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Tag: Scholars

  • Academy Scholars Program

    This program is open to all recent PhD recipients and doctoral candidates.

    The Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their careers whose work combines disciplinary excellence in the social sciences (including history and law) with a command of the language, history, or culture of non-Western countries or regions. Their scholarship may elucidate domestic, comparative, or transnational issues, past or present.

    The competition for these awards is open only to recent PhD (or comparable professional school degree) recipients and doctoral candidates from all countries across the world. Those still pursuing a PhD should have completed their routine training and be well along in the writing of their theses before applying to become Academy Scholars; those in possession of a PhD longer than three years are ineligible.

    Postdoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $67,000, and predoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $31,000. This stipend is supplemented by funding for conference and research travel, research assistants, and health insurance coverage. Some teaching is permitted but not required.

    Deadline: October 1.

    The completed application will include: Cover letter, Curriculum vitae or resumé, Research proposal (2500 word maximum), Official PhD program transcript and Three letters of recommendation.

    The online application is accessed through the homepage of the Academy’s website. All parts of the application are submitted online except for the official PhD program transcript which must be mailed to the Academy.

    Letters of recommendation need to arrive by the deadline of October 1.

     

  • Scholars seek review of journalism curriculum

    Scholars seek review of journalism curriculum

    A group of scholars and journalists have called for a review of the training curriculum of journalism and mass communication to include conflict reporting.

    At a consultative forum hosted by the Department of Mass Communication of the Covenant University (CU) last Friday, they said Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast has exposed the gap in the training of journalists in covering conflicts.

    They, therefore, called for a review of the curriculum used in journalism schools.  They also underscored the need for re-training of practicing journalists in this area and in the coverage of this month’s general elections.

    A communiqué signed by the participants stated: “We observe that journalists face numerous challenges in covering the 2015 elections and the unfolding insurgency.  We, therefore, recommend enhanced, coordinated and inclusive training of communication practitioners; a review of the curriculum on mass communication and journalism, with specific consideration for the introduction of special courses on conflict reporting.”

    The forum also called for a review of the entry requirements into the profession, which is currently a high school diploma.  They argued that to defend their call for improved welfare for journalists, those employed should be adequately qualified.

    Other recommendations by the participants included the need for improved welfare and security for journalists; the need to tell Nigerian and African stories from local perspective; regulation of hate speech; verification of information on the social media and the need to strengthen professional ethics of journalism.

    Regarding security, they called on the government and the society to provide security for journalists in the course of their assignments.

    They said: “In order to ensure the protection of journalists, media organisations and security agencies should collaborate to ensure the safety of journalists in the course of their assignments; members of the public should contribute to the protection of journalists on duty; media owners should urgently enhance the provision of insurance packages for all journalists; journalists operating in high risk security zones should be covered by life insurance.  They should also be well remunerated.”

    On ethics, they recommended public enlightenment about the existing code of ethics, sanctions for erring journalists and media houses that violate the principles and a review of the journalism/mass communication training curriculum to capture conflict reporting.

    Convener of the forum, Prof Cecil Blake of the Mass Communication Department, CU,  said the forum was organised to help the media to play its role appropriately in building the society.

    “If you look at what in African countries, whenever there are elections, there is automatic tension.  The fourth estate has been guilty in creating aspects of that tension.  The concern is to ascertain that the media, both practitioners and owners, should really work towards the promotion of social cohesion in a nation rather than contribute to its collapse.  And elections have the tendency to provoke that,” he said.

    Participants at the consultative meeting were drawn from the Department of Mass Communication of the university as well as the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), represented by Prof Danjuma Gambo of the University of Maiduguri; Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN), represented by Prof Nosa Owens-Ibie and Dr Odion Odibo; and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), represented by Mr Demiji Kayode-Adedeji, Mr Dele Atunbi, and Mr Kunle Idowu.

    Meanwhile, a professor of political science at the CU, Kunle Amuwo, has underscored the need for the Nigerian state to be the centre of public welfare.

    Amuwo, who delivered the 39th Public Lecture of the university, said doing so would end corruption and other vices.

    Speaking on the topic: “Bullet Versus Ballot: Interrogating Nigeria’s 4th Republic’s Electoral Consultations”, he said: “The most critical political struggle in the aftermath of the forthcoming polls – irrespective of the party that wins at the centre and the presidency – should be centred on bringing the state back into the public sphere and space where it really belongs.  Why we are where we are today, with all the shenanigans of the political elite the Nigerian people routinely put up with, is because the Nigerian state ceased long ago…to be a public agency that gives happiness and welfare to Nigerians.”

    The university’s  Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Ayo Charles, urged Nigerians to choose the ballot over the bullet – just as the Israelites were admonished to choose life over death in the Bible.

     

  • Scholars seek help for journalists in elections, insurgency reporting

    A group of scholars and journalists is seeking reforms to empower reporters to effectively cover the general elections and insurgency in the Northeast.

    The professionals spoke at the weekend at Covenant University’s guest house in Ota, Ogun State.

    They urged the government, media owners and the public to improve security, training and welfare for journalists, particularly when they cover sensitive assignments, such as elections and insurgency.

    The participants at the consultative meeting were drawn from the Department of Mass Communication of the university, the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    In a communiqué by its convener, Prof Cecil Blake of the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University and the representatives of the other groups, the forum urged the government and the society to provide security for journalists in the course of their duties.

    The communique reads: “The forum recognises that the government is constitutionally responsible for the protection of lives and property, especially towards the 2015 elections and the unfolding insurgency in some parts of the country. We also recognise that journalists in Nigeria are exposed to danger, especially in the coverage of elections and the unfolding insurgency.

  •  Tales from NDDC’s foreign scholars

     Tales from NDDC’s foreign scholars

    The Niger Delta Development Commission’s decision to build qualitative capacity through its yearly overseas post-graduate scholarship programme for indigenes of the region is one of the best things to happen to the oil-bearing areas. This is even more so because, after all, the human resource is more important than physical infrastructure.” That was the opinion of Mr. Lenin Francis, one of the 210 beneficiaries of the 2014 Post-Graduate Foreign Scholarship programme sponsored by the NDDC.

    Francis, who is from Bayelsa State and has enrolled for a Masters’ degree in petroleum engineering in the University of Salford, England, sees the programme as a capacity builder that will equip the youths to join in developing the Niger Delta. “I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme which has helped many youths in the region. The commission should also extend the scholarship to other students at the undergraduate level as well, in order to increase the number of beneficiaries.”

    He said the foreign scholarship was a boost not just for the beneficiaries but for the entire Niger Delta, because it would give the youths the opportunity to develop themselves and acquire technical expertise for the benefit of the people of the region.

    Mr. Stevyn Akosubo, another beneficiary who is heading to Coventry University in the United Kingdom, said the NDDC had given them an opportunity to widen their horizon and open their eyes to international best practices. “It is going to enhance the knowledge I have acquired here in Nigeria. It is a great opportunity for me to meet and interact with other students from different parts of the world. We owe our country and the Niger Delta, in particular, a duty to succeed,” he said.

    He further said that the scholarship scheme, which was given to 210 graduates in this batch from the nine Niger Delta states, needs to be increased.  ”It is clearly insufficient for the teeming youths of the region. Currently, the scholarship scheme is enjoyed by less than 15 per cent of qualified applicants, with some states getting only 10 slots. Surely, the NDDC can improve on this number,” he said.

    Giving her own perspective, Miss Amaka Uchendu, who is heading to the University of Essex in the UK, said that the youths often find it difficult to start their lives after their first degrees. “With this scholarship programme, it will be easier for us to go for the opportunities which we may not otherwise have been able to pursue on account of not having money. So, the NDDC has helped us to kick start our lives and we say a big thank you to the commission for giving us the opportunity to move forward and make our lives better.”

    The young graduates who are all set to jet out of the country for their post-graduate studies were all gathered at the Landmark Hotel, Port Harcourt to collect their scholarship award letters. The successful graduates from the 9 states in the Niger Delta were also given pre-departure briefings and put through a formal orientation.

    In his address to the NDDC scholars, the Managing Director of the commission, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, charged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the foreign universities by applying themselves studiously to their academic programmes, so as to excel in their chosen fields of study.

    The NDDC Managing Director, who was represented by Barr. Sunday Obiofiong, his Special Adviser on Administration and Human Resources, assured the scholars that funds for their school fees and accommodation would not be delayed for any reason. He told them that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for them to emulate. “Those before you did not disappoint us and we trust that you too will make us proud by your conduct and academic achievements,” he said.

    He said that the commission would continue to sponsor Niger Delta students to universities across the globe, and in return expect worthy response and commitment as an appreciation of the fact that the monies expended on them belonged to the people.

    The NDDC Director for Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Solomon Ita, explained that the Foreign Post- Graduate Scholarship Scheme, which was started 4 years ago, was meant to equip Niger Delta youths with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the local content programme of the Federal Government.

    He said that since the inception of the scheme, the NDDC had trained 811 graduates at post-graduate level, noting that the commission had consistently sponsored 200 students yearly to foreign universities to acquire Master’s and Doctorate degrees in science disciplines. This year, he said, the number was increased to 210. He explained that emphasis was placed on science disciplines because of a noticeable deficiency in this area in the oil industry, which made it difficult to employ young graduates from the region in that critical sector. “You know we have a lot of gaps in our oil and gas sector, and that is what we desire in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large”.

    According to him, there was need to position young graduates from the region to compete globally in various professional fields, noting that before now, the oil and gas industry had discriminated against the fresh graduates whom they dismissed as not possessing requisite qualifications. ”We also need to encourage our youths to show interest in engineering for the sake of our projects. We need qualified engineers that can manage our projects just as in agriculture, environmental science and other science related courses,” the director said.

    Dr. Ita stressed that the foreign scholarship scheme was designed to expose the graduates to other developed environment outside the country. “It is our belief that the skills they acquire will add value to the development of the Niger Delta. So far, we have been proved right as those that benefited from the programme in the previous years have justified the need for the advanced training programme,” he said.

    He recalled the outstanding performance of one of the beneficiaries who studied in the United Kingdom in 2012. The star NDDC scholar of that year, Miss Francisca Chiedu, was elected as President of the United Kingdom University Student Union. That feat, he said, demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. “Her success was indeed a victory for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerian to effect the change they seek and champion worthy causes they desire.”

    The NDDC director said he was optimistic that the process adopted in selecting beneficiaries of the foreign scholarship scheme would continue to produce first class performers. “it will guarantee the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large, the likes of Francisca Chiedu, the Information Engineering and Network Management student in the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, who brought glory to NDDC, the region and nation.”

    Miss Chiedu, a University of Benin Computer Science graduate, showed appreciation for what the NDDC did for her. She wrote back to the commission to say that “truly life presents us with different opportunities. For me, every moment in our life offered a door, all I had to do was choose, I chose to dream, I chose to think, I choose to move, I chose to act and I chose to win.”

    Other potential winners have been lining up to be raised by the NDDC. It was not surprising, therefore, that 4, 000 graduates applied for this year’s post-graduate foreign scholarship programme. The successful ones were selected through a transparent electronic examination conducted at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. Mr. Asawo Ibituro, a consultant for the electronic test, said that e- exams promote transparency. “There is no room for anybody to change your grade since your picture and details are in the system, after writing the examination your score is reflected immediately”.

    The interview process for this year’s foreign postgraduate scholarship was concluded in April and the students were supposed to have reported at their universities in September. However, there were some delays which were attributed to the budgetary process of the Federal Government.

    One of the candidates who participated in the final interview, Mr. Peter Keshi, said: “Following the transparent and swift manner in which the tests and interview process was conducted, we expected quite a lot. This year’s qualifying exams for the scholarship programme were rounded up on the 5th of April, we were invited for interviews shortly in that same month and the interview process was equally done on the 24th of April. One would have expected that all successful candidates would by this time be in their various universities across the world.”

    Keshi didn’t have to wait for too long as the NDDC had finalised all arrangements to facilitate the movement of the graduates to their various universities for their post-graduate studies. The beneficiaries who attended the orientation/pre-departure briefing were visibly anxious to get moving. As they were being briefed by Mr. Umanaette Udoh, an NDDC consultant, the UK-bound graduates were impatient, listening to how to get around London. One of them asked: “Who wants to learn how to use the sub-way? Some of us have been living in London for many years now.”

  • Scholars demand better welfare for journalists

    Media owners have been advised to pay journalists well, to enable them meet their responsibilities.

    This was contained in a communiqué at the end of a two-day conference organised by the Association of Communications Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

    The event attracted stakeholders and professors of Mass Communication.

    ACSPN, according to the communiqué, would partner the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory authorities to re-design the media and communication curriculum. The ACSPN also advocated an improved welfare for media scholars and professionals.

    The association agreed to partner NUC to institute a six-month mandatory industrial training for media and communication students.

    Also, the apex body for mass communicators recommended that conflict reporting should be included in the media and communication curriculum and urged journalists to report conflict with a sense of responsibility. The association frowned at the use of inflammatory, misleading and sensational headlines by the media to attract sales and advised that such should be discouraged.

    It recommended that proper and responsible journalism should be encouraged among professionals, particularly journalists, to reduce the psychology of fear intended by terrorist groups.

    The association encouraged young female communication scholars and professionals to be active members of ACSPN as a way of improving their competencies and impacts in the industry. It recommended that communication institutions and associations in public relations, marketing communications, broadcasting and film production should promote professionalism.

    ACSPN advised communication scholars and professionals on the need to frame children and youth issues as they were a vulnerable group that must be given special attention.

    The media, according to the communiqué, needed   to get acquainted with and adopt the conflict sensitive approach in reporting elections in the country.

    The media was also enjoined to develop capacity as mediators in political conflicts by paying attention to their gate-keeping, agenda- setting and status- conferral roles in political reporting process.

    Prof. Idowu Sobowale, Prof. Lai Oso and Prof. Owems-Ibie Nosa were re-elected as the Chairman Board of Trustees, President and General- Secretary.

    Others are Prof. Umaru Bête, Deputy President. Six vice-presidents were elected for the six geopolitical zones:

    Dr. Wilson Joseph, Northeast; Prof. Kate Omenugha, Southeast; Dr. Beatrice Okonkwo, Northcentral; and Dr. Odion Odiboh, Southwest.

  • LBS woos young scholars

    Some of the nation’s brightest minds will hone their research skills and gain first-hand exposure to academic life at the forthcoming Lagos Business School (LBS) Young Talents Programme.

    The one-day programmes scheduled for August 1, is aimed at building a relationship with students and young graduates. It will also offer successful candidates research scholarship opportunities and build a network of future LBS faculty.

    The LBS Young Talents Programme is open to second-year undergraduates and above, including M.Sc holders and corps members (not older than 30) with first-class or second-class-upper honours degrees.

    They will be exposed to the LBS culture, history and inspiration.  They will also learn about career channels in management, research and teaching, including the day-to-day activities of faculty, researchers and administrative staff.

    “The programme will bring talented people in contact with a world-class institution where they will learn what it takes to begin an academic career,” explained Dr Uchenna Uzo, faculty lead on the programme.

    “It is also an institutionalised way of getting good talent who can become faculty or administrative staff now and in the future,” he said.

    As with other LBS activities, the relationship with participants will be maintained after the event so the benefits they derive will be sustained.

    Dr Franca Ovadje, member of the faculty team, said Young Talents Programme could not have come at a better time.

    “LBS strives to be a world-class business school with a significant impact on the African environment. The Young Talents Programme (YTP) aims to develop strong academics who will transform society through their knowledge and research. YTP will prepare participants for an academic career in business management,” she said.

  • Tales from Peterside scholars

    Tales from Peterside scholars

    Beneficiaries of overseas post-graduate scholarship scheme bankrolled by the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, narrate how the scheme many of them doubted has changed their lives, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

    Almost all of them doubted it. In the last few months, however, their lives and world views have been shaped by it. Victor Pepple. Tana Ofik. Barthemeaus Utong. Opuada Oko-jaja. Raymond Awortu. Prince Ogbilikana. Hope Ngerebara. Hanson Pepple. And Zipporah Harry. They were the doubting Thomases, whose homes in the last few months have been London and Scotland, United Kingdom, where they are undergoing post-graduate degree programmes at no cost to them. Their bills are settled by a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside. He represents the Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency where these young men hail from.

    Pepple said he was “badly ridiculed into this glorious opportunity today by my elder cousin, Theophilus Pepple”. It all started during the Christmas season of 2012 when posters for the Peterside overseas post-graduate scholarship scheme were pasted everywhere in Opobo Town and designated collection centres in Port Harcourt. When he saw it, he had cold feet about it. Reason: his previous experiences with sourcing for a scholarship to study abroad had always been a last minute disappointment even in situations where he met the criteria.

    He felt this was just going to be another bad case.

    So, he did not pick up the form until January 2013 when he saw that a cousin whom he hinted about the scheme had collected the form. He became an object of ridicule at home and hence got the form.

    Though he had the dream of studying abroad someday, but how that would happen was largely a dream since he could not afford it. Raised from a humble background, he had faith that one day, his breakthrough would come.

    Like Pepple, Oko-jaja did not attach much importance to information about the scholarship. In his words: “I got to hear about the scholarship from a friend, Mr. Tammy Aloma Cookey who travelled to Opobo Town for Christmas break in 2012. However, I received the information softly as I believed its outcome was going to be business as usual because of my previous experience in scouting for scholarships and jobs.

    “Reluctantly, I got the form because of the pressure from my parents. Shortly after the submission, I was called by a friend from the university (FUTO) where I was undergoing a post graduate diploma in Geo-Physics that my name was announced over the radio, inviting me for a test at the ICT centre at Aba Road,Port Harcourt. I never prepared for the exam because I was frustrated with the business-as-usual and man-know-man virus that had eaten deep into the country and I had no one that could assist me.”

    Utong did not have much doubt having benefitted from a scholarship scheme in the past. Utong, who is studying for an MSc in Mechanical Engineering in Kingston University, London, earlier studied at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia campus through the Rivers State government scholarship and was hoping to further his studies but could not due to lack of funds.

    In the end, it turned out the fears of Pepple and others were unfounded.

    Pepple said: “After the submission of completed form, I was told about the selection test by a friend of mine who heard my name announced over the radio, inviting shortlisted candidates for the test which held at the Rivers State ICT Centre along Aba Road Port Harcourt. I came into the hall barely having had about three days to prepare for the test; not knowing what to expect, I literally came in for the exam fasting. It was the first and most transparent public exam I have ever taken in my life. Not only did we see our scores on display at the expiration of allotted time for the exam, the decision on who has been awarded the scholarship was made right on the spot based on the result of the test. I emerged the first candidate for Engineering from Opobo Town. Even at that, I was still apprehensive as to whether there would still be last minute substitution of candidates. To God be the glory, nothing of such was done.”

    Oko-jaja said: “Surprisingly, I met the shocker of my life. After the exam, the result was printed out in hard copy and given to us. I thought that was all. As I was about to leave the venue, we were called back and the decision was made publicly and successful candidates were picked, which I was also part of. At that instance, I began to have hope in the system that shortly the change we are clamouring for will come, when positions will be awarded on merit. This has been the first, unprecedented and transparent public exam I have ever taken in my life at that moment.”

     

    Good enough to emulate

    Pepple, who is studying for a Master of Science degree in Engineering Business Management at the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, said Peterside has kept his part of the bargain. He said full tuition and upkeep allowance as promised by the scholarship board have been paid.

    “We were credited with over six months’ maintenance allowance for living expenses before arriving the UK. Beyond that, the Honourable has come to visit us in person to see how we are faring. This I find very rare of any public office holder in his capacity. For this, I remain eternally grateful.”

    In their e-interviews, they urged other leaders to emulate Peterside.

    Utong said to the best of his knowledge, the process of selection was transparent, adding: “If there is interference, may be I would not have been selected.”

    The son of His Royal Highness, Chief and Mrs. Abraham Utong of Ilotombi Community in Andoni Local Government, said: “Dakuku Peterside is one of the rare leaders we have. He is an achiever and a true believer of transparent, generous and selfless leadership. I strongly encourage all politicians to emulate the sincerity and kind heart of Hon. Peterside to his people. Hon. Dakuku Peterside is a man of his words, God-fearing, sincere to his people, down-to-earth, selfless, generous and principled. And I want to congratulate him for all his achievements.”

    Oko-jaja, who bagged his Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and studying Msc in Environmental Management in the University of Bedfordshire, said Peterside has written his name with an indelible ink.

    “He is a man with the heart of gold and empathy for the all. A man of the people. Most times I get amazed at his humility. He is a selling brand all over the nation. I implore our leaders to emulate this icon.”

    Ofik, a native of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, currently studying for an M.Sc. in Subsea Engineering, said: “I got selected as a beneficiary of the Hon. Peterside’s overseas post-graduate scholarship in June of 2013 after a very transparent selection process in which I emerged the best candidate for the engineering disciplines. The scholarship covers my tuition and living costs at the University of Aberdeen. Till date, the Hon. Dakuku Peterside has followed through with all the promises made to the scholarship beneficiaries. I am thus confident that I will not have any financial worries all through my degree programme. Academically, the experience so far has been quite tasking, as I have been enrolled in a world renowned university with an excellent reputation in engineering studies related to oil and gas development. I have had the opportunity to meet key industry players and develop both personally and professionally. This had only existed as a dream for me before the scholarship but today it’s become a reality. Many thanks to Hon. Dakuku Peterside. He is truly a leader who has the concern of the people at heart.”

    Pepple added: “The name Dakuku Peterside will forever remain engrained in the hearts of many, for being a man who helped in writing the history of many generations even yet unborn. Beyond being a fast selling brand in Rivers State, the man has modestly proved that his words are honourable and he keeps his promise. He said he would empower the people of his constituency with qualitative education abroad, he did it. He said he would not interfere with the selection process for the candidates, not even on grounds of any primordial sentiments, and he did it. This I find very remarkable because if it were otherwise, people like me would most likely never have been on the preferred list and I know it. Whilst I strive to make the best of this opportunity given me, I urge all and sundry to emulate Hon. Dakuku Peterside in creating more empowerment opportunities for the upcoming generation, lest we remain in the woods.”

     

    Benefits of the initiative

    Pepple, who bagged his Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum and Gas Engineering (Gas Engineering Option) from the University of Port Harcourt, class of 2010/2011, said: “Every honest and right-thinking mind would agree that education is the greatest legacy any society can give to its youths in order to secure a sustainable future. In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. Hence, Hon. Dakuku Peterside is championing the individual initiative and effort to empower youths of his federal constituency with life-time training, skills and competences that will outlive time and temporary materialistic gains.

    “The concern of capital flight in paying foreign expertise to develop the state and nation at large is gradually put to rest as local professionals are now exposed to world-class education and training which can be deployed in growing the national economy. As Benjamin Franklin rightly noted: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’.”

    Awortu agrees that the scheme must be bought into by other leaders. Said he: “I strongly recommend that this exemplary leadership be emulated by other people in positions of authority. For this man who is developing human capacity in the communities and, by extension, the state at large instead of giving out guns, we must salute him.”

    Awortu, who is studying at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, added: “Hon. Dakuku Peterside is an exceptional leader, a capacity builder, a community developer, a bridge builder, a man of his words (Talku na do man) and I will forever remain grateful to God for bringing him my way.”

    Miss Ngerebara, who is studying for an Msc in Information Systems and Data Management, believes the country will develop better if leaders emulate Peterside.

    She said: “Hon. Peterside is a very humble and kind-hearted man because only someone with such qualities will remember his people and carry out such charitable work. He has proven to be a great leader, who not only believes he needs to carry his people along but has also shown me that he really believes in our youths being the future; that is why he has done this. This kind act of his has inspired me greatly to give back no matter the position I get to because alot of people out there need it and to say a big thank you to Warisenibo Hon Dakuku Peterside.”

  • How to achieve peace, harmony, by scholars

    The rapidly deteriorating security situation in the country with increasing cases of avoidable loss of lives and properties is causing serious concern among stakeholders who are worried at the little responses coming from the security agencies.

    Of particular concern are the activities of various insurgents, kidnappers, ritualists and rapists across regions that have become more daring, forcing many to doubt the ability of the security agencies to contain the situation and nip these heinous crimes in the bud.

    Against this background, a group of Islamic scholars under the aegis of the Conference of Islamic Organis-ation (CIO), met in Lagos recently to address the situation during the 5th Conference of Imams and Scholars.

    The event, with the theme “Islam: Mercy to Mankind” held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) main auditorium, Akoka and had in attendance Islamic scholars from different parts of Lagos state.

    The scholars proffered that to achieve peace and harmony in the country, the government must be on her toes at all times.

    CIO Secretary General, Ustadh Luqman Yusuf enjoined security agencies to step up their intelligence gathering efforts stressing that the activities of the insurgents could be curbed if proper intelligence were conducted.

    “Those who are carryings out killings, kidnappings, ritual murder among other illicit acts are not super human and do not possess the kind of training our security agencies have, so they (security agencies) need to justify the confidence the society repose in them”.

    Failure to quickly curb the menace, he said, portends danger for the polity.

    Aside security issue, Ustadh Yusuf, said the forum was to remind the world that Islam stands for human progress, love and peace.

    In a lecture entitled: ‘Connection between correct understanding of Islam and peaceful nation’, CIO’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i said, it is very imperative to practise pristine Islam to avoid conflicts being experienced everywhere.

    The revered scholar said there is perfect correlation between correct understanding of Islam and peaceful co-existence in the society.

    He urged Muslim youth to study and understand Islam very well before engaging in any activity.

    “A nation close to correct understand of Islam will experience peaceful life,” Shafi’i said.

    “Lack of correct understanding of religion will breed vices. In fact, scholars have opined that there should be proper mentoring of the youths in their practice of Islam. The problem in the society is because of wrong understanding of Islamic tenets. Those who are astray constitute nuisance to the nation,” he stated.

    The Islamic scholar also stated some things that he said must be upheld to achieve a peaceful society.

    He said: “There should be correct knowledge and conviction of Islam; practising with wisdom and friendship and tolerance towards others in the society.”

    In order to bring about genuine peace and just society, he said, government must provide security in all facets of life.

    Shafi’i said: “There are six things the Islamic Sharia’ has come to protect which should be the focus of all governments: security of life, religion, intellect, wealth and property, human dignity, and unborn babies.”

    He decried government dilly-dally on how best to resolve the botched recruitment examination into the Immigration Service.

    “The National Immigration Service jobs death still remains a national disaster. In fact, the government ought to resign because of the embarrassment the incident has brought to our nation. The automatic employment promised for the families of the victims is inadequate. From Islamic perspective, government should pay the blood money equivalent to N36 million for each victim,” he said.

    The second speaker, Sheik Abdul-Ganiy Adenle, who spoke on ‘Islamic values and culture: a mercy to mankind,’ said all what Islam brought is full of mercy to mankind, noting that even the philosophy of punishment is tantamount to be kindness to both the offender and the society at large.

    Sheik Adenle said: “Islamic culture and morals are stemmed from the root of mercy. The promulgation of Islamic law is a mercy from Allah: Hijab, the Muslim women mode of dressing, is to protect their honour and dignity; marriage in Islam has come to protect waywardness and children that will constitute nuisance in the society.

    “Equally inheritance distribution according to Islam is to avoid rancour and enmity that arise in property distribution to deceased children.

    “Even some prohibitions like intoxicants and fornication are served as security of life and health. So this is how we find in Islamic Shari’a justice, mercy and good life as enjoined by Allah.”

    He added that the non-Muslims should understand that Islam with its values and culture cannot be a cause of backwardness and restriction to human freedom.

  • Why insecurity thrives in the North, by Islamic scholars

    Why insecurity thrives in the North, by Islamic scholars

    •Beg insurgents to accept amnesty

    Muslim leaders in the North yesterday blamed the insecurity in the region on lack of sound knowledge, effective leadership and social irresponsibility.

    They appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to accept the amnesty offer.

    In a communiqué at the end of a conference on the role of Muslim scholars in fostering unity, peace and security organised by the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), they blamed government for not prosecuting those found to have perpetrated violence in the country.

    The communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee, Prof. S. Junaidu and the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, condemned the increasing cases of corruption in the country, urging the government to address the issues.

    The communiqué reads: “The prevailing security challenges are partly as a result of the individual and collective inability of the Ulama to stand up to their responsibility in terms of teaching and disseminating sound knowledge and giving effective leadership.

    “That government’s refusal to institute judicial process of inquiry or prosecution as the case may be, against people arrested and are accused of perpetrating violence is an abdication of cardinal leadership responsibility that smacks of insensitivity in governance.

    “That since unity of Muslims is a cardinal obligation, the Conference implored the scholars to uphold, foster and promote it and that scholars must stand up to their rightful position as heirs of the Prophet to shun vices and tread the path of piety and righteousness in order to discharge their obligation of guiding the Ummah duly and effectively, especially as it pertains to the issue of unity.”

    It added that Muslim scholars must uphold the principle of mutual fairness, clemency, tolerance, love and respect towards one another to promote unity.

    It said since national security was a necessity for all and sundry, every Nigerian must take the sustenance of peace and tranquility as a duty.

    The leaders observed that Muslim scholars should buckle up in their efforts at educating the general public on the tenets of Islam, inculcating moral uprightness, and in providing effective community-based leadership and social responsibility.

    They added: “That the lessons of the life and times of the Sokoto Caliphate leaders and the rich intellectual legacy they left behind pertaining to unity, peace and security must be studied explored and utilized for the purpose of engendering and promoting harmonious co-existence in the country.

    “That leaders should stop patronising rapacious and pseudo scholars, if at all they have sincerity of purpose in governance.

    “That as evidence of good governance, government at all levels should lead in fighting the endemic corruption in the country by strictly upholding the rule of law against the perpetrators and promoters of that national scourge.

    “That the three tiers of governments in the country should be alive to their responsibilities by facilitating conducive economic atmosphere for youth employment and by providing social amenities and infrastructural facilities as a guarantee for people’s welfare and comfort.

    “That government should protect the rights of its people with a great sense of equity and justice to all for the purpose of entrenching peaceful coexistence and inter-religious harmony in the country according to Nigerian law. In any case, the rule of law must be upheld and respected.

    “That the government can curtail youthful restiveness only by addressing the problems of unemployment, drug abuse, sexual perversion, indiscipline and undue radicalization of any type.”

    They called for the trial of anybody found culpable of perpetrating violence and aggression against peace loving Nigerians .

    It urged the insurgents to tread the path of peace and accept the dialogue as offered by the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North.

    “That to promote sound knowledge and moral and character training among the youth, the government must make religious education compulsory in the education system, especially at the primary and secondary levels,” it said.

     

  • MTN charges football scholars to be good Ambassadors

    MTN charges football scholars to be good Ambassadors

    The Nigerian leading communications company, MTN, has charged the winners of the last year edition of the MTN Football Scholars to be good ambassadors of not only their families, but also the MTN brand and the country as a whole. This was at the send forth dinner organised for the successful candidates who are leaving for various US and Canadian Universities this September at the Victoria Crown Hotel, in Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.

    Saidat Mohammed-Lawal, Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN while speaking on behalf of the telecommunications company, encouraged the young boys to be good representatives of the country. “At MTN we realise that people have passions for different things, that is why we support music and sports, with MTN Football Scholar we have decided to support the passion of teeming Nigerian youths, that is why we are supporting their education careers through their passion, which is football. In the first season we sent out four football scholars, now we are sending out eight, and we look forward to end out more in the ongoing season 3. Only thing I will like to tell our brothers that are going out now is to be good ambassadors of themselves, families, the brand and the nation as a whole” she declared.

    Meanwhile, the young boys who are leaving for various universities in the US and Canada has continued to express their gratitude to MTN for the opportunities. The boys who spoke unanimously, in the presence of the visiting scouts and football academics from United States stated that it was indeed a dream come true.

    Oyeniyi Adebare, a graduate of International College, Wasinmi, Ogun State who has secured admission to Skidmore College in the US and Precious Ozoh, from Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Nassarawa, who has also secured admission through the MTN Football Scholar initiative in the Season 2 to Holderness School also in the United States, said words will never be enough to express their feelings at the moment.

    The trials for the ongoing season 3 edition ended in at the Legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos, on Sunday, with forty young academically sound football talents who were picked from the nationwide trials in the sit cities of Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Akure, Abuja and Lagos slugged it out in the presence of indigenous and foreign coaches and scouts for a placement in the academic which will usher in the process for final winners in the season 3.