NEWS
FEDPOFFA: Mass Comm. Dept Campaigns Against Corruption In Education Sector
Eunice Oluwafunmilayo
The Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara State held a campaign against corruption in educational sector in Nigeria on Wednesday.
Speaking during the campaign by the Department of Mass Communication at the school premises, the Acting Rector of FEDPOFFA, Dr. Olarongbe Afolabi reinstated the institution’s commitment to the eradication of corruption.
In his words: “stopping corruption completely in Nigeria, if I say it is possible in Nigeria; I am not being realistic. But the fact is that corruption can be contained. And when you are containing corruption, you are stopping it gradually. The ultimate goal is to stop it completely, but we have to start from somewhere and we are starting on a very good note in this Polytechnic.
“Stopping corruption completely will depend on everyone’s mindset. The thing is in Nigeria we are so hypocritical in fighting corruption. Are we sincere? Or we are just doing mere propaganda? The present government wants to fight corruption. And we would remember when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed power, he said corruption is one of the things he would fight. Security is also there and economy. Buhari has been fighting corruption, but how far has he gone?
“He is doing it, but as far as we don’t change our mindset, it would be very hard to eliminate corruption in this country. But we can get there, we have started. We know where we are going.
“What is manifesting this morning (i.e Corruption in Education Campaign) is an attestation to what the school is doing to fight corruption.
“The present administration which I head is committed to fighting corruption and we are doing it so well. We have been talking to students and staffers.
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“If we are talking about corruption, there are so many fronts to face. Look at the students, are they students aiding corruption? Look at the staff, are they aiding in exploitation and extortion of the students? Sex for marks and the like? It takes two to tangle.” he said.
Dr. Olarongbe added that corruption goes both ways as it is a consented effort which is faithfully pursued before it become manifested.
He said fighting corruption is one of the principal mantras of this administration and the administration has been working with Servicom, Students Union Government (SUG) and other related bodies.
Also, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Wole Alawode said
Wole Alawode, Head of Department said the purpose of the campaign is to call the attention of all concerned persons, agencies and stakeholders to the corruption in the education sector.
“From the look of things, maybe the Federal government have to declare an emergency on the educational sector. We are having problems. What are the youth doing? What are the beliefs system now?
“Shortcut will lead Nigeria to more problems. So that why we need to call attention the attention of the Federal Government to the education sector. Educational malpractices, cheating and all. In Nigeria, everyone has to wake up to how we are developing our youths. And how is the educational system functioning.
“Many students prefer miracles centers now and it is affecting the quality of instructions they receive. Someone that did not have a proper Olevel result, how can such function properly in the tertiary academic environment? And they will be looking for some cheap way out and they will be causing issues in the system. So we have to look for ways not only in the tertiary level but even secondary schools.
“We have to do something about what we produce. As in the quality of secondary school graduates, coming to tertiary institutions.
“Secondly, we have to make sure we curb all forms of corruption, including examination malpractices, cheating, looking for easy way out, sexual abuse, harassment, intimidation of students, sex for mark and all. There are so many of them.
“So this essence of this campaign is to call attention of the Federal government, stakeholders in the society, religious leaders and institutions, and others; let us all come together and address our youths. How they are growing up and what are we doing about it.
“We are calling for emergency declaration. You can see the level of yahoo yahoo (internet fraud), people don’t care again. People don’t seem to see it as a problem.
“Some 30 years ago, a leader was saying if problems at that time were not solved, we were going to have so-so problems such as Boko Haram. We are having them now. So if today’s problem are not addressed, what would they lead to in the future? And we are all here now, where do you want us to run to?” Alawode said.
A lecturer in the Department and the project supervisor, Chucks Okoji said the choice of topic lies in the fact that the success of any society lies in its academic condition.
“We decided to choose this topic because the success of any developed country lies on its education, now the problem we are having is that the budgetary allocation for education in Nigeria is very low compare to all the United Nations.
“Now if we say we want a better Nigeria, we’ll start from the educational aspect, that’s why we have decided to say no to corruption in Education and every other vices like, laboratories and the studios are underequipped.
“There is no way we’ll say we want to be an technological service controls without having an equiped laboratory. So if things are not done the right way, we are going nowhere.
“On admission racketeering, people that are qualified to have admission are not giving admission but people that can pay are given admission, all these are problems. My HOD mentioned something about all these miracle centres when you see student that get admission to 100 level and they cannot read neither can they write their names then you wonder how they passed WAEC, same thing that we wrote.
“So all these things cannot make us go forward as a country until we actually take analystic approach in ensuring that we do what is right to have a better Nigeria especially on educational sector.
“There are many issues concerning the strike from the University and polytechnic, they (ASUP) just finished two weeks strike now and one of those issues that was addressed was the payment of arrears and minimum wage.
“What the lecturers are actually clamouring for is to have a condusive environment for learning, where students can learn and where internet is enabled for every students even at low cost. The world is a global village, the children don’t have tab even if they have phones they don’t have access to the internet and we cannot learn something that is only in Nigeria. We have to go to other climes to learn something, so the refertilization of the educational sector is what those stakeholders in the educational sector are clamouring for and the government seems not to be serious with it.
“It is unfortunate that most of their wars don’t come to public schools like this, if so they would probably have seen the effect and taken step in addressing the issue. And we hope like normal Nigerian that things will be better, we hope (Laughs).” Okoji said.
In addition, Jimoh Olorede, a lecturer and co-supervisor of the campaign said corruption in the section is both endemic and systemic.
“You know in Nigeria, corruption is both endemic and systemic, what we want to achieve like this is actually to start telling the tied from corruption to education. When we say corruption is endemic and systemic that doesn’t mean it affect only a segment, we have variant of corruption in Nigeria so we want to fight it at the level of education.
“We say communication is ubiquitous that is, its everywhere, corruption in Nigeria is equally ubiquitous is everywhere, among the youth, ederly, our leaders, so corruption is everywhere. Our youth usually dominate the population of the country and we have the youth in education so we want to start re- orientation from our end here, especially at the Federal polytechnic offa.
“We have been having this series campaigns, we actually want to change the value system, value orientation of our students and ourselves. Corruption is not peculiar to a variant of the population, it affect everybody, every step of our system so it is high time everybody stood up and fought corruption.
“It is something that ought to have been fought so it’s high time we started fighting it, we have to stop it because it’s affecting the development of the country, is making the poor poorer, the rich richer and as long as the poor remain poorer and the rich get richer then that thing should be problem.
“God forbids Bad thing in this nation where there will be youth revolt, see what happened during the last ENDSARS protest? The youths were so enraged, they were so aggrieved to the extent that they attacked the governor of Osun State (Gboyega Oyetola)”, Olorede said.
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.