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Why Varsity, Poly Lecturers Should Be Treated Equally — Don

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The dichotomy, with its attendant discrimination, between products of universities and polytechnics in Nigeria came to the fore again as polytechnic lecturers have called for equal treatment between them and their counterparts in the university.

The Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, who joined the conversation, emphasised the need for intellectual equality between university and polytechnic lecturers, advocating for reforms in academic rankings.

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Professor Ufuophu-Biri argued that there is really no intellectual capacity difference between university and polytechnic lecturers.

There is no difference between polytechnic and university lecturers. They were taught by the same lecturers, studied the same curriculum, and obtained similar qualifications,” he stated.

READ ALSO: ASUP Mobilises Lecturers As Strike Ultimatum Expires

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Citing an example, he questioned the perceived superiority of university lecturers. “If two people attend the same university, one is employed at a university, and the other at a polytechnic, does that make the university lecturer superior? The answer is no,” he asserted.

He further advocated for a change in academic titles to reflect the equal intellectual output of polytechnic lecturers.

“At universities, the terminal rank is ‘professor,’ while at polytechnics, it is ‘chief lecturer.’

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“That terminal rank should be ‘Associate Professor’ for polytechnics. In terms of intellectual contribution, there is no difference,” he argued.

Professor Ufuophu-Biri joined the conversation at the maiden academic colloquium he birthed to enhance the frontiers of the institution.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Polytechnics Facing Existential Threat, ASUP Warns

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According to Nigerian Tribune, the former dean of the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) explained the rationale behind the initiative.

There are three types of wealth in life: wealth of ideas, wealth of courage, and wealth of practicality.

“Success starts with ideas, so we felt we should create a platform where people can discuss, expand on ideas, and reach reasonable conclusions that will move the system forward,” he said.

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The first in the series of the Polytechnic’s Colloquium, which was held on Thursday, was with the Theme: “Keeping Our Pride High, Avoiding The Pitfall: Prospective For Our Polytechnic Lecturers,” and was held at the Chief James Onanlefe Ibori Auditorium in the institution.

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Describing the event as a great success, he commended the guest lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Akpovata, Dean School of ICT, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, for an insightful presentation. “The guest lecturer was very good in his delivery—not just in style but in content.

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He addressed issues affecting not just the polytechnic system but also national, moral, and ethical concerns.

“The audience participation was impressive, showing their keen interest in the discussion,” he noted.

Encouraged by the positive response, the rector, who’s an ace broadcaster, announced that the programme would be held twice a year.

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“Good things come out of ideas, and that is why people attend summits to discuss. When you gather the best minds, better things emerge,” he added.

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Highlighting the institution’s academic strength, he pointed out, “In this polytechnic, we have lecturers with double PhDs. The so-called dichotomy is optional and not functional.

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“We can practically bridge the gap by changing the title of ‘Chief Lecturer’ to ‘Associate Professor.’”

On institutional challenges, especially in the area of lecturers’ misdemeanors, Professor Ufuophu-Biri assured that any issues affecting the polytechnic would be addressed.

We know what is wrong and have measures to deal with it. If any concerns exist, we will investigate, and you will hear from us on how we will handle them,” he concluded.

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Dignitaries who all contributed to the conversation included Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah, Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Hon. Andrew Orugbo, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Orefe III represented by Chief Frank Emiko, and Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Conflict Resolutions, Chief Okakuro Ewhere Duncan Oghenochuko.

 

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Peter Obi’s Son, Oseloka, Speaks On Gay Allegations

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Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.

The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.

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In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.

READ ALSO:Jonathan, Obi Can’t Match APC’s Strength For 2027 – Mustapha Salihu

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Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.

“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.

Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.

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The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.

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He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.

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My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”

Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Read the full statement below:

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FULL LIST: PenCom Bars Seven Mortgage Banks From Processing Housing Loans

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The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.

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The blacklisted mortgage banks are:

READ ALSO:Varsity Bars Edo IDPs From Exams Over Non-payment Of Fees

• Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited

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• FHA Mortgage Bank Limited

• Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• AG Mortgage Bank Limited

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• Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Pic

• First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited

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Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.

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Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.

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The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”

PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.

According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.

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RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.

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VIDEO: How ‘Close Friend’ Leaked Cat Secret To Security During My House Invasion — Sunday Igboho

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Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.

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When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”

According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.

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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal

While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.

He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.

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When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,” he narrated.

Appeal to the Olowo

Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: Sunday Igboho Returns To Nigeria

“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.

Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.

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The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.

He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)

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