TheNewsGuru

Tag: professor

  • Malaysia appoints Nigerian Professor to National Security Index Study

    Malaysia appoints Nigerian Professor to National Security Index Study

    The National Security Council of the Prime Minister’s office of Malaysia has appointed a Nigerian Professor, AbdulRauf Ambali, of the Kwara State University (KWASU), to the country’s national security index.

    According to a statement from KWASU’s Acting Director, University Relations, Dr. Saeedat Aliyu, the appointment letter was signed by Datuk Haji Rodzi Bin MD Saad.

    ”The letter said that the National Security Council, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), is conducting a National Security Index Study for the year 2022,” Aliyu said.

    According to the letter, Malaysia hopes that through this appointment, Prof. Ambali can help to produce more comprehensive research findings and develop more accurate National Security Index.

    It stated that the study would be based on nine values/domains of national security,” Aliyu said.

    Meanwhile, KWASU Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, has congratulated Prof. Ambali on the appointment.

    Jimoh stressed that the appointment confirmed the world-class status of many KWASU staff.

    He said that Prof. Ambali, a political scientist and the University’s Director of Academic Planning, had made his Nigerian institution proud.

    The Acting Vice Chancellor urged Prof. Ambali to bring to bear the qualities of the excellent scholar that he is in the conduct of the study and bring more fame to the University.

  • AGF Malami to produce 10 witnesses against Anambra varsity professor

    AGF Malami to produce 10 witnesses against Anambra varsity professor

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has said that about 10 witnesses would testify in a suit filed against Prof. Obiajulu Obikeze and four others over allegations bordering on forgery of chieftaincy documents.

    Counsel for the AGF, Ewere Aliemeke, made this known on Friday before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Upon resumed hearing, Aliemeke, who held the brief of Joe Agi, SAN, informed that the matter was scheduled for the report.

    “We are pleased to inform the court that we have been able to retrieve the file of the case from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation,” he said.

    “How many witnesses are you calling?” the judge asked.

    “We are going to call about 10 witnesses,” he responded.

    But Chief Okey Obike, who appeared for the defendants, said an application seeking an order dismissing the charge had been filed.

    “It was filed on the 19th day of April, 2022. We are saying that this charge is a complete abuse of court processes,” he said.

    Aliemeke, who acknowledged the receipt of the application, said the prosecution had responded to the process.

    “But we intend to add one or more things to the process filed by the previous counsel,” he said.

    Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until Dec. 14 to hear the preliminary objection of the defence.

    On June 10, reported that the AGF took over the case from the Nigerian police, the former prosecutor.

    Prof. Obikeze, Dr Raymond Ofor, Chief Israel Ezue, Sir Amobi Nwafor and Okafor Bethram IK, who are 1st to 5th defendants respectively, are being prosecuted over allegations bordering on forgery of chieftaincy documents.

    Obikeze, who works with the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, formerly known as Anambra State University Igbariam in Anambra, was arraigned on Feb. 22 alongside others on 11 counts.

    Offor is current President-General of Awa Community in Orumba North LGA and a retired director with Anambra Ministry of Education; Chief Ezue, a tyre merchant in the northern states of the country; Sir Nwafor, an architect by training and Bethram was a retired headmaster at a primary school in Agulu in Aniocha LGA of the state.

    In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021 dated and filed on July 6, 2021, the defendants were alleged to have committed the offence around Jan.15, 2019, at Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra.

    In count one, the five defendants, and others now at large, were alleged to have conspired to commit forgery offence contrary to Section 3(6) and punishable under Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Laws of Nigeria, 2010.

    While count two accused them of uttering forged documents, count three accused them of making “a forged letter to the Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra on Chieftaincy and Towns Union Matters.

    The document is titled, “Submission of Awa Chieftaincy Constitution,” knowing it to be false, with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine at the Government House, Awka, Anambra State.”

    NAN

  • ASUU reveals FG’s ‘miserly’ offer to university professors

    ASUU reveals FG’s ‘miserly’ offer to university professors

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has revealed the “miserly offer” made by the federal government over the increment of salaries for university professors and lecturers.

    Recall that in a statement issued by ASUU on Thursday, August 18, after the resumed meeting of the federal government and ASUU over the lingering strike action by the union, the Union president revealed that it rejected the “award” of salary by the federal government.

    It has now been revealed that the offer FG made was to increase the salaries of professors by N60,000 while other lecturers would have their salaries increased within the range of N30,000 and N60,000.

    This revelation was made by the zonal coordinator, Port Harcourt zone, Stanley Ogoun, in a chat with Punch.

    Ogoun also noted that the government promised to release the revitalisation fund of N170 billion which would be included in the 2023 budget.

    Ogoun said: “Nigerians should be aware of offers the so-called minister came up with. These are: (a) 170 billion naira for revitalisation in the 2023 budget; (b) a promise to increase by N60,000 the salary of a professor at the bar in next year’s budget; (c) no statement on the amendment of the National University Commission Act gathering dust at the National Assembly (d) payment of two tranches of outstanding Earned Academic Allowance in next year’s budget; (d) a promise to adopt the University Transparency and Accountability Solution; and (e) another promise to release the white papers.”

    Ogoun continued: “Imagine the level of deceitfulness by the minister! A promise to fulfill demands in an election year? We did not embark on strike for over six months geared towards improving our public universities only to come back with mere promissory notes from a government that is notorious for reneging on agreements. I’m sure Nigerians would not forgive us.

    “On the issue of withheld salaries, and the claim that we do not deserve the salaries. We challenge the government to prove if the unproductive staff of our moribund refineries and other agencies of similar nature are not being paid. They should also justify why unproductive politicians that are responsible for the current comatose state of Nigeria are receiving humongous salaries and allowances. For the avoidance of doubt, teaching is only one of the assignments we undertake as lecturers. It only earns a candidate, going for promotion, a maximum of one point per year. Research and community service are the core requirements for promotion.

    “The current move by the Federal Government to jettison the principle of collective bargaining and reduce our Union’s objective and patriotic struggle to revamp and reposition public universities in Nigeria to mere award of miserly salaries, ranging from N30,000 to N60,000 is unacceptable to us.”

  • Insecurity: Abducted DELSU professor dies a day after his release

    The  Head of Department, Music, Delta State University(DELSU) Abraka, Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo has given up the ghost a day after he was set free by  abductors.

    Idamoyibo was kidnapped by unknown  gunmen in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, on his way from Sapele after a family meeting on Saturday, 9th April 2022.

    According to a source who pleaded anonymity said the professor spent eight days with the abductors.

    The source said “Prof. Idamoyibo was with his abductors for eight days and was released unconsciously in the late hours of Sunday by his abductors who demanded and received a ransom fee of three million Naira.

    “When he was released, he could not walk or talk, so they rushed him to one of the hospitals in Abraka to stabilize him and by Monday morning he was taken to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, where he later died”

    Police Public Relations Officer of the State Command, DSP. Bright Edafe, when contacted confirmed that the academician died in the hospital on Tuesday.

  • Sex-for-marks: UniAbuja dismisses 2 professors

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na-Allah, says the institution has gone tough on lecturers sexually harassing students, as two professors had been dismissed for the offence.

    Na’Allah told NAN on Monday in New York that the university had introduced a policy on sex abuse on campus, which had been published.

    Na-Allah, who was on a two–day visit to the U.S., to meet with the University of Abuja Alumni Association, USA chapter, to solicit support for the institution, said, ”female students needed to be protected.”

    According to him, the institution is committed to high moral standards and will not tolerate any act of misconduct perpetrated by its staff against students.

    “I have dismissed two professors since I became the vice- chancellor. It tells you how we are serious about the issue of sexual harassment.

    “We are collaborating with some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to make sure that it is not only us that are addressing this issue, but we have a strong partnership.

    “We cannot allow the lives of our students to be destroyed, because most of the abuses destroy the lives of their victims.’’

    The vice-chancellor said: ”it was sad to see some lecturers, who are supposed to be protecting the female students, becoming one of their problems.

    “This a problem of universities in Nigeria, not only University of Abuja alone.

    “But UniAbuja is pursuing it with vigour, because, we know this is one of the issues to address to make our university one of the best in Nigeria.

    “As I speak now, there are several investigations ongoing by a committee set up, addressing the problem,’’ Na-Allah said

    The VC said that the university was working round the clock to make sure the institution become number one in Nigeria, adding that ”the best way is to improve on academics of the student.

    “We are trying to provide all the facilities that the students need, for instance, the smart classrooms, internet facilities on campus and other areas.’’

    Na-Allah further said that the Centre for Distance Learning (CDL), in the university was among the best in Nigeria, adding that Nigerians in diaspora could take programmes anywhere in the world from the centre virtually.

    “People from everywhere in the world are students from first degree up to PhD level at the CDL. Things are easier now; you can even do your defense on zoom.

    “We have created a virtual classroom system and we are working with the National University Commission (NUC), to see that its policies are reversed in such a way to support virtual system.

    “We are collaborating with the University of Arizona, U.S, because it has a large virtual system and we are exploring relationship for online programmes with the university,’’ he said.

    The University of Abuja is a tertiary institution in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, established in January 1988, as a dual-mode University, with the mandate to run conventional and distance learning programmes.

  • Comedienne, Helen Paul reveals secret to her academic success

    Nigerian comedienne, Helen Paul, has revealed the secret to her academic success.

     

    The entertainer, who recently announced her elevation as a professor at the Heart International Bible University, USA, said it helps when one is actively engaged in both practical and theoretical works in a university and society at large.

     

    “Whatever you do in your field of work would help in your career growth,” the comedienne said.

     

    According to her, the secret to her academic success was due to her contributions to humanity.

     

    Continuing the 44-year-old comedienne said, “For instance, Nike Art Gallery, a beautiful woman who is one of my mentors, her talent speaks for her both home and abroad to the extent of her getting recognized in universities not just in Nigeria but globally.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) had earlier reported that the comedienne bagged a Ph.D. in Theatre Arts from the Heart International University, USA.

     

    She is also a stand-up comedian, popularly known as Tatafo, characterized by a voice range that makes her sound like a child, and is the first among her Nigerian colleagues to bag a Ph.D.

     

    The academic could not hold back her excitement as she also announced her new appointment as the new H.O.D of the school’s arts, music and entertainment department

     

    The 44-year-old shared the good news in an Instagram post, where she posted photos of herself and her colleagues at the ceremony.

     

    Helen’s husband, Femi Bams, also bagged a Doctorate degree in law from the same institution of learning.

     

    Celebrating their latest achievements, Helen wrote: “Congratulations to us my love. Such a great honor for both of us. You graduated as a Doctor of law and I was promoted too. Professor Helen Paul, now the new H.O.D Department of Arts, Music and Entertainment. Heart International University USA. Thank you for all the sleepless nights. Thank you for sacrificing for us.”

  • Reconsider Pantami’s professorship – FUTO alumni tells varsity management

    Reconsider Pantami’s professorship – FUTO alumni tells varsity management

    The Alumni association of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) said the award of professorship on Isa Patani was inappropriate.

    This is contained in a statement co-signed by Mr Kingsley Azuaru , National Secretary and Mr Ndubuisi Chijioke, National President of the association.

    The association said the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was right in advising FUTO management to reconsider the appointment.

    “FUTO Alumni Association reaffirms her position that the professorship of Pantami was inappropriate

    “FUTO Alumni Association appreciates the national body of ASUU and the local chapter for jointly condemning the appointment of Pantami as professor in FUTO.

    “NEC also considered the unresolved issue of the appointment of Dr. Isa Pantami as a Professor at our alma mater and has taken note of the National ASUU position.

    “The National Secretary therefore reaffirmed FUTO alumni association’s position that Pantami’s appointment was inexplicable and questionable”, it said.

    The association said it was unfortunate that a group known as Alumni Elders planned host the management of the university to a dinner where it planned to declare support for the award.

    The association said the FUTO Alumni Elders was not a recognised by the association’s constitution.

    “It is deception for FUTO Alumni Elders to deceive the public that the so called Re-Union is being organised in conjunction with FUTO Alumni Association.

    “FUTO Alumni Association is not involved in whatsoever manner with the scheduled dinner by the group called FUTO Alumni Elders.

    “ NEC considers the use of the association’s name in the promotion of this event without its consent a grievous infringement and subversive of the alumni leadership,” it said.

    It said National Executive Council (NEC) of the Alumni had not committed any funds or authorised the university to avail or expend any fund on the event from the alumni funds.

    “In conclusion on the subject issue, NEC wishes to dissociate FUTO Alumni Association and her members from this event

    “And all Chapter executives have been mandated to communicate this position immediately to their members”, it said.

    Many scholars have condemned the award of professorship to Pantami, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.

    The national leadership of ASUU has advised FUTO management to reverse the award on the ground that it is inappropriate.

    However, FUTO management insists that the award followed due process.

  • Soludo: 5 things you should know about Anambra’s Governor Elect

    Soludo: 5 things you should know about Anambra’s Governor Elect

    At long last, the curtain has been drawn on the 2021 Anambra governorship election and Charles Chukwuma Soludo, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been elected the fifth democratic governor of the state.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Soludo’s path to becoming Anambra governor began over a decade ago when he announced his desire to govern the state, but lost at the polls. Coming back in 2021, he fought with other party bigwigs to become the flag bearer, survived the nozzles of guns and proceeded to the length and breadth of the state to sell his manifesto.

    In no particular order, TheNewsGuru takes a look at five things you should know about the Governor elect

    Lost his mother at a tender age

    Soludo hails from Isuanioma which is within the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Born on July 28, 1960, Soludo lost his mother at a tender age. However, the loss did not stop the young lad from doing excellently well in his studies and his flair for academics would eventually see him do his mother’s memory proud a few years after her death.

    Erudite scholar

    Staying true to his brilliance, Soludo graduated with First Class Honours in 1984, obtained an MSc Economics in 1987, and a PhD in 1989, winning prizes for the best student at all three levels. A prolific macroeconomist, he obtained his three degrees and then a professorship at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State.

    Transformational CBN Governor

    Professor Soludo was invited to serve his country in 2003 as the Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Planning Commission of Nigeria. On May 2004, he was made governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    As CBN Governor, Professor Soludo is credited with refocusing the Central Bank as an effective monetary authority, successfully implementing a fundamental restructuring which is said to have led to unprecedented consolidation of the Nigerian banking system.

     

    Father of Six

    Not so much attention has been paid to Soludo’s private life in recent times, however, the professor is married to Mrs Nonye Soludo and they have been blessed with six children.

    Visionary

    In 2008, Soludo made his mark as an economist with great vision during a speech to the Nigerian Economic Society, he predicted a consolidation in the private banking industry.

    “By the end of 2008, there will be fewer banks than there are today. The restructuring of the banking industry has been attracting funds from local and foreign investors, which have increased banks’ ability to lend to customers,” the professor declared.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen abduct UNIJOS female professor, husband

    BREAKING: Gunmen abduct UNIJOS female professor, husband

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have allegedly kidnapped a professor with the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Jos, Grace Ayanbimpe and her husband.

    TheNewsGuru gathered that the suspected kidnappers invaded the lecturer’s residence behind Haske Quarters, Lamingo in Jos North Local Government Area of the State, shooting sporadically before whisking the couple to an unidentified destination.

    Sources revealed that the incident which created tension in the area, occurred at about 12 am on Monday morning.

    Details of the incident is still sketchy as at the time of filing this report as the University management is yet to issue a statement on the incident.

    Details later…