The National Universities Commission (NUC) has said that it is working with relevant stakeholders to set minimum guidelines for the conduct of convocations, special lecturers, and other ceremonies by universities in Nigeria.

Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, made this known in Abuja during a retreat organised by the Commission for the members of the governing councils in Abuja on Thursday.

The NUC boss lamented the decline in the quality of conduct of these ceremonies and special lectures, noting that this constituted the hallmark of a university and tertiary education.

He noted that the unique ceremonial occasions such as the Matriculation, Convocation, and the Lectures that traditionally preceded them as well as Inaugural lectures, University Lectures, Distinguished Lectures, Faculty Lectures, and Valedictory Lectures, have, not only declined in quality but have also lost the aura for which they were once known and cherished, because of the adoption of unsavoury local mismatches.

Maiyaki stated that to correct the anomaly, the Commission has resolved to work with relevant stakeholders to establish the minimum guidelines for the conduct of university ceremonies.

He noted that there was an urgent need to enthrone a legacy of good governance values, principles, standards and best practices in our respective institutions of higher education.

He called on the council members to demonstrate good leadership and stewardship towards the growth of their Institutions.

According to him, the members have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that the reputational capital of the nation’s universities is protected, adding that they must give all necessary assurance to stakeholders, emphasising that the university system places a high premium on quality.

He stated: “It is with this goal in mind that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has organised this Retreat, aimed at providing insights into the various instruments as well as relevant legal and regulatory requirements that define the functions of governing councils.

“Our hope is that the retreat will help you to understand the cross-cutting issues that are required to ensure that our Universities are positioned for greater effectiveness.

“Your appointment is, no doubt, a testament to the unwavering commitment you have demonstrated over the years to the development of the Nigerian enterprise. I am optimistic that you will bring this commitment and your wealth of experience to bear fully on the noble task of enabling our Universities to attain their full potential.

“Good governance is at the heart of the success of all organisations in the world over. It is, particularly, important in higher education because a university is, in many ways, a far more complicated organisation than an ordinary institution.

“Governance in higher education requires an appropriate framework for accommodating a diverse group of stakeholders. Indeed, good governance informs and facilitates decision-making which, in turn, enables a university to grow and prosper.”

He noted that it was only through accountability, transparency and innovative strategies that a university can be sustained in the long term.

Maiyaki said: “Our institutions have a proud tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity, nurturing talent, and contributing to society through knowledge and discovery. In their set-up, higher education institutions are meant to be highly democratic institutions.

“The committee system which serves as the basis of decision-making, exists from the level of Council, down to the level of academic departments. The system allows issues to be freely debated and democratically decided upon at scheduled meetings. It is therefore essential for Council members to acquire extensive knowledge about the issues faced by their various institutions.”

[TheNation]

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has broken his silence on the recent judgement recognising Martins Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as the legitimate Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly. In a reassuring tone, Fubara declared that the worst is over and that God has prepared a table for him in the presence of his enemies, citing Psalm 23:5.

Speaking after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Zonal Hospital project in Bori Town, Khana Local Government Area, Fubara assured that his administration remains committed to providing critical infrastructure for the state's speedy development. He emphasized that healthcare, education, and agriculture are top priority areas that will receive utmost attention.

Fubara expressed satisfaction with the progress of the zonal hospital project, which will benefit not only Khana but also neighboring communities. He noted that his administration inherited non-functional zonal hospitals and has released funds for their reconstruction and expansion.

The governor reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his administration's promises, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy objectives. He expressed optimism that the completed facilities will meet the healthcare needs of the people and address key issues in the sector.

Armed robbers on Friday attacked an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, simply identified as Abu, who was returning from a bank and heading towards his house in the Zango area of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

Abu was dispossessed of a yet-to-be-ascertained sum of money after shots were fired at him.

Eyewitness accounts stated that the armed robbers trailed the officer, who was riding a motorcycle from the bank up to Phase I Lokongoma in front of Lokongoma market.

He was stopped by the armed robbers who started dragging the bag containing the money with him and, in the process, shot him three times in both legs and shoulder.

The Kogi State Police Command, while confirming the robbery, said N139,000 was recovered from the scene while the officer was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

“At exactly 1.30 pm, officers received a distress call and rushed to the scene at Lokongoma, Phase I in Lokoja, and met Abu, a eoad safety officer, in a pool of his own blood after being shot at both legs and shoulder.

“He was coming from the bank when a Toyota Camry Ash colour car accosted him and blocked him in front of Lokongoma Market, Phase 1 in Lokoja, and was dispossessed of an unspecified sum of money,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, said.

Aya added that the state Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, has drafted officers to the scene to ensure the safety of lives and property and trail the armed robbers to bring them to book.

[Punch]

The newly-elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer has announced his first cabinet appointments following the Labour Party’s decisive victory in the general election.

This landmark win ends 14 years of Conservative governance.

This was Starmer’s first cabinet confirmation, with Downing Street making the announcement shortly after his assumption of office.

In a historic move, Rachel Reeves has been named the Chancellor of the Exchequer, making her the first woman in the UK to hold this critical finance minister position.

The full list of Starmer’s initial cabinet appointments includes:

Angela Rayner – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities
Rachel Reeves – Chancellor of the Exchequer
David Lammy – Foreign Secretary
Yvette Cooper – Home Secretary
John Healey – Defence Secretary
Pat McFadden – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Ed Miliband – Energy Secretary
Bridget Phillipson – Education Secretary
Wes Streeting – Health Secretary
Shabana Mahmood – Justice Secretary

Vanguard News

President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, on the victory of his party in the United Kingdom general election.

As a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, President Tinubu specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.

The President states that the party's ability to reform, mobilize, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Sir Starmer.

President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria's long-standing partner.

The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest and in strengthening democratic institutions, as well as in building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

The World Bank may approve four loan projects totalling $2 billion for Nigeria this year. 

According to findings by Nairametrics, these four projects are currently undergoing concept review, an appraisal stage that will lead to further negotiation and approval between Nigeria, which is the borrower and often represented by the Minister of Finance and the World Bank. 

If approved, Nigeria will have secured a total of $4.25 billion in loans from the bank this year alone and a cumulative $6.95 billion under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. 

The proposed loan projects, targeting crucial sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, are pivotal for the country’s sustainable development and economic stability. 

According to information obtained from the World Bank’s website, each loan project is estimated to receive a net commitment of $500 million from the Washington-based lender.  

Loan Summary 

• The next project to likely get approved is Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE), which is set to receive $500 million with an approval date of September 17, 2024. The HOPE project will focus on enhancing human capital by improving education, health, and social protection services. 

• Another $500 million is earmarked for the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program, which has an approval date of September 23, 2024. This program aims to fortify Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving service delivery. 

• The third project, Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, will also receive $500 million and is scheduled for approval on September 26, 2024. This project focuses on sustainable power generation and irrigation, both of which are essential for agricultural and industrial development.  

• The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up is set to receive $500 million and is scheduled for approval on November 28, 2024. This initiative seeks to improve rural infrastructure and market access for agricultural products. 

In addition to these four projects, the World Bank has scheduled another loan project for next year. The Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project is set to receive $300 million and is scheduled for approval on April 8, 2025.  

What you should know 

The World Bank recently announced the approval of two loan projects aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability and supporting its vulnerable populations.   

According to a statement from the bank, the combined package, totalling $2.25 billion, comprises the $1.5 billion Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing Program (DPF) and the $750 million Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) Program-for-Results (PforR). 

So far, Nigeria has secured a total of $4.95 billion in loans from the World Bank under the administration of President Bola Tinubu amid concerns over the country’s rising external debt servicing costs.   

Not less than six loan projects have been approved and they include loans for power ($750 million), women empowerment ($500 million), girl’s education ($700 million), renewable energy ($750 million), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5 billion) and resource mobilization reforms ($750 million), according to findings by Nairametrics. 

Data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows that Nigeria owes the World Bank a total of $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024. 

[Nairametrics]

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of 10 private jet operators over illegal operation.

The affected operators which had their Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) suspended had failed to undergo a recertification process as directed by the regulatory authority.

This was after revelations that most of the operators were abusing the PNCF and using their jets for commercial flights or what is simply called in aviation parlance as hire and reward.

Daily Trust reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, CARGO or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operation or charter services).

Following the flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the 19th of April 2024.

To this end, the NCAA has suspended the permit of 10 operators.

Those affected include:

• Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
• Bli-Aviation Safety Services
• Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
• Matrix Energy Ltd
• Marrietta Management Services Ltd
• Worldwide Skypaths Services
• Mattini Airline Services Ltd
• Aero Lead Ltd
• Sky Bird Air Ltd
• Ezuma Jets Ltd.

In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA told the public “that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes.”

“The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.

“Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders,” the statement added.

[DailyTrust]

Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom are very much alike.

According to her, Nigerian and British cultures are “very similar.”

She stated this in a recent interview with Capital Xtral, London.

“I feel like the UK is very similar to Nigeria. The culture is not much different,” she said.

Starr also spoke about her just-concluded tour with Chris Brown.

“Going on tour with Chris Brown was eye-opening,” she said.

The singer said she wished she wrote ‘B**ch Better Have My Money’ by Rihanna and ‘Snooze’ SZA.

She also said she would like to relocate to New York.

[DailyPost]