The Nation Newspaper

Tag: deadline

  • Military can meet Buhari’s deadline in crushing Boko Haram, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the military for its string of successes in the battle against Boko Haram, saying the impressive performance has shown that the terror group can indeed be defeated within the time stipulated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the continued push to dislodge the terrorists from their fortress in Sambisa Forest and elsewhere, the dismantling of their major fuel depot and other logistics and the rescue of many innocent people from the clutches of the terrorists are clear indications that the military has gained the upper hand against Boko Haram.

    It said the mere fact that the terrorists are now surrendering in droves to the gallant troops is the clearest indication yet that the bandits are feeling the tremendous heat which has been turned on them.

    APC urged the troops to continue with their gallantry and patriotism until they have finally silenced the terror group that has caused the nation so much pain, stressing the need to step up intelligence gathering to stop the lone wolf suicide bombers.

    The party also hailed the Service chiefs for their leadership, saying their personal examples – which have seen them on the battle front many times – have made all the difference in motivating their troops.

    ‘’The bigger picture of the impending Boko Haram defeat is the restoration of the much-vaunted capability of the Nigerian military and its globally-acclaimed professionalism that have vaulted Nigeria to the elite group of top global peace-keeping nations.

    ‘’The sharp turnaround in the war against Boko Haram, which had hitherto seen the terrorists gaining territories and striking at times and places of their own choosing, is also an indication of what a nation can achieve under a purposeful, committed, disciplined and sincere leadership,’’ it said.

    APC urged Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the troops.

  • TSA: AGF insists on tomorrow’s deadline for accounts’ closure

    TSA: AGF insists on tomorrow’s deadline for accounts’ closure

    The Accountant- General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, has said there is no going back on tomorrow’s deadline to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to close all Federal Government accounts with commercial banks.

    He said the directive is in line with the new Treasury Single Account( TSA).

    The directive was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director( Press) of the OAGF, Mrs. Kenechukwu Offie.

    The statement said: “The Office of Accountant- General of the Federation hereby reassures all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as the general public that the September 15, 2015 deadline for the closure of all accounts of Federal Government MDAs with the commercials banks is realistic, achievable and will not be shifted forward.

    “This is to correct speculations making rounds in some quarters of the media, that the deadline may not be feasible.

    [ad id=”403656″]“The Accountant-General of Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris emphasizes that Implementation Guidelines have been developed and will soon be made available to all interested parties and the general public.

    “The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, in line with its statutory mandate and directives by Mr. President on the TSA, will continue to provide all necessary information and technical support to all MDAs, Banks and the general public to ensure a smooth, seamless and transparent implementation of the TSA/e-Collection policy.”

    President Muhammadu Buhari had set a deadline of Tuesday, September 15 for full compliance with his directive that all revenue due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies must be paid into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) or designated accounts maintained and operated in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), except otherwise expressly approved.

    A circular to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, urged the MDAs to ensure strict compliance with the deadline to avoid sanctions.

    The circular said a number of MDAs were yet to comply with the August 7, 2015 circular, which conveyed President Buhari’s original directive on the payment of all Federal Government revenue into a Treasury Single Account.

  • Finance houses hasten to beat CBN’s N100m deadline

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) 18-month timeline for Finance Houses to meet the new N100 million capitalisation for the subsector will expire this month-end.

    This has sparked a new wave of frantic preparation by operators to beat the deadlien.

    With tight liquidity in the market, many operators are yet to secure the needed fund to continue their operation and this may lead to exit of several fringe players, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    An insider source from the Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) an umbrella body for the sector, said many of the operators have not secured the needed fund to stay in business.

    “The N100 million minimum capital base looks small, but surprisingly, not many operators have been able to get it. I see many of them closing shop after the deadline elapses,” the source said.

    CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Ahmad Abdullahi said operators that fail to meet the deadline will be forced to stop operation, or move into new business with lesser capital base.

    He said the deadline for compliance with the provisions of the Revised Guidelines shall be 30th September 18 months from April last year.

    Abdullahi said the subsector also operates on a ratio of non-performing loans to total loans now pegged at maximum of 10 per cent. He said FCs shall consult at least two licensed credit bureaux to obtain credit information on borrowers.

    The CBN director said the finance companies sub-sector was envisioned to operate at the middle tier of the financial system, largely to cater for the financial needs of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). They are also expected to leverage on the resources from the banking system among other sources of funding.

    He explained that the CBN had in a bid to sanitise the sub-sector, revoked the licences of 208 finance companies and cancelled the approvals-in-principle of 462 others due to the distress in the sub-sector.

    By 2012, there were 116 FCs in the records of the CBN; 51 licences were revoked by the CBN in September, 2012 thus leaving a balance of 65 FCs with valid licences.

    “The idea is to have finance companies that are strong and virile to perform the functions they were set up to per form. The objective of shareholders in the operation of finance companies is to make profit, but for the CBN, it is to have stable and strong finance companies,” he said.

    Abdullahi said the CBN will continue to sanction finance companies that do not have the licences but re in operation as such would ensure that the subsector is run efficiently to the benefit of the economy.

    He advised finance companies to maintain a database of their customers and generate quarterly risk management reports to be submitted to the CBN. “Finance companies shall be permitted to participate in accessing and disbursing funds to SMEs via relevant vehicles/ intervention funds set up by the CBN, the Federal/State Governments and other relevant bodies. The CBN shall continue to provide support towards capacity building in the Finance Company sub-sector,” he said.

     

  • Sylva submits form ahead of deadline

    •Accuses Jonathan of ousting him in 2012

    Former Bayelsa State Governor and the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Timipre Sylva, submitted his nomination and expression of interest form at 4.40pm yesterday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to beat the deadline.

    There had been speculations about Sylva’s interest in the governorship race.

    But he was said to be undecided between contesting the party’s primary and getting a national appointment.

    Addressing reporters after submitting his form, Sylva accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of opposing his government from the beginning of his tenure in 2007.

    The APC chieftain noted that despite the opposition from the Presidency then, he delivered some high quality projects to the people of Bayelsa State.

    Such projects, he said, were not inaugurated before he was ousted by “impunity and wickedness in high places”.

    Asked about the driving force behind his ambition, Sylva said: “There is always a driving force behind an ambition. For me, it is very simple. I went into Bayelsa State Government House in 2007 under very difficult circumstances, having a central government that was interested in ousting me from day one.

    “If you noticed, from day one when I entered the Government House in 2007, the Vice President – as he then was – headed my opposition. When the state apparatus was summoned to run you out of office, it was a very uphill task. Despite that, we were undaunted and we carried on.

    “I went into Bayelsa State at the height of the militancy problem. A few years into my administration, I designed a strategy, which I called the Triple E Strategy. That led to the end of militancy in the Niger Delta. I can single-handedly take credit for that; even my opponents will not begrudge me for that.

    “I also did a lot of roads. No other governor in the history of the state can say he has done more roads in Yenagoa than I did. I started the senatorial roads leading to Okporoma and started the road leading to Brass. In the area of power, what we did was seen by all.

    “In 2012, we were preparing to celebrate in 2013 one year of uninterrupted power supply in Yenagoa. I had installed turbans, and there is a turban that was 93 per cent complete when I was ousted. The outgoing (Dickson’s) government refused to commission it because it did not want me to take credit for it.

    “I built a hospital that would have been one of the best in Nigeria. It was to be inaugurated in May 2012. The outgoing government has refused to go near that hospital since I was ousted.”

     

  • ExxonMobil, NB, others beat The SERAs’entry deadline

    TruContact CSR Nigeria, organisers of the yearly Nigeria CSR awards otherwise known as The SERAs have announced receiving   47 entries from participating organisations for the 2015 Awards.

    Entries were received from ExxonMobil, Nigerian Breweries, Lafarge, Total, Cornerstone Insurance, Etisalat, BATN, Airtel, DHL, Nigerian Stock Exchange, FCMB, Promasidor, First Bank amongst others

    The award that is Nigeria’s top CSR and sustainability honour enters in ninth year. The awards process is designed to integrate principles and framework of the Global compact, global reporting Initiative and ISO 26000.

    The SERAs is reputed to be the major promoter and force behind galvanising businesses across various sectors and industries in Nigeria to imbibe the ethos of CSR and sustainability in Nigeria.

    The theme of the 2015 awards is – Building partnerships for a sustainable future; business leadership as a catalyst for development. This seeks to highlight the lessons learned from Nigeria’s inability to completely attain the millennium development goals targets and building on the lessons of the MDG’s to begin a move towards attaining the sustainability development goals (SDG’s), and also promoting the vital roles that cooperation and partnerships will play in efforts to achieve the SDG’s.

    All is set for the commencement of verification and facility visit to projects and locations entered by the organisations. The SERA involves the production of an annual Nigeria Social Enterprise Report that documents the CSR and sustainability interventions of corporate organisations countrywide.

    Meanwhile, the organisers have released a call for entry for the Tunmise Adekunle Awards for CSR reporting, a category introduced in 2009 to promote media excellence in reporting CSR and sustainability in Nigeria. Entries for this category close on September 21.

    The awards ceremony is billed to hold on November 14 at 6p.m. at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre.

  • NAICOM insists on deadline for oustanding insurance claims

    NAICOM insists on deadline for oustanding insurance claims

    The Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Kari Muhammad, has said that NAICOM will not go back on the Sept 30 deadline for insurance companies to clear all outstanding claims of policy holders.

    Muhammad said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday that National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) would enforce the deadline on effective claims management.

    “ Other reasons for implementing such deadline and sanctions are effective trade practices and fair treatment of policy holders and intending consumers,’’ he said.

    Muhammad said for Nigeria’s insurance industry to be relevant, the prescribed standard of practice set by the commission should be implemented.

    He said the claims Management Guidelines document requires each insurer to develop, document and implement claims management and payment policies.

    The commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with large numbers of unpaid claims by insurance firms, including those with robust capital bases.

    Muhammad said if the situation was allowed to continue, the growth of the industry would be stalled, noting that the current industry level was still below 35 per cent.

    “Also, policy buyers and intending ones will easily lose confidence in the sector as it deepens the poor image of insurance practice in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Muhammad said NAICOM was determined to check bad practices in the industry through effective claims management and ensure adherence to global standards.

    He commended his predecessor in office, Mr Fola Daniel, for designing policies that encouraged growth in the industry.

  • Will CBN extend BVN registration deadline?

    Will CBN extend BVN registration deadline?

    The rising fraud cases in the financial sector and the need to protect customers’ transactions got the Bankers’ Committee thinking of a way out. So, it was not surprising that the Committee collaborated with the CBN, deposit money banks, Nigeria Interbank-Settlement System (NIBSS) to inaugurate a centralised biometric identification system tagged Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    The enrolment deadline which ended yesterday means that over 16 million customers may be shut out of the banking system unless the deadline is extended.

    NIBSS, which guides the operational modalities of the project, says it will act if the CBN decides to extend the deadline for customers to register.

    But before yesterday’s deadline, stakeholders, including banks, urged their customers to come and register. The Consumer Right Awareness Advancement and Advocacy (CRAAAI) urged Nigerians to go and register for their BVN. Registration deadline was yesterday.

    The Chairman of the CRAAAI, Mr. Moses Igbrude, who spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on identity management in the economy, organised to enlighten Nigeria, said identity management is a broad administrative area that deals with identifying individuals in a particular system.

    He listed the system to include a country, a network, or an enterprise and controlling their access to resources within that system by associating, user rights and restrictions with the established identity.

    He added that the role of technology in modernising the banking sector has witnessed a paradigm shift from the traditional methods of banking to digital channels which involve enormous levels of electronic data capture (EDC) of customer’s information. “Everybody needs security; if people are identified before they commit any crime, the person will be identified easily.

    Many of the bank customers who spoke with The Nation said they wanted to deadline extend by at least six months. Moses Abiola, a customer of one of the new generation bank said all bank customers should be allowed to register. He said customers should not be punished because there are many challenges that made it difficult for them to register. “I visited my bank several times to register but they complained of poor network. I know that many other customers had similar experience,” he said.

    Maurice Okafor, a business woman base in Lagos also said there were no nearby registration centre for her to register. She said bank should increase the number of registration centre to capture more customers. “I think the places where people can register are very few. Maybe, if  there more registration centre, more people will register,” she said.

    Another customer, James Chukwu said he filed to register because the process was too tedious. “What of all the data I provided in the course of registration. Why can’t the bank rely on those details? He asked. He said the bank should make things easier for their customers by asking only relevant documents that have not been supplied earlier.

    The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele explained that the biometric technology involves the process of recording a person’s unique physical traits such as fingerprints and facial features. This record, he said, can then be used to correctly identify the person afterwards.

    He said the BVN became exigent followingthe increasing incidents of compromise on conventional security systems like password and Personal Identification Number (PIN) of bank customers which has led to loss of funds. There is therefore, a high demand for greater security for access to sensitive or personal information in the banking system.

    Also, once a person’s biometrics has been properly captured, the person is given a BVN which protects bank customers, reduce fraud and further strengthen the banking system.

    He explained that fraud is reduced because no two people have the same biometric information. “Banks will therefore be able to check the features of a person doing a transaction against the record which the bank has captured thereby correctly identifying the owner of an account,” he said.

    A statement from the Bankers’ Committee insists that all bank customers in Nigeria are required to register or enroll for a BVN by June. However, to enroll, they must visit a branch of their bank, but the BVN given to a person by one lender will apply to that same person for any bank in the country.

    The committee explained that since the BVN captures physical features, it is also very helpful for people who cannot read and write, thereby making sure that everyone is included in the financial system.

    “It is expected to help the banking system identify customers who have been blacklisted by one bank and who move to other banks. There is also need to inspire confidence in the BVN registration process and use of information collected as well as helps public to distinguish between genuine BVN communication and requirements and the activities of fraudsters,” it said.

     

    Why BVN?

    Biometric security identification is a secure method of identification that eliminates issues with identity theft and fraud. Since it is unique to an individual, biometrics provides a strong link between the individual and the claimed identity.

    “The process of enrollment is simple. Customers are to visit any branch of their bank; fill out and submit the BVN enrolment form; biometric information such as fingerprints and facial imagery  is recorded; acknowledgment slip with transaction Identity is issued; BVN is created and customer is alerted to arrange for pick-up,” it said.

    The committee said the project protect customer bank accounts from authorized access, as biometric information is not easily manipulated. It strengthens the financial system by reducing the risk of unauthorised access to customer bank accounts. It also increases the efficiency of the banking industry as it reduces incidence of fraudulent/duplicate bank accounts, and easily highlights blacklisted customers.

    “Besides, full integration of BVN provides standardized efficiency of banking operation. This means that all banking operations will be verified using the same method, reducing cases of human error or inconsistency. Implementation of BVN means transaction authentication without the use of cards, but instead using only biometrics and a Personal Identification Number (PIN),” it added.

     

    Dermalog/Charms Plc

    For the CBN, the exercise is a continuation of the $50 million biometrics project it instituted with the Bankers’ Committee, Dermalog and Charms Plc.

    However, not until May ending last year, did banks commence issuing BVNs to their customers mainly at their headquarters. Managing Director of NIBSS, Mr. Ade Shonubi said that to ensure an efficient implementation, a phased rollout approach was adopted beginning in Lagos.

    The NIBSS provides the infrastructure for automated processing, settlement of payments and fund transfer instructions between Banks, Discount Houses and Card Companies in Nigeria. The firm is owned equally by all licensed banks in Nigeria, and the CBN. Discount Houses operating in Nigeria also hold substantial shares.

    Shonubi explained that the BVN enables each individual to have a single identification within the financial system and gives each customer maximum protection and security of transactions. “In many advanced countries, biometric technologies have been used to analyze human characteristics as an enhanced form of authentication for real-time security processes. Biometrics refers to identifying an individual based on physiological or behavioral attributes – fingerprint, signature among others. The customers unique BVN is accepted as a means of identification across all banks,” he said.

     

    Benefits to customers

    Biometric Project Manager at NIBSS, Oluseyi Adenmosun said that BVN gives a unique identity that can be verified across the banking industry making it easier for customers’ bank accounts to be protected from unauthorised access. It is expected to address issues of identity theft, and reduce exposure to fraud in the banking sector.

    The manager added that the purpose of the project is to use biometric information as a means of first identifying and verifying all individuals that have account (s) in any Nigerian bank and consequently, as a means of authenticating customer’s identity at point of transactions.

    Adenmosun said the BVN would also provide a uniform industrially-accepted unique identity for customers and authenticate transactions without the use of cards, using only biometric features and PIN.

     

    Enrolment process

    Collaborating Bankers’ Committee position, Adenmosun said “the enrolment process is simple and easy”. He explained those banks customers are expected to walk into any branch of you’re their bank, fill and submit the BVN Enrolment form and also do data capturing (such as fingerprint, facial image among others.

    He said an acknowledgment slip with the transaction identity is issued to the customer. Within 24 hours, the system confirms the application, the BVN is generated, and SMS is sent to the customer for pickup.

    He said a customer can only enroll once, while his BVN will be linked to all his bank accounts across Nigeria banks. “The BVN solution is to ensure accountability, protect bank customers’ account from unauthorised access, reduce exposure to fraud, check identity theft, enhance credit advancement to Bank customers, and also encourage financial inclusion,” he said.

    He said the initiative addresses issues of identity theft and ensures that your bank accounts is protected from unauthorised access, thus reducing your exposure to fraud. It will also promote a safe and sound financial system in the country, especially as it will keep records of suspected fraudulent individuals in the banking system.

    “It will make life and banking operations easy for bank customers as BVN is accepted as a means of identification across all banks in Nigeria. This will improve speed of service and reduce queues in banking halls.

    At the point of enrolment individuals shall be required to submit an acceptable means of identification, and update their information at the bank branch physically. Customers of banks will be required to enroll within a fixed period after which they shall no longer be able to operate their bank accounts,” he said.

  • Siasia gives Muhammed, others get Friday deadline

    Siasia gives Muhammed, others get Friday deadline

    In line with the thinking of the NFF on discipline, Head Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has read the riot act by giving all invited home -based members of the Flying Eagles team that went to New Zealand, Friday 26th June as deadline to report to the team’s camp or forget about the invitation.

    Expressing anger at the attitude of the players to the invitation, Siasia said he cannot understand why players who called to beg for permission to see their families and rest a little would fail to report to camp after the one -week grace he granted.

    “No player can hold the nation to ransom. This attitude of theirs is unprofessional. When the players arrived from the U-20 World Cup, they called me to beg for a grace period to rest a little, which I did, and they promised to report after one week. It is now more than one week and none of them is around.”

    Siasia disclosed that the Friday deadline is to give the players the benefit of doubt.

    It would be recalled that Coach Siasia had invited Captain Musa Mohammed, strikers Godwin Savior and Taiwo Awoniyi and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu who are based at home to report to camp on Monday 22nd June, while the overseas-based players Kingsley Sokari, Musa Yahaya, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon have been given until two weeks to the African U-23 Championship qualifier against Congo billed for Port Harcourt on July 19.

    Already, Sharks FC defender Chima Akas and his Warri Wolves counterpart, Semiu Liadi alongside the overseas-based Umar Aminu, Shehu Abdullahi and Ikechukwu Okorie have all reported to camp, cutting short their break.

    In a related development, Coach Siasia has denied reports making the rounds in the media that he has invited a Norway-based defender, Sola Akinyemi to the Dream Team, saying that before any player is invited from abroad to any of the National Teams, there is a process to be followed with the NFF giving the nod for such invitation.

    While thanking the media for all the support since he took over the U-23 team, Coach Siasia appealed for thorough verification of any information before publication.

  • SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE

    Bournemouth University is inviting applications for Business School Scholarships to pursue taught master programme starting in January 2015. Students resident in Colombia, Taiwan, Turkey, Nigeria at the time of application who are classified as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes are eligible to apply for the 50% award. Students resident in China, India, South Korea at the time of application who are classified as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes are eligible to apply for the 25% award. The deadline for September 2015 entry applications is 31 May 2015.

    Study Subject(s): Scholarships are awarded to study within the Business School at Bournemouth University.

    Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing masters degree at Bournemouth University.

    Scholarship Provider: Bournemouth University, UK. Scholarship can be taken at: UK

    Accreditation: Bournemouth University is an accredited university. Bournemouth University is accredited by the University Alliance ACU.

    Eligibility:

    •Students resident in Colombia, Taiwan, Turkey, Nigeria at the time of application who are classified as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes are eligible to apply for the 50% award.

    •Students resident in China, India, South Korea at the time of application who are classified as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes are eligible to apply for the 25% award.

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Students of Colombia, Taiwan, Turkey, Nigeria, China, India and South Korea can apply for these Business School Scholarships.

    Scholarship Description: This scholarship is offered to students who have applied to study a full-time Taught Masters at the Business School on BU campus.

    Number of award(s): Up to 3 scholarships of 50% reduction and 4 scholarships of 25% reduction will be awarded.

    Duration of award(s): Not known

    What does it cover? Students from Colombia, Taiwan, Turkey, Nigeria will get 50% fee reduction and from China, India, South Korea will get 25% fee reduction.

    Selection Criteria: An outstanding academic profile, relevant to your course, as follows: Upper second-class honours (2i) classification plus personal statement as in the scholarship application form.

    Notification: Successful applicants will normally be informed within one month of the deadline. Your award will not be formally approved until you hold an unconditional firm offer.

    How to Apply: Applicants should apply by post. You can apply at the same time or after you have submitted your course application form.

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The deadline for September 2015 entry applications is 31 May 2015.

    Read more: Business School Scholarships for Masters at BU in UK, 2015 Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

    Mo Ibrahim Foundation MSc Scholarship at University of Birmingham in UK, 2015

     

    Applications are invited for Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship to undertake MSc in Governance and State-building, with a one year internship being integral to the programme. The internship will consist of six months with IDD and six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London. Applicants must have the equivalent of a first class UK bachelors degree and be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa. The application deadline is 18 May 2015.

    Study Subject(s): Scholarship is awarded in governance and state-building programme.

    Course Level: Scholarship is available for pursuing MSc programme at University of Birmingham.

    Scholarship Provider: Mo Ibrahim Foundation

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

    Eligibility: The entry requirements consist of:

    •1st class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university.

    •Adequate capacity in written and spoken English. For those whose first language is not English, evidence of this capacity is required. -Applicants should reach at least level 6.5 in the IELTS.

    •Experience in economics and statistics, demonstrated through a good mark received for at least one course at undergraduate level.

    •Applicants must be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Students of Africa including Nigeria, can apply for this Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship.

     

    Scholarship Description: The International Development Department is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to undertake the MSc in Governance and State-building, followed by a six-month internship at IDD and six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London with a full scholarship. Applicants must have the equivalent of a first class UK bachelors degree and be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

     

    Number of award(s): One Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship is available.

     

    Duration of award(s): The scholarship is provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is for a two-year programme, with the successful candidate undertaking the full MSc programme, with a one year internship being integral to the programme. The internship will consist of six months with IDD and six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London.

     

    What does it cover? This Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship includes:

    -Full tuition fee

    -Air fare to and from the United Kingdom and visa

    -Monthly stipend of £920 for 18 months

    -Arrival allowance of £920

     

    Selection Criteria: Not Known

     

    Notification: Not Known

     

    How to Apply: Applications must be received through the University online application system. In addition to the normal University requirements for supporting documents, candidates must also upload a 500 word statement and CV. This statement should set out why the applicant is the best candidate for the scholarship. Candidates must also send an email to Mrs Debra Beard (d.l.beard-at-bham.ac.uk) informing IDD of their wish to be considered for the scholarship. Please include ‘Mo Ibrahim Scholarship’ in the subject line of the email.

     

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 18 May 2015.

     

     

    Read more: Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship for Africans in UK, 2015 Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

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    West Africa Merit Scholarship at University of Aberdeen in UK, 2015

     

    University of Aberdeen has announced scholarship for Nigerian/Ghanaian nationals to pursue full-time taught postgraduate programme in either the College of Arts and Social Sciences or the College of Life Sciences and Medicine. To be eligible for this award, candidates must hold the equivalent of a First class British Honours degree from a British university or from a recognised Nigerian university/Ghanaian university. Up to 5 scholarships valued at approx £2000 each will be awarded. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2015.

     

    Study Subject(s): Scholarships are awarded to study any programme in either the College of Arts and Social Sciences or the College of Life Sciences and Medicine.

    Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing full-time taught postgraduate programme at the University of Aberdeen.

    Scholarship Provider: University of Aberdeen, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

     

    Eligibility:

    -To be eligible for this award, candidates must hold the equivalent of a First class British Honours degree from a British university or from a recognised Nigerian university/Ghanaian university.

    -Candidates must also be self-funded, and not in receipt of any financial assistance from the Nigerian government.

    -To be considered for the scholarship you will need to have applied to the University of Aberdeen and been offered a place starting in January or September 2015. You must also be a privately funded student, and not in receipt of any financial assistance from the Nigerian/Ghanaian Government.

    -The scholarship can only be held by a student of the University commencing study in January or September 2015- it cannot be transferred to other institutions.

    -Priority will be given to students who do not already have additional scholarship funding (student loans excluded) and to those who have firmly accepted either a conditional or unconditional offer for a place at the University at the time the selection committee meets.

     

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Nigerian/Ghanaian nationals, who are normally resident in Nigeria/Ghana are eligible to apply for the merit scholarship.

     

    Scholarship Description: This funding opportunity is open to Nigerian students undertaking a full-time taught postgraduate programme in either the College of Arts and Social Sciences or the College of Life Sciences and Medicine. To be eligible for this award, candidates must hold the equivalent of a First class British Honours degree from a British university or from a recognised Nigerian university. Candidates must also be self-funded, and not in receipt of any financial assistance from the Nigerian government.

     

    Number of award(s): There are 5 West Africa Merit scholarships available.

     

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

     

    What does it cover? This scholarship has a value of £2000 and is awarded in the form of a tuition fee discount.

     

    Selection Criteria: Scholarship is awarded on merit basis.

     

    Notification: Successful applicants will be informed by email.

     

    How to Apply: A completed application form, transcript and one academic reference should be emailed or posted.

     

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The closing date for applications is 30 June 2015.

     

     

    Read more: West Africa Merit Scholarship at University of Aberdeen, UK Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

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    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship in UK, 2015

     

    The University of Edinburgh is offering one full-time Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is available for students pursuing one of the  Global Health Academy programmes. Scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

     

    Study Subject(s): Scholarship are awarded in the field of Anthropology of Illness, Family Medicine, Global Health, Global Health and Public Policy, Global Health and Anthropology, Health Inequalities and Public Policy, Health Systems and Public Policy, Science Communication and Public Engagement, Public Health

    Course Level: Scholarship is available for masters level degree at University of Edinburgh.

    Scholarship Provider: The University of Edinburgh, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

    Eligibility: -The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016.

    •Applicants who have already commenced their programme of study on the closing date are not eligible for this scholarship.

    •Applicants intending to study part-time or online distance learning courses are not eligible for this scholarship.

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Applicants must be both nationals of and resident in one of Nigeria.

    Scholarship Description:

    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship

     

    The University of Edinburgh will offer one full-time master’s scholarship for eligible programmes offered by the University.

     

    Number of award(s):  It offers one full-time Master’s scholarship

     

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

     

    What does it cover? The scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100.

     

    Selection criteria: The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2:1 Honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent.

     

    Notification: A Selection Committee will meet in late June 2015 to select the scholarship holders. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in July 2015.

     

    How to Apply: The mode of application is online.

     

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

     

     

    Read more: 2015 Master’s Scholarship at The University of Edinburgh, UK Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

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    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship in UK, 2015

     

    The University of Edinburgh is offering one full-time Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is available for students pursuing one of the  Global Health Academy programmes. Scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

     

    Study Subject(s): Scholarship are awarded in the field of Anthropology of Illness, Family Medicine, Global Health, Global Health and Public Policy, Global Health and Anthropology, Health Inequalities and Public Policy, Health Systems and Public Policy, Science Communication and Public Engagement, Public Health

    Course Level: Scholarship is available for masters level degree at University of Edinburgh.

    Scholarship Provider: The University of Edinburgh, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

     

    Eligibility: -The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016.

    -Applicants who have already commenced their programme of study on the closing date are not eligible for this scholarship.

    -Applicants intending to study part-time or online distance learning courses are not eligible for this scholarship.

     

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Applicants must be both nationals of and resident in one of Nigeria.

     

    Scholarship Description:

     

    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship

     

    The University of Edinburgh will offer one full-time master’s scholarship for eligible programmes offered by the University.

     

    Number of award(s):  It offers one full-time Master’s scholarship

     

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

     

    What does it cover? The scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100.

     

    Selection criteria: The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2:1 Honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent.

     

    Notification: A Selection Committee will meet in late June 2015 to select the scholarship holders. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in July 2015.

     

    How to Apply: The mode of application is online.

     

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

     

     

    Read more: 2015 Master’s Scholarship at The University of Edinburgh, UK Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

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    MBA Scholarships for Nigerian Students at Cranfield University in UK, 2015

     

    Cranfield School of Management offers MBA scholarship for 2015 academic year. This scholarship is available for pursuing master’s degree level in the field of business administration at Cranfield School of Management. The students of Nigeria can apply for this scholarship. Two scholarships are offered of up to £15,000 value towards the tuition fees.

     

    Study Subject(s): Scholarships are provided in the field of business administration.

    Course Level: This scholarship is available for pursuing master’s degree level at Cranfield School of Management.

    Scholarship Provider: Cranfield School of Management, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

     

    Eligibility: -Self-funded Nigerian nationals are eligible for this scholarship.

     

    Scholarship Open for International Students: The students of Nigeria can apply for this scholarship.

     

    Scholarship Description:

     

    Scholarships for Nigerian Students

     

    Cranfield School of Management is delighted to be able to offer two Scholarships to self-funded Nigerian Nationals. Qualifying candidates: Individuals who have shown sound academic, professional or leadership potential. As these scholarships are awarded progressively throughout the admission cycle, early application to the programme is recommended.

     

    Number of award(s): Two scholarships are offered.

     

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

     

    What does it cover? The award is value up to £15,000 towards the tuition fees.

     

    Selection criteria: In assessing applicants suitability for the Cranfield MBA we will explore:

    – Applicants career to date

    – Applicants reasons for wanting to do an MBA at Cranfield at this point in your career

    -Applicants potential for senior management

    -Applicants academic and/or professional qualifications

    -Applicants test scores (GMAT/Cranfield tests)

    -Applicants references

    -the conclusions reached by the interviewer

     

    Notification: Applicants who are awarded a scholarship will be notified at the time of the admissions decision.

     

    How to Apply:  Applicants can either apply for the Cranfield MBA online or download the application form as an MSWord document for return by email or post.

     

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadlines are

    For Stage 2:- 30 January 2015

    For Stage 3:- 24 April 2015

    For Stage 4:- 26 June 2015

     

     

    Read more: MBA Scholarships for Nigerian Students in UK, 2015 Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

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    BU Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship at Bournemouth University in UK, 2015

     

    Bournemouth University is offering Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship for 2015 academic year. This scholarship is available for pursuing postgraduate (Masters) degree level. Scholarships are open for the students who have applied to study a full-time taught postgraduate (Masters) degree at BU and who are resident in one of the following countries: Colombia, India, Nepal, Nigeria and Vietnam. The scholarship will provide full tuition fee waiver. The deadline for applications is 31 May 2015.

     

    Study Subject(s): Scholarship is provided to learn any of the courses offered by the Bournemouth University in UK.

    Course Level: This scholarship is available for pursuing postgraduate (Masters) degree level at Bournemouth University in UK.

    Scholarship Provider: Bournemouth University, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

     

    Eligibility: Students resident in the following countries at the time of application who are classified as ‘overseas’ for fee purposes are eligible to apply. Colombia, India, Nepal, Nigeria and Vietnam.

     

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Students from Colombia, India, Nepal, Nigeria and Vietnam are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

     

    Scholarship Description:

     

    BU Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – 2015

     

    This scholarship is offered to students who have applied to study a full-time taught postgraduate (Masters) degree at BU and who are resident in one of the following countries: Colombia, India, Nepal, Nigeria and Vietnam.

     

    Number of award(s): One Scholarship is offered.

     

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

     

    What does it cover? The scholarship will provide full tuition fee waiver.

     

    Selection criteria: Applicants must be able to demonstrate an exceptional academic profile (equivalent to UK 1st Class Honours degree as assessed by NARIC)

    – Applicants must be able to demonstrate an outstanding personal profile as evidenced in their personal statement.

     

    Notification: Successful applicants will normally be informed within one month of the closing date. Applicant’s award cannot be formally approved until they hold an unconditional firm (UF) offer.

     

    How to Apply: Applications should be send via e-mail and also by post.

     

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is 31 May 2015.

     

     

    Read more: BU International Scholarship for Postgraduates in UK, 2015 Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

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    OFID Scholarship Award for International Students

     

    Masters (MS) Degree

    Study in:  any Country

    Course starts September 2015

     

    Brief Description:

     

    OFID’s Scholarship Program sponsors outstanding young students from developing countries who wish to study for a Master’s degree related to development at an accredited University around the world.

     

    Host Institution(s): Any accredited University around the world

     

    Field of Study: Economics of development (poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development), environment (desertification), or other related science and technology fields.

     

    Number of Scholarships: 4

     

    Target Group: Nationals of developing countries (except OFID member countries).

     

    Scholarship Value/inclusions: The scholarships are worth up to $50,000 that covers the tuition fees, monthly allowance to cover living expenses, accommodation, insurance, books, relocation grants, and travel costs.

     

    Eligibility:

     

    o  Must be between the ages of 23-32 at the time of submitting his/her application.

    o Must have obtained or be on the verge of completing their undergraduate degree with a Baccalaureate from an accredited college/university, or its equivalent.

    o  Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 rating system, or its equivalent.

    o Must be matriculated at an accredited university for the upcoming academic year starting August/September 2015, and must maintain full-time status for the duration of the Master’s Degree.

    o  Must be a national of a developing country (except OFID Member Countries)

    o  Must select a subject of study that pertains to OFID’s core mission, such as: economics of development (poverty reduction, energy and sustainable development), environment (desertification), or other related science and technology fields.

     

    Application Instructions:

     

    Make sure that you fulfill the OFID Scholarship Award Eligibility Criteria before you apply. To apply, you must fill out an application form and upload supporting documents online. The application deadline is  8 May 2015.

     

    It is important to  visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and  for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

     

    Website:Official Scholarship Website:  http://www.ofid.org/FOCUSAREAS/OFIDYouth/ScholarshipAward.aspx

     

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    ISH-London Met Scholarship Scheme

     

    Masters Degree

     

    Study in: London, UK

    Next course starts September 2015

     

    Brief description: The ISH/London Met Scholarships is jointly run by International Students House (ISH) and London Metropolitan University. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from selected countries who wish to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University.

     

    Host Institution(s): London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

     

    Field(s) of study: Any Master’s Degree Programme offered at the University

    Number of Scholarships:  Not specified.

    Target group: Only students from the ISH Scholarship countries are eligible to apply:  Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Russia, Tibet, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

    Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarship offers a full tuition fee scholarship to study one of London Met’s Master’s programmes plus one year’s free accommodation at International Students House.

    Eligibility: You must have an unconditional offer to study at London Met on one of London Met’s Masters courses.

    – have a First Class Honours degree or the highest accolade for your degree.

    – have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component or SELT equivalent.

    – be a national of one of the countries listed above.

     

    Application instructions: You must have an unconditional offer to study at London Met on one of London Met’s Masters courses to be considered for this scholarship. You can apply online through an e-application form or by downloading and emailing the application form.The next deadline is  30 April 2015 for courses starting in September 2015.

    It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

    Website: Official Scholarship Website: http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/international/scholarships-at-london-met/postgraduate-scholarships/ish-london-met-scholarship/

    End

    Monash International Merit Scholarships

    Bachelor/Masters Degree

    Study in: Australia

    Course starts Semester 2, 2015

    Brief description:  Monash University is offering a number of scholarship programs including the Monash University International Merit Scholarships for outstanding international students who wish to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Monash University.

     

    Host Institution(s): Monash University in Australia

     

    Field(s) of study: Any eligible full-time undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) program offered at the University

    Target group: International students from all countries. Countries with strategic priorities for Monash will be given preference

    Number of Scholarships: 31 scholarships will be available in 2015.

    Scholarship value/inclusions: $10,000 for a full time study load (48 credit points) paid per year until the minimum number of points for your degree are completed.

    Eligibility: o International student

    o Commencing students with a full Monash course offer or continuing students, and

    o Undertaking a full time undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree at a Monash campus in Australia

    Application instructions: Before applying for this scholarship, you must have received a full Monash course offer with no conditions. You must submit a separate application form for this scholarship by the deadline. The next deadlines are 15 March/15 April/12 June 2015 for Semester 2, 2015.

    It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

    Website: Official Scholarship Website: http://www.monash.edu.au/study/scholarships/international/international-merit.html

     

  • Companies get 20-day deadline to submit annual reports

    Companies get 20-day deadline to submit annual reports

    Quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have about 20 working days to submit their audited report and accounts for the immediate past business year to the regulators and the general investing public.

    The Nation’s check indicated that only two quoted companies have so far submitted their annual reports and accounts, representing less than one per cent of the companies that are quoted on the two boards of the NSE. Forte Oil had blazed the trails two weeks ago while Nestle Nigeria followed last week.

    Post-listing rules at the NSE require quoted companies to submit their earnings reports, not later than three months after the expiration of the period. Most quoted companies including all banks, major manufacturers, oil and gas companies, breweries and cement companies use the 12-month Gregorian calendar year as their business year. The business year thus terminates on December 31.

    NSE’s regulatory filing calendar indicates that the deadline for submission of annual report for companies with Gregorian calendar business year is Tuesday, March 31.

    Any company that fails to meet the March 31, 2015 deadline will be liable for both monetary sanction and NSE’s “naming and shaming” tagging of non-compliant companies. Besides, compliance with the deadline is generally regarded as a measure of good corporate governance.

    However, the NSE can grant general waiver and extension of the deadline while individual company can also apply for waiver and extension of the deadline.

    A source at the Exchange said the NSE has seen no reason for any extension or waiver.

    The NSE had slammed some N60.2 million as fines on 34 companies for failure to meet deadlines for 2011 audited reports. With a range of N3.8 million and N100, 000, average fine for the year was N1.77 million.

    NSE tags and applies fines on companies that fail to meet earnings reports’ deadline. Under the corporate governance and rules compliance assessment report known as X-Compliance Report, NSE identified four different kinds of tags or symbols to alert investors about the status of each quoted company. These include below listings standard (BLS), the first degree alert level indicating a company that has not complied with post listing rules such as late submission of financial statements, unauthorized publication, and management failures among others.

    Also, financial services companies such as bank and insurance companies awaiting regulatory approval will carry the appropriate symbol of awaiting regulatory approval (ARA). Companies that are undergoing a capital reconstruction exercise including supplementary issue, share buyback, split, share reconstruction among others will be tagged with capital reconstruction exercise (CRE) while companies that have indicated that they will be delisting or companies that are being delisted at the instance of the regulator would be flagged with delisting in process (DIP) symbol.

    Market sources said they expected the filing of annual reports to pick up considerably as from this week noting that several companies have been finalising arrangements to submit their reports in time to beat the deadline.

    According to sources, several companies are expected to call their final board meeting for the endorsement of the audited report and accounts in the next two weeks.

    Already, the board of directors of BOC Gases has indicated that it would meet next Monday to consider the audited accounts of the company for the year ended December 31, 2014. The meeting is also expected to consider the issue of dividend declaration at the meeting.

    Forte Oil had set the trend for earnings release and dividend recommendation two weeks ago. The board of the oil and gas company recommended distribution of about N2.7 billion in cash dividends and 216 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo as bonus shares for the 2014 business year. Shareholders will receive a dividend per share of N2.50 and bonus shares of one share for every five ordinary shares currently held.

    The board of directors of Nestle Nigeria last week recommended distribution of N13.87 billion to shareholders as final dividends for the immediate past business year ended December 31, 2014. Nestle Nigeria had earlier distributed N7.93 billion as interim dividends. This final dividend recommendation brought total dividend for the year to N21.8 billion.

    A breakdown of the dividend recommendation showed that shareholders would receive a final dividend per share of N17.50, bringing total dividend per share for the year to N27.50. The final dividend is expected to be approved by shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting on May 11, 2015 and will subsequently become payable as from May 12, 2015 to shareholders on the register of the company as at the close of business on Friday, 24 April 2015.

    The final dividend is being paid from the pioneer profits of the company and as such not subject to deduction of withholding tax.