Arts & Literature

Reps committee summons education minister, stakeholders over Imo VC controversy

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2025

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has invited the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, over the dissolution of certain university councils in the country.

The resolution, reached during a committee meeting in Abuja, also extends the invitation to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, along with the heads of other relevant government agencies in the education sector.

The meeting was convened to address a petition against the suspended Vice-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Prof. Stella Lemchi.

The petition was submitted by a group known as the Concerned Interviewed Professors for the Post of Vice-Chancellor, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE), Owerri.

Signed by Prof. Kingsley Ikebudu and Prof. Joshua Umeifekwem, the petition alleged that Lemchi was neither qualified to act as Vice-Chancellor nor to be appointed as the substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The petitioners argued that Lemchi had never been a staff member of Imo State University (IMSU) and that “she falsely claims to hold a professorship in a discipline that does not exist at IMSU.

However, IMSU’s Registrar, Dr Julius Ozuagwu, dismissed the petitioners’ allegations, stating that Lemchi was duly appointed as a Reader/Associate Professor at IMSU.

He explained that her promotion to the rank of professor followed due process and met NUC criteria for academic staff promotions.

Ozuagwu further clarified that Lemchi was on secondment and was permitted to complete her tenure as Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), stated that all relevant stakeholders would be invited to respond to the petition.

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Fulata explained that stakeholders would also address issues related to the frequent dissolution of university councils and the dismissal of some vice-chancellors.

He stressed the need for job security for all university personnel, including council members and vice-chancellors, underscoring the importance of engaging relevant stakeholders in the discussions. (NAN)

Arts & Literature

NSCDC links banditry to illegal mining activities

Published

3 days ago

March 7, 2025

Nathaniel Irobi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said there is a strong connection between banditry and illegal mining activities in the country.

NSCDC Commandant-General (CG), Ahmed Audi, said this during his first quarterly meeting with senior officers of the corps, on Thursday at the NSCDC headquarters, Abuja.

Audi stated that investigations indicated that illegal miners collaborated with suspected bandits to carryout their nefarious activities.

“These bad guys collude and connive with illegal miners and they hibernate in our environments to unleash mayhem and cart away our resources.

“These are really issues that we need to face head on and so we need to restrategies on what we have been doing and buckle up,” the C-G said.

According to him, the corps need to do more and add some bite to its operations and make it more robust.

Audi tasked senior officers of the corps to put in more efforts in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the Federal Government was fully committed to ensuring the mandates of the corps were achieved.

“We have been receiving various support from government and so it is expected that we reciprocate by putting in our best.

“Ways to reciprocate is to try to implement our mandate by providing security for critical national assets and infrastructure and also to provide security for Nigerians,” Audi said.

The C-G said that there was also need for the management team to engage in appraisal discussions for the betterment of the corps and Nigeria at large.

“ We need to appraise ourselves on what we have been doing, methods implemented, results achieved and challenges.

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“In the long run we need to discuss strategies on how to cope with challenges so identified and then chart the way forward.”

Audi tasked the officers on the enormous responsibility of ensuring security amidst emerging security threats posed by asymmetric conflicts, characterised by oil theft, vandalism, farmers/herders clashes amongst others.

“This insurgency has also metamorphosed into terrorism and terrorism has given birth to kidnapping and hostage-taking,” the C-G said.(NAN)

Arts & Literature

Kano Govt. flags off Ramadan feeding for 91,000 people daily

Published

7 days ago

March 3, 2025

Nathaniel Irobi

Kano State government has made arrangements to feed 91,000 people in 91 designated centres during the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme.

Flagging off the feeding programme in m Fagge Local Government Area on Sunday evening, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the programme, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam, said that that the initiative would run for 27 days.

He said that the programme was aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and would provide daily iftar meals to fasting Muslims, alleviating the challenges faced during Ramadan.

“Since the assumption of office, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, has institutionalised this initiative to support vulnerable residents by providing daily iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The programme, which is part of the state’s annual humanitarian efforts, aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by fasting Muslims during Ramadan.

“Recognising the needs of the state’s large population of Ramadan observers, the Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring that relief reaches those in need,” he explained.

Abdulsalam expressed satisfaction with the seamless commencement of the initiative.

He further urged the catering companies involved to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of meals to all feeding centers, in order to achieve the programme’s objectives.

Abdulsalam was accompanied by key officials, including the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal. (NAN)

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Arts & Literature

Providus Bank’s Exclusive Balvenie 60-Year-Old Purchase Marks Nigeria as a Global Hub for Rare Collectibles

Published

6 months ago

September 20, 2024

Tony Tony

In a monumental move that has reverberated through the global luxury market, Providus Bank has secured one of the rarest collectibles in single malt history—The Balvenie 60-Year-Old. With only 71 bottles produced worldwide, and 66 now residing in Nigeria, this acquisition is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Balvenie 60-Year-Old is a masterpiece, crafted by legendary malt master David Stewart. His meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every decanter, making it a sought-after piece for serious collectors and whiskey connoisseurs alike. This limited-edition single malt is more than just a beverage; it’s a testament to six decades of whiskey-making expertise, with complex layers of flavors and a rich history that makes it a crown jewel in the world of luxury spirits.

Providus Bank’s acquisition of this exclusive collection highlights their commitment to offering rare and magical experiences to their elite clientele. More than just a financial institution, Providus is now carving out a space for itself as a global player in the luxury sector, catering to those who appreciate the finest things in life.

Eddie Madaki, a key spokesperson for The Balvenie, notes, “This acquisition places Providus Bank in an elite class, not only for their clients but in the global arena of fine collectibles. It is a defining moment for whiskey culture in Nigeria.”

The Balvenie 60-Year-Old’s presence in Nigeria is more than just a symbol of luxury; it marks the nation as a burgeoning center for high-end collectibles and elite experiences. Providus Bank’s investment in this rare gem is proof of their forward-thinking approach to offering unparalleled value and status to their clientele. This acquisition sets the stage for more exciting developments in Nigeria’s luxury market, cementing both the bank’s position and the country’s growing reputation in the global luxury space.

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