The Nation Newspaper

Tag: conduct

  • Be of good conduct, Bingham varsity tells new intakes

    Be of good conduct, Bingham varsity tells new intakes

    Vice – Chancellor, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Prof. William Qurix, has admonished newly admitted students into the institution to be of good conduct.

    Prof. Qurix reminded the students that the university had zero-tolerance for social vices.

    The vice – chancellor gave the advice at the 19th matriculation ceremony of the university yesterday in Karu, Nasarawa State.  “Bingham University is a faith-based institution, we maintain a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against social vices, including cultism, sexual misconduct, drug abuse, bullying, and similar behaviours. Any individual found in violation of these principles will face appropriate sanctions.

    “It is imperative for every student to acquaint themselves with the university’s rules and regulations outlined in the student handbook, and to adhere diligently to them. Your cooperation in upholding the values of our academic community is vital for a positive and respectful learning environment.

    Read Also: Abuja One chance victim died before arrival at FCT hospital – Wike’s panel

    “It may interest you to know that over 7,000 candidates applied to the University this year, out of this number, a total of 1,500 were granted admission to study various courses and are, therefore, being matriculated today.”

    The vice-chancellor said the school has secured full accreditation for its programmes with exception of those who are not due for assessment.

    He said: “Bingham University has obtained full accreditation for nearly all our programmess with exceptions for those not yet due for assessment. Over the past four weeks, we have hosted accreditation teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the process has been highly successful. “In a recent milestone, 46 pioneer pharmacy graduates were officially inducted by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the first set of 11 graduate nurses underwent induction into the nursing profession by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), marking a momentous achievement for our institution.”

    A population development expert and former Dean, Department of Geography, University of Abuja, Prof. Rhoda Mundi, urged the students to see the school as an opportunity to build on their existing skills.

    Prof. Mundi, who was the guest speaker, urged parents to allow their children to choose their career path.

  • APC cautions Secondus on language, conduct

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, to be mindful of his language and conduct, so as not to tarnish the image of the country abroad.

    In a statement signed by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena, the party said Prince Secondus is expected to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism, decency and decorum in public conduct and discourse.

    The satement said: “Regrettably, Prince Uche Secondus has not lived up to these basic expectations.

    “Weeks ago the PDP National Chairman took the internal matters of the country’s politics to the international scene by writing letters to various international organisations. Again, soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Osun State governorship election inconclusive, Prince Secondus without basis accused the electoral body of conspiring with the APC to declare the election inconclusive.

    “The APC would as a rule ignore irresponsible and baseless utterances and actions as exhibited by the PDP National Chairman, but as we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 general elections, it is necessary we give a word of caution on expected behaviour required of all political sides. Prince Secondus is respectfully advised to temper his political language and conduct.”

    His unfounded allegation on the inconclusive Osun State governorship election is not expected from such highly-placed party official. Accusing the APC of conspiring with INEC, without proof, is taking mudslinging too far.

    We advise Prince Secondus not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt. His action will only bring him personal attacks, ridicule. A word is enough for the wise!

  • AAUA VC tasks matriculating students on good conduct, positive impact

    New students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have been urged to take advantage of their admission to become leaders, problem solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs that will positively impact their society.

    The Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, stated this at the Matriculation Ceremony for the 5, 305 new students admitted for the 2017/2018 session on Thursday.

    Prof. Ajibefun told the matriculating students to consider themselves lucky to be among the 18.10 percent chosen from the over 29, 307 candidates who picked AAUA as first choice, pointing out that only a negligible percentage of students seeking admission to universities in the country get admitted at the end of every year.

    He said: “A university is a destination for knowledge seekers, potential leaders, thinkers, problem solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs who are intent on gaining knowledge with a view to turning their societies around, impacting humanity and making the world a better place.

    “A matriculation ceremony is, therefore, an occasion for making these potential leaders to swear to an Oath and to formally admit them into this enviable class. Membership of this class is for a privileged few who the society looks up to for impact, direction and leadership. This is because the university, like leadership, is composed of a few who give direction for the teeming population to follow.

    “It is not therefore a surprise that, every year, the number of candidates given university admission worldwide is small in comparison to admission seekers. Of the over 20, 000 candidates  that applied to Adekunle Ajasin University this year for instance, only 5, 305, representing about 18.10 per cent were admitted.

    “Belonging to this privileged few is an opportunity that you should guard jealously by concentrating on your studies and avoiding acts that can rob you of your dream.”

    The Vice Chancellor assured the new students of the quality and track records of the Institution. He listed the distinguishing factors of the University to include its merit-driven admission policy, quality and award-winning staff, relevant infrastructures and a conducive environment that drives research and learning.

    He also itemised the feats and milestones achieved by the university’s products in national and international exams and competitions in various walks of life, including the Nigerian Law School, the Commonwealth and the Olympic Games.

  • JAMB assures of smooth conduct of exams, transparent admission

    JAMB assures of smooth conduct of exams, transparent admission

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has promised to build on the successes it recorded last year by conducting a better and hitch-free examination this year.

    The agency’s Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He also said the board would ensure a transparent admission process in 2018 as it did in 2017.

    He commended relevant stakeholders who assisted the board in the smooth conduct of its examinations and activities in 2017.

    The statement reads: “In 2017 the Board conducted one of the most transparent, inclusive, acceptable examination with the least incidence of malpractice and malfeasance.

    “The entire progress made in 2017 will be sustained and made better in the 2018 and beyond. One of the greatest celebrated innovation in the 2017 is the democratization of admission by the introduction of CAPS.

    “In 2018, we hope to surpass our achievements in 2017. This means that we shall conduct a better examination, more transparent admission and make more remittance to government.

    “We will continue to do everything possible to support the drive of this administration towards excellence from our end.”

    He advised candidates hoping to write this year’s unified tertiary matriculations examination (UTME) to register on time.

    “As we prepare for the 2018 examination beginning with the optional mock in January, we urge candidates to ensure that the register on time, make informed choices of institutions, disciplines and examination towns.

    “They are to note that their first choice can be a College of Education, a University, an innovation Enterprise Institution, a Polytechnic/Monotechnic, the Nigerian Defence Academy or the Police Academy. These choices are at the discretion of the candidates,” the statement added.

  • Consortium lauds peaceful conduct

    A consortium of election observers in Anambra State has praised the smooth and peaceful conduct of the November 18 governorship election in the state.

    The observers – Independent Service Delivery Group (ISDMG) and the Nigeria Civil Society (NCS) – made the commendation yesterday at their separate media briefings in Awka, the state capital.

    They also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for early distribution of materials and officials to the local government areas for the exercise.

    The Convener of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mr Clement Nwankwo, noted that there was buying and selling of votes between political parties and the electorate during the election.

    He said: “Situation Room is also disappointed with political leaders in the state whose conduct, carriage and disposition encouraged blatant buying and selling of votes to their citizens. This emerging impunity of vote-buying appears to be a dangerous trend in our elections and needs to be addressed urgently.

  • Oyo gets order to conduct council poll

    Oyo gets order to conduct council poll

    The Oyo State government has secured an order to facilitate conduct of council election in the state.

    A statement yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, quoted the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola, as saying that Order 3 of the injunction forbidding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters register to the state’s electoral body, OYSIEC, has been discharged by the court.

    The statement said: “In respect of the case filed by Oyo baales challenging the LCDAs and in which the court had issued an injunction preventing the conduct of elections into local government areas and LCDAs, I made an application to the court to discharge the part of the interim order preventing our conduct of elections into the local government areas since the subject matter of the suit is only on the propriety of LCDAs and not the local government areas.

    “The other counsel in the matter all conceded to the point, as canvassed by the Oyo State government on this matter. Consequently, Order 3 of the interim injunction forbidding INEC from releasing voters’ register to OYSIEC for the conduct of elections into the local government areas and LCDAs has been discharged by the court.”

  • NURTW chief hails members’ ‘peaceful conduct’

    Lagos State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede has praised members for their peaceful conduct during Saturday’s local government election.

    Their conduct was a testimony that they have embraced peace, he said.

    The NURTW boss landed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the peaceful, free and fair election, adding that APC’s success in the 57 councils indicated that the people appreciated the projects being executed by the government.

    Agbede also congratulated APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the party’s success, noting that the Ambode Administration is building on the Tinubu foundation laid in 1999

    Congratulated the elected chairmen and councillors, he assured them of union’s continued support.

    He also hailed the police and other security agencies for the hitch-free election.

  • Conduct tribunal chair may face fresh EFCC probe

    Conduct tribunal chair may face fresh EFCC probe

    Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Chairman Justice Danladi Umar may face a fresh probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over some allegations, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The CCT acquitted Senate President Bukola Saraki of a false assets declaration charge on Wednesday.

    The allegations against Umar include  a N10million bribe said to have been collected by him by his Personal Assistant, Ali Gambo Abdullahi.

    The discovery of fresh clues on Umar’s conduct is said to have sparked the planned probe.

    But, a top CCT official said the EFCC had on February 23, 2015 and April 20, 2016 cleared Umar of the alleged N10million bribe.

    A source, who hinted of the planned probe, said Umar may soon be invited for questioning.

    The highly-placed source said: “The anti-graft agency is already probing some allegations against the CCT chairman, including the alleged collection of a N10million bribe and award of contracts. Some of these allegations were actually tabled before the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    “The initial plan was to conduct the investigation during the trial of the Senate President. But the EFCC decided to stay action  in order not to disrupt the judicial process.

    “With the trial over, we are going to interview Justice Umar on these allegations. The details include the payment of N1million in July 2011 from the coffers of the CCT to sponsor his wedding; alleged spending of N15.2million to purchase a Toyota Prado Jeep ‘without following due process; award of contracts for supply of office furniture and fittings in the sum of N11.3million.

    “The contracts were reportedly executed by a ‘supposedly engineering company and not a furniture or supply company.’

    “Other allegations are alleged payment of N4. 2million for the “purchase of welfare items” in a contract executed by a private individual and another N4.2 million for the procurement of external light bulbs”.

    On the allegation against the judge by an online medium, the source said: “We will look at all clues to ascertain whether they are true or not.”

    But the planned investigation generating heat at the tribunal because the EFCC cleared of the alleged N10million bribe.

    A source at the tribunal said: “We suspect foul play because the EFCC cleared Justice Umar in 2015 and 2016  of any wrongdoing. This latest probe may be the aftermath of the judgment of the tribunal which discharged and acquitted the Senate President.

    “I think the EFCC is after a proxy war. The judge is a fair-minded person who has defied pressure to do his job.

    “While the trial of Saraki lasted, he has persistently said he will discharge his duties without fear or favour because he will account to God one day. The EFCC should leave this judge alone. Even until the judgement was delivered, Saraki and his legal team were kept on the edge. This is to show you the level of his fairness.

    “The CCT chairman is not the accounting officer of the tribunal contrary to insinuations. He does not award contracts.  Both the Senate and the House of Representatives investigated the CCT chairman on all these allegations and nothing came out of the probe.”

    The EFCC, in a letter to the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim absolved Umar of bribery allegation.

    The letter signed by its ex-chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde said: “We refer to your letter ref. No. SGF.19./S.24/11/451 dated 23rd February 2015 on the above mentioned case reported by one Mr. Rasheed Taiwo (DCG rtd) of 6AB Milverton Road, Lagos against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar and his Personal Assistant, one Gambo Abdullahi.

    “The complainant who is facing charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal alleged that Justice Umar made direct demand for the sum of N10 million to quash the charges sometimes in 2012. “He disclosed that he was compelled to pay the sum of N1.8 million after persistent inundation with phone calls from Justice Umar, who received the bribe through the Zenith Bank account of one Ali Gambo Abdullahi, his personal Assistant in December, 2012.

    “Investigation was extended to one Hon. Justice G.A Oguntade (Rtd) who confirmed that the complainant informed him in 2012 of the issues he had at the Tribunal and the demand being made by Justice Umar. He disclosed that Justice Umar denied the allegation when he called him.

    “There are indications that the Tribunal Chairman might have demanded and collected money from the complainant through his said Personal Assistant.

    “However, efforts made to recover the telephone handset used by Justice Umar proved abortive, as he claimed that he had lost the telephone in 2012. This has made it impossible to subject it to independent scientific analysis with a view to corroborating the allegation.

    “In the same vein, the complainant could also not make available his telephone set for analysis on the grounds that he had lost it. Justice Umar also admitted that he met privately with the complainant in his chamber at the Tribunal. This is a most unethical and highly suspicious conduct on his part.

    ”There is a prima facie evidence to however prosecute  the Personal  Assistant, Abdullahi, who could offer no coherent excuse for receiving N1.8million into his salary account from Taiwo, who is  an accused person standing trial at the tribunal.

    “The full money has been recovered from him in May 2014 and aptly registered as exhibit. The fact that he made two contradictory statements on the reason he was paid the money, is clearly an attempt to cover up on the  reason the money was paid to him. He has  accordingly been charged to court in charge no. CR/137/2015 pending  at the High Court of FCT, Abuja.

    “However the facts as they are now against Justice Umar raised a mere suspicion and will therefore not be sufficient to successfully prosecute him for the offence.

    “Above is submitted for the information of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, please.”

    Also, the Secretary to EFCC, Mr. Emamnuel Adegboyega Aremo, in another letter to the SGF on April 20, 2016 exonerated Justice Danladi of corrupt practices.

    The letter said: “We will like to reiterate the Commission’s position in regard to this matter as earlier communicated to you and state that the allegations leveled against Justice Umar were mere suspicions and consequently insufficient to successfully prosecute the offence.”

  • Applicants hail board over conduct of test

    Applicants hail board over conduct of test

    Some candidates sitting for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have applauded Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the satisfactory conduct of Computer-Based Test in Kano.

    The candidates made the commendation in separate interviews yesterday in Kano after sitting for the examination.

    They said the transition from the Paper-Pencil mode to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) was a good innovation.

    One of them, Abubakar Muhammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a  centre  on Zoo Road that he had not experienced any challenges during the examination.

    “The only challenge to be mentioned is that the exam did not commence at the exact time fixed for the commencement.

    “To be honest with you, I did not find it difficult as I was expecting before,” he said.

    Aisha Garba, another candidate at a centre in Federal College of Education (FCE) Kano, also hailed JAMB for its “excellent preparation”.

    “Compared with the previous CBT, there are a lot of improvements in terms of the challenges earlier faced with the system networks”.

    When contacted, the JAMB Coordinator in Kano, Hajiya Karima Aminu said  more than 75,000 candidates are expected to write the UTME in Kano.

    Mrs. Aminu said the examination is going smoothly in almost the 26 centres across the state, except in some few places where minor hitches were recorded.

  • JAMB scores self high on conduct of 2017 admission

    JAMB scores self high on conduct of 2017 admission

    •Board records 1.7m UTME candidates

    The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has scored itself high in the conduct of 2017 admission exercise in spite of the condemnation of the exercise by candidates, parents and other stakeholders.

    The board said the record of the 2017 admission exercise set the pace for greater success in the future.

    It urged Nigerians to have confidence in JAMB and similar government agencies.

    A statement issued by the board’s Head Media and Publicity Dr. Fabian Benjamin after an emergency meeting in Jos, the Plateau state capital yesterday, noted some challenges JAMB faced in the 2017 exercise.

    “JAMB has concluded the sales of 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application document in grand style, recording over 1.7 million candidates at the close of the site by 12 midnight on Friday May 5, 2017.

    “The board urges Nigerians to have trust in its processes as they are meant to enhance productivity, eliminate examination malpractice and promote transparency to an unprecedented level.”