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Lagos school fence collapses, kills two children

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2 years ago

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The Collapsed fence of the school

Two children, Samat Saheed and a yet-to-be-identified girl, have lost their lives when the fence of a school, Covenant Point Academy, collapsed on them at Ajose Street, in the Amukoko area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the nine-year-old girl was walking past the front of the school to link her destination in the area while three-year-old Samat was playing around the fence of the school, close to his mother’s shop when the fence collapsed suddenly on them.

Our correspondent gathered that as the fence caved in on the minors, its impact crushed Samat’s head, killing him instantly, while the nine-year-old girl lost consciousness and reportedly died shortly after the incident.

Speaking with our correspondent, an eyewitness, Ganiyu Ayeloja, said residents, who were traumatised over the incident, informed the police, adding that the owner of the school had been arrested.

He said, “The police came around and they arrested the owner of the school building. The building has no pillars, they just stacked blocks. The building was not well structured at all; there was no wiring, no pillar, and nothing to hold the building together that’s why it fell easily.

“It is unfortunate that the two children were around that area when it collapsed. One of the children’s parents had a shop close to the school building, that was why he was there and his parents were immediately alerted.

“The Oba of Ijora land was called to the incident yesterday and everyone is sympathising with the deceased families. People from the Lagos State Building Control Agency came to inspect the building this morning (Sunday).”

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Another resident, Akinniyi Akinwale, said the nine-year-old girl was running errands when the tragic incident befell her, adding that when she didn’t return home, her parents started searching for her but were informed that the fence of the building claimed her life.

He said, “The wall in front of the school just fell on both of them. The girl who died was sent on an errand to that street, so no one knew her parents there but she was taken to the hospital after the incident and it wasn’t until night time when her parents started looking for her that they were informed of her death.”

A source told our correspondent that Samat was buried immediately after the incident.

The Head, Public Affairs, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Adetayo Asagba, when contacted, said she was not aware of the incident.

The Lagos State Territorial Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, also said he was not aware of the incident.

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.

He said, “Two children died, the owner of the building has been arrested.”

Reacting to the development, the immediate Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Kunle Awobodu, said blocks used to construct buildings nowadays were very weak and substandard as he urged site engineers, developers, among others to desist from using substandard materials.

He said, “This is quite unfortunate. Those of us in the construction industry have laid emphasis on the threat of natural force or pressure on buildings, to withstand such natural pressure especially in an area that is exposed to strong winds, there is a need to introduce columns.

“Pillars are referred to as reinforced columns to enable fences to withstand the natural force being generated by the wind. Constructing coping is necessary on top of these fences so that persistent rainfall does not have an extreme impact on the stability of the fence.

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“Many of the blocks used to construct buildings nowadays are very weak and substandard; they are usually six inches and 150ml in thickness which is unable to withstand wind pressure that makes it important for all of us to be more vigilant.”

Awobodu said the tragedy that claimed the lives of the minors was a clarion call to everyone not to underestimate the standard required for a fence, and to shun using substandard materials when building.

“What has happened shows that the stability of the fence is crucial to avoid calamities of this nature. This is not the first time a fence has collapsed and taken lives, so urgent attention should be drawn to it.

“It’s a warning for landlords, developers and building owners to construct fences that will adequately protect the habitat and property,” Awobodu said.

PUNCH Metro had reported a series of building and structural collapses that claimed the lives of residents in the state.

On August 21, 2022, two children died in a building collapse at Adeleye Street, Lady Lark, Bariga area of the state.

Also, on September 5, 2022, a seven-storey building under construction collapsed at Oba Idowu Oniru Street, in the Lekki area of the state and killed six persons.

However, amid expert criticisms of developers, among others, for using substandard materials and not conforming to standard building regulations in the state, a recent statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the resignation of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako.

Punch

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Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

Published

7 days ago

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December 25, 2024

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Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

The Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI), a Canadian province, is inviting applications for its 2025 Internship Program.

This opportunity allows international students and recent graduates to gain experience working within the provincial government.

The internship program, which is a one-year temporary job assignment, offers participants the chance to build skills and gain professional experience in various PEI government departments.

According to the Prince Edward Island, the program also provides access to workshops, networking events, and other professional development resources to help interns grow in their careers.

The PEI internship program is set to begin in May 2025 and runs for one year. Interns will have the opportunity to work in multiple government departments, participating in workshops and professional development activities. These include career planning, conflict management, emotional intelligence, and training on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as anti-racism in the workplace.

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Additionally, the program provides a platform for;

  • Networking,
  • Helping interns to connect with government professionals and
  • Build valuable relationships within the public service sector.
  • Interns will also receive support to help them understand eligibility for government jobs and navigate potential future opportunities in the public service.

Eligibility and application requirements 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have completed a;

Post-secondary program within the past 36 months. Additionally,

  • Candidates should be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible for a Canadian work permit.
  • International students who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply.

Applications are currently being accepted, and interested candidates must submit their applications through the official PEI Internship Program Portal.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on March 4th and 5th, 2025. The internship program will begin in May 2025.

How to apply and important dates 

Applicants can apply online through the official PEI Internship Program Portal.

Additional details, including position descriptions and participating departments, are available on the official website of the Government of PEI.

 

Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

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Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG inaugural lecture Wed  

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2 weeks ago

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December 15, 2024

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Two ex-VCs, JAMB registrar to attend Prof. Ibraheem UNILAG historic inaugural lecture Wed  

  • History beckons as Mass Comm alumnus delivers inaugural lecture Wed

History will be made this week Wednesday December 18, 2024 at University of Lagos when an alumnus of the university’s Mass Communication Department, Ismail Adegboyega Ibrahim, professor of journalism and communication studies, will deliver inaugural lecture as a lecturer of the department.

Ibraheem, a 1990 graduate of the university, returned to the institution in 2011 as a lecturer.

It is the first time a former student of the department will be delivering an inaugural lecture 58 years after its establishment.

Ibraheem, director of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects at the UNILAG, will speak on “Casino Journalism and the End of History.”

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, will chair the event, according to a statement from the institution.

Two former vice-chancellors of the university, Professor Rahamon Bello and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, are expected to grace the lecture along with the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, among others.

The lecture is scheduled for 4pm at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka.

Members of the University Community and general public are invited to join the lecture physically or virtually via Zoom Meeting ID:862 1255 2361.

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Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students

Published

3 weeks ago

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December 12, 2024

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Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students

The Republic of Austria is offering an opportunity for international postgraduate students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers through the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025.

Managed by OeAD-GmbH, Austria’s agency for education, this scholarship aims to support talented individuals in advancing their academic and research careers in Austria.

Details of the scholarship program 

According to OeAD, the Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to students and researchers from various academic disciplines. This includes areas such as;

  • Natural sciences
  • Technical sciences
  • Human medicine
  • Health Sciences
  • Agricultural sciences
  • Social sciences
  • Humanities, and arts.

The scholarship provides funding for semester or one-year grants, with research grants lasting from one to nine months, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

Benefits of the Ernst Mach scholarship 

The scholarship offers numerous benefits to successful applicants.

  • Recipients will receive a monthly stipend of €1,300 for the duration of their stay in Austria.
  • Accommodation assistance is available, with affordable housing options ranging from €330 to €800 per month.
  • OeAD will also provide administrative support to help applicants find suitable housing.

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Grant holders will receive guidance on obtaining health insurance accepted in Austria, with a cost ranging from €55 to €200 per month. The scholarship also waives tuition fees at public universities, further reducing the financial burden on participants.

A travel subsidy of up to €1,200 is available for applicants from eligible developing countries, with travel invoices required for reimbursement. Moreover, recipients will have the opportunity to build valuable connections with top researchers and institutions in Austria, which can significantly enhance their academic and professional networks.

Eligibility criteria for applicants 

The Ernst Mach Scholarship is open to early-career academics who are passionate about advancing their research. To be eligible, applicants must be;

  • Postgraduate students pursuing a PhD outside Austria or postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers looking to conduct research in Austria.
  • Additionally, postdocs employed at universities outside Austria are also eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be 35 years old or younger (born on or after October 1st, 1989) and should not have lived, studied, or worked in Austria for more than six months prior to applying.
  • Proficiency in English or German is required to ensure effective communication during the research process.

How to apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship 

To apply for the Ernst Mach Scholarship 2025, interested individuals must visit the official OeAD-GmbH website.

The application deadline is February 1st, 2025. Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and submit all required documents before the deadline.

 

Austria offers scholarship grant for int’l postgraduate, research students

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