Education
ASUU: Appeal court to rule on varsity lecturers strike Friday
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja will tomorrow (Friday) rule on an application filed by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling of the National Industrial Court ordering the union to end its ongoing strike.
The three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Hamma Barka, stated this on Thursday.
This came after James Igwe, counsel to the Federal Government, and Femi Falana, counsel to ASUU, had told the court that an out-of-court resolution had not been reached.
Falana, SAN, had after the case was called up, notified the appellate court that his client filed an application for permission to formally lodge an appeal against the interim injunction that directed the striking varsity lecturers to return to the classroom.
Though ASUU earlier filed its proposed 14-ground of appeal, however, its lawyer, Falana, SAN, noted that going by the provisions of section 243 (3) of the 1999, as amended, leave of the appellate court would be required for such appeal to gain validity.
ASUU maintained that its proposed appeal against the NIC order, was based on “grounds of law and on grounds bordering on fundamental human rights”.
Falana urged the appellate court to accede to ASUU’s request to enable it to challenge the order he said occasioned grave miscarriage of justice against the aggrieved varsity lecturers.
“This honourable court should not shut out the Appellant and thousands of its members desirous of ventilating their grievances pursuant to section 6 (6) (b) and 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” Falana stated.
He also said his client was willing to withdraw the application for stay of execution so as to expedite the hearing and determination matter.
Meanwhile, the FG’s lawyer, Igwe, SAN, said he was opposed to ASUU’s application, even as he urged the appellate court to dismiss it for want of competence and jurisdiction.
The FG’s lawyer drew the attention of the court to the fact that the striking lecturers were yet to obey the order of the industrial court that was made since September 21.
He argued that ASUU, being in contempt of a subsisting court order, could not seek any favourable decision from the appellate court.
“As at today, ASUU is in contempt of court. It is illegal for ASUU to remain on strike in the face of the industrial court order.
“Section 18(1) of the Trade Dispute Act does not allow a party in contempt to come before Court of Appeal with the type of ASUU’s application”, Igwe submitted.
He also prayed the appellate court to dismiss ASUU’s request for leave to appeal against the order of the NIC that it had yet to obey, adding that it was late for the application for stay of execution to be withdrawn since all the parties have already joined issues.
After the panel had listened to both sides, it adjourned the matter till Friday for ruling.
It will be recalled that the appellate court had earlier urged both FG and ASUU to explore an out-of-court resolution of the dispute that made varsity lecturers to embark on a strike action since February 14.
The NIC had in its ruling, ordered ASUU to call off the over seven-month old strike action in national interest and for the sake of undergraduates in the country.
It ordered the striking lecturers to return to the classroom, pending the determination of a suit FG filed to query the legality of their strike action.
Education
2025 UTME: Muslim students kick as JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity UTME centre
2025 UTME: Muslim students kick as JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity UTME centre
Muslim students have vowed to take legal action against any harassment, threats, or unjust treatment directed at female candidates wearing hijabs at centres for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This comes in the wake of reports of hijab harassment and hijab seizures that have sparked widespread concern among Muslim students and religious organizations, following incidents that took place on Thursday.
Under the umbrella of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), the students issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, expressing deep dissatisfaction with reports of harassment at several UTME centres across Lagos, particularly Caleb University in Ikorodu, a Christian-owned institution, where hijabs were forcibly removed from candidates.
Abiona criticized the ongoing incidents, emphasizing that despite established guidelines allowing the wearing of hijabs, female Muslim candidates continue to face harassment and coercion at examination centres.
“It is distressing to report that incidents of discrimination against female candidates wearing hijabs during the UTME persist,” said Abiona.
“Despite clear guidelines that allow hijabs, some female candidates are still subjected to undue harassment. These ongoing actions are a blatant violation of their rights and religious freedoms.”
He highlighted a particularly troubling incident that occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Caleb University in Ikorodu, where female Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijabs to continue with their exams.
“This flagrant violation not only disrespects their religious beliefs but also goes against legal protections for religious freedom and equality.”
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Abiona called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take immediate action against the erring UTME centres, urging the board to demonstrate that it does not support the harassment of hijab-wearing candidates.
He demanded justice for the affected candidates, insisting they be given the chance to retake their exams without religious interference. “JAMB must act swiftly,” Abiona stated.
“We call for a thorough investigation into these allegations and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed on any institution found guilty. The safety and dignity of all candidates must be safeguarded at all examination centres in Nigeria.”
“Moreover, we demand justice for the affected candidates, ensuring they have the opportunity to retake their exams without any obstacles, ensuring fairness and equity in the educational system,” he added.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, reiterated its unwavering commitment to opposing discrimination and upholding the rights and dignity of students. The group called for an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity within educational environments.
The students also issued a stern warning that any institution found in violation would face legal action.
“We will not hesitate to pursue legal proceedings against JAMB or any centre found harassing female Muslim candidates for wearing the hijab. This must end immediately, as wearing the hijab is both a legal right and a religious obligation.”
2025 UTME: Muslim students kick as JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity UTME centre
muslimnews
Education
FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)
FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)
The Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has opened applications for the 2025/2026 edition of its Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS), targeting academically qualified Nigerian youths.
In an announcement shared via PTDF’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the agency revealed that the revamped scholarship programme is geared toward developing local expertise for the nation’s oil and gas sector.
“The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is pleased to bring to the notice of the public that the applications for the 2025/2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS) has commenced,” the statement reads.
Eligible candidates can apply for fully funded master’s or doctoral studies in several international locations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia, as well as at the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna.
According to the agency,“Fully funded MSc scholarship will be provided in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.”“Fully funded PhD scholarship will be provided in Germany, France & Malaysia.”
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For PhD candidates interested in studying in the UK, the award will now follow a split-site format, combining overseas learning with a local academic base.“Fully funded PhD scholarship for the United Kingdom will now be offered exclusively as a Split-Site Programme at the PTDF College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) in collaboration with three partner Universities in the United Kingdom: Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde and University of Portsmouth,” the statement further explained.
The scholarship package covers return air travel, health insurance, tuition and bench fees (where applicable), and a living allowance for the duration of the programme.
Applicants must be Nigerian graduates with strong academic credentials in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas industry.
Interested individuals are expected to complete their applications via the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal. The deadline for submission is June 4, 2025.
Additional information on eligibility, programme specifics, and partner institutions is available on the official PTDF website.
FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)
Education
FG says colleges of education will begin awarding degrees in September
FG says colleges of education will begin awarding degrees in September
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, says a dual mandate allowing colleges of education (COEs) to award both bachelor’s degrees and the National Certificate in Education (NCE) is for implementation this September.
In 2023, the mandate was signed into law, having undergone ideation with numerous committees recommending its adoption.
It was to take effect from the 2024/2025 academic session (starting September 2024), where only federal COEs aged at least 10 years were to pilot the programme.
Alausa spoke in Abuja during a follow-up meeting on resolutions from the last biannual stakeholders meeting.
He said the implementation of the dual mandate will now begin in September 2025.
The education minister said it would boost enrolment in COEs and eliminate the need to convert COEs to universities.
Alausa said reforms within COEs are important for adapting to modern demands and technological advancements.
He urged educators to integrate technology, critical thinking, and computational skills into their curricula.
“We once had a strong educational system, and that’s what we are working hard to restore. All hands are on deck to achieve this,” he said.
“We must tackle the high number of out-of-school children and reduce learning poverty across the country. As teachers, you are at the centre of driving this change, and you must also challenge yourselves.
“The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago is no longer relevant. Education and teaching methods are evolving. You must start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom.”
Alausa stressed the need for educators to harness educational technology and artificial intelligence to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Addressing declining enrolment in colleges of education, he urged administrators and staff to support the ongoing reforms, warning that the survival of their institutions depends on their ability to adapt.
“With this dual mandate, there is no need for conversion to university status. You should be the ones pushing for implementation, not the other way around. It’s a matter of your survival,” he said.
“The government has secured the future of colleges of education. It is now up to you to sustain them. Failure to embrace this mandate could lead to extinction.
“With this reform, there’s no justification for any college of education to seek university status.”
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