Fresh ASUU strike looms, union gives FG 21-day notice – Newstrends
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Fresh ASUU strike looms, union gives FG 21-day notice

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Fresh ASUU strike looms, union gives FG 21-day notice

ASUU issued the notice at the end of its NEC meeting, which was held at the University of Ibadan on Monday, August 19, 2024.

The notice followed the union’s initial strike threat over the non-implementation of agreements reached with the government.

In a bid to appease the union and avert the planned strike, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, recently invited ASUU leadership to a meeting in July to discuss issues affecting universities.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, ASUU president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said the agreement between the union and the government remained unimplemented.

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“At the meeting called by the Minister of Education, we agreed that after two weeks, we will meet to see the progress the government has made.

“We will also see what we will do next if the government fail to implement the agreements reached,” Osodeke said.

According to him, some of the demands included the non-implementation of the 2009 re-negotiated agreements.

He said the FG failed to implement the agreements, which according to him has lingered for over six years.

He added that the academic allowances due to their members had also accumulated for over six years, and nothing had been done about it.

“Since 2013, only one has been paid. We need revitalisation funds to upgrade our universities to standard so that we can have students and lecturers from outside the country,” he said.

Osodeke advised the government to stop the proliferation of universities, adding that many new universities were approved without funds to run them.

Fresh ASUU strike looms, union gives FG 21-day notice

Education

ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others

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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

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RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers

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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

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Education

Fuel crisis: Edo govt suspends school resumption

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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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