Appointment
Why private varsities must not be allowed to kill public ones by Sarkindaji
***Benin Varsity confers Honorary Doctor of Philosophy on him
From John Adams Minna
The Speaker Niger State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Abdulmalik Sarkindaji has raised the alarm over the poliferation of private universities in the country, warning that they must not be allowed to kill the public universities.
He said while he recognize and welcome healthy competition between the two, government must deliberately ensure there is adequate funding for the public Universities for the benefits of the Nigerian youths who can not afford the private ones.
The Speaker who was speaking in far away Cotonou, Benin Republic when ESCAE University conferred an Honorary doctorate degree in political science on him, Saturday during the first convocation ceremony of the university held in the school auditorium pointed out that there is heavy prize to pay by any society that ignored the education of its youths.
He reiterated the necessity for government at all levels to take deliberate steps towards adequate funding of the public Universities in the country.
“While I recognized and welcome healthy competition between the private and the public universities in the country, we must not allowed our public Universities to die for the sake of Nigerian youths who can not afford the private ones”.
The Speaker who said he was a proud product of public University, maintained that public Universities in Nigeria remains the best in terms of academic excellence, adding that “we must therefore ensure there are adequately funded to compete favourably with the private ones”.
He suggested that if the country must reduce unemployment, the rising crime rate and youth restiveness in the country, “We must prioritize education and fund it. If we think that education is expensive, the prize for ignorant will be too huge for us to cope with”.
Sarkindaji who thanked the ESCAE University for the honor done to him for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (Honorary Causa), said the Niger State House Assembly will partner with the University in the areas of training and staff development, stressing that “Benin Republic and Nigeria have a long history in trade relation and politics.
Earlier the Vice Chancellor of ESCAE University Professor Mehoba D. Theodore said the Speaker was chosen for the award because of his track record of achievements in his political journey spanning almost two decades, adding that “the honorary PhD (Causa) of the university is conferred on individuals who have achieved remarkable progress in public service and contributed to the development of the grassroots”.
The occasion was witnessed by members of the state house of assembly, political associates of the speaker and family members.
The Senate has endorsed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran as the substantive Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Oloworaran for the position and sought Senate approval through a formal request.
Her confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, presented during Thursday’s plenary session.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), stated that Oloworaran met all legal and professional requirements as outlined in the Pension Reform Act 2014. He emphasized that she fulfilled the criteria stipulated under sections 19(2), (5), (6), and 26 of the Act, qualifying her for the role.
“The nominee has demonstrated competence and meets the legal prerequisites for this position. The committee finds her to be a fit and proper person for appointment as Director-General of PENCOM,” Senator Fasuyi said.
During the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin put the committee’s recommendation to a voice vote, which received overwhelming support from the senators.
Oloworaran’s confirmation ensures continued leadership at PENCOM, an agency critical to Nigeria’s pension administration and reform initiatives.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as Chief of Staff, with the appointment taking immediate effect.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fred Itua, made the disclosure through a press Statement on Thursday.
According to the statement the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, who made the announcement described Audu’s new role as integral to advancing Governor Okpebholo’s reform agenda for the state.
The statement reads: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect.”
Hon. Audu, born on August 18, 1969, brings a rich background in governance and administration to his new role. A graduate of Auchi Polytechnic with an HND (1994), he went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University (2011) and an M.Sc. in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja (2024).
Audu’s political experience spans nearly two decades. He served as Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council from 2004 to 2010, represented Etsako West Constituency 1 in the Edo State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023, and was the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2020 Edo State elections.
This strategic appointment is expected to bolster the governor’s administrative team and support his vision of transformative governance in Edo State.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on Wednesday, President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening Nigeria-U.S. relations amidst the complex global challenges and opportunities.
Trump, who claimed victory on Wednesday, pledged to “heal” the country as he was on the brink of defeating Kamala Harris in a remarkable White House comeback.
President Tinubu praised Trump’s victory, emphasizing that it reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He also commended the American people’s commitment to democracy.
Looking ahead, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Trump’s experience as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021 would foster beneficial and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between the U.S. and Africa. He expressed hope that this new era under President Trump would promote peace, economic cooperation, and address global challenges.
Acknowledging the significant influence of the United States in shaping global events, President Tinubu believes that Trump’s leadership will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
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