Education

As FG, ASUU Dialogue

Published

15 years ago

January 23, 2012

As the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) meet today to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria’s university system, there are indications that something reasonable would come out of it.

The National Assembly through the Senate President, David Mark, announced last Wednesday, the approval of the extension of retirement age of professors from 65 to 70 years.

This is one of the issues ASUU is demanding from the Federal Government.

Since December 5, 2011 the umbrells body of lecturers in federal and state – owned universities had embarked on an indefinite strike alleging that the federal government was foot-dragging over the implementation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, which promises better funding of universities, extension of the retirement age of professors to 70 years, university autonomy and better condition of service, among others, after signing the agreement with the Federal Government in October 2009, after nearly three months of strike, the union, led by its National Executive Council (NEC) President, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, has been complaining about the non-implementation of most components of the agreement and issued several warnings, especially last year that it was running out of patience.

In May 2011, after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union, it accused the federal government of insincerity, said, members were calling for a one-week warning strike which began on September 26, and then till now.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquyyatu Ahmed Rufai, has urged the union to be patient and stated that the bill was before the National Assembly.

Prof. Rufai, while briefing newsmen at the end of a meeting between Federal government and ASUU which ended in deadlock last month, appealed: “I will still insist and plead again that ASUU has to call of the strike.

“We have already agreed that we will continue to negotiate in terms of ensuring that all the issues at stake will have to be addressed”.

The Education Minister urged students to be patient and understand the situation in the country.

While assuring that the federal government was making efforts to transform the country and was not pleased with the shortfalls in the universities.

Expressing her views on the latest development, the Owerri Zonal Cordinator of ASUU, Mrs Emilia Jaja, in a telephone interview with The Tide, acknowledged that the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU is meeting with Federal government today and that is when Federal government will officially present the document to the leadership of the union.

According to her, “It is a big sacrifice from the Professors anyway, because they are giving out a lot, but it is okay.

“Well we are very hopeful, if they meet on Monday, every other thing would be looked into, you know, that is not the only thing we have”.

She said when federal government looks at the other things, ASUU would call its national officers for briefing before local chapters would take action.

Her words: “We are hopeful that by Monday, something reasonable will come out of it. It will be reasonable enough”.

Bearing his mind on the move, in a Short Message Service (SMS), the ASUU Chairman, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Chapter, Dr. Felix Igwe, recalled that the strike was called due to the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement.

According to him, “After the meeting on Monday, the union will convene NEC meeting to review the level of implementation of the said agreement and subsequently, decide on the way forward”.

He, however, appealed to governing councils of both federal and states universities that have not made any effort to implement the agreement to pay the requisite arrears of the accrued salary difference from July 2009.

He said that has become necessary so as to avert further strike after the national strike is been suspended.

Also expressing optimism about today’s meeting between the federal government and ASUU, a school teacher, Mrs Hannah Obiekwe, who said, if the National Assembly has approved the retirement age of Professors from 65 to 70 years, acknowledged that it is better for us.

“Experience has shown that the more you teach, the more experience you gain and the society taps from this laudable experience of teachers”.

“A nation without human capital development cannot flourish in modern competitive economy”, she expressed.

She advised government to treat members of ASUU with respect and dignity arguing that without them, students would have no future.

Also speaking, a non-academic staff in one of the tertiary institutions in Port Harcourt, Mr. Durum Nnanna, but they expressed optimism that the two parties would reach agreement today to enable students go back to school.

He cautioned that strike action should not always arise between Federal government and ASUU can reach agreement to avoid disruption in the academic calendar.

However, the National President of National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), Mr. Warmate Awoloye, expressed concern over the issues of ASUU’s incessant strike actions and appealed to ASUU to see to the plight of the federal government on education vis-à-vis the removal of fuel subsidy.

Awoloye said based on that, he is hopeful that the standard of education students crave for in the universities would come to fruition.

He advised both federal government and ASUU to dialogue and call off the strike as soon as possible because according to him, “we are tired of staying at home and we want to avoid further demonstrations on the streets”.

In his reaction, the President of Student Union Government (SUG), RSUST, Mr. Godswill Amadi said yes, federal government has met one of ASUU’s demands.

“So, probably on Monday, the strike will be called off”, he assumed.

ASUU members feel they had so many disappointments in the past and so would not take anything for granted.

Just last Thursday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquyyatu Ahmed Rufai again, expressed optimism that the strike embarked upon by ASUU would soon come to an end.

Her words: “We are going to meet again with ASUU on Monday, and it is our hope and desire that after that meeting, we expect that they will call off the strike”.

I think what is left are one or two grey areas that need to be addressed and Nigerians and undergraduates wish the federal government to reach a compromise with the lecturers. There is a concensus that universities should come back to normal.

With the move by the federal government, to resolve the crisis, public university undergraduates should expect positive results from today’s meeting.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Education

RIVERS GOVT BLOWS HOT OVER ALLEGED FORCED VIRGINITY TEST ON 16 FEMALE STUDENTS IN KHANA

Published

17 hours ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has strongly condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students of Government Comprehensive High School (Senior Secondary), Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.

The Ministry said the alleged act was reportedly carried out by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books to the students.

According to the report received by the Ministry, the persons had on Thursday, September 17, 2026, visited the school and selected sixteen female students for the exercise, a development that triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students of the school.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Her Excellency Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, for the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the Ministry described the allegations as extremely serious, disturbing and a violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.

The Ministry stated unequivocally that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse, no matter the justification.

It stressed that educational assistance, including scholarships and donation of exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.

The Ministry disclosed that it has commenced full investigation into the incident to establish the facts and will take all appropriate actions, including referral to relevant authorities, against any person or body found to have been involved.

It cautioned all persons, traditional institutions and community bodies to refrain from any activity involving selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly, under any guise.

The Ministry further directed all schools in Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of child protection and assured students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and the wider school community that their concerns are being taken seriously, adding that the safety and dignity of every student must be protected at all times.

[23/10, 21:51] Meta AI: *OUTRAGE IN RIVERS: GOVT VOWS FULL WRATH AS 16 SCHOOLGIRLS FORCED INTO VIRGINITY TEST IN KHANA*

*PORT HARCOURT* — The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned in strong terms the alleged forced virginity testing of 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.

The Ministry said the degrading act was allegedly perpetrated by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community, who stormed the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.

According to the official report received by the Ministry, the incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the suspects selected 16 female students for the invasive test, sparking outrage and a peaceful protest by students.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, for the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the Ministry described the allegation as extremely serious, disturbing and a direct assault on the dignity, privacy and fundamental human rights of innocent schoolchildren.

It declared categorically that no individual, traditional ruler, community body or private organisation has any authority whatsoever to subject students to virginity testing or any form of dehumanizing practice.

The Ministry insisted that educational support such as scholarships and learning materials must be rendered transparently and unconditionally, without any attempt to compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.

It announced that a full-scale investigation has been launched to establish the facts surrounding the incident, warning that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law, including referral to relevant security and human rights authorities.

The Ministry also issued a stern warning to all traditional institutions, community leaders and individuals to desist forthwith from any act involving selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity under any guise.

It further directed all principals and school heads across Rivers State to enforce the highest standards of child protection and assured students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and guardians that their safety and dignity remain non-negotiable.

Education

RSU Honours Omubo-Pepple, Harry for Dedicated Service

Published

17 hours ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has honoured two former Principal Officers, Professor Valentine B. Omubo-Pepple, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Dr Ibimonia B. S. Harry, former Registrar, in recognition of their contributions to the growth, administration and development of the institution.

The End-of-Tenure Ceremony, held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the University’s Convocation Arena.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, emphasised the importance of building relationships that extend beyond official responsibilities, noting that colleagues who work together should also cultivate enduring friendships.

He described Professor Omubo-Pepple as an energetic gentleman and commended his effectiveness as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), as well as his generosity, large-heartedness and leadership qualities.

The Vice-Chancellor also praised Dr Harry for her meticulous approach to work, particularly her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring that administrative responsibilities were handled diligently and accurately.

Professor Zeb-Obipi expressed appreciation to members of staff for their support, experience and sacrifices towards the university’s development. He noted that their contributions remained valuable to the institution beyond their respective tenures.

He wished both former Principal Officers success in their future endeavours and acknowledged their invaluable support and commitment during their years of service.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion and former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor S. C. Achinewhu, congratulated the honourees and reflected on their professional journeys, from their entry into the institution to the highest levels of their respective careers. He also commended the Vice-Chancellor for sustaining the End-of-Tenure Ceremony.

In separate responses, Professor Omubo-Pepple and Dr Harry expressed gratitude to the university management, colleagues and members of staff for the support, cooperation and goodwill they enjoyed throughout their respective tenures.

Professor Omubo-Pepple described his time in office as an opportunity to serve and contribute to the university’s development. He attributed the progress recorded during his tenure to teamwork and the collective commitment of those who worked alongside him.

He also expressed appreciation for the relationships and friendships established over the years, noting that service to the university extended beyond official duties to include enduring personal and professional bonds.

The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor thanked the Vice-Chancellor, University Management and the End-of-Tenure Planning Committee for the recognition. He expressed confidence in the university’s continued advancement in teaching, research, administration and community development.

He wished the university leadership and staff continued wisdom, strength and success, describing the ceremony as a memorable conclusion to an important chapter of his service.

Similarly, Dr Harry described her tenure as Registrar as a significant chapter in her professional journey and expressed gratitude for the recognition.

She acknowledged the support of the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, colleagues in the Registry, other Principal Officers and members of staff. She emphasised that effective university administration depended on diligence, integrity, teamwork and a shared sense of responsibility.

The former Registrar attributed the achievements recorded during her tenure to collective effort and appreciated those who provided guidance, support and cooperation in the discharge of administrative responsibilities.

She also thanked the End-of-Tenure Planning Committee and the university community for the goodwill messages, gifts and support. Expressing optimism about the institution’s future, she wished RSU continued growth, stability and greater accomplishments.

Dr Harry looked forward to the next phase of her journey with gratitude for the experience, relationships and lessons gained during her years of service.

The ceremony featured goodwill messages from the families of the honourees, unions and associations, the Faculty of Science, the Registry, the Committee of Provosts and Deans, and the university’s Principal Officers.

Other highlights included a special performance by the University Mass Choir, a presentation by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, a toast, cake-cutting and the presentation of gifts to the honourees.

By: Akujobi Amadi

Education

FCE Yola Graduates 3,555 Teachers , Seeks Upgrade to University

Published

17 hours ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

A severe shortage of certified teachers in northern primary and secondary classrooms took centre stage as 3,555 graduates passed out from the Federal College of Education, Yola, Adamawa State.

Professor Kaletapwa Farauta Adamawa state deputy governor, made the disclosure on behalf of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Saturday, 24 October 2026, during the combined convocation ceremony in Yola.

She called on the federal government to convert the institution into a full-fledged Federal University of Education to bridge northern Nigeria’s growing teacher gap.

Speaking on state educational reforms, she highlighted Adamawa’s implementation of a new teacher deployment policy designed to retain qualified educators in rural schools.

“We have implemented the Adamawa State Teacher Recruitment, Deployment, and Retention Policy to revamp the structure and meet 21st-century goals,” she noted.

Provost Dr Mohammed Usman Degereji stated that the institution produced 1,818 graduates for the 2024 session and 1,737 for 2025.

He added that over 200 lecturers participated in national and international training programmes to improve academic quality and research standards.

The Ministry of Education, through Dr Uchenna Uba, affirmed federal commitments to educator welfare through the newly introduced Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund.

Highlighting the personal human cost of academic success, the overall best graduand, Mr Ndazimson Paul, recounted the intense personal discipline required to top his graduating class.

“I committed to three hours of daily study in the library alongside support from my parents to achieve a 4.65 CGPA,” Paul said.

Northern Nigeria continues to face an acute deficit of certified basic education teachers, exacerbated by population growth and rural flight. The appeal to upgrade the Federal College of Education, Yola, aligns with ongoing regional efforts to grant degree-awarding autonomy to specialised tertiary institutions to boost professional teacher output.