ASUP also demanded the release of a second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention fund and the immediate capture of members’ peculiar academic allowance, among other issues. (NAN)
Education
Atiku: I never said I would hand over federal universities to states
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has clarified his comment made on federal universities at the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference held on Monday in Lagos.
Atiku, who was one of the panelists at the event on Monday, while narrating his encounter with a professor at the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, had said the Federal Government lacked the resources for effective management of federal universities in the country.
He was thereafter reported as saying he would hand over those universities to state governments.
But in a statement, Paul Ibe, media adviser to the PDP presidential candidate, said Atiku only referred to his plans for a phased devolution of power to the federating units.
Ibe stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, Atiku did not say that he would hand over federal universities to state governments if elected president in February next year.
The statement read in part, “The report is false, untrue, unfounded, and not a true reflection of what Atiku Abubakar said while responding to a question on devolution of powers, a key component of his policy framework.
“What the PDP presidential candidate referred to was his plans for a phased devolution of power to the federating units.
“The report in some sections of the media is therefore a misleading and false account of what transpired when the PDP Presidential candidate fielded questions as a panelist at the opening ceremony of the NBA conference.
“In answering the question posed to him, Atiku Abubakar merely recalled his engagement with a university professor where he argued that the United States of America shared similarities with the first set of universities in Nigeria which belonged to the regional governments and noted that with proper planning and phased devolution of power, federal universities that have now become unwieldy could be made to work better under the component federating units.” He also maintained that education would remain in the concurrent list under his administration when elected.
It stated, “We wish to restate Atiku Abubakar’s avowed commitment to education as a game changer for socio-economic development and national security.
“He remains concerned about the prolonged strike by university teachers and restates his position that under his watch the ASUU-FG imbroglio will be better managed in the interest of both the students and academic staff.
“To underscore his commitment to address the structural deformities in our system, the former Vice President also disclosed that he had empanelled a committee of judiciary experts to draft a presidential position paper which will guide his administration, if elected, from day one, on the terms and conditions of transfer of power and resources to the other layers of government aimed at making the federal government leaner and more effective in its core functions.
“We implore media organisations to be wary of unfounded stories in the course of carrying out their constitutionally guaranteed responsibility of informing, educating, and entertaining the people.”
Education
Polytechnic lecturers ultimatum to FG expires, set for strike
Polytechnic lecturers ultimatum to FG expires, set for strike
The 15-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to the Federal Government to meet its demands is set to expire on Oct. 23.
The group had threatened to embark on strike should the government fail to address the contentious new scheme of service for polytechnic lecturers across the country.
As the deadline approaches, more lecturers have endorsed the ASUP National Executive Council’s (NEC) position to mobilise members to withdraw their services once the ultimatum expires.
Dr Iloma Richard, ASUP Zone D Coordinator, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the government has yet to address the contentious issues in the new guidelines.
Richard said that ASUP had suspended its planned industrial action on July 22, following the Federal Government’s intervention, which mandated the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to review the disputed guidelines.
“The strike was suspended to create the necessary environment for the speedy resolution of all contentious issues through the stakeholder engagement process.
“Regrettably, as I speak, no progress has been made in this direction due to the obvious reluctance of NBTE.
“The union has also noted, with regret, a similar attitude of the government towards other welfare needs of the union’s members,” he said.
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The union leader highlighted the alleged disregard for quality control in polytechnic education, warning that, if allowed to persist, it would lead to the collapse of technical and vocational education in the country.
According to him, polytechnic lecturers in Zone D, comprising the South-South and South-East states, would withdraw their services once ASUP’s NEC issues such a directive.
“This position has been articulated by our national leadership and formally communicated to all relevant authorities, with a subsisting 15-day ultimatum effective from Oct. 8.
“We shall not hesitate to swiftly mobilise our members from all chapters in the zone if, upon the expiration of the ultimatum, NEC directs any form of industrial action,” Richard added.
NAN reports that the contentious issues in the new scheme include the delayed stakeholders’ engagement on the scheme of service and the non-release of the stakeholders-validated Condition of Service for polytechnics.
Other issues include the inconsistent provisions of the Federal Polytechnic Act and the laws establishing state-owned institutions, particularly concerning the appointment of principal officers.
Additionally, concerns were raised over the delayed implementation of a 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary review for state-owned polytechnics, as well as the release of arrears for federal polytechnics.
Polytechnic lecturers ultimatum to FG expires, set for strike
Education
Chinese University Scholarship now open for international students
Chinese University Scholarship now open for international students
The Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Scholarship is looking to attract persons from around the world for Master’s and PhD programs in China.
This initiative promotes diversity and academic collaboration within the university community.
According to Scholarship Region, applications for the 2025 SJTU Scholarship are now open for international students, providing opportunities for academic advancement and cultural exchange.
Benefits
The SJTU Scholarship offers significant financial support to selected students. The funding may come from the Chinese Government, the Shanghai Government, or the university itself. The benefits include:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Monthly stipends to assist with living expenses
- Subsidized university housing
- Coverage for travel costs
These benefits aim to ease the financial burden on international students, allowing them to focus on their studies.
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Reports inform that SJTU is recognized as one of the leading higher education institutions in China and is currently ranked 45th globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2025.
The university serves over 4,000 international students from 156 countries, further offering a wide range of graduate programs in both English and Chinese across its 34 colleges and schools. This diverse environment, according to reports, fosters collaboration and innovation among students.
Eligibility Requirements for the SJTU Scholarship
To qualify for the SJTU Scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid passport.
- Health and Character: Candidates should be in good health, both physically and mentally, and must meet the medical examination requirements set by both their home country and the university. A clean criminal record and a positive attitude toward China are also necessary.
- Behavior and Compliance: Applicants must demonstrate good behavior and a willingness to adhere to Chinese laws, regulations, and SJTU’s rules.
Educational Qualifications:
- For Master’s program candidates, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
- For Doctoral program applicants, a Master’s degree or equivalent is necessary.
Required Documents for Application
Candidates interested in applying for the SJTU Scholarship must prepare several documents:
- Degree Certificates: Scanned copies are required. Applicants who have not yet graduated must provide an official letter from their current institution indicating their expected graduation date.
- Transcripts: Scanned copies of transcripts are necessary. Master’s applicants need their undergraduate transcripts, while Doctoral candidates must provide both undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- Language Proficiency Proof: Documentation of language proficiency is required.
- Passport Copy: A scanned copy of the applicant’s ordinary passport must be submitted.
- Passport-sized Photo: A recent photo is required.
- Personal Statement and Study Plan: Applicants must articulate their goals and academic plans.
- Academic Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation from academic referees are needed.
For applicants to specific programs, such as those in the School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, the School of Mechanical Engineering, or the School of Materials Science and Engineering, it is necessary to contact a potential supervisor prior to applying. An acceptance letter from the supervisor must be included in the application.
Application Process
Interested candidates can submit their applications online through the SJTU website. It is essential to ensure that all required documents are complete and submitted before the application deadline.
Chinese University Scholarship now open for international students
Education
No more application fees for Lagos scholarship, bursary – Sanwo-Olu
No more application fees for Lagos scholarship, bursary – Sanwo-Olu
GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, yesterday, approved the removal of application fees for the award of scholarships and bursaries offered by the Lagos State Scholarship Board, LSSB, to beneficiaries.
The LSSB Secretary, Mr AbdurRahman Lekki, in a statement, explained that the decision aligns with the administration’s initiative aimed at promoting youth empowerment and social inclusion.
Lekki noted that eliminating the fees addresses concerns raised by stakeholders regarding access to educational opportunities, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.
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He further explained that the revenue generated from the fees constituted only 0.5 per cent of the agency’s budget, reinforcing the justification for their removal.
Lekki added that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision highlights “a strong commitment to equitable education and strengthens the state’s reputation as a supportive administration for youth.”
No more application fees for Lagos scholarship, bursary – Sanwo-Olu
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