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Reps step down bill to exempt foreign students from NYSC, favour allowance review

Published

1 year ago

January 17, 2023

A bill seeking to amend the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Act, and make provision for the issuance of the exemption certificate to foreign Nigerian students while reviewing the remuneration upwards was stepped down at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Tilted “Bill for an Act to Amend the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Review Upward the Accommodation and Transport Allowances of Corps Members in line with Current realities; and for Related Matters (HBs.716, 1305, 1657, 1922, 1945 &1674)’, it was however a consolidated bill jointly sponsored by Hon. Ben Igbakpa, Hon. Eta Mbora, Hon. Abbas Adigun, and three other lawmakers.

In his lead debate, Igbakpa who was the only one present at the plenary to speak on the bill said that with the changing times, the principal act should be amended to make it optional for Nigerians who schooled abroad.

Igbakpa who referenced the case of former finance minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said it was not necessary to have subjected her to the rigours of obtaining the exemption certificate.

He also said that the monetary allowance of the serving corps members should be elevated to reflect that of graduates.

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He said, “This amendment seeks to cure three different things because the law as it is today; because of the changing realities of time, anybody that had passed the university and is serving as a corps member automatically has acquired a degree and it is the belief that this amendment should reflect in their remuneration because the N30,000 given to them as it is today is a minimum wage threshold and in line with the present reality, it would not be fair if they are given something that befits a graduate, a level 8 Officer in the public service.

“The third, as at the time the law was made, it was in such a way that we did not consider our children schooling abroad. Not long ago, a former Minister of Finance schooled abroad, was above thirty and came to Nigeria to help with the knowledge. But because of the stringent condition placed on the acquisition of the certificate of exception, there was something wrong at the end of the day. We lost that intelligence and expertise. When the NYSC law was created, Nigerians studying abroad were not considered. Nigerians schooling abroad should be issued a certificate of exemption.”

The bill however elicited several reactions from lawmakers with many opposing the exemption while favouring the upward review of the allowance.

In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase called for strict adherence to the provisions of the principal act.

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“Those who schooled abroad should comply with the by-laws we have set in the country. In several countries, we have programs like this. In USA, you have to serve compulsorily in the army for a year. The purpose is integration and discipline”, he said.

Also speaking, Hon. Ahmed Jaha agreed on the call to review the renumeration aspect of the Bill however disagreed with the exemption.

”Substantial part of graduates recognize the importance of NYSC because, by the time they go out, they will discover a lot of things. They have not been conversant with in their area. So, if you say it is optional, people may think it is not serious. They would make it optional and they would be reluctant to go but if you make it compulsory, definitely, everybody would go and at least, discover something outside his domain”, he said.

Amid the debate, the lead sponsor, Igbakpa opted to step it down for further consultation.

Ruling on the Bill, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila advised the Rules and Business Committee to take a holistic look at the bill and expunged the offensive parts to enable the sponsors to represent it before the House adjourned this Thursday for a two-week break to participate in the national elections.

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Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

The American International School, Abuja, on Saturday, provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to transfer the school fees paid by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Contrary to some media reports suggesting that the institution was still in the process of turning over the funds, the statement clarified that it had actually done so, as recently confirmed by the EFCC Chairman.

In a brief statement signed by Head of School, Greg Hughes, the international co-educational institution, which was established in 1993, stated that “our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria”.

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It explained further: “Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

The statement did not name Bello directly but the reference to “a family with children enrolled at the school” was clear enough in the light of recent media reports.

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

News

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 50 outlets in Kaduna State due to the sale of edible oil in unhygienic conditions.

The action was taken as part of a sensitization workshop aimed at educating dealers on Registration Procedures and Food Management. This information was shared in a statement released on the agency’s official handle on Saturday.

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The statement partly read, “NAFDAC has sealed fifty outlets in Kaduna for dispensing edible oil under unhygienic conditions, aiming to prevent potential health risks associated with contamination.

“The Director, North-West Zonal Office, Mrs. Josephine Dayilim highlighted the dangers of consuming oil processed in unsanitary environments, emphasising the risks of food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and even cancer due to inadequate processing and corrosive equipment.”

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Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has expressed concern over the detrimental impact of medical practitioners emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities, revealing that 72,000 out of 130,000 registered doctors failed to renew their practice licenses in 2023.

The MDCN highlighted that only a meager 58,000 have renewed their licenses, emphasizing that such a trend will not only strain healthcare services but also overwhelm the limited available personnel.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the body, conveyed these sentiments on Friday during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University, Uzairue.

“The council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago and the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria.

“But only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practising license in the year 2023 following the increase in migration of doctors outside the country,

“However, the doctors must meet the requirements to earn those increases in quota. We will partner with them to ensure that they meet those requirements, and as we try to ensure that, standards must be upheld,” he added.

Kyari, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr Victor Kolawole, noted that the induction of the 20 newly qualified doctors would add to the existing workforce in the health sector which is being depleted by the day.

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She, however, admonished the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, warning that the council is mandated to regulate the activities of the practitioners as well as punish offenders.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, while speaking, explained that the upgrade of the Central Hospital, Auchi to a teaching hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifting the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

While commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support for the university, he enjoined the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, saying he is confident that they would bring honour to the institution and MDCN.

“I urge the state government to sustain efforts towards improving facilities at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.”

However, the acting Provost, of the College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe, said 20 medical graduates from the college are the second batch of Batch B inductees.

He advised the newly qualified medical graduates to uphold the ethical standards of a medical professional, saying, “You must internalise the values of honesty, integrity, and selflessness.

“These virtues are not only essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships but are also integral to upholding the ethical standards and trustworthiness expected of a medical professional.

“By embodying these values, doctors not only fulfil their professional obligations but also contribute to the maintenance of public trust in the medical profession.”