by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, colleges and universities, education, government, politics and government
The Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University in Ibadan, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, has appealed to the Federal Government to expand the Tertiary Education Trust Fund advantages to include private institutions, enabling these schools to have access to similar resources as those available at publicly funded universities.
At a press conference held on Monday in Ibadan to celebrate the institution’s 20th anniversary, Adeyemo stressed that private university students ought to have access to student loans, and professors should get government-supported research grants.
I recommend that the Federal Government promote private universities by granting them access to the same benefits enjoyed by most public universities, particularly those provided by TETFund.
“As the chairperson of the Committee of Private Universities in Nigeria, we have explicitly stated that private universities should be granted access to these resources,” he emphasized.
Adeyemo also highlighted the importance of educational fairness, emphasizing that TETFund resources, funded by taxpayer dollars, ought not to be limited to just public institutions.
Our students ought to have access to scholarships, as these can assist them in covering part of their tuition costs.
“Furthermore, faculty members at private institutions should also gain access to these resources, ensuring they feel included.”
“At minimum, the funds from TETFund come from taxpayers’ money and shouldn’t be exclusively enjoyed by public universities,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the administration to establish an enabling atmosphere for private universities to flourish, appealing to the National Universities Commission (NUC), the federal authorities, and other involved parties to offer essential support measures.
When looking back at the accomplishments of Lead City University over the last twenty years, Adeyemo credited its prosperity to robust collaboration, outstanding academics, and a dedication to fostering individuals who generate wealth instead of those seeking employment.
Our dedication to quality stands unmatched. The team remains devoted to our processes. It’s our collaboration, connections, pledges, and shared goals that distinguish us.
He stated, ‘We maintain an open-door policy, exhibit zero tolerance towards misconduct, and prioritize being student-friendly.’
Adeyemo mentioned that the university’s offerings have expanded from 40 to around 120 programs, vowing to uphold academic standards in compliance with NUC guidelines.
The growth of the university stems from a commitment to build an engaging, all-encompassing, and forward-thinking educational setting that fosters exceptional achievements among both learners and faculty members.
“Our main objective is to boost capability, productivity, and enthusiasm among our staff members, guaranteeing their continued leadership in educational quality, creativity, and service provision,” he noted.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | armed forces, military, national security, special forces, united states armed forces
The federal government has introduced a Special Operations Forces training initiative, recruiting 800 troops from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This program is designed to boost the nation’s capability to effectively tackle terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and various unconventional threats.
On Monday, during the inauguration of the elite forces’ training program at Camp Kabala within the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar stated that this initiative aims to develop a proficient, adaptable, and operationally ready unit equipped for intricate missions across various challenging terrains.
The minister highlighted that current security threats were constantly changing, necessitating the creation of a specialized unit equipped with modern tools and trained in sophisticated strategies, guerrilla warfare, data-backed operations, and swift deployment capabilities.
He stated, “The Special Operations Forces Training program is a strategic effort designed to boost our operational efficiency in countering terrorism, insurgency, cross-border criminal activities, and various other asymmetric challenges plaguing our country.”
This special operations unit will play a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s independence, ensuring the safety of our people, and upholding tranquility and order both domestically and internationally.
This training program has been carefully crafted to produce highly proficient individuals adept in specialized combat techniques, anti-terrorism activities, information collection, and hostage recovery assignments.
The program aims to equip participants with the skills needed for high-risk operations in various settings, including urban and challenging terrains, guaranteeing their ability to respond effectively to evolving dangers. Considering the cross-departmental character of contemporary security issues, this training will encourage smooth teamwork between members of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and additional security organizations.
Abubakar also mentioned that this unveiling marks the initial phase involving 800 individuals out of a total of 2,400 who will undergo training. This initiative forms part of an extensive plan aimed at fostering elite special operations capabilities within the Nigerian military forces. He emphasized that moving forward, the program will continue and grow to include additional members drawn from various divisions of the armed services.
Musa highlighted the significance of the training, asserting that it was essential for attaining “convergence,” which refers to the capability to synchronize and combine kinetic and non-kinetic abilities to produce simultaneous impacts across various fields more swiftly and efficiently than adversaries.
“As everyone recognizes the changing nature of contemporary warfare and the distinct difficulties presented by asymmetrical threats in our nation, the circumstances require that our armed forces must be thoroughly trained, adequately equipped, and ready to react quickly, efficiently, and resolutely. In light of these requirements, the formation of this Special Operations Unit is greatly anticipated because they symbolize the pinnacle of our military’s capability to promptly and firmly address dangers, whether domestic or foreign,” he stated.
However, Musa showed optimism that the Special Operations Force would play a crucial role in the military’s endeavors to combat terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national security.
I’m equally impressed with the cutting-edge training facility, which undoubtedly will boost the effective training of our armed forces personnel. Consequently, I wish to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Defence for their courageous initiative that made this occasion possible. This development will greatly contribute to realizing my vision of ‘cultivating a citizen-focused Nigerian military equipped to fulfill its constitutional duties within an integrated and cooperative framework.’
To the 800 valiant members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have participated in this training following an extensive selection process, I applaud your commitment and national spirit. You stand at the forefront of a fresh era in our defense story.
“I thus encourage all of you to face the upcoming challenges and duties with unyielding resolve. The training will be demanding and strenuous, yet with perseverance and the correct attitude, you will succeed. It is crucial that you dedicate yourselves fully to the training because this program aims to equip you thoroughly for every operational situation you may confront in the field,” he emphasized.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani—who attended as the Special Guest of Honor—stated that this initiative demonstrates the administration’s steadfast dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s security framework, addressing new challenges, and safeguarding the nation.
In her representation of him, Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe highlighted that “the nature of security concerns nowadays continues to change, encompassing not only terrorism, insurgency, and brigandage but also extending into areas like cyber threats and international criminal activities. To counteract this wide array of issues, it is essential for us to provide our military personnel with top-tier education, advanced strategies, and the fortitude required to tackle these multifaceted problems.”
This specialized force training program represents an ambitious move to ready a fresh cohort of top-tier soldiers adept at safeguarding our nation’s independence through accuracy, wit, and bravery. Additionally, this initiative aims to foster strategic reasoning, prompt decision-making, and leadership marked by integrity.
“In the current security landscape, the threats we encounter continue to change, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to cyber threats and transnational crimes. To address these issues, we should provide our military forces with top-notch training, advanced strategies, and the fortitude required to tackle these obstacles,” he stated.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | foreign policy, gaza israel conflict, international relations, news, politics
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The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called for resuming negotiations on Monday in reaction to the recent intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which followed unexpected Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) air strikes on Gaza.
During a press conference in Jerusalem, where she had a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Kallas commented, “Violence only breeds further violence.”
“What we’re seeing currently is a perilous intensification of the situation. This is creating immense uncertainty for the captives and their loved ones, and simultaneously instilling terror and leading to fatalities among the Palestinian population,” Kallas stated additionally.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar stated that “the conflict could conclude as early as tomorrow” provided certain conditions are met. These include the liberation of hostages seized by Hamas, the disarmament of Gaza, along with “the removal of armed factions from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.”
Sa’ar stated that they would be delighted to reach their objectives through diplomatic channels. However, should this prove unfeasible, they must proceed with their military operations.
The truce initiated in January halted more than a year of conflict that started with Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023. During this period, their fighters killed around 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and seized 251 hostages. Many of these captives have subsequently been freed via ceasefire arrangements or various pacts.
During the initial stage of the truce, 25 Israeli hostages along with the remains of eight more were freed in return for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
The Israeli military later permitted hundreds of thousands of individuals to return to their homes, leading to an uptick in humanitarian assistance. However, Israel recently halted all deliveries of supplies to Gaza earlier this month in order to exert pressure on Hamas for additional negotiations regarding the agreement.
It was anticipated that the parties would start discussions in early February concerning the subsequent stage of the truce. This included releasing the leftover 59 captives—of whom roughly half are thought to have perished—in return for additional Palestinian inmates being freed, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and Israel’s retreat from occupied areas. Nonetheless, such dialogues did not take place.
“The only viable solution to alleviate the pain for everyone involved is to restart the discussions,” Kallas emphasized again.
Moreover, Kallas highlighted that the EU does not envision a role for Hamas in governing the Strip moving ahead and stated their willingness to engage in talks regarding Gaza’s future with the aim of achieving lasting peace.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, international relations, military, politics, south africa
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JOHANNESBURG –
The defense minister from the Democratic Republic of Congo initiated a trip to South Africa on Monday with the purpose of enhancing “strategic defense capacities” between the nations, according to statements made by South Africa’s government.
The visit, scheduled to end on Thursday, occurs amid intensifying hostilities in the resource-abundant eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, soldiers from South Africa, who were dispatched under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate, have faced significant setbacks.
“The purpose of this visit is to further bolster and improve the long-standing bilateral defense ties between South Africa and the DRC,” stated the South African Ministry of Defense.
Discussions between Congo’s Defence Minister, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, and his South African peer, Angie Motshekga, will center around enhancing “critical aspects of defense collaboration” as well as strengthening their strategic defensive capacities, the statement noted.
The partnership is essential for promoting peace, security, and stability throughout the area, according to the ministry.
In January, fourteen South African troops lost their lives in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This occurred as the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, initiated a rapid assault, capturing extensive territories and major urban centers.
Many of the troops were part of the SADC deployment made in December 2023 to assist the DRC government – which is also a SADC member – in reinstating stability and safety.
At minimum, two of the deceased soldiers were serving with a distinct United Nations peacekeeping unit.
After the fatalities, a dispute arose between South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwanda’s leader Paul Kagame. In response, Kagame tweeted that the Southern African soldiers were not serving as a peacekeeping unit but were instead “conducting offensive combat missions to support the DRC government.”
“If South Africa opts for confrontation, Rwanda will address the issue within that framework anytime,” Kagame stated on X.
In mid-March, the SADC declared that it would conclude its military operation, with the majority of forces being contributed by South Africa.
On March 18, Qatar surprisingly revealed that it had facilitated meetings with the Presidents of Rwanda and Congo, during which they “confirmed the pledge of all sides to an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.”
However, even after the announcement, the M23 seized control of Walikale, which is a key mining center, marking their deepest advance into the heartland of the DRC since 2012.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | air travel, aviation, flights, flying, news
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BRUSSELS –
On Monday, Brussels Airport declared that it would cancel all departure flights planned for March 31 as an anticipatory measure due to a national strike anticipated to severely affect air traffic control operations.
The head of operations at Belgium’s biggest airport advised passengers to prepare for potential cancellations of incoming flights due to a strike announced by the nation’s primary labor unions.
Much of the airport’s security and maintenance workforce is anticipated to go on strike during a protest against proposed changes to their pensions from the new conservative administration, along with concerns about rising costs of living.
The strike scheduled for next Monday was likewise anticipated to significantly disrupt activities at the nation’s secondary airport, located in the southern town of Charleroi.
Bart De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, assumed the role of prime minister at the beginning of last month. This followed extensive coalition negotiations that occurred after Belgium’s elections in June of the previous year.
However, trade unions have been angered by his efforts toward pension reform as Belgium struggles with a budget deficit that exceeds the limits set by European Union regulations.
The scheduled demonstration on Monday follows a previous national strike that took place six weeks ago, drawing tens of thousands of participants to the streets.
A significant number of military personnel, educators, railroad employees, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders have participated in the strike due to the government’s decision to eliminate their distinct retirement plans, which disproportionately impacts these professions.
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