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LASU VC PRESCRIBES CAPACITY BUILDING IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS TO MEET NATIONS’ ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

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The Vice-Chancellor, of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has identified the need for higher institutions to strengthen capacity development training in their bid to produce graduates who can effectively address the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

She made this call at the 3rd Combined Convocation Ceremony of the Redeemed College of Technology and Management (RECTEM), Ogun State, where she delivered the Convocation Lecture, on Tuesday, 13th February 2024.

While speaking on the topic, “Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities for Enhancing Capacity, Fostering Innovation, and Promoting Entrepreneurship”, she made the case for higher institutions to build the capacity of their graduates through skills acquisition programmes that can set them on the platform to create solutions and become employers of labour contributing to national development.

She said, “To state in clear terms, quality higher education is designed to provide the necessary skilled workforce and talents needed for societal progress and development. The anticipated outcome is that an improvement in the quality of higher education will lead to the strengthening of capacity building, innovation, and entrepreneurial abilities, resulting in positive impacts on national growth and development”, adding that “capacity building is essential in higher education to promote both individual and institutional development and achievement.”

Using Lagos State University under her leadership as a study, the professor of Physiology said the institution prioritises capacity building to improve the skills and knowledge of instructors, staff, and students, noting that “…a multitude of programmes and initiatives have been put into effect to offer training and development prospects. These efforts seek to provide individuals with the essential skills and competencies needed to excel in their specific domains. “

Specifically, she attributed the promotion of entrepreneurship training to the production of market-ready graduates by the institution calling on other institutions to emulate the LASU development model. She said, “Education institutions should actively promote and shape the entrepreneurial mindset among students through entrepreneurship education. This would not only stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities but also foster creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”

She fingered the challenges faced by the country in its bid to produce skilled graduates as conflicting policy scenarios, curriculums that fail to fulfill the demands of the 21st century, and inadequate infrastructure, characterised by the unreliable power supply and limited internet access, amongst other, concluding however, that inspire of these challenges, Nigeria possesses the capability to improve its competence in several industries.

She called on all stakeholders to strengthen all higher education institutions to provide students with a wide range of entrepreneurial skills, through adequate funding by the government, improved private intervention, the establishment of a strong information and communication technology centre in all higher educational institutions, the implementation of entrepreneurial development programmes and workshops, and the establishment of training centres to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among both learners and students and revision of the educational curriculum at the majority of higher education institutions nationwide to incorporate entrepreneurial development programmes.

The Convocation Lecture by Prof. Olatunji-Bello marked the first programme of the Convocation Ceremony following the opening declaration by the Visitor, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, who was represented by his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye. An array of dignitaries including the Chairman of the Occasion, Elder Simeon Olakunrin, SAN; Chairman of Jubilee Bank, Sir. Felix Ohiwerei, members of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, members of its management led by the rector, Dr. S. I. Mofunnaya, representatives of other institutions, staff, and graduating students of RECTEM were present.

On the train of the Vice Chancellor to the event was the DVC, Administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo; some directors and members of the Momentus Women and Men for Good Governance in Lagos State Tertiary Institutions (MOWLAS and MOMLAS).

WAEC NIGERIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF RESULTS OF WASSCE FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES, 2023-SECOND SERIES 

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blacktalker
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WAEC Assures Stakeholders of Seamless Conduct of 2026 WASSCE Despite Workers’ Protest

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has released the results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2023–Second Series.

A statement signed by Acting Head of Public Affairs of WAEC Nigeria, Moyosola F. Adesina said the examination was conducted in Nigeria between Friday, October 27, 2023, and Wednesday, December 20, 2023. 

The Coordination of Examiners and Marking of Candidates’ Scripts were carried out at SEVEN (7) Marking Venues in Lagos, Ibadan, Akure, Benin, Enugu, Uyo, and Kaduna from Tuesday, January 16, to Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

” A total of FOUR THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO (4,162) Examiners participated in the Coordination and Marking Exercise.”

WAEC Nigeria explained that EIGHTY-FIVE THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED (85,600) candidates, representing 10.07% increase compared with the 2022 entry figure of SEVENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT (77,768), entered for the examination, while EIGHTY THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND FOUR (80,904) candidates sat the examination at FIVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT (568) centres spread across the nooks and crannies of the country.

”Amongst the candidates that sat the examination, TWO HUNDRED AND ELEVEN (211) candidates, with varying degrees of Special Needs, were registered for the examination.

”Out of this number, THIRTY-THREE (33) were visually challenged, TWENTY-ONE (21) had impaired hearing and THIRTY (30) were Albinos. All these candidates with special needs were adequately provided for in the administration of the examination.

”Of the total number of EIGHTY THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND FOUR (80,904) candidates that sat the examination, THIRTY-NINE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED AND NINETY (39,790) were males while FORTY-ONE THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN (41,114) were females, representing 49.18% and 50.82%, respectively, the statement read.”

The Council noted that out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, SEVENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETEEN (78,419) candidates, representing 96.93% have their results fully processed and released while TWO THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE (2,485) candidates, representing 3.07% have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.

 “However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released soon.

”Candidates may check their results by visiting www.waecdirect.org and ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform (www.waec.org) to access the digital copies of their certificates, which have been released along with their results. 

Candidates may also be required to apply for the printing of the hard copies of their certificates, online, through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman) website: https://certrequest.waec.ng/.”

LNSA MANAGEMENT VISITS LAGOS LOTTERY BOARD

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blacktalker
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…..seek stronger ties.

General Manager of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan fsin. has lauded the Management of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Board for its support.

Ifalade, while speaking during a courtesy call to the Management of the Board said, that the Lotteries Board has been a huge Pilar of support in its quest to make Lagos State safer for all and all can only appreciate the Governor for his timely initiatives and appointments which emphasised merit above all sentiments.

He also acknowledged the huge support the Board has been given the LNSA, especially in the acquisition of modern technologies and basic tools of work.

Ifalade informed that the Agency in compliance with global standards is changing from wooden to rubber batons just as it is upgrading its situation room to deploy facial recognition technologies in collaboration with the Lagos State Residence Registration Agency (LASRA).

“This is to further enhance the intelligence gathering and sharing capacity of the Agency as it has established itself as the number one intelligence provider to other security Agencies in the State,” Ifalade concluded.

In his response, the General Manager of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Mr Bashir Are lauded the Management of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency for the innovations recorded in recent times.

He said the lotteries authority is elated to be part of the success story of the agency noting that every quarter, the Lotteries authority releases funds to all agencies they are supporting with the grant available.

He concluded by saying having seen and witnessed most of what the LNSA is doing in the state, he does not doubt that further funds received from the lotteries authority will be put to good use by the Agency.

EXCLUSIVELY LOVE LAGOS: LAGFERRY URGES RESIDENTS TO EXPLORE WATERWAYS OPPORTUNITIES

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blacktalker
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The Lagos State Government has urged residents to explore the myriad opportunities abound on the waterways sector in the State.

Managing Director of the Lagos State Ferry Services LAGFERRY, Ladi Balogun made this call during the 2024 edition of the annual Valentine event tagged: Exclusively Love Lagos which was held onboard the Agency’s Barge code named: MV ADIMU ORISA.

Balogun who described the waterways as the safest mode of transportation, highlighted the opportunities to include hosting off social gatherings, tours and travel, movement of cargos, promotion of tourism among others.

” What we are doing today is that we are celebrating lovers in the spirit of Valentine and also celebrating the super eagles for getting to the finals of AFCON.

We are also cheering them to bring the trophy home to us.”


While assuring Lagosians of Safety on the Waterways, he pointed out the collaboration between the Agency and the Nigerian Marine Police and the regulatory Agency, Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA.

Participants at the event, who lauded LAGFERRY for the initiative which they described as fun filled were opportuned to watch live, the thrills of AFCON football finals between Nigeria and Cote D Ivoire.

natnudO Foods and Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Partner for Entrepreneurial Poultry Project

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blacktalker
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Fueled by a shared vision of nurturing future agricultural leaders and boosting Nigeria’s food security, natnudO Foods, the food processing arm of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, joined hands with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in an innovative initiative. This strategic partnership saw natnudO Foods donating 1,000 broiler chicks, feeds, and medication to the university’s Department of Agriculture, as part of its “Natnupreneur University Programme.”

The Natnupreneur University Programme is not just about raising chickens; it’s about empowering young minds with the skills and knowledge to become successful agribusiness entrepreneurs. This unique initiative provides an invaluable platform for students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to their development and the university’s well-being.

Under the program, students will rear the donated chicks to maturity, learning every step of the way. From the intricacies of proper ventilation and biosecurity to feed optimization and meticulous record-keeping, the program covers all aspects of broiler management. Agribusiness experts and seasoned professionals like Abodunrin Wasiu Adeyemi, Natnupreneur Operations Manager at natnudO Foods, and Alaba Yunusa, Technical Assistant to the Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, personally guided 1600 students through the technical aspects.

Ms. Omole Iyabo Morenike, Senior Account Officer at natnudO Foods, further equipped the students with essential financial skills. Budgeting, bookkeeping, and managing profit margins are the cornerstones of any successful business, and the Natnupreneur University Programme ensures students are well-equipped to navigate the financial aspect of their poultry ventures.

The program holds immense potential for the future. As Abodunrin Wasiu Adeyemi explains, “This initiative is about catching them young, training them as entrepreneurs with the fundamentals of raising broilers and selling them back, creating a ready market for their produce.” These skills will empower graduates to pursue their poultry businesses, contributing to increased protein availability and economic growth in Nigeria.

While receiving the 1,000 Broiler birds, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, commended natnudO Foods for the partnership and the school’s choice for the Natnupreneur initiative, which he said would boost its agricultural potential.

He added that the knowledge of poultry farming and entrepreneurship imparted to the students will further enhance their skills and equip them for the future, after graduation.

In his remark, Professor Fafiolu Adeboye, Professor of Monogastric Nutrition and Biochemistry at FUNAAB, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are sure that this is the way to go, and the training for our students today will go a long way in sharpening their thinking and focus, to ensure they take this as a business so that their future will be secured.”

This collaboration transcends simply donating chicks; it’s about sowing the seeds of entrepreneurial spirit and fostering a future generation of food security champions. By investing in young minds and fostering practical learning, natnudO Foods and FUNAAB are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigerian agriculture.

 

Lagos State Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public School commences Regeneration of The Tolu Schools Complex

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blacktalker
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Lagos State Government through the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, SCRPS has commenced the regeneration of the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, Ajeromi- Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State.

Addressing a press conference, the Chairman of SCRPS, Hakeem Smith explained that in 2022, SCRPS rehabilitated two numbers of seventeen plus-one classroom blocks in the Tolu complex and this intervention exposed the state of disrepair of most of the school blocks and classroom inadequacy in the complex.

Smith said at the moment, thirty-six schools both Primary and Secondary within the Tolu Complex with a population of nineteen thousand, seven hundred and fourteen students and teachers.

According to him, for efficient management, and supervision and to ensure timely delivery, the project has been divided into six lots, while arrangements have been made to assuage issues where students will need to be temporarily relocated within the school complex.

Smith noted that to make Tolu Complex a state-of-the-art Education City, SCRPS is proposing the construction of an additional thirteen-fifteen to eighteen classroom blocks with offices and toilets, renovation of identified dilapidated classroom blocks, construction of a Health-care centre, fire service station, multi-purpose sports complex, access roads among others.

Blacktalker reports that the Tolu Schools Complex was established in 1981 by Lateef Kayode Jakande’s Administration. In propagating his Mass Education policy, the state government at that time reclaimed the subject parcel of land from the Lagos lagoon.

This was necessary due to the dense population of the area and the lack of suitable space for the establishment of public schools. The complex itself was in two parcels separated by Temidire Street covering an expanse of approximately 11.73 hectares. Parcel A covers 10.61 hectares while Parcel B measures 1.12 hectares.

‘Catalyst For Decongesting Lagos Roads’: Former Presidential Aide, Adeniyi Applauds LASWA

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blacktalker
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…Says Falomo Terminal Lounge Better Than Some Airport Lounges.

Former presidential spokesman to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Olusegun Adeniyi, has applauded the developmental strides of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in water transportation in Lagos State, describing the Agency as a “catalyst for decongesting Lagos roads”.

Adeniyi, who was at the LASWA Head Office at the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi, said the Falomo Jetty Lounge is better than in most airports in the country.

Adeniyi, who is the current Chairman of the Editorial Board of Thisday Newspapers, stated this in a column published by the paper titled, ‘Tinubu Should Watch Saworoide Again’.

“Inside the Control Room of the Monitoring and Data Management Centre of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) at the sprawling Falomo Jetty last Friday afternoon, I watched activities in real-time on the entire stretch of the Lagos lagoon, from Ikorodu to Badagry,” Adeniyi recalled.

“LASWA General Manager, Damilola Emmanuel, was on hand to take me through what I was seeing live on the big screens.”

Adeniyi was on a boat ride from the jetty in Ozumba Mbadiwe.

“To beat the Victoria Island traffic after the visit (and boat ride), I asked to be dropped at the Falomo Jetty (to access Ikoyi) and then I had the chance encounter with the LASWA boss, Damilola. Surprisingly, the lounge at the jetty is better than what you find in some airports in the country,” the ex-presidential aide stated.

“Established in 2008 by the government under Babatunde Fashola, the agency can serve as a catalyst for decongesting Lagos roads. But it needs to encourage private capital which Caverton Marine and other players are tapping into.

“From what I saw last Friday, water transportation can be a viable option for those who want to avoid the impossible Lagos Road traffic. But it will require considerable investment, especially from the private sector in partnership with the Lagos State government.”

LASODA SET TO COLLABORATE WITH ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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blacktalker
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The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal says the Agency is willing to collaborate with organisations supporting the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Oyetunde-Lawal stated this during the courtesy visit to LASODA by a team from the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN)- an independent non-profit organisation established for the promotion of, and respect for the human rights of women and young girls, especially their sexual and reproductive health on Thursday.

She explained that the Agency remains committed to advancing the cause of Persons with Disability and will always welcome any organisation that supports similar objectives.

In her words, “We are open to collaborating with your organisation. I am very much for projects of this nature that seek to protect and safeguard the rights of PWDs while ensuring that they are adequately educated on ways to protect themselves against all forms of discrimination and abuse. We are currently looking to decentralise our programmes which will take awareness to grassroots such as schools, community, religious organisations, and other groups of people. So, having your support is very much appreciated”.

Speaking further, the General Manager said it is essential that a holistic approach is employed to ensure messages are disseminated to cause a change of mindset on Persons With Disabilities, stressing that conscious efforts must be made to educate the people that persons with disabilities are part of the society and all must work together to ensure their full integration and protection at all times.

She added that LASODA is willing to partner with as many organisations as possible that are focused on changing the lives of PWDs as a lot needs to be done because the government cannot do it alone.

Earlier, Mrs. Tinuke Odukoya, the leader of the visiting team, said the Centre is currently carrying out a project that is funded by the UN Trust Fund, aimed at putting an end to violence against girls and women regardless of status or disability.

The main objective of the project, according to her, is to strengthen the existing Prevention and Response Structure in Lagos and Osun States to provide adequate response to women and girls with disabilities.

She appreciated the opportunity given to their organisation, noting that she looks forward to working together with the Agency to ensure the protection of PWDs.

The interactive session had in attendance representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Olorunfemi Oluwatoyin; Gender-Based Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Tumininu Oni and Ms. Akinwunmi Tomisin, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mrs. Ogunlana Ifeoluwa among others

DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHES POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER CENTRE FOR FRONTLINE SOLDIERS

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blacktalker
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The Defence Headquarters has set up Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD Centres for troops across the various theatres of operations.

According to the DHQ, the centres were established to checkmate the mental health of troops engaged in the ongoing fight against insecurity.

The established centres would complement the centres and efforts made by various services in the military to address cases of PTSD.

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen.Buba Edward noted that measures were in place to address PTSD among troops.

He said, “The military has set up Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Centres to address the issue of mental health occasioned by the exposure of troops to the war against insurgency.”

Blacktalker can report that there has been a rise in incidents of soldiers who took their own lives as well as their colleagues, most of which were attributed to PTSD.

On Tuesday, a soldier identified as CPL James Kingsley, attached to team 3 of Operations Hadrin Daji in Sokoto killed his colleague and went on a shooting spree against several others.

Kingsley was, however, gunned down by one of his colleagues while shooting sporadically at them.

On January 15, 2024, a personnel of the Nigerian Army identified as Boyi ThankGod killed himself.

ThankGod who is of the standby force and attached to the Headquarters of 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta was said to have shot himself at a duty shade.

In March 2023, a soldier of the Nigerian army shot himself dead after killing three of his colleagues in the Rabah area of Sokoto.

Also, in November 2022, a Nigerian Army soldier shot and wounded a United Nations helicopter co-pilot, and killed a humanitarian worker and a fellow soldier at a military base in Borno.

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events, or set of circumstances.

AFCON 2023: Nigeria Beats South Africa On Penalties, Advance To Final

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blacktalker
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria have beaten South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on penalties in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-2 shootout win over South Africa.

The game in Bouake finished 1-1 following a remarkable end to normal time which involved the referee going to his video monitor to disallow a Victor Osimhen strike which would have put Nigeria 2-0 up and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.

Teboho Mokoena converted from the spot in the 90th minute to send the game into a goalless period of extra time where Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana was sent off.

But Mokoena was one of two South African players to see their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles triumphed to reach Sunday’s final, where they will play either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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