Online shopping: What Nigerians say

There is a gradual shift from the traditional market shopping to online shopping. And most Nigerians are cashing in on this. To meet the demands of the daily increase of online shoppers a number of companies have sprung up. They include; Jumia, Konga, Kaymu, DealDey, among others. But what is really the attraction of Nigerians to online shopping? The Nation spoke to a cross section of Nigerians on their preference for online shopping and quality of service;
Victoria Onuoha, Student
“I use Jumia; I like it because it offers a variety of goods which are quite affordable too. They also deliver their goods to customers on time. They provide an avenue for you to return stuff you have issues with.”
Oluwaseun Owolabi, Student
“I use online shopping malls but I don’t have any preference. I use anyone as long as they have what I want.”
Michael Bamidele, Student
“I like Jumia because they deliver products fast and they are efficient.”
Paul Akerele, Graphic Designer
“I use online shopping malls like Jumia, I do window shopping most times, though. The last time I wanted to get something from them, they didn’t have what I wanted.”
Faith Olisa, Teacher
“I’ve used Kong and DealDey. I prefer Konga because they always deliver the exact product I want and in good time, too. Some other online shopping malls merely apologise for the inconvenience caused by delivering substandard products.”
Tunde, Professional Artist
“I’ve used Jumia and Konga. I also use a variety of foreign online malls. I prefer Jumia because I feel it is more reliable. I have never had a cause to regret, return or complain about any of their products.”
Joseph Ode, Student
“I use online shopping malls very well. I use Konga and Jumia especially. Between the two, I think I prefer Konga because they have categories where you can either buy used or new products. You have to buy new stuff on Jumia. Konga gives me the opportunity to buy from a seller that has already used the product that wants to resell. Especially, when I don’t have money to buy new product. I also think the prices on Konga are cheaper than those on Jumia which are more expensive.”
Chukwuemeka Joseph, Student
“I use online markets and I prefer Konga because it is user friendly. It has a very easy interface. Products are also affordable. On Jumia, you have to buy strictly new products and the prices are not always accommodating. I think Konga is better. Also, the user interface is very easy to use, even a layman can use it. But Jumia’s website is complicated if you look at the graphics.”
Muiz Oreore, Student
“I prefer Jumia because they have quality products even if they are quite expensive, than other online shopping malls that sell less quality at cheaper rates. I like Jumia.”
Oboh Ann, Student
“I like Jumia. It’s popular and their goods are cheap.”
Onyeka Victoria Okorie, Student
“Well, I like V-connect deals. It’s an online shopping mall where you can get a lot of things. You can get kitchen wares, provisions, appliances, toiletries, you can get a number of things from them. They don’t deal in wears though. But you can get phones at cheaper rates. For everything you buy, there is a 10-20 per cent discount. You don’t purchase things at the normal price, but at a lower price. That’s a reason why I like them. They are also very efficient, they deliver quickly depending on what you buy. The delivery fee is also not expensive, if it’s not free. It’s usually between N200-400. You can also buy in bulk. Instead of leaving your house, you can purchase stuff from the convenience of your room with the tap of a few buttons.”
Simi Adeniji, Student
“I love shopping on Jumia. It’s a very good website for shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories and basically anything you need. They give you a list of prices and most times they have discounts.”
Gift Maduka, Student
“Jumia is a good place to shop. Their goods are very affordable and there are nice and durable stuffs to buy. Konga also sells nice stuffs. It all depends on what you really want. I’ll say they both serve the same purpose and they are both effective.”
Peter Ogunojemite, Student
“I like Jumia. It’s the only online shopping market I have used and I am satisfied with their services.”
Irene Nwachukwu, Student
“I use Jumia and DealDey. I prefer DealDey because there is always a discount on everything they sell. Their delivery is also fast.”
Anisiba Chisom, Student
“I like Jumia and Konga. I prefer Jumia because that’s where we buy most things we use at home (TV, Dispenser, Sound System).”
Peter Adewoye, Student
“I like Jumia, because of their advert. All of their adverts look very nice and interesting.”
Wale, Graduate
“I haven’t had any contact with any online shopping mall, this is because my younger sister recently had an experience which was painful. She wanted a tablet and she decided to get it from Konga. On the site, she saw details and all the accessories were complete. She booked for it and the process took a long time. They didn’t deliver it when she needed it. When they finally did, the accessories were not complete. That was when I decided that online marketing is nonsense. I don’t believe in it and I won’t do it.”
Okechukwu Stine Amadike, Student
“I prefer Konga. Their delivery is fast. They have good price rate.”
Abigail Essien, Student
“I love Kaymu. It’s very reliable.”
Yemi Boye
“I’ve used Jumia. I see a couple of things on Konga too. I like Jumia because the website is interactive and friendly. Konga is somehow cumbersome.”

Amber Rose to host D’banj’s 10th anniversary

All seems to be looking good for Nigerian Star singer and song-writer, D’banj as he is set to host his fans from all across the world at his 10th year anniversary this weekend.
In retrospect, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is capable of featuring many international artistes as he did during his koko concert in 2012.
Thus, American hip hop model and controversial actress Amber Levonchuck, professionally known as Amber Rose has taken to the social media to disclose her visit to Nigeria for the event.
The Philadelphia born fashion designer with a load of controversial photos of herself posted on different social media platforms, last weekend said on Twitter: “Lagos, Nigeria I’m coming to Turn Up with my Friend D’banj January 31st for His 10th year Anniversary Weekend!”
Rose, who also repeated the same declaration on her instagram, is to host the anniversary titled “10th Anniversary Movement” at Oceanview in Lagos, Nigeria.
Similarly, while some other artistes are yet to openly indicate interest to attend, Oritsefemi was quoted by an online platform as saying, “Can’t wait to see Amber Rose in Lagos”.
The post on Amber Rose’s twitter handle with a poster of the event generated about 1000 retweets and over 300 favourites.
In furtherance, D’banj replied on his official twitter handle to Amber Rose’s post saying: “LAGOS SHUTDOWN!!! @darealamberrose is going to be hosting our kick off party #10thanniversarymovement”.

10 things you didn’t know about my father – Halima Buhari

In an interview on Kayode Ogundamisi’s blog, Halima Buhari, daughter of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate speaks of her father.

What type of father is he?
· He is very realistic and tells you exactly how it is.
·He likes cracking jokes.
·He is very caring and sensitive to our feelings.
· He does not coerce us to do anything we don’t want to do.
· He is very understands unlike what people believe.
·He has a very soft side.
What type of grandfather is he?
·He cares a lot about his grandchildren and plays with them even more than he does with his own children.
·He is very fond of his grand children.
·He gives them all sorts of funny traditional names.
What kind of president will he be?
This is a democratic era, not 1983 – the military regime, so he will certainly be more tolerant and passionate about leading Nigeria and getting it out of every mess that it has seen, the corruption and insecurity which is making thousands of Nigerians lose their lives and is affecting everyone in one way or another.
He will tackle it and make sure he gets his job don
Link- VIDEO: The Buhari Nigerians Dont Know – Halima Buhari Speaks.

Pushing the frontiers of education

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Benue and Taraba states have visited secondary schools in their host communities to sensitise pupils on the need to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (NYSC, Makurdi) and PHILIP OKORODUDU (NYSC, Jalingo) report.
From the hinterland to the riverine areas, Corps members took education campaigns to schools in Benue State. Last Thursday, 10 members of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a Community Development Service (CDS) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), paddled a canoe for about 30 minutes to Bukuru Local Government Area  for educational mission at Binev Secondary School in Agwabi, a riverine village in the council.
Led by their president, Temidayo Adeyemi, the Corps members were received by Mrs Victoria Gbaa, the principal. They were in the school to sensitise pupils on Universal Primary Education, which is the second goal of the MDGs.
Addressing the pupils in the school hall, Ademola Oyinloye, one of the MDGs’ members, told them about the benefits of acquiring education. He advised them to develop passion for learning, saying only education could make them achieve their dreams of being future leaders.
He said: “We live in a century that is controlled by innovation and good ideas. Your role as youngsters is to create a future that you want to live in but this is possible only if you are educated. There is no limit to what you can achieve with sound education.”
Adeolu Oludeke and Airhe Esele  urged the pupils to take advantage of their age to explore the opportunities in learning.
Mrs Gbaa hailed the Corps members, describing the seminar as the best capacity building for the pupils.
Temidayo said the outreach was to fulfil the goals of MDGs to ensure the message got to the grassroots. “We will reach out to as many schools as possible in the state, not only in education but also in sustainable development,” he said.
In neighbouring Taraba State, another set of MDGs members also sensitised for pupils of Calvary Academy in Jalingo, the capital.
Welcoming the Corps members, Mr Dauda Sangore, the principal, told  the pupils that the academy was privileged to be chosen among the schools in the capital city.
The Corps members shared the success stories of MDGs with the pupils. Matthew Adeyeba, a graduate of Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY), said also thousands of youths in rural communities had benefitted from the exercise. He encouraged them to acquire skills that will make them employers.
Charles Odey, a graduate of Business Administration at the Federal Polytechnics, Bauchi, told the pupils that though some of the goals had been met, a lot still have been done. He enjoined the pupils to take their studies seriously.
Highlight of the event included an interactive session, where the pupils asked questions bordering on how to become MDGs ambassadors and  to choose career.
In his remark, the Taraba State MDGs president, Ifeanyi Obiamalu, a graduate of Economics at the Anambra State University, Uli (ANSU), thanked the school management for the opportunity to reach out to the pupils. He said education remained the only way young people could grow to become future leaders.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

The new era of Social media

Social media has become a newfound pastime for students and youths. Every minute, social media platforms are busy with discussions, which range from contemporary issues to trivialities. To engage in the discussion, many students are glued to their mobile phones to socialise with people in different parts of the world.
Nowadays, students spend more  on social media and this has got many wondering if they ever have time to focus on their studies with the same zeal they connect to social media.
Apart from wasting time, what students do on social media should  also be a concern to their guardians. Many engage in discussions that are not beneficial to them. Some use their activities on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter to disturb others in the library and classroom.
Social media, according to Wikipedia, is a social interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.
Over the years, social media has exposed students continuously to new ideas and offered chance to promote their creativity. Also, the ease and speed with which their pictures and videos can be uploaded has helped the youth to push their skills multimedia further.
Time spent on the new media has helped students develop more familiarity with computers and other electronic gadgets and has helped the young to hone their skills and interact instantly.
In the past, sourcing information on any issues or trending topics came with attendant stress, using the library. But, the advent of social media has made such exercise less stressful and almost instant. Education and other topical issues are discussed every hour on the social media. But in spite of its many positive sides, social media seems to be having negative impacts on education and morality.
In the last four years, results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) released by the regulatory body have been nothing short of a disappointment. According to statistics, 70 per cent of the pupils, who sat for WAEC examinations last year failed. Ditto, Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) results for last year, which had only 49 per cent of the candidates score above 200. Very poor!
It is easy to deduce from this mass failure that many students are no longer interested in academics and scholarship. All they read is update on trivial issues on social media. The trend in our schools today is that, majority of students care more about their activities on social media.
Going by the aforementioned, it is apt to say some of these students, even before graduating from secondary schools, embrace immoral acts, such as smoking, drinking and may engage in all kinds of criminal activities.
Social media’s negative impact on the youth has also been felt in professional institutions such as Nigerian Law School, which recently recorded mass failure. The reason for the woeful performance of the candidates who sat for the Bar examination was said to be their obsession with social media rather than study.
A worrying trend has been added to this phenomenon; some students now use social media to prop up what is called cyber bullying. This involves actions as posting uncomplimentary messages, photos and video online to tarnish the image of particular person. This action is intended to cause distress and or destroy the intended victims’ reputation.
There is also the overall effect on students’ ability to assimilate in classroom as many students rely on the accessibility of information on social media to provide answers to difficult question during examination. This reduces focus on learning and retaining information.
However, whatever might be the success of social media in their lives, young people must understand that they need to be addicted more to their academics than social media and resist the temptation of giving social media total attention. It is very important for students to realise they have to pay more attention to their academic pursuits.
Another good point to note is that, employers investigate applicants’ social networking profiles before granting interviews or acceptance. Anyone who uses social media negatively can be screened out. This is why students must constantly evaluate the content they are publishing online.
Those emulating famous celebrities by posting nude picture or videos on Instagram, a web based photo sharing application, must be aware that it may have serious consequence on them in the future.
Students should try and become conscious that, their use of social media is as important as studying their books. If they must socialise on social media, they must set time limit and put up educative contents that will help their future dreams.

Balikis just finished from Mass Comm., KWARA POLY

Maheeda condemns Fed Govt’s plan to ban porn websites

  

“Why naija sabi suffer themselves? Watin them love them de pretend. Is it me or hypocrisy is part of naija culture? Well.. Abeg make den ban porn for naija, I no live there. It will only make me bigger! I go change my name to Maheeda Holland,”
The above above statement was made by a  Nigerian singer, Caroline Sam, aka Maheeda, who has described the plan by the Federal Government to ban X-rated movies and porn websites in the country as hypocrisy. The self-acclaimed goddess of X voiced out on twitter.
The National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuk however on Sunday said that the Federal Government is planning to introduce a law that will ban and block all porn websites in the country.
Reacting to the report, Maheeda opined that hypocrisy is the reason why government would be planning to carry out such exercise.
Maheeda, who describes herself as a gospel singer, is notorious on the internet for always putting nude or near nude pictures. She recently claimed that she was offered N30million to act in a porn flick, an offer which she claimed to have turned down on the grounds that the money is too small.

Student group supports Buhari, Ambode

An alliance of Nigerian students under the aegis of APC Campus Connect has called on students and youths across the country to come out en masse and vote out the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government. They said the Federal Government had only brought them pains, hardship, suffering and unemployment.
Representatives of the group, which comprisesgraduates and undergraduates from Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and the University of Ibadan (UI), among others, visited the Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education, Fatai Olukoga at his office in Ikeja.
They declared their  support for APC’s Akinwunmi Ambode for governor and General Muhammadu Buhari for President in next month’s elections.
Opeyemi Eniola, who coordinates the group, said they were campaigning for a change for the better through APC.
Olukoga expressed delight about the youths’ initiative, saying: “What Nigeria needs now is a change from bad to good, from darkness to light and to achieve this, the electorate should wipe out PDP in governance in totality. Enough is enough and Mr. President should know that we are no fools”.
He chided President Goodluck Jonathan over what he called the insignificant reduction in petrol price from N97  to N87 per litre, saying it was merely a political gimmick and an insult on Nigerians.
Olukoga warned government not to take Nigerians for a fool with the hypocritical reduction which, according to him, came few weeks to the presidential elections.
He said: “The reduction is not proportional to the reduction in the prices of crude in the international market. In fact, if this administration is serious at all, the fuel price should be brought down to N67 per litre. From the foregoing, it is evident that the President, government and the PDP lack integrity because they talk from two sides of their mouth and I want to advise the electorate to be wary of any hypocritical carrot they dangle before them at this time.”

He promised me paradise, but all I got was hell!

KEL came back from work one day, looking very sad. When I asked him what the problem was, he was silent for sometime, not saying anything.
“Honey, what’s wrong? You have been so quiet since you came home. You barely answered my greeting,” I said when I followed him to the bedroom.
“There’s no problem,” he said brusquely, taking off his shirt and going into the bathroom. Later, after he had eaten and was relaxing in front of the TV he opened up a bit, stating that it was some issues he had in the office that was bothering him.
“We lost a huge IT contract to a rival company and my Chairman is mad at everybody,” he said.
“That’s too bad, dear. Don’t worry too much about it. I bet another one will come,” I said reassuringly. I went to sit besides him on the couch and cuddled up to him, placing my head on his shoulder.
“Thanks, love. I felt really bad because we put in so much effort for us to get the job, but all was in vain,” Kel stated glumly.
“As I said, everything will be alright. God will provide another one,” I said. We watched a popular soap opera on TV for a while before retiring to bed.
Due to the experience I had with my last pregnancy, I was very careful this time around. I avoided things that might pose as a risk such as doing strenuous things like the doctor advised.
That night in bed, when my husband reached for me, I pushed him away gently, giving the baby as an excuse. By then, I was about five months pregnant.
It did not go down well with Kel who grumbled about being denied his marital rights.
“This is the second time you are pushing me away this week. How long will you stop me from making love to you?” he said irritatingly.
“It’s for the sake of the baby, Kel. I don’t want to lose this one too,” I explained.
“Excuses, excuses! That’s all you ever give,” he grumbled. He turned his back on me and soon I could hear him snoring softly.
The contract
About three months later, I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when Kel came home from work. He was earlier than usual and I could see a glint in his eyes that he normally had when he had great news to tell.
It turned out his company was involved in a bidding for a contract with a major Telecoms outfit in the country.
“It’s the same company where your Uncle Thomas is a director,” he announced. Uncle Thomas was one of my late mother’s brothers. He was quite wealthy and had been very good to my siblings and I after our Mum’s death.
“That’s good. I pray you will win this one. God will use this contract to compensate for the last one you lost,” I prayed.
“Thanks for your prayers, dear. But we also need your Uncle’s support to facilitate things for us,” he said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
He shrugged.
“Well, since he is one of the directors, we could ask him to put in a word for my company; that will definitely give us an edge over our competitors,” he said.
I shook my head before stating:
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You know how Uncle Thomas is; he is a very strict and straight forward man and likes following the proper procedures when doing things especially when it comes to official matters. Remember what happened to Mike,” I stated. Mike was one of my brothers who had applied for a job in my Uncle’s company along with other applicants to fill some vacancies. Despite Uncle Thomas’s position in the company, Mike did not get the job, much to his annoyance. Later, on being asked why his nephew had failed to secure the job, my uncle had explained that he did not perform up to the required standard the company demanded.
‘The fact that he is my nephew is not an automatic license for his getting a job in the company. He failed in the interview. Period,’ he had told me back then.
“So, dear, I don’t think you should put too much hope on my uncle for his assistance. The best thing is to ensure your company puts in a strong bid and with luck on your side, you will win the contract,” I said.
But Kel still persisted on going through Uncle Thomas, stating that the contract was too important to leave to chance.
“We really need to win this contract. The Chairman has given us a mandate to do all it takes to win it and if that includes seeing your uncle over it, then we have to do that. He has even promised to make me the M.D of the company if we clinch the contract. You know the present M.D will be leaving us soon. So, dear, let’s meet Uncle Thomas, ok?”
I was still not convinced but not to make it look as if I did not want to help, I conceded to his demand.
***
As I had predicted, Uncle Thomas was unwilling to involve himself in the bidding process, stating ethical reasons.
“We have foreign affiliations and our bidding process follows the high standards of our foreign partners. So, I cannot influence it. Besides, I believe in fairplay for all the parties involved in the bid. Jessica, you should have explained the situation to your husband, that it’s something I can’t do. If you are lucky to win the bid, then I can help with facilitating payment of the money or anything to do with the execution of the contract. But till then, all I can do is wish you goodluck,” he said with finality.
Kel was unhappy with my Uncle’s stance, believing it was selfish on his part not to assist him, his niece’s husband.
I tried to pacify him, stating that his company might get the job considering the strong bid they had put in. Unfortunately, my optimism was misplaced. Kel’s company lost the bid to a rival. That evening when he came home from work, he looked furious and barely acknowledged my greeting on entering the house.
He blamed the loss of the contract on my uncle, pointing out that if he had put in a little effort on his behalf, the contract would have been theirs.
“Your Uncle is such a wicked person. A simple thing to do to help a family member is too much for him. What kind of man is that? Selfish bastard!” he stated angrily.
I took exception to his calling my uncle names over a matter that he had no control over and when I told Kel that, he got even angrier. This led to a full blown quarrel between us, one of the biggest quarrels since our marriage.
“Stop blaming my Uncle for your failure! There was nothing he could do about the bid and he explained it to you. The man is innocent. And stop calling him names! He’s not your mate, remember?” I said equally angry.
“So, are you now calling me a failure? How dare you!” he shouted at me. He then slapped me and grabbed my neck in a vice choke. I tried to scream, struggling to extricate myself from his grip but it was nearly impossible as he was much stronger than me.
Then, abruptly, he flung me against the wall and I slid to the floor. I must have fainted for when I woke up, I was in…
To be continued…

What next? Details next Saturday!
We welcome comments/suggestions from readers. All correspondence should be sent to 08023201831(sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com
Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica, her husband and other individuals in the story.
Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica and other individuals in the story.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

Congress’ outcome causes stir at institute at NIJ

NIJ

 

They all demanded a congress but students of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos were not happy with the outcome of the meeting, held on the institution’s campus on Thursday.
The congress was called by members of Student Representatives’ Congress (SRC), following a growing discontent among the students over certain policies of the management. But, those who turned up at the meeting said the absence of majority of the students cast doubt on the necessity of the congress.
The SRC Chairman, Dayo Oladiti, implored those at the congress to express their minds on what they felt should be changed in the school. He listed areas of interest to the attendees where they may ask questions.
He said questions that could not be answered would be relayed to the management for clarification. Oladiti addressed some of the grievances of the students, including N5,000 penalty for late registration, unhygienic cafeteria, high school fee and additional charges for medical test, among others.
Despite the explanation by the SRC leaders, students still felt the congress was not properly constituted because opinions of majority were not taken.
A student, Paul Samuel, said: “The congress is a complete nonsense, because majority of students were not present, especially the part-time and Higher National Diploma students.”
A student, who did not give his name, said: “The congress is not properly called because every issue we discussed there won’t be referred to the management and those that will be referred would have been manipulated on the way.”
Arafat Sadiq said although it was good for students to meet on challenges they face but urged the SRC to ensure a majority are carried along.

Open letter to President Jonathan_Kelechi Amokoh

Sir, let me begin by informing you that recent happenings in the country give me a reason to worry. I believe you would spare time to read this, especially at a time when you have engaged in political campaign in preparation for the next month’s general elections. My president, this letter is simply from a concerned youth who sees light even as darkness pervades everywhere. I am a staunch believer in the transformation of Nigeria from its present state. Our country, which you are highly favoured to lead, is endowed in human and natural resources and as such, it needs good leader to harness these potentials.
As you continue your re-election campaign across the country, I will highlight some of my observations. Your campaign train indeed struck the right chord by starting off in Lagos penultimate Thursday. First was your choice of Tafawa Balewa Square as against the National Stadium. Indeed the crowd was massive and your party bigwigs attended. They spoke with unmatched enthusiasm and it was hard to dispel the logic of their rhetoric.
You said at the campaign: “Today, I am going to address only a segment of the Nigerian population. I am going to address the people who are voting for the first time, those of you who will attain 18 years this year….I do not want to address old people like me, because we are spent already and I will crave your indulgence Nigerian youths, those of you who are here, and those of you watching us at home, listen to what I am saying.”
These were your words at the start of your campaign. I commend you for your foresight. Indeed, this shows your interest in the youths of this nation. As you spoke, I listened with rapt attention to hear my president highlighting his plans for the youths and the nation.
But, your descent into a personal attack negated your intention and I found it rather unacceptable that you said these words: “…somebody who wakes up and tells young people of 23 years old that he wants to fight insecurity. Ask him when he was the head of government, did he buy one rifle for Nigerian soldiers.” This is an unnecessary diversion from issues.
Indeed, the president elected in 2011 was one who had no shoes, rode on emotional appeal and good name getting above 22 million votes. Coming out in 2015 requires more of tact, grounded articulations of achievement and policies.
You are not the first whose second term bid raised some challenges from the opposition. Barack Obama faced the same issue after his inspiring “Yes We Can” campaign in 2008. His re-election bid in 2012 was not a stroll in the park but for the inspiring speech delivered by his predecessor, George Bush, the Republicans might have carried the day.
Yes, you might not be the best orator like America’s Obama but indeed you were short of your meek disposition that has endeared me to your personality. I saw a president who was all out to shame detractors from the “change” camp. I saw the attacks targeted at the opposition leaving little time for the marshalling of the transformation agenda strategies.
I expected my president to boldly speak from the rostrum without attacking anyone. I do not expect my president to sink low and fight dirty with words. It will only place you on the same level with unlettered barbarians. You are a learned man with a PhD from a reputable institution and I trust your intellectual capability.
I know how you feel when your administration is rubbished with words of mouth. There is every tendency to defend attack, bite and roar in defence but indeed in quietness and confidence lays your strength. These have been your selling point from inception.
I therefore urge, as you continue your campaign, Nigerians prefer to hear their cool, calm and composed president speak on consolidation strategies if you eventually win on February 14. I desire to hear how you intend to improve in areas you did not match up.
During your tenure, the power sector experienced changes but the needed transformation is yet to be enjoyed by the masses. How do you intend to build on the current megawatts of electricity?
The agriculture sector with the technocrat in charge really performed yet there are major issues as to why the nation is yet to reap from this viable sector rather than oil. What are the other viable areas the economy of the nation can thrive on?
Unemployment is on the rise despite the YOUWIN and other youth-related initiatives. How well is your strategy to take the young people off the streets and engage them productively?
The Nigeria “beyond-oil” is here. How well is the government of 2015-2019 ensuring the nation suffers no loss as the economy diversifies? We have been told to fasten our belt for this year’s hardship yet we have no commensurate measure from the president.
“Corruption is not stealing,” my President was quoted as peddling such spooky theory. No matter the definition, what is not good is not good. How well will my president be man enough to call the bluff of corrupt officials wagging their tails at the corridor of power? Placing them in crates might not be the solution but which solution are you planning?
Mr President, all I ask from you is to remember your promise during the inauguration of the presidential campaign organisation that you will “flaunt our achievements in all parts of the country, tell the story of what we have achieved and let the facts and the figures be heard in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.”
I am sure somebody provoked you that day. Forget the past, enter action with boldness as you tell Nigerians what you have done and intend to do if they give you the mandate again come February 14.
•Kelechi, 400-Level Mass Communication, UNILAG

UNN stops postgraduate courses over students’ protest

IT started as a peaceful demonstration  but there are fears it may not end that way. Last December, graduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State held rallies on the campus to reject what they called “outrageous” increment in their fees.
Following the protests and  meetings with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Benjamin Ozumba, that ended in deadlock, the university, last Friday, suspended all its post-graduate programmes indefinitely.
This means post-graduate diploma, Master’s and doctoral programmes have been put on hold.
It all started when the school raised post-graduate programmes fees from N69,000 to N145,000. The students, through their spokesperson, Paul Haaga, condemned the hike, describing it as outrageous.
Haaga said: “We are not against any increment, but it should be reasonable. It is irresponsible to increase fee within nine months from N68, 700 to N145,000 for Sciences, N135,000 for Arts and N32,000 as hostel accommodation, including N2,000 maintenance and N25,000  acceptance fees. Where do they expect us to get that kind of money? I do not think it is a crime for one to further his education in UNN.”
A N20,000 reduction to placate the students was rejected. They are insisting on reverting to the old fee. The school suspensed the graduate programmes when it could not reach an agreement with the students.
It directed the graduate students to vacate their hostels immediately, warning them against destroying properties.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Okwu Omeaku, said the “urgent” decision was taken to avert public disturbance.
The statement reads: “In view of the on-going impasse resulting in the undue post-graduate students’ restiveness, management has directed immediate suspension of all post-graduate programmes till further notice. Students in this category of programme are then directed to vacate their hostels not later than 6 pm today, Friday January 16, 2015. All concerned should please comply to avoid unpleasant consequences.”
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the management copied the area command of the police and army. But the students condemned the decision and their ejection from their hostels. They described the action as harsh and ill-thought.
On Saturday, university officials moved round the post-graduate hostels to effect the order. The students were ejected from their rooms, with some prevented from taking their personal effects.
Some female students, with nowhere to stay in town, described the action as unfortunate. The management, they said, should have given them some days to arrange for their journey back home.
During the ejection,   CAMPUSLIFE sawuniversity officials throwing out some students’ properties. Some students left peacefully, dragging their bags to motor parks. Those unable  to travel on Saturday passed the night outside the sealed hostels. Some set up  stoves outside to cook.
Mr Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, a post-graduate student at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, said he was shocked by the action. “What we demand is the school fees reduction. We are not asking for improvement in teaching materials across a faculties for the students. We are not complaining about the attitudes of project supervisors who keep students beyond the stipulated period of graduation. We only want a stop to exploitation by the management, but they responded by suspending the programmes. They are throwing away the baby with the bath water,” he said.
Last week, the students wrote a joint letter to the management to demand a reduction in their fees, comparing post-graduate tuitions in notable federal varsities with  UNN’s.
The students said their counterparts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital pay N88,000 for the first 12 months and N44,000 in the subsequent session.
At the University of Ibadan (UI), the students said their colleagues pay N104,000 for doctoral degree in the first year and N54,350 in the returning session. Master’s students in UI, according to them, pay N92,000 in their first year and N44,350 in the returning session.
In the letter, the UNN students said they had presented the fees being paid in other federal schools to Prof Ozumba, but said the management was adamant in reducing the high fees in UNN.
The letter titled: Delay in the reversal of unconscionable hike in postgraduate fees, reads: “Mr. Vice-Chancellor, we presented you with facts and figures about tuitions in other federal universities in Nigeria, which show that the UNN postgraduate programmes, particularly school fees, is not student-friendly.
“Mr. Vice Chancellor sir, we find retrogressive and suppressive the favourable disposition of your administration to foreign postgraduate students at the detriment of Nigerian citizens in their own country. While the fees paid by foreign students were reduced, Nigerians are asked to pay astronomical fee increased by over 100 per cent. This favouritism is not only unacceptable to us but also condemnable.
“Once again, we strongly advise that since the administration is in the process of reviewing the structure of postgraduate programme to bring it at par with best practices in other universities, the review of the fees should be included. We demand total and unconditional reversal to N75,000 for new students and N68,700 for returning students.”
The students demanded freedom to constitute the Post-graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) as their mouthpiece. They also demanded reduction in the length of time of their programmes and the period of project submission. They want improvement in the productivity of aged professors on contract in the university.
When CAMPUSLIFE visited the office of the Dean, Post-Graduate School, on Monday, a non-teaching official, who did not mention his name, said the dean was not in.
He directed our correspondent to  the PRO. At the time of this report, Omeaku did not pick calls from our reporter.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

IMSU students urge govt to come to their rescue

It is the only exit route through which residents of Mbonu Ojike community can access the Imo State University (IMSU). But this shortcut to the university’s rear exit gate has become a criminal’s den. Since erosion washed away part of the road five years ago, it became a nightmare for residents. It is covered with bush and refuse, making it impassable.
Students who live in Mbonu Ojike are worried about the state of the road, which also connects IMSU Primary School with the neighbourhood. Motorists, who used to ply the route, are not happy with its condition.
Following the years of neglect, criminals are cashing on it to wreak havoc on people. During the day and at night, hoodlums dispossess passers-by of their personal effects, including money and mobile phones.
The Mbonu Ojike road is water-logged because of the overflow of Lake Nwaebere, which extends into the university. Since there is no drainage, the water gets to the university rear gate, worsening the condition of the road.
To make the route passable, members of the community constructed a wooden bridge through the bush path. Students and other commuters ply the structure to get to the school. But, the wooden bridge is fragile and users fear that it could collapse.
Because of criminals’ atrocities, students and residents have cried to the  university and the government to come to their rescue. They are demanding the clearing and rehabilitation of the road.
A student, who identified himself as Chibuzor, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I cannot forget the sad experience I had with some boys at the IMSU Primary School gate. I was returning to the hostel with my friends when we were accosted by the boys. They took our phones and money. I was shocked because the incident happened in broad daylight.”
A medical student, Chinwe Alakwe, said she had stopped going to the campus through the rear gate after she was robbed with her colleagues during a football match in the primary school. She said: “It happened like a joke. We were on the field playing inter-departmental football match when we noticed the arrival of a group of buys. Before we knew what was going on, they started collecting our phones. It was a sad experience I cannot forget. I stopped going towards that part of the university after the incident.”
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the university management had made efforts to check the robberies at the gate. With the measure, some students said the attacks have reduced, but still want the management to make the area passable.
Victor Igiri, a 400-Level Optometry student, said: “The Vice-Chancellor has improved security in the area. We did not hear many cases of phone snatching and harassment last semesters. On that, we are happy but we want the management to do more by stopping constant flooding of the area.”
Divine Israel, a 200-Level Agricultural Economics student, said there should be concerted effort by the university and the government to get the road repaired. “It is not enough to leave the burden on the university, rather, the state should direct the Ministry of Environment to see to the problem of flood. The university cannot do it alone; it needs the help of the state to rescue the university community from this problem,” he said.
To solve the erosion problem at the exit gate, students believe the government must intervene to end their nightmare. But, if help does not come in time, the students fear that the criminals hiding in the area spot could unleash more terror on the residents, including pupils of the primary school.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

Making meaning out of nothing

TITLE: Biblenomics: Before Adam Smith, there was…
AUTHOR: Bayo Sodade
PUBLISHER: The Book Company Limited
NO. OF PAGES: 138
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2014
Having an insightful, well-researched book on economic concepts,ethical values and management principles which stem from biblical precepts, depicts ingenuity as exhibited by Bayo Sodade in “Biblenomics: Before Adam Smith, there was…”
The book’s publication is a novel idea meticulously conceived through the in-depth knowledge of economics and the Bible, as Sodade deftly underscores modern thoughts in economics, finance and management, in comparison with biblical precepts, flawlessly referencing wisdom nuggets that drive home his points.
It is noteworthy that the Nigerian civil service is characterized by intellectually-gifted elements as the latest book obviously brings to fore the ingenuity of some of its practitioners, most especially, in economic planning, as personified by Sodade.
Having worked at the Lagos State Civil Service, where he garnered his wealth of experience in the area of budget, planning, finance and procurement for 31 years, Sodade has proven his mettle as a versatile economist with this unique presentation.
The author maximises his exploration of the Bible, showcasing a clear understanding of  its concepts, and establishing the fact that economic and management thoughts have their roots in the age-long spiritual book.
Divided into three chapters which explicitly define productivity, division of labour, conflict management, delegation of duties, integrity, nepotism, among others, the book corroborates each economic concept with references from the Bible, with the author copiously quoting the scriptures for clearer understanding.
Chapter one’s analysis is based on contemporary economic and management concepts in comparison with wisdom nuggets from the Bible; Chapter two seeks to identify the scriptural compass to financial success, while Chapter three deals with biblical stumbling blocks to financial success which must be avoided by individuals desirous of economic growth.
Sodade’s submission is that for every value system humanity places premium importance on, the ancient book provides the source. He infers that Adam Smith, whom the world believes to be the father of economics and the most influential thinker in the field, could have drawn his inspiration from the Bible.
“What is the connection between the Bible and Economics? Economics studies human behaviour as it relates to meeting unlimited needs from resources that are not only scarce, but also have alternative uses. The Bible was inspired by a benevolent God who understands human needs and provided divine guidance to prosperity. Our God cannot co-reign with poverty because He is the El-Shaddai-the All Sufficient God….,” he writes.
The author awakens reader’s conciousness as he convincingly establishes the nexus between economics, finance, management and the Bible, giving a road-map into living a successful and God-fearing life.
The book would be of tremendous value to Christians who strive for success in a corrupt-ridden world, and guide them towards its attainment.
“The Bible is a sword, arming the Christian for all earthly battles, including those of poverty and want,” the author stresses.
Having carved a niche as a reputable former facilitator in the Lagos State Treasure Training School, and the incumbent Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Sodade seeks to impact positively on the readers in this book.
Citing gossip, anxiety, pride, procrastination, greed, discrimination, corruption, dishonesty, hypocrisy and envy as some of the avoidable hindrances to success, he makes it crystal clear that the road to economic breakthrough is paved with a myriad of challenges which could deflate ambition and sentence the unwary to a perpetual state of misfortune.

Culled from Thenationonlineng

ASUU seeks protection for UniBen lecturers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law over the demolition of houses of lecturers. ASUU condemned the alleged violence on its members by agents of the state government,
Its president, Nasir Fagge, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, alleged that unidentified agents of the government, accompanied by some thugs, brutalised its members occupying university buildings, on which litigation was pending.
He said it was unbelievable that the governor could preside over a state where rather than providing homes for the people, legitimate owners were rendered homeless.
Appealing for police protection for its members, the ASUU president also urged Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law.

Do men prefer women with natural looks or those with makeup?

Do Nigerian men prefer women with natural looks or are they thrilled by and want their women to apply makeup to enhance their beauty?
Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) conducted vox pop on Friday in Abuja to seek the views of a cross section of men on this interesting topic.
Mr. Issac Mbah, a sales rep at a business cafe located in Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he does not have problem with his woman using makeup to enhance her beauty.
“I do not have problem with my woman choosing to wear makeup. If that is what she desires then it is okay with me,” he said.
Mr. Samuel Ikedebe, the owner of provisions store in Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he does not care about makeup.
“If my woman prefers her natural look, I am okay with it and if she likes makeup, I don’t have a problem with that,’’ he said.
On her part, Miss Cynthia Okonkwo, a makeup artist said she loves applying makeup.
“I am in love with makeup and I do not expect my man to tell me he prefers the natural look because it will cause a huge issue in our relationship.
“We women are generally drawn to applying makeup no matter how little. Therefore the option of being natural will be difficult for us,’’ she said.
Miss. Tolulope Adetayo, a student of University of Abuja told NAN that her boyfriend does not care if she applies makeup or go with her natural look.
“Honestly, my man does not care if I apply makeup or not.
“If we are going out, I apply a little makeup to ensure I look good; if makeup would help me look good, then why not,” she said.
Mr. Johnson Benson, a typist at Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he prefers his woman to be natural, adding that he does not like makeup.
“I love my woman to be natural because I do not like makeup generally,” he said

Culled from Thenationonlineng

Students advised on vocational skills

Chief Executive Officer of Suji Moto, Mr Sijibomi Ogundele has adviced Students to acquire skills that will make them self-reliant before their graduation from school.
Ogundele, who was in Lagos State University (LASU) spoke to graduating class of Mass Communication.
The entrepreneur, who spoke on how students could achieve success through the acquisition of vocational skills, said university degree should be an appetizer for students to harness their latent potential. Ogundele described himself as a strong believer in self-improvement, noting that university degree may not be accessible to everybody but adding value to one’s life should be paramount.
He said he became successful after he met Dr Sujimoto Koga, a Japanese, who he said saw great entrepreneurship potential in him and turned his life around. “He gave me an advice and took up the challenge to improve my life,” he said.
After establishing his business, Ogundele said he opened offices in Paris, Accra, Madrid, Dubai and Lagos. He described his life trajectory as the story of patience and perseverance.
He said: “As students, you don’t need many friends around you. You only need two or three valuable friends that would help you accomplish your goals. Jesus loved the world but chose just 12 disciples to enable him achieve his goals; he didn’t choose large population of friends. You need to become reasonable when it comes to your dream; you need the right people who can motivate you when you cannot motivate yourself.”
Ogundele added that he chose to stay at the top because the bottom was crowded. “The man who pushes himself beyond the limits and employs creativity is bound to achieve success at the end,” he said.
He told the students to have a philosophy that would make them succeed, stressing that success was a platform whose key anybody could possess.
He advised the students to count opinions of others as significant but never allow people who do not share their dream to dictate the direction of their lives.
Ogundele was recently featured in Forbes Africa as a young promising entrepreneur. His firm, Sujimoto, is into construction and real estate.

UNILAG NEWSUPDATE APPOINTMENT OF PROF. OGUNSOLA AS PROVOST, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

The Governing Council of the University of Lagos has ratified the renewal of the appointment of Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola as Provost of the College of Medicine for a second term of two (2) years with effect from January 1, 2015. The decision to ratify her re-appointment was taken at the December 16, 2014 meeting of the Governing Council. This followed Professor Ogunsola’s election, unopposed, by the Academic Staff of the College. Born on November 14, 1958, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola (nee Mabogunje) attended University of Ibadan Staff School from 1962 to 1964; Maryhill Convent School, Ibadan from 1965 to 1969 and Queens College, Yaba from 1970 to 1974. For her post secondary education, she attended University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Lagos University Teaching Hospital and College of Medicine, University of Wales, Cardiff. Her kitty of academic and professional qualifications include MB.CHB (June 1982), Masters Degree in Medical Microbiology (December 1990), Diploma in Biomedical Techniques, Doctoral Degree in Medical Microbiology (July 1998), Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College in Pathology (May, 1995) and West African College of Physicians (October, 1997). Professor Ogunsola joined the services of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos as Lecturer 1 in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology in November, 1995. She became a Senior Lecturer in October 1997; Associate Professor in October 2004 and Professor in October, 2008. Prior to her first appointment as Provost of the College of Medicine for a period of two years from January 1, 2013, Professor Ogunsola has served the University in different capacities. This includes Acting Head and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (August 2008 to July 2009 and August 2009 to July 2012); Chairman, Committee Revising Examination Regulation (2012); Deputy Director, Medilag Consult (2009 to 2010); Director, PEPFAR supported HIV Reference Laboratory in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) from 2004 to date and Infection Control Chairman of LUTH (2007 to date). She is a member of the University Senate as well as Committees and Boards such as University Health Centre Board (2012), Student Disciplinary Board (2011-date), Academic Board of Studies, College of Medicine (2004-2005 and 2008 to date), Central Research Laboratory Committee (2005 – date), Quality Assurance Committee of the School of Basic Medical Sciences (December 2008), Development Fund Committee (2004), Postgraduate Education Committee (2003-2004) and Animal Laboratory Center Committee (2002 to 2004). Outside the University of Lagos, the erudite scholar has served as External Examiner for MB.BS (Part II) Examination at the University of Port-Harcourt (2002-2005) and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (2007-2010) as well as Third Senate Member and Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Pathology at the National Postgraduate Medical College (May 2000 to 2002 and May 2002 to December 2007). In 2014, Professor Ogunsola played a pivotal role in the detection and control of Ebola in Nigeria. On December 11, 2014, she delivered a paper on Nigeria’s Response to the Ebola Outbreak at the Harvard School of Public Health, United States of America. Her presentation was applauded and well received by a large audience which included staff and students of the Institution. She reviews articles for the Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Journal of Medical Microbiology, West African Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Infection Control, Nigerian Medical Journal, Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, African Journal of Science and Medical Sciences and Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Medicine. Professor Ogunsola is a member of: Lagos University Medical Society, Association of Pathologists of Nigeria, Nigeria Medical Association, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Infection Control Association, Nigerian Venereal Diseases Association, European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, American Society for Microbiology and Infection Control African Network (Africa). Her social affiliations include President, Christ Morning Star Society – Anglican Church of the Ascension; Beacons Society – Cathedral of Our Saviours, Ijebu-Ode; Musical Society of Nigeria and Choir, Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi. Professor Ogunsola who enjoys singing classical music, watching plays and reading, is happily married and blessed with children.

2014/2015 HALL ALLOCATION EXERCISE: NOTICE TO ALL FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF UNILAG

Balloting for bed-spaces for final year students of the University of Lagos will hold on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at10.00 a.m. Only students that have fully registered for the 2014/2015 academic session as at January 12, 2015 areELIGIBLE to ballot. All sportsmen/women, physically/medically challenged students and scholars in FINAL YEAR that have registered are advised to participate in the exercise. GOOD LUCK.

2014/2015 FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES: IN-COURSE ASSESSMENTS/EXAMINATIONS AND PAYMENT OF FEES

The Governing Board of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) at its meeting of December 11, 2014 directed that the Foundation Schools of all the partnering and affiliating institutions must present at least three Continuous Assessment Results for consideration by the JUPEB Academic Board ahead of the final computation of each student’s final grade. As a result, the Foundation Programmes’ Assessment/Examinations will hold as follows: First In-course Assessment: February  7 -  13, 2015 First Semester Examination: February 23 – 28, 2015 Second In-course assessment: April 20 –  25, 2015 Second Semester Examination Mock JUPEB Exam: June 1 –  6, 2015 Final JUPEB Examination: June 16 - 29, 2015 All students of the UNILAG Foundation Programmes should note that: Only those who have paid their Medical Insurance, JUPEB and at least half of their tuition fees will be permitted to attend lectures from January 5, 2015. The remaining half of tuition fees must be paid on or before January 31, 2015. Staff-guarantors will not be permitted in 2014/2015 session due to the numerous problems encountered during the 2013/2014 session. Only students who have fully paid all fees will be issued biometric identity cards and allowed to participate in the first In-Course Assessment and subsequent examinations. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid on or before January 31, 2015  There is NO MAKE UP TEST/ASSESSMENT for In-course Assessment.

Not less than 1m candidates for 2015 JAMB

JAMB Public Relations Officer, Mr Fabian Benjamin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the board would be migrating all to computer-based mode of examination for the first time.

NAN reports that prior to this time, candidates have been writing either of the CBT as the Paper Pencil Test (PPT) or the Dual Based Test (DBT) mode of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to Benjamin, JAMB is impressed with the number of candidates that have registered for the March examination.
“I want to say that we are expecting no fewer than 1.4 million candidates that will be attempting the examination in all computer-based mode of examination, commencing from this year.

“We are also happy to announce that we also have enough centres that will match the number of candidates that will be writing the examination.

“We have gone round to all the centres to assess the level of preparedness of the centres we intend to use for the examination and that they have all met the standard.

“I can assure that JAMB is fully ready for take-off of the examination as all logistics to ensure a successful outcome of the examination are fully on ground.

“We urge candidates to be fully prepared, avail themselves of the opportunity of practising with the computer on their own.

“There is nothing strange about writing the examination through this mode and their normal telephone usage,” Benjamin said.

He urged public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to invest in CBT by way of building and equipping more centres.

The JAMB spokesman said that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and other examination bodies would soon be migrating to the computer-based examination mode soon.

“There is no going back on the issue of CBT for examination as a body, so we are optimistic that soon this will apply to other sister examination bodies.

“One thing we are currently excited about on our own as a board is that currently, we have commenced exporting the CBT technology for examination to other parts of the world.

“Recently, we were in Ghana where we educated them on the conduct of the CBT mode of our examination.

“The registrar had also visited other African countries and Europe to educate them on the conduct and success of this mode of examination and I think this is quite laudable,” Benjamin said.

Why I Terminate Payment Of WAEC Fees, Gov. Idris Wada

The astute Governor of Kogi State, Gov. Idris Wada disclosed to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the rationale on why the state government terminate the payment of West African Examination Council fees for students in the state was corruption. He said the officials inflated the fees from N270 million in 2012 when he assumed office to N500 million in 2015, pointing out that the resources of the state could not carry the burden. The governor, made this know in Lokoja on Monday at a meeting with political appointees, purported that some dubious and corrupt officials hijacked the project to enrich themselves and their cronies. Wada said that government would not hesitate to refund parents who presented evidence of payment of the fees for their wards. “I am convinced that the figure they are giving us was inflated and we cannot be throwing money away because we have a lot of developmental projects to execute. “It is unfortunate that people we entrusted turned around to manipulate instead of sere the people, we have looked into it and we are taking a major step to correct this sinful act,” he said..(NAN)

BSU 14th And 15th Combined Convocation Ceremonies Comes Up On 16th January, 2015

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity A. Angya, OON, FSONTA, on behalf of Senate, Staff and Students of Benue State University, invites the University Community, Graduands and the general public to the 14th and 15th Combined Convocation Ceremonies of the University scheduled as follows:

S/N	DATE	EVENT	TIME	VENUE
1.	Sunday, 11th January, 2015	Convocation Prayers	10.00 a.m.	Good News Chapel, Benue State University
2.	Tuesday, 13th January, 2015	Stakeholder’s Forum	10.00 a.m.	College of Health Sciences Auditorium
3.	Wednesday, 14th January, 2015	Vice-Chancellor’s Press Briefing	10.00 a.m.	Senate Chamber
4.	Thursday, 15th January, 2015	Convocation Play	7.00 p.m.	Theatre Arts Complex
5.	Friday, 16th January, 2015	Convocation Lecture   Vice-Chancellor’s Convocation Dinner	4.00 p.m.   7.00 p.m.	College of Health Sciences Auditorium   Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge
6.	Saturday, 17th January, 2015	Conferment of Bachelor’s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Degrees and  Honorary Degrees	9.00 a.m.	Convocation Square
7.	Sunday, 18th January, 2015	Thanksgiving Mass	10.00 a.m.	The Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, Benue State University

NOTICE TO ALL GRADUANDS

All Postgraduate graduands of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, Bachelor’s degree graduands of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 including Bachelor’s degree graduands of the Sandwich programme for the 2012/2013 academic sessions are to collect academic gowns and Order of Proceedings from the Secretary, Postgraduate School and Faculty Officers, as the case may be, on first-come-first-served basis, from Monday, 12thto Friday, 16thJanuary, 2015, on payment of N1,000.00 non-refundable fee at either First Bank of Nigeria Plc (Account No. 2005263046) or Zenith Bank Plc (Account No. 1010814162).

All academic gowns must be returned to the Secretary, Postgraduate School or Faculty Officers, as the case may be, at the close of the ceremonies on or before Thursday, 22nd January, 2015.

According to the school management, Late submission shall attract a surcharge of N200.00 per each day of default.

NYSC To Mobilise Corp Members In Two Batches

NYSC management informs the members of the public, especially prospective corps members, that due to some operational exigencies, corps members will be mobilised in only two batches this year: 2015 Batch ‘A’ and 2015 Batch ‘B’.

This is was made know to our correspondent by the Director of Press and Public Rela­tions in NYSC, Mrs. Bose Aderibigbe, in Abuja on Monday.

Mrs. Bose Aderibigbe also disclosed that the 2015 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course has been scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 5th May to Tuesday, 26th May 2015, and not in the month of March as it has always been in the previous years.

The statement which was signed by the Director of Press and Public Rela­tions in NYSC, Mrs. Bose Aderibigbe, and mailed to liveschoolnews.com.ng, said -“We wish to inform the general public, especially prospective corps members, that due to some operational exigencies, corps members will be mobilised in only two batches this year, i.e., 2015 Batch ‘A’ and 2015 Batch ‘B’.”

“Furthermore, the 2015 Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course has been scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 5th May to Tuesday, 26th May, 2015, and not in the month of March as obtained in the previous years,” it said.

As at the time of filing this report, The NYSC is yet to fix a date for the second batch of the exercise but urged prospective Corps members to check the NYSC website for details of the 2015 Batch ‘A’ Mobilization timetable and be guided accordingly.

- See more at: http://www.liveschoolnews.com.ng/nysc-to-mobilise-corp-members-in-two-batches-this-year-2015/#sthash.Pr5n0yE4.dpuf

Ekiti Poly workers protest, demand removal of Rector

The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti was on Monday shut down by protest staged by all workers’ union who demanded the removal of the Rector, Dr. Taiwo Akande, accusing her of embezzling a sum of N350 million unremitted cooperative funds.

The protesting workers who blocked the main entrance to the polytechnic to prevent access to the campus also accused the rector of illegal pension deductions from contract staff benefits “in flagrant disregard of the Polytechnic financial regulations.

The protest which commenced at 7.00 am was organised by the institution’s branches of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

Union leaders who addressed journalists and staff members also accused Mrs. Akande of autocratic tendencies, favouritism and nepotism in staff promotions saying the Polytechnic would remain closed until the rector is cleared of allegations of corruption by the Federal
Government.

The ASUP Chairman, Mr. Tunji Owoeye called on Education Minister Ibrahim Shekarau to order the Rector to step aside to allow unfettered investigation into the allegations of corruption levelled against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC).

ASUP boss further demanded Mrs. Akande’s sack for alleged “non-implementation of CONTISS 15 as directed by FG, non-remittance of staff contributions to cooperative societies, deduction of pension from contract and casual workers, non-refund of pension deduction, highhandedness in policy implementation, award of contracts without following due process and  over-employment.

He said, “The entire Polytechnic Community is tired of her administration and her leadership style. Several times she has tried to polarize institution and de-unionize us using different devices including divide and rule and tribal sentiments.

“Most recent is the use of new workers against the old which accounted for why she over-bloated the system with frivolous employments.

“As we speak now, CONTISS 15 is operational in all the Polytechnics in this country, except Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. She cajoled us in October, 2013, promising to start when the finances improve, but only to turn around and told us there was no such plan for us”.

Corroborating Owoeye, NASU chief Adekunle Adeniyi accused the Rector of placing workers of the same cadre in different grade levels based on fraternity with her, saying this had promoted acrimony among the workers.

He said, “We want the Federal Government to set up an investigation panel to investigate the activities of the current management. Pending that time, we appeal to the Minister of Education to suspend Dr Akande to prevent the investigations from being impeded.”

Mrs. Akande refuted all the allegations levelled against her by workers of having a hidden agenda advising them to wait for the outcome of the EFCC and ICPC investigations where they had petitioned on her alleged involvement in fraud.

Speaking through the Deputy Registrar (Information and Protocol), Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu the Rector, who said her administration has been transparent  in all its financial dealings, accused the workers of pursuing parochial and selfish agenda.

She accused the workers of acting arbitrarily by not following due process before embarking on indefinite strike urging them to toe the line of civility and embrace dialogue rather than confrontation that could affect the relative peace and co-existence in the institution.

Culled from Thenationonlineng