30 dead, 326 houses, 800,000 farmlands destroyed in Kebbi flood – Newstrends
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30 dead, 326 houses, 800,000 farmlands destroyed in Kebbi flood

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6 months ago

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30 dead, 326 houses, 800,000 farmlands destroyed in Kebbi flood

Kebbi State is facing a devastating crisis due to perennial flash floods that have claimed at least 30 lives, destroyed over 800,000 rice and crop farmlands, and washed away more than 326 houses.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, made this dire situation public during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi.

The floods have affected 16 local government areas, forcing households to seek refuge in makeshift camps and schools.

The state government has temporarily relocated them with relief materials to mitigate their losses and suffering.

However, Ahmed warned that without swift national and international intervention, the state’s food supply will be severely impacted, potentially leading to acute food shortages across the country.

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To combat the disaster, the government has activated an emergency flood defense mechanism to ensure quick responses to floods.

Additionally, they plan to work with traditional rulers to educate people about the risks of building on waterways and blocking drainages. If necessary, the government will relocate households that refuse to comply to safer areas.

Kebbi State’s geography, with its extensive flood plains and river valleys, makes it prone to flooding. The state’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, is particularly vulnerable to these disasters ². The government’s call for aid is critical to preventing further devastation and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

Key Impacts of the Floods:

– Lives Lost: At least 30 people have died due to the floods.

– Farmlands Destroyed: Over 800,000 rice and crop farmlands have been destroyed.

– Houses Washed Away: More than 326 houses have been destroyed.

– Local Governments Affected: 16 local government areas are struggling with the aftermath.

30 dead, 326 houses, 800,000 farmlands destroyed in Kebbi flood

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Education

Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students

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18 hours ago

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March 31, 2025

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Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students

International students studying in the U.S. may be concerned after recent reports of visa revocations.

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.

The U.S. government can revoke visas, but this usually happens only in serious cases.

The United States recently instructed consular offices to expand their screening processes for student visa applicants. This also includes thorough social media checks to identify individuals who may support terrorism.

The U.S. Department of State has the authority to revoke non-immigrant visas, including F-1 and J-1 visas, if the visa holder has been arrested or convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) or similar offenses within the past five years.

While this may sound alarming, the revocation does not immediately affect a student’s ability to remain in the U.S.

Current status of students inside the U.S. 

According to the University of Chicago, The U.S. Department of State may revoke non-immigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.) of individuals arrested for, or convicted of, driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, or similar arrests/convictions that occurred within the previous five years. Such a revocation also does not necessarily mean that the individual cannot get a new visa to come to the U.S.

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The institution also informs that a visa revocation does not impact a student’s current status within the U.S, only the visa sticker.

“It is important to understand that this requirement does not affect your status in the U.S., only your visa sticker. Remember that your visa is needed to enter the U.S., but once you have entered, your visa does not have to remain valid.  You must, however, have a valid I-20 (F-1/F-2) or DS-2019 (J-1/J-2),” the university stated in its platform.

“If you are not planning a trip abroad in the near future, this requirement does not affect you, even if you have been arrested/convicted, until you do seek to reenter the U.S. after a trip abroad.” 

The visa stamp is only necessary for entry into the U.S., not for staying in the country.

Impact on re-entry to the U.S. 

While the visa revocation does not affect a student’s status inside the U.S., it does prevent re-entry to the country on the same visa. If a student leaves the U.S. after their visa has been revoked, they will not be allowed to return with the revoked visa.

They will need to apply for a new visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before being allowed to re-enter the U.S.

How to confirm visa status 

Students who have had a DUI or similar conviction since their visa was issued and are unsure about the status of their visa are advised to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued their visa.

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The embassy or consulate may send an official notice regarding the revocation, or students may find out about the revocation when traveling through a U.S. port of entry.

Advice for students planning to travel 

For students with a revoked visa planning to leave the U.S., the institution recommends contacting the embassy or consulate before booking any travel. The embassy can confirm the validity of the student’s visa.

Additionally, students should consult with their school’s international student office and, if necessary, seek advice from an immigration attorney. If a student has dependents on F-2 or J-2 visas, their visa status may also be affected by the revocation.

No immediate impact on students staying in the U.S. 

For those who do not have immediate travel plans, the University of Chicago reassures that visa revocation will not disrupt a student’s ability to stay or study in the U.S.

Students should continue to ensure that their I-20 or DS-2019 forms are valid and keep up with their academic requirements.

Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students

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Education

UNN appoints Prof Olayiwola Usman as first Yoruba DVC (Academics)

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6 days ago

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March 26, 2025

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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.

The Senate meeting was attended by key university officials, including the newly appointed DVC, Professor Usman, and members of the governing council, led by Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo.

Professor Ujam further noted that UNN must take the lead in global educational trends, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. He also commended the support of Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in advocating for experiential learning.

“It is commendable that His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State—our host state—has been championing the transition to experiential learning. We must align with this vision to ensure our students are not left behind in the evolving global education landscape,” he said.

The Acting VC called on the university community to work together to eliminate divisions that have hindered research, academic collaboration, and technological advancement.

“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.

 

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Education

FG to pay corps members backlog of delayed N77,000 allowance

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1 week ago

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March 25, 2025

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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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