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Reps Urge Polytechnics to Introduce Innovative Courses

Published

1 week ago

November 13, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on Rectors of Federal Polytechnics to adopt innovative approaches by introducing programs that harness the unique potentials of their respective catchment areas.

This charge was given during an oversight session with Rectors and management staff of Federal Polytechnic Kauran-Namoda (Zamfara State), Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo (Gombe State), and Federal Polytechnic Bali (Taraba State), by the House Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education on Monday in Abuja.

Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Kayode Laguda, highlighted the importance of tailoring academic programs to address local challenges and opportunities.

His comments were particularly directed at the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kauran-Namoda, Jonathan Murdi, emphasizing the need to introduce courses related to geology and mining.

Laguda stated, “Why don’t you have courses in mining in your place? If you do, some of these gold and other minerals found in the soil could be tested in your school. This would also generate internally generated revenue (IGR) for you. Things should not be right under your nose, and you ignore them. Innovation involves adapting to current realities, and I urge you to explore this opportunity.”

He further underscored the potential of such programs to combat the insecurity in Zamfara State by engaging youths in productive activities, thereby reducing the risk of them joining banditry or related activities. According to him, the introduction of industry-relevant programs would also attract more students and improve the institution’s reputation.

“We’ll be glad to hear that your student population is increasing rather than declining. If you produce top-notch graduates who excel in the workforce, the ripple effect will attract more students. Employers will speak highly of graduates from your institution, and parents will be encouraged to send their children to your polytechnic”, he added.

Following Murdi’s presentation, the Committee directed him to provide evidence of insurance payments and explanations for the increase in personnel costs in 2024 despite a shortfall of 50 personnel.

Federal Polytechnic Bauchi’s Progress and Challenges

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr. Sani Usman, also presented a detailed report on the institution’s performance. Established in 1976, the polytechnic has 2,112 staff, six schools, and 36 academic programs catering to over 11,000 students. Usman provided a breakdown of the institution’s budget performance from 2021 but was instructed to submit more comprehensive documentation within seven working days.

Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo’s Milestones

Dr. Sulaiman Lame, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo in Gombe State, shared the institution’s developmental strides since its establishment in 2019. He noted that recruitment for key staff commenced in 2020, resulting in a workforce of 500, comprising 65% academic and 35% non-academic staff.

He explained that while the polytechnic initially operated from a temporary site provided by the state government, development activities have commenced at its permanent site. The institution currently runs four schools—Engineering, Science, Management Studies, and General Studies—offering 11 programs to about 300 students.

Lame highlighted the construction of two hostels with capacities of 200 and 350 for male and female students, respectively. He also outlined plans to introduce more courses to maximize the use of available staff. However, the Committee requested detailed documentation on the school’s nominal roll and procurement processes, with a directive for the Rector to reappear in seven days.

Federal Polytechnic Bali’s Submission

Similarly, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bali in Taraba State, Dr. Mohammed Usman, presented his institution’s report. While the specifics of his presentation were not detailed, he and his team addressed the Committee and received directives on additional documentation.

Challenges of Oversight Functions

Earlier in his opening remarks, Rep. Laguda explained that the session was held at the National Assembly due to security concerns and tight timelines. He recalled past incidents that underscored the dangers of physical oversight visits, particularly in Zamfara State.

He recounted, “The last time we were supposed to meet in Zamfara, we were attacked twice. On that same road, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sokoto was tragically murdered. This is not due to a lack of care on our part but because of security risks and the need to adhere to timelines for other oversight visits.”

The session concluded with the Committee reiterating its commitment to supporting polytechnics in achieving their mandates while urging them to adopt innovative strategies to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.

News

Enugu ready to provide evidence against Ekpa, hails arrest

Published

26 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.

See also Bauchi: Head teacher bags 11 years jail term for sexually assaulting 6-year-old pupil
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

News

“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)

Published

30 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.

He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.

“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.

“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.

“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.

“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”

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SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.