News
ASUU to FG: Stop Paying Lip Service to Education
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to prioritize public education, criticizing it for underfunding universities and mistreating lecturers. At a press conference in Owerri, Imo State, Dennis Aribodor, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri Zone, announced that ASUU would shut down universities nationwide in the next 14 days if the government fails to address critical welfare issues.
ASUU cited several unresolved issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, unpaid salaries, withheld funds due to the 2022 strike, and the replacement of IPPIS with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). They also called out the government’s failure to implement reforms, such as amending the National Universities Commission Act to prevent the proliferation of universities without adequate funding.
Despite ASUU’s repeated efforts to resolve these matters through dialogue, Aribodor criticized the government’s reliance on delay tactics and empty promises, warning that this approach risks further industrial unrest. The union emphasized the importance of education for national development, urging the government to act immediately.
ASUU’s ultimatum follows a 21-day notice issued earlier in August 2024, as the union continues to advocate for improved conditions in Nigeria’s public university system.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
-
Business17 hours ago
Okpella Monarch: Obaseki Ratified Kingmakers Decision, End 5years leadership Vacuum
-
Banking13 hours ago
Free Food Saga: Akpabio quoted out of context-CSO
-
Foreign17 hours ago
Sci-tech innovation fuels China’s high-quality development
-
Entertainment9 hours ago
Davido Declares ‘Timeless’ His Best Album
-
Entertainment9 hours ago
‘Adire’ Secures Four Nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards
-
Business10 hours ago
Wike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services
-
Foreign11 hours ago
Qinling Mountains better safeguarded with comprehensive digital platform
-
Foreign11 hours ago
Expressway service station in Shandong achieves carbon neutrality