News
Oyo commences massive infrastructure development in schools.
THE Abiola Ajimobi led administration in Oyo state at the weekend unearthed that about N5bn will be expended to repair the dilapidating structures in both primary and secondary schools in the state.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, who disclosed this during a meeting with the state chapter’s leaders and representatives of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) and All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) explained that N3b counterpart funding will be spent on primary education, while N1.9bn generated from the students’ levies and state government internally generated revenue will be spent on secondary schools in the state.
Professor Olowofela noted that every step needed to take for the smooth take off of the rehabilitation of schools in the state has been concluded, adding that in the next 12 months, majority of the primary and secondary schools in the state would have worn new looks.
Olowofela averred that the state’s School Governing Boards (SGBs) for secondary schools in the state is yielding positive results with many old students’ associations working on the rehabilitation of structures in their schools while some others have signified interests, adding that the collaborative efforts between the government and stakeholders in the education sector will restore its lost glory.
The former council chief assured the representatives of the unions that those issues, which include dilapidated plants, teachers’ promotions, dearth of instructional materials, agonies of retired primary school teachers, alleged certificate forgery, reversion of appointments in the school system among others raised at the parley will be adequately addressed and resolved.
He appreciated the doggedness and commitment of the unions to ensuring quality education in the state, urging that stakeholders should always put issues in proper perspective and be factual in their presentation to the general public.
Earlier in his address, the Secretary of NUT, Comrade Waheed Olojede said that the union is not against local government autonomy but the management and funding of primary schools should be domiciled with the state government.
He said : “There is danger in leaving the funding and management of primary school education with the local government. If the federal government does not want the repeat of the suffering of primary school teachers and neglect of primary education between 1990–94, the funding of primary education should not be put under the whims and caprices of local government councils. The government could give the responsibility of management and funding of primary education to Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). We are not against local government autonomy but what we are against total control of funding and management of primary by the local government.”
Comrade Olojede, who observed that the SGB has lifted some of the difficulties and burden of schools management from the Oyo State Government, commended the state government for its efforts and initiatives to revive the education sector, appealing that the government should address the issues raised in due course.
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that corps members across the country will soon begin receiving ₦77,000 as their monthly allowance.
The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu.
General Ahmed emphasized that the welfare of corps members remains a top priority for his administration, noting that arrangements for the payment of the new allowance have been finalized.
The increase in corps members’ allowances is in line with the recent review of Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.
This development marks the second major adjustment in corps members’ stipends in recent years. In 2020, the NYSC increased the allowance from ₦19,800 to ₦33,000 following the implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage.
The latest increment reflects the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of Nigerian youths serving their country under the NYSC scheme.
President Tinubu’s signing of the new minimum wage bill in July 2024 came after months of negotiations between government authorities, labor unions, and private sector stakeholders. The adjustment aims to address inflationary pressures and improve the economic well-being of workers across the country.
The NYSC has assured corps members of its continued commitment to their welfare and development as they contribute to national unity and service.
The Abia State Police Command has demoted a police corporal, Okonkwo Ebuka, to the rank of constable following his involvement in unprofessional conduct and incivility towards members of the public.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the disciplinary action in a statement released on Tuesday.
According to her, the demotion was the outcome of an administrative proceeding where the officer was tried in an orderly room and found guilty of discreditable and unprofessional behaviour.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to establish a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force, has disbanded the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for unprofessional conduct and incivility towards members of the public,” the statement read.
It further stated that Corporal Okonkwo Ebuka, formerly attached to the Area Command in Aba but deployed on special duty at Isuochi, was demoted as part of efforts to enforce discipline within the Force.
“The Commissioner of Police emphasized the Command’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of unprofessional conduct among officers that could tarnish the good image of the Force,” the statement added.
The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism and fostering positive engagement with the public in line with the principles of ethical policing.
Queen Waliyat Olabisi, the second wife of the Okere of Sakiland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, has passed away.
She died on Tuesday morning, leaving the people of the ancient town in mourning.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of her death remains unknown. However, her sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the community.
Many indigenes of Saki have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing heartfelt tributes and condolences for the royal family.
The late Queen Waliyat was celebrated for her elegance and impactful contributions to both the palace and the community.
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