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Address Long Standing Issues and Enjoy Uninterrupted University Activities”- Prof. Yakubu Ochefu implores Government
Address Long Standing Issues and Enjoy Uninterrupted University Activities”- Prof. Yakubu Ochefu implores Government
By: Michael Mike
A prominent academician and outgoing Secretary General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor Yakubu Ochefu has called Nigerian government to urgently address the longstanding issues facing the country’s university system and to clarify its vision for higher education in the country.
Ochefu, known for his expertise in educational policy and reform, emphasised the importance of tackling the challenges that have plagued the sector for years.
One of the key issues the respected academician said needs urgent attention is the ongoing dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government. He lamented that the rift, which has led to numerous strikes and disruptions in academic activities, has had a detrimental impact on the quality of education in Nigeria.
Ochefu stressed that developing specialized capacity should be the next phase in the Nigeria education philosophy. He said: “We are now in a phase whereby we have built capacity, in some cases excess capacity. So we have a case of what to do with the massification of university education in Nigeria, where we currently have about 2.6 million students enrolled in Nigerian universities, 1.7-1.8 million people take exams to enter Nigerian universities every year, and we are still using the thought process of the 80s to manage the whole situation; it doesn’t add up. So we need to go back and rethink.”
The don illustrated past and present events in the system. He said the lecturer who taught him in a class of 30 students. The students he taught who sat in a class of 150 students as well as their own students, who are his grand students, will be teaching a class of 300 students using the same methodology, which is ineffective.
“So part of what ASSU is saying is that we still used the same thought process, the funding, mechanism for education in the 80s. The last agreement was signed in the 1990s, nearly 30 years ago, so you cannot have that kind of thought process operating today and are still not willing to change it for something that will be a win-win for the federal government.
“So the government should be clear about what they want to do with universities. Now we have 63 federal universities, and state universities are slightly higher than this number, so they must rethink the entire philosophy of what they want to do with universities, and that is the only way they will be able to meet with the challenges raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions in the university system.”
However, the don stressed the need for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find lasting solutions to the underlying issues.
Address Long Standing Issues and Enjoy Uninterrupted University Activities”- Prof. Yakubu Ochefu implores Government
Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, felicitates the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, as he celebrates his 65th birthday.
Zulum, in a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, on Friday, extolled the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing it as exemplary.
Zulum was quoted as saying, “On behalf of the people and government of Borno State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your birthday. Your leadership in Nasarawa State has been an inspiration and your commitment to progress and development is commendable.”
He added, “As you celebrate this special day, may it be filled with joy, good health and continued success in your endeavours. Let us work towards a brighter future for our states and nation.”
Governor Zulum expresses gratitude to Allah (SWT) for Governor Sule’s good health and strength while urging him to remain steadfast in his values and services to the good people of Nasarawa State.
Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65
Zulum mourns death of Jigawa Gov’s mother, son
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Umar Namadi, over the tragic loss of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Umar Namadi, and his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi.
Governor Zulum, who is also the Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum, described the loss of two beloved family members within 24 hours as devastating and acknowledged it as the will of Almighty Allah.
“On behalf of the people of Borno State and the entire North East region, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency and the people of Jigawa State over the tragic loss of your beloved mother and son,” Governor Zulum stated.
He described as painful, losing both a mother and a son in such a short period and called for faith and resilience in the face of such trials.
“As Muslims, we believe that everything that happens, whether positive or otherwise, is destined by the Almighty,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum prayed Allah to grant the departed Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for strength and fortitude for Governor Namadi, his family, and the people of Jigawa State to bear the irreparable loss.
Borno Widows, Orphans Laud Gov Zulum Over Christmas Gifts
By Francis Okoye
Widows and orphans including less privileged in Maiduguri have lauded Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum for donating gift of N50,000 to over 250 of them for Christmas celebration.
The widows and orphans who were assembled on Tuesday, 24 December , at the pompomari area of Maiduguri, said the Governor’s benevolence has raised their hope of celebrating the festive period amid the economic crunch bedeveiling the citizens due to high cost of living.
Speaking, Maram Saleh who lost her husband four years ago, said she was thinking how she can even get some cups of rice and condiments for the Christmas before the Governor’s gesture came their way.
She therefore, lauded Governor Zulum for making the celebration a reality for so many of her kinds who are feeding from hand to mouth due to the loss of their bread winners, saying that she can now go home and celebrate the Christmas with her children with joy.
In the same sentiment, Patience Bitrus, a mother of five children who lost her husband at the pick of the Boko Haram insurgency, said her hope of celebrating the Christmas with members of her family was rekindled by the Governor’s benevolence.
” We are really grateful to Governor Zulum for coming to the aid of the widows and orphans especially, at this year’s Christmas when there is high cost of living and economic hardship. We will continue to pray for the Governor for more wisdom, good health and courage to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the citizens as he has been doing,” she said.
Also speaking, trio of Eunice Onwuchekwe , Sarah Hakila and Elizabeth Ani, expressed their joy over the Governor’s gesture describing it as one of the best gifts coming their way.
The Coordinator/ Zonal Chairman Ohanaeze All Progressives Congress ( APC ) , Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, commended Governor Zulum for coming to the aid of the widows, orphans and less with the Christmas gifts.
He noted that the Governor had been celebrating Christmas for the widows and orphans since 2020 to date with cash gifts, adding that 250 beneficiaries were targeted from benefiting from the gesture, but due to the harsh economic reality facing people of the country , more people turned up to benefit from the gesture. End
The Secretary of the Ohanaeze APC Support Group, Asiwaju Alabi , expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for providing free transport scheme to 710 non indigenes in the State to travel to their various States for the celebration of Christmas and new year with their loved ones, as well as the cash gifts to the widows and orphans in the State.
Borno Widows, Orphans Laud Gov Zulum Over Christmas Gifts
Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65
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Zulum mourns death of Jigawa Gov’s mother, son
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