education
Bayelsa Govt. urges labour unions to shelve planned strike
The Bayelsa Government has appealed to labour unions in the state-owned tertiary institutions not to embark on their planned strike, saying efforts were underway to address their demands.The state Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the appeal on Tuesday, at a meeting with the representatives of the various unions under the aegis of the Higher Institutions Joint Action Committee (HIJAC) in Government House, Yenagoa.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ewhrudjakpo, pointed out that since the committee set up by the government to look into their demands had not completed its assignment, it would not be necessary for the unions to commence strike.He noted that the industrial action would not only adversely affect the education system of the state, but also a disservice to members of the unions if they go ahead to down tools at a time frantic efforts were being made to address their grievances.According to the deputy governor, government had already agreed to implement the new Minimum Wage for workers in the state tertiary institutions.He, therefore, assured the labour leaders that the implementation would commence as soon as the right figures and computations were made available by the committee handling the assignment.Ewhrudjakpo equally promised that the state government would introduce a new template for paying annual subventions to the tertiary institutions.“I want to appeal to you to shelve your planned strike. You need to tell your people there are procedures to take for striking.“I want you to explain to your members there is still collective bargaining and we are at the verge of resolving the issues.“We have not declared that our talks had broken down; if they had broken down, you would know as enlightened people.“Tell them they should not go on strike because it will not help us. The harm strikes have done to our society far outweighs any benefit one may get from it.“We will take the minimum wage implementation first before the promotion arrears. The implementation must be across board and the unions should be fully involved in the implementation process.“From our deliberations here, government has agreed in principle to implement the new minimum wage for your members in the state owned tertiary institutions which have not benefited from the implementation.“However, a committee has been set up to get the appropriate salary structure from the polytechnics in our neighbouring states. As it stands now, the polytechnics salary structure is not available,” he said.Earlier in his address, the Chairman of HIJAC, Mr Gbenizibe Amachree, listed the unions` demands to include implementation of the new minimum wage, re-instatement of their wrongfully disengaged members, implementation of promotions and payment of promotion arrears to members.The unions also called on the state government to separate subventions from salaries being paid to staff of tertiary institutions, insisting that such subventions should rather be channelled to infrastructural development of the schools.Highpoint of the meeting was the setting up of some committees including the one chaired by the Chairman, Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Labour Matters, Mr Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.The committee, which is mandated to look into the alleged wrongful disengagement of workers, has the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Mr Anthony Ikhobo, as Secretary.Members of the committee include the Commissioner for Education, Mr Gentle Emelah, his labour counterpart, Mr Stanley Braboke and members of HIJAC including Mr Wilcox Fakidoma, Mr Alex Toun-aregha and Mr Egisi Isaac.All the committees are expected to submit their reports within two weeks to enable government study the recommendations with a view to implementing them expeditiously.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has congratulated the Chairman/Chief Executive of BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, CON, on his 65th birthday.
Prof. Egbewole, in a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, described the Kano-born business magnate as a blessing to Nigeria and humanity.
The Vice Chancellor noted that Alhaji Rabiu’s hard work, patriotism, and spirit of giving deserve to be emulated in order for the nation to produce more of those who will always think beyond their personal interests.
Prof. Egbewole, who lauded the prominent businessman’s numerous contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria over the years, specifically thanked Alhaji Rabiu for his relentless support to several educational institutions in the country, adding that the University of Ilorin, in particular, would continue to be grateful to him for the 3,000-seater amphitheater he is currently building at the University.
Prof. Egbewole wished Alhaji Rabiu many more years of sound health, happiness, and continuous service to humanity.
End
By: Fabian Apechihin
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, August 4, 2025, WAEC announced that candidates who sat for the examination can now check their results online.
“The West African Examinations Council is pleased to inform candidates who sat WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025, that the results have officially been released today, Monday, August 4, 2025,” the statement read.
Candidates are urged to visit the Council’s result portal at www.waecdirect.org to access their performance.
More details to follow…
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to harness their talents and energy for ventures that bring honour to the nation rather than engaging in social vices, including cybercrime, which ultimately result in regret and disgrace.
Speaking at a youth empowerment programme in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, organised by Faitheroic Generation (FHG), Olukoyede warned that criminal activities, particularly internet fraud, might appear lucrative at first but always end in tears for perpetrators.
Faitheroic Generation is a national youth empowerment organisation dedicated to building financially independent young Nigerians through freelancing, digital skills, and ethical network marketing in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“There is dignity in labour. Shortcuts through cybercrime may seem attractive, but they destroy futures and reputations. Nigeria’s youths must rise above these temptations and use their potential to build a country they can be proud of,” Olukoyede said.
Addressing over 400 youths, the EFCC boss, who was represented by Ayodele Babatunde, Head, Public Affairs Department of the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, stressed that unemployment should never be an excuse for criminality.
“We understand the challenges young people face, but cybercrime is not a solution. You have gifts and skills that can thrive legitimately. Channel them into productive ventures, and you will enjoy lasting fulfilment,” he added.
The EFCC Chair further urged the youths to partner with the EFCC in its mission to restore Nigeria’s global image, noting that the activities of internet fraudsters had brought severe damage to the country’s reputation at home and abroad.
He concluded with a rousing slogan: “Integrity is Strength, Hardwork is Wealth, Accountability is power – Say No to Corruption!”.
In his lecture titled “Staying Safe Online and Preventing Cybercrime”, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, James Allison, who heads the Advance Fee Fraud Section of the Ilorin Directorate, admonished the youths to be wary of becoming tools for money laundering or falling prey to fraudulent online investment scams.
“Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting people’s lack of understanding of virtual assets,” Allison warned. “They promise outrageous returns on investments, build convincing but fake trading platforms, and disappear with victims’ funds once they succeed.”
He urged participants to research thoroughly before investing in any platform, verify regulatory compliance, and avoid unsolicited offers that sound too good to be true.
“Always crosscheck investment opportunities with credible sources, ask the right questions, and never share your bank accounts for dubious transactions. Once you allow criminals to use your account, you become a complicit partner in crime,” he explained.
Allison’s lecture underscored practical steps to stay safe online, from protecting personal data and using secure digital platforms to reporting suspicious activities through the EFCC’s Eagle Eye App.
The programme ended with an interactive session where youths asked questions about legitimate business opportunities and ways to work with the EFCC in combating cybercrime.
End
Herdsmen Kill Three in Fresh Benue Attack, Residents Block Highway in Protest
Police foil assassination plot, robbery attack in Kwara, nab 2
Lebanese expatriate worker sues GOC 2 Div, others, for alleged unlawful detention, demands N2bn as damages
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
Headlines10 years agoPolitical Clash:Borno Dep Gov Orders Abduction Of Church Leader
-
News8 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News9 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion6 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women