Education
Strike: No end in sight, state varsities insist
Some branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in state-owned universities have vowed to remain on strike following the failure of the Federal Government to successfully negotiate with the national body of the union.
Chairpersons of ASUU in the affected state universities, who spoke in separate interviews with our correspondents, described as “ignorant” calls for the suspension of the strike in state-owned universities.
The PUNCH reports that the national body of ASUU had on Monday, February 14, 2022 declared a national strike, thereby grounding academic activities in federal universities and some state-owned universities across the country.
The national body had requested from the Federal Government the release of revitalisation funds to universities; earned allowances; deployment of the University Transparency Accountability System for the payment of salaries and allowances of lecturers; release of the white paper on the visitation panels to universities among others.
Although some state universities like the Kwara State University, Lagos State University, Osun State University, Kaduna State University among others pulled out of the strike, findings by our correspondents, however, revealed that majority of state-owned universities remain on strike.
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Such universities include Ekiti State University; Gombe State University; Olabisi Onabanjo University and Tai-Solarin University of Education, Ogun State; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo state; Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State; Bauchi State University; Benue State University, Ibrahim Babaginda University, Niger; Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano; Imo State University; Nasarawa State University; Abia State University; Kano State University of Technology; Kebbi State University; and Sokoto State University among others.
Benue State University
The University’s ASUU chairman, Dr Tarnongu Kwaghfan, insisted that the university would not resume class until the national secretariat of the union gives the directive.
He said, “Benue State University is on strike, it is not a sympathy strike because the university is a member of National Executive Council of ASUU and member of National Delegate Conference of ASUU. So we are part of the decision-making process of the union. Those saying we are on sympathy strike are saying that out of ignorance.”
Asked what would happen if the union and Federal Government reached an agreement but not implementable by the states, the ASUU chairman of BSU said whatever agreement the Federal Government and the union agreed on must be implemented by the states.
Adekunle Ajasin University
The University’s ASUU chairman, Prof Simon Ehiabhi, said, “ In ASUU, there is no federal or state ASUU. ASUU is just a single entity with chapters. What you have are branches of ASUU, and state universities that have subscribed to ASUU are branches of ASUU. Just as you have one Nigeria Union of Teachers. You don’t have federal or state NUT. Just as you have one Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board that conducts UTME, you don’t have federal or state JAMB. Just as you have one NECO, one WAEC, that’s how ASUU is.
“So if anybody is calling for state universities to pull out of the strike or not to join the strike, the person is speaking out of ignorance or out of not really understanding how the union operates. So no branch of the union can pull out of the strike, decided by all the branches at the congress.”
TASUED, Ogun State
The branch’s ASUU chairman, Dr Rufai Kazeem, said, “For now, my university, TASUED, we are on strike and will not opt out of the strike until all our demands are met,” he said.
Kano varsity
The ASUU branch of the Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Muhammad Gaya and Secretary, Murtala Muhammad, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.
“The union noted that the body language and antics of the government are indications that the government was out to completely destroy education in the country, especially tertiary education.”
‘Shift grounds’
Meanwhile, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government and ASUU to shift grounds in order to pave the way for amicable resolution of the prolonged strike.
The Executive Director of MMWG, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, in a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday stressed the need for the parties involved in the crisis to shift grounds in view of the damage the prolonged strike has done to the university education system.
Ekiti varsity’s resumption
The management of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti on Wednesday directed all newly-admitted students for 2021/2022 academic session to resume on Monday for screening, registration and orientation programme.
The order, despite the ongoing ASUU strike, followed the advisory by stakeholders in the institution to the management to reopen the university without further delay for continuation of academic activities.
EKSU Registrar, Ife Oluwole, announced the resumption in a statement in Ado Ekiti titled, ‘Resumption of academic and administrative activities in the university: University stakeholders’ resolutions.’
Oluwole stated that the stakeholders expressed worries that the industrial action was having negative effects not only on the students, but also on the university in areas including “undue prolongation of the academic calendar and the stay of the students on campus”
The PUNCH reports that the strike by ASUU entered its 191st day today (Thursday).
Education
Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2
Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullah, said the union will shut down all polytechnics nationwide by December 2 due to the Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands.
He explained that the union leadership issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 6, 2024, outlining pressing demands aimed at resolving the systemic challenges that hinder the progress of polytechnics. However, he said the government failed to address the issues.
Speaking at a news briefing on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Kaduna, the chairman listed some of the demands, including swift release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention fund, immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review across all public polytechnics, and the payment of accrued arrears.
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Other demands are the release and final resolution of the decades-long arrears of CONTISS-15 migration for lower cadres, the release of outstanding promotion arrears, addressing inadequate funding, and resolving the issue of unpaid allowances.
“Regrettably, as we passed the deadline of this ultimatum, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands. The silence and inaction have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions, scheduled for December 2nd, 2024, should our concerns remain unaddressed,” he said.
Comrade Abdullahi said the survival and quality of the educational system hinged upon the government’s responsiveness.
He stated that the union believe that a strong education sector is vital for the future of the nation and cannot afford to compromise on these issues any longer.
He urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union and take decisive steps towards resolving these challenges.
Poly lecturers to embark on nationwide strike from Dec 2
Education
US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students
US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students
Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) has opened applications for its 2025 scholarships, offering international students the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the USA.
These scholarships, available for both Master’s (MS) and PhD students, provide a tuition waiver and a competitive stipend for living expenses.
Scholarship overview and opportunities
Scholarship Region reports that Montana Technological University is offering funded Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) for Fall 2025. These assistantships are available for students applying to the MS and PhD programs, and they provide an opportunity to work alongside faculty on important research projects.
The university is focusing on key research areas such as advanced materials and manufacturing, critical mineral recovery and processing, environmental remediation, and biotechnology. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply soon to contribute to these cutting-edge fields.
Eligibility requirements
To apply for the Montana Tech University Scholarship 2025, candidates must meet several criteria.
- Applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- They must also meet the admission requirements for the program they wish to apply to and satisfy the English language proficiency requirements set by the university.
- Additionally, applicants must submit their applications for admission by January 1st to be considered for the scholarship.
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Benefits for scholarship winners
Students who are accepted into the MS or PhD programs at Montana Tech and are awarded a Graduate Research Assistantship will receive significant benefits. These include a
- Tuition waiver and a competitive stipend to cover living expenses.
- All applicants to available graduate programs will automatically be considered for the assistantships.
Required documents for application
Details inform that candidates applying for the Montana Technological University Scholarship must prepare several documents as part of the application process. Required documents include the;
- Application form,
- A personal statement,
- A CV, recommendation letters,
- TOEFL or IELTS scores, GRE scores, and official academic transcripts.
These documents as mentioned, are crucial for the admissions review and scholarship consideration.
Step-by-step application process
To apply for the scholarship, candidates are informed to first visit the graduate research fields page on Montana Tech’s Graduate School website. From there, they can apply for openings in the available research areas and complete the application form.
All required documents must be uploaded as part of the application. For more details and guidance, prospective students can contact the Montana Tech Graduate School at [email protected], where they will be connected with a faculty member leading a funded project.
US University opens 2025 scholarships for international students
Education
Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025
Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025
Western University has announced that applications are now open for the National Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The opportunity offers funding to outstanding students with a proven track record of academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
According to Western University, the deadline for applications is February 14th, 2025.
Details of the program and eligibility
The National Scholarship Program is aimed at Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as international students meeting specific criteria. International students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the International President’s Entrance Scholarship.
Details inform that applicants must have an overall academic average of 90% or higher from their Grade 12 courses (or equivalent) and must apply for full-time studies at Western University’s main campus. Students must also be nominated by their high school.
Scholarship opportunities and amounts
The program offers various scholarship opportunities based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.
- The Neen Hodgins National Entrance Scholarship awards $80,000 over four years, while,
- President’s Entrance Scholarships range from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the amount of funding available.
- For black students, the James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship offers $50,000, and the Beryl Ivey Continuing Entrance Scholarship provides $92,000 over four years.
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International students have access to scholarships such as the Neen Hodgins President’s International Entrance Scholarship, valued at up to $80,000. Other awards include the Faculty Entrance Scholarships, valued at $30,000, and the National Merit Awards, which provide $2,000 for students who are interviewed but not selected for a National Scholarship or a Schulich Leader Scholarship.
Application requirements
Applicants must submit a variety of materials, including a completed online application, a transcript from their school, and a reference letter from a teacher or staff member who is familiar with their academic and extracurricular achievements.
Additionally, applicants are required to write a 1,000-1,250 word essay on an issue of public concern. The essay, along with other supporting documents, must be submitted by the February 14th, 2025, deadline.
Nomination and assessor process
The institution informs that in order to be considered for the National Scholarship Program, students must be nominated by their school. The application includes a “Nomination Request Form,” which is sent to the school administrator once completed.
Students are told to ensure that they follow up with their school to confirm that their nomination and transcript are submitted on time. Additionally, students must request one reference letter from a teacher or staff member who can assess their academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities.
How to apply
To apply, students need to access the National Scholarship application through the online portal, using their OUAC reference number and date of birth.
- Western University advises that there may be a delay between submitting the admission application and being able to access the scholarship application, with a minimum wait time of five business days.
- Once available, students can complete the application and submit all required documents before the assigned deadline.
For further details on how to apply, visit the Western University National Scholarship application portal.
Canadian university offers funded national scholarship program for 2025
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