News
Oronsaye’s Report:ASUP Seeks Reversal For Merger Of NARICT, NILEST
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna chapter, has said collapsing the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) and merging it with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) may clash its unique mandates and achievement.
This was contained in a statement issued by the ASUP, NILEST Chapter Chairman, Comrade Joseph Odey Oko appealed to the federal government to reconsider its decision to merge the two institutions, following recommendations from the Oronsaye Committee Report.
The comprehensive 800-page Oronsaye report, which has prompted the government of President Bola Tinubu to pursue the scrapping and merging of 220 out of 541 government agencies, has decided on merger of Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT).
They acknowledged the federal government’s laudable steps to implement the Oronsaye report for better governance efficiency, but also highlighted the unique condition of the institute.
They however, highlights the unique mandates and achievements of NILEST warrant a reconsideration of the proposed merger.
The statement reads in parts:”The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has several mandates, primarily focused on the development and promotion of the leather industry in Nigeria.
“These mandates are aimed at advancing the leather industry in Nigeria, enhancing its competitiveness, and contributing to the country’s economic development.
“The Importance of NILEST in the Leather Sector of the Nigerian Economy
Unemployment has been a significant concern for governments at all levels since both the pre-independence and post-independence eras.
“Various strategies have been devised and implemented through projects, policies, and programs to address the rising unemployment rates.
“NILEST, as a training institute focused on innovation and invention, plays a crucial role in providing education for self-reliance, as outlined in its mandate.
“The institute trains both graduate and non-graduate youths, literates and illiterates alike, in fields such as footwear, leather goods, and polymer technology. This training aims to ensure that the youth can become self-reliant after completing their education, rather than relying on securing a government job.”
They also highlights the NARICT conducts research in various areas of chemical technology which includes: “Researching and developing new chemical processes for the production of industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
“Materials Science: Studying the properties and applications of different materials, including polymers, ceramics, and composites, and developing new materials with specific properties.
“Environmental Protection: Developing technologies for the treatment and recycling of industrial waste and pollutants to minimize environmental impact.”
They also emphasis the divergent focuses of the two institutions as enumerated above, saying there is no way that the two agencies if merged will produce any meaningful outputs rather than chaotic collaboration and antagonistic relationships.
“We, the members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), NILEST Chapter, therefore strongly oppose the proposed merger of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT).
“This merger, if implemented, would combine an academic institution specialized in training and research in leather and leather products technology with a core research institute focused on chemical technology. We believe that such a merger would have several negative effects.
“We believe that the proposed merger of NILEST and NARICT is not in the best interests of either institution or the stakeholders involved. We urge Mr. President, His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities involved in the implementation of the to reconsider this proposal and allow both institutions to continue their valuable work independently,” they said.
In an increasingly globalised job market, several countries are opening their doors to skilled professionals through job-seeker visa programs.
These programs allow foreign nationals to reside temporarily while searching for employment, offering an excellent opportunity for career advancement abroad.
Here’s a breakdown of countries currently offering such visas, their requirements, and durations.
1. Germany: A Hub for Skilled Professionals
As Europe’s largest economy, Germany presents tremendous job opportunities, particularly in sectors like engineering, IT, and healthcare. The Germany Job Seeker Visa gives you up to six months to find a suitable job while immersing yourself in German work culture.
Visa Type: Germany Job Seeker Visa
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility Highlights
Must be 18 years or older
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of five years of relevant work experience
Show financial stability (e.g., €5,604 in a blocked account or a sponsor’s obligation letter)
Required Documents
Passport (issued within the last 10 years with at least 12 months’ validity)
Three recent passport photos
Cover letter outlining your job-seeking goals
Degree certificates
Proof of accommodation in Germany
Proof of financial means
CV, health insurance, and either a birth certificate or Aadhaar card
2. Austria: For Top-Tier Talent
Austria is seeking highly qualified professionals, such as scientists and senior managers, through its structured points-based system. The country combines a robust economy with a high standard of living.
Visa Type: Austria Job Seeker Visa (Very Highly Qualified Workers)
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility Highlights
Score at least 70 out of 100 on Austria’s evaluation criteria (includes academic credentials, research contributions, salary, and language proficiency)
Required Documents
Valid passport and passport-sized photo
Proof of accommodation and financial means
Health insurance
Supporting documents for each scoring criterion (e.g., awards, research publications, degrees)
3. Sweden: A Progressive Choice for Graduates
With its innovation-driven economy and inclusive society, Sweden is ideal for those with an advanced degree looking to work or start a business.
Visa Type: Sweden Residence Permit for Job Seeking or Business Start-Up
Duration: Three to nine months
Eligibility Highlights
5 countries with the fastest visa approval rates in 2025
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Must hold an advanced-level degree (e.g., 60 or 120-credit Master’s, PhD, or equivalent)
Demonstrate the ability to support yourself financially during your stay
Required Documents
Valid passport
Academic transcripts
Proof of sufficient funds
Health insurance
Signed consent letter authorizing verification of academic credentials
4. United Arab Emirates: Fast-Growing and Global
The UAE, a magnet for international talent, now offers short-term job-seeker visas aimed at skilled professionals and top university graduates.
Visa Type: UAE Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 60, 90, or 120 days
Eligibility Highlights
Be in the first, second, or third skill level (e.g., managers, technicians, professionals), or
Be a recent graduate from a top 500 global university (within the last 2 years) with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Required Documents
Valid passport
Colour passport photos
Attested degree certificates
5. Portugal: A Sunny Gateway to Europe
Portugal’s scenic landscapes and growing economy make it an appealing place to job hunt. While official eligibility criteria are not fully detailed online, the job-seeker visa is accessible to those meeting basic requirements.
Visa Type: Portugal Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 120 days (renewable for another 60 days)
Eligibility Highlights
Criteria should be confirmed with the Portuguese Diplomatic Portal
Required Documents
Visa application form
Passport (valid for at least three more months)
Two passport photos
Criminal background check
Travel insurance
Proof of financial means equivalent to three months of minimum wage.
6. Spain: Stay After You Study
If you’ve completed higher education in Spain, you may qualify for a long-term residence permit to search for a job or launch your own business in the country.
Visa Type: Spain Residence Permit for Job Search or Business Start-Up
Duration: 12 to 24 months
Eligibility Highlights
Hold a Level 6 or higher qualification under the European Qualifications Framework
Must have studied at a Spanish university
Possess valid medical insurance and proof of financial stability
Required Documents
Valid passport
Completed EX01 application form
Health insurance certificate
Degree or diploma from a Spanish institution
7. Denmark: Post-Study and Post-Employment Pathways
Denmark offers job-seeking permits for both recent graduates and professionals who’ve lost their jobs. With a high standard of living and progressive policies, it’s an excellent choice for relocation.
Visa Type: Denmark Job-Seeking Residence Permit
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility Highlights
For Employees: Must apply within two days of job termination under specific Danish work permit schemes
For Students: Must have completed PhD or other advanced studies in Denmark; allowed to work 20 hours/week (full-time in summer).
Required Documents
Biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
Valid passport
Visa application fee payment receipt
Letter of dismissal (for employees)
A fire on Wednesday evening caused extensive damage at the popular phone village in Challenge market, Ilorin, Kwara state.
The fire, which started around 9:06pm, was believed to have been triggered by a power surge.
The market, which houses over 120 shops, 80 kiosks, and numerous stands, saw 10 kiosks reportedly affected.
In a statement on Thursday, Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara state fire service, said the conflagration primarily affected phone stores and repair shops.
“Our fire crew promptly mobilised and arrived at the scene to find several shops engulfed in flames,” he said.
“The market comprises over 120 shops, 80 kiosks, and numerous stands. Through swift intervention, professionalism, and tactical expertise, our team successfully curtailed the spread of the fire, limiting its impact to only 10 kiosks.
“The affected areas were primarily phone stores and repair shops. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a power surge.
“Traders and market stakeholders commended the Kwara State Fire Service for their rapid response and effectiveness in saving the market from widespread destruction.”
Falade Olumuyiwa, director of the state fire service, expressed sympathy to the market leadership and affected traders.
Olumuyiwa also prayed that all losses suffered would be divinely restored.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, on Wednesday, announced the interception of contraband items worth over N921 billion as the service intensifies enforcement operations at the nation’s ports.
The items included expired food items, unregistered pharmaceutical products and controlled security equipment.
Adeniyi during a press briefing at the Apapa Command of the service said that the seizures were made between January and April.
According to him, the seizures also involved 11 separate interdictions.
He said the prohibited items included five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers and four seizures of loosely concealed contraband.
The CG also gave updates on the rollout of the Customs Unified Management Information System, known as B’Odogwu, describing the pilot phase at PTML and Tin Can Island Port as crucial.
He explained that his earlier visits to PTML and Tin Can that morning, before arriving at Apapa, were to gain firsthand insights of challenges faced by stakeholders with the new digital platform.
He admitted that while the B’Odogwu rollout was ambitious and necessary, the service was fully aware that initial implementation would have some hiccups.
“We are not pretending that when we roll out a very serious project of that magnitude that there will be no hitches,” he said.
He added that Customs was approaching the situation with flexibility and innovation, holding stakeholder and bank engagements to address the hiccups in the system’s deployment.
Adeniyi also explained measures towards strengthening enforcement at the Apapa Command, in line with the national strategic economic development plan and executive orders on port operations.
He said the Command had scaled up surveillance across seaports, airports, and land borders in response to evolving tactics by transnational criminal networks attempting to breach the country’s import protocols.
He raised alarm over the rising influx of unregistered pharmaceutical products, particularly sexual enhancement drugs into the Nigerian market, warning that such items posed threat to public health and safety.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unregistered medicines lacking mandatory certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) were seized.
Other items seized included expired margarine products, and restricted security gadgets including drones and telecommunication devices without end-user certificates from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The seizures included 89 cartons of unregistered pharmaceutical products in container CAAU6514500, 242 cartons in container TCNU6880130, and 1,001 cartons of hydra-sildenafil citrate tablets in container MRSU3041714.
Another 40-footer container was found to contain 1,400 packages of various unregistered drugs, while a fifth had 805 packages falsely declared as cosmetic powder.
The service also intercepted two 20ft containers, GCNU1367992 and GCNU1372704, containing expired margarine products.
Additionally, 60 units of warrior drones without valid end-user certificates were recovered from container MSKU9329923, valued at N15.9 million.
Another 53 helicopter drones, evacuated from a container marked CFAX3, carried an estimated duty-paid value of N2.1 million.
Ten professional FM transceiver walkie-talkies were also confiscated from ENL, while a 20ft container (SUDU1408819) was found to contain 500 packages of active medicine tablets lacking NAFDAC certification.
Adeniyi disclosed that the analysis of these seizures revealed five key smuggling trends.
According to him, first was the disturbing proliferation of sexual enhancement drugs, as five of the 11 containers seized were laden with variants of sildenafil citrate and other related substances.
The CG warned that the indiscriminate use of these drugs without medical supervision could lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular risks.
He said a second trend was a growing pattern of misdeclaration, with importers labeling pharmaceuticals as general merchandise or cosmetics in an attempt to evade detection.
According to him, two containers had pharmaceutical products concealed beneath skin creams.
He noted a third trend is the diversification of contraband shipments, with importers mixing pharmaceuticals, expired food, and restricted technology items in a single container.
This, he said, suggested the involvement of sophisticated criminal networks rather than isolated smugglers.
He said the fourth trend was the strategic selection of countries with weaker pharmaceutical export controls, indicating a deliberate attempt to exploit regulatory loopholes.
He identified the last trend of increasing importation of non-pharmaceutical security threats, including drones and communication gadgets, which raised significant concerns for national security.
The CG emphasized that the seizures were not isolated efforts but part of a broader enforcement drive that had seen the service record 22 narcotics-related interceptions in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
He added that the seizures accounted for a duty-paid value of N730 billion, representing 34.6 percent increase when compared to the same period in 2024.
He credited the results to the service’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy and collaboration with regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Office of the National Security Adviser.
Adeniyi warned that the service would not relent in its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting the lives of its citizens.
He commended officers and men of the Apapa Command for their vigilance and professionalism, urging stakeholders within the international trade ecosystem to comply strictly with import regulations.
Concluding the briefing, the CG declared a restricted area around the five containers carrying dangerous pharmaceutical materials, urging all present to maintain a safe distance to avoid any risk of exposure.
He urged the public to remain alert and make use of confidential channels to report suspicious imports, emphasising that collective vigilance would curb the growing threat of organised transnational smuggling. (NAN)