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ASUU Strike: JPDS Reignites Academic Spark With Spinoff MMR Webinar Series

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With the ongoing lull in academic activities in Nigeria following the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in February, organisers of the Jacksonites Professional Development Series (JPDS) have announced a spinoff webinar to focus on Mixed Methods Research (MMR) for postgraduate communication students in Nigeria as well as professionals with interest on research.

The first session of the new webinar series is billed for July 1st, 2022. It will have Prof. Charles Okigbo of the North Dakota State University who is the pioneer Registrar and Chief Executive of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) as the Lead Facilitator. He will be joined by Prof. Nnayelugo Okoro, Director of Graduate Research Courses, and Prof. Joseph Wogu, Head of Department, both of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The MMR sessions will be moderated by Dr. Chuks Odiegwu-Enwerem of the National Open University of Nigerian (NOUN), Abuja.

Speaking on the forthcoming webinar, the JPDS Steering Committee Chairman, Prof. Chinedu Mba of the Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada stated that the MMR Webinar Series in furtherance of the JPDS capacity building focus.

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She added that the series is borne out of the need to acquaint participants with the best of global methods in communication research.

According to her, the MMR series is from under the Knowledge Hub-a brand of JPDS.

Speaking to the focus of the maiden webinar, Prof. Okigbo revealed that in the last two decades, there has been a phenomenal increase in interest in academic and professional circles and in communication because of the nationwide and global expansion in the uses of traditional and social media, and the demand for better research applications in commercial, corporate, and public communication situations.”

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Corroborating him, Prof. Wogu noted, “this has led to the establishment of the Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA), the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (JMMR/Sage Publications), the International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches (IJMRA), and various specialist webinars and short-term training opportunities.

Prof. Nnayelugo also noted that there is an urgent need to “adopt Mixed Methods Research approaches which yield better results than using only one type of data from one data-gathering method.’’

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Providing more information on the webinar, Prof. Mba revealed that the webinar is opened to all postgraduate students in communication studies, the social sciences, education, arts and humanities, as well as for those facing challenges in designing their thesis and dissertation research using the most appropriate research methods as well as those academic and administrative staff who want to develop their skills in action research and management consulting practices.

She added that Management Consultants, PR Practitioners, Researchers as well as professionals in Advertising, Health Sciences, Environmental Sciences, STEM and Educators also stand to benefit from the programme.

She added that participation is free but registration is required. “Interested participants can register at jpdswb.com/kh.

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Education

Nigerian universities face shutdown as staff unions demand withheld salaries, fulfilment of agreements

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Nigerian universities strike over withheld salaries

Nigerian university staff unions declare indefinite strike over four-month withheld salaries, stalling operations nationwide amid calls for reform.

 

 

Nigerian universities remain at a standstill as the indefinite strike by non-academic staff unions continues, following months of withheld salaries and unfulfilled agreements.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) began the strike on Monday, halting activities across campuses.

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Also read: SSANU, NASU condemn Federal Government’s renegotiation committee inauguration

 

The JAC, representing senior staff such as vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, demands payment of the four-month outstanding salaries and improved working conditions.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, emphasised that university executives are also affected by the withheld salaries.

In an interview, he stated, “This is a long-term battle involving vice-chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid.”

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Ibrahim revealed that compliance with the strike is overwhelming, with 98 per cent of university staff participating nationwide.

The issue intensified with the recent dismissal of Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, replaced by Dr Tunji Alausa, who now faces immediate pressure to address the crisis.

However, union leaders, including Ibrahim and SSANU’s Vice President Abdussobur Salaam, report no formal engagement with the government thus far.

“All our ultimatums have expired, and we still haven’t received any alerts,” Salaam said, voicing frustration with unmet promises.

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A similar protest was declared by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Wednesday. NAAT, which is also owed five months of salaries, announced a protest commencing on 6th November, warning that if issues remain unresolved by 13th November, they would escalate to an indefinite strike.

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NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, citing repeated broken promises over longstanding demands such as improved allowances, upgraded facilities, and a revised staff-to-student ratio.

NAAT members intend to picket the Ministry of Finance on 14th November if withheld salaries remain unpaid. Nwokoma reiterated, “It is unfortunate that despite President Tinubu’s directive to pay the withheld salaries, the Ministry of Finance has failed to act, questioning the government’s sincerity in addressing these concerns.”

The unions argue that the government’s prolonged inaction risks severe disruption to Nigeria’s tertiary education system, potentially derailing academic calendars and critical research initiatives.

According to Nwokoma, branches across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education will hold congresses and conduct referenda to determine further actions.

The unions demand more than just their salaries, calling for a review of the government’s compliance with multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) dating back to 2017.

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These agreements were meant to address remuneration, resources for practical training, and infrastructure needs. The unions assert that the lack of progress on these agreements demonstrates “government insensitivity” and threatens the stability of higher education in Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s tertiary institutions face a nationwide shutdown, the impact on students and research is significant. Union leaders hope the latest strike will prompt urgent government intervention, while staff prepare to maintain their stand until all outstanding payments and commitments are fulfilled.

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Ehi Braimah Honoured with Chancellor’s Alumni Award at University of Roehampton

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Ehi Braimah Chancellor’s Alumni Award

Ehi Braimah honoured with University of Roehampton’s Chancellor’s Alumni Award for innovation and inspiration in media, PR, and community leadership.

 

 

In a ceremony held at the University of Roehampton in London on 22 October 2024, Ehi Braimah, a renowned media professional and publisher, was awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Alumni Award.

The recognition comes as part of the university’s annual event celebrating outstanding alumni achievements across the globe.

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Braimah, publisher and editor-in-chief of *Naija Times*, an independent online newspaper, received the Alumni Innovation and Inspiration Award.

He was one of 20 global recipients and among three distinguished Nigerians honoured. The award ceremony took place at the university’s Lime Tree Suite, Elm Grove, with an audience that included esteemed university officials, awardees, and Braimah’s family and friends.

In his citation, Braimah was lauded for his commitment to using *Naija Times* as a platform for promoting change through balanced, evidence-based reporting.

His media leadership, particularly during critical events like Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, has fostered a more egalitarian society.

“Braimah is a prominent voice for political and economic reforms, maintaining rigorous standards of journalism and fighting corruption,” the citation read.

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The event was officiated by Professor Richard Keogh, Deputy Vice Chancellor, who stood in for Vice Chancellor Professor Jean-Noel Ezingeard.

Addressing the audience, Keogh emphasised the rich heritage of Roehampton, stating, “Our roots stretch back to the 1840s, through the early work of our founding colleges.”

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He praised the alumni network, highlighting the 500 donors and 400 alumni volunteers who mentor students, significantly impacting their lives and careers.

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Eleanor Merrick, Director of Business Development, Fundraising, and Alumni Relations, echoed this sentiment. She expressed her pride in the global alumni network and the opportunity for recipients to forge meaningful, long-lasting relationships.

Merrick, who founded the alumni programme a decade ago, noted that the event brought together exceptional graduates from various countries.

Braimah, during the ceremony, presented two copies of *Naija Times’* book, *For a Better Society*, to Professor Keogh for the university’s library, underscoring his commitment to intellectual and social progress.

Graduating with an MBA from the University of Roehampton in 2016, Braimah has continued to exemplify professional excellence.

His contributions to Nigerian media through *Naija Times* have driven thought leadership, informed journalism, and public discourse.

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Beyond media, Braimah plays an active role in international business as the Deputy President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), where he fosters stronger ties between Nigeria and the United States.

His recognition as a Chancellor’s Alumni Award recipient further highlights his leadership across various sectors. Braimah’s work in Rotary International, where he serves as an Assistant Governor and Chair of the Public Image Committee for District 9112, also demonstrates his dedication to community service and global engagement.

The University of Roehampton, celebrating 20 years since receiving its university title, continues to recognise the extraordinary impact its alumni make worldwide.

Braimah’s award serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to professional education, widening participation, and transforming lives.

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Attending the ceremony were members of Braimah’s family and close associates, including his sister-in-law, Bukola Olakotan; aunt-in-law, Cynthia Ologunde; and media professionals such as Sam Omatseye, Chairman of the *Nation* newspaper editorial board, and Toni Kan, a PR expert and financial analyst.

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Nigerian Education Loan Fund commits to disbursing N90 billion in student loans

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Nigerian Education Loan Fund student loans

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is set to disburse N90 billion in student loans to support education nationwide, with N10 billion already distributed.

 

 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is poised to disburse N90 billion in tuition fees and stipends to students across the country, according to its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr.

Since its inception in August 2024, the scheme has already distributed N10 billion to successful applicants, offering much-needed financial relief for Nigerian students.

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Also read: NELFUND confirms receiving N50bn from EFCC to boost student loan scheme

 

Mr Sawyerr disclosed these developments during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday.

He highlighted the widespread demand for the loan scheme, which has attracted over 350,000 applications since its launch.

“We are receiving applications at an average of over 1,000 per day, and so far, we have disbursed over N10 billion. Our commitment to disbursing N90 billion remains strong, and we are making special provisions for students living with disabilities,” Sawyerr stated.

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The NELFUND chief also emphasised the Fund’s dedication to addressing barriers to girl-child education, recognising that educating girls is essential to Nigeria’s future.

“Denying girls the opportunity for further education is denying the nation a chance to benefit from their incredible leadership potential,” he added.

Sawyerr further pointed out that the growing youth population, with 70 per cent of Nigerians under the age of 35, underscores the importance of this initiative.

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“Failing to provide access to education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence,” he warned.

The student loan initiative, which Sawyerr described as timely, aims to reach students across the entire nation, ensuring that the scheme is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

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“This policy ensures that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve,” he said.

He also compared the initiative to other significant education policies in Nigeria’s history, such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education programme, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) established by Gen Yakubu Gowon, and the creation of federal universities.

Sawyerr concluded that the student loan initiative represents a progressive step towards investing in Nigeria’s future.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has introduced the student loan scheme as part of its efforts to reform education and provide opportunities for all Nigerian youths to pursue higher education.

Sawyerr praised the initiative, noting its potential to significantly shape the nation’s development, particularly in regions historically underserved in terms of educational access.

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