Education

NLC AND TUC to Protest Closure of Universities from Tuesday

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2022

Barring any last minute intervention by the federal government, members of the organised labour under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress would go ahead with their two-day national protest beginning Tuesday.

THISDAY gathered from sources in the labour movement that they have issued mobilisation letters to all their affiliates and allies across the country to commence the protest at all the state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Senior Staff Union of Nigerian, (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) have mobilised their members to team up with NLC and other allies to ensure the success of the nationwide protest.

Both unions at a joint press conference in Abuja at the weekend said their members would fully take part in the nationwide solidarity protest being organised by the NLC and the TUC in support of the university workers who have been on strike for over five months over the non-implementation of agreement with federal government.

The National President of SSANU, Mr. Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim who spoke at a media briefing held at the union’s new headquarter building in Abuja, said their members have been fully mobilised for the protest.
On the fear expressed by the government that the protest might be hijacked by politicians and hoodlums, he said, “for any government to imagine that a protest organised by university-based unions under the umbrella of the NLC will be hijacked by hoodlums or political parties is unbelievable.”
Ibrahim said the unions have decided to be on their uniforms during the protest to avoid possible infiltration by persons with negative plans.
He said all the government needs to do is to deploy security agents to protect the protesters and ensure that it maintains peace

“We are all affiliates to the NLC and all our members pay check-off dues, so we have every right to seek the support of the NLC and other affiliates to help achieve demand,” he added.
According to SSANU President, the unions sought the intervention of the NLC when the dispute was becoming intractable.
Similarly, another union, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has expressed its readiness to

participate in solidarity protest against the continued closure of Nation’s tertiary institutions scheduled for 26 and 27 July.
In a letter written to all its branches nationwide, signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Joe Ajaero, the union urged the branches to mobilise members to join the national protest jointly led by NLC and TUC.
NLC had at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, on June 30, threatened to embark on a two-day nationwide protest to compel, “the federal government to conclude the ongoing negotiation with trade unions in Nigeria’s universities.”

In a mobilisation letter sent to all the state branches of NLC and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, the congress directed them to activate all the mechanisms to implement the decision of NEC to organise a national protest beginning from July 26 to July 27.
Among the resolutions reached at the NEC meeting were the condemnation of the alleged unserious attitude of government to negotiations as well the activation of, “no work–no pay,” policy on striking university workers.
The NEC described the stoppage of salaries of striking university workers as draconian.
The NEC went on to resolve to organise a one-day solidarity action in support of Congress affiliates in the education sector.

In a statement issued yesterday by NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, he said the decisions of the NEC have been activated accordingly with a circular to affiliates and state councils for compliance.
The NLC lamented the delay in resolving the dispute between the federal government and members of the ASUU and other non-teaching staff unions in universities despite the setting up high-powered negotiating team headed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari for that purpose.

It also recalled that a tripartite plus meeting was convened by the federal government on May 12, 2022 at the instance of the organised labour and well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the crises in our tertiary institutions.

According to the NLC, negotiations were held and the meeting was adjourned for three weeks to allow the Prof. Nimi-Briggs Committee to turn in their report and also to allow the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to subject all the proposed university payment platforms to integrity test including IPPIS.
On the other hand, the federal government has been making frantic efforts to stave off the planned protest by workers.

It has pleaded with the NLC to cancel the planned protest over the prolonged ASUU and other university-based unions’ strike. It also urged the organised labour not to mobilise support for Labour Party as it would amount to a violation of the Trade Union Act.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had made the appeal last Thursday at a meeting with the leadership of NLC in his office.
The Minister said he incorporated NLC into the tripartite conciliation going on in his Ministry, adding that being very much aware of efforts of the government to resolve the impasse, they cannot embark on any rally or protest.

A statement issued by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, quoted Ngige as having told the labour leaders that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) mandated him to notify them of the serious security implications of the planned protest.
According to Ngige, a security report also sent to his office by the Department of State Services (DSS), strongly had warned against holding the protest.

The ministry had also said having rounded off its work, the Prof. Limi Briggs Commitee proposed 109 -185 percent increase in the university wage structure.

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Education

OISD Empowers Teachers with Digital Literacy and AI Skills to Revolutionize Education in Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

December 17, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

OISD Empowers Teachers with Digital Literacy and AI Skills to Revolutionize Education in Nigeria

The Organization for Innovation and Sustainable Development (OISD) has taken a significant step toward transforming education in Nigeria by organizing a one-day special training on digital literacy for secondary school teachers in Abuja.

The event, held at the OISD Training Centre in Abuja, was designed to equip educators with essential digital skills and increase awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their teaching impact.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jamilu Yusuf Dan-Ummah, the Executive Director of OISD, introduced the theme of the program: “Empowering Educators: Advancing Digital Literacy and AI Awareness for Secondary School Impact.” He emphasized the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of education and the need to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Mr. Dan-Ummah highlighted that the objective of the training was to bridge the digital gap in classrooms by empowering teachers with the knowledge and tools to integrate digital literacy and AI-driven solutions into their teaching methods.

According to him, educators must stay ahead of technological advancements to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

“This training is a response to the growing demand for educators who can leverage digital tools and AI to deliver effective learning experiences. Our goal is to ensure that teachers are not just aware of these technologies but are also capable of applying them to improve student outcomes,” Mr. Dan-Ummah stated.

The program brought together secondary school teachers from various schools across Abuja, providing them with hands-on training on essential digital tools, interactive learning platforms, and AI concepts.

Facilitators at the event shared insights on how to use technology to make lessons more engaging, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for a technology-driven world.

The event concluded with participants expressing their appreciation for the training and the actionable insights they gained. Some of the teachers highlighted the importance of continuous capacity-building programs to keep up with emerging educational trends.

Education

Army chief charges junior officers to be enterprising and resourceful

Published

2 weeks ago

December 12, 2024

Saadatu Sahabo

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged students of the Junior Course 98 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, to be enterprising, diligent and resourceful.

Oluyede gave the charge while addressing the students at their regimental dinner night on Wednesday in Jaji, Kaduna State.

According to him, possessing the attributes will enable them build successfully on their career and personal lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner night is one of the major events lined up for the graduation of the students on Friday.

Oluyede said the objective of the college was to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers to prepare them for staff and command appointments.

He said the officers in the last 23 weeks had learnt some vital concepts like counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, estimate process and manoeuvring approach to warfare and peace support operations.

“It is also gratifying that you learnt the rudiments of time management, perseverance, determination, team spirit, staff work, and self-confidence and most importantly, discipline while on this course.

“Your leadership, dedication and ability to inspire and guide your teams are essential to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.

”As junior leaders, you must be able to inspire confidence in subordinates and not lead through intimidation or be overtly coercive.

“Your impact significantly contributes to the overall plan and objectives at the operational and strategic levels, “he said.

The army chief congratulated the students on the successful completion of their course

NAN reports that prizes were given to students who distinguished themselves

Education

Wike backs amendment of TET Fund Act to accommodate Nigerian Law School

Published

2 weeks ago

December 10, 2024

Saadatu Sahabo

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has backed ongoing calls for the amendment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund) to accommodate the Nigerian Law School in its interventions.

Wike announced the support at the inauguration of the construction of 10-unit housing staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister also handed over seven operation vehicles to the school to improve its operation.

The minister said that the amendment of the TET Fund Act to accommodate the Nigerian Law School was long overdue, considering its contribution to the development of the legal profession.

“This is a professional training school. So, we will give all the necessary support that the Fund be amended for the law school to benefit from its special intervention funds.

“If that happens, I am sure the difference will be clear. The school will have the money it requires to provide critical infrastructure,” he said.

Wile also called for increased budgetary provisions for the Nigerian Law School to enable the school to carry out infrastructural development for quality service delivery.

He explained that the provision of staff quarters and operational vehicles to the law school in Bwari was directed by President Bola Tinubu.

He added that the institution also belongs to the Federal Government, and as such, there was nothing wrong in providing the needed infrastructure to uplift the school.

The minister also promised to build 200-bed male and female hostels for the Nigerian Laws School, Bwari.

According to him, the current hostels are not fit for the training of professional lawyers for the Nigerian legal profession

He said that the funds for the construction of the hostels would be captured in the FCTA’s 2025 budget.

He called on those who might not be happy with the support being given to the judiciary and legal education to wait for their turn.

He said: “If anybody is angry with us, let him wait for his turn. When you become the Minister of FCT, do it for your own profession.

“I am not going to be intimidated by anybody.

“Now that we are in this position, we must contribute to our constituency so that tomorrow, we will be able to say, while we were there, this was our own contribution as far as our constituency, the legal profession is concerned.”

He thanked Tinubu for giving him all the support he needs to succeed as the minister of the FCT.

Also, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, equally frowned at the non-inclusion of the Nigerian Law School as a benefiting institution.

“If you look at the laws setting up TET Fund, the Nigerian Law School is not included, and I think the time has come to amend the Act to include the Nigerian Law School.

“This will enable the school benefit for the TET Fund intervention funds,” he said.

Fagbemi thanked Wike, whom he described as “Mr Project” for all the support to the judiciary and the legal profession.

“Whether or not you like him, you cannot dispute the fact that he is a performer, and one person you will always know where he stands, no matter what, even if you don’t agree with him.

“Another thing is, he does not embark on any project he has no money to complete,” he said.

He appealed to other public office holders to extend a similar gesture to the Nigerian Law School to enable the school to maintain high standards in the training of legal professionals.

On his part, the Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isah Chiroma, recalled that he had appealed to Wike for infrastructural support when he assumed office in August 2023.

“This project, is therefore, a promise made and a promise kept. The housing and operational vehicles will go a long way in assisting the school to achieve its mandate,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, said that staff quarters would consist of a fully furnished four-bedroom bungalow, and expected to be completed in nine months.