News
We won’t return to class with empty stomach – ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it will not return to class with empty stomach as its members have not been paid for their salaries for a period ranging between four months and nine months.
The Coordinator, ASUU Calabar Zone, Comrade Aniekan Brown, told journalists in Calabar on Monday that “We are still in the trenches. And we will not return to the classes with empty stomach.”
He also said insisted that the Federal Government should adopt its University Transparency and Accountability Solution UTAS as the option against government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The Calabar zone covers seven universities within four states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Ebonyi.
ASUU also argues that the Federal government payment system IPPIS, which is made compulsory to university workers, including ASUU members is against the law of the land that granted autonomy to universities.
Besides, “the IPPIS is not temper-proof as presented, adding to the fact that it has national security risk being that the server is hosted from outside the country by an American company.”
He described the IPPIS as uncongenial with the modus operandi of the university system, given the peculiarities of universities.
“Kindly note that our Union has been rejecting the IPPIS since 2013; government challenged us to produce an alternative to IPPIS. The union took up the challenge, and has produced one. This is called the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, UTAS. Presentations have been made to the appreciation of some quarters.
“The union has been ready for the final stage presentation to NITDA. Sadly, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGoF) is of the position that our members migrate first (during the intervening period) after which if UTAS is approved, we would be re-migrated to UTAS. We argue that it is a case of economic waste,” he explained.
He debunked the figures pandered in some quarters by the government that over 50,000 members of ASUU have voluntarily joined the IPPIS platform in obedience to the Federal Government directive as against about 14,000 yet to comply.
His words: “That is just a divisive and blackmail tactics. We don’t have such number of academic staff members in the country even if you put together both federal and state universities. May be they are counting other unions’ members within the university.”
He further insisted that “the university system is peculiar in its modus-operandi. The mode of employment, retirement age, sabbatical leave, adjunct engagements, part-time engagements, contract engagements, etc. are concepts that are unique to the university, and obviously alien to IPPIS.
“The OAGF has told a lot lies about addressing these peculiarities. Unfortunately, our Union had a number of meetings with the OAGF and, for all that the meetings are worth, they were opportunities to convince ASUU that the IPPIS is capable of addressing the concerns of our union. This did not happen!”
ASUU has complained that the Federal Government has continued to pay deaf ears to the revitalization of Public Universities and as it concerns the proliferation and funding of State Universities.
The union is also saying that Visitors to State Universities should stand up to their responsibilities and that state governments should not establish universities they cannot fund. Visitation Panels to universities have not been done in the last ten (10) years.
He said, “We seek the cooperation and understanding of the good people of Nigeria, and the general public on ASUU’s stance on the afore-stated outstanding issues and the IPPIS.
“ASUU has courted for itself an enviable pedigree of integrity, credibility and accountability. Our members would not return to the classes with empty stomachs.”
News
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met privately with ex-military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at Babangida’s residence in Minna, Niger State, in a closed-door meeting that has sparked widespread speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew attention as both leaders emerged as key elder statesmen whose counsel and influence are often sought by Nigeria’s political elite. Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida spoke to journalists after the session, and no official statement was released, fueling discussions about behind-the-scenes strategic planning and coalition-building for 2027.
READ ALSO:
- Emir Sanusi II Returns to Classroom, Attends Law Lectures at Northwest University
- Israeli Authorities Demolish UN Compound in Occupied East Jerusalem
- Greenland Dispute: Trump Insists Tariffs Will Happen as EU Pushes Back
Political analysts note that such high-profile consultations are common ahead of major elections, as party leaders, former presidents, and influential figures explore alliances, policy priorities, and national governance strategies. Observers also link this meeting to recent PDP and APC elder consultations, signaling continued efforts by senior politicians to shape the electoral landscape.
The rendezvous underscores Obasanjo’s continuing role as a political kingmaker, leveraging his network and experience to influence party strategies, candidate selection, and national discourse. With the 2027 elections approaching, similar closed-door meetings among Nigeria’s top political figures are expected to intensify in the coming months.
Obasanjo Holds Secret Meeting With Babangida Amid 2027 Election Speculations
News
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
There has been widespread anger in Borno State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) omitted Vice‑President Kashim Shettima from the official banner at the party’s North‑East zonal public hearing on constitutional amendments in Maiduguri. The banner, which featured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the five APC governors from the region, and the party’s National Legal Adviser, conspicuously left out Shettima, a native of Borno State.
The omission prompted immediate backlash from party leaders, including Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who described it as “provocative and unfair,” stressing that it was inappropriate to sideline a senior party official in his home state. The speaker recalled a similar controversy at an APC event in Gombe State last year, highlighting persistent sensitivities within the party’s North‑East faction.
READ ALSO:
- ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027
- Lagos Court Imprisons Man for Life for Sexually Assaulting Wife’s 6-Year-Old Niece
- Twin Brothers Arrested in Texas for Alleged Revenge Killings
Attendees of the Maiduguri hearing, convened to discuss proposed constitutional amendments, expressed support for Lawan’s remarks, with loud applause and calls for the Vice‑President’s recognition. In response, the APC Deputy National Chairman dismissed the exclusion as an oversight by organisers, insisting there was no intention to diminish Shettima’s status and affirming that the hearing’s focus remained on party reforms rather than politics.
The incident comes amid speculation about internal APC dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, including questions around representation and leadership within the North‑East. Analysts note that repeated omissions of Shettima at high-profile events could fuel perceptions of internal rifts and affect party cohesion in the region.
Outrage in Borno as APC Excludes VP Shettima’s Photo at North‑East Zonal Hearing
News
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026 offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to global development, peacebuilding and humanitarian causes without leaving their homes. Through the UN Online Volunteering Programme, managed by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), skilled and passionate people can support UN agencies and partner organisations remotely.
The UN Online Volunteering initiative connects volunteers with assignments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering areas such as research, digital communications, translation, data analysis, advocacy, and project support. Assignments are flexible, fully remote and open to applicants from all countries.
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years and above. There are no nationality restrictions, and many online roles do not require formal academic qualifications, although relevant skills and experience are often essential. Online volunteering positions are unpaid, but successful participants receive an official UNV certificate, which can strengthen career profiles and international exposure.
READ ALSO:
- NIS Warns Skills Gap May Fuel Unemployment, Insecurity in Nigeria
- MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools
- CAN Alleges 163 Christians Abducted in Southern Kaduna; Police Deny Claims
Interested candidates are required to register on the Unified Volunteering Platform (UVP), the official portal for all UN volunteering opportunities. After creating an account, applicants must complete their profiles with detailed information on skills, languages and interests. Volunteers can then search for available online UN volunteer opportunities and apply directly through the platform.
Assignments typically last between a few weeks and three months, with flexible time commitments that can fit around work or studies. Recent and ongoing opportunities include roles supporting UNDP, UNICEF, and civil society partners in areas such as social media outreach, SDG advocacy, research support and community engagement.
Experts say the programme is increasingly attracting young professionals, students and freelancers seeking international experience, especially amid rising interest in remote work and global digital collaboration. With preparations already underway for major UN campaigns in 2026, including global volunteerism initiatives, demand for online volunteers is expected to grow.
The United Nations Volunteers programme encourages interested individuals to apply early and regularly update their profiles to improve their chances of selection, as new opportunities are posted frequently.
How to Become a United Nations Online Volunteer in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
-
Sports2 days agoBreaking News: Senegal Crowned Champions of 2025 AFCON After Dramatic Final
-
Entertainment2 days agoEucharia Anunobi Petitions Police, Sues Pastor Over Leaked Allegations
-
metro2 days agoAfter Years on the Run, NDLEA Captures Suspect Behind Killing of Three Officers
-
metro2 days agoSuspected Hoodlums Kill Former Osun NURTW Boss as Police Launch Investigation
-
metro2 days agoSultanate Council Calls for Nationwide Moon Sighting to Begin Sha’aban 1447 AH
-
Education2 days agoApply Now: PTDF 2026 Scholarships for Nigerian Postgraduate Students Abroad
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2025: Referee Daniel Laryea Breaks Silence on Morocco vs Nigeria Controversy
-
metro3 days agoTeenager Survives Alleged Ritual Attack as Five Suspects Held in Osun
You must be logged in to post a comment Login