Nigerian National Merit Award, TETFUND Partner On Research Development

NNMA, TETFund partner on projects, research development – The Sun Nigeria
The Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) and  the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) have entered into a partnership to initiate projects and research programmes that would benefit universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which, was entered into during a meeting with the Chairman, Governing Board of the NNMA, Professor Shekarau Yakubu Aku FAEng, FNSE, FSESN and his TETFUND counterpart, the Executive Secretary, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro recently in Abuja was a brainchild of the 2019 forum held between the agencies tagged, “The Missing Links in the 20 years of Democracy in Nigeria: Think Tanks as Catalysts for Development”.
Part of the MoU includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art library with high-tech resource to enable Nigerian scholars and researchers work on issues of national and international development.
The organization also agreed to introduce a policy research group in partnership with public universities or other TETFUND benefitting institution as approved by the NNMA for this development.
A policy group to be known as the ‘Think Tank Group’ will soon be set up by the two agencies to fine tune other key areas of the MoU.
At the event, the TETFUND Chief Executive, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, assured the members of the Governing Board of the NNMA that the proposal for sponsorship as contained in the MOU has been considered and adequate funding of the proposed projects are assured.
A statement by  Mr. Namadi Ibrahim
Ag. Secretary, NNMA, the Governing Board chairman, Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Aku, expressed his delight over the new consolidated affiliation between the NNMA and Tetfund.
He appreciated the Executive Secretary Tetfund for the gesture, and reiterated that, “the new alliance would spring forth new wells of innovation as this marked the beginning of a new era for the NNMA”.
He noted that, for the first time, the NNMA was venturing beyond merely identifying awardees to liaising with other institutions to bring about changes in research development and technological advancement.
 He added that the Act guiding the NNMA permits the agency to work hand in hand with other institutions and focusing on strategic brainstorming research by the body of laureates and intellectuals on contemporary areas of; COVID19 Pandemic and insecurity, which are key areas bedeviling the nation.
Speaking further, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro disclosed that his passion for Research and Development remains undaunted. He stated categorically that “the most competitive economies of the world are those that have placed intellectualism and education as well as productive problem solving research at the center of the instrumentality of achieving their aims and objectives”. He added that that was his major interest.
He also expressed his displeasure over the nation’s value system which is largely faulty with regards to its reward system. This has overtime resulted in individuals’ refusal to patriotically commit themselves to the common goals of our nation. In his words, “sometimes, it is mediocres that are elevated above the best. We cannot place square pegs on round holes and expect to get good results”.
He referred to the Chairman, NNMA’s speech and commended the NNMA for representing the nation’s finest. He described the Agency as the apex for what everyone aspires for. Still in reference to the chairman’s speech,
He emphasized  the need to move beyond identification of laureates to actually delving into positive reinforcement of more research and technological advancement.
He assured the NNMA of the many channels through which the NNMA and Tetfund can work together,adding that the agreement  ultimately reflects the endless opportunities available for both parties.
 He also added that the NNMA focused on the intervention areas, particularly in the area of the Tefund’s National Research Fund (NRF); which remains the largest research grant in Nigeria and has been raised to 7.5 billion naira.
 Abiodun  Rewards  LASU  Best Student

Abiodun Rewards Best LASU Student, Others With Houses, Cash – Independent  Newspapers Nigeria
Governor Dapo Abiodun has awarded the best graduating student of the Lagos State University, Oladimeji Sotunde, a two bedroom bungalow and a cash price of two million naira.
He also awarded the winner of the Globa Open Mathematics Tournament, Faith Odunsi, a laptop and an endowment fund of five million naira.
Abiodun, who announced  these   at the celebration of Ogun Academic Laureates,
also said that his administration would be motivating the Institute of Technology, Igbesa that won the Most Compliant Institution in keeping to guidelines of admissions with the sum of one million Naira.
He announced the donation of a two bedroom bungalow each to the winners of the year 2020 Global Teacher Prize, 2020 African Writers Award and the year 2020 African Union Continental Teacher Prize.
“The state has decided that the minimum we can do for Oladimeji Sotunde is to present him with a two bedroom bungalow with an additional sum of two million naira, we will continue to celebrate excellence, we will continue to motivate excellence, we will continue to support young men and women like you.
“To the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa who has emerged as the most compliant institution when it came to the process of complying with JAMB requirements, we will continue to support the institution, we are motivating you with a sum of one million naira.
“To Faith, we have decided we are going to invest in you because we can see that the sky can only be the beginning for you, we are giving you a laptop, we are giving you a brand new and powerful one, but, more importantly, we are going to set up an endowment fund for you and we will find that endowment fund, we are going to put a seed money of five million naira into that fund.
“We will also call on our public private sector partners to put money in that endowment fund, the fund will be managed by a financial institution, the interest alone will be enough to pay your school fees and when you come of age, you can decide to catch it in, I congratulate you,” he said.
“The year 2020 Global Teacher Prize has gone to Mr.Olasunkanmi Opeifa, we will be giving you a two bedroom bungalow, the 2020 African Writers Award has gone to Mrs. Oluyemi Oladejo who came first in the 2020 African Writers Award, you will also be getting a two bedroom bungalow, the year 2020 African Union Continental Teacher Prize which was won by Mr. Olalekan Ademola Adeeko, you won the first position in the African Union Continental Teacher Prize award, you will also be getting a two bedroom bungalow,” he said.
Yaba Tech, Ilaro Poly To  Get University Status Soon 

The Senate Committee  has  disclosed its intent  to upgrade the Yaba College of Technology and Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, to Universities of Technology.
The committee led by Senator Ahmad Baba-Kaita (APC Katsina North) revealed through during a public hearing on the three bills proposing the legislation, adding that the move to upgrade the institution and the Nigeria French Language Village in Ajara Badagry, Lagos State to an Inter – University Centre for French Language Studies is to expand opportunities for the country’s teeming youths to gain technology-base knowledge.
Presenting  the bills at the Public Hearing, the Sponsor, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola
“Permit me to state clearly that these three bills namely: (1) “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Yaba ; and for other matters Connected therewith” (SB. 85) 2021; (2) “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro; to Make Comprehensive Provisions for its due Management and Administration and for Other Matters Connected therewith” (SB. 84) 2021 and (3) “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Nigerian French Language Village as an interuniversity Centre for French Studies and for Other Matters Connected therewith (58.483), are all pursuant of one of my legislative agenda to enhance and develop educational institutions as well as human resources development in Nigeria.
It is elementary to state that all aspects of development in modern world are premised on the level of education obtainable in the society.”
He argued that the country was in dire need of more tertiary institutions that cater for the country’s growing population as current available spaces in existing universities cannot meet national demand for University education.
 “With the massive explosion in our population estimated at over 200 million and the youthful segment consisting of over half of that figure, there is no doubt that the number and available admission spaces in our existing universities are quite limited in absorbing the number of our people desiring higher education at the university level.
With about 170 public and private universities in Nigeria with a capacity for about 700,000 students at any point in time, it is clear that in Nigeria we are yet to get to the point where we have enough admission spaces in universities for our youths in Nigeria.
The need to expand opportunities for our teeming youth in gaining admission into universities for good education, particularly technology-based education, informed my sponsorship of the bills to upgrade two major existing polytechnics to full-blown universities of technology”.
Senator Adeola also explained that the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State proposed to be upgraded to Federal University of Technology, Yaba is one of the oldest tertiary educational institution in Nigeria.
“The need for the establishment of this university of technology is informed mostly by historical imperatives as well as the expansion and development of the Yaba College of Technology since its establishment in 1947 as a successor to the Yaba Higher College way back during the colonial era. Indeed, it is undisputable that Yaba College of Technology is the “cradle of higher education in Nigeria”.
“The mandate of the school is to provide full-time and part-time courses of instruction and training in technology, applied science, commerce, management and in such other fields of applied learning relevant to the needs of the development of Nigeria in the areas of industrial and agricultural production and distribution; and for research in the development and adaptation of techniques.
“The institution to a large extent has fulfilled this mandate over the years with many of its graduates playing key roles in our industry and the economy.
“The establishment of this university of technology will go a long way in addressing the challenge of the huge demand for requisite educational institution for the Mega City of Lagos State. From all estimates, projections and demographic studies, Lagos State population of over 20 million will continue to grow as a mega city.
“At present, Yaba College of Technology have Schools of (1) Arts, Design &Printing (2) Engineering (3) Environmental Studies, (4) Liberal Studies (5) Management and Business Studies (6) Science (7) Technical Education (8) Technology, with over 50 specialized departments,”he said.
Making similar presentation on the bill for the upgrade of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to a Federal University of Technology, Senator Adeola, said : “The imperative for the establishment of this university of technology is informed mostly by the expansion and development of the Polytechnic from its inception in 1979, some 42 years ago.
“The institution presently has ample latitude for massive expansion in term of land space spanning several square kilometers of land. It is also worthy of note that the Polytechnic like Yaba College of Technology has many infrastructural facilities, which many state-owned universities and privately-owned universities cannot boast of.
“At present it has fully developed schools of: (1) Applied Science (2) Engineering (3) Environmental Studies, (4) Information &Technology (5) Management Studies with over 40 Departments in different areas of specialization in the schools. The Polytechnic at Ilaro also have a Radio Station serving as training centre as well as public enlightenment for host and neighbouring communities.
“The establishment of Federal University of Technology, Ilaro in Ogun State will also go a long way in balancing the spread of educational infrastructure in the state and other parts of our nation. Among the three Senatorial Districts of Ogun State, the Senatorial District where this proposed University is cited, is the only one without a state or Federal Government owned university with the two other Senatorial Districts having upward of two State/Federal Government owned universities located therein”.
RAK Foundation Explains CBT Training For JAMB Candidates 

Top Secrets On How To Score High in JAMB CBT 2021 » Servantboy
 Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, is organizing
Computer-Based Training (CBT) programme to select candidates for its free Jamb form in Badagry.
Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Pioneer, RAK Foundation,explained that the training programme will enable the Foundation to know the number of students eligible for the examination.
He said:”The one-week training programme will enable the students to get used to computer skills before sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).The Foundation has established five centres with 48 computers in the three Local Government areas in Badagry where this training will commence.
“We are buying software for those computers in those centres and once we do that, all the students will have an opportunity to learn basic computing skills for a duration of one week.
“The foundation has gotten volunteer teachers who are ready to train the students on the use of computer.
“After the training for a week, we will organise a mock examination for all the candidates, so, when they do the mock examination and pass, this will qualify them for free jamb form and possible sponsorship.
“If at the end of the day, we have about 200 to 300 candidates that pass the examination, they will be given the free Jamb form, there is no limit to the numbers,” he said.
Ogunlende said that the purpose of the training programme was to prepare them for the UTME.
“They must be ready for the examination and the only to know this is when they go through the process.
“This is to ensure that we are spending our money in the right way and given the right people the opportunity.
“We are going to monitor the UTME and anyone that gets high marks could be eligible for some form of  scholarships from the foundation,” he said.
Ogunlende said that the foundation decided to do it in a different way this year.
He added:”Three years ago when we decided to provide free GCE forms for our students in Badagry, most of them failed the examination woefully.The following year, we organised coaching classes for them before the examination and alas, most of them passed with flying colors hence the stance to repeat the process
“One of them that performed excellently got a scholarship from me  and I am sponsoring his education now.This is the reason we are doing our own free Jamb form in a different way,” he said.
 Rivers Teachers’ Protest Five Year Unpaid Salaries 

Teachers protest five years unpaid salaries in Rivers - Punch Newspapers
Teachers in  the Rivers State University International Demonstration Secondary School, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt; Ignatius Ajuru University of Education’s Staff Primary and Secondary School, Ndele; and the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic’s Staff Primary and Secondary School, Bori ,Wednesday protested their five years unpaid salaries by the state governments.
The teachers, who thronged the Government House around 9am, displayed placards with various inscriptions such as: ‘Government is not a personal thing’, ‘Our teachers deserve better treatment, pay them their salaries’, ‘God is against injustice, please pay our teachers’ salaries’, and ‘Wike, ease our pain and save our education sector’.
Enefea  Georgewill, the  Chairman, Rivers State Civil Society Organisations, Enefea  Georgewill, expressed sorrow at the attitude of the state government for denying the teachers’ salaries for up to five years.
He said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the attitude of the governor towards the teachers.  How can the governor, Nyesom Wike, donate N500m to the Sokoto State Government over a fire incident that engulfed a market whereas teachers in his state are being owed five-year arrears of salaries?”
 Mr Collins Spiff,who spoke on behalf of the teachers  said they had vowed to continue the protest until the governor attended to their matter.
He stated: “It’s unfortunate that we are in a country where people don’t appreciate peace. Violators are those rather placed on payrolls and paid every month, while nobody cares about the law-abiding ones.
“More than 26 teachers have died so far over the non-payment of their salaries; the governor should comply with the court order and pay us.”
Oye-Ekiti Varsity Suspends Registrar Over Alleged Appointment Irregularities 

The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti( FUOYE) has approved the immediate suspension of the university’s registrar , Mr. Olatunbosun Odusanya, over issues bordering on irregular appointments.
 His  suspension was conveyed  in a letter dated April, 20, 2021 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
Odusanya was suspended by the University Governing Council, being chaired by Dr. Mohammed Yahuza,  to allow for proper investigation into allegations of misconduct leveled against him over irregularities in  recent appointments,Special Adviser on Media Matters to the Vice-Chancellor, Wole Balogun said.
The letter reads in part : “You would please note that consequent upon the consideratiom of the report of the Committee on the review of appointments made in the University from August 1, 2020 to February, 2021 by Council, you were recently queried via our memo Ref. No: FUOYE/VC/CD/007 dated 6th April, 2021, for act of misconduct in the appointments.
“The staff Disciplinary Committee which was constituted by Council has considered your written representation and found it unacceptable to exculpate you from the act of misconduct.
” In line with the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Service of Senior Staff on CONTIS 06 and the above in the University , the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, on behalf of Council, has directed that your appointment be suspended from the University with half salary, with immediate effect, pending the determination of the case against you.
” Accordingly, you are hereby suspended from the University with half pay with immediate effect. Consequently, you are directed to handover all the University property in your possession to the Officer next in rank to you immediately. Your Staff Identity Card should be submitted to the Personnel Affairs Officer. You are also advised to stay away from the premises of the University, except otherwise expressed in writing,” it said.
 Fayemi Justifies Establishment Of  Spelling Reading  Club in Ekiti 

Fayemi approves reading, learning clubs for secondary schools in Ekiti |  The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World NewsNigeria — The Guardian  Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
Dr. Kayode Fayemi,Ekiti State Governor, has approved the  creation  of reading and learning clubs in secondary schools in the state.
The effort was to revive the culture of reading and learning  among young students of the state so as to enhance their knowledge drive and academic performance,according the government.
The initiative is to be tagged , Ekiti State Spelling,Reading and Learning Club(EKSRAL-CLUB) in all the Secondary Schools of the State.
He explained that the various clubs would be inaugurated on the 23rd of April 2021 to commemorate this year’s World Book Day.
According to Soyombo, Dr Kayode Fayemi who doubles as the President of the Club, would be Joined by the Honorable Commissioner For Education, Science and Technology Ekiti State and Many Prominent Individuals to Officially Ensign the EKSRAL-CLUB and donate Book(s) for free  to  students across the 16 Local Government of Ekiti State.
Olalekan Soyombo ,the Senior Special Assistant, Student’s Matters to the governor, disclosed this in a statement  made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
 Soyombo noted that  the step was part of the usual progressive manner of  Governor Kayode Fayemi and his quest to promoting literacy and Increase Knowledge among Ekiti students.
“The government of Ekiti State, noticed with deep concern, the seemingly unending
decline in the reading culture among the students and their disposition to many of the  unimportant social ventures which has in return affected their critical thinking, hence, the introduction of EKSRAL-CLUB to the students as a way to go”.
Stop Misusing Our Logos,JAMB  Cautions Cyber Cafes ,Tutorial Centres

2019 UTME: JAMB stops use of cyber cafes for registration of candidates  [ARTICLE] - Pulse Nigeria
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned operators of cybercafes’, tutorial centres and other entities against the indiscriminate use of its logo and name for illegal transactions.
It also warned that it would embark on a nationwide clampdown with security agencies  to effect arrests and prosecute unauthorised use of its name and logo in the forms of  advertisements to defraud hapless  candidates.
It  frowned at the habit of using its name and logo against hapless candidates purposely to deceive, defraud and extort them.
JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede disclosed this in Ilorin over the weekend where he handed over some operators of cybercafes, tutorial centres and other similar operators to security agents.
The board said: “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has noted with dismay, the unwholesome activities of fraudulent operators of cybercafes, tutorial Centers and other entities, which have formed the habit of deceiving hapless candidates through using the Board’s name and logo to defraud and extort them.
“The stock in trade of these unscrupulous elements is to lure innocent candidates to  path with their money under the deceptive guise of registering them for 2021/22 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) application documents.”
JAMB warns that it is illegal for one to use the Board’s name and logo when one is not licensed by the Board to do so for any reason.
He cautioned that the board would no longer tolerate the antics of such platforms, which he said, are used as incubators for examination infractors that use the name and logo of the Board to lend credence to their unwholesome activities.
 Gov. Sule Commends  CBN, Keystone Bank  For Renovating  Nassarawa Schools

PROFILE: Abdullahi Sule, Governor, Nasarawa State, Nigeria [2019 - ]
Abdullahi Sule,the Governor of Nasarawa State, has  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Keystone Bank and Guaranty  Trust Bank (GTB) for  the renovation  and construction of schools in the  the state.
He spoke while swearing in  the chairman and members of Nassarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB
Sule said the  renovation project was a collective efforts to deliver good education to the  people of Nassarawa State.
He noted that the appointment and the inauguration of this Members of the Universal Basic Education Board was in furtherance of his administration commitment to  strengthen the basic education system in the state.
He explained that the efforts was in view to sustaining the modest efforts towards the repositioning of primary and junior secondary schools for enhanced quality delivery of service in the education sector.
“As you may be aware this Administration has remained resolute in the provision of qualitative education to our children, especially at the elementary level in order to provide strong foundation of nurturing our children in to becoming future leaders of tomorrow.
Sanwo-Olu Rewards  Teachers 

Sanwo-Olu rewards 13 outstanding teachers with cars - Businessday NG
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos,has given out 12 cars to  teachers in the state in order to boost their morale.
The winners include;Abosede Padonu-Daniel, Tolulope Odusanya, Adesola Akindele, Ekundayo Aborisade, Joshua Olasehinde, Oluwasegun Balogun, Ovinuyon Buhari, Rasheed Odenike, Rebecca Oyinloye, Tawakalitu Akinleye, Temitope Ibiwumi, Temitope Gbadamosi.
In his address at the 2020 Teachers’ Merit Awards, Governor Sanwo-Olu
said the event was “to honor our outstanding teachers who have shown uncommon dedication to the teaching profession.
“I celebrate the remarkable teachers who leave no stone unturned in moulding lives, building character, and preparing our students for a productive future.”
The governor, who noted that “teaching is not a thankless job in Lagos State, added that “The annual Teachers’ Merit Award is proof that Lagos State will always reward excellent, committed, and diligent teachers.
“Our administration is cognizant of the essential role that teachers play in building a formidable society, which is why we are committed to rewarding exceptional teachers on a regular basis.’
He said the award “is one of the key strategies for the actualisation of the Education and Technology Pillar of our T-H-E-M-E-S agenda.
“We cannot thank our teachers enough for all they do: for the passion they bring to the job; for inculcating in our children the values they require to succeed; for going the extra mile to teach, train and equip our students to excel as global citizens.”
He said the award  is not only an avenue to reward our teachers’ exceptional efforts,but also a  genuine way of promoting merit and encouraging the spirit of healthy competition amongst our teachers in the state.
“We will continue to appreciate our teachers because the teaching profession is unique – it is a noble profession that involves building lives by imparting knowledge. None of us would be here today without teachers.”
He urged teachers to continue to uphold the ethics and standards of the teaching profession, adding that they should not relent in demonstrating excellence and an uncommon sense of responsibility in performing their duties.