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Federal Universities To Get Full Financial Autonomy — Education Minister Tahir Mamman

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Federal Government is considering “new creative means” of funding tertiary education in the country, Education Minister Tahir Mamman has said.

Mamman hinted at full autonomy for institutions as one of the measures at the ongoing Nigerian Annual Education Conference (NAEC) in Abuja.

He also said that President Bola Tinubu, who has already expressed commitment to raise the education budget to 25 percent,  directed “the return of the 10.5 million out-of-school children to school at the expiration of his tenure.”

In this year’s budget, the sector got N1.79 trillion, representing 8.2 percent of the appropriation bill. The allocation falls far below the  20 percent suggested by the

United Nations(UN)  for Nigeria to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, universal, inclusive, and equitable basic education for all school-age children by 2030.

The minister also pledged his commitment to bridge the gaps between education policy statements and its actualization outcomes.

Mamman noted that the country had a lot of good education policies that were not yielding value due to poor implementation.

The conference has “Implementation of Education 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,”  as the theme.

It was convened for stakeholders in the education sector to deliberate on how to enhance entrepreneurial skills as well as vocational and technical education in Nigerian schools.

The minister told the stakeholders that what Nigeria needed now was “action on the ground and not the policy declaration.”

He said: “Mr President is determined, among others, to initiate a new creative means of funding tertiary education by granting universities the autonomy to explore new sources of financing their activities.

”As you all know, President  Tinubu has publicly declared his commitment to overhaul the education sector as a matter of priority.

“My delight is underscored by the fact that this conference is taking place shortly after my swearing-in as Minister of Education and at this early stage when my colleague, Minister of State(Education),   Yusuf   Sununu, and myself are developing a template to define a strategic roadmap for the education sector which when unfolded, we all will have a responsibility to implement.

“It is important that the Federal Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the sector work together to see this vision come true. The days of long declarations are over. This time, we must walk the talk.

“This conference provides an opportunity for me to meet you, the pillars of the Nigerian education system, and for us to restate our resolve to implement fundamental changes in the education sector for the benefit of the young, adults, and the entire society.

“Your presence at this event at short notice is an indication of the importance you attach to the growth and development of the sector in Nigeria.

“The theme for this conference: ‘Implementation of Education 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’ will always remain relevant until our country achieves 100 percent of the targets set in the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and beyond to education-related indicators and targets of Agenda 2060 of the African Union.

“As a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) 2030 and African Union Agenda 2060, Nigeria must continue to demonstrate its commitment to achieving these goals through leadership and ownership of the implementation process. The Education sector is one of the line sectors that ensure that planning and budgeting in the country are within the framework of the SDGS.

“I am also happy to note that the technical sessions have been structured to address very contemporary and topical issues in the education sector in Nigeria. Discussions to be held on tertiary education which is expected to focus on emerging trends including university autonomy and Students  Loan Fund as well as education financing aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for the sector.

“Your  deliberations on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, vocational and technical education in Nigerian schools directly speaks to Mr. President’s vision of promoting technical and vocational education as a means of absorbing the millions of young school leavers who complete primary and secondary schools every year but cannot get admission to universities, other tertiary institutions or employed with ease.”

On the return of 10.5 million out-of-school children to school, the minister said: “We still have a long way to go. We are not matching the children in the country with the desired education and this is because our policies are not producing the values we need.

“What we need is the action on the ground and not the policy declaration. This is where I can tell you we intend to come in.

“We want to bridge the gaps between policy statements and actualization of outcomes.

“This is to give them future training that will enable them to live their lives and make them employers of labour. Everybody deserves to live a life of dignity for the well-being of their family.”

Mamman also lamented attacks on education institutions in the country, recalling with sadness, the recent murder of a female nursing student of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE),   Atanda   Deborah.

The minister said he had directed  FUOYE Vice-Chancellor to work with security agencies to track down the killers of the student.

Education Adviser, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), James O’Donoghue, pledged the United Kingdom’s commitment to support Nigeria in actualizing the 2030 SDG agenda and to ensure every child receives quality education.

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Lagos Lawyer Gboyega Adetunji Delves Into Agriculture, Floats Abundish; A Revolutionary Farm-To-Table Outfit

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Barrister Gboyega Adetunji, a Lagos-based renowned legal practitioner, has ventured into agriculture with the launch of Abundish, a revolutionary farm-to-table service aimed at transforming how Nigerians access fresh, high-quality, and healthy farm produce.

Abundish is committed to offtake directly from farmers and supply to consumers promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring fair market value for produce.

The innovative platform offers a subscription-based model, allowing customers to customize their experience and receive curated selections of fresh, seasonal produce delivered conveniently to their homes.

“I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey, combining my passion for sustainable living and community development,” said Barrister Adetunji, Founder and CEO of Abundish.

“Our goal is to empower farmers, support local economies, and provide healthy, fresh produce to consumers while reducing food wastage and promoting sustainable practices.”

“Abundish is more than just a bridge,” says Barr. Gboyega Adetunji.

“We are a movement bringing fresh, high-quality produce whether cash or food crops directly from the farm to the end consumer, cutting out unhygienic produce, reducing landing costs of produce, and the convenience of doorstep delivery it affords our customers. This does not only benefits our customers, but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, grows the naira and local economies, and also empowers the farmers who nourish our communities.

Reacting to what inspires his diversification, Barr. Gboyega said “I’d always wanted to have my little farm that can cater for at least 80% of my consumption, but then I realized how impactful it would be if this practice could be extended to others, hence the creation of the Abundish brand”

When asked what sets Abundish apart from its counterparts, Barr. Gboyega said, “Abundish offers a unique subscription model, allowing customers to customize their experience and receive a curated selection of the freshest seasonal produce delivered conveniently to their homes. By bypassing traditional distribution channels, Abundish reduces food waste, ensures peak freshness for consumers and the amount of time doing tedious work of purchase and clean up”.

“Abundish offer fresh farm produce at fair market value, championing food security with sustainable practices” he added.

At Abundish, we are not just passionate about delivering farm-fresh produce, we are committed to creating a positive impact on our world. That is why we operate with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind, striving for a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure future.

Join The Abundish Movement, visit www.abundish.info to learn more about Abundish, and subscribe to receive the freshest produce delivered at your convenience.

Follow Abundish on social media platforms for behind-the-scene farm footage, exclusive offers, recipes, and our social impact initiatives.

X (Twitter) – @abundish

Instagram – @abundish

Facebook – Abundish

 

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Governor Fubara Is The “Supreme Architect” Of Crisis Rocking Rivers — APC

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, is the “supreme architect” of the crisis in the state.

The ruling party is reacting to a comment by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleging plots to take over the government of Rivers forcefully.

Felix Morka, the national spokesperson for the APC, claimed in a statement released on Thursday that the opposition party made the “fake” assertion without addressing the problems facing the state.

According to Morka, Fubara has disrespected the law ever since taking office.

“Quite contrary to the PDP’s misplaced quibbles against Chief Okocha’s comments, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the supreme architect of the horrific crisis rocking Rivers state,” the statement reads.

“Since assuming office over a year ago, Governor Fubara has displayed reckless disdain for the rule of law and democratic institutions and conducted his government in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In an unprecedented display of autocratic arrogance, Governor Fubara declared the democratically elected Rivers state House of Assembly to be non-existent and, without lawful authority, constituted a bogus and an illegal 3-man sham Assembly in brazen violation of express provisions of the Constitution on the threshold composition of the House of Assembly and in disregard of the separation of powers doctrine.

“The Governor has continued to expend public funds without lawful appropriations by a duly constituted legislature, thereby undermining the will of the good people of Rivers State and their right to effective and accountable democratic governance.”

The APC spokesperson said a “serious and focused” governor would have set a clear programme to conduct local government elections in the state.

Apart from the rift without Nyesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), which has torn apart the Rivers house of assembly, the state is witnessing a crisis at the local government level.

Recall that Fubara, on Tuesday, asked the heads of local government administration to assume control of the 23 council areas of the state following the tenure expiration of the chairmen.

Despite the governor’s directive, some former LGA chairmen reportedly attempted to resume duty at the council secretariats but were chased away by youths.

The development sparked political tension in Rivers as residents protested at the LGA secretariats while police officers fired multiple shots into the air to disperse protesters.

Although the governor has sworn in caretaker committee chairs for the LGAs, they have not been allowed to assume their offices.

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HEALTH: Death Toll From Lagos Cholera Outbreak Rises To 21

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The Lagos state government says the death toll from the cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 21.

On June 11, Akin Abayomi, the commissioner of health for Lagos, announced that a probable cholera epidemic in several areas of the city had resulted in five deaths and approximately sixty hospital admissions. The cholera outbreak was declared by the commissioner on Saturday.

Of the 350 suspected cases, 17 have been confirmed, resulting in 15 fatalities.

Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Lagos governor on health, gave an update on Thursday following a meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

She stated that the increase in cases was expected after the Eid-el Kabir celebration.

According to NAN, she said the total number of suspected infections increased to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.

Ogunyemi said suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs due to the state government’s intervention and surveillance efforts.

“The ministry of health, in collaboration with the state ministry of environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination,” Ogunyemi said.

“We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education, to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.

“Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera.”

Ogunyemi advised Nigerians to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

She added that treatment for cholera has been provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

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