The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has set December 2 to embark on a two-week warning strike.

Kpanja Shammah, president of the union, addressed journalists at the end of its 112th national executive council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government and other relevant agencies.

The ultimatum was for the government to review and reverse all policy decisions inconsistent with provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sub-sector.

The union had also alleged impunity and disregard for clear provisions of the Act, various edicts establishing state-owned institutions, and other governance instruments.

Shammah said the federal government has yet to implement some 11 items in the agreements it entered with the union.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that

“As of today, we can only attest to the resolution of item number four while item number two is ongoing. No tangible effort is being made to resolve the other items,” he said.

“Following these developments, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from Dec. 2 on two weeks definite strike action in the first instance.”

He said the strike would serve as a warning to the government to resolve the issues listed or be held responsible for an indefinite strike going forward.

Shammah listed other grievances of the union including sustained reports of impunity and disrespect of clear provisions of the Polytechnics Act and different edicts establishing state-owned institutions.

He also cited the appointment of a rector in Federal Polytechnic, Wannune which he said was done without due process.

He said that others were the non-review of the contentious schemes of service for polytechnics and the non-release of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds for 2023.

Shammah called for the understanding and support of members of the public as it tussles with the federal government.

“We hope that the government will work to meet the demands of the union, which is to engender a healthy teaching and learning environment, to avoid an indefinite shutdown of the sector,” he added.

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

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.”