Education
FG’s School Feeding Programme Generating Concern Among Benue Beneficiaries

The Federal Government’s initiated homegrown school feeding programme in Benue State appears to be generating concerns again.
It will be recalled that big pen was wielded against the former focal person in the state for the poor coordination of the programme as many things went wrong and the laudable programme had actually started taking a plunge in the state, when the governor sacked him.
This week, many food vendors took protest to Government House, Makurdi, signposting a new trouble as over 300, 000 pupils and many vendors have allegedly been removed from the feeding programme.
On the heels of the protest, some uninformed and illiterate food vendors operating in rural primary schools have been circulating rumours of mass sack hitting them.
In other quarters, it is bandied with that all the old food vendors in the state have been dropped and new ones who are in the good book of the wife of the state governor, Eunice Ortom, are allegedly being secretly recruited. Those who orchestrate this allegation seem to be of the opposition APC stock in the state.
While tension and panic take over the food vendors over the confused atmosphere, information from the official quarters, National Social Investment Programme/Office of the state Focal Person appears not to be diffusing the tension
An online investigation however, revealed that what is happening in the Homegrown School Feeding Programme is not unconnected with the officials of the National Statistics Office, Abuja, who recently toured primary schools in Benue to ascertain vital statistics of the schools in the scheme.
According to the source, Abuja office of the statistics has released the list of the schools toured.
In the list, many primary schools’ names were either blacklisted, omitted or downrightly expunged from the scheme.
In Oju LGA for instance, over 115 primary schools were previously enlisted in the scheme but after the visit of the officials of the National statistics, the schools have been reduced to only 90.
According to a source in the office of the state focal person, desk officers would forward the list of omitted schools up for transmission to Abuja for correction.
The earlier the correction of the error, the better for the scheme and the Buhari administration.
Or it is as good as kissing the laudable scheme bye and the good image of the government of the day will be in shreds. God forbid bad thing!

Education
NAUS Lauds Gov Sheriff Over Appointments Of Ex-students Leaders In Govt

The Comrade Marshall Uchenna Obaji led National Association of University Students (NAUS), has commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori over the recent appointment of notable ex-students leaders to head the Student Affairs Directorates of the Delta State Government for the present dispensation.
The NAUS National Leadership noted that the appointment of prominent student leaders who have served the students movement with positive impacts, is an indication of the willingness of the Delta State Government to work with the interests of students and Youths of the state.
The students body spoke through the Director of TETFund Projects and Special Duties, Comr.
Obichie Ogochukwu Favour in a statement released to the newsmen.Favour stated ” On behalf of the National President Comrade Marshall Obaji and executives of the National Association of University Students NAUS, I extend commendations to the Executive Governor of Delta State over the appointment of prominent student leaders as leaders of the Student Affairs Directorate in the State, as Executive Assistant, Senior Special Assistant and Special Assistants to the State Government.
“The National leadership of NAUS receives the appointment of Dr. Ezekiel Okoh, Comrade Obaro Egagifo, Comrade Umukoro Mario Puzo, I and Comrade Okocha Ike as student advisors to the Governor, with happiness and good assurances.
“These individuals while as students, led and served with credits the students movement.
From their past activities for students welfare and development, the National Secretariat of NAUS has strong confidence in their abilities to deliver dividends of democracy to Delta State Students.
“On this note, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves commendation for his befitting choice and selections.
In the statement, the NAUS Director of Special Duties also urged the appointees “to be good ambassadors of the Students Movement and Comrade community, working to deliver the trust reposed in them by the Governor, and perfect the lives and welfare of Delta State Students and others schooling in the state.
Favour further charged the students in the state to be ready to work with the government of Delta state for their benefit and advancement.
Education
SSANU calls for immediate implementation of over 25% salary increment

….SSANU calls for immediate implementation
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has called for the immediate implementation of 25 and 35 per cent salary increments for workers in tertiary institutions.
Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President, SSANU, said this in a communique issued on Monday in Abuja.
The communique was issued at end of the 45th regular National Executive Council meeting(NEC) meeting of the association held in University of Maiduguri, Borno.
He said NEC in session deliberated on issues of national importance as they concern members of the association.
He noted that NEC recalled the renegotiation of salaries for its members with the c hommittee led by the late Prof. Nimi Briggs that was at the final stage.
According to Ibrahim, SSANU had demanded for 700 per cent wage increase but the committee offered a 23.5 per and 35 per cent review for members.
“The recent announcement for approval of an increment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent for tertiary institution workers by the government which was circulated in the social media is not a product of collective bargaining agreement with the university based unions.
“While grudgingly acknowledging this slight increase that is yet to be officially communicated to the union, our universities and inter-university centers.
“SSANU urges both Federal and State Governments to immediately implement the increment and pay the arrears without further delay,”he said.
He added that NEC is also aware that a provisional sum of N100 billion had been budgeted for salary review of workers in tertiary institutions which is yet to be implemented.
The SSANU president also said that NEC expressed worries over withheld four months salary arrears of its members during the last nationwide strike.
He said that NEC described the action of the withheld salaries as insensitive and inconsiderate.
“It was obvious that SSANU complied with all legal provisions including giving adequate notices to the appropriate authorities.
“But were forced to embark on that strike due to government’s failure to honour her path of the agreement.
“SSANU therefore earnestly requests government to pay the withheld salaries without any further delay.
“This is considering the harsh economic realities currently faced by citizens in the country as government is aware, the value for the money has already been eroded by hyperinflation,”he added.
Ibrahim said NEC noted that the issue of Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/SSANU Agreement was not only long overdue but that the exercise should be concluded.
“NEC in session agreed that now that ministers have been appointed, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman should hit the ground running as directed by the president.
“This will go a long way in addressing all industrial disharmony between the government and the university based unions, ”he said.
He said NEC also demanded that government should immediately reconstitute the renegotiation committee
with experienced university administrators and ensure they complete the assignment within a reasonable time.(NAN)
….SSANU calls for immediate implementation
Education
Give attention to equal early childhood education – association tell governments

…..Give attention to equal early childhood education
The Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN) has called on governments to ensure that every child, regardless of his background or location, has equal access to quality early childhood education and healthcare.
The National President of ECAN, Prof.
Babajide Abidogun, made the appeal in a statement he issued on Monday in Lagos.Abidogun said that Nigeria could not ignore the issues affecting its youngest citizens.
“Early childhood development is a critical phase in a child’s life, laying the foundation for their physical, emotional and cognitive well-being.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every Nigerian child receives the care and support they need during this crucial period.
“Investing in early childhood education and healthcare is not only an investment in the future of our children but also in the future of Nigeria,” he said.
Abidogun added that quality early childhood programmes would provide children with the needed tools to succeed in life, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
“We must also address the disparities that exist in access to early childhood services across our great nation.
“Rural and underserved communities should not be left behind.
“This momentous occasion – independence anniversary celebration – not only marks the progress we have made as a nation but also reminds us of the responsibilities we bear towards our youngest citizens, children, who represent our future.
“Our diversity, culture and resilience have shaped our great nation, making it a beacon of hope on the African continent,” he said.
He said that there was the need to inspire children to have laudable dreams and work hard to achieve their aspirations.
“ I call on all stakeholders, including government officials, educators, parents, and communities, to join hands in building a brighter future for our children.
“Let us commit ourselves to nurturing the potential of every Nigerian child and ensuring that they grow up in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment,” Abidogun said. (NAN)
…..Give attention to equal early childhood education