The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has visited the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), urging the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its ongoing strike.

The Chairman of the committee, Abubakar Fulata, in an interview with newsmen shortly after Friday’s visit in Abuja said the appeal became necessary to prevent destabilising the academic calendar.

The lawmaker said the visit aligned with the constitutional provisions empowering legislators to carry out oversight functions over Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure compliance with the Appropriation Act.

He called on the institution’s management to judiciously utilise what was provided in line with the 2024 Appropriation Act.

He also advised them to seek additional ways to fund the university instead of relying almost absolutely on the government.

In his remarks, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, commended the lawmakers for their visit and for intervening in the dispute between the school management and ASUU.

He lauded the committee for its efforts that resulted in the Federal Government removing universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

“The removal of universities from IPPIS helped us from going to the Head of Service of the Federation and several MDAs before carrying out our functions like salary payment, appointments, and promotion among others,” he said.

(NAN)

Thirty-six public and 32 private schools across Abuja have pledged their participation in the first-ever Nigerian Students Climate Summit, hosted by Clean Technology Hub in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) of the FCT Education Secretariat and with generous support from the Skool foundation. This landmark event promises to be a platform for student leadership, fostering collaboration and action on environmental issues.

The organisers have scheduled the Nigerian Students Climate Summit for 6 June 2024.

“We are thrilled to see such a phenomenal response from schools,” said Mrs Ginika Okorafor, Environment and Climate Action Manager at Clean Technology Hub. “This summit signifies a shift – students are no longer bystanders in the climate conversation. They are actively seeking solutions, and the CTH is committed to providing them with the resources and platform to make a difference.”

The summit will be a day-long event packed with engaging activities. Students will participate in panel sessions led by student experts, researchers, and environmental activists. These panel sessions will cover various topics, from understanding climate science and its local impacts to exploring clean energy solutions and sustainable practices.

A key summit highlight will be the Clean Tech Innovation Challenge, where students develop and pitch innovative ideas for solving real-world environmental problems.

“The summit is designed to be interactive and solution-oriented,” explained Ifechi Anikwe, the event’s lead organiser. “Students will have the opportunity to brainstorm ideas, collaborate on projects, and develop action plans to address environmental challenges within their schools and communities.”

Young environmental leaders from participating schools will share their projects, initiatives, and success stories, inspiring and motivating their peers in a student-led panel discussion.

The Students Climate Summit will offer networking and interaction opportunities. The CTH is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment. Students can network with peers from different schools, build connections, and form partnerships for future projects. This cross-pollination of ideas and experiences will be crucial in creating a powerful youth-driven movement for climate action.

The summit is more than just a one-day event. The CTH plans to create a lasting network of student environmental leaders. Post-summit resources and mentorship opportunities will allow students to continue their work and make a tangible impact on their communities.

With 68 schools already on board and more expressing interest, the Students Climate Summit promises to be a resounding success. This event is a testament to the growing youth-led climate movement and young people’s crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. The summit is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for protecting our planet.

Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, on Thursday, said that a total of 153 students would be graduating with First Class during the institution’s 27th convocation.

Olatunji-Bello stated this at a news conference in Lagos as part of the activities for the 27th convocation ceremony of the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convocation activities have been scheduled for between May 30 and June 6, with different activities.

The vice-chancellor said that out of the 8,670 students graduating in the First Degree category, 3,029 were in the second class upper division, 715 second class lower division, 228 pass and 195 with non-classified degrees.

“Out of the 2,164 post-graduate students that are graduating, we have 375 postgraduate diplomas, 962 academic masters, 672 professional masters, 89 Doctor of Philosophy and 66 professional doctoral degrees,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello named the best graduating student for the 2022/2023 academic session as Olaniyi Olawale (Accounting Education) with a CGPA of 4.79, while Olaitan Damilola (Educational Management), with a CGPA of 4.98, emerged the best graduating student for Masters.

“Out of the 554 diploma students that are graduating this year, there are 55 distinctions, 274 upper credits, 224 lower credits and one pass,” she said.

In the area of staffers and students’ welfare, she said that an opportunity had been given to them to pursue their careers and studies in a conducive academic environment that would enhance their personal growth.

According to her, the enabling environment has enhanced the achievements of many of them, including some alumni.

She noted that 10 of the institution’s alumni in the Faculty of Law graduated with First Class Honours in their final bar examination in Nigerian Law School early this year, making this the highest figure attained by the university in a single session.

“Still from the faculty of law, 10 of the 13 newly-appointed judges of Lagos State High Court are alumni of this great university, the highest at any given time in history,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello also said that one of the institution’s alumni, Dr Aminat Ige-Ariyibi, of the Department of Mathematics, emerged winner of the overall best PhD thesis award of the University of Lagos for the 2022/2023 academic session.

(NAN)