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Category: Education

  • NECO Releases 2023 November/December SSCE Results 

    NECO Releases 2023 November/December SSCE Results 

    The National Examinations Council (NECO) has unveiled the results of the external 2023 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), revealing a commendable 67.35% of candidates achieving five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.

    The official announcement was made by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, at the headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on Monday. 

    The results, accessible on the official NECO website, www.neco.gov.ng, were released just 67 days after the conclusion of the examination held from November 20 to December 20, 2023.

    Out of the 74,950 candidates who registered, 39,213 were males (52.31%) and 35,737 were females (47.68%). Notably, 50,066 candidates secured five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, representing 67.35%. 

    Furthermore, 84.11% of candidates, totaling 62,530, achieved five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

    Professor Wushishi also highlighted a decline in examination malpractice cases, with 8,518 reported cases, reflecting a 25.4% reduction from the previous year. 

    Notable actions were taken, including blacklisting one centre each in Kaduna and Ogun States for whole centre cases, blacklisting two supervisors in Oyo and Lagos States for poor supervision, and blacklisting a Borno State centre for aiding and abetting through sharing WhatsApp messages.

    In a significant development, NECO introduced the e-Posting Software to streamline staff posting, addressing historical challenges such as lopsidedness and favoritism. 

    The Registrar emphasized that this digitalized process would provide staff with notifications about eligible assignments at the beginning of each year, enhancing transparency and fairness.

  • FG commences payment of ASUU’s withheld salaries

    FG commences payment of ASUU’s withheld salaries

    The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the withheld salaries of academics under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities. 

    Multiple sources in the academic sector confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja on Monday.

    The chairperson, ASUU at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, who confirmed the development on the record, said, “Yes, it is true. Payment has started rolling in.”

    President Bola Tinubu Tinubu had in October 2023 approved the release of four of the eight months’ ASUU withheld salaries of the workers.

    The salaries were withheld when the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari invoked a ‘No Work, No Pay policy’ against some university-based unions that embarked on a strike that lasted eight months in 2022.

    The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, recently said the government has increased the university workers’ salaries by 35 per cent.

    The minister also said the government has granted autonomy to the universities by removing them from the Integrated Payment and Payroll Information System .

    He added that the universities no longer need a waiver to recruit and fill their vacancies.

    These resolutions were reached through informal consultations with the unions based in the tertiary institutions, Mamman said.

  • EFCC Reportedly Arrest FUTA Students During Midnight Raid

    EFCC Reportedly Arrest FUTA Students During Midnight Raid

    Some persons believed to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly conducted a late-night operation at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in Ondo State. 

    According to reports, student residences were breached around 2 am, with some students taking to social media to share videos claiming that the individuals forcibly entered rooms and arrested several students. 

    Social media footage also appears to depict damaged window frames, suggesting attempted forced entry. 

    One social media user, J Brandy, criticized the incident, questioning the continuation of nighttime raids despite a directive from EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede in November to cease such operations. 

    Brandy wrote, “I thought they said EFCC should not raid at nights again. This hostel (Celebrity Lodge, FUTA ) is right behind mine. When will this endemic? EFCC (officials) moving like thieves at night!”

    This directive to stop midnight sting operations came following widespread condemnation after EFCC operatives arrested suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife, Osun State. 

  • UNIBEN suspends academic activities over burial

    UNIBEN suspends academic activities over burial

    The management of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has ordered the temporary suspension of academic activities at the Ugbowo campus of the institution over the host community’s burial of a vigilante chairman scheduled for Saturday.

    The institution disclosed this in a statement dated February 9, 2024, signed by Professor Clement Ighodaro, Dean of Students Affairs, on behalf of the management of the institution.

    In the statement by the institution titled “Notice to UNIBEN Students on Security Alerts in Ekosodin Community and its Environ,” Prof. Ighodaro said the vigilante chairman was killed some time ago at Ekosodin community.

    “The alert from the information gathered concerns the burial ceremony this weekend of the vigilante chairman murdered some time ago at Ekosodin.

    “Students are therefore advised to conclude all activities today, Friday 9th February by 6 pm and to return to their places of abode in the community and to stay indoors.

    “They are to remain indoors the next day, Saturday, until the events of the burial in the community are over and other citizens can move about freely. Students on campus are also advised to return to their respective hostels before nightfall during this period,” he said.

    He also informed members of the university community that the institution’s gate leading to Ekosodin will be closed at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday.

    When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, confirmed the statement.

    “The notice is from the university authority,” she said.

  • Alleged sexual harassment: Court grants UNICAL Prof N250m bail

    Alleged sexual harassment: Court grants UNICAL Prof N250m bail

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N250 million bail to the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, UNICAL, Professor Cyril Ndifon.

    Prof Ndifon is facing a trial over alleged sexual harassment and gratification case instituted against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The court also granted his lawyer Sunny Anyanwu bail to the tune of N50m among other stringent bail conditions.

    The court granted them bail on the condition that they will produce two sureties who own properties within FCT with a minimum valuation of 150 million and must submit their bank statements to the court.

    The court also held that defendants must file an undertaking not to interfere with the case, readiness to attend trial and not to cause delay.

    Sequel to not guilty plea, Counsel to Joe Agi and Solomon Umoh had urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms, but the prosecution counsel countered the bail application, asking the court to dismiss.

    Ruling on the bail on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that while bail is a constitutional right, the court must be guided by the nature of a charge and the possibility of the accused person interfering with the case against him, among other things.

    He said the defendants are facing sexual harassment offenses through requesting nude videos but they are not capital offense like terrorism.

    Justice Omotosho however adjourned the matter to February 12, for continuation of hearing.

    Professor Ndifon was, on January 25, re-arraigned alongside Sunny Anyanwu as 1st and 2nd defendants on an amended four-count charge of sexual harassment and attempt to perverse the cause of justice.

    Anyanwu, who is one of the lawyers in the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on January 22, by the ICPC on the allegation that he called one of the prosecution witnesses on her mobile telephone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

  • Kwara University deputy bursar dies watching Super Eagles AFCON semi-finals

    Kwara University deputy bursar dies watching Super Eagles AFCON semi-finals

    The Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University Malete, Alhaji Ayuba Abdullahi, on Wednesday night, died while watching the semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing AFCON.

    Nigeria won the match against South Africa by 4-2 goals on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1-1.

    Sources close to the deceased but who spoke on condition of anonymity said Abdullahi went to a sports centre in the Sango area before he started feeling uneasy.

    One of the sources said, “The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for a penalty kick.

    “He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest not knowing that his BP had gone up.

    “On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango and he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and before he could be attended to, he died.

    “He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites.”

    The university’s Director of Information, Dr Saedat Aliyu, confirmed Abdullahi’s death.

    Aliyu, however, stated that the cause of death was yet to be ascertained by the management of the university.

     Super Eagles’ Victory: Shettima pledges government reward for AFCON finalists
    “Yes, he died last night. He was hale and hearty and was full of life on Wednesday at his office. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus” she said

    A statement by the university said, “This is to announce the death of Mr. Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi of the Bursary Department.

    “Janazah will be held this morning, and his remains will be interred at the Hausa Muslim cemetery, Apata Yakuba, Oyun area, Ilorin, at 9 am.”

    Also, a former federal lawmaker in Delta State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, died while watching the Eagles’ match..

    A source close to the politician said, “Cairo Ojougboh, a medical doctor died during the Nigeria vs.South Africa match.

    “The incident happened when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria. Dr Ojougboh was said to have shouted and slumped due to a massive heart attack when SA scored.”

    In the same vein, a member of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Adamawa State also reportedly died during the game. 

    The corps member identified only as Samuel from Kaduna State, allegedly passed away just before the final kick which secured Nigeria’s win in the match, The Nation reports.

  • Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    Reps To Probe MDA Involvement In Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate some officials of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved in alleged certificate racketeering with Nigerian students.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the floor of the House, on Wednesday, moved by the member representing Birniwa/Guri/Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Abubakar Fulata

    Recall that a Nigerian reporter, Umar Audu had, in December 2022, bagged a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in six weeks and subsequently participated in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.

    Audu subsequently accused unnamed officials of the Ministry of Education as members of the racketeering syndicate; a development that elicited widespread criticisms by well-meaning Nigerians.

    Leading the debate on the motion, Fulata called on the House to “identify officials of MDAs and students who benefited from such institutions and their campuses in the last ten years.”

  • Plateau Governor Sacks University VC, Four Others

    Plateau Governor Sacks University VC, Four Others

    The Plateau State University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Bernard Matau, has been dismissed.

    Matau assumed the role of Vice Chancellor of the state university while concurrently serving as the Commissioner for Higher Education during the previous administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong.

    Reports indicate that Matau, whose tenure has not yet concluded, was relieved of his duties along with four other heads of tertiary institutions in the state.

    These include the Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic in Barkin Ladi, the Provost of the College of Health Technology in Pankshin, the Provost of the College of Health Technology in Zawan, and the Provost of the College of Education in Gindiri.

    A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, confirmed the development on Tuesday.

    The statement read in part, “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau state, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos, with immediate effect.

    “Similarly, the governor has also approved the removal of the following heads of tertiary institutions: Plateau State University, Bokkos; Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; College of Education, Gindiri; College of Health Technology, Zawan and College of Health Technology, Pankshin“.

    The statement, which did not provide a reason for their removal, instructed all affected heads to take note and promptly hand over any government property they possess to the next most senior officers in the institutions.

    It added, “The governor has also approved the cancellation of recruitment earlier conducted by tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023 that have been under suspension.

    “Consequently, applications for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions would be advertised.”

    The statement cited the governor as expressing gratitude to the chairman and members of the Governing Council for their services in the state.

    Additionally, he wished them success in their future endeavours.

  • No plan to increase NYSC’ Allowance-FG

    No plan to increase NYSC’ Allowance-FG

    The Federal Government has said it is not certain there will be an increase in the monthly allowance of serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, made this known on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

    Bio-Ibrahim said there are no immediate plans to increase the monthly allowance of corps members following the food inflation and increasing cost of living in the nation.

    The minister stated that the government would find innovative ways of ensuring that corps members’ welfare is well taken of.

    She said, “We can’t say for sure, we all understand that resources are dwindling, even oil revenues are not as they used to be but we will find innovative ways of ensuring that corps members’ welfare is taken of. ”

    Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari, in January 2020, raised allowance for corps members from N19,000 to N33,000, about a year after he signed the new minimum wage bill into law in April 2019.

    Speaking further, the minister said the government has announced a reform of the NYSC scheme and is planning to make it a revenue-generating scheme and agency.

    She said, “When it comes to remuneration and looking totally at the holistic funding of the NYSC, we have announced a reform of the NYSC scheme itself. So, we want the scheme to go beyond that social programme of government to be that revenue-generating scheme and agency.

    “The reforms which transform the NYSC into a revenue-generating agency and prepare the corps members for the job market and to be decently and gainfully employed or to be employers of labour through entrepreneurship and of course, perfect matching into primary assignment and all the support they need in that career path.”

  • FG Says NYSC Will Soon Be Revenue Generating Agency

    FG Says NYSC Will Soon Be Revenue Generating Agency

    The Bola Tinubu-led federal government has unveiled a fresh plan to transform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into a revenue-generating agency.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, disclosed this during an interview with ChannelsTV on Sunday night.

    Asked if there were immediate plans to increase the monthly allowance of corps members, the minister said the government was working on reforming the NYSC scheme to reflect the present realities of the nation.

    “We all understand that resources are dwindling, even oil revenues are not as they used to be but we will find innovative ways of ensuring that corps members’ welfare is well-taken care of,” she said.

    “When it comes to remuneration and looking totally at the holistic funding of the NYSC, we have announced a reform of the NYSC scheme itself. So, we want the scheme to go beyond that social programme of government to be that revenue-generating scheme and agency.

    “The reforms which transform the NYSC into a revenue-generating agency and prepare the corps members for the job market and to be decently and gainfully employed or to be employers of labour through entrepreneurship and of course, perfect matching into primary assignment and all the support they need in that career path.”

    She noted that corps members were no longer posted to states deemed unsafe in the wake of worsening security conditions in the country.

    “As an immediate intervention of the government and the NYSC as an agency, we have actually stopped posting corps members to the very unsafe states.

    “We have been doing it. We have been doing it in the past. There are states we have not been posting corps members to to ensure their safety,” she added.

    According to her, the security of corps members requires collaboration with other agencies of government.

    “When it comes to security matters, it is a multi-sectoral approach. So, it is not the NYSC alone and the ministry that is involved. We are working with security outlets to ensure corps members are safe,” the minister said.