduced by government was a breach of International Labour Law.
He said: “The union condemns the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils in universities, and appeals to government at all levels to allow universities to operate in accordance with the law establishing them.”
The ASUU in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, also kicked against the government’s failure to honour the 2021 agreement.
Its members, during a peaceful protest, warned that another nationwide strike is imminent except urgent attention is given to the 2021 draft agreement. According to its chairman, Prof. Anthony Odiwe, the government is yet to address many of the issues that force the union to embark on strike.
The Chairman of the ASUU, Federal University Lokoja Chapter, Dr. Joshua Silas, on Tuesday during a protest by members of the union at FUL campus in Felele, Lokoja, urged the Federal Government to implement the renegotiations of 2009 agreements reached with the national ASUU to prevent the resumption of the suspended industrial action.
Also, the Chairperson of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna chapter of the ASUU, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, asked President Tinubu to evaluate and sign the renegotiated agreement between ASUU and the Federal Government to restore efficiency in the Nigerian university system. He stated this in Minna after a peaceful protest by the union to express their grievance over unpaid salaries and allowances.
The University of Ilọrin chapter of ASUU described the President Tinubu-led administration as the worst in anti-labour policies.
NANS lauds Tinubu’s education reforms, urges Fed Govt, ASUU to shift ground
However, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lauded President Tinubu’s education reforms, which it said led to the appointment of over 200 scholars, including 100 professors, to oversee the country’s tertiary education institutions.
In a statement by its President, Comrade Pedro Chibuzor Obi, NANS expressed its appreciation to President Tinubu for promptly addressing the long-standing issues within the education sector. The association noted that the appointment of seasoned academicians, technocrats, and politicians to the governing councils of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education would help fast-track the development of the sector. NANS also appealed to the newly appointed council members to stand for justice and not encourage victimisation of students by institution management.
The association called on ASUU to cooperate with the new council members and the President’s genuine concern for the development of the education sector.
NANS said: “Nigerian students are immensely grateful to President Tinubu for taking prompt action to appoint worthy academicians, technocrats, and experienced politicians into the councils, which they believe have the potentials to help fast-track the rapid development of Nigerian academic institutions.
But, NANS has also appealed to the ASUU to find common grounds to prevent disruption in the academic calendar. The NANS Senate President, Mr. Henry Okunomo, who stated this on Sunday in Akure at a news briefing, said the association is appealing to the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent disruption in the educational sector by preventing any strike. He also urged President Tinubu to allocate sufficient resources to the educational sector to improve infrastructure, provide necessary teaching aids, and ensure timely payment of salaries and benefits to lecturers. He said that establishing a continuous platform for dialogue between the government, university administrators and lecturers to address grievances before escalation was important to prevent academic disruption. “We are all acutely aware of the recurring disruptions caused by strikes in our universities. “These strikes, often as a result of unresolved issues between university lecturers and the government, have profound and far-reaching consequences on the educational journey of countless students.“It is with a heavy heart and a determined spirit that I address this pressing issue today, appealing to the government to take immediate and effective steps to prevent our lecturers resorting to another strike. “We, the students, are the primary stakeholders in this situation. Our voices, hopes, and futures hang in the balance. “We are counting on the government to act decisively and with a sense of urgency to prevent the devastating impact of another strike.
NAPTAN appeals to the Fed Govt to honour agreements with ASUU
The Deputy National President National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, in a telephone chat with The Nation, appealed to the Federal Government to honour whatever agreement is on ground with the ASUU. Ogunbanjo noted that the nation has had enough of industrial action, and as such, government should have mercy on the union for the sake of the students. He said: “We plead with government to try to honour whatever agreement they have with the union. They have been at it for too long. Then government should have mercy on them and forget the ‘No work no pay’ rule and pay them whatever is due to them. “If they embark on another strike, it will affect parents and of course the students. It won’t augur well for our educational system as a four-year course would elongate. If government honours the agreement with them, let’s see if ASUU would misbehave. Then if it does, the entire nation would go against them. Government should forgive them and pay whatever is remaining from the nine months strike of 2022.”
Govt’s response
Federal Minister of State for Education Tanko Sununu confirmed to The Nation that the ministry top officials and ASUU leadership met yesterday and agreed to set up a committee to look into the lecturers’ demands.
He also confirmed that the committee will after four weeks summit its report to the government for consideration. Sununu added that ASUU also agreed to brief its members on the deliberations at the meeting.
