Friday, 20th September 2024

Champions League Round of 16 draw confirmed

The draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 unfolded on Monday, setting the stage for riveting clashes that promise intense competition and high-stakes drama.

Holders Manchester City, riding on their previous success, will be squaring off against FC Copenhagen in a match anticipated to be a showdown of football prowess.

Meanwhile, Arsenal is gearing up for a formidable challenge against FC Porto, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fans.

Champions League Round of 16 draw confirmed

The full lineup for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw is as follows:

  • Porto vs. Arsenal
  • Napoli vs. Barcelona
  • PSG vs. Real Sociedad
  • Inter vs. Atletico Madrid
  • PSV vs. Borussia Dortmund
  • Lazio vs. Bayern Munich
  • Copenhagen vs. Manchester City
  • RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid

The draw has sparked discussions and predictions across the football community, with fans eagerly awaiting the clash between football giants and the emergence of new narratives in the thrilling tournament.

Stay tuned for the much-anticipated matches as the footballing elite vie for supremacy in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16

Peruzzi Opens Up About Potential Rift with Kizz Daniel

Nigerian singer Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, widely known as Peruzzi, has hinted that a collaboration fallout with fellow artist Kizz Daniel may put a damper on future joint projects.

The rift centres around a collaborative effort between Peruzzi and Kizz Daniel on a track titled ‘Gwagwalada.’

Peruzzi revealed that despite their joint efforts, Kizz Daniel decided to hand the song over to another artist, BNXN, formerly known as Buju.

Peruzzi Opens Up About Potential Rift with Kizz Daniel

Peruzzi expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating that there was no prior consultation before Kizz Daniel went ahead to release the song with BNXN and Seyi Vibez.

During the recent episode of the Zero Conditions podcast, Peruzzi narrated, “Kizz Daniel and I made ‘Gwagwalada’ together, but he gave the song to Buju.

I called Kizz for a collaboration.

He came, played random songs, and then he played ‘Gwagwalada.’

He said he wanted to call Buju so we could decide on the song.

He called him, the guy came.

He sent me the song there, and I went home.

Only for me to see that they’ve dropped the song one day without anybody reaching out to me.”

He stated, “So, I don’t think I will be working with Kizz Daniel anytime soon.

Right now, I don’t think so.”

Akwa Ibom State Bursary Program 2024 for University Students

Akwa Ibom State Bursary Program 2024 for University Students portal is now open for interested applicants.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has given the nod for the disbursement of bursaries to students hailing from the state and pursuing their education in public tertiary institutions.

To qualify for this bursary, applicants must possess the following documents:

  1. Valid Student Registration Number
  2. Student ID Card
  3. Admission Letter
  4. State of Origin Document
  5. Last School Fee Receipt
  6. Passport Photo

Aspiring beneficiaries should take note that the application deadline is set for midnight on April 30, 2024.

All disbursements will be made directly to the beneficiaries‘ valid bank accounts.

The bank account details must match the information on the provided school documents.

How to Apply for Akwa Ibom State Bursary Program 2024 for University Students

How to Apply for Akwa Ibom State Bursary Program 2024 for University Students

  • Visit Akwa Ibom bursary registration portal via www.bursary.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.
  •  Access your account to finalize your details and upload the required documents, including the Student ID Card, Admission Letter, State of Origin, Last School Fee Receipt, and a recent passport photo.
  •  Following the verification of your details, the bursary amount will be disbursed directly into your bank account, providing crucial financial support for your education.

Interested applicants are urged to adhere to the specified deadline and follow the outlined application process diligently.

JAMB Raises 2024 UTME Registration Fees

JAMB Raises 2024 UTME Registration Fees for local and foreign students.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently announced an adjustment in the registration fees for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The updated costs were disclosed through the official board communication channels, including social media.

Effective immediately, the new registration fees are as follows:

JAMB Raises 2024 UTME Registration Fees for local and foreign students.

2024 UTME Registration Fee is  N7,700 (with Mock); N6,200 (without Mock).

Additionally, foreign candidates applying for the UTME will be required to pay $30 for application documents.

JAMB has hinted at providing a detailed breakdown of the registration costs, and this information is expected to be released on or before January 15, 2024.

Candidates are advised to stay informed about any additional details that may be shared by JAMB regarding these adjustments.

ASUU Laments Mass Resignations in Public Universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised serious concerns about the mass resignation of lecturers from public universities across Nigeria.

The union’s Chairman, Professor Ayo Akinwole, warned that the deteriorating conditions of service in these institutions are causing a brain drain that threatens the quality of education in the country.

Professor Akinwole, who heads the ASUU chapter at the University of Ibadan, painted a grim picture of the situation, describing public universities as being in “a very pitiable state.

He emphasized the stress and frustration visible among lecturers due to poor remuneration and a lack of respect for the academic community.

The ongoing exodus of lecturers has left many departments and units in public universities dangerously short-staffed.

ASUU Laments Mass Resignations in Public Universities

This shortage poses a significant threat to the quality of education and the future of many students.

Akinwole warned that if the situation remains unaddressed, more qualified lecturers will continue to resign, further exacerbating the brain drain and weakening the Nigerian higher education system.

The ASUU chairman urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the crisis by reviewing the conditions of service for lecturers.

This review should include improvements in salaries, allowances, and infrastructure.

Akinwole also questioned the wisdom of the government’s proposal to establish 32 more universities, suggesting that this could further strain the already struggling existing institutions.

Instead of creating more universities, Akinwole emphasized the need to improve the capacity of existing ones to accommodate more students.

He highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder efforts to replace resigned lecturers.

Vice Chancellors must obtain approval from Abuja, a process that can take months or even years, by which time the best candidates have often found opportunities elsewhere.

Akinwole also lamented the lack of respect shown to the academic community, with individuals from the Ministry of Education and legislators attempting to dictate who universities should employ.

He called for a more collaborative approach to address the challenges facing public universities and ensure that Nigeria’s higher education system remains strong and respected.

Students Stage Massive Protest at UNICAL Main Gate Over Fee Hike

Thousands of students have gathered at the main gate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in a resolute protest against what they deem as frivolous fee increments.

The primary objective of the demonstrators is to urge the Vice-Chancellor to reverse the controversial fee adjustments.

Chanting slogans and holding placards, the students voiced their discontent, suggesting that if the Vice-Chancellor is tired of UNICAL, she should go to Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH).

The atmosphere is charged with frustration as the students express their belief that the recent fee changes are causing undue hardship.

Students Stage Massive Protest at UNICAL Main Gate Over Fee Hike

Amid the protests, the students made it clear that they no longer welcome the Vice-Chancellor on the UNICAL campus, accusing her of contributing to the challenges they face.

The demonstration reflects the intensity of dissatisfaction among the student body regarding the perceived unjust fee increments.

Authorities are yet to respond to the growing unrest on campus.

Learn more about the fee increment.

This is a developing story…

UNICAL Increases School Fees for 2023/2024 Academic Session

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has increased school fees for the 2023/2024 and 2022/2023 academic sessions.

The revised fee structure shows a noticeable increase in charges across various departments, affecting both new and returning students.

The breakdown of the school charges for specific programmes reveals significant adjustments in tuition and associated fees.

Fee Schedule

  1. Tuition:
    • Freshers: ₦155,000
    • Retuning Students: ₦148,000
    • Final Year: ₦125,500

Additional Third-Party Dues

Students are also required to pay third-party dues, including but not limited to:

  • Medical TSHIP: ₦6,000
  • Med Exam: ₦7,500
  • Results Verification (UME): ₦4,500
  • Biometric ID/Screening: ₦5,000
  • Student Welfare Insurance: ₦2,000
  • ICT Infrastructure: ₦2,000
  • Student Union Dues: ₦1,500
  • Student Union Development Project Levy: ₦1,500

UNICAL Increases School Fees for 2023/2024 Academic Session

Grand Total (Including Third-Party Dues):

  • Freshers: ₦193,500
  • Returning Students: ₦170,500
  • Final Year: ₦147,000

Mr. Prince Joseph Odum, the Bursar of the University, affirmed these adjustments in the fee structure.

This is a developing story…

UNIDEL Announces Screening Exercise for Direct Entry Candidates

The University of Delta, Agbor, (UNIDEL) has officially communicated the details of the upcoming screening exercise for Direct Entry candidates who have applied to the institution.

This announcement is crucial for candidates looking to secure admission into the university for the 2023/2024 academic session.

The screening exercise is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, starting at 10 am prompt.

Venue: Admissions Office – Extension (Main Campus)

Candidates are strongly advised to be punctual, and the screening process will begin at the specified time.

UNIDEL Announces Screening Exercise for Direct Entry Candidates

Candidates attending the screening exercise are required to bring the originals of the following documents:

  • Application Printout
  • JAMB Direct Entry Application Form
  • Ordinary Level (O/L) Result
  • Advanced Level (A/L) Result
  • Birth Certificate/Age Declaration

Ensuring that all these documents are in order and presented during the screening process is crucial for a smooth and successful evaluation.

Candidates should take note of the specified venue and time to avoid any inconvenience.

UNILAG Extends Screening Deadline for New Students

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced a two-week extension for the screening and registration process for newly admitted UTME and DIRECT ENTRY candidates (2nd Batch).

The initial deadline, which was set for Friday, December 1, 2023, has now been prolonged to allow candidates more time to complete the necessary procedures.

As per the revised schedule, candidates yet to undergo registration are advised to report to the designated registration centres from Monday, December 4, to Friday, December 15, 2023.

The registration process will be conducted between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

UNILAG Extends Screening Deadline for New Students

Candidates must adhere to the stipulated Registration Schedule.

It’s essential to note that there will be no further extensions beyond the specified dates for the screening and registration exercise.

Candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this additional time to ensure a smooth and timely completion of the process.

FG Student Loan Designed to Enrich Private Universities – ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, asserting that it may primarily benefit private university owners.

ASUU’s National President, Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed these reservations during a scholarship award event for undergraduate students in Bauchi Zone.

Osodeke emphasized that if the government is genuinely committed to supporting education, it should consider offering grants rather than loans.

He argued that the loan system could potentially channel funds back into the hands of private individuals who own universities.

“We believe that with discipline, the Nigerian state can fund education adequately.

If the government is serious, they should make grants to institutions and students,” Osodeke stated.

FG Student Loan Designed to Enrich Private Universities - ASUU

The ASUU leader criticized the current state of education funding in Nigeria, attributing issues such as high charges in universities to inadequate financial support.

He called attention to the government’s capability to allocate significant funds, citing instances where a single member of the National Assembly could receive substantial allowances.

While addressing the scholarship recipients, Osodeke highlighted ASUU’s commitment to advocating for quality tertiary education.

He urged parents to join hands with the union to enhance the education system for future generations.

UNICAL Transforms into a More Serious Academic Environment Under Prof. Florence Obi

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, becoming a more serious academic environment and shedding its reputation for lax academic standards.

This transformation is largely attributed to the leadership of Prof. Florence Obi, who became the first female Vice Chancellor of UNICAL in December 2020.

When Prof. Obi assumed office, she noticed that some lecturers were taking up to two years to mark examination scripts, leading to delayed results and frustration among students.

She implemented strict measures to address this issue, ensuring that lecturers submit results within a month.

In the past, UNICAL was notorious for a culture of “sorting,” where students paid lecturers to rewrite their examinations.

Prof. Obi has cracked down on this practice, emphasizing that students must earn their grades through hard work and merit.

To prevent exam malpractice, Prof. Obi has implemented measures such as customizing answer booklets for each semester and digitizing the result system.

These measures have made it more difficult for students to cheat and have contributed to a fairer academic environment.

Prof. Obi has overseen significant improvements to UNICAL’s facilities, including the construction of new classrooms, the revitalization of the Equipment Maintenance Centre, and the installation of streetlights to enhance campus safety.

Recognizing the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s job market, Prof. Obi has strengthened UNICAL’s Entrepreneurial Centre, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the business world.

Under Prof. Obi's leadership, UNICAL has secured the right to host the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) games in 2026.

Under Prof. Obi’s leadership, UNICAL has secured the right to host the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) games in 2026.

This is a significant achievement that will boost the university’s reputation and provide a platform for student-athletes to showcase their talents.

Prof. Florence Obi’s leadership has transformed UNICAL into a more rigorous and respected academic institution.

Her commitment to upholding academic integrity, improving facilities, and promoting student development has set a new standard for excellence at UNICAL.

Tinubu Prioritizes Education in 2024 Budget Proposal

In a move that highlights the importance of education for national development, President Bola Tinubu has allocated a significant portion of the proposed 2024 budget to the education sector.

Funding to the education sector (N2.18tn) is 101.85 per cent more than the N1.08tn that was budgeted for the sector in the 2023 appropriation.

Of the amount, N1.23tn is for the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies, N251.47bn for the Universal Basic Education Commission, and N700bn as transfers to the tertiary education trust fund.

While presenting the budget, Bagudu stated that N50bn of the amount would be for the student loan scheme of the Federal Government.

Tinubu Prioritizes Education in 2024 Budget Proposal

Key Highlights of the Education Budget

  • The budget proposes a substantial increase in funding for tertiary institutions, to enhance infrastructure, expand access to higher education, and improve the overall quality of teaching and learning.
  • Recognizing the crucial role of teachers in the education process, the budget allocates funds for teacher training and professional development programs. This investment aims to equip teachers with the latest pedagogies and enhance their ability to deliver effective instruction.
  • In line with the global trend towards STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, the budget prioritizes initiatives that promote STEM education in schools. This includes funding for STEM laboratories, equipment, and teacher training.
  • Recognizing the importance of early childhood education in shaping a child’s future, the budget allocates funds for early childhood education programs. This investment aims to ensure that all children have access to quality early learning opportunities.

President Tinubu’s prioritization of education in the 2024 budget demonstrates a strong commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and empowering Nigerians through education.