Thursday, July 4, 2013
Enough Of ASUU, ASUP Strikes
The essence of education to the growth and development of any nation cannot be over emphasized. Education is so crucial to economic growth that any nation that genuinely hopes to develop must consistently appropriate a large chunk of its budget to developing its educational sector. This is because without education, no nation would attain meaningful economic and socio-political development.
Now when we talk of our leaders being responsible, what we are saying is that they should stop paying lip service to the educational sector. There is no doubt that the best legacy any parent can give to their children is quality education. So our leaders should realise that there is urgent need to overhaul the comatose educational sector in Nigeria because we cannot develop if we as a nation do not have a sound educational system.
The fact is that there is hardly any segment of our educational system that does not require urgent attention. From the primary, secondary to the tertiary education in Nigeria, the same story of neglect abounds. But this time around, we are tired of promises. So we want action on the part of government. Two months into the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) has now embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike over the failure of the Federal Government to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with ASUU with respect to paying lecturers ‘‘EARN’’ allowance of N12,500 per month. While several moves had been made on the part of ASUU to ensure the government implements the agreement, these had yielded no results over the years hence their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike as a last resort. The Nigerian education sector is presently in a state of rot and perennial neglect by successive governments and one wonders how we can attain the vision 20:2020 if education is not given utmost priority in the scheme of things. ASUU on their part had reduced the ‘‘EARN’’ allowance, which is the bone of contention, to 80% but the Federal Government agreed to pay 50%. The issue here is why would government legally enter into agreements and renege on such agreements? It beats one’s imagination that matters regarding education are handled with utmost levity by the government. Yet we cannot develop if education is relegated to the background in the scheme of things. There is no equality in a system where a local government councillor earns three or four times the salary of a university lecturer. Any system that relegates teachers’ welfare to the background will definitely produce half-baked graduates and graduates who cannot prove their mettle in the labour market. Why would government wait until lecturers go on strike before taking action? Does it mean that strike action is the only language the Nigerian government understands? When are we going to get to a time when lecturers will no longer embark on strikes in Nigeria? It is evident that strikes are really paralysing the already comatose education sector. With the current insecurity in Nigeria, why would government allow our tertiary institution students to waste their talents at home or roam the streets when they can be meaningfully engaged in the classrooms? Some of these students who are now idle hands could be tempted to engage in nefarious activities or join criminal gangs to perpetrate crimes. An idle mind is definitely the devil’s workshop so the government must as a matter of urgency act to ensure it resolves the issues with the polytechnic and university lecturers so that these students can go back to school. The strike actions will not do anyone any good; it will only end up crippling an already ailing education sector.
We were recently told by the Federal Ministry of Education that only about 500,000 applicants will eventually get admission into our tertiary institutions in 2013 out of about 1.7 million that sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in April 2013. Many eligible applicants are denied admission placement due to shortage of space in our institutions due to the fact that these institutions lack the requisite facilities to accommodate them. One of the reasons why the education sector has degenerated to this sorry state is that the government keeps paying lip service to issues concerning education without taking proactive steps to forestall a crisis. I think declaring a state of emergency in the education sector is long overdue and this should be done to forestall a total collapse of the sector. A lot of reforms are urgently required in the education sector and I believe that the government can do this if it is really serious in addressing the problems in the sector. We are a country where so many talented people abound. But one sure way to discover and tap these talents for the benefit of the nation is through sound education for the people. The Federal Government should urgently call ASUP and ASUU to a roundtable and iron out the issues with them so that they can call off the strike as soon as possible to avoid the negative consequences of these avoidable strike actions. We want action now from the government and not mere promises. It is high time we discouraged strike action as the only tool that can coerce government into action on matters of public concern.
ASUP REMAINS ADAMANT; SAYS NO GOING BACK ON DEMAND
Two months into its nationwide strike, the Academic Staff Union of
Polytechnics, ASUP, said yesterday that there was no going back on its
demands, insisting that unless all issues that caused the strike were
addressed, the action would continue.
This came as the union rejected the discriminatory cut-off points for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education and called for harmonization of the cut-off points into tertiary institutions in the country.
ASUP had called out its members on a nationwide strike in protest against government’s refusal to implement agreement on bothering on welfare and other sundry issues.
The union, after its 74th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, expressed concern over the non-chalant attitude of government towards exercising the political will to meet the demands which led to the strike.
It said the NEC appreciated the understanding shown by students, parents and guardians over the on-going strike and called on other stakeholders to show similar understanding and work with it towards strengthening the polytechnic sector in Nigeria.
Calling on government to stop paying lip-service to the technical education sector in the country, the union demanded that polytechnic education be properly and adequately funded.
It also condemned perceived discrimination against polytechnic graduates at entry and career progression in public service and canvassed a level-playing ground for graduates from the various tertiary institutions.
It further condemned the growing level of corruption in the country’s public service, asking government to be more proactive in handling the challenges.
“NEC frowns at the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and calls on the governors to conduct themselves in line with democratic principles to safeguard the political future of the nation”.
“NEC commends the steps so far taken by Government in curbing the security challenges in some states of the country and calls for more efforts to be made to safeguard lives and properties of the citizenry,” the union said.
On the new Income Tax, NEC called for an immediate downward review of it to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerian workers.
This came as the union rejected the discriminatory cut-off points for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education and called for harmonization of the cut-off points into tertiary institutions in the country.
ASUP had called out its members on a nationwide strike in protest against government’s refusal to implement agreement on bothering on welfare and other sundry issues.
The union, after its 74th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, expressed concern over the non-chalant attitude of government towards exercising the political will to meet the demands which led to the strike.
It said the NEC appreciated the understanding shown by students, parents and guardians over the on-going strike and called on other stakeholders to show similar understanding and work with it towards strengthening the polytechnic sector in Nigeria.
Calling on government to stop paying lip-service to the technical education sector in the country, the union demanded that polytechnic education be properly and adequately funded.
It also condemned perceived discrimination against polytechnic graduates at entry and career progression in public service and canvassed a level-playing ground for graduates from the various tertiary institutions.
It further condemned the growing level of corruption in the country’s public service, asking government to be more proactive in handling the challenges.
“NEC frowns at the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and calls on the governors to conduct themselves in line with democratic principles to safeguard the political future of the nation”.
“NEC commends the steps so far taken by Government in curbing the security challenges in some states of the country and calls for more efforts to be made to safeguard lives and properties of the citizenry,” the union said.
On the new Income Tax, NEC called for an immediate downward review of it to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerian workers.
ASUU Strike: NANS consulting, to come out with position on Friday
The National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) will
come out with its position on the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff
Union of Universities (ASUU) on Friday, its president, Mr Yinka Gbadebo,
said on Wednesday.
Gbadebo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the body was still consulting on the issue.
He said that for now, they were appealing to all parties involved in the strike to find ways of reaching a compromise as students were always affected during strikes.
On the implication of the ASUU strike coming when the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) was also protesting, he said that it was not good for students to be at home for long.
“The government should at least do something for the unions because they play an important role and in the interest of the nation’s academic future, there should be a compromise.
“We are appealing to both unions to look into the plight of the students because the staying at home of the students could do damage to their future, “ he said.
According to him, though the demands of the two unions would improve their productivity and welfare, they should also consider the students.
Gbadebo said that there should be give-and-take from both the government and the unions in resolving the problems.
NAN recalls that ASUU had directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike nationwide since Monday.
The action followed the inability of the Federal Government to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with the union.
ASUU also said the government had reneged on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it entered into with the union in December 2011.
ASUP has also been on strike since April– over several issues. (NAN)
Gbadebo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the body was still consulting on the issue.
He said that for now, they were appealing to all parties involved in the strike to find ways of reaching a compromise as students were always affected during strikes.
On the implication of the ASUU strike coming when the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) was also protesting, he said that it was not good for students to be at home for long.
“The government should at least do something for the unions because they play an important role and in the interest of the nation’s academic future, there should be a compromise.
“We are appealing to both unions to look into the plight of the students because the staying at home of the students could do damage to their future, “ he said.
According to him, though the demands of the two unions would improve their productivity and welfare, they should also consider the students.
Gbadebo said that there should be give-and-take from both the government and the unions in resolving the problems.
NAN recalls that ASUU had directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike nationwide since Monday.
The action followed the inability of the Federal Government to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with the union.
ASUU also said the government had reneged on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it entered into with the union in December 2011.
ASUP has also been on strike since April– over several issues. (NAN)
ENTMUSPORT: NOTICE TO CANDIDATES SEEKING ADMISSION IN U.S.T
ENTMUSPORT: NOTICE TO CANDIDATES SEEKING ADMISSION IN U.S.T: Office of the Registrar RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NKPOLU-OROWORUKWO, P...
NOTICE TO CANDIDATES SEEKING ADMISSION IN U.S.T
Office of the Registrar
iii Candidates who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are qualified for the screening exercise in all the Faculties of the University.
iv. Candidates must possess the basic five (5) O’ level credit passes in accordance with the University’s Entry Requirements (Faculty /Departmental) before applying for the screening Exercise. It is mandatory that Candidates should upload their O ‘Level results and a scanned copy of their passport photograph.
v Candidates are expected to register for the screening exercise On-line by logging onto www.ust.edu.ng and make e-payment of Three Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N3,500.00) only by using Interswitch Verve enabled cards. Comprising Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N2, 500.00) Examination Fee, Five Hundred Naira (N500.00) for Computer Demonstration Exercise and Five Hundred Naira (N500.00) for Study CD.
vi Candidates are to note that the mode of screening exercise is ELECTRONIC. It is important that candidates practice how to use the computer especially the use of mouse and keyboard before they turn up for the screening exercise. In addition, the Information Technology Centre (ITC) may be conducting a 1-week demonstration session prior to the examination date to candidates for the screening exercise.
vii The closing date for the registration of the Post-UTME screening exercise is Thursday, 11th July, 2013
RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
NKPOLU-OROWORUKWO, PORT HARCOURT
Advertisement on 2013/2014 Post-UTME Screening Exercise
for 1st Choice Candidates
NOTICE
TO ALL CANDIDATES SEEKING ADMISSION INTO THE RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR 2013/2014 ACADEMIC SESSION
All candidates who chose the Rivers State University of Science and Technology as their 1st
choice University during the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation
Examination (UTME) are hereby requested to take note of the following:-
i. The screening exercise for admission of candidates will be administered only on candidates who chose RSUST as their first choice University.
ii. Candidates who chose RSUST as their second choice are not expected to apply for now.iii Candidates who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are qualified for the screening exercise in all the Faculties of the University.
iv. Candidates must possess the basic five (5) O’ level credit passes in accordance with the University’s Entry Requirements (Faculty /Departmental) before applying for the screening Exercise. It is mandatory that Candidates should upload their O ‘Level results and a scanned copy of their passport photograph.
v Candidates are expected to register for the screening exercise On-line by logging onto www.ust.edu.ng and make e-payment of Three Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N3,500.00) only by using Interswitch Verve enabled cards. Comprising Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N2, 500.00) Examination Fee, Five Hundred Naira (N500.00) for Computer Demonstration Exercise and Five Hundred Naira (N500.00) for Study CD.
vi Candidates are to note that the mode of screening exercise is ELECTRONIC. It is important that candidates practice how to use the computer especially the use of mouse and keyboard before they turn up for the screening exercise. In addition, the Information Technology Centre (ITC) may be conducting a 1-week demonstration session prior to the examination date to candidates for the screening exercise.
vii The closing date for the registration of the Post-UTME screening exercise is Thursday, 11th July, 2013
SCHEDULE FOR THE SCREENING EXERCISE
The Post-UTME screening exercise will take place from Monday 15th to Friday 19th
July, 2013 at the Information Technology Centre (ITC) of the
University. Candidates are requested to please note that the Post-UTME
screening exercise is as scheduled in the screening exercise slip they
printed out after their On-line registration. The scheduled date, time
and venue shall be indicated in the Post-UTME examination slip.
Consideration
will not be given to candidates who fail to appear for the screening
exercise on the scheduled date and time. All candidates for the
screening exercise are required to come to the examination venue with
their Post-UTME exam slip printed out during the On-line Post-UTME
registration.
Candidates should note that GSM phones will not be allowed into the Examination hall during the Post-UTME screening exercise.
Parents, Guardians and Well-wishers are advised to stay away from the venue of the screening exercise
Candidates must report at the examination venue one (1) hour before the scheduled exam time on their exam slip.
Further details about the screening exercise can be obtained on-line at www.ust.edu.ng.
It is important to note that the names of successful candidates for admission shall be published on the same site (www.ust.edu.ng.).
We wish all candidates a successful screening exercise.
(Sgd)
D.C. ODIMABO (MRS.)
Registra
DEEJAY DFLEX ROCKING WITH ATONI MPIRE
meet dj dflex
Deejay Dflex got officially signed into a record label last week. The record label known as ATONI MPIRE, one of the known record labels in port harcourt city signed deejay dflex that dropped a mixtape title dancefloor. He is also dropping a mixtape titled 30 minutes with deejay dflex. Wishing him the best of lucks
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