The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Stakeholders

  • Stakeholders’ reactions

    Analysts say this will help balance the Nigerian bourse, give investors options for sector rotation as well as reduce volatility associated with a single name dragging down the entire market.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Victor Ogiemwonyi, CEO, Partnership Investment Plc, who is also the president Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) declared that the listing of MTN may translate to 20 percent of NSE market capitalisation.

    “The NSE needs a big issue such as this to ginger the market. It is a welcomed decision to list the shares,” the AIHN boss said.

    Also commenting on the MTN listing, Sir Sunny Nwosu, the National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said the move by MTN is going to change a lot of things in the capital market.

    “People will be interested because it is a perishable investment which means that it is a cash cow but the fact is how much are they going to list. Will it be attractive to the retail investors? The reason was that they have done a private placement in the past which was not reachable to the retail or smallholder.”

    Speaking also on the development, a stockbroker with Calyxt Securities Ltd, Mr. Tunde Oyediran, said the investing public will be thrilled to see shares of MTN listed on the floor of the NSE, a development that is long overdue.

    “It is good news to the market and it is also a commendable one. This will also give hope for better inclusion because, as it is today, MTN is still sold at over the counter market and what it means is that only a few big boys with big pockets will benefit from it as shareholders,” he stated.

  • Why other aspirants should step down for George, by Lagos PDP stakeholders

    Why other aspirants should step down for George, by Lagos PDP stakeholders

    • Southwest Reconciliation Committee to meet aggrieved chieftains

    Efforts to unite the Southwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the proposed national convention, has kicked off as the members of the Reconciliation Committee resolved to meet with aggrieved chieftains to resolve the zoning crisis.

    The Reconciliation Committee, party sources disclosed, is expected to meet with four aggrieved blocs in the zone between now and next week to harmonise positions on the zoning of the national chairmanship.

    The aggrieved blocs are Senator Kashamu Buruji and his camp, the factional zonal leadership, led by Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, aggrieved national chairmanship aspirants and factional executives from Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Ogun states.

    Members of the Reconciliation Committee include Chief Yekini Adeojo, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Kofo Bucknor, Chief Ebenezer Babatope Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, Alhaja Salmont Badru, Elder Wole Oyelese and Dr. Eddy Olafeso.

    The zoning crisis has escalated in the Southwest, following the decision of the zonal leadership to zone the position to Ogun and Lagos states. The two PDP governors; Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State and his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, jointly presided over the meeting where the decision was taken, following the decision of the Ahmed Makarfi-led National caretakr Committee to zone the slot to the Southwest.

    There are five national chairmanship aspirants from the zone. Two of them, Chief Bode George and Mr. Jimi Agbaje, are from Lagos. Otunba Gbenga Daniel is from Ogun State. But, the other two aspirants who are not favoured by the “zoning within zoning;” Prof. Taoheed Adedoja from Oyo State and Prof. Tunde Adeniran from Ekiti State, have kicked against their exclusion.

    Some party leaders from Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states have also rejected the new arrangement, saying that it was in bad faith. At the ratification meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Monday, factional chairmen from the three states stormed out, decrying what they described as injustice.

    A source said: “The Reconciliation Committee has identified four aggrieved blocs. Between now nd next week, the members will traverse the length and breath of the zone to pacify aggrieved members. Some people left the Akure meeting in annoyance. They must be pacified. The purpose is to ensure that we put our house together, ahead of the Port Harcourt convention.”

    The reconciliation notwithstanding, the aspirants have intensified their campaigns in the zone. Yesterday, Lagos State PDP Stakeholders Forum reiterated its support for the chairmanship ambition of Chief Bode George, urging other contestants, including Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and Mr. Jimi Agbaje, to step down for him.

    Rising from a meeting in Lagos, prominent party leaders alleged that Southeast and Southsouth governors were trying to impose Agbaje, who was sponsored for last year’s governorship election by George and other leaders.

    The chieftains described the pharmacist-turned politician as a new comer who may not be able to reconcile party members at this critical stage when the party is torn apart by leadership crisis.

    Former Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Philip Aigboji, who spoke on their behalf, reiterated that George has been endorsed as a consensus candidate, even before he was endorsed by the Southwest PDP leadership.

    He said George, who had served as national vice chairman, national deputy chairman and presidential campaign coordinator, is more qualified than a new comer who lacks experience in party management.

    Aigboji added: “We have absolute confidence in Chief Olabode George. We do not need a non-starter to lead our party. There are some aspirants claiming to be in the race after the party has zoned the slot toOgun and Lagos states. We will not tolerate indiscipline and disloyalty in the PDP.”

    The former commissioner complained about the antics of elements, who he described as extraneous forces working against the interest of the Southwest, advising them to desist from dividing the zone.

    He recalled that the Southwest PDP had been robbed of the Speakership of the House of Representatives in the past, owing to the divisive tendencies of internal and external forces militating against the unity and interest of the region.

    Aigboji added: “The proper thing is that other aspirants-Prof. Adeniran, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Raymond Dokpesi and Uche Secondus should step down. We all know who the cap fits. Justice and fairness demand that the Southwest should be allow to pick its preferred choice. We are passing theougj a phase now. Our party will come out stronger.”

  • WAEC, stakeholders dialogue on malpractice

    Acting Head of Test Administration for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mrs Francisca Iweha-Onukwu, has called on all stakeholders in the education sector to join in fighting examination malpractice.

    Giving her opening remarks at the 2016 National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Examination Malpractice held at Dansol High School, Ogba, Mrs Iweha-Onukwu said the war against examination malpractice cannot be won by examining bodies alone, without the cooperation of parents, teachers, proprietors, and others.

    She said it was important to check examination malpractice because of its adverse effect on the society.

    “When extraneous factors affect the conduct of an examination, the purposes which the results of such examinations are meant to serve are also affected. Such purposes could include determination of level of achievement, promotion, admission, employment or even the licensing of the practice of a profession,” she said.

    In a paper titled: “Examination Malpractice, Causes, Sanctions, and Remedies”, the Senior Assistant Registrar, Head of Examination, Ikeja, Mrs Alero John-Nwafa, identified many causes of examination malpractices, including: “poor infrastructure, emphasis on certificate, parental pressure, poor supervision of candidates, poor coverage of syllabuses,” among others.

    She said the effect of perpetrating examination malpractice not only leads to cancellation of results but a loss of confidence in the education system.

    Mrs John-Nwafa also read a list of consequences that follow being caught as an exam cheat, which include cancelation of subject or entire results of candidates, and ban or imposition of fine (N250,000) on schools involved.

    To check examination malpractice, she recommended that the values of students be re-oriented; schools be equipped with requisite facilities and employ qualified teachers; parents should pay more attention to their wards, among others.  She also called for the establishment of a body to deal with offenses.

    “There should be a special commission against examination malpractice like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC,” she said.

    The paper generated discussions by a panel of seasoned test administrators and educators.  Teachers and pupils among the audience also contributed their views.

    Mr Abiodun Oni, a representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education warned that failure to check examination malpractice could increase unrest in the society.

    “If examination malpractice is not eradicated totally, the society will not have any rest.  You will have people displaying professional misconduct at every level,” he warned.

    Alhaji Kafar Babatunde, Ag Head of Test Development, WAEC, blamed poor facilities in school and parental pressure for examination malpractices.  He said many public schools lack facilities to prepare their candidates for public examination.

    “I was in a state, exam was starting the next week and they were asking schools to come for laboratory equipment.  It means the students had not been doing practical. Definitely, it would encourage malpractice,” he said.

    Kafar also shared how a parent sought his help to give expo to her son so he could pass.  He said he gave the boy past questions instead.

    “When I gave him the past questions, he was very sad.  But he studied them and passed very well.  After that, he respected me,” he said.

    Kafar said it was a shame that WAEC can no longer keep question papers ahead of time in custody of school principals like in the past.

    “In those days the question papers were kept with principals and the scripts collected some days after the examination.  Can we do that now?  If you know the stress WAEC is going through to conduct examination, you would pity us.  By 4am, when exam is on, our staff will be on the road because we cannot give question papers to anybody.  We used to give questions to banks, police station, imams, pastors…they all betrayed us,” he lamented.

    Principal of Faith Academy, Gowon Estate, Mr Ishola Ayoade, warned pupils to desist from examination malpractice because the success it brings does not last.

    “Examination malpractice looks like an easy route to success.  It is fast but does not last.  It denies you of the true definition of success.  You cannot have true success without hard work,” he said.

    For teachers of Lagos public schools, being implicated as abetting examination malpractices has dire consequences, said Mr Moshood Rafiu of the Lagos State Ministry of Education.  He said teachers who were caught in the past were demoted, dismissed or issued serious warning.  He also said public schools de-recognised for perpetrating examination malpractice did not get help from the government to pay the N250,000 fine to WAEC.

    Ruth Lawal, a pupil of Abibat Mogaji Senior Secondary School, Ojodu, said some pupils may be forced to cheat in exams because they stay with guardians who do not support their education fully.

    “Most pupils living with guardians find it difficult to study.  Eighty per cent of guardians do not encourage their wards to study.  They load them with too many chores,” she said.

  • Stakeholders worry about reading culture at book launch

    Nigeria is in danger of breeding  poor readers and semi-literates if the apathy towards reading is not arrested.

    This was the submission of some stakeholders at the launch of “When the Dead Loves”, a novel written by veteran journalist, Harry Awurumibe at the Nigeria Institute of Management in Lagos.

    They noted that the present generation no longer has the capacity to read even the shortest of written materials, describing the situation as disappointing and destructive.

    Overindulgence and misuse of the social media, they further noted, has further affected the youths while fast tracking their failure in public exams.

    The Book Reviewer and Chief Executive officer of All Season Mediacom, Dr Ken Onyeali Ikpe said there was no way leaders of tomorrow could compete favorably on the world stage without reading.

    “Those who rule the world are those who read and the best way to be the best is to keep reading,” he said

    Chairman of the occasion Chief Emeka Inyama, had earlier recommended continuous reading for all ages noting that it is the only way to keep pace with today’s realities. Inyama who is chairman of Abia Warriors Football club, gave the author a pat on the back, adding that anyone who is able to produce a book that can impact on the knowledge of others should be commended.

    Awurumibe, who has also published a book on female football development in Nigeria, expressed hope that the book would impact knowledge and check poor reading culture that is spreading like a virus.

  • The JAMB we want, by stakeholders

    The JAMB we want, by stakeholders

    Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registrar, Prof Dibu Ojerinde, was arguably the biggest of the 17 heads of parastatals sent packing by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.

    He was replaced with fomer University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) vice-chancellor, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.

    Before Ojerinde’s exit, JAMB had been enmeshed in controversy since February when the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was conducted.

    Ojerinde was appointed JAMB registrar in 2007 after spending eight years at the National Examinations Council (NECO).  His tenure was renewed for another five years in 2012.  It was under him that JAMB introduced the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and biometric registration to check examination malpractice.

    This year’s UTME was the second to be conducted wholly with computers nationwide.   Under the CBT regime, the problem ceased being of examination malpractice, which was the case in the past.  This time, the problems included system failure, power supply, and timing/sudden change of examination centres that affected candidates’ ability to complete the examination within stipulated time.  There were also issues with the results released, including the addition of 40 marks to the scores of some candidates, and the release of multiple results.

    The board was forced to reschedule examinations for some candidates who missed the test because of last-minute centre change.  Ojerinde also acknowledged that some members of staff of the board fraudulently accredited CBT centres that were not up to standard for the examination.

    The dust was yet to settle on the UTME issue when the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu, on June 2 scrapped the post-UTME screening introduced in 2004 to ensure that only credible candidates were admitted into the universities.  Adamu insisted that admission should be done only on the basis of merit, catchment and educationally less developed areas, as stipulated by the law.

    Many stakeholders felt the move would give more power to JAMB. Shortly afterwards, JAMB came up with a point-based system on the basis of which candidates would be eligible for admission.  The system assigned points to candidates’ Ordinary level and UTME results.  Only candidates considered eligible by JAMB and given admission letters could undergo pre-admission screening.  The point-based system was shot down, with JAMB denying responsibility for it.  However, the board still planned to send admission lists to institutions for consideration.  Already, some candidates had received text messages posting them to private institutions other than their preferred choices.  On Sunday, JAMB withdrew the lists to allow “the university senate to perform its statutory responsibility of conducting the selection of candidates.”

     

     Reactions trail the change

    Many stakeholders in the education sector seem to be happy with Ojerinde’s exit.

    While the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said he was unconcerned about the people involved, he said JAMB had operated beyond its legal mandate.

    Ogunyemi, who teaches at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, accused JAMB of taking over the job of universities’ Senate and also “amassing wealth” without subjecting its book to scrutiny as a public institution.

    “We should not really talk about individuals but institutions. JAMB went beyond the limit of its power, proceeded to assign to itself the job of the Senates of universities and began to perform it.

    “JAMB is to screen candidates applying for admission to the universities and set the minimum criteria or conditions to be met by them and then allow the Senate to finally determine who should be admitted.

    “But has gone beyond the dictate of the law. What happened to the so much money they have collected (from applicants)?  JAMB is a public institution, it should therefore open its record for close scrutiny,” he said.

    For the proprietor of Taidob College, Abeokuta, Dr Abayomi Jiboku, the change was necessary given the lengthy period Ojerinde had served as JAMB Registrar.

    Secondary school teacher, Mrs. Stella Giwa, shares his view, adding that staying long in such office makes one begin to abuse the power of the office.

    Mr Fred Usoh, a parent resident in Calabar, said Ojerinde courted controversy, praising the President’s decision to change him.

    He said: “It was under his tenure as registrar that JAMB was fraught with the most controversies it had ever had since its establishment. So taking him out I believe was the right thing to do if the essence of the institution was to be preserved. For instance, they caused national embarrassment to Nigeria during the last UTME exams and just recently a list of successful UTME candidates that was earlier sent to all higher institutions were withdrawn without a cogent reason. With so many policies not well thought through, going back and forth, so much confusion, anger and unnecessary pain on students and parents because of the examination, I believe President Buhari took the right step here.”

    National President of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr Anselm Izuagie, said one of Ojerinde’s undoing was not giving government the true picture of situations on ground.

    “One of his (Ojerinde’s) problems is that he was not forthright in presenting a clear cut ideas on what government should do.  For instance, look at the scrapping of the Post-UTME. The announcement confused many institutions who up till then had seen that exercise as the only means by which they screen quality students into their system since JAMB has failed to do that. Despite government order, many universities still went ahead to conduct screening though in varying ways,” he said.

    However, an Education Analyst in Niger State, Miss Sofia Yaman, praised Ojerinde for introducing 21st century technology to the board during his tenure, which made people computer literate and led to results being released faster.

    “In my opinion, the achievements of Prof Ojerinde were more than his failures. He made people, even those who were not computer literate to upgrade their knowledge of computer. He created the avenue for the commencement of e-examination which many other agencies are now following.”

    Former Principal of King’s College, Otunba Dele Olapeju also praised Ojerinde’s innovations, saying: “Dibu Ojerinde was very innovative during his tenure. He was my lecturer in the university. I give him kudos for his good works on improving JAMB, especially for embracing technology through the CBT.”

     

    Should JAMB be scrapped?

    The change in mantle of leadership raises questions again about the relevance of the body in conducting examinations for admissions into tertiary institutions.  While some respondents said the board had outlived its usefulness, others said it has not.

    JAMB was established by Act No 2 of 1978 following the uncoordinated process of admitting students into the then existing seven universities.  All institutions conducted their own examinations and stakeholders then felt a need to make the process more seamless and centralised.

    Prof Ogunyemi, ASUU President, said the union is yet to decide whether JAMB should indeed go.

    “Many people are calling for the scrapping of JAMB but we in ASUU have not finalised on that. Before we talk about scrapping it, we should consider the motives behind its establishment.

    “For examples, JAMB was set up to address many issues such as the issue of educationally disadvantaged states. JAMB’s duty is to moderate the application of that and we should not disregard that, so we should balance the call for its scrapping with the reasons for bringing it into existence,” he said.

    Mr Isoh, also does not think JAMB should be scrapped.

    He said: “I do not support the call for the scrapping of JAMB because it is still very relevant. I only believe like I said earlier that a lot of things have to be properly streamlined. The policies should be friendly to the common man, but not to the point of compromising standards. We have used JAMB over the years for admission and it had worked just fine. I don’t think a few bad policies introduced by a few people should destroy the essence of the entire institution.”

    However, Vice Chancellor Ezekiah University, Umudi, Prof Emeka Ezeonu, feels JAMB is rested for good.

    “I think it has come to a stage where we have to review the law setting up JAMB. I think it is about time JAMB is laid to rest and Nigeria should also join the rest of the world in adopting global best practices.

    “Education is on the concurrent list and I do not see why Federal Government should dictate how private and state-owned universities should conduct admissions .  Universities should be allowed to recruit their students  via any criteria they deem fit as it was once done,” he said.

    A student attending a university in Abia State (names withheld), also says JAMB should go.

    “I am therefore calling for the scrapping of JAMB as it has outlived its usefulness to the people of Nigeria, especially those who are seeking for admission into the universities.  We should revert back to the old system where universities conduct their own entrance examinations, as such university would want to defend the integrity of their institutions by admitting those who are qualified and who can defend their certificates at the end of the academic sessions,” he said.

     

    Can Oloyede make a difference?

    Oloyede is credited for achieving a lot during his tenure as UNILORIN vice chancellor, particularly maintaining a stable academic calendar.  There are mixed feeling about the difference he can make in JAMB.

    ASUU President is not optimistic about his appointment.  He said based on Oloyede’s frosty relationship with ASUU while he was VC, not much should be expected.

    “Our relationship with him does not suggest he can do better, so, we should leave that to time to sort out,” he said.

    A Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Mr. Medayese Samuel, said that Oleyede is not the best candidate for the job especially as he has no technical-know-how and is not an ardent administrator.

    “I do not see Professor Oloyede as an administrator who should be kept in the helms of affairs of JAMB but politicians have their way and what they look at. I doubt the capacity of Oloyede to head a critical educational sector like JAMB. With the way he almost militarize UNIILORIN when he was VC, one wonders how he will transform JAMB into in a few years.”

    However, Yaman believes that if he could be the VC of the UNIILORIN, then he will know what will be good for the students adding that people may give more credibility to JAMB given Oloyede’s record of discipline.

    If Oloyede is to succeed, chairman of The Ambassadors School, Ota in Ogun State, Mr Samson Oshewa, said he would need to listen to people, a virtue he said Ojerinde did not possess.

    “He (Ojerinde) does not listen to people.  The new person should listen to ideas from other people.  Also, they need to do only what they have mastered very well.  If you want to import things from abroad, import the technology, not the madness,” he said.

     

  • Stakeholders discuss development at forum

    Stakeholders discuss development at forum

    The Sole Administrator of Etio-Osa Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Prince Babatunde Ayo’ Ayeni, has said his administration would carry all stakeholders along to enable them to contribute their quota in the development of the council.

    He said it is his responsibility as the Sole Administrator to tow the path of Ambode in the dispensation of administration in Eti-Osa East where no one is left behind, adding that the discharge of his duties at the council will not deviate from the directives and policies of Lagos State government.

    The council chief said it was in consideration of this principle of inclusive governance that he visited all the primary health care centres (PHCs) in the LCDA few days after he assumed office. He also said he had held meetings with the Community Development Committees (CDCs) and the Peace and Security Committee.

    “All these meetings were in a bid to have an unbiased appraisal of the situations on ground. I have also consulted notable community leaders on the modalities of moving Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area forward,” he said.

    Prince Ayeni noted that forum was convened in order to bring together all stakeholders of the council in a bid to fashion out ways of bringing progress to our immediate communities.

    “As an administration saddled with the responsibility of bringing succour to the grassroots, it is reasonable for us to allow residents have a direct input in the governance of their immediate environment.

    “This forum will be a launch-pad to highlight critical issues and challenges and also collectively proffer solutions to raging problems. As a people, we must all be committed to the state of our environment; we must be ready to co-operate with the administration on having a cleaner and safer environment. Residents must also collaborate with local government officials when they approach them for the payments of rates and taxes.

    “Our council can be self-sustaining if residents pay their rates and taxes promptly. When these payments are made, it will be easier for us as government to dispense quality administration to our people.

    “We pledge to work assiduously with organisations and institutions and also individuals who are concerned with development of our community,” Ayeni said.

    Prince Ayeni solicited the support of the residents to ensure his administration’s success. He urged the Babaloja of Eti-Osa East to ensure that all markets in the area are clean and in good condition.

    He also advised him to ensure that traders transact their businesses in their shops; warning that those who display their wares by the road side would be prosecuted, adding that the measure is for their safety and security.

    On partnership with PSP as requested by one of the stakeholders, Chief Kolaru, he assured the people of his administration’s readiness to work together with them to ensure a clean and healthy environment for residents.

    He further assured that necessary steps would be taken to make sure that drainage systems are free of garbage. This, he said, is to guarantee free flow of water and to avoid erosion.

    Prince Ayeni also promised to partner with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to enhance the well-being of the people

    Dignitaries such as Baales, political office holders, market men and women, youth leaders, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among others attended the event.

  • Stakeholders push for alternative dispute resolution mechanism

    STAKEHOLDERS in the legal and arbitration professions have advocated the domestication of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in Nigeria as a way out of the challenges facing  the courts and the attendant slow dispensation of justice.

    The call was made by speakers at the annual conference and dinner of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICA) in Lagos.

    They noted that it has become necessary for individuals, companies and organisations to adopt  ADR following the mechanism’s efficacy across the globe with benefits to international and domestic trade, finance, commerce and investments.

    The speakers expressed concern that the  significant numbers of arbitration of home-generated disputes are being exported outside Nigeria and thereby denying the country of growth of local jurisprudence and expertise.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, who chaired the  conference lecture, titled: “Optimising Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Nigeria”, said arbitration system would assist in offloading cases from the courts.

    He said it is cheaper and faster, protects parties’ confidentiality and it enhances the administration of justice in the country.

    Ademola urged other states to embrace the ADR system, especially as obtainable in Lagos and others with modifications where possible to fit into the court system to resolve issues in an informal and faster manner.

    “The states should encourage the ADR like what the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators are doing to give them an enabling environment for ADR to commence and progress,” the justice said.

    The President of National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, who was represented by Justice Kenneth Amadi, said the role of the courts in supporting ADR in industrial disputes is apt and important, considering the fact that an average Nigerian desires dispensation of justice in a more cost-effective, speedier and less acrimonious manner.

    He said Section 254 C (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended by the Third Alteration Act 2010) provides that “the National Industrial Court (NIC) may establish an Alternative Dispute Resolutions Centre within the court premises on matters which jurisdiction is conferred on the court by this constitution or any Act of Law….”

    Justice Adejumo added that in pursuance of the constitutional provision, the NIC made the National Industrial Court of Nigeria Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) Centre Instrument, 2015 and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) Centre, 2015, guiding the establishment, operations and procedure of the NICN ADR Centre.

    “The centre is responsible for the resolution of disputes by applying mediation and/or conciliation mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution, which basically means a dispute resolution technique in which a neutral third party facilitates negotiation between disputing parties to help them arrive at an amicable and acceptable settlement.

    “It provides a platform for the robust-in-thought and a clearing-house for multi-faceted industrial and workplace disputes. There is no doubt that the centre will be able to transform conflicts into cooperation, mistrust into trust, and alienation into meaningful human connectedness – thereby promoting Industrial and peace and sustainable development in Nigeria”.

    The institute’s Vice President, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, condemned the exportation of home-generated disputes  to Paris, Geneva and other countries for settlement.

    “Although the importance of arbitration is without doubt clearly established, it is indeed a source of concern that a significant numbers of arbitration of home generated disputes are exported outside Nigeria.

    “It is the belief of this institute that the time has come for a reversal of this trend. With highly qualified and experienced arbitrators as members of this institute, there should be no excuse to seek expertise outside.

    “We would continue to imbibe best global practices in ADR, but then bring the practice home to develop the local jurisprudence and expertise. What remains is for us to reverse the trend of setting aside arbitral awards at the slightest opportunity, and to appointing qualified arbitrators in Nigeria to conduct arbitration,” he said.

    Ajogwu promised that the institute will continue to explore ways of  training aimed at achieving the highest standards in the practice of arbitration.

    Mike Igbokwe, the founder and principal/senior counsel, Mike Igbokwe (SAN) & Co also stressed the need to imbibe arbitration in dispute settlement.

     “Parties are looking for easier, cheaper and faster ways of resolving their disputes and arbitration offers a less expensive and lesser time of resolving conflicts globally,” he said.

    According to him, arbitration promotes economic growth and attracts direct investments, encourages privacy and confidentiality, unlike court proceedings that are open to the media and the public.

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, who was represented by council’s legal director, Samuel Vongtau, said shipping transactions could trigger a lot of disputes and delay in resolving disputes.

    “In 2015, more than half of the disputes in the Nigerian Shipping Council were settled through mediation. The council recorded 125 cases, 62 resolved through alternative dispute resolution, 56 are still pending, while four went for litigation,” he said.

  • Stakeholders seek investment in retail malls

    Stakeholders in the real estate sector have called for greater investment in retail malls. The call is coming against the backdrop of a report that showed that demand for space for retail malls in the country has increased by 905 per cent in the last 10 years.

    The call, according to them, is necessary considering that the sector has had a turbulent time since last year, leading to a lull in housing development.

    Broll Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, a real estate services company, Mr. Bolaji Edu, who gave the percentage at a roundtable to discuss the growth prospects in the retail industry, observed that from just two modern shopping malls sitting on 30,000 square metres in Lagos, the retail arm of the sector has grown to over 300,000m2 last year and is projected to reach 301,780m2 by this year end. And despite the current economic challenges, the retail arm still offers more growth and opportunities. The event was tagged: “Retail Industry: 10 Years from Now.”

    “The last 10 years have seen a boom in retail real estate and the country now boasts of over 300, 000m2, which represents a 905 per cent growth,” Edu said.

    Although there are challenges to malls development in the country, especially in terms of prospects of turnover, funding, slow take-up rate, and restricted access to foreign exchange (forex), as well as the ban on items directly linked to real estate from the official forex window, and weakening naira on the black market, among others, real estate experts still believe that the retail arm of the sub sector offers vast opportunities for employment generation. One of them is Head, Real Estate Finance, West Africa, Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Adeniyi Adeleye, who urged prospective investors to have confidence in the retail arm of the industry.

    Adeleye’s position was supported by the submissions of the Retail Portfolio Executive, Broll Nigeria, Mr. Gavin Cox. According to Cox, over the next six to 12 months, there will be little growth in rents because  retailers will have to struggle under the current economic situation, while demand for rental space is expected to fall until the business environment improves for retailers.

    “Future development must look at new designs and how they are put together as well as energy efficiency. We also have to make case for smaller malls,” Cox said.

    Speaking from a developer’s perspective, the Development Manager, Nigeria, RMB Westport, Mr. Wallace Wilkins, observed that there remains huge growth prospect in the sector, but the challenges to be addressed included infrastructure; supply chain; finance, especially repatriation of proceeds; and bringing the right retailers on board.

    But in spite of this growth, the Director, Actis, an investment company, Mrs. Funke Okubadejo, however, said the penetration of the retail segment had been very low. She noted that stakeholders in the industry must educate people on what retail is, so as to change their perspective on retail space, considering that other countries see retail as a huge investment for job creation.

    The one-day event focused on the emerging trends in the intersection of the dynamic interplay of developers, retailers and financers in running their operations in a symbiotic model that results in a win-win situation for every party.

  • Stakeholders extol $25m Maryland Mall

    Stakeholders extol $25m Maryland Mall

    •’It’s a boost for economy’

    The commercial arm of the real estate sector is living up to experts’predictions. At the beginning of the year, realtors said shopping malls and office space sector will be more active in the industry. Across the country, it is common to see shopping malls, office buildings and or commercial buildings springing up.

    This trend, it is believed, will boost the retail activities penetration in the country. Available statistics revealed that only two per cent of Nigerians shop in formal retail supermarkets compared to 60 per cent of South Africans; 30 per cent of Kenyans; four per cent of Ghanaians and two per cent of Cameroonians. Similarly, retail trade accounts for about 30 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product, (GDP). This is about $22 trillion of retail sales yearly.

    Yet, the government data shows that Nigeria attracted over $1.5 billion in investments into its formal retail sector over the last three years. It is estimated that over 80 million Nigerians now live in metropolitan areas, creating huge opportunities for formal retail to thrive. One of such retail outlets that has keyed into this prospect is the Maryland Mall, located on the Ikorodu Road axis in Lagos.

    The project, said to have cost about $25 million, was inaugurated in Lagos last week. It was developed by Purple Capital Partners Limited, a financial and real estate development company. It has been described as unique in design and rendition, especially because of the commendable use of space as the mall is springing up in a built up area and designed to fit the space available through mainly vertical development.

    The Maryland Mall sits on 7,700 square metres (sqms) of prime land in a built-up neighbourhood which used to accommodate the Maryland Shopping Complex. It has a gross lettable space of about 6,400sqms and it is built vertically, compared to the horizontal buildings that is the style in this clime. Logistics, such as movement to and around the mall has been made easy after studies carried out by the promoters with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, with an estimated 5,000 cars passing by hourly.

    A dedicated underground car park, said to be the first within any mall in the country, provides ample space for cars. Already, a mix of local and international brands anchored by Shoprite, The Place restaurant, Stanbic IBTC Bank, among other retail, hospitality and entertainment brands, have found a home in the Maryland Mall. The exterior of the mall will be a 550 square meter LED screen, the largest in Sub-Sahara Africa. This unique feature will set it apart from any other retail complex in Africa’s most populous nation.

    Purple Capital Partners Limited Chairman, Mr. Omotola Mobolurin, expressed delight at the  opening of the mall, especially because of its benefit to the economy.

    It is particularly gratifying that the construction and financing for this retail development is being concluded on time and within projected funding estimates,” Mobolurin said.

    The Maryland area aptly illustrates the various realities of city life. Located right in the middle of mainland Lagos, Maryland has been a residential district and a hectic hub of social activities for decades: it is also an economic and commercial nerve center; a major intersection connecting citizens and visitors alike to the major thoroughfares across the city, and an exhibit of the city’s quest for affordable, urban development.

  • OAU crisis: Stakeholders kick against call for acting VC

    Some stakeholders have faulted the call by the Prof. Peter Akinola-led Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the appointment of an acting vice chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Ogun State.

    They dismissed the call as tactless and at variance with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, otherwise called the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007 and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2012.

    In a statement, titled: “A campaign of lies in OAU” yesterday in Osogbo, the stakeholders said the Act did not empower President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an acting vice chancellor in any institution, much less when a substantive chancellor is in office.

    “It is laughable and ridiculous to read the prof asking the Visitor to deliberately violate the law and undo the result of ASUU’s many years of strenuous campaign for university autonomy in the name of finding solution to a matter that is simple.”

    They said the last congress of ASUU on June 30 only demanded for an investigative panel to examine the process that produced Prof. Ayobami Salami as vice chancellor.

    By his call, the stakeholders said “Akinola is only acting out a self-serving script to misinform the public”.

    They called on ASUU, NASU and SSANU to await the outcome of their suit against the appointment of Salami, instead of disrupting peace on the campus.

    The stakeholders said the purported dissolution of the Governing Council by the Federal Government was a misguided move that has no legal backing.

    “The action of the Visitor in OAU is wrong and he cannot remove a substantive vice-chancellor’’, the stakeholders continued.

    “If the Visitor has not taken the claims of these lost groups as truth, let him set up a panel to investigate the Governing Council and the process that led to the emergence of Prof. Salami as substantive vice-chancellor, who the Federal Character Commission under the Presidency, has given a letter of appointment through the OAU Registrar on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. That is the way of decent and civilised people.”