By Hauwa’u Abubakar
Students of the Mass Communication Department of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have pledged to take up the challenge by Media Trust Group (MTG) to accord greater priority towards acquiring digital skills to enhance employment chances after graduation.
The students, who participated in career talks jointly organized by their department and MTG, publishers of Daily Trust, and Aminiya newspapers and owners of Trust TV and Trust Radio, said the practical orientation provided them has motivated them towards becoming practising journalists in the future.
The session, which was held at the university’s Post Graduate school, was anchored by Media Trust’s Group Executive Director, Editorial and Digital (GED), Naziru Mika’ilu Abubakar, General Manager, Human Resources and Development Service, Hadiza Ibrahim Bala, and Chief Operating Officer (COO)of Trust Radio, Muhammad Kabir Muhammad.
While appreciating the impact of the one-day training, a 400-level student of mass communication, Hannah Omokafe, described the forum as timely, as specialisation in one aspect of the media is no longer enough. She said that diverse digital skills are key in journalism practice.
“I have realised that while a journalist must work in synergy with other media outfits, diverse knowledge in different fields of operations makes a reporter more resourceful and relevant in the job,” she said.
Similarly, Jamilat Aliyu said the Media Trust’s programme was exceptionally educative and provided her with the rare opportunity of tapping from the vast experiences of practicing journalists from the famous Daily Trust newspapers.
“I am overjoyed as I got to meet with its personnel one-on-one. It’s really exciting as I learnt a lot from them,” she added.
Speaking on the aim of the Media Trust career talks, the GED underscored the need for attracting more capable hands from institutions into the media industry.
He stressed that the convergence of the media industry necessitates the need for students of mass communication to adopt and stay versatile, learning relevant skills, and cross-media activities to remain highly employable after completion of their studies.
He stressed on acquiring digital skills such as video editing, camera handling, and audio production into the art of writing, explaining that it makes a journalist more valuable and employable in the media industry.
He pointed out that in today’s world, the issue of area of specialization is no longer a greater priority in the media industry as the convergence of mass mediums has established the necessity for multitasking.
Also speaking, Hadiza Ibrahim Bala said the importance of partnership between Media Trust and ABU has been in place for many years.
She noted that the company has provided employment opportunities to the best-graduating students of mass communication and will continue to recruit the best hands into the media industry, which is a critical factor for national development.
In his remarks, the COO of Trust Radio, Muhammad Kabir Muhammad enjoined all students to practice, learn and develop requisite digital skills to ease their entrance into the media industry.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kabir Bala, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Shamsuddeen Mohammed, pledged to enhance the collaboration with Media Trust for practical training of students.
He challenged other media organizations to emulate the gesture by partnering with the university as part of their social responsibility to groom students for greater heights.
The Head of Department, Mass Communication, ABU Zaria, Dr Adama Adamu, while applauding Media Trust for the gesture and enduring partnership, noted that the collaboration has yielded positive results as students in the department have been gaining employment opportunities in the media company.
Adamu who described Media Trust Limited as one of the famous media companies, a conglomerate in radio, television and print outfits, said it has remained objective and uncompromising in its reportage.
She said the media industry has served as one of the reference points and case studies in their academic training of students.
According to Daily Trust.
UAE ENDS VISA BAN ON NIGERIAN TRAVELERS AFTER 10 MONTHS
By Hauwa’u Abubakar
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has removed the visa ban on Nigerians who want to visit. This ban was put in place 10 months ago and caused problems for people and had affected activities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave people hope when he promised to use all his influence to solve the disagreement between the two countries.
Tinubu instructed for the swift resolution of the matter when Ambassador Designate, Amb Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, delivered his Letter of Credence to him at Aso Rock.
Daily Trust had reported how Tinubu proceeded to Abu Dahbi, UAE capital, from India, where he attended the G-20 Summit.
In a statement on Monday, Presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, announced that the meeting with the UAE authorities was fruitful.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.
Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.
KATSINA RECRUITS 7,325 NEW TEACHERS ANNOUNCES REFRESHER PROGRAMMES
By Jessica Onuigbo Njideka
The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has directed a “One-Week Refresher Training Programme” for the 7,325 teachers newly recruited into the Katsina civil service.
“This is to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles in the teaching profession. Upon the conclusion of the one-week refresher course, I will personally present them with their employment letters,” Radda said.
The Katsina Governor made the remark while receiving the report of the “Adhoc Committee for the Conduct of Recruitment and Examination for S-Power”.
The 11 man committee led by Dr. Sabiru Dahiru Yusuf, which was inaugurated on July 11, 2023, said the recruitment of the over 7,000 teachers followed their remarkable performance in an aptitude examination and interview conducted by the adhoc committee.
According to Dr. Dahiru Yusuf, the candidates underwent screening in four categories: S Power primary school teachers, S Power secondary school teachers, newly recruited teachers, and part-time voluntary teachers for secondary schools.
Yusuf further said the committee obtained a list of 5,000 S Power primary school teachers and screened them across the seven LGAs, while the Ministry of Education provided a list of 2,000 S Power Secondary school teachers, while SUBEB released 889 newly-recruited teachers to the committee.
“Additionally, the Ministry of Education supplied 693 part-time and voluntary teachers for secondary schools. In total, 8,582 candidates underwent screening, with 7,627 emerging as successful candidates.
“These 7,627 individuals later took an aptitude examination on August 13 and participated in interviews. Impressively, 7,325 candidates passed, representing a commendable 96% success rate, while 347 candidates did not meet the criteria,” Yusuf said.
OAU HIKES TUITION FEES
By Salihu Sani
The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Wednesday, announced adjustments to the fees that students of the institution will be required to pay for the upcoming academic session.
This decision, according to a communique released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, was taken by the Senate at its emergency meeting held yesterday, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Olarewaju said, “Those in the Faculties of Arts, Law and Humanities, the ‘freshers’ will pay N151,200 while returning students of the same faculties will pay N89,200.”
Returning students in the faculties were paying N20,100 before the increase while Faculties of Technology and Science paid N28,100. Also, the Faculty of Pharmacy students paid N31,100 per session.
Olanrewaju added that “in the Faculties of Technology and Science, the new students will pay N163,200” while returning students are to pay the sum of N101,200.
He added that the newly admitted students into the Faculty in the College of Health Sciences, and Faculty of Pharmacy are to pay N190,200 while returning students pay N128,200.
“The management, therefore, wishes the students resounding success in their academic programmes. The above adjustable fees are just for an academic session,” he added
UNILAG STUDENTS STAGE ANOTHER PROTEST OVER TUITION HIKE
By Uche Joan Chinonso
Students of the University of Lagos under the aegis of a group tagged Students Solidarity Group Against Students Hike in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) hit the streets on Tuesday morning to protest the increment in tuition fees by the management of the institution.
The students of UNILAG reconverged a week after the first protest was disrupted by security operatives as colleagues from other universities also joined them in solidarity.
The protesters chanted songs of solidarity and expressed their desire to continue to fight and press the school authorities to reduce the fees.
The students staged a peaceful protest on the streets and were accompanied by security operatives of the Nigerian police Force as well as men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The security operatives barricaded the school gate as heavy security checks were conducted to prevent intruders from entering the school premises.
Some of the students who spoke with Vanguard complained that there is a breach of trust between the school authorities and the students and they will continue to protest until the hike in school fees is overturned.
They alleged that the school authorities lacked accountability and transparency with the way they have treated the issue in recent weeks, especially with their recent official press statements.
They also called on the Federal Government to invest the proceeds from the subsidy removal on education rather than allow any increment in school fees.
The university recently asked students to pay over N190,000 as against the previous regime of a little over N19,000 as fees.
In July, the school authorities announced the hike in tuition fees was announced in July for new and returning undergraduate students as they cited “prevailing economic realities” as the reason for the increment.
The policemen, drawn from many formations in Lagos including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), also took over the gate of the university, preventing the protesting students and others from entering the campus and disrupted the planned protest.
SHETTIMA TO REPRESENT TINUBU AT G77 SUMMIT IN CUBA
By Jessica Onuigbo Njideka
Vice president Kashim Shettima on Wednesday departed Nigeria to represent President Bola Tinubu at the G77+China Leaders’ Summit in Havana, Cuba, holding from Sept. 15 to 17.
The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Mr Olusola Abiola, in a statement, said Shettima would join other world leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres, at the Summit.
He said the summit would deliberate on development issues facing members, mostly from the global south.
“The summit will equally explore proactive ways of addressing challenges facing the development of the member-states leveraging science, technology and innovation to enhance socio-economic growth.
“Also, Shettima will, on the sidelines of the Summit, hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development diplomacy of the President Bola Tinubu administration.”
Abiola said that the Havana Summit would be hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, in his capacity as Chairman of the G77.
The theme of the summit is “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”
He recalled that Nigeria was a founding member of the G77 group established in 1964 by 77 developing countries.
“The group, a coalition of 134 developing countries with 80 per cent of world population, aims to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations,” he added.
He said Shettima would be accompanied by agriculture and rural development minister Abubakar Kyari, his innovation, science and technology counterpart, Uche Nnaji, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Adamu Lamuwa.(NAN)
ASUP TO HOLD A CONGRESS MEETING ON THURSDAY
By Aminu Ahmad Saidu
In a notification sent out earlier today, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic Chapter has informed its members of an upcoming crucial Congress Meeting. The meeting, which is set to address pivotal issues, is expected to be a significant gathering of Congress Members.
The notification emphasized the importance of the presence of all Congress Members, highlighting the critical nature of the topics to be discussed. ASUP Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Bello Gidado, expressed gratitude for the commitment and dedication of members to the collective goals of the union.
This Congress Meeting is anticipated to be a platform for in-depth discussions and decision-making on matters of significance to ASUP and its members. The outcome of the meeting could potentially have far-reaching implications for the polytechnic education sector.
Members are urged to mark their calendars and make every effort to attend this pivotal Congress Meeting on September 14th at 9:30 am in the Entrepreneurship Hall. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of the meeting as they unfold.
TERRORIST KILL TWO, ABDUCT OTHERS IN KATSINA
By Okwe Janet Fatima
Two people have lost their lives while an unspecified number of people were abducted by terrorists at Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident which occurred Sunday night at about 8:00 pm happened after the terrorists stormed the area on motorcycles, wielding automatic weapons.
Those killed included a man and a woman, while several persons were said to have sustained injuries while fleeing from the gunmen.
Those abducted were said to have included women and children and were later moved into the forest.
The council area is amongst about a dozen others in the state that is facing security challenges.
FG TO GOVS: FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAIN TO TACKLE POVERTYFG TO GOVS: FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAIN TO TACKLE POVERTY
By Jessica Onuigbo Njideka
The federal government has urges state governments to focus on the agricultural value chain to drive the country’s economic development and tackle poverty among the populace.
Speaking at the 22nd edition of the Joint Planning Board and National Council on Development Planning Meetings in Osogbo, Osun State, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Nebolisa Anako, said focusing on food system transformation could fight malnutrition and enhance employment opportunity for youths.
According to him, focusing on agricultural value chain can improve bio-economy, while enhanced nutritional value can be achieved through focus on food transformation pathway, thereby tackling stunted growth among rural dwellers.
He said the meeting with, the theme “Imperative for Restoring Nigeria on the Path of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development,” would focus on addressing hardship among the populace due to several economic reforms of the present administration.
The importance and urgency of this year’s theme for this August body, the JPB, is unmistakable. The JPB, made up of seasoned and tested public administrators, planners, top bureaucrats and economy specialists at both federal and state level, has a mandate to bring up useful ideas and pathways before the NCDP, which will advise government on sure-footed solutions.
“Let me use this opportunity to urge all representatives of the 36 states here to encourage their respective governors and stakeholders to pay more attention to the development of the agricultural value-chain for improved bio-economy.”
”They should also pay more attention to the food systems transformation pathways for improved nutrition as panacea to reducing unemployment, and stunted growth.”
“I DON’T NEED TITLE TO SERVE IN TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION” SAYS FASHOLA
By Uche Joan Chinonso
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) says he does not need a title to serve in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, which in his view, is birthing the next generation of leaders.
Fashola, a close aide of Tinubu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Lagos State University, Ojo, on Tuesday.
He was at the University to deliver a keynote address at the institution’s fifth research and innovation fair.
The former Lagos State Governor, who also served as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff when the President was governor of the state. was responding to a question on his role in the present administration at the federal level and possibility of an appointment.
He said, “I do not need a title to serve: the president can only appoint at least one minister, for example, from each state which he has done that.
“There are just enough places in parastatals, they are doing that; we are estimated to be 200 million, so there are not enough offices to take everybody.
“All of us must play our roles as citizens, and a citizen does not need a title to serve.
“The biggest title you need is that of being citizen and play our role; we are also talking about the next generation.
A STUDENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION HONOURED FOR ENSURING FAIR SUG ELECTION IN HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC
By Umar Dahiru
Aminu Ahmad Saidu, a dedicated student from the Mass Communication department at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, has earned recognition for his exceptional involvement in the 2022/2023 Students Union Government (SUG) election. As a member of the Electoral Committee (ELCOM) under the Students Affairs Division, Saidu played a vital role in ensuring the successful conduct of a free and fair election.
Saidu, currently in his HND II level, exhibited exemplary dedication and commitment during his tenure in ELCOM. His efforts, combined with those of his colleagues, have been celebrated with the highest distinction for overseeing an election characterized by transparency and fairness.
Saidu expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am very excited about this recognition, as it reflects the hard work and commitment that our team put into by organizing a credible election process, ensuring that students have a voice in their government and that their votes are counted accurately is of utmost importance to us.”
The certification for conducting a free and fair election is a testament to the dedication of students like Saidu who are actively contributing to the democratic process within their educational institutions. Such efforts not only uphold the principles of fairness but also empower students to engage in the governance of their institutions.
The recognition received by Saidu and his colleagues serves as an inspiration to others and highlights the significance of upholding democratic values in educational settings. Their commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all students in the SUG election exemplifies the spirit of responsible citizenship and active participation within the academic community.
As Aminu Ahmad Saidu continues his academic journey, his contributions to the electoral process at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic will undoubtedly serve as a commendable example of student involvement and dedication to democratic ideals.
KATSINA WELCOMES 1ST BATCH OF 40 NEW BUSES FOR AFFORDABLE INTERCITY TRANSIT
By Aminu Ahmad Saidu
The first shipment of 40 brand-new buses, procured under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has officially arrived in Katsina. This significant development comes as part of the government’s commitment to enhancing intercity transportation and providing affordable travel options for residents.
Governor Radda had previously allocated a sum of N600 million for the acquisition of these 40 buses. This decision was made in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, with the intention of establishing an efficient and cost-effective intercity transportation system operated by the Katsina State Transport Authority.
These new buses are expected to alleviate the challenges faced by residents in terms of movement within the state. They aim to provide reliable, convenient, and budget-friendly transportation options for commuters across Katsina.
Governor Radda’s proactive approach to improving transportation infrastructure demonstrates the government’s commitment to the welfare and convenience of the state’s residents. The new buses are anticipated to have a positive impact on the accessibility and mobility of individuals within Katsina, ultimately contributing to the economic and social development of the region.
As the first batch of buses arrives, Katsina State looks forward to further developments in its transportation sector, with the promise of affordable and efficient intercity travel for its citizens.
ASUU REJECTS FG’S UNIVERSITY AUTONOMY PLAN
By Amina Iro Abba
The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities ASUU has said that it will not support the federal government’s plan to grant autonomy to universities and colleges.
This week, Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, announced that the federal government is exploring innovative approaches to maintain the autonomy of universities and public higher education institutions.
The union of university professors said that the kind of autonomy that the federal government is thinking of will not be good for Nigerians.
In his conversation with the BBC, the head of the Kano zone of the group, Professor Abdulkadir Muhammad, said that what the government wants to do now is contrary to what they are trying to do.
He added that, the decision shows that the government wants to avoid the responsibilities it has imposed on itself because according to him the universities belong to the federal government and not to anyone else.
But considering that giving autonomy to the universities of the federal government is something that ASUU has been asking for, for a long time and now the government wants to do that, the teacher said that, this is not the kind of system they are fighting for.
He said: “The freedom we are talking about is not what they are talking about.”
What ASUU needs is for example the government to stop itself on the way leaders are elected and make laws that they think are not suitable for the management of the university.
Here the teacher gave an example of the IPPIS salary system, where he said that a court in the country ruled that it is not appropriate to use this software in the university system.
He said, “but when it comes to funding the university, the government said that it will not provide, then who will provide since the universities are owned by it, then the problem is who will provide the the money?”
“If it is said that the universities will find the money to run themselves, then people are being told to prepare, their children or they will find these funds,” said the teacher.
WHO: NIGERIA BEARS 25%+ GLOBAL MALARIA BURDEN, POPULATION IMPACTS CONTROL
By Amina Iro Abba
The World Health Organization has revealed a concerning statistic, stating that Nigeria is home to more than a quarter of the world’s total malaria cases.
The Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said that the population of Nigeria is a challenge to the measures taken to reduce the spread of malaria in Nigeria.
She stated this in Abuja during a meeting with a senior official of the US program to fight malaria in the world, Dr. David Walton, and the senior US official on the program to fight the disease that destroys the immune system in the world, Dr. John Nkengasong and others.
Dr. Moeti said, “Africa has the highest proportion of malaria patients in the world, accounting for 95 percent of the cases and 96 percent of the deaths due to malaria. mosquitoes in 2021.
“While Nigeria has about 27 percent of malaria cases in the world, the country has made significant progress.
“The number of malaria cases has decreased by 26 percent since 2000, from 413 cases per 1,000 people to 302 cases per 1,000 people in 2021.
In addition, mortality from malaria has decreased by 55 percent, from 2.1 per 1000 people to 0.9 per 1000 people.”
Moeti stressed the importance of having complete information to guide malaria prevention and eradication measures.
She also emphasized the need to provide important information on the condition of the disease in every state of Nigeria and the capital, Abuja.
She added that the World Health Organization will continue to be committed to making significant contributions in collaboration with the Nigerian government, financial institutions and partners in Nigeria to promote investment in areas that will help reduce the incidence of malaria and other diseases in the country.
NECO OPENS REGISTRATION FOR 2023 SSCE EXTERNAL
By Aminu Ahmad Saidu
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially opened registration for the 2023 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External. This announcement comes as a crucial milestone for both stakeholders and prospective candidates, signaling the commencement of the registration process.
In a statement via the official Twitter handle of NECO urged stakeholders, including schools, parents, and candidates themselves, are strongly advised to promptly visit the official NECO website at neco.gov.ng to initiate and complete their registration. The online registration portal provides a streamlined and convenient way for students to secure their spots in this year’s SSCE External examination.
The SSCE External examination is a critical evaluation for students who are not able to participate in the regular in-school SSCE due to various reasons. It offers a second chance for candidates to obtain their Senior School Certificates and opens doors to further educational pursuits, HUK Mass Comm learnt.
The NECO authorities have emphasized the importance of timely registration, urging all concerned parties to adhere to the registration deadlines. Missing the deadline could potentially exclude candidates from this valuable opportunity.
Prospective candidates are reminded to gather all necessary documents and information required for registration, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. This may include personal details, passport-sized photographs, and other relevant documentation.