News

By Amara F.  Sesay 

Alistiqama University Sumaila is proud to announce the full accreditation of its Medical Laboratory Science Program by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. This accreditation reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in education, research and clinical practice within the field of medical laboratory science.

The accreditation process, conducted by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, thoroughly examined the programme’s curriculum, staff qualifications, facilities, laboratories, and overall educational experience. Alistiqama University Sumaila met and exceeded the rigorous criteria set forth by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, showcasing its dedication to providing students with a comprehensive and top-tier education in medical laboratory science.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Salisu Shehu, expressed his excitement about this significant achievement. “We are thrilled to receive full accreditation for our Medical Laboratory Science Programme. The full accreditation programme of five (5) years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our founder, Sen. Dr Sulaiman Abdurahman Kawu Sumaila, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Salisu Shehu, lecturers of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, other members of staff and students who have consistently demonstrated excellence in both academics and practical application.”

The accreditation not only validates the quality of education provided by Alistiqama University Sumaila but also enhances the programme’s credibility and ensures that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the rapidly evolving field of medical laboratory science. The university remains committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in healthcare and technology, providing students with a cutting-edge education that meets the demands of the industry.

This accreditation is a crucial milestone for Alistiqama University Sumaila and underscores its ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in healthcare education. As the university continues to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, innovative research, and world-class faculty, it remains dedicated to producing highly skilled and competent professionals who contribute to the improvement of healthcare services globally.

For more information about Alistiqama University and its accredited Medical Laboratory Science Programme, please visit  https://ausumaila.edu.ng/ or contact Mal. Hassan Abdulrahman at +2348036205039.

Alistiqama University Sumaila is a private university dedicated to providing high-quality education, nurturing integrity and morality while fostering research and innovation, and producing graduates who make a positive impact on society. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on preparing students for successful careers, the university is gradually becoming a force to reckon with in the provision of qualitative and morally sound higher education in Nigeria. 

Mr. Amara F.  Sesay is the Chief Information Officer of Alistiqama University Sumaila, Sumaila Township Road, Sumaila Local Government, Kano.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service issued a press statement today in response to the tragic loss of a young man in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024, to provide clarity on the incident and express deep sympathy to the family of the deceased teenager. 

The Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, stated, “Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life… We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.” 

Addressing media reports, Maiwada clarified, “It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle.”

He stated that Customs operatives were not involved, saying, “Our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our Officers.” 

Maiwada shared preliminary findings, noting, “Preliminary reports suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.” 

The press statement conveyed the sentiments of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, stating, “The CGC, alongside the officers and men of the service, expresses profound sympathy with the bereaved.” 

Reiterating the commitment to community relations, the CGC said, “He also urges members of the public to adhere to Government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in our communities.”

The customs spokesperson appealed for calmness, further expressing gratitude for ongoing cooperation from border communities and stated the importance of working together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Dawn Queva, a BBC senior staff member, was fired on Friday for posting disturbing anti-Semitic content on Facebook.

The 55-year-old playout planner faced swift termination after referring to the Holocaust as a ‘holohoax’ and using derogatory terms against Jewish people.

The BBC’s decisive action has triggered a debate on hate speech within the organisation, with calls for firm leadership responses from figures like broadcaster Andrew Neil.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism condemned the posts as “utterly horrific” and called on the BBC to confront anti-Semitism.

Queva’s termination has raised concerns about intolerance within media organisations.

By Mahmud Dambazau

With a new year, we were anxiously anticipating a renewed hope. Unfortunately, no. In this devastating economic dilemma, we have been overwhelmed with cries to crowd-fund to secure the release of various victims from kidnappers. 

The latest trending across social media, most especially on X (formally Twitter), was the case of Najeebah and her sisters, who were kidnapped alongside their father. He was later released to go and get 60 million naira for the release of his six daughters! They subsequently killed one of the sisters when the amount was not realised at the expected time to serve as a warning and even increased the amount to 65 million naira initially and then to 100 million naira. 

The kidnappers had the audacity to return her dead body because they were confident that they would escape scot-free,and unfortunately, they were not disappointed. I was delighted to read the news of their release this morning after the ransom of 100 million naira was paid.

There is yet another case seeking public support where 14 children were kidnapped along the Abuja – Kaduna highway on 6th January. One miss Praise God; a student from the Nasarawa State University was also kidnapped a few days ago. Ajeni Mary Olamide and her two friends, Mary and Miriam, from the same university, all 400-level students of Mass Communication, were also kidnapped on their way to Abia state for a wedding, with 15 million nairas requested before their release. 

I just came across another appeal on X where a Navy Officer was also alleged to have been kidnapped with 100 million requested by his kidnappers to secure his release. These are just a few of the numerous in the public domain. Fresh in my memory are the female students from the Federal University Gusau, approaching four months now in captivity. 

The Abuja–Kaduna highway was, at a time, the most dangerous road with incessant incidences of kidnappings. Still, we were all witnesses to its near absolute contentment when the runway of Abuja airport was closed for repairs, and Kaduna airport was used instead. There was constant and consistent patrol, which drastically tackled the issue then. The scourge has now returned when the elites no longer needed that road. 

Within this week, there has been a significant improvement by the security operatives, with several arrests made after several cries across all mediums. Why do we always have to be reactive rather than proactive? In many instances, the capacities and capabilities of our security are top-notch, but only when pressures have been mounted are such improvements seen. Why is it so difficult to maintain progress made?

The president has been commended when he recently suspended some officials of his government who were accused of corruption so that their investigation will go unhindered. That was a good move, undoubtedly sending other officials a strong message. Why can’t that be applied to security heads when results are negative? If corruption has repercussions, doesn’t non-performance have more? Besides, even the perpetrators may not have committed such crimes if all officials had done their duties accordingly. 

Security of lives and properties is the most essential duty of government. Everything else comes second. The fight must be sustained, the perpetrators apprehended should be tried and punished accordingly, and the security operatives should be given the modern gadgets required to confront such criminals as soon as possible. There should be increased collaboration between security agencies, and capital punishment should be introduced for crimes such as this and those responsible; the teams, heads of the security responsible, and ministers should be fired and replaced with those who can because security is not to be joked with! Can we count on you, Mr. President? 

By Uzair Adam Imam

In the Utako District of Abuja, a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hilux Van was involved in a collision with a car on Tuesday as officials pursued an erring driver.

The car, driven by Bashir Bashir, was carrying his pregnant wife, Olabisi, to her office at the time of the incident.

Bashir recounted, “We were coming from Lugbe to work when the road safety officials attempted to stop a vehicle ahead of us.

“The driver didn’t comply, prompting the officials to chase after it. Unfortunately, our car was caught in between the FRSC van and the fleeing vehicle, resulting in a collision from behind.

“My pregnant wife, seven months along, was in the car and has been taken to the hospital,” he added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 35-year-old man, James Emmanuel, has been remanded in prison by a magistrates’ court in Akure, Ondo State, for allegedly raping his co-worker, 55-year-old Deborah Abiodun, to death.

The incident took place on a poultry farm in the Oke-Odu area of Akure around 11pm on January, 2024.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Anwana Josephine, the defendant allegedly raped Ms. Abiodun to death and then struck her with a stone on the forehead before dumping her corpse inside a waste pit.

Magistrate F.A. Aduroja adjourned the case to March 27th after ordering the remand of the accused.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadrain Daji have achieved remarkable success.

This operation led to the rescue of 20 kidnapping victims and the neutralisation of two terrorists, including the notorious leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina State. 

Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Information Officer for Operation HADARIN DAJI, announced these developments in a statement shared today on Facebook.

On January 29, 2024, Operation HADARIN DAJI troops initiated a continuous clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves in Rukudawa, Dumburum, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare, and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara state. 

During the operation, the troops effectively dismantled the discovered terrorists’ enclaves, including that of a notorious terrorist kingpin named Sule.

A vigorous engagement with the aggressive troops prompted the terrorists to abandon their camps. 

In the course of the operation, two terrorists, including the notorious leader Sainaje from Katsina State, were neutralised. This tactical move resulted in the liberation of 18 kidnap victims, consisting of four males, 14 females, and children. 

Additionally, Operation HADARIN DAJI troops rescued two victims abducted by terrorists along Shinkafi-Isa road in Zamfara state.

The captors abandoned the victims during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops, whose swift response ensured a successful rescue. 

All the rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their respective families.

Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI/General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their unwavering efforts in restoring normalcy to the Northwest region.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The abduction of Kaduna-based ophthalmologist Ganiya Olawale-Popoola, her husband Nurudeen Popola, and their 16-year-old guest AbdulMugniy Folaranmi has taken a grim twist as reports indicate the abductors are unyielding in their demand for a N100 million ransom, one month after the initial kidnapping. 

Despite the family’s earnest attempts to negotiate a reduction in the ransom, the kidnappers have held their ground, insisting on the hefty sum.

The kidnappers, who allegedly broke into the ophthalmologist’s residence on December 27, 2023, at 1 a.m., took the doctor, her husband, and their teenage guest. 

Communication from the kidnappers only commenced on the fourth day, with a demand for N100 million for the release of the victims.

The family source revealed that the kidnappers threatened to harm the couple if the ransom wasn’t paid by January 18, reasserting their demand on Friday. 

Despite the family’s plea to consider a reduced amount, such as the N20 million they were able to raise, the kidnappers remained unyielding.

The family is now grappling with the situation, expressing confusion about the way forward. Efforts by the family to seek assistance from the Air Force and police authorities yielded assurances of ongoing endeavours to secure the victims’ release without harm.

However, the family, facing exhaustion, has called on the Nigerian government to intervene, as they find it impossible to meet the demanded ransom. 

In response to inquiries, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan affirmed that the police are actively working to secure the release of the abductees without casualties.

He underscored the commitment to rescuing victims from abductors and emphasised efforts to prevent harm during the rescue operation.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

It’s a new down in the history of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took over barely six months from May 29, 2023, till date. However, his administration has been awash with many debacles, ranging from bruises in the economic turbulence and pervasive insecurity to dividing citizens along religious and cultural differences. However, the latest is the alleged misappropriation of N585 million in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by the former National Woman Leader of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It is in the public domain that the ministry and the NSIP have been mired in a controversy as the President recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over an alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.

However, concerned Nigerians with an ear to the ground alleged a rivalry between the former minister’s camp and the suspended minister’s camp, who vows that “I won’t go alone; you exposed me; I will expose your conspiracy too”. However, in my perspective, if that’s the case, then it’s, after all, a welcome development for the general populace and for the system to be, of course, cleaned up.

In light of the recent events, the President’s and his administration’s integrity have been tested to see what action or inaction the President would take to send a strong message to his cabinet members and all other appointees that it is not business as usual. Would his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the Commonwealth of Nigerians be protected?

On the other hand, would every appointee be treated equally, no matter how close that person is to the corridors of power? Of course, the President, who has the mandate of all Nigerians, has not yet disappointed the general populace by suspending those involved in the allegations and ordering a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions of the ministry.

The President’s directives have raised hope in Nigerians that it won’t be business as usual, where looters’ cases are swept under the rug. We can boldly say that the last administration’s anti-corruption campaign was ineffective. For instance, in the case of the suspended CBN governor, whose committee was constituted by the former President, its findings fell on deaf ears as if nothing had happened; however, revelations afterwards shocked everyone interested in the well-being of the country’s socio-economic development.

If you look at governance in general, we need to change our approach. The simple fact is that corruption has stagnated the well-being and progress of this country. I feel the only viable way to address these corruption issues is to have a revolutionary transformation of society and improve the context of governance within the framework in which our governance system is predicated. We have to call a spade by its name. Until communities stop celebrating looters and negate the notion that our tribesmen or kinsmen are being witch-hunted, then we wholeheartedly support the government in its bid to eradicate corruption in the system, to which, of course, we will be the major beneficiaries.

Nigerians have a keen interest in every decision the President takes or intends to make regarding the overall interest of the lives of the general population. Certainly, the success of the fight against corruption is intricately tied to the actions of the key actors, not solely reliant on the outpouring of condemnation. The public is the major stockholder in holding the government accountable.

Suppose Tinubu turns over a new leaf in his efforts to stamp out corruption. In that case, Nigerians will stand tall to support his action and term him a foremost man fighting the menace confronting humanity, which retards Nigeria’s development. Despite his stand on the issue, Nigerians must never relent until the fight goes off to a spectacular success.

Honestly, anything short of that can’t be tolerated or accepted, even though it’s early in the day of the new government; there is no excuse. Since they swore to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, turn our misfortune into fortune, transform our dilapidated infrastructure, and revive our economy, we can put them on the radar to see how they disengage us from all logjam.

I invite all Nigerians to join the challenge of fighting corruption in all its ramifications. After all, the war against corruption can only be decisively won if we all come on board to shun away and expose all corruption within our worldview. I commend his efforts in the recent events, and it’s indeed a patriotic call to support his move for the benefit and betterment of our country.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in its effort to strengthen partnerships with compliant stakeholders, has declared its dedication to fostering substantially improved relationships in 2024. 

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the public relations officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah. 

According to Maiwadah, the announcement was made by Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the International Customs Day Celebration held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos. 

The event, which was said to have been attended by prominent figures including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and representatives from various government agencies and industry bodies, witnessed the recognition of the NCBN Caretaker Group with a Special Recognition Award. 

Addressing the audience, CGC Adeniyi stated the service’s commitment to the theme of the celebration, ‘Customs, Engaging Traditional and New Partners with a Purpose,’ aligning with the core objectives of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration. 

His words read, “This year, we commit to fostering a substantially improved relationship with all of you, our stakeholders, especially those who respect our rules. We recognize that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.” 

Highlighting the significance of collaboration, Adeniyi announced the launch of a Time Release Study in February 2024.

This comprehensive exercise aims to optimize processes and reduce the time for goods to be released at ports and border stations, with a call for active participation from all partners. 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also affirmed the importance of customs and stakeholders working collaboratively to unlock the potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation. 

He commended the Customs leadership for prioritizing the use of scanners over physical examination, adding that it has a positive impact on revenue, efficiency, and competitiveness at ports.