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Numbers of Women in Politics, One Major Factor Holding Nigeria Back- Outgoing British High Commissioner

Numbers of Women in Politics, One Major Factor Holding Nigeria Back- Outgoing British High Commissioner
By: Michael Mike
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has condemned the chances the last rounds of elections gave to women to participate in politics in Nigeria.
She insisted that the numbers of women in politics in the country was one of the factors the country is held back.
Laing, speaking at a ceremony in Abuja to celebrate the newest Chevening alumni, said: “I have the highs and the lows in Nigeria. There is no place like Nigeria, it is always in my heart. One of my lows is the outcome of this election in terms of women participation, it was not good enough.

“Nigerian women are doing so good in all works of life but not just in politics, men are virtually everywhere in politics and not the women, this is holding the country back and this just has to change. I hope the incoming administration can do something about it.”
She noted that one of her highs in Nigeria is her experience with Nigerian art and culture, noting Nigerians are everywhere in the arts.
She explained that: “The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s prestigious International Scholarship scheme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Established in 1983, this programme runs in over 160 countries, as an important element of Britain’s public diplomacy effort. Young professionals with outstanding academic and leadership talents are given the opportunity to study for a one-year Master’s degree at any UK University of their choice, after which they are required to return to Nigeria to assist in further development of the country.
“Chevening Scholarships are therefore structured to create lasting positive relationships with Nigeria. For the most recent applications, 141 candidates are being interviewed across Nigeria out of 9800 plus applications received between August and November last year following a rigorous selection process in London. Over a 1,100 more applications from the previous year!
“There is no doubt that this group of Nigerians represent some of the brightest minds who will be empowered to lead change for present and future generations. A Chevening award costs £36,000 on average and partners are encouraged to contribute either half or quarter of this sum.”
She noted that: “This year, the British High Commission is keen to work with key Nigerian Individuals that are willing to work with the FCDO with the aim to increase the number of Chevening slots available to Nigeria. Organisations are able to enhance the value and brand of their programmes through association with the UK government’s flagship international scholarship scheme – leveraging the strong reputation and operational vehicle of Chevening with an aim to contribute to work force development through excellent education for national growth.”
Numbers of Women in Politics, One Major Factor Holding Nigeria Back- Outgoing British High Commissioner
News
Education: Zulum upgrades infrastructure, teachers’ welfare

Education: Zulum upgrades infrastructure, teachers’ welfare
… orders more high Islamic colleges, libraries
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, held a high-level meeting on Thursday with key stakeholders in the education sector to review current challenges and outline fresh directives for improving learning outcomes, infrastructure, and coordination across the state.
The meeting, chaired by the Governor at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri, brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation and heads of education boards, agencies, and institutions.
Zulum emphasised the synergy among all agencies in the education sector noting that with proper collaboration effective service delivery would be provided for the people of Borno.
Governor Zulum outlined a multifaceted plan to rejuvenate the education sector, which includes building houses for teachers, renovating dilapidated schools, providing professional development opportunities, and improving teachers’ access to resources.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, among other senior officials.
… orders more high Islamic colleges, libraries
Meanwhile, as part of his policy direction for the education sector, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has directed the establishment of additional High Islamic Colleges in some local government areas.
The High Islamic Colleges are designed to offer a wide range of programmes, including traditional Islamic studies, literacy and numeracy, modern sciences, and vocational training.
According to Zulum, the High Islamic Colleges were to ensure the integration of the non-formal education sector with formal education. He also affirmed that the colleges will teach basic literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills to Almajiri pupils and will provide a second chance for out-of-school children who have exceeded the enrollment age.
In addition, the governor directed the establishment of additional state libraries in Biu, southern Borno, and Monguno, in the northern part of the state.

“Deliberately, I upgraded the Maiduguri library, with the aim of establishing another one in Biu and one in Monguno in order to promote reading culture, which is fast eroding. I want you to rejuvenate the reading culture by ensuring the library is effective. But most importantly, apart from the physical books, let’s put a mechanism for e-books in place,” Zulum said.
Education: Zulum upgrades infrastructure, teachers’ welfare
News
Police arrest suspected gunrunners, recover eight firearms in Kaduna

Police arrest suspected gunrunners, recover eight firearms in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered a cache of locally made weapons.
According to sources, the detectives acting on credible intelligence stormed Kurmin Kogi Village and apprehended the suspects Isah Bello, and Sa’idu Haruna, both of Damdami Village, Richifa Ward, Soba LGA.
The sources said the suspects confessed to being in possession of firearms and led investigators to their hideout, where four locally made guns and four locally made pistols were recovered.
The sources added that the suspects are in custody as discreet investigations continue.
Police arrest suspected gunrunners, recover eight firearms in Kaduna
News
Man attacked with hoe over alleged affair in Gombe

Man attacked with hoe over alleged affair in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
Security personnel in Gombe have arrested a man for allegedly attacking another with a hoe over claims of adultery.
Sources told Zagazola Makama the incident occurred on Thursday at about 6:30 p.m. in Shongo Kagadama Village, Kwami Local Government Area, when one Musa Usman allegedly confronted Abdulmumini Misa, 38, accusing him of having an affair with his wife.
The suspect struck the victim on the head and injured his fingers on both hands, leaving him with serious wounds.
The victim was taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, where he is receiving treatment.
The sources say the suspect has been arrested and is under investigation.
Man attacked with hoe over alleged affair in Gombe
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