Sep 12, 2013

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Presidency rejects governors’ demands

NEWS

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NEWS Page 8

•NANS disowns teachers’ strike

•PDP shifts crises talks to Sunday www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2604 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked nine ministers

•SEE ALSO PAGES 4 & 5

Ex-minister ‘forced parastatals to buy N17m SUV for personal use’ $1.3b Zungeru Hydro Project Doubtful loyalty to Jonathan PDP crises

P

•Rufa’i

•Pepple

Alleged tardiness in the award of the $1.3b (N212b) Zungeru Hydro project, which is believed to be one of the most expensive in the world. No corruption infraction found against her.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan sacked nine ministers yesterday – in a shocking move that sparked questions on the motive of the action.

Five factors accounted for the ministers’ sack, The Nation learnt.

According to highly-placed sources in government, some of the reasons are: non-performance; security reports on alleged corruption; political allegiance and doubtful loyalty to the President; poor management of turnkey projects; and the crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

A source, who pleaded not to be named because of the “sensitivity” of the matter, said: “You will recall that the President asked the ministers to sign a performance bond.

About four of the nine ministers failed to live up to expectations in the assessment of the Presidency.

Her intervention in Rivers crisis by begging President Jonathan to forgive Governor Rotimi Amaechi is seen as an act of disloyalty, although she was not nominated

by Amaechi.

Prof. Rufa’i may not have been fired because of the two-month old university teachers’ strike, but for the role of Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido in the PDP crises.

•Kuchi

The Presidency is uncomfortable with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s intervention in the PDP crises. Ashiru, who was nominated by Obasanjo, had to go.

•Ashiru

A former deputy governor of Osun State, Erelu Obada is believed to have been nominated by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola who is one of the pillars of the New PDP. She had to go •Obada

His involvement in Kano State PDP politics made him a political risk for the President...he had stayed for too long in government and his achievements are difficult to measure.

•Usman

Continued on page 2

THE SACKED

•Olugbenga Ashiru (Foreign Affairs) •Ruqqayatu Rufa’i (Education) •Shamsudeen Usman (National Planning) •Amal Pepple (Land and Urban Dev.) •Hadiza Mailafia (Environment) •Ita Ewa (Science and Technology) •Olusola Obada (Defence) •Zainab Kuchi (Power) •Tijani Bukar (Agriculture)

•College of Education lecturers protesting against the failure of government to meet their demands and the state of education in the country in Lagos...yesterday

Atiku, Waziri rain blows on Obasanjo

I will like to warn that those who live in glass houses don’t throw stones and, as such, Obasanjo should not allow me open up on him.

Respectable elder statesmen act and speak with decorum —Waziri •SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P47 •N/HEALTH P49 •E-BUSINESS P51

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NEWS

•Peaceful demonstration by traders at Bridge-Head Drug Market, Onitsha, Anambra State over planned ban of open market drug sales by the government.

Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked nine ministers Continued from page 1

“In fact, three of the ministers were yet to understand

their mandate after being in office for two and a half years. One of the ministers had more than 20 agencies under him but his performance was poor.

“We cannot also rule out alleged corruption acts by two to three of the ministers. For instance, there is a particular outgoing minister who forced the parastatals under the ministry to buy a N17million Sports Utility Vehicle SUV for personal use.

“The money-spinning parastatals were unhappy but they had to do it. It also got to a ridiculous extent that the minister was always asking for remittance of interest accruable from funds kept in some banks by parastatals under the ministry.

“Another minister had problems with award of contracts, some of which were rated as inferior. The agencies supervised by the minister made a joint demand for change.

“Ironically, the minister lost a plum cabinet position at a time a platform was created in a state to fight political adversaries of Jonathan. The minister was dazed when the President announced the sack.”

According to a source, there

F

ORMER Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Mrs. Farida Waziri threatened yesterday to open up on ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, if he does not mind his words.

She told Obasanjo that those who live in glass houses do not throw stones – in a robust defence of her integrity, following Obasanjo’s allegation that exGovernor James Ibori headhunted her to lead the commission.

Mrs. Waziri said it was “illogical and nonsensical” for anyone to continue to insinuate that Ibori had a hand in her appointment.

She said the allegation was “one of the lies Obasanjo’s sittight pawns cooked to stop my appointment as EFCC chairman in 2008.”

Mrs. Waziri, who took on Obasanjo in a personal statement in Abuja, said Obasanjo does not have the qualifications she obtained.

She said with a Master’s Degree in Law and another in Strategic Studies, she was qualified to head the EFCC. The statement said: “My attention has been drawn to a number of allegations made against me by Mr. Obasanjo. One of such was the alleged involvement of former Delta State Governor James Ibori in my appointment.

“While I hold the office of a Head of State, either serving or

Minister sheds tears as Maku takes charge at Defence

M

ONTHS of speculations about a cabinet shake-up ended yesterday, with the sacking of nine ministers.

Minister of Information and Supervising Minister of Defence – he was so named yesterday after the shake-up - Labaran Maku, broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Among those who got the boot are Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru, Ruqqayatu Rufai (Education) and Shamsudeen Usman (National Planning).

Others include Land and Urban Development Minister Amal Pepple, Environment’s Hadiza Mailafia Science and Technology’s Ita Ewa. Three Ministers of State were also sacked. They are Defence, Olusola Obada, Power, Zainab Kuchi and Agriculture, Tijani Bukar.

Some ministers are to supervise the ministries in order not to create a vacuum.

The ministries will be supervised by Minister of State 1 Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri for Foreign Affairs ministry, Minister of State for Education Mr. Nyesom Wike (Education) and Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku (Environment).

Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ministry

was also the alleged tardiness in the award of the $1.3billion (N212billion) Zungeru Hydro Project.

The Federal Government is expected to spend about N303million in generating one megawatt of electricity. The hydro project is said to be one of the most expensive in the world.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja will be supervised by the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Mr. Musa Sada.

Minister of Communication Technology Mrs. Omobola Johnson will supervise the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Ministry of National Planning will be overseen by the Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

Minister of Power Prof Chinedu Nebo is to take charge of the Power Ministry.

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Continued on page 56

TEMPORARILY IN CHARGE •Labaran Maku (Defence) •Viola Onwuliri (Foreign Affairs) •Nyesom Wike (Education) •Musa Sada (Lands/Housing) •Omobola Johnson ( Science/Tech) •Bashir Yuguda (National Planning) •Akinwunmi Adesina (Agriculture) •Chinedu Nebo (Power) •Darius Ishaku (Environment)

“Although no corruption infraction was found against Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, she was sacrificed for not being vigilant,” the source claimed.

It was also learnt that the alleged overstaying in the cabinet by the former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, may have led to

his exit.

Another source said: “I think Shamsudeen has been in the cabinet since 2007. Though he did well in designing the Performance Benchmark for the Federal Executive Council(FEC), the nation’s planning system has not Continued on page 56

PHOTO: ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

Presidency rejects governors’ demands

T

HE Presidency yesterday rejected the demands by aggrieved governors as part of the terms to settle the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crises.

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on political matters Ahmed Gulak, yesterday said those demands are not consitutional.

He spoke against the background of Tuesday night’s peace talks at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

There were strong indications last night that President Jonathan and the aggrieved G-7 governors will meet again on Sunday to continue the peace talks.

There was concern yesterday on alleged determination of some forces in the Presidency to isolate Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and make him a scapegoat of the crises.

It was learnt that although the President made some concessions at the peace talks on Tuesday night at the Presidential Villa, he was said to be non-committal on all issues relating to Amaechi.

The President was at the session with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, the Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Governors Liyel Imoke

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

(Cross River) and Idris Wada (Kogi).

On the side of the G-7 governors were Amaechi, Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto).

Sources last night gave different insights into what happened at the session at the Presidential Villa One of the sources said: “The grievances of the governors were tabled and revisited one by one by all those at the meeting.

“When the issue of party structure in each of the affected states came up, the overriding interest of the PDP was put into the consideration and the President and his team agreed that the authentic party structure should be restored in Adamawa and Kano states.

“As for Rivers State, the President and his team advised all the parties to withdraw their suits in court to resolve the matter.”

It was learnt that although the President admitted that the suspension of Amaechi was illegal and the required 30 days had elapsed, everything was predicated on the resolution of disputes in court.

There was suspicion by the G7 governors that the Presidency Continued on page 56

Atiku, Waziri hit back at Obasanjo My US visa has just been renewed, Ex-VP tells ex-president

F

ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar replied yesterday to his former boss Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s allegation of corruption. He said his United States visa had just been renewed, contrary to the insinuations by ex-President Obasanjo.

He also said he had visited the United States since he left office in 2007, adding that he had been investigated by many agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, but no allegation of corruption was found against him.

Atiku, in a statement through his Media Adviser, Mallam Garba Shehu, said he had no case to answer, either in Nigeria or in the United States.

The statement said: “The former President is wrong. It is widely known that Atiku didn’t enter government broke. He declared his assets at the commencement of his vice presidency and did so at the end of his term as required by the constitution, which is a sacred document to Atiku.

“Atiku, who is currently returning from From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

retired, in the highest esteem, I will like to put on record for the umpteenth time that this is totally unfounded, blatant lie and arrant falsehood.

“It is, therefore, worrisome when a man who has been twice a Nigerian head of state can descend so low to peddle falsehood. The truth is that I never

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

China after leading a private economic trade mission at the invitation of the Chinese government, travels often and has a well-documented record of building industries and putting thousands of Nigerians to work. And this record, quite frankly, has been thoroughly investigated.

“Atiku has no case against him by any arm of the law in any country in the world, including the United States.

“President Obasanjo’s repeated ‘jokes’ about Turaki not being able to go to America have become a cliché, tiresome and not true.”

The Media adviser insisted that Atiku visited the United States after leaving office.

“In 2006, former President Obasanjo sent his National Security Adviser (NSA) to stop Atiku from travelling to the US, saying the vice president risked arrest on arrival.

“Turaki spurned that advice, left Nigeria to land at the Andrews Air Force Base, the official airport of the US government, to receive the best reception ever on a visit to

met Ibori in my life, until after months in office as chairman of the EFCC when I used to see him in the Presidential Villa.

“It is on record today that I initiated the investigation that drove Ibori into the waiting hands of Interpol and Met Police. As such, it is illogical and nonsensical for anyone to continue to insinuate that Ibori has a hand in my appointment.

America. So, we are used to those taunts.

“When the former vice president left office, shortly before the late Musa Yar’Adua was inaugurated as President, Atiku spent three months in the US. If they (US authorities) wanted him for anything, they would have met him.

“It is time to start dealing in facts. Specifically, the fact that Atiku’s visa to visit the United States has been recently renewed.

“Another fact is that Atiku is one of the most investigated politicians in Nigerian history. And every investigation, whether politically-motivated here at home or by the FBI abroad, has yielded the same result every time: not guilty.

“If Atiku is guilty of anything, it is crushing persistent attempts at rewriting our constitution.

“Atiku has chosen the path of optimism and hope. Moving forward, he will continue working to fuel Nigeria’s economy through investment and job creation, while also passionately and persistently defending our young democracy.”

“I remember this was one of the lies Obasanjo’s sit-tight pawns cooked to stop my appointment as EFCC chairman in 2008.

“On the issue of qualifications raised by Obasanjo, the qualification for appointment as chairman of the Commission as stipulated in its Establishment Act says that the chairman shall ‘be a serving or retired member of

any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent; and possess not less than 15 years cognate experience’.

“The late President Yar’adua did not have to alter the Establishment Act when he was appointing me unlike what Obasanjo did.

“Again for the records, I

•Obasanjo

served in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years and got to the pinnacle of my career before my appointment as EFCC chairman.”

Mrs. Waziri said she had nevContinued on page 56

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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NEWS SACK OF MINISTERS

Jonathan

•From left: Head, Corporate Banking, Union Bank Mr Uche Olowu; President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Mr Segun Aina; former CIBN President Prof. Green Nwankwo and another former CIBN President Mrs Juliet Madubueze toasting PHOTO: NAN to Prof. Nwankwo at 80 during the 7th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja...yester day.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s sack of nine ministers yesterday has more to do with politics than performance, writes GROUP POLITICAL EDITOR EMMANUEL OLADESU

P

•From left: Former Head of Interim Government Chief Ernest Shonekan; Director-general, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge; representative of Justice Mohammed Uwais, Mr Haruna Uwais presenting the Uwais Public Service Award to Seargeant Audu Selbol during NIALS Lecture in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

•General Manager, External Relations, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke (second left) speaking during the NLNG Postgraduate Scholarship award public ceremony in Port-Harcourt...on Tuesday. With him are Chairman, Bonny Kingdom Development Committee Dr. T.A.T Allison (left); NLNG Managing Director Mr. Babs Omotowa (second right) and Country Director, British Council Connie Price.

• From left: Chief Financial Officer, Main One Babatunde Dada; Country Manager, IBM Corporation Taiwo Otiti; Global Chief Executive Officer, IBM Corporation Virginia M Rometty and Chief Executive Officer, Main One Funke Opeke, during the corporation's visit to Main One in Lagos… on Tuesday.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was on the offensive yesterday.

His axe fell on nine ministers.

They were booted out of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). It was sudden. The affected ministers received the news with shock. Party insiders confided that they were the first casualties of the protracted ‘civil war ‘ in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). More board chairmen, special assistants and ambassadors may follow in few days.

The ministers may not have been sacked in the national interest. There was no evidence that they were relieved of their appointments for incompetence. Also, the intention of the curious cabinet reshuffle was not to foster good governance. It was not informed by the patriotic desire for effective implementation of the moribund transformation agenda for better results. The sliding economy, dilapidated infrastructure, chaos in the education and health sectors, soaring corruption, growing employment and unmitigated poverty rocking the nation have cast doubt on the claim that the president assembled a cabinet of talents.

Opinion is divided on the earthquake in the executive arm. To observers, it smacked of divide and rule, with-hunting, blackmail and victimisation of perceived foes. Therefore, it is not conciliatory. But sources close to the president think otherwise.

Pro-Jonathan politicians have rationalised the sack, saying that it may be risky for the president to harbour ministers and special advisers who are not personally loyal to him at this critical time when the ruling party is in disarray. They contended that the president was trying to strengthen his base against further onslaughts by the Kawu Baraje’s faction of the PDP. Thus, the sack, which is a punishment for rebellion and disloyalty, is critical to the president’s survival. Since ministerial position is perceived as a means of empowering party chieftains, the thinking is that their removal may cripple the faction’s access to resources to prosecute its war against the mainstream PDP. Basically, the president has the constitutional right to hire and fire. A minister of government has no fixed tenure of office. During the Obasanjo Administration, ministers were even made to sign their resignation letters before being sworn-in. Even, some loyal ministers were hit by the blows of fate. Therefore, the sacking of ministers is not new.

However, the removal of the ministers may aggravate the PDP crisis.

For the national party leader and the spinster group, the die is cast. Reconciliation may now become much more difficult, if not forestalled. The sack may create more aggrieved people in the party. The condition for a truce may now include the reinstatement of the sacked ministers.

Sources said the affected ministers were asked to leave, because of their position on the ‘family feud’. They were accused of loyalty to the seven

•Tijani

‘rebellious’ governors, key members of the Baraje group and other PDP leaders who are fighting the president by proxy. Those who sold the idea to the president believed that the strategy will weaken the internal opposition base in the divided party.

It is not likely that the affected ministers will seal their lips over their unceremonial exit . They will have partisan tales to tell. The politicians among them may describe their tragedy as “sack by labelling”. The sacked Foreign Affairs Minister Gbenga Ashiru is close to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is not trusted by Jonathan. Although the former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman is leading a reconciliation team in the party, the effort is not enjoying the Presidency’s confidence.

The ex-Minister of State for Defense, Mrs. Olusola Obada, is a close associate of Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the National Secretary of the Baraje faction. She was the Osun State deputy governor under Oyinlola. Her offence was her fanatical loyalty to her former boss and the Osun State leader of the PDP. Last week, the former governor held a rally at Okuku, his native town, denouncing the president and the embattled PDP national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The ministers from the North also enjoy intimacy with the seven governors. Sources said the President could not trust them because of their perceived support and solidarity for the cause of power shift to the region being championed by the factional party leaders. The sacked Education Minister, Prof. Ruqqayatu Rufai, was recommended by Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who was allegedly endorsed for the Presidency by Obasanjo. But why the National Planning Minister, Alhaji Shamsudeen Usman, was sacked was a surprise.

In May, President Jonathan showered encomium on him in Abuja when rendering his mid-term report. He said he had lived up to expectation.

The sack has created some vacancies in the FEC. Predictably, the choice of new ministers may now be dictated by the pattern of loyalty and allegiance in the PDP. The scramble for ministerial power will still be intense in the Tukur’s faction. Associates and relatives of the “rebels” will be automatically disqualified. Merit and competence may cease to be the criteria for the critical appointment. The federal cabinet may now become an assemblage of lackeys, praise-singers and surrogates. Panic may continue to grip the cabinet over threats of sack to whip discordant tones to line. The move may also promote hypocrisy in government as ministers may now be afraid to be frank with the President to prevent being labeled traitors.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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NEWS SACK OF MINISTERS

and politics of cabinet reshuffle

•Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke (left) discussing with Mailafa ad Fufai before tehir sack... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

• Ewa

• Obada

How well did they fare?

Kuchi: The end of incompetence No matter how analysts and critics interpret the sack of the ex-Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, the truth is that her incompetence was tolerated for too long. She could be a good lawyer- the profession she quickly alludes to with relish. She could be the most suitable for any other position in her Nupe lineage but her deployment to the Ministry of Power was an outright mismatch.

Kuchi’s mistakes came to the fore on many occasions.

She once told the Senate Committee on Power that the Federal Government would this year attain 10,000megawatts. Twenty-four hours later, she called a news conference to debunk the statement. The Senate correspondents, according to her, were to blame for the publication.

However, she repeated the statement she wanted to deny before Energy Correspondents. She became literally nervous when she was probed by teh correspondents. She was rescued by Kande Daniel, Special Assistant to the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who said Nigeria would attain 10,000mw in 2014.

Another instance was when she said the preferred bidders for the successor companies of the Power Holding Company of NigeBut the sack may not be the end of the matter. Since a new list of ministerial nominees will be forwarded to the Senate, the battle between the Tukur and Baraje’s factions may shift to the parliament. The screening of new min-

S

From Bukola Amusan, John Ofikhenua, Gbenga Omokhunu and Vincent Ikuomola , Abuja

ria (PHCN) were to be handed the companies when they still had 75 per cent balance to make.

Kuchi also said the Federal Government had already disbursed funds from the Multi Year Tariff Order to fund the electricity distribution companies which at that time had zero allocation from the 2013 budget.

When reporters asked her to state how much was released to the distribution companies, she denied ever stating such. Her senior minister and a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof Nebo succinctly put the record straight confirming that the Federal Government had released the fund.

A few weeks after, she was reduced to the status of an onlooker rather than a minister who should implement the policy of the Federal Government.

Although our correspondent learnt that Kuchi’s sack was predicated on the power tussle between President Jonathan and Niger State Governor Babaginda Aliyu, she drove herself into irrelevance.

Ashiru: a victim of power play

The most shocking name on the list of sacked minister is that of Ambassador Olugbenga Ash-

isters may become more partisan and problematic. The pro-Jonathan and anti-Jonathan senators may carry their acrimony to the exercise.

The divide-and-rule tactics of the President may not box him into a po-

iru.

Ashiru, a career diplomat, was believed to be on the A-list of President Goodluck Jonathan ministers.

He was among the few ministers who had the ears of the president. He went about his job with a lot of gusto. Only recently, he gathered all foreign ambassadors to Nigeria where he up-braided them for breaching the ethics of the profession. He warned them against writing directly to the president, among other ills.

On the issue of gay marriage, the minister was again on top of his wit as he told the West that Nigeria could not be forced to buy into their culture.

Though no reason was given for his sack, most political watchers have attributed his sack to the ongoing face-off between Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Though both parties have tried to down play their differences, but their actions and body languages in recent time suggest otherwise.

Usman: Another surprise sack

The sack of the Minister/Deputy Chairman National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, came as a surprise to many, especially when the vision 20: 2020 Agenda is still on cause.

His sudden sack is coming amid serious di-

sition of strength, in the long run. He may have inadvertently made more enemies in the ruling party. Historically, the strategy of exclusion has always backfired. In the First Republic, when there was a split in the Ac-

visions in the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Two weeks ago, seven governors and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar formed a splinter-group in the PDP. They were angry after their allies were disqualified from party elections.

According to a highly placed source, “Usman’s painful exit” is connected to the PDP crisis and the 2015 agenda.

It was a mixed reaction at the NPC office yesterday. Many were happy over his removal; other were not.

Bassey Ewa

The sacked Minister of Science and Technology, Prof Ita Okon Bassey Ewa, was the brain behind the Science, Technology and Innovation policy.

Bassey Ewa used the project to showcase the various technological innovations in Nigeria to the world and also used it to create a better image for the country.

He also promoted the Silicon Valley project otherwise known as the Science Park He revived some moribund science and technology institute and agricultural research institutes. He succeeded in making Nigeria to lead other African countries in space technology and advancement.

tion Group (AG), the Premier of the Western Region, the late Chief Ladoke Akintola, moved swiftly to consolidate his hold in the ruling party at the head of government. He removed the ministers that were loyal

to the party leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Despite gaining the upper hand, his government was full of tension, until the military drew the curtains on that political dispensation.

I’ll return to my varsity job, says ex-Education minister

ACKED Minister of Education Prof Ruqqayatu Ahmed Rufai has said she will return to her university job.

She spoke yesterday while handing over to the Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike.

The professor said she would return to the Bayero University, Kano where she was a lecturer before her appointment.

Rufai was a Commissioner of Education in Jigawa State under Governor Sule Lamido for three years before she was appointed Minister of Education by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

The former minister, who expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for allowing her to serve in his cabinet, promised to always support the President.

Prof Rufai, who spent three years in office, introduced the Four-Year Strategic Plan for the development of the education sector.

She said: “I want to use this medium to thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to serve in the Federal Ministry of Education for a period of well over three years. Let me also thank Mr.

S

‘More incompetent ministers must go’

OME members of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Concerned PDP Youth Forum (C-PDPYF), have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to sack more ministers.

In a statement yesterday by its President, Ayoola Adeseun, the group said the reshuffling of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was long over-due.

The group said: “While we commend Mr. President for the courage in effecting these changes, we make haste to add that we are opposed to the retention of some ministers who have divided the party along their selfish and inordinate ambitions like we have in Oyo State. We need a level-headed, humble and respectful minister who will From Gbenga Omokhunu and Garce Obike, Abuja

President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who I must say I enjoyed working with. He has listening ears, he loves education and he has been supportive.

“There was no time I can say that I was with the president that I regretted working with him. I will forever pray for him and his family and all the team for the growth and development of this nation. But, most importantly,

rise above selfish interest and serve as a rallying point for the young and old; not a disrespectful, caustic and hot-tempered brat.

“In order to restore sanity to the party and make it stronger. This is the only way to woo people back into the party and free it from the vice-grip of governors and godfathers who singlehandedly nominate appointees in the past. Even if the Presidency has some nominees, they should be presented to the party. Do not let anyone come straight to the Presidency as this will undermine the party and suppress the structure of the party. It should be noted that any party without portfolio is an empty barrel.”

let me also thank the Minister of State for Education for the time we spent together. It has been in my character to always carry everybody along because I know one day this day is coming and if it doesn’t come, we may die.

“So, we are favoured that we are even seeing today and I have to thank my Honourable Minister for the working relationship these two years that we have been together. Of course, there may be time the pressure of the office may be really much. There are

times that we may not be happy with each other but over all we enjoyed working with each other.

“I am going to take over my office in Bayero University, Kano. It is very important for you to know that I have been a commissioner for three years before coming here. I am just on secondment from my university and I have been here through God’s grace and it is my governor, Sule Lamido who nominated me to be here. So, I thank him for that opportunity, but

now that I have this scenario, I am going back to report in office as a professor of Curriculum Studies in Bayero University.

“Let me hand over but I know that taking over will make you to do more, here in the ministry. We need to update our data to 2012 or at least 2011.

So, this is the process in the ministry.

It is a two-year plan. So, this will be your time to continue to do it.

“We are also in the process of finishing the mid-term report for this year in terms of having about three-year mandate. So, by the time that one is done by the end of next year, you can see the end of your plan and this is a very good initiative that we all started together.”

Wike, in an emotion-laden voice, said: “Since I met you, we have been working very closely; when you work with somebody that you are very close to and the person is no longer there, you must feel bad.

“This came to me as a shock; although I knew that we cannot be here forever but I always assumed that one of us will simply go to another ministry but not to end up the way it did but God knows best.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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NEWS

Members of the Ogbomoso, Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogbomoso at rally in Ogbomoso ...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

CRISIS IN PDP

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Baraje faction relocates to Adamawa Governor’s Lodge

OLLOWING the police siege to its secretariat, the Abubakar Kawu Baraje faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has temporarily relocated to Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

It has urged its members to avoid confrontation with the Police.

In a statement by its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the Baraje faction said it could not be provoked or distracted in any manner.

The statement said: “The Baraje-led Peoples Democratic Party has chosen not to engage security agencies in confrontation but to toe the path of peace by pursing the matter in court.

“We will not be deterred and no amount of intimidation and calculated attempts to frustrate our legitimate goal of participating in the democratic processes in our dear country would stop us from contributing our quota to national development.

“But temporarily, the party would commence entertaining solidarity visits and granting audience to its teeming members and associates at the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge situated at No. 2, Gurara Street, Maitama, Abuja.

“The Baraje-led PDP would not be provoked or deterred by actions detrimental to its existence, including the unlawful occupation of its national

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Tukur , Oyinlola in war of words

ATIONAL Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and National Secretary of the New PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola yesterday traded words over the protracted PDP crisis.

A statement by Tukur’s media aide, Prince Oliver Okpala, described Oyinlola as incompetent with his style of politics at variance with the current political dispensation in the country.

But Oyinlola replied that the party chairman should be excused on account of his old age and senility. He added that Tukur has been inconsistent and has exhibited poor leadership qualities.

“I remember he once granted an interview in which he described me as a fine officer and a gentleman. This same view was expressed

by Olisa Metuh in a media interview recently.

His statement shows inconsistency and poor leadership qualities”, Oyinlola said in a statement yesterday.

The party chairman also accused Oyinlola From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

headquarters by security agencies that have prevented the Baraje-led PDP from moving into its offices located in Maitama District, Abuja.”

The faction restated its belief in the rule of law.

The statement added: “The Baraje-led PDP, in accordance with its belief in justice, fair play and the rule of law, had in pursuit of remedies, approached the Courts that directed both the Baraje and Bamanga Tukur factions to maintain the status quo; add-

From Gbade Ogunwale

of always getting into elective positions through the “back door”, citing his ouster as Governor of Osun State by the court and his removal from office as national secretary of the PDP. The statement further accused Oyinlola of directing his frustrations at Tukur since he was removed as national secretary, arguing however that Tukur was not responsible for his travails.

Tukur said: “Under normal circumstance, he should not be heard to resort to platitudes or righteous pontifications on the ideals of democracy and the rule of law. This is because by training and orientation, he is a slave to Order and Command of the Military.

“It will be recalled that Oyinlola was smuggled in as the National Secretary of the PDP, when he was bereft of the basic competence, experience and the pedigree to hold such a sensitive position in a big political organization like the PDP.

ing that the pronouncement of Justice Elias Chukwu on the matter was very clear, unambiguous and simple enough to avoid unnecessary rigmarole and arrogant display of power.

“In view of the subsisting legal action on the issue, the Baraje-led PDP has, therefore, requested its members all over the nation and in the Diaspora, who may wish to express solidarity to contact any member of its National Working Committee, with a view to fixing appointments for such functions.

“We will not be deterred

and no amount of intimidation and calculated attempts to frustrate our legitimate goal of participating in the democratic processes in our dear country would stop us from contributing our quota to national development.”

The statement expressed the appreciation of the National Working Committee of the Baraje-led PDP to all its members, supporters and sympathisers all over Nigeria and abroad for their steadfastness in the spirit of advancing progress, peace and development in the polity.

Why crisis is difficult to resolve, by Baraje

HE Abubakar Barajeled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, of being the obstacle to in the resolution of the PDP crisis.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze yesterday, the faction said Tukur had frustrated all efforts being made

by President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders to end the crisis.

“The latest of the belligerent actions by the Tukur faction is the ill-advised move to take over the party’s structures in the states controlled by the

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

Governors loyal to Baraje’s leadership”, the statement added.

The faction commended Jonathan and other party leaders for seeking amicable resolution of the crisis and appealed to them not to relent in their determination to end the crisis.

“Mr. President should not be deceived by some party leaders who are making him believe that he can do without us. Most of these leaders currently cannot, under a properly organised free and fair elections, win their wards.

“It is obvious that no presidential election in Nigeria can be won without states such as Rivers, Kano, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kwara, Niger and Kebbi States which are under our control.

“Check the past general elections and see that some of these media-created PDP leaders have no followers in their states.

“We are also aware of the attempts being made to rubbish and ridicule the BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, for stating that we have genuine reasons for what we are doing.

“We want to assure Chief Anenih, knowing all his sac-

rifices and efforts in making PDP whatever it is today, that we will not sit and watch some jokers in Tukur’s faction undermine him or make him look ordinary in the affairs of the party. The truth will always see us through.

“We are asking that internal democracy be allowed to thrive within the party and that Tukur and his undemocratic gang should not see the party as their personal property in which they can wake up any day and fire whoever they dreamt about in their sleep.

“We will no longer condone such undemocratic reasoning and acts. Enough is enough!”

79 legislators urge court to restrain Tukur From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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EVENTY -NINE National Assembly members belonging to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) have asked the Federal High Court, Abuja to restrain the party’s Chairman, Bamanga Tukur from declaring their seats vacant.

They include 22 Senators and 57 House of Representatives members, who defected to the breakaway faction of the party, known as the New PDP. They contended that the division within the party informed the said parallel convention and were justified legally to defect.

Named as defendants, in the suit filed yesterday, were Tukur, Senate President, David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The plaintiffs set three questions for the court’s determination and prayed it for three reliefs.

The legislators asked the court to determine: * Whether, considering the circumstances in the national and various state chapters of the PDP, there exist a faction or division within the party; *Whether any of the plaintiffs or other members of the PDP holding elective seats who desire to become a member of another faction of the party or any other political party is not saved by the proviso to section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and *Whether in view of the proviso to section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the Tukur or any other officer of the PDP or authority howsoever described can declare the seats of any of the Plaintiffs or other members of the PDP, who opted to join another political party vacant in the present peculiar and precarious circumstance of the PDP.

PDP reps may consider impeaching Jonathan From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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EMBERS of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have not ruled out the prospect of impeaching President Goodluck Jonathan, it emerged yesterday Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jibrin (PDP, Kano), who spoke on behalf of his colleagues in the new PDP said his colleagues in the PDP have different opinion from the opposition.

He said: “Let it be reiterated here that the House has always exhibited an unprecedented team spirit and cohesion since the inception of the 7th National Assembly. We are not about to shed this highly treasured character at this crucial hour.

“When a ruling party begins to toe the path of self-destruction in a manner that clearly threatens the unity of Nigeria, it is simplistic for anyone to reduce such a crisis to an internal problem that should be left for the party alone to deal with.

“The All Progressives Congress, an opposition party, realised this when it weighed in with a strong condemnation of the sealing off of the New PDP secretariat by the police.

“In like manner, majority of us members of the PDP in the National Assembly stand solidly behind the Kawu Baraje faction of the party during this era of unbridled tyranny.

“This decision is founded on our belief in justice, equity, fairness and total disdain for impunity and any act that tends to relegate our great party to the fiefdom of despotic political mandarins.

“In any case, if one may ask, what is wrong with impeachment? Is impeachment no longer a constitutional instrument in the furtherance of constitutional of democracy? Whether we will opt for it eventually is not for Hon. Kawu to determine.

“Besides, the house already has a number of issues that will shape proceedings in the House when the National Assembly resumes next week.

“These include massive crude oil theft, unmitigated corruption in the oil sector and full implementation of the 2013 budget. The PDP crisis has added to the problems and the House will thrash it out.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NEWS

Armed Forces, NNPC, secondary schools, others to remit IGR to govt

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HE Armed Forces, the police, the National Assembly, the State House as well as ministries and Nigerian missions abroad are to remit 100 per cent of their internally generated revenue (IGR) to the Federal Government.

Besides, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), among other government agencies, are to henceforth remit part of their IGR to the government.

Federal Government’s education institutions, including secondary schools, are expected to remit 80 per cent of their operating surplus to the government.

Of the 853 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), 243 are expected to

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

remit 100 per cent of their IGR; 403 departments and agencies are to henceforth remit 25 per cent of their gross IGR. Two hundred and seven departments and agencies will remit 80 per cent of their gross operating surplus. Others, tagged as “special”, will have their remittances determined by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The directive followed a comprehensive amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007 by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance.

The Chairman of the Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, yesterday in Abuja, said the amendment became expedient because of the loss of over N2 trillion yearly to the Federal Government as its independent revenue.

Jibrin, who explained that

the committee was working on a comprehensive amendment to the FRA 2007, added: “As all MDAs of government raise one form of IGR or the other, the committee has resolved to expand the current schedule of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 from 31 agencies to include all MDAs operating in the country.

“To this end, the committee has decided to amend Section 22 of the Act to reflect the following categorisation: ‘Special cases, including dividend remittances, Public Private Partnership (PPP) proceeds and others as may be determined by the Ministry of Finance in conjunction with the Fiscal Responsibility Commission’.”

According to him, the committee will not leave any room for manipulation by the agencies, as was happening before.

Jibrin said: “For the purpose of clarity and to avoid ambiguity, the committee plans to reflect under each categorisation all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“All MDAs are to also disclose to the committee all partnerships with the private or public sectors not listed below and the respective business arrangements, that is, equity, debt, management contract, among others.

“Failure of any MDA, MDA joint venture or MDA partly owned enterprise to be captured in this exercise will be deemed to be a deliberate act of suppressing government revenue”.

Jibrin advised any agency that has reservations over the categorisation to approach the committee with its concerns.

Mark: Nigeria is in crises

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From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ENATE President David Mark yesterday urged religious leaders to pray and fast for God to heal the country of its sundry ills.

Mark said there was no doubt that the country is in crises.

He urged religious leaders to use prayers and fasting to ensure a transformation in the people to overcome the sociopolitical and economic challenges confronting the country.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, quoted Mark in a speech he gave at a dinner he hosted for clerics attending the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Otukpo, Benue State.

The statement said the Senate President also urged the clerics to continue to pray for the sustenance of democracy in the country.

Mark said: “The church should continue to use its weapons of prayer and fasting, divine and human resources to actualise the transformation in our hearts and our society. Nigeria needs moral and spiritual revolution. And this is the time.”

The senator noted that the present challenges are enormous and expectations are high for them to be solved.

He said: “We will do our best to live up to the challenges.”

CBCN President Ignatius Kaigama and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese John Cardinal Onaiyekan called for a harmonious relationship among various religious groups.

NIMET warns pilots against thunderstorms

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By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

HE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has urged pilots to visit its briefing rooms and forecast centres to get updated weather reports.

This is necessary for the pilots to be updated on weather for the safety of aircraft and passengers.

Addressing reporters at a book launch in Lagos, NIMET’s Director-General, Dr Anthony Anuforom, noted that the seeming dry weather in the last few days was normal.

He, however, advised pilots to take precautions and not compromise safety.

Anuforom said airlines normally experience thunderstorms at this time of the year, adding that pilots need not worry, if they take necessary precautions.

He said: “The challenges pilots contend with are thunderstorms, which accompany the rainfall. But about this time, you can see that the thunderstorms are not intense; there is less intensity of thunderstorms.”

The NIMET chief also cautioned pilots on the prevalence of low visibility, caused by fog, especially in the morning, at this period of the year.

Anuforom said this would always be accompanied by low visibility.

He, however, assured that with improved facilities now at NIMET’s offices across the country, it would provide accurate weather reports.

Union protests over 2010 agreement

•Cross section of dignitaries presenting law books during the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) lecture and Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais Public Service Award in Abuja…yesterday.

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Rep to Okonjo-Iweala: release MDGs’ funds

HE House of Representatives’ Committee Chairman on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Alhassan Doguwa, has urged the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to release the funds for MDGs’ programmes.

The lawmaker said Debt Relief Fund was statutory, adding that with timely disbursement, the nation can achieve the 2015 MDGs’ target.

Doguwa spoke in Abuja at a sensitisation workshop on this year’s Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) for states.

He said: “MDGs’ fund is statutory and the programme are pro-people. So, for us to achieve our goals, this fund should be released in time. We can only be proud of her if she can release the money promptly because we are of the same MDGs’ family.”

In September 2005, the country successfully negotiated a debt relief from the Paris Club. This translated into annual gains of about $1 billion to Nigeria.

The Federal Government decided to use its portion of the gains to support propoor investments to achieve the MDGs.

‘Minister misleading Nigerians on employment figure’

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DO State House of Assembly’s Majority Leader Phillip Shuaibu yesterday said the economic policies of the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, is an “imperialist system” which misleads President Goodluck Jonathan and the nation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, who addressed reporters in Benin, the state capital, berated the Federal Government for its inability to curb the theft of crude oil, despite the huge budget for security on the waterways.

At a recent global Conference on Emerging Democracies in Africa, organised by the National Institute of Legislative Studies in Abuja, the Finance Minister said “youth unemployment a rate in Nigeria stood at 37 per cent”.

Shuaibu said: “Dr Okonji-Iweala owes From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs was established to coordinate the efficient utilisation of the additional funds.

Doguwa said President Goodluck Jonathan had been committed to actualising the MDGs through timely approval of this year’s CGS. “Some governments tie down the programme under their offices. This is not supposed to be so. The MDGs should be allowed a free

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

the youth an apology for misleading and feeding Nigerians with fake information. She probably lacks pity for graduates, some of who have stayed for about 17 years without jobs because they don’t know any commissioner or minister closely.

“I think the Federal Government is not cutting its coat according to its size. This is because of information I have gathered. The government is having serious problems managing its greed. It is spending more than it is supposed to.

“I honestly think the minister of Finance is the problem we are having today. She is deceiving Mr President and the country. She is an agent of imperialists and she has an agenda to destroy this country. I am very sure of my statement.”

hand to operate. The procurement process should be operated under a separate structure so that everything will be faster. But in a situation whereby a governor is tying everything to his office or is subjecting everything to his approval, you cannot talk of achieving the MDGs,” Doguwa said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol, explained that the President had approved this year’s CGS fund for the im-

plementation of approved projects, which were yet to be funded under last year’s CGS scheme to states.

Gbeneol, who was represented by an official of the MDGs’ Office Mr. Noze Otote, urged the states to review the programmes to avoid repetition.

“You should note that the cost of the reviewed projects should be within the envelope already approved for the State under the 2012 CGS and in line with the 2012 CGS to States thematic areas of investment,” she said.

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HE Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos branch of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) yesterday protested the non-implementation of the agreement the Federal Government signed with it in 2010.

The union has begun a seven-day warning strike to press for the implementation of the agreement.

The union members, dressed in black, carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “Mr President, what happened to the 2010 Fed Govt and COEASU agreement”; “On migration we stand”; “Education in Nigeria is in emergency ward, it needs surgical operation”; and “COEASU says no to IPPIS, (Integrated Personal Payroll Information System)”, among others.

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By Medinat Kanabe

His Southwest Zonal Secretary Comrade Sunday Aholo, addressed members at the gate of the college yesterday.

He said the union was on strike because of the non-implementation of the 2010 agreement between the union and the government.

“We want to retain our identity as colleges and run degree programmes. At the end of the day, we want our certificates to carry our schools’ names, not FUTMINNA. “We have heard of cases of some people not getting their salaries at the end of the month. Some may get N1,000. If you must complain, you must go to Abuja.

That means you will leave all your work behind and go to Abuja where you are not even sure of being attended to.”

‘1,437 die in road crashes’

HE Corps Marshall and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Osita Chidoka, has said 1,437 people were killed in road accidents between January and June.

Chidoka spoke during a sensitisation programme on Speed Limiting Device in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

He was represented by the State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Amos Buba.

Chidoka said 1,397 buses were involved in the accidents with most of them involving Toyota Hiace buses.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

The Corps Marshall said the sensitisation programme followed the discovery that speed violation accounted for about 65 per cent of road accidents.

According to him, the Speed Limit Device will not only save lives but also boost the economy.

The FRSC chief urged transport unions, fleet operators and other stakeholders, including the media, to use the campaign well and partner the commission for the success of the initiative.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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NEWS 50 firms prosecuted

by FRSC •Two convicted From Damisi Ojo, Akure

THE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it has prosecuted 50 fleet operators for alleged failure to register their companies with the commission.

Two of the transport companies were also convicted by the commission.

The FRSC Corps Marshall, Osita Chidoka, said this yesterday at a sensitisation programme on speed limit devices, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The FRSC boss, who said the development was part of the commission’s Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), added that the punitive measure against the erring operators led to the registration of 120 newlyregistered operators.

He said some companies have installed speed limit devices in their vehicles to avoid overspeeding, which causes larger percentage of accidents.

UNESCO opens Abuja office

APC slams Fed Govt for ASUU strike

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has decried Federal Government’s insincere and amateurish handling of the strike that has paralysed academic work in public universities.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the tepid and half-hearted way the government has handled the strike has shown that it does not place much premium on education, which is the path to national development.

It said there is no better indication of the government’s disdain for education than the fact that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration has continued in its profligate ways even as students caught in the web of the strike have remained at home when they should be engaged in academic work.

APC said since the strike began, the Jonathan administration has thrown at least two mega, money-guzzling dinners in Abuja, perhaps the best example of the aphorism ‘Nero fiddling while Rome burns’. In one of such frivolities, the President and his party folks feasted joyously at a post-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention dinner even as hapless students were bemoaning their fate over the strike.

The party said it was also in the midst of the strike that the

From Vincent Ikuomola and Nike Adebowale, Abuja

THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will today open its regional office in Abuja.

UNESCO Director-General, Mrs. Irina Bokova, said this yesterday when she visited the Minister of Foreign Affairs (State), Prof Viola Onwuliri, in Abuja.

She said the Abuja office would serve countries in West Africa.

“Of course, it is to share our delight that tomorrow (today), we will open our new office, UNESCO office for West Africa, here in Abuja. This has been proposed to implement concrete action in our priority in Africa. So, we hope that this will be a very strong office, and we can work closely with Nigeria in the area of education and quality education.”

N130b: ASUU faults govt’s claim

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Ibadan Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday described the claim by the Federal Government that it has released N130 billion to the universities as a lie.

It said government was only interested in awarding contracts to build a four-bedroom flat at the rate of N8.5 million as against the range of N800,000 and N1.2 million.

This was part of a communiqué reached at the end of a meeting of the Ibadan Zone of ASUU held at the University of Ibadan.

The meeting was headed by the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ademola Nasir.

The ASUU Ibadan Zone comprises the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU), Lagos State University (LASU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).

It decried the usual deceit by the Federal Government, saying “Nigerians should know that no kobo has been released.”

ASUU alleged that it has refused to allow the government agents to use the struggle to enrich some people.

It said although the union rejected it as not part of its agreement with the Federal Government, it (government) was yet to release any part of the amount.

First Lady organised the socalled peace rally that brought hundreds of unsuspecting women to Abuja in what later turned out to be a march of shame. The Abuja gathering must have gulped millions of naira.

“Yet, some ministers had the temerity to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians by saying government will shut down if it meets Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU’s) de-

mands. What an affront! They did not say Nigeria would shut down when the country paid out N3 trillion in non-existent fuel subsidies; they did not say Nigeria would shut down over the N1 trillion spent in the last eight years on less than 500 people; they did not say Nigeria would shut down due to Federal Government’s monumental profligacy, which includes spending billions of naira to pamper ex-militants, some of

who are now so overfed that they are threatening the country’s existence!

“It is particularly shocking that the government has carried on as if everything is normal, without bothering about the fate of the students, who have been marooned at home since the strike started. Perhaps this is because the children and wards of those at the helm are luxuriating in schools abroad, or because they are too comfortable to worry about their less-fortunate compatriots,” it said.

APC also said the fact that the strike has persisted despite President Jonathan’s directive, widely reported by the media, to the Federal Government’s negotiating team to do everything possible to end it, says a lot about the administration’s credibility.

“In fact, the negotiations between ASUU and Federal Government were called off two days after the President issued his directive. So much for credibility!” the party said.

APC reiterated its earlier call on the Federal Government, in a statement it issued on August 20, to immediately implement the agreement it willingly reached with ASUU in 2009 and stop wasting its energy on why the agreement cannot be implemented, saying: “Agreements are meant to be respected, not repudiated.”

NANS urges lecturers to call off strike

By Adegunle Olugbamila

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HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday withdrew its support for the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

It urged ASUU to return to the classrooms “without further hesitation”, saying its position “leaves NANS and Nigerians wondering whether its intention is genuine or merely for pecuniary gains.”

NANS National President Comrade Yinka Gbadebo, who spoke yesterday at a news briefing with members of his executive in Ogba, Lagos, lamented that students had faced persecutions in the past, ranging from suspension to expulsion, among others.

He said ASUU would rather look away in such circumstances.

Amid solidarity songs, NANS accused ASUU of not considering students before embarking on the over two-month strike.

Gbadebo said: “We must accept that the problem with our universities developed over the decades. It will therefore be unimaginable that ASUU, with its present stance, wants it totally resolved within the four years this agreement was signed.”

Japanese firm invests £1.35b in Glaxosmithkline

By Okwy Iroegbu – Chikezie

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•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (third right); Amirul-Hajj of Osun State, Alhaji Zikrullah Adekunle Hassan (left); Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (fourth right); Speaker, House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salam (second right); and Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti, during thé farewell ceremony for thé intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at thé Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo... yesterday.

LAXOSMITHKLINE Consumer Nigeria PLC (GSK Nigeria) will continue to bottle and distribute nutritional drinks, Lucozade and Ribena, as part of the global divestment of the brands announced by GlaxoSmithkline Plc to Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd (SBF). Under the new arrangement, GSK Consumer Nigeria will carry on with Lucozade and Ribena business for SBF following the completion of the deal.

Subject to regulatory approval in Europe, the deal is expected to be completed by January.

The Managing Director, Consumer Health Care of GSK, Mr. Chidi Okoro, said the deal is worth £1.35b.

He said Nigerian shareholders had nothing to fear as the company launched over 20 product portfolio in the wellness, oral care, analgesic market and others.

PDP convention: Firm initiates proceedings against Jonathan, Sambo, others

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HE Federal High Court, Abuja has been asked to join President Goodluck Jonathan and some key members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in a contempt suit pending before it.

The “offence” of President Jonathan and others, cited as alleged contemnors in a joinder application filed on September 9, is their alleged unlawfully use of patented ballot boxes for the party’s last special convention, without the consent of the patent owner Bedding Holdings Limited.

The application was filed for Bedding Holdings by its lawyer, John Okoriko, of the firm of Karina Tunyan (SAN) and Co, following the earlier issuance of Form 48 filed on September 4 on the alleged contemnors. The fresh application seeks an order joining President Jonathan and seven others in “the contempt pro-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ceedings already started by the plaintiff/applicant.”

Also to be joined are VicePresident Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, the PDP and its Chairman, Bamanga Tukur.

Others are Prof. Jerry Gana (who acted as the chairman, PDP’s Special Convention Committee) and Ken Nnamani (who was the chairman, PDP’s Electoral Committee).

The applicant argued that the application was informed by its realisation that the eight alleged contemnors were “necessary and desirable parties” to the contempt proceedings.

The company added that the ground on which it sought that Jonathan and others should be joined in the contempt proceedings was be-

cause they “are serial contemnors, who contemptuously connived with the sixth and seventh defendants/respondents (the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and its Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega)” to use the applicant’s transparent ballot boxes for the PDP’s convention in violation of a subsisting judgment of the court delivered on June 5, 2012 by Justice Adamu Bello.

It contended that except Jonathan and others were joined in the case, in view of “the pivotal role” they played in the disobedience of a valid and subsisting court judgment, the contempt proceeding would not be “effectively and effectually determined.”

Bedding Holdings’ Group Executive Chairman Chief Sylvester Odigie said in a supporting affidavit that his company initiated the contempt

proceedings against INEC and Jega on July 18, 2012 via a motion on notice seeking an order committing the two to prison, for their alleged contemptuous use of the ballot boxes for the elections they have conducted since the June 5, 2012 judgment.

He cited some of the elections as the last governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states and other elections conducted subsequently by INEC. Justice Bello in the judgment held among others that Bedding Holdings owns “valid and subsisting patent rights” over transparent ballot boxes and electronic collapsible transparent ballot boxes used for elections in the country.

Specifically, the court upheld Bedding Holding’s claim to being the bona fide patentee and the exclusive owner of the invention, named “Transparent Ballot Boxes” on which

it was issued certificate of registration patent rights No. RP12994 and registration of industrial designs rights No. RD5946 by the Registrar of Patents on January 12, 1998.

The court also upheld the subsequent certification of an improvement on the invention named “Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes” (with certificate of registration of patent rights No. RP16642 and registration of industrial designs rights No. RD13841 issued on November 27, 2006, which are still valid.

The judge voided the rights over similar inventions purportedly issued later, to three firms - Emchai Limited, Tambco United Nigeria Ltd and Anowat Project and Resources Ltd - by the Registrar of Patents, as being illegal.

Justice Bello granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and

any other person from utilising or dealing with the patented boxes of the plaintiff “except with the express and consent, licence and authority of the plaintiff to that effect.”

Emchai applied to the court on June 28, 2012 for an order setting aside the judgment. On September 27, 2012, INEC and Jega equally applied for an order staying execution of the judgment, pending the determination of their appeal.

Justice Bello, in a ruling on May 13, dismissed the applications by Emchai, INEC and Jega for lacking in merit.

The judge slammed INEC and Jega for utilising the same ballot boxes for the Edo and Ondo elections in disregard of the court’s subsisting judgment.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the fresh application to join Jonathan and others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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NEWS

•Ajimobi (middle); his deputy, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo (left); Senator Tinubu (third left); Mrs. Ajimobi (third right); wife of Lagos State governor Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (second PHOTO: TAIWO OKANLAWON left); wife of Ogun State governor Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (right) and Hon. Nana Oye Lithur at the summit...yesterday.

Women empowerment‘ll enhance economic growth, says Ajimobi O YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said women empowerment will enhance economic growth.

He spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, at the opening of the Second National Women Summit of the Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA).

Ajimobi said: “Africa’s growth will be enhanced if we invest in women, as such investment is smart economics. Indeed, investment in girls is even smarter economics.”

Regretting that many African women experience gender inequality, he said: “A major barrier against

their advancement is poor access to basic health care.

This is a serious issue, as it exacerbates an already bad situation. Maternal mortality rates continue to be extremely high with 47 per cent of global maternal mortality occurring in Africa.

“Although progress has been made in Nigeria in this regard, we continue to have one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world.

“Poor or lack of access to quality education is another impediment to women and girls’ empowerment. A cor-

creased women participation in politics, saying: “Evidence suggests that budgetary allocation is more effective and efficient and ultimately produces superior human development outcomes in countries where women are broadly represented.”

The First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Women Affairs, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Uche Nwafor, said women should be more involved in decision mak-

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday promised to step up efforts to prevent deaths arising from cancer.

Fayemi spoke in AdoEkiti, the state capital, while inspecting work at the Funmi Olayinka Cancer Diagnostic Centre at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).

He said the centre was not only in honour of his former deputy, the late Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, but also to save citizens from cancer.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

the early detection of cancer, particularly as it affects women.

“Even if we lack the capacity to cure it, its management is easier when it is discovered early. People do not have to suffer any loss of life if it is discovered at the first stage and we do not want to lose anyone again. So we need a

Fayemi said the centre would enable women carry out regular medical checkups, adding that early detection would facilitate effective management of the disease.

He said though there was no cure for the disease, the war against it would be won if people checked their health status regularly.

The governor said: “We have a purpose for doing this. We lost someone dear to us to cancer and vowed to have a diagnostic centre for

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place we can visit without having to pay a fortune to check ourselves.”

The hospital’s Director of Administration, Mr. Deji Dada, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Multilateral relations, Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami, took the governor round the project which is nearing completion.

Ekiti inaugurates APC

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ceived by Governor Ibikunle Amosun; his deputy, Segun Adesegun; House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi and former Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Tajudeen Bello, among others, at a meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Amosun hailed the defectors for “taking the courageous step” of joining the APC. He said the task of developing the state and country was the responsibility of everyone, adding: “Nobody

can do it alone”.

The governor said the APC would wrest power from the PDP at the centre and provide “quality governance”.

Oshin, who was one of the G-15 lawmakers that tackled former Governor Gbenga Daniel, urged other members of the group to join APC to move the state forward.

He said: “APC is the moving train that will transform Nigeria. In Ogun State, we can see the massive development going on and the people will benefit immensely from it. Any G-15 member that is not in the APC will go into political extinction.“

N anti-corruption group, the Coalition for Transparency (CT), yesterday sued the Commissioner representing Ondo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Dele Omogbemi, for allegedly withholding information about the commission’s projects.

The group said by “ignoring” its request for information since June 29, the commissioner “intentionally violated” the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011.

It is praying the Federal High Court, sitting in Akure, to declare that its request was within the confines of the law and compel the NDDC commissioner to comply.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) will be inaugurated in Ekiti State tomorrow.

The ceremony will hold at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Popular Fuji musician Saheed Osupa (Saridon P) will entertain people at the event.

‘Fed Govt insincere about job creation’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

70 Ogun PDP, PPN members join APC

HIEFTAINS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) and their supporters in Ogun State yesterday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They include former House of Representatives’ member Kazeem Salako; former Ogun Assembly Deputy Speaker Tokunboh Oshin; Mr. Adekunle Adegboyega; former PDP governorship aspirant Kolawole Lawal and aides of former House of Representatives’ Speaker Dimeji Bankole, among others.

The defectors were re-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

ing.

She said: “Nigerian women must be given equal chance as their male counterparts to contribute to the emergence of a better Nigeria.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central District) acknowledged women’s contributions in finance, technology, law, media and other areas of the corporate world, adding that they had been performing meritoriously in high positions.

A ji m obi ’ s w i f e, F l or ence, said the summit would enable women discuss issues affecting them and come up with practical solutions.

Fayemi: we won’t lose anyone to cancer again

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•The late Mrs. Olayinka

relation has long been established between the education of girls and women, resulting in better early childhood, more efficient labour markets and higher economic growth rates.

“Indeed, Mandela also called education ‘the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’. Yet, in many African countries, the gender gap in educational attainment at all levels remains very high, while the primary education of female children is at 67 per cent.”

Ajimobi called for in-

Group sues NDDC chief

•Aluko

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IRECTOR-General of the Ekiti State Job Creation and Employment Agency Folorunso Aluko has accused the Federal Government of being “insincere about reversing the terrible unemployment rate in the country”.

Aluko spoke with reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti,

the state capital, on the state government’s efforts to create jobs.

He said the “worsening rate of youth unemployment” in Nigeria was due to a “lack of vision and focus by policy makers”.

Aluko said the Federal Government’s failure to reverse the slide in the economy led to the current situation, which he said started in 1983 when the military took over power.

He said Governor Kayode Fayemi had instructed the agency to employ 20,000 youths under the Volunteer Corps before next month.

Aluko said: “The 17,666 target of the state government had been met. The last

batch of 5,000 would be unveiled tomorrow. We can see Fayemi‘s efforts in the Ekiti volunteer programme, which has produced operatives of the State Traffic Management Agency, paramedics and fire-fighters. About 1,400 youths had been injected into the Teaching Service Commission.

“They have been receiving N10,000 monthly stipend and the plan is to make them financially stable. This pro-Aluko programme and others midwifed in Osun, Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states forced President Goodluck Jonathan to establish the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).”

He said nearly 3,500 youths had been trained in various skills.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said his administration is investing “heavily” in education to improve public schools and prepare pupils who can compete with their peers globally.

Fashola spoke yesterday at the inauguration of a block of classrooms at the Gbagada Comprehensive Junior High School, Gbagada.

He said education was the best investment any society could bequeath to its people, describing it as an enduring legacy and a powerful agent of transformation.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said education was important in fighting ignorance, poverty and diseases, as well as in the achievement of technological breakthrough and national development.

He said: “The Lagos State government has continued to invest heavily in education to give our citizens the best opportunities to compete globally through the acquisition of the rights skills and competence in our educational facilities. We are firm believers in Benjamin Franklin’s saying that ‘an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest’.”

Fashola said the classrooms were built by the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project (LMDGP), in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

He said: “This agency has delivered noble projects that have impacted on the lives of our people positively. Interventions such as this, particularly in the education sector,

Why we’re investing in education, by Fashola

•People gathered in front of the block of 24 classsrooms...yesterday.

(Inset): Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire inaugurating the block. With her are former Lagos Chief Judge Samuel Ilori (left); a JSS II pupil of the school, Miss Ijogu Eucharia (middle); Mrs. Oladunjoye (second right) and, former Commissioner for Education Prof. Idowu Shobowale.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

show our determination to provide qualitative and functional education for our children and improve the lives of our citizens.”

Urging pupils to protect facilities in schools, Fashola said the best way to appreciate the government’s gesture was to excel in their studies.

He said: “Diligence, deter-

mination and resilience are strong principles of success, which must guide your attitude to your studies. You must make use of the good opportunities being provided in this college, study hard and avoid bad company.”

Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye said infrastructure was critical

to delivering qualitative education to the people, adding that a conducive learning environment would aid assimilation by pupils.

She said: “A non-conducive environment could provide a foray of distractions, which could pose as learning obstacles and have adverse effects on the productivity and results of pu-

pils. It is in view of this that the state government has continued to improve existing infrastructure and provide them where unavailable.”

Mrs. Oladunjoye said the government had continued to provide furniture in schools, distribute free textbooks to pupils, train and retrain teachers.

She said the investment had led

to improved performance by pupils in public examinations.

The commissioner said: “Programmes such as the spelling bee competition, which produces the annual One-Day Governor, Schools’ Debate and the BRF Quiz have helped the educational development of pupils.”

53 gold-plated iPhones: Ezekwesili Fayemi approves courts’ renovation B urges Fed Govt to speak up

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ORMER Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili yesterday urged the Federal Government to comment on the allegation that it has ordered 53 gold-plated iPhones worth about N662 million to mark the country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary.

She wrote this on Twitter in reaction to the story,

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By Precious Igbonwelundu

which originated from a Dubai businessman, Mr. Amjad Ali. Ali told the British media that the Federal Government had ordered customised iPhones from Gold and Co., a British luxury company.

He alleged that the Nigerian government had joined his

company’s growing clients, including royal families, governments and minted customers across Russia, China and the Middle East.

Ali alleged that his company was working hard to meet the Nigerian government’s order for the phones.

He said: “We will engrave them with the Coat of Arms, a shield and two horses.

“Each of the device costs between £3, 000 and £50,000.”

Dr. Ezekwesili said the Federal Government must confirm, refute or clarify issues concerning the gold-plated phones.

She said: “The Federal Government must treat citizens with respect and confirm, rebut or clarify this obscene story of 53 gold-plated iPhones.”

Ogun empowers 136 people

NOTHER batch of 136 people has benefited from the Ogun State Empowerment Programme.

They were trained in sewing, hairstyling, knitting, hair cut, shoe-making and catering between six and 12 months by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The beneficiaries, who graduated on Tuesday, were given working tools.

At the graduation ceremony at the Women Development Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, the governor’s

wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, said skill acquisition had become a veritable means of empowering people, particularly women, in developing countries.

Mrs. Amosun, who was represented by the wife of the Commissioner for Housing, Mrs. Afolashade Adejobi, said: “The welfare of citizens, particularly women, is paramount in the agenda of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration. It is determined to ensure that our women are self-reliant. What we are

witnessing today would boost the economic power of women. When people are empowered with basic vocational skills, the society would be rid of hunger, poverty, joblessness and crime, among others.”

She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the training.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi said her ministry had taken steps to resuscitate the hitherto moribund Vocational Training Centre in Abeokuta.

She said the ministry, in collaboration with a commercial bank, had undertaken two batches of a micro credit loan scheme worth N300 million, adding that another batch is in the offing.

Mrs. Sonubi told the graduates to organise themselves into groups to access the loan.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Mary Gbadebo, who was trained in catering, said the training opened new opportunities for them to be self-reliant and employers of labour.

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Mrs. Adelabu spoke yesterday during a meeting with the chairmen in her office in AdoEkiti, the state capital.

She urged them to extend hands of fellowship to all and sundry, including perceived opposition members.

Noting that the administration’s achievements had endeared Governor Kayode Fayemi to the people, Mrs.

Adelabu said the governor’s perspective of electoral victory was beyond winning and more of uniting Ekiti on a progressive platform that will unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the federal level.

She urged the chairmen to re-strategise on the mobilisation of members at their councils, adding that the party aims

Ekiti clears promotion backlog

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HE Ekiti State government has cleared the backlog of promotion of over 3,600 local government workers.

Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) Chief Ranti Adebisi told reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, that the promotion arrears were for January and July, 2011.

He said the delay was caused by the previous administration, adding that the present administration would ensure prompt promotion of workers.

Adebisi hailed the conduct of workers in the promotion examination and interview.

He said council workers with relevant educational qualifications (B.Ed) had been absorbed into the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), having passed the required examination.

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2014: ‘Reconciliation vital to APC’s victory’

KITI State Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu has urged chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 16 local government areas to reconcile aggrieved members and be more aggressive in their membership drives.

She said this would ensure the party’s victory in next year’s governorship election.

ARELY 48 hours after the Ekiti State government kicked off the renovation of general hospitals, Governor Kayode Fayemi has approved the renovation of all magistrate’s courts.

The governor disclosed this while hosting executives of the Oye Progressive Union in his office at Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

He said the renovation of courts would ensure quick dispensation of justice.

Responding to the union’s requests, Fayemi said the government would expedite the rehabilitation of the Ilupeju/Ire road, restore pipe-borne water in Oye-Ekiti and build the proposed housing estate in the community.

The union’s National President, Mr. Lanre Adesuyi, hailed the governor for transforming both rural and urban areas.

Adesuyi urged the government to draw a master plan for the town, complete the NDE Skill Acquisition centre in the community and upgrade the Oye General Hospital to a specialist hospital.

•Prof. Adelabu

at win over 90 per cent of the votes to prevent any legal contest after the poll.

Pilgrims urged to be good

NTENDING Muslim pilgrims have been told to abide by the laws of Saudi Arabia and be good ambassadors of the country.

Chairman of the Al-Monsur Umrah and Hajj Services Alhaji Lukman Tijani gave the charge at a seminar organised for pilgrims at Surulere, Lagos.

He said since pilgrimage is part of the five pillars of Islam, it should be performed with all seriousness. Tijani warned pilgrims against travelling with excess luggage and items banned by Saudi Arabia’s authorities.

In his lecture, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibraheem urged the pilgrims to perform the Hajj rites in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. He said their five daily prayers must be regular before they travel to the holy land.

Some of the intending pilgrims, particularly those going for the first time, asked questions related to health care services and other issues, which they were addressed by Tijani.

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Banks not reporting insider loans, says CBN

11 Risk management could entail avoiding the risk completely, reducing the negative impact of the risk through risk mitigation actions, transfering or sharing the risks with other parties and retaining the risk; ie, accepting some or all the consequences of the risk and budgeting for it.

- Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Governor

Lemo seeks enforcement of insurers policies

By Collins Nweze

By OmobolaTolu-Kusimo

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) yesterday said banks are not reporting credit facilities of N1 million and above availed to their Board members and staff in line with the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS).

CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Tokunbo Martins, explained in a circular to banks, that the apex bank has observed with dismay the practice, which violates the CRMS reporting mandate.

She explained that the CRMS is a Central Database for credit information on borrowers, established by the CBN Act No. 24 of 1991 (Sections 28 and 52) as amended, which made it mandatory for all banks to render returns in respect of all credit facilities of N1 million and above.

She said Sections 3.4 and 3.5 of the Prudential Guideline for Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria, July 2010, does not preclude banks from reporting credit facilities availed to its Board members and staff in the CRMS. Mrs. Martins advised banks to report such loans, adding that the credit facilities availed to their board members and staff are not exempted, warning that banks are required to report all credit facilities (principal plus interest) of N1 million and above availed to their board members and staff in the CRMS as well as regularly update these credit facilities on monthly basis,” she said.

She said the circular serves as a reminder and warning to all banks adding that any observed breach will attract severe sanctions.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8.7% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $46.8b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

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• From left: Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase; President, LCCI, Mr. Goodie Ibru; Director Membership and Trade Promotion, Mr. Dele Alimi and Council member Alhaji Deremi Giwa, during the maiden Members' Day/Exhibition of the Chamber in Lagos.

BPE rules out improved electricity supply for now N

IGERIANS should not expect improved power supply any time soon, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Ezra Dikki, has said.

Dikki, who spoke yesterday at a Breakfast Meeting of the Lagos Business School, said although the successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) would be handed over to their new owners as from October 1, the development would not bring about immediate changes.

While appealing to Nigerians for understanding, he said investments in the sector would take time to achieve results and that construction of new generation capacity would take two-five years to achieve most of the results envisaged.

He however stressed that with the power sector in private hands, Nigeria would

• Successor firms take over on October 1

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

benefit from increased power supply and a boost in agricultural and industrial development among other positive developments.

He called for strong incentives and support from the government to encourage further private sector investments in gas to boost power supply in the country.

In a statement yesterday by BPE Head of Public Communications, Chigbo Anichebe, Dikki explained that the bulk of electricity generated in the country was through gasfired plants, but regretted that at present, the country does not have the capacity to supply enough gas to sup-

port the envisaged increased capacity now that the private sector is about to take over power generation and distribution in the country.

In a paper, entitled: ‘Power Privatisation: Objectives, Current Status, Prospects & Challenges, Dikki who was represented by the Acting Director, Electric Power, Ibrahim Babagana, said Nigeria was blessed with the largest reserves of natural gas in the world, but stressed that necessary investments were needed to access the gas to produce power.

He noted that there was paucity of skilled manpower in the sector, saying the inheritance of an aged and unmotivated work force and

the absence of a clear strategy by the new owners to manage the movement from state-run to privately managed entity, could pose a challenge.

He said at the onset of the democratically elected government in 1999, the Nigerian Electricity Power Sector had reached the lowest point in the history of the country, explaining that “ of the 79 generation units in the country, only 19 were operational, while average daily generation was 1,750 megawatts.

He said no new electric power infrastructure was built between 1990-1999, the newest plant was completed in 1990 and the last transmission line was built in 1987, adding that an estimated 90 million people were without access to grid electricity and accurate and reliable estimates of industry losses were unavailable, but these were believed to be in excess of 50 per cent”, he said.

Sea ports’ intelligence centre to cost N2.4b

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HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yester day approved N2.4 billion for the establishment of Command Control Communication and Intelligence Centre for Sea Ports.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who brought a memo to FEC, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of its meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the project would create an opportunity for a total of 145 jobs, including 33 professionals, 77 non- professionals and additional 35 more job opportunities as it progress. ”In the course of executing their mandate of providing a secure environment for ports operations within the Nigerian territorial waters and curtailing any threat of terrorist activity in the ports, the Nigerian Ports Authorityand the Ministry of Transport as the landlord, decided to embark

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

on the establishment of a Central Command and Security breaches, in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) convention on Safety of Life and Security at Sea (SOLAS).

He said Council approved the project at the cost of N2,397, 315, 867 to be completed within 14 months, adding that the Council also approved N278 million for the procurement of a water weed clearing multi-purpose equipment.

Umar said the project is part of the planned programme for improving the safety of navigational channel by clearing of water hyacinth, other aquatic weeds along Nigerian rivers and inland waterways, to increase economic activities within the riverine areas and prevent boat mishaps.

“The project will create job opportunities for 15 skilled and 9 unskilled Nigerians during its execution. After de-

liberation, the council approved the procurement of one number of water weed clearing multi purpose equipment in favour of Messrs Alpha Boats Unlimited/ First Index Project and Services

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Limited in the sum of N278,122,527.53 inclusive of all taxes, made up of $1,321,020.89 payment plus N73,694,544.80 with a completion period of 240 days.” He said

HE Nigerian Insurance C o m m i s s i o n (NAICOM) should collaborate with other agencies to step up the enforcement of compulsory insurance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Deputy Governor, Oprations, Tunde Lemo, has said.

He said the Commission can achieve this bilaterally and or multilaterally through various fora.

Lemo, who spoke at the just conluded 2013 Insurance Professionals Forum of The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, held in Ibadan, said efforts should be intensified to ensure the take-off of the industry’s portal.

He said NAICOM should sustain its public education programme, adding that the Commission should continue to handle customers’ complaints timeously and build capacity in the industry.

Lemo, identified low level of insurance penetration and patronage, as one of the challenges of the sector, adding that non-life insurance penetration is around one-half per cent, or only one-seventh of the average penetration of the OECD countries in 2010, while Life insurance penetration is even lower at around 0.2 per cent.

“The comparison remain the same when a better measurement of insurance utilisation is used, which takes into consideration dependence on the economic development of the country, as well as the benchmark insurance penetration against the world insurance penetration average (BMIP) for the non-life sector.

He said the Nigerian BMIP value indicates that the insurance industry is underdeveloped with only 43 per cent of the world average insurance penetration at the Nigerian 2010 GDP per capital level, placing Nigeria at the bottom of comparable countries, with the exception of Egypt.

Training for university bursars on accounting reforms coming

URSARS in Nigerian universities are to be trained to keep them abreast with the Public Financial Management Reforms in the accounting.

They are to be trained under Human Capital Development Programme in the Office of theAccountant-General of the Federation, with a view to understanding the implementation of the government’s on-going reform programme’s in accounting.

Accountant General of the TheAGF, Jonah Otunla told members of National of Association University Bursars

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst.

Editor)

who paid him a courtesy visit in his office that “the implementation of new reforms in the nation’s accounting system has led to the massive training of staff both locally and internationally on the operations of these reforms, and I am assuring you, you will benefit from the training programme”.

A statement from the AGF said Otunla promised federal university bursars “one-year sabbatical leave towards the end of their service year”.

Mr Otunla explain some of the ongoing reforms to the university bursars to includethe International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS), under which over 8,104 officials have been trained from the Federal, States and Local Governments to increase the ability of governments to undertake central control and monitoring of expenditures and receipts in the MDAs; the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has helped Governments to establish amongst others, government’s cash position at any point in time.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Seizing the bishop

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•The kidnap of Archbishop Kattey puts Rivers State security back on the burner

NCE upon a time, the September 6 kidnap, by unknown gun men, of Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, Dean of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria and Archbishop of Niger Delta North Diocese, and his wife, Beatrice, would have passed for plain sacrilege, from which even the most depraved would cringe. But there it was; and even now, the cleric is still in captivity. It just shows how decayed our society has become.

That must be condemned by all rightthinking citizens. His wife was left off the hook, revealing that the cleric was their target.

Still, moral free fall or no, nothing can excuse the creeping anarchy on Rivers State, with its concomitant high level of insecurity. It is even more unacceptable that the utmost professional charged with ensuring the security of the Rivers citizen, Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu, would appear too distracted to concentrate on his work; and his bosses at Abuja would appear comfy with playing politics with the lives of the ordinary citizens in the state.

A few days ago, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State had rued the descending anarchy, claiming it was due to the slackness of the Mbu-led police in the state. True, the embattled Amaechi could not be said to be unpartisan in his comments, for he is involved with President Goodluck Jonathan, in the tussle for the political soul of the state. So, using the archbishop’s kidnapping to point at Mr. Mbu’s tragic distraction could well be

playing to the gallery to score a quick one on his federal traducers and their local viceroys.

Still, the governor would appear to have genuine cause to complain because whereas kidnapping and allied violent crimes were rampant when he took office in 2007, those vices had significantly been rolled back under his charge – until the current political crisis rocking the state.

Aside, even with the charge of alleged partisanship laid on Mr. Mbu, coupled with the reckless statement credited to the police commissioner which tended to suggest he was competing with the governor for political authority in the state, the police authorities did not think it fit to redeploy Mr. Mbu to another state. Might he have been left behind as a prized asset in the Rivers State political struggle, even if the security situation degenerated beyond measure?

This is a hard question. But it is hardly illegitimate, given the way things are shaping out in that state. Still, the onus is on Mr. Mbu to squarely face his work.

When hoodlums start kidnapping moral exemplars; or it becomes imperative for an archbishop to drive round with armed escorts just because some hoodlums are on the prowl, then somebody has failed in his duty of state.

The way the state police are celebrating the abandonment of Mrs. Kattey, while the kidnappers took away her husband, claiming to be “on top of the situation”, borders on arrant stupidity. You cannot be on top of a situation when you are always

securing the stable doors when the stallion has escaped. Combing bushes after kidnappers have bolted with their quarry is not particularly intelligent. So, the Rivers State police must get real.

Mohammed Abubakar, the InspectorGeneral of Police, owes himself a professional duty to ensure his men in the states are professional and clearly so.

Mr. Mbu may yet protest his innocence on charges of partisanship – and he may well be right. But the worsening security situation in Rivers gives a contrary view. He must be made to sit up.

The citizens of the state have inalienable right under the 1999 Constitution to full security. That must be ensured, starting with the full restoration of Archbishop Kattey’s freedom; and preventing any future kidnap.

‘Mohammed Abubakar, the Inspector-General of Police, owes himself a professional duty to ensure his men in the states are professional and clearly so. Mr. Mbu may yet protest his innocence on charges of partisanship – and he may well be right. But the worsening security situation in Rivers gives a contrary view. He must be made to sit up’

Questions for ITF

•How come the Federal Government can’t pay interns N11 billion in a wasteful government?

A

KEY necessity for the industrial and economic development of any country is the creation of a critical corps of professionals with mid-level technical skills to solve practical problems and provide high quality services in diverse sectors of the economy. It was obviously in recognition of this fact that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established in 1971 to provide, among others, Direct Training, Vocational and Apprentice Training, Research and Consultancy Service, as well as administer the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

The ITF itself recognises the SIWES as one of its central functions when it claims that through the scheme “the Fund also builds capacity for graduates and youth

‘The excuse of paucity of funds is only indicative of a profligate country that refuses to get its priorities right. Here is a country that can afford to pay billions of Naira as allowances, salaries and other perks to largely unproductive public officers at all levels of government. Here is a country where humongous amounts are stolen from the public till as evidenced in the fuel subsidy scam or the pensions fund fraud, for instance’

self-employment, in the context of small scale industrialistion in the economy”.

Under its SIWES scheme, the ITF is required to pay allowances to different categories of students to acquire relevant industrial training experience in their various fields before being absorbed into the job market or pursuing further education.

Given the centrality of the SIWES to its statutory functions and the country’s development goals, it is shocking that the ITF is owing students who embarked on their Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme over the last few years the amazing amount of N11 billion. Director-General of the ITF, Professor LongmasWapmu, made this embarrassing disclosure in Lagos. This is clearly another case of the objectives of a well-conceived and brilliant idea being undermined by our characteristic national penchant for lack of seriousness and disdain for meticulous planning.

For instance, the DG cited paucity of fund as a major reason for this unfortunate and inexcusable situation. Explaining that it was only in the last two years that government began giving the ITF sufficient funds, Professor Wapmu said, “Previously, on the average, we required about N2.3 billion for each year for the SIWES programme. But we pay on the basis of first come first served, so we decided to pay some students who had graduated some years back”.

The excuse of paucity of funds is only indicative of a profligate country that refuses to get its priorities right. Here is a country that can afford to pay billions of

Naira as allowances, salaries and other perks to largely unproductive public officers at all levels of government. Here is a country where humongous amounts are stolen from the public till as evidenced in the fuel subsidy scam or the pensions fund fraud, for instance. Yet, we cannot find the fund for a scheme central to our quest for industrialisation.

No less incredible is Professor Wapmu’s claim that “We have not achieved much progress in terms of clearing the backlog of accumulated SIWES allowance because the number of students continues to increase due to the increase in the number of institutions”. Given its mandate, the ITF has the responsibility to track and keep abreast of growth, both in the number of institutions and students. Without adequate and accurate statistics, how can the ITF plan effectively and efficiently to achieve its objectives? Is it a problem of sheer incompetence we have here or possible mismanagement of resources?

The relevant authorities must surely seek to find out.

Apparently submitting to helplessness and cluelessness, the DG hinted that once the backlog of allowances is cleared, the allowances will no more be paid from 2014. He said that the Federal Government has informed the ITF of its inability to fund the SIWES any longer and suggested that parents should be able to bear the burden. This is a shameful abdication of responsibility and a demonstration of gross insensitivity to the pitiable economic plight of most Nigerians today.

The road to Damascus

– Obama needs to weigh Syria’s offer on its chemical weapons, even as he presents evidence of Assad’s wrongdoing.

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HE Obama administration offered a decidedly mixed reaction Monday to a suggestion that Syria might be willing to turn over its chemical weapons to international authorities to avert a U.S military attack. For part of the day officials sounded dismissive, but as evening fell, the president himself acknowledged that the idea was, potentially, “a significant breakthrough.”

It’s tough to know whether the offer is a meaningful one or an eleventh-hour stalling tactic by Syrian President Bashar Assad, but there’s no reason not to consider it seriously. The administration should “run it to ground,” as Obama suggested he would, even as it continues to plan what it will do in the event that the proposal falls apart.

In the meantime, Obama will presumably continue his struggle to build support for a military strike, a plan that has divided the country and that faces an uphill climb in Congress. But this much is certain: The president will be more successful in that appeal if the government makes public the evidence it says it has amassed showing that the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack in a Damascus suburb last month that killed hundreds of civilians.

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said over the weekend that the attribution of the attack to Assad passed the “common-sense test.”

But that won’t be enough for many Americans who remember how the U.S. invaded Iraq a decade ago on the flawed assumption that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Nor will they be satisfied by assurances that more detailed information is being provided on a classified basis to members of Congress.

In a speech Monday, national security advisor Susan Rice laid out the case against the Assad government: “Only the Syrian regime has the capacity to deliver chemical weapons on a scale to cause the devastation we saw in Damascus.

The opposition does not. The rockets were fired from territory controlled by the regime. The rockets landed in territory controlled or contested by the opposition. And the intelligence we’ve gathered reveals senior officials planning the attack and then, afterward, plotting to cover up the evidence by destroying the area with shelling.”

Plausible as this scenario may be, it consists of a series of assertions. If the administration is to quiet widespread doubts, it will have to declassify the conversations between government officials it says it intercepted (even if it redacted the officials’ names) and also make public satellite images that it contends contain evidence of the launching of rockets from government-controlled areas and preparations by government personnel for a chemical attack.

Not every opponent of military action against Syria questions the administration’s account of who is responsible for the carnage captured on those unsettling videos. Some freely accept that the Assad government, if not Assad himself, ordered the attack, but worry about the consequences of even the “limited and tailored” operation the administration says it is planning.

But there are other Americans who accept the “red line” Obama laid out but aren’t convinced that the Syrian regime crossed it. They’re entitled to the evidence.

– Los Angeles Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTMBER 12, 2013

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: All over the world national anthems are recognized as the official songs of countries carefully composed and adopted to herald independence and sovereignty.

They express patriotic sentiments and are played or sung on public occasions. In broadcasting, the national anthem is played at the opening and closing down of a station, or during grade ‘A’ Broadcast such as the speech of the Head of the State or Governor.

A national anthem is a national statement inherited and preserved by successive governments of a country whether civilian or military, democratic or autocratic.

Even in time of war and sports, the first salute goes to the national anthem!

Some of the National anthems have peculiarities of note: for instance the American National Anthem, “Star Spangled Banner” was written by an American Lawyer and Poet, Francis Scott Key while on board a British naval ship during the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland in 1814. The “La Marseillaise” of France was adopted in 1792 during the French Revolution, and named after troops from the city of Marseille who stormed the Palace of the King during the revolution.

The United Kingdom’s “God save the Queen” was first printed in gentleman’s magazine in 1745 but the author is unknown. Also the composer of the melody is not known just as the composer of the American anthem who is wrongly regarded as John Stafford Smith who used the

S

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National anthem for sale? music for an arrangement of “To Anacreon in Heaven”.

Ghana’s national anthem “Hail the Name of Ghana” which was put to music by Phillip Gbeho in 1956 and adopted in 1957 was revised by a government committee in 1966.

Some national anthems are melodies without words while some rhythms like that of Germany are similar to popular Christian hymns. Yet the solemnity of all of them is unique and make them seen sacred.

In Nigeria, the first national anthem adopted on October 1, 1960 was written by a British lady, Lilian Jean

Williams and composed by Frances Benda. On October 1, 1978 a new national anthem, “Arise O’ Compatriots” was adopted. It was collectively written by five Nigerian lyricists and put to music by Benedict Elide Odiase.

Like in other countries of the world, Nigeria’s national anthem is held in high esteem. It is our national statement. It calls us to attention and alerts us of an important speech or event.

When it is playing nobody moves around or says anything except singing the lyrics. It is a salute to nationhood!

But today, the anthem has been adul-

terated, abused, and disrespected by individuals and corporate citizens, particularly GSM operators. They use it as caller-tune which they sell to subscribers and realize huge amount thereby relegating the national anthem to the status of a marketing commodity. Everything should not be put on sale. There should be a limit to revenue drive, else we invoke the evil spirit of slave trade and even sell our nationhood!

Nigeria as a member of the world international community should uphold international regulations and observations, and create a lawful so-

IR: The recently released Fiscal Responsibility Commission report for 2011 which claimed that Ekiti State is among the most heavily indebted states is inaccurate, incorrect and political.

For a Federal Government agency to be bandying a 2011 report close to the end of 2013 (a period of two years) shows the level of statistical laziness and financial culpability of the

agency, especially in this digital age where information on anything is just a click away.

I think the FRC should be more concerned about educating the public on what the Federal Government owes rather than trying to use old statistics that has no direct bearing with current situations at the various states. What is even more worrisome is the fact that many of the states (at

least as claimed by their respective commissioners of finance and other relevant agencies) have yet to receive the said report before it was published in the media.

As a concerned Ekiti citizen, I see FRC report as calculated to embarrass the state and smear the image of the Fayemi Administration.

Virtually all states indicted in the report Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Kwara,

the state that Aregbesola’s magic wand has not touched for good. The revolution in education which evident in the introduction of Opon Imo, free uniform, text and exercise books, payment of bursary and award of scholarship to deserving students of the State of Osun is unprecedented, acknowledged and indelible.

The revolution is equally noticeable in road construction and rehabilitation in all nooks and crannies of the State of Osun. However, I want

to call the attention of the governor to the deplorable condition of the Ifon-Ilobu-Osogbo road which is one of the major roads that link Oyo State to the State of Osun. That road is so bad that vehicles plying that road have to pass through intra township roads in Ifon and Ilobu, which are even worse than the major road they are avoiding.

One could notice that work is on going on many feeder roads to this major road. But unless this major road is fixed, efforts of the state gov-

ernment would not be appreciated because any visitor entering the state from Ifon-Ilobu end would access the government through their experience on this road.

Although the road belongs to the federal government, the state government as a matter of urgency should endeavour to rehabilitate the road and later claim refund from the federal government. The road is an eyesore.

• Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

S

Ekiti and FRC report

Ifon-Ilobu-Osogbo road deserves attention

IR: As a keen observer of the activities of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, I can say equivocally that unless one is just looking for faults where none exists, all his activities are in tandem with his promises to the people of the State of Osun. He has impacted positively on the socio-economic and infrastructural development in the State of Osun and anybody visiting Osogbo would know that the revolution is for real. As a matter of fact, there is no sector of

ciety. Otherwise how can a GSM provider, a corporate citizen with over 40 million Nigerian subscribers sell the national anthem as a caller-tune at N50 per month, releasing about N200 billion naira in one month! Let the regulatory authority, that is the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC put such practice to a stop and compel the defaulter to remit that huge amount to the treasury. It can be used to provide employment for teeming Nigerian graduates many of whom are perambulating the streets and selling mere recharge cards for the GSM operator.

The national symbols of Nigeria particularly the National Flag, the armorial bearings and the national anthem are not articles for sale.

They should be respected and protected and preserved for future generations unadulterated.

• James Egbuchulam jameschulam@yahoo.co.uk.

Ebonyi, have faulted it.

One curious twist to the report is the jocose excitement exhibited by governorship aspirants of the two factions of PDP Ekiti State, while celebrating the report.

I think the way forward is for all and sundry to seek for the current debt profile of the state and consider it in line with the ongoing physical, industrial and human capital development which is the hallmark of the Fayemi administration before coming to a conclusion whether the taxpayers money have been put to effective use or not. Or whether the N20 billion bond sourced from the capital market in 2011 has brought about a better life for the people of the state.

The FRC should also endeavour to come out with the correct statistical data of debt profile of all the 36 states of the federation and that of the federal government, whom we reliably gathered has just sourced a one billion Eurobond. This, to me is the just and proper way to go about it.

• Sina Pius, Ado Ekiti.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTMBER 12, 2013

19

COMMENTS

Redeemer’s University’s 5th Convocation - 1

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IME flies. It is incredible that Redeemer’s University is already going to its 9th year of existence. It was founded

by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, both of whom are educationists.

Pastor Adejare Adeboye is an Applied Mathematician, while his wife is a trained teacher. The inspiration for the establishment of this university which started as a mustard seed, nine years ago and has now grown into a giant tree came from both of them. Pastor Adeboye, until he was called

by God to be his battle-axe to confront evil in the world had the ambition of becoming the youngest Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria. Of course all these have changed and he is more than a Vice-Chancellor today. Apart from being a shepherd to a flock numbering millions all over the world, he is now the Visitor and Proprietor of the Redeemer’s University, a university appropriately named after the Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Initially, the university was to be called the Redeemer’s University for all Nations. But this jaw-breaking name was pruned down to Redeemer’s University, and it is affectionately called RUN by students and staff. When the university was licensed, it was licensed as Redeemer’s University, Ede, and this was actually the prophecy that Pastor Adeboye got. But for certain reasons, concerning the remoteness of Ede and the possible problems of finding staff that would be ready to live in such a remote city, the university started toying with the idea of being located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where the RCCG had an expansive land. Unfortunately, the moment people knew about the intention of the authorities of the university to locate it in this corridor, land speculators became active and started encroaching on the land that was dedicated for the purpose of building the university. Land

‘The future for this university is bright.

But there are challenges. The challenge is how to keep the fees from skyrocketing in spite of the galloping inflation in our country and in spite of the fact that most of the services, equipment and reagents necessary to run a modern university have to be imported’

I

T was predicted long ago that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will implode because of the way it was being run.

Expectedly, PDP dismissed such talks as balderdash, saying as the ‘’largest party in Africa’’ people were jealous of it. In describing itself like that, PDP was referring to its size. Indeed, it is not only large in size, but also monstrous in shortchanging others, rigging and everything that is bad in politics.

Since 1999, PDP and its members have consistently shown that they can go to any length in order to get to power. The route to power does not matter to them; what matters is that they should acquire power either by hook or by crook. So, the use of foul means is not strange to them. They are at home rigging and snatching ballot boxes during elections. There is nothing they cannot do to win an election, even killing is part of the game.

Is that how to be Africa’s largest party? Shouldn’t a party which prides itself as such set good examples? PDP is not bothered by morality. To the party, the end justifies the means. This is why it has been coming to power since 1999 through crude and cruel means. As a party interested in power for power sake, PDP has no scruples whatsoever. It uses and dumps its members at will once they outlive their usefulness.

Its national leaders are not spared this treatment. Many of them were discarded like mere tissues after being used by those they helped into power. Ask Chief Solomon Lar; ask Chief Barnabas Gemade; ask Chief Audu Ogbe; ask Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; ask Chief Vincent Ogbulafor. These were leaders of

‘With the new PDP attacking it from one side and the APC from the other side, the PDP is as good as gone’

that had been paid for several years ago, had to be repaid for all over again, but in spite of this, the rate of encroachment was so high that the trouble of building a university in this corridor was becoming unbearable. This situation was so bad that one or two Pentecostal denominations also got involved in encroaching on the land. After fruitless negotiations, effort was shifted to an adjourning piece of land along the Simawa corridor. Large sums of money were again paid to the owners, but like Oliver Twist, they kept asking for more. It was at this point that the Proprietor of the Redeemer’s University, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, after praying about the problem, felt that what was at the root of all the difficulties must have been our disobedience to God’s initial plan of locating the university in Ede. He therefore decided that the university must go back to the place of its origin. Marching orders were given and building on the permanent site started at a frenetic speed about a year ago, and, all things being equal, the permanent site would soon become a reality to the glory of God. In spite of this human problem, the university has grown academically and it currently operates on a collegiate system with the college of Humanities, Management and Sciences being the colleges that have been established, while the professional colleges would no doubt come into being when the university begins to operate on its permanent site. The university since its inception has graduated five sets of students who are making waves in different parts of the world and in Nigeria. All the courses on offer in the university have full accreditation and the university is rated as second-best among private universities in the country and is within the first 20 out of the more than 100 universities in Nigeria. Graduates of Redeemer’s University who have gone abroad to study for Master’s and Doctorate have not had the humiliating experience of graduates of public universities in Nigeria who have had to do make-up year before they could be admitted into postgraduate schools. Many of the former graduates of the university who went to British, American and Canadian universities finished their Master’s degree within one calendar year. This is to show that teaching and research in Redeemer’s University are of the highest order.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the university is its emphasis on Christian ethics and inculcating this into the character of the young people who come within the portals of the university. This is done unobtrusively, but effectively through congregational prayers and also through a process by which students who commit any infraction of university regulations are shown the way out. But in recent times, there

has been an introduction of a rather unique kind of rehabilitation of erring students which is called Recovery of Destiny programme.

Students who are expelled are given the option to go to special schools run by the mission to Jide rehabilitate drug Osuntokun addicts or young people who have departed from the path of rectitude. This is a new programme to help willing students who realise that they have gone astray and who want to go before God Almighty for rehabilitation and restitution. I must say that the number of young people who are expelled from the Redeemer’s University for bad manners are not many and this is because the staff of the university, operating in loco parentis provide the right kind of leadership and show the way for the students to follow.

The future for this university is bright. But there are challenges. The challenge is how to keep the fees from skyrocketing in spite of the galloping inflation in our country and in spite of the fact that most of the services, equipment and reagents necessary to run a modern university have to be imported. It costs an average student in England studying medicine, 25,000 pounds a year. That is about over 6.25million naira. A student in the Sciences, Mnagement Sciences and the Humanities in England would need about 15,000 pounds a year, which is about 3.75million naira, and they would not get better attention and teaching than students in some private universities such as Redeemer’s University. They would of course have better library and laboratory facilities and better environment for learning. But after all these limitations in Nigeria are taken into account, people who send their children to private universities here in Nigeria at a fraction of what it would cost them abroad are having a fair deal.

The duration of degree programmes are known and certain. When a child enters Redeemer’s University, he or she spends exactly four years to graduate.

• To be continued next week

PDP’s macabre dance the party at one time or the other who were booted out for not doing the bidding of the then president.

The party confers a lot of power on its elected members in government, especially the president and governors.

Any serving president elected on its platform is its national leader and the governors its leaders in their states. So, under such arrangement, its national chairman who does not see eye to eye with the president is an endangered specie.

Such a chairman is removed from his post with ignominy. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was brought into the party by those who thought they could manipulate him, were disappointed as he turned out to be their nemesis.

Obasanjo removed or was instrumental to the removal of some chairmen like Lar, Gemade and Ogbeh. Only Ahmadu Ali, who is a former soldier like him, survived his high-handedness. Nwodo and Ogbulafor, who served under a different president, also got the Obasanjo treatment. Ogbulafor, who boasted that PDP will be in power for 60 years, did not stay long to realise his goal! So far, the party has been in power for 15 yeasrs, counting from 1999. Will it still be in power in the next 45 years?

I doubt it because it is not likely that PDP will return to power in 2015 if the newly registered All Progressive Congress (APC) and the other opposition parties can capitalise on the PDP crisis to push out the party from power in the next elections. It won’t be easy but it can be done. With nine national chairmen in 15 years, PDP has shown that it is not a party to be taken serious.

Only Alhaji Haliru Mohammed and Alhaji Kawu Baraje, who served in acting capacity, enjoyed a peaceful tenure. Others fought tooth and nail for their survival just as Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is doing right now.

No matter how hard Tukur fights,

his days in office are numbered. For now, it may seem as if President Goodluck Jonathan is backing him, but mark my word, the president will soon ditch him in order to realise his aim of seeking reelection in 2015. Tukur is still holding on to power because of Jonathan’s support and he knows that. Since he knows where his bread is buttered he will do everything to remain in the president’s good books, including disowning his people from the North, who are opposed to Jonathan’s return in 2015.

As long as Tukur remains on Jonathan’s side, the seven PDP governors and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar can only bark and not bite him. In fact, if you ask me, I will say Tukur is not PDP’s problem. The party’s problem right now is the president, who because of his ambition has put Tukur in a tight corner. Tukur is afraid of confronting the president because he does not want to lose his job. To him, the president is a bigger evil, while those opposed to Jonathan’s planned return in 2015 are the lesser evil, which he is sure he can take on.

His confidence stems from the assurance of presidential support when the chips are down. Tukur is a man buffeted on all fronts. In his home state of Adamawa, in his Northeast zone and at the national level, he is all alone. This political infighting has exposed the underbelly of the PDP. The Abubakar Kawu Baraje - led new PDP has shown that the Tukur - led PDP is a big for nothing balloon, which needs only a prick of the pin to burst. he PDP umbrella is leaking because of the tiny holes punched in it by the Baraje faction. It is only a matter of time before those holes become bigger and the umbrella is torn to shreds.

With the new PDP attacking it from one side and the APC and the oth-

T

ers from the other side, the PDP is as good as gone. But the opposition must stand firm so as to realise its dream of sending the PDP packing in 2015. The opposition can bury the PDP alive, for after all, the party has dug its own grave. It will be a long and bitter battle, but the opposition and the PDP faction can pull it through if they get their act right.

Troubled by his conscience

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ffa in Kwara State is a po litically enlightened town.

Its people know what they want and they usually go all out for it. When it comes to politics, they have always aligned with the progressives. One of its prominent sons, the late Chief J.S. Olawoyin, for years led the town on the progressive side of politics. A die - hard Awoist, J.S, as he was popularly known, played a major role in the political emancipation of his people. It is these politically aware people that some vote robbers want to cheat in the last August 31 Offa Local Government Area rerun. In the last 10 years, Kwara has been a PDP state, but it was not always so. It became a PDP state following the rift between the late Governor Mohammed Lawal and the late Kwara strongman, Dr Olusola Saraki. The late Saraki made the late Lawal governor on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

The late Saraki left ANPP for the late Lawal and joined PDP for the sake of his son, Senator Bukola, who wanted to contest for governor then.

The late Lawal lost in the power game.

The Offa rerun was a supremacy battle of sorts between PDP and APC because it was the first election the mega party formed from the merger of Action Congress of

Lawal Ogienagbon

lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204

Nigeria, Congress of Progressive Change and ANPP will contest against PDP. So, the parties threw all they had into the election. Everything went smoothly until the electoral agency began to footdrag over the declaration of result. That was the first sign of trouble. When the result eventually came, it was announced on Kwara Radio! Why would the electoral umpire declare result at a radio station and not its office if it has nothing to hide?

Since the announcement, Offa has been boiling. Hardly a day passes without a protest in the town. There was a twist in the tale when one of the so - called winners, Afolabi Jimoh, confessed that he did not win the election. The ‘councillor elect’ for Shawo Southwest said the APC candidate won. In other climes, that is enough to void his election and declare his opponent the winner. One week after Jimoh’s confession, it is mum from the electoral umpire.

Will the matter end like this? Will Jimoh stand by his confession if the matter gets to the tribunal? Is this an indication of what will happen in 2015? What are the police doing about this case, especially Jimoh’s confession? Have they started investigating his claim? Jimoh confessed because he has a conscience, but his confession will amount to nothing if the stolen mandate is not recovered from him.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTMBER 12, 2013

20

COMMENTS

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‘

LEASE tell Gbogungboro (the masked rambler without phone number) that the positive contributions the Igbos made to Lagos becomes obvious even when viewed from the prism of recent superficial events. How does Lagos look like when Igbos goes home for Christmas? Did your banks not collapse when Igbos withdrew their money to go home during the Abiola saga? The man must have studied perverted history at UCL. Be reminded that your Hausa masters are still around the corner, lest you forget. We are not unmindful that you will, as it is your habit, treacherously team up with them against the Igbos’ (08027188222) I missed this columnist’s piece of August 22 titled ‘Letter to the Igbo nation by a friend’. It was the above reaction which the reader probably expected me to forward to the ‘masked rambler’. That prompted me to search for the said article. The summary: As a people not known to have developed kingdom and cities, very little was known of Igbo history until Professor Adiele Afigbo’s major work which established Igbo had no contact with people outside their immediate neighbourhood; that the Aworis, a Yoruba sub group, established a kingdom in Lagos Peninsular in the 12th century which by the 19th century had become an important trading post for the Europeans; that the British that used force to establish dominance over Lagos in 1851 went ahead in1861 to sign a treaty of cession with a Lagos king and in 1914 made Lagos the capital of Protectorate of Nigeria. The Igbos who, like other Nigerian groups, only started coming to Lagos in the 1920s, Gbogun gboro contended couldn’t have been responsible for turning Lagos from a jungle to a city as averred by Dr Ezeife and that Lagos could not have been no man’s land as claimed by Kalu Uzor Kalu.

I think, Gbogun gboro should have also reminded the two self-serving Igbo leaders that the Yoruba nation itself was, according to P. C. Lloyd, more culturally developed than Europe as at the time of the coming of the Europeans, if we use urbanisation as index of measurement.

It is not as if that alone would have cured the much abused ordinary Igbos of their feeling of persecution complex of God-ordained leaders of Africa persecuted in Nigeria by the Yoruba and Hausa Fulani out of envy as their self serving leaders had repeatedly drummed into their ears. The exploitation of the fears, infirmities and weaknesses of thousands of Igbos who live and face uncertainties in strangers’ land by their more privileged elite have gone on for far too long.

This dates back to Zik’s arrival in 1934 when they needed a spokesman while the emerging educated Igbo elite were also scheming for positions in the approaching independent Nigeria.

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Fani-Kayode Vs. self-serving Igbo elite As it was then, so it is today. Uzor Kalu, Dr Ezeife like Zik, Ozumba Mbadiwe and other selfcentred Igbo leaders have only one thing in common- demonising others for the failure of Igbo leadership to mobilise their people for the development of their area. Uzor Kalu’s hypocrisy about fighting the Igbo cause, following confrontation with Lagos State government over failure to pay land charges on his palace in an exclusive haven of the rich in Lagos, is not different from Ozumba Mbadiwe who built a mansion comically christened ‘Palace of the people’ in the midst of his people’s squalor, from the proceeds of federal property he bought in Ijora, Lagos, and sublet back to the Federal Government at a scandalous higher rate. How did an inquiry into the diversion of Eastern State money to ACB, owned

by Zik, his children and his friend, Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu, promote the cause of poor Igbos?

Ozumba Mbadiwe and self-serving Igbo leaders poisoned the minds of three generation of Igbo over the false claim that Awo and Yoruba betrayed Zik and therefore Igbos, after the parliamentary election into the Western State House of Assembly in 1951. “I witnessed how Awo and Yoruba betrayed Zik in the Western House in 1952’, Chinua Achebe declared. But, what both Igbo celebrated leaders did not state was that at the end of the 1951 parliamentary election, A.M.A. Akinloye led a delegation of those elected on the platform of his Ibadan Peoples Party to Zik. They insisted they would only consider a coalition with NCNC if he gave an undertaking to appoint a prominent Yoruba NCNC member as Premier of the West. Zik, supported by prominent Igbo NCNC members, insisted on becoming the Pre-

STABLISHED by Decree No 15 of 1993 (as amended), now Cap NI Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is an appropriate response to a national crisis: the unwholesomeness in the entire gamut of Nigerian pharmaceutical and food production businesses.

This explains why the law setting it up comprehensively mandated it to regulate as well as control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sales and use of food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals and packaged water. The agency has since remained focused on, and committed to, meeting the aspirations of the country.

However, after close to 20 years of its existence, it has become very obvious that a rethink of the law setting up the agency has become imperative if it must meet the expectations of Nigerians or contend with ever changing challenges of the domestic and global drug business. To appreciate the point being made, we need to take a critical look at the dynamics of the Nigerian drug business. Foreign-made pharmaceuticals account for 60 percent of drugs in the market with China and India as top exporters of these drugs. As much as 80 percent of all active ingredients in pharmaceuticals made worldwide come from either China or India, and these two countries are the prime suspects when it comes to bad drugs in the world. Deductively therefore, the bulk of counterfeit and fake drugs consumed by Nigerians come from China and India.

There are redemptive measures particularly from India, which has a law that imposes life jail on both local exporters of unwholesome products and their foreign collaborators.

NAFDAC’s effort at getting a similar law enacted by the National Assembly has not succeeded in getting the federal lawmakers to appreciate the imperative.

The existing laws such as the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions Act (Cap C3 LFN 2004) and the Government of Nigeria Trade Practices (Miscellaneous Offences) Act No.67, 1992 (Now cap T12 LFN 2004) are too weak to serve the desired purpose.

Emphatically, drug adulterators or fakers are serial “murderers” who deserve no less than capital punishment when caught, prosecuted and eventually convicted by the law courts. The existing laws do not have such force.

Few instances of the inadequacy of the extant laws guiding the operations of NAFDAC will put in sharper perspective the thrust of this write up.

On March 15, 2010 in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, one Afolabi Nurudeen, a baker, orchestrated an assault on Yedunni Adenuga, an Assistant Director and her team while

mier of the West without satisfactorily addressing the misgivings of Akinloye group about how an Igbo man would speak for the Igbos and the Yoruba at the centre while Hausa/Fulani speak for the north.

That we operate a federal arrangement underscores the fact that we are not one. But like the proverbial ostrich, we have paid little attention to the warning of Ahmadu Bello that we must try to understand our differences. We demonise those who say the truth by labelling them tribalists as if it is not the virtues of tribes we set out to celebrate when we adopted federalism as a system of government. We eulogise those who fraudulently claim to be Nigerians first, a strategy to acquire oil blocks, contracts and wield political power in Abuja without representing anyone.

Fani-Kayode’s celebration of the virtues of the Yoruba is the very essence of federalism. That does not make him an Igbo hater. Neither does he become one by stating documented facts; that the January 1966 selective senseless killings of non-Igbo military officers and non-Igbo politicians led to the vengeance coup of July 1966 and the mindless reprisal killings of Igbo military officers; that the Igbo political elite led by Nwafor Orizu, the Acting president, for selfish reasons, instead of swearing in Zana Bukar Dipcharimma as the Acting Prime Minster as provided for by the constitution sided with Ironsi, a commander-in-chief who, after foiling a coup, claimed he could not guarantee the safety of the surviving ministers unless he was given full powers as Head of State. From hindsight, can we not now conclude that Ironsi’s failure

only vindicated Ahmadu Bello’s admonition when Ozumba Mbadiwe and others were lobbing for him that Nigeria would regret if he was foisted on the country as Commander-in-Chief?

The problem has always been that the Igbo elite, while eating with 10 fingers hardly take a principled position on any national issue that affects their Igbo people. In 1959, they entered into a coalition with NPC precisely because of what Igbo elite stood to gain. They did the same in 1979. On both occasions when the coalition collapsed, Igbo serving ministers refused to resign their positions as directed by their parties.

They were partners-in-crime with Babangida over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Abiola’s victory. They served as lackeys to Abacha’s despicable regime with the Ikemba himself serving as an errand boy for Abacha in Europe. In all these, it was about what was in it for the Igbo elite and not the people. In the current political dispensation, there is no difference between APGA and PDP, with the relative ease with which notable Igbos like Chukwuma Soludo, Dora Akunyili, moved from the latter to the former to contest election.

On the issue of restructuring, the Igbo elite have remained the most ambivalent. Despite the fact that it was former Vice-President Ekwueme that recommended a six-geopolitical zone structure for Nigeria, the dominant tendency in Igbo land prefers the easier path –crumbs from the Federal Government than the more difficult task of mobilising their people towards turning their own territory to Taiwan of Nigeria.

If we don’t understand where we are coming from, we will likely not know where we are going. I think after three generations of falsehood, today’s Igbo youths should search for the truth and raise some critical questions. For instance, would their leaders who schemed out Eyo Ita, a minority Premier of the East have accepted Prince Adeleke Adedoyin or Dr Ibiyinka Olorun-Nimbe the two NCNC members that defeated and refused to step down for Zik in the 1952 National Parliament election, as Premier of the East in 1952? What was the role of the Igbo leaders in the unjust incarceration of Awo whose only sin was his mobilisation of the oppressed minorities for self-actualisation within the greater Nigeria nation? What was the role of the Igbo elite in the dismemberment of the old Western Region while ignoring the demand for selfactualistion of Efiks, Ibibios and Ijaw that constitute about 35 percent of the population of the then East? How come their leaders knew so little about the culture and history of the Yoruba with whom they had lived to have assumed Awo had the power to declare an Oduduwa State?

NAFDAC: Need for new legal framework

By Martins F.O. Ikhilae on inspection of former’s bakery. He did that obviously to prevent the detection of the deadly and cancer-causing flourenhancer, potassium bromate, outlawed by the agency in accordance with international health practice as part of the measures adopted to protect the mass consumers of bread in the country. Though the culprit was convicted by an Osogbo Federal High Court in the subsequent action filed against him by the agency in May 2011, his sentence, one year imprisonment with an option of N4, 000 fine, was a slap in the wrist. Section 25 (1) of the NAFDAC Act under which he was tried has proved inadequate to address the exigencies thrown up the unwholesome practices of criminally minded Nigerian businessmen and women.

There is also the celebrated “My Pikin” – the children teething mixture saga of 2008. The agency successfully secured a court judgment against the producers of the deadly product on May, 17, after a protracted trial. Barewa Pharmaceutical Company, the producer of ‘My Pikin’ was directed to windup and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government. However, Adeyemo Abiodun, the firm’s production manager, and Egbele Eromosele, the quality assurance manager, bagged seven years imprisonment each for the two counts of conspiracy to sell dangerous drug and selling dangerous drugs. They were discharged and acquitted on the four other counts of adulteration, manufacturing and distribution of the killer drug. Again, in reaching the judgment, the trial judge relied on the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act M17 Law of the Federation of Nigeria (2004).

The extant laws are weak and inadequate. We reason within the context of the daredevilry of some criminally-minded players in the nation’s food and drug businesses. In their desperation, they can take any risk, especially when the existing laws are not considered serious deterrence against the crimes that would make then instant millionaires. For any meaningful progress to be made in the nation’s drive for the ideal healthcare delivery system and its pharmaceutical component, a total overhaul of NAFDAC Act has become necessary.

The new legal framework template must take care of institutionalisation of special courts for speedy trial, stiffer penalties such as life sentences without any option of fine for offenders; making drug counterfeiting a non-bailable of-

fence; outright confiscation of counterfeiters’ assets and their use as compensation for victims of the illegal business.

This proposal might seem draconian, and human rights activists might cry blue murder. We should however understand that only those who fall foul of the law are the targets. More importantly, drug counterfeiting and faking give their victims no choice. They are deadly operators.

There was once an attempt on the life of Professor Dora Akunyili in 2003. The suspects were set free after two years of trial on technicalities.

The soul of the counterfeit drug business in Nigeria is the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha as teams of food and drug control experts move from shop to shop in search of counterfeit and substandard medicines. A successful one month siege on the market carried out by the agency in April 2007 harvested more than 80 truckloads of counterfeit drugs. The question to ask is after the siege, what followed.

Nigeria must take a cue from the practical responses of India and China, the global capitals of counterfeit and fake drugs. While in China the offence attracts death penalty, it is life jail in India.

Globally, it is said that a nation’s wealth is determined by the health of the mass of its citizenry. We urge President Goodluck Jonathan to empower NAFDAC, SON and Consumers Protection Council to carry out their statutory functions of protecting Nigerians from the consumption of unwholesome products.

For NAFDAC, the processes within the strategic execution circle are well aligned to propel success. The only drawback is the legal framework which is too weak to support the current momentum drive by the Dr. Paul Orhii-led management. This should be corrected.

‘For any meaningful progress to be made in the nation’s drive for the ideal healthcare delivery system and its pharmaceutical component, a total overhaul of NAFDAC Act has become necessary’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTMBER 12, 2013

COMMENTS

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HROUGHOUT the past week, I have been reading two different kinds of writings – one very sad, and the other exciting and futuristic. The first concerns what, in my opinion, amounts to a major retrogression in one of the few significant forward steps in Nigeria’s disheartening history.

The other concerns thought-provoking pictures of the future of Black Africa.

First then, the sad stuff. I guess because I am a Yoruba man, and because I therefore believe that contact among peoples and cultures is progress for every culture and for mankind, I have been glad as my homeland, the Yoruba homeland in Nigeria, has increasingly and happily drawn people from the other parts of Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Everything belonging to us Yoruba people have encouraged such attraction of folks from all over. Our ancient towns and cities (located at only short distances from one another), our cosmopolitan outlook, our hospitality to the stranger, and our culturally-based willingness and readiness to welcome, accept and include the foreigner, all these naturally have attracted lots of people to our land. So too has the important cultural fact that we, Yoruba people, are perhaps the world’s most sensible and most tolerant in matters of religion – that we do not grouse or fight over religious differences.

But now, from what I have been reading this week, I can see that there is now one foreign people that a very good number of the Yoruba people have, reluctantly, reached the point of not being able to continue to accept and include. I refer to the Igbo people.

As the Igbo have come, and have shown a general inclination to insult their Yoruba hosts and to make all sorts of weird and absurd claims, most Yoruba people have tended to laugh off such insults and claims. But there seems to be no doubt now that the Igbo have pushed it far too far. Yorubaland is attractive because Yoruba people have spent many hundreds of years in history making it so. A lot of Yoruba people are now tired of the multiple pollution being imported into Yorubaland by the Igbo people. In general, the Yoruba are happy that many other peoples are coming to Yorubaland , and they desire that these other immigrants should be able to settle down peacefully, enjoy the benefits of Yoruba urban civilization, raise their families in a healthy atmosphere, prosper, and become major contributors to life in

O

F recent, the media is once again aglow with the debate of why General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the man many see as the ultimate saviour for this country, should, or should not give a shot at the presidency come 2015, once more. The debate, even if riddled with sentimentality, is obviously being upped to the ante of a critical national question at this juncture when all well-meaning Nigerians are dedicated to groping for alternative leadership for the country. While Femi Adesina’s thesis that many of those calling for Buhari to step aside are simply doing it because “they are afraid of him” may sound convincing, it is actually a fallacious stance - indeed a subtle blackmail to shut people with sincere interventions. For among Buhari’s sincerest admirers, there are quite a significant number of them who had a rethink, after Buhari’s failed attempt for the third time in 2011. To those Nigerians in this group, the General should quit the race and back someone who is credible and with competitive advantages to drive home victory. And there are many valid reasons for these calls, often hinged on the vulnerability of the Buhari brand which is so much damaged that many a Nigerian have been induced with doubts about the man. One needs no proof to back this claim as it has been proved time and again by the voting pattern from across the country.

‘At over 70 years, Buhari cannot be said to be the best thing to happen to Nigeria if elected. The inevitability stunt was chanted for many past leaders and those who aspired to lead. They blacked out, Nigeria moved on’

Two radically different perspectives their new communities in Yorubaland. But more and more Yoruba people now have good reason to fear that the presence of the Igbo people threatens such noble desires and expectations. It is sad for me to see my naturally open and accommodating people being pushed by the Igbo people into paths that negate our culture.

The Igbo have had ample time, and abundant reasons, to caution themselves, but apparently they are not capable of doing such a thing. All these remind me of 1966. I visited the campus of ABU in Zaria in April 1966, after the January 1966 coup and during Ironsi’s military presidency. The anger and bitterness on the ABU campus were indescribable, because of the way the Igbo were childishly and disrespectfully taunting northerners in the northern towns. Some Igbo were even selling a picture showing the late Sir Ahmadu Bello dead on the ground with Major Kaduna Nzegwu standing triumphantly over him. We all know what followed upon those egregious follies. Thankfully, the Yoruba are never likely to launch into any blood-letting, but they are an ancient civilization – and definitely not without their own kind of means of dealing with a situation such as the Igbo have now created.

But I must go to the second stuff – the exciting and thought-provoking stuff. Surveys, studies, projections, and prognosis by the United Nations and its various agencies, and other research agencies, are pointing to certain very great possibilities in tropical Africa’s near future. Many of our cities are growing exponentially, not only in population but also in support infrastructures. For instance, a city like Lagos could, by the end of this century, easily be a contender for the title of world’s largest city. But that is not all. These booming cities are responding to their growth by building infrastructures that are, in effect, turning these cities into evolving centres of probably the real Black African countries of the future. And for these infrastructures, they are attracting lots of world-

wide investments. In the light of these developments, say the authors of these studies, some of the fanciful and largely unworkable and unsustainable countries and boundaries that colonial rulers created in tropical Africa may vanish away – without any acts of secession or civil wars. Cities like Lagos and Abidjan on the West African coast seem to lead such developments now, but others like Nairobi in East Africa are coming right behind them. Fragile countries like Benin and Togo, and huge ramshackle concoctions like Nigeria, could disappear, while virile new countries, unified by potent economic and other realities, could become the facts of our lives.

How do I react to all this heady stuff?

Thoughtfully. I wake up at night, think about them, and can’t fall back to sleep. Many of us, African scholars, in spite of our natural sentimental attachment to our countries, have a second sense that some of the countries and boundaries of tropical Africa, creations of largely ignorant and arrogant colonial agents, are simply unsustainable and likely to change. In fact, I have just finished writing a book about the future of Black Africa, a book that I title “Coming Revolutions in Black Africa” and which I have sent to many of my intellectual colleagues to read before publication. Although I did not look at Black Africa’s future from the perspective of the impact of our blooming cities, I came to more or less the same conclusion – namely, that the political map of Black Africa is likely to be redrawn in not too distant a future.

In West Africa, new countries are likely.

To mention a few, a large interior country is a possibility, spreading from Chad, through what are now Northern Nigeria, Niger, Mali and probably Mauritania. Though large, it would be a very coherent country, unified

by Islamic faith and by a focus on its grassland, Sahel and desert-land wealth. The wealth is there, but in a country like Nigeria, it can never be focused on. The State of Israel found ways to turn its desert-land into a wonderfully productive agricultural land,

Gbogun gboro and this large West African country can do the same; but it cannot be done in Nigeria.

In fact, in Nigeria, even the region’s ancient economy (cattle) and the economy it generated in British colonial times (groundnuts) have been allowed to perish. To the south, another possibility is a country spreading from today’s Kogi State, westwards over the Nigerian South-west, Benin and Togo, with Lagos as its pivot. So too is a Delta country; and so is an East Niger country with its pivot on the Onitsha-Asaba conurbation – especially if the Lower Niger is dredged at least up to that point. Here are exciting new things for us Africans to think about.

‘Many of us, African scholars, in spite of our natural sentimental attachment to our countries, have a second sense that some of the countries and boundaries of tropical Africa, creations of largely ignorant and arrogant colonial agents, are simply unsustainable and likely to change’

2015 and the Buhari debate

By Abdullahi Ahmed It is therefore the saying that once beaten, twice shy that made people who were otherwise emotionally attached to the cause of Buhari to have a rethink. It is a consensus among most keen observers of Buhari’s foray into politics that serially losing the elections could not just be attributed to rigging. But instead of the General and his team to conduct self-searching introspection, they keep riding on the egoistic pony that he is being rigged out and his victory is assured in the next election. But this pressure on Buhari to contest again and again has since been discovered to be a fraudulent money spinner for some people who literally boxed him in a corner, massaging his ego for their own ends.

This is how for three consecutive times the General would contest and lose and commence a legal proceeding that has by now become synonymous with the man.

The torturous litigation process, thanks to slow and cumbersome nature of Nigeria’s legal system, only further embitter the Buhari crowd as the courts throw out the petitions, time and again. Obviously frustrated, the man vowed not to stand for the elections again, after the 2011 elections. But his actions and words still point to the contrary. The pressure is also still there.

While some of us where happy that he was shedding off some of the people who have been his albatrosses since 2003, now a new set of converts - ex-PDP spin masters are forming another formidable shell around him. They are also coming with similar infamous agenda of his past lieutenants: pressurise the man to contest, print posters alongside him (or use his name to extort aspirants), carry him around to campaign for all manner of aspirants and use him to smuggle in or step down candidates.

Over the years, as he grudgingly moves from one electioneering marathon to another, the General keeps losing grip on what was once a cult-like follower-ship.

While the impact is not readily visible among the grassroots crowd in the North, it has actually deflated among the ranks of people that matter - core politicians and strong supporters. The figure also keeps nose-diving in the South. What is the elixir for this? Buhari and his close circuit of associates would not want to find out.

As the Buhari aspiration debate heats up, leading into the General’s intervention late last week, one fundamental issue is what Eric Osagie raised in his recent column on Buhari - is the man indispensable? Yes, Nigerians overwhelmingly agree on and appreciate the man’s honesty and integrity. But is he the ONLY honest person among the 170 million of us, capable of leading the country? However, there is a section of his staunch supporters who albeit dangerously- advance this line of thought. Such epithets should be drummed for dictators and emperors, not a democrat, even if a dilettante.

At over 70 years, Buhari cannot be said to be the best thing to happen to Nigeria if elected. The inevitability stunt was chanted for many past leaders and those who aspired to lead. They blacked out, Nigeria moved on. It is a brainless thought for anyone to think Buhari is the only competent and trustworthy Nigerian to lead the country. Indeed, even within the folds of his All Progressives Congress (APC), there are many well groomed people that could discharge such a responsibility as well as he could, or even better. But the blackmail that the ticket, and the competence, all belong to him, make many of them lie low.

Only last month, Abba Mahmood’s critical but honest essay, went viral on the so-

cial media. Mahmood, himself a staunch Buhari supporter, until lately, offered what many felt was an honest analysis of the situation and raised many questions that are at once vital and discomforting for those whose only route to fame and fortune is to fly under the wings of the General.

“If Buhari himself will be honest with himself,” Mahmood wrote, inter alia “he should own up that he is not what Nigeria needs, at least anymore. His 2015 candidature will be more of a distraction from main issues in a way that will allow incumbent forces a leeway back to power.

Of course he can play a major role but his talk of if-my-party-fields-me-I will-contest is more of a forked tongue oratory than actual humility. It will not hurt him to admit that what Nigeria needs is not a man with a good image but someone who has a vision, and the energy and charisma to drive it; and that he is just not that person.”

Mahmood’s position above was re-echoed by Punch columnist, Abimbola Adunni Adelakun, who, writing under the title “The Honesty Buhari Needs”, argued that Buhari’s handlers should present something beyond personal integrity and honesty in selling the former head of state to Nigerians. While no one doubt those labels, it is a consensus that good leaders are not marked by their personal conduct, of their choice not to be corrupt, significant as that could be especially in the present day Nigeria. However, the stench is too much and the Augean staple could only be cleaned by someone who is firm, energetic, sincere and in sync with the current trends of governance here, and on the world stage not a septuagenarian who would only rely on second-hand submissions and ideas.

• Ahmed wrote from Wuse 2, Abuja.

22

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I NDUSTRY Investors know that there are lots of opportunities in Nigeria. Yet, they are reluctant to invest in the country because of what they call insecurity, dearth of infrastructure and erractic power supply, among others. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is dropping despite the government’s efforts to woo investors. To the European Union (EU), the way out is for the government to tackle corruption and insecurity: OKWY IROEGBU – CHIKEZIE reports

Our fears, by investors

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OR many investors, coming to Nigeria is not on the card. At least, not for now. They are scared of what they call the unconducive business environment caused largely by insecurity and dearth of infrastructure .

Consequently, the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow low has dropped. According to the Head, Governance Programme of the European Union (EU) Delegation, Mr. Alan Mundaay, the collapse in FDF is self inflicted.

Speaking at the presentation of the EU’s sponsored tomorrow is a new day, a 21-month project on community level conflict resolution and reintegration of ex-militants to promote sustainable peace and stability in seven Niger Delta Communities, Mundaay said no investor would put money in an environment that is not enabling.

He said: “Foreign investors will not come to Nigeria to lose money but rather they will come to make money. If there are growing threats to many Nigerians themselves here, why will any foreign company put

money and the lives of foreign human capital at risk in Nigeria under the prevailing security situation?” Despite the investors’ fear, the President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar argues that they they have a lot to gain by investing here because of the population and natural resources.

The trade volume between Nigeria and Turkey will improve tremendously by 2015 to about N75 billion, he said, if Turkish investors took advantage of the opportunities in oil and gas, manufacturing , solid minerals and telecommunication.

But they are not ready to take the plunge. They are cautious in making such commitment. They told The Nation that no business can thrive where power is erratic, saying the sector’s reform should be religiously implemented.

They added that there was need to tackle business ethics, barriers to trade, multiple agency and deficit infrastructure.

The Sales Engineer, Nalbantoglu, makers of

NASSAN, Mr. Hasan Mercan said his firm’s engineers have a large number of projects with good reference all over the world. He said: “We have solutions and ability to create suitable production for any climate, soil and agriculture types. Our greenhouse systems are more robust than traditional greenhouse, durable, provides timesaving advantage in much ways.”

The firm, he said could help to lift the agricultural and manufacturing sectors with its global machines and demonstration centres but regretted that poor infrastructure especially of epileptic electricity supply has dimmed the possibility of their coming to set up factories here.

He said at best what they can do is to get an agent in the country and watch the business develop before making further inroad into the country in terms of development.

The General Coordinator of IOWA furniture, Mr.Tarik Gultekin said the infrastructure in the country were poor. As a furniture making company that

produces for industries, schools, libraries and wealthy individuals, he said, one of the company’s success factors in Turkey is dependable electricity and the needed infrastructure. The firm products distributed up to Bulgaria and Russia. He said Nigeria was a good place for business if the government fix security and paucity of electricity He acknowledged the huge population of Nigeria which he said was good for business but regretted that the drawbacks to business relationship between both countries were enormous. IPEK Pamuk Foreign Trade Manager, Nazan Reis, said her firm was the biggest cotton producer in Turkey and is in Nigeria to showcase her products which she claimed were made according to Turkish, European and British Pharmacopoeia standards or to customers’ own individual requirements.

She said: “ Initially Ipek Pamuk produced solely for the local Turkish market but having invested heavily in plant, machinery and staff training,

• Mercan

• Reis

the company can provide required quality and the available capacity to compete on the world market. Today Ipek can offer a wide product range including bleached cotton, 40-250 gsm non- woven cotton web, cotton wool pleats, rolls, cotton buds, cotton pads, wet cotton pads for make-up and nail polish remover etc.” She said the operating environment in the country was different from that in her country citing security and poor infrastructure. Asked if her company can set-up shop in Nigeria, she responded that at best it could look for an agent to market its products on terms agreeable to both parties. Reis said Nigeria’s huge population could be an advantage if the government deals with decayed infrastructure, poor ethics in business and electricity.

The Austrian Embassy Com-

mercial Counselor, Mrs. Nella Hengstler was emphatic that though they are a nation with a population of eight million they have high standards in terms of infrastructure provision and manufacturing standards. She said the firm will bring its competitive advantage in terms of research and development and quality standards based on European Union standards.

“The Head, of South West Zone, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, (NIPC), Mr. Isaac Idowu noted that the government welcomes investors in sectors but specifically encourages investment in priority sectors known as pioneer status”. He wondered why foreign business men would want to come and sell their products and services but are reluctant to the long term in the country.

Firm makes N225.145m Profit

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HE Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc Kano has posted a profit after tax of N225.145 million for the financial year ended March, 2013. But turnover decreased by 7.68 per cent from N12.675 billion toN11.702 billion, when compared with that of the corresponding period of last year However, it also recorded net profit after tax of N225.145 million as against N5.045 million in 2012, which was due to the impact of first time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS).

The Chairman , Alhaji Aminu Dantata, represented by Mr John G. Counantarous, at the firm’s 41st Annual General Meeting, noting that business environment was tougher than the previous year.

The firm approved N71.280 million as dividend to shareholders at the rate of 40 kobo per share.

Mr Peter Kradolfer and Mr. Costas Theodorakopoulos were presented for appointment as Board members, Kradolfer will replace Mr. Michail Tosos, the former Managing Director, who recently resigned.

Nigerite wins Safety award

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•Left to right: Chairwoman of the Commerce Division, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Bettina Lorentschitsch;Iyalode Lawson; Leitl and Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Joachim Oppinger at the event.

Economy is ‘underperforming’, says Investment Commission chief

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GAINST all odds, Nige ria remains the best place to invest, Lagos Chamber of Comerce and Industry (LCCI) president, Mr. Goodie Ibru has said.

In terms of Return on Investment (RoI), cheap labour and a huge population, Nigeria remains an investor’s delight, Ibru said.

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Austria in Lagos, Ibru canvassed a mutually beneficial trade relations between both countries.

Head, South West Zone, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Mr. Isaac Idowu said the nation’s economic blue print was encapsulated in the vi-

Okwy Iroegbu Chikezie Asst. Editor

sion 20.20.20. He said though the nation had over $130 billion foreign direct investment, the economy can be said to be under performing at a sub optimal level due to certain factors.

Idowu said: “Our strength lies in our predictable investment climate and stable investment while our challenges are in the noticeable widening income gap and wealth distribution, dependence on oil revenue, over dependence on imports, huge infrastructure deficit. Others are the endemic corruption, high cost of doing busi-

ness and insufficient funds for small and medium scale industries.” He said they could own 100 per cent of their enterprise if the investment is not on the negative list such as military hardware and narcotics.

Idowu said there were opportunity in the electricity sector with $10 billion projected annual investment, agriculture and solid minerals.

The second Deputy National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson said the MoU would be mutually beneficial to both coun-

tries.

She said: “We need your competence in solar energy, tourism, energy generation, manufacturing and oil and gas and the government has made the environment competitive for a virile foreign direct investment. In addition we need your government to train our teeming youth to engage them productively and to revive our ailing industries.” Responding, the president, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Mr. Christoph Leitl said his country was interested in investing in Nigeria .

He said: “We are in favour of long lasting partnerships, development of industries, payment of competitive salaries and equal opportunity to all.”

IGERITE Limited, a roofing sheet and building materials manufacturing company has won the “Exceptional Safety and Health Standard award” for ensuring consistent safety of employees and visitors at its workplace.

Consequently, the company was presented with a brand new 14-seater Toyota Ambulance to further aid the company’s continued commitment to safety of workers and visitors in its organisation.

The award, a brain-child of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association’s (NECA) Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) was instituted to recognize and celebrate the few organizations in Nigeria that are maintaining international safety standard in their workplaces. Presenting the award at a wellattended forum held at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos recently, Director-General of the association, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo said the recognition is necessary to boost the morale of organizations that are committed to human safety as well as serving as a wake-up call to other manufacturing companies that still pay lip-service to safety precautions.

His words: “Beyond the fact that we want to appreciate the good work these organizations are doing, in their determination to protect workers’ lives, we want it to serve as a challenge to others that are yet to imbibe this culture. Rather than talking about reward for injured workers, we want to intensify efforts that will prevent accidents in workplaces.”

Commending NSITF and NECA for the initiative, Human Resources/Corporate Affairs Manager of Nigerite, Alhaji Demola Buraimoh said the award is an encouraging achievement.

He said that the award did not come to the company as a surprise as he revealed that Nigerite has always taken safety issues as an entrenched culture in its operations.

According to him, “workplace safety is a key issue for us at Nigerite. We strive everyday to ensure the safety of our workers and others affected by their work activities in the workplace.

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

In the past two months, university teachers have been on strike. There is no sign of when the action will end, despite the Federal Government’s release of N100 billion for renovation of universities’ infrastructure and N30 billion for the payment of earned allowances. The WAEC alerts money, the lecturers say, does not meet their demands. Parents and students are also urging on rogue websites the Federal Government to honour the agreement in full.

INSIDE

THE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned candidates writing the November/December West African Senior School Certificate Examination (Private) against patronising websites claiming to have answers to subjects being written in the ongoing examination ahead of time.

-Page 39

Tribunal probes MOCPED riot

• An overcrowded classroom in one of the universities the Needs Assessment Committee visited last year.

THE Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola has inaugurated a five-man tribunal to investigate the June 17 riot that disrupted exams at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Norforija-Epe. -Page 40

CAMPUS LIFE •A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

Robbers kill student

“IF ASUU had not been on strike, she may not have been killed,” a sympathiser cried as he condoled with the bereaved family. The sympathiser was at the home of the Agunbiades whose daughter, Folajomi Racheal, was killed by robbers in her grandmother’s Ibadan, Oyo State home on August 22.

-Page 29

Why we remain on strike, byy varsity teachers • Parents, students back action

T

HE Federal Government may consider the N100 billion it has released out of the N500 billion for infrastructural projects in 61 universities a big deal but university teachers think otherwise.

Despite pressure from various quarters that it should manage what the government has offered and end its 74-day old strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is not moved.

Members of the union in the public universities nationwide are insisting that the Federal Government must honour the agreement by providing the funds according to the timetable and conditions both parties set.

Ironically, many parents and students interviewed by The Nation seem to be behind ASUU. They are urging the union to ensure they get all that was agreed upon so that there would not be another strike soon.

Journey to 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement

The 2009 agreement was a product of negotiations with successive administrations, beginning in 1992 with that of former military president Gen Ibrahim Babangida. There were also

• A congested female hostel in a federal university

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Adegunle Olugbamila, Medinat Kanabe, Sampson Unamka, Eniola Osidein, Yusufu Aminu Idegu (Jos), Nicholas Kalu (Calabar), Damisi Ojo (Akure), Emeka Odogwu (Nnewi), Kolade Adeyemi (Kano), Ugorji-Eke Ugochukwu (Aba)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONTROVERSIAL PACT • Funding for revitalisation of universities • Federal Government assistance to state universities •Nigeria-University Pension Management Committee (NUPEMCO) • Progressive increase in annual budgetary allocation to education to 26 per cent between 2009-2010 • Payment of earned Allowances • Transfer of Federal Government landed property to universities • Setting up of Research Development Council and provision of research equipment to laboratories and classrooms in public universities. re-negotiations in 1999 (under Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar); and 1999/ 2001 (under former President Olusegun Obasanjo), until the agreement was signed in 2009 (under the late President Umaru Musa Yar' Adua).

ASUU President Dr Nasir Fagge said through the agreement, the union seeks to make universities competitive by ensuring that conditions of service are favourable to academic staff so as to reverse brain drain; pro-

vide adequate funding to universities; and ensure their autonomy and academic freedom.

But, the pact’s implementation has over the years pitched ASUU against the government.

Two outstanding issues define the ongoing strike: the release of funds accruing up to N500 billion to improve facilities in 61 public universities (27 federal and 34 state); and the non-payment of earned allowances put at N92 billion.

In response to ASUU demands, the government set up a committee headed by Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, to implement the recommendations of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Public Universities which submitted its report to the National Economic Council (NEC) last November.

The 11-man committee chaired by Prof Mahmood Yakubu, former Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in its report, recommended that "Government shall consider the provision of quality infrastructure for teaching and learning in all universities as a national emergency.” The panel noted that the classrooms, laboratories and hostels of the 61 universities had decayed.

The government released N100 billion for this purpose on August 21, almost two months after the commencement of the strike, to cover construction of classrooms, laboratories and hostels.

It also announced the release of N30 billion for the earned allowances.

However, the union is insisting on the full amounts stated in the agreement before calling off the strike.

• Continued on Page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

26

EDUCATION Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President Nassir Fagge, in this interview with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, speaks on why the union will not call off its strike despite the N100 billion approved for the universities. He says the government will not succeed in breaking ASUU’s rank and sheds light on why the union backed out of the talk with the Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam negotiation panel.

W

HY has ASUU decided not to shift its position on the implementation of the 2009-Agreement?

Before, there had been talks about negotiation and shifting grounds between government and ASUU. I want to put it to you unequivocally that in 2006 ASUU presented demands which were in bulky document. Government also presented demands on ASUU. So it was a two way thing. Over the three years period of negotiation, ASUU succeeded in reducing two of our demands to agreements which meant they are not a demand anymore. At this point, we are not talking about negotiation; we are talking about implementation of an agreement designed by both parties. If government wants renegotiation, it should complete the implementation. Exception of the (2009) agreement says in June 2012 the agreement will be due for renegotiation. The essence of that is as government, you can say we have done this and this so what is the impact? So we have shifted ground before 2009 and we will not be shifting ground again.

Stakeholders comprising parents, students are saying 'take this N100 billion the government is offering first and resume'. Don't you think this is better than talking with a government unwilling to shift ground?

We made that mistake previously.

After signing the agreement in 2009, government singled out the salary component and paid and gave us the assurance that it is working out how to increase the funding not only for

‘Why ASUU won’t shift its stand’

universities but education generally. From seven per cent of the annual budget, they (government) promised to gradually move it up to 26 per cent, and the golden period is supposed to be (year) 2020.

But what we witnessed was general decrease in the expenditure of education in the annual budget.

There is one thing with government, whatever you press for, they will look at what affects you directly and make it available. That is why this Earned Academic Allowance, government thinks our members will accept that because it goes to them directly and so we would not bothered about addressing other issues.

I urge well meaning Nigerians to take a copy of the NEEDS assessment report document conducted by Federal Government itself and read; I believe that document will move whoever reads it to shame. We all know that for someone who has been living in chaos for years, that

becomes order; and that is why we are finding it difficult to have good leaders in this country. We are not used to seeing orderliness, so what the academic community is saying is that things must change in this country for the better. it's a challenge we have taken upon ourselves; and I believe under my leadership, we are going to go far. ...at least for the sake of peace What peace? Peace of the graveyard? That we continue to churn out graduate that after four years of pursuing a degree in the English language, he or she cannot even write a complete essay. That medical doctors go into the system without having access to cadaver and you expect them to go out there and operate surgeries on human beings. It may be better for me not to churn out that graduate at all than churn out the ones that will come out and destroy this country. We are tired of this deception and we must address it.

‘What peace? Peace of the graveyard? That we continue to churn out graduates that after four years of pursuing a degree in the English language, he or she cannot even write a complete essay. That medical doctors go into the system without having access to cadaver and you expect them to go out there and operate surgeries on human beings’

Despite claims of ASUU strike, some universities are still conducting Post-UTME with the nonteaching staff for admission.

Post-UTME is part of government antics. Unfortunately, some vice-chancellors still find it difficult to distinguish between their role as intellectuals and their roles as political office holders. Most of them don't understand the ethos of university autonomy, that is why the Registrar of JAMB can wake up one day and dictate to vice-chancellors. That is why part of our agreement with government also requested that we streamline the activities of JAMB with the rules of the university.

Most of university rule stipulates that for every academic issues, the Senate is the prime policy maker.

What we are witnessing is directives coming to the universities from outside Senate; it is not acceptable; and since this does not happen in other universities, why must it happen in Nigeria?

But what we are saying is that let those overzealous vice-chancellors, let them go and do it (JAMB).

When we wind down this action, we will see who going to teach the people that were matriculated through illegal procedure.

There are impressions that government might infiltrate ASUU should it hold on to its position If government can buy ASUU, we would have suspended the strike right from the first month. But government is fully aware that the

• Dr Fagge

calibre of people that are in ASUU cannot be corrupted.

There was a time the chief government representative looked at me and said 'you must be afraid of the EFCC'. I told him no because I don't have anything to hide. I've not even taken any government appointment though it's not as if it was not offered. When I was the vice-president, there were countless offers to serve in government but I told them I'm not interested.

The major thing in my life is that we struggle to make this country better. So, the government can go ahead to make any offer; but the one that concerns us is for government to fully implement the agreement and then renegotiation can commence.

Why we remain on strike, by varsity teachers • Continued from Page 25

Suswam has condemned the union‘s stand, especially as the government has released of some funds to meet part of the demands.

“There is nothing on the list of their demands that the government has not touched," Suswam said when he hosted the National Union of Benue State Students last week.

Why ASUU impressed

is

not

Some lecturers told The Nation that accepting what the government was offering would only be postponing the evil day because the amount would continue to mount.

Chairman, ASUU, Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), Dr Nsing Ogar accused the government of insincerity. He said the N100 billion the government is paying now should have been released in April last year - with an additional N400 billion this year. He said by 2015 the amount released should be N1.3 trillion.

He said: "Last year, there was an agreement between the government and ASUU that N100 billion would be injected into the university system to upgrade facilities. It was supposed to be released immediately.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in January 2012 and by April that sum of money was supposed to have been released. Also in that MoU there was an agreement that in 2013 another N400 billion would be released. Then in 2014 another N400 billion. Then in 2015 another N400 billion. That makes N1.3 trillion to upgrade facilities in the university system. We had tried to talk with government to ensure that these amount were released, they did not accept and that is why we are on

strike. And if in 2013 they are releasing N100 billion, there is a shortfall of N400 billion, they have not told us, what next would happen in 2014 and 2015."

On his part, Dr. Abdulkadir Mohammed, the branch ASUU chairman, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, said members were irked that the N100 billion was recycled from the universities’ funds.

He said: "Even the N100 billion that the government is talking about, there is a recommendation of the Technical Committee on how the N100 billion should be disbursed, that has been breached by government. Secondly, Nigerians should know the source of the N100 billion because our MoU with the government clearly stated that this money should be sourced outside state fund; that government should scout for the N1.3 trillion from other sources outside the Tertiary Education Trust Fund but we realised that the government is trying to do now is to go and block all the money in the state fund, mop it up and channel it into financing the recommendation of the need assessment and that is also not acceptable.

"The union would not accept the effort by the government to mop the money belonging to universities within the Education sector for this purpose. The agreement is that they should scout for money elsewhere to finance this agreement and therefore if they fail to do that, this crisis will not abate."

Dr David Nanson Jangkam, Chairman of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) ASUU Chapter, said the N30 billion the government paid as earned allowances was just a third of the debt it owes the lecturers.

"Let me tell you the level of insincerity of the government, the earned allowance, they are owing us is N92

• Students in another congested hostel in a state-owned university

billion, out of which the government has offered N30 billion, this is onethird of what they are owing us. Regarding the so called N100 billion they claimed to have approved for need assessment, they are taking that fund from the TETFund, which means they are robbing the university to pay the university," he said.

Parents support ASUU's struggle Contrary to expectations, many parents interviewed by The Nation urged ASUU to ensure the government fulfils its promise this time so that there would be no strikes in future resulting from the present issues.

Mr. Lawal Morakinyo, a business man whose son attends the University of Ibadan (UI), said the N100 billon does not even scratch the surface of the problem.

"The N100 billion does not solve

the problem because the school laboratories and the other situation have been on ground for many years and if they (ASUU) had been persistent in the sight of the government it wouldn't be as grave as this. The money they are putting on ground is not an issue; we have seen cases like this. The money the government is giving is just a waiver - that I am giving you this money to keep your mouth shut and stop your ASUU strike," he said.

Another parent, Mr Fidelis Inde, who resides in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital, said he was not happy his children are at home. Yet, he supports the strike because he believes the government can indeed meet ASUU's demands.

"Although our children staying at home is not in the best interest of anybody, but I believe the right thing should to be done. If there was an agreement, then that agreement

should be honoured. I believe it is high time we stopped cutting corners in doing things. It would not turn out well for us in the long run, if we continue like that. What the people have demanded is not impossible to achieve. You just don't dangle N100 billion before ASUU when you know that was not the initial agreement. It is important for ASUU not to set a bad precedent and ensure the agreement is honoured to the letter.

Government, I believe can meet ASUU's demands if it is sincere."

A trader in Akure the Ondo State Capital, Mrs Margaret Okeke, who has two children in the Adekunle Ajasin University at Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, recalled that the government and ASUU face off had been rocking the education sector since the late President Yar’Adua administration, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to find a lasting •Continued on page 27

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDUCATION

After surviving a period of uncertainty following its merger with two other universities, former University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), now Ekiti State University (EKSU), is racing to fulfil its 21st century dream, writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

EKSU enjoys rebound

E

KITI State University (EKSU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina, inherited a heavy burden on assumption of office in 2011.

Coming in at a time when the new institution – the result of a merger of three state-owned schools - the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD), University of Science and Technology, Ifaki-Ekiti (USTI), and The University of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (TUNEDIK) was named – presented him with a herculean task.

He had to ensure the merger worked smoothly, and in the process check indiscipline corruption and cultism. There was also the problems of insufficient infrastructure.

He said of that time: "I took up office as the 6th Vice-Chancellor of EKSU on December 2, 2011, a four-year renewable term tenure. As at the time, the University had not effectively risen to the challenges of a 21st century world class Institution.

"It was contending with a vicious cycle of budgetary bleeding, inadequate and ailing infrastructure, poor research, teaching and learning resources, incessant industrial strife, flagging discipline, and unrelenting acrimony.

"The university was also non-residential to both staff and students and sadly could not boast of water and public electricity supply. However, as herculean and frightening as these challenges appeared, I had no iota of doubt in my mind that they were not

insurmountable. It became clear then that our focus must be on building academic excellence."

Today, the story is changing. Discipline is now in place. Early this year, some workers and students were shown the way out for various misdeeds including: rape, sexual abuse, and plagiarism.

As a result, Aina said the workers and students now know that there are strict and justice-able consequences for lapses in conduct.

"The case of the ones you referred to gave the authorities of the University no difficulty. They were subject to the strict regulations at the end of which the laws were made to apply. They are gone for good", Aina said.

Overpopulation was one problem that plagued the university, especially with the merger. The VC said efforts have been made to reduce intake through screening exercise and non-admission into part-time programmes. Today, the with student population of nearly 30,000 running various programmmes, Aina said the university is better managed, thanks to support from the Ekiti State government.

How the university copes with the 2,000 employees made up of 550 academic and 1,500 non-teaching staff in the 11 Faculties, and the College of Medicine and School of Postgraduate Studies is an answer to the support of the government and the administrative acuity of the university

• Ghanaian President and an EKSU alumnus, Dr. John Dramani Mahama (middle) with a delegation from EKSU led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun (second left).

With them are Prof Aina (second right), Dr Awosusi (left) and the Deputy Minister of Education in Ghana, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at the Presidential Palace, Accra, Ghana.

head.

"As I speak with you, the university has 51 academic departments and units, offers 82 undergraduate and 62 postgraduate programmes, spread across the Faculties of Arts, Science, Agricultural Sciences, Management Sciences, Engineering, Education, Law, Social Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Clinical Sciences.

"Without the unique model of governance in the state that allows administrative autonomy and academic freedom in the University

with a corresponding enablement of solid financial support," he said.

Also affirming government's support, the Registrar, Dr Omojola Awosusi, said: "Today, the University has surmounted its most problematic challenges of funding and indiscipline."

One of the immediate gains of the restoring sanity in EKSU lately according to the Registrar, was the ability to clear a backlog of four outstanding convocations which had accumulated since 2008.

Another immediate gain was the

Why we remain on strike, by varsity teachers •Continued from page 26

solution to the problem.

She urged the lecturers to shun appeals to resume when their demands have not been met.

"Urging University lecturers to resume work is just like suspension of a battle that must be fought. The issue of the strike had been lingering on for so long in the higher institution and this is because the government has failed to implement the 2009 agreement it has with the workers.

"If the ASUU should call off the strike, it will someday return to the battle field with the government since its demands have not been met.

I think the government should fulfil its own part of the agreement. The PDP-led government spent more money on its convention, President’s wife's women's rally. It can easily dash out billions of naira to some dubious politicians in order to secure or remain in power. We can see and hear how they share the "National Cake" with their families and friends leaving us to grow in abject poverty.”

Pastor Andrew Ayinloge, who stays in Akure, urged the government to curb waste elsewhere and meet the union's demands.

He said: "I will advise ASUU to go on with the strike until the government is ready to fulfil the agreement because if they should call off the strike and its demands are not met, they will one day go back to the strike.

"Nigeria is rich enough to pay the workers. Let the government reduce the allowances of senators, governors, commissioners, House of Representatives and State Assemblies members if that will bring the solution to end the issue of strike in Nigeria.”

Mr Remi Agunbiade, another parent agrees Nigeria is rich enough.

He said: "If you look at the history of ASUU problem or history of education in Nigeria these are all the tricks government is using, ASUU demands for something, they will give them part of it and ask them to go back so it is still better for gov-

ernment to do the right thing at the right time. N100 billion is nothing to write home about when you consider the decay in infrastructure in our system; there is nothing N100 billion can do.

"Mere organising PDP convention they will spend more than 100 billion so let the government do the right thing and solve the problem once-and-for-all, and I as a person I cannot blame government and I cannot blame ASUU. Why I cannot blame government is that most of their children are in private schools or overseas. So the children of the poor masses are in government schools. So the government officials don't feel the pain."

A Lagos-based parent, Mr Abiodun Phillips, said he does not believe that the government has even released the N100 billion. "They are saying that they have approved the money but I don't believe. That was how they signed an agreement in 2009 and they didn't keep to it," he said.

Some parents are appealing to ASUU to suspend the strike for the students’ sake.

Abraham Dalyop, a resident of Jos, Plateau State, said ASUU should give the government a chance.

"Since the government and ASUU are discussing how to solve the issues, ASUU can suspend the strike and continue with negotiation. There is no point insisting on contnuing the strike; it is not healthy for our children,” he said.

Another parent, Obinna Nwosu, who resides in Nnewi, described the

‘There is nothing on the list of their demands that the government has not touched -Government

situation as preposterous. His three children at home when they should be busy with their academic work.

He appealed to ASUU to consider going back to their duty posts and urged the government to ensure that the agreement is kept.

Students for and against

Some students support the strike, while others are against it.

Julius Ona a 300-level undergraduate of English University of Ibadan said he is for the strike but does not believe government will yield ground.

"Though I see ASUU demands as genuine, but is it not possible to appeal to ASUU to accept the N100 billion now and continue negotiation later? Nobody in this country should pretend not to know government attitude to public education. ASUU demands had been for long and if government still turns a deaf ear, why should they believe government would answer now?"

The President of National Association of Ondo State Students, Comrade Afolayan Awoloda advised the lecturers to remain on strike until the government fulfil its promise.

He noted that the government was not blindfolded before signing the agreement in 2009, stressing that President Jonathan's action has dealt a big blow to education at the international level.

Awodola said: "Mr president should prove to Nigerians that he is worthy of leading us and stop em-

‘And if in 2013 they are releasing N100 billion, there is a shortfall of N400 billion; they have not told us what next would happen in 2014 and 2015’

-ASUU

barrassing the nation. I still maintain that if there has been an agreement since 2009 and there has not been any modality on ground to fulfil the sealed agreement.

I think ASUU, should remain on strike till the government fulfill diligently the content of the agreement since the government was not under duress or blindfolded when it signed the agreement.

But, the National Association of Nigerian Student’s (NAN’s) representative in Akure, Gbenga Ayenuro appealed to the lecturers to resume in order to save the future of Nigerian students. The strike, he said, had rendered the students idle at home, warning that such act is dangerous to the country’s future.

"NANS appeals to both ASUU and Federal Government to work towards resolving the present ASUU strike that has kept Nigerian students at home for over two months.

"We are not happy with the way both parties are playing with the life and future of innocent Nigerian students. They have rendered us useless being at home, caused us hardship to survive and our parents to cater for us and caused more havoc by exposing Nigerian Students to social vices most especially our ladies.

"At this point, we urge ASUU to shift ground for the sake of Nigerian Students and return to the classroom while deliberation continues on the earned allowance claims and we also appeal to the government to reconsider ASUU earned allowance claims.”

A student of UNIJOS, Monday Philemon said: "We know our lecturers are fighting a genuine cause but they should consider that they will ruin the future of students if the strike lasts longer than this. These lectures are holders of master and PhD certificates, most of them are professors, so they dot care much about going to school again but we are in school and we also need to acquire the certificates they have acquired, they should not frustrate us please, the government has done enough.”

100 per cent accreditation of all programmes run by EKSU by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in July 2012, including two undergraduate programmes, History and International Studies and Microbiology that were denied accreditation in 2010.

The VC noted: "The ranking of our medical students library as the best in the country by the NUC bears another clear testimony to the new age in the University. It is the best electronic medical resource centre that you can find around.”

BRIEFS

Ejigbo APC pays bursary THE Crusader Movement of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Ejigbo, Lagos has concluded arrangement to stage a minibursary programme for over 100 public primary school pupils within the council tomorrow at the Multi-Purpose Park, First junction Jakande Estate, Isolo.

The objective of the programme which is to assist parents in the purchase of books and other learning materials for their children/wards is also to commemorate the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC) by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).

The event, according to the group’s General Secretary, Dr Tunde Olusunmade, will accommodate 20 pupils from each of the wards within the LCDA irrespective of their tribe or religion.

Group holds conference THE Nigerian School Health Association (NSHA) will confer fellowships on three professors during its 26th Annual National Conference/Workshop opening today at the ETF Hall of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State.

The dons are: Prof. Chuks Ezedum, Vice-Chancellor, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State; Prof. C.A. Ajibola, Physical and Health Education Department, University of Calabar; and Prof O.C. Ene, Physical and Health Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Prof. Segun Fatusi, Director, Institute of Public Health, ObafemiAwolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife will present the keynote address at the conference which has as theme : "Personal health and hygiene of school community members in Nigeria.”

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDUCATION Nanka supports education From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

T

HE Nanka Patriotic Union has started a scholarship scheme to fund the university education of youths in the community located in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

President-General of the Union, Chief Damian Okoye told reporters that prominent sons and daughters of the community have committed much money to the education of their youths.

Okoye said Chief Executive officer of Green life Pharmaceuticals, Chief Ebere Nwosu has announced a yearly scholarship fund of N2.2 Million totaling N30 Million in the first instance. He said the scheme which started five years ago and has produced the first set of five beneficiaries.

Okoye thanked Chief Executive of Neros Pharmaceuticals, Chief Polycarp Emenike and Chief Peter Chinedu and others who have also supported the community with funds for a stadium, a civic centre and the Igwe’s Palace.

Students laud training

S

TUDENTS of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI),Osun State have praised the management for recruiting competent hands to inculcate entrepreneurial skills in them during this year's vocational and entrepreneurial programme.

The OUI students undergoing the three-month intensive entrepreneurship and skill acquisition course expressed satisfaction with the present set of trainers who they say are better than those hired in the past.

Miss Ajayi Temitope, a 300 level student of Economics and spokesperson of the students commended, the OUI management for giving them the opportunity to rediscover themselves and add value to their lives.

She said most of the students have acquired useful skills that will help them to be self-reliant and entrepreneurs who can create jobs for others instead of being job seekers.

Director, Oduduwa University Vocational and Entrepreneurship Centre, Dr. Agbolade underscored the importance of skill acquisition, manpower development and capacity building in tertiary institutions.

He enjoined students to remain focused, committed, hardworking and resilient in their resolve to enhance their chances in the labour market.

T

HE winners' row at this year’s Mike Okonkwo Essay Competition held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, was unusually scanty last Thursday.

There were only three winners to be rewarded instead of the usual 10.

In past editions, the top 10 winners graced the occasion with large contingents from their schools for the prize-giving held as part of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo annual lecture programme. However, this year was different.

Chief Examiner for the competition, Prof Akachi Ezeigbo soon revealed why in her Examiner's Report.

She said the judges were disappointed to find that most of the best of the 2,185 entries received from secondary school pupils all over Nigeria were products of plagiarism while those that were not were of poor quality.

As a result, the professor of English from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said not up to 10 candidates of the lot who wrote on the topic: Overcoming the Nigerian security challenges: A panacea for national growth and development, could be short listed for the second stage of the competition.

She said: "Unlike in previous years, the quality of entries for this year's competition is rather low. The evidence of copying, collaboration, lifting from newspapers, textbooks, the internet and other electronic sources which we see in the entries for this year is not just higher In relation to previous years, but has assumed a frightening dimension to warrant a call for some intervention.

"Not only have our students perfected the habit of uncritical derivation of materials from sources they are unwilling to acknowledge, they have also learnt to shamelessly present the materials as their own work. One is inclined to think that teachers and parents are actively aiding the practice through collaboration or deliberately overlooking it.

The immediate result of this phenomenon was that we were unable to get the usual 10 essays on which to base the second leg of the competition. We only managed to get five."

Prof Ezeigbo also said two out of the five essayists who were shortlisted for the second stage performed poorly under examination condition when they were told to write on: Solving the problems of examination malpractices in the Nigerian educational system.

"Two candidates who scored high marks during the first stage could not defend their performance. We found enough evidence in the performance at the second leg of the competition to show that they had obtained help in the main examination," she said.

Lamenting the judges' findings, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) in whose honour the competition is organised yearly, said Nigeria should look to nursery

•From left: Maj-Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Bishop Peace Okonkwo, wife of Bishop Okonkwo, Nwanbiankea, Bishop Okonkwo, Folatomi, Edet, Dr Kalu and Prof Ezeigbo at the event.

High plagiarism level worries essay judge

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

school pupils for redemption.

"Just ordinary essay competition, see how students copied. We need to go to the kindergarten and nursery schools to begin to raise a fresh crop of Nigerians that will put it in their minds that integrity pays. If we are looking at the people in secondary school and tertiary levels, we are wasting our time," Bishop Okonkwo, who turned 68 the next day, said.

Winners of the competition also condemned the malpractice, saying that it is not ultimately in the interest of the pupils.

First prize winner, Folatomi AlliBalogun of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, who was rewarded with N100,000, laptop, trophy, plaque prizes as well as three computers and printer for her school, said she would have been unsatisfied with copying other people's work. She said pupils may be inspired by others but should learn to be creative on their own.

"If you are looking at your work and what you have written is not yours, you don't get satisfaction. You can read textbooks and use the internet as inspiration. For my essay, there was a lot of pressure on me to excel because my school enters every year. I was a bit hard on myself and wrote and cancelled twice before I wrote something I was satisfied with, she said.

Praising the transparency of the competition, second-placed winner, Mark Nwanbiankea of the Lagos State Senior Model College, Badore said pupils who work hard excel. He added that his English teacher, Mrs

Olusola Shobola, taught him to not to lift work from the internet.

"I feel privileged to have gone to a school where we do not lift (copy) other people's work. We have a programme we do on assembly called Impromptu, where you are called out to speak on any topic without prior preparation. My English teacher is one of the people who helped me and taught me to write without lifting from the internet," said Mark, who was rewarded with N75,000, a plaque and two computers for his school.

Third place winner, Samuel Edet of Government Technical College, Calabar, who got N50,000, a plaque and a computer for his school, said his elder brother taught him to acknowledge owners of original work appropriately.

"If I had used another person's work, I would have acknowledged my source to give credit to the original owner. My elder brother taught me to do so. He does a lot of writing and he is my mentor," he said.

Describing the practice of 'helping' pupils as inappropriate, some teachers and parents told The Nation that it undermines the abilities of those so assisted.

Mrs Omotayo Alli-Balogun, mother of the over all best essayist, said such students pay for such misdeeds in future.

"Parents who cut corners for their children are not helping them. They will not be with them forever. At one point in time, nemesis will catch up with them," she said.

Folatomi's teacher, Mrs Chinyere Udunwa, said pupils who are helped

T

•The pupils during the holiday classes

are not inspired to succeed.

"We don't write essays for any child; we give them proper guidance and you marvel at what they can do.

There is a tendency for children to want to be spoon-fed but task them and you will be surprised," she said.

Principal of the Lagos State Senior Model College, Badore, Mrs Zainab Abdulkareem said all members of the society should join hands to fight malpractice.

"We don't allow cheating in my school; that is why Mark could come back better. By the time all hands come to fight it, it will reduce. It is a phenomenon that all schools are involved in," she said.

Folatomi's winning essay was in many ways like the lecture delivered by guest speaker, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu at the event.

The former Minister of Finance and National Planning described how insecurity in Nigeria has negatively affected peace, stability a nd soc i o- ec onom i c development.

He linked these failings to the disrespect for the rule of law which if supreme, would ensure that wrong doings are punished.

To tackle insecurity, Kalu said Nigeria has to first address problems of "poor leadership, bad pol i t i c s, poor g ov er na nc e, inadequate dispensation of justice and entrenched cronyism."

In her essay, Folatomi urged all Nigerians to work for the peace and progress of the country.

"Every citizen can combat insecurity and insurgency, and bring about peace by working hand in hand with security operators to analyse the under-takers that are slowly putting our nation to sleep, and conquer them," she wrote in her conclusion.

Curtains lower on UAC's holiday lessons

HE Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC Nigeria Plc, Mr. Joe Dada has reiterated the company's resolve to reverse the deterioration in the education sector.

Speaking at the closing of the free holiday coaching organised by UAC under its "Goodness League" initiative for secondary school pupils in Lagos State last Saturday, Dada said UAC has been contributing to education since 2008 through the free holiday lessons and rehabilitation of schools.

The coaching, held only on weekends for six weeks at two locations Gbagada Senior Grammar School, Gbagada and Newland Senior Secondary School, Ajegunle, recorded a huge turnout of pupils from about 30 different schools.

He thanked the Lagos State gov-

ernment for supporting the scheme and challenged the participants to utilise what they learnt during the programme to realise their educational aspirations and goals.

In realising the goals of the Goodness League, UAC addressed the provision of equipment and infrastructural development, and active engagement in the teaching pupils through a Volunteer Scheme.

So far, UAC's Schools Support Programme has benefitted St Finbarr's College, Akoka; CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos; Rumfa College, Kano; Government Secondary School, Gwale, Kano; Government College, kaduna and Alhudahuda College, Zaria among others.

Dada said schools in the Southeast geo-political zones will benefit from the scheme this year.

29

Fired by his dream

Should ASUU end strike?

Students: yes; no Page 31

Page 34

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

With no end in sight to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, which led to the closure of the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Folajomi Rachael Agunbiade, 200-Level Geography and Planning Science, left school to stay with her grandmother in Ibadan, Oyo State. She planned to return when the strike is called off. That is not to be. Folajomi was killed before her grandmother by robbers on August 22. TAIWO ADEBULU reports.

Robbers kill AAUA student

“I

F ASUU had not been on strike, she may not have been killed,” a sympathiser cried as he condoled with the bereaved family. The sympathiser was at the home of the Agunbiades whose daughter, Folajomi Racheal, was killed by robbers in her grandmother’s Ibadan, Oyo State home on August 22.

The late Folajomi went to stay with her grandma, following the closure of her school, Adekunle Ajasin University in AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State over the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

To her bereaved family, August 22 is a day not to remember. It was a sad day for the family.

The day their promising daughter was killed in a robbery at her grandmother’s home at AlasiaMeta in Amosun Community, on Alakia-Isebo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.

She was a 200-Level Geography and Planning Science student. She joined her elder sister to stay with their grandma.

The three-bedroom apartment, CAMPUSLIFE learnt, was rented by the late Folajomi’s mother, who lives in the United Kingdom.

Five days before the robbery, Folajomi’s sister, Nike, was told in her church to fast and pray against sudden death in her family. Folajomi and Nike fasted for three days. At 9:45pm on the fourth day, the two sisters were at home with their grandmother and a caregiver when a twoman robbery gang broke into their apartment.

The robbers were said to have ransacked the flat, carting away valuables and money.

As the robbery was going on, our correspondent gathered, one of the robbers threatened to shoot Nike if she did not show them where money was kept. When she heard the assailants threatening to kill her sister, the late Folajomi started speaking in tongues. This, it was gathered, enraged the robbers, who were said to be drunk. One of them pointed a gun at Folajomi and shot her in the head. She died instantly.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the compound, Nike, who sobbed endlessly, said she was in the bedroom with their grandma when the robbers

‘I was with her and Nike until 5pm on that day. We had a lengthy discussion and I promised to come around very early the following day to spend the weekend with them. I did not have a premonition of what would happen that night. I could not believe it when I was told she was killed until I set my eyes on the body at the mortuary’ broke in. “A few minutes before the armed robbers came in, Folajomi just stepped out of the bathroom where she had gone to take her bath.

As she was preparing to sleep, they barged in, asking where we kept money. They collected our phones and took N20,000 before they shot my sister,” she said.

After killing the undergraduate, the robbers fled.

In a chat with our correspondent, the chairman, Alasia-Meta Amosun Community, Comrade Olaide Adeyemi, said he was listening to the Nigerian Television Authority Network News when he received a distress call from a resident that there was a gun shot on Edun Road.

Adeyemi said he immediately informed the Monatan Divisional Police Headquarters in Alabebe, Ibadan, and “they responded •Continued on page 30

•The late Folajomi... days before her death

•’Mobilise us for NYSC’ • Students decry non-payment of bursary-P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

30

CAMPUS LIFE The emerging gay revolution (3)

I

F there is one very powerful force that affects our lives in more ways than we care to think about, it’s the media; hence the notion that the pen is mightier than the gun – it actually is. With influential media members, the gay community in the west has effectively and successfully used the media over the years to gain acceptance and sympathy and push their agenda. With the media firmly in their grip, they are now attacking the ‘last frontier’- the Church.

As I mentioned last week, the Church in the west has already caved in. As smart as they are, they latch on the Church’s message of grace to gain acceptance leading some churches to throw their doors wide open to them without causing a change in their orientation.

Get me right; as a Christian, I believe in the message of grace without doubt because we are all saved by grace; however, Apostle Paul in the book of Romans 6:1-3 asked a very powerful question, “…shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” He answered the question immediately; “By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

I believe there is a strong place of responsibility in Christianity and anyone who denies this is not a true follower of Christ. This means that even though we are saved by grace, we are not to deliberately live in sin because grace abounds. That is the strong point Paul is making here. I’m so proud of the African church because it has stood its ground and said point blank that homosexuality is a sin and no amount of blackmail, I believe, will shift that rock solid Biblical position.

When Paul writes that same-sex sex is “against nature,” he means it goes against the order of creation, as “nature” for Paul means the created order. Those who engage in sexual relations with people of the same sex are acting “against nature” in defiance of the Creator.

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com

Why does Paul single out homosexual intercourse here? I believe Paul does so because it so graphically reflects the way in which human rebellion against God is expressed in ways that blatantly distort the way God created things to be. When rebellious human beings “exchange” their created sexuality for same-sex intimacy, they manifestly show how sinful human beings have “exchanged the truth about God for a lie” (Romans 1:25).

The created order - the natural pattern points toward the exclusivity of heterosexual marriage as the context for appropriate sexual intimacy. The entire Bible supports this understanding. This normativity of heterosexual marriage provides the context for the Bible’s univocally negative explicit mentions of samesex sexual activity and orientation.

The fact that some human beings might feel a strong sexual attraction toward people of the same sex is not to be understood as necessarily good and trustworthy. Due to the depth of the power of sin in the human heart, even our involuntary impulses may be corrupted.

So, what does the Bible further say about it? There are six passages that refer to samesex behaviour or lifestyle, and they are all negative. Three of them are direct and clear.

In the Old Testament, in Leviticus, male samesex relations are prohibited, and labeled an “abomination.” And in the New Testament, in Romans, Paul speaks of women “exchanging natural relations for unnatural ones,” and of men abandoning “natural relations with women and committing shameful acts with

Robbers kill AAUA student •Continued from page 29

promptly”.

But the robbers were said to have locked the gate to the house and escaped before policemen arrived on the scene. When the policemen eventually entered the building, they met Folajomi in a pool of her blood.

The policemen, led by Bayo Ajao, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were said to have taken an account of the incident before Folajomi’s remains were taken to the Adeoyo Hospital morgue.

The late Folajomi was described as “gentle and quiet” by her classmates and friends.

Her class governor, Kayode Omotayo, described her as “a very gentle and quiet lady”. He said: “She was friendly and always welcomed everybody to play with her. She has only one close friend in the department, Stella Akinduyite, with whom she attended lectures. In fact, she was loved by everyone in the class.”

When CAMPUSLIFE met Stella, she recounted how she met the late Folajomi and became intimate friends.

“I met her during our pre-degree programmes but we started our friendship when we were both admitted into the same department. She was my best friend and we did everything together. We moved and read together. Since I live close to campus, she would come to my place to read whenever examination was approaching,” she relived.

She added: “The sad news was broken to me a day after the incident. A classmate called me and wanted to know if I heard what happened to Folajomi. I was shocked when I was told she was killed by armed robbers. I could

not sleep for days because she was more of a sister than a friend.”

The late Folajomi’s half brother, Abiodun Olukunle, described her as the “most gentle” among his siblings. “She was nice and easygoing. She never quarrelled with anybody,” he said.

The late Folajomi’s fiancé, who gave his name simply as Francis, a graduate of Political Science from the Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, told our correspondent that they were planning to marry next year.

“I was with her and Nike until 5pm on that day. We had a lengthy discussion and I promised to come around very early the following day to spend the weekend with them. I did not have a premonition of what would happen that night. I could not believe it when I was told she was killed until I set my eyes on the body at the mortuary,” he said.

Francis added: “Ever since we started our relationship, I have never had cause to regret anything. She was simply the best.”

The President of the AAUA Students’ Union Government (SUG), Julius Adeniyi, 400-Level English Education, condemned the killing, praying God should give the bereaved family and her friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

Folajomi’s remains were interred last Thursday at All Saints Cathedral Church Cemetery in Ogbonkowo in Ondo State.

When contacted, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor, a DSP, said the case had been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department.

She said the criminals would be arrested and prosecuted.

other men.”

And so both the Old and the New Testament are consistent in their rejection of same-sex relationships. In the opening chapters of Genesis, God creates Adam and Eve, male and female.

That was the original creation – before the fall, before sin entered the world.

That was the way that things were supposed to be. This has led some ‘gay Christians’ to say their sexual orientation is a sign of the fall, a sign of human brokenness.

However, the Bible is clear, both in what it negatively prohibits and in what it positively approves. Christians who are gay are thus called to refrain from acting on those attractions, to deny themselves, to take up their crosses and to follow Christ. In essence, being gay, I must reiterate here is not the unforgivable sin, God forgives our sins if we truly confess and renounce them. He knows that all of us are sinners.

Deep in my spirit I’ve held on to the conviction that being gay has emotional and psychological roots. My conviction was confirmed when I got a call and a SMS from two ex-gay individuals who have been following this write up. They confirmed that no one is born gay. According to them, they imbibed the lifestyle while in secondary school and even continued well into adulthood. One said he was ‘forced’ to abandon the lifestyle when his parents forcefully brought him a wife at the age of 45 and remained in his house for six months. He said he had no choice but to learn how to sleep with a woman, “and today I am straight”.

The Biblical teaching against same-sex sexual intimacy in the rest of the Bible all presupposes the Genesis portrayal of normative marriage and is consistent with that portrayal.

The main reason the Bible speaks so clearly about sexual activity which does not occur within the context of opposite-sex marriage is, in my view, because illicit sexual activity is understood to be a threat to the very social foundations of the Bible’s faith communities.

Paul’s writings reflect the creation ordering of human sexuality. A key text is Romans 1:1832. This passage begins with a reference to idolatry as the root cause of the immorality that

the verses that follow address. Paul points here to an inherent connection between idolatry and homosexuality. He singles out samesex sexual activity because he seeks a vivid image of humankind’s primal rejection of the sovereignty of God the creator. Since God’s intent for opposite-sex marriage as the only appropriate context for sexual relationships, the denials of the exclusivity of this context implicit in same-sex relationships means rejecting God. I started this article with the “seven social sins” outlined by Mahatma Ghandi: politics without principles, wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, and worship without sacrifice. For the purpose of the issue at hand, I singled out knowledge without character.

Over the years we have succeeded in raising a generation of youths who are highly knowledgeable, but lack the requisite character that a good education is supposed to imbibe, in essence, some are morally inept. That is why the anonymous caller who triggered this write up in the first place can confess that his parents gave him the best education money could buy, yet his way of repaying them is by being gay.

Five star school have sprang up in the last decades where the emphasis is on producing “first class brains” with no form of responsibility whatsoever. What kind of leader would a ‘gentleman’ be who has never for once washed his own clothes or swept his room because his school has a laundry department?

Or what kind of wife or mother would a ‘lady’ become who does not even know how to put the gas cooker on because everything was done for her? Such individuals would have all the time in the world to watch television or be on the internet 24/7 and try their hands on anything ‘fashionable’ like homosexuality. I’m not in anyway implying that have a laundry department or having some perks that makes life a bit easier is bad or wrong.

And don’t forget – as I conclude - that most of our ‘first class brains’ are groomed for leadership positions. So, if you have such individuals as your future President, Governors or members of the National Assembly etc, what kind of a nation would we have?

Victor Nwasogwa, who is known at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as Spane , is the brain behind Mixline Studio. The 300-Level Metallurgical and Materials Engineering student is a beat producer and singer. His studio, Mixline, has given hope to many upcoming artistes in Nsukka. He tells KINGSLEY AMATANWEZE (400-Level Metallurgical and Materials Engineering) how he plans to change the music industry.

‘I’ ll abandon engineering for music’

H

OW did you become a music producer?

It all started when I was in secondary school. I attended the Federal Government College, Ogwulawo in Kogi State. I developed interest in playing piano during church service. I started teaching myself. People who were expert in it also taught me. Later, I moved on to learn how to play guitar and I joined the music class in the school. Our music teacher, who we knew as Mr John, helped to develop my interest in guitar. So when I left secondary school in 2010, I was introduced to a music making software “Fix Studio”. That was how it all began on a large scale. The software allows conversion of music played with keyboard and piano to digital format. I felt I could really do things with the computer, without having to use the piano. So I started using Fix Studio. Then, I opened a studio in my parents’ house. In my second year in university, I bought my own instruments and got a place where I am now.

How were you able to procure the gadgets?

It was not easy because then, I had to save my pocket money. Instead of buying new clothes, I would save the money and put on old clothes so that I could buy some of these equipment you see here. Today, I thank God that things have changed.

Do you sing also?

•Victor

Yes, I sing. But I do more of production and sound mixing. I have some tracks but two of them have been released. They are Sweat While and Serenade. Presently, I am working on my digital album to be released before the end of the year.

Does your being a music producer in any way affect your studies?

Yes, It does. But not so bad. I know that if I can invest all efforts I am putting into music production into my academic assignment, there would be a big difference. But the

fact remains that academic certificate is what I need to acquire but music is what I have interest in. But then, God has been wonderful. My grade point is okay. It is all about time management.

What are the challenges you face as a music producer?

My major one is separating music, business and personal life. Progress in music has a lot to do with fame, and fame brings with it a lot of responsibilities. This is where my challenge lies.

Have you played alongside any popular artiste?

Not really but I have done a lot of works with upcoming artistes. I have worked with Eclipse, a graduate of UNN, whose record label cherishes my work. We have many songs whose beat I mixed. They are yet to be released. But one of the songs titled Holy Water has been released. I have other artistes I am working with.

What would you like to change in the Nigerian music industry?

I want to bring in dynamism to expand the industry. One problem Nigerians have is that, once an artiste releases a song and it becomes popular, everybody will begin to make the same kind of song, same pattern, the same flow and same lyrics. But I want to bring in something different from this; I want to make Nigerians understand that innovation is the key.

•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

31

CAMPUS LIFE For over two months, many public universities have been shut because of the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike. Students, who are affected, express mixed feelings over the closure. Some support the strike; others want their schools reopened. ADEBAYO CALEB (400-Level Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) spoke with them.

Should ASUU end strike? Students: yes; no

T

HE ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike enters its 74th day today. While the lecturers insist on the strike, tertiary education suffers.

ASUU is on strike because of the government’s purported failure to implement the 2009 agreement on autonomy of public universities and adequate funding to attain world-class standard.

Students are worried over the closure of their schools, saying the strike has left their future hanging in the balance. They see ASUU’s incessant strikes as a drawback to their academic pursuit, urging the government and their teachers to reach a compromise fast.

Sayo Adeleke, 300-Level Estate Management, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, said the strike was a temporal expulsion for the students. She urged the lecturers to use other means in agitating for their demands, saying: “You cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different results.”

For graduating students of Law across the country, the strike is illtimed because their hope of proceeding to Law School this semester may be dashed. The strike has prevented the computation of their results, which is a prerequisite for mobilising for the programme.

Law School opens on October 21.

Omosalewa Akingbola, a final year Law student of OAU, said: “ASUU should explore alternative ways to make their demands rather than making us to suffer for their own interest. Government also should live up to its responsibility by giving attention to the welfare of the academic staff and the institutions. Sadly, the strike may prevent us from being mobilised for Law School this

•Adeyemi

•Joan

•Tobi

•Adaobi

year.”

Abdulrasheed Yahaya, president of the Law Students’ Society (LSS), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), does not care if he misses the chance of going to the Law School.

He expressed support for the strike because the lecturers’ demands are worthy.

“We should all be concerned that Nigeria’s annual budget on education is less than 10 per cent. Even the little allocated is not adequately spent. This is why I strongly feel the ASUU strike is worth it, though personally the action has affected my academic career because it has hindered me from going to Law school this year. But we must support what is right,” he said.

Chisom Ojukwu, a Corps member in Osun State, waxed philosophical, saying: “When ant-infested firewood is brought home, everybody shares in the stings.”

A 300-Level Law student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Promise Madubuobu, said it was unfortunate that the leaders treated education issues with levity. “The inability of a party to enforce an agreement in this part of the world has done more harm than good and one of the effects stares at us in the face, which is the ongoing strike. There should be compromise between both parties.”

Adeyemi Onikoro, president of National Union of Lagos State Students (NULAS), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, said he did not agree with the ASUU that the strike was in the interest of students. “Most of them have their children in private schools and so, they are not affected by the industrialaction. How many times have you seen ASUU embarking on strike when the government attempts to hike school fees? I am not saying the government

should not implement the argument but I am of the opinion that ASUU should look for other strategy to deal with the government rather than going on strike. Enough is enough; they should stop playing with our future,” he said.

Joan Suanu-Deekae, 200-Level Law, River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), whose institution did not participate in the strike action, said the ASUU’s action was not selfish.

“Eveything the lecturers are demanding is the implementation of 2009 agreement. Why did the government sign it when it knew it could not keep to the rule?” she quizzed.

Bolaji Oyekanmi, 400-Level student at OAU, said: “This is the third time I will be experiencing strike since I was admitted. It has affected my graduation. I just hope the government and ASUU come up with

other means of settling their interests.”

Just as the lecturers deserve better remuneration, students also deserve stable academic calendars, Tobi Adebowale, a final year student of Law, said. “But there is need to provide the enabling environment for learning. Truth be told, the effect of the strike goes beyond academic delay, it cripples the economy and its ripple effects will be felt in economic planning, tax returns, loan repayments and more,” he explained.

Olayinka Ojo, 100-Level English Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG) said: “I am sitting at home doing nothing with the expectation and hope that the Federal Government and ASUU will agree.

It is quite sad that we have to go through this process every time. I will advise students to be prayerful because we don’t know how long the strike would last.”

Two fresh graduates of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are set to rule the social media world with their skill in computer programming.

GILBERT ALASA (400 level Foreign Languages) writes.

T

HEIR looks may not portray them as ambitious. With the collars of their Polo shirts flung loosely around their necks, they seem to be like happy-go-lucky fellows.

They are casual and yet engaging. They have lofty dreams.

“We are the future of the social media. We want to give Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg a run for his talent,” said Oghenekaro Jefferson, with a tinge of confidence.

Oghenekaro and Oseme Odigie, who recently graduated from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), are young computer programmers and owners of Penmenow.com, a social media site that is poised to give users a different web experience.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE after the launch of the social media portal, Oghenekaro said the new networking site provided an enthralling experience for users. “What we did in essence is to provide a new experience for our subscribers. At the moment, our target is to get 10,000 users on our database before the end of the

•Oghenekaro (right) and Odigie

Ready to explode on the world year. We believe this feat is realisable considering the quality of our product,” he said.

In a country where computer science graduates are hardly proficient in basic computer skills, the story of these whizz kids is compelling. In Oghenekaro’s opinion, their proficiency in Information Technology has nothing to do with their academic discipline. “I studied Animal and Environmental Biology but the truth is that I have been growing an abounding passion for computer programming since 2003. I could spend a whole night alone, struggling to decipher complex

programming specifications. It was crazy and yet exciting for me. What is interesting is the fact that I learnt all these through personal efforts, experimentation and observation. Nobody taught me,” he noted.

The story of Odigie is similar. He said his knowledge in computer programming came as a blessing in disguise.

He said: “It all started during the 2008 industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). I wanted to maximise the strike by being productive. With an average computer appreciation, I

bought a Java Compiler in Computer Village in Lagos. So, I started reading a portable document format (PDF) material on Java programming while putting it to practice on my laptop. It paid off as I was able to acquire valuable IT knowledge in the process. Today, I write complex software that provides real-time solutions to business problems.”

When CAMPUSLIFE sought to know the unique selling point of their social media site, Oghenekaro said: “PenMeNow prides itself as one of the most flexible and user-friendly social media platforms ever created. This

platform allows for 100 per cent customisation of a user’s profile. We created a unique blend of graphics that allows each user to brand their profile to reflect their distinctive personality. Some of the applications are yet to be updated on the site though.”

Odigie noted that the website is divided into social and intellectual frameworks. He said: “Aside the social networking framework, we equally created the intellectual segment. The later section is informed by our desire to reduce extreme poverty in Africa and unemployment especially among graduates.”

Explaining how the structure works, Odigie said the platform could generate passive income for young people and engage them profitably.

“One of the unique features of this social media site is the fact that it allows users to reap financial rewards from their works. This is because subscribers have exclusive rights to their intellectual property on the site. It is also a platform for researchers, writers and publishers to sell their creative works. In fact, it is offers services beyond networking.”

Oghenekaro said young people must learn to dream beyond the conventional bounds of their course of study. “Ordinarily, many people would have thought that I would end up a animal doctor, as students are wont to label anyone that studies Animal Biology. But I am optimistic that I can go as far as I can imagine. At the moment, I build great websites and write excellent computer programmes. I equally want to drive the e-commerce world with my potpourri of IT products. A series of projects are already in the offing. I believe the revolution is here already.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

55,000 write YABATECH entrance test

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O fewer than 55,000 candidates have written the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (PostUTME).

The exercise was conducted amid tight security by officers of Sabo Police Station.

The Public Relations Officer of the college, Mr Adams Adekunle, promised that the admission formula would be merit-based.

Addressing the candidates at the institution’s Sports Complex, Deputy Speaker of the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), Aisha Ayinia, advised them not to engage in examination malpractices, which the institution frowns on.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the

T

•Cross section of applicants waiting to write the test in the school’s sport complex From Mark Orgu

YABATECH screening venues, candidates were undergoing biometric verification. A

principal officer, who spoke to our correspondent, said the verification was meant to check exam fraud.

An invigilator, Mrs Stella Awoh,

said the examination was in three sessions, adding that it was properly planned.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, a can-

didate said: “It’s a normal exam. So far, everything has gone well. But I hope there would be fairness when the results would be released.”

Undergrads win fashion contest

WO students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) have emerged winners of a fashion show at the Southern Star Hotel in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

They became Face of Native and Vogue Fashion of the week.

The event was organised by Neo Mantra Limited, Bunor Creazioni and Allure magazine and sponsored by the Rivers State government.

Of the 10 contestants who participated in the show, Ekpata Gedoni, 500-Level Gas Engineering, and Doris Adaugo, 400-Level Anatomy, won the coveted grand prize. They were presented with N500,000 cheques each. They will also appear on cover page of Native and Vogue Communications magazine in addition to being youth ambassadors in the state.

Speaking at the event, Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, said the Week was one of the several events targeted at promoting the state brand and redefining the state as a choice destination.

From Akinola Fabunmi

PORT HARCOURT Semenitari noted that the event was sponsored to restore values of Rivers people adding that it had eroded in the recent time.

She said: “What people hear when you talked about Rivers State or Port Harcourt is kidnapping, laziness, oil exploration and degradation. We were no longer hearing about the Garden City and the fact that Port Harcourt is and has always been the capital of the creative industries. So, it is important to redefine Rivers State as the place to live, work, invest and do business.”

According to the Commissioner, Port Harcourt should be a destination of choice for entertainment, fashion and hospitality businesses.

She congratulated the winners adding that the project would become yearly event. The winners would join over 90 foreign and local models being expected to grace the Port Harcourt International Fashion Week on September 20.

The show will be held at the Aztech Arcum Event Centre, Port Harcourt.

•Semenitari (left) joined by Permanent Secretary of Rivers Ministry of Information, Jokotade Adamu (right) to present cheques to the winners

Stakeholders make case for medical lab science S

TAKEHOLDERS in the health sector have called for the sustenance of medical laboratory science (MLS) education.

Prof M. F. Useh of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), made the demand at a workshop organised by the Cross River state chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) held at the College of Health Technology Auditorium.

The theme was Continuing medical laboratory science education and re-certification.

He said: ‘’Professional success comes not by inspiration alone but by laying a sound knowledge foundation, building on it by consistent self-renewal and investing in the pursuit of knowledge and professional skills enhancement.’’

Prof Useh said continuing education in medical laboratory science was necessary because of

From Isaac Mensah

UCTH

complex nature of the profession.

He said: ‘’Medical laboratory science is not static. It is a dynamic discipline. This underscores the need for scientists to update their knowledge on a continuous basis to render quality medical laboratory services to individuals.’’

Prof Simon Utsalo, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), said there would be a wide knowledge gap when practitioners fail to embrace re-education on current issues in the profession. ‘’Under-utilisation of opportunities for knowledge updates create retrogression for any professional,’’ he said.

Chairman Cross River chapter of AMLSN, Dr Gloria Archibong

stressed the need for continuous learning, adding that professionalism is an essential element of global best practices.

A participant, Moses Adebayo, said: ‘’The need for continuous MLS education can never be overemphasised. Even the MLSCN stipulated that one should accumulate a minimum of 10 CPD credits before the end of each year for the renewal of licence the following year.’’

Other papers presented at the conference include Current trends and challenges of undergraduate medical laboratory science training by Dr Josephine Akpotuzor, head of department of Medical Laboratory science (UNICAL); Internship for Medical laboratory science and its current realities by Dominic Ufot; Continuing professional development through post-graduate education by Prof A. E. Udoh and Staff development and the role of employee by E. Eyoma.

There was also an interactive session for participants.

A

FRESH graduate and author, Sunday Akande, was the star attraction at Abraham Resource Centre in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, last week during the presentation of his novel, Water in the basket.

In his opening address, Chairman of the occasion, Prof Solomon Akingboye, represented by Tunde Ajiboye, congratulated the young author on his effort. He said writing was an endeavour that requires great skill and commitment, adding that youths should make wise use of their time. ‘’It is not enough to write. But your writing should be able to affect your audience in positive ways,’’ he said.

Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam, represented

by Mr Goke Butikakuro, lamented the poor reading culture in the country, observing that the society no longer appreciates knowledge. ‘’People are no longer reading. Access to the internet and the proliferation of social media sites has destroyed our reading culture.

It is sad,’’ he said.

The book was reviewed by Paul Akpomujie. He noted that the title of the novel was derived from the heroic

Water in the basket unveiled From Kemi Busari

OAU life of a young man named Akinlabi whose mission was to lead his community to the Promised Land. He said: ‘’Just like South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, the characters struggle against fate to liberate their community. It also depicts the Nigerian dilemma and our quest for economic and social freedoms.’’

Recounting how he came about the book, Akande said: ‘’I finished writing the manuscript in 2009. But we were encumbered by a number of challenges.

We faced the high cost of publishing as well as the uninspiring reading culture in the country. Finance was another major hindrance that we encountered. That is why the publication and launch came this late.’’

Other guests at the event include Proprietor of Gof International College, Mr Gbenga Olowe; Manager at Positive Press, Mr Ayo Opakunbi and Director of Snowhite Laundery, Pastor Lanre Tanimola.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

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•Front row from right: Prof Uche Nzewi, Prof Isyaku, Deputy VC (Administration), Prof Malachy Okwueze, Prof Onyegegbu, Prof B. G. Nworgwu and Prof Zeph Njoku with other staff of the faculty after the conference.

Don urges use of local language for teaching

A

FORMER Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof Kabiru Isyaku, has advocated the use of local languages for teaching in schools.

He said it would be an innovation capable of bringing development to the sector.

Speaking at the yearly National Conference of the Institute of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), Prof Isyaku said the use of English language for teaching was inimical to innovation and impedes students’ ability to understand.

Delivering a lecture titled: Teacher education in Nigeria: the need for quality, relevance and sustainability in a globalised world, Prof Isyaku said poor implementation of educational policies, inclusion of extraneous contents into teaching curriculum and the poor attitude of

From Inya Agha

UNN teachers to professional training were the bane of education. He advised government to implement the National Teachers Education Policy and increase the remuneration of teachers to make the profession attractive, adding that local languages should be encouraged.

He said: ‘’A substantial part of students’ reasoning is usually lost trying during translation from English into meaning. This hinders students’ learning capacity greatly.’’

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, represented by Acting Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof A. A. Ubachukwu, commended the institute for using its yearly conference to promote teaching standards, research and innovation in the country. ‘’The problem of educational policy

implementation has grave consequences on the quality of our teachers.

A country without qualitative and skilled teachers is not prepared to compete in the 21st century education system. Skilled manpower is needed to drive our education sector with entrepreneurial and problem solving skills.

That would form the crux of our development as a nation.’’

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Ike Ifelunni, said teachers education in Nigeria should be tailored to quality teaching in line with global best practices, adding that the quality of teachers also reflect in the quality of their graduates.

Director of the institute, Prof Nkadi Onyegegbu said the school was ready to address problems in the education sector, explaining that it had embarked on research initiatives and partnerships with international education research firms.

Students Federation gets leaders

EMBERS of the Federation of Ijesha Students Union (FISU) have inaugurated new executive to pilot their affairs for the next one year. The executive committee is made up of students from the six local government councils in Ijesha, Osun State.

The event was held at Ilesha Grammar School. The new executive is led President Adeyemo Jephthan.

Others are Adeoye Temitope, vice-president I; Adeleye Adebusuyi, vice-president II; Ajayi Temitope, Secretary- general; Olatunji Olutoye, Assistant secretary-general; Fatinikin Oluwaseun, Financial Secretary; Ajibade Adebiyi, treasurer; Adeyemi Samuel, public relations officer I; Obisesan Elizabeth, Public Relations Officer II; Kayode Emmanuel, Director of Socials; Joseph Oluwadare, director of Welfare and Lasisi Olufemi, Director of Sports.

Chairman of the Electoral Com-

From Olumuyiwa Ogunleye

OSPOLY mittee, Ilelaboye Olusola, charged the executives to work as a team and promote the welfare of students.

The out-going president, Adenipekun Adesola, thanked members of the association for making his tenure a success.

Executive Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, represented by Festus Abegunde, urged the students to make their protests peaceful, noting that it was wrong for students to destroy public properties during protests. He said: ‘’I implore you to use dialogue when you embark on a protest. You must desist from actions that constitute danger to public peace and properties.”

In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo called on the students to support his administration, adding that such synergy is needed to realise the objectives of the association.

Protest in Lagos over ASUU strike

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TUDENTS and civil society organisations have protested the underfunding of tertiary education. The demonstration tagged: ‘’Mass protest to save public education’’ was held in six locations across the country.

The Lagos protest, which started at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat in Yaba, was led

by Joint Action Front (JAF) and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

JAF leader for Zone D Abiodun Aremu said the demonstration was to compel the Federal Government to honour its 2009 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and properly fund

‘Mobilise us for NYSC’

S

OME graduates of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, have protested the alleged failure of the management to mobilise them for the mandatory National Youth Service.

The protesters, who finished last year, staged a demonstration tagged “Operation occupy OAU”. The rally started at the Students’ Union Building of the institution. They marched on the Senate Building, chanting solidarity songs.

The Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr Paul Ogidi, who addressed the students

From Adebayo Caleb

OAU public education.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, a 200Level student of Foreign Languages, Patrick Osereme commended members of NANS and JAF for defending the cause students, adding that the insensitivity of the Federal Government to the plight of education is condemnable.

He said: ‘’We have come out today to register our displeasure at the deplorable state of education in Nigeria. We expect positive responses from the Federal Government. But if it fails to respond to our agitations, we shall embark on a national protest.’’

From Adebayo Caleb

OAU on behalf of the authorities, urged them to be patient, adding that the university is working hard to mobilise them for the programme.

The protesters were also at the ASUU Secretariat in the university but there no official to address them. The procession later moved to the Students’ Affairs Division. Acting Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), Prof S.L. Durosinmi, said the management was working to resolve the problem.

She said: ‘’The management is doing all it can to ensure you are posted to your respective areas of primary assignments,’’ adding that the on-going ASUU strike was a major hindrance that had not allowed the university’s senate to address the situation.

Students decry non-payment of bursary

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•Chidinma (carrying a baby) with some of the orphans and her colleagues

A

200-LEVEL student of Mass communication at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OkoPoly) in Anambra State, Chidinma Ukaeze, has donated items to Gethsemane Orphanage at Ndikelionwu in Anambra State.

Chidinma, who celebrated her birthday with the orphans, donated tissue paper, cheese balls, biscuits, Viju milk, exercise books and pencils among other, to them.

She said the plights of the needy were her concern. ‘’I decided to extend a hand of fellowship to these lovely kids on my birthday instead

Show of love to orphans From Emeka Onwudinjo

OKO-POLY of wasting the money on frivolous parties. I love children, especially those who lack care and love. I feel society government and individuals can do a lot to safeguard the future of the less-privileged,’’ she said.

She advised the children to be optimistic, adding that they can become whoever they want to be, irrespective of their situation.

A friend of the celebrant added that the Bible enjoined believers to look after widows and orphans. He said: ‘’The orphans are special set of people that must be cared for. With the right support, many of them can rise to be influential personalities in the society. They must not be neglected.’’

Director of the orphanage, Mrs Ebo Christiana expressed gratitude for the gesture and prayed that God replenish the purse of the donor.

TUDENTS of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), have asked the government to start paying them bursary.

Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, said the bursary had been unpaid for years, adding that the money would assist poor in their educational pursuit.

A 200-Level student of Geography, Ibrahim Muhammad, said: “Our government has been working to make education accessible to everyone. But I want them to revisit our scholarship scheme and relieve our struggling parents. Those of us from poor backgrounds need this kind of support to make meaning out of our lives.”

Esther Namo, a 300-Level student of Statistics at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) said the grant would motivate her to do well in her academics.

“Scholarship should be given to bright students with challenging background. This has a way of encouraging hard work and healthy competi-

From Kamaludeen Abubakar and Makama Muhammad Sani

NSUK tion,” she stated.

However, Commissioner for Higher Education in Nasarawa State, Mr Philips Shekwo said the government has planned to restore all scholarship schemes in the state. Speaking to a delegation of Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), he said: “The government of Umar Tanko has a plan to assist all students of the state through a robust scholarship payment. Their education is paramount to us. We are working on achieving this objective as soon as possible.”

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Special Assistant to the governor on Students Affairs, Mr kasim Muhammed, said the governor was concerned with the plight of the students. He said: “The issue of scholarship payment was the first task I undertook on assumption of office. At the moment, we are at the completion stage of the project. I can assure you that the scheme would start soon.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

34

CAMPUS LIFE Nelson Ikechukwu Nwamara, HND 1 Mass Communication student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OKO POLY) in Anambra State publishes a magazine, Zester, which is a child of his dream.

EMEKA ONWUDINJO (ND II Mass Communication) profiles the young publisher.

Fired by his dream I

T is often said that the size of a dog in a fight does not matter, but the size of fight in it.

This saying seems to manifest in the life of Nelson Ikechukwu Nwamara, an HND 1 student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OKO POLY) in Anambra State. He is a young man with a big dream.

Within two years of his admission into the polytechnic, Nelson has started reaching out to the world; he publishes Zester magazine to inspire his colleagues on entrepreneurship and business.

Nelson, 24, a native of Umuode in Aba, Abia State, and the second child in a family of five, is seen as a motivator by his colleagues on campus.

The student-publisher is also a motivational speaker, who believes real success comes when one dedicates his life to helping and inspiring others to see themselves better than they are. This informed his personal slogan: “I believe in my friends and in their dreams.”

On how he was inspired to go into publishing, Nelson said the idea came in his dream and he decided to take a bold step with the belief that: “Whoever wishes to achieve greatness tomorrow must start doing little things today.”

“The inspiration to publish Zestar magazine came from a dream I had on April 1, 2012. I had thought that the dream was just an April fool. But then, I wrote the vision somewhere in my notepad and decided to work on it because it is said that if one wants his dream to come through, the first thing one should do is to wake up,” Nelson said .

According to him, what motivated him to start working on the vision was his belief that the dream concerned his welfare and

that of other students’. He took up the task to inspire others and came out with a publication that would touch the lives of young people and motivate them to pursue their dreams.

On how his magazine would survive among other publications on campus, Nelson said: “I believe in God. There is a book I wrote, which will be out in few weeks; it is titled Think career, not company.

One must think about himself and not another man’s company.”

Before he started his publication, Nelson had worked for Campus Gist, Sentinel newspaper, Agape magazine and also contributed to other publications on the campus.

He said: “So, I decided to run my own magazine because I believe in giving value to my life, being my own boss, owning my business, establishing my own talent and career instead of working for another man. This is what I always preach to my fellow students; they must start thinking of how to develop their own career too and own personal business instead of working for another man.

“If students in Nigeria begin to think towards this direction, this would reduce the rate of unemployment in the country. It is not possible for everybody to have personal business but I think we will go a long way in chasing unemployment out of our society and reduce crime if every youth thinks properly. I publish my own magazine because I believe in career and not another man’s company.”

Explaining the impact the magazine has had on students, Nelson stated that the publication had “truly inspired” many of his colleagues, some of who had started small-scale businesses to eke out a living.

•Nelson displaying copies of his magazine

“Based on our objective, which is to inspire others, we have really achieved a progress in this direction. For instance, there is a magazine on campus called Patriarch being published by a student, who was motivated through my project.

I also have a friend, who read my magazine and got motivated; he is now a barber and has four young men working for him.

“There are many other testimonies. I always share this idea with my fellow youths, that the first step in establishing personal business is not capital in cash but capi-

tal in sense. If one has the sense and does his feasibility studies properly, one can manage the business very well. If one does not make a right decision and venture into business, it will end up a tragic enterprise”.

Does he have a role model?

Nelson responded: “Yes. Mike Awoyinfa’s writing inspires me. I have been waiting for the day we will meet one-on-one. When I felt his spirit and I was highly motivated, I told myself that, one day I must be an editor. In life, somebody needs someone to get somewhere.

When I discovered that Awoyinfa

writes basically to inspire the youths, I started following his weekly Press Clips column.”

Advising students to always stay true to their dreams, Nelson said: “If you want to achieve great things tomorrow, start doing little things today. You don’t become great to start, you start to become great.

Read hard and study with great commitment. If you fellows the footsteps of champions, you too will become a champion. Success is achieved when we act and not when we sleep, hoping that tomorrow will be better.”

Students of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, were trained in various skills to make them independent after graduation. TOLULOPE AJOBIEWE (400-Level Urban and Regional Planning, FUT Minna) was there.

S

IX million youths are thrown into the job market yearly, with the only 10 per cent getting employed. With such a frightening figure of unemployment, the onus, many beleive, is on students to stem the tide. Rather than waiting on the government for job, it is believed that they should employ skill acquisition to tackle the problem.

This was the aim of the examination conducted for students offering Rehabilitation Education after a workshop organised by the School of Special Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State.

The Head of the department, Dr A. I. Ajobiewe, said the course would run through the session, during which students would be made to acquire skills of their choice. She said students could specialise in over 33 vocations, depending on their interest. She listed block making, bag weaving, bead making, horticulture, leather works, tiling, barbing, hair dressing, catering and batik making, among others, as skills students could acquire.

The examination, which started at 8am, was held in the department’s

•Dr Ajobiewe with students in horticulture group

workshop. The students were divided into groups and required to carry out what they learned during the workshop.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the experts who conducted the training were not lecturers; they were hired by the school to instruct the trainees on various skills.

Dr Ajobiewe said the institution wanted to open the eyes of its students to entrepreneurship, which was why the course was added to

•Members of block making group at work

Getting set for future the school’s curricula. She urged the students to acquire lucrative skills during the training, advising them to think beyond academic and seek practical knowledge on how to be productively engaged after graduation.

After the training which lasted for a session, the students prepared for

the test. They besieged the department to unleash the expertise received from the workshop. Some of them who trained in catering appeared in white apron, other groups also came in various shades of aprons.

Mr Ajayi Olufemi, a lecturer in the

department, harped on the importance of skill acquisition. He said entrepreneurship was the way the nation could tackle unemployment.

He urged the students to utilise the skills they acquired during the training, saying it would be an added advantage for them when they leave the school.

At 4pm, the exercise ended. Participants submitted their works for •Continued on page 36

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CAMPUS LIFE

I

Mr President, allow us to resume

T is no news that our education system is in a shambles, the effect of which is wasting Nigeria’s efforts to attain socio-economic prosperity. It has been said that about 37 per cent of children of school age get primary education which is not qualitative.

In Nigeria, education is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Education, which formulates policies and passes across to the states’ education ministries, which implement policies in the state and local government. Whether the education is qualitative and affordable do not concern the Federal Government.

This is the state of education today, which is far from what is obtainable in other climes. This explains why the elite do not believe in the nation’s educational output, sending their wards overseas to study while they continue to siphon funds for public education.

With smaller countries showing examples of how to run public education system, it is befuddling to see Nigeria’s budget for education.

Over the years, education has got less than 12 per cent of the budget, against the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) stipulated benchmark.

As a pupil in primary school, I remember that we used to sit on the

floor while a table will be shared by three to four teachers, yet, we paid development fee. I continue to ponder over what the government used the revenue generated to develop. One of our teachers once said: “This is the price you pay for being privileged to be among the few attending primary school.” So, even such a low-standard of formal education in Nigeria is a privilege?

Majority of our secondary schools are a shadow of themselves. One cannot find even a conical flask in the laboratory. It is no news that after spending six years in secondary school, the so-called graduates pass out without being able to identify a litmus paper, not to talk of product of a chemical reaction that takes place when a red litmus paper is dipped into an acid or a blue litmus paper is dipped into an alkaline solution. This is because there is no laboratory to experiment on what is taught by the halfbaked and ill-motivated teachers.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) seems not to have a choice because candidates sitting for the papers now write alternative to practical in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science. How would they do practical without a laboratory? It can only happen in Nigeria!

After years of what seems to be a hell in the education sector, students, parents, teachers and lecturers thought they had seen the light at the end of a seemingly endless tunnel, with the emergence of the present administration. Hope was high that someone from the academia would bring the needed change to the decaying education system.

But it is all fraud. A lie. Then, the chorus of Breath of fresh air, a song, came to mind. I thought that having a leader from the manger - a leader not born with a silver spoon - who trekked miles to attend classes “without shoes” would bring the desired change.

But under Dr Goodluck Jonathan, lecturers are not having it so good.

Even the system has not improved.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), I guess, a few years back, may have thought having a president, who was a lecturer and knew too well that public institutions are underfunded, was like having a Messiah coming to deliver us.

But, today, that breath of fresh air stinks! Its stench is choking and if nothing is done about it, it will start claiming lives.

How could our president forget so soon where he came from? Why does he want to cut off others’ legs

so that they won’t have what to wear their own shoes with now that he has several pairs of shoes to wear? How could he have forgotten, so soon, the decaying education system he was battling as a lecturer and a member of ASUU? How could he forget, so soon, the condition of education he left behind for riches of the Aso Rock?

The dilapidated buildings that serve as lecture theatres, antiquated libraries, empty laboratories, bad public address system and rickety seats and even the cramp called lecturers’ offices, all of these our president has forgotten. Is it that our nation’s seat of leadership has the power of making people forget things so easily?

Today ASUU and their counterpart in polytechnics cry out in one voice for the “breath of fresh air” in the education system but the Federal Government has turned deaf ear to their cry. Our hope for promising tomorrow as future leaders is gradually turning into a nightmare and fantasies.

Many were admitted into universities for four-year courses but given the incessant strike, they are spending eight years in school because government would not provide quality education.

Rather than building more schools and fund the existing ones,

Why smoke?

By Damilola Olisa

T

HE warning: “The Federal Ministry of Health warns that smokers are liable to die young” can be found boldly inscribed on every pack of cigarette.

It is also on promos on every television station. However, it is contradictory for the government, promoters and producers of cigarette to allow the consumption of tobacco products, even when they agree that smoking has adverse effects on human health, which gradually leads to death.

Despite the warning, the number of youth-smokers has increased. In an attempt to justify their actions, smokers often say: “A man will surely die someday; why not let me continue smoking since I know I will die in the end, whether I smoke or not?” The situation can be best dealt with by telling the smoker how long he or she could live with-

I

N recent times, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has witnessed a series of road crashes, severe and minor, which have left many victims with various injuries. Many are still in the medical centre receiving treatments.

On June 18, a bike ridden by a student rammed into a jeep owned by a lecturer in front of the School Pharmaceutical shop. The incident left the rider in a pool of blood and the bike, completely damaged.

In July, yet another accident oc-

out smoking.

Recent statistics indicate that male and female smokers lose an average of 13.2 and 14.5 years of life to smoking. It means a chain smoker, for instance, who has been destined to die at 50 cuts his lifespan short to 37 years, losing 13 years to smoking.

According to a research, smokers are three times as likely to die before the age of 60 or 70. Similarly, in the United States, it is recorded that cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco account for at least 443,000 premature deaths annually. This means that, roughly one in every five die. Similarly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that tobacco caused almost 5.5 million deaths in 2004 and 100 million deaths over the course of the 20th century.

A stick of cigarette, in my own view, should be seen as an embodiment of death-causing substance, which draws smokers closer to their early graves gradually. It is discovered that cigarette contains up to 45 chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), which cause damage to the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and lead to many genetic mutations.

Also, harmful substances such as Carbon monoxide, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), Acrolein, Nicotine - a highly-addictive psychoactive substance, Hydrogen cyanide - used in rat poison, Polonium-210, Nitrosamines and many

more are found in cigarette.

Tobacco use disrupt normal working of sensitive organs of the body such as heart, liver, kidney and lungs, thereby leading to diseases such as cancer, stroke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD), kidney diseases, tuberculosis and others.

Historically, before the breakout of the World War 1(1914-1918), lung cancer was considered as a very rare disease, which medical practitioners gave little attention.

But with the rise in the popularity of tobacco, lung cancer became an epidemic, spreading like a wildfire.

Toxic chemicals contained in cigarette damage important genes, which gradually kills immune system of the body and make it susceptible to cancer. In a way, the production of a protein called FANCD2 is reduced when the cells are exposed to tobacco, leading to an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells that causes lung cancer. It must be stated that even passive smokers are not spared when it comes to cancer.

Over the years, scientists have been trying to discover the link between smoking and fertility, as women that smoke are said to be almost 30 per cent less fertile than those that do not and reach their menopause two to three years earlier. This was discovered in a research carried out by a team of researchers, headed by Dr Jonathan Tilly, at the Massachusetts General

Hospital, Boston.

It was discovered that some of the toxic chemicals contained in cigarette smoke boost genetic signals that can kill the female egg cells and cause the ovaries to shut down in early thirties. The substance, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH), is responsible for causing damage to the female fallopian tubes, preventing the male sperm from fertilising the egg cells.

Dr Tilly said: “In the laboratory, we call these chemicals silent killers, because you don’t see any impact until many years down the road.” So, for a female smoker having infertility, the best thing to do is to quit smoking.

Cigarette smoke is also has adverse effect on male fertility, because it causes serious damage to the male sperm cell, which contains two tiny proteins known as protamine 1 and protamine 2. Smokers’ sperm cells contain too little of protamine 2, reducing the potency of the sperm, invariably leading to DNA damage. In a way, smoking reduces the ability of sperm cell to fight destructive oxygen molecules in the seminal fluid. In a study carried out among 53 male smokers and 63 male non-smokers, it was discovered that impotency is largely common among the male smokers than non-smokers.

Furthermore, smoking is linked with cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) diseases. It has immediate effects on the heart and blood

By Princess-Ann Otudor our government prefers spending public money to build more prisons and rehabilitation centers. Why won’t the youths indulge in crime when school gates are closed and our lecturers stay at home?

What will it take the Federal Government to implement the agreement with ASUU and make us go back to school? We are not asking for the national cake but please, let us go back to school to shape out future and give ourselves best legacy a stolen fund cannot buy.

Princess-Ann, 100-Level Theatre and Media Studies, UNICAL vessels, thereby increasing heartbeat instantaneously with as much as 30 per cent after a few minutes of smoking. Moreover, carbon monoxide contained in smoke reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which is an essential component of human blood. Also, it narrows the vessels that carry blood, causing a blockage that in most cases results in heart attack or stroke.

Scientists have discovered that smoking causes a disease known as atherosclerosis, manifesting in two forms namely, coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

Atherosclerosis occurs as a result of the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries. The walls of the arteries become so narrowed that enough blood cannot flow from the heart to the needed parts of the body. If this should persist, it causes the blood to form a thrombosis (clot), resulting in infarction (stroke).

Smoking also makes smokers vulnerable to various respiratory tract infections, affecting the various respiratory organs like oesophagus, lungs and others. Respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, common cold and emphysema are very common among smokers, manifesting themselves in signs and symptoms like deep cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and fatigue and others.

Since majority of the smokers and the tobacco promoters know this, why are they allowing these diseases to persist in the society?

Damilola, 200-Level Mass Communication, AAUA

UNILAG’s many road mishaps curred on Distance Learning Institute (DLI) road, near the second school gate. A car veered off the road and hit a streetlight pole. The front part of the car was badly destroyed, to the extent that the vehicle’s airbag opened to ensure the occupants’ safety.

A few days after, the campus witnessed another crash one early morning; a car driven by an unidentified man hit another owned

by a female student in front of New Hall. In an attempt to escape, the man injured the lady but he was later arrested, thanks to the security personnel, who contacted their men at the gates to man every escape route.

The latest in this season of accidents occurred at the school main gate on Friday, July 26, afternoon.

A car entering the campus skidded off its lane, hitting a signboard

firmly rooted to the concrete demarcating the two-lane road in the university.

This raises a lot of questions as to the nuisance over-speeding vehicles generally constitute on the campus.

With disturbing noise, students carelessly ride power bikes on the campus, despite the caution signposts strategically placed across the campus.

It must be said that, in Akoka,

By Adeyemi Olalemi

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

36

CAMPUS LIFE Students urge Oyo govt to fulfil promise

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•From left: Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Vice-Chancellor Prof Barineme Fakae; Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) Prof Anthony Emeribe and RSUST Registrar Mrs Daba Odimabo watch as former Amirah (Female President) Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) RSUST Branch Hafsah Badru (right) walked past after receiving Provisional Licence during the 6th and 7th Induction and Oath Taking ceremony for the newly graduated Medical Laboratory Scientists at the institution’s Amphitheatre, NkpoluOruworukwo, Port Harcourt.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

HE University of Ibadan (UI) Students’ Union has called on Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajumobi to fulfill his promise of donating a bus to students.

The governor was said to have made the pledge when the students visited him in August, last year.

The union president, Babatunde Badmus, said several attempts had been made by students to get the governor to fulfill his pledge.

He said: ‘’We have written several letters to the Oyo State government to ensure the release of the vehicle to our students. But all efforts have been abortive. We call on the state government to revisit its pledges and improve the quality of education in the state. We also want to urge Governor Ajimobi to show more commitment to the welfare of students of Oyo extraction. For us, we want a government that is accessible to students.’’

•Babatunde From Hammed Hamzat

UI A 400-Level student of English, Adejare Oluwadare, said it was unbecoming of the government to shy away from fulfilling its pledges to students. Another student, Adeola Adelabu, said the delay in releasing the bus might be due to failure of members of the union to follow up on the governor. ‘’We are eagerly anticipating the release of our bus. We just cannot wait to see the governor honour his word,’’ said Ismael Olawuyi, a 200Level student of Adult Education.

‘We have written several letters to the Oyo State government to ensure the release of the vehicle to our students. But all efforts have been abortive. We call on the state government to revisit its pledges and improve the quality of education in the state’

‘I’ ll abandon engineering for music’ •Continued from page 30

How has your family accepted your going into music?

Initially, the decision did not go down well with my parents. They thought it was going to affect my education. But their opinion changed when they saw my grades coupled with the fact that I don’t depend on them anymore to provide my needs. Today, my dad is proud of my skills and strongly believes in me as much as he believes in my academic record. I don’t have any plan to practise as an engineer after school.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would have gone international.

In the next two years, I will graduate from here. Then I will take one year to settle for what I want to achieve and another to launch into Nigeria’s musical space. I am hoping to make what I do international.

I want to be heard the world over.

Who is your role model?

I admire people like Noah 40, Gotye, Don Jazzy and Justin Bieber.

They are men whose works inspire me a lot.

What advice do you have for those who may want to go into music?

If you want to get there, go get the skill.

Getting set for future

•Continued from page 34

assessment. Some of them completed the task before the time while others could not.

Mr Emmanuel Ajayi, a lecturer in the department, chided some students who could not complete the task, saying they did not attend the workshop regularly.

Some of the group leaders spoke to CAMPUSLIFE after the exercise.

Joy Umaru, who led the interior decoration group, said the exam

tested their practical knowledge of the vocation. She advised her colleagues to explore ways to practise what they were taught at the workshop.

Adenike Adekunle, bag weaving group’s head, said: “The course has made me to better understand vocational training. I will source for capital to start the business because I just cannot wait anymore.”

Another group leader, Agnes Ibeh, soap making, said: “I want to start something with the skill I have acquired and make profit from it.”

UNILAG’s many road mishaps •Continued from page 35

there is no speed-limit signpost anywhere apart from the speed breakers on the road. There are little or no traffic signs on the roads except the zebra-crossing, which some motorists ignore.

On a two-lane road, not a highway, one wonders why we continue to have an average of one accident per week in an academic environment. This is an indication that work needs to be done in

checking over-speeding and drivers’ state of mind in ensuring compliance to traffic rules by motorists plying the campus roads.

This way, many fatal accidents would have been prevented. Management should look into this to ensure safety of students and other members of the university community.

Adeyemi, 300-Level, Physics and Education, UNILAG

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

37

CAMPUS LIFE

JAMB lauds UNIBEN for beating admission deadline

FUTA students in U.S. varsity

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OUR students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) have departed for the United States to complete their studies at the Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, United States.

The transfer is a result of collaborations between the two institutions code named 4-1-1 that would allow FUTA students to complete their fifth year in FAMU and earn credits for their BSc in FUTA, then proceed for a bridge postgraduate programme at FAMU. The students, who are the first to benefit from the collaboration, are: Oluwalowo Abiodun (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering), Ogundana Ifedayo Joseph (Electrical/Electronic Engineering) and Ebere Onyewuchi Emmanuel (Mechanical Engineering), while Fasakin Tolulope is to pursue a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering.

At a mini-send off for them, the FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Adedayo Fasakin, urged the students to represent the university well.

“Do not jeopardise this and future opportunities. You are very fortunate because many applied, but God favoured you. See this as an opportunity to sell FUTA to the world.

This is a very important and enviable milestone in the history of FUTA. So, do not disappoint us.

Help yourselves to shine because when you shine, FAMU will be encouraged and make request for more students from us. Please help us to sustain this collaboration and relationship.”

Daramola said the university will monitor them from the day they start their studies because their success is FUTA. Responding on behalf of the quartet, Ebere gave glory to God for counting him and others worthy to be the first beneficiaries of the programme.

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•Ojerinde

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HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has praised the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for completing its admission for the 2013/2014 academic session ahead of the October deadline.

A statment by the board's Public Relations Officer, Fabian Benjamin, noted that the university submitted its list of admitted students during the first Technical Committee meet-

ing on 2013/2014 Admissions to most Preferred (Degree Awarding) institutions held at University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State recently.

The statement reads: "The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) wishes to congratulate University of Benin on the successful completion of 2013/2014 Admission Exercise.

"University of Benin completed its admissions at the First Technical Committee meeting on 2013/2014 Admissions to most Preferred (Degree Awarding) institutions held at University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, State.

"The meeting had 109 degree awarding institutions in attendance and 76 out of these made submission and out of this, University of Benin was the first to make conclusive submission to the Board.

"The Board was particularly impressed and pleased with the uni-

versity for this display of patriotism, commitment and its compliance to the Minister of Education directive to complete 2013/2014 on a record time."

The JAMB Registrar, Prof Dibu Ojerinde noted that by submitting on time, UNIBEN complied with the desires of the board expressed at an interactive forum with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities held at the auditorium of National Universities Commission (NUC) prior to the Uyo meeting.

Ojerinde had complained about admission irregularities, late submission and non-compliance with agreed time-table on admissions, urging the vice-chancellors to make changes.

The Registrar also praised the Federal University, Lokoja in Kogi State for concluding its admission on time and enjoined others to keep the October deadline.

New registrar, librarian for poly THE Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi has approved the appointment of Hajiya Rakiya Bello Arabi as the new Registrar of the institution, with effect from September 9.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mohammed Rabiu Wada, said the approval was made during the 82nd Ordinary Meeting of the council on August 21.

Until her appointment, Hajiya Arabi was the Deputy Registrar, in Academics Division.

She hails from Dass in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State and holds a Bachelor's from University of Hull, United Kingdom and a Masters in Education from University of Wales, United Kingdom.

Similarly, the Council appointed Mrs Hajaratu Clara Pisagih, as the Polytechnic Librarian.

Prior to the new appointment which takes effect from October 7, Mrs Pisagih was a Deputy Librarian at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi.

College trains workers

• Fasakin (middle) and Prof Ben Adewuyi of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials (right) with Abiodun, Ogundana and Ebere before their departure for the U.S.

OKOPOLY, Indian varsity co-host conference

HE International conference on Multinational Materials Energy and Environment Technology co-hosted by Sharda University Greater Noida, India and the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OKOPOLY) Anambra State ended in India with a resolve by both institutions to strengthen academic and bilateral relationship to improve materials energy technology.

Workers of the two institutions and other research experts attended the conference with the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Prof Godwin Onu leading the Nigerian team.

In his address, Onu said the institutions management embraced the joint hosting of the conference with zeal because of its benefits to re-

BRIEF

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

search.

He said: "Academic collaborations in fields of science such as this is the only way the academia will improve their skills, knowledge and prowess in areas of science, technology and engineering which is highly needed for effective functioning of these great institutions and both countries (India and Nigeria), since they are developing countries that have not harnessed their human and natural resources fully.”

He traced the journey of the collaboration to 2011 when a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two institutions in areas of research, promising

that it would continue.

"I will endeavour to put everything in place for my staff to thread upon this path I have set in motion and never to get it extinguished," he said.

In his address the Vice-Chancellor of Sharda University, Prof N.B Singh, stated that material technology produces products, components and systems that are smaller, smarter, multifunctional, environmentally compatible, more survivable and customizable.

He added: “These products will not only contribute to the growing revolutions of information and biology but will have additional effect on manufacturing logistics and personal lifestyles. In fact the development of many technologies that make

our existence so comfortable has been intimately associated with the accessibility of suitable materials.

These technologies have impact on energy and environment also".

In his keynote address, Bernhard Middendorf of the Department of Construction Materials and Building Chemistry, University of Kassel, Germany, said during the last 20 years, concrete technology has developed quite rapidly. However, he said many countries are not taking advantage of the technology yet.

He stated: "In spite of the innovations in concrete technology, constructions and buildings are currently provided predominantly with mono-functional building materials, which fulfill besides others either static or thermal insulations duties.

•The Rivers State Comissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi (sitting middle) surrounded by 36 medical doctors trained at the Kuban Medical School in Russia on scholarship. They have been employed by the state government.

THE Acting Provost, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora (OYSCAI), Prof Jacob Gbemiga Adewale has admonished academic members of staff to be agents of change who will assist in transforming their students into entrepreneurs and food providers.

Adewale gave this charge at a two-day seminar for academic workers of the college. It has as theme: "Repositioning knowledge for excellence and agricultural development.”

He said the seminar was aimed at exposing the teachers to global best practices in teaching and research and producing a re-orientation and attitudinal change among them.

He advised them to be receptive to learning and promised to create the right environment that will facilitate students' engagement in knowledge, agricultural training, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development.

Speaking on: Successful conduct of credible examination, a guest lecturer, Prof. Joshua Ajetomobi said a credible examination speaks volumes of the good record of an institution.

AAUA unveils 21 books TO make administration easy and efficient, the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has launched 21 regulatory, policy books and others.

The books include: Operating Job Manual for Deans of Faculty, Heads of Department and Directors of Institutes/Centres; Physical Master Plan; Tenders Manual; Criteria for Appointment and Promotion of Academic Staff; Conditions of Service; Career Structure; Postgraduate School Regulations; and Code of Conduct for Student Paramilitary Associations.

Others are Handbook on Waste Management Policy; Fire Policy for the University; Driving Policy and Code of Conduct for Drivers and General Campus Road Users; and Policy on Usage/Hiring of University Vehicles; University Sponsorship Bond; Compendium on Understanding the Culture of the University System; Consolidated Annual Report: 2010 & 2011; Women Studies and Development Centre Newsletter; AAUA Update; and Expanding Infrastructure.

Presenting the books at the Council Chamber, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, said they fulfilled his desire for institutionalisation of best practices.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

38

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

FUNAAB FILE

28,000 candidates for admission OVER 28,000 candidates sat for the 2013 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

The three-day screening, which took place in three centres, was hitch-free as adequate arrangements were made for the movement of candidates in and out of the university.

According to Prof Toyin Arowolo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and coordinator of the exercise, about 9,800 candidates sat daily and in batches, adding that over 700 computers and relevant accessories were provided for the electronic tests.

Arowolo said candidates could not engage in malpractices or hooliganism owing to the tight security in place.

Parents and guardians of candidates who wrote the Post-UTME commended the exercise. Mr Amoo Kolawole (Lagos) and Mrs Bello Mariam (Sango-Ota), expressed satisfaction over the fleet of luxury buses FUNAAB provided at designated points to convey students to and from campus, as well as provision of tents as shields for parents.

Institute, herdsmen partner THE Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) and neighbouring Fulani herdsmen have reached an agreement to foster stronger ties for peaceful coexistence.

Rising from a meeting on campus, the Director of the institute, Prof Akin Omotayo, said the university and its host community were partners in progress and should work together to improve research activities which will in turn benefit the society.

The meeting was attended by Fulanis from Opeji, Alabata and its environs. Omotayo recalled that on several occasions, the Fulani cows destroyed the university's Research Farm to which a lot of funds had been committed.

Omotayo added: "About two weeks ago, a report got to me that your cows have destroyed some research farms. Before now, your cows have destroyed grazing plants meant to feed university animals.

We don't want this anymore; that is the reason for this meeting."

He explained that the university often uses chemicals to carry out research, which may be harmful or cause sudden death of Fulani-owned cows, if eaten. He therefore implored the Fulani to stop their cows from straying to designated research areas.

APPROACHING DEADLINES Postdoctoral and PhD Positions at Ilmenau University of Technology in Germany INSTITUTE of Physics and the Institute of Mircoand Nanotechnology at the Ilmenau University of Technology is funding 2-3 Postdoctoral and/ or PhD positions for Sept 1st entry in Germany. Applicants must have strong research experience in related research fields. Applicants must have at least 4-5 first-author publications in SCI-indexed jour-

nal (better in high-impact journals), for PhD position, it must have at least 2 first-author SCI-indexed journal publications.

Study Subject (s): This position is awarded in for energy-related devices and/or optical properties of nano-structures.

Course Level: This position is open for pursuing postdoctoral and PhD programme. Scholarship Provider: Institute of Physics and the Institute of Mircoand Nanotechnology at the Ilmenau University of Technology Scholar-

ship can be taken at: Germany Eligibility : 1. The candidates shall have strong research experience in one of the above research fields; 2. Candidates applying for postdoc positions shall have at least 4-5 first-author publications in SCI-indexed journal (better in high-impact journals), for PhD position it must have at least two first-author SCI-indexed journal publications.

How to Apply: The mode of applying is electronically. If you fulfill the above requirements and are

interested to apply for the Postdoc positions in Germany, please email your curriculum vitae (CV) to Professor Yong Lei (yong.lei-at-tu-ilmenau.de).

Scholarship Application Deadline: We wish these positions can be filled within 1 month and the candidates could start to work before September 1.

For more information, click: scholarship-positions.com/ postdoctoral-phd-positionsilmenau-university-of-technology-germany-2013/2013/07/27.

Jonathan urges varsities to seek funding •Inaugurates N1.56b projects at Michael Okpara varsity

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has enjoined universities and public institutions to explore other means of funding projects other than relying solely on the Federal Government.

During the inauguration of some projects built by the management of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), President Jonathan said the Federal Government has done more than enough to improve the standard of education in universities.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, said there is need for universities to explore innovative methods and creative partnerships with the private sector in addressing the challenges of funding and the provision of their infrastructure.

The projects include, 10 hostel blocks; the long-abandoned univer-

• Prof Rufa’i (with the microphone) inaugurating one of the projects. Inset: The new hostel Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

sity library complex; College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; College of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology and Extension block; College of Natural Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine blocks.

Jonathan acknowledged the prudence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Hillary Edeoga and the university in funding the new hostel blocks with Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR). He called on other institutions to emulate him.

In his response Prof Edeoga, who put the cost of the 10 blocks of hostel at N1.5 billion, appealed to President Jonathan to direct the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SUREP) to construct 10 more.

He also enjoined the President to direct SURE-P to furnish the new hostels as well as provide access roads to them.

He said each of the new hostel built with IGR, has 64 rooms, and it is designed to accommodate about 2,500 students.

Other projects, he added, were funded through the Tertiary

Education Trustfund (TETfund).

He recalled that construction of the new library block started long ago, but was abandoned in 2006.

"Now, it has been built and completed within one year in which the project was re-started. I am sure it will serve as a big relief to the teeming students of this university," he said The state Governor Theodore Orji, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa, assured the university authority of his support.

Institute trains Lagos technical teachers on entrepreneurship

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HE Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEP) Mr Olawumi Gasper, has urged Nigerians who have the opportunity of any vocational enterprise to latch on to it.

According to him, it might just be a brainwave to launch into endless strings of opportunities.

Gasper spoke while declaring open Industrial Work Experience for teachers of state government technical

By Adegunle Olugbamila

colleges at the Institute of Entrepreneurs (IOE) office.

He said the piece of advice he gave was the same magic that worked for the industrialist and Africa's richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

"I wished I had had someone who told me the secret of entrepreneurship at my early age. Unfortunately, my father kept on hammering about passing Maths, English language and

• Mr Gasper (fourth left front row) flanked by Dr Oladele and Dr Olagunju with participants at the event

sciences for onward journey to university towards securing a white collar job.

“But unlike me, Alhaji (Aliko) Dangote was privileged to have had an uncle who was an industrialist and a mentor, Alhaji Dantata, who exposed him to the secret of entrepreneurship. And today, Dangote is better of for it.

"So, you participants are going to be addressed and given more tips on how you can sharpen you perfor-

mances entrepreneurially. Kindly take advantage of this opportunity as someone who did many years ago is now one of the world's richest.”

Gasper, who commended the institute for trying to push further the gospel of entrepreneurship in Lagos, said the institute's objective tallies with the dream of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola to get many jobless youths off the street through sound entrepreneurship education.

"I can assure you that our ministry is ready to partner with you because you also share in our dream as we are all in the forefront of pushing forward the gospel of entrepreneurship education. Pleas keep the flag flying; you have our support any day.

The Executive Secretary, Dr Rotimi Oladele, who earlier gave a welcome address, assured LASTVEB of continuous partnership and support.

“I will like to assure you that our partnership shall be enduring, cordial and mutually beneficial. We hope to join you in breeding professional entrepreneurs who will be pioneering army of wealth creators emerging from your technical colleges, and not just artisans looking for employment,” he said.

For pioneering the Lagos Enterprise Day held in July, which is the first of its kind nationwide, Dr Oladele announced that institute’s Council had already penciled Gasper for honour to be conferred at an event scheduled for September 24.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

39

EDUCATION

WAEC warns candidates against rogue websites

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HE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned candidates writing the November/December West African Senior School Certificate Examination (Private) against patronising websites claiming to have answers to subjects being written in the ongoing examination ahead of time.

In a statement Mr Yusuf Ari, Deputy Director (Public Affairs) of the examining body, noted that the

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

phenomenon is not new. It added that investigation into the administration of the sites, which charges money for supposedly authentic questions and answers, is on.

The statement reads: "The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has been drawn to the scam on some rogue websites seeking to lure gullible persons, particularly candidates sit-

ting for the on-going November/ December West African Senior School Certificate Examination (Private), to believe that they could obtain authentic questions/ answers for the examination in advance.

"Such scams are not new to the Council as, over the years, old or fake examination question papers are usually circulated and sold by fraudsters, as authentic current

ones, at ridiculous or give-away prices. However, the Council first got wind of the internet form of scam back in 2011. The security agencies were subsequently, duly informed about the rogue websites.

"Since then, the Council has endeavoured to routinely carry out investigations into these claims and wishes to state categorically that the claims on these rogue

websites that authentic question papers or answers for its examinations can be procured in advance are completely false.

"The Council, therefore, wishes to advise the general public, particularly candidates in the on-going November/December WASSCE (Private) and their parents and guardians to be wary of these scams either via the internet or otherwise."

Lagos SUBEB launches guide books, others

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HE Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) has launched its School Based Management Committees (SBMC) guide books, policy pamphlets and stickers.

The occasion held under the chairmanship of the Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye.

At the event, the Lagos SUBEB Chairman, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu said the SBMC was conceptualised following the 53rd meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) in Calabar, Cross River State in November 2006 in which the SUBEBS were mandated to provide conducive learning and child-friendly school environment for children, while ensuring that community fully owns the schools by attracting positive response from members.

Mrs Daodu commended SBMC activities which she said have transformed various public schools in the state.

"For instance," Daodu said, "it

By Sampson Unamka

(SBMC) has mobilised funds for the support of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC 2007) Self-Help projects in 86 schools and 51 schools; provided support for head teachers to enhance school administration, provision of some infrastructures as classrooms, toilets and water needed in some schools, engaged in enrolment campaigns and security of lives and properties among others."

She said the publications would assist members in running SBMC. "The guide is designed to enable SBMC members to learn how to run a school based management organisation based on the state policy on this committee.

The overall purpose of this policy is to achieve effective decentralisation of management of primary, junior and secondary schools in Lagos state towards attaining the goal of free and qualitative education," Daodu added.

Pupils get free materials

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NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation JAKIN, has held its yearly Dress-aChild For School Project by sharing 400 school materials ahead of resumption later this month.

The event held in Yaba, Lagos, was in commemoration of the World Literacy Day. Each of 400 pupils from 200 public primary and secondary schools in the state went home with two new uniforms, a school bag, two pairs of socks, a pair of sandals, a dozen exercise books, mathematical set and a pencil case containing a sharpener, pencil, biro and ruler.

Mrs Justina Onifadeyi, education specialist, UNICEF, who spoke on the theme: Literacy for the 21st Century Nigerian Child; noted that literacy is beyond one's ability to read and write but apply initiatives to do things right which informs one's way of life.

She cautioned parents against registering their children in schools far away from their homes as distance could constitute a barrier for the child’s comprehension in class.

“The school your children attend should not be far from home. If it is, it affects the child psychologically and mentally to comprehend anything taught in the school because they feel exhausted from the journey.

She also advised parents to enrol in adult education centres and tap into Information and Communication Technology (ICT) so their children can benefit from them. ''Everybody should be culturally literate. Parents, teach your children your mother tongue. The fact that children speak English is not enough. Parents who cannot teach their children their mother language are deficient in that area. Every child must be grounded in their mother tongues," she added.

Placing great responsibilities on teachers, she admonished them to be fully prepared to train the pupils, creating conducive environ-

By Jane Chijioke

ment and establishing a positive impression in them to motivate their learning strengths.

Mrs Onifadeyi decried a practice whereby pupils in Primary Five and Primary Six who can hardly read or write are promoted into secondary schools.

The President of JAKIN, Mrs Adebukola Adebiyi said illiteracy is a virus.

“Literacy is the solution to virtually all the social ills in our society. Each time we halt, discourage or prevent a child from getting educated whether formally or informally, we are slowly releasing an incurable virus in our system.”

She added that the initiative would reform children's tender heart, help them psychologically to boost their morale and spark a new light in them.

• Some state SUBEB officials on tour of projects in Minna, Niger State during UBEC's ninth quarterly meeting in the state.

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UBEC gives self pass mark

HE Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has said it deserves a pat on the back for its transparency and accountability in the deployment of instructional materials provided by the Federal Government to states nationwide, including the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said the commission last year developed a computer-based software, and used the device for a pilot test in 80 schools per state, resulting in a significant success.

The commission made the claim in a document it released to The Nation tilted: Achievements and constrains of UBEC. The report said: "You will recall that at the eighth quarterly meeting in the FCT, the commission announced the pilot-testing of the developed software. The software has been pilot-tested and found to be effective. The pilot-testing was carried out in the FCT using 60 primary schools and 2 JSS per Area Council. That is, a total of 360 primary schools and 12 Junior Secondary Schools.”

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Leveraging on the success of the pilot test, a nationwide verification was carried out in the May. During the exercise, 80 schools per state except Bauchi, Lagos and Ogun, that have reached the target ratio of one textbook per pupil, were covered.

In addition, Borno and Yobe states were put on hold because of security concerns.

Further, it said the report of the exercise showed that schools in states, such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Cross River, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto and Taraba, lack either library or storage facility for books. This was in addition to poor record keeping at the local government education authority or by head teachers. The commission lamented the refusal by states to hand over support funds released to them by UBEC for transportation of books to schools.

The All-Girls and Boy-Child education initiatives, according to

• From left: Mrs Onifadeyi, Mr Colman Akinwolere, head of unit, PPP SUBEB, Mrs Adebiyi and Mrs Kehinde Adenrele, Chairperson, FBN Life Insurance presenting a school bag to one of the pupils.

UBEC, are geared towards addressing the challenges of basic education delivery.

The commission said while the former is to address the socio-cultural problems on the up-bringing of the girl- child, the latter is targeted at integration of out-ofschool children from the Southeast and Southsouth states into the basic education programme.

UBEC said it has constructed one Model Girls School each in the 13 states affected by the girl-child education syndrome; set up a technical committee to advise the commission on the programme and activities of the schools; develop a framework for 'All-Girls' School Initiative" for implementation as soon as construction is completed; printing and distribution of the framework for adaptation by the affected states; as well as handing over of the completed schools to host states.

On Boy-Child education, the report said that the commission inaugurated a National Implementation Committee on out-of-school children from the Southeast and Southsouth states into the basic education programme in December last year.

The report further said the committee, which has since started work has achieved among other things, the development of operational framework and action plan for implementing the intervention; setting up of relevant sub-committees, including advocacy and education sub-committees with emphasis on stakeholder mobilisation and curriculum development.

"The commission has concluded the Needs Assessment survey in the Southeast and Southsouth zones.

The assessment involved advocacy visits to government functionaries critical to the success of the programme. In addition, there were consultations with stakeholders to elicit reasons for the out-ofschool boy-child syndrome and what these out-of-school children are currently engaged in.The assessment ascertained the manpower needs and appropriate trades required for employment in their communities."

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

40

EDUCATION

T

Tribunal probes MOCPED riot

HE Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola has inaugurated a five-man tribunal to investigate the June 17 riot that disrupted exams at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Norforija-Epe. The tribunal of enquiry chaired by a former Commissioner for Education, Prof Idowu Sobowale, has three months to investigate eight terms of reference.

At the inauguration of the tribunal at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, last Friday, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said in constituting the tribunal, Fashola invoked Section 1 (1) of the Tribunal of Inquiry Cap T6, which empowers him to constitute a tribunal if the disclosure of the matter will be in public interest.

In addition to probing the causes of the crisis, Ipaye said the tribunal is expected to assess the roles and culpability of workers, students

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

and police in the crisis; evaluate the extent of damage; recommend penalties; examine internal control system of management, and make recommendations on preventive measures to check riots by students.

Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye condemned the wanton destruction of school property during the riot allegedly instigated by students who were barred from writing the first semester examination for defaulting on fees.

“The wanton destruction at MOCPED was monumental and no doubt, inimical to the realisation of the set goals of the college. It should be realised that public funds that will now be committed to the repairs or replacement of the damaged and vandalised properties could have been utilised for other beneficial projects. This is not acceptable to the state government

and it is determined to unravel the remote causes of the mayhem," she said.

Chairman of the tribunal, Prof Sobowale pledged that the members will do their best hoping that such would not repeat itself in the state.

"We have no illusion that the task will be easy. But we believe that with God on our side, we will complete the task. The painful thing is that instead of government to be spending money on new projects, it has to spend on repairs," he said.

Provost of the College, Prof Olu Akeusola commended the government for constituting the tribunal and counselled students not to be destructive during protests.

"It is not possible to keep people from protesting. But your protest should not result in wanton destruction of property. This should serve as a warning to others that Lagos State will not tolerate such behaviour," he said.

• From left: Prof Makinde, Mr Adetayo, Pastor Emmanuel Adeniyi and Prof Alao at the event.

Babcock opens new schools in Lagos

•Inaugurates board

B

ABCOCK University, Ilishan-Remo now has primary and secondary schools in Lagos.

The institution, which runs Babcock University High School (BUHS) within its campus in Ogun State, took over St Michael-Dee Schools, Ogba, Ikeja and renamed it Babcock University Schools.

Speaking at the handing over of the St Michael-Dee Schools at its Ogba premises, the former owner, Mr Taiwo Soyebo, said the level of discipline he noted in his son, who is an alumnus of Babcock University, inspired the transfer of management to the university.

The school was handed over to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Makinde, who prayed for its success, and assured the Soyebos that they would not regret the decision.

The principal of the new school, Elder Gabriel Fashanu said the school will offer a holistic and bal-

By Medinat Kanabe

anced education by educating the child's heart, head and hand.

"Train the child in the way he should go and when he is old, he shall not depart from it. Education is the key that helps to unlock opportunities in other spheres of life, be it business or other professional calling. We cannot toy with the future of our children.”

A new Board of Directors was inaugurated same day to oversee the affairs of the primary and secondary schools arms of the university at the BUHS, Ilishan-Remo.

Speaking at the event, the outgoing Board Chairman, Prof Dayo Alao said his tenure, was fraud free, a development he attributed to God's guidance.

"When I was told that I would start signing cheques, I prayed that God should not allow any cheque that would put me in trouble come my way. If there was frauds probe us," he added.

He called on other members to support his successor, Mrs Janet Ola.

The Principal BUHS, Elder Timothy Adetayo praised members of the last board for supporting the school.

“The board made things easy for us. They were very cooperative. If you don't have a cooperative board you won't be able to carry the burden of a school," he said.

Adetayo said he inherited a debt. of N5.8 million when he came to the school in 2005.

"They were for medicals, computers, salaries, many other things. I was afraid because the school had a lot of problems, like students falsifying tellers. Instead of paying the fee of N25, 500, they would pay N500.

But I thank God we are able to stand on our feet today."

Prof Makinde who gave the keynote address said people should not be congratulated when given an appointment but after they have served and accomplished their mandate.

He advised the incoming members not to complain about what they met on ground but make effort to transform it.

Our products will be marketable, says JABU VC

A

UTHORITIES of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) Ikeji Arakeji, have said that it is determined to contribute its quota to national development by ensuring its graduates acquire skills that are marketable in both public and private sectors.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Sola Fajana, made the assertion in Akure, the Ondo State capital while speaking with reporters.

Fajana said to stem the tide of unemployable graduates, which by extension, is sullying the image of the education sector, JABU has en-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

sured all its programmes are for industries.

He said: “At a time when industries consider only about 20 per cent of outputs of universities due to lack of necessary skills, JABU makes it mandatory for its students from all disciplines to learn at least one marketable skill before leaving the university.”

The VC announced that JABU's Entrepreneurship programme is being run as a department, not as a centre as applicable in some univer-

sities.

He added that the department has staff-student ratio and it is well equipped to accommodate all students – thereby making it possible for them to have first-hand knowledge of entrepreneurial skills and gain practicable experiences.

On other programmes run by the institution, the professor of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management saidthe Postgraduate Programme and MBA Programme, scheduled to commence soon, will be one to be reckoned with among all institutions.

EDUTALK

with

The N500b question

I

WAS one of those who thought that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should accept the N100 billion released by the Federal Government and call off the strike. However, I am beKofoworola ginning to have a change of heart.

Do not get me wrong, I do not like the fact that students are idling Kofosagie@yahoo.com away at home because of the im08054503077 (SMS only) passe between the union and the government. But if we examine the issues closely, we will discover that ASUU has genuine reasons to reject the offer made by the government.

According to the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement, the N100 billon, which was released about a fortnight ago, should have been released since January last year. This year, the universities are to get N400 billion.

Another N400 billion is meant to be released each year until 2015. So if the Federal Government is giving universities N100 billion now? When will it release the N400 billion?

How did they arrive at this figure? It did not just come from space.

ASUU had demanded that the Federal Government set up a committee to ascertain the perculiar needs and deficiencies of universities. This birthed the 11-man Needs Assessment of Public Universties Committee which travelled round 61 federal and state universities across the country assessing their infrastructural and manpower needs.

The report of the committee, headed by Prof Mahmood Yakubu, former Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), shocked the nation after it was presented to the National Economic Council last November. I must say that the committee did a thorough job in highlighting the decay in the 61 universities they visited. For the first time, we saw the ugly side of the university system in photo and print, the sides that Vice-Chancellors do not talk about when highlighting their achievements or seeking accreditation for their programmes.

The report detailed ugly photographs of overcrowded classrooms, empty laboratories, congested hostels, and horrific toilets, which members of the committee noted were dehumanising and capable of eroding the self esteem of students. The report described the toilets as “unfit for human use”. I cringe by merely looking at photographs of toilets of some of our universities detailed in this report which has been in my possession since last year.

The report also noted that none of the universities has a functional integrated water supply and distribution network. That is ‘With all these details, why students suffer to get water should ASUU just to bath, flush the toilet and for throw in the towel? I other domestic uses. The poor think the Federal environment makes them susceptible to STI transmitted Government should do from dirty toilets and the right thing. If our bathrooms. Some students have leaders plug waste, to wake up very early to get water to bath before getting then the government ready for lectures. Sometimes, can raise the N500 they are forced to go for early billion ASUU demands morning classes without a bath; and when they get there, stand and this should be outside because the classrooms injected to kick-start are congested. the revitalisation of In one of its 189 recommendafacilities in our tertiary tions of the report, the committee noted that the need institutions’ for adequate hostel facilities that can accommodate up to 50 per cent of the student population of each school was “very urgent”.

Since last year when the report was released and we made noise about it in the media, it took ASUU to start a strike on July 2 for the Federal Government to release N100 million.

We can now see that the backlog will only accumulate from year to year until one day the government will wake up and say: “we cannot afford to pay that kind of money”. We can now see that if ASUU just agrees to ‘manage’ the money because we want our children to resume, they are only going back to the poor environment that has degenerated over the years.

Now, let us talk about the N100 billion that has supposedly been released. The ASUU leadership is already crying foul about the source of the money – claiming that is money already in the coffers of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) – in other words the money is already meant for tertiary institutions. It is not a fresh allocation. It is part of funding that belongs to the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for infrastructural development, research and training. So is the Federal Government really serious?

What about the disbursement of this fund? ASUU is complaining that some universities have been left out by the implementation committee.

It has also faulted the way the committee has computed the cost of the projects, making it far higher than what the union computed.

With all these details, should ASUU just throw in the towel? I think the Federal Government should do the right thing. If our leaders plug waste, then the government can raise the N500 billion ASUU demands and this should be injected to kick-start the revitalisation of facilities in our tertiary institutions.

Given the flamboyant lifestyle of our political leaders and public servants, it is difficult for the average Nigerian to believe that there is no money. We want to see the money they spend on private jets, foreign travels, luxury hotels and lavish parties at work in our schools. Period!

Belo-Osagie

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL www.lasu.edu.ng E-mail: secretary-pgs@lasu.edu.ng

ADVERTISEMENT FOR ADMISSION INTO PROGRAMMES FOR 2013/2014 ACADEMIC SESSION The Postgraduate School invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for admission into 2013/2014 Academic Session into the underlisted programmes leading to the award of Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Ph.D Degrees in the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo. GENERAL REQUIREMENT The University requires five [ 5 ] CREDIT including English Language at Ordinary Level (GCE, WASC, SSC, NECO and NABTEB) for ALL courses and credit in MATHEMATICS at Ordinary Level for SCIENCE, SOCIAL SCIENCES, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES and EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT courses.

PART-TIME POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES 1. FACULTY OF ARTS A. Department of African Languages.

M. A. Yoruba Literature & Culture B. Department of History and International Studies i. Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations & Strategic Studies. ii. Master in International Relations & Strategic Studies.

C. Department of Foreign Languages Master in Translation and Interpretation 2.

FACULTY OF EDUCATION Postgraduate Diploma in Education

3.

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE EDUCATION (CESE) Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Education Master in Environmental Management (MEM)

i. ii.

4. i. ii. iii. iv.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic and Computer Engineering M. Sc. Electronic and Computer Engineering M.Phil. /Ph.D. Electronic and Computer Engineering Ph.D. Electronic and Computer Engineering

5.

A. B. i. ii.

FACULTY OF LAW Master of Law (LL.M General Law) Institute of Maritime Law: Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime and Commercial Law Master of Law (LL. M Maritime and Commercial Law).

6. FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES A. Department of Industrial Relations and Public Administration. i. Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources & Industrial Relations ii. Master in Human Resources & Industrial Relations (HRIR) iii. Master in Public Administration (MPA) B. i. ii.

Department of Business Administration and Management Technology Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration Master in Business Administration (MBA)

7. FACULTY OF SCIENCE A. Department of Fisheries PGD Fisheries B. Department of Biochemistry Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Biochemistry C. Department of Microbiology PGD Microbiology 8.

A. i. ii.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Department of Economics Postgraduate Diploma in Economics M.Sc. Economics

B. i. ii.

Department of Sociology Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Master in Social Work

9. i. ii.

CENTRE FOR PLANNING STUDIES Postgraduate Diploma in Planning Studies Master in Urban and Regional Planning

10. ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION (AASOC) Master in Communication Studies (MCS) 11. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (LASUCOM, IKEJA) A. Department of Community Health & Primary Health Care i. Master in Public Health (MPH) ii. M.Sc. Occupational Health iii. Master of Occupational Medicine B. Department of Pathology & Forensic Science i. Master in Forensic Medicine ii. Master in Forensic Science C. Department of Physiology i. M.Phil. /Ph.D. Physiology ii. Ph.D. Physiology FULL-TIME POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES 1.

A. i ii. iii

FACULTY OF ARTS Department of History and International Studies M.A History and Diplomacy M.Phil./Ph.D. History and Diplomacy Ph.D. History and Diplomacy

B. i ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.

Department of Religions & Peace Studies PGD Christian Religious Studies M.A. Christian Religious Studies M.Phil./Ph.D. Christian Religious Studies PGD Islamic Studies M.A. Islamic Studies M.Phil./Ph.D. Islamic Studies Ph.D. Islamic Studies

C. Department of English M. A. English D. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Department of Foreign Languages M.A. Arabic Studies M.Phil/Ph.D Arabic Studies Ph.D Arabic Studies M.A. French M.Phil/Ph.D French Ph.D. French

ii.

M.Phil./Ph.D. Sociology

8. i. ii. iii. iv.

ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION (AASOC) Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies Master of Science Communication Studies M.Phil/Ph.D Communication Studies Ph.D Communication Studies

9.

A. i ii. iii.

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (LASUCOM, IKEJA) Department of Anatomy M.Sc. Anatomy M.Phil/Ph.D. Anatomy Ph.D. Anatomy

B. i. ii. iii.

Department of Physiology M.Sc. Physiology M.Phil. /Ph.D. Physiology Ph.D. Physiology

2. FACULTY OF EDUCATION A. Postgraduate Diploma in Education B. Department of Educational Foundations & Counselling Psychology i. M.Ed. Counselling Psychology ii M.Ed Educational Psychology iii M.Ed Early Childhood Education iv M.Ed Sociology of Education v M.Ed Philosophy of Education C. Department of Physical and Health Education i. M.Ed. Health Education ii. M.Phil./Ph.D.. Health Education iii. M.Ed. Exercise Physiology iv. M.Phil./Ph.D. Exercise Physiology v. M.Ed Psychology and Sociology of Sports vi. M.Phil./Ph.D. Psychology and Sociology of Sports vii. M.Ed Sports Management and Administration viii. M.Phil./Ph.D. Sports Management and Administration D. Department of Educational Management i M.Ed. Educational Management ii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Educational Management E. Department of Science and Technology Education i. M.Ed Science Education ii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Science Education iii M.Ed Mathematics Education iv. M.Phil/Ph.D Mathematics Education v. M.Ed Educational Technology vi. M.Phil/Ph.D Educational Technology vii. M.Ed Computer Science Education viii. M.Phil/Ph.D Computer Science Education

PART-TIME ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3.

ii.

iv.

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE EDUCATION (CESE) Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Resource Management M.Sc Environmental Education M.Sc Environmental Education and Environmental Resource Management M.Phil/Ph.D Environmental Education

4.

A. i. ii. iii. iv.

B. i. ii. iii.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering PGD Chemical and Polymer Engineering M.Sc. Chemical and Polymer Engineering M. Phil/Ph.D. Chemical and Polymer Engineering Ph.D. Chemical and Polymer Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering M.Sc Mechanical Engineering M.Phil./Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

i. ii. iii.

5. FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES A. Department of Business Administration and Management Technology i. M.Sc. Business Administration ii. M.Phil./Ph.D. Business Administration iii. Ph.D. Business Administration B. Department of Industrial Relations and Public Administration. ii. M.Sc. Human Resources & Industrial Relations iii. M.Sc. Public Administration 6. FACULTY OF SCIENCE A. Department of Botany M.Sc Botany B. Department of Fisheries i. M.Sc Fisheries ii. M.Phil/Ph.D Fisheries iii. Ph.D Fisheries C. Department of Biochemistry i. M.Sc in Biochemistry ii. M. Phil/ Ph.D in Biochemistry iii. Ph.D in Biochemistry D. Department of Physics i. Master of Science in Physics ii. M.Phil/Ph.D in Physics iii. Ph.D in Physics E. Department of Microbiology i. M.Sc in Microbiology ii. M.Phil.Ph.D in Microbiology iii. Ph.D in Microbiology 7.

A. i. ii. iii.

B. i.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Department of Geography and Planning M.Sc Geography M.Phil. /Ph.D. Geography Ph.D. Geography Department of Sociology M.Sc. Sociology

1. FACULTY OF ARTS A. Department of African Languages M. A. Yoruba Literature & Culture.

Candidates for admission into the degree of M.A. Yoruba Literature and Culture must possess any of the following qualifications from Lagos State University or from other institutions recognized by the Senate of the University: a. A Bachelor’s Degree in Yoruba NOT below Second Class Division. b. A Bachelor’s Degree in Yoruba or Yoruba Education provided all core courses were taken and passed by such candidate. c. B. A. Yoruba Communication Arts candidates in (2) and (3) above will be required to take a qualifying examination to determine their suitability for the course.

B. i.

Department of History & International Studies Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations & Strategic Studies (PGDIRSS) Candidates seeking admission into PGDIRSS must possess any of the following qualifications: a. A first Degree in History or International Relations & Strategic Studies of Lagos State University or other University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University. b. Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) Upper credit or equivalent in relevant disciplines. c. Holders of Professional Certificate in other relevant disciplines as approved by the University Senate.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters.

Master in International Relations & Strategic Studies (MIRSS) Candidates seeking admission into MIRSS are required to possess: a. A first Degree of any University or its equivalent recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University with Second Class Lower Division. b. Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) or its equivalent recognized by Senate of Lagos State University with Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations & Strategic Studies of the Lagos State University at the credit level (i.e.

3.5 or 5.0 scale) or 60% on weighted percentage average.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

C. Department of Foreign Languages Master in Translation and Interpretation (MTI) a. M.T.I is a professional course. At least a second class Honour degree in French, Portuguese or Arabic from the Lagos State University or its equivalent from a recognised University.

Graduates of Postgraduate Diploma from recognised institutions can also apply for the programme. b. Candidates may be required to satisfy all Departmental requirements in a qualifying examination before admission.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

2.

FACULTY OF EDUCATION Postgraduate Diploma in Education a. Candidates with a Bachelor Degree of Lagos State University or of other Universities recognized by the Senate. b. Candidates with Higher National Diploma (not below lower credit) from recognized polytechnics or equivalents. c. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters.

3.

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE EDUCATION (CESE) i. Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Education a. Holders of Honours Degree from a University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University in Education, Science, Social Science and Engineering. b. HND Holder with pass in any relevant area.

Duration: Three (3) Semesters. ii. Master in Environmental Management (MEM) Admission is open to persons holding the following qualifications: a. Holders of relevant Higher National Diploma (HND, Upper Credit) b. Holders of relevant Higher National Diploma (HND, Lower Credit) PLUS a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Studies or three (3) years cognate relevant experiences. c. Holders of relevant First Degree from Lagos State University and any other Institution recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University with not less than Second Class Lower Division. d. Holders of third class must possess additional Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Studies or related field.

43

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LAGOS LAGOS STATE STATE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY, OJO OJO e.

Holders of relevant and recognized professional qualification (Equivalent to HND) plus a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Studies.

4.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering i. Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering Candidates seeking admission into PGD in Electronic and Computer Engineering are required to possess: a. B.Sc. Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering with a minimum of Third Class Degree. b. HND with a minimum of Upper Credit in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering/Computer Science. c. B.Sc. Degree with minimum of Second Class (Lower Division) in Mathematics, Physics and other Engineering field.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii.

M.Sc. Electronic and Computer Engineering Candidates seeking admission into M.Sc. Electronic and Computer Engineering must possess the following qualifications: a. A first Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering. b. A first Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in Computer Science or Mathematics or Physics/Electronics PLUS Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic and Computer Engineering of Lagos State University with a minimum of Upper Credit. c. HND with a minimum of Lower Credit in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Engineering/Science PLUS Postgraduate Diploma in Electronic and Computer Engineering of Lagos State University with a minimum of Upper Credit.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters. iii. M.Phil/Ph.D Electronic and Computer Engineering Application for admission into M.Phil/Ph.D Electronic and Computer Engineering must possess M.Sc in Electronic and Computer/Electrical Engineering or its equivalent from Lagos State University or any recognized University with a minimum of CGPA of 3.5 iv. Ph.D Electronic and Computer Engineering Applicants for admission into Ph.D Electronic and Computer Engineering shall be graduates of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University with M.Sc in Electronic and Computer Engineering with CGPA of 4.0 and above.

5. FACULTY OF LAW A. Master of Law (LL.M General Law) a. A Law Degree of Lagos State University or any University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.).

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

B. i.

Institute of Maritime Law: Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime and Commercial Law The followings are required for admission: a. Bachelor of Law (LL.B) Third Class with NOT less than ten (10) years post-call to bar experience. b. University Degree in any discipline and NOT less than Second Class Lower. c. Other relevant professional qualification(s) like AIB, ACCA, ACM etc.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii.

Master of Law (LL.M Maritime and Commercial Law): Admission requirement shall be any of the followings recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University a. Minimum of Second Class Lower Division from Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of Lagos State University with a Bachelor of Law. b. Bachelor of Law (LL.B) with less than Second Class Lower Division provided the applicants have undertaken the PGD Programme with CGPA of NOT less than 3.0. c. Bachelor of Law (LL.B) with not less than Second Class Lower Division PLUS not less than ten (10) years post-call to Bar experience.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

6. FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES A. Department of Industrial Relations and Public Administration i. Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources & Industrial Relations To qualify for admission into PGDHRIR, candidates must possess: a. Bachelor’s Degree in related or non-related areas. b. Higher National Diploma (HND) with Upper Credit from accredited Institution with two years cognate experience. c. Candidates who possess professional certificates from related area with at least FIVE (5) years cognate working experience.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii.

Master in Human Resources & Industrial Relations (HRIR) To qualify for admission into MHIR, candidates are required to possess: a. A Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent from recognized Institution. b. Candidates with Bachelor’s Degree can be from any discipline. c. Candidates with HND plus PGD in Business Administration and Social Sciences related courses with at least five (5) years cognate experience may be considered for admission. d. Candidates with minimum of third (3rd) Class from recognized University could also be admitted.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters. iii. Master in Public Administration (MPA) To qualify for admission into the Master in Public Administration Programme, candidates must possess either /or a combination of the following underlisted requirements: a. Possession of five (5) Credits at O’ Level including Mathematics and English Language at not more than two sittings. b. Graduates of Lagos State University and any other Degree

from other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University with not less than a Second Class Lower Division.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

B.

Department of Business Administration and Management Technology i. Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. a. Candidates for PGD Business Administration are required to possess a first Degree in any of these: Business Administration, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Marketing, Public Administration, Industrial Relations or any of the Social Sciences or Science courses with CGPA of not less than 2.0 may be considered. b. For Science based students, preference shall be given to students with good results in Mathematics, Operation Research, Physics, Fisheries, Chemical Sciences and other Business based Science Degrees. c. Holders of a first Degree in other courses different from the above with minimum of Second Class Lower Division may be considered. d. Higher National Diploma with minimum of Upper Credit in Business Administration and Management related courses. e. Higher National Diploma with minimum of Upper Credit in other areas like Hotel Management, Secretarial Studies may be considered.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii. a.

Master in Business Administration (MBA) Graduates of Lagos State University and holders of a Degree recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University not less than Second Class Lower. b. Holders of Equivalent Professional qualifications i.e. ACA, ACCA, ACMA, ACIB, ACII, CIPM and any other Professional qualifications approved by the Senate of Lagos State University in Accounting, Banking, Insurance, Marketing, Engineering etc. may be considered for admission. c. HND with Upper Credit in disciplines other than those listed in ‘b’ above provided that such candidates present a PGD in Business Administration. d. Five (5) O’ Level credits including English Language, Mathematics at not more than two sittings. e. A minimum of three (3) years post qualification and post NYSC working experience in a reputable organization.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters.

7. FACULTY OF SCIENCE A. Department of Fisheries Postgraduate Diploma in Fisheries The programme is opened to: a. Holders of Degree in Zoology, Fisheries, Biology, Agriculture, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology (Education) or any relevant discipline with at least a pass Degree Certificate obtained from the Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University b. HND or its equivalent in Biology, Agriculture, Fisheries, Microbiology or any other relevant qualification with a minimum of lower credit from an institution recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University.

B. i. a.

b. c. ii.

Department of Biochemistry Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Biochemistry An applicant for admission shall be: A graduate of Lagos State University or other recognized University: i.e any First Degree from the Lagos State University and other recognized institution in one of the Biological, Chemical and Biochemical Sciences. (For example Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Botany and Food Technology).

A person who holds other qualifications approved by senate, i.e the AIMLT or HND Upper Credit from recognized Polytechnics.

In exceptional circumstances, any other person whose educational qualifications and competence for the course of study proposed has been approved by Senate.

Candidates shall be required to undergo a selection test.

C. Department of Microbiology Postgraduate Diploma in Microbiology Admission is opened to candidates with any of the followings: a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology option) of Food Technology. b. Associateship of the Institute of Medical Technology (AILMT) Certificate. c. Final Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology) option with at least five (5) years experience. d. B.Sc Degree Holders in Biological Science such as Botany and Applied Biology with at least a Pass Degree Certificate.

8. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES A. Department of Economics i. Postgraduate Diploma in Economics Candidates seeking admission into the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics are required to possess: a. A first degree in any related courses of Lagos State University not below the Second Class Lower Division such as Statistics, Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting and Finance; b. Students with Third Class degree in Economics of Lagos State University and other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University c. Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) Upper Credit in any related courses such as Statistics, Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting and Finance d. Candidates will however be required to satisfy the Department in a selection process in an entrance examination.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii. a.

b. c.

M.Sc. Economics Candidates seeking admission into the Master of Science in Economics are required to possess: A first Degree in Economics of Lagos State University and any other approved Universities not below Second Class Lower Division or related fields such as Statistics, Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.

Holders of Lagos State University Postgraduate Diploma with a minimum of 60% cumulative weighted average Candidates will however be required to satisfy the Department in a selection process in an entrance examination.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

B. i.

Department of Sociology Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Admission requirement includes any of the followings: a. A first degree from any recognized University with minimum of Third Class Degree b. Certificate in Registered Nurses, Mid-Wives and other Paramedical personnel who also hold Post Basic Qualification c. Professionals in other relevant disciplines as approved by the University Senate. d. Holders of the Higher National Diploma or its equivalent. e. Higher Degree in any discipline relevant to social work profession. f . Five Credits in ordinary level certificate, WASC, SSCE, NECO etc with at least a pass in Mathematics.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii. Master in Social Work a. Graduates of Lagos State University and holders of a Degree recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University not less than Second Class Lower in the following disciplines: Sociology, Law, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Community/Public Health, Medicine or any other relevant fields of study. b. Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work. c. Five Credits in ordinary level certificate, WASC, SSCE, NECO etc with at least a pass in Mathematics.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

9. i.

CENTRE FOR PLANNING STUDIES Postgraduate Diploma in Planning Studies.

Candidates should posses any of the followings: a. Honours Degree not below Third Class in any discipline from Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University. b. Holders of HND or its equivalent in any field from Polytechnics or similar institutions recognized by Senate of Lagos State University NOT below Lower Credit Division. c. Any professional qualification like NIA, MTP, CIT, NIS, MVS and IOB. d. Professional Certificate awarded in the Maritime and Aviation Industries certified to be equivalent to a first Degree or Higher National Diploma (by relevant authority).

Duration: Three (3) semesters ii.

Master in Urban and Regional Planning The Masters in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) Programme is organized as a professional programme a. Graduates of Lagos State University who hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Environmental sciences, Environmental Management Sciences, Engineering and Law Faculties. b. Holders of Full Professional Diploma with a minimum of Upper Credit in Town Planning, Estate Management, Surveying, Building Technology, Quantity Surveying, Engineering and Architecture. c. Holders of the Postgraduate Diploma in Planning Studies of the Lagos State University who in addition have a minimum of Upper Credit in the Higher National Diploma awarded by a recognized Polytechnic or College of Technology in Town Planning, Estate Management, Surveying, Building Technology, Quantity Surveying, Engineering and Architecture. d. Five (5) O’ Level credits including English Language, Mathematics at not more than two sittings.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

10. ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION (AASOC) Master in Communication Studies (MCS) a. A Bachelor’s Degree from recognized Universities not lower than a Third Class with two years working experience in the communication related industries. b. Higher National Diploma not below Lower Credit with at least three (3) years cognate experience. c. Candidates with any of the following professional qualifications (APCON, NIPR, CAM, NIMARK, Diploma etc), Master in Communication Studies (MCS) will run for four (4) semesters that is two (2) academic sessions.

11. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (LASUCOM, IKEJA) A. Department of Community Health & Primary Health Care. i. Master in Public Health Applicants for admission into this programme must possess 5 O’level Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. a. Basic Medical or Dental Degree (MBBS/BDS) which are registrable by the Medical & Dental Councils of Nigeria. b. First Degree not less than Second Class Lower in Science (Nursing, Pharmacy, Biological Science, Environmental Science, Health Science, Civil Engineering and Psychology. c. Candidates without University Degree should obtain a Postgraduate Diploma before applying. d. At least three (3) years of post-qualification experience in the practice of Medicine in the related fields.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters. ii.

M.Sc. Occupational Health Applicants for admission into the programme must possess: (a) First Degree in Science, (Nursing, Pharmacy, Environmental Science, Pharmacology, Sociology) and other qualifications recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University and must pass at least with Second Class Lower Division. (b) Such candidates must have five (5) O’ Level credits or its equivalent, in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters. iii. Master of Occupational Medicine The admission requirements include: (a) Basic Medical or Dental Degree registrable with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. (b) Such candidates must have five (5) O’ Level credits or its

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44

LAGOS LAGOS STATE STATE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY, OJO OJO equivalent, in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

B. i. a.

Department of Pathology & Forensic Science Master in Forensic Medicine.

Applicants must hold the MBBS Degree or equivalent qualifications from an accredited Medical School. b. Applicants must in addition hold postgraduate fellowship qualification in Anatomic Pathology (Morbid Anatomy) obtained either through the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, West African College of Physicians or any equivalent Postgraduate School. c. All applicants would be required to pass a qualifying examination to be conducted by the Postgraduate School. d. All applicants will subsequently undergo a selection process involving character evaluation and background criminal check.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters. ii. a.

Master in Forensic Science.

Applicants must have a minimum of B.Sc. Second Class Lower Degree in Behavioural, Biological or Physical Science, Nursing and Criminal Investigations. Graduates of Law and Medicine can also apply. b. All applicants would be required to pass a qualifying examination to be conducted by the Postgraduate School. c. All applicants will subsequently undergo a selection process involving character evaluation and background criminal check.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

C. Department of Physiology i. M.phil/Ph.D. in Physiology Applicants for admission into the programme must possess: a. Master Degree in Physiology who has attained a total weight average of 55.0 -59.9% (CGPA 3.50 – 3.99) pass from LASU. b. Master Degree holders from other universities recognized by Lagos State University Senate with a weighted average of 60% and above or a grade point of 4.0 Duration: Ten (10) semesters ii.

Ph.D. in Physiology Applicants for admission into the programme must possess: a. M.phil/Ph.D Degree in Physiology b. M.Sc. Degree in Physiology with a CGPA of 4.0 and above from Lagos State University and any other recognized universities.

Duration: Eight (8) semesters FULL-TIME ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. FACULTY OF ARTS A. Department of History & International Studies i. M.A History & Diplomacy Candidates seeking admission into the programme are required to possess: a. A University Degree in History of Lagos State University or other Universities recognized by the Senate not below Second Class Lower Division. b. A University Degree in Humanities or Social Sciences adjudged as acceptable by the Department and the Senate of Lagos State University not below Second Class Lower Division.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii.

M.Phil. /Ph.D. History & Diplomacy Candidates seeking admission into the M.Phil/Ph.D. programme must possess M.A in History and Diplomacy from the Lagos State University or any other recognized Universities with a CGPA of not less than 3.5.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. Ph.D. History & Diplomacy Candidates applying for direct Ph.D. admission must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of not less than 4.0 at the M.A level from the Department of History and International Studies of the Lagos State University. Holders of M.A History from other Universities would be required to enroll for the M.Phil./ Ph.D. programmes of the Department in the first instance.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

a.

Admission into the programme shall normally be given to candidates with M.A. Islamic Studies. b. Candidates with Master Degree with a CGPA of at least 3.5 or 5.0 point scale c. All Candidates must demonstrate adequate intellectual capacity, maturity and effective decision making on problem solving potentials.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. vii. Ph.D. Islamic Studies The programme is open to candidates with 4.0 GPA in M.A Islamic Studies and candidates with Master Degree of other recognized universities and whose transcripts are adjudged to be adequate or required to take courses as the Department may prescribe.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

C. Department of English M. A. English Candidates seeking for admission into the Degree of M. A. English must possess. a. A Bachelor’s Degree in English Language, Linguistics or Literature in English NOT below Second Class Lower Division of Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters.

D. i.

Department of Foreign Languages M.A. Arabic Studies All candidates desiring admission into this programme must have obtained a first honours degree in Arabic or Islamic Studies or a combined degree involving either or both of the disciplines.

Candidates whose first degree involves only Islamic Studies could be admitted provided that.

They can satisfy the department that they have a satisfactory level of competence in Arabic and Literature; or to be specified by the Department Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii.

M.Phil. /Ph.D. Arabic Studies Candidates seeking admission into this programme shall be subject to fulfillment of the minimum requirements specified by the Postgraduate School (3.5 CGPA), as well as satisfactory performance in the compulsory courses.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. Ph.D. Arabic Studies Candidates must possess a good Master Degree in Arabic from a recognized University with a CGPA not below 4.0 Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters. iv. M.A. French Candidates seeking admission into M.A French Programme must possess: a. Second Class Honours Degree in French or its equivalent from a recognized University. b. However, candidates are required to satisfy all Departmental requirements in a qualifying examination before admission.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. v.

M.Phil./Ph.D. French Candidates seeking admission into M.Phil/Ph.D. French Programme must possess: a. A Master’s Degree but with less than 60% weighted average and can convert to Ph.D. after the course work if he/she attains a weighted average of 60% b. However, candidates are required to satisfy all Departmental requirements in a qualifying examination before admission.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. vi. Ph.D. French a. Ph.D. is restricted to holders of an M.A. Degree in French with a weighted course-work average of 60% b. M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree in French.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 12 semesters.

It may also be done in 8 semesters on a part-time basis.

B. i.

Department of Religions & Peace Studies PGD Christian Religious Studies An immersion programme for non-graduates of Religions to integrate them into studies for higher degrees in Christian Religious Studies Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

2. FACULTY OF EDUCATION A. Postgraduate Diploma in Education a. Candidates with a Bachelor Degree of Lagos State University or other Universities recognized by the Senate. b. Candidates with Higher National Diploma (not below Lower Credit) from recognized polytechnics or equivalents. c. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

ii.

B.

M.A Christian Religious Studies Holders of first Degree in Christian Studies with at least Second Class Lower Division from Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the senate.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. iii. M.Phil. /Ph.D. Christian Religious Studies a. Admission into the programme shall normally be given to candidates with M.A. Christian Studies. b. Candidates with Master Degree with a CGPA of at least 3.5 or 5.0 point scale c. All Candidates must demonstrate adequate intellectual capacity, maturity and effective decision making on problem solving potentials.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iv. PGD Islamic Studies An immersion programme for non-graduates of Religions to integrate them into studies for higher degrees in Islamic Studies Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. v.

M.A Islamic Studies Holders of first Degree in Islamic Studies with at least Second Class Lower Division from Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. vi. M.Phil./Ph.D. Islamic Studies

Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling Psychology i. M.Ed Counselling Psychology Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iv. M.Ed Sociology of Education Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. v.

M.Ed Philosophy of Education Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

C. Department of Physical and Health Education i. M.Ed Health Education Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. ii.

M.Phil/Ph.D Health Education Candidates who possess M.Ed. Degree of 3.5 CGPA of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University shall be eligible for admission.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. M.Ed Exercise Physiology Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iv. M.Phil/Ph.D Exercise Physiology Candidates who possess M.Ed. Degree of 3.5 CGPA of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University shall be eligible for admission.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. v. M.Ed Psychology and Sociology of Sports Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. vi. M.Phil/Ph.D. Psychology and Sociology of Sports Candidates who possess M.Ed. Degree of 3.5 CGPA of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University shall be eligible for admission.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. vii. M.Ed Sports Management and Administration Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. viii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Sports Management and Administration Candidates who possess M.Ed. Degree of 3.5 CGPA of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University shall be eligible for admission.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

ii.

D. i.

iii. M.Ed Early Childhood Education Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos

ii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Educational Management Candidates who possess M.Ed. Degree of 3.5 CGPA of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University shall be eligible for admission.

M.Ed Educational Psychology Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

Department of Educational Management M.Ed Educational Management Candidates seeking admission into each of the programmes are required to possess a. At least a Second Class Lower Division in Education of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by Senate of the Lagos State University. b. All candidates must possess at least five (5) credits at the Ordinary Level (G.C.E, WASC, NECO) at not more than two (2) sittings or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

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LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

E. i. a.

Department of Science and Technology Education M.Ed Science Education Candidates seeking admission into the programme shall normally be graduates of Lagos State University or other Universities recognized by Senate with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division. b. Candidates with Third Class and HND/PGDE are not eligible for admission into Masters programmes in the Department. c. All categories of candidates for higher degree in the Faculty of Education are required to have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Except in cases where the first degree is in Education d. Admission to the course shall normally be at the beginning of a session e. Candidates should possess a minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in SSCE/NECO/ GCE including English and Mathematics or Grade II Teachers Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. ii. a.

M.Phil/Ph.D. Science Education Candidates seeking admission into M.Phil/Ph.D programmes should possess a Degree in Education of a University on relevant fields and Postgraduate Diploma in Education. HND with PGDE are not eligible for admission into the Departments. b. Candidates should have a minimum of 3.50 CGPA for admission into M.Phil/ Ph.D programmes. c. Candidates should have a minimum of 4.00 CGPA for admission into Ph.D programme d. Admission into M.Phil/Ph.D shall be at the beginning of a semester when there is vacancy to absorb the prospective candidates into the programmes. e. M.Ed holders with HND/PGDE background are not eligible for admission into the M.Phil/ Ph.D programme of the Department.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. M.Ed Mathematics Education a. Candidates seeking admission into the programme shall normally be graduates of Lagos State University or other Universities recognized by Senate with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division. b. Candidates with Third Class and HND/PGDE are not eligible for admission into Masters programmes in the Department. c. All categories of candidates for higher degree in the Faculty of Education are required to have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Except in cases where the first degree is in Education d. Admission to the course shall normally be at the beginning of a session e. Candidates should possess a minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in SSCE/NECO/ GCE including English and Mathematics or Grade II Teachers Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iv. M.Phil/Ph.D. Mathematics Education a. Candidates seeking admission into M.Phil/Ph.D programmes should possess a Degree in Education of a University on relevant fields and Postgraduate Diploma in Education. HND with PGDE are not eligible for admission into the Departments. b. Candidates should have a minimum of 3.50 CGPA for admission into M.Phil/ Ph.D programmes. c. Candidates should have a minimum of 4.00 CGPA for admission into Ph.D programme d. Admission into M.Phil/Ph.D shall be at the beginning of a semester when there is vacancy to absorb the prospective candidates into the programmes. e. M.Ed holders with HND/PGDE background are not eligible for admission into the M.Phil/ Ph.D programme of the Department.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. v. a.

M.Ed Educational Technology Candidates seeking admission into the programme shall normally be graduates of Lagos State University or other Universities recognized by Senate with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division. b. Candidates with Third Class and HND/PGDE are not eligible for admission into Masters programmes in the Department. c. All categories of candidates for higher degree in the Faculty of Education are required to have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Except in cases where the first degree is in Education d. Admission to the course shall normally be at the beginning of a session e. Candidates should possess a minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in SSCE/NECO/ GCE including English and Mathematics or Grade II Teachers Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. vi. M.Phil/Ph.D. Educational Technology a. Candidates seeking admission into M.Phil/Ph.D programmes should possess a Degree in Education of a University on relevant fields and Postgraduate Diploma in Education. HND with PGDE are not eligible for admission into the Departments. b. Candidates should have a minimum of 3.50 CGPA for admission into M.Phil/ Ph.D programmes. c. Candidates should have a minimum of 4.00 CGPA for admission into Ph.D programme d. Admission into M.Phil/Ph.D shall be at the beginning of a semester when there is vacancy to absorb the prospective candidates into the programmes. e. M.Ed holders with HND/PGDE background are not eligible for admission into the M.Phil/ Ph.D programme of the Department.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. vii. M.Ed Computer Science Education a. Candidates seeking admission into the programme shall normally be graduates of Lagos State University or other Universities recognized by Senate with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division. b. Candidates with Third Class and HND/PGDE are not eligible for admission into Masters programmes in the Department.

c.

All categories of candidates for higher degree in the Faculty of Education are required to have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Except in cases where the first degree is in Education d. Admission to the course shall normally be at the beginning of a session e. Candidates should possess a minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in SSCE/NECO/ GCE including English and Mathematics or Grade II Teachers Certificate in related subjects.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. viii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Computer Science Education a. Candidates seeking admission into M.Phil/Ph.D programmes should possess a Degree in Education of a University on relevant fields and Postgraduate Diploma in Education. HND with PGDE are not eligible for admission into the Departments. b. Candidates should have a minimum of 3.50 CGPA for admission into M.Phil/ Ph.D programmes. c. Candidates should have a minimum of 4.00 CGPA for admission into Ph.D programme d. Admission into M.Phil/Ph.D shall be at the beginning of a semester when there is vacancy to absorb the prospective candidates into the programmes. e. M.Ed holders with HND/PGDE background are not eligible for admission into the M.Phil/ Ph.D programme of the Department.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

3. i.

CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE EDUCATION (CESE) Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Resource Management a. Holders of Honours Degree from a University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University in Education, Science, Social Science and Engineering. b. HND Holder with pass in any relevant area.

Duration: Two (2) Semesters. ii. a.

M.Sc in Environmental Education Holders of Honours Degree from a University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University in Education, Social Science/ Management Science and Engineering.

Duration: Two Semesters iii. a.

M.Sc in Environmental Resource Management.

Holders of Honours Degree from a University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University in Education, Social Science/ Management Science and Engineering.

Duration: Two Semesters iv. M.Phil/Ph.D in Environmental Education a. Holders of Master Degree from University recognized by Senate of Lagos State University in Science/Social Science Education, Science, Social Sciences and Management.

Duration: Minimum of Four Semesters for Full-time students and Eight Semesters for Part-Time students.

4. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING A. Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering i. PGD Chemical and Polymer Engineering To qualify for admission, candidates must hold a BSc degree with a minimum of second class (Lower Division) in other degree courses in engineering and related science courses DURATION: Minimum of 3 semesters. ii.

M.Sc. Chemical and Polymer Engineering Candidates must possess: a. Bachelor of Science Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in Chemical and Polymer Engineering of Lagos State University or any other approved University. b. Candidates may be required to satisfy the Department in a selection process before admission. c. Candidates must also satisfy other admission requirements of the Postgraduate School of the Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Chemical and Polymer Engineering a. To qualify for the programme candidate must have M.Sc. in Chemical and Polymer Engineering with 3.5 CGPA b. Candidates must also satisfy other admission requirements of the Postgraduate School of the Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iv. Ph.D. Chemical and Polymer Engineering a. To be eligible for admission candidates must hold a Master of Science degree in chemical/ polymer Engineering of Lagos State University and shall normally have obtained a CGPA of 4.00 average coursework for Master degree b. An M.Phil/Ph.D. degree in chemical/ Polymer Engineering or other relevant discipline of Lagos State University or other approved university c. Candidates in the M.Phil/Ph.D. programme who must have satisfied the course work requirement could be permitted to convert to the Ph.D programme Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

B. i. (i)

Department of Mechanical Engineering M.Sc Mechanical Engineering A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of technology Degree of the Lagos State University or any approved University, in Mechanical Engineering of related Engineering discipline at a minimum of Second Class Lower Division and O’ Level requirements for admission into the Bachelor’s Programme in Engineering. (ii) A minimum of Upper Credit in the Postgraduate Diploma Programme of Lagos State University or any approved University in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline. (iii) Candidates may be required to satisfy all Department requirements in a qualifying examination before admission.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii. a.

M.Phil/Ph.D Mechanical Engineering A M.Sc Degree in Mechanical Engineering of Lagos State University or its equivalent from any approved University with a minimum Cumulative Grade Points Average of 3.50 is required to qualify a candidate for admission into the M.Phil/Ph.D Programme.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

ii. a.

Ph.D Mechanical Engineering A M.Sc Degree in Mechanical Engineering of Lagos State University or its equivalent from any approved University with a minimum Cumulative Grade Points Average of 4.0 is required to qualify a candidate for admission into the Ph.D Programme. b. A Candidate registered for the M.Phil/Ph.D who has scored a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.50 may at the end of the course work transfer to candidature of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degree programme.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

5. FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES A. Department of Business Administration and Management Technology i. M.Sc. Business Administration With Specialization in: (a) Business Administration (b) Management (c) International Business Candidates seeking admission into M.Sc. Business Administration must possess any of the following qualifications: a. First Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting and Banking and Finance. b. Candidates with Higher National Diploma with minimum of Upper Credit in the disciplines listed above plus Postgraduate Diploma in Business administration recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Business Administration Admission into the M.Phil./Ph.D. programme will be opened to: Candidates with minimum CGPA of 3.5 at M.Sc. level in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting and Banking and Finance of Lagos State University or other Universities as approved by the Senate.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters. iii. Ph.D. Business Administration Admission into the Ph.D. programme will be opened to: Candidates with minimum CGPA of 4.0 at M.Sc. level in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting and Banking and Finance of Lagos State University or other Universities as approved by the Senate.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

B.

Department of Industrial Relations & Public Administration i. M.Sc. Human Resources & Industrial Relations To qualify for admission into the M.Sc. Degree programme, candidates must possess: a. Five (5) O’Level credits including Mathematics, English Language and Economics at not more than two (2) sittings. b. A Bachelor’s degree of Lagos State University or of any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University with at least Second Class Lower Division in all relevant management courses and any of the following courses in Social Sciences-sociology, Psychology, Economics and Political Science.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. Ph.D Business Administration The admission process will be based on the following academic requirement: Candidates with minimum CGPA of 4.0 at M.Sc. level in Business Administration, Management, Banking and Finance, Marketing, Economics of Lagos State University or other Universities as approved by the Senate.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

B. Department of Industrial Relations & Public Administration i. M.Sc. Human Resources & Industrial Relations To qualify for admission into the M.Sc. Degree programme, candidates must possess: c. Five (5) O’Level credits including Mathematics, English Language and Economics at not more than two (2) sittings. d. A Bachelor’s degree of Lagos State University or of any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University with at least Second Class Lower Division in all relevant management courses and any of the following courses in Social Sciences-sociology, Psychology, Economics and Political Science.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters. ii. a.

M.Sc. Public Administration At least, five (5) Credits at Ordinary Level (GCE, WASC, NECO) including English Language, Mathematics and Government at not more than two (2) sittings; b. A Bachelor’s Degree of Lagos State University or any other University approved by the Senate of Lagos state University with not less than a Second Class Honors, Lower Division in Public Administration, Political Science, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management (IRPM), Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Sociology and History.

Applicants may be required to pass a test(s) or undergo an interview as may be prescribed for the Department, Postgraduate School or the University.

Duration: Minimum of 4 semesters and maximum of 6 semesters.

6.

A. i. a.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE Department of Botany M.Sc. Botany Candidates must have a minimum of five(5) credits pass inclusive of the following: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. b. Candidates should have a minimum of Second Class Lower Division in Botany or any allied courses as recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 3 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

B. i. a.

Department of Fisheries M.Sc Fisheries M.Sc Fisheries is opened to holders of first Degree with

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

46

LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO b.

minimum of Second Class (Lower) Division either in Fisheries, Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Agriculture or any other relevant discipline from Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

B. Sc Degreee in Fisheries, Zoology, Biology, Agriculture or any other related discipline with a minimum of 3rd Class in addition to Postgraduate Diploma in Fisheries with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 5.00 obtained from the Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University.

ii. a.

M.Phil/Ph.D Fisheries M. Sc. Degree in Fisheries or any other related discipline with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 5.00 obtained from Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University.

Duration of the Course: M. Phl Fisheries is expected to last for 2 academic sessions. iii. Ph.D Fisheries a. M.Phil Degree in Fisheries from Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University. b. M.Sc Degree in Fisheries or any other related discipline with a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a scale of 5.00 obtained from Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of the Lagos State University.

Duration of the Course: Ph.D Fisheries is expected to last for a minimum of 3 academic sessions.

C. i. i. a.

b.

Department of Biochemistry M.Sc in Biochemistry Eligibility shall be any of the following: A graduate (BSc) of Lagos State University and other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University having a minimum of second class lower division in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physiology and other related science courses. Graduates from other disciplines related to Biochemistry will be considered on their individual merit.

A Biochemistry graduate (BSc) of Lagos State University and other Universities recognized by Senate of Lagos State University with a pass or third class degree, but that has successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Biochemistry with a CGPA of 3.50 and above.

ii. M.Phil/Ph.D in Biochemistry Admission into the M.Phil/Ph.D in Biochemistry programme shall normally be opened to: a. First Degree holders whose CGPA is not below 3.5 in the One Calendar year of M.Sc Biochemistry of Lagos State University. b. Candidates who possess a Masters Degree of CGPA of 3.5 from other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University. iii. Ph.D in Biochemistry Eligibility shall be be any of the following: a. A weighted of 60% and above obtained from the M.Sc Biochemistry degree of LASU or any other University recognised by the Senate of LASU. b. A graduate of M.Phil programme of LASU or any other University recognized by the Senate of LASU c. Candidates who have successfully converted from the M.Phil/ Ph.D programme of LASU. Candidates shall be required to undergo a selection processes.

D. i. a.

Department of Physics Master of Science (M.Sc) Degree in Physics Candidates for admission into this programme MUST be holders of Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics, OR related disciplines, such as Mathematics AND Electrical Engineering NOT lower than a Second Class Lower Division of Lagos State University, OR other Institution recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

ii. M.Phil/Ph.D in Physics Admission into the M.Phil/Ph.D in Physics programme shall normally be opened to: a. First Degree holders whose CGPA is not below 3.5 in the One Calendar year of M.Sc Physics of Lagos State University. b. Candidates who possess a Masters Degree of CGPA of 3.5 from other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

However such candidates may be required to take courses as the Department may prescribe. iii. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degree in Physics Admission into the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics programme shall normally be opened to: a. Candidates who have attained at least a 60% level of pass, OR a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 in the Master of Science M.Sc Degree in Physics programme of Lagos State University AND who have made satisfactory progress in their projects. b. Candidates with the Master of Science Degree in Physics, Degree of other recognized Universities, AND whose performance is adjudged to be adequate for the course.

However such candidates may be required to take courses as the Department may prescribe.

Duration: The Master of Science Degree in Physics programme will run for ONE (1) Academic calendar, (two semesters) in the case of full time participation whereas part time participation will be for TWO (2) Academic Sessions (four semesters).

For the Master of Philosophy in Physics full time programme students are expected to spend ONE (1) academic session whilst their part time counterparts will undertake the programme in TWO (2) Academic Sessions four semesters.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Physics programme shall run for a minimum of SIX (6) Semesters AND maximum of TEN (10) Semesters, for full time students. For part time Ph.D in Physics students, the programme shall run for minimum of TEN (10) Semesters AND maximum of TWELVE (12) Semesters.

E. i.

Department of Microbiology M.Sc Microbiology

Admission into the M.Sc programme is opened to graduates of the Lagos State University or any other universities recognized

by Senate who hold: a. An Honours Degree in Microbiology or related disciplines with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division or b. A Postgraduate Diploma in Microbiology with a minimum GPA of 4.0 on scale of 5.0 from a recognized University provided the candidate has a good Honours Degree.

Duration: ii.

M.Phil/ Ph.D (Microbiology) Admission into the programme shall be opened to candidates who have attained CGPA of 3.5 in the M.Sc Degree programme of Lagos State University and made satisfactory progress in their projects.

Areas of specialization: a. Food/Industrial Microbiology b. Medical Microbiology c. Virology d. Bacteriology e. Environmental Microbiology Duration:This programme shall run for a minimum of 4 semesters. iii. Ph.D (Microbiology) Admission into the programme shall be opened to: a. Candidates who have attained CGPA of 4.0 in the M.Sc Degree programme of Lagos State University and made satisfactory progress in their projects. b. Candidates who possess the M.Phil Degree or equivalent qualification in Microbiology, each case being considered on its own merit.

Areas of specialization: a. Food/Industrial Microbiology b. Medical Microbiology c. Virology d. Bacteriology e. Environmental Microbiology Duration: This programme shall run for a minimum of 6 semesters.

7. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES A. Department of Geography and Planning i. M.Sc. Geography Candidates must possess a good bachelor’s degree not less than second class lower in Geography or relevant course with at least CGPA of 3.0 obtained from Lagos State University or any other recognized University.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. ii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Geography Candidates must possess a weighted average of 55% to 59% obtained from the M.Sc. Geography degree of Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. Ph.D. Geography A Candidate can be registered for the Ph.D. programme if he/she fulfills any of the following conditions: a. A weighted average of 60% and above obtained from M.Sc. (Geography) Degree of Lagos State University or any other University recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University. b. Candidates who successfully converted from the M.Phil/Ph.D. programme of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 8 semesters.

B. i. a.

Department of Sociology M.Sc. Sociology Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree not less than Second Class Lower in Sociology or relevant course with at least CGPA of 3.0 obtained from the Lagos State University or any other recognized University b. Holders of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree of Lagos State University with at least 3.0 CGPA. Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. ii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Sociology A. Candidates can apply for the M.Phil/Ph.D. Degree if he/she fulfills any of the following conditions: a. A weighted average of 55% to 59% obtained from the M.Sc. (Sociology) Degree of Lagos State University. b. A weighted average of 60% and above obtained from M.Sc. (Sociology) Degree of Lagos State University or any other Universities recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters.

8. i. a. b. c.

ADEBOLA ADEGUNWA SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION (AASOC) Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies Applicants with first Degree not lower than 2nd class lower in any field of study from an approved University.

Applicants with a 3rd class degree in Communication and related disciplines.

Higher National Diploma with a minimum of Upper Credit.

However, holders of HND are not eligible for M.Sc admission after the PGD certificate

ii. Master of Science in Communication Studies Students seeking admission into the programme must possess: a. A good first Degree not below Second Class Lower in Mass Communication or related disciplines from any approved University. b. Postgraduate Diploma of this School or any of the approved Mass Communication Institute with a cumulative grade point average of not below 3.0 (50%) provided the candidate posses a University First degree. c. Five credits O’level including English Language, Mathematics and Lit.-in-English. d. The candidates must fulfill all other requirements of the Postgraduate School.

Duration: The full time has duration of two (2 semesters). iii. M.Phil/Ph.D. Communication Studies a. Candidates must have the University minimum requirement of a B.Sc. Degree in Communication Studies with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division.

b.

Candidates must have M.Sc. Degree in Communication Studies with a CGPA of not less than 3.50 on a 5.0 scale.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iv. Ph.D. Communication Studies a. Candidates must have the University minimum requirement for B.Sc. Degree in Communication Studies with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division b. Candidates must have M.Sc. Degree in Communication studies with a CGPA of not less than 4.0 on a 5.0 scale c. Candidates must satisfy the school in admission interview.

Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

9. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (LASUCOM) IKEJA A. Department of Anatomy i. M.Sc. Anatomy Applicants for admission into this programme must possess: a. Five O’ Level credits at not more than 2 sittings in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology b. Graduates of MBBS (MBBch/BDS), B.Sc Anatomy or B.Sc Physiotherapy with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division as recognized by the Senate of Lagos State University.

Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. ii. a.

M.Phil/Ph.D. Anatomy Candidates must possess M.Sc. Anatomy with CGPA of not less than 3.5 or B.Sc Anatomy First Class. b. Five O’ Level credits at not more than 2 sittings in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Duration: Minimum of 2 semesters and maximum of 4 semesters. iii. Ph.D. Anatomy a. Candidates must possess M.Sc. Anatomy with CGPA of not less than 4.0 b. Five O’ Level credits at not more than 2 sittings in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Duration: Minimum of 6 semesters and maximum of 10 semesters.

B. i. a.

Department of Physiology M.Sc. physiology Candidates with Bachelor’s Degree in Physiology and related courses with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division. b. Candidates with professional qualification in Medicine, Dentistry and related courses can also apply. However, candidates in other related courses may be required to undergo a selection process.

Duration: Minimum of 3 semesters. ii.

M.phil/Ph.D. in Physiology Applicants for admission into the programme must possess: a. Master Degree in Physiology who has attained a total weight average of 55.0 -59.9% (CGPA 3.50 – 3.99) pass from LASU. b. Master Degree holders from other universities recognized by Lagos State University Senate with a weighted average of 60% and above or a grade point of 4.0 Duration: Six (6) semesters iii. Ph.D. in Physiology Applicants for admission into the programme must possess: a. M.phil/Ph.D Degree in Physiology b. M.Sc. Degree in Physiology with a CGPA of 4.0 and above from Lagos State University and any other recognized universities.

Duration: Six (6) semesters METHOD OF APPLICATION Applicants for both Part-Time and Full-Time programmes, are required to visit www.lasu.edu.ng. where details on payment and access to the application form are contained.

NOTE All applicants shall be required to sit for qualifying Entrance Examination on the Main Campus.

CLOSING DATE Sale of application forms will be closed four (4) weeks from the date of this publication.

Application forms for Part-Time and Full-Time programmes should be submitted on-line and a copy of the e-Registration slip printed out by the applicant.

DATE FOR QUALIFYING EXAMINATION Applicants will be duly informed of the date.

Please bring: (1) Photocopies of credentials (2) H.B Pencil & Eraser (3) Printed e-Registration slip with scanned Passport photograph.

(4) Sealed three (3) referee’s reports (5) National ID card/International passport/Driving license or any other means of identification.

NOTE 1. Candidates who have not completed the National Youth Service Corps assignment or their current Postgraduate Programmes need not apply.

2. All academic transcripts must be received latest two weeks after the close of sale of forms.

3. Request for transfer of processed application forms from one Department to another will not be entertained.

4. Candidates must personally attend the selection and written examinations as make-up test will not be conducted.

5. Please include your E-mail address/ phone number on the form.

For further information on Part-Time and Full-Time Internal programmes, please contact: The Secretary, Postgraduate School, Lagos State University, Ojo. secretary-pgs@lasu.edu.ng

MR. LATEEF O. ANIMASHAUN, Registrar & Secretary.

POLITICS

47

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Until recently, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were the two dominant parties warming up for 2015 elections. The registration of more parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have altered the envisaged two-party system. But will the new opposition parties team up with the APC to confront the ruling party? Correspondent MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE asks.

2015: How feasible is APC, PDM alliance?

W

HEN the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registered the All Progressives Congress (APC), observers contented that Nigeria was heading to a two party system. Their thinking was that the two dominant parties-the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC- will fight for presidential power in 2015.

Two party system is not new in the country. In the Third Republic, the former military leader, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, had foisted the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) on the polity. The two parties represented the two dominant ideologies- “a little to the right and a little to the left”.

However, with the registration of more parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the journey to the two party system may have been aborted.

Historically, political parties have always teamed up to erect two broad platforms to contest the elections. It may not be different in 2015.

While smaller parties may endorse President Goodluck Jonathan, the big oposition parties may collaborate during the exercise.

Analysts are of the opinion that the newly registered parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), cannot be dismissed with a wave of the hand. Since the aggrieved PDP chieftains may seek refuge under it, it may have support in some states where they hold sway. If the reconciliation in the PDP succeeds, it may be a setback for the PDM. Many of its chieftains may defect back to the ruling party.

Those behind the PDM are not light weight politicians. The perceived arrowhead is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is a chieftain of the Baraje’s faction of the PDP. Other parties and associations, especially the Independent Democrat (ID) and the Voice of the People (VOP), also have links with the aggrieved PDP governors.

The PDM was registered barely two months after three leading opposition parties – the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) and a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) collapsed into the APC. The PDP leadership has accused the PDM of the betrayal of the cause of its founding fathers.

As a powerful movement within the PDP, it was instrumental to many successes of the ruling party. The personal appeal of its leader the late General Shehu Yar’Adua has endured.

However, as the battle draws nearer, an alliance between the APC and PDM may not be ruled out . In politics, there are no permanent enemies but permanent interests.

As an asociation, PDM has substantial members in the APC. Outside politics, they still relate with their former colleagues. Therefore, consultations may be smooth. For example, Atiku and many APC leaders have been friends since the Third Republic. Among his former associates in the old PDM are Senator Bola Tinubu, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun and Senator Tony Adefuye, The PDM chairman, Bashir Yusuf, appreciated the limitation of the party from the onset. He said the party will consider alliance with the opposition parties. That meant that, from the onset, reality had dawned on the PDM chieftains that it lacked the muscle and network to mobilise support to challenge the PDP, without collaborating with the opposition parties.

Yusuf recalled that past efforts to register the party in the past failed because the military aborted it. He said: “The registration of the PDM is a good development. We have been trying to register it since 1994, but the military government of the day stood in the way.”

Yusuf said that politics in Nigeria will never be the same again, saying that PDM will serve as an alternative platform for those opposed to the PDP. “I have no doubt in my mind it will

Akwa Ibom PDP: Gathering storm over zoning Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is being threatened by the party’s zoning policy, writes AUGUSTINE AVWODE.

T

• Gen. Buhari (rtd)

• Atiku

change the present decadent order and try to fix Nigeria for all of us, not section , religion or tribe, but for all of us”, he said.

However, many have faulted the registration of the PDM by the INEC, which had de-registered seven parties, based on their electoral misfortunes.

The electoral commission had deregistered the smaller parties parties on the ground that they could not produce a sizable number of legislators at the state and federal levels. However, INEC ran into trouble at the court. The court ruled out that the de-registration was faulty, adding that it violated the freedom of association.

In the 2015 race PDP, APC and PDM will be in contention. If there must be an alliance, where will PDM pitch its tent? Analysts are building scenario. It is not likely that Atiku’s supporters in the PDP will retrace their steps to the PDP. Sources said that Atiku deliberately supported the Baraje’s faction to weaken the mainsteram PDP led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

For any alliance to happen between the APC and PDM, certain challenges must be overcome.

The defunct ACN chieftains in the APC may be

• Chief Akande

• Bashir

weary. Atiku was the AC presiential candidate in 2007 election. He was supported by the AC leaders. But he lost the presidential election.

After the election, he went back to the PDP. Therefore, the APC leaders may execise caution and restraint in sealing an alliance with Atiku’s party.

Another issue is the role of the former Vice President, if there is an alliance between the APC and PDM. Atiku has presidential ambition. But there are some presidential contenders too in the APC. Although APC will zone its presidential ticket to the North, Atiku may not emerge as its beneficiary. It will unthinkable for the APC to dump Gen. Muhammdu Buhari and other aspirants for for the former Vice President.

According to analysts, the way out is for the two parties to work out the details of the alliance by evolving a power-sharing formula. This may pose some challenges, but the leaders on both sides can overcome them because they are experienced politicians.

If these challenges are resolved, APC and PDM alliance will pose a great threat to the PDP in the next general elections.

ENSION is brewing in the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before now, Governor Godswill Akpabio is said to be worried about the party’s zoning policy.

Feelers from Uyo, the capital of the oilrich Southsouth state, indicate that party members are raising eyebrows over an attempt to impose the governorship candidate for the next election.

It was learnt that members of the party, who had widely celebrated the sacking of the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Umana Okon Umana, thinking that it would automatically translate to a level playing ground for every aspirant, are beginning to express apprehension over recent developments.

They are worried that a person who never contributed to the development of the party in the past 14 years, may emerge as governorship candidate through imposition.

The fear of a possible imposition became apparent last week after Governor Akpabio allegedly took steps, which pointed towards the fact that he might be working towards installing the new Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Mr. Emmanuel Udom, as his successor. Some members of the party were said to have been alarmed, when they saw Akpabio on television addressing a gathering of Akwa Ibom State indigenes from the three senatorial districts in a ‘town hall meeting’.

At the meeting, which held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akpabio, called out each of the three senatorial districts and asked the gathering to echo “aye” to the senatorial district that they would prefer for the slot in 2015. At the end of the mock exercise, Eket Senatorial District was pronounced the choice of the people going by the support the zone got. The governor immediately passed the judgment that his successor would come from the Eket Senatorial District. Udom hails from the district.

In a full page advertorial in national dailies last week, a stakeholder described what happened in Abuja as a “joke, an expensive one at that, at the expense of the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”

Asked what the solution to the looming crisis might be, a source hinted that it would be better for the governor to abandon any attempt to impose anyone or any senatorial district on the state and allow the people to freely choose their leaders. He noted that Akpabio himself came to power through a liberal process which allowed everyone from every part of the state to be part of the exercise. “He received massive support at the end of the day and we have supported him even until this moment.

“We call on all people of goodwill, especially leaders of the PDP who have the ears of our governor to advise him properly at this critical moment. Anything otherwise will portend some danger for the unity of the party from what I can see”, he said.

Part of the advertorial last week read, “We plead that His Excellency, Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, should not allow himself to be pressured into making hasty decisions and avoidable mistakes that could erase in one day, the legacy he has striven over time to build in Akwa Ibom State. As chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, we are confident that his Excellency would not be a party to anything that might divide our great party, the PDP or throw the state into unnecessary chaos”.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

49

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Whiplash is a generic term for injuries sustained when the neck is suddenly or violently jolted in one direction or the other in a whip-like manner. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes that chiropractors can treat such injuries.

How to manage neck injuries

W

HIPLASH is common in people involved in motor and other accidents. It can occur from falls, sports and injuries, and related accidents. It is injury to the neck.

According to a chiropractor, Prof Magnus Atilade, whiplash is an injury to the neck.

He said: “The most common type of car accident is the rear impact, and, most typically, the occupant in the vehicle that gets ‘rearended’ (hit from behind) is at the greatest risk of injury, including whiplash. Chiropractors employ various treatments for whiplash.

“It occurs when the neck is suddenly and, or violently, jolted in one direction and then another, creating a whip-like movement.

“The ligaments that help support, protect, and restrict excessive movement of the vertebrae are torn, which is called a sprain. The joints in the back of the spine, called the facet joints, are covered by ligaments called facet capsules, which seem to be particularly susceptible to whiplash injury.

“When the ligaments are torn it can cause a disc herniation. The nerve roots between the vertebrae may also be stretched and inflamed. Even though it is very rare, the vertebrae can be fractured and, or dislocated in a whiplash injury.”

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so one is wont to ask: Can whiplash be prevented?

Atilade said:”Generally speaking, whiplash cannot be ‘prevented,’ but there are some things that you can do while in a motor vehicle that may reduce the chances of a

more severe injury. Always wear restraints (lap or shoulder belt), and ensure that the headrest in your vehicle is adjusted to the appropriate height.”

According to him, the most common symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck. In a whiplash, the head is lifted up from the upper-cervical spine. This creates a sprain or strain in the region just below the skull, where symptoms usually occur.

“Symptoms may also commonly be seen in the front and back of the neck.

Turning the head often makes the pain and discomfort worse. Headache, especially at the base of the skull, is also a common symptom, seen in more than two thirds of patients. These headaches may be one-sided (unilateral) or experienced on both sides (bilateral). In addition, the pain and stiffness may extend down into the shoulders and arms, upper back, and even the upper chest.

“In addition to the musculoskeletal symptoms, some patients also experience dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and even blurred vision after a whiplash injury. While the symptoms are disconcerting, in most cases, they disappear within a relatively short time. If they persist, it is very important to inform your doctor, so that they do not become recurrent.

“Vertigo (the sensation of the room spinning) and ringing in the ears may also be experienced. In addition, some patients may feel pain in the jaw. Others will even complain of irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms also

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disolve quickly in most cases. In rare cases, symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years.”

He said there is the need to report every unusual feelings to the CAM doctor,” Another important and interesting aspect of whiplash is that the signs and symptoms often do not develop until two to 48 hours after the injury. This scenario is relatively common but not completely under-

that requires immobilisation. Patients should not be afraid to move and be active, within reason. In addition, we will often prescribe an exercise or stretching program. It is particularly important to follow this program as prescribed, so that you can achieve the best long-term benefits.

“We also employ Chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy whereby ice and, or heat are often

Remain healthy, take lemon, watermelon and cucumber juice Recipe: Lemonade; it’s so refreshing served on ice Ingredients 5 large lemons, halved 1/4 small watermelon, sliced 1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced 3/4 cups of sugar 8 cups of water

Directions: Juice lemons and pour lemon juice in a pitcher. Add the eight cups of water, sugar, watermelon and cucumber and stir well. If you’re patient enough to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator, it is extra amazing the next morning.

• Source: www.care2.com

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50

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH

Treatment of breast cancer in Alternative Medicine (5) Being the fourth part in the serialisation of the text of a presentation by FEMI KUSA at the maiden seminar of the College of Integrative Medicine held at the Water Parks, Toyin Street, Lagos, on August 1 and 2, 2013.

‘As cancer patients lose a great deal of weight, it may sound ironical, somewhat, that they are being deprived proteins to maintain body structure, repair of cellular damage and for the production of more immune cells in the state of emergency that the fight against cancer is.

In this condition, all the protein resources of the body are being mobilised for immune war against cancer’

T

HE college was founded to train members of the National Integrative Medicine Practitioners Association (NIMPA). In the first part published on August 8, two promising case studies provided the grounds for hope that herbs and nutritional supplements, used alone or as an adjunct in orthodox cancer therapies, can bring about a cancer cure. In one of these cases, stage iv colon cancer which had spread to the liver, lung and kidney shrank by 25 per cent within two months of the introduction of alternative medicine therapies to conventional therapy. In the second case, breast cancer shrank significantly. Last Thursday, August 15, featured the loss of oxygen in the body as a possible cause of cancer, some common causes of deoxygenating and some ways and means of oxygenating the blood, including the use of oxygen tablets or capsules. This week, the column explores gene and cell damage as potential cause of cancer.

Last Saturday, CANCERDEFEATED'S 41st Convention opened in Mexico, one of the world's fastest growing havens of Alternative Medicine. In this country, Alternative Medicine thrives because, the government and the medical association give doctors a free hand to decide what medicines to give their patients.

CancerDefeated is a non-profit organisation devoted to showing Doubting Thomas doctors and lay people alike that cancer can be cured. Its conventions go beyond that to providing information about food and food supplements which help to prevent cancer, foods which support the body in its bid to rid itself of cancer, techniques or concepts, such as anti-angiogenesis, which doctors may employ in the treatment of cancer.

Suboptimal Liver As far back as the 1920s, it was suggested in a spiritual work which mediates and reveales knowledge on earth today, leaving no question unanswered, that cancer cannot occur in any part of the human body if the liver is healthy and functioning optionally. It took about 50 years for medical science to appreciate this in autopsies of cancer deaths which found the liver compromised. Now, we know the liver is the chief detoxifying organ of the body. If it slows down, poisons accumulate and damage the weakest organs of the body which cannot protect themselves against the resultant toxicity. The liver is especially crucial in breast cancer prevention and management for not only this purpose.

Additionally, it is important for breaking down excess estrogens into their component parts and for supporting their export into the intestine with the aid of bile salts for elimination through the stool. Where the liver doesn't do this, the excess estrogen levels rise. Increased estrogen levels may offset the estrogen-progesterone ratio. Estrogen torments or irritates breast tissue which, in reaction, may become cancerous. Sometimes, the liver may simply be overwhelmed by an overproduction of estrogen, especially the harsh variants (estradiol and estrione), by the ovaries and fat cells in the body. The ovaries may be over stimulated by the pituitary gland in the brain which may have its own problems. Toxins may be troubling this gland. Excess salt in the diet also disturbs it. Sometimes, estrogen influx comes from milk, egg and other dairy products, or from plastic containers of foods. Farms add estrogen to the feed of chicken and cows to make chickens lay eggs almost every day of their adult lives which is unnatural, and to make the cows, similarly, to make milk. Today in Nigeria, women have abandoned the leaf for food wrapping and opted for cellophane. Cellophane and other soft plastics emit zenoestrogens into food. Since salt fat cell also produce estrogens, it is adorable that women who wish to prevent breast cancer or those who are fighting it reduce or manage their weight. Estrogen levels may be normalised by taking herbs such as VITEX, which normalises pituitary and ovarian functions.

DONGQUAI does it too. Zinc promotes the production of progesterone and this helps to bridge a wide estrogen-progesterone ratio. A proprietary product I often suggest is MAHARANI. It is a blend of many female herbs. We cannot ignore YARROW, one of the queens of female herbs. By reducing weight, high estrogen levels may be crashed.

A suboptional liver, even in breast cancer encounter, can be strengthened with herbs and other Alternative Medicure protocols to work better. These herbs are called hepatics. Some physicians, such as those at the Gerson Clinic, use organic coffee (now on sale in Nigeria) for

enemas which open up the liver and drains poisons accumulated in it. The beverage coffee cannot be used for this purpose. Nor can the organic enema coffee be taken as a beverage. Organic Sulphur, too, plays a critical role in liver detoxification. Onion and garlic contain tiny bits of organic sulphar. Not many women hate garlic.A herb like Milk Thistle helps the regeneration of demaged liver cells. While the Rain Tree company operated, there were Amazon Liver Support and Carquela as proprietary products. MariaTreben Swedish bitters is good for the liver and the kidney. Bitter kola does it, too.

A liver cleansing may be mild or dramatic. Some herbs stimulate the liver's function. Others calm and nourish it. Yet others protect the liver. Apple Cider Vinegar may be mildly cleansing. Collagogues promote the manufacture and release of bile from the liver. About one liter of bile salt is made every day and stored in the gall blader until it is needed to digest fats.

Some other liver herbs I'd like to mention are Dandelion, Oregano, Bear Berry, Burdock root, Calamus root, Turmeric (present in curry), Artichoke and Bitter Leaf.

A good proprietary product to remember in liver cleansing is Liver Balance. Kidney cleansing should go along with kidney cleansing. A congested kidney may cause problems for the liver.

Immune Boosting Immunity crashes in an acidic environment which is oxygen deprived, and encourages proliferation of unfriendly microforms, the population of which may overwhelm a disoriented, starving and weakened immune organisation. Alkalisation helps to make the work environment more hospitable for immune function. In the London case study, meat (beef) fish and egg were forbidden in the diet. Excess animal protein in the system has been scientifically proven to be a cancer promoter and a source of allergy of all sorts. Beef in particular has been linked to colon cancer. As cancer patients lose a great deal of weight, it may sound ironical, somewhat, that they are being deprived proteins to maintain body structure, repair of cellular damage and for the production of more immune cells in the state of emergency that the fight against cancer is. In this condition, all the protein resources of the body are being mobilised for immune war against cancer.

No, they are not being deprived of vital war resources.

I always suggest, in place of animal protein, proteins from plant sources which are more readily absorbed and which leave no such protein end product sludges which may cause more problems or slow the war against cancer. In this regard, some great options are (1) spirulina (2) chlorella (3) whey protein and (4) proprietary blends of all sorts which may include (a) For-

‘It took about 50 years for medical science to appreciate this in autopsies of cancer deaths which found the liver compromised.

Now, we know the liver is the chief detoxifying organ of the body. If it slows down, poisons accumulate and damage the weakest organs of the body which cannot protect themselves against the resultant toxicity’

ever Aloe Lite (b) Bragg's Liquid Aminos acid (c) free form amino acids, to mention a few of them on the Nigerian market today. These protein sources do not need as much energy to digest them as is committed to the metabolism of flesh proteins and the evacuation of their poisonous waste products.

A mixture of alkalising juices can be taken to improve the pH balance. Lime and lemon may taste acidic; they end up in an alkaline ash. Lime and lemon juice may be added to Beet root juice and taken periodically throughout the day. As Dr. Marx Gerson has taught the world (please check his thoughts in the internet), vegetable juices can be added to the regimen in the therapy to boost immunity. Large amounts of salads should be eaten, but without salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing can be used instead. About 70 per cent of the meal in one day should be raw as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been advocating for the prevention of degenerative diseases. Oxygenation of the blood is important as well. I often advocate wheatgrass and paud Arco drinks. They kill microforms, stimulate immunity, alkalise and break tumours.

Immune Herbs and Supplement After detoxification and diet change to balance the pH, and perhaps after inclusion of zinc in the diet to reactivate the thymnus gland, another major consideration should be the repopulation of friendly bacteria in the colon. This calls for inclusion of probiotic and prebioticin in the diet. I would have liked to suggest Yoghurt for the abundance of friendly bacteria or probiotic it offers, but for the fact that Nigerian Yoghurt brands do not appear to have enough of these immune enhancing factors, and, besides, are overladen with sugar. I am told a brand called FARM FRESH YOGHURT has an unsweetened brand which rates highest on the yoghurt chart. The world knew about the health benefits of yoghurt when the longevity of Bulgarians was studied by scientists. It was found that they took yoghurt with almost every meal. It may appear contradictory that in one breath, poultry foods are frowned upon but are welcome in another, yoghurt being a milk product. But the milk of yoghurt is a different kind of milk. It has been predigested by the probiotic found readily in it. One of the friendly bacteria species found in Bulgarian yoghurt was named after the country….. acidophilusBulgaricus. It is present in many proprietary probiotic products on the market today. Cancer loves and thrives on sugar. I try to get around insufficiency of probiotic in Nigerian brand Yoghurt by emptying the contents of two capsules of probiotic (each five billion cells) into a bottle of yoghurt the day before I took it. It features prominently in the two cases mentioned above.

There are two more points I would like to quickly make about Vitamin C… One of these is that it has proven a helpful factor in anti-aging life extension research files, among other animals given larger doses of Vitamin C and other antioxidants were found to live many times longer than their species normally lived. We must by now be familiar with the laboratory experiment in which a chicken heart lived about five times longer than it would have in a free range chicken.The researchers threw it out in the end… not because it died or was dying, but because they had proven their point that antioxidants extend life expectancy.

Herbs play a significant role in kick-starting sluggish immune function. Some of the well known immune boosters are Astragalus leaf and root, Echinacea, Golden seal root, Grape Seed Extract, Pycnogenol, Olive leaf, Sterols and Sterolins, Vitamin C, Zinc, Graviola etc.

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

51

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

e-Business E-mail:- lucajanaku02@yahoo.com

08111813065

The Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) revolution took the country by storm 12 years ago.

Since then, things have not been the same in the telecoms sector. GSM is ‘revolutionising’ the way people use the technology in their lives, report DEJI FAKOREDE & SAMPSON UNAMKA.

Many faces of mobile devices A

FTER writing his last paper at the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), 17-year-old Damilola Akirisore anxiously looked forward to his school’s valedictory service.

His mother, Mrs ‘Renike Akirisore shared in her son’s anxiety. This is understandable.

Damilola is the eldest of her three children and the occasion, the ‘first graduation’ of her first child naturally marks a historical milestone in the family’s life. So, dressed in flowing Agbada, Damilola walked alongside his mother as they headed for Prudent Comprehensive College in Abule Odu, near Idimu, a suburb of Lagos, for the occasion.

The trunk of their car was loaded with drinks and food. The traditional speeches and prize giving ceremony over, it was time for parents and graduands to dance. At that point, all manner of gadgets emerged. Parents and guardians brought out smartphones, iPads, tabs, Balckberry and other forms of mobile devices to capture the event.

Before the global system for mobile (GSM) communication revolution, such occasions would have been flooded by hordes of photographers. It is no longer business as usual for them. People now take their own photographs at parties and other events, using their phones and related devices.

The GSM revolution has also impacted on the music and movie industry. Music and videos are easily streamed by subscribers.

Prayers of renowned preachers and words of great men are used as ring back caller tunes.

According to findings, mobile phones influence people’s lives, as they not only cater for their communications needs but health reqirements. They get daily tips on their phones.

Telephone services in the country have a long history starting with the British colonial government in 1886. Then, telephones devices helped the British in running the country. After independence in 1960, there were only 18,724 telephone lines in the country. And until the sector was deregulated in 2001 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, it was monopolised by the monibund natural carrier, Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

At the time the monopoly was broken, there were just about 4000 analogue lines in the country. Today, subscriber figure, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is above 113 million.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa that joined the digital cellular network in January 2001 with the licensing of private telecoms operators by the NCC. The country soon took the leadership from South Africa. Statistics available by research firms show that it is the fastest growing telecoms market on the continent. It is being followed by South Africa with 31 per cent and Kenya with seven per cent.

With many online platforms now having mobile versions which can support every operating system, all a user needs to do is to go to Google Play or the Apple app store to download and use everything from Facebook, Twitter for their social media needs. The YouTube too is there for fast streaming and watching of videos. Other apps allow the mobile phone user to check into hotels, buy flights tickets online and so

•Photo journalists, others at work using mobile devices.

• Mrs Johnson

•Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Eugene Juwah

• Revmatas

on. With the global smartphone sales hitting the billion mark, mobile applications will continue to be a veritable source of not only employment but revenue.

Minister of Communications Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson said mobile application development has a future in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling of Nigeria’s broadband masterplan in Lagos, she appealed to those claiming not to be getting domestic patronage in banking applications to look inwards and develop mobile applications.

Also speaking with The Nation, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, 70th Precinct, Osamede Umweni, said the mobile application sub-sector of the industry could adding $1 billion yearly to the national economy.

He said the government should keep encouraging local software developers so that they could be employed.

Head, Handheld Devices, Samsung Elec-

tronics West Africa, Emmanuel Revmatas, said the arrival of new privately-owned submarine cables and their landing on the coast of East and West African nations, including Nigeria, will in the long run, have significant reduction on cost of internet access and increase the adoption of smartphones in the country.

According to researchers, the average mobile phone users in the country check the screen of their mobile phones about 23 times daily for messaging (either receiving or sending), 22 times for checking voice calls, nine times for social media and six times for news alerts. Smartphones users also use their phones for gaming and accessing the internet, check time and to arrange their schedule for the day. The number of Nigerians who access the internet through their mobile phones has increased considerably, surpassing those who access the internet using their personal computers (PCs).

Smartphones are also sporting better and better. Picture and video technology are improving and as the camera gets better so will the use.

Smartphones have also impacted positively in learning. Aside e-books, textbooks are downloaded into the smartphone. The Opon Imo (tablet of knowledge), which is the brainchild of Osun State government comes to fore. The state government believes it will have a redefining effect on education delivery in the state.

Mobile phone has also aided disaster management. Displaced people can reconnect with their families just as it has also helped to avert disaster. Information can be passed across easily to people about the posiility of disaster happenings in town.

However, the evolution of Smartphones has come with its side effects. Students now spend valuable hours online chatting and watching obscene videos instead of reading.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

52

e-Business

Govt’s ignorance about ICT, threat to Vision 20:2020, says NITDA

T

HE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned that if the ignorance about information communication technology (ICT) in and out of governmet is not tackled, attainment of Visions 20:2020 of the Federal Government will remain a wishful thinking.

NITDA is the clearing house for IT projects in the public sector with the mandate to bring government and its services closer to the people through IT. It was also created to implement of the National IT policy, which seeks to make Nigeria an IT capable country in no distant future.

NITDA’s Director-General, Dr. Ashiru Sani Daura spoke during a visit by a delegation of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) in Abuja led by its new President, Prof David

Adewumi.

He lamented that Nigeria is lagging behind in lobal ranking as shown by the country’s position on the global e-readiness index.

According to him, though ICT penetration was improving, there is need for the country to do more and be front runners in Africa. He stressed the need for massive enlightenment, adding that there was also need for collaboration.

“The transformation agenda and achieving Vision 20:2020 also requires IT,” Daura said.

While noting that NCS had been playing an important role in accelerating IT development in Nigeria, Daura recommended that NCS and NITDA should meet to create an action plan on the issues mentioned, advising that both organisations should strengthen their relationship for better

mileage and benefit for the nation.

The NCS boss solicited for strategic partnerships in programmes and projects relating to research and development (R&D), cybersecurity, IT-enabled employment generation, promotion of excellence and professionalism in the industry and IT policy formulation that are of immense benefit to the country.

He commended the NITDA chief for not only sponsoring but also taking time out to attend NCS last conference in Osun State.

He said the goals of NITDA are in line with the core objectives of the NCS. He also praised Daura’s efforts at developing the outsourcing sector of the country, adding that NCS is proud that NITDA, which was borne out of the NCS vision and initiative, has firmly established.

MTN, Jumia partner on digital world

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TN has partnered Jumia, an online retail store, over free access to the digital world for six months.

According to a statement, customers of Jumia who purchase any internet enabled phone will gain free access to the digital world for a period of six months.

General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Kola Oyeyemi, said the world has become a global village, adding that the firm will continue to harness the potentials of innovative technology.

“The world has turned to one big digital village. MTN is determined to harness the endless potentials provided by innovative technology and make this available to its Nigerian customers,” he said, adding that MTN is committed to bringing world class technology and services to the market and would continue to be one step ahead of the competition.

Etisalat sponsors Lagos apps summit

E

TISALAT Nigeria has picked the gold sponsor scale of Nigeria App Summit scheduled to hold in Lagos.

Organisers of the event, 70th Precinct Limited, said in a statement that the event would allow stakeholders in the ICT sector to profer solutions to the challenges facing the apps development sub-sector of the ICT industry.

Billed to hold in Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos, early November, it would bring together enthusiastic and passionate mobile app companies, developers, entrepreneurs, experts, venture capitalists and students to celebrate the power of mobile app technology.

The event provides a platform to the businesses, consumers, companies, individual developers and the

•From left: General Manager, Nokia West Africa, Chris Brown; Operator Account Manager, Nokia West Africa, Beatrice Olumhense; Head, Data Services, Airtel Nigeria, Funmi Omotayo and Head, Operator Channel, Nokia Middle East and Africa, Scott Smith; at the launch of Airtel’s new promo on the Nokia Lumia 520 at Nokia Office, Victoria Island, Lagos.

‘Multiple SIMs create multiple identities’

A

N information communication technology (ICT) expert has said the popular use of multiple subscriber identity module (SIM) cards would create multiple identities and thereby complicate the challenge of tracking criminals down.

MTN Chair of Media and Mobile Communication, School of Journalism & Media Studies, Rhodes University, Grayhamstown, South Africa, Prof Lorenzo Dalvit, who spoke on Internet services, privacy and freedom of expression (ethics, government’s role, social networks) at the HighwayAfrica conference in South Africa, said though the adoption of ICT has transformed the way people all over the world go about their work, the use of multiple SIMs leads to the creation of multiple identities.

“Though technology adoption has revolutionised the way

people carry out their daily activities, its adoption can bring additional burden (on people and organisations),” he said, adding that buying bandwidth to stay connected to the internet and recharge cards to make voice calls and use the short message service (SMS) platform are some of the burdens that naturally come with the adoption of the mobile technology.

Dalvit said Africa may have done well in the adoption of ICT, he identified the areas of mobile learning (m-learning) and mobile government (m-government) two areas where much still needed to be done in Africa if the continent is to tap into the full potentials of the internet age.

He identified m-banking, mhealth, m-crisis management, magriculture as some of the areas where the continent has recorded

milestones.

According to the university don, while the M-Pesa has achieved success in Kenya, it has been difficult to replicate the same success story elsewhere on the continent.

While M stands for mobile, pesa is Swahili word for money. It is a mobile-phone based money transfer and microfinancing service powered by the network Safaricom and Vodacom, the largest mobile network operators in Kenya and Tanzania.

But while the initiative has done well in the former, it has not worked well in the latter. Currently the most developed mobile payment system in the world, M-Pesa allows users with a national identity card (ID) card or passport to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money easily using the mobile devices.

The scheme was introduced into South Africa with little success.

Main One secures USTDA grant for fibre expansion

T

HE United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has offered grant to Main One, to support a feasibility study on the extension of a fibre optic network from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The grant will enable Main One to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of extending 300 miles of undersea fibre optic cabling and supporting infrastructure between two of the country’s most important commercial centres.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the initiative, USTDA Regional

By Bola Ajetunmobi

Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Paul Marin, said the project is important as it will help promote the drive for internet pentration in the country.

“This project is an important example of Main One’s commitment to bring high-speed broadband access to Africa. We are proud to be supporting Main One in their efforts to provide the infrastructure for broadbased economic growth in Nigeria,” he said. Marin was represented by the United States of America (USA) Consul General, Jeffrey Hawkins on

the occasion.

Chief Executive Officer of Main One, Funke Opeke, said the grant will deepen the provision of broadband services in the Niger Delta region and boost the economy of the region. “We are appreciative to the USTDA for this important grant aimed at furthering the development of broadband services and economic development in the oil-producing Niger Delta region,” she said.

The grant was signed by Hawkins on behalf of USTDA and Opeke for Main One, at the residence of the Hawkins.

Over the years, MTN has continued to cross boundaries to be the first in the provision of innovative technological solutions to the needs of its subscribers with its endless slew of products that are wellacclaimed by Nigerians to have brought excitement and satisfaction to its consumers.

The telecoms sector in Nigeria has overtime evolved from concentrating solely on voice and text messages but has also come to incorporate data provision.

Innovations and technology has provided other means by which people stay connected.

Nigeria is the largest mobile market in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. With the gradual death of the fixed-line, there’s little surprise that the mobile device has long-since surpassed the PC as the way that Nigerians access the web and with the advancement of technology.

C

common public to gather and share latest technologies of mobile apps.

The exciting event will focus on lifestyle value of apps in gaming, entertainment, banking, enterprise, health, media, social causes, and local content.

Chief Executive Officer of 70TH Precinct, Osamede Umweni, said: “We live in an exciting and innovative era. Mobile phones have empowered enterprises and now smart phones and mobile apps allow the convenience of business practices all at the tip of their fingers. The genesis of this event was to build a platform to bridge the gap between consumers and businesses with the power of mobile app technology. We are delighted that Etisalat a major player in our ecosystem is joining us to develop our local content.”

Huawei showcases Ascend

HINESE technology firm, Huawei, has unveiled the Huawi Ascend P6, the world’s slimmest smartphone measuring 6.18mm.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Managing Director, Huawei Consumer Business Group West Africa, Tony Liang, said the new product will redefine communication in the country.

He said: “The Huawei Ascend P6 is a star among smartphones with its industry-leading design, highquality camera, and intuitive user interface, Huawei’s proprietary Emotion UI. Building on the success of our Ascend P series of fashion smartphones, the Huawei Ascend P6 provides unsurpassed technology and a design that is simply stun-

ning.”

Marketing Director, Yolanda Zhang who led a team of promoters to Ikeja Shopping Mall, where the device was activated over the weekend, disclosed that the product had sold over 100 copies within four hours of activation.

Zhang explained that the device is ultra slim at 6.18mm and weighs just about 120g, adding that it is small enough to slip into the tiniest of pockets or clutch bags. She said it is designed to be seen and coveted with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, Android 4.2.2 operating system, 2000mAh battery, 4.7-inch HD incell LCD screen technology, and ‘MagicTouch’ for enhanced screen responsiveness even when wearing gloves.

LG unveils Pink Service for women

L

G Electronics has launched a women-friendly customer service programme known as ‘LG Pink Service.’

According to a statement, the new customer service initiative is aimed at providing technical assistance across LG products to female customers at their homes.

The Pink Service, a programme which is an extension of the LG’s Care and Delight campaign, will allow female customers to be served by women technicians at their homes, as an alternative to a male specialist visiting customer homes to advice on products and future

S

care.

Speaking on the new initiative, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr Deog Jun Kim said: “As a leading global brand, we strongly believe we have a role in solving customer service issues as well as forging new trajectories that will lead the LG brand to newer frontiers. In the light of this, we have adopted this new programme, the LG Pink service, a new approach to customer service that optimises both people and processes, creating long-term cultural change and measurable results.”

Swift test-runs LTE

WIFT Networks, Nigeria’s leading provider of high speed broadband internet and data services to enterprise and consumer customers, has announced that 500 volunteers will test-drive its brand new Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in preparation for its launch in Lagos, in the first instance.

The firm has built the LTE network on the spectrum resources of the Direct

On PC which it acquired recently, enabling it to overlay the ultra-fast LTE network over its current 4G WIMAX network to offer higher access speed to its current and future customers.

Wireless spectrum is a finite resource and LTE uses it more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.

THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

53

NEWS

Braithwaite’s 80th birthday symposium holds tomorrow

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ROF Pat Utomi, of the Lagos Business School, Lagos; rights activits, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) and the Chairman, Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Akin Oyebode, are among eminent discussants expected tomorrow at the 80 th Dr. Tunji Braithwaite’s Birthday Symposium.

The event will hold at the Glitter Hall, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja at 11am.

Suspected cattle rustlers kill six in Bauchi

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USPECTED cattle rustlers yesterday killed six persons and injured two others at Gambari village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The dead included two members a vigilance group and four others.

The Director-General of Danga Security, Yusuf Hassan Sarkin, told reporters in Bauchi, the state capital, that “the attack occurred Wednesday morning at 4 o’clock”.

He added: “When the rob-

•Two others injured

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

bers stormed the village, they killed a vigilante. It was when the villagers discovered that they could not counterattackthe hoodlums that they sought assistance from our men. So, we pursued them immediately.

“Unfortunately, before we could get to the village, the robbers had fled. The body of the vigilante was taken to the

hospital.

“Again, when we were on the way, the robbers ambushed our men and killed another vigilante and four other villagers. Two others were injured.”

Sarkin assured that the vigilance group would always go after criminals wherever they are in the state.

He said the attack would not discourage the vigilance

group from fighting criminals.

Police spokesnman, Hassan M Auyo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed the incident.

He said: “Six people were killed; two injured. The police have begun investigation into incident.”

Police preliminary investigation, it was learnt, showed that the attackers were cattle rustlers.

The bodies of the victims

were taken to Gwallaga Jumaat Mosque in Bauchi metropolis for funeral prayers.

They were buried at the Muslim Cemetery, Gombe Road in Bauchi.

A member representing Ganjuwa East Constituency in the House of Assembly, Manu Adamu Soro, told The Nation at the funeral prayer that the Assembly would deliberate on the security situation in the state and how to protect the residents.

Yero dissolves Kaduna Exco From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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FTER about nine months in the saddle, Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero yesterday dissolved the State Executive Council (Exco).

In a statement in Kaduna by the Director-General to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, the government said that the affected commissioners are to hand over the affairs of their ministries to the permanent secretaries in their ministries.

The statement reads: “At the end of the 25th Executive Council meeting, Governor Yero announced the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council.”

Free measles immunisation in Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Kano State Government yesterday said it will begin a free immunisation against measles for children in the 44 local governments.

The Health Commissioner, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, spoke yesterday in Kano when he visited Dawakin Kudu, Bunkure, Gerzawa and Gabasawa local governments to supervise ongoing immunisation against polio across the state.

In a statement by the Ministry of Health Public Relations Officer, Ismaila Garba Gwammaja, the commissioner urged parents to ensure regular immunisation of their children to protect them against any infection or virus.

Jang sacks Plateau local govt chairmen From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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HE Plateau State Government has sacked the chairmen of the 17 local governments and replaced them with interim administrators.

The new local government chiefs, who were chosen from the state civil service, will administer the local governments until the election of new chairmen.

The State Independent electoral commission (PLASIEC) had fixed December 7 for the election of chairmen and councillors for the local governments and wards.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Abraham Yiljap, yesterday announced the dissolution at the Government House in Jos.

•Lecturers of the Federal College of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State, during a peaceful protest on their grievances as their one-week warning strike entered second day yesterday.

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Scores homeless as floods ravage Kaduna

LOODS have ravaged most parts of Kaduna city, the capital of Kaduna State.

Scores of the residents were sacked from their homes.

The floods followed over 15 hours of rains, which started at 8pm on Tuesday and poured till 12.30pm yesterday. Travellers on the Abuja/ Kaduna highway were stranded.

At 6pm yesterday, the erosion from the downpour was still flowing across the capital city.

Several homes in Ungwan

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Boro, Narayi, Ungwan Maigero, Ungwan Romi, Gonin Gora, among others, were flooded.

Those returning from Abuja or going to Abuja had to find alternative route as the small bridge at the Gonin Gora exit point was overflooded.

Some residents said they found their compounds flooded when they woke up yesterday morning.

The Kaduna River overflowed its banks.

Our reporters gathered that

residents of flood-prone areas, such as Kigo Road Extension, had been preparing for the rains. But others ruled out the possibility of the floods this year, since the rains were not heavy when they began.

A resident of Ungwan Pama, Yakubu Musa, said: “I have lived in this house for over eight years; I had never witnessed any flood in my house. But this time, there was flood. I woke up this morning (yesterday) to see water all over my compound.

“I guess it’s because of the construction work going on in the compound. So, the wa-

ter has nowhere to rush to. It stayed within the compound.

I had to start making way for it.

“I cannot say the problem has been solved, because the whole place is becoming swampy. If it rains again, I don’t know what will happen.”

It was not clear last night if there were casualties.

But several property were damaged or washed away.

Residents of Gonin Gora were seen hanging on the bridge, watching the submerged houses and floating household items.

Kwara council poll: APC seeks shift from October 26

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HE Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked an Ilorin High Court to stop the State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) to shift the October 26 local government election to a later date.

The APC said KWSIEC’s 150 days’ election notice is inconsistent with Section 30(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as Amended).

Hearing on the matter ought to have begun on Tuesday but

•Hearing to hold September 24 From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

for the absence of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and Independent Democrats (ID), the fourth and fifth defendants.

Justice Abiodun Adebara has fixed September 24 for the beginning of the hearing.

APC and other claimants, represented by a team of lawyers led by Timothy Gbadeyan, prayed the court to “mandate KWSIEC to issue a

fresh notice of election in the 16 local government areas of the state pursuant to Kwara State Electoral Law 2013 (as Amended)”.

Other claimants’ counsel include: Joseph Ashaolu, O.J Adeseko, Chief Ayanda Fajenyo, Ayansola Atolagbe, Mrs. Olubukola Afolabi and Matthew Obaro. Others are Mrs. Iyabo Oshoniyi and Ayodeji Kudabo.

The APC is also seeking “an

Taraba crisis: Suntai, deputy know fate today

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SUIT filed by Taraba State Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai against the House of Assembly Speaker Haruna Tsokwa and 15 other lawmakers for stopping him from resuming duty after returning from a 10-month medical trip in German and United States’ hospitals, will be heard today.

The Jalingo High Court will determine whether the Assembly was right or wrong in transferring the state’s executive powers to Deputy Governor Garba Umar as Acting Governor, despite the governor’s letter to the Assem-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

bly to resume work.

The defendants in the matter are: Haruna Tsokwa (Takum I Constituency), Tamko Adamu (Gassol I), Mohammed Gwampo (Yorro), Josiah Sabo Kente (Wukari I), Mohamed Umar (Gashaka), Ibrahim Imam (Jalingo I), Yahaya Abduraman (Gassol II) and Iratsi Daki (Ussa).

Others are: Rashia Abdullahi (Ngoroje), Aminu Jalingo (Jalingo II), Emmanuel Dame (Ardo-Kola), John Bonzema (Zing), AA Jugulde (Gembu), Hamandama Abdullahi (Bali

II), Abdulkarim Mohammed (Ibbi) and Edward Baraya (Karim II).

The governor, who was injured when a plane he flew crashed near Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on October 25, last year, returned to the state on Sunday, August 25. The following day, he sent a letter to the Assembly that he was ready to resume work.

The letter caused a crisis.

Tsokwa said Umar should remain the acting governor until the Assembly deliberates on Suntai’s letter, contrary to the acceptance by the House Majority Leader Joseph

order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), PDM and Independent Democratic (ID) from taking fresh steps in anticipation of the 26th October, 2013 election or going further with the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2013 local government election as directed by KWSIEC pending the final determination of this action and / or new date of election as may be directed by KWSIEC pursuant to any order that this court may deem fit to make in the circumstance”.

•Umar

Albasu and seven other members that the governor should resume duty.

Police alert to fake recruitment From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

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OLICE authorities have alerted the public to a fake recruitment, purportedly being carried out by the Nigeria Police.

A statement yesterday by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, urged the public to ignore such “recruitment exercise”.

It said the purported recruitment was being run by a fraudent syndicate.

The police, according to him, have not started any recruitment yet.

The statement reads: “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police authorities that many young and able-bodied Nigerian youths, who are desirous of enlisting into the Nigeria Police Force are being hoodwinked by fraudsters into believing that the Force is currently engaged in a recruitment/enlistment exercise.

“It has, therefore, become necessary to inform the public that no recruitment/enlistment exercise is taking place now at the Force Headquarters or at any of our institutions, commands and formations.

“However, the Force will duly inform the public whenever it intends to recruit/enlist personnel through appropriate channels, including public advertisements in the media.

“The public is, therefore, advised not to fall victim, by making monetary payments or any other consideration to fraudsters masquerading as agents of the police.

“The public is further advised to feel free to contact the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in their state or the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) nearest to them when in doubt on issues relating to recruitment and other policing matters.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-09-13

Access Bank distributes Wapic’s equities to of the shares to HAREHOLDERS of Acshareholders distribution shareholders because this apcess Bank Plc yesterday

S

approved the unbundling and distribution of the bank’s equity stake in Wapic Insurance Plc to shareholders of the bank in proportion to their equities in the bank.

At the court-ordered meeting in Lagos, shareholders commended directors of Access Bank for taking interests of shareholders into consideration in the bank’s divestments from its subsidiaries.

The divestment of the bank’s equity stake in Wapic is in compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s new licensing regime. In 2010, the CBN repealed universal banking licenses and issued the Regulation on Scope of Banking Activities & Ancillary Matters, No. 3 which became effective on November 15, 2010; prohibiting banks from undertaking nonbanking activities.

Following this, Access Bank opted to operate as a commercial bank with international authorisation and thus the need to divest its equities in its nonbanking subsidiaries including Wapic.

With the approval of the scheme of arrangement for unbundling and distribution of Access Bank’s 4.88 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in Wapic, shareholders of Access

Stories by Taofik Salako

Bank will receive proportionate equities in Wapic based on their shareholdings in the bank.

The distribution will be based on a determined allocation ratio of 4.69.

The number of the scheme shares that each shareholder will be entitled to will be calculated by dividing the number of his shareholding in Access Bank by the allocation ratio.

Shareholders commended the transparent and value-based approach adopted by the board of Access Bank in the divestments.

President, Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr. Farouk Umar, said the approach adopted by the bank showed the sincerity of the bank to its core mandate of value creation for shareholders.

President, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Chief Timothy Adesiyan, also commended the bank for what he described as impressive level of transparency and for not choosing to sell the shares to unknown core investor.

Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, said the board of the bank decided on

proach would yield significant benefits to shareholders as they would be able to continue to enjoy expected increase in future returns.

According to him, Wapic will remain a publicly listed company and continue to offer values to shareholders of the bank, although it will henceforth cease to be a subsidiary of the bank.

“Wapic operates in Nigeria and Ghana, two countries whose insurance sectors aare at the beginning of their growth curves with significant potential for their respective insurance sectors. Wapic is well-positioned to capture the growth potential of the insurance sectors in both countries,” Oyebode said.

He noted that with the distribution of shares, shareholders who do not wish to retain an interest in Wapic may sell their shares through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at their own timing.

Group managing director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said Wapic Insurance was ready to deal with the cost of its enlarged shareholder base resulting from the transaction while the cost of the unbundling will be borne by the bank.

Flour Mills assures on improved returns

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LOUR Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc would leverage on its quality brand, continuing investments and strategic positioning in key businesses to improved its earnings and deliver better returns to shareholders.

Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. George Coumantaros, gave this assurance yesterday at the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos as shareholders approved 25 per cent increase in cash dividend from N1.60 to N2 per share.

He said the company would continue to invest in its food division to maintain and extend its dominant market share

in flour, pasta and other food products under the Golden Penny basket.

According to him, besides expansion of its interest in the food processing industry, the company would actively support Federal Government’s backward integration policy by expanding its agricultural holdings as it is determined to ensure that its agro-allied strategy provides sustainable returns on capital invested by maximising local content in group products.

He outlined that Flour Mills’ raw materials would be produced locally as much as possible to ensure that good quality but fair value products are developed

through the food supply chain from growing to final consumer consumption stressing that Flour Mills’ vision is to be involved in all stages of the food value chain from farm to table.

“Going forward, I want to assure all our stakeholders that we will leverage on the unassailable quality of our flagship products, Golden Penny Flour, the growing popularity and market acceptability of our sugar brand; our continuous investment in new milling technology; our major investment in a ‘green –field’ pasta factory at Agbara; synergies arising from recent group restructuring and new acquistions, development and introduction of new products in response to evolving consumer expectations; and our strengthened pan Nigerian product distribution network to generate improved earnings and deliver superior shareholders value,” Coumantaros said.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11--09-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

Cashless banking drives economic devt, says Visa

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HE cash-less banking initiative driven by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is modernising the payment system and creating economic development for the country, Kamran Siddiqi, Visa’s Group Executive, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, has said.

He is currently in Nigeria to support Visa’s financial literacy and cashless payments drive.

He said: “Nigeria is a very important market for us. It is exciting for me to be here to support the progress Visa has made in driving financial inclusion and making elec-

Stories by Collins Nweze

tronic payments more accessible to everyone everywhere, he said, adding that Visa is dedicated to increasing financial literacy among the unbanked through strategic partnerships and educational programmes.

“This was the motivation behind the recent highly successful Financial Literacy Challenge with the CoCreation Hub. It was geared at stimulating the development of innovative web and mobile applications to teach money management skills and support the advancement

the country easier. We are collaborating with many key players in the tourism industry,” he said.

Ade Ashaye, Visa Country Manager for West Africa, said Visa is also driving innovations that will make payments easier, cheaper and more inclusive. “We will soon be hosting a series of workshops with the banks and merchants to discuss the benefits of new payment innovations such as Mobile Point of Sale (MPOS) devices,” he said. MPOS devices simply slot on to enabled cell phones allowing vendors to accept payments anywhere from debit and credit cards.

FirstBank seeks stakeholders’ support on agric lending

Agusto assigns ‘Bbb’ rating to Skye Bank

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GUSTO & Co. Rating, has issued a‘stable’ outlook on Skye Bank Plc in its current ratings released recently. In the rating, Agusto assigned ‘Bbb’ short term national ratings to the bank.

In a statement, Agusto said it premised the bank’s rating on its good liquidity position, satisfactory capitalization and experienced management team, adding that the bank’s liquidity ratio stood at 43 per cent as at 2012 year end, above the 30 per cent regulatory minimum.

“As at 31 December 2012, the bank’s tier 1 and tier 2 capital stood at N108 billion and N15.5 billion respectively. Its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 17 per cent exceeded the regulatory minimum require-

of financial literacy in Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that another of Visa’s focus areas in Nigeria and the West African region is to continue to boost tourism and cross border spend. Nigeria enjoyed a 25 per cent increase in spending by international travellers using their Visa cards in 2012.

Also, international Visa cardholders increased tourism spending from $95.2 million in 2011 to $119.5 million in 2012. Total transactions rose 31.1 per cent from 553 747 to 727 113.

“Growing acceptance of Visa cards in Nigeria is making travel to

•Skye Bank CEO, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti

ment of 15 per cent for an international bank”, it explained.

It noted that the bank’s is planning to raise new equity of N50 billion and $200 million tier 2 capital in the near term. It said the proposed tier II capital would be raised before 31 December 2013. “If successful, this should improve capitalisation ratios”, it said.

ROUP Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Bisi Onasanya has said continuous engagement of financiers, farmers, technical partners, nongovernmental organisations and research institutions would ensure sustained funding in agriculture sector.

Onasanya made the above submission during a panel session at the on-going 19th Nigerian Economic Summit Group conference recently held in Abuja. He noted that the need for industry operators and policy makers to improve the understanding of the sector’s financing needs will facilitate effective funding for the sector.

“There is an urgent need to clearly identify the parties that would be most ideal in manag-

ing the risks in the credit cycle especially as it pertains to value chain financing,” he said. Noting that the advent of credit bureaus if well integrated to the credit cycle would be invaluable as a key tool that can be deployed to mitigate risks; he urged banks and financial institutions to incentivize to fund agric business sustainably through risk sharing, risk profiling and management skills. “Risks are either to be avoided, diversified, mastered and or managed.”

Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina said the sector had during the current financial year received N25 billion as loans from banks, a development that underscores the importance of the financial sector in driving the growth and development of agriculture in Nigeria.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 11-09-13

SYMBOL JOSBREW IHS AFRIPRUD IKEJAHOTEL NPFMCFBK DNMEYER ABCTRANS CHAMPION RTBRISCOE FCMB

O/PRICE 5.66 3.01 1.81 0.82 0.72 1.78 0.81 15.33 1.26 3.90

C/PRICE 6.22 3.30 1.95 0.88 0.77 1.90 0.85 15.99 1.30 3.99

CHANGE 0.56 0.29 0.14 0.06 0.05 0.12 0.04 0.66 0.04 0.09

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

O/PRICE 1.44 1.14 0.73 59.00 2.10 0.65 7.30 0.76 2.00 1.00

C/PRICE 1.30 1.03 0.66 56.00 2.02 0.63 7.10 0.74 1.95 0.98

CHANGE 0.14 0.11 0.07 3.00 0.08 0.02 0.20 0.02 0.05 0.02

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

10-09-13 N11,498.42 N36,259.65

11-09-13 N11,545.08 N36,113.12

% Change % %

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 11-09-13

SYMBOL CUSTODYINS NEIMETH THOMASWY UNILEVER MAYBAKER UTC UBA INTENEGINS CUTIX WEMABANK

P

HILIPS Consulting Limited will today unveil the 2013 Web-Jurist rating of websites in the country. Results for banks, insurance companies, discounts houses, and telecommunications operators’ ratings will be announced at the event.

In a statement, the organizers said the annual event has become a landmark that has redefined the way private sector players using the digital media to conduct transactions.

The event holding at Eko Hotel, Lagos will see 22 banks, eight telecommunications operators, 24 insurance companies, 14 investment companies and seven discount houses websites and mobile versions evaluated based on the ease of transactions, security and use of latest technologies and customer centricity.

Mr. Seun Ngonnase, head of technology division, Phillips Consulting said Web-Jurist evaluation tool uses intelligent algorithms and processes, involving a detailed step-bystep web analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of websites based on aesthetics, technical aspects, site content, web transaction processing, customer experience and performance.

Chief executive officer, Phillips Consulting Limited, Folusho Philips said the primary objective of the ratings is to evaluate the effectiveness of websites focusing on the financial, insurance and telecommunications industries, giving consideration to benefits that customers value in an effective website.

“Since last year, we have been reviewing digital communications strategy and medium of most financial services industry and telecommunications industry,” he said.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Banks, telcos get new rating today

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 141.19 153.72 0.80 1.16 1.18 100.00 1,000.00 1,820.49 13.64 1.39 1.87 11,004.94

9.08 1.00 140.70 153.19 0.78 1.16 1.16 100.00 1,000.00 1,816.36 12.97 1.33 1.80 10,680.29

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

NEWS

Minister sheds tears as Maku takes charge at Defence Continued from page 2 Dr. Akinwumi Adesina will take charge of the Ministry.

Maku maintained that the action was taken to inject fresh blood in to the system to deliver more dividends of democracy to Nigerians. No political undertone, he said.

He said: “These ministers have been affected in the cabinet reshuffle and the President in Council expressed his satisfaction and happiness over their commitment to government since they were appointed. He also thanked them for their service to their fatherland and said he will continue to engage them in one way or the other in the implementation of the transformation agenda and, of course, in the various challenges that government faces around the country and in terms of efforts to transform our country.

“He was indeed pleased to say because of what they have done in serving this country, he reassured them that this government will continue to use their services in the development of the country and thanked them for their services to this administra-

tion and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Also following this, a list will be sent to the Senate for the confirmation of new ministers and once that is ready and sent, I am sure the Presidency will announce the list of the new ministers that will replace the ministers that were affected in the reshuffle.

Ruling out political undertone in the termination of the appointments, Maku said: “You know, even the press has been speculating cabinet reshuffle for a long time. I can’t remember how many times in the last one year that the press has been speculating that there would be cabinet reshuffle.

In fact, some have been writing almost openly saying they want cabinet reshuffle.

“There is no government in the world where the leaders do not reshuffle their cabinets; there is none. And cabinet reshuffle is part of a systematic public administration and I believe what the President has done is simply to address the issues of re-tooling his government to achieve service delivery.”

Maku said the President set targets for the next two years and

he is adjusting his cabinet to realise the objectives of his transformation agenda.

Speaking with State House correspondents, Mailafia said the reshuffle did not shock her as it was expected to come at anytime.

In tears, she said: “If you are wise enough, life is a cycle where from the day you come in you should know there is an exit. Isn’t it?

And every Wednesday I come in here hoping one day there will be a cabinet reshuffle. I’m grateful to all of you; I have enjoyed working with all of you. And please support government programmes, the Great Green Wall in particular, new map and so on.”

She went on: “I have been part of the government; I owe a lot to it.

We have been honoured to serve and we are moving out honourably and I think that is important. Many have come and gone without honour.”

On whether she will miss her colleagues, she said: “Oh yes and no. No because of technology, we will still be in touch; there will be phone calls and contacts and emails and so on.”

place on record that at SFU, I did not only relate with FBI, Interpol and Met police among others, we carried out joint operations at different times on a number of cases. I have also led the Nigerian delegation to the Interpol headquarters in France.”

Mrs. Waziri warned Obasanjo against statements which can mislead the public.

She added: “To further expose the height of mischief in the allegations, the past and present chairmen of the EFCC have both worked under me, yet someone can open his mouth to say I am not qualified to head the same agency.

“This is in addition to my ed-

ucational qualifications, such as a first degree in Law, a Masters degree in Law and another Masters degree in Strategic Studies. I doubt if Obasanjo himself can boast of this level of educational qualifications.

“I will also like to remind Obasanjo that no chairman of the EFCC has till date beaten my records in terms of investigation of high profile cases, prosecution, conviction and recovery.

“I will like to warn that those who live in glass house don’t throw stones and, as such, Obasanjo should not allow me open up on him. Respectable elder statesmen act and speak with decorum.”

“But, contrary to political permutations, some ministers from the rebellious states, like Adamawa , Rivers and Kwara, are in the cabinet because of performance without anyone touching them.”

Ms Amal Pepple, who is from Rivers State, is believed to have lost her job for being unable to read the President’s mood on the crisis in the state.

“Concerned about her state, Pepple recently walked up to the President, knelt down and asked him to forgive Governor Rotimi Amaechi of whatever sin the governor had committed,” the source said, adding: “Although Pepple was not nominated by Amaechi, her UTurn made the Presidency suspicious of her loyalty.

“Her innocent intervention in Rivers crisis and fact that she was also just waking up to make impact at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development cost her the job.”

Ashiru’s removal was said to have shocked his colleagues. “In fact, one of the ministers almost shouted as the President was reeling out the names of those to be dropped,” the source said.

He said: “There is a strong suspicion that since the Presidency was uncomfortable with exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo, who brought Ashiru into the cabinet, the minister’s days were numbered. In spite of the medi-

atory role of Obasanjo in PDP crisis, the position of the Presidency was that he had only attempted to clear the mess he created. Ashiru might just be a scape-goat.

“As for the Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia, the tempo of political situation in Kaduna requires a change of guard.”

President Jonathan shocked the sacked ministers as he did not betray any emotions at the FEC meeting.

A Presidency source said: “We all went in with the usual exchange of banters. The President and his deputy and a few others came late but we did not suspect anything.

“After honouring a star athlete, Blessing Okagbare, we went into the business of the day with most of the nine ministers making contributions, oblivious that they would go.

“As we were about to say the closing prayers, the President said: ‘I wish to inform you that some ministers will be attending this FEC meeting for the last time there will be some changes; some will be dropped.’

“A pin-drop silence overwhelmed the Executive Chambers as he was reading the names in a military fashion.

“After the list was read, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said the closing prayers.”

Atiku, Waziri hit back at Obasanjo

Continued from page 2

er been a pushover in her career and asked Obasanjo to revisit her records.

“If Obasanjo’s real age has not blurred his memory, I will like to remind him that I was a Commissioner of Police, Admin Force CID, CP General Investigations, CP Anti-fraud, CP X Squad, CP Police Special Fraud Unit where I secured the first conviction in a case of Advance Fee Fraud in Nigerian history.

“These are all prime investigative organs of the Nigeria Police where I related with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, across the world. I must

Revealed: Why Jonathan sacked nine ministers Continued from page 2

improved.

“An egg-head, who is a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), he may have lost his post because of difficulty in measuring his achievements which appeared to be long term. And you know, politicians have no patience for long term gains.”

As at press time, political motives were being read into the sack of some of the ministers but a source in the Presidency disputed these.

Some ministers were reportedly sent packing because of the rebellion of the G-7 governors in the PDP. “People alluded to this factor because some of the Ministers were nominated by their governors. Such Ministers are Prof.

Ruqayyatu Rufai(nominated by Governor Sule Lamido); Zainab Kuchi(by Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State); Alhaji Bukar Tijjani(from Borno now being controlled by APC without being unable to mobilise PDP to launch counter-attack),” said the source, adding: “For Shamsudeen, who was not nominated by Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, his alleged cold war with the Kano State Governor led to the factionalisation of PDP in his state. He became a political risk for Jonathan to retain him in the cabinet.

Presidency rejects governors’ demands Continued from page 2

came with a mindset to resolve issues except the crisis in Rivers.

“They are trying to isolate Amaechi to deal with him.

“Everybody has been wondering why the President’s body language was different on Rivers State.

Jonathan was non-committal on the solutions to Rivers crisis.

“The President’s ambivalence on Rivers crisis is making the G-7 gov-

ernors to be circumspect.

“The G-7 governors insisted on the resolution of the crisis in Rivers State.”

On the row in the Nigeria Governors Forum, the source added: “Those with the President advised Amaechi to step down. But Amaechi was straightforward in his response when he said: ‘I won’t step down.’

Regarding 2015 poll, one of the

governors from the North said he had been in four meetings, including at Ethiopia and the United States where Jonathan said he would not contest.

The source added: “When the tension was too much, it was agreed that 2015 poll should be put on the agenda at the next meeting on Sunday.

“Also, Tukur’s fate will be discussed on Sunday.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

57

NEWS

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (middle seated) in a group photograph with officers of the Nigerian Army after the opening ceremony of the biennial training conference of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps in Umuahia...yesterday

'Pastor' arraigned for raping 12-year-old

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SELF-STYLED pastor, Linus Ottis (28), has been arraigned by the police for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

At the Njikoka Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Magistrate M A Mbakwe admitted him to bail on N100,000 and a surety who must be a traditional ruler, president-general or a Grade Level 14 officer with landed property in Awka.

The 'pastor' of Rhema ministry in Abagana allegedly raped the girl on September 3 in an Awka hotel.

It was gathered that the victim, a secondary school pupil, is partially deaf, and now walks abnormally.

In her ruling, Mrs. Mbakwe

J

45-year-old in custody for raping minor From Nwanosike Onu, Awka Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

said the bail was conditional and might be revoked, if the defendant commits another crime within the time limit.

A doctor's report from Enuguukwu General Hospital, signed by the Chief Medical Director, Dr J O Atuka, showed that the girl was sexually assaulted.

This, Atuka said, lasted from 8pm till the following morning, adding that she walked into the consulting room with a gait, consistent with severe vulva virginal pain and hearing defect.

In Bayelsa State, a 45-yearold man, simply identified as

Omo, was on Tuesday arrested by the police for allegedly raping an 11-year old girl.

The victim was identified as a primary school pupil in Etegwe, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

The suspect, who hailed from Edo State, was said to be married and has five children.

Omo, it was learnt, lured his victim into an uncompleted building close to his house and raped the girl, who is a neighbour’s daughter.

The victim was said to be bleeding after she was violated.

Police sources said the victim’s mouth was stuffed with

handkerchief while the rape lasted.

The victim’s sister, who identified herself as Kate, said: “My violated sister crawled into the house crying in pain that the man raped her.

“She struggled into the house to tell me what happened. I immediately arranged a vehicle and rushed her to a private hospital known as GloryLand Hospital. The bleeding was stopped and l obtained a medical report.

“The man lured the girl into the uncompleted building under the pretext of sending her on an errand.

Instead, he grabbed her and dragged her into the uncompleted building and raped her.”

Anambra PDP crisis: Court to rule on Uba’s motion today

USTICE H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, will today rule on a motion by the factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Ejike Oguebego and Senator Andy Uba on the party’s governorship primary.

Justice Nganjiwa yesterday heard the arguments on the motion seeking an order that the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should recognise Uba as the candidate for the November 16 governorship election.

Two parallel primary elections were held by the factional chairmen, Oguebego and Ken Emeakayi, last month.

The primary conducted by Oguebego produced Uba as its candidate; Emeakayi’s produced Tony Nwoye.

Uba, through his lead counsel, Jude Nnodum, told the court that Emeakayi was not a PDP member, following his expulsion by the party sometime ago.

Nnodum claimed that Emeakayi’s tenure as state chairman ended long ago, adding that the party elected Oguebego.

He maintained that the election conducted by Emeakayi and its products were illegal.

The counsel urged the court to order that Uba be recog-

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

nised as its candidate for the governorship election.

The defence lawyer, Tagbo Ike (PDP) and Berth Igwilo, for the others, opposed the application.

They said the plaintiff’s claims of being the authentic PDP executive had been vacated by a Federal High Court in Abuja and should not be resurrected by another high court.

Ike said the reliefs being sought by Uba were against the conduct of equity.

He said the plaintiff had other suits on the same matter in other high courts in

Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The plaintiff, he said, have no legal rights to be granted an injunction.

Nnodum said the court had the power to issue such orders.

He said “in pursuant to the Federal High Court order, the court has the power to issue interlocutory injunction on both legal and equitable rights.

“The plaintiff have maintained in all their processes before the court that Ken Emeakayi has been expelled from the party and the facts have not been denied by the defence in any of their coun-

T

•One arrested From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Civic Centre, Etoniru was said to have accepted the invitation.

The victim’s elder sister, Nancy, said the nightmare started when neither of them returned to the house.

She said they had no reason to suspect Ekpunobi when he requested that his cousin should accompany him to the civic centre.

Nancy said a few days later, the family reported the duo missing, when they did not return home.

A

CHIEF Magistrate’s Court in Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State has ordered that seven persons, including a native doctor, be remanded in the Aba Federal Prisons.

They are on trial for their alleged involvement in the kidnap of a woman journalist and a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel6 Aba, Linda Osuala.

A team from the CounterTerrorism Unit (CTU) and Anti-Robbery Squad from the Area Command in Aba, led

by Anari Nkanu Anari, raided a forest between Umuezi Mgboko and Okpuala communities in Obingwa Local Government Area.

The team arrested 15 suspects, including Ngozi Nwaogwugwu (the native doctor), his elder brother, Emmanuel (the group’s kingpin) and other persons, suspected to be connected with

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

the kidnap.

The suspects were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony and kidnapping. Police prosecutor Victor Mbama said the offence contravenes the state’s law against kidnapping, terrorism and other threatening behaviour.

The accused could not take their pleas because the case was a criminal case meant to be prosecuted at a high court.

The Magistrate, K.I Udo, said his court does not have the jurisdiction to entertain criminal cases. He ordered the case to be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

Udo, however, fixed September 19 for report on compliance to the directives of the court and to allow the prosecutor to handover the case properly to DPP.

N1b plant for Anambra

N •Uba

ter affidavits.

“As it stands, this fact has been established that he is no longer a member of the party, and in his stead Oguebego stepped in.”

The court later adjourned the matter till noon today.

Tension over missing man in Anambra

HERE is tension in Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State over a missing 29-year-old man, Obinna Etoniru.

His family is alleging that he may have been used for rituals.

Etoniru was declared missing after he allegedly went out with his 34- year-old cousin, Nonso Ekpunobi.

The police have arrested the suspect, who allegedly fled after the victim was declared missing two months ago.

It was gathered that Ekpunobi visited his cousin at 9am on July 18 and asked him to accompany him to Oraifite

Seven kidnap suspects remanded

Ekpunobi was said to have relocated to Lagos after the outing without contacting Etoniru’s family.

The suspect, however, ran out of luck, when he was arrested by a team of police detectives from the Police Zone 9, Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

He was reportedly arrested at his girlfriend’s house in Oraifite on September 4, following a tip-off. He was said to have come into town from Lagos to take part in the New Yam festival.

Anambra State police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

EIMETH Pharmaceutical Company, in collaboration with the Anambra State government, is to establish a N1billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in the state.

Governor Peter Obi said this yesterday when a delegation from the company visited him at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

He assured that the government would provide the required land for the project before month end and assist the company to get the licence and other documents.

Obi said when functional, the state would promote the company’s products in line with the policy of encouraging investors to expand and create more employment opportunities.

Protests over Enugu PDP primaries

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UPPORTERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have the decried alleged imposition of candidates for the November 16 local government elections.

The primaries, which are scheduled for Saturday, have sparked protests in the local governments.

Protesters are kicking against the "normal PDP method" in which every local government is allocated to influential personalities to select their candidates.

The protests became fierce in Igbo-North, Nsukka South, Enugu South and OjiRiver local councils.

From Igbo-Eze North Local Government yesterday, thousands of youths, in a convoy of over 20 buses stormed the Government

From Chris Oji, Enugu

House, Enugu, to protest the "planned retention of the incumbent chairman".

The protesters were received by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Mobilisation, Chiedu Chukwuegbo, who assured them that their views would be communicated to the governor.

In a letter addressed to Governor Sullivan Chime and signed by nine youth leaders, the protesters pleaded with the governor to "allow free and fair primary election in IgboEze North so that the best candidate can emerge."

They also requested that any other aspirant except the incumbent chairman be picked.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

58

NEWS

Olu of Warri meets Itsekiri chiefs

Kidnapped Prison boss released

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

DEPUTY Comptroller of Prisons, Zone G Command, Thomas Ashibuogwu, who was abducted by gunmen on Monday, has been released.

Ashibuogwu was posted from Abuja to the Zone G Command recently.

He was snatched on Sapele Road, Benin, close to his home while returning from work.

Ashibuogwu was said to have been released at an undisclosed location in the night after the payment of ransom.

Officials of the prisons refused comments on the abduction and released of their boss.

Delta spends N38b on projects

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HE Delta State government has said it will continue to enhance the socio-economic potentials of riverine communities with various projects.

It said over 55 per cent of contract sums for projects had been paid, including N12.2 billion of the N28 billion allocated to the multibillion naira Trans WarriOde Itsekiri bridge project.

Commissioner, Directorate of Special Infrastructure, Orezi Eseivo said the project involves the building of a24km road from Ubeji to Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area.

She said the project include the building of spurs to riverine communities,

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

such as Ubeji, Ijala, Ugbodede, Orugbo, Ajigba-InorinUsele and township roads at Ode-Itsekiri.

Esievo said six bridges had been completed with substructure works for four others completed, adding that a five kilometre stretch of the road has also been completed.

Also, the building of the Ogheye Floating Market awarded at the cost of N3 billion has begun.

Ogheye Floating Market, according to Esievo, would comprise 1,000 stalls, three concrete step-ways/piling platforms/protective barriers.

T

HE Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, yesterday met with members of the Itsekiri Council of Chiefs in the wake of his recant of the controversial edict, which pitted him against his subjects and the council.

The monarch on Tuesday recanted the controversial “New Order in Iwere Kingdom”, prompting the end of a four-day siege to his palace (Aghofen) in Ugbori, Warri.

The monarch’s edict wanted to ban the use of the title,

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

Ogiame and stop the people from paying obeisance to him.

He also outlawed the Itsekiri anthem, “Ara Lorire”.

The monarch said the title connotes allegiance to a water god, Umalokun.

However, the general outcry by his subjects from within and outside the country prompted the recant.

There were reports yesterday that the monarch only changed his mind because of threat by youths to invade the palace and

physically eject him.

This could not be independently confirmed, although our reporter recalled that scores of women stormed the palace in red attires before the news of the monarch’s reversal was broken at about midday on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the meeting was aimed at ironing out the details of Tuesday’s truce, which culminated in the monarch sanctioning a return to the old order.

It was gathered that measures to maintain the peace

and ensuring that the ‘no victor, no vanquished’ declared after the peace deal was maintained.

It was learnt that some of the rebellious chiefs who joined the protest wanted to be assured that they would not be victimised because of their involvement.

Our reporter’s visit to the scene of the protest yesterday revealed that normalcy had returned to the area.

Business premises that were shut in compliance with the siege were opened.

Truck crushes woman in Bayelsa

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From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

54-year-old widow was yesterday crushed to death by a truck at the new Commissioners’ Quarters in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The widow, it was learnt, was killed in her restaurant.

The truck driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, owing to faulty brakes.

The victim, popularly called Madam Blacky, hailed from Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area.

She was also reported to have recently lost one of her daughters when a stray bullet from an unidentified policeman hit her at Bomadi in Delta State.

Customers and eyewitnesses rushed her to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. Her remains were transferred to a morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe said he had yet to get reports of the accident.

T

168 die in Edo road crashes

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said 168 persons were killed in road crashes resulting from over speeding between January and August.

It said the deaths were recorded from 68 accidents within the period.

Edo Sector Commander Luka Ikpi stated this at the FRSC/Stakeholders Sensitisation Programme on Speed Limiting Device in Benin City yesterday.

Ikpi said over speeding was the major cause of road crashes in the period under review.

Ikpi said 625 persons were

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

involved in the road crashes of which 495 persons were injured.

Corps Marshall and Chief Executive of FRSC Osita Chidoka said the programme would sentisitise stakeholders on the consequences of speed violation and the benefits of using speed limiting devices.

Chidoka, who was represented by the zonal commander for Edo,Delta and Anambra, Nseobong Akpabio, said FRSC would enforce the regulations on speed violation to deal with the menace of road crashes.

Akwa Ibom College lecturers on strike

EACHERS in the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Ahafa Nsit, yesterday embarked on a seven-day warning strike over poor funding of education and non-implementation of 65 years’ retirement age for COE lecturers by the government.

The lecturers said they would go on an indefinite strike, if the government refused to accede to their demands within seven days.

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State College of Education Academic Staff Union, Mrs. Gloria Inyang, accused the government of not remitting pension deduction to Pension Fund Administra-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

tors.

Mrs. Inyang blamed the government for poor rating of COE lecturers, saying the trend reduces the college to a mere dumping ground.

Her words: “We have vowed to resist any attempt by the government to remove the college’s staff school from the management of the college.

“This is just a warning strike. If, at the end of the seven days warning strike the government does not fulfil our demands, we will have no other option than to embark on an indefinite strike.”

•Oshiomhole (left) with Uriesi and Daniel at the Government House... yesterday.

I want to go home, stowaway teen pleads

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ANIEL Ohikhena, the stowaway teenager, who hid on an Arik Air flight from Benin to Lagos, yesterday begged Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to allow him return home to his family.

The teenager, since his return from Lagos, has been in the Government House.

The boy told The Nation that he was happy with the scholarship award offered him by a group, De Raufs.

He said he did not know he took a risk when he hid in the plane’s wheel compartment.

“I will not do it again. I did not know it was risky. I regret my action.

“I want to go home. I am tired. I will be happy to train as an engineer,” Daniel said.

He said he was terrified when he was arrested on ar-

•Gains admission to top school From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

rival in Lagos. The teenager said he was well taken care of by officials of the Department of State Security (SSS).

Daniel said even on return to Benin, he was being treated well with “good food”, but that since school has resumed he wants to go home.

Asked if he was questioned in Lagos and since he was brought back to Benin the teenager answered in the affirmative. He said he returned to Benin by road with three armed security men.

The government has secured admission in one of the state’s top secondary schools for the 13-year-old.

Daniel was smartly

dressed in a pair of blur jeans trousers, a grey T-shirt. His white rosary, which he wore on the controversial flight, was on his neck. He was all smiles.

The governor said this when the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), George Uriesi, and other FAAN Management team visited him yesterday.

Oshiomhole said: “Without meaning to encourage anyone else, we decided to support him by sending him to one of the top secondary schools in the state, which is owned by the government.

“The reason for opting for a boarding school is that we think that there is need to

Pirates kill nine-year-old in Bayelsa

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IRATES operating in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have killed a nineyear old pupil of Gbaraun Community Primary School.

The bandits were said to have shot the girl dead while operating on the waterways of the community on Tuesday.

The incident, it was learnt, led to a protest in the community by youths, who apprehended a suspect.

The suspect was alleged to have facilitated the movement of the pirates into the area.

The gunmen were said to have moved into the community from Ikebiri.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Sources said the pirates shot sporadically into the air while snatching a speedboat, adding that the girl was shot when she peeped to know the cause of the gunshots.

The father of the victim, identified as Ziebidei, was said to have reported the incident to the police.

“The pirates shot the girl at Gbaraun in Southern Ijaw. They were suspected to have come from Ikebiri community.

“One suspect was arrested. The body has been deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre”, a source said.

closely watch him.

“He is an intelligent young boy with uncommon challenges, but one that has a vision. We had him examined by people who should know and the result confirmed that he is normal.

“This incident was probably the kind of nudge we need to improve the facilities at our airports. You are never going to have all the money you need to do all you have to do. You should start from somewhere.”

The governor added: “It is also a security issue that we do not have any runway security lights at the Benin Airport. It is a security issue because a plane can take off but when it is flying into the Benin airspace and it develops mechanical faults, it cannot land. You should take this as something more urgent.”

SSS arrests fake engineer, four others

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From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

FFICIALS of the State Security Service (SSS) in Anambra State have arrested 31year-old Chidiebere Jideije and four others for allegedly vandalising MTN masts.

They were arrested on September 1 on Ichida Street, Awka, with the assistance of a vigilance group.

It was gathered yesterday that Jideije had allegedly stolen more than 500 MTN batteries with a master key he collected from one of the company’s workers.

Parading the suspects yesterday, the SSS state Director, Alex Okeiyi, said Jideije allegedly stolen 28 MTN batteries at Awka, Nkpor and Onitsha from August 29 till date.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

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IVE persons have been feard killed in separete cult clashes in Lagos.

Three were reportedly killed in Shomolu; one each was confirmed killed in Ketu and Epe, according to the police.

A 27-year-old suspected cultist simply identified as Seyi was killed by members of a rival gang in the Ajelogo area of Ketu.

It was gathered that his wife was also raped by the suspects, and their nine-month-old baby injured before he was killed.

The police, it was gathered, have arrested three persons in connection with Seyi's murder.

The suspects allegedly slit Seyi’s throat over an allegation that his group recently attacked some of

CITYBEATS Five feared killed in cult clashes

By Jude Isiguzo

their colleagues in Ikorodu.

It was gathered that Seyi, said to be a and member of Black Axe, resided at Ajelogo, Alapere-Ketu.

The late Seyi was attacked by a six-man gang on Sunday. Reports said his attackers came in the night and shot in the air to scare residents. It was said that after beating him to a coma, the cultists cut his throat.

Following a tip-off, the police were said to have arrested the three suspects while trying to escape. The suspects, alleged to be

•Police confirm arrest of three suspects

members of Eiye Confraternity, according to sources, killed the deceased to establish the supremacy of their group.

It was gathered that the victim's wife told the police at Alapere that the suspects had earlier threatened to kill her husband because they suspected he was an informant to their rival cult group.

A police source at the police station said the case had been transferred to the State Special

Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja.

Also, in Shomolu area of Lagos on Tuesday night, what was described as a reprisal attack on the late Seyi's killers occurred, leaving three persons dead. The cultists were said to have stormed Ajose area where they first shot a man, identified as Tunde, dead.

The late Tunde's assailants were said to have accused him of raping one of their members' expectant wife during an earlier attack at Ponrele area of Abule Ijesha in

Yaba. There was also a clash in Epe where one person was reported killed.

Spokesperson of the Police Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the clash at Epe, saying: "We were told it was a clash between Eiye and Aiye cult groups; three suspects have been arrested. In the clash, one Idowu Awe was said to have been killed, but no report has been made to the police till date and no corpse has been recovered either. Now, normalcy has returned to the area and police are on ground to prevent any reprisal attack."

Residents of distressed buildings get compensation

By Leke Salaudeen, Assistant Editor

•Scene of a trailer accident on Gbagada Road in Lagos ... yesterday

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Couple arraigned for alleged assault, theft

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36-year-old man, Femi Omoluabi and wife, Oyinda, were yesterday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court in Ikeja for alleged assault and theft of goods worth N21million.

The couple, of 2, Kayode Taiwo Street, Magodo, near Ikaja, Lagos were charged with conspiracy, breach of peace, assault and stealing.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, said the couple and others at large, forcefully entered the office of Oyinda's mother, Mrs Olubukola Osonowo, and assaulted her alongside her daughter, Miss Oyinlola, by hitting and punching them.

He said the couple committed the alleged offences on August 21 at

By Adebisi Onanuga

about 5.45pm at 21, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The prosecutor also alleged that the couple stole the following items: $8,000, two boxes of gold rings, three trays of staring silver rings, one Lenovo computer with the key board, Hp CPU and one Sony LCD display gadget.

Ekikere listed other items allegedly stolen to include two display cabinets with gold rings, two towers of wedding rings cabinet, Sony credit card, two laptops, some company documents, one Samsung phone (08104509692), one Ghanamust-go bag containing gold rings and two big show glasses with

golden rings, all valued at N18million.

He also claimed that the defendants stole the woman's "You Win" agreement credit card, some golden rings, one Samsung phone valued at N40,000, two laptops and some other documents, all valued at N1million.

Ekikere further told the court that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner to cause a breach of peace.

According to the prosecutor, the offence is punishable under Sections 409, 166 (2), 171 and 285 of the Criminal Law No 11 Vol 44 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. The defendants pleaded not guilty.

The complainant's counsel, Goke

Olakunle, opposed the defendants' bail application, alleging that they sent bouncers to beat up his client and stole her properties. He added that they almost maimed her.

The defendants' counsel, Nneka Okonh, urged the court to reject the prayer of the complainant, who she said, is the biological mother of the first defendant, adding that it is a family issue that has lasted a long time.

She asked the court to grant the defendants bail in a very liberal term.

Magistrate Oshodi-Makanju granted Abinbola N500,000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum.

She adjourned the matter till October 4.

Free surgery for limb deformity patients in Lagos

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O fewer than 4000 of the 36,000 screened limb deformity patients have undergone corrective surgeries under the Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery programme of the Lagos State Government since its introduction in 2004.

Its coordinator, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, said at the screening of another batch of beneficiaries at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), that about 150 others had also been registered for screening preparatory to free surgery.

She said: "We started this programme to help correct some of these deformities so that these children and young adults can be useful in the society. A lot of people come to our clinic with various deformities but can't afford the cost of surgery. There are also people who

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

don't know that some of these deformities could be corrected. So, we started this programme to address all these issues, bring the people together, offer surgery, rehabilitation and at times, give artificial limbs to make these patients function well and be of economic use to themselves."

Fasawe added that wheel chairs, crutches, calipers and walking aids are also given to patients who need them, adding that some patients had benefitted from plastic and knee replacement surgeries.

She noted that before a patient undergoes surgery, he must undergo several tests, including clinical physiotherapy, x-ray screening, and examinations. "He would have been certified good for such," he added.

Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr

Adebola Olusegun Laketu, who heads the surgical team, said patients' various limb deformities include blank disease, deformities from trauma, polio and congenital others.

He noted that an early presentation of these deformities allows for easier management. "If we see them early, like those with rickets, we could apply medication to straighten them out and correct them. When the deformity is very severe, we need to do complicated surgery and the result is not as good as when we do them at the younger stage."

"Going by previous experience, we do not less than 60 surgeries for each surgical phase of the programme.

After screening them, we will investigate them and fix a date for reviews and later, surgery," the surgeon said.

•Lagos State Health Commissioner, Dr Jide Idris

LAGOS State Government yesterday gave financial assistance to residents of distressed buildings in Jakande Housing Estate, Oke-Afa, Isolo for safe accommodation.

The affected residents occupy three blocks consisting 17 flats that have been marked for demolition and reconstruction by the state government.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, at a brief ceremony in his office, gave N200,000 each to the affected residents. Government, he said, would provide them with transportation to move out their belongings.

Ahmed said after series of tests, experts found the structures unsafe for human habitation. He said occupants of 24 flats enjoyed similar gesture in May. He explained: "They are the owners; they will go back to their flats on completion. It is part of government efforts to prevent the incidence of building collapse in the state."

"Governor Babatunde Fashola has approved the reconstruction of the houses; contractors will be mobilised to the site immediately the occupants moved out. It won't take long to complete. We don't want to keep them away for too long from their homes," Ahmed explained.

Community seeks better roads

By Olalekan Ayeni

RESIDENTS of Eleko-Mopa Ijebu Community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have urged the state government to address the deplorable condition of their roads.

They appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to extend his administration's good works to their domain by redeeming the promise he made to during his visit to the area in 2008.

Their spokesman, Comrade Lasisi Olorunfunmi, said the governor promised them that the road from Eleko to Mopo-Ijebu would be constructed.

He said the community had, since early 90s, been neglected by successive administrations in the state, despite the fact that it had always attracted special attention.

Olorunfunmi stressed that the towns like Eleko, Badore, Idado, Debojo, Igando-Orudu, Solu Alade, Solu Orunmija, Iwerekun and Mapo Ijebu, among others, would benefit from the roads when reconstructed.

He said the condition of the roads was affecting the social and economic development of the communities.

THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

60

NEWS

•Syrian pro-regime supporters wave their national flag and portraits of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad as they parade their cars in Damascus to celebrate Assad’s 48th birthday ...yesterday

PHOTO: AFP

Kenya’s William Ruto pleads not guity to war crimes W ILLIAM Ruto appeared relaxed in court, sipping from a half-full glass of water and glancing at his wife and daughter seated a few feet away in the front row of the public gallery.

There were occasional tuts from the deputy president’s colleagues seated around us as the judge ran through a legal timeline of the case. Mr Ruto stood as the judge asked him to enter a plea to each of the charges.

He answered each of the three counts of murder, persecution and

A

forcible transfer of people in turn, “not guilty, not guilty, not guilty”.

Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda began by accusing Mr Ruto of resorting to violence when his efforts at the ballot box failed, of stoking the flames of ethnic tensions and issuing the order to attack.

The deputy president watched and listened, smiling occasionally and shaking his head.

This is a politically controversial trial with a complex legal history, says the BBC’s Anna Holligan in The Hague.

Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto were on opposite sides during the 2007 election and are accused of orchestrating attacks on members of each other’s ethnic groups.

They formed an alliance for elections in March, saying they were an example

of reconciliation.

Analysts say the ICC prosecutions bolstered their campaign as they portrayed it as foreign interference in Kenya’s domestic affairs.

Mr Ruto watched and smiled during proceedings and pleaded not guilty to each of the three counts of murder, persecution and forcible transfer of people, our correspondent says.

Mr Ruto’s defence lawyer, Karim Khan, accused the prosecution of building its case on “a conspiracy of lies”.

Ethiopan parents convicted of girl’s death

US couple has b3een convicted of the manslaughter of a teenage girl they adopted from Ethiopia.

Larry and Carri Williams, of Washington state, starved and beat Hana Williams until she died in the backyard of their home in May 2011.

They were also convicted of the first-degree assault of a younger boy they had adopted from Ethiopia.

Defence lawyers conceded that the couple were bad parents, but argued that they were not criminals.

Hana’s paperwork when she was

adopted in 2008 indicated she would have been about 13 years old at the time of her death.

The husband and wife blamed each other throughout the trial, according to the Skagit Valley Herald.

She was found guilty of homi-

cide by abuse and first-degree manslaughter.

He was convicted of manslaughter; the jury could not reach a verdict on homicide.

The couple, from the city of Sedro-Woolley, are expected to face a maximum life sentence.

Kerry: Syria deal must be in binding UN resolution

S

ECRETARY of State John Kerry says a proposed Russian deal with Syria to give up its chemical weapons stockpiles must be enshrined in a binding U.N. Security Council resolution that sets consequences for Syrian non-compliance.

Kerry said Tuesday that Russian suggestions that the U.N. endorsement come in the form of a nonbinding statement from the rotating president of the Security Council would be unacceptable to the Obama administration. Kerry said the U.S. has to have "a full resolution from the Security Council in order to have confidence that this has the force that it has to have." He added that the resolution must have "consequences if games are played and somebody tries to undermine this."

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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SPORT EXTRA

Nwosu hails ‘red hot’ Eagles

BRAZIL 2014 WORLD CUP

NFF awaits Keshi’s play-off programme

N

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) is expecting the Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi to submit his programme for the final play-off for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The Football body has given the coach the time after the Tuesday’s friendly game against Burkina Faso in Kaduna, to submit his programme on time for the play-off that is expected to come up between October and November this year. ‘’Now that the team has qualified for the last lap of qualifiers and awaits the next opponent, adequate preparation is important. Report in the media shows that Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon, Algeria, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso Ethiopia, and Senegal have all qualified for the play off and you know it is going to be a two –legged affairs and on knock-out bases. So we expect at the end of

N

F

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja the day Keshi submits his programmes because we do not know our next opponent.’’ ‘’The fact that the team is going to have the next match in October, to me it is not really an issue because we expect at the end of the day Keshi is going to submit his programmes for the next play off which is going to come up after the draws Monday next week.’’

The former University Lecturer is also confident on the chances of the Nigerian team to pick the World Cup ticket. ‘’We in the Federation are not worried because the Nigeria Premier League is on and the players, those of them playing locally and their colleagues in Europe play every day and they will be fit.

We have the players and what it takes to qualify for Brazil 2014”, Ikpeme disclosed.

•Keshi

goals for Nigeria.

"Obviously I'm delighted to have scored my first goal for Nigeria. It's feels great that it finally came.

"You'll agree with me that it's being a long journey for me to get here and this goal shows I've made the right decision. It's not been easy, but I'm glad it's al working out for good." he told supersport.com in Kaduna.

Ameobi scored Nigeria's third goal with a fantastic

F

finish after some beautiful interchange of play between Obinna Nsofor and Brown Ideye, something that has impressed the Kogi-born player.

"This team has potentials.

We have a lot of talented youngsters and it is the duty of experienced players like me to help them in their transition.

"I like what i see in the national set up and I believe that Nigeria has all it takes to

qualify for the World Cup. I want to give my all to make sure that happens.

"It's unfortunate I missed the African Cup of Nations triumph. A lot of things happened that I don't want to go into. I'm here now and that's what matters. Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 4-1 in an international friendly played in Kaduna with goals from Brown Ideye who got a brace, Shola Ameobi and Emmanuel Emenike.

I'm my own man, says IOC president

ORMER Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is confident that Victor Moses will prove himself to be a important signing for the club.

The Nigerian moved to the Reds on a season-long loan deal earlier this month along with defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori, and Carragher feels that Moses's arrival will improve the Premier League leaders.

“Moses will be an important signing,” Carragher told Sky Sports News.

It's an area that they have struggled in maybe at times this season, in the second half being able to get out on the counter attack.

“He will give them strength in the wide areas. We've seen other clubs scrambling around on deadline day so from Liverpool's point of view it was a good thing they were done before the

deadline.”

“We'll see if any of the signings will feature on Monday night against Swansea City and see if they can stay top of the table.”

Liverpool have won all three of their league games 10 so far this season.

•Victor Moses

Siasia hails Eagles’ performance

F

N

EWLY-ELECTED International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach coolly dismissed suggestions he owed his election victory on Tuesday to Kuwaiti IOC member Sheikh Ahmed alSabah.

The 59-year-old German who trounced his five rivals to win in the second round with 49 votes - had been accused by Swiss rival Denis Oswald on Monday, who spoke of his close business ties with Kuwait.

Indeed Bach's close friendship with the Sheikh was lampooned in an Argentine newspaper last week.

A cartoon on the front page showed a grinning Sheikh with his thumb up in the air wearing a T-shirt with Bach's image on it.

Bach, though, said during his campaign he had taken particular care not to make promises to any of the IOC members so he didn't start his eight-year spell owing anyone anything.

"At my presentation to the IOC members in July in Lausanne I was the candidate who made it very clear to them that I do not make any

every other match the side have been involved under manager, Stephen Keshi.

“The 4-1 bashing of the Stallions of Burkina Faso by the Super Eagles is heartwarming and good omen as we all look forward to knowing our opponents for the final play-off of the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualification.

“The massive goal margin victory is reassuring that the Super Eagles will successfully deliver the World Cup ticket to Nigerians irrespective of who they play in the play-off “The team have shown great improvement with each match, growing from strength to strength as well as learning very fast under Keshi.

Carragher tips Moses to shine at Liverpool

Shola Amoebi thrilled with Eagles goal

IGERIA and Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi is happy that he has broken his goal scoring drought for the Super Eagles and hopes that the goals will start to roll in.

The striker opened his Nigeria account in the 4-1 demolition of Burkina Faso in an international friendly on Tuesday in only his third cap and is now hoping it will be the beginning of more

ORMER Nigeria international, Henry Nwosu has described as positive development Super Eagles victory over the Stallions of Burkina Faso in an international friendly on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles defeated their West African opponents 4-1 in the high-profile friendly game at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Brown Ideye grabbed a brace while Shola Ameobi and Emmanuel Emenike scored a goal a piece in the thrilling encounter. Saidu Simpore scored the consolation goal for the 2013 Afcon runners-up.

Nwosu said the Eagles have shown steady and tremendous improvement in

•Thomas Bach (l) being congratulated as the ninth IOC President by outgoing IOC President Jacques Rogge during the 125th IOC Session promises with regard to issues or personal requests," said Bach in reply to a question regarding his ties with the Sheikh.

"In all my conversations there was not a single promise being made. This allows me when I go to Lausanne next Tuesday to start with a white sheet of paper so there is no form of commitment to anybody."

He admitted he had not known whether that tactic would work or not.

"I was not very sure how and whether it would work because you know in this campaign there were many promises (by other

candidates) around issues.

"I am more happy about that today as members remembered this pledge. I said it would not be fair to them to make any promises without being transparent.

Obviously the members appreciated this and therefore I am very happy."

Bach, as president of the German NOC, is a member of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), of which the Sheikh is president.

But he insisted he was not beholden to the Kuwaiti, arguing, "...if my own constituents (those voting IOC members belonging to

ANOC) are not supporting me then if you don't have their support you have made a mistake."

He added: "Secondly you cannot win the elections for IOC President with the support of one person alone and you know the IOC members -- they are very strong individual personalities.

"This is what I tried to do with them, by addressing them personally and convince them of my ideas. There are 95 individual members (in Buenos Aires for the vote) and they all want to speak with a candidate and to have contact with the candidates."

ORMER Super Eagles' coach, Samson Siasia has saluted the Nigerian team for their impressive performance which saw them coming out victorious in their last two games.

Nigeria, who are the current African champions defeated Malawi 2-0 last Saturday in Calabar, a victory which gave them the ticket to the final play offs for the 2014 world cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles then hammered their west African opponents, Burkina Faso 4-1 on Tuesday in the high-profile friendly game which was decided at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

“Super Eagles players were

excellent in their last two games and I was excited with how they handed defeat to Malawi and Burkina Faso.

“Malawi came to Nigeria with a lot of pressure aimed to distract the Eagles, but I was elated with how our Boys responded to them to Calabar,”. Siasia told Okin FM. Nigeria have made it to the final play offs for the 2014 FIFA world cup qualifying games, and Siasia is optimistic that the Eagles would make it to Brazil.

“I am unperturbed with the final play offs because the Eagles have the pedigree to face any foes and I'm sure they would make it to the 2014 world cup,”. he stressed.

•Samson Siasia

62

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.8, NO.2,604

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘The future for this university is bright. But there are challenges. The challenge is how to keep the fees from skyrocketing in spite of the galloping inflation in our country and in spite of the fact that most of the services, equipment and reagents necessary to run a modern university have to be imported’ JIDE OSUNTOKUN

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

P

RESIDENT Obama is on the verge of firing American Tomahawk cruise missiles at Syria. This is in response to claims by the US government that the alAssad regime in Syria is responsible for the August 21 chemical attacks on its own citizens. Anyone who has seen video clips of the large number of fatalities of the chemical (gas nerves) attacks, including hundreds of innocent children, men, and women, will be horrified by the attacks. There can be no justification for either side in the protracted Syrian civil war resorting to the use of chemical weapons. It is deplorable, barbaric, and morally unacceptable. The international response to this horrifying chemical attacks has been one of outrage. Nigeria has joined other nations in condemning the chemical attacks as morally reprehensible. Since 1925, the Geneva Protocol, signed by nearly 200 states, has banned the use of chemical weapons in wars.

So, it is easy to understand the outrage and anger of the international community over the use of chemical weapons in Syria. It calls for some international response.

But before launching American cruise missiles against Syria, President Obama should pause to consider whether a direct military response is appropriate and necessary. He should carefully consider the following factors and possible consequences of any missiles attack on Syria. First, though the evidence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria is now irrefutable, there is no clear and unambiguous evidence that the al- Assad regime is the source of such attacks. The US says the Syrian al- Assad regime was responsible for the chemical attacks. But it has, so far, not been able to produce any direct proof of this.

The al- Assad regime has flatly denied the charge. Russia, a strong ally of President Bashir al-Assad, has also called into question American claims that it was the al-Assad regime that used chemical weapons against its own people. In addition, as I write this the report of the UN inspection team to Syria has not yet been released. President Obama should wait for this crucial report even though it may not be able to ascertain the real source of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

American military attack on Syria would, in the circumstances, be somewhat premature and would lack the necessary international support and moral legitimacy. It would not be justified.

Secondly, there is strong opposition even in the US to any precipitate military action on the part of the US authorities. The polls in the US show that an overwhelming majority of Americans do not support any air strikes on Syria by the US. The American Congress is equally divided on any military action by the US against Syria. Although President Obama says he does not really need Congressional approval to attack Syria, America is a democracy and it is better for him to get Congressional support before launching his missiles against Syria. Without such support Americans will be divided over the war. In Iraq, President Bush went to war claiming that the US had clear evidence that the Saddam Hussein regime was in possession of chemical weapons. No such weapons were eventually discovered in Iraq in a war that led to heavy casualties on both sides. Now, many Americans do not wholly believe the claim

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Before America attacks Syria

•Obama

•Al-Assad

by the US government that the al- Assad regime was responsible for the chemical attack in Syria. The opponents of the planned air strikes against Syria argue that intelligence is not fact, and that, as in Iraq, America’s intelligence regarding who used the chemical weapons in Syria may be flawed.

Thirdly, America’s European allies have not shown much enthusiasm for an air strike against Syria. In Britain, the strongest ally of the US in Europe, the House of Commons has defeated and rejected a recent motion by Prime Minister David Cameron for Britain’s involvement in the proposed air strikes. Germany, Italy, and many other European countries will not join the US in the air strikes. At its recent meeting in St. Petersburg, in Russia, the G20 was equally divided on the proposed US air strikes. Only France appears keen on the air strikes but it can only offer the US limited military support. NATO will not be involved in any US air strikes against Syria.

That will leave the US badly isolated. The lack of diplomatic support at the UN for a US air strike in Syria should also be taken into account. A US war against Syria would, in the circumstances, be morally untenable.

Fourthly, although President Obama says the attacks will be ‘limited and measured’ US cruise missiles attack on Syria will almost certainly lead to some collateral damage, including the loss of innocent civilian lives. There could be some American casualties too as the Assad forces will resist American military attacks on Syria. In that event, the US will be obliged to send American boots into Syria, contrary to the assurances of President Obama that American troops will not be sent to Syria. Already, over 100,000 civilians have died in this civil war. An American air strike in Syria will lead to more fatalities. That cannot be the intention of the planned air strike by the

RIPPLES FASHOLA WARNS DRIVERS AGAINST ALCOHOL–News

and HEMP too...ALCOHOL AND IGBO are SIAMESES TWINS

US, which is intended ostensibly to save lives.

Fifthly, US air strikes could lead to increased international involvement in the Syrian civil war. America is already supplying the Syrian rebels with arms, while Russia has also been supplying the Assad regime with weapons. If America attacks Syria, there will be some military response from both Russia, and Iran, al-Assad’s strong allies in the region. Israel will find it difficult to stay out of a widening conflict that is so close to its borders. Turkey, which is trying to cope with nearly 2 million Syrian refugees, will not stand pat over the war. It will seek some involvement in the ensuing military conflict.

Hezbollah is already fighting with proAssad troops in the country. The Arab World, which is still battling with the consequences of the ‘Arab Spring”, will be further divided over the war. A grave regional security situation in the volatile Middle East will become even more complex. The Arab League has expressed its concerns over the use of chemical weapons in Syria, but has fallen short of endorsing America’s planned military action in Syria. Such widespread foreign intervention will increase the gravity of the civil war in Syria. It may be inconclusive and could go on for years.

The Americans say regime change is not their strategic objective in the planned air strikes against Syria. If that is the case then, from the US perspective an air strike against Syria will be meaningless. What is the point of the US simply knocking off chemical weapons facilities that can be easily replaced by both sides of the conflict? Obviously, the US will need to attack other Syrian military facilities, including military communications and air space, in the war that is bound to follow. This could then become a total war the objective of which will have to be a regime change in Damascus, contrary to the assurances of President Obama. If President al-Assad is removed from power, then the Americans will have to move in to sort out the mess there. In fact, the American military authorities may be working towards a total war in Syria aimed at the removal from power of President al-Assad. But this is wrong as the US has no vital national interests in Syria that is deserving of a war.

The Americans are claiming a high moral ground in this matter. Specifically, the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said on television in Qatar recently that one of President Clinton’s regrets was that when he was in

HARDBALL

T

HE Biblical refrain that a prophet is known save in his own place takes a resonance in the ongoing crisis of identity in the Peoples Democratic Party. The initial anxiety in the ruling party rose in the seven states where the governors inspired fissures and a turbulent schism. Analysts had viewed this as a geo-political statement depriving the president of a playground in key parts of the North as well as in Rivers State, a pivotal Niger Delta hot spot, where Governor Rotimi Amaechi has manifested an independence of spirit.

This week the crisis came home to roost, literally, in Bayelsa State, which should ordinarily stand as a fortress for Jonathan.

Loyalists to former governor Timipre Sylva stirred some rumpus when President Goodluck Jonathan rallied his supporters

PDP crisis hits Jonathan’s home to a meeting with a view to solidifying his hold on the state. Some of Sylva’s loyalists ran a full page advertisement in some newspapers pillorying the high-handedness of the president.

They were victims of the Jonathan dispensation in Bayelsa State, when the president manipulated the machinery of state and the party to disenfranchise Sylva’s supporters, imposed a candidate in Seriake Dickson in whom Jonathan was well-pleased, and set up an aggressive military machine for a kan-

office he did not stop the genocide in Rwanda by sending American troops there. But Clinton learnt from the embarrassing and humiliating experience of American soldiers captured and paraded on TV in Somalia when he intervened there. To whip up emotional American and international support for the air strikes John Kerry also said that World War II would have been prevented if Britain and France had stood up against Nazi Germany and had not ‘surrendered’ to Hitler at Munich. This comparison of el-Assad with Hitler is invidious. It is the kind of specious argument advanced in 1956 by the British Prime Minister, Anthony Eden when, in concert with France and Israel, he invaded Egypt over the nationalisation of the Suez Canal, claiming that Nasser was another Hitler On that occasion the US refused to support Britain and the invasion collapsed.

Nasser prevailed. That terrible misjudgment and blunder over the Suez crisis was to end Eden’s brilliant political career. He died a few years later, a broken man. He had drawn the wrong conclusions from Hitler and Munich. President Obama should not make the same mistake.

Besides, the situation in Syria now is different from the European crisis before World War II. The civil war in Syria does not threaten international peace and security.

The US should also be reminded of its desperate use of napalm in Vietnam, against the 1925 Geneva Protocol, to save its tottering ally there from collapsing. In addition, it was the US that supplied Saddam Hussein of Iraq, then its ally, with chemical weapons for use against both Iran and its own people, the Kurdish Turks. The US should also be reminded that Israel is in possession of chemical weapons and will not hesitate to use it if it were to find itself with its back to the wall.

In that event would the US threaten Israel with air strikes?

The response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria has to be global and not limited to one major power. Russia and China also have strategic interests in the Middle East that they will defend. The US should not arrogate to itself the role of the world’s policeman. It should work for a consensus at the UN over this matter instead of resorting to unilateral military action that has the potential of widening the war. The Arab League should be given all diplomatic support and a more central role to secure peace in Syria and in the entire region. The UN inspectors should be stationed in Syria to prevent further chemical attacks. The UN secretary general has suggested a way out of the crisis; that if found the Chemical weapons should be taken out of Syria and destroyed. The big powers should agree not to supply either side with arms and ammunitions and work for a peaceful settlement of the Syrian civil war. Before attacking Syria President Obama must pause and think hard whether the military action he is contemplating will actually serve American strategic interests in the Arab World. After Iraq and Afghanistan, the US should undertake a serious review of its Middle East policy so as not to lose further grounds there.

• For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above garoo election. The police, army, air force and navy, in a proverbial use of a sledge hammer on a fly, imposed a governor. Before that, President Jonathan lied he knew nothing about it before he confessed that he knew everything about it in a shameless political rally.

“Let the old PDP of impunity and injustice pass away,” proclaimed the advertisement, “and a new dawn break over Nigeria with the new authentic PDP. Nigeria has never been more divided. The Niger Delta has never been more divided. Bayelsa State has never been more divided. The new authentic PDP is our only hope. Let’s keep promises! That’s what Ijaws are known for.”

The president, in trying to put his party in order, must develop charity, which has not begun at home.

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