Wednesday, December 16, 2015
VP Osinbajo Reiterates Government's Commitment to Tertiary Education
Unlock Agricultural Potentials in your Domain - President Buhari Challenges OAU
The President, Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has challenged the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to unlock the nation's vast agricultural potentials by resuscitating the production of Cocoa and the variety of Soya Beans called the “Ife Brown” through more potent research in Agriculture. He stressed that doing so would not only provide the springboard for the nation's industrialisation, but bring back the contributions of the cash crop, Cocoa, that once supported the economy of the old Western Region, to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in the wake of the dwindling fortunes of the oil sector. Speaking, on Saturday, 12 Decemst ber, 2015, at the 41 Convocation of the University, the Visitor, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius A. Okojie, OON, said that the fate of Cocoa had happened to most other cash crops cultivated in Nigeria which, if revitalised as accomplished in rice production, would add to the resultant value chain. He also recalled that the “Yam Pounder” was researched and developed in OAU and reiterated the need to make Agriculture the backbone of the nation's economy. President Buhari noted the giant strides of OAU, hosting the first and best Faculty of Pharmacy in Nigeria and the tremendous progress in research into the management of Sickle Cell Anaemia as well as producing great Pharmacists like Prince Julius Adeluyi, a former Minister of Health. He raised concern on what had happened to some research results from the Institution, noting, however, that although the Bone Marrow Transplant procedure was providing promising results for the cure of the disease, other Nigerian universities have not emulated the Ife example. He added that as soon as the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme was finally approved, it would support the clinical management of prescribed medications. The President disclosed that the Ife Model for the training of medical doctors was now being revisited in the Nigerian University System (NUS) because the products of the University had excelled in many developed countries, with over 2,000 renowned physicians of various specialisations, some of whom had received mention by the US Congress, practicing in North America. He, particularly, commended the exploits of one of its product, Dr. Oluyemi Badero, a distinguished Nigerian Cardiologist in the USA and encouraged the country's experts in the diaspora to utilise the opportunities provided by the NUC’s Linkages with Experts and Academics in the Diaspora Scheme (LEADS), to assist the tertiary institutions on short term visits. The Visitor informed the Convocation that, while his Administration would continue to improve access, equity and quality in the NUS, he would place emphasis on infrastructure and teacher development, curriculum reform, relevance, funding and planning, in order to bring about the expected change in the nation's socio-economic, political, cultural and technological endeavours. He added that the Federal Government would also invest heavily in Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and skills development to meet the nation's middle level manpower needs and eventually promote national growth. The President noted that TVET would impart the necessary skills and competencies required by artisans, technicians and technologists as well as ensure that they were enterprising and self-reliant. The President also gave the assurance that Government would provide the necessary support for the 10 Centres of Excellence in the country one of which is being hosted by OAU; the Centre of Excellence in Software Engineering, to guarantee their sustainability. He implored the Institution to be at the vanguard of the nation's economic diversification through the establishment of Industrial Parks. He observed that the University could be the Silicon Valley of Nigeria with the harnessing of its Nigerian Museum of National History as well as other sites and facilities in and around Osun to promote research and tourism. He advised all universities to leverage on the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), an IT Platform that was domiciled in the NUC, being the only one that was in operation in West Africa, saying that it would encourage the development of West and Central African Regional Education Network (WACREN) for the sub-region.
President Buhari Reiterates Govt's Commitment to Job Creation
His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria |
The President, Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has reiterated his administration's commitment to making job creation a priority agenda for the teeming youths of the country. He stated this in his Keynote Address, with the theme, “Entrepreneurship for Development”, on Saturday, 12 December, 2015, at the Second Convocation Ceremony of the Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna, where he was the Special Guest of Honour. President Buhari stressed that his administration would support all efforts aimed at creating more jobs by the re-orientation of Nigerian youths on Entrepreneurship which, he said, was a potent tool for the attainment of the Federal Government's objectives of improved security and poverty reduction. In his words, “This administration will ensure that youths in the country are gainfully employed and youth restiveness curtailed. One of the focal points of this administration is job creation. Job creation will help in the achievement of other objectives of the Government such as poverty reduction and security,which are some of the challenges this administration is confronted with. Insecurity cannot be divorced from unemployment and poverty because an idle mind, they say, is the devil's workshop.” The President observed that with declining revenue due to the fall in the price of crude oil, it was necessary to seek for alternative sources of revenue by diversifying the economy. According to him, “One of the ways we can achieve this is through the reorientation of our youths towards an entrepreneurial mindset. We must, therefore, promote and enhance the teaching and learning of entrepreneurial skills in all schools and tertiary institutions, thereby exposing our youths to the basics and rudiments of starting and sustaining their own businesses”. To enable the youths contribute meaningfully to the nation's economy, President Buhari promised that his administration would sustain and improve the on-going programmes by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry (BoI), the Bank of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, to grant them start-up loans at concessionary rates. He also called on the private sector to support Government's efforts to boost youth entrepreneurship and the development of micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the country, adding that it was in a bid to address youth unemployment, that the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), made it mandatory for all universities to teach entrepreneurship skills, so that graduates could become jobcreators rather than job-seekers. In his address, the Visitor and Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa'i, while eulogising the successes of the Institution so far recorded in the area of Entrepreneurship, gave the assurance that the State Government would continue to support all the stateowned tertiary institutions by increasing their annual grants and employing additional staff. Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Barnabas Quirix, disclosed that out of the 4,000 graduands, 38 bagged First Class in various disciplines, adding that the Ceremony was a combined Convocation from 2012 to 2015 sessions. He charged the graduands to be focused in their future endeavours and to be good ambassadors of the Institution, adding that KASU had continued to strive for excellence in all its activities. The highlight of the Convocation was the conferment of honourary doctorate degrees on President Buhari, Mall. El-Rufai and Alh. Aliko Dangote.
Friday, December 4, 2015
NANS condemns senate threat on social media
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, condemn in totality the unusual rapid readings and debate in which the bill to jail social media users got from the Nigerian senate of the 8th National Assembly within a week, where we have pending volatile issues turning the nation down that needs their urgent attentions as stakeholder.With the decision of the senate to have allow for reading and referring to committee of ethics and privilege, a bill which infringe on the right and freedom of information of Nigerian masses, it has exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian senate to an unpardonable ridicule that they are not representing their people but themselves, because how would our senators who reside mostly in FCT source for information and gather opinions to provide solution on national issues from all nooks and crannies of the country if not through social media facts and fallacy.
It is also noteworthy to state that NANS considers the Nigeria senate threat on social media users as a fraudulent attempt to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and freedom of expressions in any form. They wish to deny the masses of access to information which is a prerequisite for transparency and accountability of governments, security awareness and as safeguarding citizens against mismanagement, crimes and corruption.
Social media, a fastest means of interaction, remains the last hope of the less privilege in communicating their ideas, needs and grievances to most of our leaders that are not accessible. Also, Nigerian students concern as the bedrock of this nation’s development and highest rated user of social media, emanated from the fact that most of our distinguished senators cannot rid their camps of social media propaganda as it’s the source of their political popularity, yet they feel so eager to suggest two (2) years jail term or N4m fine for social media users who passes information which they as law makers may term as false.
The nation is battling with security challenges and many more, where lays the hope and aspiration of the masses when our Senators are yet to pass a bill stipulating increase in years of jail term of corrupt people who siphoned the nations fund with a corresponding increase in the amount of money embezzled.
We know that the law is like cobweb, too strong to catch the weak but too weak to catch the strong, therefore NANS uses this medium to appeal to all distinguish senators of Federal Republic of Nigeria to please place our collective national interest above their self-interest in making decisions to govern this country. It is on this note, that we are emphatically stating that any attempt by the Senate to pass the bill on jailing social media users, then they should be prepared to face the wrath of the Nigerian students through maximum protest to the National Assembly.
Signed: Comrade Ogunkuade Oluwatosin
NANS Vice President External
FOR: National Association of Nigerian Students’
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
I’ll improve standard of education in Nigeria —Minister
UNN students cry out over 'mandatory' N70,000 laptop fee
Students said that this new policy is making education so difficult for the poor, as with this policy, many students would now be paying close to N200,000 in a federal university per session.
The students are calling the new Education Minister to call the vice chancellor to order..that laptop ownership should be a choice and not mandatory
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Technology
Japan's first commercial jet in 50 years made its maiden flight today, in a breakthrough for the country's long-held ambition to establish an aircraft industry that can compete with some of the major players in global aviation.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
General News
UPDATES:
• President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected names of nominees for ministerial appointments submitted by the leader of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu.
• The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, has condemned the recent twin suicide bombing attacks in Kuje and Nyanya areas of the FCT.
• Senate Unveils President Muhammadu Buhari’s Ministerial List Today http://t.co/zcLlyBywdz
• Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, Names Usman Durkwa As Deputy Governor http://t.co/cB5kJzpk7U
• Boko Haram Sect Loyal To ISIS Claim Responsibility For Kuje And Nyanya Bomb Blasts http://t.co/D44UNTtabT
• Identities Of Four Others Arrested Alongside Dieziani Alison In The UK Revealed: http://grt.me/43Q7s
• UK Court Orders Seizure Of £27,000 Cash Found On Dieziani Alison: http://grt.me/7jQcD
• Aliko Dangote Says President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War Is Good For Business. Listed Amongst World's Most Influential: http://t.co/q58PBiJ0dj
• Mild Drama At Gwarinpa As ABUJA Police Forcefully Apprehend 2 Girls On Hijab Suspected To Be Suicide Bombers http://t.co/yuBtKzxpgE
• www.nucbulletin.blogspot.com
Invitation to Participate/Exhibit at the 4 Nigeria Bio-Summit
ES tasks Education Experts to Address Nigeria's Needs
The Executive Secretary, NUC Professor Julius A. Okojie |
L-R: The Guest Lecturer, Professor Daniel Denga; Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, Professor James Ekpoke; Professor Essien and Dean of Faculty of Education, Professor Florence Banku Obi |
NgREN Reiterates Commitment to WACREN
Participants undergoing training on the use of the NgREN facilities at the Workshop |
Fourteen-Step Process for the Establishment of Private Universities in Nigeria
The National Universities Commission (NUC), wishes toannounce to the general public, especially prospectivepromoters of private universities, the fourteen-step procedurefor establishing private universities in Nigeria.
1. Application in writing stating the intent for the establishment of the university
2. Interview of prospective proprietors
3. Collection of application forms
4. Submission of application forms and relevant documents
5. Intensive review/analysis of documents by experts in relevant NUC departments
6. Revision of documents by proprietors, based on report of SCOPU
7. Interactive meeting of SCOPU with the proposed university
8. First site assessment visit
9. Finalisation of document
10. Second (final) site assessment visit
11. Security screening of proprietors and Board of Trustees
12. Approval by NUC Management
13. Approval by NUC Board
14. Approval by FEC
Monday, October 5, 2015
News Update
NEWS UPDATES:
• The Jonathan Government has revealed that Ex-President Jonathan spent only N333million in 3years for Independence Celebrations, not N64billion.
• The NNPC Retail Limited has filed a legal action before a Federal High Court in ABUJA against two oil firms over trademark infringement.
• Over 97% of Capital Market Operators (CMOs) have complied with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recapitalization deadline.
• Jubril Baba-Ali has emerged the overall winner of the 2015 Independence Golf Tournament which held at the IBB Golf Course in ABUJA, this month.
• NLC said security agencies should not limit their investigation to Boko Haram only, as Niger-Delta militants threaten to resume attacks.
• At least 10 people were killed in multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, residents has said.
• United States To Donate $2.3billion To Nigeria For Poverty Alleviation http://t.co/DoN2ilWEmG
• FCTA Says It Will Foot The Medical Bills For All ABUJA Bomb Blasts Victims http://t.co/u5wi5HVYYT
• That special #METROBAKERY cake, unique design, sumptuous taste and amazingly affordable. Order now Pin:5339B2FE 08023457703
• The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Wants President Muhammadu Buhari To Expose Boko Haram Sponsors http://t.co/HgQ5bLKkxx"
• Liverpool FC Manager, Brendan Rodgers, Sacked With Immediate Effect http://t.co/oZOm7UDuTI
• Baze University, ABUJA, Graduates 212 Students http://t.co/Sj3ojkRUtW
• Unique Inventions That Gave ABUJA Int’l Trade Fair A Definition http://t.co/IM3m5577i4
Friday, October 2, 2015
News Update
NEWS:
• The Jigawa State Police Commissioner, Usman Tilli, has been accused of pocketing allowances meant for fighting Boko Haram terrorists.
• The University of ABUJA has expressed its willingness to partner with any potential investor in the establishment of indigenous fermentation industry.
• The Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that the ministerial list envelope will remain sealed and will be opened before the plenary on Tuesday.
• Over 250+ Golfers Compete At The Independence Day Golf Competition 2015 http://t.co/z7vkhNxior
• The Story Of Queen Of Aso 2015 Beauty Pageant http://t.co/pJ2MK7XPJF
• Suicide Bombers Carry Out Multiple Attacks In Maiduguri, Borno State: http://grt.me/oWyoa
• Flights Disrupted After Electricity Firm Disconnects ABUJA Airport: http://grt.me/GFNN3
• The New Set Of Terrorists In ABUJA And How They Destroy The City. Read About Them: http://t.co/nOX8lL49B3
• “FCT Residents Deserve To Have A Representative In Buhari’s Administration”: http://grt.me/gQsvJ
Www.nucbulletin.blogspot.com
EU Delegation Seeks Collaboration with NUC
NUC Management with the delegation, during the courtesy visit |
Professor Okojie with some members of NUC Management and the EU delegation |
IBM Offers Varsities Innovative ICT Software
Strong African Institutions Would Guarantee Quality in Higher Education- Prof. Okojie
Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education(FME) Hajia Hindatu Umar Abdullahi |
The Executive Secretary, NUC Professor Julius A. Okojie |
The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius A. Okojie, OON, has expressed optimism that, with strong national institutions across Africa, Quality Assurance in the continent's higher education system would be better achieved. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Edition of the International Conference on Quality Assurance in Africa (ICQAHEA), held from 22 - 25 September, 2015, at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, Professor Okojie noted that although the two major global challenges facing higher education, were access and quality, there were also other challenges such as the quality of teachers and students, absence of a common language of communication within the African continent, issues of inter-university credit transfer and brain drain, which hampered quality assurance in the system. The Executive Secretary observed that the dwindling quality of teachers in recent times had affected the quality and performance of students, since it was
L-R: Michael Arrion, Julius Okojie, Juma Shabani, Yohannes Woldemtensae and Olin Oedekoven at the 7th ICQAHEA Conference, held in Abuja |
The President, African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN) and Deputy Executive Secretary I, Professor Chiedu Mafiana |
Friday, September 25, 2015
News Bliss
UPDATES: Borno Pilgrims Chair, Female Journalist, Bilkisu Yusuf, Many Nigerians, Among 717 Killed in Mina. Mob pelts Saraki, others with stones at Eid prayer. Flood renders residents homeless in Delta. IPMAN hails FG over petroleum products. Edo police arrest 46 suspected cultists. Lagos gov urges use of life jackets. Tragedy in Mecca • 717 die in Hajj stampede. I slept on bare floor for four days – Olu Falae. Oshiomhole is a liar, says Sylva. HID’s 94-year-old sibling weeps over her death. Kellogg’s Eyes Nigerian Market Despite Slowing Economy. DSS Invasion: Akpabio Dismisses Pictures of Arms, Hard Currency Allegedly Recovered in A’Ibom Govt House. Tinubu: FG Can’t Overlook Saraki’s False Asset Declaration Trial. Osinbajo, Ekweremadu Commend Nigeria, ECOWAS for Restoration of Civil Rule in Burkina Faso. Fitch: Nigerian Banks’ Foreign Currency Liquidity Still Tight. Iranian Man Fed up with Living in Manchester Begs to be Deported. EU leaders pledge over $1bn to tackle refugee crisis. Falae rescued through aerial, ground operations – Police. Unpaid Salaries: Low-key Eid Celebrations in Nasarawa. Nigerian Military Dismantles Boko Haram Fuel Depot, Recaptures Banki Town. NSCDC destroys 10 illegal refineries, 42 tankers – Commandant. Hoodlums raid Rivers communities, kill 13. Ekiti pensioners lament exclusion from bailout. 4,000 policemen deployed against B’Haram in North-East – IG. 3000 Houses, Farmlands Submerge As Flood Displaces Scores In Benue. Bank Manager; Dispatch Driver Arrested Over Foiled Bank Robbery In Delta.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
APPLICATION FOR 2016 MAB YOUNG SCIENTISTS AWARDS
DANGOTE FOUNDATION ENDOWS 17 PROFESSORIAL CHAIRS IN KANO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(KUST), WUDIL P.M.B 3244, KANO www.kustwudil.edu.ng. EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR POSITIONS OF PROFESSORS AND READERS
1. Mathematics
2. Computer Science
3. Statistics
4. Civil Engineering
5. Electrical Engineering
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Architecture
8. Geology
9. Urban and Regional Planning
10. Biology
11. Chemistry
12. Physics
13. Microbiology
14. Biochemistry
15. Educational Psychology
16. Educational Planning and Administration
17. Philosophy of Education
1. QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:
PROFESSORS (CONUASS 7)
A candidate must have a minimum of Sixty (60) points from publication and must be a PhD holder from a recognized Institution. He must have done supervision of Postgraduate students and have at least a minimum of thirteen (13) years cognate teaching experience at the University level. In addition, he must have: - Disseminated knowledge through professional and academic activities. - Provided Academic leadership and the ability to attract and inspire others. - Demonstrated Administrative ability and DANGOTE FOUNDATION ENDOWS 17 PROFESSORIAL CHAIRS IN KANO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(KUST), WUDIL P.M.B 3244, KANO P.M.B. 3244, Kano www.kustwudil.edu.ng. EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR POSITIONS OF PROFESSORS AND READERS administrative experience. - Impeccable integrity. - Favorable External Assessment. - Evidence of supervision of Post graduate students. - Must show verifiable evidence of community service
READERS (CONUASS 6)
A candidate must be a PhD holder from a recognized Institution. In addition, he must have a minimum of Forty (40) points from publication, eight (8) years cognate teaching experience at the University level and may be subjected to external assessment if not already a Reader. In addition he must have: - Disseminated knowledge through professional and academic activities. - Administrative ability and administrative experience. - General academic leadership and the ability to guide others. - Impeccable integrity and favourable External Assessment. - Must show verifiable evidence of community service. METHOD OFAPPLICATION Candidates should submit 12 copies each of applications, Curriculum Vitae, Credentials and other supporting documents that can assist the University in the Comprehensive assessment of their Publications, Exposure, Experience and capabilities. Applications should be addressed to: The Registrar, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Applications not received within four (4) weeks of this publication will not be considered. Professors and Readers all over the world are encouraged to apply. Applications for contract and leave of absence may be considered. Applicants should request their three Referees to forward CONFIDENTIALREPORTS on them. Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged, please.
Signed:
Alhaji Usman Yakubu, FIPMA REGISTRAR
7th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS ON QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN AFRICA
Date: 21-25 September, 2015. Time: 9.00 am Daily Venue: Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, Nigeria. Registration Fee: N50,000.00
Signed
Professor Julius A. Okojie, OON
Executive Secretary National Universities Commission
Legislative Institute Presents Draft ODL Accreditation Regulations to NUC
Dr. Ladi Hamalai Presenting copies of the Draft Regulation for Accreditation of On-line, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes |
Prof. Okojie and Dr. Hamalai with some Management staff of the Commission and Members of the NILS delegation |
Prof. Jega, True Ambassador of the NUS
Professor Attahiru Jega presenting a souvenir to Prof. Julius A. Okojie, during the courtesy visit |
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
News Bliss
UPDATES: Spillage: Bayelsa sends protest letter to Agip. Police arrest 50 MASSOB members. Oyo’ll pay salary arrears this week – Ajimobi. C’River commissioner nominees to take aptitude test. FG to pay ex-militants soon. SERAP to W’Bank: Disclose how Abacha loot was spent. Saraki loses bid to stop trial, faces tribunal today. B’Haram killed 54 in Maiduguri mosque attacks – Police. Gunmen demand N100m ransom to release Olu Falae. Russia deploys 28 combat planes in Syria – US. Only peace can guarantee development – Obasanjo. Army promotes 5,000 soldiers fighting B’Haram. BPL: Costa, Gabriel face FA charges. Falae must return in one piece, Fani-Kayode warns FG. Eid el Kabir: FG Declares Thursday, Friday as Public Holidays. Defiant Trailer Drivers Cripple Lagos, Flout Restrictions. Okonjo-Iweala Bags Two Key Global Positions. Soludo, Fayemi visit Aso Villa. Flood destroys 2,000 houses, displaces 30,000 in Kaduna. Access Bank Targets Dubai Operations. Bristow Chopper Lost Push Rod Connection Before Crash – AIB. Ambode nominates 23 commissioners, 14 advisers. Nigerian assumes headship of Afreximbank. Ekiti to conduct council polls Dec 19.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
New BUK VC, Professor Yahuza Bello Visits NUC
Nigeria, 4th Largest Client of UK Universities - David Woolf
Executive Secretary, NUC
Professor Julius A. Okojie, with the 1st Secretary, Science, Innovation and Climate Change British High Commission, Abuja, Mr. David Woolf. |