The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU – the umbrella body of the teaching staff of Nigerian public universities – has threatened a nationwide strike next week should the federal government fails to yield to their recent demands

The union hinged it latest threat on the failure of the Federal Government to appoint Governing Councils for Federal Universities in the country. There are 111 federal universities across the federation.

Speaking in a media chat, President of the union, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke noted that it has given the Tinubu-led government enough time to correct the errors.

Osodeke noted that the union was also concerned over the failure of the Federal Government to appoint members of Governing Councils for Federal owned universities stressing that the dissolution of the governing councils was illegal as it was against the principles guiding the existing universities.

The union also faulted what it described as the nonchalant attitude of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to matters pertaining to academics in Nigerian Federal Universities.

During the press briefing at the University of Abuja, ASUU also faulted the 35 per cent salary increment for professors and the 25 per cent salary increment for other academics in the university system.

The body said it saw the increment as a wage award that could be withdrawn by the government anytime it deems fit.

It could be recalled that the National Universities Commission had, on June 22, 2023, announced the dissolution of governing councils of all federal universities and boards of other agencies and parastatals in the country.

The NUC directive was based on a similar one three days earlier by President Bola Tinubu ordering the dissolution of the boards of all government parastatals, agencies and companies.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, says it will reconvene in two weeks for the next line of action, should its demands remain unattended to.

ASUU is demanding immediate reconstitution of university governing boards, stoppage of alleged illegalities and violations of university autonomy, and payment of the minimum wage.

At a press briefing in Abuja, ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, said it rejects the unhealthy face-off with union leaders by vice chancellors.

A few federal university branches of ASUU are currently on strike, following moves by their vice-chancellors to elect their successors, without governing boards, which are mandated for that.

Although the federal government immediately reconstituted the boards of the governing councils of the 111 universities with 555 members, it remains to be seen if ASUU would go ahead with the proposed strike when the union meets next week.

The post ASUU To Embark On Strike Next Week Over Absence Of Governing Councils In Universities, Salary Increase appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

Wigwe University, sited in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, will commence academic programmes in August with students expected to pay a whooping ₦12 Millon tuition fees

Regarded as the “most expensive university in Nigeria” the university, founded by the late former Access Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, is keen on providing a world-class education that equips students with the knowledge and skills to be future-ready.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Chizoba, and son Chizzy in California on February 9, 2024.

Punch reports that the university which is located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges, including the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.

Now, fees to study in any of these colleges do not come cheap.

It is said that the school when it opens officially, will be the most expensive university in the country.

A check on the school’s website shows that the cheapest college is Arts with a total fee of N9.6m.

Students taking courses in the College of Engineering, College of Management and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Computing will pay a total fee of ₦11,998,800 each.

The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, health insurance, student membership in professional associations, student activities, and facilities maintenance.

There are also additional charges covering accommodation fees which include the luxury single bedroom apartment plan- ₦1,000,000 / per month; premium one en-suite bedroom plan – ₦3,845,000 per session; classic one plan – ₦3,707,000 / per session and classic two plan – ₦3,500,000 / per session.

The fees can be paid in two installments per session.

The management of the university, while defending its decision to charge in dollars, recently stated that home students would pay their fees in naira, while international students could select the dollar payment option

It said the decision was a strategic one that aligns with its vision to attract a diverse and international student body.

Punch Credited

The post Wigwe University Begins Academic Programmes In August, Students To Pay ₦12 Million Tuition Fees appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Joseph Joy and Eze Shedrack

Three bishops in Enugu and no fewer than 42 Priests on Thursday officiated the requiem mass of Mrs Lucy Ezinne Onuzulike Okolie, the mother of Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie.

Held at the St Michael’s Cathedral, Awgu Town, Enugu, the three bishops are: host and officiating bishop, Most Rev John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga and Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev Professor Godfrey Onah who sent in a representative.

In his homily, a priest, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ilechukwu, admonished the congregation to be conscious of their relationship with God and humanity all the time.

He described the deceased as a virtuous and humble woman who never allowed affluence to get on the way of her relationship with fellow human beings.

Reverend Ilechukwu noted that the late Ezinne laid solid moral and educational foundations for all her children, adding that she was an ambassador of Christ on earth.

While lauding the giant strides of ESUT Vice Chancellor, he remarked that Prof. Aloysius Okolie’s administration had transformed the University through quality research outputs, improved staff and students welfare and critical infrastructure upgrade.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, Thursday, led other top government functionaries to grace the burial ceremony of late Onuzuluike Okolie.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, ESUT Governing Council, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, immediate past Vice-Chancellor ESUT, Professor Charles Eze, Commissioners for Water Resources and Environment and climate Change, Dr Felix Nnamani and Prof Sam Ugwu, respectively

Others include Enugu State Commissioner for Housing Development, Hon. Dr Martin Chukwunweike, who represented Gov. Mbah; former Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; former Commissioner for Information, Enugu State, Godwin Udeuhele; and more than 50 Reverend fathers.

Others were Principal Officers of ESUT, (past and present) Deans, Directors and Professors led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chike Nwoha and the Registrar Chief Ambrose Ugwu, Equally present were some Heads of other Tertiary Institutions, Captains of Industries, Traditional Rulers among other dignitaries.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Chike Nwoha, who spoke on behalf of the ESUT at the burial ceremony described the late matriarch as an exemplary christian and community leader.

He enjoined the Okolies not to mourn like the unbelievers, adding that life has no end for those who live in Christ. He also thanked the ESUT community for their massive attendance, support and solidarity to the Vice Chancellor at the solemn moment.

Aged 81, late Lucy Onuzulike Okolie died on March 5, 2024 leaving behind eight children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The post 3 Bishops, 42 Priests Officiate Late Ezinne Lucy Okolie’s Burial Mass appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

Dr. Sam Maduka Onyishi (MON), the founder of Maduka University and Peace Mass Transit, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Vanguard Innovative Investor of the Year award.

On Friday, March 23, 2024, the Vanguard team, led by Editor Eze Anaba, presented Dr. Maduka with the letter of award notification at his Enugu office.

The award recognises individuals who have significantly impacted business and capital development.

Anaba claims that Maduka’s transformative work with Peace Mass Transit in the transport sector, as well as his pioneering contributions to the education sector through Maduka University, led to his selection for the honour.

“Dr. Maduka’s achievements in business and education are truly remarkable, making him a deserving recipient of our Innovative Investor of the Year award.

“Dr. Maduka’s transformative impact in the transportation sector through Peace Mass Transit is nothing short of remarkable.” He has revolutionised the industry, setting new standards for efficiency and service excellence.

“His dedication to providing quality education is evident in the strides Maduka University Enugu has made within a short span of time,” he said

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Onyishi remarked on the significance of the award from Vanguard, acknowledging that while he has received numerous accolades in the past, the recent one holds a special place for him.

“This recognition from Vanguard Newspaper deeply honours me,” he said. It serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Peace Mass Transit and Maduka University.

“I am grateful for this recognition, especially considering the esteemed nature of this award. It will surely inspire us to continue our pursuit of excellence and innovation.”

The award ceromony will hold on May 24, at Eko hotel Lagos.

The post Maduka Onyishi Named Vanguard’s Innovative Investor Of The Year appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The member representing Enugu North/South of Enugu State at the National Assembly Green Chambers, Honourable Chimaobi Atu has explained why he is empowering the youths in his constituency

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor on Friday when he paid a visit to his erstwhile department, Industrial Chemistry in ESUT, the young lawmaker whose policies and projects are transforming the lives of his constituency, reckoned that he is empowering the youths in order to eradicate poverty, hunger and insecurity in the land.

Hon Atu who described the youths as the major work force of every nation, said that no responsible leader who wants to create a lasting impact would neglect the youths.

“Every reasonable government knows that the youths are the major work force of any society, so empowering them is to eradicate poverty, hunger and insecurity in the society. Mostly, we need them to get foundation because when you build a house you get the foundation first before the main house. The youths are the foundation of the country, that is why we are empowering them,” he said.

Hon Chimaobi Atu through his foundation is empowering youths including students through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and scholarships.

The post Why I am Empowering Youths In My Constituency – Hon. Chimaobi Atu appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Honourable Member representing Enugu North/South at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Atu has promised to renovate and re-equip the Industrial Chemistry Department in ESUT.

Honourable Atụ made the pledge when he visited the department, where he graduated from some years ago, on Friday.

Declaring that the renovation and re-equiping of the laboratory will be immediate, Hon Atu noted that he will do his best to help his Alma mater!

“I came to visit my department, Industrial Chemistry, to know where we can come in because we believe in giving back to the society. As a product of this school and department, I have come to see their laboratory.

“We will see what we are going to do to change the face of the lab. There is no definite date but we will commence whatever we will do when we get the estimate from the department,” he said.

Expressing delight over the visit, the academic technologist in the department, Mr Eze Emachi expressed joy over the lawmaker’s visit adding that the department had earlier paid him a visit in Abuja to table their challenges.

He noted that the laboratory needed a facelift in order to make it efficient in providing the laboratory/practical needs of the science students in the university.

Below are pictures from the visit as captured by ESUT Monitor

The post Hon Chimaobi Atu Promises To Renovate Industrial Chemistry Department Lab In ESUT appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of an erudite professor in ESUT, Professor Chinweuba Owo as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Governing Council.

Prof Owo’s appointment is contained in the list of 555 board members for 111 federal Universities’ Pro-Chancellors/ Governing Council Chairmen, Board members, among others approved by the President on Saturday

A statement from the presidency says the inauguration and retreat for the Governing Councils will take place on Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31, 2024, at the National Universities Commission, 26 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja. Both events will commence at 9:00am daily.

According to the Ministry of Education in an advertorial signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, President Tunubu gave the approval of the pro-chancellors and chairmen of the Governing Board of universities, polytechnic and colleges of education.

Others in the appointments include former Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elech, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State.

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, was named the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.

For the University of Calabar, Cross River State, President Tinubu appointed a former Governor of Adamawa State, Bala Ngalari, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board.

Tinubu appointed a former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Open University of Nigeria. Members are Mrs Betty Efekodah, Bawuro Bapetel Yahaya, Dr. Gidado Bello Kumo and Mr Bola Akinola

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was also appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State, amog others

Chiweuba Owo is a professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

Professor Owo who hails from Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State, is expected to bring his wealth of experience in overseeing the affairs of the 13-year old Federal University.

Brief Profile of Alex Ekwueme Federal University – AE-FUNAI

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, formerly Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) was established by the Federal Government on February 26th, 2011 with the mandate of expanding and improving access to quality tertiary education to every part of Nigeria.

The university however, started academic activities on 5th November, 2012, and was officially renamed by the Federal Government after the late civilian Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme on 2nd February, 2018.

Geographically located on latitude 060 8.29’ N, Longitude 080 8.627’E and Altitude 55m (AMSL), AE-FUNAI is sited in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State which is about 25 kilometers from Abakaliki, the State capital.

The University prides itself as the ‘Home of Soaring Eagles’ that offers students excellent learning opportunities, informed by up-to-date research and facilitated by highly qualified and motivated workforce, with multi-media class rooms, well stocked modern libraries and well equipped laboratories for practical sessions in a serene learning environment.

It aspires to be a world-class University recognized for the delivery of intellectually rigorous, cutting edge research and excellent teaching and learning experience, geared towards the production of graduates with the relevant hands-on, sellable and employability skills to soar in their chosen careers. Students are offered a wealth of academic choices together with articulation and mobility across the qualifications spectrum ranging from certificates to diplomas and degrees.

The University currently has 11 Faculties – Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Biological Science, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Science, Humanities, Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Physical Sciences accommodating 41 academic departments and 57 programmes, with over 10, 000 students and 2, 230 staff population respectively.

The university has also established a College of Medicine and a School of Postgraduate Studies to expand the frontiers of knowledge.

The post Tinubu Appoints ESUT Professor, Chinweuba Owo As Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Alex Ekwueme University Governing Council appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Head of Department, Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa has commended the Catholic Church in Enugu for organizing the 2024 World Communications Day.

The 58 Edition of the World Communications Day, held on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, drew crème de la crème in journalism in Enugu including members of ESUT Monitor Newspaper Reporters who attended in their numbers.
This year’s celebrtainon was themed “Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of Human Heart: for full human communication.”

A renowned media practitioner, and head of station, Udoka 100.3fm Enugu was the speaker during the occasion.

Speaking with ESUT Monitor reporters, Dr Ezinwa lauded the organisers for the choice of theme of the event.

He observed that the theme for this year’s celebration is apt given the dangers and opportunities inherent in the new technology.

He commended the Roman Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, on his message on the occasion which he described as incisive and insightful.
He thanked the bishop of the diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga who encouraged the congregation to continue their conversation on the theme of the event in their families to effectively utilize the opportunities provided by the technology and also avert its possible threats.

He noted that the department has introduced courses in the new curriculum to prepare the students to face the inherent challenges and opportunities provided by Artificial intelligence such as Fundamentals of Media Literacy.

On the fear that the Igbo language would have been used by the media to disseminate the message is going into extinction, Dr. Ezinwa explained that the department in the curriculum has introduced communication in the Igbo language as a 100-level course.

In his presentation, Mr Ụka charged the media practitioners to leverage on the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence by acquiring more knowledge in that regard.

On the fear that the technology has come to replace human intellect in performance of duties, the AI consultant noted that like every human inventions, AI provides a platform for journalist to upgrade their skills and be more professional.

Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga admonished media practitioners to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties. He noted that while the media is battling the intrusion of social media and it’s attendant propagation of fake news, Artificial Intelligence posses more dangers to the medai people and urged them to be professional and fine-tunie their report always before pushing it to the public.

The post ESUT Mass Communication HoD Lauds Catholic Church On World Communications Day Celebration appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

Radio journalists in Enugu State have been warned to stop “converting their stations to shrines” for the promotion and propagation of Africa Traditional Religious practices.

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev Calistus Onaga handed the warming to journalist in Enugu during the 58th edition of World Communications Day, organised by the Holy Ghost Cathedral, in Enugu on Sunday.

Speaking during his homily to commemorate the day, Bishop Onaga frowned at some radio stations who give out much airtime to Africa Traditional Religious worshipers to propagate their Idol worshipping.

“We know that information is power. Most radio stations in Enugu now spend quality time with the ATR people telling our people how to go back to idol worshipping. I want you to know that 90% of the residents of Enugu State are Christians. We are not against culture but we are against idol worshipping. You can promote culture but not idol worshipping

“That is what I want to tell the radio stations who feel that they can do anything. Stop converting your stations to shrines for the propagation of idol worshipping.

“Your rights and privileges stop where another’s start,” he said.

The 58th edition of the World Communications Day was held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.

Journalists from across the state and South-East region including ESUT Monitor attended the event.

World Communications Day is celebrated on May 12 every year to draw global attention to the power and influence of communication in shaping humanity.

The post World Communications Day: Stop Converting Your Radio Stations To Shrines – Bishop Onaga Warns Radio Journalists appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Remains of late popular Nollywood Actor, Johnpaul Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, is currently being laid to rest at his country home in Ukehe, Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State.

This is coming as the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN has barred video recording or snapping of pictures during the burial.

ESUT Monitor can report authoritatively that late Jnr Pope who died on April 10, is being buried in his village and not at the riverside in Asaba as was being rumoured.

Jnr Pope, died on 10 April while filming the ‘Other Side of Life’, movie produced by Adanma Luke,

His remains arrived in his hometown, Ukehe, Enugu State, for his final burial rites and interment.

His episcopal burial mass commenced at 9:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Premium Times reports that Filmmaker Stanley Nwoko shared photos from the ceremony while the late actor’s fans visited their social media platforms to pray for his eternal peace.

His fans also prayed to God to grant strength to his beloved wife, children, and family in copping with their loss.

AGN President Emeka Rollas announced on his Instagram page that thirty representatives were appointed to oversee various aspects of the event.

Below are pictures from his burial rites in Ukehe

The post Jnr. Pope Buried In Enugu, AGN Bans Video Recording, Pictures appeared first on ESUT Monitor.