ASUU issues fresh threat to shut down varsities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it may soon call out its members for nationwide industrial action if the listed Federal Government failed to address nine critical issues still unresolved in the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.

Chris Piwuna, the new President of ASUU gave the warning at a press conference in Abuja on Friday.

Piwuna listed withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) as some of the issues that may lead to nationwide industrial strike.

He also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.

He said said promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026 have remained unfulfilled.

Piwuna also highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University.

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According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.

On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.

Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.

He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.

He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.

To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare.

“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.

He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.

“Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.

“We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said.

ASUU issues fresh threat to shut down varsities

NAN)

Trump orders probe of Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, other celebrities over Kamala Harris endorsement

United States President Donald Trump said Monday he would launch a “major investigation” into his 2024 election rival Kamala Harris over celebrities who backed her failed run for the White House.

“Candidates aren’t allowed to pay for endorsements, which is what Kamala did, under the guise of paying for entertainment,” he posted on his Truth Social platform.

“I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter.”

Winfrey justified the Harris campaign’s $1 million payment to her production business to cover the costs of hosting the presidential contender.

Harris’s team, however, denied paying music superstar Beyoncé $10 million to attend a rally.

In its financial filings to an environmental advocacy group, the Harris campaign listed one endorsement-related expenditure of $75. Harris attempted to use celebrity endorsements from Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey during the election campaign.

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Trump, who easily won the election, garnered little support from the entertainment sector as a whole but did tap into a certain subset of well-known, hypermasculine influencers, including podcast host Joe Rogan.

On Monday, the president targeted Beyoncé, Winfrey, and Bruce Springsteen, accusing Harris of paying the renowned rock artist to play at a Georgia rally weeks before the election.

“How much did Kamala Harris pay Bruce Springsteen for his poor performance during her campaign for president?” he wrote.

“Why did he accept that money if he is such a fan of hers?”

Last week, Trump went to Truth Social to criticise Springsteen after the singer informed a British concert crowd that his country is now run by a “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration”.

In response, the 78-year-old Republican claimed the star, known as “the Boss”, is “highly overrated”.

Springsteen, an outspoken liberal critic of Trump, supported Harris after she replaced Democratic President Joe Biden in his failed reelection effort.

Trump orders probe of Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, other celebrities over Kamala Harris endorsement

Coscharis Motors celebrates Corona School at 70 with Geely brand

Coscharis Motors has celebrated Corona School which recently marked its 70th anniversary.

A funfair organised by the Parents Teachers Association as one of the activities for the anniversary held on the school’s Lekki premises in Lagos provided the opportunity for Coscharis to add glamour to the event.

The auto company, which specifically lined up an array of the Geely models, said the display was aimed at adding value and colour to celebrating the achievements of the school for over seven decades.

Abiona Babarinde, the Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, said, “We are excited to be a part of this celebration given the heritage and legacy in the making with its alignment to the Coscharis brand vision of remaining timeless in its relevance and the Geely vision of richer and fuller lives for individuals and a brighter future for all; this shared passion of continuity, innovation and sustainability makes it the perfect partnership.”

He said further that given the uniqueness of the 70th anniversary celebration and the characteristics of the parents, it was only proper to support the event with an automotive brand that focuses on making people’s life better by delivering on both their aspirations and practical needs without compromise.

A statement by the firm said the partnership offered both existing customers and prospects an opportunity to experience the Geely vehicles on display including the latest Okavango and Coolray with favourable pricing, extendable beyond the event day plus a 6 year or 200,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

While the New Coolray comes with an intelligent driving system including features such as lane keeping assistance, blind spot detection, and automatic parking assistance for a safer and more convenient driving experience; the Okavango is Geely’s largest SUV and has an industry-leading space utilization rate that maximizes interior space.

The 7 seats can be fully folded, providing an expansive yet functional loading space.

Commenting on the event and Coscharis Motors’ participation, Solomon Kadiri, the Parent-Teacher-Association Chairman, Corona School, expressed his excitement about the partnership, tactical offers and experience of the Geely brands on display.

“We are elated to partner with Coscharis Motors for our funfair event. This partnership shows our dedication to continually give our families exceptional experiences and opportunities outside the normal educational and business environments.”

He added that this collaboration provided a unique opportunity to celebrate strong commitments to education, innovation and community development.