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Senate Approves NYSC For NOUN Graduates
The Senate has approved the National Youth Service Corps scheme for graduates of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) The approval followed the passage of the National Open University of Nigeria Bill sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TetFund Sen. Jibrin Barau during yesterday’s plenary.
According to him, the Bill seeks to address issues relating to opening access for the teeming youth and adult working population to fulfill their dream of acquiring tertiary education. Barau said the objectives of the Bill included to amend the existing legislation with a view to removing the perception of the public about the university in respect of the word, ‘correspondence‘. “The word correspondence gives the impression that the university is not a full time university and as such seen as part time.
“These two concepts, “ correspondence” and “part-time” significantly affect the way the public views the programmes run by the university.
“This has been the reason why the Law graduates of the school are not admitted into the Nigerian Law School as well as the reason for the non inclusion of the graduates of the university into the NYSC scheme,” he said. Barau said the bill would allow those that pass out through the university to be included in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.
“The law graduates from this institution are not enrolled into the Nigerian Law School which is a set back to the graduates of law,” he said. Barau further said that the amendment would allow for the inclusion of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a means of giving out instructions and lectures. “It will also allow for life-long learning.
You can learn at every stage of your life,” he said. He explained that the amendment would help in uplifting the educational sector especially in improving the functions and delivery of education by NOUN. In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki commended the committee for the success achieved.
He said the inclusion of ICT would go a long way in deepening learning in the institution.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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