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NUC GAVE GUIDELINES FOR VERSITIES REOPENING

2020-09-23T00:06:00.001-07:00

Following the Covid-19 Pandemic that leads to a long time lock-down.

The National Universities Commission has released new directives to vice chancellors of Nigerian for safe reopening of universities.

The NUC directive was contained in a memo addressed to the vice chancellors, signed by the Director, Directorate of the Executive Secretary’s Office, Chris Maiyaki, on Tuesday.

The commission directed universities to conclude their resumption arrangements in line with the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

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Reopening of schools in Akwa Ibom State

2020-09-15T12:35:00.012-07:00

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reached their decision on reopening of schools in the state

It got to us earlier today about the decision reached by Akwa Ibom State Government on school reopening in the state. This was made during a brief speech by the Governor on media. The Governor gave schools the right to clear the learning environment ahead of reopening.

This will go a long way bringing students and pupils back to school.

According to His Excellency, students have stayed too long at home which is not healthy to their academic development.

Reopening of schools in Nigeria

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Proposal for reopening of University in Akwa Ibom State.

Indigenous genocide finding hangs over Canada's Myanmar

2020-09-07T23:46:00.001-07:00

court intervention Risky for Canada to back preventing genocide abroad but not heed calls at home, expert says

Mike Blanchfield - The Canadian Press

Smoke billows above

Cries of the pot calling the kettle black are emerging after Canada joined an international genocide lawsuit against Myanmar because the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls said Canada's Indigenous Peoples are genocide victims.

Canada and the Netherlands announced with great fanfare this week that they were joining the genocide application launched by Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice in The Hague as interveners.

Gambia filed the case last fall on behalf of the 57 Muslim countries in the Organization of Islamic Co-operation under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

More than 850,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Rakhine state after being targeted by Myanmar security forces, who killed thousands while burning villages and engaging in ethnic cleansing and gang rape.

Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne and his Dutch counterpart Stef Blok said their countries were joining the case to assist Gambia with "complex legal issues" in the case.

But Bruno Gélinas-Faucher, a University of Montreal international law expert who has worked at the ICJ, said Canada's presence could cause delays and complications for the Gambian case because of an international legal axiom known as the "clean-hand" principle.

"There's a risk for Canada to be perceived as adopting a contradictory position of leading a very active foreign policy based on prevention of genocide abroad, and at home, not responding to fully for the calls for justice made by the [inquiry]," he said.

"I think there is a very important element for Canada not to be seen as putting forth this contradictory position in the world, and to be coherent — have a coherent foreign policy that is in line with its domestic policy as well."

Extension of Postutme Registration Closure in Akwa Ibom State University

2020-09-06T13:58:00.001-07:00

This is to inform the general public that the 2020 PUTME registration has been extended till 25th of September 2020. All candidates who are yet to register are advised to take advantage of the extension and complete their registration. Please call the supports line on the portal page for moreinformation. Visit: www.portal.aksu to complete your registration.

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Federal Government Allowed State to prepare for reopening of schools

2020-09-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Sani Aliyu, who spoke at the briefing of the PTF in Abuja Thursday, said: “Educational institutions, which include daycare, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, should begin the process of working towards potentially reopening within this phase.”

He, however, said the PTF strongly recommended that states conduct risk assessment “to ensure all schools are at a level of compliance and create a monitoring mechanism to assess, create, and monitor this level of preparedness.

“All daycares and educational institutions are to remain closed to in-classes until this level of risk is assessed.

“And if there will be opening of schools, it must be staged and preferably carried out in phases to ensure that this does not pose a risk to the general public and in particular to vulnerable groups that might end up getting infected by students going back home,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu said the government was in the process of developing strict guidelines to forestall the outbreak of infections when the NYSC camps eventually reopened.

NYSC orientation camps were closed in March as part of measures to halt the spread of coronavirus.

He said: “The NYSC is to consolidate on safety measures currently being put in place and start preparing for the reopening of orientation camps when educational institutions open.

Man caught attempting to cut off woman’s breast

2020-09-04T01:40:00.002-07:00

According to punch newsline, a young man attempted to plugged off a woman's breast for rituals.

The police in Anambra State have arrested a 41-year-old suspected ritual killer, Ogbonna Nwankwo, for attempting to cut off a woman’s breast in a motel in the Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

A source told our correspondent that the suspect attempted escape but was apprehended by youths in the area.

Anambra state Governor decides on reopening of schools in the state

2020-09-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

Primary and secondary schools in Anambra are to reopen on Monday, Sept.7, 2020, a statement issued by Nwabueze Nwankwo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, said in Awka on Friday.

Details of the resumption showed that the third term of the 2019/2020 session would begin on Monday, September 14, and end on Friday, October 23, 2020, for both primary and secondary schools.

He stated that students in boarding schools would resume at the weekend before the resumption date.

The statement noted that the third term was quite short and urged schools to make maximum use of the little period.

“We have continued to teach our children at home through various e-platforms, including the Anambra State Teaching on Air.

“These various platforms shall be continued as we do a phased re-opening of schools and watch the health implication.

“We enjoin parents to provide hand sanitizers and face masks for children,” he said.

Reopening of schools in Kogi State: Government Ordered

2020-09-03T02:55:00.001-07:00

The Kogi State government has ordered the full reopening of all schools in the state.

The announcement was made known in a statement by the state’s commissioner of education, Wemi Jones, in Lokoja on Tuesday.

He said the governor, Yahaya Bello, has approved September 14 for the resumption for primary, secondary and tertiary schools.

Mr Jones noted that the “ministry will review the state’s academic calendar accordingly, to reflect on the new development.

The details will be worked out and released to the relevant stakeholders in due course before resumption.”

“However, we encourage that all relevant education stakeholders like ANCOPSS, ASSUS, SUBEB, NAPPS, heads of tertiary institutions in Kogi State, NUT, STETSCOM, and every other stakeholder are very free to liaise with us at the ministry for further clarification.”

”We are equally informing the general public, parents, guardians, and schools heads that we are very particular about the health and safety of our learners in Kogi State.

ASUU faults FG’s plan to reopen universities

2020-09-02T06:50:00.001-07:00

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has faulted the plan by the Federal Government to reopen public universities in the country.

Prof. Lawan Abubakar, the Bauchi Zonal Coordinator of the union, who made this known during a news conference on Tuesday in Jos, said that the move could be “perilous’’.

Abubakar, who declared that ASUU was not in support of the plan, said that reopening of universities would further pose a grave danger to students and it would be inimical to the fight against the spread of coronavirus in the country.

He said that most public universities lacked the infrastructure that would enable students to comply with putting safety protocols in place, thereby, making them prone to contracting the dreaded virus.

“ASUU is not in support of the government’s plan to reopen universities.

“Our position is that universities should remain close until the right thing is done to enable students to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols.

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“If students resume now, is it the grossly inadequate lecture halls, workshops, hostels or laboratories that will give them the opportunity to observe social distancing and other protocols?,” Abubakar asked.

AfDB Will Support Africa With Quality Infrastructure In Healthcare, Manufacturing – Adesina

2020-09-01T16:21:00.001-07:00

Channels update

Presidentof the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina has promised to give more support to ensure that the continent’s infrastructure gap is reduced by providing quality growth.

Dr Adesina, during his inaugural address after being sworn-in as AfDB President on Tuesday, pledged to expand partnership and tilt more attention to Africa.

The AfDB President, who was re-elected unanimously by the bank’s board of Governors to serve a second five-year term on August 27, said his administration will focus on the institution, people, delivery, and sustainability.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything globally; it has thrown Africa’s growth back. The continent has lost gains and economic growth that were achieved over the last decade.

“Africa’s recovery will therefore be long and challenging. Now we must help Africa build back boldly but smartly, paying greater attention to quality growth, especially in the areas of health, climate, and the environment.

“As we look into the future, working with the board of Directors, the bank will pay increased attention to supporting Africa with quality healthcare infrastructure and building on its comparative advantage in infrastructure.

Supreme Court: We leave the matter to God ― Kogi PDP

2020-09-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accepted the Supreme Court judgement affirming Governor Yahaya Bello as the winner of last November’s election.

In a statement issued on Monday and obtained by Vanguard, shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, the party paid tribute to its flagbearer, Engr. Musa Wada and his running mate, Hon. Sam Aro.

The PDP in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Bode Ogunmola, said while it accepts in good faith the ruling of the Apex Court, it leaves the final judgement in the hands of God.

The statement obtained by Vanguard read, “While the higher court in the land has given its verdict, the PDP has no choice than accept it.

We appreciate the resilience of members and the teeming supporters of the party, the legal team of the party and to all those who either died, got maimed or injured during the election.

“We thank God for the grace and the courage to go this far. We believe that He has the ultimate say.”

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the decision of the tribunal and Appeal courts to declare Governor Bello as the winner of the election affirm ed him as the state Governor for a second term.

Schools resumption in two state

2020-09-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

The Osun State Government has announced a tentative date for the resumption of schools.

The government in a statement signed by its commissioner for information, Funke Egbemode, on Monday, said the state has set resumption for September 21.

According to her, the decision was reached at the State Executive Council meeting. She urged stakeholders to put protocols in place towards the reopening of schools according to the guidelines set by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“Having conducted an assessment of schools within the state to ascertain the level of preparations for reopening, the government has scheduled schools to resume from the COVID-19 break on September 21st for an abridged third term of the 2019/2020 academic session, which is expected to end on October 30, 2020.”

ASUU and FG

2020-08-31T00:44:00.002-07:00

The Federal Government this evening assured that the perennial crisis in the nation’s university system, which has resulted in the on-going strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would soon be permanently laid to rest.

The Hon. Minister of labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige made the declaration at the resumed negotiation between the Federal Government and ASUU, currently taking place at the Conference Room of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment.

“The President has directed me to pass the night here until all issues that have kept our children away from school are resolved and strike called off. He has also directed me to impress upon you, the imperative of little sacrifice from all sides, knowing full well that the revenue of the federation has dwindled from what it was before the present administration assumed office.”

The Minister further said President Buhari was greatly worried about the situation in the university system, hence, his steady and holistic approach to tackling the rot through adequate funding, notwithstanding the dwindling revenue accruals.

“The President told me to assure you of his determination to reposition our universities as he would do everything possible to cast the present challenges in our tertiary education to the dustbin of history,” Ngige added.

Tertiary institution students declare protest against closure of schools

2020-08-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Nigerian Students

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have scheduled a peaceful demonstration for September 1, to demand the reopening of schools nationwide.
Recall that in March, the federal government, through the Ministry of Education, ordered an indefinite closure of all schools across the country to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The virus has so far been contracted by over 51,000 people across the country, killing more than a thousand.
There have been agitations from different quarters, including teachers’ unions and students’, calling for a total reopening of schools since commercial and political activities have resumed.

The government, in the past two months, has continued to assure that the schools will be reopened in no distant time. It is, however, yet to come up with a specific date.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by the leadership of the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) of NANS in Osun State, a mass action has been slated to hold on Tuesday at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo, the state capital.
The statement was signed by Agbogunleri Michael, Ogunsakin Femi, Raji Keji Asimiyu; the Chairman, Secretary-General and Public Relations officer respectively.

“It stabs logic that a nation which ought to prioritize Education has relegated it to the least important of issues to be discussed and attended to with respect to eased restrictions, regardless of our consultation efforts to see to the opening of Schools government has turned deaf ears to the yearnings of the average Nigerian Student; This is unacceptable,” the committee’s executives, stated.

The student body, in its demands, said the federal government should reopen schools and put preventive measures in place on all campuses.
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Universities are ready to resume -Union

2020-08-29T09:47:00.002-07:00

The National Co-ordinator, Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Dr ‘Niyi Sunmonu, on Saturday said its members were ready to resume work.

Sunmonu said this in a statement he issued after its National Executive Council meeting and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos.

He urged the Federal Government to reopen universities and put in place infrastructure and COVID-19 protocols that would facilitate resumption in the institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CONUA was an association of lecturers from five universities following cracks in the Association of Senior Staff of Universities (ASUU).

The new Union was announced at the end of its stakeholders’ forum at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in October 2019.

”CONUA members are ready to resume work.

NDDC FRAUD

2020-08-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Alleged Fraud: ICPC Begins NDDC Probe, Interrogates Top Management Staff

Channels Television

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has commenced an investigation into various allegations of corruption and misappropriation of COVID-19 funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that some top directors and staff of the agency have been quizzed after months of intelligence gathering.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in July, ordered a speedy and coordinated investigation into the corruption scandal in the agency following a series of drama, blames, and counter-accusations among others.

According to the ICPC spokesperson, top officials are being interrogated in the alleged diversion of N5.47 billion meant for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers handling the Covid-19 pandemic in the nine states of NDDC.
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The Inhumane Treatment of Nigerians By Ghanaian Authorities

2020-08-29T02:08:00.000-07:00

Nigeria Will No Longer Tolerate Harassment Of Citizens In Ghana – FG

In a statement by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Federal Government said it is deeply concerned by the incessant harassment and the progressive acts of hostility towards the country by Ghanaian authorities and will no longer tolerate it.

As part of measures to contain the situation, the government is urgently considering a number of options, Mohammed said.

The Minister revealed that the government “has been documenting the acts of hostility towards Nigeria and Nigerians by the Ghanaian authorities.”

SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE:

PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria Will No Longer Tolerate Harassment of Its Citizens in Ghana – FG

The Nigerian Government is deeply concerned by the incessant harassment of its citizens in Ghana and the progressive acts of hostility towards the country by Ghanaian authorities and will no longer tolerate such.

In this regard, the Federal Government is urgently considering a number of options aimed at ameliorating the situation.

The Federal Government has been documenting the acts of hostility towards Nigeria and Nigerians by the Ghanaian authorities. These include:

– Seizure of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 10, Barnes Road, Accra, which the Nigerian Government has used as diplomatic premises for almost 50 years. This action is a serious breach of the Vienna Convention.

– Demolition of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 19/21 Julius Nyerere Street, East Ridge, Accra, another serious breach of the Vienna Convention.

– Aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana. Between Jan. 2018 and Feb. 2019, 825 Nigerians were deported from Ghana.

– Closure of shops belonging to Nigerians. Over 300 Nigerians shops were locked for four months in Kumasi in 2018; over 600 Nigerian shops were locked in 2019 and, currently, over 250 Nigerians shops have been locked.

– Residency Permit requirements, for which the Ghana Immigration Service has placed huge fees, far higher than the fees charged by the Nigerian Immigration Service. These include the compulsory Non-citizen ID card (US$120, and US$60 for yearly renewal); Medical examinations, including for Covid-19 which is newly-introduced (about US$120), and payment for residency permit (US$400 compared to the N7,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in Nigeria)

– Outrageous stipulations in the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act. When the Act was initially promulgated in 1994, a foreigner is required to invest at least US$300,000 by way of equity capital and also employ 10 Ghanaians. This Act has now been amended twice, with the 2018 GIPC Act raising the minimum capital base for foreign-owned businesses to US$1m. Though targeted at foreigners, it seems GIPC’s definition of foreigners is Nigerians. The GIPC Act also negates the ECOWAS Protocol.

– Media war against Nigerians in Ghana. The negative reportage of issues concerning Nigerians resident in Ghana by the Ghanaian media is fuelling an emerging xenophobic attitude towards Nigerian traders and Nigerians in general. The immediate fallout is the incessant harassment and arrest of Nigerian traders and closure of their shops.

– Harsh and openly biased judicial trial and pronouncement of indiscriminately long jail terms for convicted Nigerians. There are currently over 200 Nigerians in the Nsawam Maximum prison in Ghana alone.

The Federal Government would like to put on record the fact that even though over 1 million Ghanaians are resident in Nigeria, they are not being subjected to the kind of hostility being meted out to Nigerians in Ghana.

Also, even though the main reason given for the seizure of Federal Government property at No. 10, Barnes Road in Accra is the non-renewal of lease after expiration, the Ghanaian authorities did not give Nigeria the right of first refusal or the notice to renew the lease.

By contrast, the lease on some of the properties occupied by the Ghanaian Mission in Nigeria has long expired, yet such properties have not been seized.

Nigeria has time after time demonstrated its fidelity to the long cordial relations with Ghana. But indications, especially in recent times, are that Nigeria’s stance is now being taken for granted and its citizens being made targets of harassment and objects of ridicule.

This will no longer be tolerated under any guise.

In the meantime, the Federal Government wishes to appeal to its citizens resident in Ghana to remain law abiding and avoid engaging in self-help, despite their ordeal.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed

Honourable Minister of Information and Culture

Abuja

28 Aug. 2020

Aircraft Crash In Lagos

2020-08-28T13:00:00.001-07:00

Lagos Helicopter crash: Identities of victims revealed.

The pilot of an ill-fated helicopter and a passenger were Friday, recovered dead, while another passenger is currently hospitalised, after the helicopter crashed into a building, in Opebi area of Ikeja, Lagos State.

Also, the after effect of the crash affected a Honda Salon car with number plate EPE 04 AL as it’s rear screen was completely damaged.

The incident occurred at about 12.17pm at No 16A, Salvation Road, Opebi.
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BIG BROTHER NAIJA

2020-08-28T01:46:00.001-07:00

Big Brother Naija apologises to Kiddwaya over ‘embarrassing’ post.

kiddwaya big brother naija

Big Brother Naija on Sunday apologised to season 5 housemate, Kiddwaya, for describing him as a “serial flirt” in an article it posted on its official website on Sunday.

Fans of Kiddwaya, 27, tackled BBnaija over the article which was posted on the Africa Magic website.

They described it as “offensive” and said it portrayed the 27-year-old housemate in a bad light.

Kiddwaya, full name, Terseer Waya, is the son of Nigerian socialite, Terry Waya. He is one of the hottest male housemates who is most known for his on and off relationship with fellow housemate, Erica.

Both housemates have been really close since they got into the BBNaija house and have been caught on camera making out a few times.

They created the hashtag #JusticeForKiddwaya which trended almost immediately while they continued to express their disappointment over the article.

Following the numerous outcries, the show’s organisers gave in and apologised on Twitter.