Education
ASUU says Nigerian govt funding of education far below AU, UN stipulations
ASUU says Nigerian govt funding of education far below AU, UN stipulations
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed displeasure over the Federal Government’s funding of the nation’s universities and the education sector in general,
ASUU said the funding fell far below the African Union (AU) and United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) benchmarks on education for underdeveloped countries like Nigeria.
President of ASUU, Emmanuel Osodeke, who stated this in Umuahia, while briefing the newsmen on the outcome of the union’s NEC meeting, regretted that while the two bodies put benchmarks of 15 to 20 per cent of a country’s annual budget on education, Nigeria give paltry five to six per cent of its budget allocation to education.
“The consequences are there for all to see, our universities can no longer provide basic services such as uninterrupted power supply and piped water.
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“The little support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund is also being frittered away by some university administrators for lack of accountability,” Osodeke said.
Osodeke said the poor funding of universities and some other unresolved issues would form the bedrock of industrial action to be embark upon by ASUU if after 21 days, government fail to resolve the issues.
The other unresolved issues the Federal Government have with ASUU include, renegotiation of the FGN/ASUU 2009 agreement, the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, proliferation of universities, management crisis and victimisation in universities and the issue of arrears of earned academic allowances and non-release of owed salaries.
Osodeke, while condemning the refusal of the federal and state governments to decisively address all outstanding issues with ASUU, said after a 21-day ultimatum, if nothing was done, ASUU would forced to take a decisive action.
ASUU says Nigerian govt funding of education far below AU, UN stipulations
Education
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa Chapter in Ondo State, has condemned the sacking of five members of the union in some universities.
Dr Rotimi Olorunisola, ASUU Chairman, OAUSTECH chapter, disclosed to journalists on Wednesday in Okitipupa, that some lecturers were “illegally” sacked by the Governing Councils of Lagos State University (LASU), Kogi State University (KSU), and Ebonyi State University (EBSU).
Olorunisola said that the actions of these institutions were not only a violation of the due process required for the termination of academic staff, but also an assault on the autonomy of the academic profession.
The don said that it was unacceptable that lecturers, who were dedicated to knowledge pursuit, research, and nation-building; should be treated with disdain by their institutions.
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He added that the unjust dismissals of the lecturers were clear attempt to undermine academic freedom and silence the voices of those who are working tirelessly to uphold the high standards of education in Nigeria.
According to him, the governing councils acted in direct contravention of established labour laws, university statutes and the principles of natural justice.
“ASUU will not stand idly by while our members are unlawfully victimised and their rights trampled upon.
“We categorically state that these sackings are illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross abuse of power.
“We demand the immediate reinstatement of all lecturers wrongfully dismissed, and we call on the Federal Government, state authorities, and all stakeholders in the education sector to intervene swiftly to correct this grave injustice,” he said
He said that ASUU would stand united in the fight for justice, and resolute in defending the rights and dignity of all academic staff in the country.
“Failure to rectify this situation will leave ASUU with no option but to escalate our actions in defence of our members’ rights.
“ASUU will not be intimidated or suppressed by illegitimate actions that disregard the rule of law and the collective agreements that govern our institutions,” Olorunisola added.
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
Education
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
PASET’s Regional Scholarship and Innovative Fund (Rsif) is offering a significant opportunity for African graduate students and researchers in Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries.
The Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), is looking to address the shortage of highly qualified specialists in applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET), in order to improve innovation capacities in SSA countries.
Scholarship Region reports that, “the PASET Regional Scholarship offers a fully funded study opportunity that covers tuition, research, travel and monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as accommodation and meals.”
The scholarship, as stated, seeks to help PhD students, postdoctoral scientists, and universities in SSA countries (such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Malawi, along with 41 other countries) to build training, research, and innovation environments.
About the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund
Rsif is a flagship program under PASET, thag supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists, and universities in SSA.
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The program, as reported, is funded by African governments, the World Bank, and the Government of Korea. It is managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Eligibility Criteria
According to Rsif’s official site, applicants for the Rsif PhD Scholarship must:
- Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a relevant master’s degree.
- Meet specific admission requirements of the Rsif AHU hosting the PhD program.
- Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Enroll full-time in a PhD program at an Rsif AHU for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Do not hold another PhD scholarship.
- Commit to a 6-12 month ‘sandwich’ training at an international partner university, research institute, or private company.
- Work on research topics contributing to regional development in Africa.
It is noted that priority will be given to women and young academic faculty without a PhD.
Benefits and Duration
The scholarship covers
- university tuition,
- research costs,
- a monthly allowance for living expenses, return travel, visas, student permits, and annual medical and personal accident insurance.
- The PhD program duration is three to four years, including a 6-12 month ‘sandwich’ placement.
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
Education
Fuel crisis: Edo govt suspends school resumption
Fuel crisis: Edo govt suspends school resumption
The Edo State Government has announced an indefinite postponement of resumption of all schools in the state over the hike in fuel price.
The government announced this in a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, in Benin on Saturday.
The permanent secretary said the resumption, scheduled for September 9, was postponed until further notice.
“The Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State, originally scheduled for Monday, 9th September 2024, until further notice.
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“An official statement from the government has directed that schools remain closed due to the tension arising from the recent increase in fuel prices and the challenges faced by parents and guardians.
“The government urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor the activities of their children and wards closely, given the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel price hike,” the memo read.
Fuel crisis: Edo govt suspends school resumption
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