The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cell phone

  • Student arraigned for stabbing man

    A 20-year-old student, Idris Isah,who allegedly stabbed one Abbas Salihu with a knife and stole his cell phone, appeared before a Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

    The accused, a resident of Tudun Wada, Jos, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, causing hurt and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Mr Joshua Kasuwa, told the court that Salihu, a resident of Yan-Doya, Gadan Bako, Jos, reported the matter at the Nasarawa Gwom police station, on March 24.

    Kasuwa said that the accused, and some others still at large, accosted the complainant on the road, and started beating him “without any reason”.

    “The accused used a knife and stabbed the complainant on his forehead; while he was on the floor writhing in pains, they stole his phone valued at N70,000,’’ he said.

    Kasuwa said that the accused was arrested in his house after a tip-off to the police, by a member of the public.

    “ During investigation, Isah confessed that it was one Kabiru, who is still at large, that stabbed the complainant,’’ he said

    The offence contravened Sections 97, 288 and 323 of the Penal Code.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mr Jovita Binjin, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Binjin said that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should submit two recent passport-sized photographs and their national ID cards to the court.

    The case was adjourned to April 19, for mention.

  • Cell phone use by students

    School systems around the globe face a challenge pertaining to the regulation of cell-phone use by students in schools. Without doubt, there are drawbacks and benefits of cell phone use. School administrators, teachers, parents, and students continue to struggle with policies on cell-phone use in schools since a ban is no longer accepted as the best policy.

    The confiscation of cell phones, an initial reaction by school administrations, has been very controversial. Some schools take the phones from the students and never return them; others keep them until the end of the school day. In either case, parents are notified that their children have violated the school policy on the use of cell phones during school hours.

    Although such confiscation policies were approved by school boards, some angry students and parents still resent the policy. In other strategies for dealing with cell phone use, some teachers require that phones be turned off in classrooms and placed out of sight; others label the phones and place them in a container on the teacher’s desk until the end of class.

    Moreover, inappropriate use of the phones, especially for cheating during tests, has punishments ranging from reduction of the score by a particular percentage to failure of the exam. Disrupting class with texting, playing video games, inappropriately using the photo features, or receiving calls can affect students’ participation in class as well as grades. Not all parents want the schools to control phone use.

    Some cell phone providers offer tools for parents to control phone usage, carefully customised for each child on the plan. Some parents prefer to be the ones having maximum control over their children’s cell phone use instead of school authorities. Effective monitoring and safety are the main reasons parents want their childrento to have access to cell phones during school hours. Many parents recognise the distractions cell phones can create in the classroom, and are concerned about mobile access to inappropriate content.

    Recent research has revealed that texting in class, in lecture rooms, library etc, has become asignificant problem in schools. A recent university study found that 90% of collegestudents surveyed admitted texting during class. Some even admitted sending messagesduringtests.

    This rampant abuse has led some professors to ban phones during tests orlectures. One of my professors once warned us that if he ever gets to see a phone in a student’s possession during a test,the owner would automatically fail the test, whether the phone was in use or not.Severe penalties like scoring zero in a test, as cautioned by my professor, go beyond the classroom.

    It is a question that keeps some parents awake at night. Should their children be allowed to take mobile phones to school? Now economists claim to have an answer. For parents who want to boost their children’s academic prospects, it is no.Cell phones, and especially smartphones, can present considerable distraction to their owners and nearby classmates. Distractions come in the form of text messages, phone calls, unrestricted internet access and a host of entertaining applications. When set to run silently, these phones can also distract both when students are in class and during free periods that ordinarily should be dedicated to studying.

    Cell phones have definitely become fixtures today life for most people. Phonescontinue to be upgraded with extraordinary technology that makes them even moreattractive and engaging. With their widespread use, this debate will continue.

    There arepeople who believe that students should be taught about proper cell phone etiquette andpersonal responsibility for their use of the phones and are opposed to banning them. Otherssee no other alternative but to support a complete ban of cell phones in the schools.

    In addition to the argument that students should be allowed to carry cell phones foremergency purposes, there well may be an argument for actually using cell phone technologywithin the classroom. Cell phone companies advertise their products’ new and trendy featuresall the time. Computers are wonderful educational tools; perhaps cell phones can be too.

    Lastly, in my perspective, I think technology as a whole is useful and at the same time, it has multifarious side effects and cell phone issue with students is one big bad effect. I think banning cell phone from school will be perfect, so as to let students focus on their studies while in school.

     

    •Huzaifah writes from Islamic Science University, Malaysia

  • From the cell phone

    For Olatunji Dare

    If the detractors of the government’s transformation agenda should realise what nationhood entails and that it is not just for President Jonathan. But for the generality of all Nigerians, they would desist from all forms of mischief. Thanks Mr Dare on your “a president, endless distractions” From Sgt Emmanuel Joshua.

    It is strange, yet unquestionably a fact that injustice and dishonesty on the part of our “leaders” are responsible for all the distractions so far. If our leaders starts to be truthful on all matters and stop presenting fictions as facts, the country will be better for it. The president’s judgment at any point in time should be controlled by duteous devotion to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians. From Adegoke O. O, Ikhin, Edo State.

    Because GEJ is an academician, I hope he will readily translate this Yoruba saying in respect of his transformation agenda: if it takes a man 10 years to prepare for madness, for how long will he go insane? Fellow Nigerians, 2015 will decide. From Tunde Opada. No 2 Iye Road, Eruku. Kwara State.

    Well I don’t have much to say but you should continue your good words of advise to all Nigerians both home and abroad! Happy new year. Anonymous.

    I read your piece, A President’s endless distraction I concluded that you are one of those sycophants Presidential aides. Why do you try to hold brief for the president in regard of the poster pasted on his behalf. If actually he knows nothing about the poster, why can’t he summon the courage to fish out those behind such act? Are you trying to pretend as if you do not know that your boss is nursing second term ambition? Lets call a spade a spade and stop seeking relevance sycophant. From Jonathan, Lagos.

    Agenda-focus does not show as having germinated any clear fruit. Let us, however, and despite the above, as well as the distraction lend our support to Mr President since he said things will be accelerated and move fast, I believe, development-wise, this year, 2013. Enough of distractions! From Lanre Oseni.

    I am amused by Minister of Agriculture’s N60b GSM for rural farmers when 90 per cent of rural dwellers don’t have GSM network? Anonymous.

    I disagree with your article on the “President’s endless distractions”. Constructive criticism is a beauty of democracy. It is a clarion and wake-up call for him to adjust for the overall interest of the country. He is not being distracted but he showed put his thinking cap on and face the numerous challenges facing the nation. I don’t want to believe that you have been compromised as you are known as an intellectual of high repute. From A. Aiyeoribe. Ilorin.

    I am interested, do you have your write ups compiled in book form? I am interested. From Yomi

    For Segun Gbadegesin

    What is so special in this minister? That is Mrs Madueke, and what is so unspecial about Barth Nnaji? It’s the snow white set of teeth and angel face. Shikena. From Ch. Ayodele- Okeluse

    Let all of us give personal attention to the family unit, its values, and ethics, the community and the nation would take care of itself. Let us return to the basics. From Biyi Adesanya, 1, Azeez Aina Street Ibadan.

    There is no doubting the fact that human, moral, ethical development are necessary for real education that will be “developmental” for self and societal growth. In turn, the self, community, government and private sector also need to give support for adventurists of total education. That way, the society at large will get back rewards of real and total education. From Lanre Oseni.

    The government of each state much stand for good education . Anonymous.

    I share your concern for education for purposeful development and management of resources, such being anchored on manpower utilisation, welfare and benefits. The tertiary institutions would not justify their costs, except we have paradigm shift of purpose, curriculum and on public-private funding and management. The gap between these institutions and the social-economy could be bridged if the mandate of these institutions are reappraised to warrant that they are economically accountable and sustainable. The requirement of subsidy would not absolve their accountability for effective and efficient utilisation of resources trusted upon them. This applies to the government’s own institutions in particular. Education provided should meet the requirement of the community, as representing the nation. Curriculum would include citizenship education, provide social integration and facilitate employment. The universities must undertake investment projects that would attract commercial partnership and be managed transparently with the best research, technology choice and innovations. We would love to read more from you. From Engr. A. I. Adewunmi.

    GEJ is the most civilised, most transparent, most effective and educated Nigerian President.

    For Gbenga Omotoso

    Obasanjo can do well to please relax. We know our statesmen and women by their antecedent, not noise makers. Your column is a must read for me any day. From Clement Mmonu ( Port Harcourt ) RS

    Mr Fix It had been appointed as NPA chairman and also struggling to be elected as BoT chairman. This is a man who was a minister of Works during Obasanjo’s era could not fix Ore- Shagamu Road. He has been fixed politically both at home and outside. He can only be awarded best loser of the year. For Obasanjo, what does he stand to gain for contradicting himself on Boko Haram issues. It’s like, to him contradiction is a fun because he accused the President of not using his style in Odi of the sect and turned asked the President to talk to Boko Haram. He funded the failed third term and said if he had wanted it he would have gotten it. What a joke. He should be awarded with honourary degree in controversy. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Dockyard Apapa Lagos.

    Fair enough, you mentioned governor of the year. Why can’t Nigerian journalists get into the habit of nominating, formally, annually and transparently/credibly, best performing governor contest? From Dr. Fred Amadi, Port Harcourt

    Re: “Honours 2012”. For that brilliant article, I hereby dub you “Journalist of the Year”. Anonymous

    Gbenga, if you had thoroughly revised your Editorial Notebook, you would have seen a paragraph on the reformers Inspector General of Police. Mr Mohammed Abubakar. For sweeping aside illicit police tax/road blocks. Don’t you think he merits a prestigeous award? Be fair. From Segun Makurdi.

    “Honours 2012” can also be awarded Editorial of the year. It was a flashback of the drama that made Year 2012 unforgettable. May your ink never see vapour. From Ifeanyi Louis, Abuja.

    To be frank, Owelle Rochas Okorocha deserves the award. Thanks to the awardee just go to Imo and see for yourself I dey envy the. Anonymous

    Please don’t forget the ‘oil found in Mafoluku, Oshodi’, Lagos in the 80s as reported by Concord. I expect you to visit Mafoluku to check the production level before giving your award to Ilorin. From Ade

    In my opinion, all your awards for the awardees were faultless. However, year 2012 was more of combat of ills than admiration of achievements. Since Mr President had pledged that the current year-2013, would be speedy of growth, let us cooperate with and support him. From Lanre Oseni.

    Thanks for your “Honors 2012” Editorial Notebook. The bit on flour is misleading. Flour bread is the common phrase while I think you wanted to refer to wheat flour as against cassava flour. Abroad, you have various kinds of bread’ flours’ eg rye(bitter), corn ( popular in South America and East Africa)etc. The interesting thing though is consumers are allowed to make their choice as all are produced and allowed to find their place in the market. From Felix Dokpesi.

  • From The Cell Phone

    For Gbenga Omotoso

     

    Building 11 new airports in Nigeria will certainly create more jobs in the aviation industry or won’t it ? From Uwem Ekanem, Uyo

    Gbenga, the man of the year. Goodluck Jonathan has nothing to showcase neither has he anything to tell Nigerians by October 1. He can only tell Nigerians the number of bombs that have exploded since he assumed office. Corruption is the order of the day; kidnappers, hired assassins are everywhere still our President said he is the most criticised leader in the world. He has not done anything that deserves commendation. As long as he sticks to his policies that are not favouring Nigerians, we will continue to critisise him. He brought harship to Nigerians by removing fuel subsidy. He said he is fighting corruption yet the subsidy fraudster are moving about freely. The President said unpatriotic Nigerians sponsored the protesters why didn’t he sponsor the counter protest? Mr Goody, wake up now. From Hamza Ozi Momoh. Dockyard, Apapa, Lagos.

    Gbenga, you actually hit the nail on the head on Jonathan’s ineptitude in your piece of 20-09-12. You aptly captured his inefficiency on major policy and political matters. To refer to the subsidy strike in Lagos nine months after shows he has learnt nothing and forgotten nothing. I only hope is not building his castle in the air thinking South west wìll vote for him by attending the book launch of one of those he teargased during the subsidy strike. Lastly your joke on what manner of dialogue? Kept reeling on the ground with laughter your pen will never run dry. Amen. From Ayo Apelogun, Ilesha.

    Jonathan creates needless problems for himself through his wrong choices, actions and utterances and turns around to blame an imaginary opposition for the consequences. He is perhaps the only Nigerian President to date who believes Nigerians are incapable of differentiating between right and wrong. Anonymous.

    Re: Of fuel and other crises. By now, one expects the Finance Minister to have paid the subsidy to the marketers who have been given clean bills and penalise the culprits. We are innocent enough to be penalised to witness fuel queue again. Enough of the inefficiencies in essential public goods — fuel, roads and power. Cassava-bread remains a child’s play because the powers at the LGs, States and Federal Government will breach the rule. Although a Muslim, I completely disagree with the plan to dialogue with the Boko Haram. Where that is done, expect militancy in other parts of Nigeria. From Lanre Oseni.

    It is very unfortunate that the President regards the masses as fools, who can not think on their own. Did we need anyone to call us out to protest when the President gave us over 125 per cent fuel price increase as a New Year gift? Not a few people beleive that the labour leaders were settled to call off the protest by the time they did. Nigerians were not ready to accept anything above N65 per litre. From Alh. Adeboye Lawal Ibadan.

    A capital of less than N500,000 is enough to set up a small satchet (pure) water factory but our President is proud to taunt us with the fact that pure water is not available in his village! in 2012? No wonder he calls himself the most criticised President in the whole world. From Adeleke Foster. Anonymous.

    The plan to build 11 more airports is a waste of money. Only one flight comes to Jos, some of the passengers are or were from Bauchi and Gombe, yet the flight is always diverted to Kano to be able to fill the airline before going to Lagos. Both Bauchi and Gombe are busy building or upgrading airports.Where are the passengers going to come from when the plane which they use still has to go to Kano to fill up since the mid 90s? On dialogue, the government is simply negotiating with the political Boko Haram. The ideological Boko Haram can never negotiate a divine command and may soon start targeting the political one for daring to negotiate God’s command. In their view, God permits them to only give ultimatums. From Buga Funj, Jos

     

    Segun Gbadegesin

     

    Re-Ideas that live. I pray to live with idea and ideals that live and also die for the idea/ideals that live. To the end unitarism and achieve true federalism, we must see that we end corruption in its entirety, irrespective of our political affiliation! Just watch the big six who are bidding for the purchase of PHCN. These are some of those who will lead the true federated states in future. Where did the fund come from, to share PHCN purchase? They can not live for such ideas/ideals of Steve Biko, Martin Luther King and others. From Lanre Oseni.

    Re:Ideas that live: What an excellent piece of writing. Actually, in the fullness of time true federalism will eventually triumph over unitarism. From Andy Ashinze. Lagos.

    I read youur piece Ideas that live and I jumped and screamed, do we have leaders who will die for ideas that live?I don’t think so, especially, our current political leaders. Anonymous.

     

    For Dare Olatunji

     

    Most of the societal ills Gani fought against are still very much with us in excess. Anything more corrupt than the men and times of today cannot be conceived. Should we not expect more illegalities where the Constitution is spurious? Gani tried his very best. Afterall, virtue is aiming at the mark, not hitting it. The man who tries hardest is thereby the most successful. From Adegoke O O, Ikhin, Edo State.

    Dare, I loved reading your article. I’m particularly impressed by the hilarity evoked therein and your artistic deployment of suspense throughout your anecdote. Well, that’s the kind of society we have, consistently inconsistent about which way to go. From Saintmatthew (PH).

    Re-remembering Gani, our Gani. Prisoner J40/4990-Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, will see the face of Allah. Allah will forgive him his sins. His family he left behind will never meet with any trouble. His children and grandchildren will continue to excel in life. Late Chief, will be seated in al-janah fir dauz, AMEEN. He was an unequalled fighter-leader, a GEM. From Lanre Oseni.