Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU – Newstrends
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Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU

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ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke

Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over the increasing number of first-class graduates being produced by private universities in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event in honor of Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, warned that such trends, if replicated by public universities without proper regulation, could undermine the integrity of academic achievements.

The ceremony, held at DELSU’s Abraka campus, saw Osodeke reflecting on the broader state of education in Nigeria. He lamented that students graduating from primary and secondary schools with high grades often lack adequate knowledge and skills.

The ASUU president also raised alarm over the ongoing “mass exodus” of skilled Nigerian professionals to countries offering better work conditions, linking the trend to systemic failures in education and other sectors. He cited incidents such as building collapses as evidence of institutional shortcomings.

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“There was a time when academics enjoyed a decent quality of life,” Osodeke said. “Now, the situation has changed, and unions must renew efforts to advocate for fair conditions. ASUU will continue to champion justice and equity in academia.”

Another ASUU member, Prof. Omotoye Olorode, presented a paper titled “New University Curricula (CCMAS): Context and Matters Arising,” criticizing the CCMAS as a tool of foreign influence designed to disrupt Nigeria’s academic frameworks. He argued it perpetuates a system where Africans are relegated to supporting the agricultural needs of developed nations.

“Nigeria has never allocated more than seven percent of its budget to education, far below UNESCO’s recommendation of 26 percent,” Olorode noted. “This reflects the stagnation in our education sector.”

The event also celebrated Egwunyenga’s achievements as vice chancellor. DELSU ASUU Chairman, Dr. Paul Opone, commended Egwunyenga for his leadership, stating, “Since 2019, the institution has struggled with poor leadership. Prof. Egwunyenga met and exceeded the expectations of ASUU and the university community, earning widespread respect.”

In his response, Egwunyenga expressed gratitude for the accolades, crediting his leadership style to the themes in Festus Iyayi’s book, Demons and Monsters. He highlighted the support he received from all parts of Delta State during his tenure.

“This is the first time ASUU has celebrated a DELSU lecturer in this manner,” Opone added. “Prof. Egwunyenga truly deserves the recognition.”

 

Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU

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JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

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April 26, 2025

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JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted four Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centres and arrested 27 impersonators during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja yesterday by the Board’s Spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

He explained that the CBT centres were delisted for failing to meet the stringent technical standards required for the ongoing UTME.

Benjamin said the delisted centres include Adventure Associate, located behind Sheshe Supermarket off Hadejia Road, Kano, Kano State, and Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria Road, Naibawa, Kano, Kano State.

Also delisted are Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 2, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal, and Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd., Centre 1, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal.

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“While JAMB commends the 883 centres that have demonstrated exceptional performance, it unequivocally warns that any centre failing to meet ethical or technical standards, regardless of ownership, will be blacklisted,” he stated.

Benjamin urged candidates who were previously scheduled to take their exams at the delisted centres to urgently reprint their examination notification slips to access their new centres and rescheduled dates.

“We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we will not tolerate excuses from candidates who fail to reprint their slips.

“As of Friday, April 25, 2025, more than 900,000 candidates had successfully completed the UTME, out of the 2,083,600 registered for the 2025 examination,” he added.

In a related development, Benjamin reported the arrest of 27 impersonators who were handed over to the Nigeria Police for immediate prosecution.

JAMB delists four centres, arrests 27 impersonators in ongoing UTME

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

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April 26, 2025

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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.”

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr in the statement stated: “This is more than just a number, it’s a signal of hope for families across Nigeria. We are witnessing a nationwide demand for opportunity, and NELFUND is proud to be at the heart of this transformation”.

The agency also revealed that since the launch of the portal, students across the country have actively engaged with the application process for both institutional and upkeep loans, which demonstrate the relevance and urgency of the Fund’s efforts.

NELFUND, while stating its commitment to ensure transparency, accessibility, and efficiency as the process continues, called on all stakeholders to join in supporting the vision of equitable education for all.

 

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

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

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April 25, 2025

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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

 

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