Education
EDUCATION: NCC trains Oyo federal poly staff on advanced digital appreciation programme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through its subsidiary, International Center for Information and Communication Technology, Digital Bridge Institute, has concluded a five-day training workshop for no fewer than one hundred staff of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo state, on Advanced Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI).
Advanced Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI), is a special training programme sponsored by the NCC, for Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, to enhance the skill and knowledge of the staff in the area of Information and Communication Technology.
The training had in attendance, the Institution’s Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mr. Akin Odesola, Bursar, Alhaja Rasheedat Titilola Oladepo, Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units as trainees.
Declaring open the training, held at the Institution’s Oke-Owode ICT Center, Ogbomoso, the Rector, Engr (Dr.) Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi, lauded the NCC and DBI for remembering the new Institution, urging the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the knowledge acquired to impact the students and the system.
The Rector specifically thanked the Chairman, Board of Commissioners, NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande for facilitating such a life-impacting programme for the institution.
“On behalf of the Governing Council Chairman of our dear Polytechnic, Prof. Dakas C. J. Dakas (SAN) and other members of the Council; my Rector, Engr Dr. T. A Abdul-Hameed, and other Principal Officers, I want to welcome everybody to the maiden training of the Institute. I thank Almighty God for giving us the privilege to be here this morning. I would like to thank the Committee of Deans for organising this programme.
“I thank Prof. Adeolu Akande, the NCC Chairman and the President of DBI, Prof. Muhammed Ajiya.
“The participants have to participate maximally in this training because it will assist us, even, in this digital era”, he said.
Also commenting, the team leader for the training, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ejiofor, harped on the importance of the training, noting that the training would go a long way in helping the staff.
Appreciating the Rector for the warm reception, Ejiofor said, “I bring greetings from the Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande; the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. U.G. Danbatta, and the President of DBI, Prof. (Engr) Mohammed Ajiya.
“Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) is the training arm of the NCC. It was established in 2004 to bridge the digital divide through capacity building.
“The programme, called Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions, is of two parts: IOPT (Internet and Office Productivity Tools) and Data Analysis using SPSS. But for this seminar, we would be doing only IOPT, which has 5 modules including Introduction to Computer Systems, Cyber Security, Microsoft Word, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint, & Internet, and maybe subsequently we would come back with more of it and Data Analysis.
“This seminar will run for 5 days and during this period, we would love to solicit your support and cooperation to make the training a success. Attendance will be mandatory and required for a certificate of at least 4/5 attendance, and anyone who fails to meet will be denied the certificate.
“Finally, we have capable and able resource persons who would facilitate the courses. They are Mr. Tobi Durojaiye and Mr. Chidiebere Nwoye. I trust them to do a great job”, he assured.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
