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New Pension Scheme: What Hope For Retirees?

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10 years ago

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With the different re
ports emanating from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), there is palpable fear and doubt among Nigerian workers and retirees over the payment of their pensions. Reports from various quarters are beginning to cast fears in the minds of the retirees and those who are still in service. This is because Federal Government that introduced the scheme has not shown commitment in the process of ensuring its success while employers in both private and public sectors are not complying with the pension contributory policy.
The National Pension Commission (PENCOM) recently decried the non-compliance of pension contributory policy by employers in both the private and public sectors. According to a report released on its website, teh commission said only 73,403 companies have so far embraced the contributory pension scheme and that 43,913 of the companies have largely complied with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act.
The commission added that seven million employees working in the public and private sectors have registered with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for the management of their pension contributions. The report stressed that the numbers of companies whose employees had so far registered is 73,403. Of this number, 43,918 employers have complied, whereas the remaining 29,485 are yet to comply.
The commission said since the Pension Regulatory Administration (PRA) 2004 became law, the Federal Government has yet to comply with the reduction of 18 per cent contributory pension of workers.
Percentage figure, according to the commission, was revisited upward from the PRA 2004 where both the employers and employees contribute 7.5 per cent each to add up to 15 per cent monthly, while the PRA 2014 was revisited upward to 18 per cent, yet the federal government is not complying with the reduction and remittance to the Pension Fund Administration on behalf of the workers in the federal service.
The 2014 Pension Reform Act stipulates that, “The contribution for any employee to which this act applies shall be made in the following rates relating to his monthly emoluments: a minimum of 10 per cent by the employer and 8 per cent by the employee”.
The PENCOM, in its one decade of operation as the regulator of pension industry has made reasonable achievements in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerian workers and making Nigerians see retirement as another phase of life that should not be feared. The challenge of getting some employers to be sincere enough to ensure that their employees enjoy the benefit of the contributory pension scheme as well as ensuring that the interest of many retirees who migrated from the old scheme are protected in the contributory pension scheme is staring the commission in the face and also affecting the retirees, thereby giving less hope to prospective retirees.
The Tide investigations show that many pensioners and workers are still not happy with the contributory pension scheme as they are at present lamenting that the commission and the various governments seem not to be mindful of their sufferings. Findings by The Tide show that in 10 years of experimenting the CPS, many private and public sector employers only deduct and remit 7.5 per cent of their workers’ salaries but fail to contribute their own 7.5 per cent to the employees’ Retirement Savings Account as stipulated by the law. There are also findings that till date, some employers deduct workers’ salaries but do not remit same to their RSAs.
However, PENCOM had some years ago sanctioned some employers for the negligence but current indications are that they have gone back to their usual way and their employees have made up their minds to accept things as they are to save their jobs. Some workers are demanding for the refund of their salaries so far deducted.
A cross-section of civil servants interviewed in Rivers State want the state governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike to phase out the Contributory Pension Scheme and refund the monies so far deducted from their salaries, saying it is a fraud on the workforce. They appealed to the governor to repeal the law establishing the scheme as it was an imposition on the workers by former Governor Chibuike Amaechi who allegedly failed to fulfil the government’s part of the scheme.
In separate interviews, many civil servants stressed the need to face out the contributory pension scheme, describing it as fraudulent on the workforce.
According to one of them, a director in the state civil service, the labour should  approach the Rivers State government to demand the reversal scheme should be reversed to the old one and give people what is due them on retirement. The director, who preferred to be anonymous, was of the opinion that government should cancel the whole idea as it has failed from the very first day it was conceived while the monies so far deducted should be refunded.
Another civil servant, Friday Badon asked the state government to repeal the contributory pension scheme by sending a bill to the State Assembly for the revocation of the law establishing it in the state, saying “as it is now, we don’t know what is happening and the scheme is not favourable to workers. Badon advised the government to continue with the old pension scheme, pointing out that a situation whereby workers’ pension is being contracted does not augur well for the workers.
In his own view, Mr Nwachukwu Igwe said, “we have been kept in the dark as regards the operation and success of the scheme and don’t know how efficient the scheme will be.”
Mr Godwin George in his own comment said.” Please, they should reimburse me my money they have deducted, I don’t need the scheme.” George, an accounts officer, alleged that the government is not remitting its part of the counterpart funding, pointing out that in Nigeria, such scheme cannot be well managed. He appealed to the present Rivers State government to revert to the old pension scheme which makes it easier for retirees to access their pensions as at when due and promptly too.
Also speaking to The Tide, Mrs Josephine Amadi said; “they should refund me my money because we are not sure of the contributory pension scheme which is like the National Housing Scheme that does not benefit workers”. The pension administrators are using our money to do  business and at the end, we will not benefit from it and we will be short-changed.”
She called on the government to look into the issue and save the state civil servants from the impending trauma they will face in the future.
Another civil servant, Mr Donatus Nwiueh in his reaction, said that government should abolish the contributory pension scheme in Rivers State as workers were forced to go into it by the immediate past administration.
As he put it, “the government is not contributing its quota and the money deducted from workers’ salaries are not being remitted into their Retirement Savings Accounts. All the monies so far deducted should be refunded.”
“The last administration lured us into the scheme, so this administration should rescue us by asking the pension managers to refund our money so that we go back to status quo”.
The Rivers State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chika Onuegbu in an interview with The Tide called for the repeal of the scheme in the state in order to avoid short-changing the worker Onuegbu said government should quickly review the state pension laws to conform to the Pension Reform Act 2014, adding that the state pension law as amended was essentially a domestication of the 2004 Pension Reform Act now repealed and replaced with the 2014 Pension Reform Act which came into effect from July 2014.
He noted that the contributory pension scheme in the state is totally being abused as many deductions from the workers’ salaries were not remitted into their Retirement Saving Accounts.
“The congress is constrained to take such decision to call on the state government to repeal the pension laws due to the capricious manner the subsisting pension law in the state is being administrated across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The union will not accept the imposition of pension administrators on the civil servants by the state government,” Onuegbu stressed.

 

Shedie Okpara

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‘The Scholar of Evidence, Integrity and Community Leadership’

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2026

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In legal philosophy, silence is often romanticized as wisdom. But within the law of evidence, silence may carry a very different implication — it can amount to an admission. This thought-provoking paradox forms part of the intellectual reflections of Professor Chris C. Wigwe, SAN, an accomplished legal scholar whose contributions to legal education and jurisprudence continue to shape conversations within Nigeria’s academic and professional legal circles.
Professor Christian Chizindu Wigwe stands among the distinguished figures produced by Nigeria’s legal academy. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and seasoned scholar, he built a reputation for intellectual rigor, disciplined scholarship, and principled leadership in the study and teaching of law.
His academic journey reflects the making of a global legal mind. Wigwe obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School where he qualified for the Nigerian Bar. His quest for deeper scholarly engagement later took him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Master of Laws degree from Middlesex University and subsequently a PhD in Public International and Economic Law from the University of Leeds.
These academic attainments did not merely decorate his curriculum vitae; they laid the intellectual foundation for a career that has consistently bridged theory and practice within the legal profession.
Over the years, Professor Wigwe has distinguished himself in the fields of jurisprudence, international law, criminal law and the law of evidence. His scholarship reflects a deep interest in how legal systems respond to economic realities, international cooperation and evolving global norms.
Within Nigeria’s university system, his name became closely associated with the Faculty of Law at Rivers State University in Port Harcourt, where he served as Dean from 2022 until November 2025. His tenure coincided with renewed conversations about strengthening legal education and positioning the faculty for global competitiveness.
Under his watch, the faculty intensified efforts to deepen research culture, strengthen postgraduate training and pursue partnerships capable of elevating the institution’s standing among law faculties in Africa.
Professor Wigwe also consistently emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration and alumni support in sustaining academic excellence. In public engagements, he urged graduates and stakeholders to support universities in building research centres and scholarship opportunities for students.
That perspective reflects his broader understanding that legal education must go beyond classroom instruction. For Wigwe, the development of law faculties must be anchored on strong research infrastructure, vibrant intellectual discourse and international engagement.
Beyond administrative leadership, he has remained an active contributor to legal scholarship through books and research publications. His works cover diverse aspects of legal theory, international institutions and corporate law practice.
Among his notable publications are texts such as Legal Research Methodology and Practice, Introduction to Company Law and Practice, and scholarly works exploring the economic dimensions of international institutions and monetary law.
These contributions have become reference materials for students and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of legal research and the dynamics of international economic law.
What distinguishes Wigwe’s scholarship is his ability to situate legal principles within the realities of global economic systems. His writings frequently interrogate how international institutions exercise power and how developing economies can navigate complex legal frameworks within global trade and finance.
Such perspectives have increasingly become relevant in a world where international law influences domestic economic policy, cross-border transactions and global governance.
Within the classroom, colleagues and students often describe him as a meticulous teacher who believes that legal reasoning must be sharpened through intellectual discipline and ethical responsibility.
His academic philosophy emphasizes the importance of integrity in the legal profession. For him, legal education must produce not only technically competent lawyers but individuals whose character can withstand the ethical demands of justice.
This emphasis on integrity resonates strongly within the Nigerian legal system, where the credibility of institutions often rests on the moral courage of those entrusted with authority.
Indeed, Wigwe’s professional life reflects the principle that law is not merely a technical craft but a moral enterprise aimed at preserving fairness and order in society.
His elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria further affirmed his standing within the legal profession. The SAN rank, often regarded as the pinnacle of legal practice in the country, is reserved for practitioners and scholars whose careers demonstrate excellence and integrity.
Yet, beyond titles and accolades, his legacy lies in the countless students he has mentored over decades of teaching.
Across courtrooms, law firms, government institutions and international organizations, former students continue to carry forward the intellectual and ethical lessons instilled during their time under his tutelage.
Mentorship remains one of the most enduring contributions of any academic. Through it, knowledge is transmitted across generations, shaping the legal culture of a society.
Professor Wigwe has consistently viewed mentorship as a responsibility rather than a privilege. For him, the success of students represents the true measure of a teacher’s impact.
His leadership style within academia reflects calm authority rather than flamboyance. Colleagues often describe him as a scholar who prefers substance over spectacle, focusing on institutional growth rather than personal acclaim.
This disposition aligns with his belief that universities must remain centres of reason, inquiry and ethical reflection.
Beyond the walls of academia, Professor Wigwe’s influence extends meaningfully into community life. His dedication to secular and communal activities has earned him admiration within his hometown of Isiokpo.
Recognizing his contributions to community development, leadership and social cohesion, the people of Isiokpo honoured him with a traditional chieftaincy title — a cultural recognition reserved for individuals whose lives exemplify service and integrity.
The honour reflects the deep respect he commands not only as a scholar but as a community figure committed to the welfare and progress of his people.
Traditional institutions in many African societies remain important custodians of culture, identity and moral leadership. When communities confer chieftaincy titles, they are often acknowledging a life lived in service to collective advancement.
For Professor Wigwe, this recognition underscores a broader philosophy that scholarship should not exist in isolation from society.
Rather, knowledge must translate into service — guiding communities, strengthening institutions and inspiring future generations.
The influence of scholars like Wigwe becomes even more significant in societies navigating complex governance challenges. Legal scholars provide the intellectual frameworks through which institutions interpret constitutions, enforce rights and resolve disputes.
In this regard, the Nigerian legal system continues to benefit from the contributions of academics who combine scholarship with practical insight.
Figures such as Professor Wigwe represent a bridge between legal theory and real-world governance.
Such individuals are invaluable to both national and international institutions that require legal minds capable of navigating complex regulatory and diplomatic environments.
The global legal community increasingly recognizes that expertise in international economic law, institutional governance and evidence law is essential for addressing contemporary challenges.
From trade negotiations to international arbitration and human rights enforcement, the need for scholars with strong analytical foundations has never been greater.
Nigeria, like many developing nations, possesses a reservoir of intellectual talent within its universities. However, such expertise is often underutilized in global governance spaces.
Scholars with the depth of experience and credibility of Professor Wigwe deserve broader platforms where their insights can contribute to shaping international legal discourse.
Positions within multilateral organizations, international arbitration panels, global academic networks and legal reform commissions could greatly benefit from the perspectives of scholars who understand both local realities and global legal frameworks.
The strength of any legal system ultimately depends on the integrity and intellectual courage of those entrusted with responsibility.
When individuals who embody these virtues are elevated to positions of trust, institutions become stronger and public confidence grows.
Professor Chris C. Wigwe’s career illustrates the enduring relevance of scholarship grounded in integrity, intellectual discipline, community service and responsible leadership.
In a time when public institutions require credible voices capable of guiding policy with wisdom and ethical clarity, figures of his calibre stand out as valuable assets not only to Nigeria but to the wider international community.
Ultimately, the story of Professor Wigwe is not merely about academic achievements or professional titles. It is about the quiet but powerful influence of a scholar committed to the ideals of justice, knowledge, community service and ethical leadership.
And in the long arc of legal history, it is often such scholars — patient builders of institutions, mentors of generations, and respected sons of their communities who leave the most enduring imprint on the pursuit of justice.
King Onunwor
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Report Against Lecturer Mere Witch-Hunt – RSU Management

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2026

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A top management official of Rivers State University has described the recent allegations against a lecturer of the institution as a calculated witch-hunt aimed at tarnishing the image of both the academic and the university.
The management source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, maintained that the allegations bordering on the purported use of a forged appointment letter were misleading and failed to reflect the true circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s employment history.
According to the official, the university has an established administrative structure for recruitment, documentation and confirmation of staff appointments, stressing that no employee could remain in service for years without due verification by relevant departments.
The source explained that the matter had already attracted internal scrutiny and preliminary findings did not support claims being circulated in some quarters against the lecturer identified as Dr. Dike Harcourt Whyte.
He noted that the lecturer had continued to discharge his academic responsibilities diligently and had not been indicted by any panel or court of competent jurisdiction over the allegations.
The management official further alleged that certain individuals were sponsoring petitions against the lecturer due to personal disagreements and internal rivalries unrelated to the university’s academic standards.
He expressed concern that attempts were being made to drag the name of the university into avoidable controversy, especially at a time the institution was making significant progress in academic development, research and infrastructural expansion.
The source reiterated that the university administration under the Vice Chancellor remained committed to fairness, due process and the protection of staff members from harassment, intimidation and malicious attacks.
He stated that the institution would not act based on public sentiment or social media pressure, but would instead rely on verifiable records and official procedures in addressing any matter involving members of staff.
The official also warned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing reputational damage to individuals and the university, noting that such actions could undermine public confidence in the institution.
Meanwhile, some staff members who spoke in defence of the lecturer described him as a committed academic who had contributed positively to teaching, research and mentorship within the university community.
They therefore called on the public to disregard what they termed a smear campaign against the lecturer and allow the university authorities to handle the matter professionally and in accordance with established regulations.
When contacted, Whyte declined comment, but said on the University authority has the legal right to speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi, in his response said he was not the VC when Dr. Whyte was appointed.
“I wasn’t the VC when he was appointed. He was appointed several years ago; and I am not aware of any petition against his appointment”, he said.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi stressed that he had requested a meeting with the petitioners as part of efforts to investigate the allegations.
“How come I just became Vice Chancellor and they are writing a petition? To investigate the petition, I have requested to meet with the petitioners,” he said.
King Onunwor
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Women In STEAM: Overcoming underrepresentation: A Nigerian woman’s journey in Asian tech, design

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2 months ago

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March 23, 2026

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In this episode of Women in STEAM, Nabhel Harmony, a Nigerian product designer living in Indonesia, reflects on her journey navigating the global tech industry as an African woman in the room.

Ms Harmony says underrepresentation is a major challenge, often leading to bias and underestimation.

PT: What inspired you to pursue a career in product design?

Ms Harmony: I began as a graphic designer in 2017, first learning CorelDRAW to help my mom with flyers, then building skills with Adobe Suite and working at a printing press. The real shift happened during my master’s programme when I came across a Microsoft UX video. That moment, along with learning Figma, inspired me to pursue product design. Since then, I have focused on creating intuitive, human-centred digital experiences, driven by the belief that design should be both impactful and useful.

PT: What experiences or skills do you think are essential to break into the field?

Ms Harmony: I think the essentials for breaking into design right now come in two layers. First, you still need a strong foundation in UX, understanding user needs, problem-solving, and being able to communicate ideas clearly. Tools like Figma are great, but more important is learning how to think like a designer: how to frame problems, test assumptions, and iterate.

The second layer is adaptability. With the rise of AI-powered tools like Stitch, Claude, Cursor, Lovable and others, the way we design is evolving. These tools can speed up workflows and even generate starting points for us, but they do not replace the need for critical thinking or empathy. I always encourage new designers to learn the traditional UX process and experiment with AI tools to see how they can supercharge creativity and productivity.

Finally, I would say, the designers who will thrive are those who are curious, willing to explore, and able to use both human insight and machine assistance to create experiences that feel truly meaningful.

PT: Can you share an example of a project that had a significant social impact, and how you approached designing for that specific challenge?

Ms Harmony: One project with real social impact was the redesign of iglooconnect, a platform that links smart locks with services like Airbnb. The old system was clunky and confusing, creating barriers for property managers, small businesses, and international users, sometimes even affecting safety and livelihoods. I approached it with empathy, becoming a user myself, gathering insights from support teams, and studying competitors.

We streamlined user flows, simplified navigation, and improved accessibility. The result was a platform that now supports thousands globally, helping property managers focus on hospitality, enabling small businesses to grow, and making the experience intuitive for international users. It reinforced for me that good design isn’t just about looks, it’s about equity, trust, and opportunity.

PT: As a senior product designer, what qualities do you look for in a design team, and how do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment?

Ms Harmony: As a senior product designer, I look for curiosity, empathy, and resilience in a design team. Curiosity drives exploration, empathy ensures we design for people and collaborate well, and resilience helps us embrace feedback and ambiguity. To foster collaboration and innovation, I focus on building trust, encouraging open dialogue, celebrating collective wins, and creating a safe space for experimentation and growth.

PT: As a design tutor, how do you approach mentoring junior designers, and what advice would you give to those looking to grow in their careers?

Ms Harmony: I mentor by focusing on mindset over tools. I encourage juniors to see design as problem-solving, not just screen-making. I give them small, real projects to build confidence, and I make feedback a two-way process so they learn to see critique as growth.

My advice is simple: stay curious, build portfolios that show your process (not just polished screens), and find a design community to learn with. Skills evolve, but curiosity, empathy, and resilience will always set great designers apart.

PT: Can you discuss your approach to designing accessible and user-centred solutions, and how you balance business needs with user requirements?

Ms Harmony: My approach to accessible, user-centred design starts with empathy. I focus on understanding user pain points, then simplify flows to make products clear, inclusive, and intuitive. To balance this with business needs, I connect user pain points to outcomes such as efficiency, adoption, and retention. For example, in one of my recent projects, I simplified access flows for property managers by creating an integrated dashboard which not only improved usability but also reduced support tickets, creating value for both users and the business.

PT: What challenges have you faced as a woman of African descent in the tech and design industries, and how have you overcome them?

Ms Harmony: One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a woman of African descent in tech and design is representation. Living in Asia, particularly here in Indonesia, I have often found myself as the only African woman in the room, which sometimes meant dealing with bias, being underestimated, or having to work harder to prove my expertise.

I have overcome this by leaning into resilience and community. I built networks with other designers and used those connections for support and growth. More importantly, I let my work speak for itself, focusing on delivering impact and creating meaningful solutions.

PT: How do you think designers can give back to the community, and are there initiatives you have been involved in to promote design education and awareness?

Ms Harmony: One of the most meaningful ways designers can give back is by creating access to knowledge, to opportunities, and representation. For many people, design may feel like an unfamiliar career path, especially now with the rapid rise of AI. And the first barrier is often simply not knowing where to start. By mentoring, sharing resources, and opening doors, we can demystify design and make it more inclusive.

ALSO READ: Women in STEAM: Excellence Joshua speaks on navigating motherhood, building a career

I have been mentoring women who are breaking into tech and design through She Code Africa. Additionally, I mentor on ADPList, guiding emerging designers worldwide on career growth. Last year, I partnered with the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) to provide free and discounted memberships, extending access to high-quality courses that many may not otherwise be able to afford. I also run a Telegram tech community of over 800 designers, where I regularly share opportunities like jobs, internships and courses that can help someone to take the next step in their career. Altogether, these efforts have allowed me to support hundreds of aspiring designers in building strong foundations and finding their place in the industry.

PT: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies, and what resources would you recommend for others looking to do the same?

Ms Harmony: I stay up to date by staying active online, especially on Twitter (X). It may sound a little cheesy, but it genuinely works for me. I follow thought leaders and official design team accounts like Google Design, Microsoft Design, and tools like Figma and Framer on Twitter (X) and LinkedIn. I also make it a point to experiment with new tools as they are released, particularly AI-powered ones like Figma Make, Cursor, Lovable, and Stitch. From time to time, I complement this with online courses, which help me strengthen my foundation and stay adaptable.

For others, I would recommend a balance: structured learning through platforms like the Interaction Design Foundation or Coursera, paired with mentorship opportunities on ADPList or She Code Africa for aspiring African women in tech. That mix of formal education, community learning, and hands-on exploration is what keeps you not only up to date but truly adaptable in such a fast-moving field.

PT: What message would you like to convey to women and underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing a career in tech and design, but may be hesitant or unsure?

Ms Harmony: My message would be simple: you belong here. Tech and design can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you don’t see many people who look like you in the room, but your perspective is not just valid, it’s valuable. The industry needs diverse voices and experiences to create solutions that work for everyone. If you are hesitant, start small. Take a course, join a community like She Code Africa and surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you. Do not wait until you feel “ready”; none of us ever really does. Growth comes from trying, learning, and showing up consistently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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