The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Fed Govt inaugurates inter-ministerial committee on allegations of degree racketeering

    Fed Govt inaugurates inter-ministerial committee on allegations of degree racketeering

    The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to examine the veracity of allegations of degrees racketeering within foreign and local private universities in Nigeria.

    Inaugurating the committee in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, mandated the committee to review the role of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) or its officials in facilitating the recognition and procurement of fake certificates in question.

    The committee is chaired by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Jibrila Amin.

    Other members of the committee are Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Amb. Lazarus Ikpasaba from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr Abel Olanrewaju from the Office of the National Security Adviser

    Others are Omeh Nwokpoku from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Amina Lugga from the Federal Ministry of Youths, and Mrs Doom Iyortyom from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    The committee had, however been mandated to complete the investigation within eight weeks from the date of inauguration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in December 2023, an investigative journalist with the Daily Nigerian Newspaper released a publication on fake degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

    The minister, while reading the terms of reference, urged the committee to review existing policies and procedures related to accreditation and certification to identify weaknesses contributing to the issue.

    Read Also: Fake degrees: Fed govt orders probe of private universities in Nigeria

    ”The committee must also examine the rules, procedures and processes for recognition and accreditation of foreign universities and programmes by the Federal Ministry of Education. It will also establish if unapproved foreign institutions (Degree Mills) exist or not in Nigeria in whatever form, with their identities and locations if any.

    “The committee will make appropriate recommendations for review of any rules, procedures, and processes to prevent re-occurrence and sanctions for identified erring officials”.

    It will further “make other recommendations that will strengthen the system of recognitions, accreditations and quality assurance of degrees in Nigeria”.

    According to the terms, the members should examine the extant rules, procedures and processes for granting of provisional licences to new universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Mamman charged the committee to be deliberate about their assignment and deliver within the period.

    Prof. Amin assured the Federal Government and Nigerians of a good job within the stipulated time.

  • KEDCO MD departs after tenure ends

    KEDCO MD departs after tenure ends

    The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) has announced the departure of Yusuf Yahaya as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, after the conclusion of his tenure.

    Yahaya’s tenure ended on December 31, 2023.

    He said it had been a remarkable journey at the company, driving transformative changes in the electricity distribution sector.

    He said: “I am proud of our collective achievements in operational efficiency and customer service enhancement, made possible through our team’s dedication and stakeholder support.”

    A statement by Spokesperson of KEDCO, Abdulazeez Abdullahi said during his leadership, Yahaya was instrumental in steering extensive organisational reforms and commercial growth.

    The statement said: “Yahaya was at the helm during a critical phase, initiating a robust turnaround program focused on key organisational and personnel reforms, and significantly improving service delivery.

    “The company witnessed marked improvements in infrastructure and energy management under his guidance, with substantial investments in network and energy management infrastructure being a major highlight of his tenure.

    Read Also: Kaduna Electric apprehends suspected energy thief at night raid

    “We are immensely grateful to Yahaya for his visionary leadership and the pivotal role he played in the corporate turnaround of Kaduna Electric. His tenure will be remembered as a period of transformative change for our company.

    “Yahaya’s departure follows efforts by key stakeholders like the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Central Bank of Nigeria, and lenders such as the African Export-Import Bank and Fidelity Bank, to strengthen operations at Kaduna Electric.

    “As he moves on to new endeavour, Yahaya carries with him invaluable experiences and relationships built during his tenure.

    “Kaduna Electric extends its best wishes for his future endeavours, confident that the foundation laid by Yahaya will continue to benefit the company’s operations and service delivery.”

  • Tinubu hailed for suspending minister

    Tinubu hailed for suspending minister

    The United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP) has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, for instructing the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, to pay N585m into the private bank account of a project accountant, Bridget Oniyelu in her ministry.

    The organisation said the president’s responsiveness to the cries from the civil society space and well-meaning Nigerians demonstrated a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of the nation.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Tinubu slashes official FG travel entourage by 60%

    Chairman, UGRFP, Shalom Olaseni, in a statement, also applauded the president’s prompt establishment of a panel to reform the social programs of the ministry.

    Olaseni said: “We further advocate for the extension of the panel’s mandate to comprehensively reform the entire humanitarian ministry. Such measures are essential to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of humanitarian efforts aimed at poverty alleviation and addressing societal needs.

    “UGRFP emphasises the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. We urge the government to prosecute Edu based on the serious allegations against her, including involvement in padded budgets, mismanagement of funds, and overseeing white elephant projects running into billions of Naira. These allegations, if proven, signify a breach of public trust and necessitate legal consequences.”

  • Kogi Governor Bello dissolves exco

    Kogi Governor Bello dissolves exco

    • Appoints Accountant-General, others

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, yesterday dissolved the State Executive Council. The move serves as a recalibration of the governance trajectory and signifies the initiation of the comprehensive transition process.

    Heads of agencies, parastatals and other appointees are also affected by the announcement.

    Making the announcement at the end of the State Executive Council Meeting yesterday at the EXCO Hall of the governor’s office, Governor Bello commends affected officials for exemplifying unparalleled commitment, diligence, and unwavering patriotism throughout their tenure.

    Acknowledging their contributions, he wished them success in their future endeavors.

    He directed the affected officials affected to ensure a thorough and proper handover process, transferring all pertinent government documents, properties, and materials to the permanent secretary of their ministries or senior government officials stationed in their respective offices.

    Read Also: Emefiele: EFCC to appeal against N100m fine

    However, the governor retained the following members of the council and aides; the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr Ayoade Arike; State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (RETD); Deputy Chief of Staff Sunday Faleke; Director-General, Government House Administration, Alhaji Oricha Umaru Shaibu; Attorney General and commissioner for Justice Mohammed Sanni Ibrahim, SAN; Commissioner for Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Abubakar Bashir Mohammed; Commissioner for Information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo and Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development among others.

    Similarly, Governor Bello makes new appointment of the following persons to fill the vital vacant positions in the state;

    Habibat Oyiza Tijani, State’s Accountant-General, Abdulrazaq Muhammed, Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Auditor-General for Local Governments, Kadiri Mohammed Okeji, Special Adviser on Finance, Isah Taofeeq, Director-General, Project Monitoring Agency.

    Governor Bello also appointed some persons as Security Advisers from all the Federal Constituencies in the state.

  • Alia begins renovation of 40-year old secretariat

    Alia begins renovation of 40-year old secretariat

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has commenced the total renovation and refurbishing of the 40 Years old State Secretariat in the state, housing civil servants, and top Government functionaries.

    This is part of his genuine efforts to bring about optimum productivity of the career civil and public servants housed by the gigantic facility.

    When completed, the secretariat which was built by the first civilian governor, the late Aper Aku, in 1982, will be part of efforts by the governor, to provide a befitting working environment for the workers in the state and give them a smooth take off of the current administration’s Spirit of commitment to duty.

    The renovation of the facility will also serve as a beacon of hope for the restoration of maintenance culture in the state which was abandoned by previous administrations.

    The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mr. Tiza Imojime, who took journalists round the Secretariat, during an on the spot check of the renovation, yesterday, said the entire work is expected to be completed within six months.

    He said the governor is poised to equip the Secretariat with new office chairs, tables, and other furniture that would befit a 21st century working environment for the workers.

    The project, he said, would be one of the legacies of Governor Alia’s administration, aimed at prioritizing the welfare of civil servants in the state.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    He explained that the last time the Secretariat was renovated was in 2008, noting that more projects would be launched within the year for the benefit of Benue people.

    He thanked the media for the good work they are doing by projecting the policies and programmes of the Governor in a positive light just as he urged them to maintain the tempo.

    The State Head of Service, Dr. Moses Agbogbo, who received the Commissioner and the team of contractors handling the project, said the renovation and furnishing of the State Secretariat is part of efforts of the Governor to revive the state civil service which was under intensive care, noting that the action, is a fulfilment of the Governor’s campaign promises to the people.

    He enjoined the civil servants to shun vices that are capable of hindering the growth and development of Benue.

    “I commend the Governor for the passion he has on the welfare of civil servants and pensioners to boast their productivity”, he said.

    The Project Manager of Shake and Bright Nigeria Limited, Mr Bem Iortim, handling the project, said with the cooperation of the State Government for timely release of funds, they are determined to deliver quality work within the specified time.

    The Commissioner for Finance, and Economic Planning, Mr Michael Eglegba, who also joined in the inspection, said the first phase of the project costs over N1 billion, and was the first of its kind since the Secretariat was built, adding that, it has been hooked to 330KVA power supply, while water supply in the Secretariat, has also been restored in the offices, describing it as a remarkable achievement by the governor.

  • Taraba reintroduces History subject in basic schools

    Taraba reintroduces History subject in basic schools

    The Taraba Government has announced plans to reintroduce history as a subject in the basic education curriculum in schools in the state.

    Governor Agbu Kefas made this known when he hosted journalists to a dinner in Jalingo on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that history was removed from primary and secondary education curriculums in the 2009/2010 academic session.

    NAN reports that in November 2022, the Federal Government reintroduced history as a stand-alone subject in the basic education curriculum in Nigeria 13 years after its abolition.

    History, he said, has a connection with development of any society.

    “No society will truly develop without its inhabitants having a good knowledge of their history.

    “That is why we will introduce history studies in our primary and secondary schools in the state to  lay a solid foundation for accelerated development,” he said.

    The governor also said in no distance time, primary school teachers in the state must be first degree holders while secondary school teachers must have a minimum of Masters degree in order to enhance the  quality of education in the state.

    Read Also: Emefiele: EFCC to appeal against N100m fine

    He urged journalists to monitor the implementation of the state government’s free education policy in primary and secondary schools to ensure that all the school administrators were doing the right thing.

    While commending journalists for their objective reportage so far, Kefas pledged to renovate the Press Centre in Jalingo and also provide operational vehicles to the various groups under the Nigera Union of Journalists.

    Former Commissioner for Information, Danjuma Adamu, urged the state government to see journalists as partners in progress.

    Commissioner for Information Hajiya Zainab Jalingo, called for continued partnership with journalists to serve the people of  state better.

    Earlier, Mr Matthew Jen, the Taraba NUJ Chairman and Mr Gabriel Yough, the state NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman assured the governor of continued objective reportage for the benefit of all.

  • Wamakko seeks farming activities, industries to boost economy

    Wamakko seeks farming activities, industries to boost economy

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has called on Nigerians to focus more on farming activities and establishment of more industries for economic growth and national development.

    Wamakko made the call at the weekend in Sokoto during a personal visit to an indigenous Rice processing mill, K.K. Technologies established by a Sokoto-based businessman, Alhaji Kabiru Mu’azu Jodi.

    The lawmaker, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District, noted that embracing and focusing on agriculture and the establishment of industries would enhance and boost productivity as well value addition to the economy for sustained development.

    Wamakko, the Senate Committee Chairman on Local and Foreign Debts, also observed that Nigeria needed more commitment to driving and repositioning the agricultural sector for massive food production and security.

    “We have the population manpower, soil fertility as well the capacity to achieve sustained economic growth using modern technologies for the desired results”, he pointed out while acknowledging the singular efforts of Alhaji Jodi as impressive and encouraging towards boosting the economy of the state,” he said.

    He urged more of such commitment by other Nigerians to make the country economically better by engaging in more farming activities.

    “It will help boost the economy, create jobs, curb insecurity as well reduce poverty and encourage self-reliance as a productive nation”, Wamakko stressed, assuring that the state government would patronise the company as encouragement for potential individuals to invest in similar venture.

    Earlier, Alhaji Jodi told the Senator that the industry which began production at 8, 000 tonnes daily capacity, was established in 2015.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    “Today, we have made appreciable progress of producing 500,000 tonnes per day using modern technologies.

    “With the modern equipment for ease of production, we are now cultivating paddy Rice as against the past when we had to travel far to get processing materials. All these, are the product of your fatherly advise”, he told the Senator .

    He, however, said the company  currently has paddy Rice improved seedling that can produce 12,000 tonnes for harvest.

    He said the industry was into collaboration drive with relevant Federal Government agencies as measure to ensure healthy, hygienic and quality production for human consumption were achieved.

    Alhaji Jodi who highlighted cost of materials and transportation among others as major challenges needing urgent government intervention at all levels, also seized the space to take the Senator round the company for facilities inspection and operation where Wamakko urged him and the management to maintain the tempo for prosperity.

  • Taraba By election: emir’s son emerges PDP candidate

    Taraba By election: emir’s son emerges PDP candidate

    An engineer and son to Emir of Jalingo, Sadiq Tafida, has won the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election for Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency.

    The election which took place in Jalingo yesterday, ended up with seven out of the nine co-contestants stepping down for him. They are: Leah Solomon, Umar Bala, Ibrahim Imam, Hassan Bappa, Dahiru Usman, Tukur Yerima and Hassan Bakari, Bello Yero and Sale Saad were not at the venue of the election.

    Chairman of the PDP National Assembly Bye election primaries committee,  Mohammed Aliyu, announced that 96 delegates were accredited and that 95 voted.

    Read Also: Emefiele: EFCC to appeal against N100m fine

    He declared Tafida as the winner of the election having scored the highest number of votes.

    Taraba State Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, who was to lead the government delegation to the occasion, could not witness the election as there were protests by youths against an alleged government support for an aspirant.

    But the election went on successfully and was witnessed by some PDP big wigs including the Political Adviser to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa.

  • Axle load exceeding 100 tonnes is an economic sabotage, says Zulum

    Axle load exceeding 100 tonnes is an economic sabotage, says Zulum

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said axle loads exceeding 100 tonnes on the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala road is an economic sabotage.

    Zulum said this yesterday in Gamboru town in Ngala Local Government of Borno.

    He expressed concern over the long-term consequences of weight limit violations on roads in Borno.

    ”It is sad to note what has been happening here. You can see trailers loaded with over 2,000 bags of cement or sugar.

    “That means more than 100 tonnes of commodities. This trend is only seen on this road and as a result, the road to Gamboru Ngala has been destroyed due to overload,” Zulum stated.

    The governor noted that this poses a threat to public safety.

    Read Also: APC pegs Edo guber nomination fee at N50m, holds primary Feb. 17

    Zulum stressed the need for strict enforcement of weight regulations to protect both infrastructure and human lives.

    ”As a result of overloading, the bridge linking the Nigerian part of the border and other neighbouring countries is almost collapsing.

    ”To address this concern, I am announcing plans to collaborate with relevant agencies of the federal government to address the issue effectively,” he said.

    The governor also outlined a multifaceted approach, including increased enforcement of weight restrictions, strict implementation of penalties for violators and the establishment of weigh stations at strategic points along major transportation routes.

    He noted that inspite of the government’s commitment to enhancing trans-border trade, appropriate measures will be implemented to maintain road infrastructure.

    Zulum commended the efforts of the federal government towards revitalising federal roads in Borno.

  • Unified transportation system coming in FCT

    Unified transportation system coming in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed plans to unveil Unified Standard Transportation System in the nation’s capital.

    Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr. Abdulateef Bello, said this yesterday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting.

    Bello, who stated that the recovery of taxi ranks earlier issued quit notice within the capital city, would soon commence, with the aim of reorganising it for licensed operators.

    He said the need to standardise the transportation system in Abuja, had become very necessary, considering that the city was fastly evolving and no aspect of it should be ignored.

    Bello said Abuja cannot be left without an organised transportation system that will meet the needs of all citizens.

    He equally stated that the administration has perfected plans with consultants to bring in buses that use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

    Read Also: Emefiele: EFCC to appeal against N100m fine

    According to him, the buses when acquired and deployed to different routes, will take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that have been constituting nuisances on Abuja roads.

    Chairman of RTEIN Mass Transit, Dr Abubakar Sadiq, said the new policy by the administration was a welcome development, but critical players in the transportation sector must be given adequate consideration.

    Chairman of Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association (SECDAN), Okorie Victor,  urged the administration to embark on aggressive sensitisation to ensure that all stakeholders properly understand the evolving policies of the administration in the transportation sector.