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3 Lagos State-Owned Universities, 8 Others Shun ASUU, FG Threatens Unions

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No fewer than 11 state universities are not participating in the strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

It was gathered that academic activities were going on in universities owned by Osun, Rivers, Delta, Borno, Anambra, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom states as well as the three universities owned by Lagos State.

Also ahead of the National Universities Commission meeting with vice-chancellors and pro-chancellors of federal universities today (Tuesday), the Federal Government on Monday vowed to end the culture of strikes in tertiary institutions in the country.

But as the strike by ASUU entered its 204th day, lecturers in some state universities are not on strike.

Lecturers in two universities owned by Rivers State, Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, and Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, did not join the strike.

At the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, academic activities were going on as many of the students were writing examinations on Monday.

A final year student of Political Science, Master Ovum Amadi in an interview with said he was preparing for his examinations next week. He said, “Examinations have started. Those in 200-level have started.”

When contacted, a member of ASUU in the university, Dr. Mandah Stanley, said the union in the institution was in court over some leadership issues.

The spokesman for the university, Dr. Ngozi Okiridu, said the institution had no reason to join the strike for two main reasons.

She said the university is a teacher training institution. He added, “Governor Nyesom Wike pays our salaries promptly every month. He has not failed to pay for one day.”

It was gathered that academic activities were in progress at Osun State University.

The Acting Chairperson of ASUU in the university, Dr. Weinde Olaosebikan, said lecturers in the institution did not join the ongoing strike because the branch was suspended by the national leadership of ASUU.

Also, Delta State University, Abraka, was in session despite the position of the ASUU branch in the university.

A student, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the second-semester exam was going on in the university.

But the ASUU Chairman DELSU chapter, Prof Godwin Demaki, said that his members were not among the lecturers working.

He said, “DELSU has over 300 lecturers of which about 200 are full members of ASUU.

“The remaining have yet to join the union and these are the ones that are going to lecture halls to teach and they do it in disguise because when they see us trying to enforce the strike, they will run.”

The Technical University, Ibadan is not affected by the strike. The university which is owned by Oyo State Government is a fee-paying varsity.

The Public Relations Officer for the Technical University, Mr. Akeem Lasisi, when contacted told our correspondent that the university was not affected by the incessant ASUU strike.

The Anambra State-owned  Chukwuemeka Odumekwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, is also not affected by the strike.

The school’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Harrison Madubueze, who spoke to one of our correspondents on the telephone, on Monday, said the institution had never been part of the ASUU strike, not to talk of pulling out.

But the school’s ASUU branch chairman, Osita Chiaghanam, declined to comment on the issue. A 200-level student of the Department of Social Sciences,  Rebecca Uzor, said the students did not know if ASUU was on strike as they were not affected, saying that normal lectures had been going on at the institution without any disruption.

Normal lectures were going on at Kwara State University, Malete in the Moro Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

It was gathered that KWASU students were taking their examination (which began two weeks ago) on Monday.

Efforts to reach the Chairman of KWASU branch of ASUU, Dr Salau Sheu on Monday did not yield result as he did not respond to calls to his phone number but he had earlier told the correspondent in an earlier interview that the lecturers in the institution did not join the strike because of a clause of the ASUU constitution which exempts new members from joining any industrial action until a stipulated period.

An ASUU member at Lagos State University, Ojo, Dr Gbenga Owolabi of the Department of Mass Communication, explained that LASU did not join the ongoing ASUU strike because the national body of the union did not recognise the current ASUU-LASU officials who were handpicked by the former vice-chancellor of LASU, Prof. Lanre Fagboun after he sacked the four executives of ASUU-LASU.

Also, academic activities were going on at the Lagos State University of Education, Otto/Ijanikin. A lecturer, who confided in The PUNCH, revealed that the school got its university status barely six months ago, saying they were on the verge of joining when the strike began.
Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe were unified into Lagos State University of Education by the Lagos State Government.
A lecturer in the department of Mass Communication,Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, in Mkpat Enin local government area, who preferred not to be named told one of our correspondents that the institution joined the strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, but pulled out when it was rolled over in February, 2022..”
Corroborating the lecturer, a student of Mass Communication department of the University, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Lectures have been going on in the university since the resumption of ASUU strike.”
However, the Secretary of AKSU-ASUU Mr. Joseph Mark declined to speak on phone, saying “Let’s speak on this some other time.”
The management of Kaduna State University on Monday warned the institution’s branch of ASUU to resume academic activities or face sanctions.
In a circular on Monday, signed by the university’s Registrar, Samuel Manshop, the university said it would invoke section 2(2) of the staff conditions of service if the lecturers failed the comply with the directives of resumption.

But a lecturer,  who confided  in  The PUNCH, said “The KASU chapter of the ASUU did not actually pull out of the strike.“

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it is considering a number of options to bring an end to incessant strikes in tertiary institutions across the country.

This was made known in a document titled, “Industrial relations – Tertiary education,” which was prepared by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, and made exclusively available to one of our correspondents in Abuja.

Lamenting, the minister noted that the government had invested a lot in the tertiary education sector.
“In spite of the well over N2tn sunk in infrastructural development in tertiary institutions across the country, all we have got are strikes, strikes, strikes, and threats of strikes.
“Government is considering a number of options to put an end to incessant strikes in our tertiary institutions. All options are on the table.”
But unions in the institutions in separate interviews knocked the Federal Government for saying that a lot had been invested in the tertiary education sector. The unions also warned the Federal Government against proscribing the unions.
Speaking in Abuja, the vice-president of ASUU, Dr. Christopher Piwuna said, “The statement coming from the government that they have invested over N2 trillion in education…, I want to let you know that the money is from TETFund. Nobody is saying TETFund is not doing enough. “
Also speaking with one of our correspondents, the general secretary of the College of Education Academic Staff Union, Dr. Ahmed Lawan accused the government of not being sincere.
On his own, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Anderson Ezeibe in an interview with The PUNCH cautioned the government against threatening the unions.
In a related development,  the ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan, Prof. Akinwole   Ayoola, said on Monday asked Nigerians to disregard the claims of the Federal Government that it had met the demands of the union.
The union stated that all its chapters that started the over six-month-old strike were still part of the ongoing action and were resolute to get what public universities needed from the government to survive and compete globally.
He said, “Nigerians should disregard the lies of the Federal Government. The Federal Government is far from meeting any of the union’s seven demands.

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Welcomes New Executive, Emphasizing Commitment To Professional Excellence

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In a strategic move to foster growth and elevate the quality of service delivery, the Management of Adron Homes and Properties is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional staff members who have exemplified remarkable professionalism and have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Adron brand. We proudly introduce our newly appointed leaders: Adenike Ajobo as Managing Director, Olubunmi Akinfe as Deputy Managing Director, Ihuoma Azuru as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Lagos Nigeria), Barbie Ette as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Northern Nigeria), Odunola Ogundapo as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Western Nigeria), Olasumbo Oguntoye as Assistant Managing Director of Housing Nigeria, and Haastrup as Director General of Customer Service. Together, they will drive our mission forward and ensure continued excellence at Adron Homes.

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, has issued an important directive to the newly appointed directors of the company. He emphasized the critical need for quality delivery in all aspects of their work. Aare King highlighted that each director must align their actions and decisions with the overarching vision and mission of the organization. He urged them to remain committed to the company’s goals and to foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that their contributions not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by Adron Homes.

Adenike Abosede Ajobo stands out as a highly regarded authority in the fields of corporate branding, public relations, business repositioning, and organizational strategy. She holds a degree in Linguistics from the prestigious University of Ibadan and has further enhanced her expertise with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Marketing from The Polytechnic of Ibadan.

Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her memberships with esteemed organizations, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigeria Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (NIPD-CRM-dsgnt). These affiliations illustrate her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence within her industry.

Adenike’s professional journey with Adron Homes commenced in January 2024 when she took on the role of Group Company Secretary. Her exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision quickly propelled her up the ranks, and she soon became the Deputy Managing Director of Southern Nigeria. Her impressive performance has now garnered her a well-deserved promotion to the position of Managing Director at Adron Homes, where she is set to steer the company toward a promising future, leveraging her insights and experience to craft innovative strategies for growth and development.

Akinfe Olubunmi Omolara is an esteemed leader and achiever, recognized for her dedication to maximizing her potential in every role she undertakes. She is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, Osun State, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Her career journey at Adron Homes and Properties, reflects her remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. She has progressed through a range of pivotal roles, from Deputy Group Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and Deputy District Sales Manager to Deputy Group Customer Relations Officer, Regional Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership and strategic acumen continued to shine through her promotions as the Director of Sales and Marketer and later promoted as the Director General of Sales and Marketing. She has now been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director , where she will drive growth and operational efficiency for Adron Homes.

Ihuoma Udodirim Azuru’s journey is a testament to exceptional leadership and dedication. Her academic prowess shines through with a B.Sc in Accounting, M.Sc in Business Management, MBA in Human Resources and currently studying Law at the Leadership City University, underscoring her commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. Her career with the company began as Group Head Admin and HR, where she showcased her adaptive leadership style. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing (Southwest). Moreover, she was promoted to the prestigious role of Director General for Sales and Marketing at Adron Homes. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and strategic vision within the organization leads to her appointment as the Assistant Managing Director Lagos Nigeria.

Odunola Ogundapo is a highly regarded sales and marketing professional, celebrated for her steadfast dedication and strategic insight, which have contributed to her impressive track record of success in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she developed a strong foundational knowledge of earth sciences. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a Master’s degree in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology from the prestigious University of Lagos, a program renowned for its rigorous approach and focus on the energy sector. This combination of academic credentials allows Odunola to meld deep scientific understanding with strategic business acumen, enabling her to deliver exceptional results in her professional endeavors.

Odunola embarked on her career in 2017 at Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, starting as a Business Executive. In this role, she quickly demonstrated her innate talents and passion for sales and marketing, employing a goal-driven approach that not only set her apart but also paved the way for her rapid advancement within the company. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to forge strong relationships with clients and stakeholders led to her recognition as a rising star in the organization.

Currently serving as the Assistant Managing Director, Odunola plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing innovative strategies aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s market position. Her forward-thinking mindset and comprehensive understanding of market dynamics allow her to identify and seize new opportunities effectively. Under her leadership, the team is not only motivated but also encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries, resulting in increased productivity and morale.

Odunola’s leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of optimism and resilience, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She prioritizes the development of her team members, nurturing their potential and empowering them to become future leaders in the organization. This commitment to mentorship and professional growth among her staff has created a culture of excellence that thrives on teamwork and innovation, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision and goals. Through her unwavering dedication to her work and her ability to inspire those around her, Odunola Ogundapo continues to make a significant impact in the sales and marketing realm.

Aminat Olaniyan Haastrup is an inspirational customer service specialist, deeply committed to creating exceptional service experiences. With a strong educational background in Estate Management and Customer Experience, she earned her degree from Yaba College of Technology. An Associate Member of The Association of Business Practitioners (ABP) in the UK and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management, Aminat’s journey began as the Director of Customer Services. Renowned for her dedication to customer-centric strategies, she passionately pursues unparalleled service excellence. Through transformative initiatives across the company’s customer relations landscape, Aminat has inspired those around her and achieved her new role as the Director General of Customer Service.

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BIG STORY

EFCC Probes Viral Video Of Chinese Allegedly Tearing Naira Note

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed it is investigating an incident involving a Chinese national who tore Naira notes in Lagos.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, provided confirmation of this development to our correspondent on Friday.

Reports indicate that the incident took place at a Chinese-owned company along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, when Lagos State Government officials arrived to seal the premises over alleged regulatory violations.

A viral video captured the Chinese national resisting the officials’ attempts to shut down the company. During the confrontation, he pulled Naira notes from his bag and tore them, igniting widespread outrage on social media.

At the scene, some individuals believed to be Nigerian workers at the company appeared to shield the man from being apprehended by the Lagos State officials.

The incident has sparked significant reactions, with many Nigerians calling for the immediate arrest of the individual involved.

Social media users have expressed their anger, urging the authorities to take swift action.

Controversial social media influencer Daniel Regha posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “The EFCC should arrest this man and charge him to court for committing a punishable offense. However, my concern is how selectively justice is applied in Nigeria. If this were a high-ranking politician or their associates, the case would likely go nowhere.”

Another user, @Qladele, wrote, “The Chinese man who disrespected Nigerian currency should be arrested. The company involved should also be permanently shut down. Disrespecting your host country should have consequences. Those who obstructed justice should also face the law.”

Similarly, @Dele93748586 shared a similar sentiment, stating, “The person who insulted the Nigerian currency should be arrested, and the location sealed permanently. There must be consequences for this disrespect, and the security personnel who hindered justice should be detained.”

“Imagine if a Nigerian went to China and tore the Chinese Yuan after the Chinese government sealed his business. This is a huge blow to Nigeria. Even though I don’t support the Tinubu-led government, this is an insult to our country and government!” said @PureStanley1.

Another user, @OyinAtiBode, remarked, “Those protecting this man should face consequences, and the disrespectful foreigner should be severely punished—arrested, jailed, deported, and permanently banned from returning to Nigeria.”

Legal practitioner Tolu Babaleye, speaking (with Saturday Punch), stated that the Chinese national should be subjected to Nigerian law, as long as he was not a diplomat.

“He can be arrested, tried, and if convicted, sentenced for mutilating Naira notes, as this is an offense under Nigerian law,” Babaleye said.

Asked if the EFCC had taken action on the matter, Oyewale, the spokesperson for the commission, responded in a message (to Saturday Punch), saying, “The EFCC is looking into the issue, please.”

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BON Awards Release Line-Up Of Activities Ahead Of November 24

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  • Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

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