The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lapai

  • Court remands varsity students for death of colleague

    A Minna Magistrates’ Court, has remanded three students in prison custody for allegedly beating and detaining their fellow student on suspicion that he stole an HTC handset, valued N32, 000.

    The accused persons are, Jibrin Attahiru and Idris Usman, both of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai and one other student, Shehu Abdullahi from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    The three students were docked on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code law.

    The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. John Steven, told the court that one Mohammed Aliyu, the Chief Security Officer of IBB University Lapai, reported the matter at the station on July 24.

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    Steven quoted the complainant as alleging that on July 23, the accused persons suspected one Mubarak Sanusi, a student of the same institution, to have stolen an HTC handset, valued N32, 000 belonging to one of them.

    He said the accused persons picked up Sanusi and took him to their lodge, where they beat him up and detained him inside the toilet.

    According to him, Sanusi was said to have given up the ghost on the way to the General Hospital, Lapai, the following day.

    When the charge was read to them, they all pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, thereafter, prayed the court for adjournment, as investigation into the matter was still ongoing.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Fati Auna, ordered the accused persons to be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter until Sept. 3.

  • IBB varsity honours debate team

    IBB varsity honours debate team

    Members of the debate team of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, have been hosted to a colourful reception by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare.

    Led by Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Zainab Saidu, the IBBU’s four-member team came second at a debate organised by the National Female Students’ Association of Nigeria (NAFESA) conference.

    The conference theme was Women supporting women, and it held in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

    The theme of the debate was: Women are the backbone of the society. Therefore, they make better Leaders. The IBBU team, which spoke against the motion, competed with their counterparts from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, Ritman University in Uyo, and Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu, among others.

    At the end of the debate, the IBBU team was the first runner-up, receiving medals, certificates, plaques and cash prize.

    Presenting the debate team members to the VC, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Ma’ali, described the team’s skill in debate as “amazing”, saying their quick grasp of the topic contributed to their success at the event. Dr Ma’ali praised the management for supporting the team.

    He said: “Our students gave their opponents, who represented prominent institutions, a good run. The eloquence, impressive argumentative skill and oratorical prowess did not go unnoticed. It was unfortunate they were not crowned as the champion, but coming second is a big feat for the school.”

    Prof Maiturare said he was delighted by the students’ “exceptional performance”, saying: “Indeed, your performance deserves applause and commendation. Today, the management celebrates you for making our university proud. It is imperative that you are honoured and rewarded.”

    The VC advised students to study hard and show commitment towards their academic pursuits. He described the team members as “iconic ambassadors”, urging other students to emulate them.

    Zainab, who spoke on behalf of the team, appreciated the VC for the honouring their feat.  She said: “The contest was a memorable experience for us.Our self-confidence and determination coupled with the sound mentorship by our lecturers became source of inspiration for us to accomplish the feat.”

    Zainab, a final year student, also got a Certificate of Merit in recognition of her feat in academics and students’ unionism.

  • Ritman varsity students win women debate

    Ritman varsity students win women debate

    Ritman University (RU) students have emerged winners of a debate organised by Women Supporting Women National Conference. Their colleagues from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, came second in the contest to promote women emancipation.

    The debate with the theme: Women are the backbone of society, they make better leaders, was held during the national conference of National Female Students Association of Nigeria, which was graced by students, women leaders, academics and government representatives.

    Delegates at the conference were drawn from various tertiary institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Abia State University (ABSU), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), and Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic in Rivers State, among others.

    Christiana Obiala, Melody Dodoh and Enobong Nyahette debated for Ritman University and spoke in support of the theme.

    The conference was designed to encourage female students to discuss opportunities, promote spirit of entrepreneurship, education, health, security and economic empowerment.

  • Display of royal culture

    Display of royal culture

    Culture was on display at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, when the Hausa-Fulani Students’ Association (HAFUSA) held its Cultural Day and Bikin Dawra Rawani (coronation) for its new Sarkin (leader). MAHMUD ABDULSALAM reports.

    By 10 a.m, the Fada (palace) had been filled. Made from bamboo straws, the makeshift palace was beautifully decorated. Seated at the palace’s entrance were guests and students, waiting for the emir.

    Moment after, sounds of Kaakaki (traditional trumpet) permeated the air, heralding the arrival of the ‘emir’ and his entourage.

    Welcome to the Bikin Dawra Rawani (coronation) and cultural day of the Hausa-Fulani Students’ Association (HAFUSA) at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, which was held last Saturday.

    The emir, Isah Yahaya, his Gimbiya (queen) and chiefs made their way into the palace on royal horses adorned with chains of coins and leather materials. Clad in Baban Riga (flowing robes) and Rawani (turban), the emir and his chiefs in the Masarauta (emirate council) were cheerfully received by the guests.

    As he prepared to get off the horse, the emir  threw kola nuts at his ‘subjects’ . In response, they chanted Ranke ya dade! (Long shall you live, Your Highness). Others hailed the emir, screaming: Sarki, an gaishe ka (Your Majesty, we salute you), Allah ya jazamin Sarki (May God prolong your reign, Your Majesty).

    Surrounded by a group of red-cloth palace guards, the emir held a staff with his left hand and raised his firmly-clenched right fist to acknowledge the compliments.

    As the coronation rites were going on in the forecourt of the Management Lecture Theatre (MLT), the Yan Wasan Kwaikwayo (traditional palace jesters) threw rib-cracking jokes to entertain the audience. After the coronation, the emir and his chiefs stepped out for ‘special prayers’ by religious clerics.

    The association’s Patron, Mallam Idris Kusharki, explained the importance of the event in Hausa-Fulani society. Coronation of emir, he said, is an important heritage in Hausa-Fulani culture, without which a society is doom, if the coronation rites are not performed.

    He said the ceremony would help foster peace and promote love among diverse members of a community, adding that integrity, moral character and leadership credibility of the emir could be put to question if the rights are not performed.

    He said: “Coronation is seen as harbinger of positive changes in a traditional Hausa-Fulani society. It is a belief that, only emirs who are likely to be oppressive, arrogant and egocentric will shun coronation.”

    Kusharki prayed for divine wisdom to direct the affairs of the incoming leaders. He advised them to be humble and to seek counsel in the running of the association’s affair.

    The outgoing emir, Muhammad Salihu, expressed gratitude to Allah for having a “hitch-free”reign, saying: “The association has achieved outstanding progress under our reign.”

    He added: “We have projected the association to become strong and influential, even beyond the campus. By our humble achievements, we have redefined the concept of service and servant leadership. These are part of the legacies my administration is leaving behind.

    “We projected our culture by organising strategic cultural events, which we used to build bridges of unity by ensuring our members cohabit peacefully with students from other ethnic groups. The legacy projects we promised when we came had been completed.”

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, who was the special guest of honour, noted that Hausa-Fulani’s culture promotes social order and unique belief system, advising members of the association to reject negative values that would tarnish the image of the association and their heritage.

    He said: “As Hausa-Fulani ethnic groups, we have been portrayed wickedly by stereotypical words and languages. The onus lies on you all to always show decent public conduct. This will help in correcting the wrong stereotypes about northerners, Muslims and Hausa-Fulani in particular.”

    The emir conferred a traditional title of Na’isan (Dependable trustee) on the VC during the ceremony. In his acceptance message, Prof Maiturare appreciated members of the association for the honour, admonishing them to be law-abiding and take their studies seriously.

    The VC said: “The Hausa-Fulani are renowned for their scholarship. Historically, they are not known to have condemned any form of knowledge. Instead, they are passionate about education. We have northerners becoming renowned clerics, professors and industrialists. You must reject any idea that says you should not acquire education.”

    Stepping out to address the guests, Isah hailed his predecessor for making “valuable contributions” to the growth of the association, promising to consolidate on Muhammad’s achievements.

    He said he would welcome constructive criticisms from members of the association, adding that he would not reject “wise counsel” that would help the association’s progress. The emir cautioned his ‘subjects’ against vices that may bring disrepute to the name of the association.

    After the emir’s speech, the guests were entertained by a troupe of Yan mata (young ladies) that performed traditional dance steps. As this was going on, sumptuous traditional delicacies, such as Dambu, Dan Wake, Fura da Nono, Alewa, Kunu, Tuwo, Masa, and Zogale, were served.

    Some students told CAMPUSLIFE that the event as spectacular, saying it was a display of a tradition.

    A 300-Level student, Happiness Christopher, said the event erased the wrong impression she had about Hausa-Fulani people. Fascinated by the cultural display, Happiness said: “The Hausa-Fulani people are not actually what they are perceived to be. I learnt many things about their tradition, belief system and food, which changed my impression about these unique people. I have been shown that Hausa-Fulani people are intelligent, literate and accommodating.”

    Another student, Zainab Abdulmalik, said the event made her proud of her heritage, adding: “It was fun to be served my best meal at the event.”

    The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Aliyu Ma’ali, advised members of other cultural groups on the campus to promote values that would foster peace and unity in the school. He described the emir’s coronation as a “colourful display of tradition”, noting that Hausa-Fulani culture does not support illiteracy and laziness.

    He said: “There is no culture that does not have its values and distinct belief system. As we have seen from this event, the culture of Hausa-Fulani people promotes co-habitation, respect and good virtues. It is an act of mischief to use actions of a few misguided people should to judge a whole race. From what we seen here, illiteracy and laziness do not have basis in our culture. I advise other cultural groups to emulate the association by showcasing their cultural heritages in this colourful manner that would enable their colleagues learn and respect their cultures.”

  • Why students need efficient counsellors, by don

    Why students need efficient counsellors, by don

    A professor of Guidance and Counselling, George Eweniyi, has delivered the 9th inaugural lecture of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, with the focus on the benefit of good counselling. MAHMUD ABDULSALAM reports.

    Making powerful decisions that can affect students’ career positively requires professional counselling from experts, George Eweniyi, a professor of Guidance and Counselling at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, has said.

    The don called for the institutionalisation of guidance and counselling in public schools, saying many youths chose wrong career paths because of the lack of good counselling.

    Eweniyi spoke while delivering the 9th inaugural lecture of the university entitled: Strengthening the third main force of Nigerian education system for effective academic performance of students: A counsellor’s clarion call.

    The event was held at the main auditorium.

    Describing Guidance and Counselling as a “selfless vocation”, the inaugural lecturer said the profession was purposely created to help students to develop abilities to make informed and realistic choices in their academic and personal life.

    He said proper counselling would help in checkmating the spate of vices among students, while also assisting students in developing efficient study cultures to overcome obstacles responsible for poor academic performance.

    Eweniyi said: ‘’It is through counselling that students find their spiritual and ethical bearing necessary to overcome life challenges. If this fact is admitted, there is need for institutionalisation of this noble profession in all public schools. When implemented, it will help students making good decisions and drop bad ideas that can lead them to criminality.

    “No matter how efficient our education policies may be, if guidance and counseling is not prioritised and made an integral part of the education curriculum, we would keep producing disoriented youths from our academic institutions. Guidance and counselling is the last pillar of the nation’s education tripod after teachers and school administrators. The profession is fundamental, because it helps to deal with psychological issues affecting their studies.”

    He said effective counselling would help shape students’ behaviour and inculcate a culture of discipline in them. Eweniyi added that the profession can help bridge the communication gap between students and schools’ authorities.

    He, however, noted that guidance and counselling services were yet to fully take off in most public schools, linking the challenges to dearth of professional counsellors and absence of necessary facilities. He added that lack of funding, inadequate time allotted for counseling activities, students’ nervousness over full disclosure and government’s lukewarm attitude towards counselling programmes remained the bane of the profession.

    He said: “Guidance and counseling is a rehabilitation process for students. It is an instrument to fight ignorance, trauma, depression, mental and emotional disorder, drug addiction, relationships’ issues and sexual abuse. Domesticating the profession in all categories of schools becomes imperative.”

    Eweniyi urged the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) to organise periodic sensitisation programmes to galvanise interest among school administrators, teachers, parents and policymakers.

    He recommended that guidance and counselling be given prominence in the education policy, saying: “CASSON should collaborate with the federal and state governments to enforce guidance and counselling practice in public schools. The association needs to ensure the profession receives legal backing and adequate funding for efficient counselling.”

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, described the lecturer as a “quintessential scholar”, noting that many African countries had adopted guidance and counselling as a tool to combat students’ depression and emotional problem.

    If the recommendations are implemented, the VC said it would lead to socio-economic development, adding: “Counselling is a vital tool for efficient manpower development.”

  • Niger approves N576m for pension payments

    The Niger government has approved N576 million for the payment of 413 pensioners in the state.

    The Director-General of the state’s Pension Board, Alhaji Tinau Mohammed, told newsmen on Wednesday in Minna that Gov. Abubakar Bello gave the approval on March 3.

    He said that the money would be used to pay pensions of eight retired permanent secretaries, one head of service and civil servants in five Local Government Areas of the state.

    The Local Governments include, Lapai, Chanchaga, Lavun, Shiroro and Agaie.

    Mohammed explained that a committee headed by Alhaji Munde Lapai, the former Head of Service was constituted by the State Government to investigate the payment of pensions in the past.

    “Investigation by the committee revealed that N112 million was released for the payment of 953 pensioners under the old pension scheme.

    “The payment was divided into three batches– in the first batch, 14 Local Governments qualified and N630 million was released for payment of 549 pensioners.

    “In the second batch, six Local Governments qualified and N490 million was paid to 404 pensioners.

    “Now in the third batch, 413 pensioners will be paid N576 million,’’ he said.

    The director-general said that the same committee had been mandated to evaluate retirees under the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for prompt payment.

    He said the evaluation revealed that 3,880 retired civil servants were under the CPS and that they were valued to be paid N7.5 billion.

    Mohammed assured that the government was committed to the welfare of retired civil servants by ensuring prompt payment of their pensions and gratuity.

     

  • Expert urges FG to build water plant in rural areas

    The Federal Government has been urged to build water treatment plants in perennial rivers in rural areas to avert water borne diseases.

    Dr Samuel Ibrahim, a senior lecturer in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, made the call on Thursday in Lapai in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Ibrahim, an expert in domestic water resources, Department of Geography and Regional Planning said that such treatment plant would be able to solve water problem among the rural dwellers.

    “Rural dwellers are more vulnerable to epidemics because of poor quality of water at their disposal, “he said.

    He explained that the water treatment plant would be veritable if built close to perennial rivers as a preventive measure against water borne diseases.

    According to him, the bulk of the food comes from the rural areas and the water they are living on most time is contaminated by animals in the cause of grazing around such rivers.

    “some of the local foods (fura de nunu) the rural women bring to the city are sometimes contaminated by use of infected water from rivers already contaminated by animals’ dung,” he said.

    Ibrahim said that as a result of poor water quality, a lot of diseases can also be transported from the rural areas to the cities.

     

  • IBB varsity gets new sports director

    IBB varsity gets new sports director

    The Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, in Niger has appointed Dr. Abdul Mohammed as its sports director.

    Mohammed, who is of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, is to assume his new office immediately, according to the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammad Maiturare.

    The Vice Chancellor, on Wednesday said that management had also appointed Dr. Aliyu Mohammad of the Department of Sociology, as the chairman, welfare committee of the institution.

    Mohammad, who is the coordinating director of the school of preliminary and remedial studies, takes over from Dr. Mohammad Mohammad, the pioneer chairman of the committee.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the university, has called on the Niger government to pay special attention to the institution in this year’s budget considerations.

    Santuraki, who spoke on Wednesday in Minna, at a reception to honour past governing council members of the institution, said that the school required much funds to tackle its challenges.

    He regretted that no Nigerian university was ranked among the best in the world, and opined that such was not good for a nation so endowed with human and natural resources.

    Santuraki appreciated the contributions of the former council members, and assured them that the school would continue to improve on that.

    Earlier, Maiturare had commended the positive contributions of the former governing council, and reiterated management’s determination to attract more funds toward completing all projects on the campus.