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Speaker Abbas Urges Alternative Education Funding, Less Reliance on Govt

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…advocate PPP, endowment at ZEDA AGM

By Gloria Ikiba

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for diversified funding sources in Nigeria’s education sector to reduce dependence on government allocations.

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He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable alternatives to sustain and improve education financing.

Speaker Abbas made this call on Saturday during the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He was also honoured by constituents for his contributions to society.

As Chairman of the combined AGM, Abbas encouraged ZEDA to explore various funding opportunities to support educational development.

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The Speaker stated that human capital development remains the cornerstone of our national progress, citing the examples of Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark, which have achieved remarkable progress.

He said: “Diversifying funding streams is critical as well. By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector”.

“They have done so not by relying solely on natural resources but by investing heavily in education, training, and innovation. Their success is reflected in their high rankings on the Human Development Index and ease of doing business.

“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritise the development of its people to realise its full potential”.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored Zaria’s long-standing educational legacy, tracing back to the 16th century, as a cornerstone of academic excellence and national development.

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Recognized as home to Ahmadu Bello University and several other institutions, he highlighted Zaria’s vital contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape.

“Our collective history compels us to safeguard and expand this legacy for future generations,” said Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency. He noted that several new educational initiatives he facilitated would significantly enhance learning opportunities in Kaduna State and beyond.

Among these are a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies. “Once fully operational, these institutions will drive both educational and socio-economic progress within our community,” he stated.

However, Abbas stressed the need to tackle obstacles hindering educational growth, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and noted challenges such as out-of-school children, support for learners with special needs, and overall education quality as urgent issues requiring attention.

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He said: “I commend the proactive measures by Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State. The efforts have notably reduced the number of out-of-school children through the construction of over 62 new secondary schools, thereby addressing critical infrastructure deficits.

“Looking ahead, it is imperative that ZEDA continuously evolves to meet emerging challenges. Successful models, such as the United Kingdom Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, have shown the benefits of embracing digital innovation.

“ZEDA should integrate technology in order to transform how we monitor educational outcomes, facilitate virtual training for teachers, and expand access to learning resources. By doing so, we can connect stakeholders, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.”

In the House of Representatives, the Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda is aligned with these priorities.

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He said: “We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms that address both current and future challenges.”

Speaker Abbas hailed the Grand Patron of ZEDA , His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, for his “fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment have been a beacon for ZEDA.”

Later, Emir Bamalli thanked the Speaker and other prominent indigenes of Zaria for their developmental strides in the ancient city. The monarch emphasised the importance of ZEDA to Zaria, while seeking more support from stakeholders.

 

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By Gloria Ikiba

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for diversified funding sources in Nigeria’s education sector to reduce dependence on government allocations.

He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and endowment funds as viable alternatives to sustain and improve education financing.

Speaker Abbas made this call on Saturday during the 31st and 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Advertisement

He was also honoured by constituents for his contributions to society.

As Chairman of the combined AGM, Abbas encouraged ZEDA to explore various funding opportunities to support educational development.

The Speaker stated that human capital development remains the cornerstone of our national progress, citing the examples of Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Denmark, which have achieved remarkable progress.

He said: “Diversifying funding streams is critical as well. By establishing endowment funds or engaging in public private partnerships, we can reduce our reliance on government funding. Successful models in countries such as Denmark and Ireland have demonstrated that diversified funding can drive long-term, sustainable growth in the education sector”.
“They have done so not by relying solely on natural resources but by investing heavily in education, training, and innovation. Their success is reflected in their high rankings on the Human Development Index and ease of doing business.
“Nigeria, blessed with vast natural resources, must equally prioritise the development of its people to realise its full potential”.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas underscored Zaria’s long-standing educational legacy, tracing back to the 16th century, as a cornerstone of academic excellence and national development.

Advertisement

Recognized as home to Ahmadu Bello University and several other institutions, he highlighted Zaria’s vital contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional landscape.

“Our collective history compels us to safeguard and expand this legacy for future generations,” said Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency. He noted that several new educational initiatives he facilitated would significantly enhance learning opportunities in Kaduna State and beyond.

Among these are a Federal College of Education, a College of Health Sciences, a National Open University of Nigeria campus, and a College of Legal Studies. “Once fully operational, these institutions will drive both educational and socio-economic progress within our community,” he stated.

However, Abbas stressed the need to tackle obstacles hindering educational growth, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and noted challenges such as out-of-school children, support for learners with special needs, and overall education quality as urgent issues requiring attention.

Advertisement
He said: “I commend the proactive measures by Governor Uba Sani’s administration in Kaduna State. The efforts have notably reduced the number of out-of-school children through the construction of over 62 new secondary schools, thereby addressing critical infrastructure deficits.
“Looking ahead, it is imperative that ZEDA continuously evolves to meet emerging challenges. Successful models, such as the United Kingdom Education Development Trust and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, have shown the benefits of embracing digital innovation.
“ZEDA should integrate technology in order to transform how we monitor educational outcomes, facilitate virtual training for teachers, and expand access to learning resources. By doing so, we can connect stakeholders, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.”
In the House of Representatives, the Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda is aligned with these priorities.
He said: “We remain committed to advancing universal basic education, enhancing secondary and technical education, and integrating innovative reforms that address both current and future challenges.”
Speaker Abbas hailed the Grand Patron of ZEDA , His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, LLD, for his “fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment have been a beacon for ZEDA.”
Later, Emir Bamalli thanked the Speaker and other prominent indigenes of Zaria for their developmental strides in the ancient city. The monarch emphasised the importance of ZEDA to Zaria, while seeking more support from stakeholders.

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Senate mulls terrorism charges for oil theft offenders

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The Senate, yesterday, issued a stern warning that perpetrators of oil theft in the Niger Delta region may soon face terrorism charges and other stiffer penalties.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed this while declaring open a two-day public hearing on the “Incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil thefts in the Niger Delta and the actors held.”

The hearing organised by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft chaired by Ned Nwoko is aimed at addressing the persistent theft of crude oil in the Niger Delta and produce actionable solutions to the problem.

Akpabio, who was represented by his deputy, Barau Jibrin, said the 10th National Assembly would not stand idly by as the country loses billions of dollars annually to what he described as “brazen economic sabotage.”

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He disclosed that the National Assembly was considering a range of strong legislative responses, including categorising major acts of oil theft as terrorism, mandatory digital metering for all oil production and exports, real-time monitoring, improved transparency in crude lifting and revenue reporting, as well as enhanced coordination among military, law enforcement, and anti-corruption agencies.

“Crude oil theft is not a victimless crime. It is directly responsible for economic instability, a weakened naira, underfunded critical sectors, and widespread poverty in oil-producing communities. It also finances illegal arms, fuels violence, and strengthens criminal networks.”

Akpabio lamented that despite past efforts, crude oil theft continues unabated due to systemic failures and gaps in enforcement and oversight. Recent reports estimate that Nigeria loses between 150,000 and 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily, costing the country billions in lost revenue.

“This public hearing must address critical questions: Who are the perpetrators? Are they militants, corrupt officials, international collaborators—or all three? Why have current security measures failed? And how are stolen shipments leaving the country undetected?” he asked.

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The Senate President called on all stakeholders including regulatory agencies, oil companies, security forces and host communities, to work collaboratively to stop the looting of the country’s most valuable resource. He emphasised that oil companies must invest in surveillance technology and secure infrastructure, while host communities should act as first-line defenders rather than victims or accomplices.

“To the criminals stealing our crude oil, your time is up. To the agencies tasked with protecting our resources, the nation is watching. And to this Ad-hoc Committee, the Senate expects a robust, no-holds-barred report that will guide firm legislative and executive action.”

Akpabio commended Nwoko, who chairs the Committee convening the hearing and stressed that the recommendations must lead to actionable, measurable and time-bound solutions.”

“The survival of Nigeria’s economy depends on how we respond to this crisis,” he concluded.

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Meanwhile, ahead of its planned two-day national security summit, the Senate, yesterday, set up a 20-member committee to organise the event.

The Senate President, Akpabio, who announced the committee’s formation during plenary, said it would be chaired by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, with Yahaya Abdullahi serving as the vice chairman.

Other members are Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Adebule Idiat (Lagos), Barinada Mpigi (Rivers), Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa), Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo), Osita Ngwu (Enugu), Tahir Monguno (Borno), Titus Zam (Benue), Ahmed Lawan (Yobe), Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Austin Akobundu (Abia), Shehu Buba (Bauchi), Ahmed Madori (Jigawa), Emmanuel Udende (Benue), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Shuaib Salisu (Ogun), Isah Jibrin (Kogi) and the Clerk of the Senate, Andrew Nwoba.

The committee is tasked with developing the summit’s framework, including setting the agenda, identifying core issues for discussion, and recommending actionable strategies to improve national security. Akpabio directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks.

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The decision to convene the summit followed a resolution passed on May 6 after a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim to address escalating security challenges in the country was adopted. It is expected to address pressing issues such as terrorism, insurgency, and the alarming trend of leaking military intelligence to militant groups, an issue widely seen as compromising ongoing security operations.

This is not the first time the National Assembly would attempt to address security concerns through a summit. In May 2021, the ninth Assembly, under the then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, organised a similar summit. Despite contributions from security experts, civil societies, and government agencies, insecurity has continued to plague the country.

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Court convicts 10 Thai sailors, vessel for cocaine trafficking

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Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday convicted ten Thai nationals for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.

The convicted individuals, all sailors, were found guilty alongside their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, which was used to smuggle the illicit drug into the country.

The convicted Thais’ sailors are: Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; Thammarong Put-tlek; Worrapat Paopinta; Marut Kantaprom; Werapat Somboonying; Urkit Amsri; Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.

The vessel and convicted sailors were first arraigned before the court alongside nine Nigerians, on the alleged offences in February 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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The Nigerians are: Samuel Messiah; Ishaya Maisamari; Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey; Osabeye Stephen; Gbenga Ogunfadeke; Kayode Buletiri; Rilwan Omotosho Liasu; Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.

The vessel, the convicted sailors and the nine Nigerians were arrested on October 13, 2021, at Apapa, Lagos, on their arrival from Brazil.

They were charged before the court on charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful transportation and unlawful importation of 32.9 kilograms of Cocaine.

Their illegal acts, according to the NDLEA, contravened sections 11 (b), 11(a) and 14 (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. And punishable under the same Act.

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The convicted Thais and their Nigerian alleged co-conspirators were accused of committing the acts alongside the trio of Kehinde Enoch, Ayo Joseph and one Tunde, all said to be at large.

The convicted sailors were prosecuted by the NDLEA prosecutors, who include; Mrs Theresa Asuquo, A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. While they were defended by their team of lawyers, who include Babajide Koku, Femi atoyebi and Tunde Adejuyigbe, who are Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

Upon conclusion of the NDLEA’s case, the convicted sailors opted for No-Case-Submission instead of opening their defence against the allegations against them. This was, however, contended by the prosecutors, who submitted that they had established a prima facie case against the vessel and its Crew.

In deciding the No-Case-Submission, Justice Osiagor acceded to the submissions of the prosecution and held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the vessel and its Crew members.

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The judge therefore ordered the convicted Thais and others to open their defence against the charges against them.

Based on the court’s ruling, the convicted sailors entered a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA.

At the resumed hearing of the matter for judgment today, and based on the plea bargain agreement, Justice Osiagor ordered the vessel to pay a fine of $4 million USD or Naira equivalent.

On the convicted sailors, the judge ordered the three Captains of the vessel, namely; Krilerk Tanakhan; Boonlert Hansoongnern; Jakkarin Booncharoen; to pay the sum of $50, 000, 00 USD. And that the other crew member to pay $30, 000, USD each. And that other convicted sailors are ordered to pay the sum of N100,000. 00, as a fine optio n.

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Meanwhile, the trial of the nine Nigerians has been adjourned to June 25.

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Court of Appeal affirms nullification of Ebonyi council polls

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The Court of Appeal Enugu Division has affirmed the judgement of Justice R O Riman of the Federal High Court Abakaliki, nullifying the conduct of Local Government election in Ebonyi State.

Justice Joseph Ekanem, who read the lead judgement of the Appeal court, gave the ruling while dismissing the three appeals filed by Ebonyi State Government, Central Bank and Local Government Chairmen, challenging the ruling of the Federal High Court.

The Appeal Court ruled that the earlier judgement of Justice R O Riman then of Federal High Court Abakaliki remains valid and subsisting.

According to the Appeal court: “The judgment in FHC/AI/CS/224/2022, which the Appellants challenged on appeal, was meant to enforce compliance with the earlier judgment in FHC/AI/CS/151/2022 contrary to the argument of the appellants.”

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The court ruled that the appeals were dismissed for proliferation of issues for determination by the appellants which resulted in an incompetent brief of argument.

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