News
IMF, W’Bank determined to destroy Nigeria’s public varsity system –ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other Western machineries of deliberate efforts to destroy the public university system in Nigeria.
Its President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated this at the 2024 ASUU Heroes’ Day celebration, in Abuja, yesterday.
He said the day was set aside a few years ago to honour members who made great sacrifices for the Nigeria educational system in general and the Nigerian public university system in particular.
He said: “Sadly, this year’s celebration of our heroes is also taking place as we continue with the struggle to rescue Nigeria’s public universities from the suffocating clutches of the World Bank and the IMF, whose determination to destroy and bury our public university system has not abated.
“It is rather lamentable that we are still in the struggle to compel the renegotiation of our 2009 agreement with the Federal Government since it should have been concluded and four circles of renegotiation thereafter.
“It is most disheartening that despite the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and Memoranda of Action (MoAs), the ASUU/FGN 2009 agreement is yet to be renegotiated and sighted.
“The situation has been further complicated with the enforcement and persistence of IPPIS on the public universities even with the directives of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to exit the tertiary education institutions thereof.
“Not to be forgotten is our three and half months’ salaries that are still unjustly withheld. The arrears of wages award, promotions arrears, and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) are also still outstanding.
“At the state universities, our members are still being punished for fighting for the interest of members and the university system. Let me re-emphasise that we stand with our members in Kogi State University, Lagos State University, Ebonyi State University, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, in their persecution for their principled support and solidarity in the struggle for the defence of the soul of public university education in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, 14 members who were found to have contributed significantly in the Union’s struggle for a better university system and working environment for its members, were honoured.
Immediate-past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed and former Secretary General, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Peter Ozo-Eson, were among those honoured.
Others were Prof. Uzodimma Nwala, Prof. Oye Oyediran, Prof. Imeh Ikiddeh, Prof. Sola Olukunle, Tunde Oduleye, Akin Oyebode, Mustapha A. Danesi, Prof. Bright Ekuerhare, Mallam Bashir Kurfi, Mr. S.A. Fadipe, Nasir Hussain, and A.T. Gana.
Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, in his remarks, appreciated ASUU leadership for the industrial peace being experienced in the university system.
He assured them of the commitment of the Fund to any course that will strengthen the tertiary education system for visible socioeconomic growth and development.
News
See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
News
Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation
News
Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget
-
News16 hours ago
DHQ Gives Updates on on Arrest, Trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland
-
News16 hours ago
Japa: 1 of 4 Nigerians want to leave the country – NBS
-
News15 hours ago
Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
-
News15 hours ago
OUTREACH: Senator Manu concludes 2-day ICT program for constituents, distributes over 500 laptops to students (Video/Photos)
-
News15 hours ago
2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
-
News16 hours ago
Simon Ekpa Sent To Prison
-
News16 hours ago
I’m not too young or inexperienced to run for Lagos Governor – Speaker Obasa
-
News16 hours ago
Nigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize