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Tag: University of Nigeria

  • Behold the First Class women

    Behold the First Class women

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State have inducted pharmacists. Two women – Mrs Janefrances Okafo-Ofomata and Miss Chinasa Ofondu – emerged the best graduating students, winning coveted academic prizes at the ceremonies. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (UNIZIK) and SAINT EKPALI (UNN) report.

    They have never met,but they share some things in common. Apart from studying the same course in schools that are miles apart, Mrs Janefrances Okafo-Ofomata and Miss Chinasa Ofondu are women of excellence. They surmounted life challenges with sheer willpower to achieve distinction in pharmacy.

    With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.90, Chinasa became the Overall Best Graduating Student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – a feat, she said, was propelled by her father’s death. She was also the best in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

    In a class of 76 students, Mrs Okafo-Ofomata, a young mother of one, was the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2016/2017 graduating set of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State.

    Chinasa, who hails from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, said her father’s death almost terminated her academic career, but added that she never despaired despite the challenges she faced during the period.

    Chinasa said the death of her father encouraged her to strive towards achieving life goals.

    She said: “The death of my father came as a rude shock to us and I had thought that would be the end of my education. But, rather than being discouraged, it served as a source of motivation for me while I struggled to go to school.”

    Chinasa’s strength of mind to get education earned her a scholarship from the late Bishop Eke Obiefule and Valerian Okeke, who were astonished by her brilliance and determination.

    After graduating with a First Class in pharmacy, Chinasa said: “I was not the one who read the most in the class. A good number of colleagues read far more than I did, but I read smartly. I knew exactly what to read in all the courses.

    “I aimed to be the best graduating student in my faculty, but being the best in the whole school was what kept me awake at night. Achieving this feat is like an icing on a cake. This is evidence that God never abandons his children.”

    Chinasa said she did not expect to be the school’s valedictorian, having engaged in extracurricula activities. She was a strong member of the National Fellowship of Christian Pharmacy Students, in which she served as Vice President, Music Director and Academic Director at different times.

    She said: “In the midst of my academic and extracurricular demands, I devised a formula which is rooted in hard work, smartness and fervent prayer.”

    Chinasa expressed gratitude to the late Bishop Obiefule and Okeke, saying: “The scholarship they gave me laid the foundation for my academic excellence and future.”

    Sharing her story with CAMPUSLIFE, Mrs Okafo-Ofomata, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.72, described her academic journey as one “riddled with sleepless nights, disappointments, struggles, failures and pains”.

    She said: “I didn’t always keep to my study timetable, because we always had tight class activities. But, whenever I read, I assimilated faster. This worked well for me.”

    Mrs Okafo-Ofomata explained that she had always wanted to study pharmacy, but she was disappointed when she was offered admission for Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the UNN. After graduating with a Second Class (Upper Division) in Pure and Industrial Chemistry, she sat for another Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and applied to study pharmacy at the UNIZIK. After two attempts, she was admitted for pharmacy in 2013 through Direct Entry.

    Mrs Okafo-Ofomata got married to Mr Franklin Ofomata, as a student, and had her baby in 2016. She described this period of her life as “scary”, saying she juggled between taking care of her family and attending to demands of academics.

    At UNIZIK, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences runs a strict system which requires a high level of concentration from students.

    Despite all odds, Mrs Okafo-Ofomata studied hard to become the best in the faculty. At the induction held for graduating pharmacy students, Mrs Okafo-Ofomata went home with 10 awards and a cash prize of N500,000.

    Appreciating her lecturers for the knowledge imparted on her, she said: “We take pride in knowing that we have a set of intelligent, dedicated, updated and hardworking lecturers who have given us the confidence to touch the lives of others. We have been taught to act true to our calling in saving lives and not take them. These values inculcated in us would open doors for greater achievements in the future.”

    Congratulating the inductees earlier, the UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Joseph Ahaneku, represented by his deputy for Academics, Prof Charles Esimone, reminded the graduands of the need to guide their professional practice by the oath they took.

    He urged them to always remember the school’s values of discipline, self-reliance and excellence. He said the university would continue to encourage staff and students of the faculty by providing the infrastructure needed to facilitate teaching and learning, including classrooms, laboratories and hostels, among others.

    Administering the oath on the graduands, Registrar of Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) Mr N.A.E Mohammed urged them to be acquainted with the code of ethics which prescribed the professional and moral responsibilities to patients, colleagues and the public.

    He urged the graduands to maintain strict compliance to the ethics, noting that a stringent penalty awaited anyone who engaged in unprofessional practice.

    UNIZIK’s Acting Dean of Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Prof Ikemefuna Uzochukwu said the university has contributed 431 pharmacists to the profession since inception in 2006. He disclosed that the school was working hard towards implementing the PharmD programme which had been approved for implementation in all universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC), beginning from the 2019/2020 academic session.

  • 29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    The Nigerian Law School on Tuesday said 29 out of the 4,294 candidates called to the Nigerian Bar bagged First Class after the August 2017 bar examinations.

    The Director-General of the school, Mr Olanrewaju Onadeku (SAN) disclosed this at the Call-to-Bar ceremony in Abuja.

    Onadeku said the students were those successful at the August 2017 Bar final examinations and others from previous examinations as conducted by the school under the supervision of the Council of Legal Education.

    He said the 29 students were produced by the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Uyo, Obafemi Awolowo University, Babcock University, University of Ibadan and Osun State University.

    According to him, others are from University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, Ambrose Alli University, Afe Babalola University, Adekunle Ajasin University and Igbinedion University.

    “I particularly commend the 29 students; theirs is the highest number ever attained.

    “They have worked hard to merit their grades after a very thorough assessment and have done the Nigerian Law school and their families proud.”

    Onadeku disclosed that 72 per cent success was achieved after the August examination as 211 obtained the second class upper grade, 1,046 made second class lower division and 3, 000 got the pass grade.

    He said that there had been a sustained level of focus and diligence among the students whom he noted had demonstrated a commendable sense of maturity and drive,  adding that some were involved in various forms of examination malpractices.

    The Director-General, while congratulating the newly called to lawyers, also urged them to make the best of the legal profession.

    “Since it is your freewill to belong to the noble profession of law, you must ensure strict adherence to its norms and ethics.

    “As you are aware, globalisation has impacted on the legal profession with the challenge of bench marking on minimum international best practices.

    “You must ensure you exceed the minimum in all that you do. ”

    Onadeku also noted that the successful students had completed the vocational training at the school as prescribed by the Legal Education Act.

    According to him, they have also met all other conditions set by the Council, while also exhibiting good manners and decorum during their training.

    “They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession.

    Read also: Law school gets luxury hostel

    “The screening committee of your distinguished body has carefully perused the records of each of the aspirants and have found them worthy to be presented for Call to the Nigerian Bar.

    “I attest that they are fit and proper persons for Call and admissions to the Nigerian Bar,” he said.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and also Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, charged the candidates to practice the profession with diligence and sense of responsibility.

    He charged them to promote the course of justice and rule of law, adding that their level of proficiency was of immense significance to the efficiency of the justice system of the country.

    “I urge you to acquaint yourselves with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and all other relevant laws as far as administering justice is concerned.

    “You must not handle a matter without adequate preparation, neither should you handle a matter, which you know or ought to know that you not competent enough to handle.

    “It is advisable to consult your seniors or colleagues in areas you know you are not well groomed, ” he said.

    Onnoghen said that the Body of Benchers, whose role also includes disciplinary committee, would not hesitate to bring to order any erring practitioner whose conduct might negate the standards of the profession.

     The Nigerian Law School has to date graduated 117, 385 lawyers including all the judges of the superior courts of the country and almost all the legal practitioners.

    The event was attended by past and present Body of Benchers, Attorney-General of the Federation, past Directors-General of the school.

    Others are members of the National Assembly, some ministers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the Judiciary sector.

    NAN

  • Convention: Don urges PDP delegates to elect people of integrity

    Convention: Don urges PDP delegates to elect people of integrity

    A Don, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, has advised delegates at the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Abuja, to ensure the emergence of people of integrity as national executive of the party.

    Okolie, a Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka gave the advice in an interview in Nsukka on Tuesday.

    He said the quality of executive that would emerge from the convention would determine the future of PDP.

    “The type of national executive elected by PDP on Saturday will make or mar the party’s progress and its ambition to reclaim power at the centre in 2019.

    “The party should ensure that those that will be elected are men and women of integrity that have enviable past track records,” he said.

    He also urged delegates to “resist attempt by some political money bags to buy their votes’’, adding that “such will spell doom for the party.’’

    “I advise delegates to place the interest of the party first as that will help the party to enthrone dedicated, transparent and focused leadership.

    “If the delegates have the interest of the party at heart, they must shun all forms of financial inducement and vote according to their conscience.”

    Read also:  PDP convention: Atiku backs Adeniran for chairman

    The don also said the character of whosoever emerged as the PDP national chairman would determine the level of discipline and internal democracy in the party.

    “For any political party to survive as well as remain relevant there must be discipline and internal democracy that will give hope to aspirations of party members.

    “Absence of disciplinary and internal democracy have ruined many political parties and resulted in some members acting with impunity as if the party is their personal enterprise.

    “Saturday’s convention is an opportunity for PDP to get it right and correct its past mistakes, this will strengthen and reposition the party.”

    NAN

  • Crisis rocks UNN Students’ Union

    Crisis rocks UNN Students’ Union

    A crisis is brewing among members of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Students’ Union Government (SUG), following the impeachment of its president, vice president and director of Transport for alleged misappropriation of funds and embezzlement. The impeached students’ leaders were on an official trip to Sweden when they were removed. The development has generated misgivings among students. Some believe due process was not followed. Others support the impeachment. JAMES OJO (Mass communication) reports.

    A crisis has hit the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Students’ Union Government (SUG), following the impeachment of its President, Joshua Ezeja, Vice President Janefrances Chukwu, and Director of Transport, Kene Anumba.

    The three members of the executive arm of the union were removed last weekend by members of the Student Representatives’ Council (SRC) – the union’s legislative arm – following allegations of financial misconduct and embezzlement against them.

    Some members of the union have condemned the impeachment, describing it as an hasty decision” and an “abuse of constitutional procedures”. The affected officers, the antagonists of the impeachment said, were not given the opportunity to defend themselves on the allegations against them before the impeachment was carried out.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the embattled union leaders were on an official visit to Sweden when the impeachment was carried out.

    Was the impeachment justified when the affected officers were not allowed to defend themselves? This is the puzzle students want the SRC members to explain.

    The union has two legislative houses – Senate and the SRC – but the power to remove any member of the executive is vested in the latter.

    The impeached union leaders, it was alleged, did not follow due process in making withdrawals from the union’s account before embarking on the European trip. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the development was being seen as “envy” on the parts of some union members, who were not selected for the trip.

    In a statement, the SRC Speaker, Kenneth Tabugbo, announced that the decision to impeach the union leaders was reached during a sitting of the legislative arm’s members.

    The statement reads: “This is to bring to the notice of all that the legislative arm in its sitting held on October 30, 2017, upon deliberations on the allegations of financial misappropriation, embezzlement of union funds and gross incompetence brought against the President, Vice President, Director of Transport; the House has come to the following conclusions.

    “Having had before the House, indubitable evidence of embezzlement of funds to the tune of over N4 million by the SUG President; the president stands impeached.

    “On the grounds of financial misappropriation, embezzlement of union funds, denigration and complete disregard for the House, the Vice-President stands impeached.

    “Having been found guilty of financial misappropriation, commercialisation of union properties without the consent of the House, crass negligence and ineptitude; the Director of Transport stands impeached.

    “All impeached officials are forthwith, denied all privileges of membership of the executive council and mandated to return all properties of the union to the General Secretary within seven days.”

    Controversies have trailed the impeachment, with students alleging that the process did not follow constitutional procedures.

    The union’s Senate President, Izuchukwu Asogwa, told CAMPUSLIFE that the SRC did not follow constitutional procedure for the impeachment.

    He said: “The 2016 Constitution of the union makes provisions for the process of impeaching any official of the union. The relevant sections of that constitution are Sections 112 and 113. Section 112 requires that a notice of allegation against an officer in writing must be signed by no less than one-third of members of the House and presented to the Speaker, stating the misconduct against the officer.

    “A copy of the notice must be served on the officer within seven days by the Speaker, who is required to also serve each member of the House a statement made by the officer in response to the allegation. Afterwards, the House must resolve by a motion within 14 days whether or not the allegation needs be investigated.”

    Izuchukwu said the motion would only be valid if it is supported by no less than two-thirds majority of all members of the House present. Within seven days of passing the motion, the Senate President said the union’s Chief Judge needs to appoint persons of impeccable character at the request of the Speaker to investigate the allegation. He said any officer being investigated must go on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

    He said: “Section 113 provides for a panel that will investigate the allegations and report to the House within 21 days. Where the allegation was not proven upon investigation, the matter dies a natural death. But where it is proven beyond doubt, the House must consider the report within 14 days.

    “If the report is supported by no less than two-thirds majority of all members, then the investigated officer shall stand removed. The proceedings of the panel or House in this regard cannot be entertained in any court.  A bye-election is, therefore, conducted within two weeks after the office becomes vacant.”

    Izuchukwu said the spelt out procedures were not followed in the impeachment of the President, Vice President and the Director of Transport.

    He said: “This is why the impeachment is null and void, and it is clearly unconstitutional. It is crystal clear, audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that the dictates of the constitution were not followed by the House.

    “The issue of embezzlement, corruption and financial mismanagement is not something anyone jumps into. Whether he actually did it or not is a matter that must be investigated by a panel. It is not what the House members can justify without evidence.”

    The Senate President dispelled opinion that there was friction among members of the union over the European trip, urging the students to disregard the rumours.

    An executive member of the union, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “The president and others impeached were not served letter of impeachment neither were they given fair hearing. For God’s sake, all these happened when they were in far away Sweden.”

    However, a member of the SRC, who did not give his name, said the impeachment was in order. “Though it may contradict provisions of the constitution, such decision should be seen as law of emergency that will promote accountability in the union,” he said.

    At the time of the report, the impeached officials were in Sweden for official engagement. When contacted, Joshua pleaded with our reporter to allow him return to the country before making statement about what he called “purported impeachment”.

    Asked if the allegation of embezzlement against him was true, Joshua simply said: “Do you believe that?”

     

     

  • Row over ‘bloody’ eviction at UNN

    Row over ‘bloody’ eviction at UNN

    A student of Agriculture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was injured during the eviction of students from one hostel by the school security personnel, in preparation for the fumigation of the Halls of Residence. JAMES OJO (Mass Communication) reports.

    What could have been a hitch-free relocation of students from one hostel to another ended in a bloody row at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State, last Thursday. A female student of Agriculture whose name was given as Ify was left with a bleeding head when the school security personnel carried out an eviction order by management, to prepare for  the  fumigation of the hostels.

    It all happened one evening at Isa-Kaita Hall, one of the female hostels. For the occupants, the incident will linger in their memories for long.

    The evicted students, who are on teaching practice, were allegedly forced out of the hostel without prior notice by the school’s security department.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the injured student hit her head against the sharp end of a wall while she was being forced out of the hostel by the officers.

    Reliving the incident, an occupant, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Most of us had returned from our respective places of teaching practice when the hall warden arrived in the evening. The warden came knocking on our doors to vacate the hostel immediately, telling us they wanted to fumigate the hostel. But they never gave us prior notice. Most occupants were not happy about the development. So, we protested, insisting we should be given enough time to pack our belongings.

    “But the hall warden got annoyed and said he would call the school security department to forcefully eject us. Before we knew what was going on, we saw the security officers arrive the hostel and started assaulting us. They forced us out without giving us any alternative place to stay in the night. In the process, one of us was injured.”

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE on telephone, Director of Welfare of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) Victor Udeogu described the incident as a “misunderstanding between the students and the security officers”.

    He admitted that the students were forced out of the hostel, but said the activity was not planned to hurt anyone.

    Victor said: “The truth is that, they (students) were forcefully evicted from the hostel. It was an order from the former Dean of Students Affairs, Prof Uju Umo. We have a new dean now. But, the eviction was not planned to hurt any student. It was just for the good of every occupant of the hostel. The students were asked to leave the hostel so that fumigation activity could take place. But, there was a misunderstanding between the security personnel and the students.

    “None of the parties had the intention to hurt the other. The security probably stepped beyond their work limit which eventually caused injury sustained by one of the students in the process.”

    Victor said he got a distress call from the students during the eviction, prompting him to inform Prof Umo about the development. The Dean, he said, denied sending the security officers to evict the students from the hostel.

    The SUG leader said the Dean apologised to the affected students and relocated them to Awolowo Hall of Residence. Afterwards, Victor said the SUG leadership met with the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, who, sympathised with the injured student and promised to address the matter.

    The union Welfare Director dispelled reports that the security officers deliberately attacked the students for protesting their ejection.

    “It is unfortunate that most of the bloggers who carried the story online cooked up their stories about the development. Most of them were not even in school,” he said.

    A fresh row was averted last Monday between the ejected students and the security officers. Barely four days after they were relocated to Awolowo Hall, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the students were again evicted from the hall.

    When our correspondent visited the Awolowo Hall on Monday, some of the students were seen standing in groups, discussing the development in hushed tones.

    One of them said: “We are going nowhere. We paid for hostel accommodation and we have a right to live in it. We have just been told this morning to vacate the hostel. This is not fair.”

    Struggling with her luggage, a student of Animal Science, who simply identified herself as Gloria, could not hide her feelings.

    She said: “We don’t know what to do again. We woke up on Monday morning only to be informed that we are to vacate the hostel by 10am in the morning.”

    Another student of Crop Science, who simply gave her name as Precious, said the new quit notice was uncalled for, saying it would endanger some of them who had nowhere to go.

    She said: “When the incident happened last week, we were not informed. It took many of us by surprise. But, this time around, they told us on Saturday that everybody should pack out by Monday morning. Most of us stayed back because we don’t have alternative. So, it is not true that we were not informed beforehand.”

    Most of the affected students are from the Faculties of Agriculture and Education, who are on internship and teaching practice. They need to remain on the campus for the exercises.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered the fumigation of hostels is part of the management’s measure to keep the hostels healthy before students resume for 2017/2018 academic session.

  • UNN postpones post-UTME test

    The post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) test of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which was scheduled to hold this week, has been postponed indefinitely.

    A statement by the Registrar, Mr Chris Igbokwe, said the exercise was shifted because of logistic challenges. He noted that candidates, who scored 200 and above in the UTME and made UNN their first choice, had been experiencing difficulties in generating invoice from the school’s website, noting that the postponement would afford the candidates an opportunity to prepare for the test.

    The registrar urged the post-UTME candidates to regularly check the university’s website for updates about new date for the test. He added that an updated timetable for the rescheduled test would be released later.

  • UPDATED: Post-UTME screening/examination dates, requirements

    UPDATED: Post-UTME screening/examination dates, requirements

    This is the period of the 2017/2018 Nigerian Educational Calendar when most universities organise the various Post-UTME examinations.

    Below are some of the universities and their dates for the examinations including details:

     

     

    Nnamdi Azikiwe University

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University has scheduled its 2017/2018 POST UTME screening exercise for candidates who made the University their first choice in the 2017 University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The dates are outlined below:

    1. SCREENING EXERCISE DATES:

    SATURDAY, 16th – SATURDAY, 23rd SEPTEMBER, 2017

    DAY 1: SATURDAY, 16th September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a. Arts b. Physical Sciences

    DAY 2: MONDAY, 18th September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a. Management Sciences b. Biosciences

    DAY 3: TUESDAY, 19th September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a. Engineering b. Education

    DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, 20th September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a b. c. Medicine Basic Medical Sciences Agricultural Sciences

    DAY 5: THURSDAY, 21st September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a. Law b. Pharmacy

    DAY 6: FRIDAY, 22nd September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a Social Sciences b Environmental Sciences

    DAY 7: SATURDAY, 23rd September, 2017

    S/N Faculty a Health Sciences and Technology

     

    2. ELIGIBILITY:

    a. Candidates who made Nnamdi Azikiwe University their first choice and have the required cut-off mark are eligible to apply.
    b. The general cut-off mark is 200 except for Faculties/Departments indicated below:

    Faculties/Programmes with Cut-Off Mark of 180
    (a) Agriculture – AgricEcons& Extension, Animal Science, Forestry & Wildlife, Food Science & Technology, Soil Science, Crop Science.
    (b) Arts – Igbo, African & Asian Studies, History & International Studies, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Modern European Languages, Religion & Human Relations, Theatre and Film Studies, and Chinese Studies.
    (c) Education – Adult Education, Early Childhood & Primary Education, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics & Health Education, Library & Information Science, Science Education, and Vocational Education.
    (d) Engineering – Agric & Bioresources Engineering, Polymer &Textiles Engineering.
    (e) Environmental Sciences – Architecture, Building, Quantity Surveying & Geoinformatics, Fine and Applied Arts, Environmental Management, Estate Management, Geography & Meteorology.
    (f) Physical Sciences – Mathematics and Statistics only.
    (g) Health Sciences and Technology – Environmental Health only.
    (h) Management Sciences – Entrepreneurial Studies only.

    Faculties/Programmes with Cut-Off Mark of 200
    a. Arts – English Language and Literature
    b. Basic Medical Sciences – Human Anatomy, Physiology
    c. Biosciences – Zoology, Botany, Parasitology and Entomology, Microbiology & Brewery, Applied Biochemistry and Brewery.
    d. Education – Educational Foundations, Educational Management & Policy.
    e. Engineering – Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Production Engineering, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
    f. Health Sciences & Technology – Medical Lab Sciences, Nursing Science, Radiography, Medical Rehab (Physiotherapy)
    g. Law
    h. Management Sciences – Accountancy, Banking & Finance, Business Administration, Cooperative Economics & Management, Marketing, Public Administration
    i. Medicine – Medicine
    j. Pharmaceutical Sciences – Pharmacy
    k. Physical Sciences – Computer Science, Pure & Industrial Chemistry, Physics & Industrial Physics, Geological Sciences
    l. Social Sciences – Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Mass Communication, Sociology/Anthropology.

    3. REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:
    a. Registration will start on Tuesday, 5th September, 2017 and end on Friday 15th September, 2017.

    b. – Visit portal.unizik.edu.ng
    – Click on ‘ Create Account’
    – Enter your UTME REG Number and a valid email address and click ‘Send’. A verification code will be sent to your email instantly.
    – Copy the verification code and click on ‘Continue’
    – On the form, enter your phone number, password, verification code (copied from email), select the access level and click on ‘ Submit’
    – Your login details will be sent to your email address instantly.
    – Continue with the application by logging in with the login credentials sent to your email
    – After successful login, click on ‘Step One’, click on ‘Generate Application Form RRR’
    – Print the RRR (Remita) page, proceed to any bank of your choice nationwide to make a payment of N2,000 only
    – Login to the portal, click on ‘Step Two’, click on ‘Confirm payment’, enter the RRR number and click on ‘Verify payment’. If payment confirmation is successful, or if you get a notification ‘Payment already verified’, then proceed to “Step Three”.
    – Click on ‘Step Three’, click on ‘Fill Application Form’, Fill out the application form. You can save each stage of the application and continue at a later time. Also, you can edit your information as often as possible within the application period.
    – Check the ‘I Agree’ box and click on “submit” button.
    – Print out the Application Form and come along with it for your screening and POST UTME examination.

    4. TIME AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SCREENING EXERCISE
    a. Accreditation of candidates commences at 8.00am each day. Candidates should adhere strictly to the time scheduled for screening examination.
    b. Print out the Application Form from the University Portal and come along with it for your screening and POST UTME evaluation
    c. The date and time for each candidate’s examination will be shown on the POST UTME

    PRINT-OUT

    5. RESTRICTIONS
    a. Only bona fide candidates/candidates scheduled for the day’s examination and time shall be allowed into the University / Examination Hall.
    b. Parents and guardians are, therefore, strongly advised against attempting to enter the University Campus as security will be tight.
    c. No GSM handsets, scientific calculators or any other extraneous materials shall be allowed into the examination hall
    d. Candidates who did not register online will not be allowed for the screening exercise.
    e. The University will not be liable for any payment made with wrong JAMB registration number at the Bank.
    f. The University shall also not be liable for any fraudulent payments made anywhere that is not in line with the directives of the University.

    Candidates who changed their choices of institution to UNIZIK are prone to experience error messages like “Account Creation unsuccessful, try again later”.

    There is no cause for alarm as subsequent lists from JAMB will be uploaded to enable them register prior to deadline.

     

     

    Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

    UTME: Pre-Admission Screening Exercise

    To be eligible for Pre-Admission Screening Exercise candidates must have sat for the 2017/2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and scored a minimum of 180 marks for the following programmes:

    • Agricultural Economics and Farm Management,
    • Agricultural Extension and Rural Development,
    • Animal Nutrition,
    • Animal Physiology,
    • Animal Production and Health,
    • Aquaculture and Fisheries Management,
    • Animal Breeding and Genetics,
    • Agricultural Administration,
    • Crop Protection,
    • Environmental Management and Toxicology,
    • Forestry and Wildlife Management,
    • Horticulture,
    • Pasture and Range Management,
    • Plant Breeding and Seed Technology,
    • Plant Physiology and Crop Production,
    • Soil Science and Land Management,
    • Water Resources Management and Agro-meteorology

    Or a minimum of 200 marks for the following programmes:

    • Biochemistry
    • Biological Sciences
    • Chemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
    • Statistics
    • Physics
    • Food Science and Technology
    • Home Science and Management
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Nutrition and Dietetics
    • Agricultural Engineering
    • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mechatronic Engineering
    • Veterinary Medicine

    NOTE: Candidate who chose Biochemistry, Biological Sciences or Microbiology but scored between 180 and 199 may be considered for Agricultural programmes if they are interested

    Direct Entry: Pre-Admission Screening Exercise

    Direct Entry candidates, with minimum of Upper-Credit or its equivalent, who have also applied to JAMB for admission into the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) are invited to register online.

    Candidates should ensure that their Academic Transcripts are forwarded to the Registrar, FUNAAB not later than Tuesday, 31st October, 2017.

     

    FUTMINNA

    This is to inform all UTME and Direct Entry candidates who applied for admission to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, for the 2017/2018 academic session that the Post UTME Test will be conducted between 18th and 30th September, 2017 at the University’s CBT Centre.

    Candidates eligible for the test are:

    • Those who made or are willing to make Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, their first choice of University  in the 2017/2018 UTME and  scored 180 and above; and
    • Direct Entry candidates who chose or are willing to make AAUA their first choice of University.

    NOTE: Candidates, who did not make Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, their choice of University initially but are now willing to choose AAUA will have to make the necessary change of Institution to AAUA not later than 18th September, 2017.

    All eligible candidates are to visit the University website www.putme.aaua.edu.ng to register for the test as from 28th August, 2017 after the payment of N2, 000.00 assessment fee, and N3, 500.00 administrative, handling, and bank charges at any branch of the banks listed below via etranzact/interswitch/Bankit:

    • First Bank
    • Heritage Bank
    • Keystone Bank
    • Wema Bank
    • Skye Bank
    • Access Bank
    • Zenith Bank
    • Eco Bank
    • Stanbic IBT

    Candidates are requested to collect bank-generated receipts at the point of payment, which will contain receipt number and confirmation code (PAY OUTLET ONLY) for the on-line registration.

    On-line Registration Guidelines

    i. Candidates should log on to the University portal www.putme.aaua.edu.ng and click on 2017/2018 POST UTME TEST

    ii. Candidates are to Create Account and Login with VALID JAMB REGISTRATION NUMBER.

    iii. Candidates are to click on:

    a. MAKE APPLICATION FORM PAYMENT for BANKIT payment; or

    b. CONFIRM PAYMENT for PAY OUTLET (Payment must have been made to Cashier at any of the listed banks)

    iv. For (iii) (b), Candidates are to obtain a print-out containing the confirmation order number from the Bank upon payment of the fees.

    v. After successful payment, candidates are to complete Biodata Form online and print out Post UTME Test Slip.

    General Instructions to all Candidates

    i. Candidates are advised to correctly upload their O’ Level results and current passport photographs on the portal. A maximum of two (2) sittings is allowed in the case of O’ Level requirements.

    ii. AAUA accepts WAEC, NECO and NABTEB O’ Level results.

    iii. It is compulsory for all candidates to participate in the Post UTME Test to be considered for admission.

    M. S. Ayeerun 

    Registrar.

     

    UTME

     

    UNIVERSITY OF UYO

    MONDAY, SEPT 18 – AGRIC, PHARMACY, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

    TUESDAY, SEPT 19 – ARTS

    WEDNESDAY, SEPT 20 -LAW,  ENGINEERING

    THURSDAY, SEPT 21– BUSINESS ADMIN, SOCIAL SCIENCES

    FRIDAY, SEPT 22– EDUCATION, CLINICAL SCIENCES

    SATURDAY, SEPT 23– SCIENCES AND SPILLOVER CASES

    METHOD OF APPLICATION
    Eligible candidates should pay a non-refundable sum of #2,000 (Two Thousand Naira) only (excluding bank charges and admission status checking)

    UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA (UNN)

    Kindly note that the POST-UTME for UNN has been postponed temporrily. However, the school management announced that registration for the screening/examination should continue.

    Mandatory Cut-off mark for admission: 200
    Post UTME date: from Sept.11th,2017 to Sept.18th,2017

    Online registration: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 –Sunday, September 10, 2017

    Online Registration processs
    1.Eligible candidates are required to pay a processing fee of N2,000.00 (Two thousand Naira only) through Remita Platform at any Commercial Bank.

    Related: FUNAAB pegs cut-off mark at 180/200

    2.Process Flow for Post-UTME Registration
    1. Log on to the University Website: www.unn.edu.ng
    2. Click on UNN portal (Top right corner of the Website)
    3. Click Prospective Students
    4. Select Online Application Form for 2017/2018 Admission Screening Exercise
    5. Enter JAMB Registration Number
    6. Generate Invoice
    7. Proceed to bank for Payment or pay using your ATM Card
    8. Return to Portal
    9. Re-enter JAMB Registration Number
    10. Complete Date of Birth and all other blank fields
    11. Enter O-Level Subjects and Grades (also provide your Centre and Examination Number)
    12. Re-enter your grades correctly
    13. Upload Certificates (ensure that their sizes are not above 100KB)
     Birth Certificate
     Local Government Identification
     Testimonial
     First School Leaving Certificate
     JAMB Result Slip
     O-Level 1
     O-Level 2 ( For double sitting candidates) and click the NEXT button
    14. Review Summary page and check that all details entered are correct
    15. Check the CONFIRMATION BOX below
    16. Click SUBMIT
    17. Print acknowledgement Slip.

    Also: Admission: Dutse Varsity approves 160 as cut-off

    Required items for SCREENING
    (i) A copy of Online Acknowledgement Slip
    (ii) 2017/2018 JAMB Result Slip
    Important Information:
     No GSM handsets, calculators or any other extraneous materials should be brought into the screening halls
     The venues for the screening are Nnamdi Azikiwe Library (Digital Library) and Centre for Distance and e-Learning, University of Nigeria, Nigeriaa
     Candidates are also strongly advised to visit the University of Nigeria Website: www.unn.edu.ng

    Timetable for the Computer-based screening exercise:
    DAY ONE
    DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
    VENUE 1: NNAMDI AZIKIWE (DIGITAL) LIBRARY
    FACULTIES/DEPARTMENTS:

    AGRICULTURE, PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES,BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND BIOCHEMISTRY
    Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

    Faculty/Department                                    Score Range                                        No. Candidates               

    Accountancy                                                 256 and above                                               140
    Biochemistry                                               200 and above                                                664
    Pharmaceutical sciences                          200 – 203                                                        188

    11:00 am – 1:00 pm              

    Pharmaceutical Sciences                           204 – 226                                                       958
    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm              

     Pharmaceutical Sciences                         227 – 259                                                      971
    3:00 pm – 5:00 pm              

    Pharmaceutical Sciences                      260 and above                                              379
    Food Science and Technology               200 and above                                                176
    Home Science and Management          200 and above                                                30
    Nutrition and Dietetics                          200 and above                                               225
    Crop Science                                            200 and above                                                12
    General Agriculture                               200 and above                                                17
    Agricultural Economics                        200 and above                                                 57
    Agricultural Extension                          200 and above                                                29
    Soil Science                                             200 and above                                               18
    Animal Science                                       200 and above                                              38
    VENUE 2: CENTRE FOR DISTANCE e-LEARNING
    9:00 am – 11:00 am

    Accountancy                                           223 and above                                            490
    11:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Accountancy                                            202 – 222                                                  487
    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

    Accountancy                                             200 – 201                                                    51
    Banking and Finance                             200 and above                                             233
    Marketing                                                 200 and above                                             152
    Business Management                          245 and above                                                59

    3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

    Business Management                          200 – 244                                                      486

    DAY TWO

    DATE: SEPTEMBER 12, 2017
    VENUE 1: NNAMDI DENTISTRY(DIGITAL) LIBRARY
    FACULTIES/DEPARTMENTS: HEALTH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY, DENTISTR AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
    Time                                         Faculty/Department                               Score Range                                 No. Candidates
    9:00 am – 11:00 am              Nursing Sciences                                     264 and above                                   120
    Radiography                                            200 and above                                   864

     

    11:00 am – 1:00 pm              Medical Laboratory Technology          212 and above                                    969
    Zoology                                                      200 and above                                   80

     

    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm                Medical Laboratory Technology          200 – 211                                           367

    Medical Rehabilitation                          200 and above

    Dentistry                                                  200 and above                                   230

     

    3:00 pm – 5:00 pm               Microbiology                                           200 and above                                    551

    Botany                                                      200 and above                                    127
    Biological Sciences                                200 and above                                    389
    VENUE 11: CENTRE FOR DISTANCE e-LEARNING
    9:00 am – 11:00 am              Nursing Sciences                                      233 – 263                                             494
    11:00 am – 1:00 pm              Nursing Sciences                                      219 – 232                                              484
    1:00 pm– 3:00 pm                Nursing Sciences                                      209 – 218                                               463
    3:00 pm – 5:00 pm               Nursing Sciences                                      200 – 208                                            504

    DAY THREE

    DATE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
    VENUE 1: NNAMDI AZIKIWE (DIGITAL) LIBRARY
    FACULTIES/DEPARTMENTS: MEDICINE AND SURGERY, VETERINARY SCIENCES AND BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
    Time:                                  Faculty/Department                             Score Range                                  No. Candidates
    9:00 am – 11:00 am         Medicine/Surgery                                266 and above                                    1002
    11:0 am – 1:00 pm            Medicine/Surgery                                244 – 265                                            1008
    1:00 am – 3:00 pm           Medicine/Surgery                                232 – 243                                              867
    Veterinary Sciences                             200 and above                                      138

    3:00 pm – 5:00 pm          Medicine/Surgery                                220 – 231                                            1004
    VENUE 11: CENTRE FOR DISTANCE e-LEARNING
    9:00am – 11:00 am             Medicine/Surgery                                215 – 219                                              448
    11:00am – 1:00 pm            Medicine/Surgery                                210 – 214                                              496
    1:00 am – 3:00 pm            Medicine/Surgery                                205 – 209                                             431
    Physiology                                         200 and above                                       72

    Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm        

    Medicine/Surgery                              200 – 204                                              452
    Anatomy                                                                                              200 and above                                       144

    DAY FOUR

    DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2017
    VENUE 1: NNAMDI AZIKIWE (DIGITAL) LIBRARY
    FACULTIES/DEPARTMENTS: SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
    Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

    Faculty/Department                            Score Range                                       No. Candidates
    Political Science                                     200 and above                                        728
    Philosophy                                              200 and above                                         168
    Religion                                                   200 and above                                            56

    Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm

    Economics                                              200 and above                                           972

    Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

    Social Work                                            200 and above                                           163
    Sociology/Anthropology                     200 and above                                          278
    Psychology                                             200 and above                                           374
    Religion                                                  200 and above                                             44
    Public Admin/LGA                              232 and above                                             171

    Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

    Public Admin/LGA                              200 – 231                                                      371
    Commerce                                             222 and above                                             656
    VENUE 11: CENTRE FOR DISTANCE e-LEARNING
    Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

    Commerce                                           207 – 221                                                        471
    Computer Science                             228 and above                                               294

    Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm

    Computer Science                             200 – 227                                                       454
    Statistics                                             200 and above                                                  30

    Time: 3:00p – 500pm

    Chemistry                                           200 and above                                                  280
    Mathematics                                        200 and above                                                  79
    Physics                                                  200 and above                                                  28
    Geology                                                 200 and above                                                108

    DAY FIVE

    DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
    VENUE 1: NNAMDI AZIKIWE (DIGITAL) LIBRARY
    FACULTIES/DEPARTMENTS: ARTS, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTATAL
    STUDIES AND ENGINEERING
    Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

    Faculty/Department                            Score Range                                              No. Candidates

    Art/Creative art                                           200 and above                                                   250
    Theater Arts                                                 200 and above                                                   312
    Igbo, Linguistics, etc                                  200 and above                                                   226
    Music                                                            200 and above                                                                                                               Archeology                                                   200 and above                                                     46
    French, German, Languages                    200 and above                                                     80

    Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm

    History                                                       200 and above                                                    289
    English Studies                                        200 and above                                                     534
    Library and Information                        200 and above                                                     119
    Education Social Science                       200 and above                                                      33
    Education Igbo                                         200 and above                                                      18

    Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

    Physical/Health/Human Kinethics      200 and above                                                     28
    English Education                                    200 and above                                                      267
    Music Education                                       200 and above                                                       2
    Education History                                     200 and above                                                       1
    French Education                                      200 and above                                                       6
    Education Geography                               200 and above                                                      4
    Education science/Science education   200 and above                                                     297
    Education Arts                                           200 and above                                                      63
    Education Biology                                     200 and above                                                     100
    Education Physics                                     200 and above                                                      18
    Education Economics                              200 and above                                                        28
    Business Education                                  200 and above                                                        63
    Industrial Technical Education            200 and above                                                          16
    Computer Education                               200 and above                                                          16
    Agricultural Education                           200 and above                                                          21

    Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

    Environmental Studies including, Architecture, Estate Management,

    Geoinformation and Surveying, others                                                                                 682

    VENUE 11: CENTRE FOR DISTANCE e-LEARNING
    Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

    Civil Engineering                                                        210 and above                                   487
    Agric. And Bioresources                                           200 and above                                   62
    Mechanical Engineering                                           228 and above                                   283

    Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm 

    Mechanical Engineering                                            200 – 227                                        270
    Electrical/Electronic                                                  240 and above                                 209

    Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

    Electrical/Electronics                                               200 – 239                                        393
    Others                                                                         200 and above                                  91

    DAY SIX

    DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
    VENUE 1: NNAMDI AZIKIWE (DIGITAL) LIBRARY
    FACULTIES/DEPARTMENTS: FACULTY OF LAW
    Time: 9:00am – 11:00am

    Faculty/Department                           Score Range                            No. Candidates
    Law                                                       246 and above                                  956
    Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

    Law                                                             200 – 214                                        877
    Visually Impaired Candidates
    Visually Impaired Candidates should register online, but they are not invited to the screening exercise.

    Direct Entry Candidates
    The details of the screening exercise for Direct Entry candidates will be announced later.

    UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

    2017/2018 POST-UTME SCREENING EXERCISE

    The University of Lagos online registration for the Post-UTME Screening Exercise for Admission into ALL COURSES/PROGRAMMES for the 2017/2018 Academic Year will commence from 31st August – 15th September, 2017.

    ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

    Candidates who made University of Lagos their first choice in the 2017/2018 UTME and scored 200 and above are eligible for screening.  In addition, candidates must possess five (5) credit passes at one sitting in relevant O/level subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

    Candidates, who will not be sixteen (16) years of age by 31st October, 2017 are not eligible and need not apply.

    Candidates who do not participate in the Post-UTME Screening will not be considered for admission.

    SCREENING FEE – N2,000

    REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:

    Eligible candidates should log on to University of Lagos website https://unilag.edu.ng  Then, take the following steps:

    • Click on Admissions
    • Click on Post-UTME Application
    • Login with UTME number as username and surname in lowercase as password
    • Generate and print payment advice
    • Proceed to any commercial bank to make payment or pay online
    • Return to the University portal, upload passport photograph and complete the application form
    • Print Post-UTME Examination Pass

    POST-UTME TEST

    Post-UTME aptitude test will hold between 18th and 22nd September, 2017.

    ENQUIRIES

    Further clarification may be obtained via email: admissions@unilag.edu.ng and the following phone numbers: 08182716045, 07046537158, 07043359831, 07026079596 and 07026079595.

    Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to the guidelines and obtain necessary clarifications.

    The University has zero tolerance for drug abuse, any student found wanting shall lose his/her studentship.

     

    In case you know of the POST-UTME screening/Examination of any institution, kindly send to david@thenationonlineng.net as we plan to regularly update this page.

  • UNN seeks partnership to boost agric

    UNN seeks partnership to boost agric

    The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has reinstated its commitment to partnering relevant agencies to promote agriculture in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy.

    Director, UNN Consultancy Services Limited (UNN CONSULT), Prof Obi Njoku, said the university had been carrying out various projects aimed at enhancing agricultural development and encouraging students’ participation.

    He made this known during the inspection of agricultural projects by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba.

    Highlighting some of the projects, Njoku said: “The UNN CONSULT is partnering Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Vocational Teaching Education (VTE) to revitalise the university’s agriculture farm at the instance of the VC. Some of the ongoing projects include dairy farm, snail farm, fish farm with about 32 pounds, cassava flour project and feed mill for the poultry farm. The cassava would form part of the feed for our diary projects. We are going to have different types of flour, both for industrial use and domestic consumption. Currently, the snail farm has about 500 snails from different locations in Nigeria and outside the country.”

    Besides, the UNN CONSULT boss said the school had started to tackle the erosion problem on the campus.

    He added: “We are working on fabricating and installing a green house which would be a research building at the Faculty of Agriculture. The project has started. It is expected that in the next one month, the feed mill, the flour mill will be operational. This project is in partnership with the faculties of Agriculture and Bio-resources Engineering, which are carrying out the fabrication and installation of most of the equipment, such as cassava drilling machine, cassava grater and flour hammer mill.”

    Njoku explained that the partnership was informed by the VC’s concern over some facilities that could turn around the fortunes of the institution but have remained moribund in the past. He said that the efforts were in line with the government’s goals to develop the agricultural sector.

    He said the firm would continue to live up to its mandate in bridging the gap between town and gown and to embark on academic research that would be geared towards improving farming for industrial and commercial purposes. This, Njoku said, is the school effort at harnessing its landmass to enhance agricultural development.

     

     

     

  • UNN technical employees get gap-bridging training

    To promote excellent research, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has held a four-day gap-bridging workshop for 300 technologists and technical staff in its employment.

    The workshop, organised by UNN Consultancy Services Ltd (UNN CONSULT) in conjunction with the Association of Academic Technologists, was aimed at engendering laboratory ethics, basic safety and precision in research works.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, said the exercise was in line with his administration’s efforts to improve the quality of teaching and research in the university.

    The VC, represented by the Deputy VC (Administration), Prof Charles Igwe, pointed out that the school had consistently been ranked as best university for quality of research journal by Webometric Ranking for the third time, stressing that the workshop was part of measures to consolidate the institution’s strides in research development.

    He said: “UNN earnestly seeks global attention and standings. To achieve this excellence, the component of our laboratories manned by technical staff must be strengthened. Our quest for global recognition and academic visibility cannot be completely achieved without building your capacities, skills and increasing your knowledge base to conform to the global demands and standards of the 21st Century workplace.

    “As a step to addressing the challenge of the modern-day work demands, the UNN CONSULT reconsidered supplementing the efforts of the university in delivering a first class service to the nation, hence the need for this gap-bridging training. The training is informed by the observed debt and depth of skills gap amongst the technical staff of the university.”

    UNN CONSULT Director, Prof Obi Njoku, said the training availed the organisation an opportunity of identify challenges hindering effective laboratory operations among the staff.

    He said: “From the training, we have seen that our laboratory lacks basic safety facilities. We also discovered that a lot of employees were posted to areas they lack expertise. Even, some of the staff members lack the knowledge of laboratory dressing code. Many departments have knowledge gaps among staff in senior and junior cadres. Many departments do not have senior technologists. These are the reasons the training became necessary.”

    Njoku, a former Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, urged the management to implement the recommendations emanated from the workshop to enhance efficiency of laboratory operation and research development.

    A participant, Mr Yunusa Olayinka, a curator at the Department of Archeology and Tourism, praised the organisers of the workshop, describing it as timely to raise staff efficiency.

    “The workshop has made us realised some of the things we took for granted. It has taught us various forms of laboratory hazards and how to curb them. We also learnt about work ethics. The organisers have bridged the gap of knowledge in many ways,” he said.

  • UNN technical employees get gap-bridging training

    UNN technical employees get gap-bridging training

    To promote excellent research works, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has held a four-day gap-bridging workshop for 300 technologists and technical staff in its employment.

    The workshop, organised by UNN Consultancy Services Ltd (UNN CONSULT) in conjunction with the Association of Academic Technologists, was aimed at engendering laboratory ethics, basic safety and precision in research works.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, said the exercise was in line with his administration’s efforts to improve the quality of teaching and research in the university.

    The VC, speaking through the Deputy VC for Administration, Prof Charles Igwe, pointed out that the school had consistently been ranked as best university for quality of research journal by Webometric Ranking for the third time, stressing that the workshop was part of measures to consolidate the institution’s strides in research development.

    He said: “UNN earnestly seeks global attention and standings. To achieve this excellence, the component of our laboratories manned by technical staff must be strengthened. Our quest for global recognition and academic visibility cannot be completely achieved without building your capacities, skills and increasing your knowledge base to conform to the global demands and standards of the 21st Century workplace.

    “As a step to addressing the challenge of the modern-day work demands, the UNN CONSULT reconsidered supplementing the efforts of the university in delivering a first class service to the nation, hence the need for this gap-bridging training. The training is informed by the observed debt and depth of skills gap amongst the technical staff of the university.”

    The Director of UNN CONSULT, Prof Obi Njoku, said the training availed the organisation an opportunity of identify challenges hindering effective laboratory operations among the staff.

    He said: “From the training, we have seen that our laboratory lacks basic safety facilities. We also discovered that a lot of employees were posted to areas they lack expertise. Even, some of the staff members lack the knowledge of laboratory dressing code. Many departments have knowledge gaps among staff in senior and junior cadres. Many departments do not have senior technologists. These are the reasons the training became necessary.”

    Njoku, a former Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, urged the management to implement the recommendations emanated from the workshop to enhance efficiency of laboratory operation and research development.

    A participant, Mr Yunusa Olayinka, who is a curator at the Department of Archeology and Tourism, praised the organisers of the workshop, describing it as timely to raise staff efficiency.

    “The workshop has made us realised some of the things we took for granted. It has taught us various forms of laboratory hazards and how to curb them. We also learnt about work ethics. The organisers have bridged the gap of knowledge in many ways,” he said.