Opmion/Features
The beauty of NDDC scholarship scheme
By Etim Etim
It is quite commendable that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has modified and relaunched its 12-year-old scholarship scheme for postgraduate studies in foreign universities to accommodate students in Nigerian institutions. It is a departure from the past when the programme was exclusively reserved for only Nigerian students in foreign universities.
By extending the scheme this year to include students in Nigerian institutions (public and private), the commission will take a huge financial burden off many parents and contribute handsomely to the funding of our tertiary institutions.
Mr. Akwa
The commission is therefore one of the handfuls of public agencies that provide scholarships to Nigerian students. I commend the NDDC for this gesture.
For this year, the scholarship scheme covers the following areas: Engineering, including Software/Aeronautic Space/Aeronautic Engineering, Medical Sciences/Medicine and Surgery, Computer Science Technology, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Hospitality Management, Law, Architecture, Robotic Engineering and Mathematics/Sciences.
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The core objectives of the scheme, according to the commission, are to boost human resource development in the Niger Delta region, equip our young people with the necessary training and skills and prepare them to compete globally in their chosen fields. Application details are available on the commission’s website.
Announcing the launch of the scholarship scheme earlier this month, NDDC’s Interim Administrator/Chief Executive, Dr. Efiong Akwa, said that applicants must come from the Niger Delta region and should possess five credits at not more than two sittings, and students are expected to have First Class or Second-Class (Upper Division) to benefit from the scholarship.
The NDDC boss stressed that the online application was free and that shortlisted candidates would undergo a Computer Based Test (CBT) to be conducted in each State of the Niger Delta by consultants to test their I.Q proficiency in English, Mathematics and General Paper.
Said Mr. Akwa: ‘’Quality education is at the heart of the development of any nation. We in the NDDC will continue to support our youths in the Niger Delta region to acquire the needed education and skills so that they can contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria”.
The NDDC scholarship scheme has trained about 2,000 young people from the Niger Delta in foreign institutions and various technical skills since its inception in 2010, and I am personally proud of these scholars for their sterling academic achievements.
The pleasant stories coming from some of the beneficiaries of the programme justify the huge resource the commission has invested in them. They are, indeed, a source of motivation for new generations of NDDC scholars.
Take Miss Cynthia Ebimiere Farka for example. She studied Oil and Gas Engineering at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. She’s a proud ambassador of the NDDC programme.
According to her, the programme is a capacity builder that equips the youths to join in developing the Niger Delta. “I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme which has helped many youths in the region. The commission should also extend the scholarship to other students at the undergraduate level as well as increase the number of beneficiaries.”
Another scholar, Miss Francisca Chiedu, who studied Information Engineering and Network Management at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, in the United Kingdom, was elected as President of the United Kingdom University Student Union during her days in the school.
That demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. Her success was indeed a vindication for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes.
Mr Ubong Peters, a Ph.D student in Australia, was another worthy ambassador of the NDDC foreign post-graduate scholarship. He was celebrated for winning a three-minute thesis competition at his university.
Other outstanding scholars like Mr Augustine Osarogiagbon, who studied at Memorial University, UK, was so brilliant that he completed his Ph.D. in less than the stipulated time and has been offered a dual Ph.D. programme with two graduate assistants to work with him with a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.
The exceptional contributions of Mr Charles Igwe, a Ph.D. scholar in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada, are also noteworthy. His unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion. Igwe achieved the feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project costing $3.67 billion.
A total of 1,411 students have received scholarships since 2010, of which 1,066 were supported in M.Sc and 345 in Ph.D programmes. Five of the M.Sc students graduated with distinction from Coventry University, England and one from Aberdeen University.
These positive results show the depth of talent within the Niger Delta and the positive contributions of NDDC to talent development and in the country. The scholarship scheme has indeed empowered citizens of the Niger Delta by building their capacity, especially in the oil and gas sector.
The objective is to equip the people so that they can compete favourably with others in terms of employment in the oil industry and also in entrepreneurship in the region.
It is also important to note that the new Minister of the Niger Delta, Mr Umana Okon Umana is equally very supportive of the commission’s scholarship programme.
In a discussion with this writer in his office in Abuja, Mr. Umana noted that the scheme was one of the outstanding achievements of NDDC and he would support it in his capacity as the supervising minister.
My personal recommendation is that the scholarship programme should not only continue, but should even be expanded to cover undergraduate studies.
Etim, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the healthcare industry, streamlining processes, improving patient care, and enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics. This article explores the critical role EHRs play in diagnostics, with a specific focus on examples from SYNLAB Nigeria, a leading medical diagnostics company.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients’ paper charts. They contain comprehensive and real-time records of patients’ medical histories, including diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information across various healthcare settings, ensuring that doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The implementation of EHRs at SYNLAB Nigeria has provided significant benefits to their customers, enhancing their overall healthcare experience. As part of efforts in promoting excellent patient care and in line with SYNLAB’s mission of providing actionable diagnostic information for a healthier life, let’s explore some applications of EHRs in the field of medical diagnostics.
1. EHRs ensure that patient data is accurately recorded and easily accessible. This reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and ensures that patient information is readily available to healthcare providers at any time, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses. This means that customers receive their test results quickly and accurately. With all patient data digitally recorded and integrated, the risk of errors is minimized, and results are processed and delivered faster at SYNLAB Nigeria. This timely access to information allows for prompt medical decisions and interventions.
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2. EHRs enable seamless sharing of patient information among different healthcare providers. This ensures that all relevant medical history and test results are available to doctors and specialists, leading to more informed decision-making and better patient outcomes. Improved coordination of care also means that EHRs facilitate better communication among healthcare providers. When patients visit SYNLAB for diagnostic tests, their healthcare providers can access the results directly through the patients’ portal, made possible because of EHR. This ensures that doctors have all necessary information to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
3. Because of EHRs patients have better access to their health information. Patients can view their test results online, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers. This increased engagement empowers patients to take a more active role in their health management. SYNLAB Nigeria’s EHR system allows customers to access their personal health records online. Patients can log in to a secure portal to view their test results, track their medical history, and download reports. This convenience empowers patients to stay informed about their health and make more educated decisions.
4. EHRs at SYNLAB Nigeria ensure that patient information is securely stored and protected. Robust encryption and security protocols are in place to safeguard sensitive health data, giving customers peace of mind regarding the privacy and security of their medical information.
5. Aggregated data from EHRs can be used for research and analysis, identifying trends and patterns in patient health. This data-driven approach supports ongoing improvements in diagnostic accuracy and the development of new diagnostic tools and procedures.
The integration of Electronic Health Records at SYNLAB Nigeria exemplifies the transformative impact of EHRs on medical diagnostics. By improving data accuracy, streamlining workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and facilitating better coordination of care, EHRs would continue to play a vital role in advancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of EHRs in medical diagnostics will only grow, paving the way for more innovative and effective healthcare solutions.
About SYNLAB
• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with presence in over 30 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.
• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments and corporates.
• Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The Group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.
• SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.
• More information can be found on www.synlab.com,
Ilebaye Precious Odiniya, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, emerged victorious in the All Stars edition of the reality TV competition, earning herself a grand prize of N120,000,000 and various other rewards. To shed light on her background, here are key facts:
Ilebaye’s birthdate is May 9, 2001, and she was born in Lokoja, Kogi State.
She proudly belongs to the Igala tribe and hails from Olamaboro local government area within Kogi State.
Her educational journey took her to the Federal Government Girls’ College in Kabba, where she completed her secondary schooling.
Academically, Ilebaye holds a degree in Criminology and Security Studies from Salem University in Lokoja.
In her early years, she ventured into the world of entertainment and graced popular movie productions such as “Papa Ajasco” by Wale Adenuga Productions.
Ilebaye boasts a career as a professional fashion model and is actively involved in entrepreneurship.
Her first attempt at the BBNaija platform was during Season 7, themed “Level Up,” although she faced eviction after just three weeks.
Among the All Stars housemates, Ilebaye stands out as the youngest participant.
Her family background includes being the daughter of Hon. Emmanuel Godson Odiniya and Mrs. Odiniya, with her father being a politician based in Abuja.
Notably, she serves as the CEO of O.I. Clothing, an emerging fashion brand making waves in Nigeria.
Most Times Love Is Not Forever
Life is a journey full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, we find ourselves separated from our loved ones by the cruel hand of fate.
This separation can be one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching experiences we face in our lives. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which fate can pull us apart from those we care about, and how we can cope with such separations.
The Unpredictability of Life
Life is inherently unpredictable. We make plans, set goals, and build connections with people, but we cannot control the future. Fate often throws unexpected challenges and obstacles in our path, leading to separations that we never saw coming. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a sudden job relocation, or the end of a relationship, these moments can be devastating.
Distance Separations
One of the most common ways in which fate separates us from loved ones is through physical distance. A career opportunity in a different city or country, family obligations, or educational pursuits can lead to geographical separation. Being far away from those we care about can be emotionally challenging, as we yearn for their presence and companionship.
The Loss of Loved Ones
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching separation is the loss of a loved one due to illness, accidents, or old age. Death is an inevitable part of life, but it is also one of the cruelest ways fate can tear us apart from those we hold dear. Coping with the grief and emptiness that follows the loss of a loved one is a profound challenge that many of us face at some point in our lives.
Relationship Breakdowns
Romantic relationships are another area where fate can intervene and lead to separations. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships don’t work out. Whether it’s due to differences, external circumstances, or other factors, the end of a meaningful relationship can feel like a cruel twist of fate.
COPING WITH SEPARATION
While the cruel hand of fate can indeed separate us from our loved ones, it’s essential to remember that we have the power to cope and heal. Here are some ways to navigate these difficult moments:
Acceptance: Accept that life is unpredictable and that separations are a part of the human experience. Acknowledging this reality can help you start the healing process.
Stay Connected: If physical distance separates you from loved ones, make an effort to stay connected through calls, messages, and video chats. Technology has made it easier than ever to bridge the gap.
Grieve and Seek Support: If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, allow yourself to grieve. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you navigate the emotional pain.
Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, and practice self-compassion during challenging times.
Focus on the Present: While it’s natural to miss those who are no longer with us or far away, try to focus on the present moment. Cherish the memories you have and look for new opportunities for growth and connection.
The cruel hand of fate can separate us from the people we love in various ways, but it’s essential to remember that we have the resilience to endure and overcome these challenges. Life may be unpredictable, but our capacity to adapt, connect, and heal is what makes us truly remarkable. Embrace the support of others and the strength within yourself as you navigate the trials of life, and remember that even in separation, the bonds of love and connection endure.
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