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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
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.
The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.
“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.
“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.
“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.
“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.
One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.
However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.
Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
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