Education
ASUU: National Assembly gets proposals to create 63 new varsities, others
At least 63 bills are currently before the Senate and the House of Representatives for the creation of new universities, polytechnics, colleges of education since the beginning of shutdown of activities in public tertiary institutions in the country in 2022, according to a PUNCH’s report.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union have, however, warned the government against the establishment of new institutions while failing to fund the existing ones.
Nigeria is said to currently have 49 federal universities, going by the official data from the National Universities Commission, with 59 state universities and 111 private universities.
The National Board for Technical Education also puts the number of Federal Polytechnics at 40; state owned at 49 and private at 76.
While a total of Federal and state owned colleges of health is 70; Nigeria currently has 17 private colleges of health.
The National Commission for Colleges of Education put the total number of colleges of education in Nigeria at 219.
An analysis of the 63 bills on creation of new institutions being considered by both the Senate and the House of Representatives revealed that 26 bills are for federal universities; 33 bills for federal colleges of education; agriculture; health; technology; and forestry among other specialised colleges.
The lawmakers also proposed four bills for the creation of new polytechnics.
However, a professor at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, Victor Olumekun, in an interview with The PUNCH, faulted the lawmakers for turning the establishment of new institutions into constituency projects.
Olumekun said, “I say it often that it is not the number of universities that we have that matter but the capacity to do what universities are supposed to be doing.
“As an academia, we don’t have to establish universities in every town, village and hamlet. University education is not about number, it is about capacity.”
The National President of ASUP, Dr. Anderson Ezeibe, said the move showed a clear lack of direction.
“We have continued to maintain that government should fund existing institutions to enable them meet their mandates. Passing bills for new institutions at this time is for political convenience and not in the public interest,” he said.
The General Secretary, COEASU, Dr Ahmed Bazza, also faulted the development.
He said, “There is shortage of lecturers in all tertiary institutions because the system has made it so harsh that there is high level of brain drain in the system. We are trying to cope with that and also trying to cope with the funding and facilities.
“Then someone will just wake up for political reasons and say he is proposing a bill to establish a new university. That is not fair to the system honestly.
The Programme Director, Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, also accused the lawmakers of trying to score political goals.
Oluwatoyin said, “It is so unfortunate that we live in a country where lawmakers use matters like education to score cheap political goals, this is unheard of in any part of the world.
“How will you propose new bills for new institutions when the existing ones are on shutdown? Who advises these individuals?”
Education
Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students
Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students
The Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI), a Canadian province, is inviting applications for its 2025 Internship Program.
This opportunity allows international students and recent graduates to gain experience working within the provincial government.
The internship program, which is a one-year temporary job assignment, offers participants the chance to build skills and gain professional experience in various PEI government departments.
According to the Prince Edward Island, the program also provides access to workshops, networking events, and other professional development resources to help interns grow in their careers.
The PEI internship program is set to begin in May 2025 and runs for one year. Interns will have the opportunity to work in multiple government departments, participating in workshops and professional development activities. These include career planning, conflict management, emotional intelligence, and training on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as anti-racism in the workplace.
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Additionally, the program provides a platform for;
- Networking,
- Helping interns to connect with government professionals and
- Build valuable relationships within the public service sector.
- Interns will also receive support to help them understand eligibility for government jobs and navigate potential future opportunities in the public service.
Eligibility and application requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed a;
Post-secondary program within the past 36 months. Additionally,
- Candidates should be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible for a Canadian work permit.
- International students who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply.
Applications are currently being accepted, and interested candidates must submit their applications through the official PEI Internship Program Portal.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on March 4th and 5th, 2025. The internship program will begin in May 2025.
How to apply and important dates
Applicants can apply online through the official PEI Internship Program Portal.
Additional details, including position descriptions and participating departments, are available on the official website of the Government of PEI.
Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students
Education
Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG inaugural lecture Wed
Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG historic inaugural lecture Wed
- History beckons as Mass Comm alumnus delivers inaugural lecture Wed
History will be made this week Wednesday December 18, 2024 at University of Lagos when an alumnus of the university’s Mass Communication Department, Ismail Adegboyega Ibrahim, professor of journalism and communication studies, will deliver inaugural lecture as a lecturer of the department.
Ibraheem, a 1990 graduate of the university, returned to the institution in 2011 as a lecturer.
It is the first time a former student of the department will be delivering an inaugural lecture 58 years after its establishment.
Ibraheem, director of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects at the UNILAG, will speak on “Casino Journalism and the End of History.”
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, will chair the event, according to a statement from the institution.
Two former vice-chancellors of the university, Professor Rahamon Bello and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, are expected to grace the lecture along with the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, among others.
The lecture is scheduled for 4pm at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka.
Members of the University Community and general public are invited to join the lecture physically or virtually via Zoom Meeting ID:862 1255 2361.
Education
Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students
Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students
The Republic of Austria is offering an opportunity for international postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers through the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025.
Managed by OeAD-GmbH, Austria’s agency for education, this scholarship aims to support talented individuals in advancing their academic and research careers in Austria.
Details of the scholarship program
According to OeAD, the Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to students and researchers from various academic disciplines. This includes areas such as;
- Natural sciences
- Technical sciences
- Human medicine
- Health Sciences
- Agricultural sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities, and arts.
The scholarship provides funding for semester or one-year grants, with research grants lasting from one to nine months, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.
Benefits of the Ernst Mach scholarship
The scholarship offers numerous benefits to successful applicants.
- Recipients will receive a monthly stipend of €1,300 for the duration of their stay in Austria.
- Accommodation assistance is available, with affordable housing options ranging from €330 to €800 per month.
- OeAD will also provide administrative support to help applicants find suitable housing.
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Grant holders will receive guidance on obtaining health insurance accepted in Austria, with a cost ranging from €55 to €200 per month. The scholarship also waives tuition fees at public universities, further reducing the financial burden on participants.
A travel subsidy of up to €1,200 is available for applicants from eligible developing countries, with travel invoices required for reimbursement. Moreover, recipients will have the opportunity to build valuable connections with top researchers and institutions in Austria, which can significantly enhance their academic and professional networks.
Eligibility criteria for applicants
The Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to early-career academics who are passionate about advancing their research. To be eligible, applicants must be;
- Postgraduate students pursuing a PhD outside Austria or postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers looking to conduct research in Austria.
- Additionally, postdocs employed at universities outside Austria are also eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be 35 years old or younger (born on or after October 1st, 1989) and should not have lived, studied, or worked in Austria for more than six months prior to applying.
- Proficiency in English or German is required to ensure effective communication during the research process.
How to apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship
To apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025, interested individuals must visit the official OeAD-GmbH website.
The application deadline is February 1st, 2025. Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students
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