BREAKING! Ganduje Resigns as APC Chairman: Gives Reason

Reports from the National Headquarters of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Abuja indicate that Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has stepped aside from office as the National Chairman of the ruling party.

Multiple online reports have it that the former Kano State Governor tendered his official resignation letter to the National Working Committee of the party Friday citing health reasons. He reportedly said he needed to attend to his health.

There had been oppositions to Ganduje's leadership. Earlier in the week, there was a protest against his continued stay in office at the party headquarters. The bulk of dissent emanated from the North Central caucus of the party which viewed Ganduje as an usuper using up the tenure of the geopolitical zone. His leadership style which many considered autocratic was another issue.

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, a two time deputy governor and two time governor of Kano State succeeded Dr. Abdullahi Adamu as chairman. He is likely to be replaced in acting capacity by a National Vice Chairman in acting capacity pending the National Congress of the party later in the year.

Dr. Ganduje has a running battle back home with his erstwhile boss and friend, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso. Many perceived him as using his position as chairman to influence things in his favour. It is yet to be seen whether he would abandone his supporters to their fate or continue to champion their political cause.

New Partnership in Service Delivery in Nigeria as Tinubu Partners Civil Societies

A cross section of CSO leaders at the dialogue session

The  Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed ministries, departments and agencies of government to engage quarterly with civil societies.

The Civil Society Advisor to the Open Governance Partnership Nigeria, Uchenna Arisukwu disclosed in Abuja, Friday at a stakeholders dialogue session with the organized civil societies that the president gave this directive last year pursuant to his desire for improved service delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr. Uchenna Arisukwu, Civil Society Advisor to OGPN

The dialogue, which was at the instance of the Secretariat of the Open Government Partnership Nigeria, aimed at strategizing on leveraging the presidential initiative for improved service delivery to Nigerians and followed on the heel of a 3-day retreat in co-creating Nigeria's fourth national action plan.

ED CLSD, Mr. Monday Osasa (l), Vahyala Kwaga and  Precious Adigwe

The MDAs' engagement with civil societies is in addition to the the ministerial briefings already in place and hosted by the Federal Ministry of Information.

The development underscores President Tinubu's commitment to service delivery, transparency and accountability and citizenship participation in governance. 

the event had leaders of civil societies across the nation and spanning wide interest range in attendance. 

 

Prioritize Workers Welfare, NSITF Boss Tells Employers

Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund has called on employers of labour in Nigeria to prioritize workers welfare by complying with the Employee Compensation Act.

Speaking Wednesday, at 4th edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit under the umbrella of National Employers Consultative Assembly, NECA, in Abuja, Barrister Faleye said welfare of workers as key stakeholders in enterprise ecosystem must be prioritized above every other consideration. 

Barrister Faleye, who was sympathetic towards labour employers in the private sector for numerous challenges they faced, nevertheless,  stated that stakeholders must "understand that in order to create sustainability that we envisaged, we must pay attention to the welfare and safety of the critical stakeholders within that value chain: the workers." He opined that, "It is by adhering to laws such as the Employees Compensation Act through which the Employees Compensation Scheme came about that this can be achieved."

Earlier in his speech, Barrister Faleye acknowledged the mutual commitment of NSITF and NECA to advancement of workers welfare especially, in the private sector. He further lauded the leadership role of the NECA in partnering NSITF to better the lot of the Nigerian workers.He promised to keep engaging stakeholders such as NECA with a view to ensuring compliance and thereby assuring the welfare of every Nigerian worker is assured.

Workers Safety Not Negotiable Priority __NSITF Boss

 The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, (NSITF), Mr. Seun Faleye has said that workers safety and health is a Non-Negotiable management priority for the Fund.

Mr. Seun Faleye, Managing Director NSITF 

Speaking at a  press conference to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work at the Fund's corporate head office in Abuja Monday, the Managing Director, who was represented at the event by the Executive Director in charge of Finance and Investments, Dr. Adedeji Adegoke, reaffirmed the management's "unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and well-being of Nigerian workers."
Speaking to the theme for the Day, "Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,"  Mr. Faleye noted that, "We are living in technological renaissance that is redefining the modern workplace." He acknowledged the role of Artificial Intelligence, digital sensors, machine learning and other technologies that were once futuristic in saving lives, restoration of dignity and minimising injuries. The Managing Director asserted that the theme aligned with the strategic focus of NSITF on prevention of workplace accidents, protection and productivity.

Executive Director Finances and Investments, Dr Adedeji Adegoke flanked on the left by General Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr.Tony Eke and another management staff 

 The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was instituted by the International Labour Organisation, (ILO) in 2003 to raise awareness on the importance of preventing workplace accidents, injuries and diseases and to champion the culture of safety and health at work. Data from the ILO revealed that over 2.78 million workers die annually of work related injuries and diseases with hundreds of millions of workplace accidents annually.

Further in his address, Mr Faleye saluted the Health and Safety Environment, (HSE) and Occupational Safety and Health, (OHS) workers for their courage and dedication as he acknowledged their roles as the first line of defence.

Mr Faleye enjoined all stakeholders to make this year's observance a turning point. He called for stronger collaborations among partners, better policies and commensurate resources from the government even as he urged the media to help spread the message of safety and health at work.

Concluding, the NSITF boss asserted that a safe worker is a productive worker and a healthy workplace, a prosperous nation.

The Fund has a week-long activities lined up to commemorate the day. A roadshow aimed at sensitising the public on the safety and health of workers was underway at the time of filing this report.

How You can Benefit from NELFUND Loan

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, will, on the 22nd February, open its registration portal for Nigerian students waiting to apply for loan in the 2024/2025 session. Managing Director of the Fund, Mr. Akintunde Sawyyer disclosed at a press conference in Abuja, Monday, that the portal will close for the 2023/2024 session on the 21st February.  

NELFUND was established in 2024 to provide interest free loans to Nigerian students with the aim of making higher education affordable and accessible for the all Nigerians. It offers interest free loans covering tuition and other fees charged by schools which are paid directly into the schools' account on behalf of the beneficies. It also offers student's upkeep loan of twenty thousand naira monthly paid into students' accounts. A student may choose either to take that or not.

Mr. Sawyyer advised intending beneficiaries to prepare against the date. He assured that all applications would be duly processed.

Mr. Akintunde Sawyyer: Managing Director of NELFUND 

Here is how you can benefit from the loan.

First, you need to know that your data is secure with NELFUND and you can complete the application within 15-30 minutes. It's that fast and easy!

Eligibility 

*You must be a Nigerian.

*You must be currently a student of a public higher institution of learning in Nigeria. 

*You must not be a defaulter of loan from any registered finance institutions.

*Must not be a convict.

*Must not be a cultist

*You must not present fake documents and false information in the process of registration.

*There is no age limit.

Required Documents 

According to the information on the Fund's website, you will need to upload a scanned copy of your admission letter and may upload a  scanned copy your student identification in addition.

How to Apply for NELFUND Student Loan.

-Visit the official site of NELFUND: https://nelf.gov.ng 

-Click on the "APPLY NOW" button to get started.

-Click "Get started" on the next window.

-Answer the questions on the next window.

-Click on the "Request for Student Loan" button and complete the loan application steps and submit.

-Your application will be reviewed. After successful verification, payments will be made to your institution for institutional charge, while the upkeep loan will be paid to the bank account you have provided in your profile. 

According to information on the official site of the Fund, your application may be rejected: 

If proven you have defaulted in any previous loan granted by any licensed financial institution. Submission of fake/fraudulent documents and being dismissed by any school authority for examination malpractices are further grounds for disqualification. In addition conviction for fraud and forgery, drug offences, cultism, felony, or any offences involving dishonesty also attract rejection of application.

Appeal 

If your application is rejected you can appeal by sending a mail to the Fund.

Repayment 

The loan is due for repayment at 10% of beneficiary's salary after two years of National Youth Service until the full loan amount is defrayed. Should a beneficiary still be unemployed at the time he/she should contact the Fund and swear to an avidavit to that effect. 

Education Under Tinubu: So Far So Good

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's goal for the Nigerian education sector, "Better Education for All" under the Renewed Hope package has achieved laudable and unprecedented feats in less than two years with most of them recorded under the stewardship of Dr. Tunji Alausa.  However, despite the strenuous efforts of the President's media team led by Bayo Onanuga, a media grandmaster, and the recently appointed inimitable Honourable Daniel Bwala at communicating the President's policies and achievements, these success stories are not being given due ovation for various reasons beyond the scope of this piece.

Dr. Tunji Alausa: Education Minister 

Some of the innovative and progressive achievements of President Bola Tinubu administration are enumerated in this piece.

Policy

Sound policy is the foundation for the success of any organisation. President Bola Tinubu showed he is thinking outside the box when he rolled out system-wide policies in April, 2024. The policies under the acronym of DOTS translating to, Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training & Development, and Skill Development & Acquisition are carefully designed to comprehensively overhaul the education sector to improve learning and skill development, increase enrolment, and ensure the academic security of the nation’s children.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga: Head of Tinubu's Media Team

The administration has also ensured a holistic review of existing policies on education through the National Council on Education, NCE, the body responsible for education policy with the Honourable Minister providing the leadership. The Council has convened regularly aside extraordinary sessions to address issues as and when necessary. For instance, the Council had an extraordinary session earlier this February where the following policy issues were addressed:

*National Language Policy

*National Policy on Education

*Nigeria’s First Anti-Bullying Policy

*The Repositioning of Federal Science & Technology Colleges (FSTCs) to Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) and

*The Reversal of the 16-year-old age enrolment criteria for tertiary institutions." 

The issue of Nomadic Education was also discussed.

In addition, the Council at the session extended compulsory basic education from 9 years to 12. Dr. Alausa explained that this was important in reducing drop out rate, reducing the number of out-of-school children, reversing regression of knowledge and better equipment of school leavers.

In the same vein the Honourable Minister recently announced a shift towards the STEM based education.

The administration has ensured the policy directions and changes are knowledge based, accepted by all stakeholders and poised to take the nation to greater heights.

Hon. Daniel Bwala: Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication 

Staff Welfare

President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to improved welfare for educators and supporting staff by offsetting part of the lingering outstanding arrears owed universities lecturers. This has ensured better harmony and the fact ASSU has not gone on strike since under Tinubu is the best testimony to this. If the tren persists, Tinubu will go down in history as the first president since 1999 that did not record university lecturers' strike within the first two years of his administration.

The thorny issue of the inclusion of universities in the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System IPPIS has been laid to rest with the government approving their exit from the scheme. Furthermore, workers receive their salaries timely since the administration came on board.

Education Loan Scheme 

President Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act, 2024. Act into law on April 3, 2024, signalling a new beginning in education financing and accessibility in Nigeria. The Act established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, which provides sustainable interest free loans to students with the aim to making higher education accessible to all Nigerians. The Fund has benefited over three hundred thousand students in under a year while more are scheduled to come on board early this year with the recent opening of the portal for registration.

Establishment of new Institutions 

To further ensure greater access to quality education, the Tinubu administration has ensured the take off of universities established only in name by President Buhari while establishing new ones as well as other higher institutions of learning. The criteria for new Institutions under Tinubu includes, national need, access and inclusiveness.

Better and Sustainable Funding

As nothing good comes cheap, President Tinubu has matched words with action by ensuring better and sustainable funding for the education sector in Nigeria. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, alone receives an allocation of close to one trillion Naira in the 2025 budget. The Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly also makes provision for huge sums to the Fund over the years to build up a sustainable pool. Aside TETFUND, NELFUND and all agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education have enjoyed improved funding under the Tinubu government.

Provision of Infrastructure 

Realising the decay in education infrastructure in Nigeria and to ensure better learning environment, the Tinubu administration, in the 2025 Federal budget, makes a provision of 828 billion Naira for education infrastructure alone. Another testament to the commitment of President Tinubu to deliver Better Education for All is the disclosure by the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, January that the Tinubu administration spent 27 billion Naira on education infrastructure in just Bwari Area Council.

Legal Framework 

The government recognises that institutions and policies cannot operate successfully without proper and enabling laws. It has therefore, rooted it's policies and actions within the extant laws while reforming those that need reform and sponsoring new laws.

Conclusion

Some of us did not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu initially. However, patriotism, integrity and good sense mandate all good citizens to appraise actions and pronouncements of leaders without bias and support those that are proven to be done for the advancement of our nation such as these innovative achievements in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

6-3-3-4 not Scrapped, Alausa Clarifies

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education 

The Honourable Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has clarified that the 6-3-3-4 system of education currently in operation in Nigeria is not scrapped. Dr. Alausa made the clarification in a post on his verified X account @DrTunjiAlausa Friday.

The Minister explained that what the National Council on Education, NCE, deliberated on was the extension of compulsory basic education from 9 to 12 years. Debunking the report that the 6+3-3-4 system has been scrapped, he said, 

"To clarify, this proposal DOES NOT “scrap JSS and SSS.” Instead, it means that every child must complete all 12 years of schooling (Primary 1 to SS3/Year 1 to Year 12)."

Urging Nigerians to disregard media reports especially on blog sites that the system has been jettisoned, He said, "Please disregard the misinformation circulating on blogs. As I mentioned in my press briefing today, this policy change is part of our broader strategy to ensure that our children are educated properly."

Dr Alausa explained further that the new policy "is aimed at reducing the dropout rate and the number of Out-of-School Children. By ensuring students complete schooling through SS3/Year 12, they will be better equipped with knowledge and life skills. Moreover, this will help prevent the regression of knowledge that we often see when students drop out before SS1/Year 10."

The Honourable Minister listed other policies that came under focus at the extraordinary session of the NCE to include:

*National Language Policy

*National Policy on Education

*Nigeria’s First Anti-Bullying Policy

*The Repositioning of Federal Science & Technology Colleges (FSTCs) to Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) and

*The Reversal of the 16-year-old age enrolment criteria for tertiary institutions.

In less than 2 years of the Tinubu government, Nigerian education sector has recorded significant progressive changes. Among these are the student loan scheme which has disbursed loans to hundreds of thousands of students, establishment of many new and specialized tertiary institutions and improved funding as evinced in the allocation of about 1 trillion Naira to TETFUND in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.