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Labour Party lawmaker advocates gender equality, quality education

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Some of the participants at the event
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The lawmaker representing Ojo Federal Constituency, Seyi Sowunmi, has inaugurated a six-classroom block at St. Mary Primary School in Igbede, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote quality education and gender equality.

The event, which also included a competition for all senior secondary schools in Ojo, was attended by girls from various local government schools, alongside stakeholders on Saturday.

According to Sowunmi, the competition, focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, was held in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

He stated, “The International Day of the Girl Child is a day set aside to recognise the power and potential of girls worldwide. But beyond celebration, this event reminds us of our responsibility to champion the rights and opportunities of girls and to work tirelessly to break down the barriers that stand in their way.

“This year’s event, which combines a career talk with a STEM quiz competition, is particularly inspiring. Why? Because it recognises that the future belongs to those equipped with the right skills and knowledge to flourish in a rapidly changing world. In this evolving landscape, STEM fields are the cornerstones of progress.

“While we acknowledge the progress made in ensuring that girls receive quality education, we also recognise that much more needs to be done, especially in areas like STEM, where girls are often underrepresented. Today’s event is more than just a competition; it is a bold statement—a declaration that you belong in every space where knowledge, innovation, and leadership are required.”

Expanding on the purpose of the STEM quiz, he added, “We are trying to encourage them to seek employment as early as possible. In many countries, vulnerable groups, including girls and women, often face unequal opportunities in various sectors.

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“There are organisations that do not provide equal opportunities, often favouring men. Our focus is on encouraging girls to understand that the workforce is for everyone, regardless of gender.

“Globally, we are now focusing on girls to inspire them and show that what a man can do, a woman can do as well. Vulnerable individuals are those who face discrimination based on their gender or physical challenges.

“It is crucial to engage girls at a young age—around 13 or 14—to prepare them for future challenges. We invite women, mentors, and teachers to support these young girls.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Black Girls in Tech Nigeria, Naomi Williams, emphasised that any girl can achieve her goals if she sets her mind to it. She stated, “We are an NGO focused on improving tech literacy across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“I am here as part of the programme for the International Day of the Girl Child to impact lives and inform young girls about the tech careers available to them in the future. The digital world is growing rapidly, and Nigeria’s digital evolution is still in its infancy. We need these young girls to know they can play a role in shaping that world.”

On the topic of early marriage, Naomi added, “Nigeria is still a patriarchal society, but curiosity about education cannot be extinguished. Our goal is to plant seeds of knowledge so that they seek out more information and education. Change cannot occur overnight; it takes time for ideas to germinate. By providing them with tools and information about their potential futures, we can begin to shift mindsets.”

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Education

IMSU 2024 POSTUTME All prospective candidates that chose MASS COMMUNICATION as first choice in JAMB are directed to go to CBT centre and change their COURSE to any of the courses under FACULTY OF MASS COMMUNICATION

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November 5, 2024

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IMSU 2024 POSTUTME All prospective candidates that chose MASS COMMUNICATION as first choice in JAMB are directed to go to CBT centre and change their COURSE to any of the courses under FACULTY OF MASS COMMUNICATION
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IMSU 2024 POSTUTME
All prospective candidates that chose MASS COMMUNICATION as first choice in JAMB are directed to go to CBT centre and change their COURSE to any of the courses under FACULTY OF MASS
COMMUNICATION OR COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES:
Advertising.
Broadcasting.
Journalism and Media Studies.
Development and Communication Studies.
Film and Media studies

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Education

UTME 2019: Abuja Court Convicts ‘Professor’ for Impersonation

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November 3, 2024

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UTME 2019: Abuja Court Convicts ‘Professor’ for Impersonation

A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced ‘Professor’ Jide Josiah Jisos to six months in prison for impersonation during the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

A statement by JAMB’s Head of Pubic Affairs, Fabian Benjamin,
Says Professor Jisos was apprehended by officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) while monitoring the 2019 UTME at Brix Academy in Abuja.

Jisos had presented himself to JAMB examination officials as representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO), claiming he was there to oversee the examination. However, his deception was uncovered when he was questioned by the leader of the monitoring team in the examination hall, who asked him to clarify his purpose.

Unable to substantiate his claims, Jisos was arrested and handed over to security personnel for further investigation. During interrogation, he confessed that he was not affiliated to any NGO and was actually in the examination hall to assist his daughter in taking the 2019 UTME.

Chief Magistrate Honourable Justice Folashade Oyekan found Jisos guilty of a one-count charge of impersonation and sentenced him to six months in prison, with an option of a N100,000 fine.

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Education

ASUU Asks National Industrial Court To Nullify Appointments Of Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar Over Alleged Illegality

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October 30, 2024

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ASUU Asks National Industrial Court To Nullify Appointments Of Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar Over Alleged Illegality

 

They want the court to declare that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Selection Board for the appointment of the Registrar of the University on October 21, 2024 and the Vice Chancellor on October 29, is illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra has filed a legal action against the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh and Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the University.

In the suit filed on Tuesday October 29, at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in the Awka Judicial Division, marked suit no. NICN/AWK/52/2024, the Claimants sought among others order of perpetual injunction restraining the duo from parading themselves and/or performing the functions of the Registrar and Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

 

They want the court to declare that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Selection Board for the appointment of the Registrar of the University on October 21, 2024 and the Vice Chancellor on October 29, is illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.

The Claimants avowed that the selection processes of their appointments violate sections 2, 2AA, 3 (2) and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992.

The Claimants also noted that the external members of the Governing Council can validly set the criteria of the qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the University and Registrar and proceed to publish advertisement for the vacancy of the post without the full composition of the Council.

The suit which was filed by Onyeka B. Ehiwuogwu Esq., has Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji (Chairperson, ASUU NAU), Prof. Stanley C. Udedi and Prof. Greg Orji Obiamalu as 1st to 4th Claimants.

 

It indicated that (2nd-4th Claimants are suing for themselves and representing the interest of Concerned Members of Academic Staff Union of Universities Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who are members of the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University).

 

Listed as the 1st to 14th Defendants are Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Pro-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Amb. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe (The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University); Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Registrar, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike; Prof. Kenneth Ngwoke; Prof. Anthony Okoye; Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe; Dr. Ngozi Obiekwe J.; Prof. Chigozie Damian Ezeonyejiaku; Prof Isaac Nwankwo and Dr. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 1st to 14th Defendants.

 

The Claimants in the Suit which commenced by way of originating summons, formulated 11 questions for determination and upon the resolutions of the questions, sought 25 reliefs from the court which borders on the nullification of the appointments.

 

Among the questions posed for determination is “Whether by the combined reading of sections 2, 2AA, 3 (2) and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2003, 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992, the setting of criteria of qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant and the publication of advertisement for the vacancy of the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant without the full composition of the 2nd Defendant is not illegal, null and void, ultra vires and of no effect?

 

“Whether by the combined reading of sections 2, 2AA, 7 and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2003, 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992, the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) can unilaterally select, appoint, and compose the Selection Board for the Appointment of the Registrar of the 1st Defendant as done 21st October 2024?”

 

One of the reliefs the Plaintiffs sought is a court declaration that the external members of the 2nd Defendant lack the vires and authority to validly set the criteria of qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant and proceed to publish advertisement for the vacancy of the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1 Defendant on 12th September 2024, without the full composition of the 2nd Defendant.

 

They also sought: “A declaration that the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) lacks the vires, authority and legal capacity to unilaterally select, appoint, and compose the Search Team for the Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant as done on the 22nd October 2024.

 

“A declaration that the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) lacks the vires, authority and legal capacity to unilaterally select, appoint, and compose the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the Selection and Appointment of Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant as done 22nd October 2024.

 

“A declaration that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the Selection and Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant, as done by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 22nd October 2024 is Illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.”

 

The Claimants also seek for “an order setting aside the criteria of qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant and the publication advertisement for the vacancy of the post of the Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant on 12th September 2024, which was done without the full composition of the 2nd Defendant.

 

“An Order setting aside the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Search Team for the Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant, as done by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 22nd October 2024.

 

“An Order setting aside the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the Selection and Appointment of the Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant, as done by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 22nd October 2024.

 

“An Order setting aside the illegal and illegitimate procedure set in motion for the selection and appointment of a Substantive Vice Chancellor for the 1st Defendant as imposed by the external members of the 2nd Defendant and the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant).

 

“An Order setting aside any such selection and appointment of any Substantive Vice Chancellor of the 1st Defendant by the illegal and illegitimate procedure set in motion for that purpose, as imposed by the external members of the 2nd Defendant and the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant).”

 

They also sought an “order of perpetual injunction restraining the 7th Defendant from parading herself and/or performing the functions of the Registrar, Nnamdi Azikiwe University pursuant to her illegitimate appointment by a Selection Board unilaterally selected, appointed and composed by the 3rd Defendant (acting in the person of the 4th Defendant) on 23rd October 2024.”

Meanwhile, a source in the school told SaharaReporters that the chairman of the Governing Council, Mbadiwe, was nominated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma ensure the emergence of Odoh as the VC of the school.

“The plan is to install this Odoh to be the VC in preparation for 2027. The man is not even a professor,” the source added.

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