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Oyo commissioner tasks teachers on improved educational status.
TEACHERS in Oyo state have been enjoined to take full advantage of the golden opportunity precipitated in the NTI programmes which allowed them to improve their educational status as well as acquiring the desired requirements which also, qualified them as professional teachers.
The state commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, who was a guest of honour gave the charge while addressing the matriculants at the maiden NCE, B.ED and PGDE matriculation ceremony of the National Teacher’s Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Oyo state office held yesterday at the Federal College of Agriculture, Moore Plantation, Apata, Ibadan.
Prof. Olowofela noted that the NTI, since its inception in 1976 has made itself reputable in its effort to make the teaching profession meet the required standard for the purpose of best practices, especially in the areas of training and re-training of teachers in Nigeria, adding that ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery would help improve the standard of education in the state.
He, then expressed the state government’s appreciation to NTI as an important stakeholder cum collaborator in the sphere of Teacher Education in Nigeria; Oyo state inclusive with a view to repositioning the sector.
“The task of bringing back education to its enviable position as in the days past cannot be left in the hands of government alone; hence the place of collaborators like the NTI can not be jettisoned.
” The Abiola Ajimobi led administration realizing the fact that it could not single – handedly restore education to its past glory created room for stakeholders to partner with her. It was on this premise that the government welcomed, as a development well deserved, when in December, 2014, the NTI informed the state government of its desire to commence the B.A Ed/B.Sc.Ed. programme in Oyo state.
“In order to serve as a positive reinforcement, the government disseminated the information to teachers in the state and also encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to broaden their scope of knowledge. It is gratifying to note that in reality, the lofty idea of the institute came into fruition; hence this matriculation ceremony which we are witnessing today”, the commissioner explained.
The ex-council chief, Olowofela, however called on other individuals who may also be craving for improvement in their present educational status to apply for admission so as to remain relevant on the job as the federal government is at the verge of eliminating quarks in the field of teaching, averring that “this is evident in the fight being waged against non-qualified teachers through the Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)”.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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