“I will be firm, fair, and transparent in the discharge of my duties. UNN must not lag behind in the current technological revolution, characterised by the rivalry between OpenAI and DeepSeek,” he assured.
Education
Novena University/Asaba Specialist Hospital gets accreditation for Medicine
Novena University/Asaba Specialist Hospital gets accreditation for Medicine
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has accredited Medicine for Novena University/Asaba Specialist Hospital, Delta State.
Director of Education at Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakamma, disclosed this on behalf of the Registrar of the Council, Dr Fatimah Kyari.
Nwakamma represented the registrar during the recent advisory and clinical accreditation visit to Novena University/Asaba Specialist Hospital.
This is contained in a statement by the university obtained on Saturday.
By this accreditation, it noted that graduates of Novena University would be acceptable all over the world to practise medicine upon meeting the internal requirements of each country.
This success, according to Nnaemeka, has made Novena University one of the few universities across Nigeria to get Medicine accreditation in the very first attempt.
He said that the success was phenomenal being an exercise that was professionally handled to ensure the seriousness and preparedness of the Novena/ASH team to produce medical doctors for the world.
The MDCN team commended the partnership between Novena University and the Delta State Government (Asaba Specialist Hospital), for the excellent performance in the accreditation and verification of the university’s facilities, faculty, and overall preparedness to run the Novena University College of Medical and Health Sciences’ programmes.
The feat, Nnaemeka said, was achieved through the commitment, drive and resilience of Prof Ofili Charles, Provost of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, Novena University, and Dr. P. A. Ighosewe, Chief Medical Director, Asaba Specialist Hospital as well as the prompt intervention of Dr Joseph Onojaeme, the Commissioner for Health, Delta State.
“The commissioner’s belief in the PPP policy of the Delta State Government and his matching order to the combined team of Asaba Specialist Hospital/Novena University to get the results without failing paved the way for this phenomenal success,” he stated.
He further explained that the context of this success was based on the non-compromising insistence of the Council that standards must be met at all costs. This, he added, was the reason why Nigeria has continued to supply the world with qualified medical doctors.
Nnaemeka congratulated Novena University for this milestone achievement.
He said the management of Novena University and Asaba Specialist Hospital could roll out the drums of celebrations for a successful accreditation result.
This pronouncement was greeted with great relief and joy by the combined team of management of Novena University and Asaba Specialist Hospital, who worked tirelessly and prayed for the positive outcome of the accreditation exercise.
Given the philosophy of excellence preached in Novena University and the frantic preparations that were put in place in readiness for the accreditation visit, the positive outcome of the exercise follows the natural order that “hard work pays.”
In his response, Vice-Chancellor of Novena University, Professor Godwin Nduka, expressed his profound gratitude to MDCN, Dr. Nwakamma and members of his team who were drawn from universities and related professional bodies across Nigeria for their diligence and thoroughness in the performance of their responsibilities to the medical profession and the larger Nigerian society.
He had special commendations for Prof. Ofili, Provost of the College of Medicine, Novena University; and Dr. P. A. Ighosewe, the CMD of Asaba Specialist Hospital, for their expertise, professionalism, and organisational abilities in guiding this winning team to the end of this success story.
He went on to salute the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Novena University, Chuks Ochonogor, for his foresight, patronage, and exceptional leadership qualities that resulted in this epochal accreditation success for Novena University College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He also thanked Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who, as governor and a medical doctor, saw to it that this fruitful marriage between Novena University and the Delta State Government was contracted.
The Vice Chancellor’s expression of joy was equalled, if not surpassed, by the ecstatic and pulsating feelings of excitement that pervaded the Novena University atmospheric space when news of the successful accreditation filtered onto the campus on April 25, 2024.
This was especially so for the medical students who were understandably concerned and anxious about the outcome of the accreditation, despite their profound confidence in the capacity and capability of Novena University and their handlers.
“Now, they can go about their dreams of qualifying as medical doctors with renewed vigour and redoubtable reassurance that they have chosen a university that will deliver their dreams of becoming medical doctors of international reputation in no distant time from now,” the statement added.
Education
UNN appoints Prof Olayiwola Usman as first Yoruba DVC (Academics)
UNN appoints Prof Olayiwola Usman as first Yoruba DVC (Academics)
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, a Yoruba Muslim from Oyo State, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), marking the first time in the institution’s history that a person of Yoruba descent has held the position.
The appointment, made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor (Ag. VC), Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at fostering inclusive governance and restoring the university’s academic excellence.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the university reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based leadership and national unity.
Professor Ujam stated: “The appointment of Professor Usman reflects our resolve to prioritise competence over sectional considerations. It is imperative that we sustain this culture of inclusivity and meritocracy to move the university forward.”
In addition to Professor Usman’s appointment, the Acting VC also named Dr Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as Acting Director of the Medical Centre, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting excellence over sectional interests.
Both appointments have been widely welcomed by scholars and students from diverse backgrounds, recognising them as steps towards strengthening national unity within the institution.
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Professor Usman, who succeeds Professor Urama, holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and previously served as Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.
A distinguished academic, he is a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and the Nigerian Educational Research Association. His initial tenure as DVC (Academics) will last for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Meanwhile, the statement also highlighted that during a recent University Senate meeting, Professor Ujam emphasised the collective responsibility of repositioning UNN as a centre for ethical and innovative learning.
“A collective effort is required to place the institution on a steady path towards ethical and innovative learning. UNN must regain its pride of place as Nigeria’s premier university. We must rid the system of narrow-minded sectionalism and divisive tendencies that have eroded the enabling environment for research, comparative studies, and the adaptive application of new knowledge,” the statement read.
Education
FG to pay corps members backlog of delayed N77,000 allowance
FG to pay corps members backlog of delayed N77,000 allowance
The Federal Government has promised to pay the backlog of the new ₦77,000 monthly allowance to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The corps members’ allowance was increased from ₦33,000 to ₦77, 000 in September 2024.
However, the new rate has yet to be implemented.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Monday said serving corps members and those in the scheme when the increment was announced in September 2024 would receive a backdated payment.
He gave the assurance when he was featured on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He said, “You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question ‘What about those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said ‘We have your details’,” the minister said.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen.”
Education
Why postgraduate students are ineligible for FG loan – NELFUND
Why postgraduate students are ineligible for FG loan – NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has clarified the eligibility criteria for the scheme, explaining why students pursuing post-graduate programmes are not qualified to apply for the facility.
Managing Director of the Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, gave the revelation while speaking on TVC’s Breakfast Saturday.
Sawyerr also addressed concerns regarding postgraduate students’ eligibility for the loan, explaining that the facility is currently only available to students pursuing their first degree.
“The way the President has set this up and the way he has insisted that this must work is that you don’t need to know anybody to access this loan. And that’s what we are doing. No connections, no long leg, no man-know-man. We are not going to allow it to happen. The President wants us to completely democratize education.”
Although repayments have not yet been received, the Managing Director assured that the Fund is developing a robust repayment structure to facilitate timely and effective loan repayments.
He said currently, postgraduate students are not eligible to apply for the loan, as the primary focus is on supporting students pursuing their first degree.
Future plans for postgraduate students
Sawyerr, however, offered a glimmer of hope for postgraduate students, indicating that they may be eligible for the loan facility in the future.
“Post-graduate students can’t apply for this loan. We have a lot of people in this country who are just trying to get on the first rung of the ladder as far as tertiary education is concerned. The funds we have are focused on those people who are looking for their first opportunity.
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“I congratulate those who have graduated who are doing their Master’s or PhDs, it’s fantastic. At some point in the future, we will be able to fund them. Today, we are looking for those who need us most. They are the people we want to support.”
He emphasized that while plans exist to extend financial support to postgraduate students, the immediate priority remains assisting undergraduates who face financial difficulties.
The Fund is committed to ensuring that students do not drop out of tertiary institutions due to lack of funds, and future adjustments to the loan scheme will be considered based on available resources and policy direction.
Over 271,000 students enrolled
According to the Managing Director, revealed that more than 271,000 Nigerian students pursuing tertiary education have received a financial lifeline through the Federal Government’s Student Loan program since its launch in May 2024.
“Nigerian students are reacting extremely positively to the initiative. And as more disbursements happen, they are becoming more trusting. One of the interesting things going on at the moment is that President Bola Tinubu is restoring trust in the government. The students are receiving it well. We are transparent about what we are doing.
“In total, to date, we have about 271,000 Nigerian students who have either had their fees paid or their fees plus upkeep,” he noted.
As of Saturday, March 22, out of 521,000 students who have registered for the loan facility, approximately 438,000 have submitted their applications.
Why postgraduate students are ineligible for FG loan – NELFUND
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