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Thursday, 24 November 2016

ASUU Is Demanding For N284bn, Nobody Will Pay That In A Recession - FG

The federal government says it cannot meet the N248 billion demand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in light of the current economic recession.

According to Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, the union made the request, saying it is for earned allowances.

But speaking with state house correspondents after the federal executive council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister said the government had agreed to meet seven out of the eight demands of the union.

He added that the demand for the payment of earned allowances was the only issue that had not been resolved.

“The other aspect of it is the earned allowance. The earned allowance is the only one that has not been sorted out for now. Everybody knows and agrees that we are in a recession,” he said.

“If we are in a recession and you are asking us to pay you N284 billion, nobody will pay it because the money is not there.”

Ngige said the government offered the union an undisclosed amount of money pending the time when it audits the first tranche of money given to the union.

“So they (ASUU) agreed and the national assembly also agreed, but the government offered them some amount pending when we finish auditing of the first tranche of money that has been given to them in that same area of earned allowances,” he said.

“That tranche of money that they collected is being audited, but the auditing process is very slow because some people for some strange reasons are not allowing auditing to take place. So a time frame has been fixed of six months within which the auditing will be done.

“Within those six months, government has offered something that they will be paying on a monthly basis and ASUU has also made a counter proposal to government so both parties have gone back to their principals.

“ASUU has a principal which is the national executive body, and government has come back to look at our finances viz-a-viz with the national assembly, which will appropriate that particular fund because for 2016, there is nothing in the budget for it.”

He said the union was expected to return to the negotiating table with its counter proposal.

ASUU had embarked on a one-week warning strike to press home its demands.
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Wednesday, 23 November 2016

YABATECH Suspends Academic Activities After Fire Outbreak

The management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has suspended academic activities until further notice, following the unfortunate fire incident at Bakassi Hotel Wednesday morning.

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The inferno which broke out at the wee hours of the day, consumed properties belonging to the female students. It is understood that no life was lost in the incident.

Men from the Fire Service eventually arrived and put out the fire.



However, authorities have decided to put all examinations and lectures on hold.

“By this notice, all examinations and lectures, especially scheduled for today (Wednesday) have been put on hold while the College attends to the exigency,” a statement by Dr. Charles Oni, YABATECH spokesman, said

“The Management regrets the misguided and outright falsehood on the social media and calls to certain radio stations that there was no water on campus to quell the fire.

“The truth is that firemen needed an excavator to attend to the fire, which the College provided promptly.

“Meanwhile, the Rector, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, has called on the College community to remain calm as the Management finds ways to soothe the pains inflicted by the accident.”
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PHOTOS: YABATECH Female Hostel (Bakassi) Gutted By Fire

An hostel in Yabatech is currently on fire... Help really needed now.


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Indefinite Strike Is Imminent - ASUU Chairman Warns

As a week’s nationwide warning strike by university lecturers ends today (Tuesday), the teachers are threatening to go on an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.

Dr. Ifeanyi Abada, the Chairman of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Chapter of the Academic staff Union of Universities, made this known on Tuesday in Nsukka, Enugu State.

“ASUU was left with no option than to proceed on the one-week warning strike; failure to meet our demands, we will go on an indefinite strike, Abada told the News Agency of
Nigeria.

He said that the chapter complied fully with the warning strike directive.

“The National Executive Committee made efforts to resolve this issue with the government but government remained unyielding.

“The strike compliance in UNN is total, no lectures, no examinations, no departmental and faculty meetings, as members will not participate.


“UNN chapter will not renege on the directive of the national body until government addresses all the issues raised.

“Our monitoring team is moving round; any lecturer found teaching will be sanctioned accordingly,’’ he said.

According to Abada, among the demands of ASUU is that universities be exempted from the Treasury Single Account policy.

He noted that ASUU was also demanding Federal Government implementation of an agreement it entered into with ASUU in 2009.

Meanwhile, academic activities are still paralysed in the university as a result of the warning strike.(NAN)
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Prof. Jega Criticizes Universities Producing Bread And Sachet Water

Former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has criticized universities for engaging in bread and sachet water production to generate funds.



Jega, who is the Pro-Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos, spoke at the opening of the three-day 2016 Nigerian Higher Education Summit on Monday in Abuja.

Acknowledging that the crisis of funding in Nigerian universities is acute, Jega insisted that the primary responsibility of funding universities is that of government.


He said, “Putting universities in such a dire situation where they have to be doing things like producing and selling sachet water is sad; frankly, it is not the business of universities.

“We want young unemployed youths to be involved in such entrepreneurial activities to generate income for themselves and to build businesses.

“For a university to become in dire and desperate need for money as to bake bread and produce sachet water is unwholesome and needs to be discouraged.

“Government needs to provide sufficient funding to universities.




He said universities were in the business of knowledge production and should strive to produce patents or prototypes which they could engage Nigerian industries to manufacture.

Jega added that it is unhealthy for universities to be struggling to generate funds to carry out their mandates.

On ASUU strike, the former INEC boss called for mutual respect between the Federal Government and the unions.

“It is important for government to bend over backwards and it is important for unions to be realistic in their demands in order to find solutions,” he said.
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NYSC: Things You Must Take Along To NYSC Camp To Avoid Stress

You are on this page probably because you have been Mobilized by NYSC, a prospective corper or better still a parent who is helping out his/her child source for necessary information as regards NYSC camp requirements. I'm going keep it precise but detailed so you don't have to run around the internet searching for more information.

Now there's a huge excitement in your heart that you are going to serve your father land, that's obviously amazing. However, it will be really sad and shattering if you got to camp and you are being sent back because you don't have some required items for registration.

Now follow me closely as i list all you will need for registration and also to make your stay fun..

OFFICIAL NYSC CAMP REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Call Up Letter:
This is a vital part of camp registration and the only evidence that you are a prospective corps member (colloq. Corper, or Otondo) and you are not impersonating anyone. This will be taken from and not returned to you. So if at all you even forget you luggage (lol) never forget this.

Tip: DO NOT LAMINATE IT! And keep it like its your life. I know someone who was sent back because she forgot hers. Also someone who had to beg and beg before his letter was collected because he laminated his own copy. So please avoid all these stress and make enough copies of this letter.

2. Registration Documents:
Foreign graduates should take along important registration documents used in registering at Abuja.

3. Final Year Student Identity CARD
Tip: If you've been issued your Certificate (not statement of result), there won't be need for this.

4. Notification/Statement of Result from School

5. Passport Photos:
This is very important. Take as many as you can, about 20 in red backgrounds. You would need them at every registration point mostly. Then those of you who would likely redeploy or join one group or the other in camp, you would need more than others.

6. Photocopies Of Your Documents: Now make about 5-10 copies of every document required. There would be photocopiers in camp at mammy market but trust me, it is double the price and it saves time.

Tip: The forms that will be handed to you are very easy to fill. Attach your passport where necessary and fill them correctly. After your registration, you will be issued with your State Code Number. This will be like your PIN throughout your Service Year.

7. Certificates/Licences: For Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses & Lab Scientists, take along your proof of certification.

8. Stationery: Pen, Paper, Gum, Stapler, Tippex: Yeah this saves time and lots of unnecessary begging.

Tip: Some camps do seize staplers at the gate during check-in. So do not forget to include pins in your stapler if you are taking that along.

Tip: After getting your NYSC State Code Number, you can proceed to claim your NYSC Kit and Mattress after which you can proceed to get a Room. After you have gotten your kit and secured a place in the hostels, you can settle down and you are good to go to start the Military parades.

Now, Your NYSC kit should contain 1 NYSC Crested Vest, A pair of Khaki Trousers, Cap and Jacket, 2 White T-shirts, 2 Pairs of Knickers, 2 pairs of green-stripped Stockings, A Pair of Orange Jungle Boots and One Pair of White Converse. A “Belt” is also included.

YOUR DAILY NEEDS:

9. Round-necked white T-shirts: This is an essential outfit in camp in fact in most camps this is the only allowed cloth to be worn throughout your 3 weeks. Even to church, you might not be allowed to wear colored cloths. You would be given 2 pairs of white t-shirts at camp to just fulfill all righteousness which surely would never be your size especially our very slim and small otondo in size . So you can bring extra pairs (6). Why? Because you probably wont have time to wash during the week after being stressed out from the parades and Man-O-War drills.

Tip: Do not carry more than 2 pairs of colored clothes because you wont need it.

10. White Shorts: I beg you please do bring yours. you would also be given 2 pairs of shorts which are really poor in material. They tear easily and it can be annoying. So my dear Otondos bring like 4 pairs of shorts. Trust me also you wont like to wash everyday, so bring enough to last you like 3 days so that you wont be stranded.

11. Plain White Sneakers/Tennis Shoes: This is a very important outfit. you would also be given an ugly pair of low quality white tennis shoes customized for NYSC. It’s either you are not given your size although you can find someone with your size and swap. But after the first wash it starts tearing. So just buy yours (white). They also sell this in camp, so in case you are not able to get you could buy in camp just carry extra cash for that because the price would be higher – as with everything in Mammy – because they know you have no choice than to buy. Now, If you happen to camp during the rainy season (Batch ‘B’ & ‘C’), get white rubber sneakers/boots especially if you’re posted to the Southern part of the country . The parade fields/mammy market might be messed up after the rains. You will get this in camp.

12. White Socks: Just get extra pairs.

13. Mosquito Treated Net: You would do not want to fall sick in camp from malaria. Just bring yours. Also bring ropes you would use to hang it. I also used mine as a room to protect my box and properties from thieves and also from some insects and ants.

14. Basic Drugs: Like Panadol or paracetamol, medicine for your allergies, menstrual pain relief drug, nausea relief drugs, antibiotics e.t.c. The camp clinic is sometimes inadequately stocked with drugs so help yourself.

15. Padlocks: (BRING or BUY from Mammy) Please lock your boxes and bags to avoid regrets and tears. I know someone who lost more than 5 items including his two phones – like he’s the only one in camp.


16. Waist Pouch: /Fanny pack/Bum bag (or for the more fashion-conscious, a cross-body purse).The bum bags are more popular because they won’t bang against you when you’re active and your hands are free to do whatever. You need it to carry your money, phone, small valuables, pens, etc around with you at all times. You should sleep with it too.

17. Beverage: The camp will supply u with “Tea-water” so you can make tea when u need to!

18. Dettol Or Any Disinfectant: This is very, very essential. Firstly the bathrooms can be very annoying and dirty and more importantly, you would not like to have infection from camp. Bad idea. Depending on your camp, the water can be dirty. Most people always have reaction to it.

19. Detergent: (BUY from Mammy) Again, this reduces the amount of load you’re bringing into camp. However, if you’re lucky the mammy market will have vendors offering laundry services! It costs about N50 per item, N100 for your khaki trousers or shirt, extra N50 if you want your items pressed.

Tip: The Bucket: Buy this in Mammy. Don’t stress yourself taking one to Camp, which you’re probably going to leave behind after 3 weeks.

Toiletries: Toilet Paper, Sanitary Pad, soap dish etc. BUY in Mammy.

20. Towels

21. A Pair Of Slippers: (BRING or BUY)

22. Bed sheets, Pillow Cases and A Pillow: You could also get pillow from mammy market to reduce load.

Tip: Mattresses will be provided by NYSC. It is best to “double up” with the mattresses, as they are about 1 to 2 inches thick. Lol.

23. Handkerchiefs: There will be BUCKETS of sweating. Do yourself a favor.

24. Flashlight Or Rechargeable Lamps: (BRING or BUY) Most camps, or in fact, all camps do not give light except at a specific time of the day. It’s very essential especially at night when you need to use the bathroom, early in the morning when preparing for morning drills and meditations and at night in case you need to do anything. At the mammy market, there is always light till they close, usually 10pm except on days like the Camp Fire Night. You can charge them there at a little fee.

Tip: You will be fed three times a day in camp but I must not lie to you, the food there is nothing to write home about. They can be nice on few occasions like Sundays, but most days, they are poor. If you are someone who loves to eat good food, make provisions for your own food. You should get some fast foods along, some breakfast cereals and beverages. You should also hold extra cash to eat at the Mammy market. You will get good meals there.

25. Plate And Cup: (BRING or BUY) For eating. Important for those who intend on eating Camp food.

26. Some Form Of Entertainment: Novels – for those who get bored easily, please carry some. And for guys PSP or chess. also iPod your and MP3 players for audiophiles.

27. Your Ray-Ban Sunglasses For The Sun. And if you can’t afford that, get a Ray-Bon. lol

28. Get Extra Phone Batter(ies) And Extra Network SIMs. Some network are not available at some camps in remote locations far from towns. Once you get your call-up letter, you can find out which network has the best reception at your destination camp. If you need data access, find out if that available also. Instagramers and keekers, if you get EDGE thank your stars.

29. Cash: Extremely important. You would need about N15,000. Then between N20,000 – N30,000 to be ‘just’ comfortable. For those that can manage, say, N10,000 – N15,000. There are lots of things that take up money. Things like food (for those who don’t intend eating camp food), drinks, recharge cards, charging of phones, laundry, pleasures e.t.c

Tip: You wont be allowed to leave camp. So do not be stranded, trust me it’s not a good idea. Just budget 1000 per day. You could take your ATM card along, incase. (This might sound counter-intuitive since there might not be any ATM in camp and you are not allowed to leave camp. But figure it out…)

You can keep you extra cash with the Accounts Department (as the case was in my camp) while some shops offer POS services, you still have access to extra cash whenever you need it.

If you have a camera you can take it along because you will want to snap a lot of scenes. If you have a Smartphone with great camera, that’s good for you because you can easily take and share photos on social networks.

Tip: If you don’t have any of those, you will have to pay some guys on camp who do that as business to follow you around and snap you wherever you go. They might charge up to N2,000 for the duration of the camping. They should give you all your photos and videos in DVDs at the end of Camping. Or you could wait till the last day of leaving camp and snap at a cheaper rate.

This is all i have to share with you today. whatever your heart tells you to pick along, please do... lol.

Thanks for reading, feel free to share
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Saturday, 19 November 2016

Atiku: "My Secondary School Students Better Than Nigerian Public Varsities Students"

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described graduates of Nigerian public universities as brainless, saying they cannot communicate in English with the students of his private secondary school, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) Academy.

Abubakar, who spoke on Thursday evening in Yola during his birthday celebration organised by the management of AUN, said public universities graduates cannot fit into private industries due to their poor education and character.

“I was in the University of Zik in Akwa in Anambra State on Wednesday on the invitation of the university. There is no student in public universities that can speak English in an error-free manner like the head boy of my secondary, who just finished addressing us now.

“When the head boy of AUN Academy, Abdullahi Sani, started speaking, I was thinking it is one of the lecturers in AUN, but only for him to introduce himself as the head boy of AUN Academy,” he stated.



Atiku said his ambition to establish AUN was to ensure that Nigeria produced graduates of high quality, both in learning and character, at an affordable rate and avoid the stress of traveling to other countries in search of quality education.

He pointed out that only quality education could bring about technology development in any country in the world, not oil, gold or other mineral resources.

Atiku noted that a country that places emphasis on oil, instead of manpower development, is preparing to collapse, pointing out that quality education produces quality manpower that turns a country into a wealthy nation.

While addressing students of the Law Department, the former vice president restated that Nigeria would continue to move backward unless it is restructured to address the problems threatening its existing.

“When government set up the last constitutional conference, I sent my proposal to the conference and when the members received it, they all agree with the content and resolved to include it in their final report as part of their resolutions.
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WAEC Bans Two Schools In Imo State For Exam Malpractices

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has barred two secondary schools in Imo State from registering as an examination centre or presenting their students as candidates in any of its examinations for a period of 5 years.

Reports stated that The council also derecognized 28 schools for two years as a result examination malpractices.

The Head, Public Affairs of the council, Mr Demianus Ojijeogu, who disclosed this on Thursday declined to name the affected schools, he said the schools are usually referred by their centre numbers and not by their names.

He added that WAEC officials were locked out for more than 30 minutes in the second school obviously for examination malpractice to perpetrate.

He noted that as for the derecognized schools, examinations will still hold in their schools but their teachers will not be used as invigilators.

He added that there are 28 of those schools across the country and they can still reapply after two years, stating that things have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of examination malpractice.
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Aliko Dangote Bags Honorary Degree From University of Ibadan

Nigerian Billionaire, Aliko Dangote was awarded a honorary degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, today.

Dangote-Honourary-Degree-600x578.jpg

Dangote's honorary degree is the 100th honorary degree presented by the university in its 68-year history.

The Doctor of Science degree is seen as a higher doctorate degree and is awarded in recognition of a substantial and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge beyond that required for a Ph.D. It may also be awarded as an honorary degree.
 
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PHOTOS: Yabatech Graduate Who Sleeps On Roads In Lagos

'Queen needs your help!!!

Last night I, like many were disturbed about the news of a young lad burnt to death for attempting to steal garri. The images haunted my sleep. Not only because of the gruesome murder of a human being bitten hard by poverty, but because of those human beings that carried the act and worse off, those who stood by capturing his death with their phones.

This morning on my to the Singaporean embassy in Lagos, I saw besides the gates of Eko hotel, a lady laying on the floor and everyone (black and white) walked past her like she didn't exist . I picked up my phone and took this picture (below) with the hope that I could share a lesson of poverty with you all.

At the embassy, I couldn't get her image off my head. I felt even ashamed to have taken only the picture without stopping to hear her story.

Immediately I stepped out of the embassy, I drove right back to her. Woke her up and this is what she said in fluent English.
My name is Queen Okoye. I am 31 years old and a graduate of YabaTech. I am from Orsu LGA in Imo state (she paused to spell Orsu for me). Her father is Mr. Basil a Okoye. Mother is late. She lived with her boyfriend whilst in school. Their relationship fell apart and he kicked her out of his apartment. She has lived on the streets for years because her sister (married with children ) refused to assist her.

I asked if she was on drugs and alcohol, but she said no. I noticed she smiled a little too much but always added "I am happy a beautiful lady like you acknowledged me. People walk by me everyday like I don't exist ". This broke my heart.

So I asked permission to take a picture and share her story with you good people. She asked " will they help or laugh at me. People call me crazy" . I told her the God that made me see her will make others connect to her.

I also asked if she had any message for you all . She looked at me and said " tell them I need help to get out of the streets. It all started like a joke and now I can't believe how low I have fallen. I might need some counseling and medical attention because being out here changes one drastically. I need a place to sleep and a job to fend for myself . Please "

Beloved Nigerians, in our heart lies the power to do good and evil. I understand hunger's pain. I know exactly the danger poverty sting's delves to ones psych. At this trying times, let's be sure to Chanel our frustration to the right persons and not the vulnerable like us.

Today, I had an option to be like everyone and walk past Queen but I decided to be better. Everyone of us can attempt a little kindness and love to each homeless person; or anyone about to be lynched by a crowd. A little effort goes a long way.

Queen stays in front of Eko hotel's fence. She is waiting for someone to read this and reach out to her. So if you work in Lagos state welfare department or know any agency in charge of women, pls get to Queen. Let's all share a little kindness because it would all come back to us.

Queen needs you'



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Thursday, 17 November 2016

NYSC 2016 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Camp To Open Jan 2017

The National Youth Service Corps has informed prospective corps members that Orientation Camp for NYSC Batch “B” Stream 2 for 2016 may now commence in 2017. This means that the Batch B Stream II orientation camp will not open until 2017.

The DG of NYSC made this known while given assurance that prospective stream II corps members will be mobilized. He said that “the limited cumulative capacity of the Orientation camps nationwide necessitates a second stream Orientation course for the 2016 Batch ‘B’ which is being planned for January 2017”.
NYSC 2016 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Camp

NYSC 2016 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Camp To Open January 2017

The Director-General, Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure, gave the assurance during his maiden parley with the media in Abuja.

Kazaure said this followed a Federal Government’s directive to that effect.

He said what was left of the provision made for mobilization of Corps members in the 2016 budget could only accommodate eighty-six thousand prospective Corps members.

The Director-General, however, added that following the federal government’s intervention, all the one hundred and seventy thousand prospective Corps members that successfully registered online are now being processed for 2016 Batch ‘B’.

“So far, we have received green light from the relevant government agencies to prepare for the mobilization of all qualified prospective Corps members.

“However, the limited cumulative capacity of the Orientation camps nationwide necessitates a second stream Orientation course for the 2016 Batch ‘B’ which is being planned for January 2017,” he said.
Kazaure lamented the failure of some states and local governments to discharge their statutory obligations to the Scheme pointing out that their attitude resulted in the limited capacity and quality of facilities in most Orientation camps across the country.

The Director-General stressed that the provision of Orientation camp facilities and post-camp accommodation and transport of Corps members were among the responsibilities of states and local governments as spelt out in the NYSC Act.

Others he enumerated include logistics support for inspection of Corps locations, material support for community development service and security of Corps members.

He, therefore, appealed to states and local governments that are not discharging their statutory obligations to reconsider their stance and give their support towards the success of the Scheme’s operations.
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Wednesday, 16 November 2016

ASUU Strike: Senate To Engage Stakeholders To Avert Protest

The Senate on Tuesday pledged to engage relevant stakeholders to avert the warning strike being planned by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

ASUU had on Monday announced plans to embark on a one-week warning strike over the inability of government to implement agreements reached with it since 2009.

The move by the Senate to intervene in the matter followed a motion moved by Sen. Jibrin Barau (APC-Kano North) under matters of urgent national importance.

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, urged the chamber to intervene and ensure that the eight -year- agreement was fully implemented.

“We must find a way of seeing to the implementation and we will look into the matter quickly.

“We will also get the relevant parties to quickly come to the table so that we can find a way of moving forward and report back to us,” he said.

While reading the motion, Sen. Jibrin Barau, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TetFund, urged government to implement all agreements.

He also urged government to as well carry out certain actions that were necessary for the wellbeing of the development of Nigerian public universities.



The lawmaker, however, commended ASUU for choosing the path of dialogue rather than confrontation as a means of resolving all the outstanding issues between it and the Federal Government.

In his contribution, Sen. Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe Central) noted that the history of strike in the country was a recurring decimal.

“It is a disturbing issue to parents and students. There is need to nip it in the bud. We should not allow it to escalate,” Goje said.

Goje said the motion was apt and and called on the senate to engage the leadership of ASUU in order to suspend its planned warning strike.

The Majority Leader, Sen. Mohammed Ndume, described the senate as a stabilising agent and called for the immediate intervention of the senate leadership in the matter.
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PHOTOS: Akwa Ibom Polytechnic Students Protest And Block School Gate Over Hike In Fees


'Students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua today blocked the entrance into the institution in a protest over increase in their school fees.

Year one students are now to pay N82,000 as against N47,500, while students of OND 2 are to cough out N92,000 as against N38,000. Also, in the new fee regime, HND One students are to pay N82,700, with HND 2 paying N85,000.

The protesting students insisted that they will not leave the gate until the management of the polytechnic reversed its decision'

Nice one God bless you all





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I Hate Reading — Oyindamola Badejo, Bells University Best Graduating Student

In this interview with SAMUEL AWOYINFA, the best graduating student 2015/2016 session at the Bells University of Technology, Ota, Miss Oyindamola Badejo, with 4.89 CGPA in Bio-medical Engineering, speaks about the secrets of her success
What was your strategy for reading?

That is funny because there is an irony about my reading style.
First, I will say that I am not a ‘reader’. I do not like to read or study. So, I definitely wasn’t a library head or someone that would stay up all night studying. My strategy for studying was built on self-evaluation and analysis. I know I’m a kind of person who gets it in class. So, I made sure I attend all my classes once I didn’t have to be unavoidably absent.

So, reading afterwards was just to brush up. Additionally, I have a strong level of understanding and perception, so I don’t have to spend hours reading. I only spend a few minutes reading and I am good. As a matter of fact, I would only start reading a week or a couple of days before my exams.

How would you have felt if you fell short of first class and you did not make the current CGPA?
Well, in all honesty, I don’t think I would have ever fallen short of a first class degree. I started pretty strong and I definitely wouldn’t watch myself go down. But if in a parallel universe it did happen, it would be sad but it would not have been the end of the world. I mean it is nice to have a good degree but that is not all life has to offer. So, if I didn’t make it, it would have been a very bitter pill to swallow but I would have swallowed it all the same.

Why do you think students fail?
I think most students fail for a number of reasons, among which is lack of preparation on their parts. By this I don’t mean that students don’t read. What I mean is that there can be lack of preparation in the light that students do not do proper self-evaluation. Some people don’t even know how their brains work.

Another reason has to do with lecturers. Some lecturers derive joy from the pain of students. Some like to see students beg and cry before them so they can feel like demi-gods. I don’t know if this is an ego ride for them but this is another common reason for failure. How can a lecturer give you a textbook and just appear in class on a few occasions and tell you to read the entire book on your own? In as much as we don’t expect to be taught everything within the four walls of the school, we do expect to be taught something valuable; that which triggers your thirst for more information.


Students also fail because of some learning conditions. Who wants to go to a class on a very hot afternoon with no fans and about 100 students in a very tiny space? Even lecturers are uncomfortable. Yet some fail because they are simply lazy.
Was there anything in your background that helped you?
Not really. I’ve just always been a goal-oriented and focused person though I am also playful.
Have you always been a brilliant student from your primary school?
My primary school never awarded positions. Rather, it graded us in percentages and I was always between 80 and 90 per cent. But I don’t even remember ever reading in primary school. I hated reading and I still do. In secondary school, however, I had to try a little bit so I would not fail. In junior school, I was always between 1st and 3rd positions and in senior school I always came first or second in class. That time, I had a very strong contender. So I would like to believe I have always been academically strong.

Bio-medical Engineering as a course is relatively new in Nigeria and at Bellstech. How did you cope with the course in terms of getting textbooks and qualified lecturers to handle the course?
Through the Internet! Everything you need is on the Internet. All hard-copy books can be found on the Internet, so getting books wasn’t a problem. The university’s library has some books as well but I personally prefer using the Internet.
Concerning qualified lecturers, I’m in no position to answer that. All I know is that the college and school by extension do a very good job in hiring lecturers at least in my programme. Eighty per cent of my lecturers were either doctors or professors. We even had a professor that would come all the way form Enugu for classes, Prof Okoye.

Could you list other Awards you won as the best overall student?
I won the Best Graduating Female Student with Outstanding Academic Performance and Leadership Qualities; Overall Best Graduating Student, Best Graduating Student in the College of Engineering, Best Graduating Student in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Department, Dr Oluyombo Adetilewa Awojobi’s Prize for Best Graduating Student in Biomedical Engineering and the Bells University Student Association’s Student of the Year.

Were you in a relationship in school or you saw it as a distraction?
Yes, I was in a relationship. Something is only a distraction when you want it to be; when you lack focus. Relationships should not mar success. It’s part of this ‘adulting’ thing. You have to learn how to juggle your personal life and work/school or business relationships.
Do you have any regrets?
No regrets. Everything I have done in the past was the right thing to do in that moment. It was what seemed right at that point and maybe not everything ended up being advantageous on the long run.

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Tuesday, 15 November 2016

JAMB Approves Reduction in Admission Cut-off Marks

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has approved the reduction of the cut-off mark for admission into tertiary institutions from 180.

jamb students 2.jpg

JAMB’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Ishaq Oleyede, made this know during the 2nd Technical Committee Meeting for 2016 Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, which was held at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Owerri.

He had initially called for a national debate on the propriety of cut off marks .

Oloyede explained that the decision became necessary, due to the inability of some schools to implement the cut-off mark.



He said: “it was in a meeting of the Board of higher institutions and other Stakeholders that a decision of 180 as the 2016 National cut-off mark was reached.

“However, many Institutions, though part of the decision, have expressed concern on their inability to effect this cut-off mark as they are finding it difficult to fill a reasonable percentage of their quota if the rule is strictly applied as we insist.

“I think this cry needs attention, otherwise, some of these institutions whether public or privately-owned may soon begin to wobble or even close shops. This will be counter-productive and even defeat the Government Policy of expansion of access to higher education and manpower development.”

He, however, explained that the new flexible cut-off, will only apply to institutions that have exhausted the list of candidates that scored 180.

Oloyede warned that no institution, whether Federal or State, will be allowed to continue with admission of students after the November 30 deadline.
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Apply For 2016/2017 Lagos State Undergraduate Scholarship



Application Ongoing: Lagos State Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme 2016 / 2017

The Lagos State Scholarship Board is the agency in charge of scholarship, bursary and other related matters within the state. It grants Scholarship awards to deserving indigenes in various tertiary institutions for full time studies in order to assist these students financially.

Applications are invited for:

Lagos State Undergraduate Scholarship Award Scheme 2016 / 2017

Process for Eligibility for Local Under-Graduate Scholarship Award

All applicants must have gained full time admission into an accredited Nigerian tertiary Institution.

All Under-graduate applicants:

Where CGPA scale is 7.0 (e.g University of Ibadan) he /she must possess a minimum of 4.9/7.0
Where CGPA scale is 5.0 (e.g University of Lagos) he /she must possess a minimum of 3.5/5.0
Where CGPA scale is 4.0 (e.g polytechnics and colleges of education) he /she must possess a Minimum of 2.8/4.0

Where applicant is a medical student in 200L, option 1, 2 and 3 applies
Where applicant is a medical student in 300L and above a minimum of Credit is required in their result
All applicants must be in their second year or above
All applicants must have completed LASRRA Registration
All applicants must have a signed letter of identification from their respective Oba
All applicants must have a signed letter of identification from their respective local government
All applicants must purchase a Scholarship application form. (Payment of N2,000.00 for Local Scholarship) through the Office of Special Adviser on Education, Block 5, 3rd Floor, Alausa Secretariat.
All applicants must upload clear scanned copies of all documents to ascertain the genuineness of their claims. Documents like:

Admission Letter
School Identity Card or Valid means of school identification
Letter of identification from Oba
Letter of identification from Local Government
SSCE result
Lagos State Resident Registration Agency(LASSRA) registration card
Passport Photograph (clear background not older than three months).

Transcript or Result statement duly signed and stamped from school stating previous session CGPA results clearly
Shortlisted applicant must participate in a Computer Based Test on 7th and 8th February, 2017 conducted by Dragnet Solutions Limited in conjunction with Lagos State Scholarship Board.
Successful tested applicants will be contacted for oral interview

How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates should:

Apply @ https://scholastica.ng/schemes/lssbundergraduate

1.) Before you start this application, ensure you have purchased a Scholarship application form (Payment of N2,000.00 for Local Scholarship) through the Office of Special Adviser on Education, Block 5, 3rd Floor, Alausa Secretariat then secure your Voucher pin from the Scholarship Board office. Thereafter, have clear scanned copies of the following documents:

Passport photograph with white background not more than 3 months old (450px by 450px not more than 200kb)
Treasury receipt of N2,000 for the scholarship form
Admission Letter
School Identity Card
SSCE Certificate
Letter of identification from Oba
Letter of identification from Local Government
LASSRA registration card
Transcript or Statement of Results duly signed and stamped from school stating previous session CGPA results clearly

2.) Ensure that information are filled accurately to avoid mix up after application
3.) Ensure the documents are named according to what they represent to avoid mixing up documents during upload
4.) Ensure you attach the appropriate documents when asked to upload

To apply, follow the steps below:

Click on “Apply Now” tab.
Click on “Register Now” to create an account.
Proceed to your email box to activate your account
Click on www.scholastica.ng to return to Scholarship site
Enter your registered email and password to upload your information.
Enter your personal information, additional information, educational information, other information and upload required scanned documents.
Ensure the name used in applications matches the names on all documentation in same order. Upload a sworn affidavit or certificate if otherwise.
Ensure you view all documents after uploading, to eliminate errors during uploading.
When asked to upload photo, upload a pass-port photograph with a white background.
Recheck application information to avoid errors
Click “Apply Now” to submit information and provide the secret voucher pin and LASSRA Number in the appropriate column
You will receive an email and a sms that confirms your application was successful.
Return to www.scholastica.ng , enter your Email and Password to download your profile and proceed to have your Head of Department sign the document.
Upload a scanned copy of the signed profile, this would be used for verification.
Keep the hard copy of the signed profile, this would also be used for verification.
Return to www.scholastica.ng and update application with National Identification Number (NIN) to ensure completion

Note

Please read the eligibility requirement carefully.

Refer to the FAQ page for better clarification.

To secure your voucher pin proceed to the Lagos Scholarship Board office, 254 Ipaja road, Agege, Lagos and show them your treasury receipt.

Multiple applications attract a disqualification penalty from the Scholarship board.
Successful applicants will be contacted for oral interview

Application Deadline 23rd December, 2016.
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Monday, 14 November 2016

Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma Shut Down Over Students' Protests

Confirmed reports reaching our news desks says Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU) Shut Down till further notice due to the ongoing protest by students of the institution because of hike in fee.

today's protest was bloody a student was shot on the leg.
thank God no life was lost.

A press statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Edward Aihevbe, said

the decision to close the institution indefinitely was reached after the University’ Senate reviewed the students’ protest.
He said the university’s Senate viewed the protest as uncalled for and unnecessary as management was already looking into their grievances. The students barricaded the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi highway.
He denied social media report that two students were shot by security agents.
He said the students were given until 4pm to vacate the institution. “No student was shot. They barricaded the highway and soldiers escorting an an Army vehicle that was passing the road had to shoot into the air to scare the students away.”
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Obafemi Awolowo University Dissociates From ASUU One Week Warning Strike

Following the meeting of the Acting Vice Chancellor and all heads of department, Readers and Professors held today, Monday, 14th November 2016, it has been resolved that the on-going 2015/2016 Harmattam Semester examination will progress as scheduled.

To this end, all students are enjoined to attend to their examinations.

Thank you.

Signed
D.O AWOYEMI
Registrar

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PHOTOS: Student Sponsored By Amaechi Bags First Class In Marine Engineering In India

Over a century ago, Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States of America said that "an investment in knowledge pays the best interest". That statement holds true today as when it was first uttered. The Most Distinguished Senator Magnus Abe was probably thinking about that statement when as Secretary to Rivers State Government under Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he facilitated overseas scholarships for many Ogoni sons and daughters.

Today, at a time when the present Rivers State Government under Chief Nyesom Wike is withdrawing the scholarships of thousands of Rivers students abroad and demanding their deportation back home, Mr Barididum Nwinka Taol from Barako in Gokana came to Magnus Abe's house with his parent and chiefs from his community to thank the Senator for facilitating his scholarship to study Marine Engineering in Amet University, India. And he came armed with a first class degree which he acquired from his academic sojourn in India. It was a moment of joy as Senator Abe embraced and congratulated the young man for achieving a great feat by making a first class in such tasking discipline.

Senator Magnus Abe used the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to arm young people from his district with education in order for them to make positive impact in the society rather than arming people with guns as other politicians are doing.


Coming with Mr Barididum to thank Senator Magnus Abe was the Paramount Ruler of Barako, Chief Dr. Barikuura Kabari, father of the first class graduate, Mr Nwinka Taol and the APC Ward Chairman of Ward 11 in Gokana LGA'


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PHOTOS: Serious Protest At Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Over School Fees Increment

Due to the increment of school fees from about 45,000 to about 160,000 naira for 200level students and fresh students, the students have resorted to a rather peaceful protest but the protest just turned bloody as army officials were deployed to harass the aggrieved students.

Fresh report indicates that two students have been shot, one on the head an the other on the leg. They are both receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.

Even at that the students are not willing to give up the fight. Right now, Benin-Auchi express road is blocked. Just in case you plan on travelling, look for alternative route.




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PHOTOS: SSANU Shuts Down FUNNAB Over Sack Of 23 Lecturers

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Western zone, this morning shut down activities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta over the sack of 23 of its members in the school. The Governing Council of the school had on Thursday last week, sacked 18 members of staff of the institution.

The affected staff included three members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities of the institution, namely Lasun Somoye, Abdusalaam Sobbor, E.A. Bankole, 10 executive members of SSANU in the school, five other staff of the institution, three medical doctors and two health workers.

They have all been accused of petitioning the EFCC over allegations of fraud in the school. SSANU members are calling for the immediate reinstatement of the sacked lecturers.

More photos below...



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Official: UNILAG Undergraduate School Fees Schedule for 2016/2017 Session Published

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Management at its meeting of Monday, November 7, 2016 considered and approved the release of the schedule of obligatory charges for udergraduate students payable for the 2016/2017 Academic Session.
SCHOOL FEES SCHEDULE (OBLIGATORY CHARGES)
FRESH UNDERGRADUATES
S/N DETAILS SCIENCE & LANGUAGES NON SCIENCE
1. Acceptance N20,000.00 N20,000.00
2. Registration N5,000.00 N5,000.00
3. Identity Card N1,000.00 N1,000.00
4. Result Verification N5,000.00 N5,000.00
5. Examination N2,500.00 N2,500.00
6. Sports N1,000.00 N1,000.00
7. Medical Services N2,500.00 N2,500.00
8. Lab. Services N10,000.00  
9. Library Services N2,500.00 N2,500.00
10. Students’ Handbook N1,000.00 N1,000.00
11. Information Tech.  (IT) N2,000.00 N2,000.00
12. Endowment Fund N5,000.00 N5,000.00
13. Hire of Gown for Matriculation N1,000.00 N1,000.00
14. TISHIP N5,000.00 N5,000.00
  TOTAL N63,500.00 N53,500.00
RETURNING UNDERGRADUATES
S/N DETAILS SCIENCE & LANGUAGES NON SCIENCE
1. Registration N1,000.00 N1,000.00
2. Identity Card N1,000.00 N1,000.00
3. Examination N2,000.00 N2,000.00
4. Sports N1,000.00 N1,000.00
5. Medical Services N1,000.00 N1,000.00
6.. Lab. Services N5,000.00  
7. Information Tech. (IT) N1,000.00 N1,000.00
8. Library Services N1,500.00 N1,500.00
9. Endowment Fund N1,000.00 N1,000.00
10. TISHIP N5,000.00 N5,000.00
  TOTAL N19,500.00 N14,500.00
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Lab. Services are to be paid by:
(a) All Science Students
(b) All Science Education Students
(c) All Engineering Students
(d) All Language Students (Art & Education)
(e) All Mass Comm. Students
2. Loss of I.D. Card N2,000.00
3. Payment should be made into UNILAG TSA via Remita Platform at any Bank Nationwide.

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JAMB Admission Letter Printing Guide For 2016/2017

Joint Admission and Matriculations Board, JAMB admission letter printing for the 2016/2017 academic session is now available online. See How To Print.

Admission Letter Printing
This allows candidates to print Admission letters. Only candidates with admission will be able to use this service.

Price:₦1,000

Joint Admission And Matriculation Board, JAMB



The Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has opened the portal for both Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry candidates to access their admission letter online.

All the candidates offered admission during the 2016/2017 academic session are to note that their admission letters will be available for printing on JAMB Website from Monday 14th November, 2016.

HOW TO PRINT YOUR ADMISSION LETTER ONLINE.

To be able to print your JAMB admission letter, you need to purchase the e-facility scratch card from any JAMB office closest to you. After, you can now proceed to the steps outlined below to print your JAMB admission letter.



INSTRUCTION: JAMB ADMISSION LETTER PRINTING

1. You shall be required to create a profile via the Sign Up (New User) Page if you are a new user. For existing users, simply type in your login details. To create your profile, you will provide your valid email address, surname, first name, Mobile No, State and LGA of Origin and password, then click on the Sign Up button. Each candidate is entitled to only one profile.

2. Subsequently, you shall use your email address and Password to Sign In

3. Once logged in, you will be taken to the landing page where you will see all available services.

4. Select “Print Admission Letter”. This is available on the side bar or on the Home page

5. Once you select this service, a Transaction ID is generated for this service. This will be displayed on the confirmation page screen.

6. Review the details displayed on the Confirmation Page. Also, note the Transaction ID displayed in bold in red. The Transaction ID is useful for all future references concerning the Transaction. A copy of this transaction ID will be sent to your registered email address.

7. Click on the Continue button if you wish to pay with your card immediately. If you wish to use other payment channels like ATM, Cash at the Bank and Quickteller, please note the transaction ID as it will be required.

8. On the Interswitch Payment page, enter your card details and click on the Pay button.

9. The status of your payment will be displayed on the “My Payment Section” An SMS and email containing your unique Transaction Identification and payment status will be sent to you after payment. Click on the Continue button.

10. Once payment is completed, you will be asked to provide the following: a. Year of Exam and b. JAMB Registration Number

After entering the information correctly, you can now print the Result Slip as shown on screen.

Click Here To Login
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BREAKING NEWS: ASUU Declares One Week Warning Strike

From Thursday 16th November to 22nd November 2016. :-

Read More »

Sunday, 13 November 2016

7 Reasons Why People Fail GMAT

Over the years, the number of GMAT test takers has been on the increase but it’s very sad to see lots of them fail the GMAT. Well, the good news is, a good number still scale through with good score. I know you might be thinking how you could possibly be among those few or, you might properly be thinking about what an ideal GMAT Score could be? That will be a talk for another time. I will like also to remind you that the GMAT is one of the requirements for Top, if not all, Business schools around the world. So it’s worth the investment and dedication to get a good score too.

Let’s get back to business of why test takers fail the GMAT. I’m not going to sweet-talk you into believing the GMAT is simple to pass, but if you could prepare well enough for the GMAT, it’s surely a challenge you can overcome. However, if you do not prepare properly, then the GMAT may seem like a rocket science or lifting an elephant with one hand.

Why then do test takers fail the GMAT? Well you get to know some of the key factors why test takers fail the GMAT in a jiffy. Tighten your seat belt as I spell out the reasons to you. Happy ride!

1. Shallow Understanding of The Exam:
 Most test takers rush into taking the GMAT with little or no information about the exam itself. Understanding the exam and what is expected of you is a good point to start from as this will shake up your mind from the assumption that the GMAT is not different from every other exams you have written in time past. If you are planning to take the GMAT sometime soon, reading up what the exam entails is a good point to start from.

2. Lack of Proper Preparation: The lack of proper preparation will generally yield a poor result. Please don’t fool yourself thinking luck will help out. Don’t assume you understand a topic when you don’t, it may hit you very hard. Some even choose favorite topics to focus on. If you don’t know, you better take note now that EVERY topic is important on the GMAT. Sharpen your skills in all. 
If your preparation is not so good, expect a poor result too. They have never been any two ways to good score, so to speak, on the GMAT than adequate preparations. You may be heading for a disaster if you do a surface preparation for the GMAT. However, if your preparation is good enough, you are on the road that leads to success. Ride on!

3. No Prep Test: If you are serious about getting a good score on the GMAT, then you should take a good number of prep tests (prep test is a simulated test for the exam) prior to the real exam day. You may be wondering, what’s the importance of this prep test? Prep test helps you the following ways: firstly, it helps you to keep track of your progress as you study. 
Secondly, it puts you on the hot spot which is very similar to what you will face on the test day. Thirdly and lastly, it helps to build your mental strength since the GMAT is more of mental than physical. Never take the GMAT without taking a good number of prep tests. 

4. Maths Foundation Problem: Rusty maths foundation problem should be attended to before taking the GMAT. You had better treat that “root” before it grows into a tree that might be difficult to deal with. There is a popular saying that “a stitch in time saves nine”. You had better tell yourself the truth that you are maths-rusty and seek for help where it could be found. In the course of preparing my test takers for the GMAT over the years, I have meet quite a few who had wonderful first degree grades, but due to the fact that they barely do anything as regards college maths they gradually become maths-rusty. 

5. Verbal Foundation Problem: That you speak English is not, and I don’t think either, a guarantee for success on the GMAT verbal section as some special skills may be required. You may need to unlearn, learn and re-learn some of the GMAT verbal rules. If you will need to dust some of your English grammar books, please do as someone said “what is worth doing is worth doing well at all. To strengthen your verbal skills, lots of practice will help a lot.
Even if you think you are good with the verbal section of the GMAT, please do yourself a favor by taking prep test to check your accuracy level. Whichever way, the verbal section needs your attention as every other section does. 

6. Procrastination: Procrastination is a monster that we all must fight and possibly kill. One major factor I have noticed over the years in preparing students for the GMAT is procrastination. I will read tomorrow, I will study it next week when you can actually study today. Someone said “Today’s work today, tomorrow’s work today”. Never leave for tomorrow, what you can possibly do today. 
This issue of procrastination is mostly common for the busy test takers, but not necessarily true. The truth must be told, GMAT is like a “lover” that demands your attention always or at least for the preparation period. Don’t also forget that, the more you procrastinate the less coordinated your study pattern will be. I will talk more about study methods in the next but last reason. 


7. Wrong Study Methods: Lastly on this post, the way and manner of your study methods is a pointer to your performance on the GMAT. A well-planned and thoroughly-followed study plan or method is very important for success in this race. Some test takers have access to too many materials and by so doing they themselves get confused while studying, hope I’m not speaking your mind? 
Some break their study pattern. What do I mean by this? When you study, let’s say Geometry today but couldn’t finish it up and the next time you open it again is a week after, you probably must have forgotten a large junk of what you did study the last time.

Hope you did enjoy this piece? If you seem to have any question or you need further clarifications please do drop a comment below.

Written by Adewale Olisa,
Admin, NehemiahPrep Blog
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Saturday, 12 November 2016

PHOTO: Panic As Deadly Snake Is Killed At Benue State University Medical School

There was panic among students after the pictured snake was killed last night at Benue State University Medical School, Makurdi by students on their way to class. Thankfully, no student was hurt.

Photo-Credit; Benue News
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Osun Poly Graduate Screams From Sleep, Dies After Project Defence

Students and staff members of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, have been thrown into grief following the sudden death of a fresh graduate of the institution, Felix Agandi, who died barely four days after he defended his undergraduate project.
One of Agandi’s coursemates told our correspondent on the telephone on Friday that he was dropped at his residence by one of his friends at around 10pm on Monday night.

The coursemate stated that the 27-year-old graduate of Mass Communication was an orphan, who struggled to finance his education from his national diploma days to the time he finished his higher national diploma programme.

The deceased’s neighbours were said to have rushed him to a hospital after he was heard suddenly screaming from his sleep but he was reportedly certified dead right inside the car before he arrived hospital on Tuesday morning.

He said, “We are all in a pensive mood in Iree now because of Felix’s death, who screamed from his sleep and died shortly after that.

“ Felix was a gentle person but jovial. He was humble and hardworking. Despite being an orphan he saw himself through school. His death is an unfortunate one and this week has been one of the saddest ones in recent times in Iree.”

The remains of the Delta State-born student were said to have been buried at Ilesa, Osun State, where he lived with his siblings on the same day.

A lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Tope Abiola, who is also the Public Relations Officer of the institution, confirmed the death of Agandi.

He told our correspondent that the management of the school had visited the deceased’s siblings to commiserate with them.

Abiola said, “The death of the student is still a big shock to everyone of us. We were told that he died in his sleep. He died just some days after he defended his project. There were few corrections made on his project and he was supposed to submit the corrected version when he died.

“He was a cool and hardworking young man. I learnt that he was an orphan but he was focused and determined but unfortunately death snatched him away. May his soul rest in peace.”
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ABU Zaria Builds Oil Refinery

The Department of Chemical Engineering of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has established a refinery with capacity to process one barrel of crude oil per day.

abu zaria rfinery.PNG 

The team leader of the project, Professor Ibrahim Ali Muhammad Dabo told our correspondent who visited the refinery site that at present the refinery would be used mainly for the training of students, although the department had the manpower to build a refinery that would be bigger than that of Kaduna if it had government support.

“The initial idea was to construct a 1,000 barrel-capacity refinery, but lack of funding limited us to this one, where we would now be refining one barrel per day,” Dabo said, adding that more than 80 per cent of the materials used for the construction of the refinery were sourced locally.

“Only the controls were sourced from Hong Kong. No expatriate was hired from abroad. All those that were engaged in this project are Nigerians. Therefore, this mini refinery is a product of Nigerian brains. If government can come in, we have the ability to do wonderful things, not only refinery.

This is our training and it is what our department is meant for,” he said.

He explained that beside the land and fencing that ABU provided, the project cost only about N20 million.

Professor Dabo further stated that the idea of the mini refinery was conceived about 15 years back, but work commenced fully in the year 2011.



Source: Daily Trust
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Niger State Rehabilitates 3 Secondary Schools With N2.3b

The Niger State Government on Thursday awarded the contract to renovate and reconstruct three of its secondary schools at the cost of about N2.3bn.

sani bello.jpg 


The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Shuaibu Adamu, during the post-executive council meeting press briefing at the Government House, Minna.

Adamu, who represented his commissioner at the briefing, said the new projects included the conversion of Baro Government Secondary School to a boarding school at a cost of N382.2m and the rehabilitation of Tegina Secondary School awarded at the cost of N290m.

He added that the rehabilitation of the Muazu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School in Kontogora would cost the state government N361.4m.

Adamu said that work had reached appreciable level in the reconstruction of six other selected science schools under the government’s School Development Programme inaugurated about six months ago.

The permanent secretary added that the government had released about N1.7bn counterpart marching funds to the Universal Basic Education to enable the state to begin renovation works in 400 primary schools as soon as the Federal Government released its funds to the scheme.

Adamu said that government had completed arrangement to revive three teacher training colleges in the three senatorial zones of the state aimed at improving the standard of education in the state.

According to him, the Women Teachers’ College in Minna will be revived and repositioned for the production of qualified teachers for the improvement of learning and teaching in public schools.



Source: Punch
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Designed by Jide Ogunsanya.