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UNICEF, Oyo govt., train enumerators on conduct of school census.
OYO state government has collaborated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, (UNICEF) to put education reform in the spotlight through the training of enumerators, supervisors and coordinators on the conduct of 2016/2017 annual school census in the state.
Speaking at the training workshop held at Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan on Tuesday, the state commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela noted that the occasion of a training programme like this, marking the beginning of the main business of Annual School Census is highly significant.
Olowofela added that the significance is measured in the record of events that nothing practical and meaningful could be done without data, the provision of which is met by credible exercise of Annual School Census.
According to him, “a responsible state government like the present administration ably led by Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is committed and responsive to providing quality education to her citizenry as a means of raising quality and enduring human capital resources cannot afford to do less. This is obvious considering the awesome amount of fund committed to the various stages of the exercise”.
The former council boss, Olowofela further stressed that other factor through which a successful census cannot be underestimated is the collaboration of highly placed International Development partner -UNICEF, an organization which he said would never subscribe to a nefarious project.
The commissioner, therefore recognized the supports given in-kind and cash by the state government and UNICEF towards the successful conduct of this year Annual School Census and other activities at this period of global recession.
Also, he emphasized the need for planning in the education system which is derived from the fact that the society is not static and education must respond to the changing technological, economical, political and social environment of the nation, adding that to suit the purpose there is need for timely, accurate and up to date data.
Professor Olowofela, however charged the participants “you must therefore, painstakingly visit all schools, public, private, registered and unregistered even the so called mushrooms schools to or near and hard to reach areas to collect quality data to justify the huge amount expended on the programme.
The commissioner reiterated that UNICEF and Oyo state government have played their parts in ensuring availability of robust data to guide future plans, while enjoining the enumerators, supervisors and coordinators to pay serious attention to all instructions and guides during the training programme so that knowledge gained could be put into use at their various desks.
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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