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Education

WE MUST ENTRENCH TRUE FEDERALISM TO RESCUE NIGERIA- AMBODE

Published

6 years ago

May 8, 2018

Sahara Weekly

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…Says Current Power Structure Inhibiting National Growth

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…Delivers 2017 UNILAG Convocation Lecture

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday reiterated the need for Nigeria to implement the federal system as originally intended, saying doing so remains the right path to rescue the country from the doldrums and myriad of challenges inhibiting growth and development.

Governor Ambode, who spoke while delivering the University of Lagos Convocation Lecture and investiture of Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe as the 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution, said it was a common knowledge that the Federal Government was burdened with tasks beyond the reach of its best competencies to the detriment of States, which are the federating units.

According to him, Nigeria’s present political structure was seriously affecting the efficiency of both State and Local governments, submitting that for States to give optimal service to their citizens, the principle of inclusion as being practiced in Lagos where anybody irrespective of race or creed can rise to the pinnacle of their chosen career, first needs to be applied to the division of power between the Federal and State governments.

“There recently has been clamour for devolution of power and true federalism. While much of this talk is good intentioned, I believe it misses the crucial point. The linchpin of good governance is not found in the system deployed but in the quality of its administration.

“We must implement the federal system as it was intended to be. Heretofore, too much power has resided in the National government. This has been to the detriment of the authority and efficiency of both State and Local governments.

“This has caused a governance vacuum of sorts. The Federal government is burdened with tasks beyond the reach of its best competencies. The States and Local government are dissuaded from treating many matters of a local nature that are better left in their hands due to their greater knowledge of local conditions.

“We need to shift some functions/responsibilities from the national government to place more of it in the hands of the States. This is how we give federalism the best chance to work. Until we do this, calls to abandon the current system serve not to fix the underlying problem,” the Governor said.

Continuing, Governor Ambode said any structural reform might face the tendency of being distorted to serve the purpose of those who favour concentration of power, adding that clamour for total change to the political architecture would be time consuming and expensive.

He posited that what the nation should do was to first attempt a more equitable level of fiscal federalism before adopting drastic alternations that may likely plunge the country into uncertainty.

“Additionally, such attempts at enormous and rapid political change causes economic uncertainty and dislocation. Given our tenuous relationship to prosperity, Nigeria cannot afford this self-affliction.

“There is widespread consensus that too much power sits in the center. We can correct this imbalance by reallocating power and responsibilities between the States and Federal government by amending the list of exclusive and concurrent powers and duties of these governments to reflect current realities in the nation.

“These changes will have beneficial impact visible within a short amount of time. The impact of these changes, though political in origin, will be economic in nature and it is in our economic life where the nation needs the most help.

“Resolving the problems regarding federalism and the herdsman’s, as with so many other problems, requires us to look beyond prejudice and hatred. Exploiting fear and bias is easy and sings well in the short-run. Over the longer-term, it is a bitter cup that cures nothing but ferments greater hatred and larger problems,” he said.

Governor Ambode, who also alluded to the story of Lagos, said former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola deserved commendation for moving the master plan of Lagos from concept to concrete reality, saying his administration was building on it to move the State to a smart city.

“In every way, our infrastructure is improved. Our roads are better, our mass transportation has expanded, hospitals give better care to the sick and afflicted, education is improving and more affordable housing is being constructed before our very eyes.

“The face of Badagry is changing. The makeover of Oshodi will cause you to marvel at the transformation that can take place even in densely populated urban space when there is the political will and determined creativity to give the people the infrastructure they deserve. We are improving and expanding the Airport Road so that a trip to and from the airport no longer takes more time than your flight itself.

“The Lekki-Epe axis was once an isolated, inactive tract of land. Now it bustles with energy, activity and prosperity due in large measure to the roads and other infrastructure our State has constructed. We have and will continue to build bridges linking parts of Lagos that have not been linked before so that commerce, transport and communication among Lagosians will be facilitated,” he said.

Admonishing the 2017 graduates, Governor Ambode urged them to use their academic experience to correct the direction of the country by improving social attitudes and relying more on conscience than being canny in the conduct of their affairs.

To this end, he urged the new graduates to shun the old ways of ethnic, religious and regional bias that have plagued Nigeria’s politics over the years, adding that they must rise above ethnic pettiness and religious bigotry to overcome the enormity of common challenges facing Nigerians and Africans.

“The rest of the world sees us as Black, African and Nigerian and will deal with all of us in the same manner. That larger world cares little about the internal divisions we see as so profound. In this context, we are in the same boat and share the same fate. Unless we join in concerted effort to help each other toward a better more united Nigeria, we all shall fail in our different ways,” he said.

Earlier, in his acceptance speech, Ogundipe lauded Governor Ambode for his commitment to the education sector, saying the institution (UNILAG), where the Governor himself graduated from, was proud to associate with his achievements.

He particularly thanked the Governor for granting 75 per cent waiver on revenue payable by the institution to the State Government, saying the gesture, among other laudable initiatives, were worth commending and shows his passion for the development of the education sector.

Dignitaries who graced the event include Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Senator representing Lagos Central, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu; UNILAG Pro Chancellor, Dr Wale Babalakin; Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun; former UNILAG Vice Chancellors – Professors Oye Ibidapo-Obe and Rahman Bello; foremost educationist, Professor Anya O. Anya, among others.

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Education

JUST IN: Government Shuts Down Lead British School Over Student’s Bully (VIDEO)

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

JUST IN: Government Shuts Down Lead British School Over Student’s Bully (VIDEO)

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Sahara Weekly Reports That The Federal Government has reportedly shut down Lead British School following the bully of a student named Namitira in the Abuja-based institution.

Two videos showing the student reportedly named Namtira being manhandled went viral on social media on Tuesday.

In one of the videos, the victim was seen being slapped repeatedly by another female student while asking “Who broke my heart?”

In another video, the victim was seen sitting next to a male classmate who was heard saying “I spoilt her relationship”.

Furthermore, the minister of women affairs has visited the school to address the situation. In a follow up video recorded this morning, the culprit was seen being slapped by a woman who is said to be the victim’s aunty.

This is the face of the bully, she was brought to the school just now by her parent, the lady who slapped her is the Aunt to the bullied girl, the school has also been shut down for three days and minister of women affairs is there to address the issue,

🎥: Gistlover pic.twitter.com/5M7ocJIlZf

— Pamilerin Adegoke (@UnclePamilerin) April 23, 2024

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society

NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Why the merger of NAUB with NDA cannot work, the hard facts to consider'

NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

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Sahara Weekly Reveals That Higher education in Nigeria, quite frankly, is facing immense challenges including but not limited to poor infrastructure, unrealistic academic calendars resulting in extra years against stipulated durations, lack of teaching equipment, social menace, poor funding, amongst others.

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NAUB: MR PRESIDENT, WHO ARE THOSE PLANNING TO KILL THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIVERSITY THAT DOES NOT GO ON STRIKE? By Femi Oyewale

Interestingly, Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB) is quite unique from other federal universities in the sense that since inception, there has not been any issue of strike, cultism, protest, or anti-social conduct.

Rather, the university is reputed for its excellent condition of learning environment.

This was aptly covered by the Governor of Borno State, H.E Professor Babagana Umara Zulum through his deputy during the maiden edition of the convocation ceremony of NAUB on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at the University’s main campus ( note not temporary campus within five years of existence) in Biu, Borno State.

The Borno State governor said he was physically present at the groundbreaking ceremony of the foundation laying stone of NAUB five years ago, and he is impressed by what he has seen adding that it must take military precision and focus to put in a full-fledged and functional university on a barren land in such a short period.

The Governor further thanked the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, the traditional rulers, scholars and academics philanthropist, industrialists, associates and men and women of goodwill from within and outside Borno State for the selfless service of gradually re-modelling the future of Borno State in particular and Nigeria in general and for putting Borno State on the path of further greatness through the Nigerian Army university, Biu.

Why then do we plan to abort such a great independent institution of learning known as a barrier breaker and line crosser by merging it with NDA whose missions and visions are not in tandem with each other .

Why cut short the dreams of such noble ideas via politics?

Are there those who do not want a stable educational system in Nigeria?

Are there external forces or their agents at home trying to destroy a good foundation for a stable educational system in Nigeria?

Is NAUB in competition with the private universities?

Are there big shots who benefit from a chaotic educational system in Nigeria?

Are there some subterranean forces working within the system to achieve the Boko Haram objective that “education is sin”?

The words of Governor Zulum rings a wise bell when he said that Boko Haram insurgents have achieved their objectives if the university is scrapped.

“Therefore, we appeal to Mr. President to look into this issue so that the Army University Biu would remain a university… because of the importance of education in this part of the country, where Boko Haram is saying that education is forbidden. And I think that by allowing this Army university to be scrapped, they might have achieved one or two of their objectives,” he said.

The governor noted that, for over a decade, Borno State has been facing a serious crisis that has denied many children access to education.

“Therefore, this university is very important to not only the people of Borno State but our neighbouring states,” he said.

Look at the Western countries that started with military polytechnics that propelled revolution in military equipment development.

Many of these developed countries collaborated jointly through civil-military research.

The Swedish Defence University established like NAUB is Sweden’s leading resource in, and first choice for, education, training and research in the management of crisis, war and periods of tension in the leadership of both civil and military agencies. The Swedish Defence University is an accredited institution for academic education for military and civilian students and researchers where different experiences, approaches, and traditions come together. It has become a hub for both national and international students.

It might shock you to know that American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). APUS is wholly owned by American Public Education, Inc., a publicly traded private-sector corporation that offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, in addition to dual degrees, certificate programs and learning tracks.

During my NYSC, I served in the Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Ilorin, which is a renowned military institution focused on providing high-quality education and training for Nigerian Army personnel and civilians. So why the proposed merger of NAUB?

Interestingly, the Nigerian Army University Biu provides such a platform for the Nigerian military towards technological innovation, research, and development in varied fields for national defence and security breakthroughs like many modern nations. In fact, instead of downgrading the Nigerian Army University, many more Army universities should be established in Nigeria. That is the way out for a caricature type of educational system that has failed to have stability over the years.

Who is not interested in seeing that a federal university graduates its students within the regular course time frame?

Must programmes of all federal universities be easily disrupted. A course of 4 or 5 years ends up taking over 6 to 7 years to complete. The worst part is that many universities end up in a crash programme to be able to cover up for the lost times. The terrible damage to these universities’ products is the very low standard of graduates.

Who wants the Nigerian educational system to collapse completely? These are rhetorical questions the amiable president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all stakeholders should ask those proposing the merger to answer us publicly, else should let the matter die forever in the abyss of hasty decision.

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Education

Edo State University Uzairue Matriculates 1,245 Students By Elvis Omoregie

Published

3 months ago

February 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Edo State University Uzairue Matriculates 1,245 Students

By Elvis Omoregie

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The Edo State University, Uzairue have matriculated 1,245 students who met the condition for admission criteria for the 2023/2024 academic session.

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Speaking during the 9th matriculation ceremony of the institution at Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government of Edo state, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, charged the newly admitted students to adhere to the university’s regulations and contribute responsibly to the institution.

“Dear Matriculants, approach your studies with dedication and make full use of the state-of-the-art technological equipment and ICT facilities available for your academic advancement. Embark on a studious academic journey, making the serene environment of Edo State University Uzairue your conducive home for success.’

He said the University, in partnership with the Edo State Government, is devoted to consistently providing world class teaching and research facilities.

sharing the remarkable progress the institution has achieved over the past eight years, said its humble beginnings with three Faculties and Eight programs, Edo State University Uzairue has grown to encompass nine faculties with over 30 undergraduate programmes”.

He added that all the programmes offered at the institution have been accredited and approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other the relevant professional bodies.

Aluyor said the College of Post Graduate Studies of the institution stands out for its successful programs, encompassing PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, Mphil, and Ph.D. across different Faculties.

“Having graduated five sets of students, our accreditation processes have consistently yielded impressive grades, With the lowest recorded score being 78.5 per cent’

He explained that through collaborative partnerships with international Universities such as Worcester State University (USA) and the University of Sunderland (UK), students benefit from valuable opportunities to engage in exchange programs.

“The establishment of the institution Teaching Hospital with the support of the State Government, marks a significant stride, enhancing our facilities for medical students’ training.

Aluyor noted that the institution runs an uninterrupted academic calendar leading to its recognition as the best University in the South-South geo-political zone, 2nd Best State University in the country and 10th Best University in Nigeria by the National University Commission (NUC) System Ranking 2022.

“Edo State University is the 1st in West Africa to adopt the CANVAS Learning Management System, used by over 70 percent of ivy League Universities globally”.

He added ” it is the first to acquire the Anatomy table and low and high fidelity Manikins (Simman 3g), which enables the simulation of different scenarios for the training of Medical and Nursing Students”.

He said the institution placed on discipline and adherence to the approved academic calendar, with a commitment to addressing any instances of errant behavior.

Prof Aluyor however called on well meaning individuals and corporate organisations to generously contribute prizes for students of the institution who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.

In his goodwill message, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly Hon. Inegbebor O. Eugene advised the students to be serious with their academic pursuit and make their parents proud by graduating with good grades

“The university is not a place to come to waste your time but to improve yourself, it is not all about getting the certificate but about going through the university and allowing the institution to go through you”.

He advised the students not to disappoint their parents by focusing on their studies and making the best use of the opportunity to graduate with good grades.

Hon. Inegbebor further stated that he will discuss with the Hon speaker, RT. Hon Blessing Agbebaku to see how Edo State House could institute a prize for the best graduating student in the university.

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