Legislature
Financial Scandal Rocks PASAN NASS Chapter as Members Protest ₦3b Mismanagement
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter is in turmoil over allegations of the mismanagement of ₦3 billion by its leadership, sparking protests at the PASAN National Secretariat in Jabi, Abuja.
The protesting members of the association accused the executive team, led by Sunday Sabiyi, of financial misconduct, unauthorized spending, and failing to prioritize the welfare of PASAN members.
The aggrieved members, who have been raising concerns since 2019, claim that the misappropriated funds include check-off dues, grants, subventions, and revenue from PASAN-owned assets.
The protests, held at the PASAN National Secretariat located at Plot 520, Trow Plaza, Olu’ Awotesu Street, Suite 01, Behind Mr. Biggs, Jabi District, Abuja led to the disruption of businesses in the area, with other tenants forced to close shops due to the tensed atmosphere.
The Protesting PASAN members wielded placards with messages such as “PASAN National do the right thing, CWC stop the illegalities, call for Congress, Stabiyi Led exco is gone forever, give us Congress now, PASAN National stop the illegalities, obey the constitution, call for Congress now, say no to imposition, Sabiyi must go, cure the deformed PASAN leadership.”
They demanded immediate reforms to address what they see as corruption and abuse of power by the Sabiyi-led administration.
Yusuf Abiola, a member of the Association’s Congress Committee, stated that the crisis escalated in mid-2024 when PASAN members expressed outrage over the leadership’s financial practices.
He also accused the leadership of colluding with national and zonal leaders to remove nine executives, known as the G9, from the 14-member leadership team, which sparked widespread discontent and led to a vote of no confidence on July 15, 2024.
Abiola called for the formation of a caretaker committee to oversee the association’s affairs and ensure the welfare of PASAN members.
The protesters have issued a series of demands, including the public recognition of the no-confidence vote, the creation of an interim leadership, and the non-victimization of whistleblowers.
They also called for an audit of PASAN’s financial statements from 2019 to the present.
The accused executives, including Chairman Sunday Sabiyi, Treasurer Samtiya Daniel, and Financial Secretaries Stacy Nwodo and Peter Raph, are under fire for allegedly mishandling ₦3 billion in association funds. PASAN members have given the leadership a 14-day ultimatum, which expired on October 6, 2024, for the implementation of these reforms.
As protests continue, PASAN members are determined to see significant changes that will promote transparency, accountability, and a fair leadership structure within the association.
Legislature
Senator Natasha Transforms Kogi Central Schools with 5,000 Digital Learning Devices
By Isah Bala
Access to quality education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is embodying this vision by bringing transformative educational tools to Kogi Central. In a groundbreaking initiative, the senator recently provided 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools in her district, aiming to bridge the digital divide and set a new educational standard.
The devices, unveiled at Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO), are preloaded with the Nigerian curriculum from UBEC and internationally acclaimed educational resources, including Khan Academy and Discovery Kids. Through this initiative, students will experience interactive learning, enabling them to explore subjects in depth, enhance digital literacy, and engage with complex topics in a hands-on way.
This project is just the beginning of Senator Natasha’s ambitious plan to make “smart schools” the norm in Kogi Central. She envisions a future where every child in her district has equal access to digital learning, stating, “My dream is to equip all public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central with digital learning devices before the end of my tenure in 2027.”
Beyond device distribution, the senator’s initiative includes UBEC-led teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to integrate these tools into their classrooms effectively.
With this dual approach of student and teacher empowerment, Senator Natasha is laying a foundation that will support digital literacy and skill development for years to come.
Senator Natasha’s commitment to educational advancement represents a significant step forward for Kogi Central, ensuring that young students have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. This initiative marks her dedication to the constituency that entrusted her with this mandate.
Legislature
Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process
Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.
During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.
“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.
The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”
Legislature
NASS Joint Committee moves to address security, energy concerns in tertiary institutions
In a significant move to tackle pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tertiary Institutions has pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders to combat critical challenges related to security and energy. This commitment was made during a two-day retreat dedicated to these urgent matters.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) highlighted the importance of establishing secure environments for educational institutions. He affirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to address criminal activities on campuses and mitigate ongoing energy crises that threaten the educational landscape.
The retreat, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions in partnership with TETFund, convened key stakeholders from the education sector to brainstorm potential solutions.
Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), opened the proceedings by stressing the critical nature of the security and energy challenges faced by institutions. “These issues endanger not only the safety of our students and faculty but also jeopardize the fundamental mission of education,” he stated.
Dandutse pointed to the rising incidents of violence targeting educational establishments, which have instilled fear among parents, resulting in decreased student enrollment and declining academic performance. “When parents are anxious about their children’s safety, our quest for academic excellence falters, threatening the future of our nation,” he declared.
Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Governing Board of TETFund and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the retreat’s role in identifying sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence that the diverse expertise of the participants would yield meaningful recommendations to address these issues.
Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reassured participants of the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for higher education in Nigeria.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reiterated the essential role of tertiary education in national development. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to implement effective solutions to the challenges at hand.
As discussions unfold, there is a shared optimism that the retreat will produce actionable strategies aimed at improving security and energy supply within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, ultimately ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the country.
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