LATEST NEWS FOR ALL NIGERIAN STUDENTS (EDUCATION)

University of Benin Student's Death - IGP Orders Full Investigation

2013-06-12T10:50:00.003-07:00

Following the death of Ibrahim Momodu, a student of the University of Benin, on May 27 in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, has directed the Commissioner of Police Edo State to take urgent and appropriate steps to unravel the real circumstances that led to his death.
An orderly to the redeployed officer, Amadi Idahosa, a Police Constable, allegedly shot Momodu to death in a case that has led to much public outcry.
The Divisional Police Officer, DPO of Ogida Division, Carol Afegbai, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), and her orderly, Amadin Idahosa, who shot the deceased have also been redeployed to facilitate further investigation.

Momodu was shot dead on the night of May 27 while returning home after allegedly resisting police stop-and-search. His corpse was allegedly buried by the police the following day. His corpse was however exhumed on Thursday and an autopsy carried out to determine the cause and time of his death.
While restating his administration's zero tolerance for any act that impinges on the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the rights to life, the IGP affirmed that no stone will be left unturned in the quest for the truth, stressing that the Force will not condone any act of cover-up in the case.
In a release signed by the Force Spokesperson, Frank Mba, CSP, Abubakar condoled the family, friends and colleagues of late Momodu, and implored them to remain calm and patient as the Force has put all hands on deck to ensuring a quick dispensation of justice.
Source allafrica.com

How a Student of Kogi State University was Kidnapped by Facebook Friends & Rescued by the Police

2013-06-12T10:49:00.002-07:00

Seven months after the entire nation was put in shock by the killing of Cynthia Osokogu, a post graduate student of Nasarawa State University who was killed by friends she met on social media, Facebook, an undergraduate student of Kogi State University, Oludoyi Bamidele Samuel, was abducted by a kidnap syndicate, facilitated by a friend he also met on Facebook.

Samuel was however lucky to have been rescued from the kidnappers den and to tell his story of how a friend he met on Facebook lured him from Enugu to Delta state.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba told Vanguard that Samuel left Enugu for Warri, Delta state for a birthday party upon the invitation of his Facebook friend.

“He was invited by a friend, identified as Michael, who he met on Facebook for a birthday party in Warri. They have not met face to face before this incident, but have been chatting on the internet. He must have found out his background through his interaction with him on the social media.

“So, they plotted how to abduct him and make money. Samuel, the only son of his parents, who his kidnappers believe are well to do, left his parents in Enugu without telling them where he was going to and entered a vehicle to Warri. He (Samuel) was discussing with Michael on phone and called him on when he got to Warri, but his so-called friend had ulterior motive. He had arranged with others to kidnap him and Samuel was whisked to a house at Uzor Street, Agbarho, where he was held hostage for three days.”

He added that the kidnappers held him hostage for three days before Police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, stormed their hideout and seized three of the suspects. They demanded N5 million ransom from Samuel’s mother to effect his release and were relocating him to another location when the police caught them.

The Commissioner warned young people to desist from trusting people they meet on Social Media.

“I do not understand this; I am warning young men and women to stop this behavior. How can you leave your home to go a birthday party by somebody you do not know, all because both of you met on Facebook? This is ridiculous. People should help the police by being security conscious. Can you imagine, he left Enugu without telling his parents and the suspected kidnappers were using his phone to call his parents, asking for ransom,” he said.

Source bellanaija.com

Delta State University lecturer caught pants down with female student

2013-06-12T10:48:00.001-07:00

It was learnt that the lecturer had insisted on having sex with the student without which she will continue to fail the 200 level course.
According to information made available to DailyPost, the student’s refusal to
accede to her lecturer’s amorous desire was the reason she has been failing the course since her second year.
However, last Friday, Mr Ifeanyi, who is working towards earning his Ph.D Degree from the same university, had gone to see the female student with the understanding that he will come along with her exam scripts and after sleeping with her, upgrade the scores immediately, not knowing that she had a hidden.
Sources said the female student had planned with her male friends and some neighbours to barge into her room whose door she left unlocked once she had gotten Mr Ifeanyi undressed.
Luckily for her, according to reports, her game plan was successful as the promiscuous lecturer removed his clothes almost immediately he entered her room. The lady then signalled her male friends who rushed into the room to bundle the lecturer out of the room.

Mr Ifeanyi was dragged out of the lady’s room without any piece of clothe on with the help of her neighbours and male friends.
Realising his game was up and the damaging effect it would have on his career, the lecturer pleaded and asked for forgiveness but the now angry group insisted on taking their pound of flesh as he was molested and told to pose for photographs as evidence of his misdeeds.
According to some students of the Theatre Arts department who spoke on the condition of anonymity and for fear of being victimized, they said the lecturer was in the habit of blackmailing his female students into sleeping with him just as they also accused him of constantly bragging of being untouchable because he purportedly belongs to a dreaded campus cult.
The students added that any male student who fails Ifeanyi’s course, is forced to part with five thousand (N5,000) or risks carrying over the same course.
Reacting to the allegation when contacted, Mr Ifeanyi said he had nothing to say as the school authority was handling the matter.
Source dailypost.com

Delta State University lecturer caught pants down with female student

2013-06-12T10:47:00.003-07:00

Kings College Wins Monopoly City of Lagos Tournament

2013-06-01T06:29:00.002-07:00

Bestman Games, the exclusive distributor in Africa with the rights to produce ‘local’ editions ofMonopoly, the world famous board game owned by Hasbro hosted the 1st Annual City of Lagos Edition Monopoly Tournament on Friday 24th May 2013 at the prominently featured cultural center, Terra Kulture.

The increasing success of the Fast Dealing Property Trading Game in Nigeria continues to receive resounding applause amongst enthusiasts. In light of its achievements since its launch by His Excellency, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in December 2012, Bestman Games, organized a one-day tournament between Kings College and Queens College. The City of Lagos Edition with the support of the Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, GTBank Plc, and Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers Limitedused this novel tool to present some basic lessons in resource management; by educating participating students, about the importance of financial literacy and the encouragement of personal financialresponsibility from an early age.

The tournament gathered students, teachers, and some special surprise guests including The CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi at the event. Habib Rabiu of King’s College emerged winner of the tournament and was presented with a cheque of One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000) for his school, Kings College by Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ Managing Director, Sola David Borha. Habib Rabiu took home N250, 000 whilst the remaining N750, 000 went to his school.

Daniel Oyeduntan, SS2 student of King’s College who emerged 1st runner-up received a prize of N100, 000 courtesy of First Bank of Nigeria Plc while 2nd runner-up Akpanuwa Udeme, SS1 student of Queens College was presented with a N50, 000 prize by Bestman Games.

Fifty students in attendance received a copy of the board game donated by Mansard Insurance Plc; First Bank of Nigeria Plc also distributed gift bags to the students. As part of their winning prize, King’s College visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Children’s Day. The King’s College students spent their afternoon engaged in an interactive session with stockbrokers and senior members of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and visited the Market floor.

Source bellanaija.com

Ex-West Africa Idol Finalist, KLAUS registers for the BIGGEST Student Fashion Week in Nigeria.

2013-06-01T06:18:00.004-07:00

Ex-West Africa Idol Finalist, Klaus registers for the BIGGEST Student Fashion Week in Nigeria. Its 8 days to the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week(#NSFDW). and Jumoke of ob9ja.com unveils yet another designer who will be showcasing at the big show.

NSFDW: Goodday.Can we get †o know you?
Klaus: I’m Klaus U. Ume, Creative Director, Co-founder & Head Designer of KUUME.

NSFDW: Getting †o know you, what else do you do apart from being a designer?
Klaus: I’m a Singer/Songwriter, occasional actor & model… Formerly a finalist on Idol, West Africa.

NSFDW: How was your experience at the West Africal Idol?
Klaus: It was a life changing experience, very challenging and i learnt alot from the contest, my believe became stronger that nothing is impossible when you believe.NSFDW: How long have you had your fashion line?

Klaus: The line is about 2yrs old now.

NSFDW: So how do you get your inspirations?
Klaus: I get my inspiration from life, nature and the human body… Music is also a very strong inspiration.

NSFDW: Who are your role models both internationally and locally?
Klaus: Locally, Mai Atafo and Kelechi Odu are brilliant role models for my menswear. House of Nwocha, James Brendan, Jbl are great role models too.

NSFDW: What prompted you †o sign up for the Nigerian Student Fashion and Design Week and what are your expectations?
Klaus: I was prompted to register when Abiola of BlackNBold Fashion House spoke to me and I saw the good plans they had in mind, I thought its an opportunity to express myself through my designs. I can only expect a great outcome and exposure as a result.

NSFDW: Your advice †o intending designers like you?
Klaus: Follow your heart, do what you love and be happy about it.

NSFDW: Thanks for your time and looking forward to seeing you at the University of Lagos.
Klaus: Thank you so much Jumoke.

Source www.360nobs.com

Ogun Police Nab 53 Student Cultists On Way to Initiation Ceremony

2013-05-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

About 53 suspected cultists from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNNAB, and other higher institutions in Ogun State were accosted by the state police command on their way to a night-time initiation ceremony.
The students were said to have taken off from the Obantoko area, few kilometers from FUNAAB, in a convoy headed for the
undisclosed venue. They were, however, ambushed by the police at about 11:30 p.m.at Lafenwa Roundabout in Abeokuta.
According to sources, the police acted on a tip-off from the state branch of the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, popularly called Pyrates' Confraternity.
On sighting the police, the students were said to have fled leaving their vehicles, with food and drinks meant for the ceremony, behind.
The Ogun State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, when contacted, confirmed the incident. He used the opportunity to warn student cultists in the state to desist from their nefarious act, adding that the command would not tolerate their activities in any part of the state.
"They are not a social club. The police will not allow any anti-social group or organization to operate in the state. If anybody is caught, he would be made to face the full wrath of the law," Mr. Adejobi said.
The president of the Pyrates Confraternity in Abeokuta, Yemi Akintunde, also warned students not to allow themselves be deceived into joining any cult. He explained that the Pyrates' Confraternity, which he described as a humanitarian and charitable organization, has since the 1980s ceased to exist on the campuses of higher institutions across the country.
"Anyone interested in joining NAS must have graduated from school and is also required to have participated in and have the certificate of the National Youth Service Corps. The Pyrates' Confraternity does not exist on the campus of any higher institution in Nigeria," he said.

Nigeria

Pirates Hijack Tanker Off Nigerian Coast
Security officials said pirates have hijacked a fuel tanker off the coast of Nigeria, abducting an unknown number of … see more »

NANS Condemn Naval Officers' Attack On Students

2013-05-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Joint Campus Committee, JCC, has condemned the alleged attack on students of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos by naval officers said to have assaulted and shot sporadically until three students were feared dead and 30 others injured.
The incident, the group alleged, took place on Sunday night, during a disagreement between one Ajose Olalekan, a student of the school and two unnamed naval officers attached to the dockyard on Ahmadu Bello Way.
The students are demanding that the Federal Government should produce the naval officers who shot the students within three days.

They also want the hospital bill of the wounded students to be taken care of by the Commandant of the dockyard.
NANS said: "Furthermore, the naval officers should be charged for murder while N5 million should be paid as damages to each of the affected students to cushion the effects of the unwarranted attack."
Recounting what transpired, NANS claimed that a naval officer slapped the student and in the course of protecting himself, other students came to his rescue and the naval officers mobilised themselves with guns and shot three students.
A statement by the Chairman, NANS/JCC, Mr. Yaqub Eleto further alleged that the shooting continued uninterrupted until 2 am, Monday.
" Presently, the brutalised students are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Marina and no official statement had been made from the Dock yard. To our chagrin and consternation,the national television reported that it was a clash between cultists and naval officers," the NANS statement said.
Source allafrica.com

University of Ibadan Admits 2,671 Out of 41,367 Candidates for 2012/2013 Session

2013-05-08T01:17:00.000-07:00

Ibadan— Prof. Isaac Adewole, Vice-Chancellor(V-C), University of Ibadan, on Friday said the institition admitted 2,671 candidates out of 41,367 candidates who applied for the 2012/2013 academic session. Adewole said this in Ibadan while speaking at the matriculation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre of the university. The V-C disclosed that 75 students of 100 level for 2011/2012 session were asked to withdraw from the university for failure to meet the institution's academic requirements. While noting that the university had built a reputation for itself as an institution of first choice, Adewole assured the students that the college had the relevant resources to make them the best they wanted to be in life.
He posited that the institution had become the destination of many parents who wanted an institution with integrity for their children. He urged the new students to earn honour of being outstanding graduates of the university by pursuing their studies with vigour during their stay in the institution. In his Matriculation Lecture, Prof. Innocent Modo, of the University of Uyo, called on private and individual organisations to contribute handsomely toward the education tax fund. The title of the lecture is : "Balancing the Protest Culture Among Undergraduate Students with making The best use of the Golden Opportunity for Academic Excellence. " He urged the matriculants to focus on achieving academic excellence rather than embarking on the protest culture of criticising what was wrong within the society or the institution. " You must blend fast and fit into the good name that the school has built over the years. " You are, therefore, advised to face your studies squarely while still acting as watchdogs of government and the university," he said. NAN Sourceallafrica.com

Student Makes Donation to Orphanage

2013-05-08T01:14:00.005-07:00

Minna — As part of activities marking his birthday, Joel Adeniyi, a 400L part time student of the Department of Criminology and Social Work, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo state has made donations to Grace Orphanage Home in Akure, Ondo State.
The donations were made in collaborations with Minds and Moments Initiative, a student group which comprises of undergraduates spread across Ondo and Ekiti states.

Explaining the rationale behind his gesture Adeniyi said, "The orphans are special set of people not to be forgotten in our world today. They are also creatures created by God that are just victims of circumstances beyond their control. Therefore they deserve to be remembered and catered for. They deserve to be given sense of belonging and not to neglected."
Source allafrica.com

Senate advocates adequate funding of universities

2013-03-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Education has called for adequate collaboration between government and private organizations to enhance speedy development of essential infrastructure in Nigerian universities.
The committee, which gave the charge at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN while inspecting projects as part of its oversight functions, also commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo over the massive infrastructural projects going on in the institution.

The committee chairman, Sen. Uche Chukwumereje observed that the committee was impressed that most of the projects were being funded by the private sector, which he noted was an indication that the private sector had trust and confidence on the university Management.
“We are impressed with the level of massive transformation going on in UNN under the leadership of Okolo. It shows that Federal Government’s grants to the university are well utilized. The institution is coming back to its former glory as one of the first generation universities in the country.
“More importantly, for the university to attract such huge funding from the private sector, it speaks volume of its good image before the public. I urge other Vice Chancellors to emulate the commitment of UNN in attracting funding from private sectors rather than waiting for government to fund all projects.

“Because of this outstanding performance, the committee will do its best to ensure that more money is appropriated to the institution to enable the Management execute more projects”.
In his speech, Okolo made a case for an increment of the university’s monthly overhead cost, noting that the present N18m per month was grossly inadequate.
According to him: “UNN pays a monthly bill of about N27m to PHCN, while about N17m is used to buy diesel monthly for both Nsukka and Enugu campuses. But for internally generated revenue, paying staff salary and other expenses would have been impossible.
“If government wants universities to achieve academic excellence, it should adequately fund universities”.
The VC told the committee that the University presently has the best ICT facilities among other universities in West Africa, which he said had made it possible for the electronic smart board to be installed in all lecture halls.
Among the projects inspected are; International Scholar Village, Ifeanyi Uba Data Network Centre, new pharmacy complex, new post-graduate building, and UNESCO Category 2 International Centre for Biotechnology.
Source dailypost.com.ng

Pornography case: Covenant University was right to expel student – Court

2013-03-27T17:33:00.001-07:00

The law suit filed by 20-year-old Longji Felix Vwamhi, a 400 level student of Information and Communication Technology Department of Covenant University against the institution, has been struck out by Justice Mobolaji Ojo of an Ogun High Court sitting in Ota, Ogun state on Wednesday.
Vwamhi had challenged the institution over his expulsion for being in possession of pornographic materials in his laptop.
The case was dismissed for lack of merit.
It would be recalled that Vwamhi was on November 27, 2012 expelled from the institution following the outcome of the Disciplinary Committee set up by the university which found him guilty of being in possession of pornographic materials and indecent dressing.
The Covenant University, its Vice Chancellor and Chancellor were the first, second and third defendants, respectively while Felix’s mother, Mrs
Indo Felix Vwamhi of Block House 13 Mbora Estate, Abuja was a co-plaintiff in the suit.
While delivering his judgment, Justice Ojo found out that the student had indeed violated the university regulations as contained in chapter 4, section 35 of its student’s hand book which prohibits public display or possession of pornographic films or photograph.
He noted that the student also admitted being in possession of the laptop containing the pornographic materials and sharing same laptop with friends in the school.

He affirmed that the panel set up by the university to try the student did not violate section 36 of the 1999 constitution as amended and the principles of “Audi Alterem Partem and Nemo Judex in Causa Sua” . That one cannot be a judge in his own course.”
According to him, the claimant did not state categorically that the chairman of the panel was biased being the Dean of Students Affairs whose staff investigated the student in question.
The Judge also faulted the claimant’s counsel for his inability to file counter affidavit against the issues raised by the respondents, adding that, in a situation where the party to a dispute could not file counter affidavit it would be assumed he admitted.
Justice Ojo however, stated that the school authority should reconsider the passionate appeal made by the student’s father to revisit and review the decision of the Student Disciplinary Committee to avert possible miscarriage of justice and colossal human and material wastage.
The father pleaded with the university authority to tamper justice with mercy and recall the student, stressing that he needs encouragement to complete his education, having spent four years already.
Source dailypost.com.ng

Alleged Rape - Varsity Rusticates Five Students

2013-03-18T07:17:00.003-07:00

No fewer than five students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, have been rusticated for allegedly raping a female student. The students whose cases were already in the law court were apprehended on Thursday , March 7,2013 through the joint efforts of the institution's security men, the Nigerian police, and youths from Iworoko Ekiti, a neighbouring town. Their rustication was as recommended by the report of the university disciplinary committee headed by Professor W. O. Adebayo that tried them. According to a statement by the deputy registrar, information and public relations of the university, Ajibade Olubunmi and made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the rusticated students included Babalola Adedotun Kolawole, a 300 level psychology student with matriculation number 092819,
Omoteye Olalekan Olamide, a 300 level psychology student with matriculation number 0902886, Bamigboye Biola Moshood, a pre-degree social science student, Adekunle Lateef Omogbemileke, a 300 level accounting student with matriculation number 0902865 and Okube Gabriel Ogunmoroti. Omoghemileke and Ogunmoroti are still at large according to the statement. The vice-chancellor, Professor Oladipo Aina has on several occasions warned that his administration would flush out bad eggs among the students and staff. The dean of students' affairs, Professor I. G. Adanlawo also advised parents to watch and monitor the friends their children keep.
source allafrica.com

Atiku pledges building, bus to University of Ibadan

2013-03-18T07:14:00.001-07:00

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to build a fully furnished, two hundred-seat lecture theatre for the Department of Political Science of the University of Ibadan. This followed a request by the University made to the former Vice President.
The new facility is to be built at the university’s new campus at Ajibode and is to be christened “Atiku Abubakar Lecture Theatre. The former Vice President also accepted the acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka’s request to give the university a bus as well as the Dean, Social Sciences, Professor A. Yagboyaju’s request for him to renovate the already run-down lecture theatre of that faculty. In making the commitments, Atiku said his greatest passion at the moment is education, promising that he would continue to promote it all over Nigeria. He invited the University of Ibadan, the country’s oldest university to accept an invitation for exchange programme with the American University of Nigeria, Yola which Atiku founded. The former Vice President was at the University to deliver a lecture entitled “Thoughts on Internal Democracy in Nigerian Political Parties,” as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Political Science. Source pm news

Student Arrested For Attempting To Bomb Market In Kano

2013-02-03T08:56:00.001-08:00

The Kano State Police Command has arrested an undergraduate student of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in connection with an abandoned polythene bag containing wheat flour mixed with guinea corn with a remote controlled bomb inside. A statement signed by the force spokesman, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, said the bag was seen abandoned on January 23 at bout 220hrs at a popular GSM market junction at Farm Centre by some men riding tricycle. “A Good Samaritan alerted the police through our emergency telephone line. On receiving the information, the command’s Anti Bomb Disposal Unit was mobilized to the scene, where they confirmed the object concealed was a remote controlled bomb. The scene was safely secured and the bomb was detonated without any injury or damage,” according to the statement. The statement also said upon investigation, the police arrested Mohammed Kabir, an indigene of Auchi in Edo State who is 400 level student of Business Administration at the university as the one who dropped the bag containing the concealed bomb. “The suspect confessed to the ownership of the bag and is helping the police investigation.” Mr Majia said. Source Channelstv.com

Indiana university honours Obasanjo

2013-01-20T16:28:00.002-08:00

Valparaiso University in Indiana, United States has established an African Institute in honour of Nigeria’s former leader, Olusegun Obasanjo. The institute, which was inaugurated Saturday would would serve as a cultural exchange centre between it and Nigeria in particular and Africa at large. It will also serve as an exchange and resource centre for professional studies of Nigerian/African commerce and culture among students, artists, writers, educators and politicians. At the ceremony, Obasanjo identified corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure decay as major problems confronting the Africa. Obasanjo said that almost every country in Africa had one form of security problem or the other, pointing out that insecurity would not allow development to thrive. On the security challenges facing Nigeria, Obasanjo said that government must properly identify the remote causes of the activities of the Boko Haram sect. Obasanjo stressed the need for more attention to be placed on the improvement of infrastructure within the continent. He said the issue of human development should not be such that the individuals were allowed to leave the continent and be servicing other land. The former president, however, called on Nigerians living abroad to return home where their knowledge would best be utilised. “We must develop people and retain them, we must encourage most of them that are in Diaspora, to move back home,’’ Obasanjo said. The former Nigerian leader said that corruption was very serious that should not be underestimated, adding that it was virtually in every aspect of life. “If you pretend that there is no corruption, the world already knows there is corruption,’’ he said. Earlier, the President of the 154 year old university, Dr. Mark Heckler, said the exemplary leadership of Obasanjo in Africa and in Nigeria was a driving force for the choice of honouring him. Heckler said that the university was established in 1859, stressing that the establishment of the Africa Institute was a dream fulfilled. Prof. Ade Adefuye, the Nigeria Ambassador to the U.S, also commended the University “for giving honour to whom honour is due’’. Adefuye described Obasanjo as someone who had contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria. Present at the event were Dr. Ewa Ewa, Chief Financing Officer, Ilinois Human Rights Commission, Chief Bayo Ojo, former Attorney General of the Federation and Mr Frank Nweke, Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Others were Prof. Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary, National University Commission and Nigeria Consul-General in New York, Habib Habu. source pmnewsnigeria.com

NUC Awards Six Universities

2013-01-20T16:24:00.003-08:00

National Universities Commission (NUC) has awarded six Nigerian universities drawn from each geopolitical zone of the country for their high performance in the administration of their counseling centres. Director Student Support Services of NUC, Hajiya Uwani Yahya, said on Tuesday that after an assessment of guidance and counseling units in all universities, the commission decided to reward the best to encourage others to improve. The universities that were presented two computers each by the Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, are University of Lagos which beat the University of Ibadan for Southwest; Bayero University Kano which beat Ahmadu Bello University for Northwest; University of Ilorin for North Central; Nnamdi Azikiwe University for Southeast; University of Maiduguri for Northeast; and University of Benin for South-south. Hajiya Uwani said all the universities recognized were federal universities because they are more established and that most of the other universities were operating their guidance and counseling centres within the Faculty of Education which is an unacceptable practice. Source www.allafrica.com

Nigerian student kills self in India

2013-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Lagos - A 28-year-old Nigerian student allegedly committed suicide after jumping off the second floor of his rented accommodation in India, Linda Ikeji reports. Police authorities in India suggests that the late student, Kelvin Lakoju, was suffering from depression. Kelvin had been living in India since 2009 and was pursuing a photography course from an institute in Film City. source http://nigeria.news24.com

Bees disrupt exam at Adamawa Poly

2012-12-13T02:48:00.000-08:00

Adamawa - A swarm of bees on Wednesday disrupted the on-going second semester examination at Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that students of the polytechnic, who were seated for the morning papers at 8.30 a.m., scrambled out when the bees flew into the examination hall. ``We were sent packing by bees this morning and we have to abandon the examination hall," one of the affected students, who identified himself as Jacob, told NAN. When NAN correspondent visited the campus, the students were seen in groups holding leaves which they wave around their body to keep away the invading insects. Reacting to the development, the Rector of the institution, Prof. Bobboi Umar, said that the incident had been brought under control. ``So far, things are okay and there is no case of serious injury to the students from the attack of the bees," Umar said. He said that the morning papers had been suspended till afternoon. NAN http://www.nigeria.news24.com

Coca-Cola Celebrates Campus Journalists

2012-12-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

It was a memorable night for students and patrons of Coca Cola as the global brand rolled out the drum to celebrate the 2012 edition of the Campuslife Dinner and Awards night; an annual celebration of student writers from various Nigerian universities, recently in Lagos. Campuslife Student Writers' Workshop and Awards is an adopted platform by Coca-Cola Nigeria and Nigeria Bottling Company to advance the course of youth empowerment and development by empowering student writers to tell their own stories and constructively engage society using mainstream media. Over the years, student journalists have always been encouraged to send in clippings of their published articles to be able to qualify for the awards. In this year's edition a total of eight prizes were up for grabs. An Executive Director at the Institute of Communication and Corporate Studies (ICCS), Lagos, Dr Austin Tam George, who made a presentation at the event, emphasised the need for investigative journalism to be made compulsory for students of Journalism and Mass Communication. He said; "Not every information gotten from the media represents the totality of the truth; which gives rise to the fact that media literacy skills requires that we question whatever information we receive to get the hidden motives behind the news," In a seeming validation of George's point, the award for the Best Reporter of the Year went to Gerald Nwokocha, an Information Technology graduate of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), who recently completed his National Youth Service Corps in Abuja and whose article 'Outrage Over Corp Members' Death, Mistaken for Boko Haram Member', generated a lot of debate and controversy. Nwokocha, who earlier won the Best Report in the Politics Category, was overwhelmed with joy that the article written to uncover the truth behind a Corp member's death had made a lasting impression on the judges. The winning report was picked for the prize because of its depth and accuracy. Public Affairs and Communications Manager at Coca-Cola Nigeria, Peter Muriuki, said the workshop was put together in a quest by the company to continually develop, and invest in youths who are the country's most important resource. "Our aim is to provide them with a platform to air their views and engage in meaningful dialogue with society on various issues in a logical and analytical manner. Coca-Cola Nigeria has been sponsoring this initiative since 2007 and we plan to continue this partnership because of our firm belief that the sustainability of our business lies in our empowering the youth who are critical to the success of our business," he stated. Source www.allafrica.com

Strike - ANPP Urges Negotiation With University Staff

2012-12-12T06:14:00.002-08:00

Abuja — The All Nigeria Peoples Party [ANPP] has asked the Federal Government to quickly invite the various segment of staff of the Federal Universities to a negotiating table in order to avert any disruptive strike in the nation's education sector. The party said it received with serious concern, the news that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities [SSANU], Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions [NASU] and the National Association of Academic Technologists [NAAT] will commence a 7-day warning strike by Tuesday in protest over Governments' refusal to implement the 2009 agreement reached with them. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the party urged the Federal Government to not only fulfill the promises it made to the workers in 2009, but employ more creative engagement strategies with these University personnel in order to forestall future strikes. "As a party we believe that a government can only earn the confidence of the people it governs when it is seen to have its priorities right and is sincere in prudent administration of the people's scarce resources. The striking University workers are complaining of the non-inclusion of funds for the payment of the Earned Allowances in the 2013 budget, as well as the findings of the report of a committee of NEEDS Assessment in the universities", the statement added Source www.allafrica.com

Ebonyi varsity expels 33 students

2012-12-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

Ebonyi - The Senate of the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, on Thursday announced the expulsion of 33 students and suspension of 88 others for various acts of malpractice. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students were allegedly involved in various acts of examination malpractice and admission racketeering. A statement from the Registrar and Secretary of Council, Mr Egwu Sam, said the decisions were taken after an emergency meeting of the Senate on Aug. 23. ``The Senate considered and approved for publication, the penalties against the students who were involved in various categories of examination and admission racketeering. ``The conduct of the expelled and suspended students was contrary to the stipulated guidelines and provisions of the institution’s examination and admission ethics. ``The students expelled from the university for involvement in these grievous misconducts are not to be seen in the institution,” the statement said. It stated that the suspension, which ranged from one year to three years, cut across students of different faculties and departments. The statement added that the suspended students were to fail their examinations within the stipulated period. ``They should also stay away from the university for the period of the suspension and apply to the registrar for re-admission when their suspension ends. ``The suspended students who are to fail the examinations are required to register and re-take the affected courses. ``The students are hereby warned to desist from such display of irresponsibility as any other repeated act of gross misconduct shall earn them stiffer punishment,” it said. The statement said the institution had withdrawn the degree issued to a student of the department of agricultural economics, for failing to appear before its misconduct committee. It said the school would ensure that the information was publicised to enable the public to take necessary action when dealing with the students involved. Source http://www.nigeria.news24.com

Zakzaky - Ahmadu Bello University's Last Alumnus Standing

2012-12-11T05:15:00.004-08:00

Mahmud Jega's Monday Column in the Daily Trust newspaper of November 26, 2012 titled, "Kongo, Golan Heights and Km 101", prompted me to write and point out what all speakers, well-wishers and goodwill messages left out at the recent 50th anniversary of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the "largest university South of Sahara", as it is being described It is very correct to say that ABU has been a breeding ground for all shades of ideologies and opinions. it is not an overstatement to say that the university, through the students it has bred and nurtured, has made contribution to Nigeria's development more than any other institution. Among all those who spoke or wrote catalogue of achievements and praises on this centre of excellence in the last fifty years, only Mahmud Jega hinted the one great event in the history of the university that has today culminated into a phenomenon in Nigeria's history. Mahmud Jega however, missed the point. History of ABU can never be complete without the mention of Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqub Zakzaky. Like him, hate him, you cannot ignore this man while discussing great historic events of the university and current situation. Considering what transpired during his student days and what he represents today, i expected the university to present him with an honorary degree, if not for anything, for his long standing ideal, despite trials and tribulations, which made him the last man standing among all its alumni. Mahmud Jega wrote: "In those days, ABU was the vanguard of internationalism as well as of ideological battles, African unity, anti-colonialism, opposition to tyranny and military rule, fighting corruption and human rights abuses as well as campus authoritarianism". The atmosphere at the campus then, as he rightly pointed out, was a clear manifestation of communist ideology in which the left wing rhetoric received a huge boost. It was under this circumstance that the young, vibrant Ibraheem Yaqub Zakzaky emerged on the campus of ABU and changed the equation. He came to the university in the 70s, when religious manifestation and practice were not in vogue. Practical Islam in particular, moderate or extreme as some categorized it, was near impossible and unthinkable. It was a period when the world was dominated by two ideological powers represented by the East (Russia) and West (US), and the world was forced to belong to either of the side. For the love of "social justice", both lecturers and students were inclined to the left wing communist ideology. You are termed as "anti-social" if you did not tilt to the communist fold of comrades. For historical purpose and chronological understanding of the events, we can say that the Iranian revolution had inspired Muslim activists at ABU headed by Zakzaky, as Jega noted. Islamic activism started by Zakzaky had preceded the Islamic revolution in Iran; it only added to his hope and served as a model for him and members. When the Movement started, members were dismissed as "students", and because of their collective brotherhood worthy of emulation, were later termed "Muslim Brothers". It was only in the early 90s that because of the evident inspiration from the Islamic revolution in Iran, members of the Movement are referred to as "Shi'ites". Young Ibraheem Zakzaky coincidentally found himself at the epicentre of ideological battles, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), to read Economics. The then two dominant world ideologies were nothing short of economy and ownership. When left wing revolutionary lecturers in ABU were enticing gullible students with fiery speeches and debates, calling for the establishment of Socialist/Communist Nigeria, the students marching all over the country chanting, Struggle continues! Victory is certain!", the Right Wing fiercely on the defensive, young Ibraheem Zakzaky presented Islam as a new world view and order to the disgruntled and disenchanted university youths that were fed up with the impractical ideological jargons of the West and East. Through sermons and study sessions, he translated the Islamic world view and attitude into a practical programme. At every opportunity, he had to switch from the more common religious topics that other Islamic scholars of his time were discussing, to more serious ones that bordered on justice, rights and freedom. His mates in the university got endeared to him and rallied around him. Zakzaky was able to replace left-wing bibles of those days such as Das Kapital by Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Fredrich Engels, State and Revolution by Vladimir Lenin Quotation from Chairman Mao (The Little Red Book), On Practice by Mao Zedong, Collected Works of Enver Hoxha, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney, Wretched of the Earth by Franz Fanon, For the Liberation of Nigeria by Yusuf Bala Usman, etc., which were must read in every discipline in FASS, with struggles and writings of Islamic revolutionaries and theoreticians that represented manifestoes of Islamic ideology. Such books include, Jundullah by Sa'eed Hawa, Ma'alim fi al-Tariq (Milestone) by Sayyed al-Kutub, and in later years books of contemporary Islamic scholars such Ayatollah Baqir Sadr, "Iqtisaduna" (Our Economy). This book was a deadly blow to the concept of dialectical materialism and it strives to show that Islam has answers to problems of the modern world by presenting an Islamic alternative to both capitalism and socialism. It presents Islamic economics as the natural conclusion of Islamic ideology and therefore justified, entirely independent of other systems of economics. When the adherents of socialist ideology in ABU and other universities were propagating the establishment of socialist system in Nigeria, young Ibraheem Zakzaky and his student colleagues staged an unprecedented demonstration in Zaria tagged, "Islam Only" in 1980, calling for the establishment of Islamic system in Nigeria. The demonstrators comprised only students from different Nigerian universities. That did not go well with not only the university authorities, but the Nigerian government. More dangerous was that some lectures on the campus were tilting to the "new world order" of Islam presented by Zakzaky. Usman wrote from Kaduna Source allafrica.com

University of Abuja SSANU Embarks On One-Week Strike

2012-12-10T06:05:00.000-08:00

The first set of students will be admitted into Nigeria’s new Technical University next September, increasing Nigeria’s universities to over 160. The new university will be located in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. The Executive secretary of Nigeria’ National Universities Commission(NUC),Professor Julius Okojie has formally presented a letter of recognition to the university to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, charging the governor to “give all it takes to the new institution to survive’’. Okojie expressed dissatisfaction with the manner with which some state universities were being politicised, which always led to their eventual collapse. “The most difficult institutions to run are state owned institutions,’’ he noted. He attributed the problem to change in leadership and politics of ethnicity, adding that, “we cannot play politics with university education’’. Okojie, who also said universities of technology in Nigeria had lost focus, noted that the system was failing because there were no industries to “translate theory into practice. He said universities had big roles to play in ensuring the advancement of technology in the country, especially through constant researches and commitment to quality education. Ajimobi said the university was established to fill the gap in courses that were missing in other universities in the country. “What makes this university unique is that we are focusing on courses that are not readily available in other technical universities in Nigeria, such as mechatronics, aircraft technology, robotics, cyber space security and others. “What we are doing is marrying classroom with industries through the curriculum, which will be engineering and technology based,’’ he explained. He said three local and international companies had already indicated interest to cite their industries on the university campus, which would help in achieving the goal. The governor said the university was being modelled after other technical universities in Asia and Europe, adding that he hopes to encourage entrepreneurship and engineering studies. Ajimobi said the establishment of university would not affect the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states.The institution, situated at the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, he said, would take-off in Sept. 2013. Source pmnewsnigeria.com

University of Abuja Protest - ASUU Criticises Use of Soldiers to Eject Students

2012-11-28T03:41:00.002-08:00

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja (Uniabuja) chapter, yesterday criticised the use of armed soldiers to eject students from hostels, following a protest that led to the closure of the institution. Dr Clement Chup, the Chair-man, Uniabuja branch of ASUU, made the criticism in Gwagwalada, FCT, at a news conference. He expressed dismay over the manner the crisis was handled by the university management. He said the use of armed sol-diers to eject students from the hostels within few hours of the announcement of the closure of the university had instilled unnecessary fear on the university community. Chup, therefore, called on the Chief of Army Staff to exercise restraint in future operations, adding that the country was under a democratic dispensation where people should be free to air their views. The union had called for the release of the White Paper on the report of the last Special Visitation Panel to the university without further delay. He added that "it is our convic-tion that the White Paper, if promptly released and implemented, will proffer solution to our challenges in the university." NAN Source www.allafrica.com