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Author: Val Kosi

  • Ondo Varsity, AAUA Begins 9 New Programmes as NUC Approves

    Ondo Varsity, AAUA Begins 9 New Programmes as NUC Approves

    In a recent development, the National Universities Commission, (NUC) has given Ondo State owned varsity, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, (AAUA) consideration and approval to commence nine new academic programmes beginning from 2024/2025 Academic Session.

    The information was relayed in a letter issued to the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige by NUC acting executive secretary, Chris J. Maiyaki dated September 6, 2024.

    In the letter, NUC executive secretary highlighted that the programmes are to be run in AAUA main campus.

    The NUC Newly approved programmes for AAUA are listed below;

    1. B.NSc.  Nursing Science
    2. B.Sc Public Health
    3. B.  Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS)
    4. B.Sc Cyber Security
    5. B.Sc Data Science
    6. B.Sc Software Engineering
    7. B.Sc Information and Communication Technology
    8. B.Sc Information Systems
    9. B.Sc Food Science and Technology

    However, the approval is restricted to full time on campus study not for part-time, the university’s Vice Chancellor is expected to seek new approval for part-time study of the programmes from NUC.

  • NELFUND Approves Loans for 3,283 University of Ibadan Students

    NELFUND Approves Loans for 3,283 University of Ibadan Students

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved the loan applications of 3,283 students from the University of Ibadan, Okay.ng reports.

    This was confirmed by the university’s management in a circular issued on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

    While the loans have been approved, the disbursement of funds remains pending, according to an internal memorandum released by the varsity administration.

    The memo, signed by the university’s Registrar, G.O. Salisu, directed that students whose loans have been approved should be allowed to sit for their 2023/2024 first-semester examinations despite the pending release of funds.

    “Further to our circular number REG/13/I.26 of 13 September 2024, I write to inform the University of Ibadan community that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has provided a list of 3,283 students whose loan applications have been approved,” the memo stated.

    It continued, “Although the funds have not yet been received by the university, the list of the affected students has been sent to the departments. All Heads of Departments have been instructed to allow these students to sit for the 2023/2024 first-semester examinations.”

    This announcement comes in the wake of recent protests by University of Ibadan students following a hike in tuition fees endorsed by the university’s governing council.

    The protests were triggered after a circular issued last Thursday by G.O. Saliu, the council’s secretary, informed students about the new fee structure for both newly admitted and returning undergraduate students.

    The university administration had previously instructed students to complete their registration and fee payments by Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to participate in the first-semester examinations.

    However, the approval of the loans offers financial relief for the 3,283 students, allowing them to move forward with their academic obligations.

  • NELFUND Resolves BVN Verification Issue for Student Loan Applicants

    NELFUND Resolves BVN Verification Issue for Student Loan Applicants

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the resolution of a technical issue that disrupted the Bank Verification Number (BVN) verification process for students applying for loans, Okay.ng reports.

    The issue, which began over the weekend and extended through the public holiday, caused significant delays for many students attempting to complete their loan applications.

    In a statement posted on Wednesday via NELFUND’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the organization confirmed that the problem had been fully resolved by Tuesday morning.

    NELFUND encouraged all affected students to log back into the application portal, complete their BVN verification, and proceed with their applications.

    “We are pleased to inform you that the issue has been addressed and fully resolved as of yesterday morning. We kindly advise all affected students to log back into the portal, complete the BVN verification process, and proceed with your loan application,” the statement read in part.

    The organization also expressed gratitude to students for their patience during the disruption, assuring them that the application process would now proceed without further interruptions.

  • BREAKING: NECO Releases 2024 SSCE Results

    BREAKING: NECO Releases 2024 SSCE Results

    The results of the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination, (SSCE) has been released by the National Examinations Council, (NECO) with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.

    This was made known by the Registrar of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger State.

    The NECO Registrar highlighted details of the results: “The number of candidates that sat for the exam is 1,367,736, comprising 702,112 males and 665,624 females.

    “The number of candidates with five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, is 828,284, representing 60.55%.

    “The number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, is 1,147,597, representing 83.90%.”

    As Regards to examination malpractice, Wushishi emphasized that this year’s figures showed a significant reduction compared to last year.

    He stated: “The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437, compared to 12,030 in 2023, indicating a reduction of 30.1%.”

    “During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination, 40 schools were found to have engaged in whole-school (mass) cheating in 17 states. They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied. One school in Ekiti has been recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and one Science subject.

    “Similarly, 21 supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness, and negligence in 12 states.”

    Candidates who sat for the examination are advised to visit NECO website to access their results.

    “At this juncture, I wish to formally declare that the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results are hereby released to the public. By this release, candidates can now access their results on the NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” Wushishi stated.

  • Kwara Gov Appoints Vice Chancellor for New Varsity

    Kwara Gov Appoints Vice Chancellor for New Varsity

    Professor Medinat Folorunsho Salman has made history as the pioneer Acting Vice-Chancellor of the newly established Kwara State University of Education in Ilorin, appointed by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    As a renowned professor of mathematics education, Salman brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a lecturer at the University of Ilorin’s Department of Science Education and coordinator of the Educational Technology Centre.

    Her impressive educational background includes a Bachelor of Education from Ahmadu Bello University (1985), a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Ilorin (1990), and a doctoral degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Ilorin (1998).

    Notably, Salman is the first female professor from the Ilorin Emirate, paving the way for future generations.

    Her appointment takes immediate effect, as announced by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

    This development comes after the state government established the University of Education, Ilorin in May this year.

  • ASUU Issues 14-Day Strike Ultimatum to FG Over Lingering Issues

    ASUU Issues 14-Day Strike Ultimatum to FG Over Lingering Issues

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several unresolved issues, some of which date back as far as 2009, or face a potential strike, Okay.ng reports.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU President, outlined the union’s demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021.

    The union also called for the release of withheld salaries following the 2022 strike action and expressed frustration over what it termed as the government’s delay tactics.

    ASUU warned that the government’s inaction was worsening the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system.

    “In view of the foregoing, ASUU resolves to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, in addition to the earlier 21 days, beginning from Monday, September 23, 2024, during which all the lingering issues must have been concretely addressed to the satisfaction of the membership of the union,” the statement read.

    ASUU made it clear that the union should not be blamed for any industrial action that could arise if the government fails to meet its demands.

    Among ASUU’s key demands are:

    • Payment of withheld salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
    • The release of third-party deductions, including check-off dues and cooperative contributions.
    • Funding for the revitalization of public universities, as partly captured in the 2023 Federal Government Budget.
    • The payment of Earned Academic Allowances.
    • Addressing the proliferation of universities by federal and state governments.
    • Implementing the recommendations of visitation panels to universities.
    • Reversing the illegal dissolution of Governing Councils.
    • Adopting the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement for the controversial IPPIS system.
  • NANS Opposes NECO’s N50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee

    NANS Opposes NECO’s N50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the new N50,000 fee imposed by the National Examination Council (NECO) for certificate reprints, Okay.ng reports.

    In a reaction to the new fee, NANS clerk of the Senate, Abdulyekinn Odunayo, in a statement described the decision as outrageous and a commercialisation of education.

    The student body believes that the fee places an unjust burden on students, particularly during a time of economic hardship.

    NANS has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in NECO’s fee structure and policies, and has called for an immediate reversal and reduction of the fee to a more affordable amount.

    NANS also advocates for an extension of the reprint request deadline to 5 years and urges for stakeholder engagement to ensure decisions that prioritize the needs of students.

  • Ogun Commissioner Salutes Teachers’ Resilience

    Ogun Commissioner Salutes Teachers’ Resilience

    The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, has expressed his admiration for the resilience and courage of Nigerian teachers in the face of various challenges as World Teachers’ Day is celebrated, Okay.ng reports.

    The commissioner emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” highlighting the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of society.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Arigbabu commended the teachers in the state and emphasized the crucial role they play in shaping the future of society.

    He extended his heartfelt appreciation to every teacher in Ogun State, recognizing their dedication, passion, and sacrifice.

    The commissioner acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers and assured them of the state’s continuous support to help them deliver their best to the learners.

    Arigbabu also called on all stakeholders to work together with the government in building an education system that values and uplifts teachers’ voices for a brighter future for all.

  • World Teachers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Lagos Teachers

    World Teachers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude to Lagos Teachers

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, his Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all teachers within the state, Okay.ng reports.

    This was done in celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2024 with the theme: “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”

    The Governor made his gratitude known to all teachers in the State through his verified facebook page on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

    He stated: “As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all teachers in Lagos State.”

    “Today, we honor not just the profession of teaching, but the profound impact that teachers have on the lives of our children and the future of our society.

    You inspire, nurture, and shape the minds of the next generation, empowering them with knowledge and skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence are commendable, especially in these challenging times.”

    The Governor further reiterates the role of teachers as beyond the classroom.

    “The role of a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. You are mentors, role models, and guiding lights for our youth. Your influence helps to build a more educated, informed, and compassionate society.”

    Sanwo-Olu ended his gratitude to all teachers in Lagos State by requesting for investment in the future of education in the state.

    “Together, let us invest in the future of education in Lagos State, creating an environment where teachers can flourish and students can achieve their fullest potential.”

    “Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for being the change-makers in our communities.” Sanwo-Olu Stated

  • Covenant University Tops Nigeria’s List in THE 2025 Rankings [Full List]

    Covenant University Tops Nigeria’s List in THE 2025 Rankings [Full List]

    Covenant University (CU), a private institution in Nigeria, has been ranked as the country’s best university in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 Rankings.

    The rankings, published annually by Times Higher Education, offer a comprehensive evaluation of universities worldwide.

    The 2025 edition features data from 1,907 universities across 108 countries and regions, assessing them on 18 indicators related to teaching, research environment, research quality, industry interaction, and international outlook.

    This year’s analysis involved over 134 million citations across 16.5 million research publications and included responses from 68,402 scholars globally.

    On the global stage, the University of Oxford continues its dominant streak, securing the top spot for the ninth consecutive year, making it the longest-running reign in the history of the rankings, surpassing Harvard’s eight-year streak.

    Global Top-10 Best Universities in THE 2025 Rankings:

    1. University of Oxford, UK
    2. Stanford University, US
    3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
    4. Harvard University, US
    5. University of Cambridge, UK
    6. Princeton University, US
    7. California Institute of Technology, US
    8. Imperial College London, UK
    9. University of California, Berkeley, US
    10. Yale University, US

    For Nigeria, Covenant University emerged as the top-ranking institution, placing within the 800-1000 range globally, sharing this spot with the University of Ibadan (UI).

    Nigeria’s Top Universities in THE 2025 Rankings:

    1. Covenant University
    2. University of Ibadan
    3. Federal University of Technology Akure
    4. University of Lagos
    5. Bayero University
    6. University of Ilorin
    7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
    8. Afe Babalola University
    9. University of Benin
    10. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
    11. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
    12. Lagos State University
    13. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
    14. Obafemi Awolowo University
    15. University of Port Harcourt
    16. Abia State University
    17. Akwa Ibom State University
    18. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike
    19. Babcock University
    20. Baze University
    21. Bells University of Technology
    22. Benson Idahosa University
    23. Delta State University, Abraka
    24. Edo State University, Uzairue
    25. Edwin Clarke University
    26. Elizade University
    27. Evangel University, Akaeze
    28. Federal University of Kashere
    29. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
    30. Federal University of Technology, Minna
    31. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
    32. Fountain University
    33. Landmark University
    34. Nasarawa State University, Keffi
    35. Niger Delta University
    36. Plateau State University, Bokkos
    37. Thomas Adewumi University
    38. Veritas University, Abuja
    39. Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano