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Reps panel orders arrest of WAEC officials for faulting probe

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There was mild drama at the house of representatives on Tuesday when the committee on basic examination bodies ordered the detention of four officials of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

The WAEC officials — Amos Josiah Dangut, head of national office, WAEC Nigeria; Angus Okeleze, senior deputy registrar; Victor Odu, acting director of finance; and Segun Jerumeh, deputy director of finance — were detained by the sergeant-at-arms for about 20 minutes at the behest of the committee.

Uchenna Okonkwo, a member of the committee, moved a motion for the arrest of the officials for “failing to adequately answer” lawmakers’ questions.

The panel accused the examination body of not being accountable to parliament.

While briefing the committee, Dangut said WAEC is not an agency of government and therefore cannot be as accountable as other agencies.

He said WAEC Nigeria is a signatory to the WAEC convention which means it is not a parastatal of government.

He was countered by the lawmakers who insisted that WAEC Nigeria is a creation of an Act of parliament, and must be accountable to the national assembly because it receives appropriation.

“WAEC is subject to Nigeria’s laws. We have reviewed the position and we have all the powers to oversight you. You cannot come here and say WAEC is not an agency of government,” the committee chairman said.

Okonkwo then moved a motion for the arrest of the WAEC officials.

“I will like to move a motion that while pending the investigation to look into the activities of WAEC Nigeria, the invited guests before us should be taken into custody and held at the police post while we seek for solutions for these issues they are bringing upon Nigerians,” Okonkwo said.

The motion was seconded by Marie Ebikake, a member of the committee.

The officials protested the committee’s ruling.

They were subsequently detained for about 20 minutes and released.

Watch the video below

Education

China offers full scholarship for master’s degrees in global governance

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Central South University (CSU) is offering a fully funded opportunity for professionals interested in global governance through the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program (YES China).

This scholarship, funded by the Chinese Government, is intended for individuals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to international development.

It allows successful candidates to pursue master’s degrees at CSU.

Scholarship Overview: Central South University as a key partner 

According to CSU, the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program (YES China) is an initiative by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) that offers professionals a platform to develop skills in fields important to global governance. The scholarship targets candidates with leadership potential and experience in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, and resource management.

Successful applicants will study in English-taught programs at Central South University (CSU), based in Changsha, China. The program is structured to offer students a unique combination of academic learning and practical, field-based research.

Master’s programs available at CSU 

Three master’s programs are available under the YES China scholarship:

  • English-Taught Master’s in Mineral and Metallurgical Talent Development: Focused on developing expertise in the mineral and metallurgical sectors.
  • Master’s in Civil Engineering Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance: Dedicated to advancing knowledge in infrastructure management and construction techniques.
  • English-Taught Master’s in Traffic and Transportation Talent Development: Designed to address challenges in the transportation and logistics sectors.

These programs, as stated, are tailored to provide advanced skills that can address global challenges in critical industries.

Eligibility and requirements for applicants 

To be eligible for the YES China scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:

  • Age and Citizenship: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens under 45 years of age.
  • Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree or higher is required, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience.

Professional Experience: Applicants must be in one of the following categories:

  • Public officials at the division level or higher
  • Senior managers in institutions or enterprises
  • Administrative staff in universities or research institutions
  • Professionals with experience in international organizations
  • Pre-Admission Letter: Applicants must secure a pre-admission letter from Central South University, which is necessary for the application process.

Application process and deadlines 

The application process for the YES China scholarship is conducted in two stages:

  • Step 1: Applicants must email required documents to Central South University at csc@csu.edu.cn before February 15th, 2025. A pre-admission letter will be issued if the applicant meets CSU’s admission requirements.
  • Step 2: After receiving the pre-admission letter, applicants must complete their online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship System. The final deadline for submitting applications is March 15th, 2025.

Applicants must submit various documents, including proof of education, language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), a study plan, and a CV. Additionally, a physical examination record, non-criminal record, and letters of recommendation are required as part of the application.

Important dates and application timeline 

The application process for the YES China scholarship follows a clear timeline:

1. November 2024 – February 2025: Applicants prepare materials and request a pre-admission letter from CSU.

2. Before March 15, 2025: Complete the online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship System.

3. April – May 2025: Application materials will be reviewed by experts.

4. June 2025: Results will be announced, and successful applicants will receive their admission materials.

5. July – August 2025: Applicants apply for their visa and prepare for study in China.

6. September 2025: Arrive at CSU to begin studies and registration.

For more details, visit the official call page at CSU’s website

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Education

Akwa-Ibom to probe 26 schools as video depicts poor nutrition at boarding house

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The Akwa Ibom ministry of education has commenced an investigation into the nutrition of boarding students at Presbyterian Senior Science College.

A video, which has now gone viral on social media, shows the college students eating meals in sub-human conditions.

The video also showed the deplorable state of the dining area in the school.

Idongesit Etiebet, the state’s commissioner for education, has ordered the suspension of Nse Sunday Umoh, the school’s principal, till the end of the investigation.

In a statement, the commissioner assured that the investigation will be focused on the key facilities of all 26 public schools in the state.

She further emphasised the need for parental support while stating the state’s commitment to the well-being of the students.

“Following from the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and non-nutritious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school,” the statement reads.

“I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.

“This review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menu, kitchen, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the permanent secretaries of the ministry of education and the state secondary education board.

“Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Although the free education policy of the state government covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority of the Umo Eno-led administration.

“We appeal to parents who have already been greatly relieved of the burden of tuition fees to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools.

“The ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.”

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Education

University Of Oxford Invites Jimoh Ibrahim, Australian PM To Talk On Mega Projects

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Senator representing Ondo Southern Senatorial District, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim has been invited by University of Oxford to the 2024 Oxford Major Programme Management Conference to talk on mega projects.

According to the invitation letter signed by Daniel Armanios, BT Professor and Chair of Major Programme Management, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, the billionaire business mogul and the Australian Prime minister, Julia Gilland were invited to talk on the same subject matter.

It would be recalled that Senator Ibrahim’s PhD programme in the United Kingdom University was based on abandoned mega projects.

The letter sent by the Conference Technical Chair to the senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reads in parts: “We are tremendously humbled and honoured to invite you to speak at the 2024 Oxford Major Programme Conference that will be held on December 7, 2024 at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

“This conference will bring together practitioners, academics, and global leaders striving to get major programmes, large-scale initiatives, done.

“This conference will cover a wide range of sectors from infrastructure, defence, and transportation to health and non-profits, and therefore offer a unique opportunity for partnership, learning, and growth.

“The conference will provide a platform to showcase the global benefits brought by major programmes as well as to identify the leading thought leaders and practitioners in the field.

“The purpose of the conference is to recognize challenges, celebrate successes, and provoke thought in the unique surroundings of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

“Lastly and why we thought of you, the conference will play host to important conversations about the development of major programmes in different regions, including sub-Saharan Africa.

“We would especially welcome you to speak about your experiences in Nigeria including the establishment of the University of Fortune – itself a major programme.”

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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