Education
Makinde to make LAUTECH conventional University
In its effort to change the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, from a technology university to a conventional university, the Seyi Makinde-led Oyo State Government has approved a Bill titled 2022 LAUTECH Amendment Bill, to be forwarded to the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The bill, which proposes to amend the objectives of the university to accommodate other fields of study and alter its present status as a strict technology institution, as well as allow it to make provision for a workers’ pension scheme, was approved at the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the state’s Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, stated these while briefing journalists shortly after the meeting.
According to the commissioner, the LAUTECH Amendment Bill, when passed into law, will enable the institution to offer courses in different fields of studies outside the field of technology, and also allow the establishment of more courses in Humanities, Law, and other fields of studies.
He maintained that the amendment will also correct an omission by allowing the university to make provision for the establishment of a pension scheme for its staff, adding that the pension scheme is regulated now in line with state policy on pension.
He said: “We have a bill that has been proposed and approved by Exco, for onward transmission to the Oyo State House of Assembly, to amend the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso Law, to reflect the proposed change in the current status of the institution from a technical university to a conventional one.
“This is to enable the institution to offer courses in Humanities, Law, and other fields for qualified candidates, as approved by National Universities Commission, NUC.
“So, the bill, in essence, seeks to amend the name of the university to Ladoke Akintola University (LAU) instead of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
“It is also to amend the objectives of the university to accommodate other fields of study and alter its present status as a strictly technical university to a regular university, which will translate to having more campuses in humanities to carry some courses like Social Sciences, Law, Management, Education and other fields of studies in art and humanities.
“The Bill is also to encourage and promote scholarship and conduct of research in all fields of learning and human endeavours and also to correct an omission by allowing the university to make provision for the establishment of pension scheme for its staff; as you are all aware that the pension is regulated now by law consistent with state policy on pension.
“The university will also establish a pension scheme which will be the contributory pension scheme, which will eventually be under the pension reform law.
“In essence, this is what has been done to the LAUTECH amendment law and, specifically, the university is to be addressed as Ladoke Akintola University, aka, LAU.
“The law will be Ladoke Akintola University Amendment Law 2022 and that is what has been approved by Exco to be communicated to the Oyo State House of Assembly for debate, processing, and passing.”
Also, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, maintained that Governor Seyi Makinde, upon deliberations in the Exco, came up with L.A.U. and that the university should be addressed as L.A.U once the bill is passed into law.
Education
WAEC: Computer-Based WASSCE Starts This Friday
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.
Education
Oyo Central Senator, Akintunde Pledges Support for Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Growth
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.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
Education
Mass Exodus: 30 PhD Holders Flee Bauchi Varsity Amid ASUU’s Alarm on Poor Conditions
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.
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