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University VC rejects sack, Governing Council dissolution by Federal Govt
University VC rejects sack, Governing Council dissolution by Federal Govt
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has raised objections over a recent letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, alleging the dissolution of its Governing Council and the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Benard Odoh.
The letter, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, cited alleged breaches of university regulations and disregard for directives as reasons for the decision.
The Ministry claimed that the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, leading to tension and a breakdown of order within the institution.
Bht, in a detailed response issued on November 20, 2024, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the embattled Vice-Chancellor, described the Ministry’s actions as a “mischievous” attempt to destabilize the university.
The statement questioned the Ministry’s authority to dissolve the Governing Council and remove the Vice-Chancellor, citing provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which reserves such powers for the President as the Visitor to the university.
UNIZIK argued that the Ministry’s actions bypassed the proper channels, as the Governing Council members and the Vice-Chancellor had not been formally questioned or notified. The university maintained that the appointment of Professor Odoh followed due process and had been widely accepted by stakeholders.
The university accused the Ministry of acting in contempt of court, as multiple lawsuits concerning the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment are currently before the National Industrial Court.
UNIZIK emphasised that the matter is sub judice, rendering the Ministry’s actions premature and inappropriate.
Contrary to the Ministry’s claims of a “breakdown of law and order,” the university stated that its campuses remain calm and that Professor Odoh has been effectively discharging his duties without rancour.
The statement questioned the authenticity of the letter, noting that it was signed by a Public Relations Director rather than the Permanent Secretary or Minister of Education.
It further criticized the absence of formal communication with the Governing Council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
The university urged the public and its community to remain calm, insisting that the courts should determines the legality of the actions taken by the Ministry.
“Let peace continue to reign supreme in our revered citadel of learning,” the statement concluded.
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Multichoice announces price increase for GOtv, DStv subscription packages
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Multichoice announces price increase for GOtv, DStv subscription packages
A leading pay-TV operator, Multichoice Nigeria, has announced another round of price increases across its subscription plans for both DStv and GOtv services. The new prices will come into effect on March 1, 2025.
In a notice sent to customers on Monday, the company outlined the upcoming changes, which will see significant price hikes across various packages.
The DStv Compact bouquet will rise from N15,700 to N19,000, reflecting a 25% increase. The DStv Compact Plus package will see a 20% jump, from N25,000 to N30,000.
The highest-tier DStv Premium package will also experience a 20% hike, increasing from N37,000 to N44,500.
For GOtv users, price adjustments are equally notable. The Jinja package will increase from N3,600 to N3,900, while the Jolli package will rise from N4,850 to N5,800.
The GOtv Max package will go up from N7,200 to N8,500, and the GOtv Supa package will climb from N9,600 to N11,400. The GOtv Supa Plus package will now cost N16,800, up from the previous N15,700.
The official notice from Multichoice, titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” explained that the new prices were necessary to maintain the delivery of high-quality content and service.
The company noted that the adjustments were essential to ensure the continued provision of both local and international content through advanced technology.
“Dear Customer, please note that effective 1 March 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue to offer our customers world-class home-grown and international content, delivered through the best technology,” the statement read.
This price increase follows a similar one implemented in May 2024, with Multichoice citing inflationary pressures, rising operational costs, and currency depreciation as the key reasons for the hikes.
The company pointed out the challenges posed by the significant drop in the naira’s value and the growing expenses tied to inflation in the country.
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You got it all wrong – Presidency replies Osinbajo over IBB tormenting Tinubu’s comment
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You got it all wrong – Presidency replies Osinbajo over IBB tormenting Tinubu’s comment
The Presidency through the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has strongly disagreed with Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s assertion that former military President Ibrahim Babangida was a “tormentor” of President Tinubu.
The controversy arose during the public presentation of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja last week. Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, reflected on Tinubu’s role in resisting the military’s dissolution of the Senate after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He humorously remarked that Tinubu, who was then a senator, was “tormented” by the military, including Babangida, for his attempts to reinstate the Senate, even suggesting that Tinubu was at the event to honor one of his tormentors.
However, Onanuga, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, rejected Osinbajo’s characterization of Babangida. He emphasized that Babangida had actually been a significant source of inspiration for Tinubu’s political career.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu’s resistance to the military government, and the political course he charted thereafter, was deeply influenced by Babangida’s leadership and the broader political context of that era.
“I think the former Vice President got it wrong. I think Babangida was not really a tormentor of President Tinubu, don’t forget that President Tinubu said in his own extempore speech that he held Babangida as something, that he was the person that inspired him to get into politics.
“When Babangida came in, he was talking about new breed politicians and so on, and Tinubu like many of them were already technocrats or in private business and so on. All of them came out to participate in politics, that was what brought him in. So, he came there to pay homage,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga clarified that the real torment began under General Sani Abacha’s regime, when Tinubu, alongside some colleagues, made an effort to reconvene the Senate in Lagos.
He also praised Babangida for eventually acknowledging that MKO Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, although he noted that the admission came too late.
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President Tinubu promises renovations of Police Barracks, improving mobility, robust Police welfare package
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President Tinubu promises renovations of Police Barracks, improving mobility, robust Police welfare package
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is working to enhance the nation’s security capabilities to effectively address the growing security challenges.
Speaking through his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the opening of the fifth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, President Tinubu emphasised the government’s commitment to improving the security infrastructure across the country.
The President noted that security is a key pillar for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, and his administration is focused on bolstering the operational readiness of security agencies. This includes providing the necessary equipment to handle emergencies and combat crime effectively.
“While the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally empowered to maintain internal security, protect lives and property, and uphold public order, it is essential to recognise that security is a shared responsibility. Communities and citizens must actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society,” Tinubu stated through his representative, Senator Shettima.
He highlighted that no matter how well-funded or equipped the police force is, it cannot succeed without the active support and trust of the public.
“Public engagement and trust are central to the process of inclusive policing,” the President affirmed.
Further reaffirming his administration’s commitment, President Tinubu pledged to enhance the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to meet its constitutional duties, ensuring it is both effective and well-positioned to handle internal security.
He revealed that the federal government is focused on bridging gaps in security, infrastructure, and recruitment through a comprehensive program.
This initiative will include renovations of police barracks, improving police mobility, and upgrading essential combat and protective gear.
Additionally, Tinubu emphasised the importance of welfare for police personnel, pointing to the recent implementation of the new minimum wage as part of broader efforts to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian workforce, including law enforcement officers.
He assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with police leadership to provide financial incentives and motivate officers to perform at their highest levels.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to reforming the country’s economic and security frameworks to restore investor confidence, stabilise the macroeconomic environment, and tackle inflation, marking his government’s multi-pronged approach to strengthening both the nation’s security and its economic foundation.
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