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Education

Ex-students rehabilitate facilities at alma-mater

A cross section of graduands of the college

 

Ex students rehabilitates facilities at alma-mater

Anniversary
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 31, 2022 (NAN) The ex students of the United Faith Tabernacle College, Jarawan Kogi, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau, have rehabilitated the dining hall, Library and some other buildings at the school.
Mr Steve Omali,  the Acting National President of the United Faith Old Students Association (UFOSA), disclosed this at the 40th anniversary of the college on Saturday.
The event  coincided with the 2022 Speech and Prize Giving Day celebration of the school.
Omali, who decried the deteriorating state of infrastructure and other facilities in the school,  noted that UFOSA had plans to rehabilitate more structures in the college.
”As ex-students, we were able to rehabilitate the dining hall, Library, which were solely done by our Lagos chapter, donated tables, chairs, writing materials, among others
”This is in a bid to give back to the school that has made us,” he added.
The acting president explained that the event had provided them the opportunity to reunite with their school mates and garner support towards reviving the lost glory of the school.
”Today’s event is very significant in the history of this school and special to all who have graduated here.
”This institution has made us and many other notable Nigerians out there and it is only logical that we return to pay back and support the growth of an institution that made us.
”We are here today to celebrate with the students, teachers and all those who are working to see that this school is still standing,” he said.
Speaking with nostalgia, Mustapha Raji,  the chairman of the Lagos chapter of UFOSA,  said that the school was a ”Collage” of students from different parts of the country.
”I used to come from Zaria to school here; we had many students from Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna, Benue and many other parts of this country who studied here.
”Peace Lar, my classmate used to come all the way from London to school here, so, this school has made many people,” he said.
Raji, who commended the management of the school for maintaining academic standard it was known for, however,  decried the mannner in which insecurity in Plateau affected the enrolment of students in the college.
He called on goverment to address the spate of insecurity in the school vicinity, the state and country in general.
On his part, Pastor Longshik Binat,  the Acting Principal of the college, said poor funding has been a bane of the smooth running of the institution.
He said the school, which is not a grant aided institution,  had never received any support from government, hence depended on the benevolence of groups and spirited individuals to thrive.
”Our major problems are lack funds and decaying infrastructure; sometimes we hardly pay the salaries of teachers.
”And the insecurity that has bedevilled the state for the past years has affected school enrolment; parents no longer feel safe to bring their children here to study.
”The number of our students have dropped from over 1,000 to 157 and this is not good for us,” he said.
Binat thanked members of UFOSA for their efforts and support towards the growth and development of the institution.
The principal said that 32 students succesfully graduated from the institution in the 2021/2022 academic session.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event was the presentation of gifts to some deserving students and graduands of the school by UFOSA.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
Education

Group remodels classrooms in Jos

Remodeling
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 29, 2022 (NAN) A group — Better Class Environment (BCE) — has remodelled a block of three classrooms at RCM Primary School, Giring, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.
The classrooms were inaugurated by Prof. Mathew Sule, the Chairman, Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Friday in Jos.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Sandra Adik,  the Team Lead of the group, said that the initiative was born out of their deep passion toward the growth of education in the society.
Adik attributed the feat to the sacrifice, dedication and commitment of young people, adding that it’s part of their contribution toward the development of education.
‘“What you are witnessing today is the passion, commitment and sacrifice of young people who pulled their personal resources to carry out this work.
“Our aim is to support the growth of education in our communities, particularly by providing environment conducive for effective teaching and learning,” he said.
Adik thanked her colleagues for committing their energies and personal resources, and those who made donations toward the actualisation of the project.
Inaugurating the project, Sule, commended BCE for the intervention,  adding that a good classroom improves teaching and learning.
Sule added that the initiative would go a long way in complementing government’s efforts in raising the standard and quality of education in the state.
“This is very good model for us in goverment to emulate because it will definitely improve teaching and learning in our schools.
“With a good learning environment, the pupils will learn under an atmosphere of facilitation.
“The richness of a classroom goes a long way to say of how fast a student will learn.
“So, this initiative is a milestone in the history of making education better in our dear state,” he said.
Sule advised teachers to look inward and make their classrooms an ideal one; one that will ease teaching and learning.
The SUBEB boss promised to partner with the group to ensure that initiative is spread across schools in the 17 local government areas of the state.
He said that government was committed toward making education accessible for every Plateau child.
Earlier, Mr Patrick Pam, the Head Teacher of the school, thanked the group for choosing the school for its pilot scheme.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
Health

Centre donates 30 wheelchairs, 20 white canes to PWDs in Bauchi

One of the beneficiaries
Centre donates 30 wheelchairs, 20 white canes to PWDs in Bauchi
Donation
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 29, 2022 (NAN) An NGO,  the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, Jos, has donated 30 wheelchairs and 20 white canes to some Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) at General Hassan Usman Katsina Unity College, Yelwa, Bauchi State.
This was contained in a statement by Sandra Yilgwan,  the Media Officer of the organisation on Thursday in Jos.
Mr Ayuba Gufwan,  the Executive Director and Founder of the centre, who presented the items to the beneficiaries, said that the gesture was in collaboration with Shedi Dakum, a youth corps member currently serving in the college.
According to Gufwan,  the gesture aimed at supporting beneficiaries have a better lifestyle, by attending school or going to learn skills.
He added that the items donated would enable the beneficiaries put their talents into good use, adding that it would enable them become more useful to themselves and the society.
 “In the Beautiful Gate, we don’t see disability as a kiss of death, rather it is a challenge waiting to be overcome.
”I urge the beneficiaries to go to school, engage in business or learn a trade,” he advised.
On her part, Dakum, who thanked Gufwan for the partnership,  said she was moved to carry out the humanitarian gesture by the number of PWDs she sees on daily basis and the drive to provide succour.
In a brief remark, Alhaji Hamisu Namadi, the Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), thanked the centre for supporting one of his corps member to organise her personal Community Development Service (CDS).
Also speaking, Pastor Roop Chopra, a visitor from India, thanked the organisation for supporting polio victims and all those suffering from one form of disability or the other.
He is in Nigeria to understudy the operations of the centre, with a view to set up something similar in his country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AZA/ISMA
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
General news

Organisation graduates 45 fellows, tasks them on peace building 

Fellows
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 28, 2022 (NAN) A non-governmental organisation,  Equal Access International (EQI), has graduated 45 fellows in Nigeria on the platform of its Peace Promotion Fellowship programme.
Speaking during the wrap-up programme for the fellowship on Thursday in Jos, Mr Shamaki Peter,  the Deputy Country Director of the organisation, said that the participants were drawn from Kaduna State, Kano State, Benue and Plateau.
Peter, who said his organisation had invested more than N100 million in the project, added that the fellows were engaged for one year.
“In 2021, we sent out a call for application for youths from Plateau, Benue, Kaduna State and Kano State for a fellowship programme.
“We received 850 applications and we shortlisted 90; after one week camp in Abuja, Kaduna State and Plateau, we picked 45 as fellows and gave them intensive training on early warning and response system, effective communication, advocacy, social change and other skills.
“At the end of the training,  they went back to their various communities and collaborated with other stakeholders in influencing decision making.
“All of them carried out activities that supported local security outfits, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),  increased women participation in community policing and creating awareness on drug abuse, among others,” he said.
Peter added that the fellows have become mentors in their communities, adding that EQI is pleased with the outcome of the project.
He explained that the fellowship had provided veritable platforms for some of be participants, noting that some of them got better jobs while others were able to mobilise resources to further their education
“We placed these fellows on monthly stipends of N20,000 and this has enabled us to improve their economic base on one hand and were able to acquire skills and knowledge that has made them to be mentors on the other hand.
“Beyond that, we have been able to establish a structure on early warning and early response in various communities and women participation on security issues and decision making.
“So, as an organisation, we are satisfied with our investment in this project because it has yielded the desired result,” he said.
On her part, Maryam Mohammed, the Programme Manager/Executive Producer of the organisation’s radio, said the wrap-up meeting was to evaluate the performance of the fellows and stimulate them to be  good ambassadors in their various communities.
She added that the fellowship provided opportunity for the participants who are largely young people to contribute their quota toward the growth and development to promote peaceful coexistence in their communities
“Basically, as this fellowship comes to an end, we are here to evaluate, thank the participants and encourage them to do more for the society even without our monthly stipends and monitoring,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
Economy

Why Jaiz Bank will rebuild Jos main market – D-G 

Why Jaiz bank will rebuild Jos main market – DG PICTDA
Market
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 28, 2022 (NAN) Mr David Daser, the Director General,  Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agnecy (PICTDA) has explained that Jaiz Bank would rebuild the Jos main market at no cost to government.
Daser said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos.
NAN reports that the Jos main market, one of the largest in West Africa, was destroyed during the 2001 Jos crisis and has been abandoned since then.
But Daser said the current administration took the bold step to rebuild the market, hence approached the Jaiz bank for the project.
”For the past seven years, a lot of commercial banks, private investors and even some Chinese vested companies have shown interest in the project.
”At a point, a notable Plateau son was awarded the job, reason why it was initially demolished to pave way for reconstruction. Somehow, the investor never showed up again.
”Jaiz bank came with a special interest at no cost to government, no loan, no servicing of loans and we have our terminus market rebuilt.
”Not just coming with special interest but the bank is ready to be on site by August,” he said.
The D-G further explained that the state government had not taken any loan from the bank for the project, adding that the bank would bear the entire burden of the project.
He said that the rebuilding would be in phases, adding that within the next six months the bank would complete the first phase of the project.
”The rebuilding of the market is not going to be through a debt-financing model; in order words, it is not a loan that requires repayment by the government at any time.
”It is a special model of financing where the bank builds the market without government staking any kobo.
”Out of the 4,321 shops to be built and sold after the rebuilding, 60 per cent will be leased out by Jaiz bank to interested parties. This is how the bank will recoup its investment or the cost of rebuilding the market.
”The interesting thing is that the state government will also lease its own 40 per cent allocation of the shops to interested buyers.
”Without taking loans or financing the rebuilding of the market, the state government makes a lot of revenue leasing off 40 per cent of the shops,” he explained.
Daser explained that at the end of the engagement and the Bank had recouped its money, it would quit the state.
He maintained that the rebuilding of the market would not only create jobs, but improve the economy of the state through active commercial activities at the market.
He further explained that goverment had insisted on rebuilding the burnt market because commercial activities was still ongoing at the arena, in spite of destruction and recent demolition to pave way for the rebuilding.
He also said that the decision to allow Jaiz Bank to handle the rebuilding had no religious connotation but pure economics consideration,  hence dispelled rumours making the rounds that the agreement had religious agenda.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
Education

ASUU rejects plan to hike tuition fees in public universities 

ASUU rejects plan to hike tuition fees in public universities

Tuition
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 26, 2022 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has rejected the proposed plan by the Federal Government to hike tuition fee in Nigerian universities.
Dr Lazarus Maigoro, Chairman of the University of Jos chapter of the union, made this known on Tuesday in Jos, during the nationwide peaceful protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the NLC embarked on the nationwide protest in solidarity with the ASUU and other affiliate unions, over the unresolved industrial dispute between the Federal Government and the lecturers.
Maigoro, who alleged that government was planning to hike tuition to N750, 000 per student, re-iterated that the ongoing strike was aimed at pushing for their demands, as well as making government address the contending issues.
He insisted that if tuition fee was increased, the children of the common man would invariably be denied access to university education.
“Government is planning to increase the tuition fee in public universities to N750,000 and this not acceptable to us in ASUU.
“We will not accept it today, tomorrow or forever; if that happens the children of the poor and common people can not go to the university.
“So, this strike is not about us, but about the future of education in Nigeria, and this is why we are insisting that government must fund education because it is its responsibility to do so,” he said.
Maigoro, however, appealed to the Federal Government to implement the agreement it entered with the union in 2009, in the interest of Nigeria’s future generation and development of the university system.
He particularly advised the government to implement the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS), as a payment platform for all universities in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AZA/DOR
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
Education

Our salaries have not been reviewed in 11 years – ASUU

 

Salaries
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 26, 2022 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says salaries of university lecturers in the country have not been reviewed in the last 11 years.
Dr Lazarus Maigoro,  Chairman of the University of Jos chapter of the union made this known at the peaceful protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLC embarked on the nationwide protest in solidarity with the ASUU and other affiliate unions over the lingering industrial action in public universities in Nigeria.
Maigoro said the strike was to push for their demands and to enable government address the lingering issues.
”It is not that we derive pleasure in going on strike, but it has become our last option and this is simply to salvage the decaying state of university education in Nigeria.
”We entered an agreement with the Federal Government in 2009, till date this agreement has not been honoured by government.
”For instance, in the last 11 years, the salaries of university lecturers have not be reviewed. Where in the world is this done?
”Committees were set up to look into our demands, but government refused to consider the recommendations of these committees,”he said.
Maigoro accused government paying lip service toward the growth of university education, insisting that education remains the bedrock of development in any society.
According to him, education remains the only asset for the common man, adding that the struggle of the union was not solely personal, but aimed at ensuring standards practices in the education sector.
The chairman thanked NLC and other affiliate bodies for the solidarity in calling on government to address the issues at hand.
Maigoro also called on parents support and collaborate with ASUU toward securing a better future for their children and the generation yet unborn.
NAN reports that lecturers in government-owned universities embarked on a nationwide strike on Feb. 14 over the adoption of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) of the government as the payment system in the university sector.

 

They had also decried the poor funding of universities, non-payment of salaries and allowances of some of their colleagues, as well as the inability of the government to pay earned academic allowance to lecturers, among other issues.

Since the industrial action began, several negotiations between the union and the government have ended in deadlock.

Amid outcry over the effect of the industrial action on the nation’s tertiary education sector, various individuals and groups have asked the government to find a lasting solution to the crisis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza
Religion

Collaboration for peaceful coexistence, cleric calls on organisations

Collaboration
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 25, 2022 (NAN) Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, has called on local and international organisations to intensify at training and retraining of community members on interfaith collaboration for peaceful coexistence.
Akpe, who is an Assistant Coordinator, Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the archdiocese, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.
He called on government at all levels to rise to the occasion of sensitising the public to the importance of living in harmony to stop attacks.
The cleric, who likened the current attacks to the persecution Jesus faced, maintained that the apostles of Jesus also encountered serious persecution in their days.
Akpe further debunked insinuations making the rounds that the ostentation lifestyles of most priests could make them preys to kidnappers and other criminals.
“I have spent more than 12 years in social works, so I am speaking from an informed perspective.
“I am not sure it is the lifestyle of the priest that is attracting these criminals to them, because when you look at the priests who were either kidnapped and released or killed, they are largely in the villages.
“These priests don’t drive flashy cars, live in mansions or even flaunt wealth around. They live a moderate lifestyle just like any other average Nigerian.
“To the best of my ability, the lifestyle of a priest is moderate because the bishops are there to regulate our behaviours,” he said.
Akpe, however,  urged his colleagues who flaunt wealth around or live above their means to change.
Akpe maintained that priests had become soft targets for the enemies because they always speak against evil and stands for the truth at all times.
Akpe advised religious leaders to desist from giving inciting sermons and comments, adding that such would also curtail incidences of violent conflicts in the communities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA.KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
General news

Rector advises graduands to shun social vices, embrace hardwork 

A cross section of the graduands

 

Rector advises graduands to shun social vices, embrace hardwork

Hardwork
By Polycarp Auta
Barkin Ladi (Plateau), July 24, 2022 (NAN) Rev. Fr. Gideon Pwakim, the Rector of the St  Vienny Minor Seminary, Barkin Ladi in Plateau, has advised graduands of the institution to be hardworking and shun all forms of social vices in the society.
Pwakim, who holds a PhD in Misiology, gave the advice at the 2022 Speech and Prize Giving Day celebration of the school on Saturday in Barkin Ladi.
The rector, who also advised the graduands to brace-up for the challenges ahead, however, said that with hardwork and determination, they would surmount them.
”The world you are going into is very challenging; but don’t be scared, rather be prepared to face those challenges squarely
”With hardwork and determination, your dreams in life will come through.
”Nobody will control you, nobody will tell you to go for mass, classes or even dinning; you are no longer boys, but men, and so you must take your destinies in your hands
”You must shun all forms of social vices because the training we have given you in this seminary is that which has moulded you to better persons,”he said.
Pwakim, who charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the seminary, said they should count themselves lucky to be among the 29 that graduated out of the 58 that started the set in 2015.
The rector explained that the graduation ceremony was the 58th since its inception in 1958.
He thanked the teaching and non teaching staff of the institution for the efforts and resilience they had put into moulding the graduands.
He also thanked the parents of the graduands for the support and cooperation accorded the manamgemnt of the school throughout the period of the training.
In a paper presentation titled ”Determination: A Path Way to Success”, Rev. Fr. Andrew Dewan, the Communications Director of the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin in Plateau, said good things of life only came through hardwork
Dewan, who is also a lecturer with the department of Mass Communication, Plateau State University, Bokkos, added that life was not a bed of roses and charged the graduands to gear up to face the challenges that lied ahead.
The guest lecturer, who holds a PhD in Media and Conflict, advised parents to support the graduands to attend their full potentials in life.
On his part, Chairman of the occassion, Prof. Simon Yiltok,  advised the graduands to consider venturing into priesthood, saying the Catholic Church was suffering from dearth of priests in the face of sporadic growth and  expansion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured presentation of gifts, dance drama, among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
Defence/Security

Gunmen kill 5 persons in Plateau – Police 

Gunmen kill 5 persons in Plateau – Police
Killing
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, July 23, 2022 (NAN) The Police Command in Plateau has confirmed the killing of five persons by gunmen at Fusa community in Fabur District of Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Jos.
According to him, the incident occurred on Thursday.
”On a sad note, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau, Mr Bartholomew Onyeka, wishes to use this medium to condole with the good people of Fusa village in Fabur in Jos East and the families of the five persons who were killed by yet to be identified persons.
”He has assured the families of the deceased and the entire people of locality that efforts are on top gear towards arresting the pepertrators of the dastardly act and be made to face justice,” he said.
Alabo added that the command had also foiled a kidnap attempt at the residence of one Mr Mark Inkasu of Jebbu Bassa, Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
”On July 22, at about 11 p.m., our Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bassa, SP James Yekubu, received a distress call from a concerned citizen that some unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers were operating at the residence of one Mark Inkasu.
”Upon receipt of this information, the DPO mobilised his men to the scene, but on sighting the patrol vehicle, the hoodlums began shooting at the police personnel.
”Our gallant team also engaged them fearlessly and sensing danger that was about to befall them, the hoodlums escaped into a nearby bush with bullet wounds,” he said.
He said that the Commissioner advised residents of the area to go about their lawful activities as normalcy had since been restored to the area.
The PPRO added that the commissioner furher commended all the local security organisations in the area, for giving the Police the timely information that helped in repelling the kidnap attempt. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman