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Category: Education

  • UK varsity offers flight assistance to expelled Nigerian students 

    UK varsity offers flight assistance to expelled Nigerian students 

    Teesside University in the United Kingdom has announced a new initiative to support Nigerian students facing severe financial difficulties by funding their flights home, as reported by BBC on Tuesday.

    This move came after several students were removed from their courses and ordered to leave the UK due to their inability to pay tuition fees.

    The financial crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by a shift from a seven-installment to a three-installment payment plan by the university, left many students struggling to cover their expenses.

    A local food charity reported that 75 per cent of its clients are now Nigerian students, highlighting the extent of their financial hardship.

    On May 22, 2024, a group of Nigerian students at Teesside University were expelled from their courses and ordered to leave the United Kingdom due to difficulties in paying their tuition fees on time.

    The students cited the devaluation of the naira as a significant barrier to meeting their financial obligations, which has led to a breach of their visa sponsorship requirements.

    Several students found themselves locked out of their university accounts, reported to the Home Office, and mandated to leave the UK.

    The university maintained that strict external regulations necessitate these actions.

    The affected students, numbering 60, expressed deep distress and disappointment, accusing the university of being unsupportive and “heartless.”

    They banded together to urge the university for assistance after witnessing their peers face severe consequences for late payments.

    On May 29, 2024, the Federal Government stepped in to address the deportation orders issued against some Nigerian students at Teesside University.

    A delegation led by a representative of the Nigerian Embassy in the UK, Ambassador Christian Okeke, along with leaders of the Nigerian Students Union in the UK, met with the University’s management to seek a resolution.

    However, following protests and the intervention of the Nigerian government, the university has re-enrolled some affected students and opened a relief fund.

    “We are working with a small group who need to return to their home country and are opening an international relief fund to offer additional financial support for these unexpected travel costs,” a university spokesperson told the BBC.

    The university is also offering some students the option to complete their studies remotely from Nigeria or to return to the UK at a later date.

    The BBC understands some students have lodged legal appeals.

  • FG Reveals Those Exempted From Students Loan 

    FG Reveals Those Exempted From Students Loan 

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has revealed that Nigerian students studying abroad are ineligible for the newly introduced student loan scheme.

    The NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this information on Friday.

    The Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, aims to provide interest-free loans to indigent students attending Nigerian tertiary institutions.

    The move is in line with Tinubu’s campaign promise to enhance education funding. Dele Alake, a member of the former Presidential Strategy Team, noted the significance of this legislation in making education more accessible.

    Following a briefing from NELFUND led by Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, on January 22, the President instructed the Fund to extend interest-free loans to students pursuing skill-development programmes.

    Despite these delays, the scheme has seen significant interest, with 30,000 students successfully registering and over 60,000 individuals signing up on the NELFUND website.

    However, on May 22, 2024, a group of Nigerian students at Teesside University were expelled from their courses and ordered to leave the United Kingdom due to difficulties in paying their tuition fees on time, according to a BBC report.

    The students cited the devaluation of the naira as a significant barrier to meeting their financial obligations, which has led to a breach of their visa sponsorship requirements.

    Nevertheless, Sawyerr clarified that the loan scheme was exclusively for students studying within Nigeria.

    “Nigerians in Diaspora cannot benefit from the student loan. Nigerians schooling in the country are those we want to help. The law does not allow the FG to give loans to Nigerians studying abroad,” he stated.

    Criticising the exclusion of Nigerian students in foreign institutions from the recently introduced student loan scheme, the National Mobilisation Officer, Education Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Lenin, stated that this exclusion highlighted the inadequacy of the scheme in addressing the educational needs of Nigerian students.

    He argued that the government was using the loan scheme to avoid properly funding public education, instead shifting the financial burden onto students.

  • Ajayi Crowther varsity to conduct drug tests for students, staff

    Ajayi Crowther varsity to conduct drug tests for students, staff

    Ajayi Crowther University has decided to subject students, porters, and security personnel to mandatory drug tests, according to a report from the institution’s alumni executive.

    This is coming in the wake of the death of a student who was said to have been beaten to death by some of his colleagues.

    Recall a 200-level Mechanical Engineering student at the institution, Akpo Alex, had, last week, been beaten to death by some of his colleagues. The beating was said to have been occasioned by an alleged stealing of a phone belonging to one of them.

    “He also said that every one of the students, university porters, and securities would be subjected to drug tests, and if they are found culpable, they would be expelled and dismissed with immediate effect,” the school’s alumni executive report signed by its president, Hon Busoye Ogunlade, stated on Thursday, quoting the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo. 

    The report comes after the alumni executive visited the university management to get updates and offer suggestions in the aftermath of the student’s death.

    During the visit, the Ajayi Crowther University vice-chancellor informed the alumni that all individuals involved in the incident, including the suspected perpetrators, a porter, and two security personnel accused of rape, are currently in police custody awaiting legal proceedings.

    “The porter of the same hostel where the incident happened is still in police custody till date. Also, the two securities who were reported for rape are to appear in court today, May 30, 2024,” the report stated.

    In addition to the drug testing measures, the university has increased its security presence on campus, with civil defence officers working alongside existing security personnel.

    The report also mentioned that the parents of the deceased student visited the university and suggested ways to raise awareness among students about proper channels for reporting incidents instead of taking matters into their own hands.

    The alumni executive expressed its commitment to working closely with the university management to uphold the institution’s vision and ensure the safety of students.

    “We told the management that the Alumni as a body would keep working hands in hands with the university to ensure the vision of its establishment is well pursued to the core,” the report stated.

    Earlier, the VC noted that the school has learnt from this incident and has beefed up security and monitoring while encouraging students to report whatever is happening around them to the vice-chancellor and other management staff.

  • FG approves first aviation school in Southeast 

    FG approves first aviation school in Southeast 

    To address the dearth of manpower in the aviation sector, the Federal Government has approved the listing of Eastwing Aviation Training Institute under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

    Having met the technical evaluation by the FG, the Institute can now commence the process of admission of students through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and the students, upon completion of their studies, will be awarded national diploma and high national diploma, respectively.

    Speaking on the approval, the founder and CEO of Eastwing Aviation, Dr. Christopher Edeh, urged youths to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the institution to achieve their dream of becoming pilots, aviation engineers, cabin crew or other functions found in the sector.

    He said: “What this approval means for our youths is that every one of them now has the opportunity to explore this field, even if it means just coming to us for advice. The institution would encourage and help build the dream because we do not want you to stay idle after graduating.

    “It has been my desire to give back to society considering what I have passed through from the day I joined the Nigerian Air Force.

    “Being the first aviation school in the South-East region means a lot to us. It means that I am getting closer to my dream and I have reached that stage where society can benefit from me.”

     Explaining the process of getting the institute certified, Edeh disclosed that he worked with former colleagues to realize the project. “Those who worked with me on this project were colleagues that we served together. They have been very supportive throughout this quest. It was purely a communal effort, what you would call ‘Wazobia’ and we are where we are today.”

    The Eastwing Aviation Institute also recently established a non-governmental organisation to encourage less privileged youths who are talented and who meet the basic requirements but are not able to financially pursue their dreams.

    According to the founder, “We are hopeful that the new dawn would encourage a huge turn up. Many people regard the aviation sector as rocket science; now we have brought it to their doorsteps. For interested candidates, there are many areas in this field they can fit in; go to airports, all you see are many people carrying luggage and we believe they can do more than that.”

    Speaking further, Dr Edeh recounted: “A good example is one of the security personnel I worked with who was talented and hardworking. I realised this and encouraged him to do more for himself seeing that he has potential. Today, he is an aircraft maintenance engineer in one of the airlines.”

  • Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts have emerged about the Ajayi Crowther University Student who was tortured to death by colleagues recently.

    An activist from Warri Kingdom in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, identified as ‘Lord Of Warri’ has revealed that a student of Ajayi Crowther University killed by fellow students was a prince.

    He identified the deceased student as Prince Alex Timileyi of Warri Kingdom.

    In an open letter addressed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and posted on his X page, the activist called on the governor to ensure those who tortured Alex to death are brought to justice.

    His letter is titled, ‘Regarding the Tragic Murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State.’

    In the letter, he identified the deceased as “the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III CFR, the Olú of Warri Kingdom”.

    He said, “This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

    “While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation.

    “The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal 6hours torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable.

    “No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.”

    He noted that according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts of law, “with both sides having an opportunity to present their case and evidence”.

    He said, “However, the young prince was neither on trial nor was he arrested. Instead, he was beaten to death. He was also the only son of his mother, making this loss even more devastating.

    “Therefore, we urge your office and the security agents in Oyo State to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that justice is served.

    “The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable and face the full wrath of the law. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same.

    “Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your own family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.”

    “Your Excellency, we eagerly await your swift action in bringing the culprits to justice,” added.

    Meanwhile, the university management in a statement credited to its spokesperson, Femi Atoyebi, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said the group of students who assaulted the deceased had been expelled.

    He added that the students had been handed over to the police for prosecution.

    “Contrary to what is trending, the university affirms that there is no cultism in the institution, just as the university has zero tolerance for any sort of anti-societal vices and misconduct.

    “It is important to stress that the expelled students do not belong to any cult group,” Atoyebi said.

  • Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi has initiated a three-day mourning period following the tragic loss of two students to kidnappers.

    Registrar Olufunke Hudson conveyed this somber announcement in a statement released on Sunday.

    The victims, identified as James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, were both first-year students studying Information Technology and Software Engineering, respectively.

    They were among the group of students abducted on May 9 while preparing for their upcoming examinations scheduled to commence on May 13.

    Thanks to the concerted efforts of security operatives and local hunters, twenty-one students have been successfully rescued from captivity.

    Ms Hudson said, “It is with deep shock and pain that the management of CUSTECH is mourning our beloved slain students. Consequently, all activities in the university are to be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 in memory of our departed students.”

    The registrar said the university management shared in the grief of the families and colleagues of the deceased students. She urged the parents, other family members, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the deceased students to take solace in God.

    According to her, the state government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining students from their abductors.

    “Governor Usman Ododo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the students are released safely. We, therefore, urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the peace the state is enjoying,” said the statement.

  • Tinubu Orders Review Of Governing Councils List After ASUU’s Rejection

    Tinubu Orders Review Of Governing Councils List After ASUU’s Rejection

    President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, called for a review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

    The Ministry of Education last week released a list of governing councils for 111 federal tertiary institutions in the country.

    The list contained names of technocrats, politicians and traditional rulers for 50 universities, 37 polytechnics, and 24 colleges of education.

    Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who released the statement containing the list had stated that inauguration and retreat of the councils would hold on May 30 and 31, 2024.

    The list, however, was rejected by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), among others.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released on Thursday said Tinubu had ordered a review of the list.

    He said, “President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.

    “However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many. In directing a complete review of the list of members, President Tinubu acknowledges the feedback across the country.

    “President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution. The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.”

  • ASUU knocks FG over appointment of new governing council boards

    ASUU knocks FG over appointment of new governing council boards

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Bauchi zone, on Tuesday, decried the appointment of governing boards across Federal Tertiary Institutions, saying that the Bola Tinubu-led administration should instead reinstate the earlier dissolved members.

    The zone, comprising executives from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State University Gadau, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State University, Plateau State University, and the University of Jos, made these disclosures after its meeting in Gombe State.

    Speaking, Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Namo Aku, noted that the union didn’t demand fresh appointments for boards, adding that the Tinubu should reinstate the previously sacked members.

    Aku disclosed that the vacuum caused by the sack of governing council boards, made Vice Chancellors act as emperors and empresses.

    He said, “NEC-in-session expressed utter dismay over the continued erosion of autonomy of public universities, which is a clear violation of the Universities Miscellaneous ACT 1993 (as amended in 2012). The illegal dissolution of the Governing Councils by the President Tinubu-led Government, as well as some state governments, is tantamount to a coup against the public University System.

    “This unwholesome act has emboldened some Vice-chancellors to govern universities as emperors/emperesses with the introduction of obnoxious policies that are antithetical to the university culture. Some university administrators now place adverts for the appointment of vice-chancellors without authorisation from the Governing Councils.

    “Some vice-chancellors, in collaboration with Federal and State Ministries of Education, engage in illegal recruitment and discipline of staff as well as the management of university finances without regard for transparency and accountability.

    “ASUU condemns these acts of corruption and calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as affected State Governments to respect the laws establishing the universities, by re-instating Governing Councils whose terms have not lapsed and to re-constitute those whose terms have lapsed.”

    While urging for reconsideration of Nimi Briggs’ committee report following present economic realities, Aku added, “In 2009, the Federal and State Governments signed a comprehensive agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The Agreement provided for a new salary package for academic staff and improved working conditions and funding of universities.”

    Aku added, “The Agreement also reaffirmed the autonomy of the universities as contained in the previous agreements. It was agreed that the agreement would be reviewed every three years. Since 2012, the Union has prevailed on Federal and State Governments to return to the negotiation table to no avail.

    “After a series of agitations and strike actions, the re-negotiation of the 2009 Agreement began in 2017, first with Dr. Wale Babalakin as Chairman of the Re-negotiation Committee and later Emeritus Prof. Munzali Jibril and the late Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs. A draft Agreement was reached with the late Prof. Briggs-led Committee in 2021. Alas, agents of the Buhari-led Government refused to sign the draft Agreement for implementation.”

    Also, Immediate Past Coordinator, Lawan Abubakar said reconstitution of boards wasn’t the demand of the union, saying, “Government should do the needful because the union will meet at the end of timeframe given at the National Executive Council meeting. It’s for the government to do what is needed.

    The constitution of the governing council that the government has just done was not initially part of our request. We asked for reinstatement because it was unlawful for the government to dissolve the universities governing councils.”

    Also speaking, Comrade Alphonsus Alubo, SAN, called for the restoration of council boards, saying, “Nigerians appear to welcome the constitution of councils but for us we ask for reinstatement of the councils, the restoration of cou

  • FG Gives Important Update On Students Loan 

    FG Gives Important Update On Students Loan 

    Ahead of its kick-off on Friday, May 24,, the Federal Government has listed fresh criteria for student loan applications.

    Managing Director of the Nigerian Economic Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has revealed that a maximum of 1.2 million students across federal tertiary institutions will access the students’ loans in its opening phase.

    Speaking ahead of the portal’s formal launch for applications Sawyerr stated that students enrolled in federal tertiary institutions whose institutions have finished uploading their data would be able to apply in the first phase.

    He noted that potential candidates can start the application process as early as May 24, but noed that the loan application process has been simplified to provide simple access for all qualified students in federal tertiary institutions.

    According to Sawyerr, the program is an essential part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Its purpose is to give needy students financial support (obligatory fees and stipends) so they can pursue their academic objectives without worrying about the financial burden.

    He also added that the Fund will pay 100 percent of institutional fees directly to the institutions of learning account while also providing stipends to the students monthly based on when school is in session.

    He stressed the importance of some of the key features of the student loan including, No physical contact between the loan applicant and NELFUND, a user-friendly Loan Application portal, comprehensive support where applicants can access online support to assist and flexible repayment plans.

    He said: “We encourage all students in federal institutions to take advantage of this opportunity to secure the required financial assistance for their education. Applicants must submit their applications as early as possible to ensure timely processing.”

  • FG Reveals First Beneficiaries Of Student Loan Scheme

    FG Reveals First Beneficiaries Of Student Loan Scheme

    The Federal Government has announced that federal institutions will be the initial beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, which is set to commence next week.

    According to reports, President Bola Tinubu’s administration revealed that the scheme would begin on May 24th.

    Providing an update on this initiative, Akintunde Swayerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, stated that the loan distribution will occur in phases.

    During an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Swayerr confirmed that the loan application portal would indeed open on May 24th, as previously announced.

    Swayerr also mentioned that the government has organised a sensitization campaign to educate Nigerians on the workings of the scheme.

    He emphasised that the student loan scheme aims to bridge the financing gap for Nigerian students, enhance their resourcefulness, and ultimately contribute to the country’s development.

    “On the 3rd of April 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law a monumental act that seeks to bridge the financing gap for applicants who want to get a higher education that is tertiary level and who want to get vocational training to get proper qualifications that enable them to be more marketable and useful to the Nigerian society.

    “The fund covers 100 per cent of all the fees of tertiary institutions. There’s also upkeep for the student.”

    Swayerr noted that this plan will be rolled out in schemes and the first being the public institutions, because of the large number of students in that sector requiring financial aid.

    “We’re going to roll this plan out in phases. The first phase will be with federal institutions, then to others.

    “It’s going to be the public sector at the beginning because that’s where we find the bulk of students that perhaps need the financing cover and are most vulnerable.

    “We have a system that hopefully makes this have a national spread and some degree of equal opportunity for those who have the desire, capacity, and eligibility to engage in this scheme,” he stated.

    While explaining the modalities of the online application, he said, “We’re going to open the portal for applicants on the 24th of May, so those who want to apply can.

    “It doesn’t mean they get it that day; it just means they can apply and begin to understand the process, and then after that, there will be an evaluation for those who have qualified for the loan, and then an approval will be given for those who qualified.

    “The application allows them to create an individual account where they can go online to see their loan status.

    “Then they get a letter within 30 days telling them whether they are eligible or not; if they are eligible, we will disburse the loan directly to the institution when the course begins.”

    Further speaking on the process of evaluation of the application, he said, “The application is open to everyone, we’ll do an evaluation, and whatever data we have that helps us determine the neediest, we’ll use it to make judgements.

    “When applications begin to come in, we will turn the information into intelligence and use the intelligence for decision-making.

    “It is an online IT application and will include their JAMB number, NIN, BVN, admission number, and matriculation number.

    “The BVN is that we’ll be able to make some determination as to how much money they have in their accounts; there’s also a declaration that they will state how much of a need they have. It’s a loan and not a grant.”

    The loan scheme states that the student must repay the loan two years after completing National Youth Service, but due to the high rate of youth unemployment, he clarified the provisions made.

    “It’s 2 years after NYSC for repayment. In the event that you find yourself 2 years after NYSC and you don’t have a job, you can’t oblige people to pay for loans when they’re not working. This law does not seek to criminalise people. We seek to encourage people to take the loan.

    “In c