The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Merit

  • Merit vs money

    Merit vs money

    •Universities must stop fleecing candidates

    A FEDERAL Government query issued to 42 universities has once again demonstrated the brazen manner in which tertiary institutions exploit admission-seekers under the guise of conducting the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    According to the Executive Secretary of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the universities in question had charged fees in excess of the approved N2,000 limit for the post-UTME. He explained that the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, had ordered them to refund the excess to the candidates and report back to the authorities. In one case, a university was directed to give the additional funds to a non-religious orphanage because the candidates could no longer be traced.

    The exploitation of university candidates has had a long and dishonourable history in Nigeria since the introduction of the post-UME, as it was then known, in 2005. Arguing that widespread malpractices in the examinations conducted by JAMB had rendered its results worthless, universities insisted on being allowed to conduct a second examination which would serve as a means of quality control.

    Regardless of their ostensibly high-minded concern for the emergence of qualified candidates, universities immediately took full advantage of the post-UTME as a means of making money. Schools that could admit no more than 3,500 candidates ensured that the entry qualifications for post-UTME were low enough to enable up to 30,000 candidates to purchase forms which went for as high as N5,000 at the time.

    Some universities ingeniously split up the admissions process into discrete components and charged exorbitant fees for each part. State-owned universities were most notorious for this practice, with prospective students paying as much as N20,000.

    It was in this context that Adamu as education minister banned the conduct of post-UTME in June 2016, claiming that the original intent of the examination had been lost in the pursuit of financial gain at the expense of hapless candidates. In August 2017, the ban was lifted with the caveat that charges could not exceed N2,000.

    It is no secret that very few institutions have adhered to this directive. Many openly demanded post-UTME fees well in excess of the prescribed limit in their advertisements. Given that there are currently 158 federal, state and privately-owned universities in Nigeria, it is almost certain that the 42 indicted schools represent only a small fraction of those engaged in this unethical practice.

    Such acts of blatant exploitation are further aggravated by the ludicrously low cut-off mark of 120 out of 400 agreed upon for the 2017/2018 admissions exercise. With so many candidates scaling this shockingly easy hurdle, universities have been swamped with desperate admission-seekers who were only too willing to pay whatever was asked of them.

    As purported bastions of character and learning, Nigeria’s universities must realise that actions like these only serve to entrench popular perceptions of tertiary institutions as dens of corruption and impunity. The desire to increase internally-generated revenue is no justification for what can only be called extortion, nor can the excuse that the UTME lacks credibility be enough reason to complement it with processes that are even more deficient in integrity.

    Government will have to move decisively if this practice is to be halted once and for all. Offending schools should be named and shamed; where possible, sanctions should be imposed, including withholding subventions and instituting legal action. All funds raised through post-UTME charges should be subject to strict accounting procedures to ensure that they are put to proper use, and procedures for returning excess charges should be streamlined so that they can be returned to those who paid them.

    As for the universities themselves, they must desist from engaging in practices that will only further damage their already-battered reputations. It is hypocritical to exploit vulnerable candidates while pretending to maintain educational standards.

  • ‘Kwara ‘ll promote merit, equity’

    ‘Kwara ‘ll promote merit, equity’

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised the people that his administration will promote merit and equity.

    Speaking at a dinner in honour of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, on his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, the governor said recognition of merit and hard work were ways to guarantee service to the people.

    He said: “The celebration is also in line with keeping the tradition of recognising and rewarding dedication and loyalty to the cause of the state.

    “Ajibade (SAN) has proved beyond any doubt that he is a competent legal officer. As the chief law officer, our new SAN has ensured that Kwara State government is guided in legal issues. It is now a rare occurrence for the government to lose a case on technical grounds.”

    Ajibade thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state and pledged to do more for the benefit of the state and humanity.

  • Udi: Coaches must be selected on merit

    Udi: Coaches must be selected on merit

    Sunshine Stars coach, Duke Udi has said for Nigerian football to be developed, coaches must be selected on merit and not on quota system or origin.

    Udi, who received his League Bloggers Awards (LBA) as the Manager for the month of July before his team’s 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 35 encounter at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, said he will never beg any man for a coaching job.

    In a series of tweets after the encounter, the former Osun United gaffer shared his thoughts on the match, Nigerian coaches, attitudes of the NPFL teams and his coaching ambition.

    “It was a fantastic game of football today and great display from both teams. The officiating was top class, referee Udoh showed why he is one of the best on the continent. I also received the July manager of the month award from @theOfficialLBA today, thank you.

    “My ambition is to coach in Europe or other major leagues in Africa. I will keep working and striving hard till God elevates me. #fight

    “Today is done and dusted, focus falls on the remaining three games of the season. Nine points still available for grabs #survival #hope #God

    “#mythought is Let our coaches be picked on merit and not on quota system or origin. That is when our football will grow.

    “Our teams should learn how to win matches out of comfort zones. A good team is one that can win any where. #mythoughts

    “Even if you loose at home, you know you can also win away from home. That way we know good coaches and a good team/national team #mythoughts

    “God is my source.I will never beg any man for a coaching job. As a player,I did not bribe any coach to play me.I played on merit #mythoughts

    “Which is why I will always promote merit over origin everywhere I go. #mythoughts,” Udi said via @duke_udi.

  • Merit and appointment of appellate justices

    Merit and appointment of appellate justices

    SIR: On its face, the Nigerian Constitution seems to grant serious discretionary powers to the executive over judicial appointments. For instance, section 238 (2) of the 1999 constitution simply provides, in respect of appointment of Justices of the Court of Appeal, that the “appointment of a person to the office of a Justice of the Court of Appeal shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.” Subsection 3 of the same section 238 prescribes the qualification of a person seeking appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal as follows:

    It is worth noting, however, that in reality, appointment of judicial officers at the federal level is entrusted, by and large, in the hands of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and the National Judicial Council (NJC). While the role of these two constitutional bodies might be considered as advisory, they, nevertheless, appropriately constitute fora of consultation or decision-making through which representatives of the legal profession get to express their preferences in matters of judicial appointments. The basic role of these two bodies is to ensure that the processes of appointment of judicial officers are transparent and meet objective international criteria.

    Since the issuance of circulars by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal requesting nomination of persons for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, there has been a heated debate on the best approach and mode of appointment of judicial officers amongst lawyers and the general public. At the core of this debate is the question as to whether or not the bulk of the appointments should come from legal practice, academia or the bench. This, to me, is futile and puerile. What should be of paramount importance is securing a process that ensures that the best candidates emerge whether from the bar, bench or academia. All candidates should be subjected to objective professional competition assessed by a panel which is capable of overcoming partisan political and moral preferences in the selection process. Without an adequate and clearly transparent selection process, any legal system runs the risk of ending up with a judiciary in which professional competence and integrity are trumped and adverse selection prevails.

    In the on-going process of appointment of Justices to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, I advocate a merit-based competitive and transparent selection process. I can only hope that the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Federal Judicial Service Commission and National Judicial Council will select the best.

     

    • Babajide Damola,

    Ibadan

  • Jegede: On merit, not zoning, I stand

    Jegede: On merit, not zoning, I stand

    Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) is on the tour of the three senatorial districts to solicit support from delegates, ahead of the primary. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights the challenges that will confront him and his party as the state warms up for the poll. 

    A pattern of succession is gradually being established in the Southwest geo-political zone. The governors appear to prefer technocrats as successors. In Ondo State, Governor Olusegun Mimiko is about to thread the same path. His preferred choice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), is traversing the three senatorial districts to solicit the support of the delegates for his ambition. But, how far can he go?

    Jegede, a native of Akure, the state capital, is not a typical  politician. So far, he has been straightforward in his consultations with the stakeholders. He is unapologetic that he is fit to take over from the governor he has served for almost seven years as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. His emergence has drawm the envy of his rivals, following the tacit endorsement of his aspiration by his political leader. Having placed his hands on the plough, the legal luminary is not looking back. In the bar, he has a good tale to tell. But, can he weather the storm politically?

    Analysts are of the view that the contest is in two dimensions. The election is between Mimiko, whose two terms of eight years will expire early next year, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) family. It is a popularity test for the politician fondly called Iroko by admirers. The main opposition party is working assiduously to get power. The PDP is guiding the seat of power jealously. But, it is also a contest between those pushing for the ‘Akure Agenda’ and the exponents of power shift to the North District. Akure, which has not produced a governor in recent times, has a date with history in November. The North, consisting of Akoko, Owo and environs, is undaunted.

    However, in Jegede’s view, actors may have started relegating other salient issues to the background, to the detriment of democracy. “Integrity and merit should count,” he said, adding that he only wanted to be an efficient administrator, and not a run of the mill politician. “I want to do more of governance and less of politics,” he stressed.

    The lawyer is confident of his ability. He told reporters in Lagos that entrusting Ondo State in his care is not a risky venture, pointing out that he has the understanding of the enormous challenges, its people, the strengths and weaknesses of the current administration and how to build on the feats of his boss. “Challenging times need extraordinary measures,” he said, recalling that he has added value to state administration in the last few years as a trusted ally of the governor.

    But, Jegede has some hurdles to cross. Other aspirants are also determined to get the ticket. They are seasoned politicians, unlike him. The struggle for the ticket may be gradually putting the ruling party on edge. Other aspirants have said that they will not step down for him. In the crowded race are Third Republic Senator Remi Okunrinboye, Nekan Olateru-Olagbegi, a prince of Owo, Bamiduro dadam Chief Sola Ebiseni, a grassroots politician, Dare Eniolaa, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Adedayo Omolafe, Dayo Fadahunsi, Pastor Ola Amuda, Benson Amuwa, Dare Bada and Debo Ajimuda. In protest, some chieftains have even defected to other platforms, saying that Mimiko is partial.

    According to analysts, the PDP may be warming up for a primary in an atmosphere of strife and rancour. To avoid post-primary crisis, party elders should brace up for the task of reconciliation. Another challenge is the crisis affecting the PDP national leadership, which has spread to Ondo. Some chieftains have pledged allegiance to the embattled National Chairman, Senator Modu Sheriff, instead of the National caretaker Committee, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi. The implication is that, if the crisis is not nipped in the bud, the primary may be finally resolved in the court.

    In a vague reference to his endorsement by the governor, Jegede said Mimiko, a governor, leader and delegate, is at liberty to support an aspirant of his choice. He rejected the label of a stooge or a lackey, saying that, at his age, it is odd to describe him as a mere stooge or lackey, having added value to the administration and the state in the past seven years.

    The aspirant also said that zoning is a non-issue. Although he acknowledged that some aspirants have hinged their ambition on the sentiment, he said zoning has paled into a convenient argument for those hoping to benefit from it. Yet, in another dimension, he said he may emerge as its greatest beneficiary, if his campaign orgaisation and supporters decide to exploit it. Jegede claimed that he has roots in the three senatorial districts.

    Born in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, and the political headquarter of Southwest, his father, a prominent Christian leader, was born in Akure, Central District. His mother is from Ipele, Owo sub-division, North District. His grandfather was born in Igbotako, South District. “So, I can lay claim to any of the three zones. But, what matters are competence and efficiency,” he maintained.

    After his primary education at Modakeke, Osun State, Jegede attended Aquinas College, Akure, and later the famous Christ School, Ado-Ekiti. He studied Law at the University of Lagos, Akoka. The turning point in his life was the one year compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Yola, capital of the old Gogola State. He practised in the Chamber s of Murital Aminu, who later became a judge. He learned at the feet of the eminent lawyer for 12 years. For 25 years, he traversed the North with his wig, winning cases and making friends. His path and that of Boss Mustapha, his senior colleague at the bar, crossed. “Mustapha would ask me to take on a brief for him in those days.” he recalled. In 2008, Jegede became a SAN. Later, he was invited home to serve as a commissioner.

    Initially, the legal luminary was drafted into the senatorial race. But, he declined, saying that he could only aspire to the governorship. He entered the race at a time his Akure kinsmen have intensified their clamour for a governor from the state capital. Although Jegede conceded to them their right to agitate within the ambit of the law, he clarified that he did not initiate it. “I see myself as someone from Ondo State, ready to serve,” he stressed. In his opinion, the argument that a candidate from the Central should not succeed Mimiko because the governor is from the same district does not hold water. What is important, he said, is competence.

    Jegede paid tribute to Mimiko, saying that he has performed in the last seven and half years. He made references to his strides in the health sector, especially the Abiye Hospitals, which have reduced mother/child mortality, infrastructural development and education. “Our mega schools can rival the facilities in some polytechnics. The school busses that transport children are captivating,” he said.

    The aspirant noted that governance cannot be a child’s play in a period of economic recession. If he becomes the governor, he will inherit some of the economic difficulties that have confronted his successor. But, he said that he is up to the task. “These are hard times. But, I will not run away from challenges. We need to generate money internally. People are not ready to pay tax. IGR is going down. The way to go is a minimal tax without stress,” he added.

    Jegede also said that his administration will build on the foundation laid by Mimiko in all areas. “Mimiko and I are different. The unifying factor is the vision,” he said. He promised to develop agriculture and revive the industries, whose resuscitation have been hampered by the power problem. He said Ondo should also return to its first love, which was cocoa production. “We want to grow the economy of the civil service state, create employment and build infrastructure.” he added.

  • Merit, catchment to determine varsities’ admission, says JAMB

    Merit, catchment to determine varsities’ admission, says JAMB

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said admission into tertiary institutions will be based on three factors: merit, catchment area and educationally disadvantaged states.

    It noted that the point system copied from its website as criteria for admission into tertiary institutions is a mere illustration.

    JAMB’s Head of Media and Information Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, said the Federal Government approved the reinforcement of admission guideline as recognised by law.

    It said the point system wrongfully copied from the board’s website and circulated by some media organisations was used for illustration by the Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde.

    “Sequel to the recent workshop convened by the minister of Education on the modality for 2016 admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the Federal Government approved the reinforcement of admissions guideline recognised by law.

    “This is following the cancellation of the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This is not the point system as widely circulated in some media.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the board wishes to state clearly that the point system is an illustration by the registrar of JAMB.

    “It is meant to demonstrate how a few institutions were using the point system to select candidates while some of their counterparts were subjecting candidates to written tests.

    “The illustrations are contained in a paper presented by the registrar and placed on our website and was adopted by the media wrongly as the 2016 guideline for admission,’’ the statement said.

    It said the 2016 admissions would be conducted on the three existing admission pillars of merit, catchment area and educationally disadvantaged states through the following process.

    According to the statement, a list of candidates that qualified for screening into individual institutions based on the three criteria will be presented.

    It said such screening would not demand another test – written, oral or electronic.

    Candidates are to present their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results/Advanced Level (AL) results for verification and clearing.

    It noted that WAEC, NECO and NBTE results or its equivalent are acceptable.

    The statement added: Each candidate should have a minimum five credits at SSCE, including English, Mathematics and any three relevant subjects to his or her discipline.

    It said the list of qualified candidates awaiting SSCE/AL results would be kept in view pending release of their results.

    “Any candidate that does not possess the requirements as listed above is deemed to have failed the screening.

    “Consideration of the recommended list as forward by JAMB should be completed within one month from the date of receipt of the list.

    “Any institution that has a shortfall in the admitted candidates could make up for candidates from other departments on the institution’s list.

    “Reasons for rejection of candidates on the list should be clearly stated, with proof provided alongside. This is imperative so that the public will note the correct process,’’ the statement said.

    It said the government directed that the guidelines must be strictly adhered to without any alteration.

  • Olaopa and merit of National Productivity award

    Having watched Dr. Tunji Olaopa labour quietly in the trenches in the last decade without an expectation of being rewarded, I held back tears when a colleague gave me the news that President Muhammadu Buhari was going to confer on him the National Productivity Order of Merit Award (NPOM) for all that it is worth, at long last.

    Tunji Olaopa does not cut the picture of a classroom academic but very few scholars have influenced discourses on public administration and the general public space like he has done within the past two decades. I had a singular opportunity of reading over two dozens of his publications and can conveniently distil two themes in his intellectual adventure; namely, his treatise on public administration, and his intellectual interventions in public discourse and good governance in Nigeria. Evidently, Olaopa‘s seminal arguments on public administration are emanations from his doctoral thesis, his general experiences as a career civil servant and his stint with the bureau of public service reforms, an agency which he conceptualised in 2003 and which raison d’être was to provide technical backstopping to the re-engineering of  the nation’s public service.

    A cursory glance through his works reveals an uncanny passion for public service. These include dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles and monographs such as Public Administration And Civil Service Reforms In Nigeria (2008), Innovation And Best Practices In Public Sector Reforms (2009), Public Service Reforms In Africa (2010), Managing Complex Reforms: A Public Sector Perspective (2011) and the Nigerian Civil Service of the Future (2014) and The Joy of Learning, the life and times of Professor Ojetunji Aboyade.

    On the civil service, Olaopa traced the history of the Nigerian civil service to the colonial service which was in force during the early years of Nigeria‘s independence. A potpourri of indigenous officers and expatriates, the colonial model civil service was designed as a mere secretariat of government business, but the need to expand its scope and replace the expatriates with local workforce gave rise to series of reforms and challenges. According to Olaopa, the height of this disarticulation in the nation‘s service occurred during the almost four decades of military rule. The regimented mentality and the customary command-and-control style of the military severely rubbed off on the psyche and operations of the civil service. The noticeable manifestations of systemic weakness were over-expansion of the service, unification of erstwhile regional services, nepotism, corruption etc.

    The colonial model started well in Nigeria and flourished up to the early post- independence years when the system opted for the replacement of expatriates under the Nigerianization scheme.  Although the expatriates were known for dedication and professionalism and even inspired the pioneer Nigerians who took over from them, the service was to witness a steady decline in quality service delivery and professionalism especially from the middle of the 1970s due to unhealthy inter-service rivalries for managerial talent and spurious promotions.  The dynamics of manpower utilization which hitherto relied on planning, forecasting, budgeting and control broke down as even job designs, description and performance were determined by nepotism and other shady factors.  In fact, such critical condiments of the public service such as officer deployments, job classification grading and posting became manipulated by politicians and senior service officials. The practice was for some unscrupulous officials to attach an occupational classification to a staff just to get the staff graded far beyond his mates. The author opines that it was this “character of the state” that dampened the competence and efficiency of the public service.

    Every succeeding regime grappled with reforms to ensure the much-needed transformation of the Nigerian civil service from merely ‘administrative to managerial culture’ to ensure optimal productivity.

    He offered strategies to plug the yawning gaps that have short-circuited the reform trajectory of the civil service. These gaps include: policy gaps, capacity gaps, process gaps, performance gaps and resource gaps.

    The depth of his arguments reveals him as an expert-insider; his works interrogate the dynamics of the reform of the civil service in Nigeria and calibrate the very essentials that would reinvigorate this all important institution of the government which is plagued by corruption, disarticulation and systemic weakness.

    On his adventure in public discourse, Olaopa upped the scale above typical Nigerian public commentators; he is not an armchair critic, but a purveyor of facts and solutions. Various writers have appropriated social criticism as a vehicle to protest those elements of the society they feel ineffective, dysfunctional or corrupt. Areas such as bureaucracy voyeurism, big government, racism and human rights often take centre stage in such essays. In recent times, such writers captivate the reader with not only their lamentations on societal problems but take care to convincingly demonstrate solutions to such problems and attempt to refine the people’s feelings about the society in which they live. The mindset of social critics in Nigeria can be understood as they are irked that the country has potential for greatness if only things are done the right way. The expectations which drive such critics to protest can be captured in the lamentations of Chukwudifu Oputa when he submitted that “Nigeria is great in size, great in population, handsomely blessed and richly endowed by a kind and prodigal providence with almost unlimited natural resources. The challenge is for all of us to make her even greater than nature portend…but if, and only if we are disciplined”

    With the array of his research works, Olaopa‘s contribution to the pool of knowledge on public administration is not in doubt. No comprehensive research or reading can be achieved on the Nigerian public service without a footnote on him. It is intriguing that this feat was achieved by a supposedly busy permanent secretary in the nation‘s civil service. Winston Churchill once said in his famous epitaph on Joseph Chamberlain that one mark of a great man is the power of making lasting impressions on the people he meets. Another is to have handled matters during his life that the course of after-events is continually affected by what he did. Here, one is wont to see the portrait of Tunji Olaopa squarely in this description.

    It is these uncommon traits and his propensity to contribute more to the uplift of the Nigerian public service that inspired his recognition for the coveted National Productivity Order of Merit Award for 2015.

    Although this one comes as an addition to the numerous feathers in our subject’s cap, the person giving the award this time around is President Buhari – the no-nonsense, austere Nigerian leader who is credited with integrity and a focus on merit. He has been called by history to clean up Nigeria. The quintessential Buhari would not say well done unless one merits it. He is not known for frivolities. He must have noticed a man who combines excellent service with turnkey research output to re-engineer and strengthen the public service.

     

     

    • Dr Afaha is a lecturer in the Dept of History and Diplomatic Studies, UNIABUJA

  • Poet of merit

    •Professor Osundare should glow as this year’s NNOM recipient

    It is poetic that Niyi Osundare, who incontestably ranks among the country’s most distinguished poets and literary luminaries, will today receive the 2014 Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), a prestigious award that not only further cements his standing in the sphere of scholars but also burnishes even more his unambiguous humanism. Indeed, it is a testimony to the grand significance of the recognition that President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to perform the decoration at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    By this garland, it may not be exaggerated to anticipate that Osundare’s intellectual and artistic career could well be on the path to greater glory, especially internationally. It is instructive to note the citation by the chairman, governing board of the award, Etim Essien. He said: “Prof. Niyi Osundare, who through outstanding scholarship, researches and service to humanity in the field of humanities, has successfully carved his name in gold in the hearts of people of this nation and many nations of the world.” He also captured the awardee’s distinctive creative qualities and the fruit of his talent. Essien said: “Osundare, a poet, dramatist and an essayist, has been Nigeria’s noted nature poet of English language expression, and an accessible serious poet who sets out to engage the reader, and has made most significant contribution to the Nigerian poetic English diction.”

    The choice of Osundare for the NNOM prize this year is particularly remarkable because he is the sole awardee, in marked contrast to last year, for instance, when there were three laureates. It is worth mentioning that Osundare becomes the 58th recipient of the National Order of Merit since it was introduced in 1979.  It is noteworthy that Essien said: “The establishment of the Nigerian National Merit Award scheme, as Nigeria’s highest and most prestigious prize for outstanding intellectual and academic attainment, has encouraged a highly significant number of best Nigerian minds to seek accolades at home.”

    In the context of Osundare’s unapologetic patriotism, it is a fitting tribute that he is being celebrated so impressively locally. For an illustration of his striking love of country, it may be recalled that at a time when it was not only fashionable but also advantageous for many academics in the country’s tertiary education system to seek greener pastures abroad, specifically in the more advanced western countries, provoked by unfavourably harsh socio-economic conditions at home, Osundare was among the few who chose to stay back despite their high marketability. He rose to the position of Professor of English at the University of Ibadan in 1989; and it is a reflection of his touching humanity that his deaf daughter is the real reason he reportedly eventually settled in America as she could not attend school in Nigeria, and when the family found a school for her in the US her parents had to move to be closer to her.

    By the time he accepted a teaching and research position at the University of New Orleans in 1997, he was a well-established, internationally respected poet and winner of two well-regarded literary prizes among others, specifically, a  1986 Commonwealth Poetry Prize for The Eye of the Earth and a 1990 Noma Award for Waiting Laughters. His poetic voice has been consistently accessible, and constantly conscious of social and political circumstances, especially in his fatherland. It is relevant to note that he received the Fonlon/Nichols award for “excellence in literary creativity combined with significant contributions to Human Rights in Africa” One enlightening instance of his creative intervention in politics was his reaction to this year’s controversial Ekiti governorship election. Osundare penned a penetrating poem that went viral, with the title The People Voted their Stomach – Blues for an Arrested Renaissance.      

    Perhaps not surprisingly, for a writer who proudly defines himself as “farmer-born and peasant-bred”, 67-year-old Osundare has a reputation for disarming modesty and a laudable devotion to mentoring the teachable. Also a dramatist, literary critic, essayist and media columnist, it is to Osundare’s credit that the National Order of Merit is apparently uncorrupted by political meddlesomeness and abuse of power unlike, for instance, the country’s National Honours.

  • NITDA boss hosts ICT merit award

    NITDA boss hosts ICT merit award

    Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Olu Jack will be chief host at the 2014 National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS).

    A new innovation at this year’s NITMA is also the presentation of the first set of Special Recognition Awards to individuals and organisations advancing Nigeria’s digital agenda. The DG of NITDA’s high level presence is in keeping with the agency’s mandate of fostering the development and growth of IT in Nigeria, and is particularly in line with the upcoming review of Nigeria’s National ICT Strategic Plan being coordinated by NITDA.

    NITDA boss as NITMA Chief Host sends a strong message that the growth of Nigeria’s ITC industry and profession is a top national priority. A functioning, purposeful, growing and sustainable ITC sector is at the heart of all nations that are truly independent. Recognition or its lack will impact on Nigeria’s ability to succeed in the global digital economy. NITMA 2014 is a platform NCS uses to emphasise the importance of excellence in information technology. For NCS and the entire IT community, NITMA is not just an award ceremony; it is about genuine independence, it is about shaping Nigeria’s future.

  • Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    In Abia State, many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are agitating for power shift. But, others are also insisting that zoning should not displace merit and competence. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    ABIA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for governorship primaries. Aspirants have returned to the drawing board. There are many permutations and intrigues. Contenders are intensifying consultations with stakeholders. However, only an aspirant will get the ticket.

    There are ethnic sentiments. The contest is not only among aspirants, it is also among ethnic blocs. At the centre of the drama are the old Bende Zone and Aba Division, which has not enjoyed the slot since 1999.

    Many stakeholders ahave argued that Governor Theodore Orji’s successor should come from  Aba Zone, which is also known as the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc, line with the Abia Charter of Equity (ACE).

    The ACE was agreed upon to assuage the fear of domination by any section. Its major element is the rotational principle. The idea is that power should rotate among the three zones.

     

    Old blocs

    Three zones-Afikpo Division, Bende Division and Aba Division- were relevant at the beginning. Based on the agreement, the governor has said that he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa next year.

    The governor said the ACE, which prescribed power sharing, is sacrosanct, adding that bits implementation will foster peace and equity. Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the state into political crisis. Hence, the decision to respect the charter.

    Criticisms have trailed the decision. Now, there is a debate on which part of Ukwa/ Ngwa Zone would produce the governor. The  Ukwa/Ngwa Zone comprises of nine councils. Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagor, Ukwa West and Ukwa East are under Abia South Senatorial Zone. Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South councils are in the Abia Central Zone. This is the Umuahia/ Ikwuano bloc.

     

    Agitations

    Ukwa-Ngwa people are found in three local government areas in Abia Central. Political heavy weights, including  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Acho Nwakanma, Chief A.C.B Agbazuere, and Chris Akomas are of Ukwa/Ngwa origin. But, they are from the Central Zone. That is why some people have argued that  power sharing is a matter between the old Bende bloc and Aba bloc. More  Ngwa people are found in Abia Central Senatorial District.

    However, despite the agitation for zoning, some stakeholders believe that zoning should not displace merit and competence. To these people, the best aspirant should succeed the governor.

     

    Merit and competence

     The governor’s support for power shift to Ukwa/Ngwa is not in doubt. But, this is not enough.

    Aspirants are flaunting their credentials. In the race are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, and  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu from the Central District. Some people have said that the female aspirant would be the choice of  Ukwa/Ngwa people

    A two-time senator and a former House of Representatives member, she has experience.  She has said that gender is not a disadvantage, but an asset.

    “If my party will support me, I will run for the post of governorship. It is my aspiration, my desire. I have the qualification and experience to pilot the affairs of Abia State, if given the mandate to govern Abia,’’ she said.

    But, Nwosu, also said that he is fit for the job because he has pedigree. Also, Abaribe has said that he is the most qualified aspirant, having served as the deputy governor and senator.

    The aspirants are determined. But, at the primaries, the wheat will be seperated from the chaff.