The Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Dr. Mansur Liman has charged the newly admitted students of the National Broadcast Academy, NBA, to be dedicated to their course of study during the programme.
Dr. Liman gave the charge during an orientation programme for the Batch C students of the academy held at the FRCN Training School in Ikeja, Lagos.
The director-general who was represented by the Director of the Training School, Mallam Danladi Kwache, said a conducive learning environment has been provided by the school management to ease learning.
Mallam Kwache stated that the academy is poised to inculcate the prerequisite knowledge in students for them to become world-class professionals in the broadcast industry.
He urged the students to be disciplined and attentive throughout the academic programme.
Contributing, the Director of Academics, Mr. Segun Akinoya advised the students to attend classes regularly and maximize every opportunity to learn during their stay in the school.
Mr. Akioya added that the school would continue to maintain standards as it contributes to the growth of the broadcast industry.
Parents of Girls Model School’s students, Ilawe Ekiti have appealed to Ekiti State Government not to close down the school in the interest of the existing students.
The parents including Mr. Felix Ilori, Omolade Adeniyi and Mrs Fadairo, who spoke during a protest in Ado Ekiti, affirmed that most of their children have been demoralized and traumatized following the inability to resume with their counterparts in other schools.
According to the parent, their children were sent home few hours after resumption on Monday on the account that the school had been handed over to Ilawe community to to kick start the newly approved Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti.
The parents who were in tears appealed said Government ought to have given them prior notice or make arrangements for the children before sending them packing abruptly.
They urged Governor Biodun Oyebanjito consider the effect of such action on the female students, hence the students should be allowed to resume while an alternative structure should be awarded to Ilawe Communiy.
During a visit to the office of the commissioner for Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye, she declined comment and directed Radio Nigeria Correspondent to the Commissioner for Information whom was not also available as at the time of this report.
A consistently peaceful teaching-learning environment devoid of strike and students violence is critical to attaining the status of a 21st century institution responsive to the needs and aspirations of the society.
The Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, made the remark while addressing newsmen on the campus.
Professor Adebooye explained that to ensure this, the Institution remained committed to increasing staff and students satisfaction level through beyond -the- bar measures as well as deployment of modern technology for impacting knowledge.
The Vice Chancellor also announced the university’s combined convocation programme where over 4,000 students would be awarded degrees and diplomas in various areas, saying that the management would ensure that students graduate within the calendar of their Programme.
“Henceforth, we shall be graduating our students every September that follows their final examinations in July of same year. For this year,we are graduating our final year students for the 2021/2022 academic session that ended in July 2023 and our final year students for 2022/2023 academic session just completed in July 2023”.
On the construction of University’s new Teaching Hospital by Dr Alakija, he said the project was 97 percent complete.
“But on the convocation day, our Chancellor will disclosed the day when the project will be commissioned. Efforts are on top gear over the project.”
The National Board for Technical Education has revealed that over 30,000 Nigerian Higher National Diploma, HND, holders have applied for its top-up programme.
The Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Professor Idris Bugaje, disclosed this while speaking on issues around its newly launched top-up programme for HND holders to acquire a Bachelor of Science in their choice course.
He said the board had no power to award degrees to students but able to help HND holders by facilitating the programmes with foreign universities while introducing credit mapping to aid learning.
“We have a software that does credit mapping, we have already fed our HND graduates with that software so it will now pick the curriculum of the foreign university compare them together to bring out what is the difference between the two.
“We are now in discussion with a number of these foreign universities from Malaysia, Russia, India but with time we hope we can populate about 15-20 universities. Though it’s a gradual process and this will offer more opportunities for students.
“So far we have gotten applicants for over 30,000. About two weeks ago, it was 15,000 and within this two weeks, it has doubled and I am very confident that in the next two weeks we may hit about 50,000 applicants .
“These are Nigerian HND holders yearning to have this dichotomy brought to an end by acquiring BSc and unfortunately there are PhD holders who has HND who are also coming back to do BSc.
“This is like a contradiction after a doctorate coming back to BSc and this is what we are trying to avoid by asking the fresh HND holders to go straight to do the top-up programme and get the BSc and be at par with anybody else in the progression,” he said.
He added that HND holders would only be made to pay 10 per cent of the entire tuition fees to run the one-year top-up programme.
On the fears of the university system as against loosing their students, he said the programme would only bring competition.
When asked about the preference of foreign universities over local universities, Bugaje said the local universities were full of prejudice against HND.
The NBTE boss, however, blamed this on the National Universities Commission, who had refused to key into the programme in spite of written letters to inform them about the programme.
“The best dialogue is with the NUC and the ministry of education. We have written letters and sent reminders and even crafted a curriculum and we sent it to the ministry but it is like it has not seen the light of the day.
“We realised they are looking down on the academic board of polytechnics, they said the academic board of polytechnics are not equivalent to universities senate.
We have been in this since two years I came in as executive secretary of NBTE. I have given the new minister brief on this and I am very confident he is going to endorse what we are doing,” he said.
He urged the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman to take a very strong position against the dichotomy while also hoping that the polytechnic Act would be revisited in no time to put an end to the dichotomy challenge.
He said the Act if reviewed would allow polytechnics to run bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in technology for their products.
“The polytechnic system is a system parallel to the university, we are not feeders. The Colleges of Education feed the university system.
” This is because anytime the national policy on education changes and they make BSc education the minimum qualification for teaching in basic schools, the role of the NCE will be over even the commission overseeing the programme will seize to exist.
”The COE all feed into the NUC programmes to produce graduates. In the polytechnics, we are a complimentary system, we produce technology and technicians for industries basically.
“But there are components of our systems also that pursue academic career and those ambition should not be stopped so I hope the roadmap committee the minister has set up will come up with a final solution for this dichotomy against HND,” he added.
A non-governmental group, The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned the recent hike in school fees across public universities in Nigeria, saying they are outrageous and unconscionable.
In a statement issued in Lagos, the group said this disheartening trend is not just a knife in the back of poor students and their families struggling amid grim economic conditions but also a direct assault on the fundamental right to education as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Highlighting the arbitrary and recent increments in school fees by the administrations of the University of Lagos, University of Maiduguri, and the Obafemi Awolowo University, among others, CAPPA expressed dismay that these increases persist despite directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Education to public tertiary institutions to refrain from imposing additional financial strains on students.
According to the organization’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, ‘‘These astronomical fee increases have wrought devastating consequences already, with countless students being pushed out of the system, forced to watch their dreams crumble or resort to back-breaking, often perilous and mentally draining menial jobs to keep their academic hopes on life support.’’
He continued by saying, ‘‘At a time when Nigerians are still grappling with the debilitating shockwaves of fuel subsidy removal—a policy shift that has engendered high inflation rates, skyrocketed transport costs, and increased the prices of basic commodities—it is nothing short of grotesque insensitivity for public universities in the country to further compound the woes of the poor with exorbitant school fees.’’
“Worse still, the government has failed to fulfil its commitment to alleviate the plight of impoverished Nigerian workers. The current minimum wage remains a pittance, yet to be increased despite repeated promises from state authorities. This sad situation has further worsened the hardships of austerities and soaring living costs. To then expect already battered Nigerians to make additional sacrifices for their children’s education is to rub salt on an open wound,’’ the statement noted.
Continuing, the organization decried the blatant commercialization of tertiary education, evidenced by the fee increments. It contended that the steep hikes have failed to translate into tangible improvements in the educational milieu. Students continue to navigate decayed lecture halls and living quarters and lack adequate academic infrastructure, consequently facing a steady decline in the quality of their academic experiences.
CAPPA noted that while university authorities offer flimsy excuses, alleging that the fee hikes are inevitable due to current economic realities, it categorically rejects the warped narrative.
‘‘Students and their families should not be made the scapegoats for dismal economic conditions spurred by ineffective government policies and a chronic underfunding of the education sector. It is a glaring indictment on the nation that, despite Nigeria’s abundant wealth and potential, our budgetary allocation to education lingers shamefully below global recommendations.’’ the group submitted in the statement singed by its Policy and Research Officer, Zikora Ibeh.
Ms. Zikora further berated the distasteful actions of the Lagos State Police and the management of the University of Lagos on September 6, 2023, saying ‘‘The victimization, use of tear gas, and arrests of young students for peacefully protesting the fee hike is both a moral and democratic travesty. Such strong-arm tactics betray the very principles that an institution of higher learning should uphold,’’ she remarked.
CAPPA called for unity among stakeholders and pro-education groups in the country, urging them to stand in firm resolution against the fee hikes. The organization also urged the President Tinubu-led administration to take decisive action to enforce the directive on no fee hike and ensure the full protection of Nigerian students.
‘‘We reiterate that genuine solutions to Nigeria’s educational challenges reside in raising budgetary allocations to the sector and taking dedicated steps to enhance the quality of learning experiences and infrastructure in line with global standards. Commercializing education and restricting access for many Nigerians is neither the answer nor the way forward. Such measures would only impede our nation’s progress and further pauperize our society.’’ The statement concluded.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved the re-opening of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree for continuation of academic activities,
In a statement by the commissioner for education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, the step was taken by the state government to ensure that academic activities in the institution are not disrupted further.
It enjoins staff and students of the institution to ensure that peaceful co- existence reigns within and outside the campus.
The State Government had ordered the closure of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Campus, for two weeks following the return of the suspended Rector, Doctor Tajudeen Odetayo.
It would be recalled that the state government had suspended Doctor Odetayo for alleged gross misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
He was replaced by Doctor Alabi Kehinde who was appointed in the acting capacity.
Doctor Odetayo had taken the step to resume following an order of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division which reinstalled him as Rector.
Meanwhile, Acting Rector appointed by the state government, Doctor Kehinde Alabi has appealed to members of the institution’s community to remain calm.
The rate at which out-of-school children in the country increases on a daily basis has been described as a menace that should be urgently addressed by all and sundry in the country.
This was the submission of Civil Society Network for Peace and Restorative Justice in collaboration with the Oyo State Government at a one-day stakeholders round-table talk at MUSWEN Conference Hall, Iwo Road, Ibadan to commemorate this year International Day of Peace.
The guest speaker at the forum, a retired chief lecturer, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Professor Sabitu Olagoke, who described the high rate at which out-of-school children in the country increased by the day, said it posed a huge threat to the progress of the country.
Also contributing, the Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr Jacob Dairo, represented by Mr Muslideen Olanipekun, said about 20 millions children in Africa aged between 6 and 18 years are not enrolled in school, citing UNESCO.
He noted that approximately one million out-of-school children are in the country, pointing out that the Oyo State Government led by Engineer Seyi Makinde free education programme was a total package aimed at transforming the state into an egalitarian one.
While reacting, the Zonal Director Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria, Mr Dominic Mokikan, represented by Deputy Director, Outside Broadcast and Sports, Mrs Abiodun Ogidan, said parents should wake up to their responsibilites in shaping the future of their children.
In his address, the chairman of the forum, Professor Rasheed Aderinoye, said collaboration across board was needed to nip the menace in the bud.
The Osun State House of Assembly has promised to give necessary support needed to give the State Library the required facelift.
The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Mr. Sikiru Bajepade gave the assurance during a meeting with officials of the State Library Board held at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.
Mr Bajepade describes library as engine room necessary for both the students and learners in the society.
In separate contributions, other members of the Committee noted that library contributes positively to society’s development.
They advised the management to carry the Committee along in their activities.
In a remark, the Chief Librarian of Osun State, Mrs Funke Kolawole lamented the bad conditions of the state library and also revitalization of community libraries across the state.
Mrs Kolawole said that most of towns in local government areas across the state does not have community library for students.
Public private Primary and secondary Schools across Ekiti State today resumed for the first term of the 2023/2024 academic session.
Radio Nigeria roving correspondent, who monitored the resumption, observed that nearly all the schools offered prayers to usher in the new academic calendar.
The schools also tidied-up their premises while some were seen cutting grasses and others exchanging pleasantries.
Some of the schools visited were Government Science College, Iyin Ekiti, Deji Fasuan Model College, Christ Boys School, Christ Girl School, SAM/JEWEL Schools, Blue Crest Group of schools and Covenant Academy, all in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the founder of Blue Crest Group of Schools, Mr Bolu Akomolafe and the proprietor of Sam/Jewel Schools, Pastor Okuyemi Emmanuel expressed happiness at the turn out of students being the first day of resumption.
They, however, called on parents to allow their children to resume so as not miss out from teaching and learning.
In an interview, some pupils, who said that they enjoyed the long holidays,, also thanked God for the grace given unto them to resume in good health.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Kofoworola Aderiye had earlier directed heads of schools, teachers and students to begin academic activities on the first day of resumption.
The buses provided by the Ekiti State Government to convey workers and students to ease the cost of transportation were equally seen at major routes taking students to their Schools and workers to their offices.
Equally, in Ogun State, pupils and students of public and private primary and secondary schools as well as government technical colleges resumed for the first term of 2023/2024 academic session.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the resumption, reports that the hustle and bustle, especially the traffic jam that usually characterized school resumption, had returned to the state capital after the long term break.
A visit to schools in Abeokuta, Iaro, Sagamu and Ota areas of Ogun State showed an impressive turn out of students along with the enrollments of new students into the junior classes.
A student of Trinity College, Ijaye Abeokuta, Mokunnola Kamikunre expressed excitement for returning to school after the break.
A teacher, Mrs Temitope Omogboye from UBE Model Nursery and Primary School, Olorombo, Abeokuta who said the turnout of students was impressive, appealed to parents to release their children early for the academic activities.
Mrs Omogboye explained that the welcome test conducted for students was to refresh their memories and prepare them for the new academic term.
A parent Mr Kolawale Akin said there was the need for Federal Government to address the current inflation which he noted was affecting the economy.
Meanwhile, adequate facilities have been put in place such as new furniture and learning materials supplied, as well as classification of senior secondary school one students into classes.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu made this known while monitoring school resumption across the state.
Professor Arigbabu explained that the cancellation of various levies was part of the present administration’s commitment to further ensure education for all, tackle out of school menace and promote free qualitative education for the citizenry
Similarly, in Ibadan the Oyo State capital, academic activities commenced in private and public schools for 2023/2024 academic session.
Radio Nigeria correspondent, who visited some schools in Oluyole Estate, Apata, Mokola, saw students at the assembly ground praising God for witnessing the new academic session while administrative officers attended to the new students.
A senior school teacher Mr Seun Akinwale said academic activities commenced immediately, pointing out that teachers had resumed a week earlier to prepare ahead of resumption.
The head teacher, Kingdom Heritage Model School, Apata, Mrs Jumoke Oluyemi said schools needed to increase their school fee because of the economic situation of the country.
Some parents, while expressing their views, lamented increase in school Fees and other educational materials.
They called on government to promulgate policies that is economically friendly to alleviate the plights of people.
The management of the University of Lagos, has announced the reduction of its fees after meeting the representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students on Thursday.
A statement made available to newsmen on Friday revealed that the university held a meeting with the executives of the NANS and other faculty members on Thursday evening.
The statement read, “Authorities of the University of Lagos led by the Vice-Chancellor, Proffesor Folasade Ogunsola, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, had a meeting with the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Usman Umar Barambu accompanied by top officers of the Association and UNILAG Faculty leaders drawn from nine faculties of the University and College of Medicine.”
The statement also revealed that at the commencement of the meeting, Barambu highlighted the demands put forth by the students. The demands include reversal of obligatory fees, reversal of hostel fees, and reinstatement of Students’ Union Government in UNILAG.
However, Ogunsola, stressed that the aim of the University was to deliver quality education to its students regardless of class, tribe or creed.
“After careful evaluation of the issues raised by the students and management, the following consensus was reached at the meeting: Utility Charges for all categories of students was reduced to N15,000:00 from N20,000:00.
“The obligatory fees for returning undergraduate students was reviewed from N100,750:00 to N80,750:00 for Courses without Lab/Studio; N140,250:00 to N120,250:00 for Courses with Lab/Studio; and from N190,250:00 to N170, 250:00 for Medical / Pharmacy students and students in Health Professions.
“The Convocation Fee to be paid by all final year students was reduced to N27,000:00 from N 30,000:00. Hostels fees were reviewed as follows: For undergraduate hostels in Akoka and Yaba campuses, the fees was reduced to N43, 000:00 from N90,000:00.
“For hostels in Idi-Araba campus, the fees was reduced to N65,000:00 from N120,000:00. The fees for Sodeinde Hall was reduced to N135,000:00 from N250,000:00.”
Some students of the University of Lagos, on Wednesday, took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the raised tuition fees announced by the school management.
In July, the UNILAG authorities announced a rise in tuition fees for both new and returning undergraduate students, citing the current economic conditions as the reason behind the decision.
In furtherance of its oversight responsibilities in line with Section 129 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended), the Osun State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun, has directed the acting Rector and the immediate past Rector of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Mr. Kehinde Alabi and Doctor Tajudeen Odetayo, respectively to appear before the House on Tuesday, 19th September, 2023 by 11.00am.
A Statement by the Director Information and Public Relations, Mr Laide Lawal indicates that the two invitees should come with necessary documents and other information which assist the Honourable House in its oversight duties.
No fewer than one thousand, three hundred and ninety-five pupils, sat for the year 23/24 e-based Entrance Examination into Oyo State Model Smart School.
The pupils were tested in English language, Mathematics, and General knowledge at the Smart School, Sogunro, Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan.
The Executive Secretary, SUBEB, Jacob Dairo stated that the exercise was hitch-free in the center, adding that, seven hundred and ninety-six candidates were disqualified, as a result of double entry.
The Executive Secretary also said, the pupils did not write paper-based examinations but were given tablets for the examination, adding that, the turnout was impressive.
Stressing further, Mr. Dairo said, Paper paper-pencil testing was not allowed in the Model Smart school, because teaching is computer-based.
The Executive Secretary said the Oyo State Government has made plans to integrate technology-driven inclusivity in the Basic and Junior Secondary education at the model smart school.
“The Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has placed a premium on the basic education sector. On behalf of stakeholders in the basic education sector, I thank the Governor who has earmarked a sizable budget to address infrastructural deficiency and an upgrade of our learning process, through the model smart school”, he noted.
The Executive Secretary urged parents/guardians to expose their children/wards to the use of technology, adding that, the new school intends to bring in different educational applications that would enhance innovation, creativity, and talents.
He also admonished parents in the State to acquaint their children with the use of computers as it would boost e-learning.
Dairo also thanked the leadership of Akinyele Local Government Area; the Oyo State security outfit, Operation Burst, for the support in securing the school.
The Director, of Standard and Quality Assurance, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo supervised the examination, with the support of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and Oyo State Universal Basic Education officials.
A tech developer, Michael Mekulehi has charged Nigerian youths to shun cybercrime in their quest to attain financial and academic success.
Mekulehi gave the charge while delivering the 2023 Matriculation Lecture of the University of Ibadan.
Mekulehi, A first class graduate in Mechanical Engineering of the university, who spoke on the topic: “Integrity in the Technology Age“, explained that a data obtained by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, in 2021, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and thirteen fraud cases were recorded while about two billion naira were lost by commercial banks to cybercrime.
The Ondo-born tech developer, who noted that Nigeria was ranked high in cybercrime, encouraged the students to deploy their energies and times on Artificial Intelligence skills which was in high demand globally to break even in their pursuit for financial freedom.
He advised them to be proactive, embrace principle of time management, synergize and combine skills with, and embrace positive criticism so as to be a force to reckon with in the scheme of things.
In his address to the matriculants, Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan Professor Kayode Adebowale, who spoke through the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Aderonke Bayeroju, admonished the students to strive for excellence and be law abiding in their sojourn in the citadel of learning.
Professor Adebowale, enjoined the three thousand nine hundred and eighty-three matriculants to take their studies seriously saying any student without seventy-five per cent lecture attendance would not be allowed to write exams in the school.
The Ekiti State Government has employed 500 successful candidates following the recruitment process to fill vacant teaching positions in public secondary schools in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, Mr Mike Omolayo, said the employment letters of the successful candidates were ready for collection by the candidates.
Omolayo disclosed this on Sunday in a public service announcement signed on his behalf by the Chief Information Officer, Adejoke Ajayi.
It read, “Following the recent release of the lists of successful candidates recruited into the teaching service by the Ekiti State TESCOM, successful candidates who have completed their documentation processes are hereby directed to collect their letters of appointment at TESCOM, Ado Ekiti, on Monday, September 11, 2023, by 10am.”
The new teachers are expected to resume on September 18 when the new academic session begins in the state, Ajayi said.
Following approval by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the appointment of 500 teachers into public secondary schools in the state, about 12,000 job seekers, including physically challenged persons, applied for the jobs and underwent qualifying examinations while successful ones proceeded to two other stages of oral interview and micro-teaching.
Chairman in Ekiti State, Sola Adigun, said, “The employment is a welcome development. But like Oliver Twist, we will still want more. As a labour leader and representative of ASUSS, we have been at the vanguard of the call for recruitment of more workers across the board and particularly teaching, so, we are happy about it.”
Adigun hinged the call for more recruitment on the fact that secondary school teachers were retiring every year, thus leaving behind many vacancies.
“If we had 10,000 about eight years ago and we are going to 8,000 now, the reason is that experienced teachers are retiring on a yearly basis, so it is very important for the vacancies to be filled.
“I want to appreciate Mr Governor for approving this employment despite numerous challenges. As a union, we are happy. You will recollect that before now, Oyebanji approved the employment of about 1,000 teachers at the primary school level,” he added.
Corps employers have been urged to ensure adequate welfare of corps members posted to their establishments to cushion the effect of the current economic realities in their service to the nation.
The Oyo State coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Abel Oche made the call at the closing parade of 2023 Batch B, stream 2 orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Iseyin.
Some members of the 2023 Batch B, Stream 2 orientation course during the PassingOutParade.
Mr. Oche who explained that the current economic situation which had an overbearing impact on the living conditions of the people noted that, provision of welfare packages from establishments where corps members serve their one-year mandatory national service would boost their morale to perform optimally.
”Accept them with love, correct their mistakes, and commend them when necessary”, Mr. Oche.
Declaring the orientation course closed, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State charged the corps members deployed to the state to be committed to building a united, peaceful, prosperous, and egalitarian society.
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs Olubukola Oladipo, urged corps members to play an active role in efforts to restore prosperity to the country.
“I want to implore you all to be productive. Put in your best, no matter how little or big it might be, for the transformation of your host communities.
“I also implore you to cultivate and maintain a healthy relationship with your host communities. Oyo State is a pacesetter state in all ramifications and our people are very hospitable and accommodating.”
Governor Makinde assured that the state government would be committed to the provisions of good security and adequate welfare for corps members, irrespective of the location of their primary assignment.
The state government has ordered the closure of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Campus for two weeks following the return of suspended Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo.
The closure of the institution was contained in a statement signed by the commissioner for education, Mr Dipo Eluwole and made available to journalists in Osogbo, Osun State capital.
The statement read, “This to inform the general public, particularly members of staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree to proceed on two (2) weeks break, with immediate effect.
“The immediate break is a necessary action in order to maintain peace in the Institution consequent upon the forceful return of the suspended Rector, Dr. T.A. Odetayo.
“The general public should also note that School accounts have been frozen with immediate effect and it is imperative that everyone cooperates fully and adheres to these directives.
There was confusion at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree today when the suspended rector of the institution, Dr Tajudeen Odetayo returned to take charge of the school’s administration.
His return is consequent upon the order of an industrial court which forbade the appointment of another Rector pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Upon sighting the suspended Rector, who reportedly arrived at the school at about 8 o’clock in the morning, wild jubilation erupted in parts of the campus, while other members of the community were shocked with the development.
Some students of the Institution told Radio Nigeria that the development brought tension and confusion as two persons paraded themselves as Rector on the campus, the same day.
The suspended Rector could not be located for comments, but in a statement, the new Rector Mr Kehinde Alabi appealed to members of the Polytechnic Community to remain calm.
Mr Alabi charged staff and students in the school not to submit themselves to any form of intimidation, but to maintain peace and order, stating “The state government is looking into the situation and will get a stay of execution in court”.
Recall that the state government had suspended Dr Odetayo through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kehinde Jimoh, on July 24, 2023 for alleged gross misappropriation of funds and abuse of office, while it appointed Mr Kehinde Alabi to act in his stead.
It was later gathered that the panel of investigation did not invite the suspended Rector to defend himself.
Dissatisfied with his suspension, Dr Odetayo approached the Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria with an ex parte motion challenging what he described as his “illegal suspension.”
In the motion, Dr Odetayo prayed for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents (Governor Ademola Adeleke and others) from giving effect to the letter of suspension dated 11th July 2023 and letter of query dated 1st August 2023 given to him.
Delivering ruling on the motion, Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale granted an interim order restraining Governor Adeleke and 14 others from appointing a rector for the polytechnic.
Justice Ogunbowale also ordered Adeleke and other respondents to stay further action on the institution, pending hearing of the motion on notice slated for October 10, 2023.
The judge had directed that a hearing notice be issued to all respondents before the next adjourned date.
The newly-installed family head (Mogaji) of Lato Compound in Oke-Labo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Abiodun Gbolagade, wants the Oyo state government to evolve strategies that would disabuse the minds of secondary school students against malpractices whenever they sit for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
The Professor of Humanitarian Management, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan commended the present administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde in its efforts at providing conducive environment for both the teacher and students in public schools spread across the state.
Professor Gbolagade noted that Oyo state being the pace setter state ought to be ranked among the list of states with outstanding performances in external examinations, saying measures should be put in place to properly groom, monitor and mentor the students in order to boost their competitive spirits.
Professor Gbolagade, also appealed to the governor to jack up allocation to tertiary institutions so as to tackle the issue of paucity of funds in the state owned higher institutions of learning.
He called on all Mogajis (heads of compound) to work together to promote the integrity and development of Ibadanland saying issues of factions should be jettisoned and emphasized that the Mogajis were all representing their various compounds as they climb the Olubadan line to the throne in future.
“Personally I don’t see any faction. What we should be doing is to promote the integrity, development and security of Ibadanland. We must all work together to complement the developmental efforts of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun.”
Nutritionists have called on parents, particularly mothers to engage their children while preparing meals that are nutritious to the body.
They made the call during the food fair exhibition, Kids Nutri-Garden Vacation School organised by the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking in the programme which was the 6th edition, the Coordinator of the Programme, Dr. Shirley Ejoh said the children would exhibit confidence and knowledge to make healthy life choices by supporting their parents while preparing food.
In a remark, the Acting Head of Department, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Oluyemisi Folasire noted that the ability to appreciate the hygienic environment where food is being prepared is a lifetime opportunity that enhances healthy eating to live a long life.
Some of the kids who participated in the holiday programme said, they achieved garden-enhanced nutrition education which includes vegetable gardening, healthy cooking, and food demonstration activities.
The exhibition afforded the kids an opportunity to showcase what they had learned in creative ways.
Dignitaries at the occasion include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategy, University of Ibadan, Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, a Professor of Psychiatry, Olayinka Omigbodun, Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Fatai Adeniyi and parents of the participating kids.
The Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has launched a battle against immorality and indecent dressing on campus by placing a ban on public kissing and hugging by the opposite sex, any skimpy dress, making of tinted hair, tattoos and others.
It also asked the students to desist from wearing any dress or items that cover their faces and also banned opposite-sex students from sitting on each other’s lap.
The school management said sexually provocative dresses would no longer be allowed in the school.
These were part of the set of codes of conduct and dress code as contained in the revised students’ handbook, which also banned backless clothes, transparent wear, off-shoulder clothes, bum shorts, tattered jeans, dreadlocks, earrings for male/cowries for female, and micro/mini dress.
The university also banned sagging of trousers or knickers for males and females, hair braiding for males, nose, mouth, eye or extra rings, crop/jump tops, unconventional wearing of caps, tattoo/indelible markings for males, multi-coloured braid for females, haircuts with inscriptions, T-shirts with obscene inscriptions depicting immorality, hooliganism, among others.
It vowed that heavy make-up, rumpled and dirty clothes, and hair plaiting or weaving by male students would no longer be tolerated on the campus.
According to the school, violators of any of the dress codes will be rusticated from the school for one semester while in addition, any student found with coloured hairstyles, hair braiding for males, or spangled hairstyle for males will be rusticated for two semesters from the school.
It said it would rusticate students found touching, kissing and hugging a member of the opposite sex and students found massaging or sitting on the lap of the opposite sex for two semesters.
The school management, however, urged male students to note that their hair should be neat and well-combed at all times and that the hair should not be coloured (except it is a natural colour).
The Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi has warned the newly matriculated students of the institution to shun all acts of indiscipline and social vices such as indecent dressings, cultism, drug abuse, hooliganism, gangsterism, examination misconducts, cyber-crimes and a host of other.
Prof. Akinlabi gave this charge on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 during the 14th matriculation ceremony of fresh students, held at the main hall of the institution.
The Rector expatiated that social vices usually undermine the integrity of academic community and pose threat to students’ safety and future. He implored the students to resist any form of temptation and make wise choices that will positively impact their academics and personal life, while stressing that the institution has zero tolerance for unruly behaviour.
He stressed the need for students to adhere to the institution’s dress code while calling for religious tolerance among Students.
According to him, “today’s event marks the formal recognition of your studentship, a gateway into your academic pursuit. It is a challenge for you to engage productively in your studies, imbibing hard work, determination, dedication and discipline to ensure success in the end.
“Out of thousands of applicants that qualified and applied for admission into various National Diploma Programmes, 1,021 applicants have been offered admissions into full time ND programmes and 335 others were admitted by the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for part time National Diploma Programmes.
The second categories are 644 applicants admitted into full time Higher National Diploma Programmes (HND) and 5 others admitted through the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for Higher National Diploma Programmes.
The total students admitted for both ND and HND progammes including full time and Part time students is 2,005 students for 2022/2023 academic session.
“I wish to reiterate that OYSCATECH will not renege in full filling its vision of becoming a leading centre for excellence in Agriculture, Technology and Management through the training of the youths for innovation, food sufficiency and job creation.
“I must emphasise that OYSCATECH as a Polytechnic is well positioned as an institution that places high premium on practical, entrepreneurship training, research and community services due to her status as a full-fledged polytechnic since April 2019 coupled with the qualified manpower for effective general administration, teaching and research.”
Prof. Akinlabi added that Students have been admitted into an institution that has excellent curriculum with special attention to programmes of instruction, programmes of activities and programmes of guidance in line with global best practice and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) policy directives.
“Apart from the existing programmes for the ND and the HND, three new programmes have been graciously approved by the NBTE at the National Diploma level, namely Food Technology, Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
The Rector hinted that the management is working tirelessly towards providing more enabling environment for teaching and research in the institution, while assuring that very soon, various infrastructural projects would be embarked upon by TETFUND, the State, Federal Government, NEYI, NCC, Galaxy Backbone, individuals and a host of others.
The rector commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for prompt payment of full salaries to staff, and effort at resuscitating the farm settlements in Oyo State.
Prof. Akinlabi applauded Prof. Sanni led Governing Council for their contributions to the development of the institution.
Prof. Akinlabi appreciated all management staff, union leaders and all staff of the institution for their support in moving the Polytechnic forward.
The Registrar, Mr. Rasheed Fasasi Adeniji while administering the matriculation oath on fresh Students noted that it is mandatory for
students to abide by the rules and regulations governing their studentship on this campus.
He maintained that having taken the matriculation oath, Students were duty bound to ensure strict compliance with the matriculation oath as administered.
In his goodwill message, the JAMB representative, Mr Bamidele Daramola explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will sustain its partnership with tertiary institutions in the areas of admissions and Computer Based Test (CBT).
While congratulating them, he advised the students to normalise their admission with JAMB before it is too late.
Some of the matriculating students who could not hide their joy expressed assured that they will be good ambassadors of the institution.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, following a National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Maiduguri has asked the Federal Government through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to release outstanding promotion arrears owed its members in the interest of industrial peace and harmony in Nigerian universities.
The ASUU in a statement released on Thursday morning said it was also disturbed by the news of employment racketeering perpetrated through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
The statement reads, “NEC noted with serious concern that ASUU members are currently owed several months of promotion arrears arising from distortions traceable to the forceful enrollment of academics on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information platform. NEC observed that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has failed to address the issue despite several efforts by the union and university administrations.
“Consequently, ASUU calls on the OAGF to ensure the immediate release of the backlog of promotion arrears to our members in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.
“NEC was disturbed by reports of massive employment racketeering perpetuated by operators of the discredited IPPIS, including scandalous revelations at the recent sittings of House of Representatives’ Probe Panel on IPPIS. NEC observed that the unsavoury trend has eroded university employment tradition in violation of the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003, and Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions of individual universities. ASUU rejects all illegal appointments sponsored by the IPPIS and its agents in Nigerian public universities.”
A professor of Mass Communication and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Professor Umar Pate has advised Theatre Arts practitioners to take advantage of the massive opportunities in technology to drive the sector.
Professor Pate, who gave the advise while delivering a lecture at the opening ceremony of the 60th anniversary, Theatre Arts Department, University of Ibadan, said harnessing full opportunities in the world of technology was the only way to make the sector relevant and ensure economic security.
He believed that every sector is in transition with emerging challenges and opportunities, hence the need to include courses relating to technology, economic and gender security in institutions’ Theatre Arts curriculum.
Professor Pate, who said the creation of a new Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, was a welcome development for the theatre art industry, urged the minister, Mrs Hannatu Musawa to synergize with major stakeholders.
Corroborating, chairman on the occasion who is an alumnus of the department, Otunba Deji Osibogun decried the decline in the acceptability of stage play and advocated for the return of children theatre practice to make the industry more interesting to younger ones.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, University of Ibadan Theatre Arts Department 60th Anniversary, Professor Duro Oni said the department was proud to produce students who have become heads of tertiary institutions and others who are making exceptional impacts in their careers.
The opening of a four day event which is expected to end this Saturday with an award ceremony had in attendance the alumnus of the department across the country.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State Governor says he is committed to revamping the education sector in the state.
Governor Adeleke stated this at the opening of 3-day education summit for stakeholders in the education sector in Osogbo, Osun state.
Represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Governor said his administration will leave no stone unturned towards regaining the lost glory in the sector before the end of his first term in office.
Governor Adeleke who berated the performance index rating of the state as the 34th in external examinations in Nigeria, expressed conviction in the outcome of the summit to address the many anomalies currently associated with education in Osun state.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Education, Mr. Dipo Eluwole highlighted the challenges of the education sector in the state including decayed infrastructures coupled with inadequate teachers, which he said have accounted for the poor performance of students in both internal and external examinations.
Mr. Eluwole urged all stakeholders to see the job of revamping the sector as a collective responsibility.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Education Summit, Professor Oyesoji Aremu and the Chairman of the occasion who is also the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, commended Governor Adeleke for his commitment to give a new lease of life to education sector in Osun state.
Parents have commended the Oyo State Government for conducting the 2023 entrance examination into the seven science schools through Computer Based Test, CBT.
The parents said the mode of conduct was apt, noting that it would enhance merit and competitiveness among the Five Thousand, Three Hundred (5,300) candidates seeking admission into the Seven Science Schools across the state.
A parent, Mr. Olapade Hamzat, expressed delight over the exercise, saying the examination was devoid of malpractices, adding that the process adopted would give room for the children to have qualitative education.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, who monitored the computer-based exercise in some centres in Ibadan metropolis, expressed happiness at the turnout of candidates, saying admission into the schools of science is now competitive.
“In all the three centers that have been monitored, the students and centers are doing wonderfully well.”
“Although, there is still room for improvement, the ministry is equally looking forward to having one or two Accredited Computer Base Exams Centers so that the Ministry could be conducting exams of this nature for our students and other agencies that may want to do the kind of this exam in the near future.”
