By Uzair Adam
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere in Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate, has lost his mother, Hajia Zainab Pate.
According to family sources, Hajia Zainab, aged 80, passed away in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Wednesday following a brief illness.
The Daily Reality gathered that she is survived by three children: Prof. Umar Pate, Amina, and Hamza.
The funeral prayer was said to have taken place this evening in Yola.
By Anwar Usman
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, announced the dismissal of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Ohieku Salami, due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.”
According to a statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by the pro-chancellor “including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the normal procedures.”
The statement stated that despite intervention by the ministry of education and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to abide by the order, resorting to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.
“In line with this decision, the minister has requested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability.”
By Anwar Usman
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, said that the country must tackle the pressing issue of the National Library, which has been abandoned for over 18 years, by making sure it’s been completed.
Obasanjo, who delivered a goodwill message at the 60th anniversary of the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja, described the library as not only a symbol but also a critical necessity.
The Daily reality reports that the contract for the library, which stands incomplete on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory, was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company in 2006 during Obasanjo’s administration.
The contract was worth N8.9 billion, with a stipulated completion period of four years.
However, the former president stated, “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone and embrace new directions, we must also address a pressing challenge: the completion of the National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.
“The vision for a purpose-built, state-of-the-art national library is not merely a symbolic aspiration; it is a critical necessity for our country. It represents a physical and functional commitment to our collective belief in the transformative power of knowledge in our lives and societies.
“I, therefore, call on all stakeholders – from the government to the private sector and international partners – to prioritise the completion of this vital infrastructure. A fully operational headquarters will serve as a beacon for literacy and learning, a hub for cultural preservation, and a global symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to education and innovation.”
On his part, the national librarian, Professor Veronica Anunobi, while highlighting the achievements of the library, said, “Since 1974, we have issued 1,000,574 International Standard Book Numbers, as well as 27,755 International Serials Numbers since its inception in 1976.
“A greater push was made this year to fulfil our responsibility in the issuance of International Standard Music Numbers, and we were able to issue numbers for published music scores.”
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Federal Government has earmarked N112 billion for the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, which will aim to secure learning environments nationwide over the next three years.
Minister for Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim made this announcement to commemorate Universal Children’s Day, themed “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future.”
“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, over N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she stated.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and providing a secure environment for education.
The government has made significant progress in advancing children’s rights through various initiatives.
All 36 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, marking a significant step in protecting children’s rights under the Nigerian Constitution.
Additionally, the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act has strengthened policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation.
By Abdullahi Muhammad
Renowned US-based Islamic scholar Dr. Yasir Qadhi paid a visit to Dr. Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, at his royal palace. Accompanying Dr. Qadhi was the esteemed Shaykh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar.
During the visit, Dr Qadhi, who has delivered a sermon and lectures across Nigeria in the last few days, presented one of his scholarly works to the Emir as a gesture of intellectual camaraderie.
Dr Qadhi acknowledges that Emir Sanusi II was widely respected as both a traditional leader and an academic. Sanusi holds multiple degrees in economics and Islamic law, reflecting his dedication to scholarship and his role as a revered political figure.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of all parties to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth within the Muslim community.
Dr. Qadhi expressed his admiration for the Emir’s leadership and intellectual pursuits, while the Emir extended his gratitude for the thoughtful visit and gift.
By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim
One thing about being a public figure is that it deprives you of your nature to be human (one bound to make mistakes). Moreover, it makes you lose your private life, as everything you do is often turned into a public affair.
It’s even more troubling when you’re a religious public figure who is commonly referred to as an Ustaz because you’d have to go the extra mile to pretend to be who you’re not sometimes to remain in people’s good book.
Now, imagine having to tender an apology and an explanation to an entitled public for your personal affair, which they consider inappropriate, or risk being bullied. Some of these issues that raise concerns are debatable or even irrelevant.
People with visible flaws would even be the ones at the forefront of bullying you when you derail from their definition of saint or Ustaz just because they expect you to be completely flawless.
Nobody would understand the irresistible youthful exuberance, satanic temptation, peer group influence, and other factors that might have led to your deviation from the path of saintliness.
Anyway, such prestigious recognition and status come with a price. So, I can say that’s the price you’d have to pay for being what so many people are not.
It is more important to please God while being true to your conscience than trying to please humans, as pleasing humans can never be completely achievable.
Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim wrote via suleimibrahim00@gmail.com.
By Anwar Usman
The Federal Government has lifted the ban that restricted the posting of members of the National Youth Service Corps to the public institutions, allowing for corps members to now be posted to private sector organisations, including banks and oil and gas companies.
According to a memo released by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on November 18, 2024, the new policy directive will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise.
The previous policy that was implemented during the former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, aimed at discouraging private companies from exploiting cheap labour while promoting public sector capacity building and restricted corps members to only four sectors of the economy, including education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
The minister added that the new policy follows President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to tackle rising youth unemployment by ensuring that government agencies align with the vision of his administration, adding that the directive will initially take effect in Lagos and Abuja.
“The new policy would also allow the corp members to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study, noting that the previous policy discouraged Nigerian youths from gaining experiences that would prepare them for the labour market.
The memo further read in parts, “There is a serious need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review per prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.”
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil.
Tinubu described the alliance as pivotal in the global fight against hunger and poverty. He made this statement on Monday at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He lauded the initiative and described it as the right step to address one of the world’s most significant challenges.
“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.
“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe.
“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said.
President Tinubu compared this global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development.
According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance is a significant step in its efforts to address hunger and poverty by leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies.
He added that by supporting the initiative, Nigeria also demonstrates a solid commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger.
“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them.
“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” President Tinubu said.
By Ahmed Rufa’i Shehu
Although unprepared for this, I am excited to celebrate a renowned educational and religious scholar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede (JAMB Registrar), for his successful retirement from the University of Ilorin.
Prof. Oyedele has left the famous University of Ilorin after spending meritorious years as a lecturer. This led to his appointment as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Prof. Oloyede is undoubtedly one of the people who made the University of Ilorin one of the best in Nigeria and Africa. The send-forth dinner was very colourfully organised.
Although Prof. Oyedele has retired from active university teaching, he still contributes his quota to the tertiary education sector. The ancient city of Ilorin was alive with celebrations for Prof. Oloyede.
One need not mention the innovations he has brought to the conduct of the JAMB examination and the running of the board’s affairs, including the welfare of the staff. It’s a blessing to have him as a boss. His unwavering support for his staff will not be overemphasised. Therefore, for me, the University of Ilorin should grieve after losing this astute Scholar.
It took me eight years to understand his policies despite my beliefs and doubts, but I have concluded that Professor Ishaq Oloyede means Discipline and Integrity.
Happy Birthday and Happy Retirement, Sir
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with India on November 16, 2023.
This move, negotiated since 2016, aims to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, representing the NCS at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, noted the agreement’s benefits.
He said, “The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences.
“By facilitating the swift clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is set to bolster cross-border trade development and improve the enforcement of customs laws.”
