Education
Teachers put end to strike, resume academic activities on Monday in Akwa Ibom
The members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Akwa Ibom State wing have suspended their industrial strike declared against State government over unpaid entitlement.
This is contained in a statement entitled “Suspension of Strike”,dated March 18, 2022, and signed by the State Chairman, Senior State Secretary of NUT, Comrade Edet Emenyi and Comrade Victor Amirize respectively.
According to the statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Uyo, the union noted that the suspension of the strike which was declared Tuesday March, 15, 2022 midnight was sequel to agreement reached between state government and leadership of the union on Thursday.
The leadership of the Union, therefore directed that all teachers to resume normal academic activities from Monday, March 21, 2022.
The statement reads, “The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Akwa Ibom State wing hereby suspend its industrial action earlier declared against the Akwa Ibom State government from midnight of Tuesday 15th March, 2022.
“This is sequel to negotiation between the government team led by His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel and the leadership of the NUT led by Comrade Edet Emenyi on the 17th day of March 2022.
“These understanding were arrived: The immediate commencement of payments of leave grant for 2017 and 2018, immediate commencement of payments of one month minimum wage arrears to primary Schools teachers”
The Union noted that both parties also agreed on the appointment of a Committee comprising of NUT , NLC, and government representatives to dialogue on the template for instalmental payment of 2019, 2020, and 2021 leave grants to primary Schools teachers.
Others include payment of promotion arrears for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 to primary Schools teachers, immediate commencement of 2019, 2020, 2021 promotion exercise to teachers and payment of 7.5percent contributory pension refunds to teachers as soon as records are reconciled and other issues listed in the strike bulletin.
“The NUT, Akwa Ibom state wing appreciate our teachers, parents and students for showing understanding throughout the period of the strike. We pray that government will keep their side of any agreement reached to avoid any other disruption of the school system.
“Teachers in Primary and Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State are hereby directed to resume normal academic activities from Monday 21st March 2022” the statement added.
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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