Education
ASSU Condemns LAUTECH VC Sack by Makinde
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has condemned the ‘Step Aside’ order given to the vice chancellor of the institution by the Oyo State Government.
The union in a release jointly signed by its Chairperson, Dr Biodun Olaniran and Secretary, Dr Toyin Abegunrin, after its congress on Monday, said the state government did not follow due process in its action.
Governor Seyi Makinde had on Friday ordered LAUTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof Michael Ologunde, to step aside until further notice.
The governor’s decision was conveyed in a letter by Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology.
“His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State and visitor to the Ladoke Akintola University, has ordered that the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M. O. Ologunde, should step aside until further notice,” the letter said.
The union, however, said that it received with shock, the directive emanating from the office of the Commissioner for Education of Oyo State, asking the Vice-Chancellor to step aside.
It said that the state government erred in its action because it was strange to the provision of the university act.
It denounced the VC’s dismissal, emphasising that state government lacked the power to sack the vice chancellor without the recommendation of the governing council.
It stated that based on the content of the April 16, press release, a congress of the Union held on April 19, insisted that the governor should follow due process.
“That the `step aside order’ violated the provisions of the University Miscellaneous Act as amended, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology law 2020 and the University conventions.
“If there is any perceived misdemeanour on the part of any officer appointed by the law in the University, due process according to the law must be followed to address such,” it stated.
The union stated that ASUU acknowledged the power of the Visitor to hire and fire on one part.
“And, that such power is premised on the recommendation of the governing council according to the extant laws.
“That as at today, the governing council has not been properly constituted in line with law of the University.
“ASUU LAUTECH therefore, requests that, to maintain industrial harmony on campus and the on-going restoration of the image of the University, the above resolutions should be considered with the necessary urgency,” it stated. (NAN)
Education
Veritas University Graduates 795 in 13th Convocation Ceremony
The Veritas University, Abuja, on Saturday, graduated a total of 795 students in various disciplines from six facilities during its 13th Convocation ceremony
Report says that 716 of the graduands bagged first degrees while 79 graduated from the post graduate school.
56 if the first degree graduands came out with first class honours, 329 with second class upper division, 291 with second class lower division and 40 with third class.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof.
Hyacinth Ichoku, said that the impact of the institution had reflected in its standard of education.Ichoku said the students had recorded outstanding breakthroughs by winning awards for the school and country both at the national and international levels.
”Our students have continued to shine in the last years. The Software Engineering Department of the institution won the African Global Engineering Competition.
”We have also won the Commonwealth debating championship as well as an AI competition involving 150 university,” he said.
He added that the institution had inaugurated its endowment fund with the aim to generate funds to address the infrastructural need of the university.
He also said that the institution had just completed the construction of two separate hostels, each to accommodate 500 students, while also expanding its digital hub that would facilitate international teaching and learning.
He said pledged that the institution was planning the construction of its faculty of engineering and innovation.
In a goodwill message, the Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, lauded the institution its achievements.
Maiyaki said that the milestone resulted from years of hardwork, resilience and commitment in inculcating academics and moral values for the educational advancement of the country.
The institution’s Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dr Matthew Kukah, said that the country was at the crossroads as a result of numerous challenges the country is faced with.
Kukah said that with the emergence of a new terrorist group, there was need for the country to brace up to this challenge to avert future problems.
He charged the graduating students to deliver on the confidence reposed in them to help the country find a lasting solutions to some of the challenges.
Highlight of the event included award of prizes to the outstanding students in their various departments and faculties.
Prominent Nigerians also bagged the institution’s honorary doctorate degree award.
The honorees were the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, and the Executive Secretary, Sahara Power Group, Kolawole Adesina.
Others are Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Alaba Job and Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna.(NAN)
Education
Empower Varsity Students For Green Jobs – NAUS National Ex-officio
The national ex-officio of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Moses Alalade, has called for equipping Nigerian students with the skills needed to excel in green careers.Alalade said green jobs are critical not only for sustainable development but also as a pathway to meaningful employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
In a press statement, he appealed to government bodies, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions to support programs that empower young professionals in the sustainable energy sector. “We call on the government and industry stakeholders to support programs designed to illuminate the path for young professionals interested in the fast-growing field of sustainable energy.”As we prepare the next generation of professionals, it’s essential that we offer the skills needed to contribute effectively to a sustainable energy sector.“Green energy is pivotal to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), offering renewable solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate risks,” Alalade said.According to him, green jobs, which have a direct positive impact on the environment, are increasingly vital as we address the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.”These roles are at the forefront of the shift toward a low-carbon economy and are integral to creating a sustainable future. As countries and organizations prioritize clean energy, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals to design, install, and maintain renewable energy systems.”He further acknowledged the importance of partnerships in advancing these goals, commending government agencies and international organisations that contribute to sustainable energy efforts.“We appreciate key government agencies and organizations, such as Student Energy, for their commitment to training young Nigerians and supporting sustainable energy solutions,” he stated.Prior to his leadership at NAUS, Alalade actively led sustainability initiatives as Chapter President of Student Energy.Student Energy, a Canada-based non-profit, is dedicated to building capacity in clean energy for young leaders across campuses worldwide.Under Alalade’s leadership, the chapter launched the Switch and Spark Initiatives, which offer students exposure to clean energy concepts and hands-on experience with sustainable solutions.Education
Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.
The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the academic session.
He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.
The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.
Mr Sally Farouk from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.
94, according to Ojediran.He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.
The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students quality education.
“You have joined hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.
Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.
Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.
Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees and services to humanity. (NAN)