The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) sounded the alarm on Tuesday about a scheme to undermine the welfare of public universities in Nigeria.

At an event in Abuja celebrating ASUU’s Heroes Day in 2024, ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, claimed that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are persistently working to dismantle Nigeria’s public education system.

The union expressed frustration over the stalled renegotiation of its 2009 agreement with the Federal Government, pointing out that, despite multiple Memoranda of Understanding and Action, the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement remains unresolved and unfinalized.

Prof. Osodeke also lamented that the situation has worsened due to the continued enforcement of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System in public universities, despite the Federal Executive Council’s previous announcement to remove the system from higher education institutions.

Osodeke also voiced concern that the Federal Government continued to unfairly withhold the union’s salaries for three and a half months, along with unpaid wage arrears, overdue promotions, and the unresolved Earned Academic Allowance.

Speaking further at the event, where ASUU honoured what it described as its “past and living heroes,” Osodeke commended the union’s members nationwide for their “courageous comradeship and sacrifices to the cause of our union, which forever resonate with the emancipation of Nigerian public university education and the suffering Nigerian people.”

He stated that the union plans to provide PhD scholarships to select members from different public universities nationwide. Each grant, worth N500,000, will be awarded following a thorough evaluation of proposals conducted by specialists in the relevant fields.

“Comrades, like in the past, this year’s celebration of our heroes also takes place as we continue the struggle to rescue Nigeria’s public universities from the suffocating clutches of the World Bank and the IMF, whose determination to destroy and bury our public university system has not abated.

“It is rather lamentable that we are still struggling to compel the renegotiation of our 2009 Agreement with the federal government, twelve years after it should have been concluded, and after four rounds of failed negotiations.

“It is most disheartening and egregious that despite the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the ASUU-FGN 2009 Agreement is yet to be renegotiated and finalised,” he said.

Osodeke alleged that at the state level, ASUU members “are still being punished for fighting for the interests of members and the university system.”

He added, “Let me re-emphasise that we stand with our members at Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in their persecution for their principled support and solidarity in the struggle to defend the soul of public university education in Nigeria.

“As part of our Heroes Day celebration, this year, and in line with the NDC decision, the union will be offering PhD grants to some of our members across various public universities in the country.

“The grants, valued at five hundred thousand naira per recipient, will be based on the rigorous assessment of their proposals by experts in their respective disciplines.”

The event honored distinguished individuals, including Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Prof. Oye Oyediran, Mallam Bashir Kurfi, Prof. The Name Ikiddeh, Mr. S.A. Fadipe, and Prof. Sola Olukunle.

Additional honorees included Nasir Hussain, Tunde Oduleye, Prof. Rasheed Abubakar, Akin Oyebode, Mustapha A. Danesi, A.T. Wins, and Dr. Peter Ozo-Son.

The PUNCH

The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has requested comprehensive data on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and neighbouring countries who have lost their homes due to natural disasters.

Kalu made this request on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs, Tijani Ahmed, in Abuja.

In a statement released on Thursday, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, noted that Kalu attributed some of these displacements to natural disasters like flooding and erosion.

“We are charging your commission to give us the total report on the plight of Nigerians currently all across the country.

“So, let the commission have an intervention fund dedicated to doing the proper needs analysis so that as we do the budget, we look into it. This is part of the oversight function. So, get us a report on that.

“Your mandate includes refugees and the IDPs. You can’t be internally displaced only through war or crisis. You can be internally displaced through climate-induced displacement and that’s what we are experiencing now.

“The climate is at war with us. So, the issue of mitigation and adaptation is something that, as a government, we must take seriously but in doing that, agencies like you which manage the consequences of these climate impacts need to be aware that it’s beyond what we are seeing currently.

“We heard of what happened in Maiduguri. I mentioned it even before the African Union. Beyond Maiduguri, a lot more is happening around the country,” Kalu said.

The statement also highlighted the importance of raising the annual budget allocation for the commission to support it in fulfilling its responsibilities.

“How prepared are you? I checked your budget last year and was wondering if a budget of N1.6bn or thereabout will be able to handle that across the country.

“And I have not heard your agency bring it to the fore, both in the parliament and also to Nigerians, maybe through a documentary to show us the volume of the needs analysis, showcasing the plight of Nigerians.

“There are so many people suffering due to climate change. The parliament needs to hear from you on the total national needs analysis of internally displaced persons. And the impact of climate-induced displacement. We need to get a document on that.

“We are giving you two weeks to bring the report because we want it to guide us as we make our budget.

“Also a copy of that will be sent to the Budget Office of the Federation so they will understand the enormous nature of your mandate,” he added.

Ahmed conveyed his appreciation to the Deputy Speaker and committed to submitting the report to the parliament by the deadline, while also requesting additional funding from the commission.

“We thank you for giving us this audience today and I have listened carefully. We will ensure that these individuals who are our own are returned.

“We will put the reports together, both the refugees and displaced persons, to show the parliament and for you to also see the plight of the commission in the area of funding,” he said.

On Monday, a two-storey building under construction collapsed in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, resulting in one fatality and one person critically injured.

The collapse, which took place around 2 p.m., marks the second such incident in the area within a week.

Eyewitness Jonathan Obey reported that the building crumbled while workers were on the second floor, tragically claiming the life of a young man known as Udeme, from Akwa Ibom State.

Another worker barely escaped with his life but suffered severe injuries. Obey attributed the incident to poor-quality materials, noting that the foundation and structural supports were inadequate.

“When we came, we noticed that substandard materials were used in the construction. The building’s foundation was for a two-storey structure, yet low-quality rods and insufficient cement were used. The decking lacked a centre pillar and beam, which ultimately led to the collapse,” Obey explained.

In response, Evans Bipi, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the location, instructed that it be closed off, and announced the developer as a wanted person.

Bipi criticized the developer’s carelessness, explaining that the construction was undertaken without government authorization and used inferior materials.

“We’ve made it clear that if you build without approval, you will face the consequences.

“This site is sealed, and the developer has been declared wanted. He must answer for using substandard materials that led to the loss of life,” Bipi said.

Continuing, Bipi warned that the government would take strong action. “This is unacceptable. We must use him as an example,” he added.

Through a statement from his media aide, Emeka Idika Kalu, Bipi conveyed his condolences to the victim’s family, indicating that the body would be held at a mortuary, the location of which would be publicly shared to allow family access.

“This incident must serve as a warning to those building without government approval,” Bipi stated.

Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, voiced disappointment about the incident, criticizing the developer for placing profit above safety concerns.

“This is heartbreaking. Not only was the building of poor quality, but it also lacked proper approval. Someone has now paid the price with his life.

“The owner and engineer responsible must be held accountable as the government prioritizes the safety of lives,” Anya said.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a probe into claims of mistreatment involving minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

According to PUNCH Online, 76 suspects, mostly minors appearing undernourished, were presented in court on Friday in connection to the protests. Six of the minors reportedly fainted and required immediate medical attention.

Responding to the incident on Saturday, the IG suggested that the minors’ fainting was staged to draw negative publicity. He stated that medical aid was quickly provided, affirming the police’s dedication to the well-being of those in custody.

Amid public outcry over the event, President Bola Tinubu instructed on Monday that charges against the minors be dropped.

In a statement on Monday night, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi mentioned that the IG had ordered a review of the minors’ welfare during their time in detention.

Adejobi further stated that once the investigation report is received, the IG pledged to take action on any procedural shortcomings discovered.

He said, “Following the recent remand and subsequent arraignment of some young individuals on Friday, 1st November, the Inspector-General of Police, while in Algiers, Algeria, for the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation committee meeting, directed an investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these young persons in police detention facilities.

“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently participating in the Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns.”

Adejobi mentioned that the Inspector General had called for a meeting with heads of investigation units to discuss child-sensitive approaches to investigations.

“To further ensure professionalism in investigations with an emphasis on child-friendly investigation and care, the IGP has summoned all Deputy Commissioners of Criminal Investigation Department (DCs CID) and Heads of Investigation Units to a conference and workshop on 7th November 2024, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi,” he said.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.”

A driver named Emeka was killed by alleged kidnappers who seized five passengers travelling from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

The tragic event happened on Sunday near Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State.

Reports indicate that the suspected kidnappers ambushed the Toyota vehicle, with registration number LND 863 YF, shooting Emeka, the driver, before taking four passengers captive.

In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command reported the rescue of 19 passengers who had been abducted en route from Sokoto to Bayelsa.

The passengers, targeted by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, were travelling in a Toyota bus with the registration number LG 08 DGS. They were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State and subsequently taken into a nearby forest.

On Monday, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the incidents in a statement, mentioning that all victims in both cases were safely rescued without injury.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

He stated that a combined security tactical team acted quickly, searching through the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.

“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.

For the 19 passengers who were kidnapped on the Sokoto-Bayelsa route, Abiodun stated that the combined efforts of security forces put significant pressure on the captors, resulting in the successful rescue of all the passengers.

“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he added.

Subsequent actions led to the recovery of the remaining seven victims later that evening, raising the total number of individuals rescued to 19.

“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.

The Presidency has hit back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

The clash began after Atiku, in a statement on x, outlined what he claimed would have been a more effective approach to tackling Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Atiku criticised Tinubu’s handling of key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, and proposed a slower, more cautious rollout of economic policies.

He argued that his administration would have been more empathetic and better prepared to handle the fallout of such reforms.

“I am not the president, Tinubu is. The focus should be on him and not on me or any other. I believe that such inquiries distract from the critical questions of what President Bola Tinubu needs to do to save Nigerians from the excruciating pains arising from his trial-and-error economic policies,” he wrote.

Responding to this, Presidency, through the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku “tried to discredit President Tinubu’s economic reform programmes” while pushing his untested agenda as a better alternative.

The Presidency added that Nigerians rejected Atiku’s ideas in the 2023 election, claiming they his proposals lacked substance.

“First, Alhaji Atiku’s ideas, which lacked details, were rejected by Nigerians in the 2023 poll,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency also claimed that if Atiku had been elected, his administration would have been riddled with corruption, citing Atiku’s alleged plans to sell key national assets to close associates.

“If he had won the election, we believe he would have plunged Nigeria into a worse situation or run a regime of cronyism,”

“Abubakar lost the election partly because he vowed to sell the NNPC and other assets to his friends.”

The Presidency’s statement also took aim at Atiku’s tenure as vice president from 1999 to 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of overseeing a “questionable privatization programme”

“He (Atiku) and his boss (Obasanjo) demonstrated a lack of faith in our educational system and both went to establish their universities while they allowed ours to flounder,” he added.

“Talk is cheap. It is easy to pontificate and deride a rival’s programmes even when there are irrefutable indices that the economic reforms yield positives despite the temporary difficulties.”

The Presidency also noted that despite Atiku’s futile attempt to hoodwink Nigerians again in his statement that “it is gratifying that the former VP could not repudiate the economic reforms pursued by the Tinubu administration because they are the right things to do.”

The presidency, however, defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating the president “met a country facing several grave challenges” with “fuel subsidies were syphoning away enormous resources” that it could not afford, as well as the “criminal arbitrage in the forex market.”

It stated, “No leader worth his name will allow these two economic disorders to persist without moving to end them surgically.”

The Presidency also dismissed Atiku’s call for a “gradualist approach,” stating that it “only showed that he (Atiku) was not in tune with the enormity of problems inherited by President Tinubu.”

“It is so easy to paint a flowery to-do list. It is expected of an election loser,” the presidency added.

“While advocating for gradual reforms may sound appealing, Tinubu took measures that should have been taken decades ago by Alhaji Abubakar and his boss when they had the opportunity.

“Alhaji Abubakar calls for empathy and a human face to reforms. We have no problem with this as it resonates well with our administration’s focus. President Tinubu has consistently emphasised the need for compassion and protection of the most vulnerable.

“The administration has prioritised social safety nets and targeted support for those affected by recent economic transitions.”