Writing letters make popular. Letter writing ability is easily acquirable. Knowing how to write letters for all occasions is useful. Writing letters is not difficult. It is easy to learn how to write letters. This is on how to write formal letters, social letters, notes, what to say in private letter writing -writing personal letters.
Writing letters communicate best. Letter writing is joy to loved ones apart. Telephone calls are never enough. They like also to receive, write letters. Personal letters can be re-read. People in love write letters. Writing letters is dreamy. Boys who write letters are popular. Girls love receiving letters. Writing letters get one remembered when not together or telephoning. Family members away like to also to receive, write letters. Friends away like to receive, write letters. Pen friends write letters. Letter writing is communication, essential literacy –and it’s fun.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
One writing letters can take one's time to think of all the things that one can not remember when together or telephoning to say. In business writing letters clarify. Personal letters are keepsakes. Some things are said easier by writing letters, some better by not writing letters but notes. Writing letters are pleasing, effective. Notes can be nice. Here is how to write a letter, personal letters.
Letter writing, whether by post, fax, or e-mail falls into three categories. In each letter writing category the approach is different. How to write a letter depends on why one is writing a letter.
… Personal letters are often letters to family members, boyfriends or girlfriends, friends or pen friends -often friendly letters.
… Semiformal letters are often routine letters to e.g., order or return goods, instruct on delivery, or to confirm or request information -acquaintances also sometimes write letters semi-formally.
… Formal letters are often non-routine. Writing a letter formally implies officialdom -most seldom write letters formally.
Letter writing scares many people. Many don't know how to write a letter or note. The following all there is to writing letters.
>>> Writing Personal Letters
To write letters to loved ones, friends away please. They like news about you, personal letters –especially if you write letters interestingly. Write letters cheerfully. Write a letter to cheer up. When you write a letter appreciate, praise, credit them. Write letters as if who you are writing a letter to is there, you are talking: "Oh, this tea's cold! Anyway, I decided to write a letter..."
In writing personal letters, how intimately you write a letter depends on what is acceptable to who you are writing the letter. Unless you know it’s all right, don’t e-mail, fax or post loved ones or friends personal letters at a workplace; it may embarrass, cause problems if others see your letter. Privately communicate letters.
Letter writing is easiest when one is writing personal letters. If you can't think of much to write in your letter other than "Hi!" or "I'm well..." and "How are you?" (which always pleases), don't postpone writing your letter. A glance at a newspaper will show interesting things to write in your letter. When you write a letter do gossip -it's liked in personal letters. Remember this when writing personal letters. Be interesting when you to write a letter.
In letter writing it matters: include a joke or two in personal letters. Loving or funny verses please in personal letters. When you write a letter remember: in personal letters a picture of you delights. In writing letters, if appropriate, drawing a flower, heart, kiss makes personal letters loved. Write letters that ask opinions of persons you write personal letters to, even if it's only "Good, huh?" or "Nice, don't you think?" Such letter writing makes you interesting, popular with those you write personal letters to.
>>> Writing Semiformal Letters and Formal Letters
In writing a letter keep to the point. Letters in these categories are often short letters about personal dealings with businesses, e.g., to instruct a bank to make or cancel a regular payment, or query a return, refund, or a job. They may be long, detailed letters but still simple, easy to write letters. When you write a letter keep a copy.
>> Letters received can be, e.g., asking you to confirm something.
When writing a letter replying to such letters write your contact details at the top right corner of the letter, their address at the top left corner of the letter; add the date, and their letter's reference.
In your letter address them as they have you. Begin the letter by stating their letter's date, e.g., "Thank you for your letter of …."
Continue the letter, in a new paragraph. Be brief, simple, e.g., "This is to confirm that …" End your letter as ended their letter.
>> Letters sent to businesses to complain, request information, apply.
In writing a letter to a business, address, date your letter, state their reference as above. If you know the name of the person you are writing a letter to, begin "Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss./Ms. …" If not, in your letter address the reader as "Dear Sir/Madam" or "Dear Sirs." Ensure to state under it their order/invoice number. Keep your letter simple. When writing business letters, if began 'Dear Mr. ...', end "Yours sincerely"; if 'Dear Sir', "Yours faithfully."
> Letters of complaint are important. Before writing a letter of complaint, if annoyed, cool off -make tea, telephone friends. You are writing a letter to get a desired response -you are less likely to if you write an angry letter. Businesses in writing letters like to appear fair -business letters try, when you write a letter politely.
When you write letters of complaint say what is wanted clearly, simply, e.g., "I have not yet received a refund for … I enclose a copy of the returns-note/receipt. I look forward to hearing from you." Add any enclosures to the letter of complaint. Keep copies.
> Letters requesting information can be personal letters but must be clear. Write a letter simply ask for the information want. In writing letters requesting information on subjects you don't know much about, it helps to end your letter "… and any other details you may deem useful'. Writing letters so brings more information.
> Letters of application for a job or a grant should have wider margins for reader-notes, and bear in mind any closing dates. When you write a letter of application briefly emphasize how you meet the criteria. Say 'available for interview', and do print your name.
>> Letters to officials may need to be long, detailed; but writing letters that are so is easy. You may have to write letters arguing with business or official letters received; or to explain, detail, enclose documents; or write a letter to summon a politician's aid.
Writing letters that are official does not require high literacy. Not high literacy but method involves writing letters that are official.
When you write a letter to deal with letters requesting specific details and documents, in your letter simply respond in the order they are listed. Where business letters or other official letters request details generally, or if you are initiating correspondence by a writing a letter, first draft your letter -it helps in writing a letter.
Letters are easily, best drafted thus: For your letter's rough copy use lined paper. Draft your letter in pencil, leaving every other line blank. Jot down and number the points you will raise in the letter. Then stop working on your letter.
Take a break from writing your letter; do something unrelated to writing a letter. You want to write a letter to make those points. Let your mind 'digest' the points you will raise in your letter.
Later look at your letter again, put other points that occur to you on the blank lines. Re-number the points of your letter as you think logical. But don't hurry up to write a letter, yet. Sleep on it.
Then look at the draft letter, amend as necessary, write your letter.
Begin your letter by stating clearly what you want. End the letter briefly, simply, clearly repeating what you want.
When letter writing ends, enclose copies of any documents in the order of your letter's points -number, list them if they are many.
How to write a letter that is complicated is that easy and simple -that makes seemingly difficult to write letters easy to write letters.
>>> Writing Personal Notes
Unlike writing letters, notes are informal -sometimes important.
> Routine notes may not be important: "Your dinner's in the oven," or to the milkman: "Two bottles today, please."
>> Social etiquette notes that are expected may be important. Many do not write letters to socially invite or let another know that one will attend a party, or to thank another. Instead of writing letters they write social notes -to acquaintances, or strangers. As in letter writing, notes cause impressions to be formed about one.
These brief notes have the same tone as when writing letters informally, but must be courteous and polite. In inviting someone, one example is: "Hi, Nancy.. I'm having my birthday party, on ....., and it'd be so nice if you too could come. Love, Jenny." Another example is: "Dear Mr. & Mrs. ... we are having a house-warming party on ..... and we would love to have you too. Yours, Jo & Joe." In accepting an invitation one example is: "How nice! See you then! Jenny." Another example is: "So kind of you to invite us too -we will both be delighted to attend. Yours, Eric." If you are courteous, polite, recipients will mention you favourably when they write letters, will speak well of you in your social circles.
>> Sympathy notes must be written carefully. These are e.g., get-well notes, sometimes on cards; or, to express condolences to someone who is in mourning -when most do not write a letter but a note.
> A get well note or card, whether to a close relative away and you also write a letter, or on its own, is always more appreciated if one adds a personal touch to it. For example, if to a friend and it is not serious, "Don't take your time about getting well -we haven't finished our chess game yet…"; if to a friend, and it is serious, "I'll pray for your speedy recovery." An example, if it is to someone you hardly know and are sending it as the done-thing in your social or business circles, is: "I will look forward to hearing of your recovery from mutual friends and colleagues."
>In bereavement cases never try to cheer up in a sympathy note with a joke; however well meant, in one's grief it may be deemed unfeeling, inappropriate!.. Leave the comforting to the mourner's loved ones from whom more than a sympathy note is considered appropriate! Be, or appear, sincerely saddened by the loss. Clearly state so: "I am saddened by the news of ...'s death." Say: "I am so sorry to hear of your loss." Show so by emphasizing it, e.g., "… he/she will be greatly missed." Unless a loved one writing a letter too, if you don't attempt to comfort, it will be appreciated.
>> Notes to loved ones matter most. On an anniversary or birthday greeting never be satisfied with what's on the greeting card. Even if to a loved one away and accompanied by a loving letter, always personalize the card with a few words of your own, e.g., "Miss you!" or "Love you!" or "Take care."
The feelings of parents are -from a poem by the Cypriot thinker writer poet teacher the late Orhan Seyfi Ari:
"With us he was, in our nest, only yesterday...
How quickly has he grown wings, like a bird, flown away!"
As in personal letters, it shows that you are not greeting as the done thing -that you care.
Anyone can write a letter. Family/friends away appreciate letters.
campusflava
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Home Schooling Advantages Vs. Disadvantages
Home schooling is an option that is becoming more attractive to parents as time goes on. Schools have become increasingly unstable over the past couple of decades. Children roam the hallways unchecked, textbooks are outdated, violence is prevalent, children are bullied mercilessly, and the quality of education on the whole has greatly diminished.
What options do parents have to combat this downward spiral? Initially, private school was thought to be the answer. As enrollment in private schools soared many parents failed to see a difference between public and private schools. The problems were still the same.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The option of home schooling has been around for a long time; however, until recently it had not been so popular. The idea of home schooling seems like a cure-all to many parents due to the advantages this type of education provides over traditional schools. Children who are home schooled can avoid many of the problems schools have become known for. For one, the environment is less threatening. Children can learn without fearing other students, aggressive or nasty teachers, and be under the constant supervision of parents. In addition, home schooling allows parents to dictate the academic course of their children. Home schooling also allows students to proceed at their own speed. If a child is weak at multiplication and division, a parent can focus lessons on those skills in favor of another skill that the child might grasp rather easily.
Home schooling is also advantageous because it keeps children away from other students that may be corruptive forces. There are many students in school who do not value learning. This is not any fault of the schools; however, it is still a painful reality. These students can lead to the destruction of a stable learning environment. Home schooling keeps children focused on learning and not on avoiding social pressures.
It may sound like the perfect option, but there are many disadvantages of home schooling. First of all, home schooled children are usually less socialized. While schools can sometimes be the breeding ground for poor social behaviors, school is also a place where students learn to interact with others and build social skills. It seems a bit like a catch 22.
In addition, another drawback to home schooling could be implementation of an educational plan. Many parents are not qualified as teachers and may not understand what is necessary to ensure a child has access to the proper curriculum.
Finally, another disadvantage to home schooling is the necessity for parents to take full responsibility for their child's education. If you choose to home school your child there is no one for you to blame if your child does poorly. The responsibility falls completely on the parent.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to home schooling. Before you begin a home schooling plan make sure you have evaluated your ability to properly instruct your child and provide a quality learning experience. If you do not think you can handle it, you might as well send your child to school but become more involved with his or her education.
If you need more information visit http://www.citizenschool.com to learn about Home Schooling GED and a High School Diploma or if you prefer phone 1-800-736-GRAD (4723) or email studentservices@citizenschool.com. Internet Marketing done by Crackmarketing.com.
What options do parents have to combat this downward spiral? Initially, private school was thought to be the answer. As enrollment in private schools soared many parents failed to see a difference between public and private schools. The problems were still the same.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The option of home schooling has been around for a long time; however, until recently it had not been so popular. The idea of home schooling seems like a cure-all to many parents due to the advantages this type of education provides over traditional schools. Children who are home schooled can avoid many of the problems schools have become known for. For one, the environment is less threatening. Children can learn without fearing other students, aggressive or nasty teachers, and be under the constant supervision of parents. In addition, home schooling allows parents to dictate the academic course of their children. Home schooling also allows students to proceed at their own speed. If a child is weak at multiplication and division, a parent can focus lessons on those skills in favor of another skill that the child might grasp rather easily.
Home schooling is also advantageous because it keeps children away from other students that may be corruptive forces. There are many students in school who do not value learning. This is not any fault of the schools; however, it is still a painful reality. These students can lead to the destruction of a stable learning environment. Home schooling keeps children focused on learning and not on avoiding social pressures.
It may sound like the perfect option, but there are many disadvantages of home schooling. First of all, home schooled children are usually less socialized. While schools can sometimes be the breeding ground for poor social behaviors, school is also a place where students learn to interact with others and build social skills. It seems a bit like a catch 22.
In addition, another drawback to home schooling could be implementation of an educational plan. Many parents are not qualified as teachers and may not understand what is necessary to ensure a child has access to the proper curriculum.
Finally, another disadvantage to home schooling is the necessity for parents to take full responsibility for their child's education. If you choose to home school your child there is no one for you to blame if your child does poorly. The responsibility falls completely on the parent.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to home schooling. Before you begin a home schooling plan make sure you have evaluated your ability to properly instruct your child and provide a quality learning experience. If you do not think you can handle it, you might as well send your child to school but become more involved with his or her education.
If you need more information visit http://www.citizenschool.com to learn about Home Schooling GED and a High School Diploma or if you prefer phone 1-800-736-GRAD (4723) or email studentservices@citizenschool.com. Internet Marketing done by Crackmarketing.com.
Friday, January 7, 2011
How To Write A Good Cv
A CV is a sales document; it conveys succinctly the information of what you are looking for and why. Why you are qualified for such work and a story as to how you got to this point, covering your previous work experience, education, qualifications and interests.
I believe a CV should be a succinct story backing up a tag line about yourself. Often in interviews the main asked of the candidate is:
"Tell me about yourself"
This answer and the CV to back it up should be made as succinct, clear and relevant as possible to the position sought.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Obviously life is not as clear and simple as this and many of us have a complicated and confusing history in regards to work experience, education and life story, but effort should be made to make this as clear as possible in interview and on the CV. To present only the relevant facts to sell you most effectively for the post in which you are applying.
Profile
The profile should be a short sentence stating clearly:
What work you are looking for
What you have to offer (why you are qualified)
I believe in starting the CV with a profile. This explains to the employer or recruiter what you are looking for and summarises all of the attributes that can be found in detail on the rest of your CV.
The recruiter will know what they are looking for and if your profile states this in summary then you are making their job a lot easier and they are more likely to put you in the "yes" pile, as they quickly check a large volume of CVs.
Remember the recruiter is human too, think how frustrating it is when you look at a website that is not clear and it is hard to find the information you need quickly. Now think of the recruiter who has to look through a large volume of CVs for any advertised positions, if they have to look at a large number and it takes too long for them to find the information they need from your CV they may not take the time to do so.
Work Experience
Work experience should come directly after the profile in reverse chronological order.
The first thing a recruiter or prospective employer will look at is the last job you have had and if you had the relevant experience or achieved something relevant to the job you are applying for in previous roles.
Do them and yourself a favour and put this experience where they can find it easily. I.e. your most recent job at the top and your previous roles below this.
There will always be gaps and times when you worked for a short time, temping, travelling etc. It is your call as to how to include these but remember your story needs to be made as clear as possible, so if you worked somewhere for a short time then make the story relevant as to why or consider omitting some jobs altogether. Maybe include one line with the dates and mention what happened, e.g. temping role, or went travelling between these dates etc. This answers the question quicker than leaving gaps and having to explain them in interview.
Education
Education should be also in reverse chronological order.
Other Qualifications
If you have attended any training courses or have industrial qualifications they should be entered here. Remember this is a sales document – list everything you have done here – sell yourself!
Interests
Qualify your hobbies and interests. Do not mention generic things such as ‘I like to go running' without qualifying it as to what has been achieved. For example, it would be better to say: "I am part of the Harriers running club" - or "I recently completed the Great North Run"
Good luck!
I believe a CV should be a succinct story backing up a tag line about yourself. Often in interviews the main asked of the candidate is:
"Tell me about yourself"
This answer and the CV to back it up should be made as succinct, clear and relevant as possible to the position sought.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Obviously life is not as clear and simple as this and many of us have a complicated and confusing history in regards to work experience, education and life story, but effort should be made to make this as clear as possible in interview and on the CV. To present only the relevant facts to sell you most effectively for the post in which you are applying.
Profile
The profile should be a short sentence stating clearly:
What work you are looking for
What you have to offer (why you are qualified)
I believe in starting the CV with a profile. This explains to the employer or recruiter what you are looking for and summarises all of the attributes that can be found in detail on the rest of your CV.
The recruiter will know what they are looking for and if your profile states this in summary then you are making their job a lot easier and they are more likely to put you in the "yes" pile, as they quickly check a large volume of CVs.
Remember the recruiter is human too, think how frustrating it is when you look at a website that is not clear and it is hard to find the information you need quickly. Now think of the recruiter who has to look through a large volume of CVs for any advertised positions, if they have to look at a large number and it takes too long for them to find the information they need from your CV they may not take the time to do so.
Work Experience
Work experience should come directly after the profile in reverse chronological order.
The first thing a recruiter or prospective employer will look at is the last job you have had and if you had the relevant experience or achieved something relevant to the job you are applying for in previous roles.
Do them and yourself a favour and put this experience where they can find it easily. I.e. your most recent job at the top and your previous roles below this.
There will always be gaps and times when you worked for a short time, temping, travelling etc. It is your call as to how to include these but remember your story needs to be made as clear as possible, so if you worked somewhere for a short time then make the story relevant as to why or consider omitting some jobs altogether. Maybe include one line with the dates and mention what happened, e.g. temping role, or went travelling between these dates etc. This answers the question quicker than leaving gaps and having to explain them in interview.
Education
Education should be also in reverse chronological order.
Other Qualifications
If you have attended any training courses or have industrial qualifications they should be entered here. Remember this is a sales document – list everything you have done here – sell yourself!
Interests
Qualify your hobbies and interests. Do not mention generic things such as ‘I like to go running' without qualifying it as to what has been achieved. For example, it would be better to say: "I am part of the Harriers running club" - or "I recently completed the Great North Run"
Good luck!
Master the TOEFL Test Writing Section With These Top Tips
You don't need a crystal ball to identify your weakest TOEFL Test area: it's the writing section.
Maybe that's why so many students worry about acing the writing section. After all, their English skills have focused so much on actually speaking the language that they neglected their writing.
Does this story sound familiar to you? You spent all of your time watching American English films and having conversations with native English speakers. In fact, you were so confident about your abilities to ace the TOEFL exam that you walked into the test center feeling pumped full of confidence.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Maybe that explains why you were so deflated by the dismal TOEFL exam score that greeted you in the mail just a few short months later.
But think about it: if you spent all of your time reading and speaking in English, why exactly did you miss the minimum pass mark?
The answer is simple: it's because you severely underestimated the writing section of the TOEFL test.
When the TOEFL Test Bites Back
I know it's painful, but think back to your own test prep review again.
You may have innocently skipped out on practicing your writing skills simply because you thought that reading and speaking in English would suffice. After all, it stands to reason that if you can read and speak in English, then your writing skills should accurately reflect this.
Unfortunately, when it comes to TOEFL practice, writing in English is a skill that must be done apart from reading and speaking. From grammar and spelling rules to the art of developing a 250-word essay, the TOEFL test writing section will require every ounce of your wit, energy and English know-how.
Not to mention the sneaky test prep strategies we're about to reveal to you!
These TOEFL Test Secrets Will Skyrocket Your Success Rate!
Don't let the Test of English as a Foreign Language prevent you from applying to the English-speaking universities and colleges of your dreams…
…Instead, fight back with these TOEFL practice tips that add up to major points!
* Whatever you do, do NOT use slang on the writing portion of your TOEFL test. While slang may have been prolific in English-speaking movies (and even some forms of media), this doesn't mean that you should use it in your essay. Err on the side of caution by using traditional academic words, as this ensures that you won't lose any precious exam points.
* Although contractions aren't grammatically incorrect, it's best to use the full form of the words when jotting down your essay. It may seem like a minor point to make, but watch out: your examiners will expect nothing less than the best when it comes to your English writing abilities. Again, caution is key when preserving your precious test points.
* Finally, don't fret over choosing the best argument in your essay. The examiners don't care if you agree or disagree with the essay question; they just want to see your ability to argue in a clear, concise and coherent manner. Plenty of test takers have lost out on major test points by stressing out about a valid argument, so don't let this happen to you!
To learn more about best TOEFL Test tips, download this free report at www.teachingsolutions.org/toefl.html right now!
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/tutoring-articles/master-the-toefl-test-writing-section-with-these-top-tips-3992873.html#ixzz1ANNiHra6
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Maybe that's why so many students worry about acing the writing section. After all, their English skills have focused so much on actually speaking the language that they neglected their writing.
Does this story sound familiar to you? You spent all of your time watching American English films and having conversations with native English speakers. In fact, you were so confident about your abilities to ace the TOEFL exam that you walked into the test center feeling pumped full of confidence.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Maybe that explains why you were so deflated by the dismal TOEFL exam score that greeted you in the mail just a few short months later.
But think about it: if you spent all of your time reading and speaking in English, why exactly did you miss the minimum pass mark?
The answer is simple: it's because you severely underestimated the writing section of the TOEFL test.
When the TOEFL Test Bites Back
I know it's painful, but think back to your own test prep review again.
You may have innocently skipped out on practicing your writing skills simply because you thought that reading and speaking in English would suffice. After all, it stands to reason that if you can read and speak in English, then your writing skills should accurately reflect this.
Unfortunately, when it comes to TOEFL practice, writing in English is a skill that must be done apart from reading and speaking. From grammar and spelling rules to the art of developing a 250-word essay, the TOEFL test writing section will require every ounce of your wit, energy and English know-how.
Not to mention the sneaky test prep strategies we're about to reveal to you!
These TOEFL Test Secrets Will Skyrocket Your Success Rate!
Don't let the Test of English as a Foreign Language prevent you from applying to the English-speaking universities and colleges of your dreams…
…Instead, fight back with these TOEFL practice tips that add up to major points!
* Whatever you do, do NOT use slang on the writing portion of your TOEFL test. While slang may have been prolific in English-speaking movies (and even some forms of media), this doesn't mean that you should use it in your essay. Err on the side of caution by using traditional academic words, as this ensures that you won't lose any precious exam points.
* Although contractions aren't grammatically incorrect, it's best to use the full form of the words when jotting down your essay. It may seem like a minor point to make, but watch out: your examiners will expect nothing less than the best when it comes to your English writing abilities. Again, caution is key when preserving your precious test points.
* Finally, don't fret over choosing the best argument in your essay. The examiners don't care if you agree or disagree with the essay question; they just want to see your ability to argue in a clear, concise and coherent manner. Plenty of test takers have lost out on major test points by stressing out about a valid argument, so don't let this happen to you!
To learn more about best TOEFL Test tips, download this free report at www.teachingsolutions.org/toefl.html right now!
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/tutoring-articles/master-the-toefl-test-writing-section-with-these-top-tips-3992873.html#ixzz1ANNiHra6
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
Doctors to begin strike on Monday
The Nigerian Medical Association has directed doctors in states that have failed to implement the 100 per cent application of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to proceed on an indefinite strike from Monday.
This was declared by the NMA President, Dr. Omede Idris, on Thursday in Abuja at a press conference. Idris said the decision to withdraw doctors’ services was reached at the emergency delegates meeting of the NMA held on December 11, 2010 in Abuja.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
He said, “At that meeting, it was resolved that the states that were yet to initiate the 100 per cent application of CONMESS should be given up till 10th of January 2011 or face an indefinite withdrawal of services.
“All concerned states were duly notified and for the avoidance of doubt, all federal health institutions within the concerned states will participate in solidarity withdrawal of services.”
Specifically, Idris said the governments of the five South-East states had refused to negotiate the CONMESS with the doctors. He noted that they were the states paying the poorest salaries to doctors.
He said, “The South-East states have the worst medical services in the country. They are not even ready to negotiate with us.”
He stated that some of the governors pleaded that their states could not afford the CONMESS, wondering how they arrived at the decision when they were yet to compute the cost to their states .
He said the NMA had exhausted all avenues of dialogue, explaining that it had no alternative than to call out its members on a fresh strike.
“The state governments, if they really want to serve the people, can use the money lost to corruption to provide services to the people,” he added.
About 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have implemented the CONMESS. While some other states are negotiating a lower figure, others have refused to discuss the matter with the doctors.
Some states like Abia and Adamawa have less than 100 doctors in their general hospitals.
This was declared by the NMA President, Dr. Omede Idris, on Thursday in Abuja at a press conference. Idris said the decision to withdraw doctors’ services was reached at the emergency delegates meeting of the NMA held on December 11, 2010 in Abuja.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
He said, “At that meeting, it was resolved that the states that were yet to initiate the 100 per cent application of CONMESS should be given up till 10th of January 2011 or face an indefinite withdrawal of services.
“All concerned states were duly notified and for the avoidance of doubt, all federal health institutions within the concerned states will participate in solidarity withdrawal of services.”
Specifically, Idris said the governments of the five South-East states had refused to negotiate the CONMESS with the doctors. He noted that they were the states paying the poorest salaries to doctors.
He said, “The South-East states have the worst medical services in the country. They are not even ready to negotiate with us.”
He stated that some of the governors pleaded that their states could not afford the CONMESS, wondering how they arrived at the decision when they were yet to compute the cost to their states .
He said the NMA had exhausted all avenues of dialogue, explaining that it had no alternative than to call out its members on a fresh strike.
“The state governments, if they really want to serve the people, can use the money lost to corruption to provide services to the people,” he added.
About 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have implemented the CONMESS. While some other states are negotiating a lower figure, others have refused to discuss the matter with the doctors.
Some states like Abia and Adamawa have less than 100 doctors in their general hospitals.
ASUU strike: Obi sacks VC
The over five-month-old Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in the South-east universities has claimed its first casualty in the person of the Acting Vice Chancellor of Anambra State University (ANSU), Prof. Chukwunenye Anene.
Prof. Anene was removed from office yesterday by the state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi who in his stead appointed Prof. Fidelis Okafor as the new acting vice chancellor.
Prof Okafor whose appointment was announced through a radio/television broadcast by the governor was until yesterday the provost of the state owned Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Obi explained that the change was necessary in the government’s determination to restore normal academic activities in the university having earlier reconstituted Governing Council of the University on December 15, 2010.
He said: “To ensure that the new governing council effectively carries out its functions, there is need to change the leadership of the university. I have therefore appointed a new acting vice chancellor in the person of Prof. Fidelis Okafor with the charge to work together with the university council to see that normal academic and other necessary activities are resumed in the institution immediately.”
Text of the Governor’s broadcast reads in parts: “Worried by the continued disruption of academic activities in our university as a result of the five-month-old strike embarked upon by the lecturers of South-east universities, it has become necessary that I make this address to Ndi Anambra.
“Since 2008, when I presented the first budget of our government based on our adopted vision of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the year 2015 (being delivered through our Strategy -Anambra Integrated Development Strategy, ANIDS-, we have been striving to develop all sectors simultaneously. Our achievements in this regard are eloquent testimony that we are succeeding.
“One of the sectors to which we have paid the greatest attention is education. We have done so much to improve all tiers of this sector in the state. The evidence is there for all to see.
“While striving within the resources available to us to reposition our state university, the academic and non-academic unions of the university embarked on strike on the July 22, 2010.”
The lecturers are insisting on salary parity with their counterparts in federal universities. They hinged their demands on the agreement reached by ASUU and the Federal Government in 2009, even when a clause in the agreement made it abundantly clear that the agreement was between ASUU and lecturers in federal universities only.
“The governing council of the Anambra State University, based on available resources, has increased the salaries of the lecturers substantially as per their agreement.
“From the foregoing and the determination that normal academic activities be restored in the university, government on December 15, 2010 reconstituted the governing council of the university.”
Prof. Anene was removed from office yesterday by the state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi who in his stead appointed Prof. Fidelis Okafor as the new acting vice chancellor.
Prof Okafor whose appointment was announced through a radio/television broadcast by the governor was until yesterday the provost of the state owned Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Obi explained that the change was necessary in the government’s determination to restore normal academic activities in the university having earlier reconstituted Governing Council of the University on December 15, 2010.
He said: “To ensure that the new governing council effectively carries out its functions, there is need to change the leadership of the university. I have therefore appointed a new acting vice chancellor in the person of Prof. Fidelis Okafor with the charge to work together with the university council to see that normal academic and other necessary activities are resumed in the institution immediately.”
Text of the Governor’s broadcast reads in parts: “Worried by the continued disruption of academic activities in our university as a result of the five-month-old strike embarked upon by the lecturers of South-east universities, it has become necessary that I make this address to Ndi Anambra.
“Since 2008, when I presented the first budget of our government based on our adopted vision of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the year 2015 (being delivered through our Strategy -Anambra Integrated Development Strategy, ANIDS-, we have been striving to develop all sectors simultaneously. Our achievements in this regard are eloquent testimony that we are succeeding.
“One of the sectors to which we have paid the greatest attention is education. We have done so much to improve all tiers of this sector in the state. The evidence is there for all to see.
“While striving within the resources available to us to reposition our state university, the academic and non-academic unions of the university embarked on strike on the July 22, 2010.”
The lecturers are insisting on salary parity with their counterparts in federal universities. They hinged their demands on the agreement reached by ASUU and the Federal Government in 2009, even when a clause in the agreement made it abundantly clear that the agreement was between ASUU and lecturers in federal universities only.
“The governing council of the Anambra State University, based on available resources, has increased the salaries of the lecturers substantially as per their agreement.
“From the foregoing and the determination that normal academic activities be restored in the university, government on December 15, 2010 reconstituted the governing council of the university.”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
LASU, other tertiary institutions’ lecturers call off strike
After protracted negotiations between officials of the Lagos State Government led by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Lagos State University and other tertiary institutions, which dragged till the evening of December 31, 2010, the academic staff of the tertiary institutions have called off their strike.
Reacting to the development, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) thanked members of the unions for responding to appeals by the Government and well-meaning individuals to call off the strike in the interest of the students of the institutions and their parents.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
While noting that the unions pursued the demand for wage increase in an orderly manner, the Governor said the State Government was committed to the implementation of its side of the bargain and the accelerated funding of infrastructure vital to the restoration of the accreditation of the courses of the Lagos State University.
“We are working vigorously to restore the university and other tertiary institutions in the State to their pride of place,” the Governor said.
Reacting to the development, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) thanked members of the unions for responding to appeals by the Government and well-meaning individuals to call off the strike in the interest of the students of the institutions and their parents.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
While noting that the unions pursued the demand for wage increase in an orderly manner, the Governor said the State Government was committed to the implementation of its side of the bargain and the accelerated funding of infrastructure vital to the restoration of the accreditation of the courses of the Lagos State University.
“We are working vigorously to restore the university and other tertiary institutions in the State to their pride of place,” the Governor said.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
As graduates continue roaming the streets
Blue-collar jobs require physical rather than mental exertion. Hmm. What’s so wrong with how you do the work as long as you get the job done? Why should the way you do the job matter, you are trying to earn a living aren’t you?
I don’t think you have anything to be ashamed of, society does not just understand that what is important is how much money you take home at the end of the day’s work.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
What’s so wrong if your hands get dirty, you will wash them won’t you? So your palms get tough because of the job you do, and that worries you, buy a hand lotion or better still, go for manicure every now and then, you can afford it, can’t you? Why not go for full body massage, that way all those muscles and joints that have been ‘damaged’ because of the heavy lifting will be taken care of.
You are worried people will call you names, no sweat, English is a wonderful language, you can coin your own words to explain what you do for a living, print it on your business card if you like. Open a web page, nay ya money kill am.
So a ‘common farmer’ can now be called an Agriculturist, an Agribusiness man, an Agronomist or a Cultivation Consultant. No be you start am, receptionists are these days referred to as Front Office Executives. It’s your job and you can describe it the way you understand it.
Mechanic can be an Auto Medic, Carpenter=wood sculptor, or wood expert, or Wood Consultant /Contractor or Wood Technologist, it’s all grammar, as long as it brings money into your pocket at the end of the day. Even Pastors these days prefer to be called Life Coaches, because that pretty much explains what they do in the lives of their members, they teach/train them on managing life’s challenges.
I don’t think you have anything to be ashamed of, society does not just understand that what is important is how much money you take home at the end of the day’s work.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
What’s so wrong if your hands get dirty, you will wash them won’t you? So your palms get tough because of the job you do, and that worries you, buy a hand lotion or better still, go for manicure every now and then, you can afford it, can’t you? Why not go for full body massage, that way all those muscles and joints that have been ‘damaged’ because of the heavy lifting will be taken care of.
You are worried people will call you names, no sweat, English is a wonderful language, you can coin your own words to explain what you do for a living, print it on your business card if you like. Open a web page, nay ya money kill am.
So a ‘common farmer’ can now be called an Agriculturist, an Agribusiness man, an Agronomist or a Cultivation Consultant. No be you start am, receptionists are these days referred to as Front Office Executives. It’s your job and you can describe it the way you understand it.
Mechanic can be an Auto Medic, Carpenter=wood sculptor, or wood expert, or Wood Consultant /Contractor or Wood Technologist, it’s all grammar, as long as it brings money into your pocket at the end of the day. Even Pastors these days prefer to be called Life Coaches, because that pretty much explains what they do in the lives of their members, they teach/train them on managing life’s challenges.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Voter registration: NYSC may exclude some tertiary institutions
The Independent National Electoral Commission may not employ graduating students of state-owned higher institutions for the forthcoming voter registration.
Investigations in Abuja on Monday by THE PUNCH showed that INEC had directed resident electoral commissioners to supplement shortfall in the National Youth Service Corps members with graduating students of federal tertiary institutions.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
It was learnt that the directive was part of measures to ensure that state governors did not influence the voter registration.
INEC had said that 360,000 NYSC members would be needed by the commission for the voter registration.
The commission had also said that if it could not get 360,000 NYSC members, final year students of tertiary institutions would be employed to supplement them.
It was gathered that INEC offices in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had already got the lists of corps members from the NYSC in the respective states and the FCT.
Investigations showed that the state INEC offices had also written federal tertiary institutions asking for the list of graduating students.
A top official of INEC, who pleaded anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to journalist, said, “The commission reasons that most state universities admit students from their areas and there is the possibility that they will be close to state governments.
“Corps members will be employed for voter registration. In states, where graduating students will be included, such students will be from tertiary institutions and non-indigenes of states.”
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, declined to categorically confirm the exclusion of graduating students of state tertiary institutions. He however, said, “The NYSC that the commission is getting the corps members from is a federal institution. It is likely that recruitment of graduating students would be limited to federal higher institutions.”
Explaining the modality for recruiting ad-hoc staff for the voter registration, Idowu said that if there was any shortfall after NYSC members had been recruited, the number needed would be announced.
Investigations in Abuja on Monday by THE PUNCH showed that INEC had directed resident electoral commissioners to supplement shortfall in the National Youth Service Corps members with graduating students of federal tertiary institutions.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
It was learnt that the directive was part of measures to ensure that state governors did not influence the voter registration.
INEC had said that 360,000 NYSC members would be needed by the commission for the voter registration.
The commission had also said that if it could not get 360,000 NYSC members, final year students of tertiary institutions would be employed to supplement them.
It was gathered that INEC offices in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had already got the lists of corps members from the NYSC in the respective states and the FCT.
Investigations showed that the state INEC offices had also written federal tertiary institutions asking for the list of graduating students.
A top official of INEC, who pleaded anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to journalist, said, “The commission reasons that most state universities admit students from their areas and there is the possibility that they will be close to state governments.
“Corps members will be employed for voter registration. In states, where graduating students will be included, such students will be from tertiary institutions and non-indigenes of states.”
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, declined to categorically confirm the exclusion of graduating students of state tertiary institutions. He however, said, “The NYSC that the commission is getting the corps members from is a federal institution. It is likely that recruitment of graduating students would be limited to federal higher institutions.”
Explaining the modality for recruiting ad-hoc staff for the voter registration, Idowu said that if there was any shortfall after NYSC members had been recruited, the number needed would be announced.
FG releases funds for payment of UNILORIN 49
The University of Ilorin on Monday disclosed that the Federal Government had released funds for the payment of its lecturers who were reinstated by the Supreme Court last year.
The institution’s authorities also stated that both parties that were involved in the litigation had learnt their lessons and put the past behind them.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who spoke at a press briefing to usher in a week-long programme of activities for the 26th convocation of the institution, was reacting to speculations that one year after, the lecturers were yet to be paid.
Oloyede explained that with the release of the lecturers’ entitlements by the Federal Government, the institution had commenced the payment, adding that the school could not have flouted a Supreme Court judgment.
He said that with the court case now settled, “the university is now more invigorated and ready to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s university system.”
He said, “Lessons have been learnt by everyone on the issue of the unilorin 49. We are a law abiding institution. What we have done is to fully comply with the ruling as the Federal Government has provided the resources imposed on us by the court. Today, we pay N386m monthly in salaries.”
The VC called for more accountability in the tertiary education sector, noting that if what the Federal Government makes available to Nigerian universities was judiciously used, the country’s tertiary institutions would be some of the best in the world.
He observed that those who were still complaining that the government was allocating meagre resources to the sector were only doing so because some of the monies allocated were not prudently utilised.
He also took a swipe at universities who were in the “habit of selling honorary degrees,” saying that the whole idea had lost its usefulness.”
Oloyede, who is also the President of the Association of African Universities, contended that people were now being awarded degrees for doing nothing to add value to the society, noting that the school would always distance itself from such acts.
Oloyede stated that honorary degrees had become so cheap in the country, that those who did not deserve them were rewarded “just like the case with chieftaincy titles.”
The VC had earlier in his address said that the university produced 19 first class students, 857 second class upper and 2, 971 second class lower graduates in the 2009/2010 session.
The institution’s authorities also stated that both parties that were involved in the litigation had learnt their lessons and put the past behind them.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who spoke at a press briefing to usher in a week-long programme of activities for the 26th convocation of the institution, was reacting to speculations that one year after, the lecturers were yet to be paid.
Oloyede explained that with the release of the lecturers’ entitlements by the Federal Government, the institution had commenced the payment, adding that the school could not have flouted a Supreme Court judgment.
He said that with the court case now settled, “the university is now more invigorated and ready to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s university system.”
He said, “Lessons have been learnt by everyone on the issue of the unilorin 49. We are a law abiding institution. What we have done is to fully comply with the ruling as the Federal Government has provided the resources imposed on us by the court. Today, we pay N386m monthly in salaries.”
The VC called for more accountability in the tertiary education sector, noting that if what the Federal Government makes available to Nigerian universities was judiciously used, the country’s tertiary institutions would be some of the best in the world.
He observed that those who were still complaining that the government was allocating meagre resources to the sector were only doing so because some of the monies allocated were not prudently utilised.
He also took a swipe at universities who were in the “habit of selling honorary degrees,” saying that the whole idea had lost its usefulness.”
Oloyede, who is also the President of the Association of African Universities, contended that people were now being awarded degrees for doing nothing to add value to the society, noting that the school would always distance itself from such acts.
Oloyede stated that honorary degrees had become so cheap in the country, that those who did not deserve them were rewarded “just like the case with chieftaincy titles.”
The VC had earlier in his address said that the university produced 19 first class students, 857 second class upper and 2, 971 second class lower graduates in the 2009/2010 session.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Southeast ASUU strike
The strike embarked by lecturers of upon universities in the South-East that has lasted for several months now has drawn the attention of concerned citizens of the zone. Some of them have, therefore, expressed concern over the ugly development that has brought academic activities in the zone to a halt, a situation that has questioned the capability of the state governments to effectively run university education.
Consequently, most people in the region had suggested that state universities should be taken over by the Federal Government, leaving for the state only the polytechnics and colleges of education to manage.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
But in an interview with Daily Sun, a former Minister of Education, Chief Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu, opposed the suggestion though he described the situation that has forced the youths of the area to roam the streets as very unfortunate.
He observed that state universities in the country have their origin and were pioneered in the South-east, pointing out that the Imo State University, now Evan Enwerem University established by the late Chief Sam Mbakwe was the first state university.
He argued that it would be unconstitutional to call on the Federal Government to take over state universities because of observed lapses since it is not in the constitution.
“I can’t buy an idea which is not in the constitution. The constitution says that the Federal Government shall and as when possible provide free education as at and when practicable. So, for the time being it is only practicable to try to operate free education by Federal Government within the basic level. Then the constitution provides that education is within the concurrent list and just like the Bible says no man starts a house without counting the cost. So, nobody has compelled any state to build university. So, if a state decides to go into university business they should sit down and count the cost and also bear in mind that university means universal; it is not a local institution, it is not even a national institution, it is a universal institution that has a standard of measurement internationally.
“So, anybody going into it should first make up his mind; after all, all the state universities were established based on enacted laws from their state assemblies unlike the federal universities which will be an enactment of the national assembly. So, what I am saying is that even these states that have federal university, they also have state university.
“I can never guarantee that if you take any state universities from a state government that ten years time they will not create another state university. So, I don’t think it is the best option. One must also note that it is the issue of supply and demand in the 60s; how many people were demanding for university education, the supply of university education was being met by the number demanded. There were three regional universities, Nsukka, Ibadan and Ahmadu Bello and later Lagos they were meeting the demand because of the limited number of demand, but there is an explosion and even now the numbers of universities have not been able to meet the demand, so, we cannot just say let the states take over.
“The Polytechnics are also very challenging institutions to run. And you remember the recommendations we made to government and government accepted to transform all the Polytechnics to degree awarding institutions and and when I asked AMBTE, they said they are still in that process and that they are working out the modalities and when you do that all the institutions will become universities. I don’t buy the idea that Federal Government should take over all the state universities or stop states from operating universities because even the numbers of universities we have now have not been able to meet the demand of university education and secondly nobody compelled any state government to start a state university, they voluntarily entered into it”.
He explained that what was happening is what economists call a shock, adding that as “you finish your budget you get unanticipated item wanting accommodating within the budget. Yes, the argument of our governors are very reasonable, we are operating a federal system and based on true federalism no group has the right to fix salary for the other group, but on the other hand we must also not forget that in as much as education is in the concurrent list the Federal Government has the monopoly of supervising the quality of education, especially at the tertiary level and that is why when you look at the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement you see a clause that states that the Federal Government shall not compel any state government to implement this salary scale, but it should be known that any institution that operates within the university education system shall use this salary scale as a benchmark.
“So, the question becomes, can the state universities operate outside the education system in Nigeria which is very difficult? Having said that we must also not forget the fact that these governors can only be judged by their manifestoes and I judge my governor based on his manifesto; he is doing extremely well; what he has promised is what he is offering. People often quote UNESCO 26 per cent, I have never seen as the former minister any document, I requested the then UNESCO Ambassador of Education, please I want that document, the UNESCO prescription that government should spend 26 per cent on education; he told me that there is no document like that, but even if such a document exists, Ebonyi is spending 33 per cent. What I know is that PDP in its manifesto says every PDP government shall be encouraged to spend 15 per cent of its budget on education. So, if we are spending 33 per cent it means government is doing well; so you can see the paradox and the shock which I have talked about.
Consequently, most people in the region had suggested that state universities should be taken over by the Federal Government, leaving for the state only the polytechnics and colleges of education to manage.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
But in an interview with Daily Sun, a former Minister of Education, Chief Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu, opposed the suggestion though he described the situation that has forced the youths of the area to roam the streets as very unfortunate.
He observed that state universities in the country have their origin and were pioneered in the South-east, pointing out that the Imo State University, now Evan Enwerem University established by the late Chief Sam Mbakwe was the first state university.
He argued that it would be unconstitutional to call on the Federal Government to take over state universities because of observed lapses since it is not in the constitution.
“I can’t buy an idea which is not in the constitution. The constitution says that the Federal Government shall and as when possible provide free education as at and when practicable. So, for the time being it is only practicable to try to operate free education by Federal Government within the basic level. Then the constitution provides that education is within the concurrent list and just like the Bible says no man starts a house without counting the cost. So, nobody has compelled any state to build university. So, if a state decides to go into university business they should sit down and count the cost and also bear in mind that university means universal; it is not a local institution, it is not even a national institution, it is a universal institution that has a standard of measurement internationally.
“So, anybody going into it should first make up his mind; after all, all the state universities were established based on enacted laws from their state assemblies unlike the federal universities which will be an enactment of the national assembly. So, what I am saying is that even these states that have federal university, they also have state university.
“I can never guarantee that if you take any state universities from a state government that ten years time they will not create another state university. So, I don’t think it is the best option. One must also note that it is the issue of supply and demand in the 60s; how many people were demanding for university education, the supply of university education was being met by the number demanded. There were three regional universities, Nsukka, Ibadan and Ahmadu Bello and later Lagos they were meeting the demand because of the limited number of demand, but there is an explosion and even now the numbers of universities have not been able to meet the demand, so, we cannot just say let the states take over.
“The Polytechnics are also very challenging institutions to run. And you remember the recommendations we made to government and government accepted to transform all the Polytechnics to degree awarding institutions and and when I asked AMBTE, they said they are still in that process and that they are working out the modalities and when you do that all the institutions will become universities. I don’t buy the idea that Federal Government should take over all the state universities or stop states from operating universities because even the numbers of universities we have now have not been able to meet the demand of university education and secondly nobody compelled any state government to start a state university, they voluntarily entered into it”.
He explained that what was happening is what economists call a shock, adding that as “you finish your budget you get unanticipated item wanting accommodating within the budget. Yes, the argument of our governors are very reasonable, we are operating a federal system and based on true federalism no group has the right to fix salary for the other group, but on the other hand we must also not forget that in as much as education is in the concurrent list the Federal Government has the monopoly of supervising the quality of education, especially at the tertiary level and that is why when you look at the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement you see a clause that states that the Federal Government shall not compel any state government to implement this salary scale, but it should be known that any institution that operates within the university education system shall use this salary scale as a benchmark.
“So, the question becomes, can the state universities operate outside the education system in Nigeria which is very difficult? Having said that we must also not forget the fact that these governors can only be judged by their manifestoes and I judge my governor based on his manifesto; he is doing extremely well; what he has promised is what he is offering. People often quote UNESCO 26 per cent, I have never seen as the former minister any document, I requested the then UNESCO Ambassador of Education, please I want that document, the UNESCO prescription that government should spend 26 per cent on education; he told me that there is no document like that, but even if such a document exists, Ebonyi is spending 33 per cent. What I know is that PDP in its manifesto says every PDP government shall be encouraged to spend 15 per cent of its budget on education. So, if we are spending 33 per cent it means government is doing well; so you can see the paradox and the shock which I have talked about.
Monday, October 4, 2010
In vitro UK pioneer Edwards wins medicine Nobel
STOCKHOLM – Robert Edwards of Britain won the 2010 Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for developing in vitro fertilization, a breakthrough that has helped millions of infertile couples have children but also ignited an enduring controversy with religious groups.
Edwards, an 85-year-old professor emeritus at the University of Cambridge, started working on IVF as early as the 1950s. He developed the technique — in which eggs are removed from a woman, fertilized outside her body and then implanted into the womb — together with British gynecologist surgeon Patrick Steptoe, who died in 1988.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown in Britain became the first baby born through the groundbreaking procedure, marking a revolution in fertility treatment.
Since then, some 4 million people have been born using the technique, the Nobel medicine prize committee said — a rate that is up to about 300,000 babies worldwide a year, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
Today, the probability that an infertile couple will take home a baby after a cycle of IVF is 1 in 5, about the same odds that healthy couples have of conceiving naturally.
"His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity, including more than 10 percent of all couples worldwide," the committee in Stockholm said in its citation. "Today, Robert Edwards' vision is a reality and brings joy to infertile people all over the world."
Despite facing resistance from Britain's medical establishment, Steptoe and Edwards spent years developing IVF from early beginning experiments into a practical course of medicine. In 1980, they founded the world's first IVF clinic, at Bourn Hall in Cambridge, England.
Prize committee secretary Goran Hansson said Edwards was not in good health Monday when the committee tried to reach him. Bourn Hall said Edwards was too ill to give interviews.
"I spoke to his wife and she was delighted and she was sure he would be delighted too," Hansson told reporters in Stockholm after announcing the 10 million kronor ($1.5 million) award.
Brown, now 32, gave birth to her first child in 2007, a boy named Cameron who she said was conceived naturally.
"Louise's birth signified so much," Edwards said at Brown's 25th birthday celebration in 2003. "We had to fight a lot of opposition but we had concepts that we thought would work and they worked."
Brown paid tribute Monday to the man who gave her life.
"It's fantastic news, me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves. We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations," Brown, a postal worker living in Bristol, England, said in a statement released by Bourn Hall.
The work by Edwards and Steptoe stirred a "lively ethical debate," the Nobel citation said, with the Vatican, other religious leaders and some scientists demanding the project be stopped. The British Medical Research Council in 1971 declined funding for Steptoe and Edwards, but the two found a private donation that allowed them to continue their research.
The Vatican is opposed to IVF because it involves separating conception from the "conjugal act" — sexual intercourse between a husband and wife — and often results in the destruction of eggs that are taken from a woman but not used.
There was no immediate comment from the Vatican's top bioethics officials Monday to word of the Nobel.
It was not immediately clear why it took the Nobel committee so long to honor Edwards. Nobel rules were amended in 1974 to prohibit posthumous prizes, which ruled out a shared award with Steptoe. However, Hansson said Edwards "deserves a Nobel Prize on his own" because he made the fundamental discoveries that made IVF therapy possible.
Initially there was also concern about the health of test-tube babies, "so it was of course very, very important that Louise Brown was healthy and that subsequent babies also were healthy," prize committee member Christer Hoog said.
Aleksander Giwercman, head of reproduction research at the University of Lund in Sweden, said Edwards' achievements also provided tools for other areas of research, including cancer and stem cells.
"Many of the illnesses that develop when we are adults have their origin early on in life, during conception," Giwercman said.
The controversy over in vitro fertilization has not dimmed despite its increasing popularity, and debate centers now on who should be able to use the technology. Some experts have questioned whether an age limit should be set on would-be parents, whether women and men who donate their eggs and sperm should be paid, and if gay couples should be eligible.
In France, for instance, lesbians are not allowed to use donor sperm, and in Britain, women cannot be paid more than 250 pounds ($384) for donating their eggs. Germany and Italy both forbid the freezing of embryos.
In 2006, a 67-year-old Spanish woman made headlines around the world when she became a mother after using IVF technology to conceive twins. The uproar continued when she herself died only two years later.
In a statement, Bourn Hall said one of Edwards' proudest moments was discovering that 1,000 IVF babies had been born at the clinic since Brown, and relaying that information to a seriously ill Steptoe shortly before his death.
"I'll never forget the look of joy in his eyes," Edwards said.
William Ledger, head of reproductive and developmental medicine at Sheffield University, called the award "an appropriate recognition" for Edwards.
"The only sadness is that Patrick Steptoe has not lived to see this day because it was always a joint team effort," Ledger said.
Other experts criticized Britain for not honoring Edwards earlier with a knighthood.
"It's a shame Britain hasn't recognized him in a more explicit fashion," said Francoise Shenfield, infertility expert with the European Society of Human Reproduction and lecturer in medical ethics at University College London.
Edwards himself told The Times of London in 2003 said he was "not terribly bothered" about not getting a knighthood.
"I'm a very left-wing socialist and I won't shed a tear. But if you can organize a Nobel, please go ahead," he joked.
Leif and Anna Karin Theelke, a Swedish couple living outside Uppsala, tried for several years to have children before turning to IVF treatment. Both their children, ages 6 and 2, were born using the procedure.
"When we were finally informed that it had worked we felt an incredible relief," Leif Theelke recalled Monday. "Without it we wouldn't have any children."
The medicine award was the first of the 2010 Nobel Prizes to be announced. It will be followed by physics on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday, literature on Thursday, the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday and economics on Monday Oct. 11.
The prestigious awards were created by Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel and first given out in 1901. The prizes are always handed out on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896.
Famous Nobel winners include President Barack Obama, who received last year's peace prize; Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill. But most winners are relatively anonymous outside their disciplines until they suddenly are catapulted into the global spotlight by the prize announcement.
Edwards, an 85-year-old professor emeritus at the University of Cambridge, started working on IVF as early as the 1950s. He developed the technique — in which eggs are removed from a woman, fertilized outside her body and then implanted into the womb — together with British gynecologist surgeon Patrick Steptoe, who died in 1988.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown in Britain became the first baby born through the groundbreaking procedure, marking a revolution in fertility treatment.
Since then, some 4 million people have been born using the technique, the Nobel medicine prize committee said — a rate that is up to about 300,000 babies worldwide a year, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
Today, the probability that an infertile couple will take home a baby after a cycle of IVF is 1 in 5, about the same odds that healthy couples have of conceiving naturally.
"His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity, including more than 10 percent of all couples worldwide," the committee in Stockholm said in its citation. "Today, Robert Edwards' vision is a reality and brings joy to infertile people all over the world."
Despite facing resistance from Britain's medical establishment, Steptoe and Edwards spent years developing IVF from early beginning experiments into a practical course of medicine. In 1980, they founded the world's first IVF clinic, at Bourn Hall in Cambridge, England.
Prize committee secretary Goran Hansson said Edwards was not in good health Monday when the committee tried to reach him. Bourn Hall said Edwards was too ill to give interviews.
"I spoke to his wife and she was delighted and she was sure he would be delighted too," Hansson told reporters in Stockholm after announcing the 10 million kronor ($1.5 million) award.
Brown, now 32, gave birth to her first child in 2007, a boy named Cameron who she said was conceived naturally.
"Louise's birth signified so much," Edwards said at Brown's 25th birthday celebration in 2003. "We had to fight a lot of opposition but we had concepts that we thought would work and they worked."
Brown paid tribute Monday to the man who gave her life.
"It's fantastic news, me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves. We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations," Brown, a postal worker living in Bristol, England, said in a statement released by Bourn Hall.
The work by Edwards and Steptoe stirred a "lively ethical debate," the Nobel citation said, with the Vatican, other religious leaders and some scientists demanding the project be stopped. The British Medical Research Council in 1971 declined funding for Steptoe and Edwards, but the two found a private donation that allowed them to continue their research.
The Vatican is opposed to IVF because it involves separating conception from the "conjugal act" — sexual intercourse between a husband and wife — and often results in the destruction of eggs that are taken from a woman but not used.
There was no immediate comment from the Vatican's top bioethics officials Monday to word of the Nobel.
It was not immediately clear why it took the Nobel committee so long to honor Edwards. Nobel rules were amended in 1974 to prohibit posthumous prizes, which ruled out a shared award with Steptoe. However, Hansson said Edwards "deserves a Nobel Prize on his own" because he made the fundamental discoveries that made IVF therapy possible.
Initially there was also concern about the health of test-tube babies, "so it was of course very, very important that Louise Brown was healthy and that subsequent babies also were healthy," prize committee member Christer Hoog said.
Aleksander Giwercman, head of reproduction research at the University of Lund in Sweden, said Edwards' achievements also provided tools for other areas of research, including cancer and stem cells.
"Many of the illnesses that develop when we are adults have their origin early on in life, during conception," Giwercman said.
The controversy over in vitro fertilization has not dimmed despite its increasing popularity, and debate centers now on who should be able to use the technology. Some experts have questioned whether an age limit should be set on would-be parents, whether women and men who donate their eggs and sperm should be paid, and if gay couples should be eligible.
In France, for instance, lesbians are not allowed to use donor sperm, and in Britain, women cannot be paid more than 250 pounds ($384) for donating their eggs. Germany and Italy both forbid the freezing of embryos.
In 2006, a 67-year-old Spanish woman made headlines around the world when she became a mother after using IVF technology to conceive twins. The uproar continued when she herself died only two years later.
In a statement, Bourn Hall said one of Edwards' proudest moments was discovering that 1,000 IVF babies had been born at the clinic since Brown, and relaying that information to a seriously ill Steptoe shortly before his death.
"I'll never forget the look of joy in his eyes," Edwards said.
William Ledger, head of reproductive and developmental medicine at Sheffield University, called the award "an appropriate recognition" for Edwards.
"The only sadness is that Patrick Steptoe has not lived to see this day because it was always a joint team effort," Ledger said.
Other experts criticized Britain for not honoring Edwards earlier with a knighthood.
"It's a shame Britain hasn't recognized him in a more explicit fashion," said Francoise Shenfield, infertility expert with the European Society of Human Reproduction and lecturer in medical ethics at University College London.
Edwards himself told The Times of London in 2003 said he was "not terribly bothered" about not getting a knighthood.
"I'm a very left-wing socialist and I won't shed a tear. But if you can organize a Nobel, please go ahead," he joked.
Leif and Anna Karin Theelke, a Swedish couple living outside Uppsala, tried for several years to have children before turning to IVF treatment. Both their children, ages 6 and 2, were born using the procedure.
"When we were finally informed that it had worked we felt an incredible relief," Leif Theelke recalled Monday. "Without it we wouldn't have any children."
The medicine award was the first of the 2010 Nobel Prizes to be announced. It will be followed by physics on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday, literature on Thursday, the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday and economics on Monday Oct. 11.
The prestigious awards were created by Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel and first given out in 1901. The prizes are always handed out on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896.
Famous Nobel winners include President Barack Obama, who received last year's peace prize; Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill. But most winners are relatively anonymous outside their disciplines until they suddenly are catapulted into the global spotlight by the prize announcement.
No laps for warm laptops; skin damage is possible
CHICAGO – Have you ever worked on your laptop computer with it sitting on your lap, heating up your legs? If so, you might want to rethink that habit.
Doing it a lot can lead to "toasted skin syndrome," an unusual-looking mottled skin condition caused by long-term heat exposure, according to medical reports.
In one recent case, a 12-year-old boy developed a sponge-patterned skin discoloration on his left thigh after playing computer games a few hours every day for several months.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
"He recognized that the laptop got hot on the left side; however, regardless of that, he did not change its position," Swiss researchers reported in an article published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
Another case involved a Virginia law student who sought treatment for the mottled discoloration on her leg.
Dr. Kimberley Salkey, who treated the young woman, was stumped until she learned the student spent about six hours a day working with her computer propped on her lap. The temperature underneath registered 125 degrees.
That case, from 2007, is one of 10 laptop-related cases reported in medical journals in the past six years.
The condition also can be caused by overuse of heating pads and other heat sources that usually aren't hot enough to cause burns. It's generally harmless but can cause permanent skin darkening. In very rare cases, it can cause damage leading to skin cancers, said the Swiss researchers, Drs. Andreas Arnold and Peter Itin from University Hospital Basel. They do not cite any skin cancer cases linked to laptop use, but suggest, to be safe, placing a carrying case or other heat shield under the laptop if you have to hold it in your lap.
Salkey, an assistant dermatology professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, said that under the microscope, the affected skin resembles skin damaged by long-term sun exposure.
Major manufacturers including Apple, Hewlett Packard and Dell warn in user manuals against placing laptops on laps or exposed skin for extended periods of time because of the risk for burns.
A medical report several years ago found that men who used laptops on their laps had elevated scrotum temperatures. If prolonged, that kind of heat can decrease sperm production, which can potentially lead to infertility. Whether laptop use itself can cause that kind of harm hasn't been confirmed.
In the past, "toasted skin syndrome" has occurred in workers whose jobs require being close to a heat source, including bakers and glass blowers, and, before central heating, in people who huddled near potbellied stoves to stay warm.
Dr. Anthony J. Mancini, dermatology chief at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, said he'd treated a boy who developed the condition from using a heating pad "hours at a time" to soothe a thigh injured in soccer. Mancini said he'd also seen a case caused by a hot water bottle.
He noted that chronic, prolonged skin inflammation can potentially increase chances for squamous cell skin cancer, which is more aggressive than the most common skin cancer. But Mancini said it's unlikely computer use would lead to cancer since it's so easy to avoid prolonged close skin contact with laptops.
Doing it a lot can lead to "toasted skin syndrome," an unusual-looking mottled skin condition caused by long-term heat exposure, according to medical reports.
In one recent case, a 12-year-old boy developed a sponge-patterned skin discoloration on his left thigh after playing computer games a few hours every day for several months.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
"He recognized that the laptop got hot on the left side; however, regardless of that, he did not change its position," Swiss researchers reported in an article published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
Another case involved a Virginia law student who sought treatment for the mottled discoloration on her leg.
Dr. Kimberley Salkey, who treated the young woman, was stumped until she learned the student spent about six hours a day working with her computer propped on her lap. The temperature underneath registered 125 degrees.
That case, from 2007, is one of 10 laptop-related cases reported in medical journals in the past six years.
The condition also can be caused by overuse of heating pads and other heat sources that usually aren't hot enough to cause burns. It's generally harmless but can cause permanent skin darkening. In very rare cases, it can cause damage leading to skin cancers, said the Swiss researchers, Drs. Andreas Arnold and Peter Itin from University Hospital Basel. They do not cite any skin cancer cases linked to laptop use, but suggest, to be safe, placing a carrying case or other heat shield under the laptop if you have to hold it in your lap.
Salkey, an assistant dermatology professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School, said that under the microscope, the affected skin resembles skin damaged by long-term sun exposure.
Major manufacturers including Apple, Hewlett Packard and Dell warn in user manuals against placing laptops on laps or exposed skin for extended periods of time because of the risk for burns.
A medical report several years ago found that men who used laptops on their laps had elevated scrotum temperatures. If prolonged, that kind of heat can decrease sperm production, which can potentially lead to infertility. Whether laptop use itself can cause that kind of harm hasn't been confirmed.
In the past, "toasted skin syndrome" has occurred in workers whose jobs require being close to a heat source, including bakers and glass blowers, and, before central heating, in people who huddled near potbellied stoves to stay warm.
Dr. Anthony J. Mancini, dermatology chief at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, said he'd treated a boy who developed the condition from using a heating pad "hours at a time" to soothe a thigh injured in soccer. Mancini said he'd also seen a case caused by a hot water bottle.
He noted that chronic, prolonged skin inflammation can potentially increase chances for squamous cell skin cancer, which is more aggressive than the most common skin cancer. But Mancini said it's unlikely computer use would lead to cancer since it's so easy to avoid prolonged close skin contact with laptops.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Cheating in NECO examinations
The increasing wave of examination malpractices, especially in Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) is, indeed, worrisome. In the just released results of May/June SSCE conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO), there were altogether 615,010 cases of malpractices. A total of 1,143,169 candidates registered for the examination nationwide while 1,132,357 candidates eventually sat for the examination
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
According to the Registrar of the examining body, Prof. Promise Okpala, the commonest malpractices were mass cheating, which recorded 452,027 cases; aiding, abetting, seeking and receiving help from non-candidates, 87,778; while 13,456 cases of cheating were detected at marking venue.
Prof. Okpala also revealed that Rivers State topped the list of malpractices with 45,131 cases. Kaduna State followed with 41,878 cases; Enugu, 36,904 cases; Nasarawa, 35,510; and Lagos, 31,904 cases. Bayelsa State had the least malpractices with 235 cases.
Details of the results showed that 870,305 candidates, who sat for the May/June 2010 SSCE, failed to get credit passes in English Language. This represents 79 percent of the 1,113,177 candidates that sat for the examination. However, the remaining 21 percent of the candidates obtained credit passes in the subject.
Similarly, of the 1,113,177 candidates that sat for the Mathematics examination, 838,031 failed the subject. A breakdown of the results by subjects showed that only 245,890 candidates passed English Language with 1,434 distinctions and 244,456 credit passes, out of the 1,116,195 that sat for the examination. It also indicated that 66,519 candidates that sat for English Language had their results cancelled while 66,260 candidates experienced the same fate in Mathematics.
It is really pathetic that public examinations like SSCE conducted by NECO recorded such massive cases of malpractices. It is also regrettable that corruption in the wider society has crept into our examination system. As a result of this, candidates now want to make it either by crook or hook. The scenario is symptomatic of the general societal malaise. Such is not unexpected in a society where elections are rigged at will and corruption holds sway in the conduct of governmental and public affairs.
It is odd, also, that some of the malpractices were recorded at the marking venue. NECO should do something to prevent such in future. It appears that the body inadvertently recruited some misfits to oversee the marking of examination scripts, hence malpractices can occur at that stage.
The embarrassing development calls for serious concern because cheating is not what Nigeria needs at this period of its development. That our supposed future leaders engage in cheating to pass SSCE is tragic.
We blame the examining body, parents and schools for this frightening development. If the candidates involved in cheating were brought up to appreciate the value of probity, honour and morality, perhaps, they will be more focused and do things properly. While it is good to pass an examination, such a pass must be earned through merit and not cheating.
Parents should desist from assisting their wards to cheat in examinations. The only way to pass an examination is to study harder. Cheating in examinations is a major social problem that requires an urgent solution. Let all religious organisations preach attitudinal change among the youths in order to curb the recourse to cheating as a way out.
There is the need for guidance and counselling in our schools so that students can choose subjects that they have aptitude for. Government should provide well qualified teachers in English Language and Mathematics, the two subjects that always record mass failure. That these subjects are poorly taught is obvious, especially Mathematics. Let teachers of these subjects be creative and make them interesting to learners. NECO should also plug all avenues of leakage in its system by overhauling its internal security
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
According to the Registrar of the examining body, Prof. Promise Okpala, the commonest malpractices were mass cheating, which recorded 452,027 cases; aiding, abetting, seeking and receiving help from non-candidates, 87,778; while 13,456 cases of cheating were detected at marking venue.
Prof. Okpala also revealed that Rivers State topped the list of malpractices with 45,131 cases. Kaduna State followed with 41,878 cases; Enugu, 36,904 cases; Nasarawa, 35,510; and Lagos, 31,904 cases. Bayelsa State had the least malpractices with 235 cases.
Details of the results showed that 870,305 candidates, who sat for the May/June 2010 SSCE, failed to get credit passes in English Language. This represents 79 percent of the 1,113,177 candidates that sat for the examination. However, the remaining 21 percent of the candidates obtained credit passes in the subject.
Similarly, of the 1,113,177 candidates that sat for the Mathematics examination, 838,031 failed the subject. A breakdown of the results by subjects showed that only 245,890 candidates passed English Language with 1,434 distinctions and 244,456 credit passes, out of the 1,116,195 that sat for the examination. It also indicated that 66,519 candidates that sat for English Language had their results cancelled while 66,260 candidates experienced the same fate in Mathematics.
It is really pathetic that public examinations like SSCE conducted by NECO recorded such massive cases of malpractices. It is also regrettable that corruption in the wider society has crept into our examination system. As a result of this, candidates now want to make it either by crook or hook. The scenario is symptomatic of the general societal malaise. Such is not unexpected in a society where elections are rigged at will and corruption holds sway in the conduct of governmental and public affairs.
It is odd, also, that some of the malpractices were recorded at the marking venue. NECO should do something to prevent such in future. It appears that the body inadvertently recruited some misfits to oversee the marking of examination scripts, hence malpractices can occur at that stage.
The embarrassing development calls for serious concern because cheating is not what Nigeria needs at this period of its development. That our supposed future leaders engage in cheating to pass SSCE is tragic.
We blame the examining body, parents and schools for this frightening development. If the candidates involved in cheating were brought up to appreciate the value of probity, honour and morality, perhaps, they will be more focused and do things properly. While it is good to pass an examination, such a pass must be earned through merit and not cheating.
Parents should desist from assisting their wards to cheat in examinations. The only way to pass an examination is to study harder. Cheating in examinations is a major social problem that requires an urgent solution. Let all religious organisations preach attitudinal change among the youths in order to curb the recourse to cheating as a way out.
There is the need for guidance and counselling in our schools so that students can choose subjects that they have aptitude for. Government should provide well qualified teachers in English Language and Mathematics, the two subjects that always record mass failure. That these subjects are poorly taught is obvious, especially Mathematics. Let teachers of these subjects be creative and make them interesting to learners. NECO should also plug all avenues of leakage in its system by overhauling its internal security
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Youths protest govt’s refusal to constitute board
Hundreds of angry youths from Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, on Tuesday, protested the state government’s alleged refusal to constitute the board of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ESOGPADEC).
The placard-carrying protesters observed that the state government had re-constituted some of the boards like the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and expressed worry regarding the purported delay in the re-constitution of ESOGPADEC.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
They claimed that with the non-constitution of the commission’s board after about two years of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration in office, their oil and gas producing communities had been neglected and marginalised in the administration’s development agenda.
A leader of the protesting youths, Osadolor Osegbe, told newsmen that the concerned communities had written several letters to the Government House and the state House of Assembly on the need to reconstitute the commission.
According to him, they were yet to get any response from the relevant authorities, hence the protest to further press home their demand.
Osegbe claimed that Orhionmwon Local Government Area was responsible for 87 per cent of oil production as well as 100 per cent of gas production in Edo State but lamented that “we have been marginalised, exploited and neglected.
“Our people in the communities and villages are suffering from exploitation and environmental degradation as a result of the activities of oil exploration companies,” he added.
The placard-carrying protesters observed that the state government had re-constituted some of the boards like the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and expressed worry regarding the purported delay in the re-constitution of ESOGPADEC.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
They claimed that with the non-constitution of the commission’s board after about two years of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration in office, their oil and gas producing communities had been neglected and marginalised in the administration’s development agenda.
A leader of the protesting youths, Osadolor Osegbe, told newsmen that the concerned communities had written several letters to the Government House and the state House of Assembly on the need to reconstitute the commission.
According to him, they were yet to get any response from the relevant authorities, hence the protest to further press home their demand.
Osegbe claimed that Orhionmwon Local Government Area was responsible for 87 per cent of oil production as well as 100 per cent of gas production in Edo State but lamented that “we have been marginalised, exploited and neglected.
“Our people in the communities and villages are suffering from exploitation and environmental degradation as a result of the activities of oil exploration companies,” he added.
Mass failure: Fg summons NECO boss
AGAIN, Federal Government, on Tuesday, summoned the Registrar and Chief Executive of the National Examination Council (NECO) Professor Promise Okpala, over what it described as unacceptable poor results of the June/July 2010 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) released on Monday.
Minister of State for Education, Mr Kenneth Gbagi, who said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2010 Year of Peace and Security, said he was sad and never satisfied with the results released by NECO on Monday, in which only 21 per cent of the candidates that sat for the examination passed English Language and Mathematics at credit level.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
He also spoke of a plan for another summit on examination barely four months after hosting an elaborate examination summit in response to mass failure recorded in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Reacting to the poor performance of candidates in the examination, the minister while briefing newsmen alongside the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Professor Dapo Afolabi, disclosed that the ministry was neither happy nor satisfied with the recent result released by NECO and as such would be convening another examination summit.
The results released indicated another huge failure rate as less than 22 per cent of the total 1,132,357 of the students that sat for the exam passed English Language and Mathematics at distinction and credit levels.
Fielding questions from journalists the minister said that already the Registrar of NECO, Professor Promise Okpala, had been summoned to the ministry over the issue, adding that unlike before, teachers would now be recertified every three years rather than every five years.
Minister of State for Education, Mr Kenneth Gbagi, who said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2010 Year of Peace and Security, said he was sad and never satisfied with the results released by NECO on Monday, in which only 21 per cent of the candidates that sat for the examination passed English Language and Mathematics at credit level.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
He also spoke of a plan for another summit on examination barely four months after hosting an elaborate examination summit in response to mass failure recorded in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Reacting to the poor performance of candidates in the examination, the minister while briefing newsmen alongside the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Professor Dapo Afolabi, disclosed that the ministry was neither happy nor satisfied with the recent result released by NECO and as such would be convening another examination summit.
The results released indicated another huge failure rate as less than 22 per cent of the total 1,132,357 of the students that sat for the exam passed English Language and Mathematics at distinction and credit levels.
Fielding questions from journalists the minister said that already the Registrar of NECO, Professor Promise Okpala, had been summoned to the ministry over the issue, adding that unlike before, teachers would now be recertified every three years rather than every five years.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Minister calls for stakeholders’ support to salvage education
THE Minister of Education, Professor Ruquayattu Ahmed Rufai, has called on education managers to put their acts together in combining efforts to salvage the Nigerian education sector, which has suffered from serious neglect over the years with results of several indices of measurement of standard indicating poor achievements.
The minister who gave the indication at a two-day workshop on Effective School Management for principals of senior secondary schools in Dutse, said the challenge must be taken care of in a collective manner by all stakeholders if Nigerian products are to measure on equal terms with their peers in other climes.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
She indicated that the workshop has come at an appropriate time going by the hopeless situation in the education sector as indicated by various development partners’ findings.
According to her: “Situation analysis on the condition of schools across the country prior to the Universal Basic education (UBE) programmes indicated that schools were lacking in almost all the measures that contribute to school’s effectiveness and quality.”
“Reports from our development partners project and Nigerian government initiative just before the implementation of the UBE, as contained in the project implementation plan also revealed that most teachers and managers who headed our schools’ systems and managed our resources did not receive any training beyond those acquired at the university degree and pre-degree level,” she noted.
She pointed out that the revelation tallies with the report at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the state of education in Nigeria.
Explaining further, she said the Monitoring and Learning Achievements (MLA), which is saddled with assessing the performances of the Nigerian pupils and students, has reported that their performance is lower compared to other sub-Saharan African countries in numeracy, literacy and life skills.
The minister revealed that their national average from the World Bank report indicated below 50 per cent in all the three areas of assessment as national average.
“Available records also indicated that, on the average and at national level, the proportion of qualified teachers in primary and secondary schools were 61 per cent and 51.68 per cent respectively. The issue must be addressed collectively, if our products are to compare favourably globally,” she reiterated.
Professor Rufai urged the participants to take part in the workshop dutifully as experienced, versatile and knowledgeable resource persons have been invited to treat the topics properly.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Nigeria, organisers of the workshop, indicated that the workshop was taken to Jigawa as a mark of honour to the minister. He charged the participants to reciprocate by being committed to their duties.
The minister who gave the indication at a two-day workshop on Effective School Management for principals of senior secondary schools in Dutse, said the challenge must be taken care of in a collective manner by all stakeholders if Nigerian products are to measure on equal terms with their peers in other climes.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
She indicated that the workshop has come at an appropriate time going by the hopeless situation in the education sector as indicated by various development partners’ findings.
According to her: “Situation analysis on the condition of schools across the country prior to the Universal Basic education (UBE) programmes indicated that schools were lacking in almost all the measures that contribute to school’s effectiveness and quality.”
“Reports from our development partners project and Nigerian government initiative just before the implementation of the UBE, as contained in the project implementation plan also revealed that most teachers and managers who headed our schools’ systems and managed our resources did not receive any training beyond those acquired at the university degree and pre-degree level,” she noted.
She pointed out that the revelation tallies with the report at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the state of education in Nigeria.
Explaining further, she said the Monitoring and Learning Achievements (MLA), which is saddled with assessing the performances of the Nigerian pupils and students, has reported that their performance is lower compared to other sub-Saharan African countries in numeracy, literacy and life skills.
The minister revealed that their national average from the World Bank report indicated below 50 per cent in all the three areas of assessment as national average.
“Available records also indicated that, on the average and at national level, the proportion of qualified teachers in primary and secondary schools were 61 per cent and 51.68 per cent respectively. The issue must be addressed collectively, if our products are to compare favourably globally,” she reiterated.
Professor Rufai urged the participants to take part in the workshop dutifully as experienced, versatile and knowledgeable resource persons have been invited to treat the topics properly.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Nigeria, organisers of the workshop, indicated that the workshop was taken to Jigawa as a mark of honour to the minister. He charged the participants to reciprocate by being committed to their duties.
Minister calls for stakeholders’ support to salvage education
THE Minister of Education, Professor Ruquayattu Ahmed Rufai, has called on education managers to put their acts together in combining efforts to salvage the Nigerian education sector, which has suffered from serious neglect over the years with results of several indices of measurement of standard indicating poor achievements.
The minister who gave the indication at a two-day workshop on Effective School Management for principals of senior secondary schools in Dutse, said the challenge must be taken care of in a collective manner by all stakeholders if Nigerian products are to measure on equal terms with their peers in other climes.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
She indicated that the workshop has come at an appropriate time going by the hopeless situation in the education sector as indicated by various development partners’ findings.
According to her: “Situation analysis on the condition of schools across the country prior to the Universal Basic education (UBE) programmes indicated that schools were lacking in almost all the measures that contribute to school’s effectiveness and quality.”
“Reports from our development partners project and Nigerian government initiative just before the implementation of the UBE, as contained in the project implementation plan also revealed that most teachers and managers who headed our schools’ systems and managed our resources did not receive any training beyond those acquired at the university degree and pre-degree level,” she noted.
She pointed out that the revelation tallies with the report at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the state of education in Nigeria.
Explaining further, she said the Monitoring and Learning Achievements (MLA), which is saddled with assessing the performances of the Nigerian pupils and students, has reported that their performance is lower compared to other sub-Saharan African countries in numeracy, literacy and life skills.
The minister revealed that their national average from the World Bank report indicated below 50 per cent in all the three areas of assessment as national average.
“Available records also indicated that, on the average and at national level, the proportion of qualified teachers in primary and secondary schools were 61 per cent and 51.68 per cent respectively. The issue must be addressed collectively, if our products are to compare favourably globally,” she reiterated.
Professor Rufai urged the participants to take part in the workshop dutifully as experienced, versatile and knowledgeable resource persons have been invited to treat the topics properly.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Nigeria, organisers of the workshop, indicated that the workshop was taken to Jigawa as a mark of honour to the minister. He charged the participants to reciprocate by being committed to their duties.
The minister who gave the indication at a two-day workshop on Effective School Management for principals of senior secondary schools in Dutse, said the challenge must be taken care of in a collective manner by all stakeholders if Nigerian products are to measure on equal terms with their peers in other climes.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
She indicated that the workshop has come at an appropriate time going by the hopeless situation in the education sector as indicated by various development partners’ findings.
According to her: “Situation analysis on the condition of schools across the country prior to the Universal Basic education (UBE) programmes indicated that schools were lacking in almost all the measures that contribute to school’s effectiveness and quality.”
“Reports from our development partners project and Nigerian government initiative just before the implementation of the UBE, as contained in the project implementation plan also revealed that most teachers and managers who headed our schools’ systems and managed our resources did not receive any training beyond those acquired at the university degree and pre-degree level,” she noted.
She pointed out that the revelation tallies with the report at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the state of education in Nigeria.
Explaining further, she said the Monitoring and Learning Achievements (MLA), which is saddled with assessing the performances of the Nigerian pupils and students, has reported that their performance is lower compared to other sub-Saharan African countries in numeracy, literacy and life skills.
The minister revealed that their national average from the World Bank report indicated below 50 per cent in all the three areas of assessment as national average.
“Available records also indicated that, on the average and at national level, the proportion of qualified teachers in primary and secondary schools were 61 per cent and 51.68 per cent respectively. The issue must be addressed collectively, if our products are to compare favourably globally,” she reiterated.
Professor Rufai urged the participants to take part in the workshop dutifully as experienced, versatile and knowledgeable resource persons have been invited to treat the topics properly.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Nigeria, organisers of the workshop, indicated that the workshop was taken to Jigawa as a mark of honour to the minister. He charged the participants to reciprocate by being committed to their duties.
Buhari’s party slams S’East governors over ASUU strike
The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) on Wednesday, slammed the South-East governors for non-challance over the current strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities in state universities in that region.
The party said in a statement by the national publicity secretary, Mr Aghanya Dennis sent by email to the Nigerian Tribune in Lagos that their attitude could have a dire consequence, because of the importance of education in the lives of the younger generation.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The party, which parades a former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, as one its stalwarts, stated that the current situation was disheartening that, at a time when the catch phrase across the world was capacity building, coupled with knowledge-based paradigm, the governors were unperturbed by strike.
The party added that such attitude was also deplorable, because the region was one of the most disadvantaged in the education of the youth.
According to the CPC, when other Nigerians pursued education, the south easterners pursued trade apprenticeship, giving rise to a class of illiterate and semi-illiterate adults in businesses.
The party said in a statement by the national publicity secretary, Mr Aghanya Dennis sent by email to the Nigerian Tribune in Lagos that their attitude could have a dire consequence, because of the importance of education in the lives of the younger generation.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The party, which parades a former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, as one its stalwarts, stated that the current situation was disheartening that, at a time when the catch phrase across the world was capacity building, coupled with knowledge-based paradigm, the governors were unperturbed by strike.
The party added that such attitude was also deplorable, because the region was one of the most disadvantaged in the education of the youth.
According to the CPC, when other Nigerians pursued education, the south easterners pursued trade apprenticeship, giving rise to a class of illiterate and semi-illiterate adults in businesses.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
UNIBEN medical students protest non-accreditation
Tuesday paralysed at the University of Benin, Edo State and the entire Ugbowo area for several hours, as students of the School of Medicine protested the non-accreditation of the faculty’s programmes and that of School of Dentistry by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The students, who were in a large number, refused to speak to journalists until they were addressed by their Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oyuki Oshodin.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Some were overheard saying that “those who are to graduate in a few weeks’ time will not get a licence to practise as medical doctors and dentists, despite having spent over seven years in the school.”
They said that their future was being threatened, adding that UNIBEN authorities appeared nonchalant to their plight.
Vehicular and human traffic was blocked on the long stretch of the Ugbowo-Lagos Road while road users laboured to find their way out of the city.
The school entrance gate was closed even as the VC was prevented from coming out of the premises. A cameraman attached to DBN Television was manhandled by some of the students.
When contacted, the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Osaze Osarenren, said the protest was misplaced as the institution was already trying on meeting the MDCN’s requirements.
He said, “It was suspension of accreditation and they gave us 12 months to put those things rights and if we didn’t do they can now sanction us. We have been meeting with the Federal Ministry of Education on this matter and things are being put in place.
Before the end of the ongoing examination, which is not even the finals, all these things will be done. In fact, the vice-chancellor and some senior officials are air airborne (3.05 pm) to Abuja on the same matter.”
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, its secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro and Publoic Relations Officer. Dr. Kennedy Alohan urged the council of the university and that of Igbinedion University, which was also affected to quickly meet the demands of the MDCN in order not to create vacuum in the profession.
The statement read in part: “As a responsible association, we support efforts by the Council at ensuring the maintenance of standards in medical education in Nigeria universities.
“The loss of accreditation by these universities to train doctors has very serious implications for the already comatose health sector in our state and country.
“We therefore call on the authorities of the affected universities and the respective heads of the Colleges of Medical Sciences to work very closely with the MDCN with a view to quickly addressing the issues that led to this unfortunate situation.”
The students, who were in a large number, refused to speak to journalists until they were addressed by their Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oyuki Oshodin.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Some were overheard saying that “those who are to graduate in a few weeks’ time will not get a licence to practise as medical doctors and dentists, despite having spent over seven years in the school.”
They said that their future was being threatened, adding that UNIBEN authorities appeared nonchalant to their plight.
Vehicular and human traffic was blocked on the long stretch of the Ugbowo-Lagos Road while road users laboured to find their way out of the city.
The school entrance gate was closed even as the VC was prevented from coming out of the premises. A cameraman attached to DBN Television was manhandled by some of the students.
When contacted, the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Osaze Osarenren, said the protest was misplaced as the institution was already trying on meeting the MDCN’s requirements.
He said, “It was suspension of accreditation and they gave us 12 months to put those things rights and if we didn’t do they can now sanction us. We have been meeting with the Federal Ministry of Education on this matter and things are being put in place.
Before the end of the ongoing examination, which is not even the finals, all these things will be done. In fact, the vice-chancellor and some senior officials are air airborne (3.05 pm) to Abuja on the same matter.”
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, its secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro and Publoic Relations Officer. Dr. Kennedy Alohan urged the council of the university and that of Igbinedion University, which was also affected to quickly meet the demands of the MDCN in order not to create vacuum in the profession.
The statement read in part: “As a responsible association, we support efforts by the Council at ensuring the maintenance of standards in medical education in Nigeria universities.
“The loss of accreditation by these universities to train doctors has very serious implications for the already comatose health sector in our state and country.
“We therefore call on the authorities of the affected universities and the respective heads of the Colleges of Medical Sciences to work very closely with the MDCN with a view to quickly addressing the issues that led to this unfortunate situation.”
Unilorin DVC stresses importance of post-UME test
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin , Professor Kolade L. Ayorinde at the weekend disclosed that of the 27,847 candidates that sat for the post-UME test this month at the university, about 16,225 scored the average of 50 per cent and above.
Ayorinde added that though of the 73,392 candidates that applied to UNILORIN either as first, second or most preferred choice institution, for the 2010/2011 admission exercise, only 27, 847 ultimately sat for the pre-registration screening.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The Professor of agriculture stated this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, saying that in the screening exercise that took place between August 16 and 23 at the Ilorin, Lagos and Minna centres, 58.2 per cent candidates scored 50percent and above. He added that about 11,622 candidates scored lower than 50 in the exercise.
Prof Ayorinde added that the outcome of the screening exercise justified the necessity of post-UME.
According to the deputy vice-chancellor, “if candidates that scored 280 (out of 400) or more in Unified Tertiary Institutions Matriculation Examinations (UTME) could score far below 50 per cent in the pre-admission screening as the recent experience has shown, it clearly indicates that ‘JAMB’ is not enough,” he said.
“While the questions asked were to test the general aptitude of the candidates and determine their suitability for university education, rather than competence on specific subjects, the 41.74 per cent failure recorded is a wake-up call that better measurements need to be developed to test the academic competence of students,” the deputy vice-chancellor academic said.
On what parents and candidates should expect after the screening, Prof. Ayorinde said that a phase in the admission process had just been completed while other phases would immediately follow. He added that “what we have done is a phase. The next phase is to generate a list. Then, Senate would take a decision on the cut-off mark. Afterwards, the Admission Committee would sit to work and successful candidates would be admitted.”
On what it takes to be offered admission, the professor said “admission depends on the number of students that applied for a particular course, the nature of the course applied for and the weighted average score of a candidate.
“Courses have carrying capacities and there is no way having 50percent or more can automatically guarantee admission. Using the experience of last year as a case study, Prof. Ayorinde said candidates that score less than 70percent would not be admitted.
Ayorinde added that though of the 73,392 candidates that applied to UNILORIN either as first, second or most preferred choice institution, for the 2010/2011 admission exercise, only 27, 847 ultimately sat for the pre-registration screening.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
The Professor of agriculture stated this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, saying that in the screening exercise that took place between August 16 and 23 at the Ilorin, Lagos and Minna centres, 58.2 per cent candidates scored 50percent and above. He added that about 11,622 candidates scored lower than 50 in the exercise.
Prof Ayorinde added that the outcome of the screening exercise justified the necessity of post-UME.
According to the deputy vice-chancellor, “if candidates that scored 280 (out of 400) or more in Unified Tertiary Institutions Matriculation Examinations (UTME) could score far below 50 per cent in the pre-admission screening as the recent experience has shown, it clearly indicates that ‘JAMB’ is not enough,” he said.
“While the questions asked were to test the general aptitude of the candidates and determine their suitability for university education, rather than competence on specific subjects, the 41.74 per cent failure recorded is a wake-up call that better measurements need to be developed to test the academic competence of students,” the deputy vice-chancellor academic said.
On what parents and candidates should expect after the screening, Prof. Ayorinde said that a phase in the admission process had just been completed while other phases would immediately follow. He added that “what we have done is a phase. The next phase is to generate a list. Then, Senate would take a decision on the cut-off mark. Afterwards, the Admission Committee would sit to work and successful candidates would be admitted.”
On what it takes to be offered admission, the professor said “admission depends on the number of students that applied for a particular course, the nature of the course applied for and the weighted average score of a candidate.
“Courses have carrying capacities and there is no way having 50percent or more can automatically guarantee admission. Using the experience of last year as a case study, Prof. Ayorinde said candidates that score less than 70percent would not be admitted.
Mbamalu, 20, dares scientists to evaluate his invented jet
The name of Chinedu King Mbamalu may not ring a bell. But the young man from Anambra State thinks it is only a matter of time, and the world will know what he has to offer.
He is just a school certificate holder. But Mbamalu has a tall ambition to be a great inventor. He has performed the rare feat of inventing “a jet propelled engine system which offers a better efficiency at sub-sonic and hypersonic speed.”
Mbamalu is only 20, but his thinking process is far beyond his age. He supplies all answers to questions with effortlessly. But his intellectual prowess did not reflect so much in his academic performance. This, he said, was because of his obsession with inventions. According to him, much of his time was spent on his project rather than in his books.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
His passion put him at cross-purposes with his relations, especially his father who feels that he should further his education. But Mbamalu says he is not perturbed because at the end of the day both those for and against him will be better for it. He spoke with Daily Sun: “I am from Anambra State. I am a researcher and inventor. I am the inventor of an engine system that I call the VCCFIJ which is short for Varying Combined Circle Fuel Internal Jet.
“It is a jet proportioned system. Jet engines are in accordance with Newton’s laws of motion, and emit gasses that generate thrust. As a jet proportioned system, it offers a better efficiency, at sub-sonic and hyper-sonic speed that is designed for VCCFIJ. It doesn’t have the inherent problems of the current jet proportioned systems like overheating and some other problems that they face.
“I have been working on the VCCFIJ for two intensive years. I have been able to come up with something of international credence. The stage which I am now, which is the calculation and calibration stage, I have to work with someone. We have been able to come up with something reasonable enough in the calculations.
That is where I am currently.
“I have been trying to get people convinced about what I have been able to come up with. I am a school leaver and I have always had this obsession for jet proportioned systems from my secondary school days. In fact, I have been finding it hard to concentrate during classes while in school because I basically began my research in secondary school.
“My obsession with deep science or the higher science began from when I was in secondary school. It affected my performance considerably, but that did not hold me back. I have been researching and applying the laws of physics and utilizing my knowledge, using research materials from the internet and experts. I have been able to come up with something that will meet the standards of any system in the world.
“That is exactly why I want evaluators, sponsors, experts. People who could actually look at this proportioned system and understand what I am talking about. Basically, people cannot understand how a school leaver would come up with something as complex as a jet proportioned system, claiming that it is better than any other systems in most areas like efficiency, specific impulse, thrust to weight ratio, being able to operate from sub-sonic, to super-sonic, to hyper-sonic speed now. People are very skeptical about it.
“I don’t have a patent right yet, but I wanted to file for a patent here in Nigeria with NOTAP, the agency that is responsible for patents in the country. For some technical reasons I dropped that bid for patent. Actually, I am looking at a situation whereby I would have able sponsors who would be able to subject the jet proportion systems to professional evaluation, and then be able to give reasonable conclusion on it.”
Fear of being shortchanged
“I have a lawyer whom I have been working with. I want to have sponsors who are willing and ready to evaluate this, with the promise of taking it up, and sponsoring the project and developing it. Then we will sign a disclosure agreement with them before we procure a patent. In the meantime, during the evaluation, it will remain under that agreement which states that the contents of the signed agreement will not be disclosed. I think that is enough protection before a patent.”
Sponsors needed
“Sponsors are good-will people who want to develop young minds and talents. When they come, and we have these evaluators around, they would look at this engine because I don’t have a prototype. Prototyping this engine will be very expensive, something that I cannot handle financially. I would need these experts to come in and see the work that I have been able to do. I have engineering drawings and working principles. If they go through all these documents, as experts, they should be able to tell whether what I have done so far is making a meaning.
“What I have been able to come up with is the theoretical part, the part which experts study in schools. When we subject this engine to test, we would be able to have a prototype and then tell that this is what it is able to do. Any expert in the field, given an engineering drawing and working principles should be able to tell the performance of an engine.”
Poor educational system
“The educational system is poor. It goes down to a lot of things in the country. It takes the person to go an extra mile, and take unethical routes to break through. There are a couple of people who have been able to break through, and have been able to come to limelight. “I have met so many difficulties on the way. I have been under immense pressure to return to school, to higher institution. Even if I were able to do that, because of my choice, I would not have been able to study in the country. It takes one to go an extra mile to get into the market because on a general note, inventors are not taken seriously.
“Even in the US they are never taken seriously. They are always seen as clownish and eccentric persons. To succeed, an inventor must be ready to be a risk-taker. An invention might look good on paper, but when you do the prototype, you might realize that it is not what it is. It is a very risky venture. It is something that if you get it right, you are a winner, but if you get it wrong, you have lost. I am only trying to be a professional, but there is another part to the issue. I have certain convictions that I am doing the right thing. I understand what I am doing and I am very confident that I have a system that will beat all other systems in existence. That has been proven by me, and will soon be proven by experts.
“I am not a material scientist. Until we have experts like material scientists coming in, and other experts who know what the market costs of engines, we would know what the price is, and get an estimate. But now, I might not be able to get an estimate because jet engines are quite expensive systems. We are looking at something that will be in millions of dollars, not in naira. As for evaluators coming into the country, it is the issue of having a sponsor because this is a business opportunity. Anyone who understands that there are economic benefits that he, or she could get from this system, wouldn’t want to let others cash in on it before them. At the stage where I am now, I am willing to work with ready investors. People who are ready to talk to me, and develop this invention.
“We have people who are gifted. It is like someone who goes to music school, and another who is a gifted musician. Someone who goes to music school, is someone who goes to learn the in and out of music. Now a gifted musician comes up and produces a track that is far better than that produced by someone who went to music school. This, he does without even going to music school.
“I believe that gift is credible. Something you can count on to reach certain conditions. Certain people are gifted and can create certain things. This has nothing to do with certificate. It is in them naturally. You can look at the Wright brothers who invented an aircraft. They didn’t go to any school of aero dynamics to study aerospace engineering but they were able to come up with something that worked. So, my educational qualification is immaterial. In fact, it doesn’t bother me because if I have people who understand what it entails, and are able to come down and evaluate what I have.”
He is just a school certificate holder. But Mbamalu has a tall ambition to be a great inventor. He has performed the rare feat of inventing “a jet propelled engine system which offers a better efficiency at sub-sonic and hypersonic speed.”
Mbamalu is only 20, but his thinking process is far beyond his age. He supplies all answers to questions with effortlessly. But his intellectual prowess did not reflect so much in his academic performance. This, he said, was because of his obsession with inventions. According to him, much of his time was spent on his project rather than in his books.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
His passion put him at cross-purposes with his relations, especially his father who feels that he should further his education. But Mbamalu says he is not perturbed because at the end of the day both those for and against him will be better for it. He spoke with Daily Sun: “I am from Anambra State. I am a researcher and inventor. I am the inventor of an engine system that I call the VCCFIJ which is short for Varying Combined Circle Fuel Internal Jet.
“It is a jet proportioned system. Jet engines are in accordance with Newton’s laws of motion, and emit gasses that generate thrust. As a jet proportioned system, it offers a better efficiency, at sub-sonic and hyper-sonic speed that is designed for VCCFIJ. It doesn’t have the inherent problems of the current jet proportioned systems like overheating and some other problems that they face.
“I have been working on the VCCFIJ for two intensive years. I have been able to come up with something of international credence. The stage which I am now, which is the calculation and calibration stage, I have to work with someone. We have been able to come up with something reasonable enough in the calculations.
That is where I am currently.
“I have been trying to get people convinced about what I have been able to come up with. I am a school leaver and I have always had this obsession for jet proportioned systems from my secondary school days. In fact, I have been finding it hard to concentrate during classes while in school because I basically began my research in secondary school.
“My obsession with deep science or the higher science began from when I was in secondary school. It affected my performance considerably, but that did not hold me back. I have been researching and applying the laws of physics and utilizing my knowledge, using research materials from the internet and experts. I have been able to come up with something that will meet the standards of any system in the world.
“That is exactly why I want evaluators, sponsors, experts. People who could actually look at this proportioned system and understand what I am talking about. Basically, people cannot understand how a school leaver would come up with something as complex as a jet proportioned system, claiming that it is better than any other systems in most areas like efficiency, specific impulse, thrust to weight ratio, being able to operate from sub-sonic, to super-sonic, to hyper-sonic speed now. People are very skeptical about it.
“I don’t have a patent right yet, but I wanted to file for a patent here in Nigeria with NOTAP, the agency that is responsible for patents in the country. For some technical reasons I dropped that bid for patent. Actually, I am looking at a situation whereby I would have able sponsors who would be able to subject the jet proportion systems to professional evaluation, and then be able to give reasonable conclusion on it.”
Fear of being shortchanged
“I have a lawyer whom I have been working with. I want to have sponsors who are willing and ready to evaluate this, with the promise of taking it up, and sponsoring the project and developing it. Then we will sign a disclosure agreement with them before we procure a patent. In the meantime, during the evaluation, it will remain under that agreement which states that the contents of the signed agreement will not be disclosed. I think that is enough protection before a patent.”
Sponsors needed
“Sponsors are good-will people who want to develop young minds and talents. When they come, and we have these evaluators around, they would look at this engine because I don’t have a prototype. Prototyping this engine will be very expensive, something that I cannot handle financially. I would need these experts to come in and see the work that I have been able to do. I have engineering drawings and working principles. If they go through all these documents, as experts, they should be able to tell whether what I have done so far is making a meaning.
“What I have been able to come up with is the theoretical part, the part which experts study in schools. When we subject this engine to test, we would be able to have a prototype and then tell that this is what it is able to do. Any expert in the field, given an engineering drawing and working principles should be able to tell the performance of an engine.”
Poor educational system
“The educational system is poor. It goes down to a lot of things in the country. It takes the person to go an extra mile, and take unethical routes to break through. There are a couple of people who have been able to break through, and have been able to come to limelight. “I have met so many difficulties on the way. I have been under immense pressure to return to school, to higher institution. Even if I were able to do that, because of my choice, I would not have been able to study in the country. It takes one to go an extra mile to get into the market because on a general note, inventors are not taken seriously.
“Even in the US they are never taken seriously. They are always seen as clownish and eccentric persons. To succeed, an inventor must be ready to be a risk-taker. An invention might look good on paper, but when you do the prototype, you might realize that it is not what it is. It is a very risky venture. It is something that if you get it right, you are a winner, but if you get it wrong, you have lost. I am only trying to be a professional, but there is another part to the issue. I have certain convictions that I am doing the right thing. I understand what I am doing and I am very confident that I have a system that will beat all other systems in existence. That has been proven by me, and will soon be proven by experts.
“I am not a material scientist. Until we have experts like material scientists coming in, and other experts who know what the market costs of engines, we would know what the price is, and get an estimate. But now, I might not be able to get an estimate because jet engines are quite expensive systems. We are looking at something that will be in millions of dollars, not in naira. As for evaluators coming into the country, it is the issue of having a sponsor because this is a business opportunity. Anyone who understands that there are economic benefits that he, or she could get from this system, wouldn’t want to let others cash in on it before them. At the stage where I am now, I am willing to work with ready investors. People who are ready to talk to me, and develop this invention.
“We have people who are gifted. It is like someone who goes to music school, and another who is a gifted musician. Someone who goes to music school, is someone who goes to learn the in and out of music. Now a gifted musician comes up and produces a track that is far better than that produced by someone who went to music school. This, he does without even going to music school.
“I believe that gift is credible. Something you can count on to reach certain conditions. Certain people are gifted and can create certain things. This has nothing to do with certificate. It is in them naturally. You can look at the Wright brothers who invented an aircraft. They didn’t go to any school of aero dynamics to study aerospace engineering but they were able to come up with something that worked. So, my educational qualification is immaterial. In fact, it doesn’t bother me because if I have people who understand what it entails, and are able to come down and evaluate what I have.”
Friday, September 10, 2010
7 New Skills Every Worker Needs
You're an expert at something? Hey, congratulations. Now, go become an expert at something else.
Most Americans striving to find or keep a job know the sensation: It's getting harder to get ahead, and the demands keep intensifying. Everybody knows how the recession destroyed wealth and derailed careers, leaving millions in a hole they're trying to dig out of. Now we're beginning to see some of the longer-term changes in the way Americans live and work. Some are distressing, but there's also plenty of hope for people who are industrious and willing to do what's necessary to succeed.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Unemployment is obviously far too high these days, and likely to stay that way for a couple of years at least. A prolonged "jobless recovery" is likely to depress incomes, spending, and living standards. But it's a mistake to assume that there are no good jobs or that Americans must consign themselves to inevitable decline. Despite a damaged economy, good jobs are emerging for people with the right qualifications. And it's an ineluctable fact of capitalism that wealth can be created by those who are shrewd, determined, or just plain lucky. Even now.
The catch is that success these days requires new skills and a degree of toughness that a lot of Americans lack. A recent survey of big companies by consulting firm Accenture, for example, found that the majority plan to hire over the next two years. But not like before. Like many individuals, firms fear that they're failing to keep up with technology and falling behind in a ruthlessly competitive marketplace. Only 15 percent of firms in the survey, for instance, felt that their workers have cutting-edge skills. That means they're interested in hiring talented workers who are able to give them an edge. But few companies plan across-the-board hiring to reverse the mass layoffs of the last three years. Instead, most firms plan targeted hiring to fill their most vital needs--while maintaining a lean payroll in case the economy turns south again.
Specific needs vary by company and industry, of course, but some key commonalities apply to many firms. Here are some of the attributes that workers will need to thrive in an austere economy:
Agility
When the recession hit, a lot of companies discovered that their workforce was poorly configured for a sharp downturn. Many big firms didn't know enough about their workers' skills to move people where they were needed, for example, so they ended up cutting staff by arbitrary percentages or axing whole departments. Then they realized that they had fired people they needed, along with others they could do without. Now, as companies rebuild, they intend to fix that problem. That means there will be fewer full-time hires and more temporary workers, even among managers and professionals. Companies will hire people for particular projects, for example, and maybe even offer some of the same benefits that full-time staffers get. But they'll also retain the ability to quickly downsize without the trauma and expense of a mass layoff. And they'll move people around more frequently, to best match workers' abilities with the company's needs.
Workers will have to get used to less predictable work, more turnover, and careers that could entail several different jobs and even different disciplines. Those who adjust to project-related work without a single, long-term employer could turn out to be appealing hires--and they might learn to enjoy the breaks between jobs. But those who complain about turbulence and insist on a stable, predictable career path could find that nobody's listening--or offering them a job.
Skill Combos
If you're good at one thing--but only one thing--companies might pass you by. In the Accenture survey, for example, companies said that sales, customer service, and finance were their most important functional areas. But lots of people have that kind of experience, and many of them are unemployed. The way to differentiate yourself--and land that job that 150 people applied for--is to develop and highlight two or three different skill sets, such as IT and strategic planning, or sales and logistics. That will make you more valuable to an employer, especially if they need to shuffle workers around. A 2009 study by consulting firm McKinsey found that the highest earners with the best overall prospects have a combination of valuable skills. That's especially true in global companies that need technical experts who are also good at managing the complexities of international supply chains or a dispersed staff. The more things you're good at, the more reasons you give a company to hire you.
Tacit Skills
Companies increasingly value intangible qualities that are hard to put on a resume, like informed intuition, judgment under pressure, ease with clients, and problem-solving abilities. These "tacit" or "cognitive" skills tend to come with experience, but they also accrue to people who seek additional responsibility, volunteer for tough assignments, and are willing to take risks. The McKinsey study, for instance, found "an increasing demand for tasks that require human skills complemented by technology." To build these kinds of skills, work with colleagues who seem to have them and volunteer for projects that will force you to learn new things. To highlight these intangibles for a potential employer, line up references from people who can attest to your tacit abilities and find concrete ways to emphasize how you've solved problems or achieved unconventional results.
A Broad Vision
You might be missing out on a good job simply because you're looking in the wrong field. Most people tend to look for work in the industry they're most familiar with, but with sharp downsizing in industries like construction, real estate, retail, and manufacturing, that can be self-defeating. Cathy Farley of Accenture recommends focusing on your skills--not your job or title--and exploring whether you can apply them in a different field. "If you did supply chain management in manufacturing, maybe look in healthcare," she says. "If you did project management in construction, that could apply in a corporate environment." Companies might even value the perspective of somebody who comes from a different discipline, but it's up to you to suggest the fit and explain why it might work.
Analytics
Whatever your field, chances are there are new data-gathering tools to help assess performance and identify opportunities. The explosion of computer programs and other tools for measuring sales, Web traffic, return on investment, and consumer behavior leaves little in business unexamined--including your own performance. In the past, analytics was often the job of data geeks poring over spreadsheets. But it's becoming everybody's job, and the more you know about your own performance or that of your division, the more likely you'll be able to improve it. Training involves the use of spreadsheets and various computer applications, offered through many companies, community colleges, and training centers. Or teach yourself.
Curiosity
It's not something you'd put on a resume, but an inquisitive mind can help inoculate you against the vicissitudes of a chronically tough job market. "Your greatest defense against what's happening is to be interested in a wide variety of things and be intrigued by things," says business guru Tom Peters, author of The Little Big Things and 14 other books. Curiosity, he says, "will lead you instinctively to talk to people you wouldn't ordinarily talk to, to go farther afield than you might think you should." That's the way to find opportunity, especially when many conventional paths to advancement have narrowed or closed.
Self-Reliance
It's becoming apparent that the big institutions that many Americans have relied on for the last 50 years--corporate America, banks, the government--won't be as supportive in the future. Those who adjust and become more entrepreneurial will be the winners. That means developing more technical skills instead of relying on others, making lots of backup plans, and building a big cushion in case something goes wrong. "Don't get too dependent on having total continuous employment," advises Peters. That way, if you end up out of work for a while, it might seem like more of a blessing than a curse. And you'll know what to do next.
Most Americans striving to find or keep a job know the sensation: It's getting harder to get ahead, and the demands keep intensifying. Everybody knows how the recession destroyed wealth and derailed careers, leaving millions in a hole they're trying to dig out of. Now we're beginning to see some of the longer-term changes in the way Americans live and work. Some are distressing, but there's also plenty of hope for people who are industrious and willing to do what's necessary to succeed.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
Unemployment is obviously far too high these days, and likely to stay that way for a couple of years at least. A prolonged "jobless recovery" is likely to depress incomes, spending, and living standards. But it's a mistake to assume that there are no good jobs or that Americans must consign themselves to inevitable decline. Despite a damaged economy, good jobs are emerging for people with the right qualifications. And it's an ineluctable fact of capitalism that wealth can be created by those who are shrewd, determined, or just plain lucky. Even now.
The catch is that success these days requires new skills and a degree of toughness that a lot of Americans lack. A recent survey of big companies by consulting firm Accenture, for example, found that the majority plan to hire over the next two years. But not like before. Like many individuals, firms fear that they're failing to keep up with technology and falling behind in a ruthlessly competitive marketplace. Only 15 percent of firms in the survey, for instance, felt that their workers have cutting-edge skills. That means they're interested in hiring talented workers who are able to give them an edge. But few companies plan across-the-board hiring to reverse the mass layoffs of the last three years. Instead, most firms plan targeted hiring to fill their most vital needs--while maintaining a lean payroll in case the economy turns south again.
Specific needs vary by company and industry, of course, but some key commonalities apply to many firms. Here are some of the attributes that workers will need to thrive in an austere economy:
Agility
When the recession hit, a lot of companies discovered that their workforce was poorly configured for a sharp downturn. Many big firms didn't know enough about their workers' skills to move people where they were needed, for example, so they ended up cutting staff by arbitrary percentages or axing whole departments. Then they realized that they had fired people they needed, along with others they could do without. Now, as companies rebuild, they intend to fix that problem. That means there will be fewer full-time hires and more temporary workers, even among managers and professionals. Companies will hire people for particular projects, for example, and maybe even offer some of the same benefits that full-time staffers get. But they'll also retain the ability to quickly downsize without the trauma and expense of a mass layoff. And they'll move people around more frequently, to best match workers' abilities with the company's needs.
Workers will have to get used to less predictable work, more turnover, and careers that could entail several different jobs and even different disciplines. Those who adjust to project-related work without a single, long-term employer could turn out to be appealing hires--and they might learn to enjoy the breaks between jobs. But those who complain about turbulence and insist on a stable, predictable career path could find that nobody's listening--or offering them a job.
Skill Combos
If you're good at one thing--but only one thing--companies might pass you by. In the Accenture survey, for example, companies said that sales, customer service, and finance were their most important functional areas. But lots of people have that kind of experience, and many of them are unemployed. The way to differentiate yourself--and land that job that 150 people applied for--is to develop and highlight two or three different skill sets, such as IT and strategic planning, or sales and logistics. That will make you more valuable to an employer, especially if they need to shuffle workers around. A 2009 study by consulting firm McKinsey found that the highest earners with the best overall prospects have a combination of valuable skills. That's especially true in global companies that need technical experts who are also good at managing the complexities of international supply chains or a dispersed staff. The more things you're good at, the more reasons you give a company to hire you.
Tacit Skills
Companies increasingly value intangible qualities that are hard to put on a resume, like informed intuition, judgment under pressure, ease with clients, and problem-solving abilities. These "tacit" or "cognitive" skills tend to come with experience, but they also accrue to people who seek additional responsibility, volunteer for tough assignments, and are willing to take risks. The McKinsey study, for instance, found "an increasing demand for tasks that require human skills complemented by technology." To build these kinds of skills, work with colleagues who seem to have them and volunteer for projects that will force you to learn new things. To highlight these intangibles for a potential employer, line up references from people who can attest to your tacit abilities and find concrete ways to emphasize how you've solved problems or achieved unconventional results.
A Broad Vision
You might be missing out on a good job simply because you're looking in the wrong field. Most people tend to look for work in the industry they're most familiar with, but with sharp downsizing in industries like construction, real estate, retail, and manufacturing, that can be self-defeating. Cathy Farley of Accenture recommends focusing on your skills--not your job or title--and exploring whether you can apply them in a different field. "If you did supply chain management in manufacturing, maybe look in healthcare," she says. "If you did project management in construction, that could apply in a corporate environment." Companies might even value the perspective of somebody who comes from a different discipline, but it's up to you to suggest the fit and explain why it might work.
Analytics
Whatever your field, chances are there are new data-gathering tools to help assess performance and identify opportunities. The explosion of computer programs and other tools for measuring sales, Web traffic, return on investment, and consumer behavior leaves little in business unexamined--including your own performance. In the past, analytics was often the job of data geeks poring over spreadsheets. But it's becoming everybody's job, and the more you know about your own performance or that of your division, the more likely you'll be able to improve it. Training involves the use of spreadsheets and various computer applications, offered through many companies, community colleges, and training centers. Or teach yourself.
Curiosity
It's not something you'd put on a resume, but an inquisitive mind can help inoculate you against the vicissitudes of a chronically tough job market. "Your greatest defense against what's happening is to be interested in a wide variety of things and be intrigued by things," says business guru Tom Peters, author of The Little Big Things and 14 other books. Curiosity, he says, "will lead you instinctively to talk to people you wouldn't ordinarily talk to, to go farther afield than you might think you should." That's the way to find opportunity, especially when many conventional paths to advancement have narrowed or closed.
Self-Reliance
It's becoming apparent that the big institutions that many Americans have relied on for the last 50 years--corporate America, banks, the government--won't be as supportive in the future. Those who adjust and become more entrepreneurial will be the winners. That means developing more technical skills instead of relying on others, making lots of backup plans, and building a big cushion in case something goes wrong. "Don't get too dependent on having total continuous employment," advises Peters. That way, if you end up out of work for a while, it might seem like more of a blessing than a curse. And you'll know what to do next.
8 Things Employers Aren't Allowed to Ask You
The rough economy has made many people desperate for a job. In their eagerness for gainful employment, many people may overlook improper interview questions. Depending on how they are asked, questions about personal topics such as marital status, race and health are more than just poor manners - they are illegal under federal and some state and local laws. These types of questions can be used to discriminate against applicants, and it is your right not to answer them. Here are eight questions your employer cannot ask you.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
1. How old are you?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects individuals who are 40 or older from being discriminated against in the workplace in favor of younger employees. There is no federal protection in place to protect workers younger than 40 from age discrimination. To determine if you are legally eligible to perform a job, employers are allowed to ask if you are over the age of 18.
2. Are you married?
Questions about marital status are prohibited. Employers might be tempted to ask this question to find out if your relationship could have a negative impact on your work. For example, if you are married you might be more likely to leave the company if your spouse gets a job transferred to a different city. Even a question as seemingly innocent as "Do you wish to be addressed as Mrs., Miss, or Ms.?" is not allowed.
3. Are you a U.S. citizen?
Citizenship and immigration status cannot be used against a potential employee during the hiring process according to The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Employers must wait until after a job offer had been extended to require a worker to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and submit documentation that proves identity and employment authorization. It is lawful for an employer to ask an interviewee if they are authorized to work in the US.
4. Do you have any disabilities?
This question might seem necessary to determine if a job applicant can perform the required duties, but it is illegal to ask under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Employers cannot discount anyone from a job because of a physical or mental disability. In fact, the law requires that they accommodate disabilities unless they can prove it would cause significant difficulty or expense to do so. Employers also cannot ask you if you have had any past illnesses or operations.
5. Do you take drugs, smoke or drink?
Concerns about drug, alcohol or nicotine addictions are valid as they can impact an employee's quality of work and the rates of a company's health insurance coverage. However, an employer might find themselves in legal trouble if they don't frame questions about these potential problems in a careful manner. They are allowed to ask if you have ever been disciplined for violating company policies about the use of alcohol and tobacco products. They can also ask directly if you use illegal drugs, but an employer can't inquire about your use of prescription medications.
6. What religion do you practice?
Inquires about religious beliefs are a sensitive issue. An interviewer might be curious for scheduling reasons such as holidays that an employee might need off, or if the candidate will be unavailable to work on weekends because of religious obligations. It is illegal to intentionally discriminate against an employee or harass them based on their religious beliefs. Employers are required to accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices in regards to things such as dress and grooming policy and flexible scheduling.
7. What is your race?
There is no situation in which questions about an employee's race or skin color should be use to determine their eligibility for a job. This protection is granted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Employers are permitted to ask an employee to reveal their race on a voluntary basis for affirmative action purposes.
8. Are you pregnant?
Questions about family status tend to affect women the most, but they can also pertain to men in certain situations. Employers might have concerns about an employee taking time off work for pregnancy leave or not having child care arrangements during work hours. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that an employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition, or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers.
It is, however, lawful for employers to ease their nerves about an employee's availability or commitment to a position by asking about long-term career goals or the ability for an employee to work overtime and travel.
The Bottom Line
It is important to know your rights as an employee. Unlawful questions are not acceptable on applications, during the interview process or in the workplace. Although improper questions by employers might be simple mistakes, they could also be intentional cases of discrimination that should be reported.
CULLED FROM YAHOO NEWS
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
1. How old are you?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects individuals who are 40 or older from being discriminated against in the workplace in favor of younger employees. There is no federal protection in place to protect workers younger than 40 from age discrimination. To determine if you are legally eligible to perform a job, employers are allowed to ask if you are over the age of 18.
2. Are you married?
Questions about marital status are prohibited. Employers might be tempted to ask this question to find out if your relationship could have a negative impact on your work. For example, if you are married you might be more likely to leave the company if your spouse gets a job transferred to a different city. Even a question as seemingly innocent as "Do you wish to be addressed as Mrs., Miss, or Ms.?" is not allowed.
3. Are you a U.S. citizen?
Citizenship and immigration status cannot be used against a potential employee during the hiring process according to The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Employers must wait until after a job offer had been extended to require a worker to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and submit documentation that proves identity and employment authorization. It is lawful for an employer to ask an interviewee if they are authorized to work in the US.
4. Do you have any disabilities?
This question might seem necessary to determine if a job applicant can perform the required duties, but it is illegal to ask under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Employers cannot discount anyone from a job because of a physical or mental disability. In fact, the law requires that they accommodate disabilities unless they can prove it would cause significant difficulty or expense to do so. Employers also cannot ask you if you have had any past illnesses or operations.
5. Do you take drugs, smoke or drink?
Concerns about drug, alcohol or nicotine addictions are valid as they can impact an employee's quality of work and the rates of a company's health insurance coverage. However, an employer might find themselves in legal trouble if they don't frame questions about these potential problems in a careful manner. They are allowed to ask if you have ever been disciplined for violating company policies about the use of alcohol and tobacco products. They can also ask directly if you use illegal drugs, but an employer can't inquire about your use of prescription medications.
6. What religion do you practice?
Inquires about religious beliefs are a sensitive issue. An interviewer might be curious for scheduling reasons such as holidays that an employee might need off, or if the candidate will be unavailable to work on weekends because of religious obligations. It is illegal to intentionally discriminate against an employee or harass them based on their religious beliefs. Employers are required to accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices in regards to things such as dress and grooming policy and flexible scheduling.
7. What is your race?
There is no situation in which questions about an employee's race or skin color should be use to determine their eligibility for a job. This protection is granted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Employers are permitted to ask an employee to reveal their race on a voluntary basis for affirmative action purposes.
8. Are you pregnant?
Questions about family status tend to affect women the most, but they can also pertain to men in certain situations. Employers might have concerns about an employee taking time off work for pregnancy leave or not having child care arrangements during work hours. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that an employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition, or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers.
It is, however, lawful for employers to ease their nerves about an employee's availability or commitment to a position by asking about long-term career goals or the ability for an employee to work overtime and travel.
The Bottom Line
It is important to know your rights as an employee. Unlawful questions are not acceptable on applications, during the interview process or in the workplace. Although improper questions by employers might be simple mistakes, they could also be intentional cases of discrimination that should be reported.
CULLED FROM YAHOO NEWS
BNC raises alarm over plot to cause fresh crisis at UNIBEN
BENIN CITY — THE Benin National Congress, BNC, a Bini socio-cultural organisation, has raised alarm over alleged plot by some persons to cause fresh crisis at the University of Benin, UNIBEN, through what it described as frivolous petitions against the management of the university.
While vowing to resist such attempt, the Congress pointed accusing fingers at some persons it described as failed contractors, who had perfected plans to embark on a campaign of calumny against the management of the university led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, to cause unrest in the university.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
BNC in a statement by its Vice-President, Mr. Isibor Iziengbuna, said, “we appreciate sincere efforts for social justice, in the case of abuse of due process, however, we will not tolerate calculated attempts or acts that could smear the characters of our reputable sons and daughters by surrogates of a ‘failed opportunist’, as it is the case in this matter, even if it demands sacrificing the last drop of our blood.
“It is in a bid to dislodge these acts of opportunism and violation of due process, that the Congress staged a 2,500-man procession in University of Benin, on September 7, 2009. We are equally prepared to do same if these hired-pen-practitioners do not desist from distracting purposeful leadership that is currently in place in UNIBEN.
“As a prominent member of the host community of the University, we can attest to the credibility, transparency and a proactive sense of purpose with which the current management of the institution, led by Prof. Oshodin has been handling issues of admission, staff welfare, contracts awards as well as corporate social responsibility in the last nine months of assumption of office,” he said.
While vowing to resist such attempt, the Congress pointed accusing fingers at some persons it described as failed contractors, who had perfected plans to embark on a campaign of calumny against the management of the university led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, to cause unrest in the university.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
BNC in a statement by its Vice-President, Mr. Isibor Iziengbuna, said, “we appreciate sincere efforts for social justice, in the case of abuse of due process, however, we will not tolerate calculated attempts or acts that could smear the characters of our reputable sons and daughters by surrogates of a ‘failed opportunist’, as it is the case in this matter, even if it demands sacrificing the last drop of our blood.
“It is in a bid to dislodge these acts of opportunism and violation of due process, that the Congress staged a 2,500-man procession in University of Benin, on September 7, 2009. We are equally prepared to do same if these hired-pen-practitioners do not desist from distracting purposeful leadership that is currently in place in UNIBEN.
“As a prominent member of the host community of the University, we can attest to the credibility, transparency and a proactive sense of purpose with which the current management of the institution, led by Prof. Oshodin has been handling issues of admission, staff welfare, contracts awards as well as corporate social responsibility in the last nine months of assumption of office,” he said.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
FG Takes Over LAUTECH
FOLLOWING the management crisis that had rocked the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, for about four months, the proprietors, Oyo and Osun State governments, have said they can no longer continue to own the university as a joint venture.
Accordingly, the Federal Government is to take over the management of the university. Already, a transition committee to oversee the affairs of the university is to be set up by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the next three months.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
These resolutions were the outcome of the truce brokered by the NUC management on the expiration on Thursday of the ultimatum given by the commission for the two state governments to resolve the issues involved amicably or lose the licence of the university.
Director, Executive Secretary Office, NUC, Professor Chiedu Mafiana, who briefed newsmen in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Julius Okojie, said the two state governors, Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo and Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, who have been locked in the ownership crisis, have agreed to the recommendations of the commission.
Both states were represented by the secretaries to their governments and commissioners for education: Chief L. A. Olakojo and Prof. Taoheed Adedoja for Oyo State; as well as Alhaji Kazeem Adio and Mr. Kolawole Hassan for Osun State.
The two parties were given 24 hours within which to respond to the proposal presented to them by the NUC management after extensive dialogue on the issues in contention.
Mafiana disclosed to journalists that the two state governments agreed to the NUC proposals, and by implication, the governing council of university stands dissolved as the transition committee will be soon inaugurated by the NUC and will run the university until final arrangements on assets sharing are completed.
The proposal on the outcome of the meeting held on Thursday with the representatives of the two state governments addressed to the two governors, entitled, “Re: Proposal of National Universities Commission on Governance/Management Issues at LAUTECH” reads:
“The executive governors will please refer to the National Universities Commission (NUC) letter Ref. NUC/ES/244Nol. 32/37 of27 August 2010. The commission appreciates your acceptance of its consideration to arbitrate on the matter vide your letters Ref. EG/OSGH/114 of 1 September, 2010 and GOV.25Nol. II/445 of 1st September, 2010 from the governors of Osun and Oyo States respectively.
“As a mark of its commitment to amicable resolution of the issues, the commission, conscious of its responsibility and the need to safeguard the interests of staff, students, parents and guardians, considered the issues in contention at a meeting with officials of the two states on Thursday, 2 September 2010 at the NUC Secretariat, Abuja.
“Following extensive discussions, the meeting proposed the following actions towards full and amicable resolution of the governance/management issues at LAUTECH:
“A Transition Committee, to be headed by a reputable academic, shall be appointed to run the affairs of the university for a period of three (3) months; the Governing Council of the university shall stand dissolved immediately on appointment of the Transition Committee.
“The head of the Transition Committee shall not be an indigene of any of the states in the South West geopolitical zone: During the transition period, the roles of the Visitor to the university and the Vice-Chancellor shall be suspended.
“The university shall retain its present admission quota for both Osun and Oyo states in the 2010/2011 admission session; the interest of staff and students shall be fully protected irrespective of their state of origin.
The governors of Osun and Oyo states were required to accept or reject the above proposals not later than 3rd September, 2010.”
Mafiana, addressing newsmen, said the two states have accepted the proposal, bringing to an end the months-long crisis rocking the institution.
Accordingly, the Federal Government is to take over the management of the university. Already, a transition committee to oversee the affairs of the university is to be set up by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the next three months.
N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for updates and information related to other schools.
These resolutions were the outcome of the truce brokered by the NUC management on the expiration on Thursday of the ultimatum given by the commission for the two state governments to resolve the issues involved amicably or lose the licence of the university.
Director, Executive Secretary Office, NUC, Professor Chiedu Mafiana, who briefed newsmen in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Julius Okojie, said the two state governors, Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo and Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, who have been locked in the ownership crisis, have agreed to the recommendations of the commission.
Both states were represented by the secretaries to their governments and commissioners for education: Chief L. A. Olakojo and Prof. Taoheed Adedoja for Oyo State; as well as Alhaji Kazeem Adio and Mr. Kolawole Hassan for Osun State.
The two parties were given 24 hours within which to respond to the proposal presented to them by the NUC management after extensive dialogue on the issues in contention.
Mafiana disclosed to journalists that the two state governments agreed to the NUC proposals, and by implication, the governing council of university stands dissolved as the transition committee will be soon inaugurated by the NUC and will run the university until final arrangements on assets sharing are completed.
The proposal on the outcome of the meeting held on Thursday with the representatives of the two state governments addressed to the two governors, entitled, “Re: Proposal of National Universities Commission on Governance/Management Issues at LAUTECH” reads:
“The executive governors will please refer to the National Universities Commission (NUC) letter Ref. NUC/ES/244Nol. 32/37 of27 August 2010. The commission appreciates your acceptance of its consideration to arbitrate on the matter vide your letters Ref. EG/OSGH/114 of 1 September, 2010 and GOV.25Nol. II/445 of 1st September, 2010 from the governors of Osun and Oyo States respectively.
“As a mark of its commitment to amicable resolution of the issues, the commission, conscious of its responsibility and the need to safeguard the interests of staff, students, parents and guardians, considered the issues in contention at a meeting with officials of the two states on Thursday, 2 September 2010 at the NUC Secretariat, Abuja.
“Following extensive discussions, the meeting proposed the following actions towards full and amicable resolution of the governance/management issues at LAUTECH:
“A Transition Committee, to be headed by a reputable academic, shall be appointed to run the affairs of the university for a period of three (3) months; the Governing Council of the university shall stand dissolved immediately on appointment of the Transition Committee.
“The head of the Transition Committee shall not be an indigene of any of the states in the South West geopolitical zone: During the transition period, the roles of the Visitor to the university and the Vice-Chancellor shall be suspended.
“The university shall retain its present admission quota for both Osun and Oyo states in the 2010/2011 admission session; the interest of staff and students shall be fully protected irrespective of their state of origin.
The governors of Osun and Oyo states were required to accept or reject the above proposals not later than 3rd September, 2010.”
Mafiana, addressing newsmen, said the two states have accepted the proposal, bringing to an end the months-long crisis rocking the institution.
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