The National Universities Commission, NUC, says the implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards CCMAS, CCMAS, will begin by September 2023.
The CCMAS document is expected to guide institutions in the design of curricula for their programmes while bringing necessary innovation into the content and delivery of their programmes towards achieving the overall goals of education and training in the country.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Colloquium on CCMAS in Abuja on Wednesday, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki said the document would reposition Nigerian universities to be among the best rated in Africa.
Mr Maiyaki said that CCMAS would make up 70 per cent of the curriculum while the university decides what to include in the remaining 30 per cent.
According to him, the implementation will help sharpen the future of education sector.
“The role and development of the CCMAS is to ensure commitment in advancing of our education and our great nation.
“NUC is primarily dedicated in ensuring quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities as well as the graduate we produce.
” The development of the CCMAS went through painstaking process by bringing experts from our universities comprising of professors, regulatory bodies, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and all stakeholders.
‘The CCMAS reflect global initiative that will equip graduates with knowledge and wherewithal that will advance the development of the nation,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, encouraged universities to make optimal use of the 30 per cent university senate’s input.
Mr Mamman advised universities to ensure that learning outcomes, skills as well as soft skills were acquired, irrespective of the core discipline.
He said that the skills must be readily applicable to the environment of the university, the country in particular and the global community in general.
“There is no better place and time than now to develop a strategy that will guide tertiary institutions particularly universities in their mandate to provide appropriate manpower for the country.
“This is through using a curriculum and applying minimum standards that would guarantee we teach our students in such a way and manner that they would be highly skilled and employable to contribute to national development efforts.
”70 per cent of the total curriculum is captured in the CCMAS while 30 per cent of the curriculum has been ceded to universities Senates to build in the uniqueness of their various universities.
The Kaduna State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Hassan Taura, said that the Federal Government has approved an upward review of feeding allowance for corps members.
The coordinator made this known while fielding questions from journalists on Tuesday, shortly after the opening/swearing-in ceremony for the 2023 Batch B stream 2 orientation course in Kaduna.
Mr Taura, who did not specify the amount reviewed, said: “first, the federal government in its wisdom has reviewed the feeding allowance of the corps members.”
The coordinator who promised to prioritize corps members’ welfare in his state said, “I told them (corps members) I’m going to make their food of good quality and quantity.
“I told them I will ensure that they won’t spend their money in the camp market. This is the promise I made to them and I’m fulfilling them,” he said.
“I’m going to feed them in such a way that they will not spend from their pocket. They don’t even have the money, so it is our duty to ensure we feed them well.”
Renowned Pastor who also doubles as the General Overseer of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, has said Nigerians will experience good changes under President Bola Tinubu and his ministers.
Addressing newsmen Tuesday, ahead of his church’s Global Crusade starting Thursday, the Deeper Life Church leader urged Nigerians to forget the past and accept the new leaders.
“Let’s forget the past. This is a new day and I believe we all believe that we’re going to see new things for our country through our President and the members of the cabinet. Good things will happen.
“If you look at the new ministers one by one, you’ll see the good things they’ve done either as state governors of the past or as former ministers and I would say they have been carefully chosen.
“If we support and accept them and if we are not criticising their every step, we believe that God will walk through them and use them as instruments to build our nation.
“God will perform a miracle in the heart of our leaders and their hearts will be towards the people and the wisdom to lead us and do everything that will benefit us as a country, the Lord himself will do it in their hearts.”
Google says African startups can now apply for its 10-week equity-free accelerator programme.
In a statement on Tuesday, the tech giant said the programme, tagged ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’, is open for application.
Google said the initiative would support African startups looking to use artificial intelligence to solve local challenges.
“Applications for the 10-week equity-free accelerator are now open, inviting startups up to series A stage based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions with AI and machine learning,” the statement reads.
“Participants will benefit from access to Google’s AI expertise, and technical resources including up to $350,000 Google Cloud credits, mentorship from seasoned AI professionals, and invaluable networking opportunities.
“This programme recognises the transformative role that AI is playing across the world, innovating industries, and reimagining the realms of possibilities.”
Google said the programme also highlights the significant contributions of African startups in addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges through the use of AI, adding that the primary aspiration remains to support and “highlight African-driven solutions”.
Commenting on the initiative, Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s head of startup ecosystem, Africa, said, the continent’s tech landscape is vibrant and ever-evolving.
He said it was inspiring to see African startups not only harnessing AI to address the continent’s unique challenges but also setting benchmarks for the world.
“‘AI First’ is more than a programme,” Aiyegbusi said.
“It’s a testament to our belief in the vision of these startups, ensuring they have the support and guidance they need to realise their full potential.”
Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 106 startups from 17 countries in the region.
The technology firm said these startups have collectively raised over $263 million in funding and created over 2,800 direct job opportunities in the region.
Google said interested startups are advised to apply by September 6, 2023 and submit applications
President Bola Tinubu directs the commencement of 90-day pre-retirement leave for the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, with effect from August 24, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023.
The President approves the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023.
Furthermore, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC). This follows the recent expiration of tenure of the former DTAC Director/CEO, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi. This appointment takes immediate effect.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, yesterday said the ministry would not tell lies to defend the government.
Speaking when he resumed office, he said the ministry would be transparent and truthful while giving out information. He said the government would own up where it erred or made any mistake and adjust where necessary.
He asked Nigerians to shun fake news and always clarify issues before taking them out to the public. Idris assured that the ministry would be accountable and open to Nigerians.
I’ll pursue rule of law – Attorney-General The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi underscored the readiness of the administration to work on the area of enforcement of laws while pursuing rule of law to encourage investors. He noted that without rule of law nothing meaningful can be done.
“It’s a veritable foundation upon which meaningful development can be anchored, whether in the economy, in peace, rest of mind, food and others and to ensure that the expectations of investors are not dashed. You need to encourage them by having viable rules and regulations,” he said.
I’ll assemble experts to tackle insecurity – Defence minister
The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, said he would assemble experts to tackle insecurity. On how he would discharge his duties with no military background, he said: “I’ve been a governor for eight years and it’s on record that Jigawa State is one of the states with the least security challenges in this country.
“Whoever presides over a state as chief security officer for eight years has something to offer in respect of security.
“Apart from that, it’s not studying security-related courses in school that’ll guarantee success in your job like my portfolio. I’ve excelled in the field of business. I know team building, I know how to assemble experts and we’ll assemble experts that’ll give sound advice which will proffer solution to security challenges we’re facing.”
I’ll work like a bricklayer – Education minister The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, said he would work like a bricklayer. He described education as the foundation for all other sectors.
Explaining how a bricklayer works, he said: “He goes to the site every day and he is faced with hundreds of blocks to lay and by the end of day, he wants to see that the building has come up to a certain level everyday so that by three to six months, the house is done.”
Decent employment underway – Lalong The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, asked Nigerians to expect decent employment.
He said the government would partner with non-governmental organisations, the private sector as well as international and development partners to reduce the rate of unemployment and underemployment.
“We shall not spare any effort to protect the Nigerian worker and guarantee his dignity at all times.” The former governor of Plateau State said labour unions’ issues would be resolved amicably.
We’ll export Nigeria to the world – Culture Minister The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry would export Nigeria to the world and make money for the country.
She said the ministry would also change the negative narratives about Nigeria. Musawa stressed the need to restore the unity of the country.
We’ll generate great revenue through tourism – Minister
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, said the ministry would generate great revenue for the country through tourism.
She said the ministry would work with all the heads of its agencies to succeed in increasing the revenue of the country.
Works minister promises innovation, professionalism
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the country needed innovation and professionalism to update its road network. Addressing the staff of the ministry, he said would always be on the road to inspect projects.
“I’m not an office person, I’m a field person which means we’re going to make changes, we’re starting inspection tours to inspect ongoing projects and know the ones to come up with,” he said.
136m Nigerians will be out of poverty – Humanitarian affairs minister The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, said the present administration would uplift 136 million Nigerians out of poverty. She said the ministry planned to create 10 million jobs.
She said the president renamed ministry so that it could focus on ways to tackle poverty.
Pate assures of improved health security The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, promised to improve the governance of health, economic value chain in healthcare and health security.
He also pledged to uphold integrity and accountability in policy implementation and programmes, among others. He said the president added social welfare to the ministry he considered people as the basis and foundational element of his administration.
Pate noted that health and wellbeing are interconnected right from gestation to early childhood, adulthood, and across the lifecycle.
I’ll hold you responsible, Interior minister tells paramilitary chiefs
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, vowed to hold paramilitary service chiefs accountable for any infraction in their agencies.
“I’m here to work, but in working, we must have a good environment. The work of this ministry affects everyone whether you’re rich or poor.
“Just as Mr President will hold me accountable for whatever happens in the Ministry of Interior, I’ll never hold your subordinates responsible for anything; I’ll hold you responsible for anything that goes wrong”, he said.
We’ll resolve herders-farmers crises – Agric minister
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the ministry would be innovative without tampering with what had already established by the past administration.
On herder-farmers conflicts, he promised to devise ways to satisfy both sides.
New lease of life for solid minerals – Alake The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the administration was ready to give a new lease of life to the sector.
“The ministry is key to the administration and the president wanted someone that he trusted and believed would deliver effectively,” he said.
He said he asked the president to assign the ministry to him contrary to the perception that he would be given a particular portfolio.
I won’t disappoint Nigerians – Special Duties minister
The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, thanked the president in realising the dreams of Abuja indigenes to have a minister.
He said he would not disappoint the president and Nigerians. He pledged to contribute his quota to achieving the renewed hope agenda of the administration.
We’ll improve security in Niger Delta – Minister
The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, said his ministry would improve the peace and security in the region.
“I want to guarantee our collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders and government bodies to realize Mr. President’s vision, particularly the East-West road project, which holds crucial significance in the region’s development,” he said.
No fewer than eight prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits along a highway in Zamfara State.
The victims were kidnapped on Saturday, while traveling inside AKTC bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State en route Zamfara State, to take part in the mandatory national service when their vehicle was intercepted along a highway in Zamfara.
A source in the transport company disclosed this yesterday.
The source, who did not want his name mentioned in the report because he was not authorised to speak on the incident, said the corps members were 11 in number but that three escaped from the gunmen.
Apart from the eight corps members, the driver of the bus was also abducted, he said. “The corps members were offloaded (from the bus) and taken into the bush. The police have recovered the bus.
“They left here (Uyo) on Friday, and slept over in Abuja. It was when they were proceeding to Sokoto that they were kidnapped,” he said.
He said the incident had been reported to government authorities and security agencies.
A Facebook user, Malachy Blessed, at 9:14a.m., on Sunday disclosed in a Facebook post the identity of one of the abducted corps members as Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University.
He said the corps member’s phone number has been unreachable since Thursday. Another victim has been identified as Betty Udofia.
A Facebook user, Edidiong Richard, said the kidnappers have contacted Ms Udofia’s parents, and that they were demanding N4 million ransom.
When contacted, the police spokesperson in Zamfara, Yazid Abubakar, yesterday, said he was going to verify the incident and get back to our reporter.
Similarly, the NYSC spokesperson, Eddy Megwa, did not respond to calls made to his phone line as of press time.
The National Secretary of Labour Party, Umar Farouk, and Tai Obasi, media aide to LP flag bearer, Peter Obi have denied knowledge of an ongoing merger arrangement with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and his counterpart in the New Nigeria People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The duo made the rebuttal in two separate interviews with The PUNCH.
This was even as the ruling All Progressives Congress boasted that President Bola Tinubu will have no problem beating the trio again if the motive was to stop him from winning the 2027 presidential poll.
The development is coming in the wake of media reports that the trio of Atiku, Kwankwaso and Obi has opened a preliminary discussion on a possible merger with the ultimate goal of setting up a formidable platform that can unseat the ruling party.
Reacting, Farouk told our correspondent that there was no iota of truth in the report.
The LP national secretary disclosed that much as the party respects the privacy of its presidential candidate to associate with anybody, he vowed that Labour Party will never merge with any other political platform.
He, however, did rule out the possibility of an alliance.
“That is not true. I think it is the imagination of the writer. It has not come to us as a party. Whatever is going on, if at all it is true, Peter Obi is probably doing that as a candidate, which he has a right to do and associate with whoever he wants to associate with.
“But as a party, we are not thinking of a merger with any political party. And Labour Party will never merge with any party.
“Whatever the issue may be, we cannot take any decision until after the judgment of our election petition at the tribunal. But as a I mentioned earlier, count LP out of any merger with political parties. Alliance may be possible though,” he stated.
His sentiment was also shared by the LP poster boy’s media aide when he was asked to authenticate the media report.
While stating that Obi respects Atiku and Kwankwaso’s political ideologies, Obasi stressed that they prefer to await the final judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to retrieve their mandate.
He said, “I don’t know of anything like that. Just like every other person, we are still waiting for the judgment of the tribunal. What’s the need for a merger without first getting the judgment? Are they merging as opposition teams or what?
“I really don’t think so. I have also heard my principal mention anything like that. My principal is someone who is very open and can interact on issues. Of course, we have respect for Atiku and also have the same for Kwankwaso.
“But those who are close to Obi know he has no enemy, except for those fighting him unnecessarily. He is a Nigerian who will always interact with any other Nigerian for the good of Nigeria. But with the level of margin, I can tell you that for now, there is nothing like the merger you talked about.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, proved unsuccessful.
The Director of Publicity for the ruling party, Bala Ibrahim, however, dismissed the perceived threat such a merger could pose to the president.
“With my poor arithmetic, let me say if you can beat them individually, I don’t see any difficulty you will have beating them collectively.
“Whether they (Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso) merged or not, they will still remain below the ladder of the ruling party.” Bala boasted.
As of the time of filing this report, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Major Agbo, could however not be reached for clarification.
Academic unions and parents of students across the country yesterday urged Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, to ensure improvement in the welfare of academics, improved funding and remuneration, as well as stabilise the academic calendar, and tackle out-of-school children.
The unions include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).
They bared their minds following the swearing-in of ministers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Abuja.
In a statement by its President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, CONUA urged the education minister to prioritise stability in university calendar and enhance local and international profile of the Nigerian university system.
He hailed President Tinubu for choosing a “solid academic and with vast administrative and political experience”.
“CONUA is hopeful that during the tenure of this new Minister of Education, the relationship between the government and the Labour Unions in the tertiary education sector will be marked by a greater level of cordiality,” he added.
In a telephone chat with The Nation, ASUU Chairman at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) branch, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, urged Mamman to address the 2009 renegotiated agreement, poor remuneration and ensure that the salaries of members held during last year’s eight-month strike are paid to restore hope and boost the morale of lecturers.
“We hope that the new minister considering his pedigree, will bring new hope to the education sector. We believe he will be able to understand the level of decay in the sector, especially the affront on public university system and put mechanisms in place to tackle all issues,” he said.
In its statement, ASUP President Anderson Ezeibe urged the minister to find solutions to the issue of out-of-school children and review the current status of Higher National Diploma (HND) and its possible replacement with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) certification (for qualified polytechnics) while retaining the National Diploma (ND) certification for skills and artisanal certification in the sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake says he was assigned the portfolio by President Bola Tinubu because of the sensitive position of the sector to economic renewal.
Alake disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen after the inauguration of 45 new ministers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister said he specifically asked the President to assign the ministry to him contrary to the general perception that he would be given a particular portfolio.
Alake said the much talked about portfolio speculated for him was not necessarily tailored for only him.
‘’I heard about that matter since the beginning of this administration when I was given the position of Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy.
‘’The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as you know is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal.
The administration is ready to give a new lease of life to the sector. ‘’So, that position was one that I specifically asked Mr. President to give me and he obliged.
“The ministry is key to the administration and the president wanted someone that he trusted and believed would deliver effectively,’’ Alake said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, that before the President assigned portfolios to his minister’s designates there were speculations that Alake would be assigned the Information and Communication Ministry.
