Nigerian students in Benin Republic protest against certificate ban – Newstrends
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Nigerian students in Benin Republic protest against certificate ban

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Nigerian students in Benin Republic protest against certificate ban

More than 650 Nigerian students enrolled at ESM University in Benin Republic have protested against the Federal Government’s decision to derecognise the university.

The recent directive from the Federal Government, which bans Nigerians from enrolling in certain universities in Benin and Togo, came after authorities discovered that over 22,500 graduate certificates issued by these institutions between 2019 and 2023 were fraudulent.

The affected students called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the matter.

On Thursday, a large number of students and their parents staged a peaceful protest at the residence of Pastor Chibuzo Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), in Port Harcourt.

The students, who are beneficiaries of OPM scholarships, expressed deep concern about the impact of the ban on their mental health and academic future. They pleaded with President Tinubu to reverse the decision, allowing them to continue their studies.

Hycenth Ikechukwu, a final-year Business Administration student, voiced his distress upon learning of the ban just as he was about to complete his studies. He emphasized that ESM University was accredited by the Nigerian government when he enrolled in 2019.

“We are pleading with President Tinubu to intervene and instruct the Ministry of Education to revisit this abrupt decision that could derail our lives. It is unjust to force someone in their final year to start afresh at 100-level in Nigerian universities after investing years of effort and substantial funds,” Ikechukwu said tearfully.

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Moses Joseph, a 200-level Computer Science student, urged the government to facilitate their transfer to universities within Nigeria, suggesting that they be allowed to submit their academic transcripts to continue their education locally. “I am even willing to start from 100-level if that’s what it takes,” he added.

Another affected student, Wisdom Nweze, highlighted the negative impact the university’s derecognition has had on her mental well-being, calling on the federal government to find a resolution to the situation.

Justin Hycenth, a blind widow, expressed her deep disappointment, revealing that her son’s scholarship to study abroad had been jeopardized by the government’s decision. “I implore the government to take immediate action and reverse the ban,” she pleaded.

In response, Chinyere disclosed that the 650 affected students are part of a larger group of over 4,000 OPM scholarship recipients studying in countries such as the U.S., UK, Canada, Turkey, Ethiopia, and Cyprus. He noted that the church had verified ESM University’s accreditation and that its graduates had previously participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

“Based on the ministry’s confirmation, we decided to enroll students in the university. OPM has invested more than N500 million in these students at ESM University, and it is unfair to invalidate our investment and their efforts,” Chinyere stated.

He further explained that OPM chose to send students abroad due to the challenges of gaining admission to Nigerian universities, citing the difficulties associated with passing JAMB and Post UTME exams.

“Rather than banning the university, the Federal Government should consider strengthening regulations surrounding foreign education. It will be challenging for us to continue sponsoring students, especially those in their final year, if this policy remains in effect,” he cautioned.

Nigerian students in Benin Republic protest against certificate ban

Education

Canadian province opens 2025 government internship programs for international students

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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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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

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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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