The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Students

  • Students protest non-release of results

    Students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday protested the non-release of results of final-year Higher National Diploma students.

    The students, who marched on the streets of Abeokuta, said the authority should release their results to enable them partake in next month’s mobilisation by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The protesters shut the school’s gate at Ojere, preventing academic and management workers from entering the campus.

    The Nation learnt that the academic workers have been at loggerheads with the government since the conversion of the polytechnic to Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology.

    The lecturers refused to mark papers, collate and grade results two months after the students wrote their final exams.

    The students vowed to keep the gate shut until lecturers released their results.

    Anti-riot policemen and operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) dispersed the demonstrators.

    Policemen took over flashpoints, such as Ibara, Panseke, Onikolobo, Iyana-Oluwo and Oloke axis of the state capital to prevent students from regrouping.

    State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Olawale Balogun told reporters that the students were made to go through pains for no fault of theirs.

    He said: “It is just unfortunate that we’ve found ourselves in this mess. We are suffering for what is none of our business, as we have done our part by writing the exams.

    “I appeal to members of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), MAPOLY branch, to be considerate. We are being maltreated because none of us is a child of the governor or commissioner. The government should also do the needful.”

    The Chairman of ASUP, Mr. Kola Abiola, declined comment when contacted.

    He said: “I have no reaction.”

  • RCCG First Born family empowers students, widows at 30

    Over 140 less privileged, including students and widows last Sunday received empowerment support courtesy of parishes and churches under Region 19 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos.

    Popularly known as First Born Family, the parishes and churches gave the widows undisclosed cheque each and awarded scholarships to 15 students of the Redeemers University Nigeria (RUN).

    98 grinding machines at the cost of N35, 000 were also distributed free to the needy to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Region, which started the model parish experiment in the RCCG.

    Pastor-in-charge of Region 19, Pastor Brown Oyitso, said the gestures were to give the less privileged a facelift and support them through life.

    He informed the region was not only committed to their spiritual but also their physical and financial well-being.

    Distributing the items to the beneficiaries at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue of the 30th anniversary with the theme from glory to glory, wife of the general overseer, Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, urged them to reproduce the seeds.

    She described the items as seeds of greatness, which if well planted, will turn the beneficiaries to employer of labour and wealth creators.

    Ministering at the anniversary that attracted thousands of worshippers, general overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye described glory as anything that causes shame.

    He said there was nothing glorious in poverty, sin, sickness or captivity, asserting God was indeed in the glorious manifestations of His children.

    To move from glory to glory, he said Christians must obey God and hand over everything to Him.

    He added that no one becomes rich by being stingy, urging Christians to sow bountifully for manifold harvests.

    Adeboye also harped on diligence, saying those who emerge glorious are never slothful but always begged to take a rest from their several endeavours.

    Emphasising the needs to be in Christ for glorious living, Adeboye said: “If Christ is dwelling in you, you will be full of glory. Christ is the King of glory. If you associate with Him, glory will be your portion.”

  • Access Bank takes credit card to students

    Determined to empower youths, Access Bank Plc has taken its Student Credit Card Scheme to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where student-cardholders were told about the gains of taking credit to meet their financial needs on campus. COLLINS NWEZE reports.

    Access Bank Plc  has unveiled its Student Credit Card at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    The card, which was well received by the students, was designed to meet the  needs of students on campus.

    The bank enlightened the students on the gains of financial management.

    The lender said the credit card is loaded with N20,000 for each cardholder, and that it could be reloaded, when it is exhausted.

    The lender’s Executive Director, Personal Banking, Victor Etuokwu, said the future belongs to the youth. “We want to teach young people to be responsible borrowers. By giving them credit cards, we are teaching them how to plan their financial lives and spending,” he said.

    According to him, the card will enable the students show responsibility early in life.

    Also, Access Bank’s Product Manager, Student Credit Card, Jite Omo-Udoyo, said the lender does not want to see students go broke, hence the introduction of the credit card would enable them have ready cash to spend.

    “We do not want to see you go broke. We have developed a card where you can get N20,000 and spend it anytime and payback later. I know that some students may not have enough money during examination periods, and at such time, the credit card can be of great help,” he said.

    Omo-Udoyo said the money from the card can also be used to pay school fees, serve as allowances, and at the end of every month, the bank will provide the student with expenditure plan. He said once a student has paid back the money, another N20,000 will be reloaded into the card.

    On the requirement to enjoying the product, he said the student needed to open an account with the bank, and will be issued the credit card, and from that moment, the student will never run out of cash from the beginning to the end of the semester.

    Besides, the card can also be used on Point of Sale (PoS) machines to transact transactions abroad, and other major uses.

    Some of the students, who have already keyed into the scheme, gave testimonies of how it has helped them to meet their financial needs. Ada Precious said she had benefited from the card, and would recommend to the students because of its benefits.

    Another student, Ogene Esther said the card has also helped her to spend better and meet her financial needs on campus.

    Etuokwu explained that Access Bank introduced the credit card because of the trust it has for the students. He added: “We want to begin to teach young people about how to be responsible borrowers. How would that happen? Because of the amount of money, you have access to in that card, you will be more responsible in what you do and spend.

    “It also gives you the ability to plan your spending. As you know, in the country today, if you are a responsible borrower, you begin to create a credit history. When you leave school and you want to be an entrepreneur and you go to a bank, you show them your record and they will see that you have been a responsible borrower,” he added.

    Continuing, he said: “Then, that bank can give you enough money to start your business. So, this is to enable people begin to show responsibility early in life. Your banking record is very key and your credit record is very important. Banks have what is called a credit bureau and if your name enters the bureau as a bad borrower, you will be blacklisted. So, you need to be a good borrower.”

    “With this, we have provided a card and you can spend up to N20,000.00 Anytime you are broke, use your card, there would be money waiting for you there. As you payback whatever you have spent, you have your N20,000 available for you to spend. To get this card is very simple, just open an account with Access Bank, pay your school fees and just bring your identity card,” Omo-Udoyo added.

     

  • Ekiti guber: Students reject Fayose’s deputy

    The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) has rejected the “continuity agenda” of Governor Ayo Fayose. They denied endorsing Fayose’s deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, for the July 14 governorship election. The students also demanded the disbursement of bursary and scholarships which had been stopped since Fayose returned to power in October 2014.

    Some students under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had on Monday backed Fayose’s continuity agenda and endorsed Olusola. FESSU National President, Adewumi Peter Idowu, who addressed a briefing alongside other executives in Ado-Ekiti, said the body had not decided on who to support in the governorship poll.

    Other demands of the union, according to him, are commencement of building of secretariat for the union and provision of empowerment and job opportunities for the youths. The students accused Fayose of neglecting their welfare since coming back to power in October 2014. They promised to shut down Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at the expiration of their seven-day ultimatum, if their demands are not met.

     

  • Presidency: First set of Maritime University students to resume in April

    Presidency: First set of Maritime University students to resume in April

    •Says shipment for two modular refineries ready for installation in Delta, Rivers
    •NDDC completes 372 projects in 2017, sets up Job Placement Centres to engage 200,000 youths in Niger Delta

    The waiting is over for the formal take off of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.

    The institution is scheduled to commence the admission of its pioneer students for the 2017/2018 academic year next month and lectures  will start immediately.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Vice President, Laolu Akande, confirmed the development last night.

    He said the decisions were taken by the Niger Delta Inter-Ministerial Committee at a meeting on Friday.

    The meeting which was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo evaluated progress on the implementation of the Buhari administration’s New Vision for Niger Delta.

    It also received reports on ongoing development projects being implemented in the region.

    The Maritime University will take off with 196 students although 76 applications are pending.

    Akande recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the university from the N2bn earlier announced to N5bn.

    This sum was included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly in November 2017.

    “Similarly, an additional N1B was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University in November 2017,” he said, adding: “The Delta State government has also donated two 500KVA generators to the University.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had listed the University in its Central Admissions Processing System in January 24, 2018, while interviews for academic staff positions were conducted between 1st and 2nd of March, 2018.

    “The NUC had approved that academic activities commence in three faculties namely; Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management, with a combined total of 13 departments with various specializations – from Marine Engineering, Marine Economics to Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture.”

    Akande said the meeting was also briefed on the progress of the modular refineries.

    “One set of modular refinery package shipment has since arrived Nigeria, and after undergoing clearance at customs, would be installed in Delta State; while another set, which is expected to arrive the country in April this year, would be installed in Rivers State.

    “The operation of the modular refineries would include the involvement of communities where they are located. Prof. Osinbajo said this would ensure that communities benefit directly from the refineries which would help create jobs and engage youths in the region.”

    The Inter-Ministerial Committee, last December, received a report that 38 licensed privately financed green field and mini-modular refineries investors have so far indicated interests in the establishment of refineries in the region, with at least ten (10) of the licensed refineries investors at an advanced stage of development.

    The NDDC in its report at the meeting said it completed a total of 372 projects covering roads, bridges, electricity, water, amongst others in the Niger Delta last year.

    The development projects include the 25.7 km Nembe-Ogbia road, which will  be commissioned soon; the construction of Otueke Internal roads in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State; Kira Dere Mogho road and Bridge in Gokana LGA, Rivers State.

    Also on the list are :the  construction of Iselu-Okaigben-Idung-Boko- Onicha Ugbo road, in Edo State; the Orie Ukwu Amaoji market road, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State and the Ashikem-Ufono-Betwaswan road in Obudu, Cross River State.

    The rest are: Iselu-Okaigben-Idung-Boko- Onicha Ugbo road, in Edo State; the Orie Ukwu Amaoji market road, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State and the Ashikem-Ufono-Betwaswan road in Obudu, Cross River State.

    The Commission is also working with all related parties, including AMCON, to ensure the establishment of Amakpe modular refinery in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

    The refinery has a capacity of producing 6,000 barrels per day.

    Akande said the NDDC has also established Job Placement centres which is expected to engage about 208,000 youths in the Niger Delta with a view to reducing unemployment and youth restiveness in the region.

    On the progress of Ogoni clean-up, he said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) under the Ministry of Environment, is set to commence the procurement process for contracting experts for the remediation and clean-up of impacted sites. This process is open to competent national and international companies involved in environment, water and livelihood projects.

     

     

  • Pay attention to your studies, lawmaker urges students

    Students of Police Secondary School, Itaogbolu, Akure, Ondo State have been advised to shun social vices.

    Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Ogundeji Iroju, gave the charge at the inauguration of a new boys’ hostel and the Language Laboratory by Parent- Teacher Association (PTA) in the school.

    Iroju, who hailed the school management for its high academic standard, sought assistance from corporate and individuals for the institution established by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    He urged the students to face their studies to attain greater heights.

    “With the quality of education being imparted on you here, it is certain that your future is bright if you are serious with your studies.

    The lawmaker donated N100,000 for the development of the school.

    The PTA Chairman Mr Oluwafemi Adeyemi, noted that the project that  was inaugurated was the first of its kind in the history of Police Secondary/Children School in the country.

    He said 11 projects had been inaugurated by the PTA leadership, including the extension of water to the barracks, building of 1,500-capacity dining hall and four-block classrooms, and sinking of wells, among others.

    Adeyemi noted that the N1,000 contributed by each parent assisted in completing many projects in the school.

    The Principal/Commandant, Austin Peter, a Superintendent of Police(SP), praised the police authority, FEO Ladodo and parents for their support to the school management, which he said facilitated the numerous achievements in the school.

     

  • CIBN begins Computer-Based Testing for students

    CIBN begins Computer-Based Testing for students

    THe Chartered Institute of Bankers Professional Examinations has upgraded from traditional paper-based to Computer Based Testing (CBT) platform for its students.

    In a statement, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said the pilot phase of the CBT, which takes effect from April 2018, was carried out in October 2017 with the Certified Risk Managers (CRM) Certification Examinations in Lagos and Abuja centres.

    The Institute said the exercise was adjudged successful as the students described the platform as simple, easy to learn and user-friendly.   “Students are assured that the transition to CBT platform will not affect their mode of study as they are expected to use the same materials to prepare for the examinations as they currently do. The only difference would be that the structure of questions would change to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Short Answer Questions (SAQ),” the Institute said.

    It said that courses like the International Trade & Finance, Banking Law, Ethics & Corporate Governance, Bank Lending & Credit Administration and Practice of Banking would have the hybrid of theory of MCQs and SAQs.

    It stated that an online tutorial platform for practice questions would be made available in advance of the real examinations to enable students to practice and get acquainted with the application to aid their preparation.

    Meanwhile, the examination has been scheduled to hold from Tuesday, April 10 to Thursday, April 12, 2018 in 29 locations across the country and in areas where examinations are conducted. The Institute said specific test centers would be communicated to the students in due course even as registration for the examinations would be done online and manual.

  • Dangote Cement gives scholarships to 115 students in host communities

    Dangote Cement gives scholarships to 115 students in host communities

    Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant has announced a multi-million naira educational scholarship award for 115 students from its 15 host communities for the 2017/2018 academic session.

    The company said the scholarship, which is a major boost to its corporate social responsibility profile, has become an annual event meant to contribute to the educational development of the people and the area.

    Acting Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Ibese, Mr. Louis Raj, while speaking during the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries at Ibese Plant, explained that the management decided to increase the number of beneficiaries to 115 from the previous 80 so that more children of the area could benefit.

    He said the decision was meant to encourage the young ones to go to school as a sure way of building them mentally and morally so that they would be good to themselves and the society.

    According to him, the scholarship award is one of the many social services the company has committed itself to and continue to provide other social services as a way of giving back to the society within which it operates.

    Raj stated that the scholarship award and other CSR projects were being undertaken as a way of saying thank you to the people for maintenance and sustenance of peace in the area.

    He noted that it was the prevailing atmosphere of peace that make the company to operate smoothly.

    He expressed the management gratitude to the royal fathers and other community leaders whose efforts have accounted for the peace and tranquility, noting that the company would wish the spirit of peaceful coexistence continues.

    General Manager, Government and Community Relations, Joseph Alabi while giving the breakdown of the scholarship, said the award covered 115 students of Yewa origin studying various courses across several higher institutions of learning.

    Some of the schools where the beneficiaries are studying include polytechnics, universities, College of Educations, College of Technologies and secondary schools in Ogun State.

    Alabi also announced a list of candidates from the host communities who have been selected to attend Dangote Academy for training in various arts and vocations.

    The training, he said, would equip them with wherewithal to work and do their own business whenever they chose to be.

    Olu of Imasayi Oba Gbadebo Oni said the host communities were happy with Dangote Cement with its handling of community issues, saying Alhaji Aliko Dangote deserves all the cooperation his people could muster for siting the cement plant in their land and then taking care of the people and the communities.

    He promised that his people would continue to give peace a chance always because to whom much is given, much is expected. The monarch said the education scholarship was the best thing that has happened to the host communities because the issue of quality education cannot be quantified in monetary terms.

    The scholarship, according to him, has offered big reliefs to parents, who have to struggle so much to ensure their children school fees are paid, saying they will forever be grateful to the management of Dangote cement.

    Also, the Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko factory in Benue State had also given out N20 million worth of scholarships to indigent students from the firm’s host community, Mbayion, as part of its CSR in the last one year.

    The Group also emerged Nigeria’s best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Company according to a survey by Governance Advancement Initiative for Nigeria (GAIN), an NGO.

    Dangote was the adjudged overall winner among 25 Nigerian and multinational companies operating in the country in 2016, scoring 6.3 per cent, followed by Nestle with 5.51 per cent and Etisalat with 5.45 per cent.

     

  • OOU matriculates 5912 students

    OOU matriculates 5912 students

    Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye, Ogun State last Friday matriculated 5912 students for its 2017/2018 session.

    The Vice-Chancellor Prof Ganiyu Olatunji while addressing the new students admonished them to have zero tolerance for cultism.

    He advised them to make use of the newly introduced entrepreneurer training for the students as the country has today moved to a position where graduates are meant to be labour employers and job employees.

    He also stated that email address has been generated for all students of the school to communicate with lecturers, submit assignment in order to utilize the school’s functional ICT service.

    A breakdown of the number of students admitted in each faculty are as follows:
    Faculty of Administration – 227
    Faculty of Art – 461
    Basic medical science – 470
    Faculty of Education – 1121
    Faculty of Law – 210
    Faculty of Pharmacy – 89
    Faculty of Science – 1162
    Faculty of Social Science – 1199
    Faculty of Agriculture – 431
    Faculty of Engineering – 475

  • Students arraigned for alleged theft

    Two students, Segun Owoseni and Monday Goodness, yesterday appeared at an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for alleged theft of goods worth N120,000.

    Owoseni, 24 and Goodness, 23, of no fixed addresses, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of felony, stealing and receiving of stolen goods.

    The prosecutor, Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that Owoseni, on January 3, about 9 am at Apata New Site, Okitipupa, broke into the home of Olaoluwa Fajuwe.

    He said Owoseni stole rice and pepper worth N3,000, a HP laptop worth N100,000 and a laptop bag, valued at N10,000.

    Omoyeigha said the first accused also stole a phone charger, valued at N3,000, a T-shirt worth N2,000 and a rechargeable lantern, worth N2,000.

    He said the value of the stolen items was N120,000.

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 412 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    He said Goodness, on January 5, about 10 am, at 54, Orilowo Street, Okitipupa, bought the HP laptop at N50,000 from Owoseni, knowing that it was a stolen good.

    Omoyeigha said the offence contravened Section 427 of Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    The Magistrate, Mr. Chris Ojuola, granted bail to the first and second accused at N70,000 and N30,000.

    He ordered them to produce a surety each and that the sureties must show evidence of a year’s tax clearance.

    The magistrate ordered that the HP laptop be returned to the owner and adjourned the case till February 26 for further hearing.