The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Education

  • Abia writes Fed Govt to take over poly

    Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji says that his administration has written an official letter to the Federal Government to take over some of its tertiary institutions.

    They include: the Abia State Polytechnics in Aba, the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu and the Abia State Teaching hospital (ABSUTH), Aba.

    Speaking with journalists in Umuahia after his trip to China, Orji said that it will be nice for the federal government to do what is right so that the state will be at par with others and for the policy of the government at the centre to be realised.

    Orji said that the Federal Government policy stipulates that there should be a federal university, Polytechnics and college of education in all the states of the federation, stressing that his state is one of the state in the country that does not have such federal presence, which needs to be addressed.

    The governor said that the minister of health, Dr Onyebuchi Chukwu will be coming to the state to commission the dialysis centres the state had built in both Aba and Umuahia, adding that the two centres have seven dialysis machines.

     

  • Director elected ICA Fellow

    The Acting Director of Physical Planning and Development unit, AAUA, Mr Emmanuel Orimoloye, has been elected Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration (ICA), Nigeria.

    In a statement, Council Chairman of ICA, Dr. G. C. Onyekwere, said, “The Governing Council of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria takes pride in certifying that Emmanuel A. Orimoloye has been elected a Fellow, having satisfied the requirements for admission to membership and in recognition of competence in administrative functions, visionary leadership strategies and outstanding performance as an administrator.”

    Orimoloye, an architect, said that the recognition is a motivation to do more work in a university that constantly creates an enabling environment for workers to be the best.

    He thanked members of staff of his department for their support.

    “This award is not only for me but also members of staff in this department and the university at large,” he said.

     

  • Forex forms, others for automation

    Forex forms, others for automation

    The process of getting foreign exchange Forex Forms ‘A’ for invisible trade transactions, form ‘NXP’ for export and form ‘NCX’ for non-commercial exports fully automated has begun, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

    Speaking at the GTBank Settlement Customer Forum in Lagos, CBN Director, Trade and Exchange, Musa Batari, said with globalisation and development in information, communication technology, trade settlements have been enhanced and documentation partially made electronic.

    He said to address the challenges of documentation, the CBN started automation of some of the Forex Forms. The form ‘M’, which indicates the intention to carry out import transaction, was automated last December.

    This, he said, was achieved with combined efforts of the CBN, banks, Messrs Webb Fontaine, Nigeria Customs Service and Federal Inland Revenue Service.

    Already, the CBN has announced the commencement of self-submission of the e-Form ‘M’ on the Nigerian Single Window for Trade Portal by importers and traders using foreign exchange.

    It said the self-submission was necessary after the banking watchdog successfully deployed trade portal.
    The e-Form ‘M’ is web-based and allows importers, traders to initiate the Form from their offices/homes and submit same to the authorised dealer.

    The CBN advised importers and traders to begin self-submission of the e-Form ‘M’ on the Trade portal in line with design and objective of the scheme.

    The e-Form ‘M’ is completed by importers while bidding for foreign exchange for importation of goods. Before now, Form ‘M’ was manual, making it difficult for banks to process forex transactions for their customers.

    He said the full automation gives banks the opportunity to adapt fully to the process and master the challenges that come with the e- version of the process.

    Despite the achievement of full e-version of the process, Batari said banks still face challenges bothering on Tax Identification Number (TIN), discrepancies in e-mail address, network instability, high down time frequency among other factors.

    “The automation of the e-forms will enhance transparency; reduces cost transaction; eliminate delays; provide reliable data for monitoring and planning purpose; and achievement of overall efficiencies of trade processes,” he said.
    Batari advised importers to ensure that they have valid TIN, e-mail address provided at the point of registration, which should be maintained to avoid problems in completing the form. Besides, he said the vendor and other stakeholders should ensure the stability of the system to avoid disrupting the processing of trade transactions.

    He explained that the process allows the importer to complete and submit the form ‘M’ online.  It also allows for the attachment of supporting and regulatory documents. For Initiation and Submission of the e-Form M on the system, TIN is required to access and register the e-Form M on the system.

    He said importers with valid TIN can access the Single Window Trade Portal and register as importer under the Federal Inland Revenue Services window.

    Batari explained that international trade is the exchange of goods and services. It therefore, implies that settlement has an important role to play in trade. “The banks are the major institutions responsible for settlement of trade transactions except where such trades are done informally. The health of the banking industry is a necessary condition for enhancing and fostering trade,” he said.

  • Honour for DESOPADEC commissioner, others

    The Commissioner representing Ndokwa nation on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC),Rev Chukudi Eke, has described Governor Uduaghan as the exemplary administrator he has been emulatingsince he assumed office.

    Rev. Eke who was recently conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA), at the International Conference Centre Abuja, seized the opportunity of his induction to showcase the success of the 3-point agenda of the administration of Governor Uduaghan.

    He noted that: “It’s only a visionary leader that can map out his action-plan and, thereafter, follow its implementation to the letter.”

    Commissioner Eke applauded the innovation and doggedness of Governor Uduaghan in the pursuit of his visionary agenda of Delta Beyond oil Revenue,saying, “it takes only visionary administrators to create and maintain an economy that’s not totally dependent on oil revenue that we are almost certain may not last forever. In fact, the innovative administrative capability and sustainable skills of Governor Uduaghan have set him apart from his peers as a pacesetter and visionary leader.” He thanked the governor for recognising his talents and carrying along educated, experienced and talented Delta people in Diaspora in his administration.

    Rev. Chukwudi Eke, a graduate of the prestigious Harvard University, Cambridge, USA was one of the trained administrators who earned the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Administration.

    Other notable Nigerians who received similar include: Dr. Emeka Anyaoku (former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations),Alhaji Bala BawaKa’oje (President of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, former Member of the Federal House of Representatives and one time Minister of Sports and social Development), Hon. Ekpuk Silas Udom (a serving Commissioner in Akwa-Ibom State), and Hon. Gogo Levi Charles(Rivers State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning) among others.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Dr. Emeka Anyaoku remarked that unlike Rev. Eke and other professional administrators who studied and were assessed before bagging the award, he was profoundly thankful to be recognised as a seasoned administrator by the Chartered Institute of administration.

    The President and Chairman of the Executive Council of the CIA, Adm. Dr. Goddy Ibidaminabo, remarked that CIA gave the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA) to Dr. Anyaoku in recognition of his leadership qualities as well as one who served his people at both national and international capacities.

    Over 2000 guests attended the event at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. His Royal Majesty, Obi Edward Akaeze II, the Obi of Ubulu-Uku congratulated Rev. Eke on the award and said that “with Rev. Eke’s education, experience, expertise and exposure in national and international administration standard and practice, he truly deserves such award.”

     

     

     

  • ASUU Abuja: Fed Govt paying lip-service to education

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja chapter has accused the Federal Government of paying lip service to education.

    ASUU has restated their plan to continue with the strike until the government reverses its present posture and fully implement the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.

    This was made known when the Union comprising the Benue State University, Makurdi, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Federal University of Technology, Minna and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State.

    Also included are the Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nasarawa State, University, Keffi and the University of Abuja, met at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, University to discuss the issue.

    The Union in a statement jointly signed by Dr Sulaiman Mohammed, ASUU Abuja Zone Coordinator, Dr Abu Mallam, IPZC ASUU Abuja Zone, Dr Clement Chup, chairman, Uni. Abuja, Dr. Celestine Aguoru, chairman, FUAM, Dr. Aliyu Yahaya Badeggi, chairman, IBBUA, Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, chairman, FUTM.

    Also included is Dr. Theophilus Lagi, chairman, NSUK, Dr. Sylvester Ukwuteno, chairman, KSU and Dr. Ukooh Ikoni, chairman, BSU said: “The Federal Government is attempting to misinform the public that it has made an offer to our Union. The public should note that the government’s attitude is a deliberate attempt to abrogate the existing agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with ASUU and will never be acceptable to our Union.”

    They further reinstated that it is high time the Federal Government of Nigeria understood that the adequate funding of universities is non-negotiable.

    The Union said, “It is now very clear that our government has remained unserious and continue to play lip service to education. Our Universities have continued to deteriorate in terms of facilities, witnessed unprecedented over-crowding of students in classes and hostels and declined in quality, thereby not meeting up with the concept of universality which Universities world-wide are known for and seek to protect.

    “Education must be seen and treated as a veritable tool for socio-economic transformation and total development of the entire country.”

    They insisted that the strike will prevail until the government implements the agreement it willingly entered into with the Union in 2009 and which its non implementation caused the 2011 strike.

    The Union also accused the government of deliberately to honour the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the Union in January 2012.

    They appealed to parents and students to understand that their struggle is in the interest of the nation.

  • Maritime institute for September

    Maritime institute for September

    Academic activities are expected to take off at the Institute of Maritime Studies, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, (IBBU), Lapai in September.

    Chairman, Curriculum Development Committee of the Institute, Prof Dalhatu Umaru Sangari said necessary arrangements that will ensure a smooth start have been concluded.

    He said relevant faculty, support staff, and required learning and infrastructure that would help the take off of the institute as scheduled would be sourced internally.

    He said the curricula of the programmes have been developed to explore new areas of study in Postgraduate Diploma and undergraduate programmes in Maritime Studies.

    The postgraduate programme will run full-time for 16 months and part-time for 24 months; while the the undergraduate programmes, approved by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), would focus on Maritime Economics and Finance as well as Radio and Maritime Telecommunications and Technology.

    The Chairman expressed optimism about the socio-economic benefits impact the Institute would have on Niger State, including influencing the revitalization of the Baro Trade Outpost and all Inland Water ways to resume full commercial activities.

  • VC praises committee

    The IBBU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, has praised the committee that developed the academic curriculum of the Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies of the Institute Maritime Studies.

    Speaking while receiving the report of the committee, Kolo said the commitment and diligence demonstrated by members to ensure high standards for the programme is laudable.

    He charged the committee to draw up another curriculum for the two undergraduate programmes, Maritime Economics and Finance and Radio and Maritime Telecommunications and Technology and assured it of the management’s support.

    The Committee was inaugurated on April 29 by the university management to develop a high standard academic curriculum for the PGD in Maritme Studies and make recommendations for staffing, facilities and others critical to the commencement of the Institute.

  • Varsity for Post-UTME screening

    Varsity for Post-UTME screening

    The Ekiti State University (EKSU) has set aside a week (from July 22 to 29), for the computer-based screening of candidates who have applied for admission into the institution.

    It has also made the screening open to the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) candidates who did not choose EKSU as first or second choice. However, all candidates must have scored 200 and above in the last UTME.

    Accordingly, candidates are to register online on the university website not later than midnight of Friday, July. Candidates are, however, warned against engaging in any form of examination fraud.

     

  • Council revitalises library sector

    Council revitalises library sector

    The Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) has evolved a multi-faceted approach to address challenges facing libraries and the practice of librarianship in Nigeria.

    During an interview with The Nation in Abuja, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), LRCN, Dr Victoria Okojie, identified inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and inadequate opportunities for capacity building as the problems bedeviling the library sub-sector.

    To tackle these problems, Dr Okojie said the council is documenting the state of libraries to determine the kind of intervention they need; reviewing curricula of library schools to improve training of professionals that man libraries; organising training programmes to sharpen skills of in-service librarians; partnering private organisations to intervene in libraries, and paying advocacy visits to governors to seek better funding for public libraries.

    Explaining the need for intervention in public libraries, many of which are in a sorry state, Dr Okojie said if well-stocked with relevant books and equipped with modern ICT facilities, public libraries can help many more Nigerians acquire knowledge.

    When efforts by the council to partner corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations on library improvement begins to yield fruits, Dr Okojie said many libraries across the country would benefit from book donations as well as facilities upgrade such that they can deploy ICT equipment to operate as electronic-libraries.

    She said: “We feel that public libraries can become the people’s university if they are well funded, well equipped and if Nigerians are trained to use modern technology like e-library, digital library, ICT to deploy their services. If this is deployed, then the public will be attracted to public libraries in Nigeria and can actually use them the way they are used in more advanced countries.

    “We are discussing with some private organisations and the government agencies to see how we can provide the needed support for public libraries in Nigeria. The state of public libraries currently leaves much to be desired.”

    Apart from seeking to improve the state of libraries, Dr Okojie said the LRCN is very concerned about entrenching professionalism in the delivery of library services. This, she said, informed the review of the curriculum of library programmes mounted by universities and polytechnics.

    “We are working with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to review the curricular of library schools in Nigeria. When this is done and they adopt it, there will be library schools programmes that will make products of these schools able to compete internationally with their peers. The world has become a global village so it is important that we train them to be globally competitive,” she said.

    Practising librarians are not left out of the professional development as Dr Okojie said LRCN organises regular training for them.

    She said: “We have instituted an annual induction and continuous registration of librarians in Nigeria. We had the last induction on June 4, so, librarians now have a better sense of belonging to a profession that they can be proud about. We have done a lot of capacity building programmes. For instance, we have collaborated with the United States mission in Nigeria on a workshop on e-library for library and information professionals. We also collaborated with the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, on training librarians on free and open software; we have had workshop on quality assurance on health of library; we have had workshop on entrepreneurship because we want librarians to be job creators at a point of leaving school rather than job seekers.”

    In terms of visits to libraries, the Registrar said the LRCN has been to many schools in Abuja with a view of ascertaining their needs.

    “What we have done so far is to strengthen our monitoring and evaluation unit. We have been going round schools in Abuja for instance to assess the state of their libraries, find out where the skills gap are and to work with the librarians in the schools to find ways in which we can improve the library service delivery,” she said.

     

  • W.TEC seeks entries girls for Tech Camp

    The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, W.TEC, is seeking girls for its sixth Girls Technology Camp scheduled to take place from August 11 – 24 in Lagos.

    A statement by the Executive Director, W.TEC, Ms Ore Somolu, said during the camp, which is open to JSS2-SS2, pupils aged 11 and above, the girls will learn about creating digital content and developing technology. They will participate in technology workshops to design graphics, make film, and build applications and games. They will also participate in career talk sessions, team-building exercises and excursions.

    The statement reads: “This residential, educational camp will take place from August 11-24, 2013 and is targeted at girls in secondary schools who are comfortable using the computer and who would like to take their interest in computers and technology to the next level. It is a two-week programme with practical technology workshops including: Introduction to Programming, Building Applications, Introduction To Telecoms, Video Filming and Production, Building Computer Games, Career Talks, Excursions to Technology Companies.”

    After the camp, the girls will be invited to join W.TEC’s Technology Club for Girls, where they will be able to participate in year-long workshops to build-up their technology skills from the camp. They will also have the opportunity to win a laptop.

    W.TEC is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to encourage Nigerian girls and women to use information and communication technology (ICT) to empower themselves socially and economically. This is done through technology literacy training, technology-based projects, mentoring, work placement and research.