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Kwara okays use of hijab in public schools

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The Kwara State Government has approved the use of hijab by female students in all public secondary schools in the state, thus ending a week of controversy and protest over the issue.

The state government also directed the reopening of all mission schools closed schools over the issue, with effect from March 8, 2021.

The following is a statement issued on Thursday by the state government and signed by the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril:

Sequel to recent developments in our state over the status of the hijaab in public/grant-aided schools, the state government has consulted widely with thought leaders and leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to clarifying issues and reaching a consensus. The last of such meetings was held on Wednesday February 24, presided by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

At least 10 schools of interest were earlier shut down to maintain peace and public order as well as prevent mischief makers from taking undue advantage of the development.

The state government has considered submissions of all major interest groups on the matter. It has also thoroughly considered the education law of Kwara State, the prevailing court judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism in evolving a consultation-based decision that will bring lasting peace and understanding to our communities. The government has also paid particular attention to the ‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and their purports.

Consequently, the government hereby acknowledges and approves the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/ grant-aided schools, which will be the accepted mode of head covering in schools. Any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall have the right to wear same in public/grant-aided schools.

 Also, the government affirms the right of every child in public schools to freedom of worship.

The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.

Similarly, the government has carefully noted submissions regarding ownership of grant-aided schools and related issues. While the status of these schools is the subject of judicial determination, this and other related matters will soon be subjected to a technical committee to advise accordingly. The government reassures all members of the public that it will act in good conscience at all times.

The government asserts that there is no victor or vanquished on the hijaab question. It urges the two faith communities, especially the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities to act with restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and actions, and continue to live in peace and harmony with one another. The government commends all the thought and religious leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to peace.

Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril

Secretary to the Kwara State Government

February 25, 2021.

Education

Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2

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Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, said the union will shut down all polytechnics nationwide by December 2 due to the Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands.

He explained that the union leadership issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 6, 2024, outlining pressing demands aimed at resolving the systemic challenges that hinder the progress of polytechnics. However, he said the government failed to address the issues.

Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Kaduna, the chairman listed some of the demands, including swift release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all public polytechnics, and the payment of accrued arrears.

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Other demands are the release and final resolution of the decades-long arrears of CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres, the release of outstanding promotion arrears, addressing inadequate funding, and resolving the issue of unpaid allowances.

 

“Regrettably, as we passed the deadline of this ultimatum, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands. The silence and inaction have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions, scheduled for December 2nd, 2024, should our concerns remain unaddressed,” he said.

 

Comrade Abdullahi said the survival and quality of the educational system hinged upon the government’s responsiveness.

He stated that the union believe that a strong education sector is vital for the future of the nation and cannot afford to compromise on these issues any longer.

 

He urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union and take decisive steps towards resolving these challenges.

 

Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2

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US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students

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US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students

Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) has opened applications for its 2025 scholarships, offering international students the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the USA.

These scholarships, available for both Master’s (MS) and PhD students, provide a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend for living expenses.

Scholarship overview and opportunities 

Scholarship Region reports that Montana Technological University is offering funded Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) for Fall 2025. These assistantships are available for students applying to the MS and PhD programs, and they provide an opportunity to work alongside faculty on important research projects.

The university is focusing on key research areas such as advanced materials and manufacturing, critical mineral recovery and processing, environmental remediation, and biotechnology. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply soon to contribute to these cutting-edge fields.

Eligibility requirements 

To apply for the Montana Tech University Scholarship 2025, candidates must meet several criteria.

  • Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • They must also meet the admission requirements for the program they wish to apply to and satisfy the English language proficiency requirements set by the university.
  • Additionally, applicants must submit their applications for admission by January 1st to be considered for the scholarship.

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Benefits for scholarship winners 

Students who are accepted into the MS or PhD programs at Montana Tech and are awarded a Graduate Research Assistantship will receive significant benefits. These include a

  • Tuition waiver and a competitive stipend to cover living expenses.
  • All applicants to available graduate programs will automatically be considered for the assistantships.

Required documents for application 

Details inform that candidates applying for the Montana Technological University Scholarship must prepare several documents as part of the application process. Required documents include the;

  • Application form,
  • A personal statement,
  • A CV, recommendation letters,
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, GRE scores, and official academic transcripts.

These documents as mentioned, are crucial for the admissions review and scholarship consideration.

Step-by-step application process 

To apply for the scholarship, candidates are informed to first visit the graduate research fields page on Montana Tech’s Graduate School website. From there, they can apply for openings in the available research areas and complete the application form.

All required documents must be uploaded as part of the application. For more details and guidance, prospective students can contact the Montana Tech Graduate School at [email protected], where they will be connected with a faculty member leading a funded project.

 

US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students

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Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025

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Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025

Western University has announced that applications are now open for the National Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The opportunity offers funding to outstanding students with a proven track record of academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

According to Western University, the deadline for applications is February 14th, 2025.

Details of the program and eligibility 

The National Scholarship Program is aimed at Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as international students meeting specific criteria. International students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the International President’s Entrance Scholarship.

Details inform that applicants must have an overall academic average of 90% or higher from their Grade 12 courses (or equivalent) and must apply for full-time studies at Western University’s main campus. Students must also be nominated by their high school.

Scholarship opportunities and amounts 

The program offers various scholarship opportunities based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

  • The Neen Hodgins National Entrance Scholarship awards $80,000 over four years, while,
  • President’s Entrance Scholarships range from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the amount of funding available.
  • For black students, the James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship offers $50,000, and the Beryl Ivey Continuing Entrance Scholarship provides $92,000 over four years.

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International students have access to scholarships such as the Neen Hodgins President’s International Entrance Scholarship, valued at up to $80,000. Other awards include the Faculty Entrance Scholarships, valued at $30,000, and the National Merit Awards, which provide $2,000 for students who are interviewed but not selected for a National Scholarship or a Schulich Leader Scholarship.

Application requirements 

Applicants must submit a variety of materials, including a completed online application, a transcript from their school, and a reference letter from a teacher or staff member who is familiar with their academic and extracurricular achievements.

Additionally, applicants are required to write a 1,000-1,250 word essay on an issue of public concern. The essay, along with other supporting documents, must be submitted by the February 14th, 2025, deadline.

Nomination and assessor process 

The institution informs that in order to be considered for the National Scholarship Program, students must be nominated by their school. The application includes a “Nomination Request Form,” which is sent to the school administrator once completed.

Students are told to ensure that they follow up with their school to confirm that their nomination and transcript are submitted on time. Additionally, students must request one reference letter from a teacher or staff member who can assess their academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities.

How to apply 

To apply, students need to access the National Scholarship application through the online portal, using their OUAC reference number and date of birth.

  • Western University advises that there may be a delay between submitting the admission application and being able to access the scholarship application, with a minimum wait time of five business days.
  • Once available, students can complete the application and submit all required documents before the assigned deadline.

For further details on how to apply, visit the Western University National Scholarship application portal.

 

Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025

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