ASUU Strike: Parents, Students count losses

In spite of the several negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the subsequent release of N130 billion for infrastructural development and allowances to the striking lecturers, ASUU, said the stike would continue until the 2009 Agreement entered into by both parties is fully implemented.With the release of the funds of which N100 billion would go for infrastructure development of the universities and N30billion for allowances of lecturers, many, especially the students who bear the brunt of the imbroglio thought that the lectureres would sheath their sword and go back to classes.
But the leadership of the Union has consistently maintained that the full implementation of the nine-point agreement it signed with the Federal government in 2009, will see them back to classes.
The leadership of the Union had wondered why government decided to dangle N30 billion as part of the allowances to placate them, thereby making it seem as if the issue was about allowances.
The Union National President, Dr. Nassir Isa told newsmen recently: “When the strike started, government mischievously announced to Nigerians that ASUU strike was chiefly for the sake of money in the form of Earned Academic Allowances. Also at every meeting since the strike began, government’s team always repeat that the allowances were the major issue in contention even when the union has repeatedly said the contrary.

File photo: students protesting ASUU strike in Lagos

“Why would government dangle N30 billion as if it was a dole-out when in fact, that amount was unrelated to the agreement and the work of implementation committee? he queried.
Sixty days on without any indication for a cease fire, some parents, students and concerned Nigerians spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the issue.
Ms Temitope Ajayi, a.k.a. Mama Diaspora lent her voice to the development saying lecturers ought to have suspended the strike immediately the President waded in and ordered the release of N30billion to the striking lecturers.
“The lecturers should first appreciate the President’s gesture of offering N30billion as part of the allownaces of the lecturers. They should therefore go back to classes while negotiations continue on whatever grey areas left. It is by showing that honour and respect to the President who first made an offer that whatever argument or grey areas they have can be successfully pushed forward. I sympathise with them but also, they should know that when two elephants fight, the chief victim is the grass and in this case, the students are the chief victims.
“They should also understand that the future of our children is important. We need to make sacrifices, and no sacrifice is too much to save the coming generation. These children will spend so much time in the univeristy before graduating and besides, it actually makes some of them to lose focus, because they use the stike time to do some other things instead on concentrating on their studies. Some of them become negatively affected. It is not right. How can we juxtapose a situation like this with the quest for allowances.”
Reacting on the full implementation of the 2009 agreement both parties entered into, Ms Ajayi faulted the leadership of ASUU saying: “That condition in itself is faulty; how can you implement a nine-point agreement in one day. It has to be a gradual thing and that is why I said they should have suspended the strike and continue negotiation on the full implementation of the agreement.”
Students react
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Coordinator in the South-South and South-East, Comrade Chinonso Obasi, expressed worry that the students are feeling the brunt of the strike following the failure of the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to fully reconcile their differences.
Just before press time, Comrade Chinonso Obasi, took to the streets, protesting the prolong strike action, barricading the Benin-Asaba expressway by head bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State. They told those who cared to listen that if government and the teachers failed to settle their differences, within a one week ultimatum, they will mobilise other students across the country for a showdown. Other students who were not able to join their collegues in that zone also spoke with Saturday Vanguard on the effect of the prolong strike.
The leader of the Students’ Union Governance, SUG, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Comrade Omojola Ayokunle Abisoye opined that the strike has had adverse effects on students. “Since the beginning of the strike, all universities in the federation have been grounded. Presently, there are students that have been mobilized for their National Youth Service Corps NYSC but that are still at home.
“We have students that are supposed to be in the Law school by October, but are yet to know their fate. Some new students (jambites) cannot write their Post-Jamb exams due to the strike. Besides, an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Idleness encourages youths to ungodly behaviour like stealing, prostitution and other vices. A country that is combating insecurity, unemployment, corruption and the rest should not walk this path.”
He advised that the federal government should implement the agreement as entered into in 2009. Abisoye chided the Federal Government saying that it displayed a high level of inconsistency and toying with education knowing that education is the bedrock for any country to develop.
According to him, “the fund allocated for education this year is far below the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO standard and even below what was being allocated for the sector before now. The UNESCO standard is 26.6% but even if the government cannot afford this, it should be close to the figure and not as low as 8%.
“‘It is in the interest of the students that the strike should be suspended. But at the same time, let’s not forget that quality education remains the bedrock of a nation. During the last ranking of tertiary schools in Africa, Nigeria was nowhere among the first hundred not to talk of world ranking of tertiary schools. The reason is not far-fetched: Lack of funds; embezzling of funds allocated for the educational sector; poor salary for lecturers; etc and at the end of the day, government will complain that universities are producing unqualified graduates who cannot defend their certificates”.
He implored ASUU to be honest in their dealings with the government, adding that if their demands are fully met, lecturers would go to their duty posts and face their jobs squarely. He advised that ASUU should look beyond their salary and allowances and work towards a better educational sector in Nigeria.
Also, a student of Applied Chemistry, Inaolaji Alabi of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH lamented the intermittent break in academic programmes in government owned tertiary institutions saying, “The incessant breaks in academic session of public universities is a major factor contributing to the decline of education quality in Nigeria.”
Each time an academic session is abruptly interrupted, we students lose concentration resulting in poor academic performance and ‘Carry-overs’ to tackle. ASUU and the federal government should find another means of settling their differences.”
“As a final year student, the strike has affected me negatively because I’m yet to complete my project but I want the government to understand that the strike affects all students right from the first year to the final year students both psychologically and socially.”
“The strike is one of the factors that had led to the poor ranking of tertiary institutions, resulting in the compression of academic calendar while also skipping some topics in the course outline. Then students will write exams on what were not taught resulting in poor performance and decline in quality of education. All these will only help to produce half-baked graduates.”
He advised the federal government to honour the agreement entered into with ASUU so that they can go back to classes, adding: “we are tired of staying at home and our time is slipping away”.
Source: Vanguard

Read More

Nollywood set for showdown, as ANCOP petitions EFCC over Akpabio’s N50m largesse

The Nigerian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood is poised for a showdown as the Association of Nollywood Core Producers,ANCOP, has petitioned EFCC and SFU over the N50 million largesse donated by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State to support the industry.The association is alleging massive fraud in the disbursement of the fund. It has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) to investigate the matter

A Nollywood film shooting location

.
According to a copy of the petition made available to HVP, signed by the association’s President, Comrade Alex Eyengho, the group is asking the agencies to invite the National President of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP, Zik Zulu Okafor, the National President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN, Andy Amenechi; the Secretary General of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Yakubu Abubakar and actress Stephanie Okereke- Linus Idahosa for obtaining the fund and disbursing it without the consent of the industry’s stakeholders.
Part of the petition dated August 19, 2013 and addressed jointly to the EFCC and SFU, read thus:
“On June 15, 2013, news broke out that some Nollywood stakeholders under the auspices of a non-existent ‘Guild of Nollywood Stars’ visited Governor Akpabio in his office in Uyo for the purpose of collecting the N50 million pledge to Nollywood.
“The Governor presented to the visitors a prototype post-dated (25-06- 2013) Zenith bank cheque number 00063639 with Akwa Ibom State Government as the account name, issued in favour of Guild of Nollywood Stars. “We also gathered that the Governor, in his usual generosity, gave each of the visitors N500, 000 cash. “Expectedly, the massive publicity given to the entire episode by the press generated heated debates. In fact, it polarised the industry till today.
“Suspecting fraud, ANCOP immediately raised the red flag when it queried the use of a non-existent ‘Guild of Nollywood Stars’ to access the N50 million pledge, by those who visited Governor Akpabio.
“We are demanding that you immediately commence a full-blown investigation into the alleged fraudent act over the N50 million Governor Akpabio gave to Nollywood to carry out a specific task but now domiciled in the account of one of the the over 30 associations and guilds in Nollywood…Sir, anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy in Nollywood.”
Source: Vanguard

Read More

Seme killings: Customs tightens security, as police arrest suspects

 
Following the killing of a senior Customs officer by a mob Friday in retaliation to the shooting of a smuggler, the Seme Customs Command has tightened security around the border, even as the Police was alleged to have made a number of arrests in connection with the incident.
Saturady Vanguard gathered that a lot of people who went to the border with the intention of bringing in some goods were not allowed to do so. The usually busy border post was a shadow of what it used to be as officials of the Service prevented such persons from moving freely.
Public Relations Officer of the Command, Ernest Olottah, who spoke with Saturday Vanguard on the situation at the border, said “We are doing what we were doing, there is no unusual action. We have always taken security at the border post very seriously.”
Asked whether the deceased Customs officer has been buried, he refused to comment.
Similarly, he also refused to comment on the condition of the smuggler shot yesterday.
He noted that after the incident, the police have taken over and are involved in the investigation. He however said that some persons have been arrested in connection with the killing of the officer.
A statement signed by Olottah yesterday read in part, “It is worth noting that the intensification of our anti-smuggling operation which has led to the making of over 686 seizures since January 2013 has placed us on the danger of attacks like this from criminals who are being prevented from using the border for anti-economic and other nefarious activities.
“Our operatives, due to their uncompromising stance against smuggling and protecting the nation’s economy have come under series of attacks by smugglers and some unpatriotic elements who see smuggling as their right. In some cases, attempts made at disarming some of our operatives in the recent past were rebuffed,” the statement concluded.
Source: Vanguard

Read More

Female passenger causes panic aboard Aero flight

Passengers were Friday thrown into confusion aboard an Aero Contractors aircraft scheduled to take-off from Lagos to Benin as one of the female passengers started screaming on top of her voice that she was no longer travelling, thus causing panic onboard.The passenger’s strange behaviour is coming barely one week after a teenage boy, Daniel Ohikena caused scare at the airport when he stowed away on Arik Air plane from Benin to Lagos.
The female passenger whose identity could not be ascertained at press time was said to have been ignored by members of cabin crew and passengers alike but her persistence led to suspicion among the passengers.
An eye-witness who confided in Saturday Vanguard said that the female passenger after boarding the flight screamed on top of her voice that she was no longer willing to travel with the plane.
The strange behaviour, however led to the delay of the Benin- bound aircraft for two hours as all the passengers were asked to disembark while the plane was screened again.
Saturday Vanguard further gathered that all the checked-in luggage were also off-loaded for proper screening by both Aero and Aviation Security, AVSEC, of the Federal Airports authority of Nigeria, FAAN.
But despite the re-screening of the already checked in passengers and their luggage, nothing suspicious was found on board.
It was also learnt that the passenger was handed over to security agents by AVSEC while the other passengers proceeded on the journey to Benin.
According to the source, “All passengers were already onboard and the pilot was preparing to take off before the woman started the strange behaviour.
“At first, no one took her seriously, but when the shouting and soliloquy continued, the passengers became apprehensive and ordered the pilot to abort the flight.
”The situation was not funny at all. In fact, the woman was speaking in a language which no one understood. But I can tell you authoritatively that all the passengers have been taken to Benin with the same aircraft and they landed in the airport safely.
”This was not the first time such an incident would be happening. In fact, it is common among first time travellers but no one knows the motive behind this act. However, I believe the security agents will do their work and reveal what led to the strange behaviour.”
Source: Vanguard

Read More

I produce movies to sustain my acting career – Yomi Fabiyi

Nollywood actor and producer , Yomi Fabiyi whose marriage to a British lady became a hot issue last year is being alleged to be in the  relationship  for material benefits and not love , and now, the whole story seems to have taken another dimension. Yomi was  nominated for awards in London as best actor and his movie, the best movie of the year 2011. He speaks with our reporter about his new movie ‘Father Moses’ , his  life experience and other issues surrounding him . EnjoyOn marrying a white lady for her money
That is poverty mentality. Must it always be that way? I’m in the marriage for happiness and not for passport or money, and there was no agreement for me to relocate to the UK. If that had been one of the conditions my wife gave, I wouldn’t have married her.
If people say I married my wife for her money, she must really be a billionaire to have attracted me into the marriage. Those with such assumptions should check themselves. They are aided by poverty mentality. Does it have to be that way? Britons are too intelligent.Why should Nigerians always think this way? Ninety-five percent of Britons won’t think that way.

Yomi Fabiyi

State of my marriage
My marriage is intact and the bedrock of every relationship is communication. We talk like friends. And presently, I am in Nigeria working on a very massive movie project titled Father Moses starring Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot, Jide Kosoko, Ayo Mogaji, Hafiz Ayetoro, Keji Yusuf, Yomi Fabiyi, Hakeem Rahman, Kemi Afolabi, Arugba and so on.
I am working to get it into the cinemas though I am meant to send an invitation to my wife so she can visit me to bridge the gap. She either comes or I will eventually go to meet her.
The Movie Father Moses
Father Moses is a concept that is very unique and I believe the audience will like it because the title is trying to tell us something about love, religion, power and faith, and you need to look at how they come together, though we believe in the saying that love is the first religion and with my belief, this is the first time that the audience will be seeing such a movie.
Bringing together of English and Yoruba actors like of Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Jide Kosoko and others
I am not just starting this job and I want to believe that whatever you know how to do, you should do it well because your work will speak for you. Apart from the fact that you should have the money and the script, you should be able to move the actors and your reputation forward. And as a producer, the actors will also speak for you and will tell if you are the type that produces good films.
I believe that is one of the reasons it was very easy to call on these artistes and they were able to give me audience. They know me as someone that can produce quality movies.
Cost of producing the movie
I won’t be able to mention the exact production cost because such a movie gets to to post production before getting to the cinema and these cost lots of money. I went through a lot shooting the movie. At a stage, I had to sell my car to raise funds to complete it. It got to the stage that I couldn’t go to the bank and I needed money so quickly. Big projects like this take sacrifice and I want every sacrifice to be ultimate for this project.
Premiering the movie
We are trying to take it into the Cinema at the moment and after that, we will look at how acceptable it is to the audience and how long it is going to last in the cinemas across the globe before coming out with the DVD.
Producing other people’s movie
I have shot movies with several producers, top actors and actresses like Funke Akindele, Yinka Quadri, Ogogo and others. So, I work with other producers as well.
Making a good movie
There is no basis for comparism because I want to believe Yomi Fabiyi is a different person entirely, and all I do is to ensure that within the limit of resources I have and with reasonable technical standard, I’d bring out what my fans and the audience will enjoy and give them value for their money. I don’t see myself walking in anybody’s shadow. I don’t see myself doing what others are doing, I see myself as Yomi Fabiyi and I do what I want to do. So the difference is clear.
Choosing between acting and producing
Obviously I would prefer being a producer because I don’t believe in quantity, and the only way I can explain quality is when you are relatively scarce. I maintain scarcity because if I produce, I will also have the opportunity to feature in the movie and do whatever I want to do. So, I use producing a movie to maintain my acting career. But if I choose acting, it could as well kill my career as a producer ; so I prefer to produce and shoot quality movies.
What next after Father Moses
I am going to shoot more movies, I am going to shoot a movie titled “Mo eto Mi” and The stranger on a lonely journey. Those two stories are ready and they are high profile storylines and cinema- standard scripts. I will be shooting that immediately after the release of the Father Moses.
My family background
I was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fabiyi. I was born and brought up in Somolu, and I am married and doing things the way I want to do it.
Relationship with other artistes?
I don’t think I have any problem with any artiste. I am close to everybody. I have access to anybody except those I really think will be a problem to work with .
Picking the actor for role of Father Moses
I have my cast. I believe I have the best because casting is also very important when you are shooting a movie. Wrong casting could as well cause damage to a script. So, I don’t have any problem accessing anybody. I got those I wanted and I believe they are the best for the project.
Relaxing after work
To be honest with you, it’s always very difficult to plan relaxation except if I travel out because in Nigeria, all your time is being hijacked and apart from the fact that you have personal assistants, you’d still have to remember what you are going to do, what you’d want to wear, how you’d want to get them, when you are going to make calls. Sometimes, you drive yourself and these are not really easy but I do them.
Joining my wife after eight years
I married a white lady but there is plan to relocate soon. My career is just taking shape and it is not the best option to leave permanently except there is need for that. My home is here and also in the UK. I’m a regular visitor to the UK. I love the Britons and marrying one of them makes the marriage more interesting.
My wife is aware of my work and she supports my commitment to it. So, at the right time, it’s either my wife visits me here in Nigeria or I visit her in the UK.
Source: Vanguard

Read More

What I hate about men – Mariam Elisha

Unlike other beauty queens who immediately disappear from the social  scene after their reigns, Mariam Elisha has remained in the limelight. As former Miss Valentine, she has continued to expand her pet project in addition to other engagements. To her credit, her clothing line, Rikaoto and Urban Style magazine are fast becoming household names in Nigeria and beyond. She also has a foundation where she caters for the less-privileged children. In this interview, she talks about her modelling career, love life and plans for the future.What has been happening to you?
Nothing much, I go to work everyday and do what I’m supposed to do. I’m managing my clothing line called, Rikaoto, and my magazine called Urban Style.
What informed your decision to go into fashion and magazine publication?
I naturally love to see people dress well and wear good clothes. I realise that in Nigeria, we do not have companies that make quality clothes that people can buy at their convenience. I wanted to be that kind of person that could make such clothes people need when they have occasions or other social events to attend.

Mariam Elisha

Are your services meant only for the high and mighty?
Not really. Average Nigerians can afford it. My clothes are affordable, depending on the kind of fabrics and style required. We have the ones that are meant for the high ends, and also, we have the ones for the average salary earners. It depends really on what the clients want. In other words, we have the very expensive ones and we also have the affordable ones.
Where do you source your materials from?
I buy my fabrics anywhere I find myself or sometimes, I order specifically from where I know they have the kind of fabric I need at that particular time. I don’t have to disclose where I procure my fabrics from. That’s my secret but we have good fabrics.
Do you make clothes yourself?
I know how to make clothes myself. I also have people who do them and I supervise them.
Tell us about your Urban Style magazine?
It is about fashion and style. And as a fashion crazy person, I decided to do something that would celebrate the works of the fashion designers, showcasing fashion and style in a different way. How people can combine clothes and other accessories. I have a partner and things are actually going on since I started the publication.
How has the experience been?
It has been challenging but so far, I am coping with the stress. No work is easy as my mum would always tell me.
How challenging is running a clothing line as well as publishing outfit?
The challenge of becoming a fashion designer is enormous. Most of the time, there is no power supply, and we have to depend on our generating set. The tailors are not consistent. They are not ready to give you the standard for which you employed them most of the time. You always cross-check whatever they have done to ensure they have the meet the standard. When I came into fashion designing, I was thinking it was something I would cross my legs and fold my arms and probably pick up my pen and give someone instructions on what to do, and he gets it right but it isn’t so.
In fashion designing, you have to focus your mind, brain and come down to the level of the tailors for them to understand what designs you have and how to interpret the designs that you have conceptualised in your mind. Also, it’s really challenging dealing with different clients; the super rich and the middle class. On the Urban Style magazine, it’s equally challenging, publishing a special interest magazine;getting celebrities to adorn the cover of the magazine; putting the whole thing together including the adverts for that particular edition. Then the challenges of distributing your magazines.It is an easy task.
What else do you do aside your fashion outfit and your magazine?
I also have a foundation called, Save Tomorrow Today. I love charity and as an ex- beauty queen, I started a foundation during my reign and it’s still functioning till date. I love lending help to humanity whether I am a beauty queen or not. I have been able to cater for the welfare of these children under my care, and I’d visit different organisation soliciting support so I can help give them hope in life. It’s been working out so far and we usually hold different events about three times in a year. Most of the time, we don’t make such events loud because we believe in not blowing our own trumpet.

Mariam Elisha

With all of these activities, what time do you have for yourself?
I just try to create time for myself. It is all about timing. When its time to be at Rikaoto, I will be there, and when it’s time to give attention to the Urban Style magazine, I do certainly that. I have people who work with me. I have already taught them what to do when I am not there. I can always come back for feed back. Though, it is not easy coping with the stress.
You recently contested the Miss Nigeria pageant, what informed that decision?
I have always loved the name-Miss Nigeria and I feel that being Miss Nigeria will provide me the needful platform to affect more lives positively. As you know, I’m into charity and I do a lot of things to assist the poor. At the moment, I have not less than 40 children under my care. It is really pretty difficult coping with these children. I feel I need more helping hands and being Miss Nigeria will probably give me more support to smiles to the lives of these children.
Are you going to contest again?
No, I think I’m done with pageant for now
Do you have any plan to organise your own pageant?
I don’t have any plan to organise any pageant but maybe, in the future
Tell us about your style?
I really do not have a specific routine but what I do is when I wake up in the morning, I ensure that I wash my face before applying anything I want to apply. If I want to apply make up, it’s probably when I’m back from work. I make sure I clean my face, using the facial removal but I don’t use any specific cream, its just normal baby oil. I use mild soap. I don’t use anything hard because my skin is very sensitive.
Your dress sense?
It depends on the occasion. Sometimes, I like to look simple, but very dramatic. I am always very simple. When I’m not in the red-carpet mood, I love casual wears.
What kind of books do you read?
I read all kinds of books, especially, motivational books and poetic works. My favourite author is Wole Soyinka. I love his poems a lot.
Who’s the man in your life?
I think my relationship is personal to me. I will marry at the right time. I pray it happens soon.

Mariam Elisha

What kind of man would you love to marry?
I want to marry a God fearing man because I always dream of making heaven. I don’t care whether he’s tall , handsome or rich. As long as he has the fear of God in him, and has respect for womanhood, I will marry the person. He must take me for who I am. I’m okay with him.
How many times have you been heartbroken?
Once. I don’t want to talk about it please.
What do you hate about men?
I hate disappointments and lies. Disappointment, not in the context of when one promises to marry a lady and later on, he didn’t keep to that promise. I mean, when I trust you as a friend and I expect you to keep to that trust and never hurt my feelings.
How has it been as a young entrepreneur?
I don’t believe that because I’m young, I should fold my hands and wait for my parents to do everything for me. I believe that as an individual, you have the right to to give back to society whatever you have gotten from it. You can make a difference in your life if you believe in yourself and what you want to achieve in life. I have always been a hardworking person even when I was in school. I was combining my studies with modelling. It wasn’t easy but I tried as much as possible to strike a balance. Whatever you want to be in life, you can achieve it by remaining focus and committed to your cause.
Who supported when you started this cause?
My father supported me. Initially, he didn’t give me anything, but when he saw the zeal in me, he started supporting me. I started with the little money I saved. You don’t have to have billions of Naira before you can set out to achieve your dream. There are intelligent students from poor homes who are supported by well-meaning Nigerians. Just begin with something and help will come even from unexpected quarters.
How do you describe yourself?
I am simply amazing!
Source: Vanguard

Read More

No headway as ASUU battles govt over extra allowances, funding

When the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, embarked on a national strike on July 1, 2013 due to the refusal of Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement it signed with the union which had several components, including adequate funding of education sector, Nigerians feared another long winter for their children forced to return home.Strike by lecturers in public universities has become a normal trend every two years. The nation is accustomed to disrupted academic sessions that at times linger on for about six months.
To have an uninterrupted academic calendar in the university system is abnormal. So the strike factor is usually built into the calendar. An academic programme scheduled for three or four years, could last for seven years.
The blame for this can rightly be placed at the door step of the Federal Government, fond of breaching negotiated agreements reached with ASUU. There is the question of failed leadership, corruption, show of insincerity and lack of commitment to agreements; knowing that any breach would lead to shutting down of the universities by a frustrated union which feels government is unwilling to develop education in the country. The government is yet to understand that any refusal to honour agreement freely signed without duress tantamounts to a breach of contract, actionable in law.
Already, the public university system is in decadence in all ramifications. Most of the over 30 Federal and 36 State universities are in bad condition. Physical infrastructure for teaching and learning are grossly inadequate, dilapidated and over stretched. The laboratories and workshops are obsolete, poor furnishings, poor power and water supply, outdated equipment, crowded hostels and unhygienic living conditions.
Many of the universities don’t have video conferencing facility, only a fraction have or use interactive white boards. Many are without public address systems in their lecture rooms, while none of the universities had fully automated library resources.

Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayattu Ahmed and ASUU President, Nasir Issa-Fagee

Apart from all these inadequacies, it has been found in a Federal Ministry of Education Report, that many of the universities are grossly understaffed, relying mainly on part-time and visiting lecturers, with several under-qualified academic staff, lacking effective staff development programmes. Recently, the National Universities Commission (NUC) came out with a directive that all university lecturers must possess Ph. D degrees within a given time or lose their appointments. Only about 43% of academic staff in the university system have doctorate degrees, the remaining 57% don’t.
According to the report, there are 37,504 lecturers in public universities, but only 28,128 (about 75%) are engaged on full time basis, the rest 25% are either part-time, visiting, on sabbatical or on contract.
Against this sordid scenario, one can understand the struggle of ASUU to reform and transform public universities to meet with the standards obtainable in other climes.
Our leaders are not ready to embark of this transformation because they are not committed to proper and adequate funding of education of which UNESCO recommended 26% of national budget. But Nigeria allocates less than 10% of her budget to education which is even among the lowest in Africa. Yet this nation can do better.
People in government and politicians are quick to send their children to UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ukrain, Russia, and even nearby Ghana, Togo, Benin for university education. Because of their ill-gotten wealth, they can patronise expensive private institutions, rather than increase funding to upgrade public schools at home.
Dr. Nasir Fagge, ASUU National President, had explained that the strike was not just to reposition the education sector, particularly the university system, but to salvage our country. He said ASUU was determined to prosecute the strike to its logical conclusion, and that the implementation of the agreement was a cardinal issue that must be accomplished by the union as this would transform the country’s university system. Government offered a paltry N100 billion for infrastructure, and N30 billion for earned allowances, a far cry from N87 billion demanded.
On accepting the offer of N30 billion and going back to class while reaching agreement on when the next installments will be paid, Fagge rejected this, saying, “We had made that mistake before whereby only the salary component of the agreement was singled out and so we can not afford to make such a mistake again. Until the whole agreement is fully implemented, we are not going to call off this strike.”
Over N500 billion is needed for infrastructure upgrade.
President Goodluck Jonathan and other eminent Nigerians had appealed to ASUU to take the N30 billion offer by government and return to classroom.
The union had demanded for N87 billion (not N92 billion) in extra allowances translated as excess work load, high carriage of students per lecturer, responsibility allowance which included supervision of academic projects for final-year students, Masters, Ph.D theses, course advice, administrative duties as heads of departments, deans of faculties, hall masters, etc.
Because of inadequate staffing, the work load had been heavy with one lecturer to 200, or even 300 students.
Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in stating the government position had said the money – N92 billion according to her, which ASUU was demanding (but refuted by the union to be actually N87bn) was not only unrealistic, but also not within the reach of the Federal Government.
Her words at a 2-day conference of Commissioners of Finance and Accountants-General of States Ministries of Finance held in Minna, Niger State. “At present, ASUU wants the government to pay N92 billion in extra allowances when resources are not there and when we are working to integrate past increases in pensions. We need to make choices in this country as we are getting to the stage where recurrent expenditures take the bulk of our resources and people get paid but can do no work.”
Series of deadlock had characterised meetings between ASUU leaders and the Federal Government Team lead by Governor Suswam of Benue State to resolve the crisis and pave way for lecturers to return back to work.
Mr. James Bidemi, a Senior Management staff in a public university, commended the ASUU action which seemed good and appropriate, but cautioned if the dispute is not resolved, it could destroy university education in the country. He called for state of emergency on education.
“Government should meet at least 50% to 60% of ASUU demand, and people will support government in the appeal for the strike to be called off. It’s about an agreement which government was bound to implement and also endeavour to tackle the decaying infrastructure in the university system.” A university teacher, in his reaction, wondered why the Minister of Education failed to capture these earned allowances owed to lecturers by the 2009 agreement in the 2013 budget. If they were legislators, the funds will be available.
Meanwhile, the strike is biting hard as students have been roaming the streets, lured into criminality and social vices like prostitution, drug trafficking, kidnapping and political thuggery.
Chief Joshua Nwosu, a businessman with three children in the university now at home blamed bad and insensitive leaders for the horrible condition of the education system.“The government just refused to allocate sufficient fund to education despite the abundant financial resources available. Millions of our youths are jobless, yet government is not willing to provide adequate money for educational development. Something drastic must be done to save our education from total collapse. President Jonathan should act fast and be patriotic.”
Source: Vanguard

Read More

PHOTO: Meet Miss Ambassador for Peace 2013 contestants...

The countdown has begun for the most anticipated and award winning peace pageant in Nigeria, Miss Ambassador for Peace Pageant with 34 contestants representing the entire federation. Some of the contestants will be crowned zonal queens while the eventual winner will become Miss Ambassador for Peace Beauty Queen 2013. Meet the other contestants and read more about the pageant after the cut

The aim of this pageant is to enlighten youths all over the world and Nigeria in particular to embrace peace not minding the ethno-religious affiliation also no bikini that have a high moral standard. The out-going queen, Beauty Istifanus has achieved a lot, she has not rested in creating a landmark by making sure that the dream of the project is fulfilled. She visited schools both primary and secondary, flood and bomb blast victims and less privilege homes within the northern parts of the country where medical assistant was rendered, food items, exercise books and other financial supports was rendered for their up-keep. 

 

As we look up to hosting the 2013 edition of Miss Ambassador for Peace Beauty Pageant/ Peace Ambassador Agency Award. We call on all peace loving and patriotic Nigerians to support this project to enable us promote peace in our country as no country or organization can achieve any meaningful development without peace. The ground finale comes up in Abuja on 21^st September 2013 at Sheraton Hotel and Towers. 

 

The president/ CEO of the event Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe disclosed that distinguished personalities who have contributed immensely to the growth of nation peace building will be honoured,   such as Prince Eze Madumere (Deputy Governor Imo State), Rev Babajide Olowodola (Foursquare Gospel Church Abuja), Mrs Merit Gordon Obua (wife of the CSO to the President Federal Republic of Nigeria), Chief Dr. Mrs. Tosin Dokpesi (Managing Director AIT), Kester O. Agwu (Managing Director Anan World), James Expensive (Wazobia FM), Princess Uche Elendu Walter( Actress), Charles Inojie (Actor), Akinlium Julius (Elenu comedian). Ikenna Emewu (Sun Newspaper), Mr Seyi Adekunle (House of Vodi)

 

Host/MCs of the event are popular actress Empress Njamah and radio personality Big Mo of wazobia FM. For Sponsorship and Participation call Kingsley on 08037090904, 08060079057. BBPIN 29897B3B. FF @MISSPEACEAMB OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE @ WWW.MISSAMBASSADORFORPEACE.COM

Read More

BUSTED: Robin Thicke Caught Cheating On His Wife

Robin Thicke who is still cooling down from his controversial VMA performance with Miley Cyrus was busted in this photo he took with a socialite named Lana.

She posted it on her Twitter and Instagram accounts before some people noticed the shocking thing happening behind the scene and have been tweeting the photo to his wife Paula Patton.
Robin have is married to actress paula patton and have a 5 year old kid.

Read More

Nollywood Producer Dumps Hubby, Walks Away With His N6m

Tosin Aderounmu, the brain behind the popular Yoruba film titled Omi Ata has walked out of her matrimonial home with her husband's 6 million naira and a highlander jeep. Her husband, a hotelier got her a highlander jeep, gave a whopping N6m to shoot a movie and also sponsored her trip abroad dumped the rich dude leaving him heartbroken. 
When her husband was contacted to confirm if truly the marriage has hit the rocks, he said, “well it is true that she left me but I leave everything to God which is all I can say about it for now.” However, Tosin said that they are only having a misunderstanding and that as soon as everything is over, the people that are peddling the news about their separation will be the one to come and rejoice with them when the storm is finally over. You guys should sort things out jare.

Read More

I Have A Crush On Rihanna – Rising Hip Hop Star Orezi Reveals

Fast Rising hip-hop star, Orezi returned from South Africa last week where he went on a nation wide tour and shot the video of his hit song, Rihanna.

In a chat with Showtime, Orezi narrated his experience especially how he was able to get a Rihanna look alike from Mauritius after a rigorous effort to get the American singing star, did not work out due to her loaded schedule.

According to him, “We had a wonderful time in South Africa, it was truly a rewarding experience and a most educative for me as a very young artiste. At the end, we came out with something that the world will talk about for a long time, the video for the all time popular hit song, Rihanna,” Orezi told Showtime, in Lagos a day after his arrival from South Africa, last week.

When all efforts to get the American super diva, Rihanna to feature in the multi million Naira video did not work out, Orezi and his management team as well as his label, Sprisal Records, went online and decided to shop for a Rihanna look alike. The search finally paid off when a ‘Rihanna’ sent in her entry from Mauritius.

This young, beautiful ‘Rihanna’ named Kim was chosen above over 200 pictures.

Orezi’s management has decided to stay mum on the cost of bringing this stunning beauty down to the shoot on location in South Africa. However, an inside source squealed that Orezi’s label paid an initial deposit of 10, 000 dollars to ‘Rihanna’s master card account while her traveling arrangement to Johannesburg, South Africa revealed a Business class from Mauritius, – Israel – Hong Kong – South Africa (little wonder a source close to Orezi’s management said the video is worth N7.3m).

Meanwhile,  Orezi smiled mischievously when asked if he had a crush on America’s Rihanna. “I like her, I like any pretty woman that has made a mark for herself. I like her and I believe she will like Orezi too when she meets him.” He also cleared the air concerning the record label he is signed on, saying “I am signed on to Sprisal Records and the deal is good.”

He also explained why he chose South Africa to shoot his Rihanna video. “I have shot two videos in Nigeria before now but what I want to achieve with the Rihanna video is different.”

Read More

PHOTOS:Napalm Bomb Dropped On School in Syria; Many Children Killed, Burned

Horrific footage has emerged showing the aftermath of a "napalm-like bomb" being dropped on a Syrian school, in an attack reported to have killed 10 children and left scores more with appalling
burns.

Witnesses told a team from the BBC's Panorama programme that a fighter jet had repeatedly flown over the school in northern Syria, as if searching for a target, before dropping the bomb.
The shocking footage came to light just hours after David Cameron suffered a historic Commons defeat when MPs voted against bombing Syria.
The disturbing film shows a school playground - where pupils had been playing at the end of the school day - reduced to rubble and scorched earth after the incendiary bomb was dropped.

Abandoned children's shoes and a ruined set of swings are seen among the debris, and pupils were reported to have been left "writhing in agony" from burns caused by the bomb which probably contained something like napalm or thermite.
Many of the victims suffered burns to more than 50% of their bodies, and adults and children are shown being treated on the floor of a basic hospital.
One young boy is seen caked in a white substance and shaking uncontrollably as he waits for help.

Others are covered in bloody burns, gasping out for water, and distraught parents cry hysterically as they see what has happened to their loved ones.
The school's headmaster told reporters: "This was the most horrific thing. We have seen images on TV, we have heard many stories, but we have never seen anything like this before.
The worst thing in life is watching someone die right in front of you and you can't do anything.
There were dead people, people burning and people running away, but where to? Where would they go? It is not safe anywhere. That is the fate of the Syrian people."

A British medic, Dr Rola, who was in Syria with the charity Hand In Hand, treated the victims at the hospital.
She said: "It is just absolute chaos and carnage here. We have had a massive influx of what looks like serious burns, seems like it must be some sort of, not really sure, maybe napalm, something similar to that.
"But obviously within the chaos of the situation it is very difficult to know exactly what is going on."
Later, struggling to hold back tears, she said: "We feel like some sort of, not even a second class citizen, like we just don't matter.
Like all of these children, and all of these people who are being killed and massacred, we don't matter.
"The whole world has failed our nation and it is innocent civilians who are paying the price."
Mohammed Abdullatif, who witnessed the attack, had a message for the United Nations.

"Dear United Nations, you are calling peace, you are calling for peace. What kind of peace are you calling for? Don't you see this, don't you see this? What do you need to see?

Read More

8-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Kills 6-Year-Old Sister

An 8-year-old Phoenix boy and his 6-year-old sister decided to go on a joyride with their mother's car, which ended in an accident that killed the little girl.
Both kids, still in their pajamas snuck out of bed, stole the keys to their mother's car and zoomed off but after about five miles, the little boy who appeared to how to drive, veered off and hit a roadside pole.
The boy escaped with minor ankle injuries, but the girl, who police said didn't appear to be wearing a seat belt, suffered massive injuries and died Thursday morning at a Phoenix hospital.
One man who followed the car for about 15 minutes, Phoenix resident Ruby De La Cruz, "right before the crash, the boy "looked like he had freaked out because the cops had already turned on their lights to pull them over.
"He went real quick to the right, but he hit the curb and swerved into the pole," he said.
According to reports, their mother woke up about 10 p.m. to discover that the children were missing, along with her Hyundai Elantra. She then called 911, believing they had been kidnapped.

Read More

Church Sign Contains Message For Christian Homophobes (PHOTO)

St. John's Anglican Church put rather interesting signboard which contains statement against Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin. The photo of this sign gone viral after a local citizen put it online.

The sign for St. John's Anglican Church reads simply, "Jesus had two dads and he turned out just fine!"

Since it was posted to Reddit by user Reeb0k on Wednesday, the church sign has been viewed by more than 774,271 people.
Although not much is known about the photo, the church's leaders seem to be following in the footsteps of the Gosford Anglican Church in Australia, which posted a similar message a few weeks ago.
Gosford made international headlines early in August after putting up a signboard that read, "Dear Christians, some people are gay, get over it, Love God."

Read More

TRAGIC: Bride's Father Chokes To Death During Wedding Reception Just Hours After Walking Her Down The Aisle

A bride's joy was turned into sadness when her father choked to death at her fairytale wedding.

The 73-year-old man, Jagah Babwah gave his daughter Camela away during her wedding ceremony earlier at a picturesque castle.
But just two hours later the taxi driver began choking on a piece of lamb in the post-wedding feast and guests desperately tried to save him with the Heimlich manoeuvre.
 
Despite their efforts Mr Babwah suffered a cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead by paramedics.
Camela decided to continue the wedding in tribute to her much-loved father, which is what she believes he would have wanted.
Mother-of-one Camela, an admin assistant from Gillingham, Kent, said: 'We have been planning the wedding for two-and-a-half years and he was forever talking about it.
'In the morning he was so happy. He had never worn a proper three-piece suit and I was his baby daughter.
'As he was about to walk me down the aisle he started to cry. It was the first time I've seen him cry and it started me off.
'It was such a hot day and when we were having the meal I told him to take his jacket off but he wouldn't. He looked so smart.'

Distraught Camela was taken into the same room where her beaming father had given her away to be told the tragic news.
She revealed that the hardest point was when she had to open up her father's wedding card the very next day.

Read More

PHOTO: Mayhem in Seme border, Customs officer killed Motojelu

There was mayhem at the Seme border area of Lagos State on Thursday after a 35-year-old man, Saturday Joel, was shot by officials of the Nigerian Customs Service.
Eyewitnesses said Joel was hit by a stray bullet while some customs officers were trying to apprehend a motorist who was smuggling a red Volkswagen bus from Benin Republic into Nigeria.
It was learnt that after the shooting, some residents took to the streets in protest. The residents were said to have alleged that customs officials had killed at least three motorists this month under the pretext that they were smugglers.
It was learnt that in the ensuing pandemonium, the customs officials stationed in the area fled. However, a Superintendent of Customs, identified as J. I Motojelu, was said to have been driving by at the time.
PUNCH Metro learnt that in retaliation, the angry mob, led by a community leader, dragged the officer out of his Toyota Corolla car marked ABJ 663 DW, and killed him.
It was learnt that the irate mob, also set the deceased officer’s vehicle ablaze and set up bonfires at the centre of the road.
The culprits were said to have used the opportunity to steal some items that had previously been seized by customs.
A police source said, “Motojelu, who knew nothing about the incident was beaten to death. The mob opened a customs patrol van stationed nearby and took a G3 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition kept inside it. They then set the vehicle ablaze.”
Sources told our correspondent that some customs officials and policemen later returned to the scene and fired shots to disperse the mob.
Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Razaq Fadipe, said his men attempted to put out the fire but they had to retreat because of the sporadic gunshots in the area.
It was learnt that the victim had been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
But the NCS Public Relations Officer, Seme Command, Ernest Olattah, said in a statement that the officer was killed while on his way to attend a meeting at the command.

He said, “We announce the gruesome killing of one of our senior officers by some smugglers in the Ashipa area of Seme around 9.50am on Thursday. The deceased officer, while in his official uniform, unarmed, and driving to the command’s headquarters for a routine meeting, was accosted by a mob who forced him out of his vehicle.
“Led by an identified chief of the community, the officer was murdered in cold blood, while his vehicle was set ablaze.”
The customs spokesman said efforts were on to apprehend the culprits adding that the customs had achieved many feats this year alone.
He said NCS operatives, due to their uncompromising stance against smuggling and the protection the nation’s economy, had come under series of attacks by smugglers and some unpatriotic elements that saw smuggling as their rights.
The PRO said, “Customs Area Controller of Seme Border, Othman Abdu Saleh, has in collaboration with sister government agencies including the police, commenced moves to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book. The controller posits that this unfortunate incident will not deter operatives of the command under his watch from carrying out their lawful duties.
‘’This is indeed a sad day for us here in this command, but let me emphasised that we are not relenting in the discharge of our duty as we will not allow the darkness of criminality to dampen the light of our service to Nigeria.”
Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, told our correspondent on the telephone that seven suspects had been arrested, adding that they would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba.
She said, “Joel is recuperating at Badagry General Hospital while the slain customs officer has been deposited at the mortuary.”

Read More

PHOTOS: Stella Damasus, Daniel Ademinokan Are 'Cooking' New Web Series Together

The movie producer and director Daniel Ademinokan is currently filming a new drama web series, starring his wife / lover / business partner Stella Damasus.

Ademinokan’s new project is titled 'Mix Match'. This will be a drama 'based on the lives of the members of a biracial family living in New York City'.

Shooting has apparently being going on for several months and has finally been concluded. A private screening of the debut episode was held on Monday, August 26 in New York.

The series will premiere on YouTube before the end of this year.

Source: Thenetng

Read More

Photos from Anselm Madubuko &Emmy Kosgei's traditional wedding

Apostle Anselm Madubuko of Revival Assembly Church married Kenyan gospel artist Emmy Kosgei in a traditional wedding that held yesterday Thursday August 29th in the Koibatek District of Kenya where the bride hails from. Apostle Madubuko lost his first wife, Connie Madubuko, on Friday July 6th 2012. More photos from the traditional wedding after the cut...

Read More

2 Women Stabs Friend With Bottle!!

 
Two women, Ebere Ojiakponna and Tessy Nbekwe were on Thursday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stabbing their friend with a broken bottle.

Ojiakponna, 23, and Nbekwe, 23, whose addresses are unknown, are standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and unlawful harm.
The prosecutor, Insp. Akeem Raji, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 27 at midnight at Obalende on Lagos Island.
He said that a fight broke out between the accused and their friend, Amaka Onu, who was stabbed with a broken bottle on the ribs in the process.
The offences, the prosecutor said, contravened Sections 170, 244 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 244 provides three years imprisonment for offenders.
The duo, however, entered a plea of not guilty.
The Magistrate, Mrs A.M. Olumide-Fusika, granted them bail in the sum of N20, 000 each with a surety each in like sum.
The case was adjourned to Oct. 3 for mention.
NAN

Read More

Road Accidents Claim 322,427 Lives In Nigeria In 52 Years

Road accidents in Nigeria have claimed a total of 322,427 lives between 1960 and 2012, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in its 2012 annual report released recently.

Analysts however say the number of deaths may be more than the given figure since most people involved in road accidents die weeks after and such deaths may not have been recorded officially.
Information exclusively gathered by BusinessDay from the FRSC dashboard reveals that speed violation accounts for 35 percent, as the highest causative factor of road traffic crashes. The second highest causative factor is loss of control that accounts for 17 percent, even as dangerous driving occupied the third causative factor at 17 percent.
The FRSC lists the most causes of road crashes to include human, mechanical and environmental factors.
Bad roads, route violation and obstruction accounted for 2 percent each, while burst tyres 9 percent. Others are brake failure 5 percent, mechanically faults and wrongful overtaking tied on 3 percent in the top 10 probable causative factors of road traffic crashes in 2012.
Between 1960 and 2012, a total of 1,060,507 crashes were recorded in Nigeria, with 322,427 deaths and 1,016,299 injuries.
2012 alone had a total of 4,260 reported deaths on Nigerian roads, representing an average of 12 persons dying daily. 20,752 injuries were recorded in the year, translating to an average of 57 injuries daily.
Hence, on the average, 69 persons were either injured or killed on the roads daily, while 48,114 persons were involved in 6,269 documented cases. This means on the average of one hour, approximately one crash occurred on the road and 5.5, that is 6 persons, were involved in a crash within an hour.
In the reviewed period, Nigeria had five deaths per 10,000 vehicles and four deaths per 100,000 persons, according to the report from FRSC. Analysts say these figures are still very high, hence unacceptable. Both the elite and the powerful as well as the common man are not spared in these preventable deaths.
Many of these preventable accidents, unnecessary loss of lives and avoidable waste of resources, in terms of damaged vehicles, expenses on hospitalisation bills, repairs of damaged roads and infrastructure, as well as loss of man-hours, actually occurred during the last quarter of the year.

Read More