The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Kwara polytechnic debunks rumours of fee hike

    Kwara polytechnic debunks rumours of fee hike

    Authorities of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, yesterday denied allegations of hike in the tuition fee of the school.

    The rumors have generated a serious tension in the state, as some members of the public were reportedly asking the students to resist the hike while many students were reportedly preparing for a showdown with the management of the institution.

    The rumour had it that a new tuition fee of N75, 000 as against N58, 000 charged the students last session has been pasted on the  portal of the school.

    Both the state government and management of the institution condemned the brain behind the rumour and those allegedly inciting students to cause crisis over the matter.

    The state commissioner for Information and Communications, Babatunde Ajeigbe, alongside Registrar of the Polytechnic, M.O Salami briefed briefed on the matter as representatives of students at the briefing corroborated the explanation of the authorities.

    Ajeigbe who said that a government delegation led by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Amina Mohammed met with management of the institution over the matter explained that their findings showed that it was just a rumour spread by social media and about  which some people in the state were making mischief.

    He said that there was no increase of fee for the returning students who are now either HND 2 or ND 2 students and this was corroborated by an HND 2 students at the meeting who said he paid the same N58,000 he paid last session when he was an HND 1 student.

    Ajeigbe however explained that the institution has not yet determined what tuition fee of students with fresh admission for ND 1and HND 1 would be saying this would be determined by realities on ground.

    The institution Registrar who expatiated on this said though the school has spent more money on accreditation of its courses this year it would not allow that to be a major influence on  the amount to be paid by fresh students.

  • ‘Polytechnics now offer more arts courses’

    ‘Polytechnics now offer more arts courses’

    Polytechnics in Nigeria have deviated from their original concept of focusing on technical education, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Lateef Olatunji has said.
    He added that polytechnics in the country now do more of arts courses than science and technical oriented courses.
    Dr Olatunji canvassed reorientation of the polytechnic education to revitalise nation’s economy development.
    The rector told reporters in Offa, Offa local area of Kwara state as part of activities for ninth convocation and 25th anniversary of the institution.
    The rector, who said that the development would not help production of engineers and technicians by polytechnics, added that government should attract more funds to polytechnics
    “The reason for establishing universities is different from why the polytechnics were set up in the first instance. But unfortunately we’ve mixed the two together in this country. Population of non science students are now more than science students in our polytechnics when you talk about engineering, technical studies and the like. We should change our orientation towards science education.
    Most polytechnic institutions have derailed in their educational curriculum as they now do more of art courses rather than core science and technical  oriented courses. We should change our orientation to be able to produce more engineers towards revitalising nation’s socio economic development, instead of encouraging people in arts subjects.
    “Federal Government can do more to assist and encourage science and technical oriented courses by pumping more money in the area of science education. For instance, tetfund would do more by giving more financial opportunities to polytechnics rather than the universities as the case is right now. Federal government should attract more funds to technical education”, he said.
    He also said that science and technical education would encourage entrepreneurship among youth in the country, adding that entrepreneurship was the key to self reliance and poverty alleviation.
    Dr. Olatunji, who said that a total of 6,000 students would graduate during the ninth convocation of the institution, added that his administration had succeeded to block  leakages in financial operations among workers by discouraging frivolous vouchers.
    He said that necessary control was being injected by the present administration without a recourse to witch hunting.
    The rector identified funding, upgrading of sport facilities and equipment, problems of transportation to and fro its main campus, and uncompleted road construction projects as part of challenges facing the institution.
  • FUNAAB: New Vice Chancellor resumes

    FUNAAB: New Vice Chancellor resumes

    The substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ), Professor Felix kolawole Salako, on Tuesday received his instruments of office from the Acting Vice – Chancellor, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin.

    Salako who is the sixth Vice – Chancellor of the institution, assured that he would “be fair to all.”

    He gave the assurance shortly after Enikuomehin handed-over to him in the presence of Principal Officers and other top members of staff, according to a statement by Kola Adepoju, Acting Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ).

    Salako noted  that God has been with the University inspite of the recent crisis, that rocked it, noting that the Governing Council should be commended for mustering courage to appoint three Principal Officers in a flawless process within same period.

    The Soil Physicist, said that his approach to administration would revolve around his core values of justice and fairness.

    According to him, the productivity of staff would be of paramount interest to him while diligence and efficiency among staff  would also be rewarded.

    “I have the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to protect the interest of the University. I have the responsibility to ensure that staff are comfortable. That staff have what is due to them, that students have what is due to them too,” he said.

    Professor Salako who was the pioneer Director of the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) at FUNAAB,  would officially assume duty tomorrow, November 1.

  • Father sets son ablaze over quarrel with brother

    Father sets son ablaze over quarrel with brother

    A 43-year-old father, Malam Musa Mohammed, has been arrested by the Rights Protection Agency in Niger for setting his 15-year-old son, Bello Musa, ablaze.

    Mrs Mairam Kolo, the Director-General of the agency, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday in Minna.

    She said that the incident occurred around Polytechnic Road, Bida, in Bida Local Government Area of the state.
    Kolo explained that Musa tied the victim up and siphoned petrol from his motorcycle, poured it on the victim and set him on fire because of his alleged frequent quarrels with his elder brother.

    According to her, the quick intervention of neighbours helped save the victim from being burnt to death.

    “During questioning, the father confessed that his action was as a result of the behaviour of the boy, that he is always quarrelling with his elder brother and rude to him.

    “He said that he was tired of the boy’s bad behaviour and had warned him several times to stop fighting his elder brother, but he refused to adhere to the warning,” she said.

    The director-general said that the accused would be charge to court under Section 25 of the Child Rights Law and sections 299 and 348 of the Panel Code Law.

    She said that the victim is receiving treatment at Umaru Ndayako General Hospital, Bida.
    Earlier, the father admitted to have poured petrol on his son and set him ablaze.

    However, he pleaded with the agency for leniency, saying he committed the offence out of anger.

    NAN

  • NOA boss expresses concern over drug abuse among youths

    NOA boss expresses concern over drug abuse among youths

    Alhaji Mato Yakubu, State Director, National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) has decried the high level of indiscipline and drug abuse among youths, especially secondary school students.

    Yakubu expressed his concern during a sensitisation programme on drug abuse among primary school and secondary school students organised at Central Primary School Gombe on Tuesday.

    He said that the agency embarked on the exercise because of the menace of drug abuse and addiction among the youths in the state.

    Yakubu noted that youths were an important segment of society describing them as leaders of tomorrow.

    He advised the youths to shun people with questionable character, avoid all forms of social vices and be at peace with one another.

    The state director said youths should be disciplined, skilled and self-reliant so as to reduce over-dependence on parents and government.

    Also, the state Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), Aliyu Adole said the abuse of drugs had negative effects on the brain and other systems of the body.

    Adole, who was represented by Mohammed Alkali, an officer in the agency, said that students were not supposed to be exposed to hard drugs because it could damage their brains.

    He advised them not accept substances from politicians to commit any crime.

    The commandant also advised students to make sure that they kept good friends and stopped associating with bad friends.

    Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, the Senior District Head of Gombe, also advised students to focus on their studies and develop interest in positive things that would be of benefit to them in future.

    NOA had organised the programme at Community Secondary School, Dukku; Central Primary School, Dukku; and Government Comprehensive, Bojude, Hassan, among others.

    NAN

  • Court rules on Dasuki’s application to stay Metuh’s trial Nov. 1

    Court rules on Dasuki’s application to stay Metuh’s trial Nov. 1

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, will on Nov. 1 rule on whether or not to stay proceedings in a matter between the Federal Government and Olisah Metuh, pending the outcome of an appeal on the matter.

    Former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Sambo Dasuki, a party in the matter, asked the court to stay further proceedings pending the determination of his appeal.

    The court would also rule on whether or not to stay execution on a subpoena order issued against Dasuki to compel him to appear in court to testify in the matter.

    Counsel to Dasuki, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), told the court on Tuesday that his client, on Oct. 30. filed a motion on notice, praying the court to adjourn further proceedings relating to the subpoena order issued on Dasuki.

    According to Raji, further proceedings should be adjourned pending the determination of an application filed in the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay of execution of the subpoena.

    Raji also informed the court that his client also filed a motion asking for accelerated hearing of the appeal and asked the Court of Appeal to give a date to hear the appeal.

    Similarly, counsel to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN) informed the court that his client had filed an application asking the court to set aside an order of subpoena issued on him.

    Ozekhome said that the subpoena issued on his client on Oct. 23 was to compel his client to appear in court and give evidence in the ongoing trial of Metuh.

    Ozekhome, however, said that in the alternative, the court should direct Metuh to deposit N1 billion to cover his client’s traveling expenses from his home town, Otueke to Abuja to attend court.

    “Metuh, should in line with Section 241(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) deposit the sum of N1 billion with the court to cover the traveling expenses of my client.

    “This is to take care of him and his security operatives and other logistics involved in ensuring that my client appears before the court as President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015.”

    He further urged the court to rule on his application before entertaining further processes in the matter as stipulated by relevant authorities.

    Counsel to Metuh, Mr Emeka Etiaba had in his submission, prayed the court to discountenance the submission of the prosecuting counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir that Dasuki had refused to appear in court.

    Etiaba noted that the submission of the prosecution should have been accompanied by an affidavit and not a mere oral submission.

    Tahir had earlier told the court that the Department of State Services (DSS) had made concerted efforts to bring Dasuki to court, but the former NSA had refused to appear in court.

    “I am in touch with the Legal Director of the DSS and he just sent me a text message saying, subject is still adamant and blatantly refuses to be brought to court except by force.

    “But after much exchange, he agreed to appear in court on the subsequent adjourned date, so you may wish to take a date sometime this week.”

    Justice Okon Abang in his ruling, said that all the applications filed by the parties would be entertained on Nov. 1.

    According to Abang, “from what is before me, I cannot conclude that the DSS flaunted the orders of the court, the issue of Dasuki will be handled administratively.’’

    He said the court would first rule on the application of Dasuki on whether or not to stay proceedings on the matter.

    He said that should Dasuki’s application succeed, further proceedings in the matter would be adjourned.

    He, however, said that if the application failed, the court would deliver ruling on the application filed by the former president.

    Metuh who is standing trial for receiving N400 million from Dasuki had asked the court to issue a subpoena on Dasuki and Jonathan, compelling them to appear in court to give evidence.

    NAN

  • Accord Party deregisters Ladoja

    Accord Party deregisters Ladoja

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Accord Party, has directed its Oyo state chapter to deregister Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, from the party.

    Mr Innocent Igbokwe, the chairman, National Working Committee, South East, gave the order on Tuesday during an official visit of the NWC members to the state secretariat of the party at Aremo in Ibadan.

    Igbokwe who described the ex-governor’s exit from the party as a blessing, said it would also pave way for progress and true internal democracy in the party.

    ”Accord party was established in 2006 while Ladoja joined the party in 2010 to contest the state governorship election in 2011.

    ”Accord is a party, no single person can be powerful than the party.

    ”Accord was not funded or owned by Ladoja, so, his defection to another party is his constitutional right and has no significant effect on the party in Oyo or nationwide

    ”The national body of the party did not enjoy his stay since he joined.

    ”The NWC of the party has therefore, directed the state party secretariat to deregister Sen. Rasheed Ladoja’s name from the register of the party.

    ”Also all wards and local councils’ executive members that were sacked by Ladoja are hereby reinstated pending the conduct of another congress,” he said.

    He said that the NWC has also given approval to the list of state executive members submitted by Mrs Adebukola Ajaja, the new leader of Accord Party in the state.

    Igbokwe assured members in the state that internal democracy would be the hallmark of the party.

    He implored all members to support the new leadership and let the progress of the party be paramount in their dealings.

    NAN

  • Yobe urges FG to develop proposed 5,000-hectare grazing reserve

    Yobe urges FG to develop proposed 5,000-hectare grazing reserve

    The Yobe Government on Tuesday appealed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to develop 5,000 hectares of land it received from the state to establish the proposed grazing reserve.

    Dr Mustapha Gaidam, the Manager of Yobe Pilot Development Programme, made the call in an interview in Damaturu.

    He said that Yobe Government donated 5,000 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to enhance the implementation of its cattle ranch programme.

    “The Yobe Government provided Federal Ministry of Agriculture with 2,500 hectares of land at Jakusko/Nazari in Jakusko Local Government Area and another 2,500 hectares at Gumsa in Nguru for the development of the grazing reserve.

    “Yobe State has 28 grazing reserves, out of which 16 have been gazetted,” he said.

    Besides, Gaidam said that the state government had demarcated 1,560 kilometres of cattle routes from 2007 to date.

    “The state government has also constructed water facilities along the cattle routes to curb cattle encroachment into farmlands in search of water.

    “Government has, within the same period of time, vaccinated over six million herds of cattle, goats, sheep and dogs against trans-boundary animal diseases and rabies.

    “It has become a deliberate policy of this administration to maintain healthy animals for public consumption.

    “When a country, state or society has healthy animals; the animals produce healthy meat and milk and this, in turn, translates into healthy human population,” he said.

    NAN

  • Court dissolves 14-year-old marriage for lack of care

    Court dissolves 14-year-old marriage for lack of care

    An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court on Tuesday dissolved the 14-year-old marriage between Funke and her husband, Samson Darmola of lack of care.

    The President of the Court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, dissolved the marriage following the petitioner’s testimony‎ and the refusal of the respondent to appear in court to defend himself.

    He awarded the custody of the three children, namely, Ayomide,14, Lekan, 8, and Timi Daramola,4, to the petitioner, while Adesola Daramola,11, was awarded to the respondent‎.

    Ogunsemi said that the respondent shall be paying N2,500 as monthly upkeep allowance for each of the three children awarded to the petitioner.

    He further ordered that payment of the money shall commence from Oct. 31 through the registry of the court.

    The court president also granted unrestricted access to both parties to visit the children in their custody.

    Funke Daramola, 39, a foodstuff trader and a resident of No. 23, Dalimore St. Ado-Ekiti, had earlier prayed the court to dissolve the marriage on grounds of desertion, lack of  love and care for her and the children.

    The petitioner testified that she deliberately left  the respondent’s house in April 2017 because she was suffering.

    She said that whenever the respondent had money, he would abandon her and her ‎four children for six months and at times one year without considering their welfare.

    Funke explained that ‎she has been the only one responsible for the education and feeding of the children.

    The mother of four children said the ‎respondent did not give her peace of mind  and often maltreated  her.

    The petitioner prayed the court to dissolve his marriage with the respondent ‎because she no longer love him.

    She further prayed the court to award the custody of his four children to her for proper care.

    Funke requested that the petitioner should be paying N2,500 as monthly feeding allowance for  each of the children.

    The mother of four children agreed that she and the respondent would be responsible for the education of the children.

    The respondent, Mr Samson Daramola, ‎a carpenter, refused to honour the court’s  summons thrice to defend himself .

    NAN

  • Obaseki to meet Edo pensioners over unpaid pensions

    Obaseki to meet Edo pensioners over unpaid pensions

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo will meet members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Edo Chapter, with a view to amicably resolving all pension payments-related issues, an official has said.

    Mr Osagiator Ojo, the Head of Administration, Oredo Local Government Council, made the disclosure when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the Joint Account and Allocation Committee meeting.

    The meeting was chaired by Obaseki at Government House in Benin on Tuesday.

    Ojo said  the meeting, which would be attended by representatives of  local government and state government pensioners, was necessary to correct the misinformation about pension payments by the present administration.

    “Government has observed with dismay the gross misinformation that has characterised the payment of pensions in the state.

    “The governor, therefore, would wish to engage the union leadership or the pensioners both at the local and state levels to ensure that this gross misinformation is dispelled and all issues arising to the controversies bothering on pension payments are amicably resolved,” he said.

    Ojo said that the 18 local governments in the state jointly contributed N212. 88 million in August for the payment of pensions and contributed N244. 09 million in September for the same purpose.

    He said that total allocation accrued to the 18 local governments in September and shared in  October was N2.55 billion out of which N1. 46 billion was mandatory expenditure.

    Ojo said that there was significant increase in internal generated revenue by the local governments from N85. 03 million in September to N115.54 million in October.

    He said the governor had directed that a seven-man committee be set up to keep the state government abreast of the crime situation in the different parts of the state.

    NAN