NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT SETS NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION OF PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE By Ismaila Saba Favu.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT SETS NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION OF PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE 

The Niger state government has reiterated its commitment to strengthen the operation of private tertiary institutions in the state, this was stated by the Hon. Commissioner for Tertiary Education Science and Technology, Prof Baba Aliyu at a one day stakeholders meeting to review the guidelines for the establishment and operation of private tertiary institutions in the state. 

Prof Aliyu who decried “lack of strong policies which often lead to challenges of accreditations for programmes in the institutions” added that “government alone cannot provide the needed platform for the growing population, hence the need for the privately owned institutions to contribute their quota in the provision of accessible quality education in the state”.

Prof Aliyu further stated that “the need to set standard guidelines become necessary to eliminate undue proliferation of private tertiary institutions in the state and eradicate quackery in the system”.  He added that the new guidelines must include adequate facilities, standard dimensions for (laboratories, libraries and ICT centers), lecture halls, number of courses commensurate with the number and qualifications of the lecturers before a provisional approval can be granted”. He also said “defaulters of the new guidelines will be penalized accordingly”.  

The commissioner then confirmed that the institutions that meet the minimum requirements will be reopened soon.

Earlier, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Musa Abubakar Sadiq in his welcome address, said these new guidelines are the first in the history of the ministry, hence he called for inputs from all stakeholders to enrich the proposed guidelines. 

The heads of tertiary institutions in Niger State in their separate goodwill messages, starting with the Vice Chancellor of IBB University Lapai, Prof Abu Kassim Adamu commended the efforts of the Ministry of Tertiary Education Science and Technology for streamlining the activities for tertiary institutions in the state through the long overdue new guidelines. The Provost of Niger State College of Education, Prof Yakubu Auna, while praising the MTEST said the new guidelines will help to stamp out fake institutions being paraded by NUC, NUE, NBTC. The Provost of Justice Fati Lami Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies, Dr. Alyu Bussa called on all private institutions in the state to adhere strictly with the new guidelines to ensure they produce quality products from their institutions. The Governing Council Chairman of the School of Health Technology Minna, Prof James Galadima applaud the ministry for the new innovations through the stakeholders meeting which will further standardize the quality of healthcare workers in the state. 

The Chairman, Association of Private Tertiary Institutions in Niger State, Mall Alhassan Aliyu and also Provost Rolling School of Health Sciences Minna on behalf of all private Tertiary Institutions in the state, said the stakeholders meeting is a welcome idea and pledge the commitment of all the private institutions to abide by the new guidelines and also stated their assurance to report any illegal proliferation of schools of Health Technology in the state.

NIGER@46: GROUP HAILS GOV SANI BELLO FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DESPITE INSECURITY CHALLENGES...

NIGER@46: GROUP HAILS GOV SANI BELLO FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DESPITE INSECURITY CHALLENGES...

A group in Niger state under the auspices of Niger Progressive Forum has disclosed that it has planned activities to celebrate 46 years of existence of the state.

Niger State was created in 1976 when the then North-Western State was divided into Niger State and Sokoto State.

The group said despite the security challenges faced, the present government of Abubakar Sani Bello has committed to people oriented projects and economic rejuvenation having  surface-dressed over 400 kilometers of rural roads.

Making this known while addressing Journalists as part of activities to mark the 46th anniversary of Niger State since creation in Minna, the Secretary General, Saidu Abdullahi Kuso said Niger which connects the Southern and Northen parts of the country has the largest landmass of about 10 percent in the country.

According to him "despite the insecurity challenges, the state government has achieved some positive results recently against banditry as peace has returned to some affected communities.

"The government has been committed to people's oriented projects and economic rejuvenation and so far, the government has surface-dressed over 400km of rural roads to enable farmers have access to market."

While calling on all and soundry to be part of events marking the anniversary schedule for 3rd of February 2022, Kuso said the Forum is organizing a series of activities to mark the one day event. 

He added that the State where Nigeria was given birth to in 1914 has contributed immensely to the socio-political and economic development of the country after producing two former Heads of State and prominent Nigerians.

BREAKING: President Buhari Lifts Suspension of Twitter Operation in Nigeria (FULL TEXT)

BREAKING: President Buhari Lifts Suspension of Twitter Operation in Nigeria (FULL TEXT)

NIGERINFOBULLETIN – President Muhammadu Buhari has lifted the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, January 13, 2022.

The Director General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa made the disclosure in a public statement today

Read the full text below

FGN LIFTS SUSPENSION OF TWITTER OPERATIONS

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13^thJanuary 2022. The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim. In the Memo, the Minister updates and requests the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.

2. You may recall that on 5^th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed. Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team.
3. The immediate and remote cause of the suspension was the unceasing use of the platform by some unscrupulous elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarising Nigerians along tribal and religious lines, among others. These issues bordering on National Security, Cohesion and the effects of the abuse of the Twitter platform forced the FGN to suspend the operation of Twitter to address the direct and collateral issues around its operations in Nigeria.
4. The new global reality is that digital platforms and their operators wield enormous influence over the fabric of our society, social interaction and economic choices. These platforms can be used as either a tool or a weapon. Every nation is grappling with how to balance its usage efficiently. Without balancing, every citizen’s security, privacy, social well-being, and development are at stake. Therefore, our action is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate our relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for our nation without jeopardising the justified interests of the Company. Our engagement has been very respectful, cordial, and successful.
5. The process of resolving this impasse between the FGN and Twitter Inc. has helped lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities. Twitter is a platform of choice for many Nigerians ranging from young innovators to public sector officials who find it helpful to engage their audience. Therefore, our engagement will help Twitter improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria. Furthermore, the FGN looks forward to providing a conducive environment for Twitter and other global tech companies to achieve their potential and be sustainably profitable in Nigeria.
6. While appreciating all Nigerians, especially the vibrant Nigerian youths who have borne with the long wait to resolve this impasse, the FGN is happy to say that the gains made from this shared national sacrifice are immeasurable. Some of the gains include:
7. Ongoing economic and training opportunities as the Company continues to consider expanding its presence in Nigeria;
8. Getting a better understanding of how to use the Twitter platform effectively to improve businesses;
9. Revenue generation from the operation of Twitter in Nigeria;
10. Smooth and coordinated relationship between Nigerian Government and Twitter leading to mutual trust;
11. Reduction of cybercriminal activities such as terrorism, cyberstalking, hate speech, etc.; and
12. Working with Twitter and other global companies to build an acceptable code of conduct following the global best practice.
13. The FGN has asked Twitter to fulfil some conditions before restoring its services. These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws. Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN. Consequently, the FGN and Twitter have decided on an execution timeline, which has started this week. Our engagement with Twitter opens a new chapter in global digital diplomacy and sets a new operational template for Twitter to come back stronger for the benefit of Nigerians.

The following are the resolutions agreed with Twitter. Inc.:

2022. Twitter has committed to establishing a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. The legal entity will register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
2023. Twitter has agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities. The Global Public Policy team is also directly available through a dedicated communication channel.

• Twitter has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.

1. Twitter has agreed to enrol Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules. At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws. Taken together, these represent a comprehensive compliance apparatus.
2. Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation has been built and work with the FGN and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries.
3. Therefore, the FGN lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria from midnight of 13^th January 2022. We encourage all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform. As patriotic citizens, we need to be mindful that anything illegal offline is also illegal online and that committing a crime using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.
4. Considering Twitter’s influence on our democracy, our economy, and the very fabric of our corporate existence as a Nation, our priority is to adapt, not ban, Twitter. The FGN is committed to working with Twitter to do anything possible to help Nigerians align and navigate Twitter algorithmic design to realise its potentials while avoiding its perils.
5. In his approval, the President appreciates the Presidential Committee led by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed, for the supervisory role and guidance given to the Technical Committee during the engagement. Similarly, the Presidential Committee commends the Technical Committee for a professional, robust and productive engagement with Twitter Inc. It also appreciates Government Regulatory Agencies and Internet Service Providers who implemented the FGN’s directives during the suspension.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE

Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and

Director-General

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

PRNigeria.

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO CELEBRATES HIS CoS ON HIS 45TH BIRTHDAY

GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO CELEBRATES HIS CoS ON HIS 45TH BIRTHDAY 

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has felicitated with his Chief of Staff, (CoS), Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe as he turns 45.

Governor Sani Bello described his CoS as a young, workaholic, vibrant and dedicated principal officer who has remained committed to his duties.

The Governor who also commended the celebrant for his resilience in running the affairs of government house, urged him to keep up the good work both within and outside his office especially his support to the less privileged in the society.

"I join all your well wishers to celebrate with you on your birthday. You have continued to show commitment and dedication to work which have impacted positively on my administration. 

"I wish you Allah’s guidance, wisdom and more years", he said.

IBB CHARGES WOSA MEMBERS TO STAY STEADFAST AND RESOLUTE IN THE PROMOTION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF THEIR ALMA MATER

REMAIN STEADFAST AND RESOLUTE IN THE PROMOTION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF YOUR ALMA MATER -  IBB CHARGES WOSA MEMBERS.

The former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has called on members of Wushishi Old Students Association (WOSA) to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest to promote academic excellence of their alma mater. 

The former President disclosed this when he received members of Board of Trustees and the newly elected Executive Committee of Wushishi Old Students Association led by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Professor Muhammed Kuta Yahaya at the Uphill Residence of the former President in Minna.

General Babangida commended members of WOSA for putting Wushishi on world map while urging on influential alumni of Schools to contribute their quota leveraging on their privileged positions.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Professor Muhammed Kuta Yahaya, Chairman, Board of Trustees of WOSA told General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida that Government Teachers College now Government Secondary School, Wushshi was an epitome of unity in those days where merit, discipline and academic excellence were the order of the day and attributed the feat to the pioneer Principal of the College, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Hamzat who was part of the visit to the former President.

Professor Yahaya Kuta explained that WOSA members need to celebrate this great citadel of learning which started in 1975 like a twinkling little star, stressing that Government Teachers College now Government Secondary School, Wushshi has over the years, moulded individuals who today occupy enviable positions in various fields of human endeavour.

According to the Chairman, “the School has now produced about ten Professors and other who-is-who in private and public establishments, whose accomplishments have taken the world by storm”. 

The National President of WOSA, Dr. Zubairu Ibrahim Tswachi in his remarks, appealed to the former President to assist WOSA in ensuring that the past glory of the School is not only revived but is improved for the future.

Dr. Tswachi lamented that Government Teachers College, Wushishi used to be the best, noting that academic performance and discipline were the trademarks of the College. “this great college is our pride, sadly it has suffered so much neglect and it is now a shadow of its glorious past”.

It would be recalled that at the 16th Annual General Meeting of Wushishi Old Students Association (WOSA) which took place on the 27th December, 2021 in Minna saw the emergence of the pioneer elected officials of the Association for a three year tenure.

Signed

Lawal Tanko

PRO, WOSA

NEW YEAR: GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO EXPRESSES HOPE AMIDST PERVADING INSECURITY AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

NEW YEAR: GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO EXPRESSES HOPE AMIDST PERVADING INSECURITY AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Niger State Governor and Chairman North Central States Governors' Forum (NCSGF) Abubakar Sani Bello has called on the citizens to continue to have hope and trust in the ability of his administration to work for the progress, growth and development of the state.

The Governor, who made the call in his 2022 New Year message said the state government will work towards successful actualization of its programmes and policies as captured in the 2022 budget.

He urged the citizens to show optimism and be encouraged by the fact that the APC-led administration in the state will not relent in sustaining the ongoing Infrastructural revolution aimed at improving the general well-being of the people.

The Governor dwelt on the state government's fight against insecurity and also warned on the resurging Covid-19 pandemic and renewed its call for the strict observance of all precautionary measures as outlined by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and other agencies.

He said security of the state will remain the administration's major focus in the New Year in order to stop banditry and other criminal tendencies towards sustaining the relative peaceful and harmonious coexistence in the state.

While felicitating with the citizens on the New Year, the Governor saluted the gallantry of the Military and all security agencies involved in the fight against insecurity and appealed to the people to play their individual and or collective roles to ensure success in the battle against evil.

Governor Sani Bello thanked Nigerlites for their support to the administration assuring that, with more support and cooperation, the state government will focus on realizing its goal of transforming the state.

"As we celebrate the New Year, we must put the interest of the state over and above other considerations and work towards attaining our collective aspirations", the Governor stated.

Mary Noel-Berje 

Chief Press Secretary

to the Governor of Niger State.