News
ASUU kicks against FG’s student loan, calls for intervention in tertiary institutions
By Lovina Anthony, Akwa Ibom
The Academic Staff Union of Universities,ASUU,, Calabar Zone has vehemently opposed the proposed Student Education Loan of the Federal Government.
It described the loan as not only “strangulating” but has the capacity of subjecting the benefiting students to slavery, perpetual debt, depression and eventual suicide.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Happiness Uduk flanked by all the Chapter Chairmen of the zone, said it was disheartening that the people who attended schools on scholarship, enjoyed meal subsidies, bursary awards among others were the ones making some of these obnoxious policies saying that the union would not relent in opposing such policies.
Uduk in a statement jointly signed by the eight union Chairpersons, reasoned that instead of giving loans for students education; FG should use the money for interventions in higher institutions, saying that such would bring about positive turnaround of events that would make the institutions self reliant with highly subsidized tertiary education in the country.
“It is disheartening that people who attended schools on scholarship,enjoyed meal subsidies, free laundry services and bursary awards are the same running our economy today. Their Children are on scholarship in the best foreign universities in the world but after siphoning our economy, they turn around to impose a strangulating Education Loan in tax payers’ Children that they will be enslaved and remain indebted to the country forever. They do not mind the devastating effect of this scheme on the country such as depression, suicide, and collosal loss of intellectuals.
“To this end, we vehemently condemn the idea of Education Loan and state clearly that using the money for intervention in higher Institutions will being about a positive turn-around of events that will make our institutions self reliant with highly subsidized tertiary education in Nigeria.”
The union also called on the federal government to come to a renegotiation table and reconvene a committee to review the agreement reached by ASUU leadership and Prof. Nimi Brigs-led Government committee with the view of adjusting the document according to the current economic realities, so as to have acceptable salary structure for university lecturers.
The union also condemned the indiscriminate proliferations of universities in Nigeria without adequate funding by both the Federal and state governments noting that 2020 ASUU-FGN Memorandum of Action (MoA) which stressed the need to review the NUC Act to make it more potent in arresting the reckless and excessive establishment of universities be fully implemented.
“We urge the President Tinubu-led administration to refrain from further proliferation of universities and rather consolidate on the already existing ones. What we need are universities that are adequately equipped and empowered to address the challenges confronting Nigeria not glorified schools.” The statement added.
On the ongoing minimum wage negotiation, the ASUU Calabar Zone urged FG to immediately deploy the instrumentality of collective bargaining to conclude the social dialogue saying that such would lessen the invasive decline in the socio-economic lives of Nigerians.
It further urged federal, state and local governments to take a critical look at all unworkable policies and programmes sponsored by the International money lenders such as the World Bank and IMF with a view to reclaiming the country’s sovereignty and restoring the confidence of Nigerians.
The union, however advised governments and her agencies to read the Act establishing universities and stop interfering and threatening the autonomy of the universities especially in terms of policy, academic planning and administration even as it advised that suspended members in Ebonyi State University be recalled in obedience to the declarations and orders of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
It added that outstanding salaries of academics in all institutions should be paid without further delay, noting that failure to accede to their demands would make them embark on industrial action even as it regretted that it resorts to strike to press home its demands as that was the only language the government understands.
By Maxwell Nwafor,
The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, has passed a vote of confidence on the activities of the Ministry of Water Resources for it overall commitment to meeting with the provision of portable water to the people of the State.
This is as the Commissioner, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk assures that water would in the next few days begin to flow across taps in the State Capital and in other parts of the State.
The Assembly House Committee Members gave the verdict after it visit on an oversight function to the Ministry as well as after inspection of the turnaround work carried out on the old Lokoja Water works.
In his summation of the Members views after the visit, the Chairman House Committee of Water Resources led by Hon Tijani Ebaya, expressed satisfaction with the activities of the Ministry.
He assured of the support of the Committee in synergizing with the Ministry in meeting with the budgetary provision and other support for the Ministry.
The Committee Chairman described the Ministry of Water Resources as one of the performing Ministries working to meet with the vision of the present administration, said it underscores the importance the administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo places in the provision of portable water to the people.
He described Gov. Ododo as one that is resolved and committed to ensuring that the water sector is functional, appreciated the patience and understanding of the citizens of the State while efforts is ongoing to fix the water challenges faced by the State.
He described the Assembly as a worthy partner in progress, called for Executive and Legislature relationship, through working synergy that will meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
The Chairman urged for the input of the Assembly Members in the forthcoming 2025 budget of the Ministry, described the Commissioner as a round peg in a round hole, pointing out that he has justified the confidence reposed on him by the Governor in his appointment.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner said the devastating effect of the 2022 flood that ravaged the State damaged the Greater Lokoja water Works.
While the State he noted would require a sum of about N40b to rebuild another facility as an option from it current location, he added that another option of relocating the sensitive electromagnetic equipments above Water level also requires huge outlay, reasons the State Government south to fix the old Lokoja Water Works.
The Old Lokoja Water Works, Engr. Farouk explained had been abandoned since the advent of Greater Lokoja Water Works that began operations in 2009, however expressed optimism that with the works at over 90% completion, water would soon begin to flow in the State capital.
The Commissioner assured the committee soon as the disinfection, fumigation and washing of the water tanks are completed, water supply will begin within the next few days.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry has evaluated 23 Water facilities across the State, including 18 Bye Water schemes in the West and Central Senatorial Districts built during the Second Republic and under Military era in the State, with the view to putting them into use for the benefit of the people.
Engr. Farouk explained that the State Government has also keyed into the SPIN Project for support by the World Bank, said the initiative aimed at developing existing Federal Dams for Agriculture purposes and in line with Gov. Ododo’s Commitment to increased food production and security.
The Commissioner listed the major challenges of the Ministry to include shortage of manpower as well as lack of protection of water facilities by the Communities in the State, solicited the support of the House Committee for increased budgetary provision.
While he called for the cooperation from all stakeholders in the State to the protection of water facilities in their communities, Engr. Farouk solicited the support of the Committee on the passage of the draft irrigation water bill that would soon be presented for the Assembly’s approval.
The Commissioner also spoke on the ambitious plan of the State Government to provide rural water to rural areas through the Sustainable Water, Supply and hygiene Project, thanked the Committee for all the support enjoyed by the Ministry thus far.
Highlights of the oversight function was the visit to the Old Lokoja Water Works that has undergone a turnaround.
By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki
The senior special assistant to the President on community engagement (South East) Mrs. Chioma Nweze has said that the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is tackling the economic challenges facing the country through the provision of students loan and other incentives aimed at alleviating economic hardships in the country.
Nweze made this known while addressing a mammoth crowd of students during the maiden south east citizens engagement that took place at Ebonyi State University and University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State.
The Nations News Nigeria reports that, Nweze visited the Ebonyi State University, EBSU, UNN and University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC to enlighten lectures/ students of the south east region on the need to participate/ apply for the federal government’s education fund/ loans and other opportunities available to the academic community.
The senior special assistant to the President, Nweze called on the students in the south east region to cue into the federal government programs and should apply for the loan to enable them cushion the effects of economic hardships in the country.
According to her: “The purpose of this south east engagement is to educate Nigerian universities and students on the importance of NELFUND and why the students need the loan, What they should do to access the loan and why they should tell other Nigerian students to do what they are doing. South East have taken the forefront in a lot of things and we want to tell us that there is nothing wrong in taking the loan.
“Anything that federal government brings, let’s be part of it, if it is grants, lets take it, and if it is loan let’s take it and if it is money for research, let’s take it. Let our universities be at the forefront and we shouldn’t be last.
Nweze, emphasized that: “Today’s engagement is crucial as we delve into the Nigeria Education Loan Fund(NELFUND), its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application process. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through various poverty alleviation programmes. It’s essential to note that these policies are still unfolding, and their effectiveness will manifest in fullness of time” she said.
Responding, the managing director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sanyerr said: “every student get opportunity to access this loan. I will fail in my job, if it only goes to one set of people and not to everybody. I am here in the South East region to plead with the students, that they must apply for this loan to enable them overcome their challenges.
“The main purpose that I’m here in the south east is to let the people of the area know that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled an election promise, to affect many areas of the lives of Nigerian citizens, and education is one of them. And one of the program within the education, is this students loan fund. Which seeks to provide loans to students who are Nigerian, who has the capacity and ability to engage and take their education further” he stated.
In a sperate reactions, the vice chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, however applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the students loan, which according to him, will help to tackle the rate of students dropout and reduce social vices in the country.
Also, the vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu said: “This visit will motivate our students to participate in this program. You know that universities in Nigeria will always have their list of problems because of the economy. And this loan will help our students to solve their financial problems.
The vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC, Prof. Aloysius Okolie said: “the loan will help us to reduce the burden we are facing in this university, this is because, everyday I go out searching for my friends who will come to pay school fees of the students. With this loan, I will now channel my energy in other things” he stated.
By Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Kashim Shettima has commissioned the Enugu State Fashion and garment hub at Anamco Emene Enugu. The VP also gave a personal support of 10 million naira to MSME participants.
The VP on Thursday commissioned the project during his visit in Enugu and also during the supervision of exhibition of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic, Enugu 2024 with theme “Bridging the gap between government and SMEs” at old government house Lodge GRA Enugu.
The VP in his speech commended the participants for their talents, commitment and passion in SME’s. He noted that he was moved to give some of the participants his personal support because of his satisfaction on their products and also their passion and commitment towards their SME.
He noted that the federal government will continue to partner with the government of Enugu State in terms of MSME’s. He furthermore stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandated him to award a total of 150,000 naira to each outstanding MSME participants in Enugu
He commended the governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah for his good governance to the people of Enugu State,nhis humility and dedication in driving Enugu forward, especially in security, water supply and education.
The Governor of Enugu State Dr Peter Mbah in his speech noted that the Enugu State Fashion and garment hub is a facility developed by the office of the Vice President of Nigeria in partnership with the Enugu State government through the Enugu MSME centre.
He commended the Vice president for always being a champion for MSME’s growth to Nigeria economy. He said that what MSME’S is to Nigeria’s economy cannot be overemphasized stressing that 90 percent of business in the country are small-scale and the backbone of the economy.
He further noted that SME thrives only through careful policies that enhance the ease of doing business, sustaining of infrastructure, security among others. He further thanked him for the continuous support he has given to Enugu State.
The minister of science and technology Uche Nnaji commended the VP for touching the life of the poor through SME.
Member representing Enugu West and also the minority whip at the national Assembly Senator Osita Ngwu in his speech lauded the VP for commissioning several promising and changing projects and also projects that are people oriented. He also commended Governor Peter Mbah for establishing one of the biggest security projects in the country.
The Deputy Speaker house of representatives, Benjamin kalu applauded the VP saying that the key to resolve our youth unemployment is by giving them support through SME training.
The SSA to the Vice President on job creation and MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle Johnson earlier in his speech said that Enugu State has benefited a lot from the federal government and advice the residents to cue in to federal government sme program.
From, Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Governor of cross river state, Prince Bassey Otu has said that cross river is celebrating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary with justification and optimism, urging Nigerians to shift their focus towards the long term National objectives rather than being pre – occupied with temporary challenges
Otu made this known in a statement to mark the Country’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Calabar the State Capital
Acknowledging the substantial economic challenges facing the nation, the Governor emphasized that the anticipated economic benefits of the ongoing reforms far surpass the current difficulties
” The eyes of Nigerians should be on the goals and not the momentary pains that afflict the body and the stress that assail the mental capacity, maintaining that the inconveniences are enormous but the expected gains of the reforms far outweigh the pains” he said.
Otu maintained that his administration is tackling hunger in the State through the home grown initiative which he said, “prices of food stuff in the state are beginning to come down,he stated.
“I’am prepared and willing to implement any measures aimed at ameliorating the suffering of cross riverians”
“My administration has lifted the 25 year embargo on employment by approving the employment of 2500 qualified indigenes into civil service, and has also approved the payment of N10 billion outstanding gratuities to retired Civil/ public servants in the state” he stated.
He stressed that the expectations of the governed are numerous and sincere, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to meet with the expectations
News
Nigeria @ 64: Ebonyi commissioner, Nwaobasi applauds Tinubu, Nwifuru for combating poverty, hardship
Ebonyi state commissioner for Land and Survey, Matthew Nwaobasi has applauded president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of the state, Francis Nwifuru for combating insecurity, poverty and hardship among citizens in the state.
Nwaobasi spoke with newsmen in Abakaliki, shortly after the anniversary celebration of Nigeria at 64 and Ebonyi state at 28, which took place at the governor” office centenary city, Ebonyi state capital.
He noted that there is massive infrastructural development and empowerment of citizens in the state, courtesy of their excellencies as a way to reduce economic hardship and suffering that is affecting people.
The commissioner, however urged the stakeholders in the state and south east at large to support the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor Francis Nwifuru to ensure better governance.
Nwaobasi, however commended the rate of growth and development in the state since its creation in 1996, adding that “the growth and development in Ebonyi is progressive, and there will always be a need to celebrate this great achievement by their excellencies”.
“There’s great need to celebrate Nigeria at 64, and Ebonyi at 28. From the day Ebonyi state was created, there is great need to celebrate the two events which are very symbolic in our life.
“As you have seen the level of development, If you measure comparatively the place we were in 1st October 1996 and today you will see that we have gone a long way in terms of development” he stated.
