Education
Varsity strike may continue as non-academic unions reject FG-ASUU deal
- Protest N40bn earned allowances sharing formula
The expectation of academic activities resuming at the Nigerian public universities after Wednesday’s suspension of the protracted strike by lecturers may not materialise as three non-academic unions have kicked against the N40bn earned academic allowance deal sealed by the Federal Government and the lecturers’ union.
The three unions, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, (SSANU); Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), said they would not resume in January when universities reopen unless the Federal Government corrected the “imbalance.”
They accused the government of allocating about 75 per cent of the N40 billion EAA to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, leaving members of the three other unions with only 25 per cent.
National President of NAAT Ibeji Nwokomma said anyone thinking that the non-teaching staff unions in the universities would resume with the recent development was day-dreaming
He said the discrepancy in the sharing of the N40bn contradicted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal government and NAAT on November 18 during a conciliatory meeting called by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Nwokoma said, “My union is rejecting the sharing formula of the earned allowances as it is being done by the government.
“Government has allocated 75 per cent to ASUU and 25 per cent to all other non-teaching unions in the universities. This is grossly inadequate.
“That is robbing Peter to pay Paul and using divide and rule in the university system. No union, not even ASUU, has the monopoly of opening or closing of schools through strike. Other unions also have that capacity to ensure that the system does not work.
“Secondly, my union, ASUU and other unions negotiated with the government, so, payment of Earned Allowances will be based on unions, it should be on the basis of the 2009 agreement; that is where the Earned Allowances is derived from. Lumping my union with other non-teaching staff is totally unacceptable to us.
“We have an MoU with the government just signed on November 15, which says that government should clearly define what should go to each union and government agreed that it was going to do that and today they just shared the money anyhow without adhering to the MoU.
“My union is asking that our own Earned Allowances should be specified, whatever it is should be specified just like they did to ASUU. If nothing is done, we will close down the system until we are fairly treated.”
National President of SSANU, Haruna Ibrahim, said his union would not take the lopsided sharing formula.
He said, “I believe that this remains a rumour even though I know it could be true. I have seen 75 per cent and 25 per cent.
“We have stated in no uncertain terms that we will not take this kind of lopsided allocations again because what is the scientific measurement used to give this money. We have stated before now that the least we can take is 50-50; they are not more in numbers.
“If they give for example 60-40, do you think the noise will be there? Government does not want peace if it is giving 75 per cent to only one union and giving 25 per cent to three unions. Does it make sense?”
“Certainly, my members are more than willing to down tools if this becomes a reality.”
The Federal Government has agreed to pay all withheld salaries of the ASUU members who had not enrolled in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) between December to January, 2021.
The government, through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation also agreed to release the N40bn as the EAA by end of this month.
It offered to release N30bn for revitalization of the universities as part of one tranche of N220bn on or before January 31, 2021 as a sign of commitment to the MoU it signed in 2013.
The government said the withheld salaries would be paid in instalment because of “special management of funds.”
It also agreed that all members of ASUU who had been omitted from payment between February and June and from June to December should be paid their salaries as soon as their respective universities updated their lists. The list includes those on sabbatical leave.
According to the federal government, payment of check off dues of ASUU will start by next week.
These are some of the agreements reached between the leadership of ASUU and the government team led by Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, at a meeting on Tuesday.
Education
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
The government of Germany has announced the commencement of applications for the DAAD scholarship 2026 for Nigerians and Sub-Saharan Africans, offering fully funded opportunities for postgraduate study and research.
The programme, administered by the German Academic Exchange Service, is open to qualified graduates and postgraduates seeking to further their education in Germany’s top universities.
In an official announcement, authorities confirmed that the application deadline is April 29, 2026, urging interested candidates to submit their entries early due to the competitive nature of the scheme.
Opportunities for Nigerians and Africans
The Germany DAAD scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, public health, environmental sciences, economics, governance, and social sciences.
Germany remains a top destination for international students due to its tuition-free or low-cost education system, strong research infrastructure, and globally recognised academic standards.
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Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Monthly stipends (approximately €900–€1,200 depending on level)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Accommodation support
- Pre-study German language training (where applicable)
The funding typically lasts 12–24 months for Master’s programmes and up to three years or more for PhD studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD scholarship for Nigerians, applicants must:
- Possess a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Provide proof of English or German language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Have relevant professional experience (for many courses)
Candidates must also submit a compelling motivation letter explaining how their studies will contribute to development in their home countries.
Application Process and Deadline
Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the official DAAD guidelines and ensure that all required documents—including academic transcripts, CV, and recommendation letters—are submitted correctly.
Authorities stressed that late applications will not be accepted, urging candidates to apply well ahead of the April 29, 2026 deadline.
Rising Demand for German Scholarships
The DAAD scholarship 2026 is highly competitive, attracting thousands of applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa each year.
The initiative forms part of Germany’s broader commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships, supporting education, and developing future leaders across Africa.
With applications now open, qualified Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study in Germany and enhance their academic and professional careers.
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
Education
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged candidates and parents to speak up against admission bias if they are confident in their UTME scores but are denied admission into their preferred institutions.
JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during an interview on Good Morning Nigeria, a programme aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
He stressed that the current admission system, powered by the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
According to Oloyede, many parents still resort to illegal means because they believe admission cannot be secured without influence. He described this mindset as having “climbed the ladder to illegality,” warning that such actions are no longer necessary under the present system.
He explained that candidates who meet the required cut-off marks and admission criteria but are unfairly denied admission should formally protest through JAMB, as CAPS allows full visibility into the admission process.
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The registrar highlighted that CAPS enables candidates to track their admission status in real time, accept or reject offers, and ensures institutions follow approved guidelines. He added that the platform prevents schools from secretly manipulating admission lists or replacing qualified candidates.
Oloyede further revealed that since the introduction of CAPS in 2017, cases of admission irregularities have significantly declined, with no major systemic failure recorded.
Addressing concerns about Direct Entry admissions, he noted that JAMB has strengthened its verification process to curb fraud. This includes stricter checks on qualifications such as JUPEB and IJMB certificates, making it increasingly difficult to forge results.
He disclosed that the board now verifies academic credentials directly with awarding institutions, including foreign universities. According to him, recent checks uncovered several fake degrees, with some foreign institutions confirming that such certificates were not issued by them.
The registrar added that JAMB has intensified collaboration with universities and other regulatory bodies to ensure proper screening of A-level results and early detection of fraudulent applications.
He emphasized that with improved digital tracking and verification systems, any attempt to bypass the admission process will be detected, urging candidates to rely on merit rather than shortcuts.
Ultimately, JAMB reiterated that qualified candidates must defend their rights through official channels, as the system now supports fairness and equal opportunity for all.
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
Education
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
The Jigawa State Government has arrested seven teachers for allegedly engaging in examination malpractice during a large-scale teacher competency assessment involving over 8,400 educators. The arrests are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve accountability, professionalism, and learning outcomes in public schools.
The assessment, conducted by the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is described as a Teacher Training Needs Assessment, aimed at identifying gaps in teachers’ knowledge and skills to inform targeted training programs.
Chairman of SUBEB, Haruna Musa, confirmed that the affected teachers have been handed over to the police for investigation, emphasizing that the exercise is more than a routine test. “This assessment is not just about testing knowledge; it is about restoring integrity and professionalism in our schools,” he said.
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Musa noted that examination malpractice, whether by teachers or students, undermines the credibility of the education sector and would not be tolerated. He also warned against absenteeism and involvement in partisan politics during school hours.
According to officials, the arrests are intended to serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the government’s commitment to enforcing discipline and ethical conduct in schools. The arrested teachers are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional personnel were involved.
Education experts have described the crackdown as a critical step toward safeguarding learning standards, emphasizing that teacher integrity directly impacts student achievement and the overall quality of education.
The Jigawa competency test reflects the state government’s determination to ensure that only qualified and competent personnel remain in the public education system, highlighting broader efforts to improve educational outcomes and accountability across Nigeria.
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
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