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Varsity Seeks Endowment Fund For Research

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3 years ago

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The University of Africa, Toru-Orua, (UAT) has said it is seeking the establishment of an endowment fund for research purposes.
The Tide’s source reports that the institution said on Friday that its focus would be on solving developmental challenges and the advancement of the society.
The university made this known at the 2nd Annual Public Lecture of the Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences in a lecture titled, “Utilising Untapped Research Funding Opportunities: An Imperative for Innovative Research in the University System”, which was intended to enlighten stakeholders on the need for financial support for the institution.
The Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Francis Sikoki, in his address of welcome, said the university’s catchment was bedevilled by many challenges, which could be addressed through research.
He listed such challenges to include flood and erosion, the menace of waterborne diseases, resource depletion occasioned by pollution and environmental degradation.
“Unfortunately, despite the large pool of experts in various disciplines in the university system, the paucity of funds to carry out problem-solving researches has been a major constraint.
“Fortunately, there is a large number of research funding sources which are not being adequately explored.
“One of such areas is the establishment of an endowment fund dedicated to research funding. This is precisely the reason for this public lecture being held today, first to create awareness and secondly to mobilise resources for research”, Sikoki said.
The guest lecturer, who s the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Dr Godknows Igali, stressed the need for universities to seek alternative funding.
He said public sector funding of the country’s university system was on the decline.
He suggested that apart from endowments, research funding could also be sourced from alumni bodies, partnership with industry, accessing development funding, university linkages, through putting-on the entrepreneurial cap and adoption of blending approach to funding research, among other sundry sources.
Igali, while advising the university’s management to be innovative, said: “The question ahead of us is where does the University of Africa want to belong?
“My submission would be we should be on the right side of history, of being a national problem solver and a much sought after institution around the world.
“It is our disposition towards today that would determine where the University of Africa will be in terms of its relevance in the global education market. But then as the saying goes, it is impossible to make an omelette without breaking eggs, “ he said.
Igali said this would require innovation and creativity from the university’s management.
“For this, as stated earlier, the university must be able to recruit and have the right calibre of staff who can handle this highly specialised duties of raising funds from multiple sources.
“This is because it would be difficult for a researcher to be the one who has the responsibility of carrying out investigation and studies and at the same time be saddled with the hunt for resources,” he said.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, called on federal agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to support the State in the funding of research projects by its tertiary institutions.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, also implored the state-owned tertiary institutions to redouble their efforts to tap research funds lying idle at the NCDMB and other public-spirited corporate bodies.
He emphasised the importance of research in tertiary education and the overall development of society, noting that what makes an educational institution to stand out is the quality of its research works.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UAT, Prof. Kingston Nyamapfene, said the public lecture was a clarion call on all stakeholders, especially government, to invest more resources in research and development to meet the manpower needs of the university system and society at large.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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6 days ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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6 days ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
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C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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6 days ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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