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Tag: varsity

  • Port terminal gives scholarship to 146 varsity, poly students

    Port terminal gives scholarship to 146 varsity, poly students

    As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has expanded its scholarship scheme, providing education opportunities to 146 deserving students, while 49 of them are from its host communities in Onne and Ogu in Rivers State, including the children of two employees of the company.

    Drawn from various universities and polytechnics across Nigeria, the total number of scholarship beneficiaries is 146 in number.

    Speaking at the scholarship award and presentation ceremony, the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, congratulated the scholars for being selected amongst many candidates for the scholarship scheme, stating that the engagement within the communities has been restrategised under three pillars of transparency, visibility and inclusion to ensure that the communities within the company’s area of operation succeed alongside the company.

    “This scholarship scheme is an example of our commitment to improve and promote education in both the Onne and Ogu communities,” Klinke said.

    He said that having worked many years in Nigeria, he has observed how funding limitations have changed the direction of many youths, and that is the reason for the scholarship program.

    “This is the main reason we collectively highlighted this scholarship scheme in the Community Needs Assessment, which was jointly prepared by WACT and the communities, as a great way of improving the youths and reducing the burdens on their parents,” he said.

    Read Also: Why we established new varsity -Alia

    The Managing Director, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Jeethu Jose, described the scholarship scheme as an investment in the future of students, which aims to empower and ensure they shine as leaders and contributors to their families, the communities, Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.

    He said an integral part of the WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria scholarship scheme is the internship opportunities where the company’s offices are opened to some of the WACT scholars to gain practical experience.

    While revealing further plans, Jose said, “We envision a future where some of you will join us in WACT or even the APM Terminals Group. To further this vision, a few weeks back, we launched a new program called the ‘WACT EngineerHer’ Program, which is an intensive, on-the-job training, designed to equip female engineering graduates with skills and experience that they need to thrive in the workforce, either at WACT or any multinational company.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Divine Nei Osaroei, commended WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria for its generosity and commitment to education and its transparent selection process.

    She also expressed appreciation to the company for lessening the students’ financial burdens while also motivating them to strive for excellence.

    The Port Manager of Onne Port Complex, Abdulrahman Hussaini, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity given to them and make Nigeria, not just their immediate communities, proud.

    The representative of the Ogu King, Dr. Thompson, commended WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria for the annual scholarship program, which has brought joy to families in the community. He further urged the students to make their parents and the communities proud.

    The Sole Administrator of Eleme Local Government Area, Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah, described education as the key that opens doors and urged the students to make the most of the opportunity given to them to enable them to give back to society in the future.

    WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has remained a significant supporter of its host communities through its various CSR initiatives that include the donation of a 10 KVA solar power to the Primary Health Care Centre in Onne and Ogu, the training of over 500 women in business development, the training of over 1,300 old and young women in Rivers State, in the production of sanitary pads, scholarship awards, infrastructure development, amongst many others.

  • We will honour agreements with varsity unions – FG

    We will honour agreements with varsity unions – FG

    The Minister of Education Tunji Alausa has assured university-based unions  the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu would honour any agreement signed with them. 

    Alausa, who acknowledged that the unions in the university system may feel frustrated by the failure of past governments to honour past agreements, assured that Tinubu’s administration was committed to delivering on its promises.

    The Minister, who spoke during the opening of the 3rd quadrennial national delegates conference of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in Abuja on Tuesday, urged labour unions, particularly those in the education sector, to prioritise the welfare and education of Nigerian students by choosing dialogue over strike actions. 

    Alausa noted that industrial action should be a last resort used only after all other options had been exhausted.

    According to him, Tinubu is committed to making tough decisions that he believes will lead to long-term national benefits.

    The Minister said: “I understand your frustrations. Previous administrations entered agreements with unions that were often left unfulfilled, affecting the trust between labour and government. But let me assure you, President Tinubu is a democrat committed to honoring obligations and creating meaningful change.”

    Alausa urged unions to trust the current administration’s commitment to open dialogue. 

    Read Also: Why every varsity should have IP policy, by copyright commission’s DG

    He said: “We have assembled a committee led by respected figures, including Alhaji Yahaya Ahmed, former Head of the Service, to engage in respectful, productive bargaining. Let’s prioritize the future of our children and keep them in school.

    “I assure you that the Ministry will continue to prioritise fair negotiations and the swift implementation of agreements. Together, we can build a more robust education sector that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

    “We all need work hand in hand to uphold the principles of industrial peace and democratic governance. By doing so, we are investing in the future of our nation, empowering our youth, and laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.”

    He assured the unions that the government was working to address their concerns, citing recent discussions that led to the release of one month out of the four months withheld salary of SSANU members and a commitment to continued advocacy for fair conditions.

    Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba said the failure of the government to respect collective bargaining agreements (CBA) was responsible for strikes. 

    Wabba urged the government to always honour agreement with labour unions in other to maintain industrial peace. 

    SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim urged the government to release the remaining three months withheld salaries; the N50 billion Earned Allowance, pay the arrears of 25/35 per cent and the N35, 000 wage award. 

    Ibrahim noted that strikes remained one of the challenges facing tertiary education in the country. 

    He said this is as a result of breaches of agreements entered between the unions and their employers. 

    “As a result, industrial tensions in our tertiary institutions, protests and strikes have become the order of the day. Unfortunately, the trend has created a situation where unions and their leaders are being perceived as being too belligerent or strike happy,” the SSANU President said. 

  • Kwara Varsity expels 175 students

    Kwara Varsity expels 175 students

    The management of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, says it has expelled 175 students for various offences.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of  University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, on Tuesday.

    The university management said that the expulsion approval followed the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, which held sittings between Oct. 2021 and March 2024.

    Read Also: ‘No cult clash at Oduduwa varsity’

    The management said  the expelled students were penalised for offences ranging from examination malpractice, theft, using fake results to gain admission, assault, fraud, belonging to unregistered associations and possession of firearm.

    ”The management of KWASU wishes to reiterate its zero-tolerance for all acts of indiscipline as the institution stands firm on producing graduates, who are excellent both in character and in learning,” Aliyu said.

    (NAN)

  • Fed Govt addressing outstanding varsity workers’ demands, says minister

    Fed Govt addressing outstanding varsity workers’ demands, says minister

    • Embrace dialogue, Mamman urges varsity-based unions

    The Federal Government is working hard to address the outstanding demands of university-based unions, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said yesterday.

    He urged the unions to embrace negotiations instead of confrontation.

    The minister said negotiations are more effective than shutting the institutions.

    Mamman spoke at the fifth delegates’ conference of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) with the theme: Technology, A Recipe for National Development and Socioeconomic Growth in the 21st Century: The Nigeria Quest for A Better Tomorrow, held yesterday at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).

    Some of the demands of the unions are: the need for the government to pay their withheld salaries during the last strike, non-implementation of the increase in salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff, lack of progress in the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the unions, among others.

    Read Also: Fed Govt working on outstanding demands of varsity workers, says minister

    Mamman said: “On our part (as government), in the area of supporting growth and development and welfare, this government is determined to ensure that you are properly supported in all aspects. That is why this government took the decision to take university workers from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    “On the payment of your enhanced percentage – 25 per cent and 35 per cent – we are working on it. We are also working on other things which are outstanding. Everything that is outstanding, we are working on it.

    “We are doing this because we have a President in Nigeria who walks his talks. Once he makes a commitment, you can take it to the bank.

    “So, I urge you to continue on the course of negotiations and back-door conversations. They are very effective. It is much more effective than confrontation; much more effective than shutting the institutions.”

  • How to resolve varsity funding crisis, by Don

    How to resolve varsity funding crisis, by Don

    …says govt should set up governing councils’

    A professor of History, Dele Adeoti, has decried poor funding of public universities, urging the institutions to devise creative ways of generating fund. 

    The university teacher also urged parents and guardians to embrace the reality of cost-sharing in the light of prevailing economic realities. 

    Adeoti, who teaches at the Lagos State University ,(LASU), Ojo, delivered his inaugural lecture titled: “Interrogating Multidimensional Crises in the Management and Funding of University Education in Nigeria: A Historian’s Perspective.”

    He also called for the setting up of governing councils for the federal universities to give their leaderships a proper focus. 

    Lamenting the impart of poor university funding, Adeoti said: “Our universities are no longer a major global player in teaching, research and innovation which gives universities global visibility, ranking and leverage to win grants and all kinds of benefits needed for nation-building and the development of the ivory towers.”

    The history teacher highlighted the impact of poor funding, including incessant union strikes, jappa syndrome, diminishing capacity for research and innovations, and infrastructural deficits.

    Decrying the poor state of infrastructure, Adeoti  said: “Apart from the facilities being grossly inadequate, many have become substandard, overcrowded and used for purposes not intended in the original plan. 

    “An average public university lacks general facilities, such as regular water supply, standard hostels, toilets, electricity, libraries, laboratories and modern classrooms. 

    “Generally, laboratories are in short supply and the few available ones are obsolete. Access roads are in a state of disrepair and lecture theatres are deplorable. 

    Read Also: Why Edo govt-owned varsity, AAU, is in intense crisis, by ASUU Chairperson

    “Besides, the environment for training students allows for loss of values and confidence. Staff and students are demoralized and lose the self-esteem needed to pursue innovation and development.”

    Adeoti emphasised that “adequate financing of university education is a sustainable antidote to the crises of nation-building.”

    He added: “The federal government’s policy regarding wavering tuition costs at federal universities must be examined and re-examined. 

    “Parents and students must acknowledge the high expense of pursuing higher education and that things are changing. They should, therefore, accept that adequate finances are necessary for delivering high-quality education rather than viewing this as a political problem.” 

    Adeoti said government cannot be the exclusive source of funding for education at any level, adding that “the requirement for alternative funding for Nigerian universities is crucial, considering the increase in the expense of funding these institutions compared to the requirement that they adhere to international best practices.” 

    He said university administrators must further explore public-private partnerships, explore and facilitate external funding and operate an effective and efficient alumni database, which can help a lot to provide sustainable options in the running of the universities.

    Urging university managers to use available funds judiciously,  Adeoti said:”Vice- Chancellors must become more prudent with the meager contributions from government, students, and internally generated funds, which must be channelled appropriately towards providing quality teaching, research and national services that meet global best practices.

    He stressed: “An all-out war must be waged against corruption in the management of funds and misappropriation of funds in the institutions.”

    Adeoti said the absence of governing councils has led to the the lack of a clear leadership structure and decision-making body that could provide guidance and oversight on key decisions related to budgets, policies, and programmes.

    He said without a council, these decisions may be delayed or made without the proper consultation and input, adding that there is nobody to hold the university administration accountable for its decisions and actions.

    Adeoti said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should immediately constitute the Governing Councils of all Federal Universities and other tertiary institutions in order to ensure good governance and prevent university capture by the respective managements.”

  • Varsity promotes don

    Varsity promotes don

    A pioneer faculty member of McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo in Ogun State, Dr Isaac Oladepo Onigbinde, has been promoted to  professorial position.

    The promotion was ratified by the Appointments and Promotions Committee (Academic), at its statutory meeting which held last month.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Igbasan, congratulated the don on his  academic attainment and described it as “well deserved”.

    Read Also: Three Nasarawa varsity students feared dead in stampede

     Onigbinde obtained his West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC) at Ifelodun Comprehensive Grammar School, Ilajue, Oyo State in 1996, as the overall best student. He later proceeded to University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos State, where he bagged a bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. Hons.) in Psychology  in 2002.

    He later obtained a postgraduate diploma (PGD) in Business Administration in 2005 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. Thereafter,he obtained his Master’s Degree (M.Sc.) in Business Administration with specialisation in Marketing from UNILAG in 2008; and a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Marketing and Strategic Management from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, in 2013.

  • Varsity gets VC

    Varsity gets VC

    Governing Council of Trinity University at Yaba in Lagos State, has appointed Prof. Clement  Kolawole as second substantive vice chancellor.

    A statement by the university noted Kolawole assumed office on September 11, 2023 as acting vice chancellor.

     During this time, student population increased, and Nursing Science Department was upgraded to a faculty, leading to higher quota by Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

    “Also,  Accounting received full professional accreditation from Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN),” it added.

    Read Also: We will ban issuance of mining licenses to investors without requisite plans – Alake

    The university said his major achievement was convening the maiden convocation ceremonies on February 23, with support of the Governing Council and others.

    Kolawole pledged to partner international platforms providing certificates for attractive skills: software development, machine learning, digital marketing and software sales.

    He unveiled his desire to apply for grants to deepen research in the institution.

    The don thanked Trinity Foundation, Board of Trustees, the council, management   for their support.

  • Varsity will justify subvention increment, VC assures

    Varsity will justify subvention increment, VC assures

    The Vice Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, (BOUESTI), Prof. Olufemi Adeoluwa, has assured citizens that the institution would justify increment in its monthly subvention through quality academic and scholastic performance.

    He said he recent increase in the subvention from N175.8million to N275.8million would be effectively and efficiently utilised to elevate the status of the university.

    Read Also: ‘Why Edo varsity’s management, ASUU clash is getting messier’

    Prof. Adeoluwa spoke in Ikere-Ekiti during a three-day retreat organised for workers of the institution with the theme: ‘The Imperatives of Governance in a Budding University.’

    The VC, who hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the upward review of subvention to the institution, said such had reduced BOUESTI’s financial burden in paying salary and fulfilling other obligations.

    He added that Governor Oyebanji’s kind gesture was an indication of his genuine concern for the growth and development of tertiary education and human capital.

  • ‘Varsity will produceself-sufficient graduates’

    ‘Varsity will produceself-sufficient graduates’

    The Vice Chancellor, Henry Seriake Dickson University (Hensard), Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Prof. Dileep Kumar, has said the university is out to produce self-sufficient graduates, who will become employers of labour, rather than job seekers.

    He made this known during the Batch ‘B’ Aptitude Test and Screening of Applicants into the institution, held at Hensard University take-off campus in Toru Orua.

    Kumar said what makes Hensard University different  from others is that it is focused on entrepreneurship and practicals, with the objective of training students, who will come out to tackle the problems in the society.

    Read Also: Oborevwori’s alleged plot to relocate varsity sparks protest

    He said: “If any academic system is not integrating practical skills with the theory they are learning, I am not sure these students will fit into the labour market.

    “So, being different from other universities, this is one of the visions of the founder, Senator Seriake Dickson- entrepreneurial education, and he believes he is going to practise it and this university is totally focused on entrepreneurship.”

    Some of the applicants, who spoke to reporters after the exercise, hailed the learning facilities and the ambience of the university.

  • Abia varsity DVC kidnappers reportedly demand ₦55m ransom

    Abia varsity DVC kidnappers reportedly demand ₦55m ransom

    The abductors of a former deputy vice-chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Prof. Godwin Emezue have reportedly demanded ₦55m ransom for his release.

    It was gathered that the gunmen made the demand when they opened up communication with the family.

    The gunmen, according to reports, warned the family against involving police, if they want their relative alive.

    The university Don was said to be in the company of his wife when the hoodlums that had been trailing them blocked them and whisked him away.

    It was gathered that they were double-crossed after coming out from a fueling station located at the Umuekwu, Amachara in Umuahia South local government area of the state before the gunmen swooped on them.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums made away with his wife’s Automated (ATM) card and dragged the Deputy Vice-Chancellor into a Lexus SUV before driving away from the scene.

    The information available has it that the university Don had buried his father-in-law three months before the incident.

    There was no clear information on whether the family had been contacted by the kidnappers at the time of filing the report.

    Read Also: Lagos to set up medical varsity 

    Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka said the police got official information about the incident around 9:30 pm, while the incident happened about 7:30 pm.

    She said: “The Abia State Police Command is deploying resources and assets including intelligence and technical aid towards unravelling the crime, and safely rescuing the victim from his captors.

    “We urge Abians to remain calm and continue their legitimate activities while maintaining vigilance and being security conscious

    “Furthermore, we seek the cooperation of the public, especially by way of providing any useful information that could be helpful in these particular circumstances, and in attaining enhanced security in the state, generally.”