society

Did You Approve Boarding Fee Hike In Technical Schools, Delta Parents Ask Governor Oborevwori

Published

2 months ago

October 14, 2024

Did You Approve Boarding Fee Hike In Technical Schools, Delta Parents Ask Governor Oborevwori

Parents of students in Delta State-owned Technical schools are seeking to verify if Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is aware of a recent hike in boarding fees from ₦85,000 to ₦250,000 per term.

The parents said that they are asking in view of the fact that there is no justification for the sharp hike, especially when Federal Government Colleges, some private schools as well as the Delta State-owned model secondary schools charge far less.

They also highlighted their concerns, citing the financial hardship that the hike has thrown them into.

In an open appeal, the parents asked the governor to clarify whether the fee increase was approved by his office or implemented by the Ministry of Technical Education without his consent. They also pointed out that the state owned government model secondary schools and colleges charge N60,000 while some private schools in the state capital, Asaba, charge ₦150,000, while similar schools in Lagos charge around ₦100,000 as boarding fees.

“We are struggling to understand why the state technical schools are demanding such a high amount. Federal Government Colleges charge ₦85,000 and even the State Government Model schools like Nana Government College Ughelli and others charge N60,000. We are even surprised that the best private schools in Asaba charge less than what is now being asked of us,” said a concerned parent.

A teacher from Ofagbe Technical School, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over recent fee increases imposed by the Ministry of Technical Education. He noted that the annual fee for junior and senior classes rose from N1,850 to N3,400, along with an additional compulsory N15,000 for medical and administrative charges. He also noted that prents are struggling to meet these new financial demands, leading many to withdraw their children from the school.

The teacher lamented that this situation disproportionately affects poorer families, who are already facing economic hardships. He added that although Delta State is supposed to provide free education in line with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) guidelines, the recent fee hikes contradict this promise, even as students are forced to pay for textbooks and medical services.

According to him, the unfortunate situation has led to a decline in enrolment numbers as families opt for other public secondary schools with lower fees, which range from N1,700 to N2,700. The teacher emphasized that the current educational policies seem to cater more to the middle class, risking a crisis in the educational sector.

Master Ochuko Favour, a young boy who recently completed his primary education, shared his disappointment at being unable to pursue his dream of attending technical school due to the financial burden. He revealed that he will settle for a local government secondary school. His plight highlights the systemic barriers that many students face in accessing education.

Also, a recent circular from the Ministry of Technical Education, dated September 17, 2024, has sparked concern over increased levies for students in government technical schools. While some fees align with those approved for public secondary schools, many stakeholders are questioning specific charges, particularly for students in JSS 1-3 and Pre-Vocational classes. These include a N2,000 administrative charge, a N3,000 medical fee introduced last academic year, a termly sports levy, and the mandatory purchase of Mathematics and English textbooks solely from the school.

Parents and stakeholders argue that these fees contravene the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, which exempts students in the Basic Education Cohort from paying for government-provided services. They maintain that there is a pressing need for the state government to clarify the rationale behind these fees, as many view them as disguised tuition charges.

The situation is particularly concerning given that other states are actively working to improve their technical education systems and increase enrolment. The community is calling on the Delta State government to investigate the Ministry of Technical Education’s policies, suggesting that these changes may disproportionately burden low-income families and contradict the broader educational goals of the administration. The perception is that the ministry is prioritizing revenue collection over the needs of students and the community, which could undermine the vision for equitable education in the state.

A parent of a female student who gained admission to the school has decided to reject the offer in favor of a public model secondary school in Warri with boarding facilities. She cited lower fees and essential amenities as key reasons for her choice. Concerned about her child’s safety and the lack of basic facilities like electricity and water, she questioned why she should pay N250,000 for boarding when the school’s resources seemed inadequate. She expressed frustration over the Ministry’s failure to ensure the schools are functioning properly despite significant investments in its infrastructure.

Beyond the financial burden, the parents also raised concerns about the deplorable conditions of some of the technical schools. Reports from various institutions in the state reveal overcrowded classrooms, lack of electricity, and facilities and in some of the new model technical schools workshops and laboratories are now being converted into makeshift classrooms without adequate furniture. Parents who visited the schools said there was no official available to address their concerns.

“The classrooms are overcrowded, and there’s no light. Our children are not getting the education they deserve despite the high fees. When we visited to clarify the situation, there was no one to speak with us,” lamented Mr. Joseph Ighotegwolor, a concerned parent.

The parents also questioned why the Ministry of Technical Education continues to admit new students despite the existing lack of space and facilities to accommodate them. They urged the governor to intervene, fearing that the Ministry are more focused on increasing revenue than providing quality education as the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is not left out in this revenue drive by conducting supplementary entrance examination into the state model schools whereas most of the classrooms in the schools are already overcrowded.

Adding to their concerns, the parents highlighted a policy that forces students in the various technical schools who fail their promotion examination to leave the school without giving them the opportunity to repeat the classes. Many see this as an unfair practice, particularly in an environment that is not conducive to learning.

“Instead of helping students improve, they are asked to leave if they fail their exams. This is not right. These are young students who deserve support, not expulsion,” said Mrs. Amaka Udeh, a parent from Effurun.

The parents called on Governor Oborevwori to urgently investigate the fee increase, address the challenges affecting the technical schools, while ensuring their children receive a quality education.

Meanwhile, the recent policy change by the Ministry of Technical Education mandating entrance exams for all technical schools, including the six conventional ones, has created significant barriers for prospective students. Previously, these conventional schools accepted students without an entrance exam, making them accessible to a broader demographic.

With the entrance exam requirement, many students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds who struggle with funding, are unable to compete for admission. This situation has forced them to continue in regular public secondary schools, potentially limiting their vocational training opportunities and future career prospects.

Advising the government, the parents noted that adressing this issue may require revisiting the admissions policy to ensure that all students have equitable access to technical education, possibly by providing financial support for exam preparation and related costs or by reinstating more inclusive admission criteria for conventional schools.

society

My Charge To Nigerians As They Celebrate Christmas -Ambassador Ajadi

Published

19 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

My Charge To Nigerians As They Celebrate Christmas -Ambassador Ajadi

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun State has thrown a challenge to Nigerians at Christmas.
It is to keep hope alive, notwithstanding the many socio economic challenges around them.

Ajadi who gave the admonition as part of his Christmas Message said Nigerians needed their sanity to be able to navigate the challenging situations around them.

“Whatever it is you are doing; however challenging the time, my advice to you as you celebrate Christmas is to keep your sanity”, he said in the Message this morning.

It will not be easy doing so with all that is surrounding us, but it is only the one who is in control of his thoughts that can overcomes challenges”, he added.

He said in a situation whereby the government appears to have abandoned the masses, that the only thing left for them to do was to consciously take care of themselves even as they celebrate Christmas.

Ambassador Ajadi who used the opportunity to condole with those who lost relations in the recent stampedes that occurred at palliative centres at Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja, said the tragedy reflected the high level of suffering in the country.

He said as much as the organisers of the palliatives sharing may not have taken adequate safety measures, but that the desperation displayed by the recipients reflected the high level of hunger the country.

“The reality is that there is so much hunger in the land.

“It happened at Ibadan, it happened at Abuja and yet Okija. The hunger is everywhere in the country and that is just the truth”.
Ambassador Ajadi said the pathetic side to it is that there is enough resources to take care of the masses but that many in the corridors of power have not considered it a priority to reach them.

He commended ministries and individuals who have thought it necessary to share love with the poor this season, but advised them to device a better way of sharing same.

“We cannot advice those with the resources not to reach out, but let it be done in collaboration with security agencies which have the resources for crowd control.
But most importantly, my advice to individual Nigerians is to take adequate precaution themselves.

“Whatever you want to do this Christmas, it should be safety first. My prayer is for God to keep us all, and give us the grace to see New year. Merry Christmas Nigerians”, Ambassador Ajadi prayed.

The Eagle reports that Ambassador Ajadi had earlier lived up to his mark of a humanitarian by reaching to groups and individuals within his political and social circles.
He donated bags of rice and cartoons of oil to enable them join in the festivities of the season.

The Eagle correspondent who witnessed the items being distributed reports that it was prayers of appreciation and goodwill for the politician from the beneficiaries.

society

Three Nigerians Named on FBI’s Most-Wanted List for Alleged $6M Fraud Scheme

Published

20 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Three Nigerians Named on FBI’s Most-Wanted List for Alleged $6M Fraud Scheme

Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, have been added to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most-Wanted List for their alleged roles in a $6 million Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. The trio reportedly defrauded over 70 businesses in the U.S. using sophisticated cybercrime tactics, according to notices published on the FBI’s website.

The alleged scheme involved the use of spoofed emails and fraudulent wire transfers, targeting unsuspecting businesses. The FBI notes that the suspects conspired to launder proceeds from these scams through an intricate network of collaborators in the United States and abroad.

Details of the Allegations

Nnamdi Benson

Benson is accused of providing bank accounts to facilitate the receipt of funds from fraudulent transactions. He is also alleged to have engaged in romance and advance-fee fraud schemes independently. In August 2019, he was indicted in the U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued the following day.

The FBI notice states:

“Benson allegedly provided bank accounts to Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh that were used to receive fraudulent wire transfers. On August 21, 2019, Benson, along with Felix Osilama Okpoh and Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.”

Felix Okpoh

Okpoh is accused of supplying hundreds of bank accounts to Uzuh and other co-conspirators, enabling the transfer of over $1 million in fraudulent proceeds. Like Benson, he was indicted in August 2019 and is wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The FBI highlights:

“Bank accounts provided by Okpoh received fraudulent wire transfers from victim businesses totaling over $1 million.”

Richard Uzuh

Uzuh is alleged to have orchestrated the fraudulent scheme by sending spoofed emails to businesses across the U.S., requesting wire transfers. He reportedly worked closely with other members of the syndicate, including money launderers and romance scammers, to move stolen funds.

Uzuh’s indictment dates back to October 2016, making him the earliest member of the trio to be charged. The FBI stated:

“Uzuh allegedly worked with money launderers, romance scammers, and others involved in BEC schemes to launder proceeds of their crimes.”

Extradition of Co-Conspirator Abiola Kayode

The case has seen recent developments, with the extradition of a key member of the syndicate, Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, from Ghana to the United States. Kayode was arrested in Ghana in April 2023 following an indictment filed in Nebraska in August 2019.

On December 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska confirmed Kayode’s extradition. He is now in U.S. custody and faces prosecution for his alleged involvement in the cybercrime network.

FBI’s Warning and Public Appeal

The FBI continues to urge individuals with information on the whereabouts of Benson, Uzuh, and Okpoh to come forward. The agency has emphasized the global reach of BEC schemes and the devastating financial impact on victims.

Business Email Compromise remains one of the costliest forms of cybercrime, with perpetrators leveraging fake identities, fraudulent communications, and elaborate laundering networks to exploit victims.

society

Akeredolu’s Widow Rejects Ondo State Memorial Lecture, Alleges Exclusion

Published

20 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Akeredolu’s Widow Rejects Ondo State Memorial Lecture, Alleges Exclusion

Betty Akeredolu, the widow of late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly rejected a memorial lecture planned in his honor by the state government, alleging that her family was excluded from the planning process.

The lecture, part of activities marking the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023, is scheduled to take place on Friday in Akure. Renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) is set to deliver the keynote address, while Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa will chair the event, known as the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Betty Akeredolu expressed her disapproval, describing the event as a propaganda-driven effort.

“Which legacy? Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware. Damn it! As the saying goes: You and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence. You cannot weep more than the bereaved,” she wrote in a fiery post titled, “Re: Purported Aketi Lecture by Ondo Lucky Can’t Be Serious!”

Betty further accused the state government of attempting to exploit her late husband’s legacy for financial gain. “Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy… Now you want to pretend by organising one yeye lecture for Aketi’s memorial as an entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head. You are on your own o!” she alleged, labeling the planned event a “#Yahoo #419 lecture.”

In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, refuted claims of discord between the government and the Akeredolu family. He stated that the family had been invited to the event and highlighted the state’s role in honoring Akeredolu after his passing.

“Akeredolu was not just a family man. He was the governor of Ondo State. He died while serving the state. He was given a state burial, and the state governor attended all the burial activities in Akure, Owo, and Ibadan,” Adeniyan said.

He further emphasized the purpose of the memorial lecture. “The state government is organising this lecture to mark the first anniversary of his passing, and an invitation has been extended to the family for representation. There is no dispute between the government and the family, and we are aware that there will be other events lined up to mark that anniversary,” he added.

The controversy highlights tensions over how the legacy of the late governor, fondly referred to as “Aketi,” is being handled, even as plans for the commemorative event proceed.