Fake Certificate: Uganda, Kenya Write JAMB To Demand Students’ Verification

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August 21, 2024

Following cases of fake certification recently detected by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), examination boards in Kenya and Uganda are now writing Nigeria to verify records presented by Nigerian candidates seeking admissions into tertiary institutions in their respective countries.

JAMB made this known in a document ‘Registrar’s Report on 2023 ADMISSION & 2024 UTME Policy Meeting’ document obtained by Channels Television on Wednesday.

According to the document, JAMB stressed the need to protect Nigeria’s tertiary institutions from international disrepute, adding that it would not falsify the records of any students.

“Uganda and Kenya examination boards are now writing to JAMB to confirm records presented by candidates for admission of candidates. JAMB would not falsify record,” the Nigerian exam body stated.

Recently, the Federal Government suspended the verification of degree certificates from Uganda, Kenya, Benin Republic, Togo and some other countries over allegations of certificate racketeering.

The Federal Government’s decision comes on the heels of an investigation by Daily Nigeria reporter, Umar Audu on how he obtained a degree within six weeks in the Benin Republic.

After his report, the Federal Government set up an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling to probe the activities of certificate racketeers and it had reported that JAMB threatened to sanction higher institutions that fail to submit lists of students admitted immediately after matriculation.

According to JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the initiative is one of the recommendations made by a committee set up by the Federal Government to combat fake degree racketeering in the country.

According to a ‘CLARIFICATION ON DISCLOSURE OF ADMITTED CANDIDATES OUTSIDE CAPS( 2017-DATE)’ by JAMB obtained by Channels Television, institutions are to “regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education not later than three months after matriculation ceremonies.”

The list is expected to be submitted through the dedicated channel of JAMB.

“The Board has observed a large number of candidates thronging its offices to resolve issues related to the disclosure of candidates admitted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) from 2017 to date. While we appreciate the enthusiasm, we must correct the misconception that the focus is on candidates’ actions. The true emphasis lies with the institutions, which must disclose all candidates admitted outside CAPS before the August 31st, 2024 deadline.

“This directive requires immediate attention and compliance. We urge institutions to carefully review our initial letter and ensure full compliance, as failure to disclose will result in severe consequences. Candidates are also reminded not to accept admissions outside CAPS.

“The Board reiterated that candidates not disclosed by institutions would not be entertained. The Board will not tolerate any condolement of undisclosed admissions moving forward.”

In a similar development, a memo addressed to the JAMB on July 15, 2024, the education ministry said, “You may recall that following the publication of allegations of certificate racketeering involving some foreign institutions, especially in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and other countries, the ministry constituted an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the allegations to find lasting solutions.

“The committee has submitted its report and the Honourable Minister of Education has approved its recommendations for implementation.

“In that regard, I hereby convey the request of the honourable minister for the implementation of the following recommendations of the committee:

“Enforce the mandatory requirement for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to exclusively conduct their admissions processes through the Central Admissions Processing System under the auspices of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board; mandate all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education not later than three months after matriculation ceremonies through the dedicated channel of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

“You are kindly requested to implement the above recommendations and furnish the ministry with implementation updates.”

Last Thursday, Channels Television reported that the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) had demobilised 54 corps members who were illegally mobilised by the University of Calabar.

This is in addition to the earlier 101 certificates that were recently voided by the scheme, making a total of 178.

Given the developments, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman has since vowed to flush out holders of fake degrees from the Nigerian educational system.

Source: Channel News

Kwankwaso’s Nephew, Others Arrested Over ₦347m Illegal Drug Procurement Scam

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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August 21, 2024

Prisoner holding metal cage in jail, no freedom concept

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) on Tuesday arrested the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Kabara, along with the State ALGON Chairman and interim Council Chairman of Tarauni Local Government, Abdullahi Bashir.

The duo and five other individuals were detained in connection with alleged corruption in the procurement of drugs and medical equipment for Kano State’s 44 local governments.

The commission has also invited the Managing Director of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, Musa Garba, and the nephew of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation.

According to the PCACC, the arrested officials are suspected of breaching the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, the Public Procurement Law, and the Financial Management Law.

The allegations revolve around the awarding of a contract for the supply of drugs and medical equipment, reportedly conducted in violation of statutory provisions and without obtaining the requisite consent and approval from Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.

A source close to the commission disclosed that Abdullahi Ibrahim Bashir, the ALGON Chairman, has confessed to directing the illegal payment of ₦402.6m for the procurement. Of this amount, ₦347.7m was allegedly paid by 38 of the state’s local governments before the Commission launched its investigation.

“The actions taken by these officials were in clear contravention of the law,” said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation. “They bypassed necessary protocols and proceeded with the contract without proper authorization.”

The arrested officials, who were brought to the commission’s office at 11 AM on Tuesday, were still in custody as of 11:15 AM, undergoing intensive questioning by the commission’s operatives.

The PCACC has vowed to continue its investigation into the matter, promising to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption.

“We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this illegal act are held accountable,” the source added.

Source: Channel News

Atletico Madrid sign Gallagher from Chelsea

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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August 21, 2024

Atletico Madrid have signed England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Chelsea for a fee believed to be in the region of £33m.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish top-flight club.

Gallagher joined Chelsea at the age of six and went on to make 90 appearances, scoring 10 goals.

He had entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge so Chelsea wanted to sell now to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Atletico forward Joao Felix, also 24, is set to move in the other direction after Chelsea agreed a fee in principle for the Portugal international.

Gallagher spent five days in a hotel in Madrid earlier this month expecting a deal before flying back to London when the move stalled.

Source: Nation Newspaper

Police kill over 30 suspected kidnappers in Enugu

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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August 21, 2024

No fewer than 30 kidnappers, including members of the Biafra Auto Pilot, also known as Unknown Gunmen, a notorious breakaway faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to the Finland based, Simon Ekpa, which terrorised Enugu and its environs had been gunned down in shoot-outs with security operatives at various locations across the state in the past two weeks, a police detective has disclosed.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday morning by Governor Peter Mbah’s media office which quoted a Police Superintendent, SP Onochie Ezeh, who led a joint security operation to rescue some kidnap victims at Ugwuogo Nike-Opi Road in the early hours of Wednesday.

The operation led to the killing of a seven-man gang kidnappers at Ogbeke Nike where the kidnappers used a large poultry farm to hide their hostages.

The police chief explained that Wednesday’s successful operation was part of the sustained operations in the state to flush out criminals operating from other neighboring states, including kidnappers, unknown gunmen and other unscrupulous elements.

“We were on the trail of these kidnappers for more than three months now. They had been operating within this axis where they kidnapped their victims and kept them at a large poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike until ransoms are paid.

“So, on a tipoff from members of the public who suspected the strange movements in the area and the accounts of some of the victims of these criminals, we swung into action. On sighting us, these men of the underworld opened fire on my men, and we quickly retaliated and overpowered them with our superior firepower,” he stressed.

Speaking further, SP Ezeh disclosed that the combined security task force, set up by the Enugu State governor, Mr Peter Mbah, as a tactical squad against kidnappings and activities of unknown gunmen, had recorded milestones in policing the state and flushing out criminal elements.

“This is a gallant crack squad with the mandate to eliminate every form of threat in the state. We have recorded huge successes over the past months. You know our role is not to rush to the media to tell our story but to ensure that every citizen and resident of the state has peace.

“I can tell you that we have already neutralized over 7 criminal gangs who were mostly kidnappers and unknown gunmen. We are going after them. We are taking the battle to their doorsteps because the governor said we should not come back home if we don’t completely rid the state of threats.

“So we are on it. In fact, during our operations, we identified many criminal hideouts that serve as rogue premises where kidnap victims and dangerous weapons are kept. These places include New Artisan Market, Akwuke community, Akegbe-Ugwu, Four Corners, Awgu, Mgbowo, Emene, Eke and Afa in Udi and some parts of Isi Uzo local government. During rescue operations, we were able to neutralize over 30 of the kidnappers and recovered guns and valuables,” the police chief added.

One of the rescued kidnap survivors, Dr Kate Pamela, said she was traumatised by the ugly experiences at the hands of the kidnappers.

“Each time I pass through that poultry, I feel I have been denied justice by still allowing it to operate. They kidnapped us and kept us there for five days. They even killed two of the victims because their families could only afford ten million naira each against the fifty million naira demanded. Notwithstanding that I was able to identify the bodies of three of the kidnappers when they were killed, I still feel that the area should be cleared.

“Government must ensure justice by turning that place to a landfill,” Dr Pamela fumed.

Source: Nation News

Exchange Rate: Naira at N1610 par Dollar in Parallel Market

By

Queen Madu

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August 21, 2024

On Tuesday, the Naira depreciated to N1,610 per dollar in the parallel market following its N1,600 per dollar value on Monday.

In the same vein, the Naira undervalued to N1,592.06 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.

According to data from FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,592.06 per dollar from N1,579.22 per dollar on Monday. This indicates N12.84 depreciation for the naira.

Dollars traded in NAFEM fell by 6.5 per cent to $152.26 million from $162.99 million traded on Monday, resulting in the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rate narrowing to N17.94 per dollar from N20.78 per dollar.

(The sun)

ASUU Issues Notice Of Nationwide Strike To Tinubu

By

bvichannel1

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August 19, 2024

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has issued 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, signaling their intent to embark on a nationwide strike.

This was confirmed on Monday in Abuja by sources steeped in the inner workings of ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC).

The notice emerged after an urgent NEC meeting at the historic University of Ibadan, where members engaged in stirring deliberations over the precarious state of the academic landscape.

A formal copy of the notice is poised to be dispatched to key government bodies, including the Federal Ministries of Labour and Education, serving as a stark warning of the impending industrial upheaval.

In a candid revelation, a member of the NEC, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, emphasized the weight of this declaration. “This is not mere rhetoric; it is a formal strike notice. We grant them 21 days, after which the countdown to strike action begins.

“Our purpose in issuing this notice is grounded in legal obligation, as mandated by labor laws. We are resolute in ensuring that every step we take is meticulously in accordance with the law,” the source asserted.

Universities Assured Of 24-Hour Power Supply – Presidency

By

bvichannel1

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August 18, 2024

The Presidency has assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that all higher institutions benefit from a 24-hour power supply to enhance education.

Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Engagement to the President, Comrade Sunday Asefon, provided this assurance during a working visit to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, in Abuja.
The Federal Government has spent over N38,965,147 on power generation in several universities in Nigeria as part of the first phase of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP).

The recent increase in electricity tariffs has impacted public universities, with some paying between N150 million and N300 million monthly for electricity bills.
To address this, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), initiated the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) to provide reliable power via solar hybrid power plants. The programme initially targets 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated university teaching hospitals.

A document from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) indicates that, due to budgetary constraints, the EEP is being implemented in phases. The first phase, costing over N38 billion, has been completed, and the solar hybrid power plants have been handed over to the beneficiary institutions. According to REA, the second phase, which is currently in the pre-commissioning stage, will be officially launched in the fourth quarter of 2024, while the third phase, now under construction, is expected to be commissioned by the second quarter of 2025.

Police Debunks Health Students Kidnap In Oji River

By

bvichannel1

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August 17, 2024

Enugu State Police Command has debunked the viral video on the social media alleging that a countless number of students were kidnapped at the Enugu State College of Health Technology Oji-River. In a Statement made available to BVI Channel 1 Online , The Police insisted that the viral video did not capture the true picture of the fact on ground. The full statement reads ”The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the viral video alleging that a countless number of students were kidnapped at the Enugu State College of Health Technology Oji-River is false and an act of mischief and misinformation aimed at misleading and creating panic among unsuspecting citizens.

Contrary to the spurious narrative in the viral video, in the evening hours of August 15, 2024, Police Operatives at the Oji-River Division of the Command received information alleging an act of abduction around the said college. They immediately hastened to the scene, rescuing two of the victims allegedly abducted, while three (3) others are yet-to-be found. However, vigorous operations are ongoing to locate and rescue them, as well as apprehend the abductors.

A preliminary investigation proves that the victims were driving out of the college, when the seemingly targeted incident occurred.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+)*, has ordered the Operatives to ensure that the missing victims are found and rescued, while also arresting the perpetrators. However, he cautions against such mischievous and malicious social media narratives, aimed at creating unwarranted panic and jeopardizing police operational and investigative actions over such incidents” the statement was signed by the Enugu State Police PRO -DSP DANIEL NDUKWE

Breaking:Anambra Commissioner, Wife Kidnapped, Aid Killed

By

bvichannel1

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August 16, 2024

Anambra state Commissioner for Youth Hon Patrick Aghamba and his wife have been reportedly kidnapped by suspected gunmen along Edo – Kogi road as gathered from sources. It was also alleged that the Commissioner’s Aid was killed in the process.

it was gathered that the trio were on their way to Abuja to attend the wedding reception of the first daughter to Gov Charles Soludo Adaora when the incident happened.

Recall that Hon Patrick Aghamba had just recently flagged off the One Youth Two Skills program of the state government and had also attended the traditional wedding ceremony of the Governor’s daughter at Isiofia last Saturday in Aguata local government area.

14 LGs in Kano at risk of flood, NEMA warns

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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August 15, 2024

The National Emergency Management Agency has warned that 362 vulnerable communities in 14 local governments in Kano State are at high risk of flood.

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made this known at a one-day stakeholders meeting in Kano on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was on Solid Waste Management and Flood Preparedness: Downscaling 2024 Flood Early Warning Strategies for Grassroots Action.

The theme of the workshop is: “Enhancing Community Resilience through Effective Solid Waste Management and Proactive Flood Preparedness”.

Commissioner of Police arrive at Ojota Park during the protest #endbadgovernanceinnigeria | Punch

Umar, who was represented by NEMA Territorial Coordinator Kano Office, Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency AFO has predicted a population of 3,749,200 were at risk of flood in the state.

She listed the local govt to include: Rimin Gado, Tofa, Kabo, Madobi, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Rano, Dawakin Kudu, Warawa, Wudil, Sumaila, Ajingi, Kura and Dala.

Umar said the meeting was also to implement effective early actions that would safeguard lives and livelihoods throughout the rainy season.

“Floods of 2012 and 2022 have highlighted the critical need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government in managing disaster risks.

“Kano state has historically experienced severe impacts from floods, and the current predictions highlight that certain areas will continue to face challenges, especially with improper solid waste disposal in our communities,” she said

The DG emphasized the need to collaborate to sensitize the public on waste management as well as downscaling flood early warning and risk mitigation at the grassroots levels.

“Improper solid waste disposal affects the environment, human health as well as the economy, due to uncontrolled dumping of large amounts of wastes, which prevent rainwater from flowing freely leading to overflow and flooding.

Umar noted that NEMA has engaged in extensive planning and analysis, Stakeholders’ Technical Meetings and an Emergency Coordination Forum.

“Disaster management is everyone’s business. By coming together, we can protect our communities, preserve critical infrastructure, and maintain socio-economic stability in Kano state.

“This aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on socio-economic growth and development under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Umar said.

The Kano state Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Amina Abdullahi, reiterated Gov. Abba Yusuf’s commitment to protect the people against disasters and emergencies.

Abdullahi, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Disaster Management and Rapid Response, Mr Mustafa Yunusa, commended the organizers of the workshop.

The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, Amadu Haruna-Zago urged residents to desist from dumping refuse on the road and waterways.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Abudullahi-Kubarachi, commended NEMA and other stakeholders for their efforts in sensitizing the public on disaster issues.

NAN reports that the workshop was organized by NEMA in collaboration with SEMA, Kano state Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

Source: Punch News