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Tag: University

  • Despite heavy cash crunch, FG asks varsities, others to remit 40% revenue

    Despite heavy cash crunch, FG asks varsities, others to remit 40% revenue

    The federal government has begun implementation of a 40 percent automatic deduction from internally generated revenues of federal universities and other partially-funded institutions despite the heavy cash crunch engulfing the country now.

    The policy of 40 percent auto-deduction of gross IGR is in line with the Finance Circular with reference number FMFBNP/OTHERS/IGR/CRF/12/2021 dated December 20, 2021.

    The circular limits the annual budgetary expenditure from IGR of the partially funded federal government.

    The information was contained in a letter that was issued by the accountant-general of the federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, to the universities titled ‘Implementation of 40% automatic deduction from internally generated revenue of partially funded federal government institutions.’

    The letter on implementation of the policy dated October 17, 2023 and addressed to vice-chancellors of universities was approved by the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun.

    It was signed by the director of Revenue & Investment in the office of the Accountant-general of the Federation, Felix Ore-ofe Ogundairo.

    Ogundairo said, “I am directed to inform you that the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (HMF&CME) has approved the implementation of a 40% auto deduction from the Gross Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of all Partially Funded Federal Government Institutions in line with the Provision of Section 62 of Finance Act, 2020 with effect from November, 2023.

    “Agencies/parastatals to not more than 50% of their gross IGR and the remittance of 100% (hundred percent) of the remaining 50% (fifty percent) to the Sub-recurrent Account. While all statutory revenue lines like Tender Fees, Contractor’s Registration Fees, Disposal of Fixed Assets, Rent on Quarters, etc shall be remitted 100% (hundred percent) to the Sub-recurrent Account.

    “Consequently, all partially funded Agencies/Parastatals must align their budget requirements and ensure total compliance with the provision of Section 62 of Finance Act, 2020 and Finance Circular, 2021.”

    The federal government had hinted that it was granting universities full autonomy to explore sources of financing their activities.

    The minister of Education, Tahir Mamman disclosed this in Abuja. The aim is to grant full autonomy to the universities as part of the government’s effort to create new means of funding tertiary education.

    Already, controversy is trailing the policy which approved 40% auto deduction from the Gross Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of all Partially Funded Federal Government Institutions and payable into the federation account.

    A letter addressed to some institutions from the office of the Accountant-general of the Federation, which was obtained by a national newspaper showed that the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy has approved the implementation of 40% auto deduction from the Gross IGR of all partially-funded federal government institutions.

  • INSECURITY: Four students rap3d as gunmen invade Nigerian university hostel

    INSECURITY: Four students rap3d as gunmen invade Nigerian university hostel

    Armed robbers on Tuesday attacked a hostel managed by the management of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    It was gathered that the armed robbers broke into the hostel located at Abapawa area of the town, stealing valuables and raping four students residing in the hostel.

    A source who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the incident led to an uproar among the students caught the attention of the state government.

    He said, “The students’ protest against the unfortunate event caught the attention of the state government.

    “This led to the intervention of the state Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who paid a visit to the rape victims, at the state hospital where they are receiving treatment.”

    Reacting to the incident, the school’s Registrar, Dapo Oke, announced the suspension of the ongoing second-semester examinations.

    Oke said, “Sequel to the recent unfortunate development in the university host community which involved some of our students, the management of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, hereby suspends the ongoing second-semester examinations.

    Members of the university community are strongly advised to remain vigilant regarding security matters and promptly report any suspected security concerns to the appropriate authorities.”

    It was also gathered that the state government sent a delegation led by the deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who assured the students of adequate security.

    In a post shared on Facebook, Salako-Oyedele, noted that the Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders are on top of the situation to ensure the perpetrators are being brought to book.

    She wrote, “Earlier today, after receiving the distressing news about armed robbery at some TASUED hostels and the brutal rape of four female students, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON directed me to immediately visit the victims and the campus on a fact-finding mission and to pledge the Government’s support in ensuring this doesn’t happen again.

    “I have visited with the girls who are now being cared for and given the necessary support to heal from their trauma at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at OSUTH.

    “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is of utmost importance and I subsequently had a crucial meeting with the Management and Students of TASUED. I was joined by the Ogun State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu and the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, where we discussed concrete steps to bolster security measures and foster a safe environment on campus and the adjacent host community.

    The Ogun State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and that our institutions remain safe spaces for learning and growth. The CP has promised that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and justice prevails.”.

    When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said she was not aware of the incident and could not make any comments on the matter.

    “I am not abreast yet of the situation, please I don’t want to speak until I am aware of all relevant facts. Please bear with me,” Odutola stated.

  • Subsidy removal: No federal varsity can survive without fee increment — Cttee of VCs

    Subsidy removal: No federal varsity can survive without fee increment — Cttee of VCs

    The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNUs) has made it clear that it is no longer possible for any federal university in Nigeria to sustain operation again without increasing its obligatory and some other fees being charged to students after subsidy removal.

    The Secretary-General of the committee, Prof Yakubu Ochefu, shared this position in an exclusive interview with an online newspaper at the weekend, maintaining that the old fees regime in any of the federal universities is no longer relevant in the current economic reality in the country.

    According to him, it is expensive to run universities. They hardly shut down a day. They run an almost 24-hour service. Even when the students are on holiday, the universities keep their doors open.

    “So, the cost of running universities just like every other educational institution in the country is huge and now the situation has become almost unbearable, especially since the removal of fuel subsidy which is continuously pushing up the cost of goods and services in the country on daily basis,” he pointed out.

    While explaining that it’s not that the administrators of various federal universities and their management teams are wicked as some people made to believe for increasing their obligatory fees, Ochefu said they have to do that because they have no better option if they want to sustain operation and provide quality services.

    He said even at that, they still heavily subsidized their services to students as if they should charge commensurable fees, they would have charged up to four times or more of their new fees.

    According to him, universities charging lower fees as some had done already is because the Federal Government is still responsible for the payment of salaries of workers and also providing some running costs even though grossly inadequate and still gives other supports through TETFund and some other intervention agencies.

    He said if not for all these, public universities would have been charging high fees like the private universities do because tuition fees would have been where the salaries of workers would come from and that would have been passed on to parents and students.

  • 100 Days in office: Oborevwori commissions varsity building, 2.6km roads, others

    100 Days in office: Oborevwori commissions varsity building, 2.6km roads, others

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has reiterated his administration’s commitment to prudent management of funds in the State.

    Oborevwori stated this during the commissioning of projects in Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, in commemoration of his hundred days in office.

    According to him, “Part of that is our commitment that projects started by the last administration are not abandoned, because if those projects are abandoned that money is wasted. I have promised Deltans that I will consolidate on already established projects and that is what we are doing.”

    “The university has five reasonable structures on the ground but some additional structures were needed for its smooth running. This ultra-modern furnished administrative building comprises of fully furnished office for the Vice Chancellor, Deputy, Burser, Registrar, and their staff. 2.6km interlock Internal roads, University Guest House with 21 rooms and squash court, and Principal Officers Staff Quarters. Some of the projects are already in use while others are not.

    “I therefore appreciate the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for courage and vision in establishing the three universities in the state. The truth is that our people are ripping the benefit of the already established university.

    While appreciating the contractor and designer associate for their tenacity, he further thanked the people of the state who are the taxpayers saying without their tax payment, there would be no way to fund the project.

    “As I said last week at Dennis Osadebay University, I have reiterated that this administration is committed to prudent spending”.

    “I want to assure all Deltans that this administration will continue to invest small resources in ensuring that we provide the necessary school infrastructures for a conducive learning climate for Deltans. The goal of this administration is to ensure that every child has access to complete functional education”.

    While charging the university lecturers and teachers on the state schools set up, he said, “In a global economy where the most available skill you can serve, is your knowledge. The education you offer must be standard with global standards. To meet these standards and close achievement gaps, our educational institutions must continually innovate and enrich the practice of teaching for better outcomes. This is where policymakers, educators, teachers, administrators, and consultants come in”.

    “For our education to remain meaningful and impactful, it must also undertake research that helps society to develop in real time lasting solutions to the challenges of urban decay, potable water supplier, alternative energy sources, public transport sector,r, and waste treatment and management. I am simply saying here that our education must marry both Theory and practical.

    “Many employers in our country complains that many product of our universities are simply unemployable. That must change. An inspiring and informed teacher is an invaluable asset. Modern teachers must possess the well withal to help students think critically, solve problems, make informed judgments,t and create knowledge that benefits both the students and society. When that happens, the product of our universities will come out ready to face and conquer the world with their entrepreneurial, ethical,l and social skills.

    On his part, the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tanukari, noted that Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, commenced with forty-five (45) academic programs in six Faculties, all duly approved by the National Universities Commission of Nigeria (NUC)”.

    Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jacob Snapp Oboreh said that the University has identified Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda as a holistic roadmap for the advancement of Delta State.

    Him stating the demand of the institution he said, “The zeal, energy, and commitment deployed by our staff and students to the task of finding solutions to humanity’s problems will soon yield the desired results”.

    “Funding for eminent accreditation by the National Universities Commission to the tune of four hundred million naira only. Funds of the tune of four hundred million naira to mitigate the impact of the 2022 flood which destroyed buildings, damaged equipment, and washed away the faculty of Agriculture farms. Provisions of electricity to power the University to leapfrog our technological drive.”

    Other needs of the University enumerated by Prof Oboreh are; “The need to mobilize the contractor to commence the construction of the faculty of Management Sciences. Request for the construction of a 3km Road to facilitate easy mobility of staff, students, and equipment on campus”.

  • Reps urge NUC to suspend implementation of universities’ tuition fees hike

    Reps urge NUC to suspend implementation of universities’ tuition fees hike

    The House of Representatives has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) for immediate suspension of  the implementation of increase in universities tuition fee.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP-Kano) at plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

    in his motion, he noted that citing the poor funding of tertiary education and rising inflation in the country, Federal Universities across the country increased their tuition fees from 100 per cent to 200 per cent.

    He added that hostel fees were increased from 50 per cent to 100 per cent

    He said Universities that hiked their fees include Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the University of Uyo, University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara  University of Agriculture among others.

    He expressed concerned that the hike in fees by the universities was happening against the worsening poverty level in the country, inflation and high rate of unemployment and the recent fuel price hike in the country.

    He said the increase could cause disruptions for a number of students who could not afford the fees, adding that while many of them would be forced to defer their studies, others could drop out.

    He further said that the hike could aggravate the already volatile situation in the country as students were already making threats which could lead to an uprising against the Federal Government.

    This according to him could come with grievous consequences for the country.

    He said an increased rate of university dropouts could further worsen insecurity in Nigeria as the frustrated students could find the wrong outlets to express their grievances.

    He said tertiary education was imperative in fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting the
    prosperity of any nation.

    Adopting the motion, the House therefore urged the National Universities Commission to immediately halt implementation of the increase of fees by Federal Universities.

    The House further mandated the Committee on Tertiary Education and Services when constituted to investigate the increase of fees by Federal Universities across the country with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the tertiary education sector

  • Why I went to university – TY Bello

    Why I went to university – TY Bello

    Nigerian singer and photographer, Toyin Sokefun-Bello, aka TY Bello, has said she had a university education just to please her mum.

    The minstrel said her plan was to become a “big hairstylist” after graduation, adding that she has always been creative as far back as she can remember.

    She said she started writing songs at the age of 8.

    The ‘Land is Green crooner stated this while featuring as a guest on the latest episode of I Said What I Said podcast, co-hosted by FK and Jola.

    She said she started photography and music almost at the same time.

    TY Bello said, “I have been writing songs since I was 8, 9, 10. I started music and photography [professionally] right at the same time.

    “After university, when everyone in my class knew where they wanted to work. And I had no such dream. I was very confused.

    “University was that period where I thought, ‘okay, let me go to school to make my mum happy. Then I was going to graduate to be a big hairstylist.’ I thought that was my future.

    “When it came to NYSC and everybody asked where to be posted to, I asked to be posted to the south. I was like, what do I do? And I think that was the major turning point where I realised that I had to be posted to phototech because I just started photography.

    “It wasn’t like I wanted to be a photographer all my life, but that one move made me who I am today.”

  • Dissolution of governing councils, a setback for university education – ASUU

    Dissolution of governing councils, a setback for university education – ASUU

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has faulted the decision of the Federal Government on the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all federal universities in the country.

    The union said that the move was inimical and a major setback toward the growth and development of university education in Nigeria.

    The Chairman of the University of Jos chapter of the union, Dr Chris Yilgwan, stated this in an interview with NAN on Saturday in Jos.

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) had on June 22, announced the dissolution of governing councils of all federal universities and boards of other agencies and parastatals in the country.

    Yilgwan, who condemned the move, insisted that such a trend, if allowed to continue, would cripple the university system.

    According to Yilgwan, the dissolution contravened the Act establishing federal universities, adding that it will stagnate the progress of the institutions.

    “The recent dissolution of the governing councils of federal universities by the National Universities Commission, does not conform with the Miscellaneous Act of 2003 as amended.

    “The Act provided a statutory tenure of governing councils of universities and so they cannot be dissolved at will like other boards.

    “The governing council is the highest decision-making body of every university, and once it is dissolved without immediate replacement, it stalls every major decision in the university.

    “So, we consider the dissolution as inimical to the progress of the university system and call on the federal government to rescind its decision,” he said.

    He appealed to the government at all levels to allow the universities to operate in accordance with the law establishing them.

  • Just in: NUC Executive Secretary tenders voluntary resignation

    Just in: NUC Executive Secretary tenders voluntary resignation

    The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission professor Abubakar Rasheed has voluntarily resigned from the NUC to continue lecturing at the Bayero University Kano where he was initially appointed from.

    Professor Rasheed who stated this to newsmen on Monday in Abuja said he had spent seven years as the ES of NUC.

    More details shortly…

  • IUO: How we started with 111 students but today our undergrads are over 5,000-Pro Chancellor, Igbinedion

    IUO: How we started with 111 students but today our undergrads are over 5,000-Pro Chancellor, Igbinedion

    The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Pro Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada, IUO Gabriel Igbinedion has narrated the success story of Nigeria’s premier private university how it started in 1999 with just 111 students but today has over 5000 undergraduates fully accommodated.

    Speaking at the varsity’s 24th Founder’s Day in Okada, the Pro Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Pro Chancellor, former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion disclosed this with nostalgia.

    He said: ” The university started with just 111 students in 1999 today it has over 5,000 students, all comfortably accommodated on campus.

    He pointed out that IUO has lived true to the vision of a cosmopolitan entity offering world class education in a conducive environment.

    According to him the Board of Regents will continue to deliver on its mandate of ensuring that excellence is maintained in the university and that it remains world-class at any point in time.

    Also, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Thamsanqa Dennis Mseleku, who was the guest speaker, said IUO got it right for adopting a model of university education that is relevant to African nations at their current level of national development.

    He said that the multi-programme model of university education provides opportunities for all-round growth, quite unlike the single programme/discipline model that some foreign universities were trying to plant in some African nations.

    The envoy said that university education in Africa must overcome the challenges of alienating the educated from the rest of the society. Instead, he said, university education should be a tool for integration and bridge-building.

    According to him, African universities should also establish a legacy of being solution providers for the many problems that plague African societies.

    He also enjoined the institutions and scholars alike to be Afrocentric in their research by focusing on areas that address the challenges of Africa. In this regard, he said research by African scholars and African universities must address issues African diseases, poverty alleviation, deepening democracy and engagement with society.

    For African scholars having collaboration with universities outside of Africa, he cautioned that the purpose should not be just to have an opportunity to run away, but through interactions see how they can improve the system at home.

    He pointed out that the 24th Founders Day event was not just a celebration of Igbinedion University, but actually a celebration of the dawn of private university education in Nigeria.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, pointed out that the university is focused on producing what he referred to as “future-ready graduates”. According to the professor of eco-toxicology and environmental forensics, “ our blue-sky graduates are already making waves globally”.

    He used the occasion to highlight some of the recent achievements of the university which include the commencement of production of drugs by the pharmacy department of the university. According to him, the pharmacy programme has also been upgraded from bachelor of pharmacy degree (BPharm) to doctor of pharmacy degree (DPharm).

    In the area of infrastructure development, while all the students are fully accommodated on campus, construction has also begun for ultra-modern hostels.

    According to professor Ezemonye, the university will also soon start the construction of a five-star hotel on campus, in addition to an18,000 seater auditorium, which will cement IUO not just as the first but foremost private university in Nigeria.

    Academically, according to the VC, the immediate focus is to “digitize every aspect of learning on campus. The university will also soon start its Open Programmes to make education accessible to more interested members of the public.”

    We recall that Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) Edo State, is the first private university in Nigeria, with license No 001, issued May 10, 1999. From just 111 students when it began learning in October 1999, it has produced over 16,000 graduates, and currently boasts of having the highest number of academic programmes and departments of any private university in Nigeria, and maintains a partnership with the Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, among others

  • Just In: ASUU re-elects Osodeke as National President

    Just In: ASUU re-elects Osodeke as National President

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in the early hours of Monday re-elected Professor Emmanuel Osodeke unopposed as their National President to pilot the affairs of the union for another two years.

    It was learnt that apart from Osodeke of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, the union members also re-elected Chris Piwuna, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Professor in the College of Medicine, University of Jos, as Vice President.

    They were re-elected during their 22nd National Delegates Conference of ASUU which was hosted by the University of Jos, Plateau State between May 19 and 21, 2023.

    Other National Officers of ASUU who were also re-elected during the conference include Prof. Siji Sowande (Treasurer); Prof. Ade Adejumo (Financial Secretary); Dr Austen Sado (Investment Secretary); Dr Adamu Babayo (Internal Auditor) and Dr Aisha Bawa who replaced Dr Stella-Maris Okey as the Welfare Secretary.

    Osodeke who spoke on his way to Abuja after the National Delegates Conference described it as successful.

    He said “We have finished with our national delegates conference in Jos. It was successful. We are on our way back to Abuja. We will issue a statement regarding the conference and my re-election and other national officers when we get back to our station . Thank you”

    Punch