Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • FG Reveals First Beneficiaries Of Student Loan Scheme

    FG Reveals First Beneficiaries Of Student Loan Scheme

    The Federal Government has announced that federal institutions will be the initial beneficiaries of the student loan scheme, which is set to commence next week.

    According to reports, President Bola Tinubu’s administration revealed that the scheme would begin on May 24th.

    Providing an update on this initiative, Akintunde Swayerr, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, stated that the loan distribution will occur in phases.

    During an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Swayerr confirmed that the loan application portal would indeed open on May 24th, as previously announced.

    Swayerr also mentioned that the government has organised a sensitization campaign to educate Nigerians on the workings of the scheme.

    He emphasised that the student loan scheme aims to bridge the financing gap for Nigerian students, enhance their resourcefulness, and ultimately contribute to the country’s development.

    “On the 3rd of April 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law a monumental act that seeks to bridge the financing gap for applicants who want to get a higher education that is tertiary level and who want to get vocational training to get proper qualifications that enable them to be more marketable and useful to the Nigerian society.

    “The fund covers 100 per cent of all the fees of tertiary institutions. There’s also upkeep for the student.”

    Swayerr noted that this plan will be rolled out in schemes and the first being the public institutions, because of the large number of students in that sector requiring financial aid.

    “We’re going to roll this plan out in phases. The first phase will be with federal institutions, then to others.

    “It’s going to be the public sector at the beginning because that’s where we find the bulk of students that perhaps need the financing cover and are most vulnerable.

    “We have a system that hopefully makes this have a national spread and some degree of equal opportunity for those who have the desire, capacity, and eligibility to engage in this scheme,” he stated.

    While explaining the modalities of the online application, he said, “We’re going to open the portal for applicants on the 24th of May, so those who want to apply can.

    “It doesn’t mean they get it that day; it just means they can apply and begin to understand the process, and then after that, there will be an evaluation for those who have qualified for the loan, and then an approval will be given for those who qualified.

    “The application allows them to create an individual account where they can go online to see their loan status.

    “Then they get a letter within 30 days telling them whether they are eligible or not; if they are eligible, we will disburse the loan directly to the institution when the course begins.”

    Further speaking on the process of evaluation of the application, he said, “The application is open to everyone, we’ll do an evaluation, and whatever data we have that helps us determine the neediest, we’ll use it to make judgements.

    “When applications begin to come in, we will turn the information into intelligence and use the intelligence for decision-making.

    “It is an online IT application and will include their JAMB number, NIN, BVN, admission number, and matriculation number.

    “The BVN is that we’ll be able to make some determination as to how much money they have in their accounts; there’s also a declaration that they will state how much of a need they have. It’s a loan and not a grant.”

    The loan scheme states that the student must repay the loan two years after completing National Youth Service, but due to the high rate of youth unemployment, he clarified the provisions made.

    “It’s 2 years after NYSC for repayment. In the event that you find yourself 2 years after NYSC and you don’t have a job, you can’t oblige people to pay for loans when they’re not working. This law does not seek to criminalise people. We seek to encourage people to take the loan.

    “In c

  • FG appoints the governing council for universities, others

    FG appoints the governing council for universities, others

    In a move seen as aimed at staving off another disruption of academic activities, the federal government has approved the constitution of governing councils for federal tertiary institutions, comprising universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

    Recall that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) threatened to call its members out on strike over the failure of government to reconstitute the governing councils of public universities almost a year after most of them were prematurely disbanded.

    ASUU had on Tuesday given the government a two-week ultimatum to reconstitute the governing councils of federal universities.

    In a circular signed by permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack,
    as sighted by Nigerian Anchor, the Federal Government has now appointed chairmen and members of the governing council for Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education.

    The inauguration and retreat for the Governing Councils will take place on Thursday, 30th, and Friday, 31st May, 2024, at the National Universities Commission, Abuja.

  • Wedding of 100 Orphanage girls: Minister withdraws suit against Niger Speaker

    Wedding of 100 Orphanage girls: Minister withdraws suit against Niger Speaker

    Madam Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs has withdrawn the suit she instituted against the speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji over his plans to marry off 100 girls pulled out from an orphanage in the state.

    The minister, speaking with reporters on Friday, noted that the ministry in collaboration with the speaker of the Niger state assembly, and traditional rulers from the state, are currently investigating the ages of the girls to ascertain if they are within the stipulated age for marriage.

    According to her, the Ministry of Women Affairs will, for now, focus on empowering girls, as well as others affected by insecurity in the state.

    Recall that last week, the speaker, Sarkindaji, announced plans to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency as part of measures to alleviate their sufferings.

    While the development had sparked national outrages, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urged the minister to withdraw the litigation and petition she wrote to the Inspector General of Police.

    The Chairman, Kano State Chapter of MURIC, Malam Hassan Indabawa, who made the call on Thursday night in a statement, urged Nigerians to learn to respect one another’s culture and traditions.

    “We found the harsh and hasty decision taken by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs over a matter that is entirely beyond the scope of her ministry.

    “The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off of 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatised for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance to the culture and traditions of the Muslim North.

    “This elaborate media blitz, over the matter, MURIC observed, was deliberately done to sway public opinion against the marriage institution, and an attempt to vilify Sarkin-Daji, after demonstrating his genuine concern for the needs of members of his constituency,” Indabawa said.

    The marriage arrangement in question is slated to take place on May 24, 2024.

  • What Tinubu Discussed With Senegalese President, Faye 

    What Tinubu Discussed With Senegalese President, Faye 

    The details of the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Faye have emerged.

    Recall that the Senegal President arrived in Nigeria on Thursday and met with President Tinuhu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    A statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted President Tinubu saying that countries in West Africa must unite to defeat the scourge of terrorism, human trafficking, and poverty in the region.

    He urged leaders in the region to make the people the focal point of governance, noting that the essence of democracy is lost when citizens are not enjoying dividends.

    The president emphasised that democratic values and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.

    He added that critical institutions like the judiciary must be respected and obeyed for the sustenance of democracy.

    He said: “Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here and to meet the hope and aspirations of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.

    “A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable.”

    The president described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation.

    He added: “We are brothers. We have shared an interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard.

    “I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values.

    “We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment. Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us.

    “But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of government?

    “As the chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers. To persuade them to come back to the fold.

    “We will continue to work together. We share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance.

    “We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance. It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk.

    “We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment.”

    Speaking during the meeting, Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values and challenges, noting that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.

    He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.

    On ECOWAS, Faye said with Tinubu’s wisdom and experience, relations among member states can be strengthened for the advancement of the community.

    He said: “The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries.

    “ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community.

    “I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost.

    “I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation.

    “Your wisdom and your democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset.

    “If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss.

    “United, we are stronger. Faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges, we need to show resolve to confront these challenges.

  • Ekiti government reveals Oyebanji’s whereabouts amid concerns

    Ekiti government reveals Oyebanji’s whereabouts amid concerns

    The Ekiti State government has revealed that the state Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji is still in the United States.

    This is coming amid reports that the governor is yet to return to the country for more than two weeks.

    Reacting to the report, the government said:

    “The attention of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has been drawn to a misleading report by Sahara Reporters on his trip to the United States.

    “There would have been no need to respond to the misleading report, because the itinerary of the Governor was well publicized before he embarked on the trip. However, this response is being made for the sake of the reading public who might be hoodwinked by the highly misleading report.

    “It is on record that the itinerary of the Governor was made public through a statement signed his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode on May 5, 2024.

    “The statement, which was circulated in both the traditional and social media, indicated that Governor Oyebanji would, during the trip, participate in the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas and the nineteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New- York. The statement also indicated that the Governor was scheduled to hold talks with critical stakeholders, business leaders and development partners in furtherance of the shared prosperity agenda of the administration, before returning to the country.

    “Highlights of the Governor’s engagements in the US are regularly communicated to the people of the state through media reports. These include his panel presentations, engagements with business leaders and development partners as well as the signing of the multi billion naira 100,000 hectares cassava farm with CAVISTA Holdings. The engagements continue till his return date.

    “In line with the transparency and accountability policy of the administration, all local and international engagements and trips of the Governor have always been made public. And this current one is not an exception.

    “It is on record that the current US trip of the Governor is the first outside the Continent since assuming office on October 16, 2022. The first trip outside the country was a UNDP sponsored induction programme for Governors held in Kigali; followed by the Afrexim Meeting in Cairo, where the state got a very significant infrastructure support from the bank”.

  • Tinubu Approves ₦90 Billion To Subsidise Cost Of 2024 Hajj

    Tinubu Approves ₦90 Billion To Subsidise Cost Of 2024 Hajj

    President Bola Tinubu has approved N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage for citizens.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Wednesday at the inauguration of the 2024 National Hajj operation, held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.

    He said the Federal Government had a major issue in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

    Shettima added that the government carefully selected men of integrity and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.

    He said: “You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.

    “President Bola Tinubu also works round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.

    “A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the release of N90 billion to subsidize the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.

    “Due to this high regard, the government took time to carefully select men of integrity with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.

    “Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the well-being of our pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey.

    “We are aware of the provision put in place for the safety, security and comfort of the Nigerian contingent to the 2024 hajj of our pilgrims.

    “Indeed, it is through our collective prayers and individual contributions that our country will prosper.”

    Recall that Nigerian Muslim pilgrims who had earlier paid for a trip to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj demanded a refund after the country’s Hajj Commission instructed them to pay another N1.9 million in March.

    The commission had increased the fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91 while setting a deadline of March 28, 2024.

  • Bauchi Governor Signs Six Executive Bills Into Law

    Bauchi Governor Signs Six Executive Bills Into Law

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has taken significant steps towards effective governance by signing six executive bills into law. 

    Among these bills are measures aimed at renaming the state-owned university, establishing key boards, and promoting children’s access to education.

    The bills, meticulously examined by the State House of Assembly, signify a collaborative effort between the legislative and executive branches of government. 

    Governor Mohammed lauded this cooperation, emphasizing its vital role in driving socio-economic progress and ensuring the welfare of the people.

    The renamed Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau, underscores a commitment to honoring individuals who have made notable contributions to the state.

    Additionally, the establishment of boards and authorities such as the Bauchi State Farmers/Herders Board and the Bauchi State Rural Access Road Authority (RARA) 2024 reflects a strategic focus on agricultural development and rural infrastructure.

    Speaker Rt Hon Abubakar Suleiman emphasized the transformative potential of these laws, urging continued support for the administration’s agenda. 

    The harmonious collaboration between the legislature and the executive has been instrumental in shaping Bauchi State’s progress, with infrastructure and development initiatives serving as tangible outcomes.

  • Death Toll In Kano Mosque Attack Rises To Eleven 

    Death Toll In Kano Mosque Attack Rises To Eleven 

    Eleven individuals have now lost their lives in a devastating arson attack on a mosque in Kano State. 

    The attack, carried out by 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar, occurred during the early morning prayer at Gadan village.

    Reports indicate that approximately 40 worshippers were inside the mosque when Abubakar ignited the fire and locked them inside, preventing their escape.

    Rabiu Gadan, a resident of the village, confirmed the death toll, with eight funerals already conducted and preparations underway for the remaining three victims. 

    According to witnesses, Abubakar had a history of violence, including previous assaults on family members.

    The assailant, now in police custody, confessed to his actions, citing frustration over an inheritance dispute as his motive. Despite warnings to his family to cease mistreatment, his grievances allegedly went unaddressed.

    While details surrounding the inheritance disagreement remain unclear, the tragic incident has left the community reeling, with injured individuals receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police, AIG Umar Mamman Sanda, expressed condolences and confirmed the suspect’s cooperation with authorities. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

  • “You’re overstepping your bounds” – Imams warn Tinubu’s minister over stance on mass marriage

    “You’re overstepping your bounds” – Imams warn Tinubu’s minister over stance on mass marriage

    The Niger State Council of Imams has given the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, a one-week ultimatum to withdraw her comments condemning the plan by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, to sponsor the mass weddings of 100 girls of marriage age in his constituency, who are either orphans or their parents are too poor to fund their weddings.

    The Secretary of the Imam Council in the state, Umar Abdullahi, made this known at a press conference on Wednesday, where he warned the minister not to overstep her bounds.

    Abdullahi said the Niger Imam Council viewed the minister’s utterances as capable of causing a crisis in the state and the country in general.

    The minister had on Tuesday in Abuja condemned the planned mass weddings, saying it was a violation of the Child Rights Act.

    Kennedy-Ohanenye disclosed that she had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop the weddings, adding that she had also filed a suit, seeking a restraining injunction against the Niger Speaker.

    Reacting, however, on Tuesday, the Niger Council of Imams warned the minister to steer clear of religious and cultural matters and face her ministerial assignment.

    The Imams insisted that no amount of court action would stop the wedding from taking place as planned for May 24.

    The council secretary said, “The planned weddings have the blessing of all the religious and traditional leaders from the area. The sponsor of the wedding consulted widely before accepting to take the responsibility and we are strongly behind him.

    “The girls are not underage and they are not being forced into the marriage as the minister has made the public to believe. This is what the minister failed to investigate.”

  • INEC Declares Isa Dogonyaro’s Seat Vacant 

    INEC Declares Isa Dogonyaro’s Seat Vacant 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared a federal lawmaker’s seat vacant following the untimely death of Hon Isa Dogonyaro. 

    The vacancy extends to three state constituencies, including Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers state, Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency of Kano State, and Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State.

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, announced plans to conduct bye-elections in the affected constituencies once preparations are finalized.

    He emphasized the importance of media support in mobilizing Nigerians for continuous voter registration, especially in Edo and Ondo states ahead of off-cycle governorship elections.

    Furthermore, Prof. Yakubu urged media organizations to promptly apply for accreditation to report on the elections, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.