Education
Kogi Poly Promotes Five to Chief Lecturers, Demotes One
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Governing Council of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has approved the promotion of Five Principal Lecturers to the rank of Chief Lecturer just as it approved demotion of one from Chief Lecturer to Principal Lecturer over gross misconduct.
This was part of the far reaching decisions made at the 64th Regular Meeting of the Governing Council led by the chairman, Professor Isa Yakubu held at the Polytechnic’s Council Chamber over the weekend.
According a statement issued by the Polytechnic and made available to Newsmen in Lokoja, “having considered the recommendations from the Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee (AP&DC), Council approved the promotion of Olorunniyi Adebola Emmanuel and Ahmed Onimisi Matthew (both of the Department of Sciences, School of Preliminary Studies), Omolegbe Leah Tinuola (Department of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Preliminary Studies), Zubair Ajoze Abdulraheem ( Computer Science Department) and Audu Ozohu Omolola Muhammed ( Department of Library and Information Science) to the rank of Chief Lecturer.
“Council also approved the recommendation that Mr. John Edoka, a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration be demoted to the rank of Principal Lecturer to serve as deterrent to others for his involvement in act of gross misconduct bordering on dishonesty, student victimisation and disobedience to lawful order.
“In the same vain, the appointment of Mr. Dominic O. Idakwo, a Lecturer II from the Department of Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) was terminated for abscondment from duty since 2018 after he was granted study leave with pay.
“Council further resolved that, Mr. Oguntunyi Oluwaseun, a Computer Technician in the Information Technology and Resource Centre (ITRC) be made to pay for the six missing laptops under his care.
“Council also resolved that Mr. Olufemi Anthony Ajibodun of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, be made to refund the sum of Two Million, Six hundred and nineteen thousand, nine hundred and thirty six naira, fifteen kobo only (N2,619,936,15) he collected as part of TETFUND scholarship grant for “up -keep” at the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom in 2012 which he did not attend” the statement disclosed.
Earlier in the day, the Governing Council made history with oversight visit to the Itakpe Campus of the Polytechnic which is the first of its kind in the history of the institution.
Led by the Chairman, Professor Isa Yakubu, Council inspected facilities at the three Schools of Engineering, Agricultural Technology and Preliminary Studies on the campus, and expressed satisfaction with the level of development there.
Professor Yakubu who stressed the need for vocational and technical studies to be given more priorities due to its relevance to societal needs, commended the Rector, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman for his commitment to the growth of the campus.
The Dean, School of Engineering, Dr. Stephen Akande thanked the Governing Council and the Polytechnic Management for the historic visit, just as he pleaded that the campus be fenced to forestall security challenges.
Professor Isa Yakubu while thanking the Council Members for their support and commitment in the quest to make Kogi State Polytechnic a positive reference for other institutions, said Council would continue to provide needed support to management of the institution to achieve their set goals.
Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman praised the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for providing the enabling environment and his continued support to matters concerning education especially Kogi State Polytechnic.
Dr. Usman equally thanked the Chairman and members of the Governing Council for their leadership roles and encouragement to the Management in repositioning the Polytechnic in good stead.
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)
Education
Prioritise Teachers’ Welfare, NUT President Urges Governors
President of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, on Tuesday, called on state governors to prioritise the welfare of teachers to enhance quality education at the grassroots.Amba made the call at the Adamawa NUT Delegates’ Conference, with the theme: “Education Challenge in an Economy of Uncertainty: Effect of Teachers,” in Yola.
While appreciating Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for the immediate implementation of N70,000 minimum wage, he called on other governor, who had yet to implement it in their states to do so. The NUT president advised members to be productive and strive to undergo training and retraining to further enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.He called on delegates to elect leaders who would lead well and be bold enough to protect the interests of teachers.Amba also appealed to the governor to implement the minimum wage for primary school teachers and local government workers.In his address, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adamawa chapter, Emmanuel Fashe, decried what he called over-taxation of the civil servants in the state, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.Fashe commended the state government for the recent employment of qualified teachers, calling for employment of more, especially primary school teachers.He urged the delegates to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and vote wisely.The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Education Reform, Prof. Sofema Geoffrey, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state.According to him, NUT has a lot to showcase in term of support to government to ensuring quality education in the state.Fintri urged the delegates to conduct a peaceful conference.He assured that other issues at the forum, especially the ones on over-taxation, would be put into consideration. (NAN)Education
Over 40 Students Bag First Class at FUL
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
No fewer than 41 Students out of the total number of 1,863 bagged first class degree at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this in his speech at the 8th convocation ceremony held at the Felele main Campus of the institution in Lokoja at the weekend.
He said that 461 students were conferred with Second Class Upper and 974 got Second Class Lower while 384 students bagged Third Class and 3 students were awarded Pass Degree.
Professor Olayemi Akinwumi also announced that a total of 117 students were awarded Diploma and 216 with postgraduate degrees: Ph.
D, Master’s and PGD.He said that within his short period in office, the university had embarked on a landmark Collaboration with Rural Electrification Agency to provide reliable power generation via renewal energy solutions such as installation of campus-wide street lighting and establishment of renewable energy training centres.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that Federal University, Lokoja under his administration established the first-ever Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi state to serve not only as a significant hub for research and education but also provide a unique platform for community engagement and environmental conservation.
“It is worth noting that prior to my assumption of office in 2021, only two inaugural lectures were held at our university but now I am proud to share that we have successfully conducted a total of twenty-two inaugural lectures since then.
“In our commitment to fostering engagement with critical societal issues, we have prioritised public lectures as the cornerstone of our mission at FUL. Since our last convocation, we have successfully organized six impactful public lectures that have addressed a variety of important topics” Professor Olayemi Akinwumi further disclosed.