Education

Varsities to get N30bn revitalisation fund next week, says Ngige

Published

5 years ago

August 3, 2021

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Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige has said the Federal Government will release N30 billion as revitalisation fund to universities next week.

The government explained the money, which was paid in January, is still with the Central Bank of Nigeria pending conclusion of the audit report of the Implementation Committee on the use of previous funds disbursement to universities by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission, will hit the accounts of universities soon.

The Minister added the monies will be paid to successful universities based on the evaluation report of the committee while those with shortcomings will be made to make up before accessing the fund.

The revitalisation fund is among seven key issues evaluated at a meeting with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, both parties at the meeting expressed satisfaction with the implementation stages of what Ngige termed “work in progress.”

The Minister said some of the items in the Memorandum of Action (MOA) were nearly done hundred percent within the timeline.

He explained the National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA) was directed to expedite action on the integrity test on the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) which if successful, will eliminate the challenges posed by the peculiarities of the university system to the current payment platform.

“The report has been turned in , deliberated upon and both the Education Ministry and the NUC have promised to write to the Accountant General of the Federation next week for the release of the money to the NEEDS Special Account for onward disbursement to universities shortly,” Ngige said.

He further disclosed apart from the N40B Earned Allowance which the Federal Government has already paid, the Budget Office of the Federation showed evidence that N22B Earned Allowances for year 2021 is already captured in the 2021 supplementary budget of the federation, and will soon be accessed .

“On the proliferation of State universities , a bill has been sent to the National Assembly by the NUC to strengthen its arms in terms of delisting universities where funding and other parameters are inadequate. This effort was commended as all the parties agreed that mushrooming and proliferation of state universities, some of which mock the ideals of an ivory tower, should stop.

“The inconsistencies in the IPPIS payment was also discussed. There was good interaction and documents were exchanged between IPPIS and ASUU. ASUU is to go back to its members so that we can have a proper update on the extent of the inconsistencies in payment.

“We expressed our displeasure that these things are happening – amputation of salaries, not-too-clear, foggy things happening over peoples monthly emoluments. So we have asked IPPIS and ASUU to work together over this ,” the Minister said.

He also said that evidence was presented to show that promotion arrears have been paid to some universities while the Budget Office of the Federation and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation were asked to liaise with ASUU to sort out the rest, noting that the standing committee on the matter has been expended to include National Income Salaries and Wages Commission .

“A situation where a university professor is paid N107, 000 out of mistake or over deduction is unacceptable,” Ngige declared.

ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and promised that the union will reach out to its members.

Ngige has expressed shock that the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) has embarked on strike after holding a similar successful evaluation meeting with him, last week.

Those at the meeting include; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Peter Tarfa and the immediate Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Rasheed Abubakar.

Related Topics:NGIGE REVITALISATION VARSITIES

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Top Seven most competitive courses in Nigeria (2025) and their cut-off marks

Published

9 months ago

June 26, 2025

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With the race for admission into Nigerian universities getting more competitive, certain courses continue to dominate as a result of their high demand and limited slots. These programmes not only require top-tier performance in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME but also excellent O’level results.

In 2025, these seven courses remain the most competitive in Nigeria, drawing thousands of high-performing applicants.

1. Medicine and Surgery

Medicine and Surgery consistently ranks as the most competitive course in Nigeria. With thousands aspiring to become doctors and limited admission slots, it remains a top choice.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 280+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

2. Law

Law is highly sought-after for the prestige, career opportunities, and societal respect it offers. Admission is tough due to its popularity and limited intake capacity.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 270+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Literature-in-English, Government or History, and other related subjects.

3. Pharmacy

Pharmacy attracts candidates seeking a stable, well-paying career in healthcare. With roles in hospitals, industry, and research, it offers excellent job prospects.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 270+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

4. Nursing Science

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions in Nigeria, with global demand and solid financial benefits.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 260+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

5. Accounting

Accounting remains a top choice due to its versatility and strong job market. It also provides a pathway to professional qualifications like ICAN and ACCA.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Financial Accounting, and any relevant subject.

6. Computer Science

As the tech industry booms, Computer Science has become one of the most in-demand courses. Career options range from software development to cybersecurity.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Studies, and one other science or social science subject.

7. Economics

Economics is competitive due to its relevance in both the public and private sectors. Graduates enjoy diverse career paths in banking, policy, and business.

Expected UTME Cut-Off: 250+

O’Level Requirements: Credits in English Language, Mathematics, Economics, and two other related subjects like Government, Commerce, or Geography.

Education

Oando awards scholarships to 100-level university students

Published

11 months ago

April 25, 2025

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The Oando Joint Venture (JV), consisting NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) /Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited (OERNL), in demonstration of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has launched the 2025/2026 applications for its Tertiary Scholarship Scheme.

This initiative, targeted at both the JV’s Host Communities and the country at large,aims to build the next generation of leaders by supporting the academic aspirations of undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
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The scholarship application, which opened on Thursday, March 27, 2025, will close on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. It offers two categories of awards: the Host Communities Merit Award specifically for students who are indigenes of Oando’s host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Imo States; and the National Merit Award open to students from across Nigeria, excluding Oando’s host communities, who are pursuing studies in Engineering, Geology, Geosciences, and Agricultural Sciences.

This inclusive approach ensures that talented students from all over Nigeria have the opportunity to benefit from this program.

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To be eligible for consideration,applicants must be registered full-time undergraduates in a Nigerian tertiary institution and be certified 100-level students at the time of application.

The scheme explicitly excludes 200-level students and above, current beneficiaries of similar awards from other companies and agencies, and dependents of staff of Oando PLC and its subsidiaries.
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This scholarship program underscores Oando’s unwavering commitment toinvesting in the future of Nigeria, particularly its host communities, and contributing to the development of the country’s human capital.

By focusing on education, a cause the company is deeply passionate about and champions through its foundation, Oando Foundation, Oando aims to empower young people and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. The company views this as a crucial aspect of its social responsibility, fostering sustainable development.
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The selection process includes an online aptitude test, which only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to take. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 50% in the aptitude test to be considered,and the results will be published on noticeboards in all Oando locations nationwide.
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The Tertiary Scholarship Scheme, initiated by the Joint Venture in the 1992/1993 academic session, currently supports the education of over 350 beneficiaries.

Its continuation, following Oando’s acquisition of the interests of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in August 2024, demonstrates the company’s steadfast belief in leaving its communities better than it met them and its role in nurturing Nigeria’s next generation.
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Interested and qualified students are encouraged to visit candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/oandoscholarship2025to apply before the deadline.
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As a proudly indigenous company with a Nigerian workforce, Oando recognizes that investing in quality education is paramount to developing the nation’s future talent pool. This scholarship program empowers young Nigerians with the tools they need to contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity.

Metro News

PHOTOS: Bandit leaders ‘surrender’ to troops in Katsina, ‘free’ hostages

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

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Several notorious bandit leaders terrorising Batsari, Safana, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina, have reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, identified those who surrendered as Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, who have all operated from the Jibia axis.

The publication quoted security sources as saying the bandits embraced the peace deal and surrendered following sustained military operations in the region.

Makama said the repentant bandits handed over their weapons to the troops and released several hostages they had abducted.

According to the publication, the former bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting engagement in the construction of markets and hospitals.

They vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities, it added.

Their surrender was reportedly facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Hamisa Batsari.

On Monday, the defence headquarters (DHQ) said 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation for onward reintegration into society.

Below are photos