The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Academic Excellence Awards has been awarded to the best scholar in the 2013 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This year’s National Distinction and Merit Awards went to Oloruntoba Ogunfolaji from Ogun state; Ifeoluwapo Fasola from Oyo state; and Maureen Anyanwu, from Imo state, as they all scored A1 in all their subjects.
19-year-old Oloruntoba Ogunfolaji is considered the overall best candidate having scored a total grade of 666.6525 in eight subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Ogunfolaji, who attended the Sacred Heart Catholic College, Abeokuta, Ogun State between 2007 and 2013, with examination number 4280232/098, also obtained A1 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Geography and Yoruba Language.
He currently studies Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State.(Pictured above)
Second position pupil in the award is 17-year-old, Ifeoluwapo Fasolawho who had her secondary education at the International School, University of Ibadan, between 2007 and 2013, with WASSCE registration number 4310824/089.
She obtained A1 in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, French and the Yoruba Language with a total score of 664.0075.
Fasola is also currently studying Medicine and Surgery at UI. (pictured above)
On the third position is 18-year-old Miss Anyanwu, who attended the Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja and sat for the examination with registration number 4020617/017.
She obtained A1 in English Language, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science and Geography.
Anyanwu is currently studying Chemical Engineering with focus on Clinical Research at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Arts, New York, United States on full scholarship valued at $160, 000.
The award ceremony was held last Thursday in Minna, Niger State where the Nigerian Turkish International College, Kaduna took home the Oyediran trophy for producing the best overall results in the May/ June 2013 WASSCE.
CONGRATS...
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Sunday, November 30, 2014
Ogba Zoo: Nature in city’s heart
My name is Jemiah Pere. I am also known as Myah J, which is also my stage name. I am an African American and of Cherokee descent. I was born in the United States of America but my family hails from Bayelsa State. I grew up in the United States with my mother where I relocated to Atlanta. There, I attended dental school and worked as a dental technician/assistant for four years until I fell in love with the camera.
Entertainment
I started in the entertainment industry as a print and video model. I was introduced to music in 2010. I had never even recorded before and once I did, I was stuck. I couldn’t think of anything else. Music freed me. It gave me a vision on life. It made me realise what I wanted to do and how to do it. My genre of music is hip hop. I love it when music moves the room. I love to create such sound because it is amazing to me. I also love to dance. With me, music, sexiness and dance can be mixed together and these become magical. These are elements which go with my music. They cannot be separated one from another. I’m currently working on my mix tape and album in the United States. I’m also filming my own reality series which will show my struggles in life; my accomplishments now and how I am trying to prove myself as a female artiste.
Music in Nigeria
I am relocating to Nigeria but will live half year here and the next half in the United States. Already, I am producing a complete Nigerian album, which I intend to saturate the market with.
Men cannot intimidate me
Even with the number of men in the Nigerian music industry, I am not intimidated. I have read of a few girls who are making waves in music and I am encouraged. I am not deterred and I know by the time my music hits the market, I will be recognised and make a name. Already, I have an established fan base and I get inspiration from the love my fans shower on me. Collabo? I’m a fan of so many Nigerian artistes and my list of collabos is very long.
Fashion
I like things that are sexy, which stand out and with colours but I don’t have a particular style. Currently, I’m getting more into fashion but my only fetish is for shoes. I can’t control myself when shoes are involved. I am good at picking shoes but when buying clothes, it’s a chore.
Beauty
I love my skin to be clean. It has to stay clean. Therefore, I try to focus on my skin and cleanse my face. I cleanse my face in between applying make-up daily. Lately, I am working on becoming a vegetarian and I’m eating plenty of fish, very little chicken, no beef, and no pork. Quite challenging but I think I can do it.
Dream
My dream is to be one of the biggest female moguls in the world. Oprah is my inspiration. I plan to become a successful black woman.
Entertainment
I started in the entertainment industry as a print and video model. I was introduced to music in 2010. I had never even recorded before and once I did, I was stuck. I couldn’t think of anything else. Music freed me. It gave me a vision on life. It made me realise what I wanted to do and how to do it. My genre of music is hip hop. I love it when music moves the room. I love to create such sound because it is amazing to me. I also love to dance. With me, music, sexiness and dance can be mixed together and these become magical. These are elements which go with my music. They cannot be separated one from another. I’m currently working on my mix tape and album in the United States. I’m also filming my own reality series which will show my struggles in life; my accomplishments now and how I am trying to prove myself as a female artiste.
Music in Nigeria
I am relocating to Nigeria but will live half year here and the next half in the United States. Already, I am producing a complete Nigerian album, which I intend to saturate the market with.
Men cannot intimidate me
Even with the number of men in the Nigerian music industry, I am not intimidated. I have read of a few girls who are making waves in music and I am encouraged. I am not deterred and I know by the time my music hits the market, I will be recognised and make a name. Already, I have an established fan base and I get inspiration from the love my fans shower on me. Collabo? I’m a fan of so many Nigerian artistes and my list of collabos is very long.
Fashion
I like things that are sexy, which stand out and with colours but I don’t have a particular style. Currently, I’m getting more into fashion but my only fetish is for shoes. I can’t control myself when shoes are involved. I am good at picking shoes but when buying clothes, it’s a chore.
Beauty
I love my skin to be clean. It has to stay clean. Therefore, I try to focus on my skin and cleanse my face. I cleanse my face in between applying make-up daily. Lately, I am working on becoming a vegetarian and I’m eating plenty of fish, very little chicken, no beef, and no pork. Quite challenging but I think I can do it.
Dream
My dream is to be one of the biggest female moguls in the world. Oprah is my inspiration. I plan to become a successful black woman.
Ogba Zoo: Nature in city’s heart
Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State brings the exhilarating experience of wildlife to city dwellers, writes ALEXANDER OKERE
Sited in a place about seven kilometres from the ever-busy Ring Road area of Benin City is one of Edo State’s most popular recreational centres – the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park.
Established 43 years ago, the zoo occupies a vast piece of land spanning 750 acres owned by the state ministry of environment and privately managed by BENZOPA, a non-governmental organisation specialising in eco-tourism and bio-diversity management.
The expansive recreation centre is home to an array of wildlife and a botanical garden. It also parades a number of rare, wild, domestic and interesting animals such as lions, the spotted hyena, rock python, civet, bush tail and crested porcupine, camels, Nile crocodile, giant tortoises, chimpanzees, baboons and a collection of monkey species. Other birds include pea fowls, ostriches, white geese, crowned crane, white-faced whistling birds and Marabou storks.
During festive periods, the zoo is a beehive of activities as visitors and fun seekers, young and old, in Edo and neighbouring states troop in to catch a glimpse of the animals and have a feel of the milieu. Visitors enjoy horse, camel and donkey rides and take photographs to keep memories alive. Many a visitor is usually welcomed by the hee-haws of donkeys and the chirping birds in the serene environment.
Ogba Zoo also enjoys the patronage of international tourists, with a straight drive from the Benin Airport located on the same route. It is also a rich source of first-hand information for researchers both within and outside the shores of the country. The botanical garden has a collection which includes the Iroko, Raphia and Mohogany trees in addition to other trees that have become the dwelling places of various species of birds.
As one would expect, such patronage requires an even amount of facilities to sustain the management of park.
The park has extensive landscaped grounds, picnic areas and children’s playground for kids on excursions with diverse new equipment. With functional halls, restaurant, outdoor event grounds, picnic and camping spots, large car park, conveniences, in-door and out-door games, the Ogba Zoo and Park caters for all categories of fun lovers and holiday makers.
The park is also the favourite of those who desire an ideal place for solemn meditation and physical exercise, like fitness walk with fresh air. In the vicinity also seats a gallery and arts shop called the Africana Arts and Craft Shop. In the place, lovers of arts and craft could feast their eyes on various pieces on display. The strategically located arts gallery also offers a picturesque scene to the patrons of the park.
For Mrs. Esther Omorodion, one of the visitors to the park who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH, the zoo offers more than what meets the eyes. “My family prefers to come here because it takes them away from the hustling and bustling of the city centre. My children get to see real wild animals and complement what they learn from television and school. They also do better in nature related subjects,” she said.
The Director and Chief Operating Officer of the zoo and Nature Park, Mr. Andy Ehanire, told SUNDAY PUNCH that although the zoo was initially established by the then Governor of old Bendel State, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, as a low land forest reserve, it later became a biological reserve.
But the zoo has had its share of challenges. It once became moribund to the point that suggestions came from some quarters that the vast land should be divided for urban development and its rich tropical hardwood be harvested for commercial purposes. This led to the introduction of private management in 1999.
There is the challenge of land encroachment from community dwellers in the northern part of the park and erection of illegal structures, which were, however, later demolished by the state government. The zoo lacked access road prior to the construction of the Oko-Ogba road by the state government, under the Adams Oshiomhole administration in 2013. But that did not come without a major disaster experienced in the entire zoo and nature park.
There was a major flooding in the zoo caused by road construction works undertaken by a private construction company. Some road excavations carried out by the firm dislodged the large amount of flood which used to flow into the Ogba River and left most of the animals in the zoo in real danger.
Although the zoo management managed to put the facility in shape for the yuletide, when it receives the bulk of its visitors, it still maintains that much was expected from both the state government and the construction company.
“When the road was bad, it was a terrible experience. When the construction was going on, it was a terrible experience. In the final phase of completing the road, a major flood like never before was unleashed on the compound. Anyway, the road is for our benefit and the governor has delivered his promise on the road. So, we are happy,” he said.
“In the history of the zoo, even when it was thriving without any crisis, the zoo went into decline and collapsed under government, from the late 80s. By year 2000, we signed an agreement with the government. Three years into the intervention, there was a massive encroachment of the zoo land from the north end of the zoo in which half of the zoo land was levelled.
“Zoo keeping in Nigeria is not in our character. But nevertheless, in trying to reverse the initial decay, we did the correct housekeeping. We are making it safe again for children, excursions, social events, retreats and relaxation generally, including pilot schemes in sustainable use of nature’s resources,” Ehanire told our correspondent.
In spite of not being a full-fledged zoological garden, Ogba Zoo and Nature Park still prides itself as one of the best keepers of nature’s finest in the right ambience.
“We have the highest visitor shelter of any zoo in Nigeria. I’m sure there is no zoo that has up to 25 per cent of our visitor shelter.
“If one talks of the services we render, particularly to visitors during the holiday seasons, we have probably the most comprehensive entertainment package. If one wants to compare it with all the zoos even in our first phase of intervention,” he noted.
The management also plans to explore more of the potentials that the zoo presents to enable it compete favourably with international standard.Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State brings the exhilarating experience of wildlife to city dwellers, writes ALEXANDER OKERE
Sited in a place about seven kilometres from the ever-busy Ring Road area of Benin City is one of Edo State’s most popular recreational centres – the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park.
Established 43 years ago, the zoo occupies a vast piece of land spanning 750 acres owned by the state ministry of environment and privately managed by BENZOPA, a non-governmental organisation specialising in eco-tourism and bio-diversity management.
The expansive recreation centre is home to an array of wildlife and a botanical garden. It also parades a number of rare, wild, domestic and interesting animals such as lions, the spotted hyena, rock python, civet, bush tail and crested porcupine, camels, Nile crocodile, giant tortoises, chimpanzees, baboons and a collection of monkey species. Other birds include pea fowls, ostriches, white geese, crowned crane, white-faced whistling birds and Marabou storks.
During festive periods, the zoo is a beehive of activities as visitors and fun seekers, young and old, in Edo and neighbouring states troop in to catch a glimpse of the animals and have a feel of the milieu. Visitors enjoy horse, camel and donkey rides and take photographs to keep memories alive. Many a visitor is usually welcomed by the hee-haws of donkeys and the chirping birds in the serene environment.
Ogba Zoo also enjoys the patronage of international tourists, with a straight drive from the Benin Airport located on the same route. It is also a rich source of first-hand information for researchers both within and outside the shores of the country. The botanical garden has a collection which includes the Iroko, Raphia and Mohogany trees in addition to other trees that have become the dwelling places of various species of birds.
As one would expect, such patronage requires an even amount of facilities to sustain the management of park.
The park has extensive landscaped grounds, picnic areas and children’s playground for kids on excursions with diverse new equipment. With functional halls, restaurant, outdoor event grounds, picnic and camping spots, large car park, conveniences, in-door and out-door games, the Ogba Zoo and Park caters for all categories of fun lovers and holiday makers.
The park is also the favourite of those who desire an ideal place for solemn meditation and physical exercise, like fitness walk with fresh air. In the vicinity also seats a gallery and arts shop called the Africana Arts and Craft Shop. In the place, lovers of arts and craft could feast their eyes on various pieces on display. The strategically located arts gallery also offers a picturesque scene to the patrons of the park.
For Mrs. Esther Omorodion, one of the visitors to the park who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH, the zoo offers more than what meets the eyes. “My family prefers to come here because it takes them away from the hustling and bustling of the city centre. My children get to see real wild animals and complement what they learn from television and school. They also do better in nature related subjects,” she said.
The Director and Chief Operating Officer of the zoo and Nature Park, Mr. Andy Ehanire, told SUNDAY PUNCH that although the zoo was initially established by the then Governor of old Bendel State, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, as a low land forest reserve, it later became a biological reserve.
But the zoo has had its share of challenges. It once became moribund to the point that suggestions came from some quarters that the vast land should be divided for urban development and its rich tropical hardwood be harvested for commercial purposes. This led to the introduction of private management in 1999.
There is the challenge of land encroachment from community dwellers in the northern part of the park and erection of illegal structures, which were, however, later demolished by the state government. The zoo lacked access road prior to the construction of the Oko-Ogba road by the state government, under the Adams Oshiomhole administration in 2013. But that did not come without a major disaster experienced in the entire zoo and nature park.
There was a major flooding in the zoo caused by road construction works undertaken by a private construction company. Some road excavations carried out by the firm dislodged the large amount of flood which used to flow into the Ogba River and left most of the animals in the zoo in real danger.
Although the zoo management managed to put the facility in shape for the yuletide, when it receives the bulk of its visitors, it still maintains that much was expected from both the state government and the construction company.
“When the road was bad, it was a terrible experience. When the construction was going on, it was a terrible experience. In the final phase of completing the road, a major flood like never before was unleashed on the compound. Anyway, the road is for our benefit and the governor has delivered his promise on the road. So, we are happy,” he said.
“In the history of the zoo, even when it was thriving without any crisis, the zoo went into decline and collapsed under government, from the late 80s. By year 2000, we signed an agreement with the government. Three years into the intervention, there was a massive encroachment of the zoo land from the north end of the zoo in which half of the zoo land was levelled.
“Zoo keeping in Nigeria is not in our character. But nevertheless, in trying to reverse the initial decay, we did the correct housekeeping. We are making it safe again for children, excursions, social events, retreats and relaxation generally, including pilot schemes in sustainable use of nature’s resources,” Ehanire told our correspondent.
In spite of not being a full-fledged zoological garden, Ogba Zoo and Nature Park still prides itself as one of the best keepers of nature’s finest in the right ambience.
Schoolchildren during a visit to the zoo
“We have the highest visitor shelter of any zoo in Nigeria. I’m sure there is no zoo that has up to 25 per cent of our visitor shelter.
“If one talks of the services we render, particularly to visitors during the holiday seasons, we have probably the most comprehensive entertainment package. If one wants to compare it with all the zoos even in our first phase of intervention,” he noted.
The management also plans to explore more of the potentials that the zoo presents to enable it compete favourably with international standard.
Sited in a place about seven kilometres from the ever-busy Ring Road area of Benin City is one of Edo State’s most popular recreational centres – the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park.
Established 43 years ago, the zoo occupies a vast piece of land spanning 750 acres owned by the state ministry of environment and privately managed by BENZOPA, a non-governmental organisation specialising in eco-tourism and bio-diversity management.
The expansive recreation centre is home to an array of wildlife and a botanical garden. It also parades a number of rare, wild, domestic and interesting animals such as lions, the spotted hyena, rock python, civet, bush tail and crested porcupine, camels, Nile crocodile, giant tortoises, chimpanzees, baboons and a collection of monkey species. Other birds include pea fowls, ostriches, white geese, crowned crane, white-faced whistling birds and Marabou storks.
During festive periods, the zoo is a beehive of activities as visitors and fun seekers, young and old, in Edo and neighbouring states troop in to catch a glimpse of the animals and have a feel of the milieu. Visitors enjoy horse, camel and donkey rides and take photographs to keep memories alive. Many a visitor is usually welcomed by the hee-haws of donkeys and the chirping birds in the serene environment.
Ogba Zoo also enjoys the patronage of international tourists, with a straight drive from the Benin Airport located on the same route. It is also a rich source of first-hand information for researchers both within and outside the shores of the country. The botanical garden has a collection which includes the Iroko, Raphia and Mohogany trees in addition to other trees that have become the dwelling places of various species of birds.
As one would expect, such patronage requires an even amount of facilities to sustain the management of park.
The park has extensive landscaped grounds, picnic areas and children’s playground for kids on excursions with diverse new equipment. With functional halls, restaurant, outdoor event grounds, picnic and camping spots, large car park, conveniences, in-door and out-door games, the Ogba Zoo and Park caters for all categories of fun lovers and holiday makers.
The park is also the favourite of those who desire an ideal place for solemn meditation and physical exercise, like fitness walk with fresh air. In the vicinity also seats a gallery and arts shop called the Africana Arts and Craft Shop. In the place, lovers of arts and craft could feast their eyes on various pieces on display. The strategically located arts gallery also offers a picturesque scene to the patrons of the park.
For Mrs. Esther Omorodion, one of the visitors to the park who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH, the zoo offers more than what meets the eyes. “My family prefers to come here because it takes them away from the hustling and bustling of the city centre. My children get to see real wild animals and complement what they learn from television and school. They also do better in nature related subjects,” she said.
The Director and Chief Operating Officer of the zoo and Nature Park, Mr. Andy Ehanire, told SUNDAY PUNCH that although the zoo was initially established by the then Governor of old Bendel State, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, as a low land forest reserve, it later became a biological reserve.
But the zoo has had its share of challenges. It once became moribund to the point that suggestions came from some quarters that the vast land should be divided for urban development and its rich tropical hardwood be harvested for commercial purposes. This led to the introduction of private management in 1999.
There is the challenge of land encroachment from community dwellers in the northern part of the park and erection of illegal structures, which were, however, later demolished by the state government. The zoo lacked access road prior to the construction of the Oko-Ogba road by the state government, under the Adams Oshiomhole administration in 2013. But that did not come without a major disaster experienced in the entire zoo and nature park.
There was a major flooding in the zoo caused by road construction works undertaken by a private construction company. Some road excavations carried out by the firm dislodged the large amount of flood which used to flow into the Ogba River and left most of the animals in the zoo in real danger.
Although the zoo management managed to put the facility in shape for the yuletide, when it receives the bulk of its visitors, it still maintains that much was expected from both the state government and the construction company.
“When the road was bad, it was a terrible experience. When the construction was going on, it was a terrible experience. In the final phase of completing the road, a major flood like never before was unleashed on the compound. Anyway, the road is for our benefit and the governor has delivered his promise on the road. So, we are happy,” he said.
“In the history of the zoo, even when it was thriving without any crisis, the zoo went into decline and collapsed under government, from the late 80s. By year 2000, we signed an agreement with the government. Three years into the intervention, there was a massive encroachment of the zoo land from the north end of the zoo in which half of the zoo land was levelled.
“Zoo keeping in Nigeria is not in our character. But nevertheless, in trying to reverse the initial decay, we did the correct housekeeping. We are making it safe again for children, excursions, social events, retreats and relaxation generally, including pilot schemes in sustainable use of nature’s resources,” Ehanire told our correspondent.
In spite of not being a full-fledged zoological garden, Ogba Zoo and Nature Park still prides itself as one of the best keepers of nature’s finest in the right ambience.
“We have the highest visitor shelter of any zoo in Nigeria. I’m sure there is no zoo that has up to 25 per cent of our visitor shelter.
“If one talks of the services we render, particularly to visitors during the holiday seasons, we have probably the most comprehensive entertainment package. If one wants to compare it with all the zoos even in our first phase of intervention,” he noted.
The management also plans to explore more of the potentials that the zoo presents to enable it compete favourably with international standard.Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State brings the exhilarating experience of wildlife to city dwellers, writes ALEXANDER OKERE
Sited in a place about seven kilometres from the ever-busy Ring Road area of Benin City is one of Edo State’s most popular recreational centres – the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park.
Established 43 years ago, the zoo occupies a vast piece of land spanning 750 acres owned by the state ministry of environment and privately managed by BENZOPA, a non-governmental organisation specialising in eco-tourism and bio-diversity management.
The expansive recreation centre is home to an array of wildlife and a botanical garden. It also parades a number of rare, wild, domestic and interesting animals such as lions, the spotted hyena, rock python, civet, bush tail and crested porcupine, camels, Nile crocodile, giant tortoises, chimpanzees, baboons and a collection of monkey species. Other birds include pea fowls, ostriches, white geese, crowned crane, white-faced whistling birds and Marabou storks.
During festive periods, the zoo is a beehive of activities as visitors and fun seekers, young and old, in Edo and neighbouring states troop in to catch a glimpse of the animals and have a feel of the milieu. Visitors enjoy horse, camel and donkey rides and take photographs to keep memories alive. Many a visitor is usually welcomed by the hee-haws of donkeys and the chirping birds in the serene environment.
Ogba Zoo also enjoys the patronage of international tourists, with a straight drive from the Benin Airport located on the same route. It is also a rich source of first-hand information for researchers both within and outside the shores of the country. The botanical garden has a collection which includes the Iroko, Raphia and Mohogany trees in addition to other trees that have become the dwelling places of various species of birds.
As one would expect, such patronage requires an even amount of facilities to sustain the management of park.
The park has extensive landscaped grounds, picnic areas and children’s playground for kids on excursions with diverse new equipment. With functional halls, restaurant, outdoor event grounds, picnic and camping spots, large car park, conveniences, in-door and out-door games, the Ogba Zoo and Park caters for all categories of fun lovers and holiday makers.
The park is also the favourite of those who desire an ideal place for solemn meditation and physical exercise, like fitness walk with fresh air. In the vicinity also seats a gallery and arts shop called the Africana Arts and Craft Shop. In the place, lovers of arts and craft could feast their eyes on various pieces on display. The strategically located arts gallery also offers a picturesque scene to the patrons of the park.
For Mrs. Esther Omorodion, one of the visitors to the park who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH, the zoo offers more than what meets the eyes. “My family prefers to come here because it takes them away from the hustling and bustling of the city centre. My children get to see real wild animals and complement what they learn from television and school. They also do better in nature related subjects,” she said.
The Director and Chief Operating Officer of the zoo and Nature Park, Mr. Andy Ehanire, told SUNDAY PUNCH that although the zoo was initially established by the then Governor of old Bendel State, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, as a low land forest reserve, it later became a biological reserve.
But the zoo has had its share of challenges. It once became moribund to the point that suggestions came from some quarters that the vast land should be divided for urban development and its rich tropical hardwood be harvested for commercial purposes. This led to the introduction of private management in 1999.
There is the challenge of land encroachment from community dwellers in the northern part of the park and erection of illegal structures, which were, however, later demolished by the state government. The zoo lacked access road prior to the construction of the Oko-Ogba road by the state government, under the Adams Oshiomhole administration in 2013. But that did not come without a major disaster experienced in the entire zoo and nature park.
There was a major flooding in the zoo caused by road construction works undertaken by a private construction company. Some road excavations carried out by the firm dislodged the large amount of flood which used to flow into the Ogba River and left most of the animals in the zoo in real danger.
Although the zoo management managed to put the facility in shape for the yuletide, when it receives the bulk of its visitors, it still maintains that much was expected from both the state government and the construction company.
“When the road was bad, it was a terrible experience. When the construction was going on, it was a terrible experience. In the final phase of completing the road, a major flood like never before was unleashed on the compound. Anyway, the road is for our benefit and the governor has delivered his promise on the road. So, we are happy,” he said.
“In the history of the zoo, even when it was thriving without any crisis, the zoo went into decline and collapsed under government, from the late 80s. By year 2000, we signed an agreement with the government. Three years into the intervention, there was a massive encroachment of the zoo land from the north end of the zoo in which half of the zoo land was levelled.
“Zoo keeping in Nigeria is not in our character. But nevertheless, in trying to reverse the initial decay, we did the correct housekeeping. We are making it safe again for children, excursions, social events, retreats and relaxation generally, including pilot schemes in sustainable use of nature’s resources,” Ehanire told our correspondent.
In spite of not being a full-fledged zoological garden, Ogba Zoo and Nature Park still prides itself as one of the best keepers of nature’s finest in the right ambience.
Schoolchildren during a visit to the zoo
“We have the highest visitor shelter of any zoo in Nigeria. I’m sure there is no zoo that has up to 25 per cent of our visitor shelter.
“If one talks of the services we render, particularly to visitors during the holiday seasons, we have probably the most comprehensive entertainment package. If one wants to compare it with all the zoos even in our first phase of intervention,” he noted.
The management also plans to explore more of the potentials that the zoo presents to enable it compete favourably with international standard.
I help my wife cook — Elvis Obi
Nollywood actor, Elvis Obi and his wife, Uju, talk about their union
How did you meet your wife?
Elvis: I met her before I started acting. I was into business, travelling to Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and sold ladies’ wear. She just passed by my shop, saw a dress she liked and stopped to ask the price. I tried to sell the dress to her because she was a student and did not have much money. She left and I saw her as someone I could marry. I told God that I desired to marry her and if she would be my wife, He should bring her my way again. After three months, I met her in church, where I was an usher. We talked and I invited her to other church activities. We became close and eventually got married in 2004.
Did she accept your proposal immediately?
Elvis: No, she did not. She was also reluctant to visit me because I was the youth evangelical leader of my church and one of her sisters attended the church. After service, I invited her to visit me while her sister was present. When she came, I told her my intentions. She was 19 years old and she told me she was not ready for marriage. I tried to convince her and after sometime she gave in. Along the line, I got her pregnant because I did not want her to leave. I told her I would marry her when the pregnancy was eight months old. I gave her money for upkeep regularly and two weeks after eight months, I paid her dowry. We got married after that and two weeks later, she put to birth. She was slim and people did not know she was pregnant. We have three children now—a boy and two girls.
Why did you not accept his proposal immediately?
Uju: I was very young, the last girl in my family and my elder sisters were not married. I also needed my mother around me. I went to Onitsha to see my sister when he saw me in church that day. I pretended not seeing him and he insisted on meeting my family. I called my sister who spoke with him and advised him to go and see my mum at Enugu, where we grew up.
What was the initial attraction?
Uju: I always wanted to marry a tall and handsome guy. But when I saw him, I did not like him immediately. But as time went on, I started developing feelings for him.
Did your in-laws oppose the marriage?
Elvis: They did not oppose the marriage. I am now 38 years old and my wife is 29. Marriage is about making yourself responsible and people will see the qualities in you. Marrying their daughter was a blessing to them and everyone embraced it.
Uju: My mum felt I was too young to get married but she told him to ask me. To her, if I was ready, there was no problem.
Why did you marry a 19-year-old?
Elvis: I treat my wife as my girlfriend. I also relate with my children like my friends. They talk to me and tell me anything they want. Families should have freedom of expression. I discuss almost anything with my children. Sometimes, they question why I do the things I do in movies and I explain to them the reasons for those things.
What were the initial challenges of being a married woman?
Uju: He is a good man, but I cried for almost a week after my wedding. Sometimes, he cooks or goes to the market when I am tired. He is understanding but the only problem I have now is that he is no longer around to pamper me like he used to.
How did you cope with marriage and schooling?
Uju: My mother was always there for me. She also helped take care of the children and encouraged me to go to school.
Were there other men asking you out in school?
Uju: Yes, I had guys wooing me in school. I was young and even now, they still ask me out. When I show them my ring, some will still want to go on.
How long have you been married?
Elvis: We have been married for 10 years. The marriage has been wonderful. Sometimes, we have our disagreements. I am always at locations and she would be angry most times. Initially, she used to get angry and lock the hotel door at locations. I would explain to her that I had been doing the job before I married her and needed to put food on our table. God gave me the understanding to know that she loves me so much. Sometimes, whenever I was about to go out, she would cry. But as time went on, she understood the nature of my job. I love her because she prays for me.
Has marriage taken away your freedom?
Elvis: Yes, it has. At a time, some of my friends thought I forgot about them. But I have to be at home with my wife and children when I am not working, or take the children to school. Sometimes, I help in the chores at home or even cook. People think my wife controls me but she does not.
Do you get jealous of his female fans?
Uju: I do not get jealous. I do not like it when they call him or disturb him. Some call to say they want to act, but at the end of the day it would turn out that they want to woo him. Some would make promises to him that he would not regret if he becomes their friend.
What does he do to get you angry?
Uju: When someone calls him on the phone and I ask who it is, he would question my curiosity and tell me that he is a man. Sometimes, he goes out and does not come back early and that gets me angry.
Who apologises first when there is a quarrel?
Elvis: Most times, I apologise to her because I adore her. Women behave childishly sometimes and when those times arise, I pet her. There were times we faced challenges and hardships, but she stood by me and always prayed for the family. That is one of the reasons I adore her.
Uju: It is good for a man to love his wife more than she loves him. If not, the man would take the woman for granted. Sometimes, when I know I am wrong, I apologise.
How do you relax?
Uju: Sometimes, we go to club or a bar to talk and have fun. People watch us whenever we kiss outside. Also, I like to travel with him.
What would be your advice to celebrity spouses?
Uju: They have to be patient if they want to keep their marriages. Also, they have to be prayerful.
Do you run a joint account?
Elvis: We have separate accounts and we also have accounts for the children.
What pet names do you call each other?
Elvis: I call her Love of my life.
Uju: I call him My Power. But when I am not happy with him, I call him Chi or Elvis.
How did you meet your wife?
Elvis: I met her before I started acting. I was into business, travelling to Hong Kong, Indonesia, China and sold ladies’ wear. She just passed by my shop, saw a dress she liked and stopped to ask the price. I tried to sell the dress to her because she was a student and did not have much money. She left and I saw her as someone I could marry. I told God that I desired to marry her and if she would be my wife, He should bring her my way again. After three months, I met her in church, where I was an usher. We talked and I invited her to other church activities. We became close and eventually got married in 2004.
Did she accept your proposal immediately?
Elvis: No, she did not. She was also reluctant to visit me because I was the youth evangelical leader of my church and one of her sisters attended the church. After service, I invited her to visit me while her sister was present. When she came, I told her my intentions. She was 19 years old and she told me she was not ready for marriage. I tried to convince her and after sometime she gave in. Along the line, I got her pregnant because I did not want her to leave. I told her I would marry her when the pregnancy was eight months old. I gave her money for upkeep regularly and two weeks after eight months, I paid her dowry. We got married after that and two weeks later, she put to birth. She was slim and people did not know she was pregnant. We have three children now—a boy and two girls.
Why did you not accept his proposal immediately?
Uju: I was very young, the last girl in my family and my elder sisters were not married. I also needed my mother around me. I went to Onitsha to see my sister when he saw me in church that day. I pretended not seeing him and he insisted on meeting my family. I called my sister who spoke with him and advised him to go and see my mum at Enugu, where we grew up.
What was the initial attraction?
Uju: I always wanted to marry a tall and handsome guy. But when I saw him, I did not like him immediately. But as time went on, I started developing feelings for him.
Did your in-laws oppose the marriage?
Elvis: They did not oppose the marriage. I am now 38 years old and my wife is 29. Marriage is about making yourself responsible and people will see the qualities in you. Marrying their daughter was a blessing to them and everyone embraced it.
Uju: My mum felt I was too young to get married but she told him to ask me. To her, if I was ready, there was no problem.
Why did you marry a 19-year-old?
Elvis: I treat my wife as my girlfriend. I also relate with my children like my friends. They talk to me and tell me anything they want. Families should have freedom of expression. I discuss almost anything with my children. Sometimes, they question why I do the things I do in movies and I explain to them the reasons for those things.
What were the initial challenges of being a married woman?
Uju: He is a good man, but I cried for almost a week after my wedding. Sometimes, he cooks or goes to the market when I am tired. He is understanding but the only problem I have now is that he is no longer around to pamper me like he used to.
How did you cope with marriage and schooling?
Uju: My mother was always there for me. She also helped take care of the children and encouraged me to go to school.
Were there other men asking you out in school?
Uju: Yes, I had guys wooing me in school. I was young and even now, they still ask me out. When I show them my ring, some will still want to go on.
How long have you been married?
Elvis: We have been married for 10 years. The marriage has been wonderful. Sometimes, we have our disagreements. I am always at locations and she would be angry most times. Initially, she used to get angry and lock the hotel door at locations. I would explain to her that I had been doing the job before I married her and needed to put food on our table. God gave me the understanding to know that she loves me so much. Sometimes, whenever I was about to go out, she would cry. But as time went on, she understood the nature of my job. I love her because she prays for me.
Has marriage taken away your freedom?
Elvis: Yes, it has. At a time, some of my friends thought I forgot about them. But I have to be at home with my wife and children when I am not working, or take the children to school. Sometimes, I help in the chores at home or even cook. People think my wife controls me but she does not.
Do you get jealous of his female fans?
Uju: I do not get jealous. I do not like it when they call him or disturb him. Some call to say they want to act, but at the end of the day it would turn out that they want to woo him. Some would make promises to him that he would not regret if he becomes their friend.
What does he do to get you angry?
Uju: When someone calls him on the phone and I ask who it is, he would question my curiosity and tell me that he is a man. Sometimes, he goes out and does not come back early and that gets me angry.
Who apologises first when there is a quarrel?
Elvis: Most times, I apologise to her because I adore her. Women behave childishly sometimes and when those times arise, I pet her. There were times we faced challenges and hardships, but she stood by me and always prayed for the family. That is one of the reasons I adore her.
Uju: It is good for a man to love his wife more than she loves him. If not, the man would take the woman for granted. Sometimes, when I know I am wrong, I apologise.
How do you relax?
Uju: Sometimes, we go to club or a bar to talk and have fun. People watch us whenever we kiss outside. Also, I like to travel with him.
What would be your advice to celebrity spouses?
Uju: They have to be patient if they want to keep their marriages. Also, they have to be prayerful.
Do you run a joint account?
Elvis: We have separate accounts and we also have accounts for the children.
What pet names do you call each other?
Elvis: I call her Love of my life.
Uju: I call him My Power. But when I am not happy with him, I call him Chi or Elvis.
For music, Yungskillsz woos Fine Lady
But for his age, his manner of singing and composition style would make one think he started music many years ago. But Oluwatobiloba Bello, whose stage name is Yungskillsz, revealed that he started singing professionally at age 15. He is now 17 years old.
The young singer is also not wooing any lady because his focus is on how to hit stardom. But as a hip-hop singer he blends with happenings and market demands hence the title of his six-track album, Fine Lady.
He said, ‘‘I am about to round off my secondary school education and intends to further my studies after finishing. I like music and get much support from my mother but that does not mean I will halt my education for music. I am a hip-hop artist and have been singing since I was 11 years old. I have a six-track album titled Fine Lady. I have produced a video for one of the tracks and album title, Fine Lady. It is a hit track. The album has tracks like Pariwo, My Mother, Happy Day, Rita Dance and Tins Fall Apart.’’
Yungskillsz added that the album has a lot of messages because he determined to always sing songs that have great appeal.
According to him, he knows that he must release good songs if he truly wants to stay relevant in the industry as he grows.
‘‘I make sure that I blend my songs with good messages even if I want to sing a love song. Tins Fall Apart is a song that took me time to compose because of the invaluable messages in it. It examines the differences between the rich and the poor. The album was released in 2009. I experienced some challenges when I wanted to record the first track. It took a long time because the producer insisted that I should take my time. I am happy that I listened to the advice because I am happy each time I listen to the song,’’ he stated.
He also said the same standard was insisted upon when he wanted to shoot the video of Fine Lady while also appreciating God for empowering him to meet the financial obligation of the video.
The singer said, ‘‘It is not easy combining school and music because both occupy time. I really want to thank God who has been supporting me. Many of my teachers have been quite nice and encouraging me to forge ahead in my chosen career. They also counselled me on the importance of quality education.’’
The young singer is also not wooing any lady because his focus is on how to hit stardom. But as a hip-hop singer he blends with happenings and market demands hence the title of his six-track album, Fine Lady.
He said, ‘‘I am about to round off my secondary school education and intends to further my studies after finishing. I like music and get much support from my mother but that does not mean I will halt my education for music. I am a hip-hop artist and have been singing since I was 11 years old. I have a six-track album titled Fine Lady. I have produced a video for one of the tracks and album title, Fine Lady. It is a hit track. The album has tracks like Pariwo, My Mother, Happy Day, Rita Dance and Tins Fall Apart.’’
Yungskillsz added that the album has a lot of messages because he determined to always sing songs that have great appeal.
According to him, he knows that he must release good songs if he truly wants to stay relevant in the industry as he grows.
‘‘I make sure that I blend my songs with good messages even if I want to sing a love song. Tins Fall Apart is a song that took me time to compose because of the invaluable messages in it. It examines the differences between the rich and the poor. The album was released in 2009. I experienced some challenges when I wanted to record the first track. It took a long time because the producer insisted that I should take my time. I am happy that I listened to the advice because I am happy each time I listen to the song,’’ he stated.
He also said the same standard was insisted upon when he wanted to shoot the video of Fine Lady while also appreciating God for empowering him to meet the financial obligation of the video.
The singer said, ‘‘It is not easy combining school and music because both occupy time. I really want to thank God who has been supporting me. Many of my teachers have been quite nice and encouraging me to forge ahead in my chosen career. They also counselled me on the importance of quality education.’’
Reliving Dreams of Yesterday
Delectable actress, Lillian Amah-Aluko, is a Nollywood star who effortlessly combines her writing prowess with acting. Amah-Aluko, who had earlier published a novel titled, Echoes of a Heartbeat, told Arts Dome that the ink of her pen recently produced another novel, Dreams of Yesterday.
But unlike the first work published in print and later as an e-book, the second novel is entirely an online publication.
She said, ‘‘My first novel was initially published in print. It is also now an e-book. My latest book will eventually be published in print form. I made it an e-book because it was easier to get an e-book publisher. When I get a traditional publisher, my new novel will also be out in print.’’
The actress, whose first movie role was as Alero in Out Of Bounds, said the book captures the lives, loves, triumphs and trials of a bi-ethnic couple in a time of war.
‘‘The book looks at inter-ethnic relationships in a multi-ethnic country. I was motivated to write it because I want to unravel/gain insight into the minds and lives of Nigerians married to people from other ethnic groups. In the book, I try to explore themes such as love, loyalty, betrayal and sacrifice, ’’ she said.
The talented actress also said the titles of the two books; Echoes of a Heartbeat and Dreams of Yesterday were chosen because they spoke to her heart.
The actress stated, ‘‘Both titles for me encapsulate the stories I sought to tell. The same titles are also used for the e-books.”
On the challenges encountered in the course of writing her first and latest novel, Amah-Aluko said she did not experience any tough challenges either while she was writing or publishing, adding ‘‘My publisher made it very easy as all I had to do was send my manuscript. Once it was accepted, they did all the work. Even the striking cover design was handled by them.’’
But unlike the first work published in print and later as an e-book, the second novel is entirely an online publication.
She said, ‘‘My first novel was initially published in print. It is also now an e-book. My latest book will eventually be published in print form. I made it an e-book because it was easier to get an e-book publisher. When I get a traditional publisher, my new novel will also be out in print.’’
The actress, whose first movie role was as Alero in Out Of Bounds, said the book captures the lives, loves, triumphs and trials of a bi-ethnic couple in a time of war.
‘‘The book looks at inter-ethnic relationships in a multi-ethnic country. I was motivated to write it because I want to unravel/gain insight into the minds and lives of Nigerians married to people from other ethnic groups. In the book, I try to explore themes such as love, loyalty, betrayal and sacrifice, ’’ she said.
The talented actress also said the titles of the two books; Echoes of a Heartbeat and Dreams of Yesterday were chosen because they spoke to her heart.
The actress stated, ‘‘Both titles for me encapsulate the stories I sought to tell. The same titles are also used for the e-books.”
On the challenges encountered in the course of writing her first and latest novel, Amah-Aluko said she did not experience any tough challenges either while she was writing or publishing, adding ‘‘My publisher made it very easy as all I had to do was send my manuscript. Once it was accepted, they did all the work. Even the striking cover design was handled by them.’’
Nigeria should crush Boko Haram like Biafra –Prof. Ogbonnaya
Professor Joshua Ogbonnaya, a founding member of Ohaneze Ndigbo; Dean of College of Medicine of three universities; a participant in three national conferences; and a member of the Presidential Task Force on Amnesty for Niger Delta militants, tells STEPHEN UKA how amnesty was used effectively to restore peace to the creeks and why it cannot be successfully applied to the current insurgency in the North
As a member of the 1994 / 1995 constitutional conference, can you review some of the landmark recommendations of that draft constitution, and how they could have saved Nigeria from the heat being generated by the 2015 election assuming they were implemented?
There are several landmark decisions we took at that conference but the one that I know would have saved Nigeria from political wrangling that is going on at the moment is the rotation of executive posts like that of the president, governor and local government chairman. All the decisions of that conference were captured in a draft constitution but because of the sudden death of the then Head of State, Gen. Sanny Abacha, it was not passed. Gen. Abdusalami came in and brought the 1999 constitution which did not reflect all the things we decided in the 1995 draft constitution.
The issue of rotation of executive post was unanimously agreed on in 1995. If it had been implemented the issue of whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to re- contest would not have risen because Jonathan in the first place would not have succeeded the late President Musa Yar’Adua because we made a provision there that where a President is nominated by any political party, he has to provide three Vice Presidential candidates. One from his own geopolitical zone, and two from two different geopolitical zones so that if for any reason, the President resigns or dies in office, then the Vice- President from his zone will take over and complete his remaining tenure.
The issue of the autonomy of local government was also encapsulated in that draft constitution. In fact up till today, I still say it that the 1994/1995 draft constitution is the best constitution Nigeria never had.
Who do we blame for the non implementation of the recommendations of that draft constitution?
I think it was because of the untimely death of the then Head of State.
But somebody took over from him?
Yes, but for some reasons or the other, his successor failed to implement those beautiful recommendations.
You have participated in at least three constitutional conferences in Nigeria as a delegate. Could you compare them and tell why their recommendations are never implemented.
Yes I was there in 1994/1995, in 2005 by ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo where we finished and were summarily dismissed because we did not satisfy him in the ‘evil third term agenda’ , and then this last one in 2014. And I know the difference between all of them. In the case of 1994/1995 constitution there was an enabling law establishing it. We were told to take decisions that would be enacted as a constitution for the country. But in 2005 we were summarily dismissed for some reasons best known to Obasanjo. Then in 2014, there was also no enabling law setting it up but we have done our recommendations. We have tons of print work to show for it but up till now it has not been implemented.
But while the President was making his declaration for second term last week I heard him say he would still implement all the decisions of the conference that are possible for the executive to implement. At the time we were being inaugurated, he said he was in the process of agreeing with the National Assembly to get a provision that will make the recommendations of the conference through referendum or plebiscite, and we all hoped that was going to happen but unfortunately it never happened.
So, who do we blame?
Certainly the National Assembly because the members politicized the good intentions of the President.
Are you still very optimistic that the recommendations of the conference will see the light of day?
I am not confident that anything we decided in the last conference might be implemented. This is because so many things had been discussed and recommended in this country, yet none of them had been implemented. So, I am afraid this one may also go the way of previous conferences in the country, unless Jonathan wins a second term, then he will have four years to be able and try and get the national assembly to pass some of them into law. The issue of implementing it in this current term is ruled out.
You were a member of the Presidential Task force on the Niger Delta which brought about the amnesty programme for the ex- Niger Delta militants. How were you able to succeed?
I must tell you it was a very stressful period for us members of the panel because we had to go to the creeks where we saw the militants in their real domain. It was not a very pleasurable trip but we had no option. But we were happy because the militants gave us audience and conducted us through the various areas to see for ourselves their agitations. It was not like the present Boko Haram whose grievances I don’t even know up till now. I am sure if you ask the President he also does not know unless probably they want to Islamise Nigeria.
So, we went and saw degradation and despoliation of their land. And when you see the sorry state of the place that produces the wealth of the country, you weep for them. If you see how denied and unrecompensed they are, you will pity them. Even the devastations caused by vandals were horrible. So, we were able to establish that the main reason for their agitation was due to the gross neglect of their environment by the Federal Government.
How was your committee able to succeed?
We were convinced about the seriousness and of course the genuineness of their agitations which we noted were not as a result of inordinate ambition but injustice. They wanted the country to right the wrong perpetuated on them, so we were fully convinced that they had a point. We saw the poor quality of life in that region and we made our recommendations that they had to be given a sense of belonging. So amnesty was granted to them. But using the word amnesty was perhaps because they took up arms against the nation, otherwise what the Federal Government did was what it was supposed to have done long time ago. It was all about correcting the decades of neglect suffered by the region.
The late President, Yar’ Ardua saw reason in our recommendations and implemented them, and today there is peace in that region of the country.
Do you see the amnesty magic as a viable option to quell the current insurgency in the Northern region?
We had insurgency before in Zakibiam when Obasanjo was President and he drafted the army to quell it and that stopped. But Jonathan had no military background. Then the issue is what has our military been doing? When Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika was the Chief of Army Staff, the insurgency was not as high as it is today but I don’t know why they removed him. But since they removed him, the thing has gone from bad to worse. The thinking in the international community is that we did not handle Boko Haram with the iron hand it deserved at the initial stage. If we had taken a rapid and stringent military action at that time, we would have probably reduced insurgency in the North East. Sometimes, one begins to wonder whether the kidnapped Chibok school girls were real or not.
What do you think should be done now to contain the insurgency?
This is a pure case of rebellion. What happened when Biafra attempted to break away? They were invaded. Weren’t they? Is Boko Haram more fortified than the whole federation of Nigeria? Some say if full military action is taken in the affected areas there might be casualties among the innocent ones or civilians but what about when Biafra land was invaded? Were there not civilian casualties? Was a whole generation not wiped away, and almost genocides being committed?
Are you recommending full military action?
Yes, full military action because Boko Haram has rejected the offer for negotiation, and nobody knows their agitation or agenda if not to Islamise Nigeria which is not possible and justifiable. Besides, they keep killing people like fowls every day.
Can we say the President is treating Boko Haram with kids glove?
I will not say he is treating it with kids glove. He is not military.
But he is the Commander in Chief?
Yes he is but he is not military. Obasanjo took military action because he had military background.
Should we then look for somebody with military background to replace him as President?
I am not suggesting that because we are now in civilian administration. I think he ought to have been properly advised by the military.
Have you entirely ruled out the option of amnesty as solution to insurgency in the North?
No, I am not ruling out amnesty option but we have to know first, the grounds for the rebellion. What are the grievances of these rebels? What is it that they really want? If you don’t know what they want and they don’t want to tell you how can you have an agreement.
They said they wanted total the Islamisation of Nigeria.
It can never be possible. You don’t force your religion on another person. You need to convince the person first on why you think your religion is good . Conversion is not by throwing bombs around.
What is your take on the refusal by some countries to sell arms to Nigeria in the military campaign against insurgency?
I still don’t understand what their reasons are because if we are fighting international terrorism and you find that Nigeria is not properly equipped to fight this war, and you are in the position to sell arms to us but refuse to do so, you are certainly not a friend of Nigeria.
Then what lessons can Nigeria draw from the attitudes of these ‘unfriendly nations’? Should it be a challenge to float our own arms factories?
Where do the terrorists get their own arms? From somewhere. They are getting it probably with our own money. So, it is not a question of setting up arms factory. It is a matter of smuggling in arms just as the terrorists are doing.
As an elder statesman, advise Nigeria on how best to end insurgency in the country?
First of all, find out what their grievances are. I find it difficult to believe that they have no grievances other than to Islamise the country. Mohamed tried it when they invaded Europe but after all those wars they were beaten back. Today the whole of Europe are not Muslims. They ( Muslims) are trying to suppress Israel but it has never been possible for them. Do they want to make me, a Knight of my Church, a Muslim? That is impossible. After finding out their motive, then educate them that what they are trying to do is morally and religiously wrong, and if they refuse to give up , then re-arm and face them with the same intensity of warfare.
Sometime ago when your friend, Professor Ango Abdulahim of the Northern Elders Forum said President Jonathan had no moral right to seek re- election in 2015, you were quoted as saying that the North should wait till 2027 before angling for the Presidency again. Do you still stand by that position?
Yes I still believe that. The North has been producing the executive leaders of this country whether they are military or civilian. Out of our 54 years of independence, the North has ruled this country for about 39 years. We want power to go through the six geopolitical zones. After Jonathan ( South South), power should come to South East in 2019 because the zone had only tested power for six months during the military regime of late Aguiyi Ironsi. After eight years by South East in 2027, power will shift to the North . And this will engender peace and equity in the polity.
Do you consider Ndigbo prepared for the Presidency?
Yes they are fully prepared. You only need to tell them it is their turn. Igbos are prepared for the Presidency even now. All they need to hear is that it is their turn.
But are they united?
You don’t need unity . Is the North united? The North is not united. They will probably fight among themselves but eventually one person will come out.
Are you not worried about ethnic and religious colorations introduced into the Nigerian politics?
I don’t think that religion and tribe are the major problems we have in this country. The problem that we have is that there is a feeling by a particular region that they are more populated than others. They feel they should always be on top. They claim they have everything even oil and perhaps they are waiting until our own finishes before they start exploring their own. So, up till now we haven’t welded together as a nation. Yes to some extent, religion and ethnicity may have some influences over all these.
How would you describe the role of the opposition parties in Nigeria? Will you say they have been able to strengthen our democracy?
I don’t think they have been able to do much. The opposition is not even united. When you have opposition with different interests each one hoping to gain personally from the coming together of the opposition, their objective may not be realised. Right from the days of Azikiwe and Awolowo, the opposition has always been after its own selfish interest and it never fights for the good of the generality of the people. The same thing happens now. I have not seen any ideological difference between the opposition and those who are in power.
The current political structure in Nigeria is such that the country is gravitating towards two- party system. What does this portend to our evolving democracy?
We tried two-party system before during Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime but it never worked. Two-party system is better to grow on its own and not enforced from above as Babangida attempted to do.
What is your take on the grumbling arising from the ward congresses of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in many states?
I am worried that the PDP is breaking into bits because of the ward congresses which some said did not hold and some said it was manipulated. My worry is that if the ward congresses where you are to select people that will elect the flag bearers is not transparent, the system has a problem. When you don’t have a proper congress to do the primaries, there is a problem.
What is your assessment of the health sector in Nigeria?
I am not too happy about the state of infrastructure in our health sector. Our people still travel overseas for medical treatment. This causes us huge sums of money. We still go to India that was at the same category with us not long ago as less developed countries. Today, India has left us behind.
What do you think should be done to fix the health sector?
We should overhaul the infrastructure. First the erratic power supply in the country has to be improved upon. For instance, you cannot conduct surgery in the theatre without power nor can you keep a dead body in the mortuary without power. Also potable water has to be provided. Again genuine drugs have to be made available because we have a lot of fake drugs in the Nigerian market.
The fact remains that Nigeria still has a long way to go in the health sector. This is part of the reason that at 78, I am still running around to set up medical schools in various universities. Gregory University is the third medical school I am heading in the country. Something has to be done.
Even though we are not yet there, some states are gradually making efforts to improve on what they have. That is why I commend Abia State for instance for the giant strides by the current administration in the health sector. It has successfully established over 270 health care centres across the state. and I think this is quite commendable.
What about training of health workers?
We have risen from one teaching hospital to about 51 now but that is not enough for a population of about 170 million. And the number of doctors we have is far below what the WHO recommended. We don’t yet have a doctor to 100 people.
The health sector has continued to be bedeviled by incessant muscle flexing between medical and non- medical health workers ? Who is to blame and what is the lasting solution to this feud?
The Joint Health Workers Union pitches itself against the medical . The reason I don’t know because it does not happen in other countries. Everybody wants to be a consultant. That is all right but who are you consulting? But who is the Laboratory Technician or the X-ray Radiographer going to consult? Will they have a clinic in which they will see people and take a picture of them? All the same, I don’t see why people who have been working together will suddenly begin to have squabbles.
As a chieftain of Ohaneze, do you think the apex Igbo socio cultural organisation has been alive to its basic responsibility of championing the cause of Ndigbo ?
Ohaneze has been handicapped for a along time now.
Why, how?
There are divisions and attacks among the members, court actions arising from elections into the leadership of Ohaneze. Ohaneze is not as ebullient and outspoken as it should be. It should be more forceful and eager to speak on anything that has to do with Ndigbo. But I think Ohaneze will rise again but the only problem is that our people are more politically minded that they are not thinking about their cultural associations. But it is not peculiar to Ohaneze. Afenifere has the same problem. You don’t hear it very much again. When we were at the national conference, they had the problem of identification of who will speak for them.
If President Jonathan wins a re- election, what key areas would you want him to tackle with vigour especially as it affects South East zone?
Roads . I travel along these roads. Enugu to Port Harcourt is nothing to write home about. Enugu to Onitsha is worse. Owerri to Port Harcourt is the same. Umuhia- Ikot Ekpene federal highway is in a sorry state. It is the same story state in Ohafia- Arochukwu federal road which has been abandoned since three years ago shortly after it was awarded. Federal roads in South East are hellish. And you are telling us about East- West Road or Second Niger Bridge. Won’t people survive on the existing ones first.
Next is the rail ways. If the rails are fixed, it will reduce the traffic load on the roads. The power sector also has to be tackled. The President has done well in education as every state now has at least a federal tertiary institution. The President should also think more in applying federal character principle.
As a member of the 1994 / 1995 constitutional conference, can you review some of the landmark recommendations of that draft constitution, and how they could have saved Nigeria from the heat being generated by the 2015 election assuming they were implemented?
There are several landmark decisions we took at that conference but the one that I know would have saved Nigeria from political wrangling that is going on at the moment is the rotation of executive posts like that of the president, governor and local government chairman. All the decisions of that conference were captured in a draft constitution but because of the sudden death of the then Head of State, Gen. Sanny Abacha, it was not passed. Gen. Abdusalami came in and brought the 1999 constitution which did not reflect all the things we decided in the 1995 draft constitution.
The issue of rotation of executive post was unanimously agreed on in 1995. If it had been implemented the issue of whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to re- contest would not have risen because Jonathan in the first place would not have succeeded the late President Musa Yar’Adua because we made a provision there that where a President is nominated by any political party, he has to provide three Vice Presidential candidates. One from his own geopolitical zone, and two from two different geopolitical zones so that if for any reason, the President resigns or dies in office, then the Vice- President from his zone will take over and complete his remaining tenure.
The issue of the autonomy of local government was also encapsulated in that draft constitution. In fact up till today, I still say it that the 1994/1995 draft constitution is the best constitution Nigeria never had.
Who do we blame for the non implementation of the recommendations of that draft constitution?
I think it was because of the untimely death of the then Head of State.
But somebody took over from him?
Yes, but for some reasons or the other, his successor failed to implement those beautiful recommendations.
You have participated in at least three constitutional conferences in Nigeria as a delegate. Could you compare them and tell why their recommendations are never implemented.
Yes I was there in 1994/1995, in 2005 by ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo where we finished and were summarily dismissed because we did not satisfy him in the ‘evil third term agenda’ , and then this last one in 2014. And I know the difference between all of them. In the case of 1994/1995 constitution there was an enabling law establishing it. We were told to take decisions that would be enacted as a constitution for the country. But in 2005 we were summarily dismissed for some reasons best known to Obasanjo. Then in 2014, there was also no enabling law setting it up but we have done our recommendations. We have tons of print work to show for it but up till now it has not been implemented.
But while the President was making his declaration for second term last week I heard him say he would still implement all the decisions of the conference that are possible for the executive to implement. At the time we were being inaugurated, he said he was in the process of agreeing with the National Assembly to get a provision that will make the recommendations of the conference through referendum or plebiscite, and we all hoped that was going to happen but unfortunately it never happened.
So, who do we blame?
Certainly the National Assembly because the members politicized the good intentions of the President.
Are you still very optimistic that the recommendations of the conference will see the light of day?
I am not confident that anything we decided in the last conference might be implemented. This is because so many things had been discussed and recommended in this country, yet none of them had been implemented. So, I am afraid this one may also go the way of previous conferences in the country, unless Jonathan wins a second term, then he will have four years to be able and try and get the national assembly to pass some of them into law. The issue of implementing it in this current term is ruled out.
You were a member of the Presidential Task force on the Niger Delta which brought about the amnesty programme for the ex- Niger Delta militants. How were you able to succeed?
I must tell you it was a very stressful period for us members of the panel because we had to go to the creeks where we saw the militants in their real domain. It was not a very pleasurable trip but we had no option. But we were happy because the militants gave us audience and conducted us through the various areas to see for ourselves their agitations. It was not like the present Boko Haram whose grievances I don’t even know up till now. I am sure if you ask the President he also does not know unless probably they want to Islamise Nigeria.
So, we went and saw degradation and despoliation of their land. And when you see the sorry state of the place that produces the wealth of the country, you weep for them. If you see how denied and unrecompensed they are, you will pity them. Even the devastations caused by vandals were horrible. So, we were able to establish that the main reason for their agitation was due to the gross neglect of their environment by the Federal Government.
How was your committee able to succeed?
We were convinced about the seriousness and of course the genuineness of their agitations which we noted were not as a result of inordinate ambition but injustice. They wanted the country to right the wrong perpetuated on them, so we were fully convinced that they had a point. We saw the poor quality of life in that region and we made our recommendations that they had to be given a sense of belonging. So amnesty was granted to them. But using the word amnesty was perhaps because they took up arms against the nation, otherwise what the Federal Government did was what it was supposed to have done long time ago. It was all about correcting the decades of neglect suffered by the region.
The late President, Yar’ Ardua saw reason in our recommendations and implemented them, and today there is peace in that region of the country.
Do you see the amnesty magic as a viable option to quell the current insurgency in the Northern region?
We had insurgency before in Zakibiam when Obasanjo was President and he drafted the army to quell it and that stopped. But Jonathan had no military background. Then the issue is what has our military been doing? When Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika was the Chief of Army Staff, the insurgency was not as high as it is today but I don’t know why they removed him. But since they removed him, the thing has gone from bad to worse. The thinking in the international community is that we did not handle Boko Haram with the iron hand it deserved at the initial stage. If we had taken a rapid and stringent military action at that time, we would have probably reduced insurgency in the North East. Sometimes, one begins to wonder whether the kidnapped Chibok school girls were real or not.
What do you think should be done now to contain the insurgency?
This is a pure case of rebellion. What happened when Biafra attempted to break away? They were invaded. Weren’t they? Is Boko Haram more fortified than the whole federation of Nigeria? Some say if full military action is taken in the affected areas there might be casualties among the innocent ones or civilians but what about when Biafra land was invaded? Were there not civilian casualties? Was a whole generation not wiped away, and almost genocides being committed?
Are you recommending full military action?
Yes, full military action because Boko Haram has rejected the offer for negotiation, and nobody knows their agitation or agenda if not to Islamise Nigeria which is not possible and justifiable. Besides, they keep killing people like fowls every day.
Can we say the President is treating Boko Haram with kids glove?
I will not say he is treating it with kids glove. He is not military.
But he is the Commander in Chief?
Yes he is but he is not military. Obasanjo took military action because he had military background.
Should we then look for somebody with military background to replace him as President?
I am not suggesting that because we are now in civilian administration. I think he ought to have been properly advised by the military.
Have you entirely ruled out the option of amnesty as solution to insurgency in the North?
No, I am not ruling out amnesty option but we have to know first, the grounds for the rebellion. What are the grievances of these rebels? What is it that they really want? If you don’t know what they want and they don’t want to tell you how can you have an agreement.
They said they wanted total the Islamisation of Nigeria.
It can never be possible. You don’t force your religion on another person. You need to convince the person first on why you think your religion is good . Conversion is not by throwing bombs around.
What is your take on the refusal by some countries to sell arms to Nigeria in the military campaign against insurgency?
I still don’t understand what their reasons are because if we are fighting international terrorism and you find that Nigeria is not properly equipped to fight this war, and you are in the position to sell arms to us but refuse to do so, you are certainly not a friend of Nigeria.
Then what lessons can Nigeria draw from the attitudes of these ‘unfriendly nations’? Should it be a challenge to float our own arms factories?
Where do the terrorists get their own arms? From somewhere. They are getting it probably with our own money. So, it is not a question of setting up arms factory. It is a matter of smuggling in arms just as the terrorists are doing.
As an elder statesman, advise Nigeria on how best to end insurgency in the country?
First of all, find out what their grievances are. I find it difficult to believe that they have no grievances other than to Islamise the country. Mohamed tried it when they invaded Europe but after all those wars they were beaten back. Today the whole of Europe are not Muslims. They ( Muslims) are trying to suppress Israel but it has never been possible for them. Do they want to make me, a Knight of my Church, a Muslim? That is impossible. After finding out their motive, then educate them that what they are trying to do is morally and religiously wrong, and if they refuse to give up , then re-arm and face them with the same intensity of warfare.
Sometime ago when your friend, Professor Ango Abdulahim of the Northern Elders Forum said President Jonathan had no moral right to seek re- election in 2015, you were quoted as saying that the North should wait till 2027 before angling for the Presidency again. Do you still stand by that position?
Yes I still believe that. The North has been producing the executive leaders of this country whether they are military or civilian. Out of our 54 years of independence, the North has ruled this country for about 39 years. We want power to go through the six geopolitical zones. After Jonathan ( South South), power should come to South East in 2019 because the zone had only tested power for six months during the military regime of late Aguiyi Ironsi. After eight years by South East in 2027, power will shift to the North . And this will engender peace and equity in the polity.
Do you consider Ndigbo prepared for the Presidency?
Yes they are fully prepared. You only need to tell them it is their turn. Igbos are prepared for the Presidency even now. All they need to hear is that it is their turn.
But are they united?
You don’t need unity . Is the North united? The North is not united. They will probably fight among themselves but eventually one person will come out.
Are you not worried about ethnic and religious colorations introduced into the Nigerian politics?
I don’t think that religion and tribe are the major problems we have in this country. The problem that we have is that there is a feeling by a particular region that they are more populated than others. They feel they should always be on top. They claim they have everything even oil and perhaps they are waiting until our own finishes before they start exploring their own. So, up till now we haven’t welded together as a nation. Yes to some extent, religion and ethnicity may have some influences over all these.
How would you describe the role of the opposition parties in Nigeria? Will you say they have been able to strengthen our democracy?
I don’t think they have been able to do much. The opposition is not even united. When you have opposition with different interests each one hoping to gain personally from the coming together of the opposition, their objective may not be realised. Right from the days of Azikiwe and Awolowo, the opposition has always been after its own selfish interest and it never fights for the good of the generality of the people. The same thing happens now. I have not seen any ideological difference between the opposition and those who are in power.
The current political structure in Nigeria is such that the country is gravitating towards two- party system. What does this portend to our evolving democracy?
We tried two-party system before during Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime but it never worked. Two-party system is better to grow on its own and not enforced from above as Babangida attempted to do.
What is your take on the grumbling arising from the ward congresses of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in many states?
I am worried that the PDP is breaking into bits because of the ward congresses which some said did not hold and some said it was manipulated. My worry is that if the ward congresses where you are to select people that will elect the flag bearers is not transparent, the system has a problem. When you don’t have a proper congress to do the primaries, there is a problem.
What is your assessment of the health sector in Nigeria?
I am not too happy about the state of infrastructure in our health sector. Our people still travel overseas for medical treatment. This causes us huge sums of money. We still go to India that was at the same category with us not long ago as less developed countries. Today, India has left us behind.
What do you think should be done to fix the health sector?
We should overhaul the infrastructure. First the erratic power supply in the country has to be improved upon. For instance, you cannot conduct surgery in the theatre without power nor can you keep a dead body in the mortuary without power. Also potable water has to be provided. Again genuine drugs have to be made available because we have a lot of fake drugs in the Nigerian market.
The fact remains that Nigeria still has a long way to go in the health sector. This is part of the reason that at 78, I am still running around to set up medical schools in various universities. Gregory University is the third medical school I am heading in the country. Something has to be done.
Even though we are not yet there, some states are gradually making efforts to improve on what they have. That is why I commend Abia State for instance for the giant strides by the current administration in the health sector. It has successfully established over 270 health care centres across the state. and I think this is quite commendable.
What about training of health workers?
We have risen from one teaching hospital to about 51 now but that is not enough for a population of about 170 million. And the number of doctors we have is far below what the WHO recommended. We don’t yet have a doctor to 100 people.
The health sector has continued to be bedeviled by incessant muscle flexing between medical and non- medical health workers ? Who is to blame and what is the lasting solution to this feud?
The Joint Health Workers Union pitches itself against the medical . The reason I don’t know because it does not happen in other countries. Everybody wants to be a consultant. That is all right but who are you consulting? But who is the Laboratory Technician or the X-ray Radiographer going to consult? Will they have a clinic in which they will see people and take a picture of them? All the same, I don’t see why people who have been working together will suddenly begin to have squabbles.
As a chieftain of Ohaneze, do you think the apex Igbo socio cultural organisation has been alive to its basic responsibility of championing the cause of Ndigbo ?
Ohaneze has been handicapped for a along time now.
Why, how?
There are divisions and attacks among the members, court actions arising from elections into the leadership of Ohaneze. Ohaneze is not as ebullient and outspoken as it should be. It should be more forceful and eager to speak on anything that has to do with Ndigbo. But I think Ohaneze will rise again but the only problem is that our people are more politically minded that they are not thinking about their cultural associations. But it is not peculiar to Ohaneze. Afenifere has the same problem. You don’t hear it very much again. When we were at the national conference, they had the problem of identification of who will speak for them.
If President Jonathan wins a re- election, what key areas would you want him to tackle with vigour especially as it affects South East zone?
Roads . I travel along these roads. Enugu to Port Harcourt is nothing to write home about. Enugu to Onitsha is worse. Owerri to Port Harcourt is the same. Umuhia- Ikot Ekpene federal highway is in a sorry state. It is the same story state in Ohafia- Arochukwu federal road which has been abandoned since three years ago shortly after it was awarded. Federal roads in South East are hellish. And you are telling us about East- West Road or Second Niger Bridge. Won’t people survive on the existing ones first.
Next is the rail ways. If the rails are fixed, it will reduce the traffic load on the roads. The power sector also has to be tackled. The President has done well in education as every state now has at least a federal tertiary institution. The President should also think more in applying federal character principle.
Five killed in Fulani herdsmen’s reprisal in Kogi
No fewer than five persons were killed while properties estimated at millions of Naira were razed when Fulani herdsmen allegedly attacked Abugi community in Lokoja Local Government area of Kogi State.
Our correspondent gathered on Sunday that the incident, which took place on Friday evening, was a reprisal attack.
A source who pleaded anonymity for fear of attack told journalists in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital on Sunday, that the problem between the herdsmen and Abugi community started few days ago when some of the herdsmen allegedly robbed and killed Alhaji Abdullahi Zakari,who was sent to deliver money to an unnamed person in a neighbouring community.
The source said that, angered by the killing of Zakari, their kinsmen and youths in Abugi engaged in a reprisal attack in one of the Fulani settlements in the area, which allegedly led to the death of one person.
It was further learnt that some Fulani elders later met with the paramount ruler of the community, Alhaji Kabir Isa, for an amicable resolution of the crisis.
The source said that surprisingly, the Fulani herdsmen, about 5pm on Friday, attacked the Abugi community, killed people and burnt houses and other properties worth millions of naira.
It was gathered that the Kogi State Police Command had deployed police officers to the area to prevent further break down of law and order and to bring normalcy to the troubled community.
The Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Elvis Aguegbo, when contacted, said he was with the Commissioner of Police and would respond later but he never did as of the time of filling this report.
Our correspondent gathered on Sunday that the incident, which took place on Friday evening, was a reprisal attack.
A source who pleaded anonymity for fear of attack told journalists in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital on Sunday, that the problem between the herdsmen and Abugi community started few days ago when some of the herdsmen allegedly robbed and killed Alhaji Abdullahi Zakari,who was sent to deliver money to an unnamed person in a neighbouring community.
The source said that, angered by the killing of Zakari, their kinsmen and youths in Abugi engaged in a reprisal attack in one of the Fulani settlements in the area, which allegedly led to the death of one person.
It was further learnt that some Fulani elders later met with the paramount ruler of the community, Alhaji Kabir Isa, for an amicable resolution of the crisis.
The source said that surprisingly, the Fulani herdsmen, about 5pm on Friday, attacked the Abugi community, killed people and burnt houses and other properties worth millions of naira.
It was gathered that the Kogi State Police Command had deployed police officers to the area to prevent further break down of law and order and to bring normalcy to the troubled community.
The Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Elvis Aguegbo, when contacted, said he was with the Commissioner of Police and would respond later but he never did as of the time of filling this report.
IETA, UN partner on skill acquisition
A Non-Governmental Organization, the Initiative For Entrepreneurship and Talent Advancement, has concluded arrangements to partner with the United Nations towards the promotion of entrepreneurial skills for Nigerian youths and women.
The decision was aimed at mitigating the effects of the ongoing global economic downturn as a result of the falling oil prices.
The partnership will afford Nigerian youths and women to benefit from its trainings, mentoring and funding that would help them establish their own businesses and become self reliant.
The organization has already empowered over 1,000 youths and women in Nigeria in the last three years of its establishment.
The new Chairman of IETA, Mr. Maxwell Esan told journalists in Abuja that the United Nation’s Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, has already given his nod to partner with IETA “to help reduce unemployment, hunger and rapid poverty among the youths and women especially in Africa and Nigeria in particular.”
Esan said, “We are to partner with the UN for funding, material and manpower development needs; we are also considering a strategic alliance with blue chip companies like the Dangotes, Globacom and many more.”
He promised that IETA will as from 2015 go out to sensitize the youths and women in the country to come out to receive free skills training and mentoring from the organzation to better their lots.
According to him the membership drive will also focus on the artists, entertaiment, sports just to mention a few.
The decision was aimed at mitigating the effects of the ongoing global economic downturn as a result of the falling oil prices.
The partnership will afford Nigerian youths and women to benefit from its trainings, mentoring and funding that would help them establish their own businesses and become self reliant.
The organization has already empowered over 1,000 youths and women in Nigeria in the last three years of its establishment.
The new Chairman of IETA, Mr. Maxwell Esan told journalists in Abuja that the United Nation’s Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, has already given his nod to partner with IETA “to help reduce unemployment, hunger and rapid poverty among the youths and women especially in Africa and Nigeria in particular.”
Esan said, “We are to partner with the UN for funding, material and manpower development needs; we are also considering a strategic alliance with blue chip companies like the Dangotes, Globacom and many more.”
He promised that IETA will as from 2015 go out to sensitize the youths and women in the country to come out to receive free skills training and mentoring from the organzation to better their lots.
According to him the membership drive will also focus on the artists, entertaiment, sports just to mention a few.
Bayelsa PDP primaries: 12 lawmakers lose tickets
No fewer than 12 members of the Bayelsa State Assembly have lost the tickets of the Peoples Democratic Party to contest the 2015 Assembly elections at the party’s primaries held on Saturday and Sunday.
Two local governments – Nembe and Kolokuma/Opokuma could not hold theirs on Saturday due to eruption of crisis resulting in the postponement to Sunday.
Expectedly, the primaries conducted at Samson Siasia Stadium, Ovom and Ijaw House, were held under heavy presence of security men.
Two trucks, one armoured personnel carrier, over 20 patrol vans, which conveyed security operatives to Ijaw House were seen.
Principal officers of the State House of Assembly have emerged winners at the primary election.
They include the Speaker, Konbowei Benson (Southern Ijaw 4), deputy speaker, Victor Sam-Ateki (Brass 1) and Leader of the House, Peter Akpe (Sagbama 1).
Others who also won in Southern Ijaw include Kate Owoko (constituency 1) and two serving lawmakers, Monday Obolo-Bubou(constituency 2) and Daniel Igali (constituency 3).
At Brass, immediate past chairman of the local government council, Andy Obed clinched the ticket for Brass 2 while Lammy Ingobere got that of Brass 3.
In Sagbama, Governor Seriake Dickson’s former Special Adviser on Security Matters, Bernard Kenebai won in constituency 2, while his former Commissioner for Education, Salo Adikumo, got the party’s ticket in constituency 3.
In Yenagoa, former Commissioner for Science, Technology and Manpower Development, Parkinson Macmanuel won in Yenagoa 1, former state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai emerged for Yenagoa 2 and a serving lawmaker Gentle Emelah won in Yenagoa 3.
At Nembe, Ebi Ololo was elected the party’s flag-bearer in Nembe constituency 1.
At Ogbia, another current lawmaker, Obedient Emoto won in Ogbia 2 while former Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Mitema Obordor won in Ogbia 1 and the party’s state Women Leader, Naomi Ogoli got that of Ogbia 3.
Governor Dickson and his deputy, John Jonah, participated in the primary election as super delegates in Sagbama constituency 1.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has said the primaries could not hold in five constituencies of three local governments because of intelligence report on threat to security.
The Chairman of party’s Election Panel, Hamisu Abubakar, said the postponement was due to intelligence report on threat to security in the two constituencies of Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.
Abubakar also confirmed that the primary election in Nembe 2 and 3 could not hold due to the activities marking the burial rites of the King Ralph Iwoware, Ammanayabo of Nembe Bassambiri.
Two local governments – Nembe and Kolokuma/Opokuma could not hold theirs on Saturday due to eruption of crisis resulting in the postponement to Sunday.
Expectedly, the primaries conducted at Samson Siasia Stadium, Ovom and Ijaw House, were held under heavy presence of security men.
Two trucks, one armoured personnel carrier, over 20 patrol vans, which conveyed security operatives to Ijaw House were seen.
Principal officers of the State House of Assembly have emerged winners at the primary election.
They include the Speaker, Konbowei Benson (Southern Ijaw 4), deputy speaker, Victor Sam-Ateki (Brass 1) and Leader of the House, Peter Akpe (Sagbama 1).
Others who also won in Southern Ijaw include Kate Owoko (constituency 1) and two serving lawmakers, Monday Obolo-Bubou(constituency 2) and Daniel Igali (constituency 3).
At Brass, immediate past chairman of the local government council, Andy Obed clinched the ticket for Brass 2 while Lammy Ingobere got that of Brass 3.
In Sagbama, Governor Seriake Dickson’s former Special Adviser on Security Matters, Bernard Kenebai won in constituency 2, while his former Commissioner for Education, Salo Adikumo, got the party’s ticket in constituency 3.
In Yenagoa, former Commissioner for Science, Technology and Manpower Development, Parkinson Macmanuel won in Yenagoa 1, former state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai emerged for Yenagoa 2 and a serving lawmaker Gentle Emelah won in Yenagoa 3.
At Nembe, Ebi Ololo was elected the party’s flag-bearer in Nembe constituency 1.
At Ogbia, another current lawmaker, Obedient Emoto won in Ogbia 2 while former Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Mitema Obordor won in Ogbia 1 and the party’s state Women Leader, Naomi Ogoli got that of Ogbia 3.
Governor Dickson and his deputy, John Jonah, participated in the primary election as super delegates in Sagbama constituency 1.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has said the primaries could not hold in five constituencies of three local governments because of intelligence report on threat to security.
The Chairman of party’s Election Panel, Hamisu Abubakar, said the postponement was due to intelligence report on threat to security in the two constituencies of Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA.
Abubakar also confirmed that the primary election in Nembe 2 and 3 could not hold due to the activities marking the burial rites of the King Ralph Iwoware, Ammanayabo of Nembe Bassambiri.
Nigerians deserve better from political class
As campaigns for the 2015 general elections gather momentum, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has said that Nigerians deserve better treatment from the political class.
It, therefore, said that the elections must be based on performance, political ideology, as well as political manifestoes and agenda for national development.
The party, which said this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Sunday, also called on politicians not to heat up the polity with their utterances.
Metuh said, “Nigerians deserve better from the political class. The 2015 general elections must therefore be based on performance, political ideology as well as manifestoes and agenda for national development and not on propaganda, accusations and counter accusations that heat up the system, divide our citizens and erode our values as a people.”
He also explained that the party was committed to what he described as “issue-based campaign” during the 2015 general elections.
Metuh said the party’s action on the need to devote its campaigns to issues, was predicated on its desire to preserve peace and unity of the country.
Apart from this, he also said the action would help douse the tension in the polity, and that its campaigns would also devoid of statements capable of inflaming passions and overheating the system.
Metuh said, “This position stemmed from the party’s irrevocable stand on the unity and stability of the nation as well as to protect its fragile democracy and ensure that a conducive atmosphere is maintained for national development and well-being of all citizens in keeping with its manifesto and visions of the founding fathers.
“As a highly responsible and foremost democratic political organization in the country, founded on strong ideological background and principle of social justice, commanding the largest followership in the country, we cannot afford to allow a drift to politics of propaganda, insults and incendiary statements that threaten our democracy and corporate existence as a nation.
“Our national interest and welfare of our citizens irrespective of religion, ethnic and political affiliations remain paramount in our overall agenda and must be upheld at all times.
“We must therefore strive to bring down the tension in the land by redirecting the nation’s political discourse to productive issues that reinforce our unity, promote understanding and peaceful co-existence, creating the enabling environment not only for peaceful general elections in 2015 but also for the overall survival of our democracy and stability of our dear nation.”
Consequently, he said that the PDP leadership has directed all officials and members of the party at all levels to continue to focus on the numerous visible achievements of PDP-led administrations at the federal, state and local government levels, and the successes recorded through the implementation of the Transformation Agenda of the present administration.
While assuring that the party would leave no stone unturned to ensure the continued delivery of its mandate, Metuh charged all elected and appointed officers of the ruling party to continue in the prudent management of resources for the benefit of the people.
It, therefore, said that the elections must be based on performance, political ideology, as well as political manifestoes and agenda for national development.
The party, which said this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Sunday, also called on politicians not to heat up the polity with their utterances.
Metuh said, “Nigerians deserve better from the political class. The 2015 general elections must therefore be based on performance, political ideology as well as manifestoes and agenda for national development and not on propaganda, accusations and counter accusations that heat up the system, divide our citizens and erode our values as a people.”
He also explained that the party was committed to what he described as “issue-based campaign” during the 2015 general elections.
Metuh said the party’s action on the need to devote its campaigns to issues, was predicated on its desire to preserve peace and unity of the country.
Apart from this, he also said the action would help douse the tension in the polity, and that its campaigns would also devoid of statements capable of inflaming passions and overheating the system.
Metuh said, “This position stemmed from the party’s irrevocable stand on the unity and stability of the nation as well as to protect its fragile democracy and ensure that a conducive atmosphere is maintained for national development and well-being of all citizens in keeping with its manifesto and visions of the founding fathers.
“As a highly responsible and foremost democratic political organization in the country, founded on strong ideological background and principle of social justice, commanding the largest followership in the country, we cannot afford to allow a drift to politics of propaganda, insults and incendiary statements that threaten our democracy and corporate existence as a nation.
“Our national interest and welfare of our citizens irrespective of religion, ethnic and political affiliations remain paramount in our overall agenda and must be upheld at all times.
“We must therefore strive to bring down the tension in the land by redirecting the nation’s political discourse to productive issues that reinforce our unity, promote understanding and peaceful co-existence, creating the enabling environment not only for peaceful general elections in 2015 but also for the overall survival of our democracy and stability of our dear nation.”
Consequently, he said that the PDP leadership has directed all officials and members of the party at all levels to continue to focus on the numerous visible achievements of PDP-led administrations at the federal, state and local government levels, and the successes recorded through the implementation of the Transformation Agenda of the present administration.
While assuring that the party would leave no stone unturned to ensure the continued delivery of its mandate, Metuh charged all elected and appointed officers of the ruling party to continue in the prudent management of resources for the benefit of the people.
CBN to strengthen monetary, fiscal policy coordination
The Central Bank of Nigeria has begun moves to strengthen the level of coordination between monetary and fiscal policy instruments, following the challenges currently facing the economy.
This, according to the apex bank, would help to achieve the broad objectives of macroeconomic growth in the country.
The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr Sarah Alade while speaking at the opening session of the Fiscal Liquidity Assessment Committee retreat in Abuja said there is need to strengthen the joint effectiveness of of monetary and fiscal policies in the country.
Speaking on the theme, “Can monetary or fiscal policy alone achieve macroeconomic stability and growth,” the DG said the recent emerging challenges facing the country had made it imperative for the monetary and fiscal authorities to better coordinate their activities.
This, according to the apex bank, would help to achieve the broad objectives of macroeconomic growth in the country.
The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr Sarah Alade while speaking at the opening session of the Fiscal Liquidity Assessment Committee retreat in Abuja said there is need to strengthen the joint effectiveness of of monetary and fiscal policies in the country.
Speaking on the theme, “Can monetary or fiscal policy alone achieve macroeconomic stability and growth,” the DG said the recent emerging challenges facing the country had made it imperative for the monetary and fiscal authorities to better coordinate their activities.
LP reschedules primaries to woo aspirants in C’ River
In an apparent bid to woo more aspirants to its fold, the Labour Party in Cross Rivers State on Saturday got an approval from its national headquarters to extend the conduct of primaries into various elective positions for the 2015 general elections.
The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Austin Ibok, who disclosed this on Saturday in Calabar, said the ground for the shift was to enable the party entice credible aspirants that could defeat candidates of other political parties in the elections ahead.
Under the new arrangement, the party chairman disclosed that primaries for the House of Representatives and Senate will hold on December 9, while that of governorship and state house of assembly will take place the next day.
Ibok said the LP was a credible platform that could be used by those with political aspiration to achieve their dream, adding that the 2015 general election would not be determined by the credibility of the aspirant.
He said, “It should be noted that the politics of 2015 general elections in Cross River State will not just be determined by parties affiliation but by mass mobilization against second slavery.
“As a credible alternative in Cross River State, we are ready to field the most competitive men of character and content in the forth coming general elections. It is for that reason that we have rescheduled our primaries with the approval from the national headquarters of the party. We have also informed the electoral body of the change.”
The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Austin Ibok, who disclosed this on Saturday in Calabar, said the ground for the shift was to enable the party entice credible aspirants that could defeat candidates of other political parties in the elections ahead.
Under the new arrangement, the party chairman disclosed that primaries for the House of Representatives and Senate will hold on December 9, while that of governorship and state house of assembly will take place the next day.
Ibok said the LP was a credible platform that could be used by those with political aspiration to achieve their dream, adding that the 2015 general election would not be determined by the credibility of the aspirant.
He said, “It should be noted that the politics of 2015 general elections in Cross River State will not just be determined by parties affiliation but by mass mobilization against second slavery.
“As a credible alternative in Cross River State, we are ready to field the most competitive men of character and content in the forth coming general elections. It is for that reason that we have rescheduled our primaries with the approval from the national headquarters of the party. We have also informed the electoral body of the change.”
FCT seeks CBN support for Security Trust Fund
Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, has solicited the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the establishment of FCT Security Trust Fund to boost crime-fighting in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking when the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Friday, Mohammed said that the apex bank could assist the FCT Administration to work out a good financial framework for the operation of the trust fund.
He stated that the CBN could assist the FCTA through the window of its corporate social responsibilities, noting that the Administration is already taking measures towards establishing its own Internal Revenue Board.
According to him, when operational, the board would enable FCT to float bonds as part of measures to strengthen it to operate the security trust fund, adding that his administration was doing its utmost to meet the expectation of Nigerians.
He said, “I know the CBN has been the front-runner in terms of giving corporate social assistance so that people will sleep with their eyes closed. We are doing so well and we want to make sure we establish an institution that will access funds from security services.
“With the trust fund, the FCT Administration will be in proper stead to lend its support to security organizations so that they can provide effective surveillance, monitoring and closed circuit television networking.”
The minister added that this would ensure that corporate institutions and individuals comply with the security protocol.
Mohammed stated that the FCT Administration would approach the CBN for the needed support once the security protocol is approved “and we will establish a trust fund that you will be part and parcel of.”
The Minister called on the CBN Governor to lend more support to the FCT in the area of financial services so that the paltry sum the Administration was getting as Federal allocation could be augmented by its internally generated revenue and other legitimate sources.
The planned FCT Revenue Board, he said, was conceived as a mechanism for more effective revenue collection.
Speaking when the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Friday, Mohammed said that the apex bank could assist the FCT Administration to work out a good financial framework for the operation of the trust fund.
He stated that the CBN could assist the FCTA through the window of its corporate social responsibilities, noting that the Administration is already taking measures towards establishing its own Internal Revenue Board.
According to him, when operational, the board would enable FCT to float bonds as part of measures to strengthen it to operate the security trust fund, adding that his administration was doing its utmost to meet the expectation of Nigerians.
He said, “I know the CBN has been the front-runner in terms of giving corporate social assistance so that people will sleep with their eyes closed. We are doing so well and we want to make sure we establish an institution that will access funds from security services.
“With the trust fund, the FCT Administration will be in proper stead to lend its support to security organizations so that they can provide effective surveillance, monitoring and closed circuit television networking.”
The minister added that this would ensure that corporate institutions and individuals comply with the security protocol.
Mohammed stated that the FCT Administration would approach the CBN for the needed support once the security protocol is approved “and we will establish a trust fund that you will be part and parcel of.”
The Minister called on the CBN Governor to lend more support to the FCT in the area of financial services so that the paltry sum the Administration was getting as Federal allocation could be augmented by its internally generated revenue and other legitimate sources.
The planned FCT Revenue Board, he said, was conceived as a mechanism for more effective revenue collection.
Controversy trails PDP primaries in Abia
Controversy is still trailing last Saturday’s Peoples Democratic Party primaries for House of Assembly aspirants in Abia State following pockets of protests and crisis in some constituencies.
Our findings revealed that the exercise was inconclusive in some constituencies as a result of heightened tension while it did not hold at all at Ukwa East constituency.
The exercise at Umuahia North was marred by clashes between supporters of the incumbent, Hon. Emeka Ejiogu and other contestants.
An agent of one of the contestants was said to have been beaten to a pulp for allegedly bolting with N1million graft.
In Ukwa East, the exercise was allegedly greeted with protests as those opposed to the fourth term bid of the Deputy Speaker, Asiforo Okere vowed to scuttle his re-election bid, thus causing commotion at the venue of the primaries.
Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, alleged foul play as the exercise was yet to commence by 5pm in his Ukwa East Constituency.
He accused the Deputy Speaker of hijacking the exercise, warning that PDP will lose the constituency if Okere were imposed on the people.
Confirming the development when contacted on phone, the Deputy Speaker said the exercise had been rescheduled due to the crisis that broke out, but denied that he was being imposed on the people.
He said he would accept defeat if he lost out after the rescheduled election but refused to be intimidated by anybody .
Apart from results of few constituencies that had trickled in, the results of majority of the constituents are still being expected.
Our findings revealed that the exercise was inconclusive in some constituencies as a result of heightened tension while it did not hold at all at Ukwa East constituency.
The exercise at Umuahia North was marred by clashes between supporters of the incumbent, Hon. Emeka Ejiogu and other contestants.
An agent of one of the contestants was said to have been beaten to a pulp for allegedly bolting with N1million graft.
In Ukwa East, the exercise was allegedly greeted with protests as those opposed to the fourth term bid of the Deputy Speaker, Asiforo Okere vowed to scuttle his re-election bid, thus causing commotion at the venue of the primaries.
Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, alleged foul play as the exercise was yet to commence by 5pm in his Ukwa East Constituency.
He accused the Deputy Speaker of hijacking the exercise, warning that PDP will lose the constituency if Okere were imposed on the people.
Confirming the development when contacted on phone, the Deputy Speaker said the exercise had been rescheduled due to the crisis that broke out, but denied that he was being imposed on the people.
He said he would accept defeat if he lost out after the rescheduled election but refused to be intimidated by anybody .
Apart from results of few constituencies that had trickled in, the results of majority of the constituents are still being expected.
PDP has gone from grace to grass
Kano State Governor and All
Progressives Congress presidential aspirant, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Sunday
said the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate
of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2015 presidential poll shows
that the ruling party has gone from grace to grass.
Kwankwaso spoke to journalists in Enugu shortly after meeting with
the party’s national delegates at the state party secretariat.
The presidential aspirant was responding to questions over the
inability of the APC to present a consensus candidate for the
presidential election.
He said there was nothing wrong with the APC having multiple
presidential aspirants, and described the situation as a positive
development.
Noting that some parties have no presidential candidate, Kwankwaso
said, “A party like APC should have as many presidential aspirants as
possible.
“PDP has gone from grace to grass now that they have only one candidate – that shows that PDP has gone down.”
Pointing out that the PDP had, over the years, always recorded
several aspirants at its presidential primaries, the governor argued
that the absence of any challenge to Jonathan’s candidacy means that
times have changed for the party.
He went ahead to restate his earlier claim that it would be easy to defeat Jonathan.
“Jonathan has no capacity to rule the state – his government has
failed, that is why there is a high level of insecurity and corruption.
“All these are as a result of poor leadership.
“People are looking for change,” he said, while explaining his reasons for believing that Jonathan would be easy to defeat.
“APC is moving from strength to strength and God willing, APC will defeat him (Jonathan) in 2015,” Kwankwaso added.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships for International Non-European Students
Every year, the University of Edinburgh offers a number of scholarships, available for undergraduate study, with each awards being tenable for the duration of the programme of study.
The Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships are offered to students who are nationals of countries outside the EU for undergraduate study in any subject offered by the University.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
Eligibility
The scholarships are competitive and awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit.
They are awarded to students who are accepted for admission on a full-time basis for undergraduate study at the University of Edinburgh.
Students already on a programme are not eligible.
Applicants must also be nationals of a country outwith the EU.
A minimum of 15 scholarships are usually available; however, for the 2015-2016 session, the number is not confirmed
Awards are tenable for the whole duration of the programme of study
The value of each award is worth £2,000 per year
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and eligible applicants should complete an online scholarship application. All applications must be submitted no later than the deadline date advertised below.
Please note that you will not be able to access the online application form unless you have applied for admission to the University of Edinburgh and have full EASE authentication.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information and access to the online application for this award.
DEADLINE
All applications must be submitted no later than 1st April 2015.
PLEASE NOTE:
A University of Edinburgh Selection Committee will meet in May next year to select the scholarship holders. The winners of the scholarship will be announced in late May of the same next year.
CONTACT HERE
FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES CLICK HERE
The Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships are offered to students who are nationals of countries outside the EU for undergraduate study in any subject offered by the University.
Edinburgh Global Undergraduate Scholarships
Eligibility
The scholarships are competitive and awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit.
They are awarded to students who are accepted for admission on a full-time basis for undergraduate study at the University of Edinburgh.
Students already on a programme are not eligible.
Applicants must also be nationals of a country outwith the EU.
A minimum of 15 scholarships are usually available; however, for the 2015-2016 session, the number is not confirmed
Awards are tenable for the whole duration of the programme of study
The value of each award is worth £2,000 per year
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and eligible applicants should complete an online scholarship application. All applications must be submitted no later than the deadline date advertised below.
Please note that you will not be able to access the online application form unless you have applied for admission to the University of Edinburgh and have full EASE authentication.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information and access to the online application for this award.
DEADLINE
All applications must be submitted no later than 1st April 2015.
PLEASE NOTE:
A University of Edinburgh Selection Committee will meet in May next year to select the scholarship holders. The winners of the scholarship will be announced in late May of the same next year.
CONTACT HERE
FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES CLICK HERE
Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships for 1,000 Undergraduate, Masters and PhD Students Worldwide
Every year, the Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships (the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships) to approximately 1,000 undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subject courses and nationalities.
These students are those who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschulen’), or universities of the arts (‘Kunsthochschulen’).
The Foundation campaigns for gender democracy, social emancipation, and equality between women and men. It is also committed to equality and social participation for cultural and ethnic minorities.
Approximately 1,000 (around 950 scholarships) are given every year - about 5/6 of them go to undergraduates and graduates and 1/6 to PhD students.
The specific number have not been made public, you may inquire this from the Scholarship Provider.
This award cover the complete duration of the undergraduate, Masters or Doctoral programme
The Foundation awards complete scholarships to students. You may want to inquire the specifics from the provider.
CRITERIA
The following general requirements apply to international student applicants (except EU citizens) who wish to study in Germany:
You must be enrolled at a state-recognized university or college (e.g. Fachhochschule) in Germany at the time the scholarship payments begin.
You should provide proof that you have already graduated with an initial professional qualification. This programme mainly supports students aiming for a Masters degree.
You need a good knowledge of German, and require you provide proof of your proficiency. Please note that the selection workshop (interviews, group discussions) will normally be in German. Exceptions (interview in English) are, however, possible.
Unfortunately, the current guidelines specify that the foundation cannot support foreign scholarship holders for stays abroad in third countries for more than four weeks.
You should definitely apply for a scholarship before the start of your studies, in order to ensure long-term support and cooperation.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation cannot award you a scholarship, if you are studying for a one-year Masters degree and were not previously supported by the foundation.
Applications are possible before you begin your study programme or within the first three semesters.
Applicants must provide proof that they have been accepted as a doctoral student by an institution of higher education in Germany or an EU country (for doctoral scholarship).
For more on the eligibility criteria for all levels of scholars - undergraduate, masters and PhD - please visit the official website (link to it is below).
The Foundation expects its scholarship recipients to have excellent academic records, to be socially and politically engaged, and to have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self determination and justice.
In addition to German students, the Foundation supports young people from many other countries, in particular countries in Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The Foundation promotes women, particularly in subjects where they are traditionally under-represented. It promotes ethnic minorities, and very much welcomes applicants from non-academic family backgrounds.
HOW TO APPLY
The application process, including the application form, will be completed ONLINE; additional application documents will be submitted as PDF. You may visit the application portal (usually available from mid-July on www.boell.de/studienwerk).
Please upload your documents as early as possible, as the system can become overloaded in the final days before the deadline. This will help avoid any technical problems which can be caused by increased demand.
The foundation only accepts online applications. The application portal will be opened about 6 weeks before the application deadlines.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete details on eligibility, application procedures and other relevant details. It is also essential that you read the "Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship Brochure" (also found on the official website).
DEADLINE
The foundation holds the application process twice a year. Thus there are two application deadlines each year - early March and early September.
2015 Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships will open on 20 January 2015 to international students around the world. Next deadline is 3 March 2015.
PLEASE NOTE:
The scholarship department of the Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students from inside and outside Germany. The scholarships are towards a Masters or PhD Degree in any approved field of study at participating German and non-German Universities.
Decisions on the awarding of scholarships will be taken by the Selection Committee, consisting of experienced university lecturers, experts from a variety of professional backgrounds in politics, economics, and society, active members of the Green network, alumni, current scholarship holders, and the staff of the Scholarship Department.
Successful applicants commence their scholarships approximately six months later (after the deadlines). However, the deadlines and dates listed may be liable to change.
CONTACT HERE
FORE MORE SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES CLICK HERE
These students are those who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschulen’), or universities of the arts (‘Kunsthochschulen’).
The Foundation campaigns for gender democracy, social emancipation, and equality between women and men. It is also committed to equality and social participation for cultural and ethnic minorities.
Approximately 1,000 (around 950 scholarships) are given every year - about 5/6 of them go to undergraduates and graduates and 1/6 to PhD students.
The specific number have not been made public, you may inquire this from the Scholarship Provider.
This award cover the complete duration of the undergraduate, Masters or Doctoral programme
The Foundation awards complete scholarships to students. You may want to inquire the specifics from the provider.
CRITERIA
The following general requirements apply to international student applicants (except EU citizens) who wish to study in Germany:
You must be enrolled at a state-recognized university or college (e.g. Fachhochschule) in Germany at the time the scholarship payments begin.
You should provide proof that you have already graduated with an initial professional qualification. This programme mainly supports students aiming for a Masters degree.
You need a good knowledge of German, and require you provide proof of your proficiency. Please note that the selection workshop (interviews, group discussions) will normally be in German. Exceptions (interview in English) are, however, possible.
Unfortunately, the current guidelines specify that the foundation cannot support foreign scholarship holders for stays abroad in third countries for more than four weeks.
You should definitely apply for a scholarship before the start of your studies, in order to ensure long-term support and cooperation.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation cannot award you a scholarship, if you are studying for a one-year Masters degree and were not previously supported by the foundation.
Applications are possible before you begin your study programme or within the first three semesters.
Applicants must provide proof that they have been accepted as a doctoral student by an institution of higher education in Germany or an EU country (for doctoral scholarship).
For more on the eligibility criteria for all levels of scholars - undergraduate, masters and PhD - please visit the official website (link to it is below).
The Foundation expects its scholarship recipients to have excellent academic records, to be socially and politically engaged, and to have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self determination and justice.
In addition to German students, the Foundation supports young people from many other countries, in particular countries in Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The Foundation promotes women, particularly in subjects where they are traditionally under-represented. It promotes ethnic minorities, and very much welcomes applicants from non-academic family backgrounds.
HOW TO APPLY
The application process, including the application form, will be completed ONLINE; additional application documents will be submitted as PDF. You may visit the application portal (usually available from mid-July on www.boell.de/studienwerk).
Please upload your documents as early as possible, as the system can become overloaded in the final days before the deadline. This will help avoid any technical problems which can be caused by increased demand.
The foundation only accepts online applications. The application portal will be opened about 6 weeks before the application deadlines.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete details on eligibility, application procedures and other relevant details. It is also essential that you read the "Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship Brochure" (also found on the official website).
DEADLINE
The foundation holds the application process twice a year. Thus there are two application deadlines each year - early March and early September.
2015 Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships will open on 20 January 2015 to international students around the world. Next deadline is 3 March 2015.
PLEASE NOTE:
The scholarship department of the Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students from inside and outside Germany. The scholarships are towards a Masters or PhD Degree in any approved field of study at participating German and non-German Universities.
Decisions on the awarding of scholarships will be taken by the Selection Committee, consisting of experienced university lecturers, experts from a variety of professional backgrounds in politics, economics, and society, active members of the Green network, alumni, current scholarship holders, and the staff of the Scholarship Department.
Successful applicants commence their scholarships approximately six months later (after the deadlines). However, the deadlines and dates listed may be liable to change.
CONTACT HERE
FORE MORE SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES CLICK HERE
LAUTECH Rain Semester Academic Calendar 2013/2014
Senate at its meeting of Wednesday, November 26, 2014 approved the 2013/2014 Rain Semester academic calendar.
According to the calendar, resumption date is fixed for Monday, December 8, 2014.
To view the complete calendar click here
FOR MORE UPDATES AND GIST ABOUT LAUTECH CLICK HERE
According to the calendar, resumption date is fixed for Monday, December 8, 2014.
To view the complete calendar click here
FOR MORE UPDATES AND GIST ABOUT LAUTECH CLICK HERE
UNN 4th Supplementary Admission List 2014/2015 Released
This is to inform 2014/2015 prospective students of University of
Nigeria Nsukka that the 4th Supplementary admission List of the
institution has been released.
The List is available now online.
Candidates can access the list now by clicking here
FOR MORE UPDATES ON UNN CLICK HERE
The List is available now online.
Candidates can access the list now by clicking here
FOR MORE UPDATES ON UNN CLICK HERE
Friday, November 28, 2014
RSUST 3rd Batch Admission List 2014/2015 Released
The Rivers State University of Science and Technology wishes to inform
all Candidates who uploaded their O’Level Results and Direct Entry
(Batch 3) in the 2014/2015 Academic Session that the admission list of
successful candidates has been released.
Candidates are accordingly advised to log onto www.ust.edu.ng and make e-payment of One Thousand Naira
(N1,000.00) only by using Interswitch Verve enabled Cards to print their admission status.
Candidates who are offered admission should log onto the University website www.ust.edu.ng and make e-payment of Acceptance Fee of Twenty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred & Thirty Naira (N29,530.00) only by Using Interswitch Verve enabled cards. Thereafter,they are to proceed for further on-line Clearance before payment of School Fees.
All Candidates who were offered admission previously
but could not accept their offers before the closing date are advised to avail themselves of this opportunity to accept their offers.
Note:
Acceptance for the admitted Candidates will start from
Wednesday 26th November, 2014 and will end on Monday 8th December,2014.
Candidates who fail to accept their offers before the expiration of the deadline will lose their places permanently.
(Signed)
D. C. ODIMABO (Mrs.)
FOR MORE UPDATES ON RSUST CLICK HERE
Candidates are accordingly advised to log onto www.ust.edu.ng and make e-payment of One Thousand Naira
(N1,000.00) only by using Interswitch Verve enabled Cards to print their admission status.
Candidates who are offered admission should log onto the University website www.ust.edu.ng and make e-payment of Acceptance Fee of Twenty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred & Thirty Naira (N29,530.00) only by Using Interswitch Verve enabled cards. Thereafter,they are to proceed for further on-line Clearance before payment of School Fees.
All Candidates who were offered admission previously
but could not accept their offers before the closing date are advised to avail themselves of this opportunity to accept their offers.
Note:
Acceptance for the admitted Candidates will start from
Wednesday 26th November, 2014 and will end on Monday 8th December,2014.
Candidates who fail to accept their offers before the expiration of the deadline will lose their places permanently.
(Signed)
D. C. ODIMABO (Mrs.)
FOR MORE UPDATES ON RSUST CLICK HERE
OAU 2nd Batch Admission List 2014/2015 out on JAMB Portal
This is to inform 2014/2015 prospective students of Obafemi Awolowo
University that the 2nd batch of admission list 2014/2015 is out on JAMB
Portal.
To check your admission status simply click here
Type in your UTME Reg. Number
Click on "Check your Admission Status"
FOR MORE UPDATES ON OAU CLICK HERE
To check your admission status simply click here
Type in your UTME Reg. Number
Click on "Check your Admission Status"
FOR MORE UPDATES ON OAU CLICK HERE
FUAM Registration Information for Newly Admitted Students
All new students on arrival at the department should proceed for registration as follows:
Procedure for Payment of Tuition Fees
After a candidate has been admitted into the university:
1. Students are expected to obtain “Acceptance Letter”
2. You go for screening with your original credentials, Acceptance Letter, JAMB slip, and admission letter
3. You go straight to the designed bank to pay your school fees and obtain PIN to enable you enter your personal details and course registration on the university portal.
Summary: The procedure for the payment of tuition fees is that, the admitted students, after collecting his/her admission letter goes to a designated bank and obtains a pin, equivalent to the amount to tuition fees he/she is expected to pay, which he/she uses for registration processes.
At the point of students’ orientation, management would usually come out with details on how the tuition fees would be paid. While full payment is usually advocated, sometimes payment is split on semester basis. Whatever position is taken by management would be made known to the students during orientation.
Procedure for Course registration
·All students’ Course Registration are online
·Students are allowed to add and/or drop courses within the course registration period.
·Submit your hard copy registered courses to all the appropriate offices
· Issues for Non-registration: Registration for each Semester is compulsory. A student who fails to register for 2 consecutive semesters is deemed to have voluntarily withdrawn from the programme.
Library Registration
·All newly admitted students are expected to register with the University Library.
·You are expected to go with your admission letter and passport to obtain library card from the Library Officer that will allow you to enter into the Library.
·Any more information about Library registration procedure, please go the Library for further details.
Other Payments Requirement by Different Categories of Students
The sub-degree students are categorized into three as regards payment of tuition fees.
note: These fees are subject to review by management of the university from time to time as the need arises
·Penalty for Late Payment
When deadline for payment of tuition fees is pronounced by management, students that fail to pay within the stipulated time shall be subjected to a penalty. In addition, students who fail to meet up the requirements of management as regards payment of school fees shall be out rightly prevented from writing examinations. Such students will automatically repeat those courses.
· Departmental Associations
· College Screening
FOR MORE UPDATES ON FUAM CLICK HERE
Procedure for Payment of Tuition Fees
After a candidate has been admitted into the university:
1. Students are expected to obtain “Acceptance Letter”
2. You go for screening with your original credentials, Acceptance Letter, JAMB slip, and admission letter
3. You go straight to the designed bank to pay your school fees and obtain PIN to enable you enter your personal details and course registration on the university portal.
Summary: The procedure for the payment of tuition fees is that, the admitted students, after collecting his/her admission letter goes to a designated bank and obtains a pin, equivalent to the amount to tuition fees he/she is expected to pay, which he/she uses for registration processes.
At the point of students’ orientation, management would usually come out with details on how the tuition fees would be paid. While full payment is usually advocated, sometimes payment is split on semester basis. Whatever position is taken by management would be made known to the students during orientation.
Procedure for Course registration
·All students’ Course Registration are online
·Students are allowed to add and/or drop courses within the course registration period.
·Submit your hard copy registered courses to all the appropriate offices
· Issues for Non-registration: Registration for each Semester is compulsory. A student who fails to register for 2 consecutive semesters is deemed to have voluntarily withdrawn from the programme.
Library Registration
·All newly admitted students are expected to register with the University Library.
·You are expected to go with your admission letter and passport to obtain library card from the Library Officer that will allow you to enter into the Library.
·Any more information about Library registration procedure, please go the Library for further details.
Other Payments Requirement by Different Categories of Students
The sub-degree students are categorized into three as regards payment of tuition fees.
note: These fees are subject to review by management of the university from time to time as the need arises
·Penalty for Late Payment
When deadline for payment of tuition fees is pronounced by management, students that fail to pay within the stipulated time shall be subjected to a penalty. In addition, students who fail to meet up the requirements of management as regards payment of school fees shall be out rightly prevented from writing examinations. Such students will automatically repeat those courses.
· Departmental Associations
· College Screening
FOR MORE UPDATES ON FUAM CLICK HERE
Reminder: AAU Deadline For The Processing Of Admissions by 2014/2015 Freshers
This is to inform all admitted candidates that the processing of
admissions for 2014/2015 academic session, which commenced on Monday,
8th September 2014, will end tomorrow Friday, 28th November 2014.
Freshers are to resume 30th November 2014 while 15th December 2014 has been scheduled for orientation for all fresh students of Ambrose Alli University 2014/2015 academic session.
FOR MORE UPDATES ON AAU CLICK HERE
Freshers are to resume 30th November 2014 while 15th December 2014 has been scheduled for orientation for all fresh students of Ambrose Alli University 2014/2015 academic session.
FOR MORE UPDATES ON AAU CLICK HERE
YABATECH Amended Part-Time Academic Calendar 2014/2015
The Academic Board of Yaba College of Technology at its meeting of
Tuesday, 18th November, 2014 reviewed and amended 2014/2015 Academic
Calendar for Part-time to commence a week earlier than scheduled from
13th December, 2014 to 6th December, 2014.
According to the calendar, commencement of fresh/Returning students Registration begins 24th November – 12th December, 2014.
To view the full calendar click here
FOR MORE UPDATES ON YABATECH CLICK HERE
According to the calendar, commencement of fresh/Returning students Registration begins 24th November – 12th December, 2014.
To view the full calendar click here
FOR MORE UPDATES ON YABATECH CLICK HERE
NSUK Holds 2014/2015 Matriculation Ceremony
This is to inform the general public that the matriculation of newly
admitted students of Nasarawa State University (NSUK)has been announced.
Date: Friday, 28th November 2014.
Venue: Convocation square.
Time:10.00am
FOR MORE UPDATES ON NSUK CLICK HERE
Date: Friday, 28th November 2014.
Venue: Convocation square.
Time:10.00am
FOR MORE UPDATES ON NSUK CLICK HERE
YABATECH Second Semester Academic Calendar for Full-Time Programme 2013/2014
The management of YABATECH following its meeting of Tuesday, 18th
November, 2014 has released the approved second semester academic
calendar for full time programme 2013/2014 session.
According to the calendar, commencement of 2nd Semester Registration/Lectures for New and Returning students begins November 24, 2014.
To view the full calendar click here
FOR MORE UPDATES ON YABATECH CLICK HERE
According to the calendar, commencement of 2nd Semester Registration/Lectures for New and Returning students begins November 24, 2014.
To view the full calendar click here
FOR MORE UPDATES ON YABATECH CLICK HERE
IMOPOLY Schedule of Events for 2014/2015 Orientation Exercise
The activities marking the orientation exercise for the 2014/2015
academic year freshmen of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo will commence
from Monday, 24th November 2014 to Thursday, 27th November 2014. Lecture begins for new and old students on Monday 1st December.
Please find below, the programme of events for 2014/15 Orientation Exercise.
DAY ONE
Monday, 24/11/2014
10.00am - All freshmen for the 2014/2015 academic year (ND1 and HND1) are to be seated in the Entrepreneurship Hall in the Main Campus, Umuagwo.
10.10am -The arrival of the Rector and other Principal Officers.
10.15 am -The Polytechnic Orator introduces the Principal Officers, Management staff, Deans, Directors of Schools,
Directors/Heads of Units, Heads of Departments.
10.50am - Opening prayer by the Dean Students Affairs.
11.00am - Registrar’s Opening Remarks
11.15am - Rector’s Welcome Address.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS WITHDRAW.
11.25am - Short Speech by the Director of Admissions
11.35am - Librarian Speech on the Relevance and Importance of Library
11.45am - Dean Students’ Affairs Speech on the School decorum/rules
11.55am – Director, APACUD’s Speech on the academic Activities
12.05pm - Counsellor’s Educational, Vocational and Social Guidance
12.15pm - Director of Medical Services on Health Tips on/off Campus
12:25pm - Anti-Cult Speech on the need for a cult-free environment
12.35pm -Director, Weekend Programme on the activities of the unit
12.45pm -Director, Evening Programme on the activities of the unit
12.55 pm - Director, School of General Studies on the activities of the School
01.05pm - Reactions from the Floor and Entertainment / Refreshment
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY TWO
Tuesday 25/11/2014
10.00am - Introduction of Students Union Government (SUG) EXCOs
10.30am - SUG President’s opening remarks.
11.00am – Speech by the Guest Speaker
12.40pm – Speech by the Polytechnic Bursar
1.00pm - Speech by the SIWES Director
1.20pm - Speech by the ICT Director
1.40pm - Speech by the Entrepreneurship Director
2.00pm - Speech by the SERVION Director
2.20pm - Speech by the CSO
2.40pm - Reactions from the Floor
3.00pm - Talent Show/Comedy/Entertainment
Note: All 2014/2015 Academic year freshmen (ND1 and HND1) are to participate in all the facility tours irrespective of their school.
CLOSING REMARKS
DAY THREE
Wednesday 26/11/2014
NOTE : At this Stage, All Students Break into Schools for Facility/Familiarisation tours of their Various Schools
10.00pm - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Agricultural Sciences
10.00pm - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Business Studies
10.00am - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Engineering
10.00am - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Environmental Studies
10.00am - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Sciences
Note:All the Deans, Directors and H.O.Ds should be present at their various schools for the facility/familiarisation tour exercise and are to be ready to briefly describe the departments in their schools and their prospects.
All 2014/2015 Academic Year Freshmen Students (ND1 and HND1) are to participate in all the facility tours irrespective of the School.
Orlu/Mbano campuses to hold their familiarization tour in their respective campuses. The campus functionaries are to take note.
CLOSING REMARKS
DAY FOUR
Thursday 27/11/2014
10.00 am – Interdenominational Service @ Entrepreneurship Hall
FOR MORE UPDATES ON IMOPOLY CLICK HERE
from Monday, 24th November 2014 to Thursday, 27th November 2014. Lecture begins for new and old students on Monday 1st December.
Please find below, the programme of events for 2014/15 Orientation Exercise.
DAY ONE
Monday, 24/11/2014
10.00am - All freshmen for the 2014/2015 academic year (ND1 and HND1) are to be seated in the Entrepreneurship Hall in the Main Campus, Umuagwo.
10.10am -The arrival of the Rector and other Principal Officers.
10.15 am -The Polytechnic Orator introduces the Principal Officers, Management staff, Deans, Directors of Schools,
Directors/Heads of Units, Heads of Departments.
10.50am - Opening prayer by the Dean Students Affairs.
11.00am - Registrar’s Opening Remarks
11.15am - Rector’s Welcome Address.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS WITHDRAW.
11.25am - Short Speech by the Director of Admissions
11.35am - Librarian Speech on the Relevance and Importance of Library
11.45am - Dean Students’ Affairs Speech on the School decorum/rules
11.55am – Director, APACUD’s Speech on the academic Activities
12.05pm - Counsellor’s Educational, Vocational and Social Guidance
12.15pm - Director of Medical Services on Health Tips on/off Campus
12:25pm - Anti-Cult Speech on the need for a cult-free environment
12.35pm -Director, Weekend Programme on the activities of the unit
12.45pm -Director, Evening Programme on the activities of the unit
12.55 pm - Director, School of General Studies on the activities of the School
01.05pm - Reactions from the Floor and Entertainment / Refreshment
CLOSING PRAYER
DAY TWO
Tuesday 25/11/2014
10.00am - Introduction of Students Union Government (SUG) EXCOs
10.30am - SUG President’s opening remarks.
11.00am – Speech by the Guest Speaker
12.40pm – Speech by the Polytechnic Bursar
1.00pm - Speech by the SIWES Director
1.20pm - Speech by the ICT Director
1.40pm - Speech by the Entrepreneurship Director
2.00pm - Speech by the SERVION Director
2.20pm - Speech by the CSO
2.40pm - Reactions from the Floor
3.00pm - Talent Show/Comedy/Entertainment
Note: All 2014/2015 Academic year freshmen (ND1 and HND1) are to participate in all the facility tours irrespective of their school.
CLOSING REMARKS
DAY THREE
Wednesday 26/11/2014
NOTE : At this Stage, All Students Break into Schools for Facility/Familiarisation tours of their Various Schools
10.00pm - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Agricultural Sciences
10.00pm - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Business Studies
10.00am - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Engineering
10.00am - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Environmental Studies
10.00am - Facility/Familiarisation tour to School of Sciences
Note:All the Deans, Directors and H.O.Ds should be present at their various schools for the facility/familiarisation tour exercise and are to be ready to briefly describe the departments in their schools and their prospects.
All 2014/2015 Academic Year Freshmen Students (ND1 and HND1) are to participate in all the facility tours irrespective of the School.
Orlu/Mbano campuses to hold their familiarization tour in their respective campuses. The campus functionaries are to take note.
CLOSING REMARKS
DAY FOUR
Thursday 27/11/2014
10.00 am – Interdenominational Service @ Entrepreneurship Hall
FOR MORE UPDATES ON IMOPOLY CLICK HERE
FUOYE Pre-degree Admission List 2014/2015 Released
This is to inform the under-listed candidates that they have been
offered Provisional Admissions into Pre-degree Programmes of the Federal
University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
To view the complete list of Admitted candidates click on this link: 2014/2015 BATCH A PRE-DEGREE ADMISSION LIST
Instruction to Admitted Candidates
You are to attend the 2014/2015 Orientation Ceremony for successful candidates scheduled as follows:
Date: 2nd December, 2014
Venue: FUOYE Auditorium
Time: 8:00 AM
Attendance is compulsory as important information will be communicated to all.
NOTE:
All successful candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable sum of Thirty thousand Naira (N30,000.00) only as Acceptance Fee on or between Monday, 1st December, 2014 and Friday 12th December, 2014.
The payment of the main tuition of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (120,000.00) should be made on or before 23rd December, 2014
DISCLAIMER!
Candidates should discountenance any information that is not from this website and should not entertain text messages or phone calls from any other source. Any Candidate who disregards this warning does it at his/her own risk.
FOR MORE UPDATES ON FUOYE CLICK HERE
To view the complete list of Admitted candidates click on this link: 2014/2015 BATCH A PRE-DEGREE ADMISSION LIST
Instruction to Admitted Candidates
You are to attend the 2014/2015 Orientation Ceremony for successful candidates scheduled as follows:
Date: 2nd December, 2014
Venue: FUOYE Auditorium
Time: 8:00 AM
Attendance is compulsory as important information will be communicated to all.
NOTE:
All successful candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable sum of Thirty thousand Naira (N30,000.00) only as Acceptance Fee on or between Monday, 1st December, 2014 and Friday 12th December, 2014.
The payment of the main tuition of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (120,000.00) should be made on or before 23rd December, 2014
DISCLAIMER!
Candidates should discountenance any information that is not from this website and should not entertain text messages or phone calls from any other source. Any Candidate who disregards this warning does it at his/her own risk.
FOR MORE UPDATES ON FUOYE CLICK HERE
LAUTECH Admission Letter 2014/2015 Now Available
The Admission letter for 2014-2015 Academic Session is now available.
Applicants admission status can be checked here http://portal.lautech.edu.ng/fresher/status/
Successful applicants should proceed to create Freshers Account and print their admission letter here http://portal.lautech.edu.ng/fresher/
Deadline for Acceptance Fee payment -Monday, December 15th 2014
Deadline for Tuition Fee payment - Thursday, January 15th 2015
The Admission procedure can be found here http://portal.lautech.edu.ng/fresher/2014_2015_admission_procedure.pdf
FOR MORE NEWS ON LAUTECH CLICK HERE
Applicants admission status can be checked here http://portal.lautech.edu.ng/fresher/status/
Successful applicants should proceed to create Freshers Account and print their admission letter here http://portal.lautech.edu.ng/fresher/
Deadline for Acceptance Fee payment -Monday, December 15th 2014
Deadline for Tuition Fee payment - Thursday, January 15th 2015
The Admission procedure can be found here http://portal.lautech.edu.ng/fresher/2014_2015_admission_procedure.pdf
FOR MORE NEWS ON LAUTECH CLICK HERE
UI Produces 222 First Class Degrees as 7,886 Graduates
It was gathered that 222 students out of the 7,786 bagged First Class
during the last convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan held
recently.
A further breakdown revealed that 1,885 graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 4,147 made Second Class Honours (Lower Division), while 786 made Third Class Honours while 223 made Pass.
The graduands were advised to represent the institution in a good light.
FOR MORE UPDATED NEWS ON UI CLICK HERE
A further breakdown revealed that 1,885 graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 4,147 made Second Class Honours (Lower Division), while 786 made Third Class Honours while 223 made Pass.
The graduands were advised to represent the institution in a good light.
FOR MORE UPDATED NEWS ON UI CLICK HERE
AAUA Deadline for Pre-degree Sales of Form 2014/2015 Extended
This is to inform the general public that the new deadline for sales of pre-degree admission form is 21st December, 2014.
The new date for the screening examination will be announced later.
FOR MORE NEWS ON AAUA CLICK HERE
The new date for the screening examination will be announced later.
FOR MORE NEWS ON AAUA CLICK HERE
PEO International Peace Scholarships to Study in USA and Canada for Women and Female Students
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarships (IPS) are awarded every year to women who are citizens of countries other than the United States or Canada for graduate study in a degree program offered in schools in the United States and Canada.
Members of P.E.O. believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding and aims to help qualified women who desire higher education and are in need of financial assistance.
The PEO IPS fund is a program of women helping women reach for the stars. The IPS fund will provide scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada.
The scholarship is for the whole duration of the applicant's study program
The maximum amount awarded to a student is $10,000. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.
The scholarship is based upon demonstrated financial need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to confirm additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Additional resources may include personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships.
Awards are announced in may. The amount of the scholarship will be divided into two payments to be distributed in August and December
CRITERIA
Essential qualifications include:
An applicant must be qualified for admission to full-time graduate study and working toward a graduate degree in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. Applicant must not be enrolled at time of application.
A copy of the applicant’s confirmation of admission must be received by the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship office by April 1 in order to complete the application. This notice must specify the graduate degree program. No consideration will be given to applicants lacking evidence of admission.
Please note these restrictions:
A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible.
Scholarships are not given for research, internships, or for practical training unless it is combined with coursework.
Awards are not to be used to pay past debts.
In order to qualify for her first scholarship, an applicant must have a full year of coursework remaining, be enrolled and in residence for the entire school year.
Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
International students attending cottey college are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
HOW TO APPLY
You may obtain information on the International Peace Scholarship program from the P.E.O. Executive Office or from the official website (link to it is below).
Eligibility must be established before application material is made available. To determine eligibility, complete the Eligibility Form and submit within the stipulated time (between September 15 and December 15 for 2015/2016 session). Eligibility information and application deadlines can be found at any time on the P.E.O. website.
Information concerning admission to cottey college may be obtained by writing to the coordinator of Admissions, Cottey College, Nevada, Missouri 64772, or visit them at cottey.edu.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information on how to apply.
DEADLINE
The deadline date to submit Eligibility Form is 15th December 2014; while that to submit completed application materials from enrolled and unenrolled applicants is 1 March 2015 and 1 April 2015 respectively.
The important dates are as below:
September 15, 2014 - IPS begins to accept Eligibility Forms
December 15, 2014 - Last day to submit Eligibility Forms
March 1, 2015 - Last day to submit completed application materials from applicants already enrolled in the graduate program and school for which their scholarship is intended
April 1, 2015 - Last day to submit completed application materials from applicants not yet enrolled in the graduate program or school for which the scholarship is intended
Last day to submit completed application materials for applicants who will be attending Cottey College
May 2015 - Notification of scholarship awards
June 1, 2015 - Last day for students to accept IPS scholarships
PLEASE NOTE:
If eligible, an applicant will be required to complete and sign a document promising to return to her home country or to a location outside the United States or Canada within sixty (60) days, depending on her visa status, upon completion of her degree program(s) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
It is very essential to note that the Eligibility forms will NOT be accepted before September 15 or after December 15.
Each applicant has 60 days from the date her eligibility form is approved to submit her completed application material. The material includes the Application Form, Personal Statement (or Progress Report for renewals), Educational/Employment Resume, Recommendations and the Return Travel Guarantee Form. These may all be downloaded from the official website (link to it is below).
Awards are announced in may. The amount of the scholarship will be divided into two payments to be distributed in August and December
The P.E.O. IPS Fund was established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada.
CONTACT HERE
FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES CLICK HERE
Members of P.E.O. believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding and aims to help qualified women who desire higher education and are in need of financial assistance.
The PEO IPS fund is a program of women helping women reach for the stars. The IPS fund will provide scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada.
The scholarship is for the whole duration of the applicant's study program
The maximum amount awarded to a student is $10,000. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.
The scholarship is based upon demonstrated financial need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to confirm additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Additional resources may include personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships.
Awards are announced in may. The amount of the scholarship will be divided into two payments to be distributed in August and December
CRITERIA
Essential qualifications include:
An applicant must be qualified for admission to full-time graduate study and working toward a graduate degree in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. Applicant must not be enrolled at time of application.
A copy of the applicant’s confirmation of admission must be received by the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship office by April 1 in order to complete the application. This notice must specify the graduate degree program. No consideration will be given to applicants lacking evidence of admission.
Please note these restrictions:
A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible.
Scholarships are not given for research, internships, or for practical training unless it is combined with coursework.
Awards are not to be used to pay past debts.
In order to qualify for her first scholarship, an applicant must have a full year of coursework remaining, be enrolled and in residence for the entire school year.
Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
International students attending cottey college are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
HOW TO APPLY
You may obtain information on the International Peace Scholarship program from the P.E.O. Executive Office or from the official website (link to it is below).
Eligibility must be established before application material is made available. To determine eligibility, complete the Eligibility Form and submit within the stipulated time (between September 15 and December 15 for 2015/2016 session). Eligibility information and application deadlines can be found at any time on the P.E.O. website.
Information concerning admission to cottey college may be obtained by writing to the coordinator of Admissions, Cottey College, Nevada, Missouri 64772, or visit them at cottey.edu.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information on how to apply.
DEADLINE
The deadline date to submit Eligibility Form is 15th December 2014; while that to submit completed application materials from enrolled and unenrolled applicants is 1 March 2015 and 1 April 2015 respectively.
The important dates are as below:
September 15, 2014 - IPS begins to accept Eligibility Forms
December 15, 2014 - Last day to submit Eligibility Forms
March 1, 2015 - Last day to submit completed application materials from applicants already enrolled in the graduate program and school for which their scholarship is intended
April 1, 2015 - Last day to submit completed application materials from applicants not yet enrolled in the graduate program or school for which the scholarship is intended
Last day to submit completed application materials for applicants who will be attending Cottey College
May 2015 - Notification of scholarship awards
June 1, 2015 - Last day for students to accept IPS scholarships
PLEASE NOTE:
If eligible, an applicant will be required to complete and sign a document promising to return to her home country or to a location outside the United States or Canada within sixty (60) days, depending on her visa status, upon completion of her degree program(s) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
It is very essential to note that the Eligibility forms will NOT be accepted before September 15 or after December 15.
Each applicant has 60 days from the date her eligibility form is approved to submit her completed application material. The material includes the Application Form, Personal Statement (or Progress Report for renewals), Educational/Employment Resume, Recommendations and the Return Travel Guarantee Form. These may all be downloaded from the official website (link to it is below).
Awards are announced in may. The amount of the scholarship will be divided into two payments to be distributed in August and December
The P.E.O. IPS Fund was established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada.
CONTACT HERE
FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES CLICK HERE
KAIST South Korea Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) offers the KAIST International Student Scholarship for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
KAIST is one of the top leading universities in South Korea and one of the world's best research oriented universities. Undergraduate programs at KAIST is unique with providing large opportunities and flexibility.
KAIST Undergraduate Scholarships are very competitive and once a student is selected by KAIST, his/her tuition fee is waived off and he/she will get scholarship based on KAIST policies.
Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) International Student Scholarship
The award is expected to last throughout the duration of the student's program at KAIST. However, the student must maintain GPA over 2.7 out of 4.3 at KAIST
Scholarship benefits
The Scholarship Subsidies include:
Living expenses: 200,000 ~ 350,000 KRW per month
Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 8 semesters
Medical insurance
CRITERIA
All applicants must be of International Student Admission.
If you graduated or will be graduating high school, you can apply for any of KAIST's undergraduate (bachelor's degree) program.
Who is eligible to apply for Undergraduate Program as International Students?
International candidates must meet all of the following requirements:
He or she has graduated or will graduate from his or her secondary education by August 31, 2015.
He or she is not a citizen of Korea.
*Korean citizens who hold dual citizenship are not eligible to apply as foreign students.
Note: International applicant whose parents were born in Korea MUST read the instructions below.
International candidates of Korean origin MUST additionally satisfy one of the following two requirements:
Neither of the candidate’s parents is a Korean citizen or;
The candidate must have received his/her entire elementary, junior high, and high school education outside of Korea at a comparable and equivalent level of those provided in Korea. But in this case, international schools located in Korea are not acknowledged as foreign schools.
Candidates of Korean origin who completed their entire education(elementary, junior high, and high school) outside of Korea should submit the Certificate of the Facts Concerning the Entry & Exit issued by the Korean Immigration Office.
The certificate should have recently been issued.
International students of Korean origin who do not meet one of the eligibilities above CANNOT apply for International Admissions. Instead, they must apply for Korean Admissions (see official website for more)
KAIST students come from over 70 different countries. KAIST welcomes applications from Algeria and Argentina to Vietnam and Zimbabwe, all over the world.
Undergraduate level studies in all courses of study available at KAIST (including Science, Technology, Engineering, Humanities, Social Science, Business. etc)
Undergraduate program at KAIST is unique with providing large opportunities and flexibility. All undergraduate students enter without declaring a major and after one year of studying basics of science they are free to choose any major they are interested in. And there is no restriction in changing major. KAIST values the process of student finding their interest and talent for the best future career.
HOW TO APPLY
The Scholarship Selection Procedure is the same as the KAIST Admission Selection.
If you are interested in applying for admission for an undergraduate program at KAIST, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions section on the official website (link to it is below).
Please download and read the guideline carefully. As a candidate, it is your responsibility to know the application requirements, to submit the necessary materials by the deadline, and to monitor the status of application on the website.
DEADLINE
Admission Timeline:
Applicants can choose to apply either Early Decision or Regular Decision. The only difference in Early Decision and Regular Decision is the deadline. The reason KAIST have two application cycles is because it provides applicants with more options so they can choose which works best for them.
The Scholarship Application Period is the same as the Admission Applications. Deadlines for the Online Applications and Submission of Support Documents are:
On-line Application
Early Decision Deadline - Mon, December 1st, 2014, 10:00 A.M. ~ Fri, December 26th, 2014, 5:00 P.M.
Regular Decision Deadline - Mon, December 29th, 2014, 10:00 A.M. - ~ Fri, April 17th, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
Complete Application due *(Printed Application and Support Material submitted via post)
Early Decision Deadline - Fri, February 13th, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
Regular Decision Deadline - Fri, May 29th, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
The timeline above is based on the local time in South Korea and is subject to change without any prior notice.
PLEASE NOTE:
KAIST, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is one of the world's best research oriented university. KAIST is filled with opportunity, excellent academic system, cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, and internationally renowned faculty.
CONTACT HERE
FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIP INFO CLICK HERE
KAIST is one of the top leading universities in South Korea and one of the world's best research oriented universities. Undergraduate programs at KAIST is unique with providing large opportunities and flexibility.
KAIST Undergraduate Scholarships are very competitive and once a student is selected by KAIST, his/her tuition fee is waived off and he/she will get scholarship based on KAIST policies.
Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) International Student Scholarship
The award is expected to last throughout the duration of the student's program at KAIST. However, the student must maintain GPA over 2.7 out of 4.3 at KAIST
Scholarship benefits
The Scholarship Subsidies include:
Living expenses: 200,000 ~ 350,000 KRW per month
Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 8 semesters
Medical insurance
CRITERIA
All applicants must be of International Student Admission.
If you graduated or will be graduating high school, you can apply for any of KAIST's undergraduate (bachelor's degree) program.
Who is eligible to apply for Undergraduate Program as International Students?
International candidates must meet all of the following requirements:
He or she has graduated or will graduate from his or her secondary education by August 31, 2015.
He or she is not a citizen of Korea.
*Korean citizens who hold dual citizenship are not eligible to apply as foreign students.
Note: International applicant whose parents were born in Korea MUST read the instructions below.
International candidates of Korean origin MUST additionally satisfy one of the following two requirements:
Neither of the candidate’s parents is a Korean citizen or;
The candidate must have received his/her entire elementary, junior high, and high school education outside of Korea at a comparable and equivalent level of those provided in Korea. But in this case, international schools located in Korea are not acknowledged as foreign schools.
Candidates of Korean origin who completed their entire education(elementary, junior high, and high school) outside of Korea should submit the Certificate of the Facts Concerning the Entry & Exit issued by the Korean Immigration Office.
The certificate should have recently been issued.
International students of Korean origin who do not meet one of the eligibilities above CANNOT apply for International Admissions. Instead, they must apply for Korean Admissions (see official website for more)
KAIST students come from over 70 different countries. KAIST welcomes applications from Algeria and Argentina to Vietnam and Zimbabwe, all over the world.
Undergraduate level studies in all courses of study available at KAIST (including Science, Technology, Engineering, Humanities, Social Science, Business. etc)
Undergraduate program at KAIST is unique with providing large opportunities and flexibility. All undergraduate students enter without declaring a major and after one year of studying basics of science they are free to choose any major they are interested in. And there is no restriction in changing major. KAIST values the process of student finding their interest and talent for the best future career.
HOW TO APPLY
The Scholarship Selection Procedure is the same as the KAIST Admission Selection.
If you are interested in applying for admission for an undergraduate program at KAIST, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions section on the official website (link to it is below).
Please download and read the guideline carefully. As a candidate, it is your responsibility to know the application requirements, to submit the necessary materials by the deadline, and to monitor the status of application on the website.
DEADLINE
Admission Timeline:
Applicants can choose to apply either Early Decision or Regular Decision. The only difference in Early Decision and Regular Decision is the deadline. The reason KAIST have two application cycles is because it provides applicants with more options so they can choose which works best for them.
The Scholarship Application Period is the same as the Admission Applications. Deadlines for the Online Applications and Submission of Support Documents are:
On-line Application
Early Decision Deadline - Mon, December 1st, 2014, 10:00 A.M. ~ Fri, December 26th, 2014, 5:00 P.M.
Regular Decision Deadline - Mon, December 29th, 2014, 10:00 A.M. - ~ Fri, April 17th, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
Complete Application due *(Printed Application and Support Material submitted via post)
Early Decision Deadline - Fri, February 13th, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
Regular Decision Deadline - Fri, May 29th, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
The timeline above is based on the local time in South Korea and is subject to change without any prior notice.
PLEASE NOTE:
KAIST, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is one of the world's best research oriented university. KAIST is filled with opportunity, excellent academic system, cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, and internationally renowned faculty.
CONTACT HERE
FOR MORE SCHOLARSHIP INFO CLICK HERE
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