NEWS
Don Identifies Poor Funding, Corruption as Obstacle to Nigeria’s Varsity Education

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akoko Akungba, Prof Nahzeem Olufemi Mimiko has identified poor funding and corruption in the system as the major obstacle to Nigeria’s university education.
Mimiko stated this in a Pre-convocation Lecture he delivered as part of the activities marking the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Lokoja, billed to hold on Saturday, this week.
In his lecture with the topic: Reimaging Nigeria’s University Education For Wholesome National Development, Professor Mimiko, declared that the principal challenge that university education faces in the country is its mediocre level of funding.
According to him “Nigeria remains one of the countries in the world that are yet to meet the UNESCO-recommended threshold for education funding, at 15% to 20% of GDP (UNESCO, 2015).”
He called for increased budgetary allocation to the education sector in Nigeria with emphasis on university education.
A Professor of Political Science and International Relations noted that physical facilities for teaching and learning in Nigeria’s tertiary education were inadequate, dilapidated, overstretched/overcrowded and improvised.
He also observed that basic learning resources were unavailable or in short supply while the majority of the universities in the country were grossly understaffed.
Professor Mimiko attributed corruption in the system as one of the major setbacks in the nation’s university education. “I reference corruption here not just in the narrow sense as financial corruption, but also reflected in inanities like provincialism; and cultivation of crop of indolent staff”
“The only way to overcome challenges bedeviling Nigerian universities is the reimagining requisite for making these institutions to be competitive and capable of driving wholesome national development”
Comparing university education with that of Polytechnic, Professor Mimiko recommended that university education in Nigeria should remain focused on the more conceptual dimension of the knowledge enterprise, while technical education as administered by polytechnics should be devoted to producing middle level manpower in technical competencies.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi said that the lecture is geared towards providing intellectual discussion and described the guest lecturer as an erudite scholar who knows his onions.
“We are committed to celebrating our academic excellence as the topic of the lecture is very relevant to our future career and guidance
“The lecture no doubt will contribute immensely to Nigeria’s educational and economic landscape” Professor Olayemi Akinwumi said.
NEWS
Alleged Police Brutality: A’Ibom CP Orders Investigation into Students Complaints

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, Baba Azare, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of police brutality and extortion raised by some students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John on Monday in Uyo.
The students earlier on Monday staged a protest over alleged police brutality and extortion which they said disrupted academic activities in the institution’s campus.
In a bid to address their concerns, the Commissioner of Police engaged the management of the school, Students’ Union Government (SUG) and other representatives in a peaceful dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and strengthening police-student relations.
“During the engagement, the Command reaffirmed its uncompromising dedication to upholding human rights and ensuring the safety of all citizens, including students.
“The CP strongly condemned any acts of misconduct by police officers, emphasising that any personnel found guilty of unprofessional behaviour would face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law,” John said.
The command spokesperson reassured the students of the Polythecnic that proactive security measures were already in place to curb crime and enhance safety within the host community through intelligence-led operations.
She said the CP used the occasion to emphasise on the need for continuous collaboration between students and law enforcement agencies in the State for peace to reign
She called for open communication and trust-building efforts to ensure a more secure environment.
John added that the police command remained resolute in its duty to protect lives and property, while maintaining the highest standards of policing. (NAN)
NEWS
Northern CAN Calls for Mindset Shift to Foster Regional Development

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called for a change in mindset, to promote unity, peace, and development in the region.
Speaking at a dinner in Kaduna on Monday night , Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev.
John Hayab, urged Christian leaders and communities to embrace inclusivity and cooperation as a pathway to progress.CAN leaders , clerics and others in attendance reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating the rights of Northern Christians and addressing key regional challenges.
“We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power.
However, we will do so with love and understanding,” Hayab said.He decried the deep -seated religious and ethnic divisions that had hindered the region’s progress, calling for a new era of unity and respect.
“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a change in mindset,” the chairman said.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Amb. Elizabeth Azizi, the leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, expressed confidence in Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable advocate for the Christian community.
Azizi also criticised the previous CAN leadership, led by Rev. Yakubu Pam and secretary, Elder Sunday Oibe, for exceeding their tenure by nearly three years.
She urged them to act with maturity and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Similarly, Northern CAN Youth Leader, Evangelist Musa Misal, reaffirmed the youth’s support for Hayab, and called on Pam and Oibe to hand over all Northern CAN properties in the 19 states and the FCT to the new leadership without delay.
Misal also urged them to acknowledge that leadership is temporary and that it comes from God.
“The youths stand firmly with the new leadership and will give him their total support. This is the kind of leader we have long desired,” he said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga; Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Grace Kaka; and Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole.
Others in attendance were the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Ngbea Gabriel; and Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson.
Also, a former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; and President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye, among others. (NAN)
NEWS
Police Confirm Explosion at Trans-Niger Pipeline in Rivers

The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed an explosion at the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s Spokesperson, made the confirmation in a statement to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
She said that details of the explosion were still sketchy, and assured that further information would be provided as investigations progressed.
The explosion, which occurred on Monday midnight, damaged the pipeline transporting crude to the Bonny Terminal, a key crude oil export facility.
The TNP, formerly owned by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, was later sold to AITO and has the capacity to produce 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Eyewitness reports revealed that the explosion impacted a main section of the pipeline, though the exact cause remains unknown.
The explosions comes amid heightened political tensions, following the Rivers State House of Assembly’s issuance of report gross misconduct to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu.(NAN)