Education

ASUU dismisses FG’s N52.5bn, says strike likely soon

Published

5 years ago

January 2, 2022

ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said the N30bn Revitalisation Fund and N22.5bn Earned Academic Allowance totalling N52.5bn released by the Federal Government is not enough to deal with the challenges facing the university system.

The ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, noted in an interview with Sunday PUNCH that there was a possibility that the union would still go on strike, unless the government addressed its demands, including the 2009 agreement.

The Federal Government had said it paid lecturers N30bn Revitalisation Fund and N22.5bn Earned Academic Allowance. It noted that it had made some progress in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding the government reached with the union.

Osodeke described the fund released by the government as a token payment, adding that it was not enough for lecturers to change their minds on the suspended strike.

He, therefore, asked the Federal Government to address the issues concerning the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, which the union rejected and asked to be replaced with the University Transparency, Accountability Solution. He also said renegotiation and resuscitation of universities had not been addressed.

The union suspended its nine months strike on December 24, 2020 after its National Executive Council met over the understanding the union had with the Federal Government. The union commenced the strike over the non-payment of salaries of its members who failed to enroll into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system and some other agreements the union had with the government.

READ ALSO:

The union gave deadlines and threatened that it would not hesitate to withdraw its services if the government reneged on its promises. The then President of ASUU, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, said, “What we have done is to give the government the benefit of doubt and that is why we have added the caveat. Should the government renege, our members are not tired of withdrawing their services.”

The suspended strike began in March over the non-payment of salaries of ASUU members who failed to enrol into the Federal Government’s IPPIS, a payroll software mandated for all public officials and some unmet agreements between ASUU and successive administrations. The union embarked on different strike actions since the agreement was signed in 2009.

Speaking on the N52.5bn fund, Osodeke stated, “There is an agreement and we want them to implement the agreement. The issue is not about money. There is the issue of renegotiation, there is the issue of resuscitation of the universities, and there is the issue of UTAS. So, you don’t just come and throw a little money and think the challenge has been resolved.

“This is what our political class is doing. They believe that once they throw a little money, everybody will run back. That is the problem. So, it is not about the token they have given. There are more fundamental issues.”

Osodeke stated that the planned strike in the new year was a possibility, adding that the union decided to shelve the strike earlier because the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council intervened and promised to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the agreement.

He added, “Our going on strike is a possibility. The only reason we relaxed is because a group, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, intervened. We respect the group so much. The group told us they would intervene and they would ensure that the government implements our agreement. That is why we agreed to the benefit of the Federal Government.

“So, we decided we will give the Federal Government till the end of this year (2021) and see what it will do. Other groups also intervened. That explained why we relaxed going on strike, so that they will not say ASUU likes going on strike.

“The Federal Government should do the needful by embracing the agreement to prevent ASUU from going on strike. Nigeria as a whole will suffer the brunt of ASUU going on strike.”

But the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said there was no justification for another strike by ASUU, adding that the Federal Government had addressed the issues raised by the union.

READ ALSO:

He, however, explained that it might not be possible to stop any group that had made up its mind to embark on strike.

In an interview with one of our correspondents, he said, “I have always said my position is that even if you slap me, I will tell you that there is no justification for a strike. It doesn’t matter; if you like, you can kill a goat for the person, if he wants to go on strike, he would go. If you don’t kill a goat for him, and he doesn’t want to go on strike, he will not go on strike.

“Our objective is to train Nigerian children. That is the whole essence of the entire education spending. So, anything that you are in that is not in pursuant of that goal, you are losing means. The fact that you want to go on strike because there is a form of payment which is not accepted, you can decide you want to do that, nobody can beat you for doing that.

“There is no issue they (ASUU) have raised that we have not tackled. I don’t have any disagreement whatsoever with ASUU, none at all. That has always been my position. My attitude is if you want to work, you will; if you don’t want to work, you will not.”

The minister said ASUU understood the implication of its actions and the impact on the education system. He added, “The only reason we asked them to come and lecture is to deliver content for the children.

“They said you didn’t pay them; you paid them, they say it is not enough. You pay them the one they say is NEEDS assessment, they have not even finished utilising the last one, they said you must bring another one. We said okay, we agreed. They said send money for earned allowance, we sent it.

“Anything they say, we have done. But they say they don’t like the way we are doing it. So, are you going to beat somebody who does that.”

On what the Federal Government planned to do if the union goes on strike, the minister said there was no Plan B since there was no possibility of hiring lecturers from the moon.

He said, “If they go on strike, there is no Plan B. We are not going to recruit lecturers from the moon. There is no need for a strike. Nobody can tell me that a strike is needed for anything. If you don’t want to teach, say so, and not that you want to go on strike. For what? There is no basis for any strike in Nigeria.”

Stakeholders react

An educationist, Mercy Chepaka, appealed to both the government and ASUU to let the fate of the students and their parents guide them in taking any decision on the lingering issues between them.

He added, “When two elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers. Our children bear the brunt of any strike action by the union. These students need to be in school. Education is key and there is no need for them spending more years or even months than they should over issues that can be resolved.”

An educationist at a faith-based College of Education in Enugu State, Peter Onuigbo, also urged the Federal Government to attend to the needs of the union as ‘they are the needs of the people’.

“The government needs to listen to ASUU. The money they are talking about is not for funfair; it is for education. It is for our children. The matter has lingered for so much. How can one issue be on the front burner of national discourse for over 12 years? Education is a priority and it is the only way Nigeria can overcome poverty and a dwindling economy.

“ASUU has been patient enough, but we plead with them to meet with the government again. Let them speak to themselves, come to a conclusion and let this matter end so our children can enter for a programme and be sure of when they are graduating. I know some students who have been in school since 2015 for a four-year course because of these incessant industrial actions by the union.”

READ ALSO:

Police kill 38 bandits, lose 5 officers in Katsina – Arrest 152 robbers ,999 suspects
Buhari Queries N’Assembly For Introducing 6,576 New Projects In 2022 Budget
Ganduje drops hint of possible reconciliation with Kwankwaso, Shekarau, others

Similarly, an educational administrator, Ikechukwu Onuoha, urged the Federal Government to ‘do the needful on the matter. He added, “I don’t want to begin to trade blames. Let the government do what is right. Any country that wants to grow must prioritise education. I also beg the union (ASUU) to sheath their swords and give the government some time to attend to their demands.”

Meanwhile, a professor of English and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said he had no special appeal for the government on the matter as it seemed to him the Federal Government did not value public universities.

Decrying the level of decay in the system, he said, “Is it not ridiculous that when I became a professor, my salary was N467,000; now it has been reduced to about N416,000. The minimum wage which is supposed to bring an additional N50, 000 is even what made it N416,000.

“Why is it so if not because of the obnoxious thing called IPPIS which has reduced everybody’s salary? It is surprising that what we are earning as lecturers today is what was agreed upon in 2009. Since then, the lecturers in federal universities earn a continually-decreasing salary. After the renegotiation, for which the government set up the committee, would anyone tell me that such a government does not know what it would do?”

He also knocked the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, saying he had not acted as someone who has the interest of the sector at heart.

He added, “Look at a country like Finland which has one of the best educational systems in the world; it does not have any private school. The reason is simple – the government funds all the schools and there is no payment of fees. So, the private institutions would be useless. That is a country. Take a look at Nigeria; we are headed towards the cave if this back and forth continues.

“My concern is no longer with the government but with Nigerians. Let them decide. Do they need public education? If they do, let them tell the government what to do. If not, let them stay and allow ASUU to fight alone. When ASUU stops fighting, the system will collapse and we will then realise.”

He said if the educational system collapses, it would fuel insecurity, as he appealed to Nigerians to fight for their rights to good education.

“How can the government wait till there is a strike before they can fund education? This is how you know they don’t care about the system,” he noted.

Punch

Education

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim acting Bursar after Marafa’s death

Published

14 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Mrs. Ramatu O. Ibrahim

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim acting Bursar after Marafa’s death

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has appointed Mrs. Ramatu O. Ibrahim as Acting Bursar following the sudden death of the university’s substantive Bursar, Mallam Nasiru G. Marafa.

The appointment took effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.

NOUN Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, announced the appointment in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The appointment was approved by Vice-Chancellor Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, with the concurrence of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Malam Isa Yuguda.

According to the university, the decision was taken to ensure continuity, stability and effective leadership in NOUN’s financial administration following Marafa’s death.

The university management described the late Bursar as a dedicated and dependable officer who served the institution with commitment, professionalism and integrity.

NOUN said Marafa’s contributions to the university’s financial administration and institutional development would be remembered with gratitude and appreciation.

Marafa’s death was announced by the university after he was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State, on Sunday, September 6.

READ ALSO:

He was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2022 and had served the institution in various capacities before his appointment to the position.

The university described his death as a significant loss to the NOUN community, while the Vice-Chancellor commended his commitment to professional standards, accountability and institutional responsibilities.

Following his death, Ibrahim, who previously served as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, has been assigned to oversee the university’s financial affairs in an acting capacity.

NOUN described Ibrahim as an experienced university administrator with extensive knowledge of the institution’s financial operations and administrative processes.

She has worked in several major operational units of the Bursary Department, gaining experience in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and related administrative functions.

In her immediate past role as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, Ibrahim provided professional leadership and oversight of the university’s treasury operations.

The Registrar said her broad experience across the Bursary Department, combined with her understanding of NOUN’s financial systems and institutional processes, places her in a strong position to provide effective leadership.

He added that her appointment was expected to sustain the delivery of efficient, transparent and accountable financial services across the university.

The university management expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to discharge the responsibilities of Acting Bursar with professionalism, diligence, integrity and a strong sense of institutional responsibility.

The appointment is expected to provide administrative stability and ensure that the university’s financial operations continue without disruption during the transition.

NOUN management also called for the cooperation and support of members of the university community as Ibrahim assumes her new responsibilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university management, congratulated the new Acting Bursar and wished her a successful tenure.

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim acting Bursar after Marafa’s death

Education

FG opens six-month teacher certification for BSc, HND, ND holders – How to Apply

Published

1 day ago

September 8, 2026

Trends Admin

FG opens six-month teacher certification for BSc, HND, ND holders – How to Apply

The Federal Government has opened applications for a six-month professionalisation programme designed to help Nigerians who are currently teaching without formal professional teaching qualifications obtain recognised education credentials and become eligible for Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) registration.

The programme, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

The initiative is targeted at non-professional teachers who already possess academic qualifications but lack formal pedagogical training and professional certification.

Applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026–2027 ATPP programme are currently open and are scheduled to close on September 18, 2026.

The programme offers two major qualification pathways: the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) for eligible holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or HNDs, and the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) for eligible holders of ND or OND qualifications.

Who can apply for the ATPP?

The programme is designed primarily for serving teachers who are already working but do not have professional teaching qualifications.

Eligible applicants may be teaching in public and non-state schools, as well as in early childhood care, development and education, primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational education and training, non-formal education and alternative learning settings.

Community instructors and volunteer educators are also among those covered by the programme.

However, applicants seeking admission through the qualification pathways are required to have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.

This requirement means the programme is primarily intended to professionalise people who are already actively engaged in teaching rather than graduates seeking to enter the teaching profession for the first time.

READ ALSO:

BSc and HND holders

Nigerians who hold a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND and are currently teaching can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) pathway.

The PGDE runs for six months, comprising four months of hybrid coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice.

The programme carries 40 credit units and is designed to provide participants with the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills required for professional teaching.

Applicants are required to provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN), their bachelor’s degree or HND certificate and evidence that they are currently teaching.

Acceptable evidence of teaching may include an employment or appointment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or relevant school authority, or appropriate pay records.

ND and OND holders

Holders of a National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in a non-education field who are currently teaching can apply through the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) pathway.

The PDE also runs for six months, consisting of four months of coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice.

The programme carries 37 credit units and is designed to equip participants with professional teaching knowledge, classroom skills and the competencies required to meet established teaching standards.

Applicants must provide a valid NIN, their ND or OND certificate and evidence of teaching experience.

What will ATPP participants study?

The ATPP says its PGDE and PDE programmes are aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.

The curriculum covers areas including professional knowledge, professional practice, professional values and ethics, professional engagement and continuing professional development.

Participants will also study foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education and safeguarding, assessment and quality assurance, digital and blended learning, and subject methodology and specialisation.

The programme combines academic learning with supervised teaching practice to give participants both theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience.

How to apply for FG’s six-month teacher certification programme

Eligible applicants can apply through the official ATPP application portal.

Applicants are required to create an account, provide their personal information, email address and telephone number, select the appropriate qualification pathway and submit the required documents.

READ ALSO:

Applicants applying on behalf of another person are advised to use the applicant’s own email address because the email may be required for password recovery and other application-related communication.

Prospective applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements and ensure that the information and documents submitted are accurate before completing the application.

The deadline for ATPP Cohort 1 applications is September 18, 2026.

What happens after the six-month programme?

Completing the ATPP does not automatically mean that a participant immediately becomes a fully registered or licensed teacher.

Candidates are required to complete the prescribed credit units, successfully undertake their supervised teaching practice, demonstrate professional conduct and satisfy the assessment requirements of their institution.

They must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE).

Candidates who successfully meet the relevant requirements and pass the qualifying examination can then become eligible for TRCN registration in the appropriate category.

Where will the programme be offered?

The ATPP is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria.

Institutions listed under the programme include the National Teachers’ Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Lagos, University of Port Harcourt, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Maiduguri, National Open University of Nigeria, MIVA Open University, Meadow Hall College of Education and Babcock University.

The use of multiple institutions and study centres is intended to make the programme accessible to serving teachers in different parts of the country.

How much does the ATPP cost?

The programme website lists the ATPP fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.

Applicants are advised to follow only the official application and payment procedures provided through the ATPP platform and to avoid making payments to individuals or unofficial platforms claiming to represent the programme.

The Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen teacher professionalisation and improve standards in Nigeria’s education sector.

For eligible BSc, HND, ND and OND holders who are already teaching, the six-month programme provides a structured route to obtain professional education qualifications and progress towards TRCN registration.

With the September 18, 2026 deadline approaching, eligible applicants are encouraged to complete the application process early and ensure that all required information and documents are properly submitted.

FG opens six-month teacher certification for BSc, HND, ND holders – How to Apply

Education

FG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under “Next Moonshot Initiative”

Published

3 days ago

September 6, 2026

Trends Admin

FG Opens N2.5bn Grant Window For 50 Student Innovators Under “Next Moonshot Initiative”

The Federal Government has opened applications for the second cohort of its Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), with 50 outstanding student-led ventures set to receive up to N50 million each in equity-free funding.

The initiative, also known as the “Next Moonshot Initiative,” is being implemented under the Federal Ministry of Education as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme is designed to help student entrepreneurs with Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM)-based business ideas develop and scale their ventures without surrendering equity or ownership.

The National Coordinator of the Special Programme Operations and Implementation Unit at the Federal Ministry of Education, Adebayo Onigbanjo, announced the opening of the application portal at a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He stated that applications will be received from September 6 to September 30, 2026.

A nationwide campus mobilisation campaign will run concurrently from September 6 to September 30, 2026, to take information on eligibility and the application process directly to students across the country. The S-VCG team will visit nine tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones. The institutions include the University of Abuja, Nile University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Bayero University Kano, Kano University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Federal Polytechnic Kaduna, Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, the University of Lagos and Covenant University in Ota. A Campus Ambassador Programme will also be activated in 20 additional institutions to extend awareness to more students.

READ ALSO:

Onigbanjo encouraged Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, lecturers and student leaders to identify promising innovators within their institutions and encourage them to apply. He stressed that tertiary institutions should move beyond their traditional academic functions and become incubators for innovation, enterprise and problem-solving. “Nigeria does not lack innovative young people. What many lack is the opportunity and capital to take these ideas further,” he said. “Our universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must increasingly become places where ideas are developed, solutions created and businesses born.”

To qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled in a Nigerian university, polytechnic or college of education and must be at least 300 level or its equivalent. Students below 300 level may participate as members of teams led by qualifying students. Applicants must also have a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)-registered business name or company, while their projects must have progressed beyond proof of concept and demonstrate real-world potential. The programme is open to students developing solutions in health, agriculture, education, technology, energy, logistics, e-commerce and other STEMM-related fields.

For the second cohort, the selection process has been strengthened. Applications will undergo Artificial Intelligence-assisted screening and assessment by 10 human evaluators. Shortlisted applicants will make virtual presentations before an Evaluation Committee, while finalists will proceed to a three-day bootcamp and in-person pitch session. A major addition to the second cohort is a six-month mentorship programme for successful beneficiaries, aimed at helping student entrepreneurs navigate the practical challenges of building and scaling businesses. Through the initiative, student entrepreneurs will be connected with experienced organisations and business leaders across technology, logistics, e-commerce, health, education and other sectors. Supporting organisations include Lafarge, Chowdeck, Powerhouse, HostAfrica, Klasha, LifeBank, Future Africa, GetEquity and OneHealth, among others.

The second cohort builds on the strong response recorded during the inaugural S-VCG cycle, which attracted 17,914 registrations from 404 institutions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory within three weeks of opening in November 2025. Of the institutions represented, 348 were public institutions and 56 were private institutions, while male participants accounted for 52 per cent and female participants 48 per cent. A total of 3,014 completed applications underwent AI-assisted screening and review by 10 human evaluators, while 65 finalists advanced to a three-day S-VCG Bootcamp held from March 27 to 29, 2026, where they presented their ventures to a panel comprising venture capitalists, industry experts and academic leaders. The first cohort selected 45 beneficiaries who received up to N50 million each in equity-free funding.

The S-VCG is implemented in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Bank of Industry (BOI) and Afara Initiative. Onigbanjo added that the ministry, led by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, will continue to strengthen partnerships with tertiary institutions, development partners and the private sector to expand opportunities for student innovators and support them to take ideas from the classroom to the marketplace.