Education

By Ishaka Mohammed

In 2019, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) honoured Oluwaseyi Ajibade as the best PhD graduate of the year. Interestingly, 13 years earlier, he had graduated with a third-class bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lagos State University (LASU). His story exemplifies persistence.

Although Dr Oluwaseyi Ajibade’s story became news due to his exceptional performance at the PhD level, there are other third-class graduates around who proceed to obtain higher academic degrees. I recently met one, and he discussed his academic journey and an unfortunate situation with me.

His third-class bachelor’s degree necessitated his acquisition of a postgraduate diploma (PGD) before he enrolled in a Master’s programme. He received his PhD in 2020.

In addition to his academic qualifications and publications in reputable journals, he is an experienced teacher who once became vice-principal in a public school.

However, his weak first degree has so far blocked his aspiration to lecture at university. Two Nigerian universities have pointed this out to him, making reference to the minimum requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The above revelation is akin to being denied admission to higher institutions because of one’s poor grades in primary school. I understand that a first-class or an upper second-class bachelor’s degree is a requirement for the position of graduate assistant in Nigerian universities, but the man’s case is different. Apart from his PGD and master’s degree, he also holds a PhD, the highest academic degree in Nigeria.

If his rejection is genuinely based on the NUC’s standards, the commission must review its standards. Aspiring lecturers’ previous qualifications should be checked only to ascertain a connection to the latest ones. Nonetheless, the grades in the latest qualifications may be considered a testament to the holders’ intellectual capacity.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The management of the University of Ibadan has approved the reduction of the number of workdays for staff from five to three.

According to a statement by the institution’s registrar, G.O. Saliu, the decision was taken due to the skyrocketing costs of fuel.

“The generality of Nigerians have experienced enormous economic difficulties as a result of the astronomical increase in the pump price caused by the removal of subsidy by the Federal Government,” the statement reads.

“Salary earners who have to commute to work every working day are faced with an aggravation of the condition, given the attendant hike in the transport fare and cost of living.

“After careful consideration of the situation, the University Management recommended a temporary work schedule adjustment for members of staff, which Senate at its meeting of Thursday, 03 August 2023 considered and approved.

“Accordingly, members of staff are now expected to work on-site for three (3) days in rotation per week, with effect from Monday, 14 August 2073. “It should, however, be noted that those on essential duties are exempted from this adjustment.

“It should be further noted that Management will review the arrangement as the situation improves. Meanwhile, members of staff are to maintain commitment, open communication, and cooperation towards ensuring free workflow, including working from home where and when necessary.

“In light of the foregoing, management seeks the understanding of all Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units towards a smooth implementation of the intervention,” the statement added.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Students of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, have protested against the Dean of Law of the University, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, over sexual harassment. 

On Monday, the students demanded the dismissal of the learned professor, as they carried placards clearly stating their reasons for the protest. 

They accused the university don of sexually harassing students and threatening to fail them. They also alleged the suppression of their voice over the alleged infamous conduct of the professor by the institution. 

Prof. Ndifon was previously removed from his position as Dean of Law over allegations of rape in 2016. Ndifon was, on August 29, 2015, accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old 400-level student (name withheld) in the faculty after ordering her to his office. Following the development, authorities of UNICAL suspended the dean from office. The suspension was to last until he was completely exonerated from the allegations.

However, according to reports, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) reappointed him as the Dean of its law faculty in 2022.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it plans to resume its orientation programme for new corps members in Borno, 13 years after it was put on hold owing to the Boko Haram insurgency.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the insurgency has, for numerous years, forced corps members who had been posted to the state to do their orientation course in Katsina State.

The next orientation would take place in the state, according to Mr Lawal Yusufu, the state’s commissioner of police, who was speaking to reporters at the ad hoc orientation camp on Monday at the Arabic Teachers College in Maiduguri.

Yusufu, who spoke after examining the camp’s facilities, stated that security agencies will collaborate to provide security for the incoming NYSC members at the camp’s entrance, exit, and other strategic locations.

Government representatives, including the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, and the State Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Mohammed Badiya, accompanied the commissioner on the tour.

The new NYSC members’ orientation programme is scheduled to start on August 18.

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

David Roger Jowitt, the renowned British professor of Nigerian English, who had lived in Nigeria for six decades and became a citizen in 2023, died yesterday after a brief illness.

Professor Jowitt was an academic and an author. His books, Nigerian English and Common Errors in English, are some of the best on the subject. He had reportedly been working on his memoir before his death.

He also taught at Bayero University, Kano, University of Jos, among many other institutions across the country.

Your Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf

I hope this message reaches you in good condition. I write this letter to advise you on the teachers whose salaries have been withheld pending their verification and screening of their recruiting processes. We all believe this is for sustaining education quality within the state boundaries. 

It is heartbreaking and adds pain to the people in mourning. The suspended teachers can now be seen as unemployed, leading to a high rate of criminality, a threat to the state’s peace and stability, and creating economic hardship for the state. 

With due respect, Your Excellency Governor, not all suspended teachers are unqualified and incompetent. Most of them obtained National Certificate In Education (NCE), which is requisite for teaching, and we believe in putting everything in place.

I kindly call on the Excellency Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinets for urgent consideration to reinstate the suspended teachers to take a breath of liberty. I hope this message reaches you on time and that you will consider my request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I extend my best wishes to you as you continue leading Kano toward a brighter future.

Yakubu Nasir Khalid

yakubunasirukhalid@gmail.com

By Kamal Alkasim

For many divorcées, the decision to return to school and pursue their dreams after parting ways with their husbands presents a significant challenge. In this article, we will explore the undeniable transformative power of education and its role in empowering divorcées to build a brighter future for themselves. Through the voices of these resilient women, we will understand the importance of providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education and break free from the false theories that have hindered their path.

The Transformative Power of Education

Education is a powerful tool that can turn any individual into a star; women are no exception. By prioritising their studies over remarriage, divorcées can equip themselves with knowledge, skills, and confidence to overcome obstacles and shape their destiny. Education serves as the foundation for the development of any society and holds the key to personal and societal growth.

Challenging False Theories

Unfortunately, outdated and false theories surrounding women’s education in tertiary institutions have deterred many from pursuing their dreams. These misconceptions have created barriers for divorcées seeking to return to school. By challenging these beliefs, society can open new opportunities for these women to thrive.

Voices of Empowerment

Through conversations with divorcées who have chosen to pursue their dreams through education, we gain valuable insights into their determination and resilience. One woman shared her regret for not pursuing her studies earlier but expressed optimism about the positive changes education would bring to her future. Another divorcée spoke of her unwavering ambition to gain an education and fulfil her goals despite her challenges.

“If I had known earlier, I would have pursued my studies long ago. But now, this opportunity will bring positive changes to my future. I may have faced some challenges, but with education, I can overcome any obstacle.” – Divorcée.

“My greatest ambition is to gain an education, and after my divorce, I promised myself that I would come back to achieve this goal.” – Divorcée.

“People may judge me based on appearances and talk rubbish, but that won’t deter me. I will mind my own business and study human behaviour. This knowledge will help me solve matrimonial cases and more.” – Divorcée.

Overcoming Judgment and Criticism

Divorcées often encounter judgment and criticism from others, but their determination to succeed remains unshaken. One brave woman acknowledged the judgment she faced but declared her commitment to minding her own business and studying human behaviour to help others in similar situations. These voices exemplify the strength and resolve of divorcées in their pursuit of education.

Empowerment Through Education

Let us join hands in defeating these nonsensical theories and supporting divorcées in their educational journey. By empowering these women with education, we provide them with the tools to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future. Education holds the potential to transform lives and enable divorcées to achieve their dreams without fear or judgment.

Education is a beacon of hope for divorcées seeking to rebuild their lives and pursue their aspirations. By allowing them to learn and grow, society can break down barriers and empower these women to become agents of positive change. Let us recognise the transformative power of education and support divorcées in their quest for knowledge and self-fulfilment. With education as their ally, the future holds boundless opportunities for these strong and determined women.

Kamal Alkasm is writing from Kano.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, the vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has revealed that the university has implemented a job programme for students in which the university hired students to do some jobs for it in exchange for N15,000 per month. 

Delivering a speech over the weekend in Kano when he met a group from the university’s main campus and the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Adamu-Sagir said: “The university equally introduced a kind of job scheme for students, whereby they were engaged to render some services to the university, and they were paid N15,000 monthly.  

“This does not affect their normal learning because it does not take much of their time as some were to clean some surroundings or render certain minor service within the university and got paid at the end of the month.”

The Vice-Chancellor bemoaned the large expense of maintaining the institution in his remarks over the rise in registration fees, particularly the exorbitant cost of providing fuel. 

He disclosed that the monthly cost of power is approximately N35 million, and the cost of diesel for generator purchases is approximately N40 million. 

He also noted that with a student body of almost 45,000, including postgraduates, and a staff of over 5,000, both teaching and non-teaching, it was practically impossible to provide social services. As a result, the management was compelled to hike registration fees.

By Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde

FOR STUDENTS, two days ago I learned about the tragic death of a mother who developed sudden BP after failing to gather enough funds for the last minute registration of her orphan daughter at a federal university in the northwest.

Within a day of illness, the mother died. This got me thinking of means to reduce difficulties for hundreds of thousands of students facing similar challenges on all our campuses. They are well into their courses when the fees were tripled. The students’ loan promised has not taken off and institutions have set deadlines for online registration. Do we sit back as a nation to see the students abandon their studies? No. We must do something. Here are my humble suggestions:

1. Installment payments. Higher institutions should allow old students to spread payments over the remaining sessions of their courses, with the caveat that no student shall sit for a semester exams or be issued his certificate without completing his payment. However, an initial deposit, say 30% of the fee, can be required at the beginning of the session or semester.
2. Students loan: The Special Committee under the CBN which is statutorily empowered to administer the loan should double its effort to enable a quick take off. Remember that the President once said he would like to meet the first set of beneficiaries of the loan in September.
3. Remove Family Earning Cap: The Committee can remove the family earning cap to allow any student to access the loan as the President has ordered.
4. Guarantors: State governments can serve as guarantors for their indigenes instead of individuals.
5. Online application: The Committee can explore digitizing all or part of the application process to reduce stampede at banks and check corrupt practices like extortion of students by officials of institutions and banks.
6. Legislation: To effect these changes, some sections of the Student Loans Act, 2023, need to be amended. This can be expressly done with the cooperation of the National Assembly and the Presidency.

Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde can be reached on Twitter: @Dr_AliyuTilde

By Uzair Adam Imam

Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga, the senator representing Kano Central, was commended by the Management of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), for sponsoring the registeration of 200 BUK students.

Senator Hanga was applauded for rescuing Kano students who initially thought their academic journey at BUK was over as a result of the increment in the registration fees by the school management.

This was contained in the BUK weekly Bulletin made available on Friday by the Deputy Registrar Public Affairs, Malam Lamara Garba.

Other persons commended by the university were Honourable Abubakar Kabiru Abubakar, member of the House of Representatives, Bichi Federal Constituency, who sponsored 100 students and the Rep of Doguwa who is thinking of doing something similar.

Similarly, the national body of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA) was also commended for sponsoring 39 BUk students as part of its support to the less privilege.

The Daily Reality recalls that in July, the management of BUK, in its Special Bulletin, announced the increment of school fees, a development that came as a shock to many students.

The decision by the university management generated a pandemonium considering the economic hardship in the country.

However, Senator Hanga, and his likes, who felt the student’s pain, responded and instructed his scholarship committee to screen the indigent students for the fully-funded scholarship.

Hanga said, “This is in response to the outcry caused by the registration fee increment in Bayero University, Kano which threatens the progress of many students in the university.

While I consider this a quick intervention, I want to stress that more programmes that target the upliftment and empowerment of our people are on the pipeline, in shaa Allah,” he added.

Our reporter learnt that the list of the 200 successful applicants has been compiled and submitted to the management of Bayero University, Kano.

While commending his scholarship committee, Hanga said, “I wish to advise the beneficiaries to make the good use of the opportunity.”