Education
YABATECH Council Chairman Pledges Increased Intervention During Second Tenure
Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Chairman, Governing Council of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has expressed the body’s determination to bring more growth and development to the institution.Fagbemi made the remarks while addressing members of staff of the college at the inaugural meeting of the newly-constituted council, held on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, the council is coming with open mind and listening ear. He added that the council shall not only be fair to all, but would also be guided by the rule of law and due process in carrying out its mandate. The chairman noted that staff motivation is essential to quality performance and promised that the council shall ensure it puts in place, all that are required for the achievement of optimal staff productivity.He lauded the Federal Government for re-appointing him chairman of the council, for a second term, which, according to him, has never happened in the history of the college.Fagbemi added that his reappointment has given him the opportunity to serve humanity as well as contribute his own quota to the development of education in the country and in Yabatech in particular.He also congratulated members of staff elected to the board and the congregation in the council.Fagbemi commended the college management for the leadership provided in the administration of the institution, adding that it was a step in the right direction.“I would like to appreciate members of the immediate past governing council, who worked tirelessly with me to achieve the much we could.“It is heartwarming to note that one of the last members of the governing council, Hon. Isa Anwalu, has now been appointed Chairman, Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.“Similarly, after about a year into the tenure of the last Council, another prominent member, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, was found worthy and appointed as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi,’’ he said.According to him, “nothing better illustrates the caliber of council members with whom I delightfully worked with on the last council than these lofty career elevations.“It is my prayer that this present council will relentlessly build upon and surpass the successes achieved by the former council,” Fagbemi added.Fagbemi then commended the Rector of the institution, Mr Obafemi Omokungbe, his management team and the students for the successes recorded so far in the college.“What we are witnessing here today, is a feat worthy of celebration and I urge everyone to work and put in the best of ability.“We are open to viable ideas and suggestions to retain this enviable position and further move this college forward as the pride of Nigeria,” he noted.According to him, it is fundamental for the college to continue to occupy its rightful position in the community of Polytechnics in the country, hence the need for collective effort.Fagbemi further pledged council’s support to the college in the area of provision of infrastructure within the limits of its available resources, to attain a conducive environment for learning and work.He disclosed that the council had resolved to serve with diligence and commitment to the growth of the college.“We shall endeavor to provide enabling environment to allow ventilation of genuine ideas that will eventually move the college forward, amongst the comity of world class institutions.“We are ready and willing to listen and collaborate with you to achieve the lofty goals of this administration and encourage regular interaction with critical stakeholders in the system.“The is the need for us to be proactive in order to ensure rapid growth, delivery of qualitative and top notch education to our students.“It is therefore my sincere hope and prayers that we shall ensure smooth administration for the benefit of our staff and students,’’ he added.He also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for its numerous and continuous intervention to the Polytechnic sector across the country. (NAN)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.