Education
University Technologists threaten Indefinite Strike
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike for non-implementation of memorandum of agreement it signed with the Federal Government.
Mr Kenneth Nwaji, NAAT Chairman, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) made this known while addressing newsmen on Monday, at Umudike.
Nwaji, who is the South East Zonal Public Relations Officer of NAAT, read the memo from the national secretary, Abuja, as signed by the General Secretary, Mr Abubakar Yusuf.
He said the Federal Government had been issued a two-week ultimatum starting from Feb. 28, and ending on March 14, to address all the union’s grievances.
Nwaji said that NAAT would hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 17, for possible declaration of two weeks warning strike.
According to him, a NEC meeting will hold on March 30 and 31, to review the situation and take a final decision for an indefinite strike action.
The group alleged delay in the renegotiation of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement, insensitivity and provocative attitude of government on the matter.
It also accused the government of failure to release enabling circular for CONTISS 14 and 15 as contained in the FGN/NAAT MOUs of Sept. 2017, Nov. 2020 and that of Feb. 2021.
The union decried non-release of funds for payment of Earned Allowance to defray the backlog of arrears which led to some branches battling with payment for the period 2009 to 2012 only.
It complained about non-availability of adequate, modern and functional laboratory equipment, as well as non-payment of arrears of minimum wage.
Other issues raised by the union were the deplorable conditions of laboratories/workshops/studios in the nation’s universities and poor funding of state universities.
It also expressed worry over non-composition of Governing Councils for Universities of Agriculture for more than a year now, saying that the development had caused unnecessary delay in the promotions of its members in those institutions. (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)