Education
Nigerian students in Benin Republic protest against certificate ban
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
Lagos govt raises boarding fee to N100,000/term after parents have paid N35,000
Lagos govt raises boarding fee to N100,000/term after parents have paid N35,000
The Lagos State Government has increased boarding fees in all secondary schools across the state from N35,000 to N100,000 per term.
A letter addressed to all boarding school principals, signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, read: “I have the directive of the Honourable Commissioner to inform all Public Boarding House schools in Lagos State that the State Government has approved the review of the Boarding fee payable in all Public Boarding House schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 Only.”
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The letter, titled “Review of Boarding Fees in All Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State for 2024/2025 Session,” also stated that no additional fees should be collected by the schools and announced that the resumption date has been set for September 15, 2024.
“I am further directed to inform you that no additional fee of any form should be collected by the schools.
“Kindly note that the resumption date remains 15th September 2024.”
Lagos govt raises boarding fee to N100,000/term after parents have paid N35,000
Education
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
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.
The don said that it was unacceptable that lecturers, who were dedicated to knowledge pursuit, research, and nation-building; should be treated with disdain by their institutions.
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He added that the unjust dismissals of the lecturers were clear attempt to undermine academic freedom and silence the voices of those who are working tirelessly to uphold the high standards of education in Nigeria.
According to him, the governing councils acted in direct contravention of established labour laws, university statutes and the principles of natural justice.
“ASUU will not stand idly by while our members are unlawfully victimised and their rights trampled upon.
“We categorically state that these sackings are illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross abuse of power.
“We demand the immediate reinstatement of all lecturers wrongfully dismissed, and we call on the Federal Government, state authorities, and all stakeholders in the education sector to intervene swiftly to correct this grave injustice,” he said
He said that ASUU would stand united in the fight for justice, and resolute in defending the rights and dignity of all academic staff in the country.
“Failure to rectify this situation will leave ASUU with no option but to escalate our actions in defence of our members’ rights.
“ASUU will not be intimidated or suppressed by illegitimate actions that disregard the rule of law and the collective agreements that govern our institutions,” Olorunisola added.
ASUU condemns sacking of five LASU lecturers, others
Education
RSIF opens scholarship opportunities for Engineering, Tech PhD students, researchers
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
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