No Going Back On December 31 Deadline- TRCN Warns Unqualified Teachers

The Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professor Segun Ajiboye on Wednesday says the council is not backing down on the December 31, 2019 deadline to flush out unqualified teachers from Nigerian classrooms.

Ajiboye who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan stated that the National Council of Education has set the deadline for all teachers in Nigerian classrooms to get registered, qualified and licensed by the TRCN.

The Federal Ministry of Education had on June 7, 2019 sent a Circular to all Principals on the December 31, deadline for unqualified teachers to leave Nigerians classrooms.

According to Ajiboye, Nigeria needs quality teachers to deliver quality education and not those he called ‘cheaters’.

The TRCN boss hinted that the ultimate goal is to remove quackery from the teaching profession in order to ensure that only those with required competencies give Nigerian children quality education.

He urged those yet to be registered to take the opportunity of the qualifying tests and get registered by the council before the deadline.

“You need quality teachers to deliver quality education. The Teachers Registration council of Nigeria’s mandate is to determine those who are teachers in terms of their qualifications and registration with the agency. Globally teacher professionalism has become very imperative through appropriate regulatory standards as prescribed by the teaching regulatory authority in the country. There is still time to be registered. The window opportunity is still open. Yes we are not backing down on the December 31,2019 deadline given by the National Council on Education for all teachers in Nigeria to get qualified, registered and licensed by the TRCN. The FME is supporting TRCN in every way possible to achieve this target. ”

Re: "Nigeria On The Verge of Bankruptcy", Emir of Kano Meant Well for Nigeria- AGF

The office of the Accountant General of the Federation has reacted to what its described as a 'misrepresentation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi 11 at the 3rd National Treasury Workshop in Kano.

In a press statement made available to journalists, Henshaw Ogubike, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation said the report being circulated on some media platforms, where Emir Sanusi was quoted to have said that, Nigeria is on the verge bankruptcy doesn't represent what the highly respected Northern monarch meant.

The Nation and other Newspapers online reports on Tuesday, 25th June 2019, published this story on their online media, claiming that the Emir declared that Nigeria is on the threshold of bankruptcy, following unfavorable economic policies, such as subsidizing Petroleum products and Electricity tar riffs.

"The attention of the office of the Accountant General of the Federation has been drawn to a statement credited to the Emir of Kano, HRM MUHAMMADU SANUSI II, saying, " Nigeria on the verge of bankruptcy," 

‘’This is not TRUE, as the respected Emir was only advising Government to consider gradual withdrawal of subsidy on Petroleum products and Electricity tariffs to enable the Government  have resources for infrastructure, Education and Health care. The Royal father was quoted out of context. We therefore hasten to call on the general public to disregard these on-line misrepresentations of facts.’’

In addition, the Emir suggested the way forward to Government by advising the present administration to take a second look at the issue of subsidy, that Nigerians deserve and expect transparency and accountability in the management of the nation's Treasury.

The Emir further advised that Government should look at the components of petroleum products and do the needful," the statement reads.

IBHS Class of 94 To Honour Bode Amoo, Others at 25th Anniversary Reunion

The 1994 set of the Ibadan Boys’ High School Old Boys Association has fixed 28th and 29th June for its 25th anniversary reunion. As part of the activities lined up for the event, the National President of Ibadan Boys High School Old Boys Association, Chief Bode Amoo will be honoured with an award of excellence in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of the school.

In a chat with The Anchor Online, the set’s interim President, Taofik Olatunji disclosed that the plan to hold a reunion was hatched by the set’s executive committee with support from members scattered across the different continents of the world.

“We feel after 25 years of passing out from the school, we should at least be able to give something back to the school that helped shape our lives in one way or the other”, he said.

Olatunji also pointed out that “some of us are coming together for the first time since we left the school, so it provides ample opportunity for us to interact and I am sure new bonds will be formed. We will also look at how we can make things better and give back to the school from time to time”.

As part of the efforts to give back to Ibadan Boys’ High School, the Class of 94 has scheduled free medical check-up for students, teachers and the host community at the T.L Oyesina Memorial Hall by 10 am on Friday 28th June. A career talk, distribution of books to students and the unveiling of the set’s anniversary projects will follow.

Awards, fundraising and luncheon are events slated for 12 noon on Saturday, 29th June. Other distinguished old boys listed for honours include Ibadan based lawyer and businessman, Otunba Reuben Famuyibo, Professor Kunle Olowu, the Dean Post Graduate School, Afe Babalola University, Dr. Ademola Ojeleye, the Chairman, Governing Board, Ibadan Boys’ High School, legal icon, Malam Yusuf Ali, SAN, Alhaji Ganiyu Ahmed, the CEO of Solat Telecoms, Mr. Dolapo Adewunmi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Ogun State, Sunny Andre Ideh, aUK based motivational speaker as well as Late Mr. Simeon Omowon, who was the Principal that nurtured the Set of 94 from their first day in the school till they passed out in 1994. Also on the awardees list are Elder Seni Peters, Architect Akin Ogunbiyi and Rear Admiral Lateef Akintola.

Credit: theanchoronline

Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial Election: Akpabio Laments INEC's Grievous Manipulation

Senator Godswill Akpabio Tuesday lamented the monumental manipulations that characterised the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district election in the February 23 presidential and National Assembly Election, saying the election that produced Chris Ekpenyong of the People's Democratic Party as the winer of the election was highly skewed against him by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akpabio made the allegation when speaking as evidence in chief in a petition he filed at the National Assembly Election Petitions sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, challenging the declaration of Ekpenyong as winner of the election.

Akpabio said he contested against the PDP and INEC.

Led in evidence by his counsel, Sunday Ameh, Akpabio said: "If  this is (election) how INEC is going to conduct election in Nigeria, it is a pity."

He said in his testimony that INEC showed a great deal of bias against him by mutilating result from many units and wards in the senatorial district to make sure votes to him were either reduced or invalidated to make them insignificant in overrall result in the district.

Akpabio, who was visibly agitated in the witness box, told the court he felt so bad that the election which he got majority of votes cast was mutilated to favour his opponent.

Akpabio accused INEC of hooding election materials when he requested them to prepare his case.

"It was what INEC gave me that I relied on to prepare my case. Out of 169 units in the senatorial district, only in 166 polling units INEC gave us true certified copy of the result sheet."

When told by the first respondent (Ekpenyong's) counsel, U. U Njoku, that his claims to winning the election was based on invalidated votes, Akpabio said: "Majority of votes cast for me were lawful while those for my opponent were unlawful."

In response to Solomon Umoh's claims, counsel to the second respondent, the PDP,  that he (Akpabio) did not vote during the election,  because there was no election in his polling unit, Akpabio said it was a great desservice by INEC to say that  the result from his polling unit 9, Ward 11 in Ukana West 2 were not recorded in final result sheet for the local government.

Also, answering question from INEC's  counsel, Robert Emukpoeru, that he (Akpabio) did not apply for smart card reader and voters' register because they will not support his case, Akpabio said he knew that they were sensitive materials which were exclusive to INEC.

Earlier, the three-man tribunal had over ruled  the second respondent' counsel, Umoh , who objected to the admissibility of police report which confirmed that election was peaceful in the petitioner's polling unit as against INEC's claims that the result from the polling unit was cancelled due to violence.

But the tribunal in a ruling dismissed the objection raised by Umoh, that a witness cannot give evidence on an exhibit that he had not been listed in his deposition and affidavit on oath, insisting that it was not listed among the evidence in his deposition.

In a ruling, Chairman of the panel, Justice W. Akanbi, said the exhibits were conveniently covered by many paragraphs of the petitioner's statement on oath and reply to respondents' response to the petitioner's petition.

"We are of the view it is the duty of the petitioner to tender evidence in open court. The court cannot sit in the confines of its home to sort out exhibits to be identified.

"We hold the view that the exhibits are conveniently covered. They respondents cannot say they were taken by surprise.They were lifted from evidence in court. Objection over ruled," the court held.

Earlier, a  witness,  Anitie Ekong, who was subpoena by the tribunal said he would be surprised that there was no result in Unit 9, Ward 11 in Essien Udim Local Government Area, where Akpabio voted in the February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Ekong, told the court that to say Akpabio did not vote during the February 23 election will be "ridiculous."

He spoke under cross examination, after he was lead to present a video clip in the open court by Ameh which showed Akpabio and wife going through accreditation and voting during the election.

He said he was surprised that INEC is saying there was no election, and that Akpabio didn't go through accreditation and voting in his polling unit.

Re: "Amosun Surrender 1,000 AK-47 Rifles, 4Million Bullets Acquired Before 2019 Election"- Setting The Records Straight

-By Rotimi Durojaye

1. The above story by Premium Times, an online News portal, represented everything but the true and factual accounts regarding a routine exercise that took place at the Ogun State Governors Office, Abeokuta in the morning of Tuesday, 28 May, 2019 as part of Handing Over processes and formalities from the then out-going to the in-coming Administration. It is rather interesting and ironic that a  routine, bona fide and patriotic disposition of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, FCA has been so savagely twisted in a premeditated effort by Premium Times and its sponsors to stand logic on its head. It is important to clarify that NOT A SINGLE AK 47 RIFLE was handed  over at the event.  

2. Senator Ibikunle Amosun would have loved to ignore this report for the simple reason that it is a matter for the remit of the Police and Security agencies. But, that course of action will appear disrespectful to well-meaning Stakeholders and inquirers on the matter. Secondly, the good people of Ogun State and Nigerians at large deserve to know the exact circumstances of the Handing -Over of these security items.

3. It is important to stress that this was not the first time that Senator Amosun, whilst in office as Governor and former Chief Security of Ogun State would be handing over security assets to the Police. The particular exercise of 28 May, 2019 was done openly in the full glare of the public and the media to ensure accountability, guarantee transparency and judicious use of the assets.

4. In May 2011 when Senator Amosun assumed office, the biggest challenge that confronted Ogun State was insecurity. Political assassinations, unnatural and unexplained deaths were prevalent. In Ogun East for instance, which comprised of 9 of the 20 LGAs at the time, the entire business and financial institutions architecture had become comatose as no bank or such institutions could open for business in the entire Senatorial district. Cultism, Kidnapping for ransom, violent crime and tertiary institutions related criminality stank to high heavens. Ogun West was totally ravaged by cross border banditry, unbridled smuggling and economic sabotage. Ogun Central, though relatively calmer, had its fair share of the very low security index that our State had sunk at the time. No resident, in good conscience, could sleep at night with two eyes closed. In the World Bank Ease of Doing Business, 2010, Ogun State was ranked as Number 35 out of 36 as industries and corporations fled the State in droves. Senator Ibikunle Amosun took the firm view that nothing would thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity. He therefore decided, that early, to confront the myriad security challenges headlong and thereby open up Ogun State to private investment under a secured environment.

5. The SIA administration convened a security Parley amongst all stakeholders. The Parley gave rise to the Ogun State Security Trust Fund (STF) under the leadership of a former Nigerian National Security Adviser. The deliberations and recommendations of the STF and the far-reaching initiatives of Government have delivered consistent peace of mind, economic prosperity and social progress for all within the borders of Ogun State and even beyond since 2012. We note with immense pride that the same Ogun State, generally regarded as a back-water State in terms of security rallied round strongly to emerge as one of the most peaceful and the best place to work and live in Nigeria.

6. The SIA administration sought help from the then President Goodluck Jonathan led Federal Government. First, we sought and got approval to set up “OP MESA” for Ogun State. We followed this up with the specialized QRS unit. We committed substantial funds into procurement of hard and soft ware, and, myriad security assets to decisively combat our security challenges. We got all necessary approvals from the Office of the National Security Adviser to procure the 13 units of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), the 1000 units of AK 47 rifles, 2 Million rounds of ammunition,1000 units of Bullet proof vests and 500 bullet proof helmets and other security communication gadgets. Ogun State not only got approval to import these essential assets, the Federal administration under President Goodluck Jonathan, gave all requisite approvals to assist the State. The Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) issued the State the End User Certificate Serial Number 000001123 dated 5th of March, 2012. The Federal Ministry of Finance also granted Import Duty Exemption Certificate through a letter from the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy with  Reference Number BO/R.10260/S.4/T.4/22 dated 10th April, 2012. Indeed the supplier was an accredited agent of the Nigeria Police Force nominated for the job by the Force who also monitored and supervised the transaction. The security materials were cleared through the Murtala Muhammed Airport and confirmed through Nigeria Customs Memo NCS/MMAC/012/S.1. The materials were publicly handed over to the Inspector General of Police MD Abubakar on 22nd April, 2012 wherein he acknowledged that “I have served in all six geographical zones of this country. I have never seen the kind of equipment you are donating to security agents today. This is the first of such maximum donation I have ever seen since I have been serving as a police officer”.   

7. We would like to educate Premium Times that there are strict procedures for the purchase, handling, storage and documentation of security merchandise. We are satisfied that extant approvals, regulations and protocols were observed and complied with in this instance. Without going into the details and thereby breaching conventions, suffice to say categorically that the AK47 rifles were supplied directly to the Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command. The rest of the merchandise were  securely kept in the approved designated armoury within the Government House precincts under police surveillance as it obtains in most Government Lodges, to guarantee exclusive use of the materials in Ogun state. These are not matters for the public. Premium Times is advised to approach other States where such  conventions and protocols exit. The suggestion that the security assets were quickly handed over to the Police in order that the new administration will not know about it is laughable because the current Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR was the main supplier of some of the assets in question, notably, the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).

8. We say with pride that our substantial investment and commitment to security paid off. Ogun State won several international and local security awards. Companies returned to our shores in even higher numbers. Thankfully, under Senator Amosun’s watch, Ogun State did not record any unexplained death or political assassination throughout. Notably, Ogun State holds the record as one of the most peaceful States during the 2019 general elections and is now the investors destination of choice and industrial capital of Nigeria. 

9. As a Governor who understood and took the responsibilities of his office seriously, Senator Amosun was mindful to account for and properly hand over the remainder of the security items to the Police and the new Administration. On 28 May, 2019, the last of the APCs, and all other security assets under the custody of Ogun State Government were passed over to the Police in full glare of the media and general public. We believed that was the surest way to prevent these assets getting into the wrong hands.

10. We assure our well wishers, Stakeholders and residents of Ogun State that we did what was best in their interest as the Chief Security Officer of the State. All contrary insinuations, twisting of facts and deliberate misinformation should be discarded. We encourage Premium Times and all genuine inquirers to approach the Police , Regulatory and Enforcement agencies for any other details they may want.

11. It is interesting to note that a public outing held on 28th May 2019 is generating so much interest three weeks after the event.

-Rotimi Durojaiye

Media Aide to Senator Ibikunle Amosun