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Attempted suicide: OAU considers waiver for extra-year students

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The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has disclosed its commitment to assist extra-year students struggling with their studies by considering a waiver for them.

The move is in response to a recent suicide attempt by a 200-level student who attempted suicide following academic struggles.

PUNCH Metro exclusively obtained an internal memo on Wednesday, dated November 1, 2024, from the university’s Senate Division.

The memo revealed that a special Committee of Deans meeting was convened to address the case of the affected student and thereafter came up with compassionate measures.

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The memo, signed by the Deputy Registrar, M.S. Oluwajoba, revealed that the student, whose name was not stated, had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education, and reportedly attempted suicide on October 16.

The incident prompted the Dean of the Faculty to take up the matter to the higher authorities.

The memo seen by our correspondent was titled, “Decision Extract: Re: Special Meeting of Committee of Deans held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024,” and directed to all deans.

It partly read, “The Dean, Faculty of Education reported a case of a suicide attempt by a Part II student who transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Education on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. After due deliberation on the matter, the Committee decided that: Members of staff should continue as usual to offer support to our students.

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“The departmental and the Faculty Boards of Examiners are advised and encouraged to provide an enabling environment for students’ support.

“Staff and Part Advisers should kindly cooperate in this regard.

“The above information supersedes the earlier circulated decision extract.”

An earlier circular from the office, dated October 17, 2024, had said any student who had only one or two courses to pass to graduate, having attempted those courses in the previous semesters, “should be considered to graduate on compassionate grounds provided such assistance SHALL NOT change the candidate’s class of degree.”

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When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the decision of the institution, noting this was to prevent further suicide attempts.

In an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, the varsity spokesperson said, “We want to reduce to the barest minimum the commission of suicide due to academic stress or rigour especially by those in the final year who are repeating one or two courses and they are being delayed by that.

“So, the human face there is, given the situation and circumstance of the country, we should just let them go. It doesn’t cost the university anything, and so that it will not be that somebody commits suicide because of extra academic years.”

Our correspondent however gathered from a top official that the decision “is not official” but considered “in the wisdom of the university” given the sensitivity of the situation.

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Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

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By Gloria Ikibah
Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.
Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.
This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.
According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.
AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.
**Key statements on the acquisition:**
– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said:  “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”
Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”
Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.
The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.
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FEC approves ₦47.9tn 2025 budget

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a proposed national budget of ₦47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

This was part of the Medium-Term Expenditures Framework, MTEF, for 2025 to 2027 and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.

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“And equally, the fiscal objectives were conservative, because we want to ensure that we study the course much as we believe the projections will be exceeded.

“The budget size that was approved for presentation to the National Assembly in the MTEP is ₦47.9 trillion, with new borrowings of ₦9.2 trillion to finance the budget deficit in 2025,” Bagudu said.

“We need to sustain the market deregulation, commendable market deregulation of petroleum prices and exchange rate, and to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to lower its oil and gas production cost significantly, and even to consider the need to amend the relevant sections of the petroleum industry act 2021 to address the significant risk to Federation.

“The Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the physical strategy paper, and it will be submitted to the National Assembly.

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“This is in addition to bills that are already at the National Assembly, the economic stabilization bills and tax reform bills, which we believe we will have a very, very strong growth in 2025.”

During the meeting, the FEC approved its submission to the National Assembly as required by the 2007 Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The framework projected a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent, an exchange rate of $75 to the naira, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. [Channels TV]

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Nigeria to get 6,000 power generation by December-Power Minister vows

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed his unwavering optimism that the government will successfully meet its ambitious target of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2024, despite the numerous challenges currently affecting the power sector.

The Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, conveyed this assurance at the fourth edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria’s annual workshop, themed “Ending the Talk, Moving the Action,” held on Thursday in Abuja.

Nigeria’s power generation currently ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 MW for a population of approximately 200 million people. For instance, on Thursday, the country’s power generation was 3,556.38 MW as of 8 am.

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Earlier this year, Adelabu pledged that power generation in Nigeria would reach 6,000 MW by the end of the year, citing improvements in the sector over the past year.

However, the frequent collapse of the nation’s electricity grid and the vandalisation of towers have raised concerns about the stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and its ability to achieve the target.

In his goodwill address, the Special Adviser emphasised that the minister’s primary focus remains on achieving the goal of increasing generation and ensuring its efficient distribution to consumers.

Tunji said, “The minister aims to achieve what seems to be an intractable goal—improving generation and ensuring that what is generated reaches the final consumers. There are challenges, but they are surmountable.

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“The minister has promised that by December this year, we will reach 6,000 megawatts; yes, we still hope to get there.

“We are confident that we will get there, but we are aware of the current issues with grid collapse. Efforts are being made to resolve these problems. Day and night, teams are being dispatched to address the various issues, and we remain hopeful that we will achieve the 6,000 MW target by December.”

The Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, also reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring 24-hour power supply for Nigerians.

Owolabi, another representative of the minister, stressed that the government’s policies are focused on resolving the challenges facing the country’s electricity transmission, distribution, and generation sub-sectors.

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“We are fully committed to transforming the country’s power sector. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are practical and sustainable. We are resolute in ensuring power supply for every Nigerian.

“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms.

“We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable. From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve power supply for every Nigerian.”

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