Paradise News

Category: Education

  • Anambra philanthropist bags UNIZIK Entrepreneurial Innovation Doctorate Degree

    Anambra philanthropist bags UNIZIK Entrepreneurial Innovation Doctorate Degree

    By Ovat Abeng

    A notable Philanthropist, Sir Ikenna Okafor has bagged a Doctor of Entrepreneurial Innovation Degree (Honourary Causa) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

    Okafor, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keves Global Leasing Limited – an oil and gas servicing company was conferred with the doctorate degree during during a special convocation ceremony of the institution, held at the ASUU Secretariat complex of the university in Awka, on Wednesday.

    Speaking shortly after receiving the honour, the philanthropists challenged 1,000 billionaires in the state to join him in setting aside $1million each to create investments in the state that will guarantee jobs and wealth for indigenes of the state.

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    He called on them to shun ostentatious lifestyle in the midst of the lack ravaging Nigerians.

    “Anambra is blessed with many billionaires, we have been using our money in places they are not felt, but there are things we will do and it will never be forgotten.

    “I want to challenge 1,000 Anambra billionaires to bring $1million each to invest in things that will bring about generational wealth for our people. Let’s not waste our money in drinking champagne alone,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos while declaring open the special convocation for the award of the honourary degree, the Gbong Gwom
    compliment the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for convening what he called extraordinary Convocation to enable the honorary-degree awardee to, in the best academic traditions, accept and receive his Doctorate Degree (honoris causa) in person before convocation.

    He also seize the opportunity to urge the VC to keep up with the admirable tempo of his administration as his tenure winds down.

    He equally enjoin the University community to continue to give VC their commendable cooperation.

    Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Charles Esimone stated that the choice of Okafor for the award was because of his numerous philanthropic gestures, especially in the area of education where he had supported primary, secondary and tertiary institutions with infrastructure.

  • Ojukwu Varsity Gets Research Management Office

    Ojukwu Varsity Gets Research Management Office

    By Ovat Abeng

    Management of Chukwumemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State has set up a Research Management Office (RMO), to enhance researching..

    The RMO, according to the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, who disclosed the development in a statement issue to Journalists in Awka on Sunday, the new office would replace the Centre for Research Development and Innovation (CRD&I) Office of the University.

    He said the Ag. Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, for recognizes the importance of research, has approved the appointment of a 16-Man Members of the RMO.

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    The appointed members are as follows:

    Prof. J.C. Ifemeje – Director
    Dr. JohnBosco Egbueri – Associate Director
    Dr. Chukwunonso S. Ekesiobi – Associate Director
    Prof. Ngozi Ikechebelu – Head, Collaboration & Linkages
    Dr. Uju Muogbo – Associate Head, Collaboration & Linkages
    Dr. Lawrence Uche Okoye – Member, Collaboration & Linkages
    Dr. Ikechukwu Emmanuel Asika – Member, Collaboration & Linkages
    Dr. Odira Okeke – Member, Collaboration & Linkages
    Prof. Johnpaul Iloh – Head, Intellectual Property & Patents
    Prof. Uchechukwu Vincent Okpala – Associate Head, Intellectual Property & Patents
    Dr. Ruth Afunwa – Member, Intellectual Property & Patents
    Dr. Izuchukwu Ifedi – Member, Intellectual Property & Patents
    Dr. Ikenna Ibe – Legal
    Rev. Fr. Justin Ileka – Legal
    Dr. Chinelo Iyama – Account/Finance
    Dr. Ifeyinwa Obi – Account/Finance

    “The Committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday 21st February 2024 by 10:30 am at the Senate Chambers, Igbariam Campus

    “As a result, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, requests the presence of the Members of the University Management Committee, the University Professors Forum, Deans of Faculties, and Directors of Units at the inauguration ceremony.

    Also invited are all Members of the University Academic Community including the Postgraduate Students across various Departments, the statement concluded.

  • No-work-no-pay policy obnoxious, breach of labour laws – ASUU

    No-work-no-pay policy obnoxious, breach of labour laws – ASUU

    By Christian Njoku

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) on Monday disclosed that the Federal Government’s controversial no-work-no-pay policy was obnoxious and a breach of labour laws.

    The assertion was made by Ms Happiness Uduk, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Calabar Zone during a press conference in Calabar.

    Uduk called on the Federal Government to pay without delay, its members their varying months withheld salaries, noting that ASUU, like any other union under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conditions, can use strike as a tool to get its demand.

    She said the 2022 strike was unwillingly suspended on the heels of interventions and promises made both formally and informally by well-meaning Nigerians including Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the then Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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    “Denying ASUU members their salaries for the period of being on strike and for work that has now been completed is against Labour best practices and is further heightening the already tensed environment.

    “It is clear that the said salaries may not measure a quarter of the then value now and no one sees no reason in not paying us, if it is not part of the grand plan to further pauperized the Nigerian academic.

    “As we speak, there are reports of the payment of two out of the over seven months salaries owed our members, ASUU, therefore unequivocally insist on the total payment of the withheld salaries and en bloc without further delay,” she said.

    Speaking further, Uduk said the Nigerian academic was the worst paid in the world as a professor at bar earns less than 300 dollars adding that even when the draft agreement was put-up, the value of naira to dollar was $120 but today it is $1,500.

    She said the Federal Government had in 2020 promised in a Memorandum of Association, (MOA) signed with the union to mainstream the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) into the salaries of lecturers, while in 2021, it would pay the backlog.

    She noted that till date no payment was made except that in 2023, a part of it was captured in the national budget for federal universities but not paid.

    “The union hopes that government will not allow disruption of the academic calendar over a matter for which budgetary allocation had been made,” she said.

  • Economic hardship arousing negative, positive creativity in Nigerian students – UNICAL Undergraduate

    Economic hardship arousing negative, positive creativity in Nigerian students – UNICAL Undergraduate

    By Christian Njoku

    Mr Stanislaus Michael, a third year student of Microbiology in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has disclosed that the present economic hardship in the nation was making students creative both positively and negatively.

    Michael made the assertion in an interview with Paradise News on Tuesday in Calabar while reacting to the economic challenges many students of the institution were going through.

    Paradise News reports that in the last few weeks there have been protests in some states in the nation over the prevailing economic hardship and high cost of foodstuffs and most of the Federal Civil Servant we’re yet to receive their salaries for January.

    The 300 level undergraduate said students were going through difficulties as things such as consumables they used to buy for N100 or N200 had doubled in price to about N400.

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    According to him, cooking has also been made difficult because the prices of gas and kerosene are beyond the reach of average students who can’t afford to buy a kilogram of gas for N1,300.

    He said to survive on campus, many students like himself now take up multiple jobs, as money was no longer forthcoming from parents as it used to, while others look for other means.

    “Today is Monday and about 30 per cent of the girls in the hostels will be coming back from their journeys that they refer to as hustle.

    “Some travel as far as Abuja, Lagos, Kano to meet different clients and their parents are not aware, they only tell their close friends.

    “Come to the hostel on Friday evening, you will see a lot of ladies with their luggages leaving the hostels, some travel very far to return on Monday,” he said.

    He also noted that the present situation had increased extortion in the institution because many offices now extort between M500 and N1,000 from students to rectify student issues even though they receive salaries for these jobs.

    He added that formerly when he called his parents for money, he used to get his response in hours but in the current situation, it take his parents, sometimes a month before they listen to him.

    Similarly, Miss Gladys Amadi a final year students of Medical Laboratory Science (MedLab) said things had been difficult for her with the recent increase in school fees, other payments in school and the harsh economic reality.

    “My parents try their best when they can and I have received assistance from some really kind persons.

    “Also, by God’s mercies I started a little business of producing peanut in school which is helping to offset some of the bills but I must confess, things are really hard,” she maintained.

  • Two Brilliant Students Bag Hope Waddel’s Alumni Scholarship

    Two Brilliant Students Bag Hope Waddel’s Alumni Scholarship

    By Anthony Uwadiegwu

    Hope Waddell Old Boys Association  (HWOSA) class of 1992 have awarded scholarships to two best overall students of the school in Junior and Senior Secondary categories for 2023/24 session.

    The scholarship endowment fund according to the association, was their way of promoting excellence and hard work while encouraging students to become more disciplined and focused on thier studies.

    Speaking shortly after the presentation of cheques to the two beneficiaries, Fabian Okon for JSS and Opla Effiom for SSS at the Institution’s Chapel on Thursday, the coordinator of Class class of 92, Dr Itojong Ayamba  explained that it was high time young minds were reorientated from believing that the key to success was by connections, and not hard work.

    Dr Ayamba said there was need to rejig the culture of hard work among young people, especially now that the get rich quick syndrome was taking over the space.

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    “A lot of young people no longer believe that hard work pays, they think it is all about connection, they forget that connection might get you to where you want but hard work is what keeps you there, hence the need to study hard and becoming exceptionally good at what you do.

    “What you study or read will always be with you, you can only transfer it by teaching others, nobody can take what you have learnt away from you.

    “We want to use the scholarship Endowment Fund to encourage these young ones to do better and become better version of themselves so that they can be fit to contribute to the growth and development of the country.”

    On his part, the deputy coordinator of ’92 class, Mr Essessien Inyang who said that the association has been doing a lot for the development of the school, said they thought it wise to extend the gesture to the students themselves by initiating the scholarship scheme all in a bid to promote excellence.

    According to him, before now, they had embarked on various projects; including renovation of principals office and so on, but decided to reach out to the students this time.

    The Principal of the Institution, Mr Okon Ita, said it was a thing of joy to see old students return home and make impact on their alma mater, adding that it gives him hope that the future is bright.

    He lauded the association for their magnanimity while encouraging others, both at home and in the diaspora, to emulate the kind gesture by Class of ’92.

    “I am delighted by this goodwill, it’s a thing of joy to see your old students coming back to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the school, I’m very proud and happy.

    “We have them all over the country and the rest of the world, their visit shows they are doing very well wherever they are, because it is only a child that is doing well that can remember home,” he said.

    One of the beneficiaries and overall best student of Junior Secondary School category, 11-year-old Fabian Okon, said the scholarship is a boost for him and added that it will encourage him to study more.

    “I won’t let my guard down, I will study harder and better to achieve excellence in every session, I know that this scholarship is a huge relief for my parents this session, so I’m very happy for the gesture by the association,” he said.

  • Ozo Jeff Offers Scholarship To Four Unizik Students In Anambra

    Ozo Jeff Offers Scholarship To Four Unizik Students In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A Philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Shield Security company Ltd, Ozo Jeff Nweke has offered Scholarship to four Nnamdi Azikiwe University students in Awka, Anambra State.

    He said the scholarship program is part of his contribution to ensure a better future for young Ndi-Anambra.

    The event took place in Awka on Tuesday, shortly after the students where admitted into the Ozo Jeff scholarship scheme.

    Handing over the sums of N1million and N1.5 million to each of the beneficiaries respectively for first quarter of the year to enable them procure necessary things for their education, Ozo Jeff, charged them to eschew cultism and other evil groups that cut human ambition short.

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    He told the students namely: Ngama Hope Chidera- English language and Literary studies; Okonkwo John- Statistics; Alieze Samson- Education Management and Policy and David Emmanuel- Philosophy:  “all those characteristics that paved way for you to secure this scholarship should not depart from you. In fact, I implore you all to add more to them so they will reflect in you to be better human beings as you all have the traits of being  President or Governors in future.

    “You have the potentials of great achievers but if you do not work hard to maximize those potentials in you, they will all perish in you”, he said.

    “They can reach the zenith of their ambition if they be of good behaviour by facing their studies.

    He urged them to watch their life style and peer influence and be prayerful.

    “According to him, for those who have made it in life it wasn’t by mere sudden flight but through hard work because while their companions were busy sleeping, they were toiling in the dark.

    On his part, the Director of Ozo Jeff Education Scholarship Scheme, Ikechukwu Chinweze in his speech said that the programme has run for two  years and that Ozo Jeff has done more than this in the previous years by taking the academic responsibility of many other newly admitted students.

    “The programme he said is strictly a sponsorship on education to tertiary institutions and Ozo Jeff has spent not less than N100m since its commencement.

    He also explained that the scholarship offer transverses throughout the entire states of Nigeria as  beneficiaries were drawn from different states.

    “To qualify for the offer, the school authority of the beneficiary must be contacted to enquire about his or her socio-moral conduct and the person’s academic conduct must be screened before forwarding any successful names to the foundation.”

    The beneficiaries in their separate speeches thanked Ozo Jeff for his benevolence.

    “God will keep replenishing his purse and give him more courage to continue helping the downtrodden,” they added.

  • Our policies not meant to inflict pain – UNICAL VC

    Our policies not meant to inflict pain – UNICAL VC

    By Christian Njoku

    Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Calabar, (UNICAL) has disclosed that the policies introduced by management of the institution were not meant to inflict pain on Students or staff.

    Obi made the remark at the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption, Calabar, during the first Sunday of the year service.

    The VC who was reacting to the recent increase of school fee in the institution said whatever policy they took at the management level was to ensure that the school and its students stood at par with other universities.

    She said the increase in fee may have affected the students and parents financially with the hard times being witnessed in the nation, it was not to punish anyone.

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    “We had to do it because that is the only way we can make UNICAL at least be at par with other universities.

    “Our pride is that when we go out and people are talking about universities, UNICAL should be seen as a credible institution and not just to be used for negative examples.

    “I admit that it has not been easy running this institution because some people don’t want change, however, any decision we take is for the good of the institution and not for personal interest,” she said.

    She added that as an administration, they remained focused in driving the university to the right direction and would not be derailed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the management of UNICAL after an emergency meeting on Dec. 1 approved the adjustment of charges paid by students, a move which was rejected by the students, causing massive protest on Monday Dec. 4.

  • 300 Participate In Chidoka Powered CBT JAMB, WAEC Prep Test In Anambra

    300 Participate In Chidoka Powered CBT JAMB, WAEC Prep Test In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A total of 300 students have participated in the Osita Chidoka powered CBT JAMB and WAEC preparatory test in Anambra State.

    The Paradise News gathered that the test took place at Thomas Chidoka Center, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday.

    Twenty two randomly selected public schools and some private schools from Ogidi Educational Zone took part in CBT test.

    Chidoka, former Aviation Minister, while speaking at the occasion said, “Today, I’m filled with pride and optimism as I share the latest leap we’ve made in championing education.

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    “The Ogidi zone comprises of Idemili North, Idemili South and Oyi LGAs. The test is more than the normal university prep. We recognize that not all paths lead to university.

    “These tests will help us uncover student’s capabilities and direct them to alternative educational and career pathways, ensuring every young person has a route to success that aligns with their unique skills and aspirations.

    “The result of the tests would form the basis of our feedback to the Ministry of Education the Post Primary School Service Commission and individual school authorities.

    “We plan to provide online training to teachers to assist them deepen their understanding of the curriculum and  better support their students.

    “Selected students in the Ogidi zone would benefit from the weekend remedial lessons starting at the Thomas Chidoka Centre, Obosi, while others can use our online platform to access the lessons.

    “As we celebrate this milestone, my commitment to our young people is unwavering. We would identify partners to scale this project nationwide, aiming to uplift and empower youths across Nigeria with the same opportunities and insights.

    “This is a national call to action. Together, we can reshape education in Nigeria, fostering a generation of young people who are prepared, confident, and ready to explore a world of opportunities.”

    Chidoka, who was also former Corp Marshall of FRSC appreciated the Anambra State Commisioner for Education and the Chairman of the Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC) as well as the staff and students of the Ogidi Educational zone.

    A teacher, Mr Ezennajiego Chizobam, from GSS Ojoto appreciated the former FRSC Corp Marshall and his team for organizing the CBT prep examination noting that it is a good thing to let the students understand what they will see in JAMB and be prepared ahead of time.

    “This is really a nice experience for the students, as some of them don’t know what CBT is all about, but now they will go home and tell others,” he said.

    Another teacher, Okafor Ikechukwu Innocent also apperciated the organisers of the CBT prep test, especially Chief Osita Chidioka for exposing them to an experience that would boost teaching and learning.

    On his part, Ukadike Winifred said, “I really appreciate the organizers of this program. It will help the students to know how to write any CBT exams. My student were so happy because they have not had this kind of knowledge before.

    “May God bless you all and I am pleading for this to continue so as to help our SS3 students have knowledge on how to write their forthcoming Jamb examination and so on.”

  • Gender Pronouns Row Keeps Irish Teacher in Prison

    A court has ruled that an Irish school teacher who refused to use a student’s chosen pronouns will spend Christmas in prison.

    Irish teacher Enoch Burke was initially suspended in May last year after he refused to refer to a transgender student as ‘they’ saying that it was against his Christian beliefs.

    This caused a chain of events that led to him being jailed twice for repeatedly showing up at Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath after being sacked.

    At the moment he is in Dublin’s Mountjoy Prison with no prospect of release because he has refused to comply with a court order to stay away from the school premises.

    RT reports: Enoch Burke, formerly a history and German teacher at Wilson’s Hospital School in Co. Westmeath, was imprisoned for a second time in September. The teacher, who comes from an evangelical Christian background, had repeatedly failed to heed a court order barring him from entering the grounds of the school, from which he was fired last year.

    Burke, who has been told by the court that he will be released from custody if he verbally agrees to comply with the order, said at a hearing in Dublin’s High Court on Tuesday that doing so would be “giving up” his religious beliefs and an endorsement of “transgenderism.”

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    Presiding over the court, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said it had become clear that Burke had no intention of complying with the court order, and that there was no justifiable reason to release him until he did so. The next review will be on February 27, Sanfey said, adding that Burke can secure his release at any point before then by saying he will abide by the order.

    Last year, Burke was accused by Wilson’s Hospital School of gross misconduct after he objected to an email sent by school officials requesting that a transitioning student be referred to by a gender-neutral pronoun. It was claimed by school authorities that Burke had unprofessionally confronted the headmaster about the request.

    Despite being suspended in May 2022 with full pay pending an investigation into his alleged misconduct, Burke continued to arrive at the school each day. He was fired the following August, and in May 2023, the Irish High Court found that the school had acted lawfully in its initial suspension of Burke – who it said had been “trespassing” on its grounds.

    At a hearing last year, Burke told the court: “I am a teacher and I don’t want to go to prison. I want to be in my classroom today, that’s where I was this morning when I was arrested.”

    He added: “I love my school, with its motto Res Non Verba, actions not words, but I am here today because I said I would not call a boy a girl.” However, the court has said that Burke is not being persecuted for his religious beliefs, but specifically for refusing to stop trespassing on school property.

    Meanwhile, Burke has accused the courts of failing to recognize his constitutional right to religious freedom, and says that these rights were breached when he was asked to refer to a student by they/them pronouns.

  • Tinubu commissions Obi Ekweselili female hostel, other projects in Unizik

    Tinubu commissions Obi Ekweselili female hostel, other projects in Unizik

    By Ovat Abeng

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged administrators of tertiary institutions to work very hard to access the National Economic Empowerment And Development Strategy, NEEDs fund accruable to any project in their institutions.

    President Tinubu stated this while commissioning Oby Ezekwesili Female hostel, a federal government project under NEEDS sited at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    Commissioning the hostel and other completed projects in the institution, President Tinubu represented by the Director of Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Rekiyat Eliasu said it is very important to follow up on any project awarded under NEEDS as according to him, such interventions may not last forever.

    While commending the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone for putting in extra effort to ensure that the hostel building started in 2013 is completed and put to use in 2023, ten years after, Eliasu said that wasting such a long time is detrimental to the vision of establishing the intervention.

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    She said that UNIZIK has been proactive and serious about improving quality teaching and learning in the institution.

    Iliyasu who also represented the President at the University’s 17th Convocation, said “We are aware of the challenges facing higher education in Nigeria, and we are addressing it strategically and holistically.

    “Efforts are being made to address the infrastructure and human capital deficiencies through TETfund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund).

    “It is the desire of this government that industrial action would be a thing of the past. This government is doing everything possible for a better relationship between the unions and government, which can stop such industrial actions.

    “The government is working hard to stop industrial actions in universities across the country.

    “University education is capital intensive and government alone cannot take care of it, but all stakeholders must put their hands on deck in this regard. I’m happy with TETfund intervention in the university and I urge the university to take ownership of it and also ensure they serve their purpose.”

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Charles Esimone stated that the university graduated 6,000 first degree students, 3,300 post graduate diploma students, 807 Masters degree students and 600 doctorate degree students.

    “Three eminent Nigerians were also awarded honourary doctorate degrees. They include: Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Chief Ikenna Okafor and Okey Anueyiagu.

    “The Vice Chancellor added that within the period of his tenure, the institution in world ranking now stands at 1,501 best university in the world and 8th in Nigeria.

    Speaking also at the point of commissioning of various projects,  Professor Esimone acknowledged all efforts put in by leadership of the various departments to complete the buildings, and thanked the federal government for supporting the institution by siting many projects and completing them in due course, urging the various departments to utilize the edifices well to serve the purpose.

    It was gathered that among other  projects completed are NNPC International Center, Fire Station, Agric Road, Departments of Building’s  Workshop and Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Technology, VC’s Gate Road and the UNIZIK  Business School Building.