Senate confirms minimum age requirement for admission into universities

The Nigerian Senate has made it clear that the statements regarding the potential increase of the age limit to 18 years were individual viewpoints.

The Senate stressed that any adjustments to the age limit would require proper legislative procedures, whether they involve lowering or raising the limit.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adeyemi Adaramodu, made this known an interview with journalists on Wednesday.

Recall that last week, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, stated that the government is thinking about changing the minimum age for entering universities to 18 years old.

“Comment on the minimum age requirement for admission is not a law,” the lawmaker said.

“So it is just an opinion. It’s not a law. By the time the Senate resumes, whoever wants to bring that one out to make it a law, will now bring it and then the procedures will take place.

“You can bring whatever to the floor in form of a bill. When you bring it, there’s going to be public hearing.

“All the stakeholders will sit down and talk about it. The parents, teachers, legislators, civil society organisations, even foreign organisations.

“We will sit down and talk. Even if they say that the minimum age should be 30 or 12, we will all discuss it in an open forum. So it’s still a comment which cannot be taken to be the law.”

Senate confirms minimum age requirement for admission into universities

Sydani Group proposes comprehensive Solutions for Nigeria’s sustainable development challenges

Sydani Group, a leading management consulting firm focused on international development challenges, convened a media roundtable titled “Driving Sustainability: A Comprehensive Analysis of Nigeria’s Key Growth Areas.” The event brought together experts from the Sydani Group to discuss critical issues and propose actionable solutions for advancing sustainable development across Nigeria’s most vital sectors.

On Human Capital Development: Empowering Nigeria’s Youth

Sunday Atobatele, the director of the Sydani Fellowship Program, underscored the critical role of human capital development (HCD) in Africa’s economic growth. Atobatele emphasized that a well-developed population fosters innovation, increases workforce productivity, and strengthens resilience.

He highlighted the challenges hindering HCD in Africa, including limited access to quality education, healthcare, and jobs for young people. To address these issues, Atobatele presented a multi-pronged approach that includes initiatives focused on:

Education: universal primary education, quality teacher training, technical and vocational skills development, and digital literacy programs.

Healthcare: universal healthcare coverage, community health worker programs, disease prevention and control measures, and improved maternal and child health services.

Youth Empowerment: programs that equip young people with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure to create a more enabling environment for human capital development.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Initiatives that break down barriers and empower women to fully participate in the economy.

Social Protection Programs: Programs that provide safety nets for vulnerable populations.

On Education: Equipping the Next Generation for Success

Andikan Ibanga, an education specialist at Sydani Group, dove deep into the education crisis currently facing Nigeria. He identified three key challenges: access, quality, and institutional issues. Over 10 million children remain out of school, often due to social norms that undervalue education, particularly for girls. Additionally, inadequate teacher qualifications and poor learning environments significantly hamper learning outcomes.

Ibanga proposed a comprehensive set of solutions to address these challenges:

Access: Deploying innovative financing models to improve educational infrastructure and frontline service delivery.

 

Institutions: designing and developing broad-based accountability frameworks and coordination mechanisms, alongside monitoring, learning, and evaluation platforms. These platforms would leverage data for evidence-based decision-making to strengthen institutions.

Quality: Implementing large-scale teacher training initiatives at primary and secondary levels. This would involve reviewing teacher compensation and recognition packages to improve morale and effectiveness. Additionally, Ibanga proposes integrating digital models on a large scale to reach students in hard-to-reach and rural areas.

Healthcare: Ensuring Access to Quality Care for All

Akolade Jimoh, a public health consultant at Sydani Group, shed light on the significant challenges hindering Nigeria’s achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). These challenges include high out-of-pocket expenses for patients, inadequate insurance coverage, and limited government funding.

Jimoh proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle these issues and expand health insurance coverage while improving affordability.

Mandatory Insurance for All: This would ensure a wider pool of insured individuals, spreading the financial risk and reducing costs.

Streamlined and Digitized Administration: Modernizing healthcare administration through digital platforms can improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between public and private entities can leverage resources and expertise for better healthcare delivery.

Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Exploring new funding models can help bridge the gap and make healthcare more accessible.

Robust Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership and collaboration across various stakeholders are crucial for the successful implementation of UHC initiatives.

On Climate Change: Charting a Course for Resilience

Israel Olaniyan, a policy researcher and sustainability expert at Sydani Group, steered the conversation toward Nigeria’s critical role in combating climate change. Despite being a minor contributor to global emissions, Africa bears the brunt of climate disasters. Olaniyan commended Nigeria’s progress in addressing this challenge, highlighting the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

However, Olaniyan emphasized the need for further action. He advocated for a multi-pronged approach that includes:

Strengthening Policy Frameworks: Integrating climate action across all sectors of governance and the economy to ensure sustainable practices are embedded in national development plans.

Energy Transition and Economic Diversification: Accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, aligning with global trends, and ensuring national energy security.

Adaptive Agriculture and Water Management: Introducing climate-resilient crops and innovative farming techniques to counter the adverse effects of climate change, alongside investments in irrigation and water management systems to enhance agricultural resilience.

Infrastructure and Community Resilience: Developing climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas, to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Policy and International Cooperation: Strengthening policy frameworks for climate action and implementing Nigeria’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement.

On Agriculture: Food Security for the Nation

Godfrey Petgrave, an agriculture specialist at Sydani Group, addressed the urgent issue of food security in Nigeria. The combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and energy shortages threaten food security for over 25 million Nigerians. Petgrave highlighted the need to address herder-farmer clashes and insecurity to enable farmers to cultivate their lands. He proposed solutions, including improved agricultural practices, investment in infrastructure, empowering smallholder farmers, and promoting technology and innovation in agriculture.

Petgrave also warned that the food crisis could persist without addressing these challenges.

On ways to improve food production in the country, Petgrave highlighted micro-dosing, introduced by IFAD and ICRISAT, intercropping and crop diversification, planting pits (Zai), erosion control techniques, improved seeds, integrated soil fertility management, and livestock production practices.

On the action plan towards food security, Sydani gave a five-step roadmap, which includes investing in resilience-building practices and infrastructure, empowering smallholder farmers for sustainable productivity, reforming policies and strengthening institutions for effective coordination, promoting economic inclusion for equitable resource access, and harnessing technology and innovation for optimized agriculture.

On Technology: Leveraging Technology for National Security

Noble Ajuonu, a tech expert and the head of Sydani Technologies, a subsidiary of Sydani Group, emphasized the critical role of technology in strengthening national security. He identified fragmented databases and a lack of data harmonization as major hurdles to effective security measures.

Ajuonu advocated for a multi-pronged approach that includes:

Data harmonization: streamlining and integrating existing databases across various agencies.
Smart surveillance: utilizing technology for intelligent monitoring and threat detection.
Improved interagency information sharing: Fostering seamless communication and collaboration between security agencies.

Community engagement: building trust and cooperation between security forces and local communities.

Ajuonu pointed out that Nigeria’s security sector, despite modernization efforts, struggles to leverage existing technological tools. He highlighted the uncaptured population and fragmented databases as significant barriers. Initiatives like the National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Voter Identification Numbers (VIN) were intended to create comprehensive databases. However, Ajuonu stressed the critical need for improved integration with security agencies’ systems. Fragmented systems render these powerful tools ineffective, hindering their ability to serve their intended purpose.

By prioritizing data harmonization, smart surveillance, information sharing, and community engagement, Nigeria can harness the power of technology to create a more secure nation.

Sydani Group proposes comprehensive Solutions for Nigeria’s sustainable development challenges

Lagos- Calabar coastal project: Umahi’s allegation against Peter Obi underscores his hypocrisy – Onanuga

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, has thrown his weight in support of the Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, alleging that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the last general election, Mr Peter, was inciting Igbos against the government.

Onanuga said Umahi’s allegation underscores Obi’s hypocrisy on the Lagos-Calabar superhighway.

“Works Minister Engineer Dave Umahi underscores Peter Obi’s hypocrisy on the Lagos-Calabar superhighway,” he wrote on his X handle on Thursday.

DAILY POST reported that Umahi had alleged that Obi was inciting people of the south east, especially those who are not well informed, against the government.

Umahi also claimed that Obi would subsequently not go to fight for the Igbos even after getting them into trouble.

The Minister’s statement was made on Wednesday while speaking during a compensation for property owners affected by the Lagos- Calabar coastal road prospect.

Recall that the 700-kilometre coastal highway has been enmeshed in controversy following the demolition of Landmark Beach Resort, valued at $200 million, to create right of way for the project which is estimated to cost the federal government N15 trillion.

Obi had slammed Tinubu’s administration for going on with the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project in defiance to public outcry.

The presidential candidate claimed that the government was embarking on a job-losing project at a time of rampant unemployment, advising that it was not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project.

According to him, urgent necessities in the country include nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged.

However, Umahi questioned Obi’s view about the project.

He accused the former Anambra State governor of going around to condemn people, thereby bringing judgement upon himself.

Lagos- Calabar coastal project: Umahi’s allegation against Peter Obi underscores his hypocrisy – Onanuga

Gov Nwifuru increases workers’ salary by N10,000, approves recruitment of 1,700 teachers

Ebonyi State governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru has approved the increment of civil servants’ salaries by N10,000.

He also approved the recruitment of 1,700 teachers to remedy the shortage of personnel in the public primary and secondary schools.

The governor made the pronouncement on May 1, 2024, during the Workers’ Day celebration at Pa Ngele Oruta township Stadium in Abakaliki, on Wednesday.

According to him, “Your commitment and sacrifices are unmatched anywhere in the world.

“We are celebrating today because it is important to reciprocate the gesture and this administration has something in store for you as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs,” he said.

He added that his administration would consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past administration by improving the state’s economy.

Nwifuru described the workers as partners in progress who deserved to be appreciated for their sacrifices.

He assured the people of regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

He disclosed that the gratuities of those who had retired between January, 2024 and now had been paid completely.

“Presently, we are paying salaries, pensions and gratuities as at when due and we do not owe anyone, while we are waiting for the outcome of the negotiation on minimum wage,” he said.

The governor further promised to look into all the requests made by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ebonyi State chapter and approved N10,000 increment in their individual salary.

In a joint speech by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ebonyi State chapters, read by the NLC chairman, Professor Ogugua Egwu, he stated that the theme of the event “People First” is an expression of the absolute need to prioritize the people in all spheres of life.

He appealed to the state governor for the engagement of more teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state and to enhance the welfare packages of the workers.

He also requested for the implementation of judiciary autonomy, approve welfare packages of the judiciary workers and recall some staff of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) who were suspended over their involvement in union activities.

He further called on the governor to reabsorb staff of the former Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) into the new teaching hospital, reinvigorate Ebonyi State College of Education for middle class manpower training and harmonize the gratuity management scheme in the state and council areas, among others.

Gov Nwifuru increases workers’ salary by N10,000, approves recruitment of 1,700 teachers

2024 UTME: Be wary of any candidate parading printed result slip – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has urged the public to be wary of any candidate parading printed result slip of the just concluded 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

The board’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, saying that the results are not on any paper format as being circulated on social media by some individuals.

“The Board, once again, wishes to state clearly that the only way to check the 2024 UTME result is to send UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone used by the candidate in registering for the UTME exercise. Ensure that the SIM is not on any bundle.

“This is different from what was obtained last year, hence, the results, at the moment, are not and cannot be found on the board’s website,” he said.

Benjamin urged candidates to follow the method to obtain their results, stressing that there was no need to visit any cybercafé or patronise any third-party entity to check their results.

“A reasonable number of candidates have checked their results as seen on our monitoring dashboard, but for the few still struggling, please follow the right channel,” he added.

2024 UTME: Be wary of any candidate parading printed result slip – JAMB

Workers Day: Taraba groups concerned over alarming cost of living in Nigeria

Taraba State chapter of the National Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Nigeria have expressed concern about the alarming cost of living in Nigeria.

Standing in solidarity with Nigerian workers, the groups in a press statement issued on Wednesday to journalists in Jalingo, through its state President, Fidelis Nashuka, called for an improved welfare package for Nigerian workers.

Acknowledging workers’ invaluable contributions to the nation’s growth and development the council said the ongoing hardship all over the country was uncalled for.

“We are deeply concerned about the alarming cost of living in Nigeria, which has severely eroded the purchasing power of workers’ salaries.

“We urge both the federal government, various state governments and labour unions to return to the negotiating table to discuss a reasonable and realistic living wage for civil servants.

“The current salary for most civil servants is grossly inadequate and fails to reflect the harsh economic realities,” they lamented.

They commended the Taraba State government for implementing the N30,000 minimum wage, payment of gratuity, declaring free education and sliding tuition fees in higher institutions.

They also encouraged labour unions to be proactive and creative in providing schemes for their members, such as keying into the state government’s health insurance scheme, prioritizing their wellbeing and improving their purchasing power.

“We call on the labour union to go back to the drawing board and renew their strength like an eagle.

“Due to the corruption and selfishness of the union leaders, the labour union has lost its voice and capacity to influence government policy and decisions, leading to the unfavourable conditions Nigerian workers face today,” the groups lamented.

Workers Day: Taraba groups concerned over alarming cost of living in Nigeria

Northern governors meet, identify region’s challenges

The Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, has noted with concern that climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices and population growth posed significant challenges to the region.

The Forum, therefore, resolved to adopt a holistic approach that promotes environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people and preserve the national heritage of generations yet unborn.

A communique issued by its chairman and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the end of NSGF meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday said, “The Forum noted that Human Capital Development is critical to the progress and prosperity of the region and expressed concern that the region currently bears the burden of having the highest number of out of School Children in the World.

“The Forum committed itself to invest massively in education and skill development, health care and social services in order to address the menace.”

The forum expressed its sympathy and support to the governments and people of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara states over the unprecedented security challenges currently affecting the states and resolved to stand in solidarity with them during the difficult times.

The forum, according to the communique, received the report of a committee to review the Report of the Technical Committee on the New Nigeria Development Company and resolved that members should study the report for consideration at the next meeting of the forum.

The forum hailed the President Bola Tinubu-led government for demonstrating total commitment to winning the war against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

It noted with delight the role of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) on the revitalization of the economy of the region and resolved to invest in critical infrastructure that were capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the North.

The forum received a presentation from Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and World Bank Team and noted achievements in areas of system strengthening, project management and infrastructure.

Northern governors meet, identify region’s challenges

BREAKING: Nigerian government increases workers’ salaries by at least 25%

A salary increase for civil servants has been approved by the Nigerian Federal Government.

The salary increment ranges from 25 per cent to 35 per cent across the remaining six consolidated salary structures.

The increment affects the remaining six consolidated salary structures, namely, Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

For polytechnics and colleges of education, it involved the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).

The Health Sector also benefited through Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

A statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, said the increases take effect from January 1, 2024.

According to the statement, the Federal Government also approved a pension increase between 20 per cent and 28 per cent for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme for the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures, with effect from January 1, 2024.

BREAKING: Nigerian government increases workers’ salaries by at least 25%

JAMB makes clarifications as candidates encounter difficulties checking UTME results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has reacted to some complaints by candidates facing difficulties checking their 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.

Recall that JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, on Monday announced the release of the UTME results.

DAILY POST also revealed the step-by-step approach candidates can take to check their results through the use of SMS and a portal.

However, some candidates said on Tuesday that their efforts to check the results had not been successful.

Some candidates facing the challenge took to their X handles to express their disappointment.

JAMB via its official handle, responded to some of the complaints.

An X user, @gbedutainer21 posted; “Pls my phone was stolen last year and the sim Pls how can I check my result? Can I do it without the sim”?

Responding, JAMB wrote, “Retrieve the line to check your result. Also note that the SIM card is not just a number, it’s your unique identifier with JAMB. As such, you can’t afford to lose it, you’ll always need it for different services, the misplacement of which would render such services impossible”.

Another user, @abilityways, posted, “I made a payment for my JAMB results, but still, I can’t access my results.”

Responding, JAMB advised the candidate to “visit any JAMB approved CBT Centre for assistance.”

Another candidate, @Dikeemmanuel46994, asked, “How do I retrieve my jamb reg no.? I’ve also forgotten the email and phone number used.

The board, however, asked the candidate to “visit any JAMB office near you for necessary assistance.”

JAMB makes clarifications as candidates encounter difficulties checking UTME results

It’s not too late to discontinue Lagos-Calabar Highway project – Peter Obi advises Tinubu

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for going on with the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project in defiance of public outcry.

He expressed displeasure that the government is embarking on a project threatening jobs at a time of rampant unemployment.

According to him, it’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project, adding that urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged.

Obi described the reported demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project as insensitive and heart-wrenching.

He lamented that livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments wasted, and jobs disappearing as a result of the demolition.

In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said that the hasty flag-off of the project defies the widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners directly affected by the project.

He said: “Contrary to reason and the necessity for compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country. However, reports as of yesterday indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project has commenced from the Lagos end.

“The sight of this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers.

“This hasty flag-off defies the widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners directly affected by the project. Nobody knows the outcry that will accompany this project as it progresses towards poor rural landscapes.

“Thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with investments above $200 million at risk. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000 mostly youth employees.

“At a time of rampant unemployment, the government is embarking on a job-losing project. The economic losses currently observed are primarily limited to the initial kilometers in the Lagos area.

“However, the 700 km stretch of this road will pass through rural regions where affected individuals lack the voice, power, or influence to assert their rights. Significant sections of the public have questioned the process preceding the project’s approval, yet the government remains deaf to reason and caution.

“While acknowledging the economic value of the road, its conception dating back to Tafewa Balewa’s time, several parameters have changed. Insecurity and poverty are rampant, placing this project lower on today’s national priorities.

“It’s time to question the rationale and timing of this and similar projects. The nation is in its worst economic state in history, with poverty and hunger spreading. The basic necessities of life are beyond reach for most Nigerians.

“This is a moment when a committed government cannot embark on non-essential projects. Existing highways urgently need maintenance, and insecurity makes travel unsafe.

“Just a few days ago, many lives were lost, and over 70 vehicles were burned in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West road in Rivers State. This tragic accident was primarily caused by the extremely poor condition of the road, which has been neglected for years and urgently needs attention. Our economy is struggling, and our health institutions are ill-equipped. Why embark on an expensive new highway project when there are close to 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the country?

“The urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged. It’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway project.

“We cannot afford another expensive abandoned project. Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential. We do not need landscape decoration escapades.”

It’s not too late to discontinue Lagos-Calabar Highway project – Peter Obi advises Tinubu

UTME 2024 results: 1.4 million candidates scored below 200 – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has confirmed that 1,402,490 candidates out of 1,842,464 failed to score 200 out of 400 marks, in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

The board released the results on Monday.

And it showed that the number who failed to score half of the possible marks was 78% of the candidates.

Giving a breakdown of the results, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede noted that, “8,401 candidates scored 300 and above; 77,070 scored 250 and above; 439,974 scored 200 and above while 1,402,490 scored below 200.”

Oloyede also said the results of 64,624 out of the 1,904,189, who sat for the examination, were withheld by the board and would be subjected to investigation.

UTME 2024 results: 1.4 million candidates scored below 200 – JAMB

Nigerian eyes Guinness World Record with 150-hour Mathematics lesson

A Nigerian Mathematician, Uduak Nanga, has completed a 150-hour attempt to set a first Guinness World Record for the longest Mathematics lesson by an individual.

Nanga, popularly known as MC Calculus, who hails from Ikono local government area of Akwa Ibom State, began on April 23, 2024, and concluded the feat on Sunday, 28 April, at Kings Kid Christian International High School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Checks on the official website of the Guinness World Records showed that there had never been any existing record holder for this category, making Nanga the first person to successfully complete the attempt.

The content creator, with a passion for social entertainment, had extensively covered twelve mathematics topics across the seven days of his attempt.

The event drew top educationists within Akwa Ibom State and other spheres including the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet; the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Nse Essien; Rector, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Dr. Moses Umobong, and other eminent scholars who rallied their support for the mathematician.

Nanga, a graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from AkwaPoly, explained that the attempt was “to provide the opportunity for knowledge sharing, and help young people understand that mathematics is a subject not to be afraid of”.

He expressed satisfaction that despite initial hurdles that made the journey seem unrealistic, he couldn’t give up the fight, “as many young people needed the success to draw inspiration for progress”.

Nigerian eyes Guinness World Record with 150-hour Mathematics lesson

School resumption: Osun parents lament high cost of tuition fees, fuel, others

Parents in Osun State have expressed concern over the high school fees, rising cost of food and high cost of fuel as students and pupils resume for the third term of the 2023/2024 academic session.

In a chat with DAILY POST on Sunday, a parent, Florence Oluwagbemiga, a banker, said things have not been easy with regards to the high cost of food stuffs.

She also revealed that towards the close of the second term, the school notified parents of an increase in tuition fees payable on resumption of this term.

According to her, “I send my children to a private school. We all know that public schools in this state is just a shadow of itself.

“The increment in school fees is becoming worrisome. Schools increase the fees at their own convenience. You can imagine increment in schools thrice in an academic session. That is the reality we are faced with all because we want our children to get the best education we can afford.

“Now, the children have resumed. We all know what that means. They will feed at home, feed in the school and also we will have to get them snacks and all others. This is eating deep into our pockets. There is need for some things to be done fast to arrest the situation.”

Another parent, Rashidat Jimoh, a fashion designer, said when her children vacated, she heaved a sigh of relief but also conscious that resumption would not take long.

She recalled the nightmare of transport fare she always encountered taking her children to school from her house and then back at the end of the day.

“I used to have a car until it got damaged. Now, I have to get the children onto a commercial motorcycle from my house to the main road. From there we will take a minibus (korope) to the school.

“After closing, I will have to go to their school from my shop to fetch them back to my shop.

“After closing of business for the day, we will board a minibus back home and take another commercial motorcycle from the main road back to our house. Most times, this is around 8 or 9pm. We get so tired that we just go to bed.

“Although, we always have our supper in my shop.”

She lamented that with the recent fuel scarcity being felt in the state, the transportation cost for her and her children is a major cause for concern.

“I don’t even know how to start. I foresee transport fare increasing by 100 per cent due to this unnecessary fuel scarcity,” she said.

A civil servant, Hussein Arogun, regretted that there were no good schools in his community located after Fountain University, Osogbo.

He said he brings his six children from his community to town from Monday to Friday before going to work and after closing hours.

“We take commercial motorcycles from my community to Isale-Osun and from there we take minibus to Ogo-Oluwa area where their school is located.

“After that, I’d go to my office at the state government Secretariat, Abere. After closing, I will go and pick them at school and back home. The same process will continue the next day. It has not been easy as this fuel scarcity will add to my predicament now that schools will resume on Monday. I don’t know how to cope with six children because I have no car yet,” he said.

A school proprietress, identified as Florence, who spoke to DAILY POST on Monday morning in Osogbo, also said she looked forward to a rewarding academic term.

She said she is aware of the fact that some parents are complaining of the high school fees being imposed by some schools.

“This is not our fault entirely. Many factors make us to increase our school fees.

“These factors she said include salaries to staff, administrative costs, fuels where the school has generators, purchase of stationery and atimes rentals.

“We need to survive and we also need to stay afloat. We are all trying to survive in this Nigeria. Our demands are legitimate and it is not meant to punish our extended parents,” she concluded.

Due to the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, the Osun State Government, through its taskforce on Petroleum Price Monitoring, on Sunday, warned owners of petrol stations across the State against hoarding petroleum products to create artificial scarcity.

The warning was issued in a statement by the taskforce Chairman and the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Kazeem Akinleye, on Sunday in Osogbo.

The warning became necessary after reported cases of hike in pump price of PMS, also known as petrol, and resurgence of long queues in filling stations in some parts of the country.

The government said it came to the decision to issue the warning after surveillance reports indicated a trend towards the situation.

The state government, while reminding marketers of the already harsh economic situation on the members of the public, urged them to be public spirited in their pricing of petroleum products, the taskforce.

The government also warned that hoarders arrested will face the full wrath of the law.

School resumption: Osun parents lament high cost of tuition fees, fuel, others

JAMB set to release results of 2024 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, is set to release the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, is scheduled to address the media in Abuja on Monday.

During the press briefing, Oloyede will give updates on the release of the results.

This was contained in a notice circulated to journalists and made available by the Board’s Head of Public Relations, Fabian Benjamin, on Sunday.

There are indications that the 2024 UTME results that would be released on Monday, are for candidates who wrote the exams in the first few days.

Others would be released after “due diligence” is completed.

In the last week, over 1.9 million candidates enrolled for the 2024 UTME across over 700 Computer-Based Test centers nationwide.

JAMB set to release results of 2024 UTME

Tinubu reveals two policies resetting Nigeria’s economy growth

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberation policies have put Nigeria at the forefront of economic growth.

In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, he said Tinubu highlighted this during a high-level panel session at the World Economic Forum, WEF, Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

Ngelale quoted the president as saying that he had to take tough but essential decisions like removing fuel subsidy – with its attendant perils – to reposition Nigeria’s economy.

“Concerning the question of subsidy removal, there is no doubt that it was a necessary action for my country not to go bankrupt and to reset the economy and the pathway to growth. It was going to be difficult, but the hallmark of leadership is making difficult decisions when they need to be made.

“That was necessary for the country. Yes, there have been drawbacks. Yes, there was an expectation that more people would feel the difficulty. But, of course, our people’s interest was the government’s primary focus.

“Along the line, there was an arrangement to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on the country’s vulnerable population. We shared the pain across the board. We cannot but include those who are very vulnerable.

“Luckily, we have a very vibrant youth population interested in innovation and highly ready to leverage technology and good education, and they remain committed to growth.

“We managed that and partitioned the economic drawback and the fallout of the subsidy removal equally, engendering transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline for the country. And that is most important, focusing on what direction we should head in. I will pursue that rigorously,” he said.

Tinubu explained that the government under his leadership manages the nation’s currency and effectively removes corruption-laden arbitrage.

“Currency management was necessary to remove the artificial value element in our currency. Hence, our local currency finds its level and competes with the rest of the world’s currencies as we remove corrupt arbitrage and opaqueness.

“That we did. At the same time, that is a two-engine problem that is a very turbulent situation for the government.

“But we can manage that turbulence because we prepared for this with inclusivity in governance and rapid communication with the public,” the president said.

Recall that in June last year, Tinubu’s administration removed subsidies on petrol and liberalized the FX market.

The development had led to soaring inflation in Nigeria, which stood at 33.20 per cent in March, and currency fluctuation.

Tinubu reveals two policies resetting Nigeria’s economy growth

Imo leads table as South East Basketball tournament ends in Umuahia

The South East Basketball tournament has ended in Umuahia with the Imo State Basketball team maintaining their lead on the table.

They concluded their last match by defeating Abia Stars of Abia State with a score of 43-42 points.

Imo also emerged victorious against the Anambra team with a score of 48-36 points.

Abia Stars, on the other hand, had won their first game by defeating Anambra 50-26.

Speaking after the conclusion of the competition, the coach of the Imo State Basketball team, Coach Victor Ogugua, emphasized the importance of young people combining education with sports to create a bright future. He stated that they are making efforts to encourage the athletes to pursue a better career in basketball.

Coach Ogugua expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his team at the South East basketball competition.

He said they would not stop there but would review their performance and prepare for the next level of the competition.

Also, the head coach of Abia Stars Basketball, Coach Oriakhi Osagbovo, lauded Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba and the Abia State Director of Sports, Mr Obioma George, for their efforts in promoting basketball in Abia State.

He added that they are determined to build a formidable team that will bring glory to Abia and Nigeria, especially with the modern basketball equipment acquired by Governor Otti.

Imo leads table as South East Basketball tournament ends in Umuahia

Why government should subsidise, untax menstrual pads – Groups

A coalition of non-profit organizations have called on the government to provide subsidies and exempt menstrual pads from taxes to enhance menstrual hygiene among women and girls nationwide.

The group feared that women and girls might go down with avoidable diseases emanating from alternatives to menstrual pad.

The organisations had formed a movement tagged “Untax My Menstrual Pad” to advocate for the danger associated with skyrocketed prices of modern menstrual pad.

Some of the NGOs include; Kairos Initiative, Al-Wadata Lifeline Initiative, Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation, Child is Gold Foundation and others.

At the end of a three-day stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday, the coalition in a communique resolved to demand for subsidised and untaxed menstrual pad.

According to the group, there is a need to sensitise rural and urban communities in Bauchi State on the prevention of stigmatisation of the girl child, particularly during cycle and when abused.

Part of the communique reads, “To support and encourage survivors to ensure no girl misses school because of menstrual pain through capacity building and the provision of first pad banks in all schools.

“Also to advocate to the ministry of education and ministry of health to ensure there is a policy on pad and free distribution for schools as a way of reducing the number of girls who miss school during their menstrual period. Advocate to schools and community heads on the importance of a menstrual stigma free society.”

Why government should subsidise, untax menstrual pads – Groups