BREAKING: ASUU members receive full salary for November, arrears withheld

Published

2 years ago

November 30, 2022

Lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities have received full salaries for the month of November 2022.

A senior member of the union at the Bayero University Kano revealed this in a chat with journalists in Abuja.

He said, “Some of our members have started receiving salaries and I can confirm to you that we received our full salaries for the month of November. However, the arrears are still withheld.”

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It was learnt that the eight-month arrears remained withheld by the Federal Government.

The FG had refused to pay the striking lecturers for the eight months which the union embarked on strike.

The lecturers in October 2022 received a half pay, according to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2025

Trends Admin

NELFUND gets 500,000 applications for student loans in 11 months

Over 500, 000 students applied for loans in 11 months, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said.

The agency said that the figure indicates the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria.

The Director of Strategic Communications of the Agency, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi in a statement yesterday stated that the number of applicants highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND to democratise access to tertiary education.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reached a remarkable milestone in its first year of operation: over 500,000 Nigerian students have now applied for student loans through the NELFUND portal.

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“This milestone, achieved within just 11 months of operations, underscores the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria and highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND’s mission to democratize access to tertiary education.”

Education

JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick

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.”

JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity, Muslim students kick

muslimnews

Education

FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2025

Trends Admin

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.