The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Drama at Cairo airport as Egyptian policemen frame Nigerian cleric for sexual assault

    Drama at Cairo airport as Egyptian policemen frame Nigerian cleric for sexual assault

    • How Nigerian pilgrims resisted threat to jail clergyman
    • Embattled cleric: My wife, children lost sleep learning about my plight
    • Egypt Airline, Foreign Affairs Ministry decline comment

    Officials of Cairo International Airport in Egypt appear to be becoming notorious for dehumanising international travellers especially, black Africans. During the week, a Nigerian cleric, Rev. Israel Kristilere of the ShepherdHill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, shared a video reliving how he escaped being framed up and jailed for sexual assault by police authorities in the North African country. Before now, South Sudanese and Yemeni travellers had alleged harassment, extortion and other inhuman treatments by the airport’s officials. INNOCENT DURU spoke with Kristilere and other pilgrims who witnessed the Cairo airport incident and reports.

    Rev. Israel Kristilere, the Senior Pastor of SheperdHill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos and chief executive officer (CEO) of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Limited, a private Christian pilgrimage company, in a viral video during the week, called the attention of Nigerians and the government to the alleged atrocities being perpetrated against the citizens by Egyptian policemen at Cairo Airport.

    According to him, he was framed up with the accusation that he sexually assaulted a woman he had not seen or met in his entire life. He was threatened with a jail term and subjected to all manners of mental torture to make him admit to a crime he never committed. He, however, stood his ground, insisting that he was innocent of the allegation.

    While he was doing battle with the police officers in the closet, his compatriots, buoyed by the never-say-die Nigerian spirit, defied the freezing weather condition and resisted the pressure mounted on them by the pilot and the cabin crew to board the plane that was taking them to Israel and stoutly demanded the release of their leader.

    At the centre of the battle was Mrs. Chiyenre Ofoha, who was with Rev. Kristilere at the business class lounge before he was whisked away by the police.

    Although they succeeded in securing the clergyman’s release, Ofoha was still struggling to overcome the trauma caused her by the ugly incident when our correspondent called her on the phone during the week.

    “I was terrified within me when all that was happening. I was very scared,” she said.

    “Secondly, I didn’t know where we could head to at that point in time. I told you the cold was freezing when all this was going on.

    “I was trying to reach Pastor on the phone but none of his lines was reachable. There was nobody to talk to at that point in time. I was really, really terrified.” 

    She recalled that before the police authorities came for Rev Kristilere, “we were both at the business class lounge. Each time I wanted to use the restroom, I would ask him to watch over my luggage. He also told me to watch over his luggage whenever he wanted to check on the other pilgrims.

    “When it was time for us to board, we both went downstairs. I noticed that they were not talking to us and I asked him if it was not time for us to board. He said maybe they wanted to check on our visa.

    “He walked up to them to ask if they were not attending to us and they said they were about to do. They later they asked him to step aside.

    “He asked me to wait because he felt that they wanted to attend to both of us separately. Before we knew it, about 15 policemen asked him to follow them.

    “Initially, I thought it was all about checking our documents. Later, I noticed some suspicious movements and went to ask an airport official what was happening. He responded that he does not speak English.

    “But I doubted the official’s claim that he does not speak English. There is no way you would work in an international airport without being able to speak English, because it is not everybody that comes to the airport that speaks your language.

    “But the Egyptian officials pretended that they could not speak English. I stood my ground, asking if there was no official that understood English and could interpret what was going on.”

    Mrs Ofoha said by that time, the other pilgrims had gone to board the plane and she was left there with one other man.

    “They asked me to go and board but I refused. I insisted that I must know what was going on.

    “I was subsequently directed to their boss who told me on enquiry that one of the ladies said that the reverend father wanted to rape her.

    “I asked them if it happened here or elsewhere. I told them I wanted to know when it happened.

    “I demanded to be taken to where they had taken him to, because we were together at the lounge before they took him away.

    “The man said there was a witness and I asked them to play the video at the airport since there would always be one there. The man said I should stop bothering myself; that they will play the video.

    “They continued putting pressure on me to go and board with the other people. Knowing that the other pilgrims did not know what was going on, I quickly ran to them and told them what was happening, and that it would not be proper for us to board the plane and leave our leader behind. They all agreed.

    “The pilot too was asking us to enter the plane. And to make matters worse, there was so much cold. But we defied the pressure and the cold, insisting that we must know what was happening to reverend and secure his release.

    “They did not want me to go and testify that I had been with him all through. We told them they could fly if they wanted, but we would not unless we secured the pastor’s release.

    “I think the pilot had to place a call to the officials to tell them that we were not boarding. Some members of the cabin crew even came down to appeal to us to board.

    “The flight was delayed for more than one hour before they brought Pastor back to us.  It was after that that we agreed to board.”

    Ofoha noted that the other pilgrims were not harassed.

    She said: “They were only forcing us to enter the aircraft.

    “At a point, we joined hands and agreed in prayer that whatever they were doing to Pastor should fail.

    “The Egyptians were looking at us as we were praying.”   

    The group captain of the pilgrims travelling with Rev Kristilere, Yemi Amure, said the experience affected him psychologically. “I have read in so many news media how innocent people have been framed for political, drug peddling, racketeering crimes among others, but to witness it, was unbelievable. That it was against a man of God really baffled me. Throughout my entry and egress at the last three airports that we passed through, l was apprehensive and paranoid, thinking that someone might try to frame me. It was a terrible experience that I will not wish my enemy.

    We left Lagos in good spirit and looked forward to an incredible spiritual experience! The flight itself was smooth, except for one or two minor turbulence. We landed at the Cairo Airport around 2100 hours, for our connecting flight to Amman, Jordan.

    Our flight to Amman was to leave at about 0125 hours on May 01 2024, hence we all remained at the airport lobby waiting for procedure instruction until our Group leader, and organiser of the pilgrimage Rev Kristilere eventually led us to a gate for our connecting flight, and left with a lady, another pilgrim who I later learnt flew Business Class, to the Business Class lobby until they appeared again sometime after 12 midnight, probably to ensure that all pilgrims had boarded. On seeing us still standing around, Rev Kristilere asked why we were not boarding. When he was told that the airport officials asked us to wait, he asked why and the airport official insisted that we step aside and let these people enter first: referring to some light skinned people whom I believe were Arabs or from North Africa.

    After Rev Kristilere was whisked away, he said “it dawned on me that our leader might miss the flight. Soon, the news of the abduction of our leader leaked out to other pilgrims, and there and then it was decided that no one was going through the security checks unless our leader was released  back to us.  As we stood our ground that no boarding of any pilgrim would take place without seeing our leader, one security officer (I knew he was an officer by his uniform) suddenly stood up and started shouting, gesticulating and threatening arrest if we did not go through security checks and board the transit bus to the tarmac. He continued to raise his voice, and aggressively shoving whoever stood in his way. It was at this point that one of the pilgrims, one Hon Kunle Elegbede said “no one is going nowhere, without our leader”. His wife also said the same thing and before you can say Jack Robinson, the entire pilgrims echoed “Without our leader, we are going nowhere.”

    As the Group leader, I appealed for calm, thinking that all was well with our leader, unaware that a fabricated assault charge had been leveled against the man of God!

     When the airport officials realised that no amount of threat would move us to change our minds, one of them came down from the aircraft to address us. He promised that if we boarded, he would ensure that Pastor and leader would be released. We refused. At this stage the official left in a vehicle and within three minutes our leader was brought in a vehicle to join us.  And that was the end of the fabricated assault allegation against an innocent Man Of God. As for me and my family, no more flying with EgyptAir.”

    Egypt Airline, Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesman decline comment

    Efforts made to get the spokesman of Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb Ahmed Abu Zeid, to comment on the incident were unsuccessful. He did not respond to our message on X, formerly Twitter.

    Egypt Air, which airlifted the pilgrims, also declined comment. Like the MFA spokesman, the airline failed to respond to a message sent to its X handle.

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    The Egyptian embassy in Nigeria was also yet to respond to our inquiry on the ugly development.

    The Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s response was also yet to be received at the time of filing this report.

    The spokesman, Amb Abu-Obe Eche, requested to see the video shared by Rev. Kristilere. He was yet to comment after the video was sent to him.

     Yemeni, South Sudanese travellers decry dehumanisation incidents at Cairo Airport

    Findings revealed that the Rev. Kristilere incident was not the first time Cairo International Airport officials would harass and dehumanise international travellers. In 2021, some Yemenis wrote a petition decrying the actions of the airport officials.

    The petition reads in part: “Passengers travelling to and from Yemen through Cairo Airport have been mistreated by Cairo Airport employees. The mistreatment has been going on for years and has become worse over the last two years.

    “Numerous videos have surfaced on social media platforms showing the specific targeting of passengers. Those passengers travelling to and from Yemen have been specially targeted by airport employees.

    “The passengers have been harassed and forced to give bribes for normal and routine services that are normally provided for free to other passengers.

    “Yemeni Americans have reached out to numerous congressional representatives and voiced their concerns over the mistreatment. The congressional representatives have advised the United States Embassy in Cairo.

    Yusuf Tuggar

    “While there are no formal complaints at the US Embassy, many passengers have complained to the airport authorities who have been quick to dismiss any complaints.

    “Complaints of mistreatment and harassment include: Solicitation of bribes for routine services offered for free to other passengers, including taking the bus from one terminal to the other and using the bathroom.

    “Theft of money, jewellery, cell phones and other valuable items.

    “Inappropriate confiscation of permissible items, including honey, coffee, and spices from checked baggage.

    “Illegally holding on to passenger’s passports for up to 10 hours, and not returning them unless they give a bribe. A Yemeni passport picture page was intentionally ripped because they refused to give a bribe.

    “Passengers being followed to bathroom. We are asking for the United States Embassy to request a full investigation from the Cairo Airport officials.”

    Prior to this time, South Sudanese travellers had accused the airport authorities of calling them slaves.

    Speaking about the incident, an official from the Government of Southern Sudan office in Cairo told the local newspaper, Sudan Tribune, that “if the Egypt Air flight to Juba is intended to insult South Sudanese and to humiliate them, please stop Egypt Air flights to Juba! As prior to initiating Egypt Air flight to Juba, Southerners are using Ethiopian Airlines, and they were never insulted and humiliated. “Egypt Air has to stop their mentality of mistreatment and harassment towards South Sudanese black people if they really wanted good relationship with South Sudan, or otherwise there is no need for Egypt Air to schedule its flights to Juba as this date. And I urge our fellow South Sudanese brothers and sisters in Europe and USA to avoid travelling to Juba through Egypt, but via Kenya or Uganda to avoid Egyptian humiliation and harassment.”

  • ‘Egyptian policemen tried to frame me up in Cairo’

    ‘Egyptian policemen tried to frame me up in Cairo’

    Reliving his experience in the viral video, Rev. Kristilere said: “I had a very traumatic experience at Cairo International Airport on April 30, 2024.

    “I left Lagos for Amman through Egypt Airlines with a group of 28 pilgrims and we had a stopover for four hours in Cairo before we boarded the second leg from Cairo to Amman.

    “I took all our pilgrims to our connecting Gate H2 around 9pm.  And having sent them there, myself and another woman on the trip who are flying business class left for the business class lounge.

    “We were in that lounge until one hour before our next flight when I told her to let us go back to the gate since I saw the notification that the gate of our connecting flight was open.

    “On getting there, I saw the pilgrims seated and not going through the gate’s security checks. I asked them why and they replied that they tried to but were asked to go back and sit down and allow others to go through the check first.

    “I went to the counter and asked a young man I saw there if they were not attending to Amman passengers yet and he confirmed that they were already doing that. So, I told all the pilgrims to rise up and let us go through the gate formalities to board our next flight.

    “As we lined up to go through the formalities, I saw some policemen and some airport staff discussing. I wondered what they were talking about and initially, I thought it was about our documentation or visa that they wanted to confirm.”

    In the course of trying to get his people to be attended to, however, a team of police officers asked the reverend to step aside and allow others to go through the security check.

    He said: “At that time, I told the other woman to wait for me while others could go through the security checks. So the policemen asked me to follow them to their office.

    “At this time, I still assumed that it had to do with our documentation. I had to bring out all the documents relating to our trip.

    “They then took me to the office of the head of the police of the airport. Three police officers entered with me while about 12 others waited outside, looking at us through the door which was left open.”

    To his chagrin, he said, “the chief police officer asked if I knew what offence I had committed. I wondered what the offence was, and replied that I had not committed any offence.

    “Then they brought a man in as an interpreter, who told me in English that a lady had just accused me of sexual assault and that the punishment was a jail term and that I should be ready to go to jail.”

    Shocked by the allegation, Rev. Kristilere retorted: “Who, where, when and how? Then they pointed at a lady who decided to hide her face behind another lady when I tried to look in her direction.

    “I told the interpreter I had never seen the lady not to talk of talking with her. The police chief then said in our country, we believe the word of any woman as true, and that means with or without evidence you are guilty.

    “He then said there was video evidence. When I heard that there was video evidence, I was relieved and I requested for the video evidence.

    “He later said there was no need for video evidence because it would make me miss my flight unless I agreed to their offered solution.

    “I made it clear that if they had any video evidence, they would not find me there because I had been at the business class lounge for three hours and I had an alibi among my pilgrims who was there with me in the lounge till we left for the gate.

    “Then they said there was a witness, and immediately, a young man came forward and stated that he was a witness to the assault. I asked where and when but there was no answer.

    “The police chief then said since there was a witness, I would only go if I accepted the solution he would offer.

    “I asked what the solution was, and he said I must apologise to the lady in a way that she must accept. I asked how I would apologise for what I had not done, but he insisted that if I did not apologise, I would be charged to court.

    “I then tried to look in the direction of the lady, who was still hiding her face behind another lady, and said: Lady, I have never met you. I have no idea of what you are talking about but possibly someone else has attacked you and you mistook me for the person.

    “Nevertheless, sorry if you are offended. But let it be known that I have no idea of what you are saying.

    “The police chief then turned to a man who was said to be her boss if my apology was accepted, and he said it was okay.”

    Police demand signature on weird document

    The plot to nail the clergyman did not end at asking him for an apology. After the apology, the police chief said he should follow him to another office and leave his hand luggage behind.  “I objected to that idea, saying I could not leave my bag behind because the rule of every airport is that passengers must always be with their luggage.

    “Around this time, I began to discern that they were up to something. They were trying to look for every means to set me up.

    “When we got to the other office, I was asked to wait outside when the police chief and other officers entered. At this time, I told myself that if these people should succeed, there would be no way to free myself.

    “I was totally isolated from my pilgrims who were supposed to be boarding the next flight. I could not understand their conversation which they were making in Arabic.

    “I then picked up my phone, pressed the ‘record’ button and kept the phone back in my pocket. At least that would be my only evidence in the future.

    “After a while, they invited me to the office and asked me to sign a document they had prepared in Arabic. I refused to sign because I told them I did not know what they had written. That would be stupid of me as an educated person.

    “They said if I did not sign, I would go to jail.  They said it did not matter, that what they just wrote was a settlement. I still said no.

    “To the glory of God, I have spent over 25 years of my life studying up to PhD level. I cannot sign what I do not know.

    “The police chief then got angry and shouted at me, saying ‘you will miss your flight and I will detain you and charge you to court.

    “I then said to him, if God says I will go to jail for an offence I did not commit, so be it. But I will not sign unless I know what was written.

    “Then the so-called interpreter offered to read the content to my hearing and I told him I could not trust his reading. I insisted that I could only sign if they rewrote it in English.”

    Kristilere said when they continued to mount pressure on him, Rev Kristilere said: “I took the biro and wrote below the Arabic write up, ‘I do not know. I planned to write ‘I do not know what is written above, but I am compelled to sign this document. Therefore, I am not aware of the contents above’.

    “But when they saw me writing, ‘I do not’ in English, one of the officers snatched the biro from me and shouted me down.

    “The police chief then insisted that if I did not sign, I would miss my flight which should have taken off and they would detain me and charge me to court the following morning.

    “Just then, an idea came to my mind. Since I had succeeded in writing ‘I do not below the Arabic, it speaks volumes. I picked the biro again and wrote my surname.

    “While doing that, a desk manager of the check in counter came in and talked to them in Arabic.

    “After a long chat, like magic, they handed over my passport to me and asked him to take me to the aircraft.

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    “I did not understand the magic words that effected my release until I got to the tarmac.

    “At the foot of the aircraft, I saw all my 27 pilgrims standing at the entrance. They had refused to board the plane unless their leader was released, against all pleas and threats even from the pilot who told them he would take off without them.

    “They refused to enter the aircraft unless their leader was released.  Now I know that was my saving grace. The refusal of the 27 persons who had already checked in to enter the plane frustrated their plot.

    “That was the report that the desk manager brought to this syndicate at their airport. They would have succeeded if I were travelling alone.

    “I wonder what they would have achieved if there were no people that I was travelling with. They would have succeeded in making me miss my flight and extort me.

    “I am still traumatised by that event, wondering what would have happened if there were no other passengers with me.

    “No doubt, this could have happened to many other persons who would have been charged to court for wrong accusations or end up being extorted by this syndicate in that airport.

    ‘My family lost sleep over incident’

    Speaking from Israel with our correspondent during the week, Dr Kristilere said: “That experience was the most traumatic in my life. I was so frightened being alone with strangers who spoke in the language they knew I would not understand. Whenever the police chief wanted to shout me down, he would do that in English but when they wanted to speak among themselves they would speak in Arabic.

    “I just believe it was a scheme. In retrospect, they did it probably because they were dehumanising my pilgrims.

    “One of my colleagues told me that my offence was that I tried to liberate the people they were trying to dehumanise.

    “As for my family, they were more concerned about where I was. When they heard about it, they could not hold it. They could not sleep. Thank God we have gone past that now.”

    Besides his own experience, he said, “many people have also recounted their experiences in some of these airports, but I wouldn’t want to talk about that since I hadn’t experienced it personally.

    “In Cairo, they have done that to many people. A woman once went there with three children and when she woke up the following day, they told her she had two children.

    “They asked where she got the third one because they only had a record of two children.

    “The poor woman said, ‘I submitted the passports of myself and my three children yesterday’, but they said no, she smuggled in the third child.

    “You can imagine the manner of schemes that they do just to extort travellers.

    “The Nigerian government should do something to stem the tide. They should let the Egyptians know we are not inferior to them.”

    Following the incident, the reverend father said, “many of us who are private tour operators have decided to steer clear of Egypt Air going to Israel.

    “We just had a conference here in Tel Aviv where the Lord Bishop Stephen Adegbite and other stakeholders have decided that none of us should take Egypt Air to Jordan or Israel.”

    More than a month after the incident, he said, the Egyptian authorities have not deemed it necessary to apologise for the “despicable conduct” of its officials.

    He said: “They have not apologised.  Egypt Air has also not reached out.

    “There is no way Egypt Air will say that they are not aware of what happened. They all acted as if nothing happened.”

  • Suspects arrested for alleged production of adulterated alcohol in Lagos

    Suspects arrested for alleged production of adulterated alcohol in Lagos

    Lagos authorities on Friday, June 7, arrested two individuals involved in the illegal production of adulterated alcoholic drinks at Oko-Arin Market on Lagos Island.

    Acting on a tip-off about a group engaged in the illicit activity, operatives from the CP Tactical Team, Eko, swiftly mobilised to the scene and apprehended Ogujiofor Emeka, 41, and Desmond Chima, 31.

    However, other suspects were said to have escaped.

    The raid resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and production materials.

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    Seized items included five cartons of Jack Daniels, two cartons of Black Barrel, and one carton each of William Lawson, Jameson, Black Label, and Remy Martin drinks.

    Also, six cartons of empty Glenfiddich bottles, one carton of empty Divin Bardar bottles, and one carton of empty vodka bottles were confiscated, along with assorted labels and corks used in the production process.

    Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects sold the adulterated drinks to customers in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

    Authorities said the investigation continues to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover the full extent of the illegal operation.

  • Inside Gombe’s herders, farmers peace deal

    Inside Gombe’s herders, farmers peace deal

    Gombe State celebrated a significant milestone last year, marking the first time in decades without violent clashes between herders and farmers. This achievement underscores the state’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence, essential for agricultural and economic growth. Simple yet profound demands from both groups include fairness from governing authorities and protection of their livelihoods—cattle and crops. EMMANUEL CHIDI-MAHA reports

    Last year marked a significant milestone for Gombe State, as it was the first time in decades that no violent clashes occurred between herders and farmers. While past years have seen relatively peaceful interactions, this achievement stands out as particularly noteworthy. The herders and farmers have simple yet profound demands: they seek fairness from governing authorities and protection for their means of livelihood—their cattle and crops.

    Additionally, they are advocating for educational opportunities for their children and other initiatives to help them thrive. The nomadic pastoralists express a strong desire to be integrated into mainstream society, believing this will help sustain and further the peace they have worked so hard to achieve. A series of meetings between leaders of various farming and herding groups have been instrumental in creating a safer farming environment. These discussions have already begun to yield the much-desired positive results, fostering a sense of cooperation and mutual understanding that bodes well for the future of Gombe State.

    Last week, the leadership of both farmers and herders were invited to a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Gombe, the state capital. This meeting was one of several initiatives aimed at solidifying the peace between these two groups in the state. The town hall meeting underscored the Gombe State government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, a crucial element for the state’s agricultural and economic growth. Participants left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and cooperation, hopeful for a peaceful and productive year ahead.

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    Indeed, Gombe State may no longer experience clashes between farmers and herders as the state government builds on its success in maintaining peace between both groups. Though the town hall meeting was a relatively small gathering, its impact could extend beyond ensuring food security within Gombe State to influencing neighbouring regions. Leaders of farmer and herder groups gathered to strengthen their cooperation and understanding, fostering a more harmonious and productive future.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr Barnabas M. Malle, also known as Magayakin Kamo, represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the meeting. He emphasised that the state government views peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders as essential for the state’s agricultural and economic growth.

    He stated that Governor Yahaya has vowed to build on the prevailing peaceful coexistence among groups and communities in the state. The commissioner highlighted that this commitment is a crucial part of the state’s renewed efforts to prevent farmer-herder conflicts. Malle, who chairs the Farmers/Herders Prevention and Settlement of Dispute Committee, praised Governor Yahaya’s leadership in ensuring a clash-free farming season the previous year. He called on the people of Gombe State to continue supporting the Inuwa-led administration’s developmental projects, particularly in the agricultural sector.

    He announced that in June 2024, the government would provide farmers with subsidized fertilizer to promote a bountiful harvest. The Commissioner noted that in 2020, Governor Yahaya reactivated the Farmer-Herder (Disputes Prevention and Settlement) Committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. The aim was to create a platform dedicated to deploying strategies to prevent lingering conflicts between farmers and cattle herders, an issue that has plagued other states in the federation.

    According to him, the committee had been left dormant in previous years, largely ineffective and without the necessary resources to address the ongoing conflicts. However, with the advent of Governor Yahaya’s administration, the committee was revitalised and given the critical support and resources needed to operate effectively. This included not only financial backing but also the authority to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders. Dr. Malle emphasised that this renewed focus has enabled the committee to undertake proactive measures, such as community engagement programmes, conflict resolution workshops and regular dialogue sessions between the farming and herding communities. These initiatives are designed to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, addressing grievances before they escalate into violent clashes.

    The commissioner’s remarks underscored the importance of sustained support from the community to ensure the long-term success of these efforts. He called on the people of Gombe State to continue backing the administration, particularly in its initiatives aimed at agricultural development and conflict prevention. This, he argued, is crucial for maintaining the peace and enhancing the overall economic prosperity of the region. Dr. Malle also highlighted the broader impact of these efforts, noting that a stable and peaceful agricultural environment not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to national food security. By preventing conflicts and ensuring that both farmers and herders can operate without fear of violence, Gombe State sets an example for other regions facing similar challenges, he said. According to him, the state’s proactive approach serves as a model for conflict resolution and sustainable development, demonstrating how effective governance and community collaboration can lead to lasting peace and prosperity. He concluded by reaffirming the state government’s commitment to maintaining and building upon the peaceful coexistence achieved thus far, reiterating the governor’s pledge to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony between farmers and herders so that Gombe State can remain a beacon of stability and agricultural success.

    “The main task of the committee is not dispute settlement, but dispute prevention between farmers and herders for the development of our dear state. We will not allow any herder to come into Gombe State until our farmers take all their farm produce back home; therefore from tomorrow, our committee will start visiting emirates and chiefdoms to meet with stakeholders and pass the message across,” the commissioner added.

    He expressed a strong conviction in the Committee’s determination to ensure that any room for disputes between the two parties is averted. Malle emphasised that the Committee’s proactive measures and comprehensive strategies are geared towards maintaining peace and fostering a cooperative relationship between farmers and herders. “Through continuous dialogue, conflict resolution workshops, and community engagement programs, we are committed to addressing potential issues before they escalate,” he stated. “Our goal is to create an environment where both farmers and herders can thrive without fear of conflict.”

    He reiterated that the reactivation of the Farmer-Herder (Disputes Prevention and Settlement) Committee has been instrumental in mitigating conflicts and promoting mutual understanding. The Committee’s efforts have already shown positive results, with a noticeable decrease in violent outbreaks and a significant improvement in the relationship between the two groups. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to remain committed to the cause of peace and to support the Committee’s initiatives. “The success of our efforts depends on the cooperation and support of everyone involved. By working together, we can ensure a stable and prosperous future for all residents of Gombe State,” he said.

    In summary, the renewed efforts by the Gombe State government, under the leadership of Governor Yahaya, have fostered a more peaceful and cooperative environment between farmers and herders. The revitalised Committee, with its strategic initiatives and community-focused approach, has been pivotal in preventing disputes and promoting harmony. With continued support and commitment from all stakeholders, Gombe State is poised to set an example of successful conflict resolution and sustainable agricultural development. “There has to be a dispute among parties first before settlement, in this case, we won’t even allow the dispute to happen as such our Committee is resolute to be preventive in our approach,” he said.

    In his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu, reiterated the ministry’s dedication towards ensuring farmers and herders do not have a clash.  He called for increased cooperation from both farmers and herders to ensure lasting peace in Gombe State. The District Head of Nasarawo and Oversea Senior District Head of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Shetima, emphasized the vital role of traditional rulers in supporting the policies and programs of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, and assured of their continuous support through raising awareness among their communities about the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

    Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Gombe State Chapter, Alhaji Modibbo Yahaya, reaffirmed the Fulani community’s commitment to working alongside the state government and noted the importance of peaceful coexistence. Yahaya also urged all Fulani groups in Gombe State to abide by the law and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for organizing the gathering. He also pleaded for the provision of job opportunities from the government, for his people, adding that they have graduates of different educational levels amongst them.

    Governor Yahaya had called on all Local Government Chairmen to mitigate farmer-herder clashes in the local government areas. The Governor spoke while administering the oath of office on the newly elected chairpersons of the 11 local government areas in the state. He advised the new council bosses to promote peaceful co-existence and work in collaboration with security agencies and traditional rulers to establish peace in their respective councils. “Let me remind you of the crucial need to promote peaceful co-existence and safeguard the lives and property of your constituents. Given the current security situation across the country, I urge you to foster closer collaboration and cooperation with security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, to bolster security measures that will enhance intelligence-gathering efforts and the effective performance of law enforcement agencies.

    “As the rainy season approaches, it is essential that you put in place proactive measures that are aimed at mitigating farmer-herder conflicts in our communities. As local government chairpersons, you are the closest to the grassroots. Thus, you bear great responsibility in promoting the well-being, peace and prosperity of the common man through responsive leadership. Your actions and decisions shall be guided by the collective interests of your constituents. I urge you to repay the confidence reposed in you, and to approach your job with the fear of God, honesty and accountability.”

  • ‘Our ultimate goal is to make UNILAG Africa’s most subscribed university’

    ‘Our ultimate goal is to make UNILAG Africa’s most subscribed university’

    In the pursuit of knowledge and excellence, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has long been a beacon of academic distinction. At the helm of its Postgraduate School, Prof Abraham Osinubi has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s research landscape and nurturing the next generation of thought leaders. With a career spanning decades and a passion for innovation, he has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education. In this intimate conversation, Prof Oshinubi shares his vision for UNILAG’s future, the challenges and opportunities facing postgraduate education in Nigeria, and the ways in which the university is fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. He spoke with Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF and EMMANUEL CHIDI-MAHA

    Overview of the university’s graduate school system

    The school of post-graduate studies is the unit of UNILAG that is responsible for the conduct, and administration of post-graduate education; meaning any programme that has to do with post-graduate education; and by the way we run over 900 programmes in the school and we relate with over 100 departments and centres. This is the largest postgraduate school in Nigeria. One of our flagship programmes is the MBA; it’s a school on its own. We call it the MBA School; our MBA comes from the Faculty of Management Sciences and it happened to be the first South of the Sahara.

    Also, our LLM which we just started a programme, is an MoU with the University of Dundee. We have a dual LLM whereby the candidates that subscribe to this programme will do one semester in Nigeria and two semesters in Dundee. These students will have an LLM of the University of Lagos and an LLM of the University of Dundee. This collaboration is the first of its kind in West Africa. Another programme we are also running is our MPH (Master of Public Health).

    Support for the students and faculty in the areas of research and innovation

    This is so important because the scholarship, as well as the research enterprise of any university, largely depends on post-graduate education; the development of any nation will come from post-graduate education because that’s where the research and innovation will most likely come from. We have supported this by having highly qualified post-graduate teachers at all levels. We had the highest number of post-graduates who had their convocation this January (155 PhDs) and we hope to surpass this soon. We have support in terms of scholarship and good supervision; we have good supervisors who have sacrificed a lot despite challenges.

    One way the school has helped is by subscribing to grants. We might not be where we want to be but we are definitely on the move; the journey has been slow but steady. We also plan on setting up a doctoral academy to assist our students and students experience centre that will assist our students in accessing research grants – even writing proposals, and writing for grants. These grants require technicality to access them despite being all over the place. We also have the industry advisory board/committee, which will bring the industry and academics under one roof. The model we use here is the one whereby no single course is taught by an academic. Because the outside world will use a lot of our products, the end-users are brought to the table to co-create curricula with us and to even co-teach, and co-supervise students so that they can be employable; so that they can be solution providers to whatever institution they find themselves in.

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    Other numerous advantages are that it can create internship opportunities for our students to learn a couple of things before eventually graduating and also to ensure employability. About support, we also have hostels for our postgraduate students; accommodation is an important factor that can enhance students’ experience. The school has three dedicated hostels for the PG students. And in terms of health, we have health centres where all students are registered into the system and are catered for.

    Inter-disciplinary collaboration and networking

    opportunities

    The new nomenclature for this century is collaboration, collaboration and collaboration. To that end, the board of PG school has recommended to the University of Lagos management that the PG school become a college. The idea is to have so many faculties under the college. We can have the faculty of multi-disciplinary studies as you have it in so many other universities, solely under the College of Post-graduate Studies, because being collaborative is the best way to succeed. Individuals need to collaborate; faculties need to collaborate; departments need to collaborate; even to access the funding agencies for grants, you alone from the same discipline may need an anatomist in a team, an engineer in a team, a mathematician and so on. And we also encourage the students to work in this regard.

    For example, at the PhD level, it is expected that you have two supervisors. However, it is also expected from the students and the supervisory team to engage others in a different field who are not direct supervisors to that particular work; the idea is to enrich the work because the fact is that all problems are multi-faceted; so the solutions will vary. The solutions might not come from one angle; so you need specialists from different disciplines to give their views. One of the things I always encourage is multi-disciplinary research as much as possible, and we have already started in that regard just by making people know that it is almost impossible to research on your own; you need to collaborate with others.

    Our post-graduate school is the most organised in Nigeria. Unlike many institutions where PG education concludes within the department, our process is comprehensive and centralised. From the application stage, candidates engage directly with their departments. They draft a proposal which is evaluated for merit. If accepted, candidates spend their first year attending seminars, known in some departments as Practice Seminars. The second year involves additional seminars while the candidate is still considered a departmental student, allowing for supervisor changes if necessary. Towards the end of the second year, the candidate formally applies to the PG school through their supervisor and department. The department then presents the candidate and their thesis title for approval. Unlike most universities, we appoint at least two supervisors per student to leverage collective expertise.

    The candidate’s summary thesis is reviewed by our APC, a body of 15 distinguished scholars led by senior professors. Candidates present for 15 to 20 minutes, and a 40-page summary document is submitted. The APC typically identifies necessary corrections. For interdisciplinary issues, we have a joint APC, which combines sciences and arts under the dean’s leadership. Following APC’s approval, the full thesis undergoes a rigorous quality assurance check for plagiarism. Once cleared, it is sent to three assessors: two external and one internal. At least two out of three positive reports are required for the candidate to proceed. Our target is to produce at least 1,000 PhD holders in the next two years. Initially, we had one APC, but due to increasing candidate numbers, now we have two and may further expand. This structured and rigorous process ensures that our postgraduate school maintains high standards and produces graduates of exceptional quality.

    Admissions process and top priorities

    At UNILAG, the student experience is at the heart of everything we do. We see our students as our products and reflections of ourselves, which drives us to enhance their journey from the pre-application process to graduation. Our robust website is designed to provide comprehensive information to prospective students and visitors, fostering referrals and interest in our programs. The admission process starts with ensuring we have a quality intake. While we don’t expect perfect candidates, we assess applicants based on their potential and capabilities. Our goal is to develop students who can perform excellently with minimal supervision, thus contributing to national development.

    For Master’s and PGD programmes, candidates can apply directly through our website at applications.unilag.edu.ng. The requirements are listed, eliminating the need for third-party services. Once applications are submitted, candidates may be invited for an online test or interview. Successful applicants demonstrating the required capacity are then admitted. PhD candidates begin by visiting our website to explore the fields of our professors. They can contact professors directly if their research interests align. Candidates might be invited to prepare and defend a proposal before the department’s PG committee. If the proposal is deemed researchable, the candidate can then apply online. The department processes the application and admission is typically granted within 72 hours. This streamlined process ensures efficiency and maintains high standards. We are committed to maintaining quality and ensuring that all processes are conducted properly. Our goal is to be the best, not just in Africa but globally. By fostering a student-centric environment and rigorous admission standards, we aim to produce graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

    Our top priority is constructing a dedicated building for the post-graduate school. Despite UNILAG’s long history since 1962, our post-graduate school, now 43 years old, lacks its facility. We aim to build a five to nine-storey building, a one-stop-shop for all postgraduate needs, within the next one to two years. We are actively securing an approved site and collaborating with partners to brand each floor. This project is vital, and we’re dedicating all our resources to ensure its realisation. We plan to establish a doctoral academy to promote the concept of “PhD as an enterprise.” This initiative encourages viewing PhD programmes as beneficial not only for academic advancement but also for generating positive outcomes for students, supervisors and the country. It aims to transform research into a productive enterprise with tangible benefits.

    Another key priority is automating the school’s administrative processes. From clearance application, we aim to eliminate paper use and human intervention. Automation will streamline processes such as registration, clearance, and even gown sizing and delivery, enhancing efficiency and reducing graduation time for PhD students. Our IT and process team, established even before our administration began, is spearheading this transformation to create a technologically advanced postgraduate school. We are focusing on enhancing our global visibility and impact through strategic collaborations.

    Initially, we approached prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Oxford, who advised us to seek accreditation from the same bodies that accredited them. This approach will ensure our academic and administrative standards are on par with global benchmarks. Strategically, we are shifting our focus to the African corridor, developing peer-to-peer relationships within the region. We have collaborations with great institutions in Nigeria and abroad. These partnerships aim to bolster the learning experience, making it enjoyable and engaging for students. Our ultimate goal is to make UNILAG the most subscribed university in Africa by enhancing the learning experience through these collaborations. By fostering partnerships and achieving accreditation, we aim to provide a world-class education that is both fun and rewarding for our students. In summary, our key priorities include developing a dedicated post-graduate building, establishing a doctoral academy, automating administrative processes, and enhancing global and regional collaborations. These efforts aim to ensure that UNILAG’s post-graduate education meets world standards, fostering an engaging and effective learning environment. We are pursuing specific accreditation for post-graduate education and will review our administration to ensure we meet world standards. We have numerous collaborations and MoUs that are bringing new programmes on board.

    Additionally, we facilitate exchanges where our faculty teach at other institutions and vice versa. For example, I couldn’t travel to Croatia due to my schedule, so they came here instead. This is part of our collaborative efforts, including self-evaluation and external evaluations. Many of our centres have support and links with South Africa, and we are part of consortia with Ghana and Rwanda. Strategically, we are focusing more on the African corridor. Previously, our collaborations were primarily with the global north. We are now developing peer-to-peer relationships within Africa. From Nigeria, we have collaborations between UNILAG and the University of Ibadan and Afritech is also emerging with new initiatives.

  • Canada cuts back on student job hours as UK weighs expansion

    Canada cuts back on student job hours as UK weighs expansion

    Canada has announced a remarkable policy change. The change limits Nigerians and other international students to 24 hours of off-campus work per week beginning this Fall Semester. The shift in policy replaces the temporary allowance of 40 hours that applied during the COVID-19 pandemic. IBRAHIM ADAM explores the impact of this policy on students’ finances, academics and career prospects, alongside the United Kingdom’s potential plans to adjust or remove its working hours limit.

    The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau enunciated the temporary policy which allowed students, especially, international ones, to work up to 40 hours per week. It was a response to labour shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The policy was initially a relief measure to help international students manage the high cost of living and assist industries suffering from labour shortages.

    The Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller stated that with the waning effects of the pandemic, the Canadian Government has reverted to a more restrictive work limit, emphasising the primary purpose of student visas.

    “Students who come to Canada must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies while having the option to work, if necessary,”

    Miller stressed that the Canadian Government’s primary rationale for the new regulation is to maintain the integrity of the student programme.

    “First and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student programme,” he said.

    Miller also noted that the decision aligns Canada with best practices observed in other countries.

    “Canada needs to align with the best practices in other countries, else it would only attract those who intend to work and not study,” he said.

    The government’s decision, he explained, is a perspective for a broader intent to ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for genuine students rather than those seeking to exploit student visas for work opportunities.

    Additionally, recent changes to Canada’s policies include increasing the cost-of-living threshold for study permit approval, aiming to financially prepare students for life in Canada and reduce dependence on work.

    Furthermore, new regulations will affect foreign students enrolled in specific college programmes, with those beginning after May 15, ineligible for post-graduation work permits.

    Financial implications

    Critics have raised concerns that allowing full-time work for international students could undermine the purpose of a study permit, potentially transforming it into an unofficial work visa.

    Conversely, many critics argue that the new policy does not consider the financial realities faced by international students.

    The Director of Advocacy at the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), Mateusz Salmassi criticised the new rule, saying that reduced allowable work hours from 40 to 24 per week presents significant financial challenges for international students.

    He pointed out that students will lose significant income due to the reduced work hours.

    “On average, after this announcement, over 200,000 international students will lose at least $5,000 from their pocket annually,” Salmassi stated.

    The student body said many of these students rely on part-time work to cover their living expenses, which are often higher in Canada compared to their home countries.

    The CASA Director highlighted that the reduction will mean fewer international students from lower socio-economic backgrounds can afford education in Canada.

    “The 24-hour limit will mean fewer international students from lower socio-economic backgrounds will have the ability to receive an education in Canada,” CASA stated.

    Implications on academic performance

    While financial concerns are paramount, the Canadian Government has justified the reduction by emphasising the need for students to focus on their studies.

    The government said studies have indicated that students working more than 28 hours per week tend to show a decline in academic performance and a higher likelihood of dropping out.

    “Research has shown that there is a considerable decline in academic performance for students working more than 28 hours per week and that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances that a student will drop out of their programme,” Miller explained.

    However, CASA has contested this claim, arguing that their research shows no significant negative impact on academic performance for students working additional hours.

    Work experience and career prospects

    Miller explained that while the new policy aims to ensure that students focus on their studies, it may inadvertently impact their ability to gain valuable work experience.

    Part-time jobs often provide students with practical skills and networking opportunities crucial for their post-graduation careers.

    “Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses,” Miller said.

    The Associations said the limitation could affect students’ eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), especially for those enrolled in certain programmes under public-private partnerships, which are no longer eligible for the PGWP.

    By limiting work hours, CASA argued that the students may miss out on opportunities to gain practical experience in their fields, which is crucial for their post-graduation employability.

    The Association added that the reduced hours could mean fewer opportunities for students to engage in meaningful work experiences that align with their academic pursuits and career goals.

    Comparisons with international policies

    The recent decision by the Canadian Government is in contradistinction to such policies in other popular study destinations, potentially making it less attractive to prospective international students.

    For instance, Australia recently updated its regulations, allowing students to work 48 hours every two weeks.

    In the United States, international students on F-1 visas are typically limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term but can work full-time during holidays and breaks, similar to the policy Canada has maintained for scheduled breaks.

    Germany and Finland have more lenient regulations, where students can work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year, offering more flexibility.

    France allows students to work up to 964 hours per year, roughly translating to about 18.5 hours per week on average.

    Labour market considerations

    The temporary policy change during the pandemic was partly a response to labour shortages.

    Canada’s decision to reduce the maximum allowable work hours for international students from 40 to 24 per week could significantly impact the country’s labour market, particularly in retail, hospitality, and food services, which rely heavily on part-time labour.

    According to Labour Market analysts, the adjustment could have long-term implications for business operations and labour dynamics within these sectors.

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    “The reduction in work hours will shrink the labour supply in these sectors, potentially leading to labour shortages and increased competition for available workers,” they say.

    The analysts explained that this shift may compel employers to offer higher wages or better working conditions to attract domestic workers, thereby increasing operational costs.

    They said the economic contributions of international students, who spend a considerable portion of their earnings within local economies, could see a downturn.

    “Reduced working hours will limit students’ disposable income, resulting in lower consumer spending and affecting local businesses, particularly those in university towns,” they maintained.

    According to them, employers may face increased recruitment and training costs due to higher turnover rates, particularly in sectors that depend on part-time workers.

    “A re-evaluation of recruitment strategies, with a potential focus on attracting more domestic part-time workers or investing in automation and efficiency improvements,” experts say.

    Diplomatic relations and student numbers

    The Canadian Government’s decision to reduce the permissible work hours for international students holds significant implications for diplomatic relations and the number of international students choosing to study in Canada.

    However, the decision has sparked various reactions domestically and internationally, as it affects financial planning and the overall student experience.

    For many countries that send large numbers of students to Canada, such as India, China, and South Korea, this policy change could necessitate adjustments in educational agreements and diplomatic dialogues.

    These nations might view the reduction in work hours as a potential drawback for their students, who often rely on work opportunities to fund their education and living expenses abroad. The Canadian government might need to engage in more intensive diplomatic efforts to reassure these countries about the continued benefits of studying in Canada despite the new work-hour limitations.

    A recent report by a study abroad agency, Apply Board, highlights Nigerians as Canada’s fastest-growing international student population.

    The report states that between 2017 and 2019, the Canadian Government processed more student visa applications from Nigeria than any other country except India and China, albeit with an approval rate of less than 20 per cent.

    However, by 2023 approval rates for Nigerian students have “nearly doubled” to almost 40 per cent of over 43,000 study permit applications.

    “Nigerian student mobility to Canada is increasing at a momentous rate. Nearly 18,000 Canadian study permits were issued to Nigerians in the first six months of 2023, more than for any other country except India,” the report reads.

    It further notes that “Nigerians were Canada’s fastest-growing international student population from January to June 2023, with 44 per cent more study permits issued during that period than in the full year of 2022.”

    The report also emphasised the rising approval rates for Nigerian students, stating: “Study permit approval rates for Nigerians continued to rise across the first six months of 2023, to just fewer than 40 per cent. That’s more than double what approval rates were in 2020.” This trend signifies a growing recognition and acceptance of Nigerian students within the Canadian education system.

    While Ontario and British Columbia remain the top destinations for Nigerian students, the report reveals that students from Nigeria are less centralised in these provinces compared to students from other countries. “Ontario and British Columbia accounted for around 63 per cent of study permits issued to Nigerians in the first six months of 2023. This was well short of the nearly 84 per cent of students who chose those two provinces as a destination across all countries of origin,” the report further explained.

    Potential policy changes in the UK

     In contrast to Canada’s restrictive approach, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government are considering increasing the work-hour limit for international students in the United Kingdom or possibly removing it entirely.

    According to educations.com, the UK was ranked the “Top Destination in the World to Study Abroad” in 2023.

    Currently, students on a Tier 4 visa are restricted to working 20 hours per week during term time, with extended hours allowed during holidays. However, this new proposal, which is still in its early stages, could see these limits lifted significantly, allowing students to work up to 30 hours or more each week.

    “Students would have the opportunity to work longer hours, which could provide much-needed relief to both their finances and the labour market,” Sunak told the Daily Mail in a recent interview.

    The Prime Minister emphasised that this measure is part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the UK’s ongoing labour shortages.

    “Companies are crying out for workers. By lifting the cap on international student working hours, we are looking at a range of ideas to remove barriers and encourage more students to work,” Sunak added.

    According to the latest UK Labour Market Statistics, this proposed change comes at a critical time for the UK economy. The country is grappling with a labour shortage that has seen the unemployment rate hovering around 3.7 per cent, with 1.27 million people aged 16 and above currently unemployed.

    The hospitality and retail industries, in particular, are facing acute staffing challenges, and increasing the availability of part-time workers could be a crucial step in addressing these gaps.

    A second-year student at the University of Manchester, Priya Gupta said the prospect of increased work hours is a welcome one because any are struggling with the high cost of living, exacerbated by rising rent, food, and travel expenses.

    Priya said the financial burden of exorbitant tuition fees has left many students in need of supplementary income.

    “Being able to work more hours would significantly ease my financial pressure. It would allow me to cover my expenses more comfortably and focus better on my studies without constantly worrying about money,” Gupta said.

  • Borno teachers: sacrifices we make to stop pupils from joining Boko Haram

    Borno teachers: sacrifices we make to stop pupils from joining Boko Haram

    • Say they’ll brainwash our pupils, conscript them if we quit teaching 
    • Educators lament earning less than N20,000 as monthly salary after 15 years in service

    Many teachers in Borno State are battling with trauma many years after they witnessed scenes of brutal terror attacks by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents without any psycho-socio support to help their situation.  Their plight is compounded by starvation and hardship occasioned by extremely poor monthly salaries they earn as teachers in the volatile environment. But in spite of the daunting odds, many of them have vowed to remain in the school system to engage malleable children and save them from dropping out or getting conscripted into the deadly army of insurgents, INNOCENT DURU reports.

    Saleh, a teacher formerly stationed in Sewanee area of Borno State, was once paid an unscheduled visit by some members of the dreaded Boko Haram group at the height of their activities in the North East state. They ordered him to leave the community or pay with his life if he defied the order.

    His offence? He kept impacting western education knowledge on pupils against their instruction. “I was forced to relocate to my village for about one and a half years before I returned,” Saleh said as he recalled his traumatic experience with insurgents.

    He Said: “The insurgents were very close to us back then. In fact, they were living within us we could not identify them. They would just come and give you a letter or warn you in the night. At times, they would call you on the phone and warn you. They warned and ask me to leave because I am a teacher,” Saleh said.

    Saleh would count himself lucky for being merely given an eviction order as many other teachers like him were gruesomely murdered for promoting western education.  Although he was not physically attacked, Saleh said his life has not remained the same since then.

    He said: “I am still traumatised. Although they are not in the town anymore, one needs to be very careful because you can’t identify the insurgents. They have no identification.”

    In spite of his horrifying experience, he said he and many other teachers have vowed to remain in the school system to prevent pupils from dropping out and, by so doing, save them from being lured into insurgency groups.

    “If we quit the school system, many pupils will drop out of school and it will then become very easy for the criminal elements to brainwash and lure them into their gangs. The insurgents have their people on ground. They can easily recruit the children and take them out of the town for nefarious ends,” he said.

    Asked if his monthly salary is commensurate with the sacrifice he is making, he shook his head vigorously, saying: “If one is to go by the salary that teachers are being paid here in Borno State, one would not be in the teaching line.

    “I have remained on the job because I want to impact knowledge and share my personal experience with the pupils so that they can make good decisions in life.

    “I am being paid N12, 500 (less than $10) a month in spite of my qualification. I have a B.Sc.  It’s a big struggle coping with the trauma and challenges caused by the poor salary.”

    Many school teachers have been killed by insurgent groups in the North East since the outbreak of insurgency about 15 years ago. In 2018, a former minister of education, Adamu Adamu, put the number at 2,295.

    Aside teachers, the minister estimated that 1,500 schools were destroyed between 2014 and 2018. The Boko Haram insurgency has also caused about 100,000 deaths since 2009, according to the Borno State Government. Borno State, at a point, had close to two million out of school children according to official reports by the state government.

    Following the unprecedented number of out of school children, the state government in 2018 arranged to introduce conditional cash transfers to parents enrolling their children and wards in schools to revive education in the state.

    The large army of out of school children makes it easy for the insurgents to recruit and conscript pliable children into their folds. A number of them were used as suicide bombers at various times. They had their bodies strapped with bombs which they detonated in various places, including schools and worship centres.

    Many of the naïve children have died alongside innocent others in the process. Using statistics to show the extent to which insurgents have used children to perpetrate their nefarious activities in 2019,  Agunloye Bashiru,  a public affairs analyst, said: “There is a documentary evidence that both Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province have recruited more than 8,000 children since 2009 for terrorism activities.

     The United Nations Children’s Fund reports in 2017 said that one in every five ‘suicide bomber’ used by Boko Haram has been a child, underscoring the heartless nature of the religious extremist group.

    In 2017 alone, 146 children comprising 45 boys and 101 girls were used as human bombs, while from 2018 till date, 53 children were used as couriers of bombs (human bombs) in the North -East.

    Also in 2018 alone, Boko Haram terrorist group used 48 children including 38 girls in suicide attacks.

    Research has shown that the girl-child and women are mostly used for this evil purpose by the insurgents. The bid to avert a reoccurrence of the ugly event is what has also kept Bashir in the school system. Based on salary, he said, he would not have remained a teacher.

    His words:  “It is not easy teaching in a volatile environment like Borno because we have been teaching with fear all over us, honestly speaking.  There was a time they attacked us in Biu but luckily, we survived the attack.

    “The pupils are also still traumatised. Whenever they hear a gunshot or any loud sound, they scamper for safety in the classroom.

    “If these children leave the education system, they can easily become tools in the hands of insurgents and that is exactly what the insurgents want.

    “Remember that their grouse is against western education. We always disabuse the pupils’ minds, especially as they relate to insurgency.”

    Amiru, another teacher in the state capital, is also concerned about what would become of the pupils if they have no teachers to teach them.

    He said: “Boko Haram came to my school and warned us. They killed the teachers in some schools while in some others they warned them never to come teach again. If the children are allowed to drop out of school, it will spell doom for the society as many of them would join the insurgents.

    “We are making them to know what is good and what is bad as they grow older. Seventy five per cent of the population is Muslim, so we use Islamic teachings to tell them the implications of their actions when they die. That is why most of them are not joining the criminal gangs.”

    Sadly, going down memory lane, Amiru said: “I was given appointment in 2001.  I had NCE when I was employed, but with my higher qualification, I now earn N19,000.

    “With what we have gone through in the wake of the insurgency, we are not supposed to be earning this meager pay.  The anxiety we experienced back then is still palpable in many of us.”

    Teachers lament poor pay in spite of sacrifice

    Baye, a public primary school teacher in Borno State, holds a B. Sc degree in Education and has been teaching for the past 19 years.

    With his academic qualification and years of experience on the job, one would easily assume that Baye is well paid and can afford basic necessities of life. Incidentally, he is not. He unfortunately ranks among the poorest in the society.

    “I earn a paltry N13,700 monthly and I have a wife and children,” Baye said in a tone of lamentation.

    Miserable as the salary is, Baye said, “I pay N300 to go to work every day. It costs N150 to go and N150 to return.  On the average, I spend about N6,000 on transportation monthly. So I am left with N7,700, all things being equal.

    “I started teaching in 2005. They started paying me N4,000 when I was offered employment. In the last 19 years, they have added N9,700 to my salary. That is all the increment I have received in 19 years.

    “My colleagues in the civil service are earning far more than I do. I don’t know the reason behind that. I have many other colleagues who also earn miserable salaries like mine.”

    Because of his poor earning, Baye said he could not afford to decent accommodation.

    “I am still living in my father’s house with my family. I am married with children. It is totally impossible to live on that miserable salary as a family man,” he added.

    Asked why he has remained on the job in spite of the poor pay, he said: “I have remained in the teaching profession because there’s a need to shield the pupils from evil minded people and also because they are always promising to increase our salaries.

    “It has always been my ambition to be a teacher from the beginning. It wasn’t circumstances that brought me into the teaching line. I studied education to work in the teaching line, but this is all I earn since I started working 19 years ago.

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    “This appears to be justifying the saying that teachers’ reward is in heaven. Some of my colleagues have resigned.”

    It is also a tale of woes for Taju, another teacher who has spent 15 years on the job. He earns N15,000 monthly with 15 years teaching experience. 

    He said: “I earning N15,000 monthly and I am a family man. The salary is nothing. My children consume food worth more than that amount in two days.  The whole thing is ridiculous.

    “There is no motivation to teach. How would a hungry person impact knowledge on others?

    “My rent is more than the sum I earn in a month. You will weep if you see what we are going through.

    “I spend between N200 and N300 on transportation, going to school and returning home every day. If you remove that from my salary, what is left?”

    On why he has not quit the job, Taju said: “I am still doing the job because there is no alternative yet. If I have another job, I will resign.

    “I am an old teacher. I have been working for the past 15 years and still earning this miserable pay. Many of us are earning far below the prescribed minimum wage.”

    Another motivation for staying on the job, Taju said, is because “when you come across these pupils anywhere, they greet you respectfully. That makes us very happy.  I will be very happy to see my pupils becoming leaders in the society.”

    While his salary appears horrible, Taju said: “There are many people who are still being paid N7,000.  With the poor pay, they are expecting us to groom future leaders.

    “We are trying our best in spite of the poor remuneration. We are putting in our best because the pupils are our children. They are our brothers’ children. That is how we see it.

    “Left to the poor salary we are being paid, most of us would not do it.” 

    Reliving his own experience, a teacher who gave his name simply as Saburi, said: “I am among the people earning the lowest. I was employed in 2010 and I earn N12,400.

    “I have a degree in Library Science. I am married with four children and all I earn in a whole month is N12,400.”

    Saburi said he has remained in the school system because “it is just like a hobby to him. But I will never allow my children to become teachers. In fact, they are not in public school as we speak. They are in private schools.

    “The standard of education in public schools here in Borno has fallen. The teachers are not motivated.”

    Hardship forcing teachers to resign

    In spite of the commitment of some of the teachers who are sacrificing all to save the pupils’ future, a number of them have begun to quit the system. They are compelled to leave following the poor salary they are being paid. The development may spell doom if it escalates, one of the teachers said.

    A teacher, Musa, who spoke with our correspondent, said he left because it was not worth it being a teacher in the state.

     He said: “I have left the school system. I resigned because of the poor salary. I was being paid approximately N12,500 while in service.

    “I worked for between 13 and 14 years before I resigned. The government officials knew the amount I and other colleagues were being paid so there was no need to approach them for anything when I wanted to resign,” Musa said.

    A salary of N12,500 a month, according to Musa, cannot do anything in the life of a man that is single, not to talk about a married man.

    “My annual rent alone is N170, 000. If you take that away from my annual salary, would anything be left?

    “From your own point of view, is that worth what a married man with children should be doing even if his passion lies in teaching?

    “I have managed all along because I have other things I do. I have just decided to leave the school system to face my personal business.”

    Another teacher who has left the profession is Nurasi. He was being paid N12,800 while working as  a teacher. “I worked for 19 years as a teacher. I joined the teaching profession in Borno State in 2004 and resigned in 2023,” he said.

    The salary wasn’t enough for me to buy cooking oil and seasoning in a month. In a month, we use seven litres of cooking oil which costs N1,500 a litre. Seasoning is N1,200. In my house, we use about three to four packs of it.

    “If you add the two, you will see that the total is about or more than my salary.

    “When I started my teaching job 19 years ago, I was being paid N5,500.

    “About 10 years ago, I was boarding two buses to get to the school where I was teaching.  Back then, fare was N50 a drop, but now a drop is N200.

    “At one point, I approached the authorities and informed them about the cost of transporting myself to work.

    “They listened to me and posted me to a school where I would only take a bus to get to work and a bus to go back home. So, I was spending N400 each day to go and come back from work.

    “If you multiply that by 20 days in a month, I would have spent N8,000 on transportation from my N12,800 salary.

    “Now they have been paying me N10,800 as pension. I have received that for two months.”

    Before he resigned, Nurasi said,”I went to my bosses and narrated my ordeal to them. I made them realise that my salary wasn’t anything to write home about and that they should do something about it. All my pleas fell on deaf ears.

    “When I saw that they were not going to do anything, I voluntarily resigned.”

    Speaking on his academic qualification, Nurasi said: “Initially, I had NCE. But I completed my degree in Health Education about three years ago.

    “After 19 years in service I was only earning N12,800 monthly.”

    After quitting teaching, he said, “I have ventured into charcoal business. I actually started it eight years ago. I was always opening my shop after school hours while I was teaching.

    “The business is far more rewarding than a teaching job. I bought a piece of land and built a shop.  It was from the proceeds that I was able to further my education to degree level. I also took a second wife from the money I was getting from the charcoal business.”

    Teachers give different reasons for poor salaries

    In different chats with our correspondent, some of the teachers gave various reasons they are paid poor salaries. A good number of the teachers blamed the development on an aptitude test conducted by the authorities. They described the test as a hoax and a calculated attempt to favour a few.  

    Sharing his view on this, Ibrahima said:  “We sat for an aptitude test recently. Those who passed are the ones who had their pay raised to the minimum wage standard of N30, 000. Those who did not pass the examination are paid between N4,000 and N10,000 or more. This happened in Jere Local Government.

    “My wife’s friend, who is on level four or five, did not pass the examination. So, she currently earns N12,000.”

    For Taju, those who passed the test were handpicked. 

    He said: “After the test, they picked some people and increased their salaries. Out of about 18,000 people, they picked out 5, 000 and increased their salaries. The remaining 13,000 did not have any adjustment to their salaries.  Is that fair?”

    Baye in his opinion said the aptitude test was manipulated.

    He said: “The people were given the number of people they wanted to pass the test. The people involved used the opportunity to bring in their family members, wives, cousins, and so on.

    “They stuffed the list with their family members’ names so that they could be getting the minimum wage.”

    The reason for the poor pay was altogether different from Saburi’s understanding.  For him, “the reason why they are paying many of us poor salaries is because they claimed that we were not directly employed by the government.

    “Some of us were employed by education secretaries and other officials.”

    Teachers take to side hustle to survive

    To save their families from hunger and other challenges requiring money, many of the teachers said they always engage in other activities to augment their income.

    According to Baye, “what helps me is the commercial tricycle business I do after school hours. I always carry passengers from one place to another.

    “I go to school by 7am and close by 1pm. It is after closing from school that I go for my commercial transportation business.”

    Without the transportation business, he said, “it wouldn’t have been possible for me to survive on N13,700 in a month.  The salary is not enough to take care of myself, not to talk of my family.”

    Also speaking, Taju said: “After school hours, I always engage in other things. I do farming too. Many other colleagues do other things too.

    “It is mainly from what I get from my farm that I pay my children’s school fees and take care of other family needs.”

    Govt addressing trauma faced by  teachers, pupils

    President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Borno State, Zal Audu admitted that many teachers and pupils are traumatised by their experience  in the hands of the insurgents.

    He said: “The government is aware that many of the teachers and students are still traumatic. This is why workshops, seminars are being organised to help them get out of this mess.  It is natural that when you have been subjected to some of these horrors where your loved ones are being killed in front of you. You are bound t have this problem.

    “Much has been done  to help the students too. Almost all the schools now have been fenced, barbwire has been erected, even policemen have been deployed to all the schools particularly those within the dangerous areas.  Guidance and counselling officials have been employed in almost all the schools to  address the pupils.”

    Reacting to claims of poor remuneration by some of the teachers, the NUT boss said: “Their allegations are untrue. The question is how did they manage to get the employment? They got the employment through the window and not through due process.  What a former government official did was that when somebody retires, he will  take the salary of the retiree and use it to employ and pay about three to four people. By law their employment is not legitimate.

    “If any of them has genuine appointment letter and he’s been paid poor salary, let him bring it. The government isn’t aware of this employment.  Come to Borno and see what the government is doing.”

    Efforts to speak with the Commissioner for Education,Lawan Wakilbe was unsuccessful as he refused calls made to his mobile number over a period of two weeks.

    Wakilbe also failed to respond to text and WhatsApp messesages sent to his mobile number.

  • Controversy trails mysterious death of Nigerian businessman in Cote d’Ivoire

    Controversy trails mysterious death of Nigerian businessman in Cote d’Ivoire

    • Family in fruitless search for body, probes disappearance of money, phones, other belongings

    The family of Peter Ibezim, a 43-year-old Nigerian businessman based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, is enmeshed in confusion over the fate of their son whose demise was announced via a Facebook post. GBENGA ADERANTI writes about the efforts being made by the family members to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his purported death without evidence of his remains.

    Is Abidjan-based Nigerian businessman, Ibezim Peters, dead? What could have killed him? Was the Nigerian embassy in the West African French-speaking contacted? Who took away the late Peters’ belongings? Where are his phones? If Peters is truly dead, why is there no photograph of his body? These, among others, are the questions the family members of Peter in Nigeria are asking the authorities in Abidjan.

    According to Peters’ sister, Gift, the textiles dealer had lived in Abidjan for about 30 years before his death was announced on the Facebook. Until his purported death, the die-hard supporter of Super Eagles was dealing in clothing materials.

    Two weeks before the family was told of Peters’ death, he had participated in an online family meeting without any sign of ill health. “He was bubbly and lively throughout the meeting,” Gift said in a telephone chat with our correspondent.

    She added that a few weeks before the Facebook post on Peters’ death, he had sent his share of contributions to the family. “The family members normally contribute money into the family’s purse and he had just sent his own contribution about three days before his purported ‘demise,” Gift said.

    The news of Peters’ death was made public by an Ivorian, Raketa Sawagodo, who claimed to be a friend to ‘the late’ Peters.

    “She had written RIP (rest in peace) on my brother’s picture on Facebook and this got us curious,” Gift said.

    “Initially, we thought it was a hoax or something. It was the comments that followed the post that made us to contact the person who posted the picture and she told us that my brother’s leg got swollen and he was taken to the hospital.

    “In fact, we were told that he went to the hospital himself that Monday. He was treated and given some drugs, but he died the next day.”

    Curiously, the post has since been deleted from the Facebook wall of Raketa.

    Gift said in their effort to find out what actually happened to Peters, the eldest member of their family contacted Raketa via a Facebook message, but she said she does not speak English but uses Google translation. 

    “She told us that my brother complained of a swollen leg. We are curious because the issue of swollen leg is coming up. He never complained about any ailment during the online meeting with the family members a few weeks ago,” Gift argued.

    Providing further insight into how Peters died, Raketa told the family that when she saw his lifeless body, she informed the police and they took the body to the mortuary. But before she returned from the mortuary, his documents, phones, money and other personal belongings had disappeared from his room.

    But Peters’ family members are not convinced by Raketa’s explanation as they wondered how somebody would walk in and pack Peters’ documents and personal belongings just moments after he passed on. “Who are the people responsible for this and what are they trying to hide?” Gift queried.

    To worsen matters, Raketa would later tell the family members in Nigeria that they would have to pay N20,000 daily to keep Peters’ remains in the mortuary in Ivory Coast, warning that his body would be disposed off if the family failed to pay. However, the said amount was later reduced to N10,000.

    In a bid to make communication easier, Raketa introduced the family to a Cote d’Ivoire based Nigerian named Bisi, who insisted that one of the family members must come to Ivory Coast before she could do anything. She also said she was willing to transport any of the family members coming to Ivory Coast free of charge.

    While appreciating Bisi’s gesture, the family called the driver recommended by Bisi but were shocked by the response they got. The driver insisted that the return trip to Ivory Coast would cost N200,000; a demand that got the family even more suspicious.

    Besides, Bisi said the representative of the Ibezim from Nigeria would stay in her house, saying that she was married and had told her husband that some people would be coming from Nigeria to stay with them; a gesture the Ibezims found too good to be true.

    Narrating his encounter with Raketa, Paul Ibezim, a brother to Peter, said: “The woman (Raketa) said she knew my brother very well; that they were friends.

    “The day the incident happened, according to her, it was the neighbours that knew the deceased to be her friend that called, and that was when she rushed to Peters’ house where he found his corpse.

    “Later, they called the Nigerian embassy in Ivory Coast and, according to Raketa, they told her to call an ambulance to take the deceased to the morgue, which she did.

    “She told me that she was also told to go and do a police report.

    “She said she saw when they took my brother out of the ambulance and she noticed that one of the legs was swollen.

    “According to her, Peters had earlier complained that he was feeling pains in one of his legs an the leg was itching at the same time.

    “He went to the hospital where he was given injections and drugs, but when he got home, he slumped and died.

    “The question again is who did Peters narrate the story of his illnesses to? How did they know he slumped and died? Who was with him when he slumped?”

    Paul also said he did not contact the Nigerian embassy in Ivory Coast because he had no contact with the embassy. Fortunately, Bisi came to the rescue again by providing him with the number of one Mr. Okpara who works at the Nigerian embassy in Ivory Coast, but his efforts to contact him had not been successful.

    Bisi, however, assured that if Paul could come to Ivory Coast, she would take the family to the embassy.

    “She said the late Peters never belonged to any group or society in Ivory Coast so nobody wanted to take any responsibility for his burial.

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    “According to Bisi, the Igbo community denied knowing him when they took his photograph to them. The other Nigerian communities also said they did not know him as he was not part of their meetings.

    “They said they needed to see somebody from the family before they could bury him. But if nobody showed up, they would give his remains to the Nigerian embassy to do whatever they want with his remains.”

    Paul insisted that many questions were begging for answers as he was not sure if his brother died. He said the Ibezim family would want to be sure that all that all they had been hearing about the death of Peters was not a hoax.

    According to Paul, all the efforts the family made to get the photograph of Peters’ remains had been fruitless despite a promise by Raketa in their last conversation to get the photograph of Peters’ remains across to the family.

    “Earlier, we were told to pay the sum of 5000 CFA to get Peter’s autopsy report,” Paul said.

    “Bisi told me that if I came to Ivory Coast, she would take me to the embassy.

    “She said the embassy would assist me, we would be able to bury my brother and I would be able to come back to Nigeria.

    “That is how far we have gone,” he added.

    Appealing to the Nigerian government, Gift said: “If Peters is dead, they should let us see the video. They just posted his photo on Facebook; we are not sure that he is dead.

    “Ivory Coast is not a place you can rush to, especially when you don’t know anybody there.”

    The family said it gathered that Peters’ house and shop had been locked up by the Ivorian police.

    It was gathered that Peters was once married to an Ivorian woman, they had two kids together but are separated.

    “We don’t even know his kids. If we had seen his phone, we would have been able to recognise his kids,” a family member lamented.

    Our correspondent sent a mail to the official e-mail of the Nigerian embassy in Ivory Coast and a message to the embassy’s official line on Thursday, but at the time of writing this report, the embassy had responded to neither the mail nor the message.

  • Residents bemoan plight as condition of Lagos road worsens

    Residents bemoan plight as condition of Lagos road worsens

    The deplorable condition of the Old Ojo Road in Amuwo Odofn Local Government Area of Lagos State has created agony in the neighbourhoods as residents, motorists and business operators bemoan their plight, reports DANIEL KELECHI.

    Walking through a cratered road and getting splashed with mud while waiting for a bus, among other unpleasant encounters, has become sub-routine for most residents around Old Ojo Road, Lagos. The worsening condition of the road whose reconstruction began several months ago has taken a toll on residents including road users and business operators in the neighbourhoods.

    The decaying road is not just tearing up asphalt it is tearing livelihoods apart, especially around the Maza Maza/Oluti axis of the road. Gabriel Ibeabuchi, who deals in motor tyres, lamented the impact of the poor state of Old Ojo Road on his business. “People no longer follow this road because of how bad it has been for years now, so it is affecting our businesses seriously.

    “This is an alternative road where if the highway is not free, you can as well use and manoeuvre the usual heavy traffic. Before the road became this bad, customers driving by might see where they were selling tyres and stop to buy them. However, since the road became deplorable, vehicles no longer access the road, hence, our businesses here are suffering,” Ibeabuchi said.

    Ibeabuchi noted that the government is fully aware of the dilapidated condition of the road, noting that the reconstruction has been politicised.

    “They (politicians) came to a meeting held by our association during the electioneering campaign and asked that we vote for them with a promise that they would fix the road. But after getting our votes, they did nothing.

    “Even when some people want to repair the road, the government would not allow them. If you try to fill the potholes on the road, you will be arrested,” he added.

    Motorists, residents lament

    A commercial bus driver, Godwin Onuoha, shared his experience plying the road in recent times.

    He said: “This road is not only affecting me, it is affecting everybody. But we transporters here are being affected mostly. When it rains, you won’t be able to work. So the road automatically reduces our income.

    “The impact of the bad road on my vehicle is so enormous that I have been taking my bus to the auto-mechanic workshop for repairs every week due to the damage caused by the bad road on his vehicle every day.”

    Onuoha recalled that a recent protest by his association at the headquarters of Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) did not yield fruits.

    “We drivers here have carried out a protest to Oriade Local Council but the council chairperson said that there was nothing she could do about the road as it is a state road,” he said.

    He recounted how during the rainy season school children have had to come down from his vehicle and walk to their school because some portions of the road cannot be accessed once it rains.

    “Where we are standing now, during the rainy season, I cannot reach this point. I will have to stop at Fashiru end of the road when passengers complain. I tell them the road is impassable and they do see reason with me and disembark,” Onuoha said.

    He, however, said he was aware that the first phase of the entire Old Ojo Road is currently under construction. But the second phase, which will pass through Oluti/Maza Maza to Kirikiri, has not got the attention of the government.

    He said he is hoping that the government will award the road and kick-start work so that their pains can be assuaged.

    A supervisor at Young Shall Grow Motors at First Gate, George Amukwu, recalled how on many occasions his drivers had to drive through the streets with their luxury buses to beat the portions of the road that were inaccessible. He however said he was happy that work was ongoing at the Oluti-Abule Ado section of the road and that he only hoped that it would get to Agboju/ Maza Maza axis where his company is located.

    “Thank God that the government has started work on it for now. I’ve seen their work towards Alakija side, so I’m appealing to them to complete the work and repair the road so that the road can be in a good condition to enable our passengers follow in easily whenever they want to come here,” he stated.

    Prolonged reconstruction of the road

    It will be recalled that the reconstruction of the road was initiated in 2022 and designed as an upgrade to a dual carriageway to serve as a strategic by-pass for motorists from Kirikiri/Ajeromi Ifelodun to Ojo Local Government. The work commenced in August 2022.

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    For the convenience of delivery, the road, which is also parallel to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway from Mazamaza to the Trade Fair complex, was divided into two phases. The construction of the first phase, with a length of 4,000 metres and an average width of 15.2m from Irede Road to Oluti Bus Stop, was to last 18 months.

    It is more than 18 months since construction began on the first phase of the project but a visit to the construction site by our reporter showed that the work was far from nearing completion, and with the pace at which the work was going, the first phase might not be completed even this year, and this would dash the hope of any kind of intervention on the second phase of the road.

    In July 2023, the Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the road by the end of the year.

    Community leader reacts

    A representative of the Royal Palace of Amu-Kuje in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Chief Sehu Ariyo, who is also the General Secretary of Kuje Amuwo Royal Family, said for close to 10 years, the road had been in a terrible condition. He noted that during the tenure of the former council chairman, Sanusi, there used to be some kind of palliative work on the road until recently when nothing has been done about the road.

    “Since the Old Ojo Road is bad, all the inner roads are bad too. I think if you have somebody in government that has a listening ear, you can talk to that person and he or she will make some adjustments and ensure the road is fixed in a record time,” he said.

    At press time, the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Public Works Agency, Mr. Samuel Ayetutu, had not reverted to our correspondent who contacted him for his response despite his assurances.

    •This report is facilitated by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Collaborative Media Engagement for Development. Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) Project.

  • LUTH embraces solar energy to boost service delivery

    LUTH embraces solar energy to boost service delivery

    Amid rising electricity tariffs and unpaid bills burdening the healthcare sector, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, is pioneering solar energy to ensure uninterrupted power. This innovative shift not only ensures continuous power for critical healthcare services but also underscores the vital role of renewable energy in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Emmanuel Chidi-maha reports

    In an era where reliable electricity is paramount to the functionality of healthcare institutions, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, stands out as a beacon of innovation. As Nigeria grapples with electricity tariffs hikes and mounting unpaid bills by government agencies, LUTH has taken a bold step towards ensuring uninterrupted power supply by embracing solar energy. This strategic shift not only underscores the hospital’s commitment to patient care but also highlights the growing importance of renewable energy in the country’s healthcare sector.

    The backdrop to LUTH’s decision to go solar is a complex web of financial and infrastructural challenges faced by federal health institutions across Nigeria. With the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announcing hikes in electricity tariffs, government agencies, including hospitals, have been struggling to keep up with their electricity bills. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) recently threatened to disconnect power to the Presidential Villa and other top government offices due to unpaid bills amounting to N47 billion. Among the top debtors was the Nigerian Army, owing over N12 billion.

    This crisis has been particularly acute in healthcare facilities. The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, for instance, was plunged into darkness multiple times in March due to unpaid bills totaling N495 million. The disconnections severely hampered the hospital’s ability to provide essential services, posing significant health risks to patients and staff. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, highlighted the dire situation in a letter to the Minister of Finance, lamenting that the hospital’s monthly government subvention was insufficient to cover its various expenses, including electricity bills.

    Similarly, LUTH has faced enormous financial strain due to high electricity costs. According to the current CMD, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the hospital spends up to N150 million on electricity monthly, while receiving a meager N14 million in government subvention for power. The previous CMD, Prof. Chris Bode, echoed these concerns, noting that the escalating cost of gas had jeopardized the hospital’s gas-powered hybrid energy system. These financial pressures have necessitated the exploration of alternative energy sources to ensure the continuous delivery of healthcare services.

    LUTH’s solar energy initiative

    In response to these challenges, LUTH has embarked on a pioneering journey to integrate solar energy into its power supply system. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a hybrid energy system that incorporates renewable and clean energy sources. The hospital management, led by Prof. Adeyemo, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to leveraging solar power to mitigate the impact of electricity supply disruptions. The decision to adopt solar energy was driven by several factors. Firstly, the rising cost of gas made it increasingly difficult to sustain the hospital’s gas-powered energy system. Secondly, the frequent disconnections by electricity distribution companies (DisCos) due to unpaid bills posed a severe risk to the hospital’s operations. By investing in solar energy, LUTH aims to achieve energy independence, reduce operational costs, and ensure a reliable power supply for its critical healthcare services.

    The implementation of the solar energy project began with a test run, which was recently commissioned. This initial phase involves the installation of solar panels and the necessary infrastructure to harness solar power. The goal is to expand this system to cover the entire hospital, thereby providing a sustainable and uninterrupted power source. Prof. Adeyemo has expressed confidence that the project will be fully operational by the end of the year, significantly enhancing the hospital’s service delivery capacity.

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    During the test run, the alternative power source at the hospital’s Ward A provided 91.7% of the electricity needed, with the public supply accounting for only 8.3% over the course of one week. “Our partners have demonstrated capacity with the proof of consent and we are satisfied,” said the CMD who disclosed that the hospital has adopted a strategic plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply broken to three segments of immediate, intermediate and long term. “In addition to that, TNL has also donated 30 fans to ward A. What we have seen now is immediate; we also have our intermediate plan even before these current challenges that we are facing. So now we have this opportunity, we want to commission this and see how it works and some of us that are used to solar and inverter energy systems, you know that the technology has gone ballistic. There’s no gadget that cannot be powered by the solar system; so that is the reason why we are here today,” said the CMD.

    Prof Adeyemo disclosed that after conducting a power audit, the management decided to experiment with Block A, a medical ward that includes a private ward and wards A2, A3 and A4. The LUTH boss assured that the alternative power scheme would be financed through the hospital’s internally generated revenue and urged staff to prevent any misuse of the facility. Mr. Femi Numa, managing director of Taranis Novus Limited, the solution providers, stated that the company has delivered an all-in-one 20kw/40kwh energy solution based on solar renewable energy. This system ensures that medical and healthcare facilities will never face blackouts or power outages.

    “Today, as we activate this alternative energy solution, we are setting a new standard for clean energy production in this national centre of medical & healthcare excellence.  This solar solution is more than just an assembly of panels and batteries; it is a promise of a brighter, greener future. A future where our energy needs are met not by depleting resources but by harnessing the boundless energy of the sun.

    “The journey to this moment has been paved with challenges, but our collective resolve has turned those challenges into milestones. This project will serve as a model for others to follow, showcasing that renewable energy is not only viable but preferable,” said Numa.

    Mr. Kehinde Olaleye, deputy managing director of Taranis Novus Limited (TNL), explained that the system primarily draws energy from the sun, supplemented by installed lithium batteries. “The last place it will draw from is the grid, and that means whether it’s Band A or Band B, you don’t need to worry,” he said. The project specifications include a 20-kilowatt capacity inverter. During the pilot phase, the system will power basic lighting, fans, sockets for medical equipment, and a few air conditioners in critical areas.

    Head of Engineering at LUTH, Eng. Segun Ogunkeye, stated that the facility has a free energy supply of 20 kilowatts supported by eight lithium-ion phosphate batteries, each with a capacity of 48 volts and a lifespan of 10 years. He added that the pilot scheme will integrate energy from the national grid, solar panels installed on the rooftop of the building, and the inverter. “This is not the only place that we have an inverter in this hospital but this is the only place that we have inverter with panels. And my advice to all the users of this equipment is that misuse should not be encouraged. An inverter is not meant to power heating elements like a hot plate or boiling ring. We are appealing and also the engineering department has set up a task force that will be monitoring the misuse of this facility,” Ogunkeye advised.

    Benefits of solar energy for LUTH

    The adoption of solar energy promises numerous benefits for LUTH. One of them is cost savings. By reducing dependence on the national grid and gas-powered energy, solar project promoters said LUTH can significantly cut its electricity expenses and free up funds for other critical needs, such as medical supplies, staff welfare and facility maintenance. Besides cost savings, solar energy offers a more reliable power source compared to the frequently disrupted supply from DisCos. This ensures that essential medical equipment and facilities remain operational at all times, enhancing patient care. The project also feeds into environmental sustainability drive. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, which aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. And by reducing its carbon footprint, experts believe LUTH will be contributing to a more sustainable future for Nigeria and the planet.

    Nothing compares with energy independence. With its own solar power system, LUTH can achieve greater energy independence, reducing its vulnerability to external factors such as tariff hikes and fuel shortages. This will cascade into improvement in healthcare delivery, as a stable and reliable power supply is crucial for the effective operation of healthcare facilities. By ensuring continuous electricity, LUTH can provide better care for its patients, improve staff working conditions, and enhance overall service delivery.

    Challenges and future prospects

    While the shift to solar energy presents significant advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The initial investment in solar infrastructure is substantial, requiring significant capital outlay. However, LUTH’s management is optimistic that the long-term savings and benefits will outweigh these initial costs. Additionally, the hospital must ensure proper maintenance and management of the solar power system to maximise its efficiency and lifespan. The success of LUTH’s solar energy initiative could serve as a model for other healthcare institutions in Nigeria and beyond. As the country continues to face energy challenges, the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power could offer a viable solution for reducing operational costs and improving service delivery in the healthcare sector. Moreover, this initiative aligns with global trends towards sustainable energy and could attract support from international organizations and donors interested in promoting renewable energy and healthcare development.

    As the CMD said, LUTH’s decision to embrace solar energy marks a significant milestone in its efforts to overcome the challenges posed by Nigeria’s electricity crisis. According to him, by investing in a sustainable and reliable power source, the hospital is not only securing its operational future but also setting an example for other institutions facing similar difficulties. “As the solar energy project progresses, LUTH is poised to enhance its service delivery, ensure better patient care, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient healthcare system in Nigeria. This bold move reflects our hospital’s commitment to innovation and excellence, demonstrating that even in the face of daunting challenges, proactive solutions can lead to transformative change. As LUTH lights the way with solar energy, it offers a hopeful vision for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.