Wigwe University founded by the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, is set to officially launch operational activities by August 2024.

The university which is situated in Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges, including the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.

In early January 2024, the private university appointed Prof. Miles Davis from the United States as its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.

Davis holds a Doctorate in Human and Organisational Sciences from The George Washington University, USA.

Sitting on the Board of Trustees is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Founding Partner of Kenna Partners, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu. Others include Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, and Mrs. Mosunmola Belo-Olusoga, among others.

A check on the school’s website revealed that all its programmes are “delivered to an international standard, in collaboration with key international partners. Our approach puts us in touch with world-leading curricula, joint research and international exchanges and internship programmes.

“Wigwe University, with its innovative approach to higher education and strong commitment to research, community engagement, and academic excellence, is poised to shape Africa’s future as a leader in global education. The institution’s blend of home-based and foreign faculty members promises to instill a sense of purpose, foster creativity, and inspire a new generation of well-rounded fearless leaders who will make a significant impact on the world.”

Further checks showed that the cheapest college is Arts with a total fee of N9,600,00. Students taking courses in the College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing will pay a total fee of ₦11,998,800 each.

The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, and health insurance, among others.

The late founder, Wigwe, died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Chizoba, and son Chizzy in California on February 9, 2024.

In his message found on the school’s website page, Wigwe stated, “I cannot change the world overnight. But if I can empower even one youth today, tomorrow, they could join me in empowering others. With time, we could change the world.”

Says employees on same level can earn different wages

THE Federal Government yesterday hinted that formulation of an innovative wage system that would be based on employee’s productivity in the civil service was underway.

Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, NPC, Dr. Nasir Raji-Mustapha, dropped the hint in Abuja, while enlightening Nigerians on what the agency stood for and its mandate.

The DG explained that with the system, workers on the same level could earn different salaries, adding that the decision was being taken because it realised that productivity was a key factor in the growth of the country’s economy.

“We are in the process of developing a productivity-led wage system that will ensure that those who are productive are rewarded for their efforts irrespective of their grade level. Under the proposed system, employees on the same salary scale can earn different wages,” he said.

Fielding question on whether the proposal had the support and input of organised labour, he said such a policy couldn’t be carried out without the input of organised labour.

He said: “Of course, labour as a critical stakeholder is being carried along in this exercise. As researchers, we don’t just do things without considering the recipient of the reports.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left out of school.

He gave the commitment at the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) Nigeria’s campaign launch, “WeAreEqual,” with the theme: “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change: No Girl Left Behind,” hosted by Oluremi Tinubu.

Addressing a distinguished audience of First Ladies from across Africa, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, President Tinubu highlighted the critical role of education in fostering gender equity and providing equal opportunities for all.

He told the African First Ladies to feel free to ask him of anything that would make it possible for every child to access education, saying, “If there’s anything you want me to contribute, I’m ready and available.” He commended the efforts of African first ladies in advancing gender equality and lauded the initiatives undertaken in various African nations to empower women and girls.

“I salute the commitment and dedication of the African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent.

“This campaign, spearheaded by your excellencies, holds significant importance for us in Africa. I, therefore, congratulate you all. I particularly congratulate my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide.

“I remember it all started in Lagos. I am aware that this campaign has been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment and gender based violence. I am also delighted to learn of all the various initiatives that you have embarked upon in your respective countries. I celebrate you all.”

The President underscored the importance of creating inclusive educational opportunities for all children, particularly emphasising the significance of supporting the girl child.

He praised the reintroduction of the alternative high school for girls in Nigeria by the First Lady, a programme aimed at offering a second chance for young girls to pursue their education and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Tinubu emphasised the transformative power of education, citing it as a cornerstone for national progress and prosperity. He called for concerted efforts to eliminate structural inequalities that hinder women’s advancement and stressed the need for policies that promote women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment.

He said: “It is noteworthy that the launch of this laudable campaign in Nigeria came with the reintroduction of the alternative high school for girls by the First Lady. This initiative offers a second chance to young girls who have dropped out of school to further their education and fulfil their dreams and aspirations and become a very important contributor to the development of our nation.

“I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was recently laid in Osun State, western Nigeria, by the First Lady. More schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, and the Federal Government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other development partners. Nigeria’s First Lady, in her remarks, explained that the #WeAreEqual campaign is a year-long, continent-wide initiative, led by OAFLAD. She added that the campaign, which she describes as significant, unites African First Ladies, partners, and allies in their collective effort to advance gender equity and bridge the gender gap throughout the continent.

Mrs. Tinubu added that the campaign was focused on four main pillars, namely health, gender-based violence, education and economic empowerment, to rally stakeholders and call for action around each of these key issues.

“To promote the “#WeAreEqual” campaign in Nigeria, I have decided to use education as a tool, while also not neglecting other pillars of the campaign, many of which are also being championed under the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which is led by my office to complement the efforts of the administration of Mr. President.”

A Chief Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Abdulwahab Magaji, has committed suicide in Kano State.

Magaji, who, until his death, was serving in the Abuja headquarters of the Service, reportedly shot himself with a pump action gun at his Farm Centre Quarters in Kano, a few days ago. The reason for his action was unknown at press time.

While confirming the tragic incident, Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the Command has flagged off full scale investigation into the reported case of suicide of the Customs officer.

In another development, the police have arrested one Mohamed Barde, alongside two others, over a gang-fight that led to the death of two people in the metropolis. The deceased, the police confirmed, included Sadiq Abdulkadir of Darmanawa Quarters and Muhammad Sani of Sallari Quarters.

Muhammad Barde had organised a Gangi event for the upcoming wedding of his children. During the event, a group of thugs engaged in supremacy fights that resulted in the death of two people, injury to three others and damages to some innocent passerby’s motor vehicles, the PPRO held.

The Federal Government is contemplating a supplementary budget to accommodate a proposed increase in the minimum wage, as ongoing negotiations are likely to exceed the allocations in the 2024 fiscal plan, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In its latest staff country report on Nigeria, the IMF mentioned, “The authorities noted that a supplementary budget may be needed to accommodate the outcome of the ongoing wage structure negotiations, which may exceed what they had included in the 2024 budget.”

Naija News reports that the adjustment is crucial as the government is also considering raising domestic and external borrowing ceilings to avoid new borrowings from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Ways and Means facility.

Negotiations for the new minimum wage have been central to discussions between Organized Labour and the government.

These discussions aim to ease the economic burdens faced by workers due to recent policy changes, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange markets, which have pushed the cost of living higher.

Labour leaders have demanded a substantial increase in the minimum wage for the lowest-ranked workers from N30,000 to N615,000, although there are indications that the tripartite committee might settle for N70,000.

In the 2024 budget, the government initially allocated N6.48 trillion for personnel costs. However, this figure may fall short of the requirements due to the new wage structure.

The IMF warns that Nigeria’s budget deficit for 2024 is expected to exceed initial estimates, driven by implicit subsidies and rising debt interest expenses.

“The drivers are lower oil/gas revenue projections, reflecting IMF oil price forecasts but incorporating recent production gains; higher implicit fuel and electricity subsidies; continued suspension of excise measures included in the MTEF; and higher interest costs,” the report elaborates.

Finance Minister, Wale Edun, had aimed to reduce the budget deficit from 6.1% in 2023 to 3.8% in 2024. Nonetheless, the IMF projects a larger deficit, advising, “Based on staff’s projections, the authorities must raise the domestic and external borrowing ceilings to prevent renewed recourse to CBN financing.”

The report also supports an “opportunistic issuance” of Eurobonds and possible official financing as integral parts of the 2024 financing mix, amidst the financial adjustments required to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and address the extensive social needs of its population.

A core follower of Chief Nyesom Wike, Senator Olaka Nwogu has stated that the plot to probe the past administration by the Rivers State Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, is a mere witch-hunt that will escalate the ongoing crisis.

The former senator and elder statesman, who represented the Rivers South-East in the National Assembly said any attempt to initiate any probe at this stage of the crisis would be viewed as vendetta.

Nwogu, who was reacting to move by the state government to set up panel to probe activities of the state government in the past said such probe would never be objective as Fubara and Wike ran the same administration.

Nwogu said the present disposition of the governor has negated all the peace overtures and spited the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “There is nothing extraordinary about investigation except that in the circumstances we find ourselves it will not appear as something done to promote good governance.

“It appears as designed for witch-hunt or to endorse a particular label already put on somebody. Recall that when this started they started saying that the Minister was asking for certain percentage of money which is not true.

“It was dealt with when the governor came to meet with the elders and we met with the Minister where he recanted most of the things he wrongly labelled the minister as part of the reconciliation process.

“This completely negated the instruction the President gave and the mediatory efforts of the President. The governor is saying that the President wasted his time. It is something Rivers people must be careful about.”

Nwogu said the claimed probe was diversionary, adding that it is preconceived to bring the former governor who has done well for the state down.

He said: “It is preconceived to hoodwink people to think the other way. How is Wike and Fubara different? They ran the same government. One was the gatekeeper of the other. This is going to be very selective.

“This is an attempt to criminalise a good governor that was the envy of the entire nation. We should be careful at how far we escalate this. Let me urge for caution. Let me ask people to be mindful.”

He said all the sin the former governor committed was making Fubara a governor observing that it become obvious that the Minister has been the victim and not the aggressor.

“All the time they say the governor is a victim the Minister is the aggressor but if you look carefully, you will understand right from the beginning all the Minister did was to make him a governor. So he has been at the receiving end.

“So he is actually a victim of unwarranted and undesired attack. This agenda is unfolding and it is very terrible agenda of our state. This is the direction. This is a direct spite on the President. If he chooses to abandon the eight-point agenda and to pursue this course, it means he has no respect for President’s intervention.

Nigerian-American singer and dancer, Korra Obidi has faced a backlash from Nigerians on social media after she announced a trip to Hawaii immediately after reaching a $50,000 milestone in her GoFundMe campaign.

Naija News reports that Obidi launched the fundraiser on Friday with the aim of securing $100,000 to afford a competent lawyer to challenge her ex-husband, Justin Dean, for the custody of their children.

Over 950 donors contributed to the cause, enabling Obidi to raise half of her target within days.

On her GoFundMe page, she declared, “As a mother, it’s time to fight for myself and my kids,” urging her followers to assist her financially.

However, the narrative took a swift turn when Obidi revealed during a live session on Facebook that she was planning a vacation in Hawaii.

This revelation has sparked considerable outrage among her fans and donors, many of whom are accusing her of misusing the funds meant for legal battles.

Wanda Johnson, a Facebook user, criticized Obidi, saying, “She got y’all’s money, now she’s at the airport. Some of you are so weak to believe her foolishness. She is always begging, scamming, and manipulating.”

Chigoziri Ohochukwu also expressed disappointment, commenting, “You are gradually becoming a professional beggar on social media.”

The situation has led to calls for reporting the GoFundMe for a refund.

Jennifer Lynn Russell stated, “People need to report the GoFundMe, everybody needs to get their money back.”

In contrast, a few voiced support for Obidi.

Mary Monique Napont defended her, stating, “It’s none of your business lady. She is an influencer, performer, student, and most importantly a great mother. Leave her be. You are a part of the problem. If you don’t like her, don’t follow her. It’s that simple.”

The controversy comes amid an ongoing and highly publicized divorce and custody battle with her ex-husband, which has previously seen Justin Dean gaining the right to keep their children off Obidi’s online platforms.

Obidi has accused Dean of abuse and “gaslighting,” both during their marriage and towards their daughters.

In response to the recent electricity tariff hike and the surging cost of fuel, Nigeria’s premium electricity consumers, known as Band A customers, are increasingly turning to solar power as a sustainable alternative.

Naija News reports that the shift comes after a significant increase in electricity costs, which have reportedly risen by over 300 per cent since April due to the government’s cessation of subsidies for electricity in Band A feeders.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) adjusted the tariff for Band A consumers to N225 per kilowatt-hour in April from the previous rate of N68, although a slight reduction to N206.80/kWh was implemented in May.

Despite this reduction, calls from organized labour and other stakeholders to revert the tariff to the initial N68/kWh have continued, fueled by widespread discontent among consumers.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, maintains that reversing the tariff is no longer feasible, as it would plunge the nation into “perpetual darkness.” Adelabu argues that the tariff adjustment is necessary to attract investors and bring liquidity to the power sector, a stance not universally accepted.

Critics point out that the tariff increase disproportionately affects not only the affluent but also many low-income earners living within Band A feeder locations, including pensioners, civil servants, and small business owners.

The increased costs have forced some consumers to drastically reduce their electricity usage, which has impacted their overall quality of life.

Oduro Oladunni, a resident affected by the hike, shared his predicament, stating, “Before the increase, my household’s monthly electricity expense was around N60,000, but now we’ve had to pay N129,000 in April alone. We now limit our electricity use to late at night to manage costs, which has forced us to cut back on essentials like food.”

Similarly, Adesayo Sulaimon lamented the reduction in electricity affordability, stating, “What previously cost N12,000 now requires N40,000, significantly shortening the duration our units last.”

The tariff hike has not only affected individual consumers but has also led to broader dissatisfaction among various economic sectors.

In response, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, led a protest at the NERC head office in Abuja, demanding transparency about the power plants to be developed and calling for the abolition of taxes that exacerbate the financial strain on citizens.

In the face of these challenges, many Band A customers are reconsidering their reliance on grid electricity.

The move towards solar energy is seen not just as a cost-effective measure but as a necessity to maintain stable and affordable power.

Social media commentator Morris Monye highlighted this trend, stating, “I don leave una. Solar is the best way to go. No more Band A.

“N65,000 now gives me access to 288 kWh instead of 812 kWh. I have opted for solar and invested in 20 panels and eight batteries for about N6m.”

The surge in solar adoption reflects a critical pivot in how Nigerians are dealing with energy costs.

Angel Thomas, another convert to solar, shared that a N2m investment in solar panels significantly improved the power supply for his mother’s household essentials.

Kylian Mbappe was named France’s player of the year on Monday at an awards ceremony in Paris, as he comes to the end of his seven-season stay with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbappe, 25, picked up the prize for the best player in Ligue 1 at the UNFP (French players’ union) Trophies gala for the fifth time in a row after a season in which he has scored 44 goals in all competitions for PSG.

The France captain last week confirmed he will leave PSG at the end of the campaign when his contract expires, with Real Madrid expected to be his next destination.

“It is a page that is turning, a chapter of my life that is going to close,” Mbappe said.

“Ligue 1 will always have an important place in my life. It is the only league I have known in my career up to now.

“I have always tried to be an honourable representative of this league,” he added.

“I will miss it for sure. It is a part of my life that is coming to an end. What is coming next is very exciting but that is something else.”

Mbappe played his final home game for PSG on Sunday and scored as the champions suffered a shock 3-1 defeat against Toulouse.

That goal took him to 27 for the season in Ligue 1, eight goals more than the next best marksman, Lille’s Canadian striker Jonathan David.

The season is not finished yet, with Mbappe’s PSG having two more Ligue 1 games to play this week before the French Cup final against Lyon on May 25.

Mbappe saw off the other nominees for an award voted for by his fellow players and handed over by Marie-Jose Perec, the French former 200m and 400m Olympic champion.

His PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele had also been in contention along with Pierre Lees-Melou of Brest, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Marseille and Edon Zhegrova of Lille.

PSG’s domestic dominance was reflected in the other awards, with teenage midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery named young player of the season and Gianluigi Donnarumma the best goalkeeper.

Eric Roy of Brest was named coach of the year after leading the modest Brittany club to European qualification for the first time in their history — with one game left they are guaranteed to finish at least fifth, meaning a Europa League place at worst.