Education
ASUU adamant, insists no turning back until FG meets requirements
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has said that it would not call off its strike if all its demands were not met.
Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, the national president of ASUU, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Wednesday.
The union had declared a 30-day warning strike over the federal government’s failure to honour the agreement signed by both parties, a move the government had faulted.
According to Osodeke, “We can call off the strike tomorrow if the FG implements and meets all our demands. It is in their hands to meet all the demands not in our hands. If they want it called off this week, next week, it is possible if they should do what they are supposed to do and not all these empty promises that we are not sure they will not implement. But If you call off the strike, as usual, they will abandon everything.”
“We have no problem and we are busy people he might have all the time, our own is for them to implement.
“If our union could negotiate during the military era and had agreements signed but in the civilian era they are telling us what to do and what not to do, that means something is wrong with this system. What they are doing now is to be blackmailing us and intimidating us.
“We are just waiting they have said this over and over. If they are serious let them implement all that we have agreed on. We can call off tomorrow if they implement. Nigerians should tell them to implement the agreement, we don’t gamble.” ,,
But in his reaction, Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, cautioned the union not to intimidate the committee and Ministry of Education, saying if they did, their document would not fly.
“We had a committee we impanelled in the ministry of education to take matters up because they are the direct employers of the lecturers. The committee was headed by Professor Manzali and there was a draft proposal which the education ministry has to agree on with them and then break it up to the higher bodies of the government, the Presidential Committee on Salaries, and from there, it goes to FEC for approval.
“ASUU should not intimidate the education ministry or the committee to come up with things that are not in tandem with the normal rate. If they do that, the document will not fly. The ministry of education will resuscitate that committee within two weeks to look at the draft proposal it had with ASUU so that they can come up with something for the PSC to have a look at and send to FEC”.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo ends the controversial tax clearance policy, ensuring students’ education rights remain protected
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has ordered an immediate halt to the policy requiring parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for their children’s enrollment in state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision follows public outcry and protests led by civil society groups, who argued that the policy infringed upon the right to education.
Announcing the directive during a media briefing in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Enehe, stated that the move reflects the governor’s commitment to accessible education.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” said Enehe.
The policy, introduced to encourage tax compliance, drew criticism for potentially denying access to education for students whose parents were unable to provide TCCs.
With the directive now revoked, students can register and gain admission without the previously mandated requirement.
Enehe, however, reminded residents of their constitutional duty to pay taxes, noting that non-compliance could restrict access to benefits such as bursary allowances.
He added, “Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support state education and other social amenities.”
Highlighting further reforms, Enehe disclosed that KGIRS has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal tax practices. Since the crackdown began, 43 illegal tax collectors have been prosecuted, while several corrupt staff members have been dismissed.
To streamline operations, the revenue service has digitised tax payment systems, allowing individuals and businesses to fulfil their obligations more efficiently.
KGIRS reported steady revenue growth in recent years, with collections rising from ₦17 billion in 2021 to ₦27.7 billion in 2024.
The service has set an ambitious target of ₦35.1 billion for 2025, aiming to sustain the state’s developmental initiatives.
Governor Ododo’s administration continues to prioritise education, as seen in the establishment of three state-owned universities.
The governor’s directive aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational access for Kogi State students.
This decisive action signals the government’s resolve to balance tax compliance with the constitutional right to education, fostering both development and inclusivity.
Students of the University of Calabar appeal for extended registration and fee payment deadlines due to delays in receiving education loans.
Students of the University of Calabar (UniCal) have made an urgent appeal to the university’s management, requesting an extension for course registration and school fee payments.
This appeal follows delays in the disbursement of loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which many students had applied for but have not yet received.
The appeal, made by Mr Johnson David, a 200-level student, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). In the letter, David expressed concern that many students had applied for the NELFUND loan, with some applications verified, while others were still awaiting confirmation. Despite this, no funds had been disbursed, leaving students unable to pay their school fees on time.
David also highlighted that other financial support avenues, such as the Clement Joshua School Fees Empowerment and various scholarship opportunities, were still pending approval.
“We are yet to receive the disbursement of the NELFUND loan, which has affected our ability to meet the school fee deadline. Additionally, some of us are still waiting for confirmation on other scholarships that could aid in our fee payments,” David said in the letter.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Students Union Government and the university management in addressing the students’ concerns and expressed hope that with their continued support, the students would overcome this financial challenge and focus on their studies.
In response to the students’ appeal, the management of UniCal provided an update, confirming the receipt of over N182 million in disbursements as of 3 December 2024. These funds were allocated to 1,926 students.
In a statement signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, the management requested that the details of the beneficiaries and the amounts credited to each student be sent to them for record-keeping purposes.
The university’s management has yet to comment on whether the deadline for registration and fee payment will be extended, but students remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
NELFUND’s commitment to providing interest-free loans for Nigerian students has been emphasised by its Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, at a meeting in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has reiterated its dedication to improving education in the country through its student loan programme, aimed at reducing unproductivity and providing financial relief for students in higher education.
The initiative, launched as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to empower students by easing the financial burdens that often hinder their academic success.
Also read: NELFUND confirms receiving N50bn from EFCC to boost student loan scheme
Speaking at an engagement meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of NELFUND, explained the modalities of the loan programme, which is designed to be accessible and flexible for students.
He highlighted that applicants would need to create an online profile as part of the application process. Importantly, the loan is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period, making it an attractive option for students who may face financial challenges.
Sawyerr also underscored the programme’s goal of reducing unproductivity among Nigerian students by providing them with the resources needed to focus on their studies without the burden of financial insecurity.
Lawan Wakilbe, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, voiced his support for the initiative and announced the appointment of a dedicated desk officer to facilitate the loan application process for students in the state.
This officer will work closely with the Special Adviser to Governor Zulum on Higher Education to guide students through the application process and ensure they understand the benefits of the loan.
Wakilbe described the loan as a low-risk grant, available to all eligible students, and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity.
NELFUND’s initiative aims to provide students from all higher institutions in Nigeria with the financial means to pursue their educational goals.
By making the loan programme accessible, President Tinubu’s administration hopes to create a more productive and educated generation of young people who will drive the nation’s progress.
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