Category: Uncategorized

By Adekunle Yusuf

 

Against the backdrop of the outbreak of global coronavirus pandemic, Xcene research, one of Africa’s leading contract research organisations, has called for increased medical research and innovation in the fight against the fast-spreading pandemic.

The Executive Director of Xcene, Adebukunola Telufusi, made this known in Lagos, while commiserating with families of those who are battling with or may have lost their lives in Nigeria and across the world to the deadly virus.

“We live in challenging times, where extreme safety measures are required for survival. The place of research is extremely important and cannot be overemphasised.

Exceptional situations require extraordinary measures and global problems require comprehensive solutions. We must, as a matter of urgency, deliberately create an outlook for now and the future if we are to withstand pandemics such as these.

“It’s great to see the level of research now being directed to the development of a cure against COVID-19; we are happy about this progress and we are more than ready to support our partners locally and abroad with any research-based information that is needed to combat this outbreak,” Adebukunola added.

Read Also: WHO urges caution in lifting coronavirus lockdowns

 

Speaking on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to stay at home and observe regular personal hygiene, Dr. Faramola Ogunkoya, a project manager with Xcene, said: “We implore everyone to heed the directives on social distancing, keeping ourselves and environs clean, washing our hands with soap and water regularly or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers to protect ourselves.

We are confident that this would help greatly to reduce the number of individuals affected and ease the burden on our health institutions to cater to those already with the virus.”

Xcene, which has been advocating improved clinical research in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, also emphasised the need for collaboration between the private sector and the government to achieve great and result-driven strides.

However, in the wake of health challenges, the company has maintained that for research to be optimal and beneficial for solving global health challenges, funders and key stakeholders need to show commitment and dedication of funds from sponsors.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

 

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has indefinitely postponed the 2020 May/June Ordinary Level Certificate Examinations, in view of the ravaging Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

The postponement announcement was made on Thursday by NABTEB’s Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe.

She said: “The 2020 May/June series of the NABTEB certificate examinations, which are for in-school candidates, originally scheduled to begin on May 4, 2020 have been postponed indefinitely, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the whole world.

Read Also: FG postpones WAEC, NECO exams indefinitely

“A new date will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, registration for the examinations continues.

“NABTEB enjoins candidates to continue to positively and productively engage in their studies through e-learning resources made available through radio and television and other safe means, while they await further information from the board.”

It will be recalled that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have also postponed their May/June examinations.

No fewer than 80 people have benefitted from the Lagos State Government Free Medicare plan for the expectant mothers and emergency/casualty cases in Alimosho General Hospital, Igando.

The hospital Medical Director, Dr Madewa Adebajo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the measures were to cushion the effects of lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Adebajo told NAN that a sizeable number of people in the local government area had benefitted from the free healthcare initiative.

NAN reports that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on April 4, while briefing State House Correspondents on the update of COVID-19, announced a free medicare plan for the expectant mothers and emergency/casualty cases in the state.

Adebajo said: “This locality has large number of financially incapacitated residents.

“The lockdown had further aggravated the situation of finances and expenditure upon their status.

“The free medicare for Lagos people during this period is an encouraging measure put in place by the governor.

“We have had several Cesarean Sections, circumcisions and also provided services for emergency related cases, and none was billed for the medical services under the the hospital’s assessment.

“The meals, beds, procedures and tests had been absolutely free, as well as the surgeries conducted for them.”

On the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical director said that regular handwashing was key, while wearing of face masks in public places was necessary to curb the spread of the virus.

He added that the hospital was also taking precautionary measures to ensure that health workers and patients in the facility maintain good hygiene.

Adebajo said: “200 litres of 75 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitisers are provided every three week for public use, which is poured into our sensor-reflective sanitisers situated at four major areas in the hospital.

READ ALSO: No plans to open schools now – Lagos

“The sanitisers are produced by our Pharmacy Department and this come along with the weekly supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which has shielded our personnel from easily contacting the virus.

“We indulge in traditional sanitising procedure, using hypo-chloride based agents for all surfaces and public appliances.”

Some of the beneficiaries of the free medical initiative thanked the state governor for the gesture.

One of them, Mrs Grace Eso-Bassey, a fashion designer, who gave birth through a Cesarean Section on April 19, said the initiative was commendable.

“I had a successful Cesarean Section on April 19; my baby and I are fine. l have not pay a dime for bed, meals and tests conducted since l have been here.

“This is my second birth in this hospital and the service gets more impressive by the day.

“Many thanks to Gov. Sanwo-Olu for the intervention, especially during this trying time, ” she said.

Also, Mrs Adigun Wasiliat, told NAN that the initiative came at the right time owing to the hardship caused by the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I was delivered in the early hours of Wednesday, and l have been receiving free treatment toward my full recuperation.

“I sincerely want to thank the state governor for alleviating the financial constraints induced by the COVID -19 lockdown,” she saidl.

(NAN)

Agency Reporter

 

The Management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) said on Thursday that its registration portal would remain open in spite of the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic until new entrants complete their admission procedures.

A statement issued on Thursday by Mr Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity, NOUN, stated that the university’s portal remained open contrary to reports in the social media that it had been shut.

Sheme said the negative reports peddled by some “idle minds” had hampered efforts by students and candidates to complete their registration.

“The portal of the university remains open; however, management wishes to indicate that students and candidates seeking admission will definitely encounter a hitch in the second leg of registration process which has nothing to do with the university portal.

“There are two steps in completing registration at NOUN. The first is the one on the university portal and the second is the one at the study centre of one’s choice.

“Whilst the first can be successfully done from any location, a student or candidate for admission is required to go to his or her chosen study centre to complete the registration.

“Understandably, it has become impossible to finish one’s registration in the second and final leg due to the ongoing lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“However, students should take note that if one has not been able to complete one’s registration in this semester, he or she can do so in the next semester.

“This shows that we are flexible, unlike the conventional universities.

The university management urged NOUN students to strictly adhere to the stay-at-home order and other safety protocols in order to curtail the spread of the virus and also stay alive to continue with their educational pursuits after lockdown. (NAN)

Adeola Ogunlade

Doctors and health workers in Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to provide better renumeration and equipment to enable them cope with the challenges associated with managing COVID-19 cases and patients.

They spoke on Wednesday during different media parelys in Ogun State.

The National Association of Government General Medical & Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) Ogun State Chapter, alleged its members, which comprise doctors working under hospital board and Ministry of Health covering 35 hospitals across the state, have been neglected in the management of COVID-19 crisis.

Chairman of the association, Dr Durojaiye Oluwatosin and secretary, Dr Ajayi Abiodun, told reporters at Ijaye General Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State that claims by Commissioner of Health, Dr Tomi Coker, that frontline health workers have been provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were untrue.

The association noted health workers that have been infected with COVID-19 are the ones working in the hospital and not in isolation centres.

The doctors demanded PPE for all health facility in the State as well as upward review of health hazard allowance to N100,000 monthly.

READ ALSO: Three new cases in Ogun are Togo returnees

Also, Association of Resident Doctors Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State called for protection and appreciation of doctors putting their lives on the line during the pandemic.

It asked for 50 per cent of their consolidated basic as hazard allowance to do better in managing the crisis.

President of the body, Dr. Mutiu Abiodun Popoola and Acting General Secretary, Dr. T.A. Osundara, further demanded additional 20 per cent of the initial 50 per cent as special risk allowance as well as immediate adjustment of Appropriate Remuneration to avoid more exit of resident doctors and medical dfficers who are the Frontline in the management particularly during this pandemic.

It also requested for Group Life Insurance to all resident doctors, medical officers and house officers in OOUTH to cover for up to 300 per cent of annual take home in case of infirmity, permanent disability or death.

Other demands include reactivation of employees compensation act provision of 2010, stating that in the event of death in the course of duty, the four children of the deceased up to the age of 21 should be trained to tertiary level.

In addition, the association appealed for a waiver on tax on professional allowances.

Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

The Osun State House of Assembly has passed the “Osun State College of Health Technology Ilesha Establishment Bill 2020” on Wednesday.

This followed a motion moved my Majority Leader, Mr. Moruf Olanrewaju and seconded by member representing Egbedore state constituency, Mr. Babtunde Ibirogba.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, said the passage of the bill would upgrade the School of Health Technology Ilesha to a College to make the school autonomous in running it’s academic and administrative affairs.

Owoeye called for the speedy assent of the Bill by the Governor and also praised his colleagues for their contribution to the passage of the Bill called

It would be recalled that the Osun State College of Health Technology Establishment Bill 2019 sponsored by the Speaker was presented to the House on October 15, 2019.

Also, at the plenary, the “Osun State Revenue Administration and Tax Codification and Consolidation Bill 2019” scaled through the first reading.

Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun has told students of the institution not to let data cost prevent them from plugging into the distance learning programme of the institution.

The government directed all schools to close March 23, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This was followed by a directive from the Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, last week that tertiary institutions should reopen classes online.

To this end, the LASU Management directed students of the institution to register on its website to access learning materials.

However, students had expressed concerns about difficulties participating in e-learning as a result of data cost they would incur to learn online.

Nevertheless, Fagbohun said the cost should not stop them from participating in what is considered best practice worldwide.  He added that the platform had been designed to require minimal data cost to access.

In a message to the students, Fagbohun said: “I have been inundated with calls, comments by some of our students that they will find it difficult to be a part of the online lectures because ‘things are tough’.  I believe some clarification is necessary.

“The goal of our Visitor, Mr Governor, and that of our Institution is to ensure that our students graduate without undue extension of their academic session. We also desire a situation where in the competition of life, our students are able to show anywhere in the world that during the global crisis, their academic activities continued. That is what is happening globally. Suggestions have been made for us to seek out philanthropists who will support the project so that it will be affordable. I wish to assure that the Lagos State Government is already doing that.

“For the online classes, the Envivo platform has  been configured  in such a way that our students can always go there at their convenience to get the prior- recorded uploaded lectures. This will allow for minimal use of data.

“What we are seeking to do is to offer our students same opportunity as are available to students of Ivy League and other expensive Institutions. Let us therefore refrain from giving excuses. It is all about your future. God be with you all.”

Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

Primary and secondary schools pupils in Anambra State have expressed appreciation to Governor Wilie Obiano for the migration of classrooms to radio, television and Facebook program titled, “Anambra Teaching on Air’.

The online learning programme being organised by the Ministry of Basic Education in collaboration with the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) was introduced to bridge the gap resulting from the closure of schools to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The students said the governor has once more demonstrated his love for the Anambra child, noting that through the program, they would no longer be adversely affected by the closure of schools, occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

One of the students, Master Okwudili Umegbolu of Community Secondary School Agulu, while hailing the governor for the laudable initiative, appreciated the Basic Education Commissioner, Prof Kate Omenugha and Education family for driving the process.

He stressed the need for parents and guardians to be sensitized on the importance of allowing their children and wards to be part of the program.

On her part, Miss Chidumaga Nnaemeka of St Mary the Virgin Convent Ufuma thanked Governor Obiano, Commissioner Omenugha and Chief Executive Officer of the ABS, Chief Uche Nwora for providing alternative and unique platforms for their lessons, which the coronavirus pandemic attempted to trauncate.

She promised to inform her fellow students to be part of the exercise in order to cover the gap occasioned by the closure of schools.

A Nigerian, Benjamin Ola-Akande, Ph. D has been appointed the 9th President of Champlain College, USA.

The Chair of Champlain College Board of Trustees, Charles Kittredge, in a statement, said: “Dr. Akande is an agent of change and a visionary leader with a global perspective.

“His enterprising mind set and commitment to student success will be essential as he leads Champlain College in an evolving higher education landscape.

“We look forward to welcoming Dr. Akande to Champlain and supporting his work to advance the College’s strategic position and build on the strength of our distinctive academic offerings.”

Trustee and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, Neale Lunderville, in another statement, said: “I want to offer my sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to each of our committee members.

“Their extraordinary efforts over the past many months produced a strong result: Dr. Akande will be an exceptional President for our exceptional College.”

Dr. Akande currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Affairs–Africa and the Associate Director of the Global Health Center at Washington University in St. Louis.

READ ALSO: Tai College technically bankrupt with N689m deficit, says council

Prior to this new appointment, he served and held important positions in academia, business and non-profit organisations, including: member, Advisory Board of FDC Fundação Dom Cabral, the top ranked business school in Brazil, Dean and Professor of Economics (2000-2015), Walker School of Business and Technology, Webster University and the 21st President of Westminster College; Vice Chair, Board of Argent Capital Mgt. LLC, a $4 billion asset management company, member of the Danforth Plant Science Center Leadership Council, member, Board of Enterprise Bank & Trust ($5 billion assets), a Director of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., a $5 billion publicly traded manufacturer of high quality private food labels; member, boards of the Saint Louis Art Museum, The MUNY, Missouri Charter Public School Association, and Forest Park Forever, etc.

Akande, in his acceptance statement, said: “I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead Champlain College during this period of great transformation and even greater opportunity. While the challenges we currently face as global citizens are daunting, they also sharpen our focus and urge us both individually and as a community, to lead from wherever we are.

“The commitment to educating adaptable thinkers, daring change-makers and inclusive innovators who shape professions and inspire communities is what sets Champlain College apart.

“I look forward to taking this journey with you and thank you for the trust you have placed in me to further Champlain College’s mission together.”

The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) says over 80 per cent of private dental clinics have been shut down, due to inability to procure requisite safety kits for prevention of Coronavirus spread.

Its President, Mrs Evelyn Eshikena, on Tuesday in Lagos that she was worried over the development as COVID-19 pandemic continued to ravage countries worldwide.

Eshikena said in a statement that this was due to the high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

According to her, a protocol was released for dental clinics to contain the transmission among dental healthcare professionals, patients and the general public.

She said it was also strongly recommended that dental clinics, especially private, unable to secure the basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or COVID-19 test kits, should shut down completely.

“Dental clinic should be shut until adequate arrangements are made for such essential materials.

“With near total collapse of dental care nationwide, patients unable to access the few operational private and public dental facilities are now grappling with varying degrees of discomfort.

“Also, dental clinics are faced with precarious economic situation, which may lead to permanent closure or downsising of dental workforce.

“This will result in job losses for dentists, dental technologists, therapists, nurses, surgery assistants, technicians, administrative and other support staff, if the pandemic is not contained soon, ” she said.

The association president, however, warned that the fight against COVID-19 would become lopsided and portend grave danger to people, if an integrated approach was not adopted.

”This approach will ensure that emphasis is not only placed on Coronavirus and respiratory or infectious disease experts, but also on other specialties and areas of healthcare ailments ravaging the populace.

“For instance, with reports of active transmission of Coronavirus by individuals with no symptoms, it becomes very likely that an asymptomatic patient can present a dental clinic with dental emergencies.

“These include severe toothache, trauma to oro-facial structures, bleeding, head and neck malignancies, failed or broken dental restorations, orthodontic emergencies, among others.

READ ALSO: Dental therapist ‘kills’ undergraduate in Gombe

“Unsuspecting dental practitioners, attending to such individuals with no signs, symptoms or history of Coronavirus infection are exposed to hazards and become effective means of further spread of the virus,” she said.

Eshikena called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently come to the aid of dental healthcare professionals by providing the basic PPE, essential dental equipment and consumables to public and private dental facility.

She said it would enable practitioners to sustain the delivery of emergency dental services to people and prevent the spread of Coronavirus through such procedures.

The association president also appealed to the governments to extend the stimulus packages, grants and palliatives to private dental practitioners whose clinics have been adversely affected by the pandemic.

“The urgent need for government intervention has become inevitable, as the nation cannot afford further depletion of the already inadequate dental care facilities available for the population,” Eshikena said.

 

(NAN)