UNN ASUU directs members to withhold results over unpaid salaries – Newstrends
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UNN ASUU directs members to withhold results over unpaid salaries

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2 years ago

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University of Nigeria, Nsukka

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) chapter, has directed its members to withhold examination results of students in protest over eight months unpaid salaries by Federal Government.

The university lecturers’ union also directed its members to boycott, forthwith, departmental, faculty and Senate council meetings, aimed at approving results of students until the salary issue is addressed.

The lecturers had carried placards, and marched round the school premises to protest non-payment of their salaries. Some of the placards read: “We say no to intimidation by government,” “Kill education, kill the nation,” “No pay, no results,” “Lecturers are not casual workers,” among others.

Speaking to newsmen after their protest at the school premises, the chapter Chairman, Dr. Christian Opata, insisted that members are not happy with the half salary payment to them when the strike action was called off last month. He said: “We will continue to teach, but will not release results of exams or allow school Senate to seat and approve any result.

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“ASUU is saying no to government policy of ‘no work, no pay;’ but if government insists on the policy, ASUU will not handle any academic activity that falls within that eight months period.

“ASUU wants government to honour its agreement with the union since 2009, and stop further attempt that will keep students away from school.”
Opata described, as unfortunate, the attempt by government to treat lecturers as labourers by using the so-called ‘pro-rata’ format to pay them their October salary.

“This is the first time in history of the country when university academic staff are paid as casual workers; an indication that the current administration has no regard for education,” he said.

He threatened that ASUU is determined to embark on what will be known in Nigeria’s history as “mother of all strikes” should government fail to do the needful.

“If government thinks that implementing its policy of ‘no work, no pay’ and withholding our salary will prevent us from embarking on strike again, then it is a big joke. If government fails to do the needful soon, ASUU will return to indefinite strike action in public universities,” he added.

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Education

JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick

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14 hours ago

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April 25, 2025

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JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick

Muslim students have vowed to take legal action against any harassment, threats, or unjust treatment directed at female candidates wearing hijabs at centres for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This comes in the wake of reports of hijab harassment and hijab seizures that have sparked widespread concern among Muslim students and religious organizations, following incidents that took place on Thursday.

Under the umbrella of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), the students issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, expressing deep dissatisfaction with reports of harassment at several UTME centres across Lagos, particularly Caleb University in Ikorodu, a Christian-owned institution, where hijabs were forcibly removed from candidates.

Abiona criticized the ongoing incidents, emphasizing that despite established guidelines allowing the wearing of hijabs, female Muslim candidates continue to face harassment and coercion at examination centres.

“It is distressing to report that incidents of discrimination against female candidates wearing hijabs during the UTME persist,” said Abiona.

“Despite clear guidelines that allow hijabs, some female candidates are still subjected to undue harassment. These ongoing actions are a blatant violation of their rights and religious freedoms.”

He highlighted a particularly troubling incident that occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Caleb University in Ikorodu, where female Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijabs to continue with their exams.

“This flagrant violation not only disrespects their religious beliefs but also goes against legal protections for religious freedom and equality.”

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Abiona called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take immediate action against the erring UTME centres, urging the board to demonstrate that it does not support the harassment of hijab-wearing candidates.

He demanded justice for the affected candidates, insisting they be given the chance to retake their exams without religious interference. “JAMB must act swiftly,” Abiona stated.

“We call for a thorough investigation into these allegations and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed on any institution found guilty. The safety and dignity of all candidates must be safeguarded at all examination centres in Nigeria.”

“Moreover, we demand justice for the affected candidates, ensuring they have the opportunity to retake their exams without any obstacles, ensuring fairness and equity in the educational system,” he added.

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, reiterated its unwavering commitment to opposing discrimination and upholding the rights and dignity of students. The group called for an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity within educational environments.

The students also issued a stern warning that any institution found in violation would face legal action.

“We will not hesitate to pursue legal proceedings against JAMB or any centre found harassing female Muslim candidates for wearing the hijab. This must end immediately, as wearing the hijab is both a legal right and a religious obligation.”

 

JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity, Muslim students kick

 

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Education

FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)

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22 hours ago

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April 25, 2025

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FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)

The Federal Government, through the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has opened applications for the 2025/2026 edition of its Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS), targeting academically qualified Nigerian youths.

In an announcement shared via PTDF’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the agency revealed that the revamped scholarship programme is geared toward developing local expertise for the nation’s oil and gas sector.

“The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is pleased to bring to the notice of the public that the applications for the 2025/2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS) has commenced,” the statement reads.

Eligible candidates can apply for fully funded master’s or doctoral studies in several international locations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia, as well as at the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna.

According to the agency,“Fully funded MSc scholarship will be provided in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.”“Fully funded PhD scholarship will be provided in Germany, France & Malaysia.”

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For PhD candidates interested in studying in the UK, the award will now follow a split-site format, combining overseas learning with a local academic base.“Fully funded PhD scholarship for the United Kingdom will now be offered exclusively as a Split-Site Programme at the PTDF College of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK) in collaboration with three partner Universities in the United Kingdom: Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde and University of Portsmouth,” the statement further explained.

The scholarship package covers return air travel, health insurance, tuition and bench fees (where applicable), and a living allowance for the duration of the programme.

Applicants must be Nigerian graduates with strong academic credentials in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas industry.

Interested individuals are expected to complete their applications via the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal. The deadline for submission is June 4, 2025.

Additional information on eligibility, programme specifics, and partner institutions is available on the official PTDF website.

FG announces 2025/2026 overseas scholarship for graduates (See how to apply)

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Education

FG says colleges of education will begin awarding degrees in September

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2 days ago

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April 23, 2025

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FG says colleges of education will begin awarding degrees in September

 

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, says a dual mandate allowing colleges of education (COEs) to award both bachelor’s degrees and the National Certificate in Education (NCE) is for implementation this September.

In 2023, the mandate was signed into law, having undergone ideation with numerous committees recommending its adoption.

It was to take effect from the 2024/2025 academic session (starting September 2024), where only federal COEs aged at least 10 years were to pilot the programme.

Alausa spoke in Abuja during a follow-up meeting on resolutions from the last biannual stakeholders meeting.

He said the implementation of the dual mandate will now begin in September 2025.

The education minister said it would boost enrolment in COEs and eliminate the need to convert COEs to universities.

Alausa said reforms within COEs are important for adapting to modern demands and technological advancements.

He urged educators to integrate technology, critical thinking, and computational skills into their curricula.

“We once had a strong educational system, and that’s what we are working hard to restore. All hands are on deck to achieve this,” he said.

“We must tackle the high number of out-of-school children and reduce learning poverty across the country. As teachers, you are at the centre of driving this change, and you must also challenge yourselves.

“The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago is no longer relevant. Education and teaching methods are evolving. You must start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom.”

Alausa stressed the need for educators to harness educational technology and artificial intelligence to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

Addressing declining enrolment in colleges of education, he urged administrators and staff to support the ongoing reforms, warning that the survival of their institutions depends on their ability to adapt.

“With this dual mandate, there is no need for conversion to university status. You should be the ones pushing for implementation, not the other way around. It’s a matter of your survival,” he said.

“The government has secured the future of colleges of education. It is now up to you to sustain them. Failure to embrace this mandate could lead to extinction.

“With this reform, there’s no justification for any college of education to seek university status.”

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