Education

ASUU threaten to embark on indefinite strike

Published

3 years ago

February 9, 2022

ASUU threaten to embark on indefinite strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has re-emphasised its readiness to embark on industrial action should the Federal Government refuse to act fast before this Friday on meeting its lingering demands.

The union said its members had sacrificed so much for both the nation’s public university system and the country at large by denying themselves of desirable things due to them as being enjoyed by their colleagues elsewhere globally and now push to the wall and can no longer continue in that manner.

The Lagos Zone coordinator of ASUU, Dr Adelaja Odukoya, made this explanation on Tuesday at a media briefing held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka shortly after the ASUU branch of the university went around the university community to sensitise the students and other workers why they have no option to strike action at this time.

Lagos Zone comprises UNILAG; Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB); Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU), Ago Iwoye; Lagos State University(LASU) Ojo and the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode Ogun State and with all the leaders from the branches in attendance at the briefing.

Speaking further, Odukoya, who teaches at UNILAG said even though the strike was yet to be declared as declaration could only be made by the national leader after the National Executive Council (NEC) would have met this weekend, all that is at their table as of now concerning their unmet demands by the Federal Government pointed towards embarking on industrial action.

‘Officials initially offered to help but when the number of able-bodied citizens at the centre increased, they left us unattended to’

He said ASUU as a body and its members have tired of promises as President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had met ASUU leadership over the same issues multiple times from 2013 when the Memorandum of Action was signed by both parties to date including what prompted them to suspend their previous strikes within the period and with him making promises each occasion without anything tangible coming out of them.

He said his last promise to ASUU and on the pages of newspapers and television when some religious leaders visited him in the villa recently has no weight before them again as his government is not ready to do the needful except the union go on strike.

Odukoya said even though ASUU had many issues begging for attention from the government, four issues and all in their 2009 Agreement are pressing and must be attended to fast to avoid another round of total and comprehensive industrial action by members of the union nationwide.

He listed the issues to include signing and implementation of the Renegotiated 2009 FGN\ASUU Agreement, the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), stopping of the proliferation of state universities and adequate funding of the existing ones, as well as payment of their withheld salaries and the union check-off dues and giving promotion to deserving lecturers.

He said the union as part of its patriotic action had made a series of efforts at all levels and appeals at getting the government to address these issues that are threatening the industrial peace in the nation’s public universities particularly at this critical period, but all to no avail.

“So, we are disappointed that both the Federal and the state governments are not responding to our consistent appeals for a reason to bring about genuine transformation, driven by highly motivated human capital, in the education sector at all levels and that is why we won’t hesitate to go on strike should the government continue to refuse to honour the agreement between them,” Odukoya said.

Education

Breaking News: Less Than 48 Hours After ₦100 Million Endowment, Summit University Secures Full ICAN Accreditation for Accounting Programme

Published

3 weeks ago

April 24, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Breaking News: Less Than 48 Hours After ₦100 Million Endowment, Summit University Secures Full ICAN Accreditation for Accounting Programme

By: Michael Mike

In a momentous week for Summit University, Offa, the institution has recorded a double milestone that cements its position as a rising star in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. Less than 48 hours after receiving a transformative ₦100 million endowment from the Isiaq Family Foundation (IFF) to boost accounting education, the University has secured full accreditation for its Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Accounting programme from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

This landmark accreditation follows the recommendation of the Students’ Affairs Committee and was formally approved by the Council of the Institute, having confirmed that the University met all stipulated criteria for assessment. The next accreditation visit by ICAN is scheduled for the 2027/2028 academic session.

The announcement comes as a proud validation of the University’s commitment to academic and professional excellence. It confirms that the Accounting programme at Summit University has not only achieved national benchmarks but is poised to produce graduates who are fully equipped for global relevance in the dynamic world of finance and accounting.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, praised the timing and significance of the dual developments. “This is divine alignment. The recognition by ICAN, coming so soon after the extraordinary endowment by the Isiaq Family Foundation, sends a clear message that Summit University is on the path of greatness. These back-to-back milestones reinforce our resolve to deliver top-tier education and nurture future leaders in the accounting profession.”

Earlier this week, during the 11th Triennial Conference of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria held in Abeokuta, the Isiaq Family Foundation, led by Alhaji Kola Isiaq-Balogun, announced a ₦100 million endowment continue aimed at transforming accounting education at Summit University. The endowment includes annual scholarships for students, the establishment of a Professorial Chair in Accounting, a dedicated research grant, the development of an Accounting Technology Laboratory (AccTech Lab), and awards for the best graduating students. Provisions were also made for solar-powered energy and internet connectivity to support uninterrupted digital access for learning.

The dual developments have been hailed by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, founders of the University, as a testament to their vision of academic and moral excellence. They reflect not only the growing confidence in the University’s academic direction but also the power of collaboration between philanthropic vision and institutional ambition.

Summit University stands proud in this historic moment—propelled by a generous endowment and fortified by national accreditation—ready to shape the future of accounting education in Nigeria and beyond. As part of its unwavering commitment to producing industry- and community-fitted graduates, the University prioritises the acquisition of seven transformative skills that define its unique educational model.

These include proficiency in ICT and Artificial Intelligence, deep understanding of Financial Literacy, and the nurturing of Acadopreneurship—an innovative blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial thinking. Students are also grounded in history, heritage, and storytelling skills, empowered with knowledge in Clean and Renewable Energy, and cultivated to become responsible Global Citizens. Through this holistic approach, Summit University is not only building capable professionals but also shaping visionary leaders for national development and global relevance.

Breaking News: Less Than 48 Hours After ₦100 Million Endowment, Summit University Secures Full ICAN Accreditation for Accounting Programme

Education

UNIMAID Student Drowns in Gwange River, Another Rescued

Published

2 months ago

March 16, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

UNIMAID Student Drowns in Gwange River, Another Rescued

By: Zagazola Makama

A tragic drowning incident has claimed the life of a University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) student, while another was rescued after they went swimming at the Gwange River Bank in Maiduguri.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on March 14, 2025, around 7:00 p.m., when two UNIMAID students, identified as Abafras Abdiel from the Department of Forestry and Silas Sule from the Department of Geology, went to the Gwange River Bank behind ECWA Church for a swim.

While diving, both students drowned in the river, prompting an emergency response. A combined rescue team, including the police, divers, and fire service personnel, was immediately mobilized to the scene.

The rescue team managed to retrieve both victims and rushed them to the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri. While Abafras Abdiel was admitted for treatment, Silas Sule was unfortunately certified dead by doctors. His body has since been deposited at the hospital for autopsy and further investigations.

The authorities have urged students and residents to exercise caution when engaging in activities near water bodies, especially during the dry season, when river currents can be unpredictable.

UNIMAID Student Drowns in Gwange River, Another Rescued

Education

Federal University Gusau: A 300-level student died in a bandit’s den in Zamfara

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Federal University Gusau: A 300-level student died in a bandit’s den in Zamfara

By: Our Reporter

This is truly heartbreaking. Zarah Abubakar Shehu, a 21-year-old 300-level student at Federal University Gusau, was abducted along with her two siblings by bandits in the early hours of Sunday, November 3, 2024, from their home in the Damba area of Gusau, Zamfara State.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦35 million for their release. After much struggle, the family managed to gather ₦10 million, which the kidnappers agreed to accept. However, even after receiving the money, they still refused to release Zarah. Instead, they demanded four motorcycles (Boza) and four cartons of engine oil.

Zarah and her siblings spent four months in captivity. When all the items were finally gathered, the kidnappers’ leader was informed. He then called his men to check on the captives. To everyone’s horror, his men responded that only two children remained; one of them, Zarah, had passed away and had already been buried two days earlier.

Zarah was the only daughter of her mother, making her loss even more devastating. Her passing is not just a tragedy for her family but a heartbreaking reflection of the ongoing insecurity in Zamfara State and the pain that countless families endure.

Federal University Gusau: A 300-level student died in a bandit’s den in Zamfara