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Tag: UNIZIK

  • Securities and Exchange Commission Partners UNIZIK’s Centre For Capital Market To Boost SME

    Securities and Exchange Commission Partners UNIZIK’s Centre For Capital Market To Boost SME

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has given its full backing to the upcoming Conference/Workshop on Harnessing Capital Market Opportunities for the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Investment Sustainability, scheduled for May 2025.

    This development marks a significant milestone for Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, as its Centre for Capital Market Studies takes the lead in fostering financial literacy, deepening market participation, and enhancing access to capital for SMEs across the country. Stakeholders, industry experts, academics, and entrepreneurs are expected to participate in what promises to be a groundbreaking event, this writer reliably gathered.

    In a letter addressed to Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, Director of the Centre for Capital Market Studies, SEC Nigeria commended the Centre’s commitment to financial education and inclusivity, emphasizing the workshop’s alignment with the Commission’s broader mandate. The letter, signed by Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner, Operations, on behalf of SEC Director General, Dr. Emomotimi John Agama, expressed SEC’s enthusiasm to collaborate, pledging active participation in the event.

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    Speaking on this landmark partnership, Prof. Onyeizugbe, alongside his Deputy Director, Prof. Promise Oparah, reaffirmed the Centre’s readiness to work closely with SEC in delivering a world-class event that will not only enlighten SMEs but also connect them to sustainable investment opportunities.

    The success of this initiative would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, whose support has created an enabling environment for impactful research and academic excellence. His confidence in the Centre’s leadership has further strengthened UNIZIK’s reputation as a hub for innovation and economic development.

  • Acting UNIZIK VC conducts unannounced inspection at student hostels to ascertain challenges

    Acting UNIZIK VC conducts unannounced inspection at student hostels to ascertain challenges

    By Ovat Abeng

    In a move that has been hailed as unprecedented and commendable, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, paid an unscheduled visit to the university’s hostels on Friday, August 2, 2024.

    The visit, which took students by surprise, was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the conditions of the university-owned hostels and engaging directly with the students.

    During her tour of the hostels, which included Chief Stella Okoli and Prof. Dora Akunyili Hostel, Basil Oli Hostel, Boys Hostel, Oby Ezekwesili Hostel, and Elmada Hostel, Prof Arinze-Umobi interacted with students, listening attentively to their concerns and grievances.

    The students, visibly elated by the visit, expressed their appreciation for her proactive approach in personally assessing their living conditions.

    The students raised several issues, including inconsistent water supply, insufficient mattresses, poor sanitary conditions, plumbing problems, unreliable power connectivity, and the need for internet services (WiFi) to enhance their academic progress.

    They also called for timely fumigation of the hostels.

    In response, the VC praised the students for their discipline and assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly.

    She instructed the hostel leaders to compile the issues in a letter and submit it to her office by Monday for swift consideration.

    The Acting Vice-Chancellor reminded the students of the recent restoration of electricity, which had been disrupted for two days, and reaffirmed her commitment to addressing such issues decisively.

    She encouraged the students to continue being law-abiding and assured them that her office operates an open-door policy, welcoming any concerns they might have.

    The students hailed VC’s visit as a demonstration of her commitment to their welfare, describing her actions as “motherly” and reflective of genuine concern.

  • Unizik holds world press conference as Prof Umobi assumes office as new acting VC

    Unizik holds world press conference as Prof Umobi assumes office as new acting VC

    By Ovat Abeng

    The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, on Monday held a world press conference, as the new acting Vice Chancellor of University, Prof Carol Umobi has assumed office.

    Prof Umobi took over in a peaceful transition as he was handed over by the former acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, who was last weekend removed by the council of the university, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.

    The council had sat on Saturday last week and even though there was stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe had shortly before leaving the university, handed Umobi his appointment letter, to pilot the affairs of the University for six months.

    The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media/Publicity, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu who briefed journalists shortly after the handover ceremony held at University auditorium, on Monday, said Umobi will act for a non renewable term of six months, and will not be a part of the contest for a substantive vice chancellor.

    Ojukwu while speaking said: “I have been directed to brief you on happenings in the university. As you all know the acting VC has taken office this morning. She is in the office now meeting with students of the university.

    “You also know that Prof Joseph Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the council will appoint Acting VC and the council has done so.

    “Council has directed that Ikechebelu who was deputy VC administration should oversee the university pending the appointment of an acting VC.

    “I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the university does not equate with the acting Vice chancellor.

    “There are misrepresentation that there are two acting Vice Chancellors in the university, but no one was appointed until now, and the recently constituted council of the university has just been appointed and also taken over.

    “The chairman of the council has just fulfilled its first assignment by picking an acting Vice Chancellor.

    “The council said anyone who will contest to be substantive will not be acting so that everyone will get equal playing ground.

    “ASUU advices that it will not be good for Ikechebelu to act, when he has interest in being a substantive. If Ikechebelu wishes to contest, he should know that the advert will be out soon and he can apply,” Ojukwu said.

    It was gathered that Prof Ikechebelu has reverted to his previous position as Deputy Vice Chancellor administration of the Institution.

  • Blame FG for another long strike, ASUU tells Unizik students

    Blame FG for another long strike, ASUU tells Unizik students

    By Ovat Abeng

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University ASUU-UNIZIK Awka branch has told students of the University to blame the Federal Government of Nigeria, in case the Union embarked on another long strike nationwide.

    The Union made their position known when they joined their counterpart Nationwide to protest government failure to sign the agreement with the union over the past two years.

    The leaders in their respective remarks expressed the Union’s readiness to embark on another strike soon if nothing was done to honour their agreement with the federal government.

    Addressing a press conference at the ASUU-UNIZK Secretariat in Awka on Tuesday before the protest, the Chairman of ASUU-Unizik, Professor Kingsley Ubaorji regretted that two years after they were appealed to return to the classrooms, the federal government was yet to attend to their demands.

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    According to Prof Ubaorji “In the year 2022, ASUU was on strike for eight months, public universities in Nigeria were shut down, students were sent home because federal government of Nigeria refused to address ASUU demands as contained in renegotiated 2009 agreement which Academic Staff Unions of Nigerian Universities had with them.

    “ASUU suspended the strike because our union is very civil, law abiding and has respect for rule of law. This is two years after, and the federal government has refused to sign that agreement with our union.

    “To be honest with you comrades and esteemed members of the press, our union (ASUU), held an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, the 8th   of June, 2024. Our union observed that the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is yet to engage fully, the union to address all outstanding issues with ASUU decisively.

    These issues are: *Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and implementation of the Prof. Nimi Briggs Report, Funding for the Revitalisation of Public Universities based on the FGN-ASUU MoU of 2012, 2013, and the MoA of 2017, Release of the 3½ months of the withheld salaries, Payment of EAA, Release of unpaid staff salaries on sabbatical, adjunct, etc., due to IPPIS, Release of third-party deductions, Implementation of UTAS in place of IPPIS mplementation of the Reports of the visitation panels of Illegal dissolution of Governing Councils in Federal and State Universities and Proliferation of public universities.

    “As you are aware, many of these issues have outlived successive governments without any resolution, and other issues have been created by consecutive governments as well, like the implementation of the IPPIS, which came with the Muhammadu Buhari administration. Historically, the government has made commitments and signed agreements with ASUU, detailing timelines and expectations of both parties aimed at developing the Nigerian Universities as conditions for suspending any strike action. As soon as Lecturers resumed, the government and other stakeholders returned to status quo.

    “ASUU would again start writing letters and reminders to the government, which were most often ignored, resulting in another strike action by ASUU.

    It may interest the general public, especially Nigerian Students, to know that through ASUU struggles, Nigerians have enjoyed the following benefits:

    Regulated/subsidised tuition fees.

    The establishment of TETFund and NEEDS Assessment funds that have sponsored critical infrastructural projects in our universities, including lecture classrooms, office blocks, roads, hostels, electricity, etc.

    Purchase of laboratory equipment

    The implementation of a reviewed salary structure for lecturers (last reviewed 2009).

    Partial payment of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA).

    Non-victimisation of devoted union members and other victories were made possible by ASUU struggles and strike actions.

    The 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement has been a recurrent decimal in all ASUU industrial actions since 2009. No government had taken the renegotiation seriously, but during the life of the past administration, negotiation came to a conclusion with the Nimi Briggs Committee. A document was produced, but the minions in the corridors of power refused to pass it on to the then President for his consideration and approval. Since then no tangible outcome has been recorded in spite of the constructive recommendations of the Committee.

    “Our union, therefore, demands that all renegotiations of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement be rounded off based on the Nimi Briggs Committee resolutions.

    It may interest you to also know that the salaries of Academics in Nigeria have not been reviewed since 2009. That is over fourteen years of being on a static salary structure despite the country’s increasing inflation rate.

    “Aside from the raging inflation, we invite you to compare the wages of our counterparts in other African countries and offer your judgment. It is on record that most of our bright students are turning down the opportunities to join the teaching profession simply because Lecturers in Nigeria are not well-paid. By the time we retire, who will teach our children?

    Our Union maintains that based on the FGN-ASUU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 2012 and 2013 and the Memorandum of Action (MoA) of 2017, the revitalisation of our public universities remains a top priority if Nigerian universities and academics would remain competitive.

    “Our union insists that the work for which the government has withheld our 3½ months salaries, based on the ‘no work, no pay’ policy of government, had been done. Therefore, the government has no reason to keep the salaries of university academics.

    The continued reluctance of the government in this direction is a naked invitation to a situation that may not argue well for university education in Nigeria.

    “Our members are so resolved and strong on this and should be paid without any further delay.

    It is worrisome and incomprehensible that the Earned Academic Allowances captured in the 2023 Federal Budget have not been paid. The union wonders at the illegality in not paying the EAA even when the budget year in which it was captured has elapsed.

    “Nigerians should ask the federal government where the budgeted funds for university workers’ EAA are currently domiciled. We call on the federal government to release our EAA without any further delay, as the non-implementation of this aspect of the budget is questionable and verges on illegality and its concomitant corrupt practices.

    “We observes the government’s failure to remit third-party deductions, including pension contributions and cooperative society dues. This is due to the incompatibility of IPPIS with the university system. We therefore call for the immediate remittance of these deductions to the appropriate quarters. Failure to release the third-party deductions is a clear violation of the Trade Union Act that governs the deduction of such funds.

    The introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has led to unacceptable inconsistencies, including the non-payment of salaries of bona fide academic staff for some years and months, and academic staff on sabbatical, adjunct, and other contractual engagements that make the academic system unique.

    Our union maintains that the proliferation of public universities without provisions for adequate funding and infrastructure does not auger well for our university system. Therefore, we call on the government to put a moratorium on creating more universities without substance.

    “If the FGN sets its priorities right, all these could be resolved amicably, without any industrial action. But the truth is that the government appears to have been treating these issues with some fun, which our union finds unacceptable.

    “As a union, we have therefore resolved to engage the media to sensitize the public on the failure of the government to address all the outstanding issues with ASUU. Our union remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of academic staff and the overall improvement of the Nigerian University System.

    We, therefore, call on the government to take immediate and decisive actions to address these critical issues.

    “We are also telling government and the public that if in the next two weeks nothing is done, ASUU is going to embark on yet another long strike and  the students should blame the Federal Government for that,” the Chairman concluded.

    Also speaking during the protest, the  Zonal Cordinator of ASUU, Owerri zone,  Prof. Dennis Aribodor, lamented that the rate of taxation by the Federal Government on  the meagre salaries paid to lecturers was unbearable.

    He urged the Federal Government to avoid a total shutdown in the Nigeria Varsities.

    It was gathered that the protest was accompany with placards with various inscriptions such as; FG stop deceiving Nigerians, FG pay us 3-years of arrears and salaries, lecturers dignity matters, blame FG for another long strike, pay us fairly, stop suffocating University lecturers, support quality education, FG allow lecturers to breathe, among others.

  • I am proud of Unizik education advancement in Nigeria – Gbong Gwon Jos

    I am proud of Unizik education advancement in Nigeria – Gbong Gwon Jos

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, Anambra state, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwon Jos has said his highly proud of the education advancement of the university, been named among ten best varsity in Nigeria, 200 globally.

    The Majesty, who stated this during the Valedictory/Thanksgiving Service and Book launch of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone held at the Institution on Sunday, also commended Esimone’s uprightness in piloting the affairs of the university in the last five years.

    He said that the outgoing Vice Chancellor demonstrated a strong leadership quality that helped to raise the bar of the university and transformed it to a greater height.

    According to him, Esimone achieved so much in the last five years that the incoming one will battle to meet.

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    “Esimone achieved so much and we prayed that his successor will achieve more. We also prayed that the standard he raised the university is not lowered ” he said.

    He also commended the outgoing Vice Chancellor for the smooth transition of power, noting that he had not seen such a smooth transition of power before in the university.

    The Chancellor said that Esimone had done well in the Institution’s management and prayed that the new one will follow suit.

  • 18th Unizik Convocation: I Will Create 40 Million Jobs In Four Years – Tinubu

    18th Unizik Convocation: I Will Create 40 Million Jobs In Four Years – Tinubu

    By  Ovat Abeng

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said he will create a total of 40 million jobs within his four years in office.

    He noted that the feat will be achieved under the Labour and Empowerment Enhancement Programme LEEP.

    The President disclosed this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka 18th Convocation ceremony held at the Varsity Convocation Arena, on Friday.

    Represented by the Director Tertiary Education in the Ministry of Education Mrs Rekia Iliasu, Tinubu stated that the program is to creat 10 million jobs through the creation of 2.5 million jobs.

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    “It is imperative to note that education cannot be considered in isolation from the labour market, which is to absorb the products from the various tiers of education.”

    “In this regard we have through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment recently inaugurated the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme LEEP whose intent is to creat ten million jobs through two and half million jobs annually for the next four years.”

    “This programme aims to to train and equip young Nigerians with the necessary tools and opportunities for employment, importantly self – employment, through the strategies of digital skills initiatives, vocational entrepreneurial skills programs, Infrastructure update and the National Electronic Labour Exchange NELEX,” he said.

    In his address at the occasion the out going Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Prof Charles Okechekwu Esimone announced that a total of 7,033 students are graduating as first degree and post graduate and also Post Graduate Diploma.

    Esimone also announced that in the last five years of his tenure in office as Vice Chancellor, projects attracted and executed cost the sum of N60 billion.

    “In summary, the following were completed through TET Fund projects, seven Federal Government Capital Releases on Infrastructure and five on Capacity Building, thirty seven Internally Generated Revenue Projects, four Presidential Needs Assessment Projects, and twelve Endowment Projects more details can be found in the book referred to above.

    The total projects attracted are estimated conservatively at over sixty billion naira,” he noted.

  • Reviving Unizik staff who suffered depression for 19-yrs over delayed promotion tops my five-year achievements as UNIZIK VC – Esimone

    Reviving Unizik staff who suffered depression for 19-yrs over delayed promotion tops my five-year achievements as UNIZIK VC – Esimone

    By Ovat Abeng

    The out-going Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, has revealed that, reviving and promoting a staff of the University, Mrs Molokwu, who suffered depression for 19-years over delay promotion was among his major five years achievements in office.

    He said the woman almost get mentally serial as a result of the depression before she was finally promoted through his personal effort.

    Esimone, who disclosed this while addressing a press conference at his resident in Awka, on Sunday, to mark the end of his administration also listed other achievements to include, introduction of grants writing, promotion of 150 staffs, increasing of the University’s IGR from 60 million to 90 million, decentralization of matriculation exercise to faculties, promotion of Inaugural Lectures Series to enable lecturers/Professors showcase their professionalism with utmost confidentiality, intense supervision of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects in the University, introduction of Conferences, creation of innovation centre, wide publicity of the Varsity activities, construction of befitted students hostels, construction of fully equipped ultra-modern surge centre, within the precincts of the University Medical Centre, Awka, and setting up of research centre for Aging and Psychological Health, Awka campus.

    “My administration establish a community development centre that partners the Anambra State Government on her ongoing “One Youth, Two Skill Programme. I also signed a Memorandum of Understand with an Agric-allied company for the planting of economy trees to boost the Internal Generated Revenue of the institution.

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    “Unizik is one of the Universities in this 21st Century that have attained the International standard.

    He noted that his administration’s resolved not to give up until project 200 of making the university among the 10 best in Nigeria and among the best 200 in the world was actualized.

    He said the institution has been achieving the core mandate of teaching, research and community/Public service, and more since assumption of office in June 4th, 2019.

    According to him, “On assumption into office in 2019, I articulated a five-pronged strategy predicated on the drive for academic excellence, productive public/community service, administrative reforms, discipline and advancements, the ACADA strategy, together with its antecedent vision. These he sums up as ‘Project 200′ has so far been achievement to the glory of God Almighty.

    “Also between 2019 and now, the national and international profile of the university has risen through memoranda of understanding signed with national and international institutions.

    “With the rising profile, the university has also introduced new courses and established new community and public services while embarking on administrative reforms. For instance,  the 572 capacity students’ hostel by an investor under Build-Operate-and Transfer partnership is a case in point.”

    On infrastructure, Esimone said he has  completed the ones he met on assumption of office and commenced fresh ones, noting that many of which has been completed and others are at various stages of completion and that 100 percent of the projects were been sponsored by the Federal government and endowed by public-spirited individuals.

    This has skyrocketed the university’s impact in virtually all spares of academics, he stated.

    Expressing satisfaction over the cordial working relationship he had enjoyed with the media, his staff and the entire University community over the years, the VC urged his successor to focus on construction of Staff Housing, building of 10,000 capacity auditorium and sport complex for the University.

    Finally, he called on the Federal Government to prioritized better working condition for University workers, amidst hard time in the country..

    Meanwhile the acrimonious race to succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Charles Esimone may have come to an end following a recent directive from the National Universities Commission.

    The five-year tenure of Prof Esimone will come to an end on June 4, 2024, having assumed office about the same time in 2019.

    The race to succeed him has been acrimonious as interested candidates engaged in different methods to outsmart themselves, including writing frivolous petitions and sharing fake news against their opponents.

    But the NUC directives sighted by our correspondent directed all the outgoing Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities to hand over to their most senior ranking deputies.

    Our correspondent gathered that Prof Joseph Ikechebelu is the only Deputy Vice Chancellor in UNIZIK. Thus, following the NUC directive, it is expected that the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone will hand over to Ikechebelu on June 4.

    The directive signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Chris J. Maiyaki,
    read in part,” HANDOVER PROTOCOL FOR OUTGOING VICE-CHANCELLORS
    I write to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, to the effect that Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, who are rounding up their tenures, should hand over their responsibilities to their most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities, which stipulates that Vice-Chancellors are not to remain in Office beyond their designated terminal dates.

    “This measure is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership of the universities, thereby maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institutions.

    “Out-going Vice-Chancellors are further, requested to ensure that a detailed handover report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information, forms part of the handover process.

    “Please note that the Federal Ministry of Education and your respective University Senates must be duly notified of your handover before the terminal dates. The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the contributions of all outgoing Vice-Chancellors and anticipates your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition process.

    “This directive is effective immediately and compliance is mandatory.
    Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.

  • Sixteen percent of Unizik mass comm students don’t go to newsroom after graduation – HOD

    Sixteen percent of Unizik mass comm students don’t go to newsroom after graduation – HOD

    By Ovat Abeng

    Head of Department, Mass Communication Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Dr Chioma Agbasimelo, has revealed that sixteen percent of students from the department do not go to newsroom after graduation.

    She said in order to correct the ugly impression, the Department would on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, hold its Career Development Summit for the mass comm students.

    Dr Agbasimelo who disclosed this on Monday in a press briefing, said Valentine Obienyem, Media Aide to Presidential Candidate for Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi would be the keynote speaker.

    She also listed other speakers to include: Head of Department, Mass Comm, Paul University, Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu, Prof Stella Okunna as Chairman and lead paper presenter, respectively.

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    She said, “Here in the department, we’ve been having lots of issues, including graduating students without knowing the area and looking for what to do for lack of areas of speciality.

    “Some, during their IT will be lost to as what to do and how to go about it. This informed the decision of the conference committee of the department to organize the summit.

    “The summit is targeted at enlightening the over 1270 students, including year one who are about 300 who don’t have any area they’re craving for.

    “We want to change the narrative so that right from first year, they will have areas of specialisation and can fit into the newsroom on graduation.

    “Currently, most institutions are gradually unbundling their Mass communication department. We’re in the process here and will soon be done.

    “We’ve assembled resource persons from different fields. Our keynote speaker will be Valentine Obienyem. We chose him because he’s grounded in Mass Communication, having been journalist for years. He is a lawyer with an LLB and PGD in mass comm.

    “We also chose him because we know he’ll imbibe in the students the quest to read and pass and do well in the field.

    “Other speakers are Prof Chinwe Uzochukwu, HOD Mass comm, Paul’s University, as Chairman, Prof Stella Okunna as lead paper presenter, as well as Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone and Faculty Dean as hosts.

    “We’re going to couch the students in plenary sessions with CEO, Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, Mr. Mike Odili, UNIZIK PRO, Mrs Chike Ene, Mr. Elvis Ohanyele, Comrade Alloy Attah, and others as handlers.”

    Agbasimelo expressed optimism that the students’ appetite and quest for specialties would improve after the Summit.

  • 10 Years After Chibok Abduction: Menace Still High In Nigeria Schools, UNIZIK Don tells FG

    10 Years After Chibok Abduction: Menace Still High In Nigeria Schools, UNIZIK Don tells FG

    By Ovat Abeng

    Exactly 10 years after the abduction of 276 students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Dr Chioma Agbasimelo has call on the Federal Government to deployed more security measures to curbed the menace in Nigeria schools, particularly, in Northern part of the country.

    She noted that the situation is still very much high among girl-child in Nigeria schools.

    Dr Agbasimelo, made the called while delivering a lecture at a one-day media and students summit in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Chibok School abduction and students interaction on safety in Nigeria with the theme; creating security for our students, held at the University’s auditorium on Monday.

    According her, the security challenges affect the girl- child more than their males counterpart and that the girl-child is at the extreme of the situation because of their vulnerability. So the government should take a drastic measures to end the fears in the country.

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    The HOD mentioned lighting of schools premises and hostels with solar light, continuous sensitization of students on the type of friends they keep while in school, compulsory identification card for all students and fortification of campus security operatives as solution to the trending abduction threats.

    On her brief speech, the Director of Unizik 94.1 FM, Prof. Ifeoma Dunu, charged the students to always do something, whenever they see unpleasant something around them.

    On his part, the representative of UNICEF, Mr. Okezie Nkpa, while appreciating the University for holding such memorable event, urged the Federal Government to prioritized the return of the remaining 92 Chibok girls.

    Other speakers who also spoke demands explanation on why the remaining girls were yet to be rescued while others have regained freedom.

    The event was organised by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik campus radio 94.1 FM in collaboration with UNICEF Enugu Field Office.

    It was gathered that on this day in 2014, schoolchildren in Chibok were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists and taken into Sambisa forest in Borno State.

  • UNIZIK Student Kidnapped In Anambra

    UNIZIK Student Kidnapped In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A student in the Department of Science Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, Anambra State, Ms Francisca Chioma, has been reportedly kidnapped in the State.

    It was gathered that the student was kidnapped while en route to a burial ceremony in a village outside Awka, on Friday.

    According to a close friend and schoolmate who preferred anonymity, Chioma’s whereabouts have remained a mystery since Friday.

    There are growing fears that she may have been abducted, particularly along the Omasiuno area of the State.

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    Attempts to reach her via phone have proven futile, with her line continually unresponsive.

    Emma Ojukwu, the Special Assistant on Public Relations Matters and Special Duty to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, redirected inquiries to the university’s security department.

    Subsequently, the Chief Security Officer of the University, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the distressing development.

    Chukwurah stated, “Yes it is true. DSS has been fully in the picture since yesterday. We are working with them. We got information that one of our students was on her way to attend a funeral ceremony in a village outside Awka when the incident happened and since then she has not been found.”

    He emphasized that the incident did not transpire within the school premises but during Chioma’s journey to the funeral.

    Chukwurah revealed that relevant security agencies have been alerted, and the kidnappers have made contact with the family.

    However, it remains unclear if any ransom demands have been made.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukw Ikenga, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

    He said “yes the command is aware of the the unconfirmed information out there on the  abduction and we want to use this medium to invite the victim’s family, friends, or witnesses to come forward with information that can help us embark on information, please.”