Future Brands Idol (FBI) is a competitive event that seeks to bring together Communication students in Nigerian Higher Institutions with interest in Advertising and Marketing Communications.

FBI aims at building students who will grow to be future brands problem solvers across the globe.

The event will enhance creative business’ armour through lectures; competition reviews and reverts, contacts with professionals and opportunities in the creative world.

According to a co-Founder, Ahmed Abdullahi, Future Brand Idol is not only a platform to bring closer the big industry players in advertising through mentoring but also to get would-be students professionals in the advertising of tomorrow to the workings of today.

To Sponsors:

The Creative Industry Needs THREATS Protection!

As you are either on the client side of the creative industry or the agency side. This means that you will be fully affected by anything that happens to the creative Industry. This is a call to protect the CREATIVE INDUSTRY for the FUTURE.

According to a Co-founder, Adesina Opeyemi, "it is true that creativity can come from anywhere, but we are on a mission to build advertising students to take charge of their industry. Future Brand IDOL will be the biggest advertising event with the largest Student attendees.

This event will:

For Brands (Clients):

Offer opportunity to impact lives of the Future Holder and advance brand reach to the hosting community.

"I believe in FBI as the right platform for creative youth," Co-founder, Folayan Adejoke.

To Agencies:

Opportunity to scout for Creative Minds and to impact lives of the Future Holders.

"I love the idea. It will present something similar to portfolio night in Nigeria. I'm anticipating the event".
BOLAJI ALAUSA
ECD, Noah's Ark

To Exhibitors:

Hope your brand won't be missing?

One of the rarest places on earth is a place where people willingly wants to see products, check out products and hear more about it. You can give your brand the needed reach by exhibiting it at the Future Brand IDOL 2019.

"Sponsorship for Future Brand Idol, will enhance the growth of the industry and success for brands," Co-founder, Tomori Uriel.

This event will give your brand the needed reach in the hosting communities and online as well as sell your product among others.

Contact: +2347066533487

Email: futurebrandidol@gmail.com

Website: futurebrandidol.com.ng

IG: futurebrandidol

Fb: Future Brand Idol

LinkedIn: Future Brand IDOL

(C) FBI 2019

University of Ilorin Selected to Host local edition of Hult Prize as students answer the United Nations Challenge and go head-to-head for US$1M

Hult Prize team recently announced that University of Ilorin has been selected to host a local edition of the Hult Prize, the world’s largest student competition for the creation of new social businesses. The annual Hult Prize awards one million dollars in start-up funding to the team of students that develops the most radical and breakthrough idea to solve one of our world’s toughest social challenges.

In partnership with the United Nations, the Hult Prize is hosting college and university events around the world in search of the next game-changing start-up.  Bello Lukman will be leading the Hult Prize at University of ilorin On Campus Program, and is confident that his/her peers on campus have as good as chance as anyone to go all the way and with this year’s Hult Prize.

The winner of the intra-campus event will automatically advance to compete in one of fifteen regional finals happening around the world. One winning team from each host city will then move onto a summer business incubator, where participants will receive mentorship, advisory and strategic planning as they create prototypes and set-up to launch their new social business.  A final round of competition will be hosted in September 2019, where the winning team to be awarded the $1,000,000 prize.

“The Hult Prize is a wonderful example of the creative cooperation needed to build a world with shared opportunity, shared responsibility, and shared prosperity, and each year I look forward to seeing the many outstanding ideas the competition produces,” Clinton has stated.





To learn more, contact:

Bello Lukman
Tel: 07065179558 
Tijani Daniel
Tel: 07081160797

Or visit: http://www.hultprizeat.com/ilorin1


About the Hult Prize Foundation
The Hult Prize is a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship that brings together the brightest college and university students from around the globe to solve the world’s most pressing issues. The annual initiative is the world’s largest student competition and crowd-sourcing platform for social good, and has been funded by the Hult family since its inception in 2009. To learn more, visit www.hultprize.org.

The 11th day of November, 2018 witnessed a retreat hosted by the CEC of the Student Union that featured the presence of past Presidents of the Union and members of the current CEC in an interactive session at the old faculty of arts boardroom.

The programme was declared open by the president of the Union after he welcomed everyone present at the event.

 Former Students’ Union President, Comrade Idris Alao Observation was the first to deliver his lecture who began his speech by appreciating the CEC for deeming it fit to have them present at the event.

Delivering his speech, he noted it is essential to have an understanding of what leadership is as he stated that leaders are obliged to have the love of the followers at heart.

In his words, he claimed
“I think I did the unusual as president, unlike other presidents I did not stay off-campus, I stayed on campus to demonstrate the message of love, that is one of the sacrifices that comes with leadership” he added, “The perception of the supremacy of the presidents also has to be addressed by this administration, there are excessive requests for the President, they are forgetting that the President can delegate responsibilities”

The high point of his speech was his assertion that he was pushed to resigning,
“I was also pushed to suspending my academics as well” he said, “But my caucus advised me not to”
He rounded up his speech noting that there will be a more interactive session tomorrow where he will be deliberating on the relationship between Executives and parliamentarians.
Animashaun continued the session by appreciating Comrade Observation for his presence after which he then invited Comrade Ahmad Lawal A.K.A Ambassador for his delivery.

Ambassador also appreciated the president of the SU for the initiative, while noting that there are ups and downs to every administration, he opined that sharing experience is important. He highlighted the characters of a typical leader, stating that it is necessary to break the philosophy of bottlenecks that characterise administrations.

He enthused further noting that responsibilities should be not to left to the president alone, he also noted that the CEC must do everything possible to avoid conflicts with the Senate council.
The president also expressed gratitude to Comrade Ambassador after which he invited Oyas Baba, one-time social secretary of the SU for his delivery Oyas baba exuded warmth and congratulated the president, he iterated that there are more responsibilities for the president, he however asserted as a matter of importance that the president is nothing without other members of the CEC.

Also present at the event was a former EXCO of the SU popularly known as Prince who noted that it is essential for the students to keep a balance between union activities and their academics.

The event was brought to a close by the president of the student Union who thanked everyone present at the event.



Abdul Hakeem
UCJ UNILORIN

The university of Ilorin management has finally made a 35% increment on university charge against the original 48.4% increment intended.

This was stated by the dean students' Affairs unit, Prof Tajudeen Ajibade on a radio program anchored by Olatunji Agboola and Aloma Idris of Unilorin FM, 89.3 on Tuesday morning at the university radio station.

The decrease resulted from a resolution meeting of the SU with the management yesterday. The meeting which had in attendance principal officials of the university, the Students' Union executives, faculty Presidents and members of the Press, lasted over 5 hours. At the meeting the SU pleaded for a reduction in the increment and a promise was made to review the university's decision by giving a reduction in hike.

The Students' Union President, Comr Emmanuel Animashaun who was also on air along side the Dean, however, told the UCJ over a phone interview that deliberation with faculty Presidents is still on going for a possible reduction in their respective faculty charges.

The 35% increment of the charge amounts to 21,195 naira with a 5,495 naira difference from the previous academic session.



Fadlullah Azeez
UCJ UNILORIN

*Meets Students' Union on 'reasonable concession'

*SU proposes 15% increment as Mgt promises possible reduction


The university of Ilorin management has on Monday cleared the air on the increment of the school charges saying the increment is only 48.4% as against the general conception of 100% and above. The management further explained what necessitated the increment.

The clarifications were made in a marathon meeting which lasted for about 6 hours with the representatives of the students' Union, the presidents of the faculties, the students' affairs units of the University and with other stakeholders in the school.

The meeting had in attendance, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof (Mrs) Malomo, the DVC Management who couples as Vice Chancellor representative Prof B.T Sule; The school Bursar, Mr Sunde; the Director of Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr Kunle Akogun alongside Prof (Mrs) Oladosu who represented the university registrar.

According to the DVC Academics, The management noted that even though the reaction of the SU was in order and that the university, as well, apologised for not involving the Union early enough, but the erroneous impression that the Union has created must be duly corrected.

In her clarifications, The DVC stated the new fee is only 23,700 for the returning students and 41, 600 for the new intakes. These inclusive of bandwidth and utilities charges which as at last session were charged separately.

As such, she stated that the university only increased the school charges by 48.4% which is 7300. As a breakdown: the charge which consists of about 17 items stands at 17,600; bandwidth at 5000 and utilities stands at 700, totalling 23, 300.

Prof Malomo then stated things that necessitated the decision by the management. According to her "as result of reduction in the federal government reimbursement for the university running cost on recurrent expenditure and the consideration on the financial realities on ground, it's imperative that the university management made adjustment in the charges."

"we don't do it arbitrarily, economic realities are put in consideration for instance, university expends about 300 to 360million naira on electricity not inclusive of generator maintenance which itself gulps about 50million on monthly basis."

"If management don't pay for electricity...and others, it's the students that will be the most uncomfortable so we must pay"

In the view of her clarifications, the Students' Union proposed a reduction of the increment to 15% which the management swiftly responded as "not being realistic".

The management however maintained, according to Prof B. F Sule, "We are going to review it, that's for sure!"

Moreso, on the issue of faculties and Departmental charges, Prof Malomo said the faculty and Departmental charges are "dependants on programme"

She suggested that for any negotiation on the increment, the students should "go to their faculty Deans "same to the departments"




Adetutu Abdullah & Fadlullah Azeez
UCJ-UNILORIN

The president of the university of Ilorin students union, Animashaun Oluseyi, has decried the involvement of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, in the negotiation with the school management over the hike in the school charges.

According to the lead we got this morning, a call was put through to the president of the Union, Comrd. Animashun by the chairman of the state chapter of NANS. But in his response, Animashun rejected the offer on the ground that the issue is still in-house and as such no external influence should be allowed in it, at least for now.

Animashun was said to have responded that although the Union appreciate the NANS' concern and their offer but he would further appreciate if they can allow the Union to frontier the negotiation with the school management.

However, the Kwara State chapter of NANS has, against the appeal from the SU, written the University management to request for negotiation.

While speaking with UCJ, UNILORIN, comrd. Animashaun expressed his disappointment in the  step taken by NANS, which he described as totally uncalled for.

In his words, "the SU is yet to exhaust all options of negotiation available, it is quite unneccesary for NANS to wade into the matter at this time. We wish to make it known to the general public that the students union has nothing to do with this development. We will be meeting with the school later today and we hope for a favourable discourse. No external influence is required now. "

A meeting of the students union, presidents of faculties and other stakeholders and the school management has already been scheduled for today, Monday 5th 2018.

UCJ-UNILORIN

The University of Ilorin football team, Ilorin warriors on Saturday, 3rd November lost the third position to OAUGiants of Obafemi Awolowo University in the just concluded Higher Institution Football League (HIFL)

The Giants won the bronze in a 3:1 score against the Warriors at Agege Stadium, Lagos on Saturday.

Ilorin warriors qualified for a third place match after losing at the semifinals to University of Calabar with a 2-nil defeat

The Student Affairs Unit of the university of Ilorin in a recent release made available to the UCJ has commended the efforts of the Students Union in their reaction towards the hike in school fees.

The Unit further noted that it is expected of the students to react towards such even if a naira is added. The Unit has however called for a resolution meeting between Union leaders and faculty Presidents on Monday.

The Press Release reads:

"RE: SAY NO TO INCREMENT/HIKE IN UNILORIN SCHOOL FEES

We have read, not with any iota of surprise, the reactions of unilorites and of course, that of the Student Union in a statement jointly signed by Mr.President and Union PRO on recent fees for 2018/2019 Academic Session.

The courage shown in the content is commendable of Union leaders. However, this statement is for education of our teaming students and its leadership on what culminate in such decision...We must all be positive and see beyond "as it was, so shall it be forever" thinking..Expectedly, even  if #1 was added, there will be reaction..The question is how justifiable is the reaction in the face of present realities in providing qualitative university education with needed facilities that guarantee such.

For the purpose of record,  the university as a matter federal govt policy is not charging tuition fees as erroneous captured in the Union statement..What you have here is university charges and faculty charges..The items that makes up the charges are simply fundamental and basic. For instance, examinations remains sacrosanct,  same for provison of state-of-the-art health and library facilities..In addition to stable electricity in an ever expanding University community. It implies what is obtainable about 12years ago can no longer sustain the University in this century.

Across board, we can confidently tell you that Unilorin, even with slight adjustment in fees payable is still paying the least in this nation..Idea thing to do is to please confirm by comparing statistics of what is payable in other universities..This however does not foreclosed negotiation between the Union and University management for reasonable concession. Presently, the Student Affairs Unit is consulting for possible reduction..Hence, by tomorrow, Monday, November 5,  2018, there will be a meeting with leadership of the Student Union, Faculty Presidents and UCJ by 10am at the SAU office.

While the Union release is timely and well worded,  the truth must be told that the Union went beyond its boundary by ordering students no to pay..That's insubordination and dabbling carelessly into university's administrator matter particularly on policy matter..If as a student,  you have to set your charges, then who owns power to teach and set examination questions? Which course to be Required, Compulsory or optional?  It is logical to fight but with boundaries not crossed.

We shall open our doors for sound minded negotiation as proposed in the Union statement but not to compromise ethical issues in university of limit of Student Union in critical issues.

We salute your courage and welcome open minded interactions.

Student Affairs -UNILORIN"



It however noted that the Union went beyond its boundaries by asking Students not to pay.

UCJ UNILORIN

Real Madrid ended their long wait for a Spanish La Liga victory by beating Real Valladolid 2-0 on Saturday with two late goals. Real Madrid It was interim coach Santiago Solari’s first home game in charge of the struggling European champions, and it was fitting that they won. Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr. gave the new coach and an impatient Bernabeu crowd a lift in the 83rd minute by cutting in from the left and firing a shot.

Phlex goes beyond borders with new EP, features Rayvanny in BamBam The shot was heavily deflected into the net off Real Valladolid’s Kike Olivas and awarded as an own goal to the defender. Real Madrid had been fortunate not to go behind on two occasions in the second half when Ruben Alcaraz and Toni Villa hammered the crossbar. But the home side sealed a first win in six league games when captain Sergio Ramos netted an 88th-minute penalty kick. The win lifted Real Madrid provisionally from ninth place up to sixth in the standings on 17 points. They are now seven behind leaders FC Barcelona who beat hosts Rayo Vallecano 3-2 later on Saturday.

Still reeling from their humiliating 5-1 defeat at Barca last week, Real made an impressive start against a Real Valladolid side unbeaten in their last six outings. But their early chances soon dried up and they were loudly booed off at halftime. “When things don’t go your way you have to keep calm and keep sacrificing and we kept believing, even though we were up against a team who have been playing very well. “It was a difficult occasion because of the run we’ve been in and changing coach,” Ramos said. “We have to lift ourselves up, we understand the fans’ frustrations and why they are booing. We have to change that, and after we scored the fans were lifted again. With a few good results we’ll get the fans believing in us again.” Gareth Bale was given particularly rough treatment from the home fans when he was substituted. Not even usual favourite Marco Asensio escaped the howls of unhappy supporters when he made way for Vinicius, who had barely played under Solari’s predecessor Julen Lopetegui.

NYSC extends deadline for registration to Oct. 27 Vinicius had excited fans in the Copa del Rey against Melilla in midweek and his flair and bursts of pace injected some verve into Solari’s side. It led to them finally breaking the deadlock, even though the goal owed a lot to Olivas’ unfortunate attempt to block the shot. The goal was harsh on Valladolid and sucked the life out of the visitors, whose defender Nacho gave away a clumsy penalty kick by falling into Benzema. Ramos coolly converted from the spot, transforming the earlier boos into relieved celebrations. “We needed to win, and you don’t get out of tough moments like the one we are in by winning easily,” Solari said of the scrappy nature of the victory. “I would like to win every game 7-0 with three bicycle kick goals but football is more complicated than that. “You have moments of beauty when everything goes well and delicate times when you have to be organised, serious and show competitive spirit.”

Source: bit.ly/UCJNEWS2JEnGGs

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned Nigerian elites to stop misleading the people through their unguarded utterances.

Buhari, who is the visitor to the University of Uyo, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, gave the warning at the 24th convocation ceremony of the institution on Saturday.


The President, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Communications, National Universities Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Yakasai, said development and progress could not thrive in a hate-filled and divisive society.

He said universities as home of great thinkers, should give guidance to the communities to enable the people to make informed decisions as the nation approached the 2019 general elections.

He said that the Federal Government would not condone or tolerate incendiary remarks capable of causing fear and spread hatred among the people, from any person or group of persons.

Buhari said that the Federal Government would continue to do its best to ensure security of lives and property in the country.

The President said, “At this point, I want to be very clear and equivocal, that the Federal Government will never condone or tolerate incendiary remarks from any person or group of persons, which are meant to harass, intimidate, cause fear and spread hate, no matter how highly placed such a person is.

“Law enforcement agencies should fish out people who make inciting statements, instigate civil disobedience, broadcast hate speeches or stir strife, riot and rebellion and bring them to book.

“We should continue to live together as brothers and sisters.”


The President called on the new graduates to look beyond leaders who had failed themselves and the nation but should choose their heroes from among those who believe in the progress of Nigeria and emulate those honest and hardworking in their professions.

Buhari said there was a need for the curriculum of Nigerian universities to be diversified to include entrepreneurial skills to help graduates to employ themselves and others after graduation.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Enefiok Essien, said 32 students from the institution graduated with first class honours in the 24th convocation.

Essien said that 4,539 graduands convoked; 631 postgraduates, 3,678 undergraduates and 230 sub-degrees.

Source: bit.ly/UCJNEWS2OnZfhy

President of the Students' Union, Animashaun Emmanuel has on Saturday, 3rd November, 2018 in a press briefing with the UCJ stated that the Student Union is averse to the hike of the tuition fee by the University management.

The PRO of the SU, Analyzer has cleared the air on reports suggesting that the anticipated SU programme tagged 'The Convergence' has been canceled. He asserted that the programme had only been rescheduled following the withdrawal of its budget from the Senate council and not canceled as suggested by earlier reports.

I followed closely the complaints made by people on several social media platforms about the change in the traditional binding style of academic projects in our alma mater. In fact, going by the binding samples I saw on social media and the attendant bedlam it generated, it would have been safe for me to conclude that the so-called innovation was a complete scam. But then, I restrained myself from the temptation and decided to see it with my own eyes before taking a position on the matter.

Surprisingly, I was wowed when I eventually saw it. However, I speak for myself alone but I strongly believe they're several others who not only share a similar opinion but also expressed similar joy upon seeing their works captured in the new form. I haven't verified yet to see if the initiative also applies to postgraduate theses but with what I saw, felt and assessed, I was pleased with the university management for taking the initiative and giving Unilorin products yet another edge over their contemporaries.

The new binding system is colourful, redefined, and more user-friendly. It is classy and prestigious, and in my opinion, far better than the traditional style. In fact, I can proudly describe myself as an author. Of course, yes. This is simply because, my diligent supervisor made sure we worked ourselves out and ultimately ensured our works were subjected to a plagiarism test. And haven gone through the rigour of academic research, I was gratified to see the standardised packaging of my intellectual property through the new project binding style. I then asked myself, why was there so much noise about it? Even those that hadn't set their eyes on the new project binding were among the fiercest critics of an object they're yet to see firsthand. Then I concluded, much ado about nothing. Agreed, we see things differently but then, the issue in contention will definitely pass the popularity test.

Some even likened it to the regular GNS textbooks, and by implication, toned down the highpoints of the new initiative. Well, agreed. It somewhat looks like GNS textbook but the question rarely is, what's wrong with the regular GNS textbook? I believe absolutely nothing. Maybe the system of adopting the official faculty colours didn't go down well with many, the orange colour for instance. But then, colours only serve aesthetic purposes in terms of academic publications. Personally, I detest red but as a law student, I had to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Eventually, I realised the reason most people were apprehensive and reprehensive of the new initiative — the comfort zone syndrome and to an extent, fear of the unknown. It's only natural for people to resist change not because they don't like it but because it's human nature. After all, the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know. Hence, the expected negative reactions. But upon a closer look and experience with a positive reform, they soon realise that the fear they so dreaded, never existed.

On this, I give kudos to the new Unilorin Vice-Chancellor and his team for a job well done. There is no doubt our V.C. is visionary, experienced, humbly sophisticated and gifted. From my interaction with Mr. Vice-Chancellor, I discovered he is a man of purpose, strong will and a technocrat obsessed with proffering long-term solutions. I particularly laud his action by proscribing the production of PC tablets for undergraduates along with the attendant reason he adduced.

However, I have just a piece of advice to the father of Unilorin varsity community - "preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once". Those are the words of Robert Greene, the author of 'The 48 Laws of Power". According to him, humans are "creatures of habit" and that "too much innovation is traumatic and will lead to revolt...". He concluded by saying, "...if change is necessary, make it feel like a gentle improvement on the past". 

OSUJI, Chima Francis
Unilorin Alumnus
Class of 2018.
Email: osujichima47@gmail.com
Tel: 08036543643

As swiftly as it could take, the students union of university of Ilorin has directed all the students in the University to hold on with the payment of the increased fees. This directive is coming almost tree hours after the Union's president, Comr. Animashun announced via his Twitter handle a meeting with all the faculty presidents would be held to ratify a consensus decision, and that afterwards a meeting with the management would be held.

In a press statement released moment ago by the Union signed by the Union's PRO, Mr Issa Uthman Analyzer, the Union states that students should not pay until an action is taken regarding the increment.


Although no official communication has been established about the SU-Management meeting, but things look 'Not-so-good'.

The Press release reads;

SU PRESS RELEASE:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2485317474817512&id=743176369031640

Greatest Unilorites,

ON THE OUTRAGEOUS INCREMENTS IN SCHOOL FEES

I am compelled beyond reasonable doubt to speak out and take a stand against what could be described as attack on our common sense and right to due consideration in all matters that touches on our well-being and welfare as students of this great institution.

Our tolerance level was punched and almost taken for granted by recent release of school fees for 2018/2019 academic session. The increment ranges from 10000 to 17500 depending on programme/faculty. It  is not only outrageous but absurd given the present economic situation of this country.

Many are self sponsored while majority of us are from parents in States where salaries are not paid either regularly or at all for months!
Where then are we expected to get the fees from? At what time are we suppose to adjust our budget for the session? Who is to pay for us? are questions bothering my mind. In simple term, I consider it as April fool and the University authority should be commended for millennium joke. We shall resist this to get reasonable concession.

Of course,  we are stakeholders with strong belief in the University dream. The VC and his team should know better that our sacrifices should be rewarded rather than increasing the suffering packages we have endured for long. Currently, the SU Officials are working hand in hand with the faculty presidents to analyse the situation and make a comprehensive plan.

Hence, NO STUDENTS SHOULD PAY! We shall call for meeting with the  management for intellectual discourse.
 We are not rascals but our approach shall be that of radical and sound minded fellows. We shall seek peace in resolving matter.

Members of our great Union should remain calm till you hear from us. I can confidently affirm that Aluta Continua, Victory Ascerta

We shall invest in our people by resisting this hike in fees doggedly,

#INVESTING IN PEOPLE

Signed:
ANIMASHAUN, Oluseyi
Executive President,
Student Union,
University of Ilorin.

Signed:
ISA, Abass Usman
ANALIZER
Public Relations Officer,
Student Union,
University of Ilorin.

Gross complaints and lamentations have taken the air within the university of Ilorin student populace after waking up to a hike in school fee.

The school seems to have been experiencing increment in fees in recent times. From the graduation fee of the 2017/18 set to the most recent hike in school charges for the 2018/19 academic session.

"My school fee is increased by more than 100%. Where do I get that?" A student complained.

The Students' Union President, Comr. Animashaun through his Twitter account has assured the students of a swift action by the Union. He noted that Presidents of faculties have been summoned and after a meeting with them, the SU will proceed to the school management. He urged the students to be calmed and be hopeful of a positive response.



UCJ Unilorin

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has presented an attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result to President Muhammadu Buhari, his spokesman has tweeted.

Iyi Uwadiae, the WAEC registrar, presented the certificate to Buhari on Friday at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Femi Adesina, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, wrote on Twitter: “WAEC presents attestation certificate and confirmation of school cert result to President Buhari. What will the naysayers say next?”

WAEC presents attestation certificate and confirmation of school cert result to President Buhari. What will the naysayers say next?

— Femi Adesina (@FemAdesina) November 2, 2018

There has been controversy over whether or not he wrote the O’Level exam having claimed in his affidavit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that his original credentials were with the military.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, had threatened to go to court over the certificate saga.

In the heat of the controversy, Adesina quoted the military as saying they had lost Buhari’s certificate.

“The military knew where they kept the original certificates of the president. In fact, a former chief of defence Staff, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, corroborated that the military collected the original certificates of all its officers,” he had said.

“The military already said they lost the certificates. But does it mean that it did not exist that the president went to school, sat for examinations and passed; attended military courses and War College?”

Alex Ajayi, former registrar, West African Examination Council (WAEC), had told PUNCH in 2016 that he issued Buhari’s certificate.

“I joined the West African Examination Council as a pioneer staff. I was the first substantive Nigerian Assistant Registrar. I took over the control of the examination from the University of Cambridge. I took examiners to Cambridge for training across 10 years and trained them in Nigeria. I had the opportunity of issuing WAEC certificates to three former Heads of State: Buhari, Abacha and Babangida in the 60s,” he told the newspaper in an interview.

Source: The Cable
https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-waec-presents-school-certificate-to-buhari

John Bray, US consul general and Laura Beaufils, British deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, say the issues faced by MTN in recent times sent bad signals to foreign investors.

The US and UK envoys made the assertion on Thursday on the sidelines of a conference organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) during the 2018 Lagos International Trade Fair.

PUNCH quoted the envoys as saying some foreign investors took their investments to neighbouring countries.

In August, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sent a letter to the telecommunications company, ordering it to refund an alleged $8.1 billion in shareholders’ dividends illegally repatriated to South Africa between 2007 and 2015.

Four banks were also ordered to pay a total sum of N5.87 billion for their alleged roles in the “illegal dividend repatriation”.

A hefty N330 billion fine levied on MTN by Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) in October 2015 had adversely affected the telco’s share price at the time, sending red flags to investors.

On his part, Bray said although US business owners had continued to invest in Nigeria with last year’s investment hitting $13.5 billion, the MTN-CBN issue had discouraged other investors.

“Apparently things are being resolved, but once you make an announcement like that , there are probably guys sitting back there and waiting to get on the plane and fly back to the JFK and say, I am not investing again,” he said.

“So, we just want to get more investors here and part of that is improving the regulatory environment, improving infrastructure and dampening their fears about insecurity.”

Expressing similar concerns, Beaufils said: “Of course, investors are interested in regulations, policies and strategies, but ultimately, they look at signals like that and I think that was damaging. I think most people in Nigeria recognise that that was very damaging.

“There is a lot that is being done to address that and we are aware of that but sadly, investors also go beyond the headlines of such stories and my key point today is that we have to avoid such rash decisions at all cost in the interest of further investments that are absolutely essential to the economic development of the country, to job creation and to the vision that we all have of an incredibly rich and vibrant Nigeria.”

The UK envoy said although there are plans to increase investments in Nigeria, the British government will be watching closely to see positive developments especially within the regulatory sphere.


Source: TheCables

https://www.thecable.ng/us-uk-say-mtns-troubles-discouraged-potential-investors

Staff at Google offices around the world are set to stage an unprecedented series of walkouts in protest at the company's treatment of women.

The employees will demand several key changes in how sexual misconduct allegations are dealt with at the firm, including a call to end forced arbitration - a move which would make it possible for victims to sue.

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has told staff he would support their right to take the action.

I understand the anger and disappointment that many of you feel, he said in an all-staff email.

"I feel it as well, and I am fully committed to making progress on an issue that has persisted for far too long in our society… and, yes, here at Google, too.

Anger at the firm has boiled over in the past week since it emerged one high profile executive received a $90m payout after he left the firm, despite what Google considered a “credible” allegation of sexual misconduct made against him.

Andy Rubin, known as the “creator” of the Android mobile operating system, denies the allegations.

On Tuesday, another executive, this time from the company’s X research lab, also resigned. Richard DeVaul was said to have made unwanted advances towards a woman who was recently interviewed for a job in which she would have reported to DeVaul.

DeVaul has not commented since his resignation, but in the past called the incident an error of judgement.

At least 48 other employees have been sacked for sexual harassment without receiving a payout, Pichai told staff. He admitted the New York Times’ report had been difficult to read.

Staff involved in Thursdays walkout will leave a note on their desks telling colleagues: I’m not at my desk because I’m walking out with other Googlers and contractors to protest sexual harassment, misconduct, lack of transparency, and a workplace culture that’s not working for everyone.

They are also making formal demands to Google’s management. They are:

An end to forced arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination for all current and future employees;

A commitment to end pay and opportunity inequality;

A publicly disclosed sexual harassment transparency report;

A clear, uniform, globally inclusive process for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anonymously;

The elevation of the chief diversity officer to answer directly to the CEO, and make recommendations directly to the board of directors;

The appointment of an employee representative to the board.

Forced arbitration, a common contract clause for Silicon Valley workers, demands any disputes are dealt with internally rather than through other methods such as the courts.

Critics of forced arbitration say it is used to not only protect the reputations of both the company and the accused, but also to silence victims who are unable to appeal against decisions or take further action.

Employees have raised constructive ideas for how we can improve our policies and our processes going forward,” said Mr Pichai in a statement on Wednesday evening.

We are taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action.

Co-ordinated action of this scale is unprecedented at a Silicon Valley company, but follows a trend for increasingly impassioned employee activism.

Women are fed up, and I dont think its just women,” said Prof Kellie McElhaney, from the Haas School of Business.

There are a lot of ‘manbassadors out there who are equally as fed up and using their positions of power and voice, which can cost Google money. I think you have to hit these companies where it hurts.

I think it empowers other Google offices when women and men are watching this happen, that they can do a similar action thats not just sitting by or making comments to one another or sharing emails.

In the past year, Google employees have spoken out strongly against the company’s work with the US Department of Defense, as well as plans to re-enter the Chinese market with a search product.

The Tech Workers Coalition, a San Francisco-based advocacy group, said the day’s dispute was just one of several tech companies need to address.

We stand in solidarity with the Google workers, a spokesperson for the group said.

It’s clear the executives won’t do this for us so we’re taking matters into our own hands.


Source; feeds.buzzcome.com

http://feeds.buzzcome.com/detail?newsId=1602316

President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf, has started his mandatory National Youth Service Corps at the NYSC Orientation camp in the Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This is coming about 11 months after the President’s son had a bike injury in the Gwarinpa area of the FCT which got him admitted to a private medical facility in Abuja for a few weeks.

Yusuf had on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, sustained a head injury from a bike crash, breaking one of his limbs in the process.

He was thereafter rushed to the Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu District, for treatment.

“He has undergone a surgery at a clinic in Abuja. He is in a stable condition,” the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had said.

The young man was later flown out of the country and returned hale and hearty on March 1, 2018.

Yusuf’s sister, Zahra Indimi, confirmed that the President’s son had started the mandatory NYSC.

She shared the information on her Insta-story on Instagram, showing Yusuf’s photograph in the NYSC kit.

The NYSC secretariat could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

Source: Punch

https://punchng.com/buharis-son-begins-nysc-11-months-after-bike-injury/

The Federal Government, yesterday reassured, Nigerians that it was doing its best to ensure safe release of Leah Sharibu, the only one of the kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirls who remained in captivity.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the reassurance at the 100 years celebration of St. Andrews Catholic Church, Oro, his home town near Ilorin in Kwara State.

Speaking to journalists after the centenary anniversary thanksgiving mass, the minister said Leah, abducted by Boko Haram, is dear to the government.

“Nigerians should appreciate that any of our citizens, either boy or girl, Moslem or Christian is dear to us. We do not look at Leah Sharibu either as Christian or Moslem, but as a precious daughter of the country. We are doing our best to ensure her safe release and be reunited with her family,” he said.

The minister also reiterated that government efforts at containing the Boko Haram insurgency were working and they are winning the war against the group.

He said what was being witnessed were cowardly attacks on soft targets by the insurgents which were also being tackled.

On the centenary celebration, the minister said 100 years in the life of a church is historic and significant. Mr Mohammed, a Muslim from Oro, said the anniversary was beyond the centenary, but a celebration of peaceful coexistence of Christianity and Islam in the town.

He said: “If you are looking for a community where there is absolute religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Oro is a good example. He appealed to Christians and Muslims where ever they may be in the country to emulate the Oro community in embracing peaceful coexistence.

The Catholic Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, gave gratitude to God for the celebration and described the centenary anniversary as the fruits of the Oro community’s fore fathers who accepted Christ early.

The cleric thanked God for the light of the Gospel, which he said had dispelled all darkness from the town.

Chairman of the Centenery Anniversary Planning Committee, John Aransiola, said it was a special day in the history of Oro community

Source; Vanguard

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/were-doing-our-best-to-ensure-leah-sharibu-is-released-fg/

Between January and August this year, the Federal Government spent a total of N3.64tn to finance some of its programmes and projects as captured in the 2018 budget.

The 2018 budget, which was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, had a total spending of N9.1tn made up of N2.87tn for capital expenditure, N3.51tn for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while N2.01tn was projected to be spent on debt servicing.

The N9.1tn budget was expected to be financed from N2.99tn to be generated from oil revenue, N31.25bn from Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas dividend and N1.17bn expected to be realised from revenue from minerals and mining.

The Federal Government is targeting to generate N658.55bn from Companies’ Income Tax, N207.51bn from Value Added Tax, N324.86bn from Customs duties, while N57.87bn is expected to come from Federation Account levies.


In the same vein, the government expects N847.95bn through independent revenue from its agencies, while tax amnesty income, signature bonus and unspent balance from previous years are to provide N87.84bn, N114.3bn and N250bn, respectively

Details of the performance of the 2018 budget as captured in the 2019 Budget Call Circular showed that out of the total appropriation of N9.12tn, the sum of N3.64tn had been spent in the first eight months of the year.

This, according to the document, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent, represents a shortfall of about N2.44tn over the pro-rated expenditure sum of N6.08tn for January to August.

A breakdown of the N3.64tn showed that a total of N1.83tn had been released for non-debt recurrent expenditure for the payment of salaries, pensions and overheads, among others.


Similarly, the circular, which was signed by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, showed that the sum of N1.54tn had been released to cover debt service obligations during the eight- period.

It stated that the N3.64tn released during the period excluded the N486.29bn that was released to agencies of government on October 17 this year for the execution of capital projects.

“Of the total appropriation of N9.12trn, N3.64 trillion has been spent by August 2018. A total of N1.83tn has been released for non-debt recurrent expenditure for the payment of salaries, pensions, overheads, etc, while N1.54tn has been released to cover debt service obligations during the period,” the circular stated.

On the revenue side, the document stated that as of August 31, 2018, the Federal Government’s actual revenue was N2.48tn, representing an underperformance of 48 per cent.

It stated, “The shortfall of 48 per cent is attributable to the underperformance of both oil and non-oil revenue sources. The shortfall in Companies’ Income Tax collections may be partly due to seasonal factors as most companies remit their income taxes during the second half of the year.

“The slow recovery in economic activities that drive consumption and the lingering security issues contributed to the underperformance of other non-oil revenue sources like Value Added Tax.”

It explained that the delay in the implementation of other revenue initiatives like the restructuring of Joint Venture oil assets and tighter performance management of government-owned enterprises further accounted for the weak non-oil revenue performance.

Source: PUNCH

https://punchng.com/2018-budget-fg-spent-n3-64tn-in-eight-months/

Barring  further deliberations and changes in the resolution made by  the Senate council, the highly  publicised Students' Union programme themed 'Convergence' has been cancelled.

Although there have been counterclaims about the cancelation, as at the time of filing this report all efforts to affirm the news that the programme was not canceled proved abortive.

The notion was given at the maiden plenary of the Senate council held today, 30th of October on the school campus.

The Senate council received a letter from the office of the Public relations officer, PRO of the executive council informing the Senate council of the withdrawal of the earlier submitted budget for the programme. The reasons for the withdrawal were however not stated in the letter.

Reactions trailled the action by the executive arm of the union as the Senate council unanimously upheld the notion that the programme has  been cancelled.

The Senate president, Senator Nifemi however informed the gathering that the consideration for the executive's request should only be given out of the magnanimity of the council as there is no portion of the Constitution that supports withdrawal of an already submitted budget proposal for any students' union programme.

In a bid to get a legal basis for the withdrawal, the Senate president threw to the floor a motion for its consideration, and this was unanimously agreed to by the whole house; thus the cancellation of the said programme was legally pronounced.

Abdullahi Ridhwan Adetutu
Ayeyemi Deborah report.