Connect with us

News

Students Loan Bank: Gbajabiamila Responds To Opposition By ASUU

Published

on

House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila has cautioned the opponents of the proposed Student Loan Bank.

Its establishment is contained in the Student Loan Bill passed by the Senate on Tuesday after previous attempts failed.

The bill was sponsored by the Speaker, who represents Surulere 1 federal constituency.

Advertisement

The legislation, which seeks to provide loans to learners in tertiary institutions, was passed by the Green Chamber in 2019.

On Day 2 of the National Summit of Tertiary Education summit organized by his office, Gbajabiamila criticized the opposition to the bill.

He said such cynicism was against efforts to proffer solutions to the challenges of funding confronting Nigerian students in public schools.

Advertisement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had indicated they would not support the proposed Student Loan Bank.

But Gbaja said how to make the bill a success when signed into law should be the focus of all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Speaker stressed that it was time to start thinking outside the box and deploying international best practices.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Govs Reject Sale Of Power Plants, Sue FG

“Nigeria is not isolated. We borrow ideas from the rest of the world, just like they can borrow from Nigeria as well.

“Like they say there’s more than one way to skin a cat…I believe this is what the Student Loan Bill is about.

Advertisement

“I don’t want us to go away with a cynical approach or defeatist attitude.

“If something failed before, you look at the reasons so that you get a better result. That’s what democracy is all about.”

The bill addresses accountability, transparency and other administrative bottlenecks that might affect its essence.

Advertisement

It provides for a moratorium of two years after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) before repayment commences.

The beneficiary must have a civil servant as a guarantor, with at least 12 years in service, or a lawyer with at least 10 years of experience.

Advertisement

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

on

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Benin Monarch To Tinubu’s Daughter: Do You Know Role Of Iyeki In Benin Culture?

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

Advertisement

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

on

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New Heads For Key Agencies

He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Advertisement

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

READ ALSO:DSS Arraigns Sowore Over Anti-Tinubu Post

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

Advertisement

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

on

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Advertisement

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Bars 5000 Students From Writing Exam

The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

Advertisement

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Releases Screening Results, Begins Admission Process

The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

Advertisement

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

READ ALSO:UNIBEN Appoints New Vice Chancellor

Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Advertisement

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Trending