Connect with us

NEWS

Presidency working toward stabilising education, keeping students in schools

Published

on

Presidency working toward stabilising education, keeping students in schools
The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that the presidency was working towards stabilising the educational system to get parents retaining their children to learn in the country’s tertiary institutions.
Shehu said this on the sideline of the 11th Graduation Ceremony of Glisten International Academy, in Abuja on Saturday.
The theme of the ceremony is ” “Exponential Visibility: Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
The special assistant whose son is also graduating from the school, advised the students to make good use of their studies
“For the graduating students, I want to say that they have a major decision to make which is  going to the next level in their education pursuit .
“You can see that a lot of foreign institutions are extending invitation  to the students at discounted rate to study oversees .
” I will say that Nigerian Universities are equally as good and even better and we are hoping that we will be able to stabilise the university education in the country so that  parents don’t have to pay exorbitantly to educate their children abroad.
“University education in Nigeria should be the best for our children,” he said.
Shehu, while reacting to the recent extension of the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)  by one month, called on parents to join the government in begging the union to return to classroom.
” It came like a bolt in the sky. We are shocked because it came at a time the president is giving full commitment to resolving the ASUU strike and having the students and teachers back in the school.
” The extension, I believe should not have been done because the spirit at which the government now is trying to resolve the problems of ASUU is such that there should also be a benefit of doubt in favour of the government on the part of ASUU,” he said.
He, therefore, hoped that early resolution would be done so that normalcy would return, saying the lecturers could return to classroom while discussions on their issues could proceed.
“The strike is unnecessarily extended and this should not have been the case.
“I want to advise parents to join government in begging ASUU to end this strike as the government is doing its part and parents are worried and they should start talking to ASUU,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the school, Hajia Samira Jibir, said it was high time schools embraced technology as a medium of teaching.
Jibir advised the students to go out and shine to a brighter future as well as for them to value yourselves, immediate society and the world at large.
 ” If we are to get it right, then as stated by JohnDewey, ‘If we are to teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.”
“Our today is ruled by technology, we then must embrace and adapt to technological based education,” she said.
Also, the Chief Education Management Professional of the school, Mr Charles Eneh, said that the cognitive and inclusive learning method used by the school distinguished it among group of schools in the country.
Eneh said that the school had experienced graduation in the past 11 years and as such, recorded improvements in its operations.
“It has been something that one can remember and I must tell you it’s been improving from year to year.
” Every year, there is something new and the quality of students we are producing is all about improvement.
“In Glisten International Academy, it’s not just the cognitive we look at, the psychomotor are also given importance. I must tell you, we operate an inclusive school, we practise differentiated learning and we make the students to think critically and bring out something.
The Chief Care Professional, Mrs Prisca Godwill said that the school monitored its academic progress when they left the country to acquire additional certificates and skills.
Goodwill said that the students also returned to the country after their studies oversea to contribute to the development of the country.
” Most times when they leave the shores of the country, we have the alumni association so with this group, we actually monitor the progress of the students.
” One way or the other, we have what we call progress report and sometimes we get feedback from schools, calling directly and the response we get has been amazing,” she said.
Some of the best graduating students expressed their joy as they were being called out to receive awards for their outstanding performances throughout their time in school.
Mr Ahmed Khalifa, the overall best graduating student, thanked those that played one role or the other in the realisation of his success.
” I am honoured for the opportunity I have gotten from everyone,  both my parents, the management and staff of the school to the stage that we are.
” And we hope that in the higher institutions we will be able to manifest and become who we wish to be tomorrow,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aasiya Siddiqui and Jemimah Oshadami came second and third respectively in the overall category.
Some tertiary institutions such as the Philomath University Abuja, Canadian University, Dubai, American University, among others have offered scholarships to students of the school based on percentage.

NEWS

Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

Published

on

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

Published

on

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

Published

on

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.