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.

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

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