JAMB Fine-Tunes Admission Policy Into Universities, Others

August 21, 2017

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB is currently fine-tuning formula for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions at a meeting of the stakeholders which began today, Monday, at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, and is expected end tomorrow, Tuesday.

The stakeholders are expected to run through issue of the introduction of Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) to ensure quality control, transparency and credibility of the admission process.

The new policy is expected to make provision for a ‘market place’ in the JAMB portal where institutions can go and ‘request for students in Nigeria who score their cut off points.’

The institutions will write to JAMB to request for the students and also give them (students) three days to respond. Also, only three universities can request for a candidate if the policy is adopted.

The new policy is also expected to allow institutions in Nigeria peg their cut off point after meeting with their respective senates.

The new policy will also give the academic board or senate of an institution the power to ‘allocate percentages to JAMB, the school and O’level results as these will be calculated to get the students’ cut off marks for post-UTME.’

It was also learnt that JAMB wants to ensure there is a unified time for closing admission in all universities.

If the policy sails through, there will be a portal for admission which will be based on cut off points, quota system and catchment areas.

“The new system is such that institutions can only admit those who meet their cut off points,” an admission officer for a tertiary institution who was at the meeting told PREMIUM TIMRS. “If a candidate does not meet the cut off, no matter whom he or she knows, such person cannot be admitted.”

The official said that the system was demonstrated to all the attendees at Monday’s meeting, most of whom expressed satisfaction with it.

Also, the policy intends to make provisions for candidates to accept and reject any admission being offered to them.

The intended policy also looks out for candidates who are unable to go for National Youth Service, NYSC, because they do not have JAMB admission letters. This set of students could be asked to pay a fee, about N10,000 for regularisation and would be able to go for the youth service.

JAMB is expected to formally brief journalists on these new policies on Tuesday afternoon.

Source: PREMIUM TIMES[myad]

Makarfi Asks Ambitious PDP Presidential Aspirants From South To Forget It

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2017

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has made it clear that the party will not entertain any Presidential aspirant from any part of the South for the 2019 election as it has already been zoned to the North.

Makarfi, who spoke to news men in Kaduna today,Monday, said that the position of the party on the zoning formula was supreme and cautioned those already campaigning for the nation’s topmost position come 2019 to stop it.

He said that although it is the constitutional rights of Nigerians to aspire to the position of presidency, but that PDP members are expected to respect the position of the party on the matter.

“Anything that has to do with the party, it is from the leadership of the party that you will hear and that is why I have reaffirmed that the zoning position of the party have not changed. It was the decision of the Port-Harcourt May 21, 2017 Convention. The decision is supreme.

“But let me also remind you that while the presidency was zone to the South in 1999, some aspirants in the North contested and went against it in their rights; but the party went with the decision it took. So, it is up to an individual to make a choice whether to abide by what the party said or go against it.

“However, at the end of the day , it is the position that the party adopted that will prevail. We won’t make choices for individual but my advice is that individual should respect the decision. I have not talked to anybody to know the rationale behind that but I will not alter the decision that the party has taken.

“The Presidency remain zone to the North and I know for sure that the position of the governors, the National Assembly, the BoT as well as the state chairmen of the party.”[myad]

Gov Obaseki Moves To Revive Sports In Edo, Inaugurates Committee

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2017

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated an 11-man committee to assist with the modalities for setting up a sports commission that will help the state reclaim her top position in sports in the country.

Inaugurating the committee, Governor Obaseki said that the idea of a commission of experts was the product of a workshop organised by the state government earlier in the year as part of his administration’s resolve to reposition sports in the state.

“As a government, our desire is to establish a sports commission that will help us meet our aspirations in the sector. We believe that those chosen for this task have the experience, skills, and knowledge in the world of sports, and will provide the framework for a premier sports commission in Nigeria.”

The terms of reference for the committee include: to design a holistic sports policy for Edo State to help reclaim its pride of place in the nation; help produce a legal framework to help establish a sports commission; prioritise the content and direction of sports in the state; design a framework to help rebuild sporting institutions and facilities to world class standards, as well as assist to design a strategy for private sector funding for sports in the state, among others.

The chairman of the committee and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and promised that the team would do its best to ensure that the state government achieves its desire to reposition sports in the state.

“When you talk about sports in Nigeria, the committee members are the best names and faces in Nigeria, and I want to assure you that the committee will not fail in this task. The report will capture the essence of the vision of sports by this administration,” the chairman said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Special Duties, Edo State, Dr. Mrs. Osayuware Idahosa is to serve as Secretary of the committee. The members are Godwin Dudu-Orumen; Aisha Falode; Ejiro Omonode; Isaac Ikhuoria; Barr. Osayaba Osarenren; Mike Itemuagbor; Austin Eguavoen; Frank Ilaboya and Dr. Kweku Tandoh. The committee has six weeks to submit its report.[myad]

Rivers State To Host 2017 Editors’ Conference

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2017

File photo: From Left: Chairman, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Electoral Committee, Mr Ray Ekpu; Publisher, The Source Magazine, Dame Comfort Obi; Guest Speaker, Mr Emma Agu; President. Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs Funke Egbemode;Gov. Mr Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; representative of the Minister of Information and Culture and Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bayo Onanuga and Former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh, at the 2017 NGE Biennial Convention. Photo credit: NAN

Rivers State will host this year’s edition of the All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC 2017) which holds in Port Harcourt from20 to 24 September.

ANEC is the annual flagship conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) with this year’s to be themed: Nigerian Media – Balancing Professionalism, Advocacy and Business. It will also have an extraordinary convention to adopt the reviewed NGE constitution.

This year, the Conference is focusing on the media as a major stakeholder in the nation’s democratic project.

The Nigeria Guild of Editors has in recent years, dedicated its annual conference to fostering and deepening discourses on national issues.

Now in its 13th year, this is the second time that ANEC will focus solely on the media after its first edition held in 2004 in Ada, Osun State, with the support of the government of the then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

According to the organizers, the choice of this year’s theme was a response to popular demand by members of the Guild on the need for the Guild to discuss the myriad challenges confronting the journalism profession and proffer lasting solution to them.

The prevailing economic downturn has had a negative impact on the media leading to low revenue receipts, job losses with several media houses either extinct or on the brink of collapse. There is also the issue of safety of journalists. In recent time, there have been cases of impunity against journalists who were either harassed or killed in the course of discharging their constitutional duty which is to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

The 2017 ANEC is expected to be attended by no fewer than 300 Nigerian editors from the print, electronic and online platforms, media entrepreneurs, sundry public officers and administrators.

Governor Nyeson Wike said that the conference would afford Rivers state the opportunity to showcase its investment potential as well as consolidate its partnership with the media for sustainable development of the state.

Wike said that the state is hosting several national and international events as a demonstration of the fact that Rivers State is an investors’ destination, stressing that the state is peaceful and the people hospitable.

“Hosting this year’s conference will also make the editors witness first-hand the development projects and programmes of my administration which has improved the living standard of the people.”

ANEC is the largest gathering of Nigerian editors. It is a watering hole of ideas that has shaped government policies and programmes over the years.

The conference also attracts both local and foreign speakers as well as editors from organizations such as the West African Editors Forum (WAEF), the African Editors Forum (TAEF), the World Editors Forum (WEF), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and the Global Editors Network (GEN).

[myad]

Buhari Writes To Inform National Assembly Of His Resumption Of Duties

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has, this morning, written to inform the National Assembly of his resumption of duties in accordance with constitutional provision.
The letter stated in part: “In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I write to intimate that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from Monday, 21st August, 2017, after my medical follow-up in the United Kingdom.”
President Buhari had left for London on May 7, and handed the reins of government to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who functioned as the Acting President. [myad]

National Assembly Is Legitimate Body To Handle Re-structuring, Biafra – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that it is only the National Assembly and the Council of State that have legitimate right to discuss the structure of Nigeria and other issues relating to national unity. In Radio and Television broadcast to the nation today, Monday, two days after his return from 103-day medical vacation in the United Kingdom, Buhari said: “the National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse.
“The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.”
President Buhari said that while no one should be denied the right to express his or her grievance in the democracy, the issue of Nigeria unity and oneness has long been settled.
“The beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence.
“Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.
“In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analyzed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united.”
The President emphasised that every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance, believing that the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.
President Buhari who said that he was distressed to notice while in London that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed the national red lines by daring to question its collective existence as a nation, charged the Security Agencies not to let the successes which his government has achieved in the last 18 months to be a sign to relax.[myad]

We Should Stop Being Petty, Buhari Appeals To Nigerians

Greenbarge Reporters

August 21, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to stop being petty on issues that touch on the unity and progress of the country.
“Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges.”
The President named such challenges as economic and security, political evolution and integration as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians.
Buhari, who returned to Nigeria on Saturday, from 103-day medical vacation in London, vowed that terrorists and criminals would be fought and destroyed relentlessly “so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.”
He made it clear that his government would reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets, and also on kidnappers, perpetrators of farmers and herdsmen clashes as well as the promoters of ethnic violence whom he described as political mischief makers.
“We shall tackle them all. I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained.”
President Buhari thanked Nigerians for their prayers while he was in London, adding: “I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters. I am so glad to be home.”[myad]

Mega Party Accuses Charly Boy’s Group Of Over-Playing Politics With Buhari’s Health

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2017

The Mega Progressive People’s Party (MPPP) has accused a group led by a socialite, Charly Boy calling on President Muhammadu Buharia to either to return to Nigeria from his London medical vacation or resign, of overplaying politics with the President’s health.

It said that apart from Chraly Boy’s group, politicians and civil rights activists had gone into frenzy political utterances that were capable of heating up the polity in the country, adding that the clamour for President Buhari’s resignation by the ‘Resume or Resign Campaign’ protesters over his sickness was politics taken too far.

The National Youth leader of the party, Olorunyomi Ogunbodede, said in an interview that though Nigerians deserved to know the health status of their president, but that for people to go to the streets to demand his resignation was unnecessary and in bad taste.

Olorunyomi Ogunbodede, who was in Ekiti State for the swearing-in of the 23-member State Executive Committee of the party, said: “going to the streets to demand the President’s resignation at this period is unhealthy for our country.

“We have a sitting Vice President and ministers who are carrying on the task. The constitution has already addressed the fear by empowering the Vice President to carry on. So, why generating tension?”[myad]

Hours After Ex Gov Suntai Was Buried, His Brother Dies Too

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2017

Late Danbaba Suntai and his brother late Babangida Suntai | Photo Credit: TVC — Late Danbaba Suntai and his brother (late) Babangida Suntai | Photo Credit: TVC

Babangida Suntai, younger brother of former Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, died today, Saturday hours after the former governor was buried in his village, Suntai, Bali local government area of Taraba State

The state Information, Commissioner in the Suntai government, Emmanuel Bello confirmed the news of the death of the former governor’s brother to new men.

“The Suntai family has been severely devastated,” a member of the family told The Nation in an emotion-laden voice yesterday.

Babangida Suntai died in Abuja, in an undisclosed hospital.

A family source said he was rushed to Abuja last week for treatment.

Danbaba Suntai, who was governor from 2007 to 2015, died on June 28, two days to his 56th birthday in Orlando, Florida, USA exactly four years and seven months after surviving an air crash in which he was the pilot.

He is survived by his wife, Hauwa and five children; four daughters and a boy.

The last two are twins who were born in US where Suntai was being treated of the injuries he sustained from the plane crash.

Danbaba Suntai’s funeral service was held in Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo –the Taraba State capital.

Among the dignitaries were Governors Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe state and Simon Lalong of Plateau state.

The governors said they were touched by the late governor’s kind gesture and leadership qualities. They asked Taraba people to learn from the good legacies Suntai left for the state.

Taraba State Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku said that Taraba, as a State, had entirely crashed with Danbaba Suntai on October 25, 2015 when the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft piloted by Suntai had a mishap.

“When Suntai had that plane crash, Taraba State literally crashed with him.

“The future and wellbeing of his family, the sanctity of his administration, and indeed, the wellbeing of the people of Taraba State also crashed with him.

“This is because the very fabric of the socio-economic being of the people of Taraba State was intricately interwoven within the stature of this great man and leader of our time.

“The news of Danbaba Suntai’s demise came to me as a rude shock, because from my human perspective, I looked forward with very high expectation to the day that he would be fully restored and returned home to us.

“But sadly, that was not to be. Words cannot describe the intensity and depth of my grief and the trauma that the immediate and extended family members of Suntai are going through, as well as the gloom that has settled on the government and good people of Taraba State.”

Governor Ishaku described his late predecessor as an “amiable leader and an icon par excellence who was very well known for his frankness, boldness and large heart given to sincere forgiveness.”

The governor remembered the three security aides of the late governor who survived the plane crash.

They were: Aide de Camp (ADC), Iliya Dasat, Chief Detail Joel Danladi and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana who has been reappointed by Ishaku as his CSO.

They were asked to stand beside their late boss’ casket for the cameras and recognition.

Governor Ishaku thanked all Nigerians, especially those who stood by the late governor during his trying moment and in death.

He said that the love they showed him was a great source of strength to the family and the people of Taraba State.

[myad]

Raise Standards Of Nigerian Hospitals To That Of UK, Association Pleads With Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2017

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has risen from its August 2017 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to replicate medical equipment he had seen in London, United Kingdom in Nigerian hospitals before the end of his tenure.

The umbrella body of medical practitioners in the country said that Doctors in the country would have been able to handle the President’s health challenge if the health sector had been properly equipped and funded.

NMA in its communique issued and jointly signed by its National President and Secretary General, Professor Mike Ozovehe Ogirima and Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu respectively after their just concluded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna said “resolved to call on the President to utilize his positive experience in the health systems of other climes to impact on the health care system in Nigeria.”

Reading the communiqué to newsmen Professor Ogirima said that Nigerian doctors are competent to handle any form of ailment if enabling environment and good working tools are on ground, adding that the President may have sought for medical attention outside the shores of this country perhaps as a result of ill-equipped hospitals in the country.

According to him: “the nature of the President’s ailment is not known to NMA, and even if it is known to us, we have to respect our oath of secrecy. The President like every other citizen of this country has the right to seek second opinion, that is part of medical practice. However, the Doctors in Nigeria are capable of handling any ailment if optimal working conditions are provided.

“We have read and heard on BBC that, the President does not believe in the Nigerian health system. What was wrong by the President going outside? It is a fact that our hospitals are not optimally equipped. Am sure that, the President after spending 100 days in London has first hand experience of what we have been shouting, equip! Equip! Upgrade our hospitals.

“We are happy that the President is back. Based on his experience, we are saying he should come and replicate what he has seen in London, at least to take care of the masses. So, we expect him to replicate such within the next two years.”
According to the communique, “the NEC observed with dismay the continuous low budgetary allocation to health leading to declining health care service delivery in the country.

“The the NEC observed with dismay the worsening availability, distribution, development and utilization of human resources for health within Nigeria’s health system and the increasing trend of brain drain especially affecting the already weakened man power base in the country.

“NEC calls on government to implement the Abuja Declaration of at least 15 percent budgetary allocation to health and ensure timely release of funds with effect from 2018 budget and appealed to the National Assembly to fast track the passage of the bill on Residency Training Program (RTP) in Nigeria.

“NEC calls for the improvement in Epidemic control, preparedness and establishment of more Infectious Disease Hospitals (IDH) through out the country, and that the government to intensify efforts to improve funding on immunization services and further strengthen the collaboration between government and non governmental agencies.”[myad]

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