“I will be firm, fair, and transparent in the discharge of my duties. UNN must not lag behind in the current technological revolution, characterised by the rivalry between OpenAI and DeepSeek,” he assured.
30 lecturers resign from Nigerian university over poor pay
Over 30 lecturers, all members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have resigned from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi State, citing inadequate remuneration as a key factor.
This information was revealed by Namo Timothy, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, during a press conference held on Friday at the university’s Yuli Campus.
Timothy expressed concern over the state-owned institution, warning that it is facing severe challenges due to mismanagement and neglect of the university’s affairs, particularly the welfare of its staff.
He urged the Bauchi State government to declare a state of emergency in the university to address years of poor administration.
“Until and unless this is done, the ASUU branch zone can no longer guarantee industrial harmony between members of the ASUU SAZU branch and the university administration,” he stated.
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He further noted that efforts to resolve the issues through communication with key stakeholders had yielded no results.
Timothy also raised alarms over the lack of pension and death benefit schemes for ASUU members at SAZU, something he noted is standard in other public institutions across Nigeria.
He pointed out that the university administration owes its lecturers over ₦650 million in Earned Academic Allowance and Excess Workload Allowance dating back to 2012.
Additionally, Timothy criticized the appointment of a Higher National Diploma (HND) holder as the university’s bursar, despite the university’s policy that only candidates with at least a first degree qualify for the position. “This has not only dampened the morale of our members in the university but forced many, including 30 trained PhD holders, to resign and migrate to other institutions where their future is secured,” he added.
The ASUU Coordinator called on both the Bauchi State government and the university administration to implement a comprehensive exit policy that includes pension and death benefits for staff.
Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students
However, the University of Chicago has provided clarification to help ease these concerns for students on F-1 or J-1 visas.
Revocation means your visa is no longer valid and cannot be used to re-enter the U.S.
UNN appoints Prof Olayiwola Usman as first Yoruba DVC (Academics)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, a Yoruba Muslim from Oyo State, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), marking the first time in the institution’s history that a person of Yoruba descent has held the position.
The appointment, made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor (Ag. VC), Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at fostering inclusive governance and restoring the university’s academic excellence.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the university reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based leadership and national unity.
Professor Ujam stated: “The appointment of Professor Usman reflects our resolve to prioritise competence over sectional considerations. It is imperative that we sustain this culture of inclusivity and meritocracy to move the university forward.”
In addition to Professor Usman’s appointment, the Acting VC also named Dr Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as Acting Director of the Medical Centre, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting excellence over sectional interests.
Both appointments have been widely welcomed by scholars and students from diverse backgrounds, recognising them as steps towards strengthening national unity within the institution.
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Professor Usman, who succeeds Professor Urama, holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and previously served as Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.
A distinguished academic, he is a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and the Nigerian Educational Research Association. His initial tenure as DVC (Academics) will last for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Meanwhile, the statement also highlighted that during a recent University Senate meeting, Professor Ujam emphasised the collective responsibility of repositioning UNN as a centre for ethical and innovative learning.
“A collective effort is required to place the institution on a steady path towards ethical and innovative learning. UNN must regain its pride of place as Nigeria’s premier university. We must rid the system of narrow-minded sectionalism and divisive tendencies that have eroded the enabling environment for research, comparative studies, and the adaptive application of new knowledge,” the statement read.
FG to pay corps members backlog of delayed N77,000 allowance
The Federal Government has promised to pay the backlog of the new ₦77,000 monthly allowance to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The corps members’ allowance was increased from ₦33,000 to ₦77, 000 in September 2024.
However, the new rate has yet to be implemented.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Monday said serving corps members and those in the scheme when the increment was announced in September 2024 would receive a backdated payment.
He gave the assurance when he was featured on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He said, “You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question ‘What about those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said ‘We have your details’,” the minister said.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen.”
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