Abuja Reports

TETFund Empowers Students for Success: Career Readiness and Academic Excellence

Published

5 months ago

September 26, 2024

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is a vital player in Nigeria’s education sector, empowering students with necessary resources for academic success. With a focus on promoting academic excellence, TETFund offers scholarships, grants, and capacity-building programs to elevate student and faculty contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

TETFund recently organized a workshop in Abuja, “Emerging Areas of Students’ Needs in Beneficiary Institutions,” highlighting its proactive approach to addressing evolving educational demands. The event brought together educators and stakeholders to explore new strategies and solutions. Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono emphasized the importance of embracing modern technologies to enhance students’ employability globally.

Echono announced the introduction of Career Services Centers, launching in the 2024 disbursement cycle, to facilitate student career development and improve employability. These centers will provide vital information on job market trends, available opportunities, and required skills, creating valuable linkages between students and potential employers.

Dr. Smart Olugbeko, President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), stressed the growing concerns around graduate employability, emphasizing education’s role in preparing students for the workforce. Olugbeko argued that staff must be well-equipped to guide students effectively and called for investment in training for career center staff.

Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, expressed gratitude for TETFund’s initiatives enhancing career centers in colleges. He noted that colleges have been authorized to offer degree programs, broadening their scope beyond traditional teacher training.

TETFund’s initiatives represent a significant investment in Nigeria’s education future, addressing pressing student needs and aligning educational practices with industry standards. The ongoing collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to ensuring these efforts benefit students and society. Through its strategic vision, TETFund is transforming academic experiences and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.

Abuja Reports

Union, Legal Practitioner Pressure Wike to Appoint Auditor-General for FCT

Published

6 hours ago

February 13, 2025

ADMIN

Alexis Uchendu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is under growing pressure from both the Auditor-General’s Office Union and a legal luminary, Jacob Udobang, over the appointment of Mr. Abdullahi Ibn Salihu as Director of Accounts and Acting Head of the Office of the Auditor-General for FCT Area Councils.

In a strongly worded petition, the Union described the appointment as a violation of constitutional provisions, arguing that assigning an auditee to oversee audit operations compromises the Office’s independence and integrity.

They further decried the exclusion of competent internal staff from promotion, calling for a reversal of the appointment.

Backing the Union’s stance, the legal practitioner, Udobang, in a letter to Wike, warned that the failure to appoint a substantive Auditor-General for the FCT, breaches civil service laws and weakens financial accountability.

He urged the Wike to restore due process and ensure fair promotions within the Office.

Amid rising concerns, stakeholders are also calling for the reintroduction of the Audit Bill, which was passed by the 9th Assembly but not assented to, as a means to secure the autonomy of the Auditor-General’s Office.

The controversy continues to build as expectations mount on Wike to act swiftly in addressing the concerns and safeguarding the Office’s credibility.

Abuja Reports

FCT Teachers, Council Workers Shut Down Services Over Unpaid Wages

Published

7 hours ago

February 13, 2025

ADMIN

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Teachers and local government workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have resumed their strike over the non-payment of the N70,000 minimum wage by the six area council chairmen.

The strike, which began on February 13, affects primary school teachers and council workers across the FCT.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), accused the chairmen of reneging on a December 2024 agreement to implement the wage increase by January 2025.

Union leaders also condemned the failure to pay other entitlements, including a 40% peculiar allowance and salary increments.

They have vowed to continue the strike indefinitely until their demands are met.

Abuja Reports

Wike Assures FCT Residents of Timely Project Delivery, Compensation, Infrastructure

Published

15 hours ago

February 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Alexis Uchendu

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering key infrastructure projects on schedule, ensuring fair compensation for affected residents, and improving waste management services across the Federal Capital Territory.

During an inspection of ongoing road and housing projects on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Wike expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work, particularly at the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe.

He credited the progress to efficient fund management and assured that all projects would be completed by May 2025 as promised by contractors.

Addressing concerns over property demolitions, the Minister confirmed that compensation payments have been made for affected structures in Wasa, Life Camp, and Dei-Dei, while payments for Gishiri Village would be finalized before the end of the week.

On waste management, Wike revealed that the FCTA is in the final phase of selecting contractors to enhance sanitation services, especially in satellite towns.

He assured residents that only competent firms would be engaged to maintain a cleaner and healthier city.