The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, has said that another set of graduates will be employed to shore up the school’s workforce after a 10-year freeze.

The VC, who stated this on Saturday, noted that a similar exercise was carried out last year after several members of staff retired or changed jobs, thereby opening spaces for new employees to come in.

Omoregie stated that for 10 years before he became the VC, it had become apparent that the school needed to recruit massively to take care of the shortfall.

He said, “For 10 years there was no employment in the school, but I have adopted a strategy that has put hundreds of graduates in paid jobs at the school.

“Another set of people would soon be employed into both the academic and non-academic sections after a similar exercise was carried out last year.

“Many workers were retiring, some resigning or others changing jobs, which created vacancies in the school, but past administrations did not replace them. They said the government placed an embargo on employment, but there was nothing like that. The government only said there will be no new commission in some universities, but you can use replacement based on attrition.”

He stated that about 400 spaces would open soon based on those who are retiring, noting that the appropriate body would be approached to ensure that those spaces were filled.

“Even from calculating those who were going to retire alone, we got over 400 spaces this year. So we calculated all that, approached the appropriate approving body for those who are leaving to be replaced, for those who have left to be replaced; that was what they didn’t do for 10 years.

“That was why our emolument cost plummeted significantly. UNIBEN used to have one of the highest numbers of employees, but our staff strength plummeted from about 8,000 to about 5,000 when I took office.”

“The last time any employment took place on this campus until last year was in 2015. So for 10 years, the university bled; they had to start moving non-academic staff into academic staff; they started recruiting adjuncts. You don’t run a university like that. Those gaps, by the grace of God, are now being filled.

“We did about 500 last year, and by the special grace of God, this year we are still going to do an equal number,” he added.

In July 2026, the institution launched a N100 billion Trust Development Fund to provide quality infrastructure, strengthen teaching and learning, and expand research capacity.

Speaking as the special guest of honour at the launch, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative aligns perfectly with the Federal Ministry of Education’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which, he added, seeks to reposition education through innovation, strategic partnerships, improved governance, quality assurance, digital transformation, expanded access and sustainable financing.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Federal Fire Service, Osun State Command, responded to a distress call on a building collapse at Zone 8, Oke Alaafia Community, Owode Ede, Osun State.

The Command received the call at about 23:30hrs through its emergency line from one Mutiu (08032621997) and mobilized Appliance FFS 141 driven by AIF Adeyemi, with DSF Ogunremi in charge of the crew.

The incident involved a two-storey shopping complex used for commercial purposes. The building consists of six shops at the upper floor, six shops at the middle floor and two stores at the ground floor, covering an area of about 50m by 100m.

Preliminary investigation reveals that structural defects and the use of substandard materials are suspected to be the cause of the collapse.

During the rescue operation, five (5) trapped victims were successfully rescued alive and evacuated to Idera Specialist Hospital, Ede for urgent medical attention. Three victims were recovered suspected dead and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, A Division, Ede.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with Osun State Fire Service, Ede Station. Also in attendance were a team of the Nigeria Police Force from A Division, Ede led by Bamidele and NSCDC personnel from Owode Ede Division led by CSC Oyekunle.

The stop message was received from ACF Akinjobi for the address. Search and rescue operation was completed and appliances with men returned to station at about 09:26hrs on 31st October, 2026.

Estimated property loss was put at ₦100 million, while property worth approximately ₦150 million was saved.

The Command commiserates with the affected families and urges the public to ensure compliance with building standards and to promptly report emergencies.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the weekend has expressed their concern over the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified in circulating reports as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.

In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja stated that CAN is particularly concerned by reports that the case arose from circumstances involving the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, although the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction are still being verified.

He however added that an appeal has been filed and CAN is committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.

Okoh said, “Nevertheless, the case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Association believes that every individual has the right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.

“CAN therefore calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected and that justice is served in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

“The Association will continue to monitor developments in the case and engage with the relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

“CAN remains committed to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians of all religious backgrounds and to the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen”.