News
VCs Lament Nigeria’s Poor Investment In Education
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
Vice- Chancellors of Nigerian universities have lamented the country’s poor investment in education, saying it is tantamount to sentencing the Country to a bleak future.
The VCs under the aegis of Association of Vice- Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) made the declaration on Monday at the opening of their 32nd conference held at the Kwara state University, Malete.
The association added that poor investment in education would leave Nigerian children and the economy weak and unprotected.
The Chairman of AVCNU, Prof. Debo Adeyewa spoke on behalf of his colleagues.
Adeyewa, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun state, therefore, urged governments at all levels to fund education adequately.
He said: “It is imperative to state the fact that without adequate
Investment in education, Nigeria cannot compete favourabluy in the marketplace of the knowledge economy in the 21st century and that there is no poverty alleviation without significant improvement in educational standard through a deliberate and momentus increase in the funding of education.”
He charged university leaders responsible for the provision of qualitative higher education to come up with solutions that the “problems of paucity of finance, deficit of knowledge infrastructure, governance, policy inconsistency and other solutions relevant to the needs of society.
“We need to address the nagging questions to ensure the provision of functional and quality education required for national development in the 21st century through our universities.”
Adeyewa added that “we have formidable challenges confronting our universities and our dear nation”, adding that the employability of our graduates, entrepreneurship, quality assurance, relevance to sustainable development, climate change, leveraging on ICT and open education resources and international collaboration in the Nigerian university system are some of the challenges confronting the universities.”
Declaring the conference open, the Kwara state governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed tasked the university vice chancellors to promote real research instead of the book review that is prevalent over the years.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Governor Ahmed said that “it is only through pragmatic approach that we can guarantee sustainable growth in our country. Unless and until we graduate students as job creators, our saturated market of unemployable youths can at best remain time bombs that would do us no good.”
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of KWASU, Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, had urged university administrators to collaborate with government to stop incessant strikes by lecturers, adding that most university lecturers don’t treat their students like clients. “If we are determined to have 21st century universities, we have to ensure that our universities are theatres of research. There cannot be development without universities. Nigerian universities have no other cause but to change the fortune of Nigeria,” he added.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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