2025 - Page 130 of 260 - SocietyGazette.com

Computer-based examinations not solution to malpractices — NUT

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said that a shift to computer-based examinations by West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will not eliminate malpractices.

The NUT National President, Audu Amba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

Amba was reacting to the recent directive by the Federal Government that WAEC and NECO should fully transit to Computer-Based Testing for their examinations by 2026.

NAN reports that by the directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers by the two bodies would be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams via CBT starting in November 2025.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the federal government’s decision, had said that switching to CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.

Amba, however, said that the major challenge with the nation’s education system, which is encouraging malpractices, is the priority placed on paper qualifications.

According to him, because the society only recognises certificates and grades, the students will go the extra miles, some times, with the support of their parents to acquire them, even when they cannot be defended.

“We have placed more emphasis on certificate. What is your grade? What is your scores?

“Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student.

“The students will go out of their ways to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” he said

Amba also underscored the need to address the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such policy, adding that this may require additional training programmes and resources.

“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower and network? You see, we have a long way to go.

“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented.

“In my village, for instance, network ceases. You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages.

‘There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before not to talk of operating it,” he said

The NUT president reiterated that many things needed to be addressed first and and in time, before it could get to a level of CBT introduction.

According to him, there is need for relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the education sector for the betterment of the students and the nation.

Lagos APC members protest imposition in council 8th June 2025

Some members of the All Progressives Congress in Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have kicked against the alleged imposition of a chairmanship candidate for the upcoming July 12 local government elections.

They accused a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Senator Anthony Adefuye, of imposing his son, Bayo Adefuye, on them as the flagbearer of the APC in the LCDA.

In separate petitions addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, the aggrieved members lamented what they called an “undemocratic” and “unacceptable” attempt to sideline grassroots aspirants.

The petitions were signed by Domingo Babajide from Ward A, Kemi Aboyarin (Ward B), Adediran Olorunnimbe (Ward C), Taoreed Abiona (Ward D), and Alani Ifatokun (Ward E).

Others are: Oladunjoye Omoniyi (Ward F), Olaofe Fatai (Ward G), Idayat AbdulRasaq (Ward H), and Shakiru Adebowale (Ward I).

They claimed that Adefuye hailed from Somolu LCDA and had no prior political affiliation with Yaba LCDA until his brief appointment as Sole Administrator, which lasted less than a year.

The aggrieved APC members insisted that there was no primary election in the LCDA, just as no consensus meeting was held among all aspirants.

This, according to them, directly contradicts both the letter and spirit of APC’s internal democratic principles.

“The attitude of Senator Adefuye to impose his son on us in Yaba at all costs is not only worrisome but also amounts to selfishness. While we have more than 12 aspirants jostling for the seat of Yaba LCDA, Senator Adefuye suddenly encouraged his son to come and indicate his interest to contest the seat.

“We embrace APC, we love our President, but we will not accept Adebayo Adefuye in this local government (Yaba LCDA),” the petitioners said.

They appealed to Tinubu and the GAC chairman to intervene in the matter before it degenerates into a crisis that might cost the party victory in the election.

Reacting, Adefuye dismissed the allegations, describing the petitioners as “losers” with no political relevance.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Adefuye insisted that his son hailed from Yaba LCDA and had been politically active in the area, saying, “This is not the first time he (Bayo) will be contesting in that local government area, and the leaders in Yaba are all behind him.

“I don’t want to be involved in the issue. Anybody is free to write a petition; they have written petitions in nearly all the local government areas. Until will go back to doing it the way it should be done, there won’t be petitions again, but as long as we continue to do it this way, there will always be petitions.

“What we did was to try and choose the best candidate by whatever method, without fighting. They said if we conduct a primary election, there will be a fight, but that fight will only last for a day because everybody will know who won.

“All these people writing petitions, can they win in that local government, can they defeat him (Bayo)? He defeated them during the House of Assembly primaries, but it was Asiwaju (Tinubu) who appealed to him to forgo the ticket, and he was compensated with the position he is today.”

Biafra civil war, most difficult period of my life – Gowon 8th J

Former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has said the Biafra civil war was never his choice.

Gowon was presiding over the affairs of Nigeria during the civil war from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.

He described the civil war as the most difficult period of his life.

The former ruler spoke after he was honoured with a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the fifth convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese on Saturday in Abuja.

He also disclosed that his decision to prosecute the Biafra civil war was never born out of hatred.

Gowon explained that he prosecuted the civil war due to the urgency to preserve national unity.

The former Nigerian ruler called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity across faiths and ethnicities.

He said, “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.

“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.

“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”

Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.

“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.

“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.

“That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added

Pray for our leaders, NAHCON chair urges Nigerian pilgrims

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Usman, has urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for the nation and seek divine guidance for leaders to deliver good governance.

Usman gave the advice during his visit to Nigerian pilgrims from North-West states’ tents in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

According to him, Allah’s divine guidance is essential for effective governance and national progress.

The NAHCON chairman urged Nigerians to borrow a leaf from Saudi Arabia, where clerics consistently pray for their leaders.

He said that such spiritual support played a role in the country’s development.

“The success of our leaders is tied to our nation’s success. We must pray for them, and if you wish them good or bad, it befalls the nation,” he said.

Usman said that the visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of pilgrims, gathering firsthand feedback, and making necessary interventions.

He also urged pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by obeying the host country’s laws, adding that they should always be with their identification cards.

He commended the 2025 Hajj operations, attributing the success to collaboration among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Amirul Hajj of Katsina State and Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, praised NAHCON’s efforts.

Lawal, however, called for a unified visa process to reduce the delay and improve efficiency.

The NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, advised pilgrims to avoid excess luggage.

Elegushi said that each pilgrim would receive five litres of Zamzam water, adding that they had no need to carry it with their luggage.

Speaking on the recent fire incident in a pilgrims’ hotel in Makkah, he confirmed that no casualties were recorded and all affected pilgrims had been relocated to new accommodations.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, pledged continued collaboration with NAHCON and encouraged pilgrims to maintain tolerance and unity during and after the pilgrimage.

Kano sympathises with GSM market fire victims, promises support

The Kano State Government has expressed sympathy to traders affected by the fire that gutted parts of the Farm Centre GSM Market on Sallah day, pledging its commitment to support them in recovering their losses.

The state Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, said this in a a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, on Saturday.

He described the incident as devastating, not only to the affected traders but also to the wider economic fabric of the state.

The inferno, which occurred at Dan Sulaika Plaza—one of the busiest sections of the market—destroyed several shops and merchandise worth millions of naira, affecting traders who deal in mobile phones, accessories, and computer gadgets.

“This is a deeply saddening event.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is extremely concerned, and we stand in solidarity with those who have lost their means of livelihood.

“The state government is committed and shall explore ways to support the victims to mitigate their loss,” the deputy governor said.

Gwarzo noted that the incident struck at the heart of Kano’s commercial life, particularly as it happened during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations when business activities typically peak.

He assured the victims that the government would not abandon them in their time of need.

“The government will provide the necessary support to ensure our traders bounce back.

“We share in their pain and understand the critical role this market plays in the economy of Kano State,” he added.

He further disclosed that the Yusuf-led administration is working on sustainable strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future, particularly in markets across the state.

“The government is actively reviewing fire safety measures, building standards, and emergency preparedness protocols to enhance resilience in our commercial centres.

“We will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure a safer trading environment,” Gwarzo said.

He also urged market unions, traders’ associations, and other stakeholders to partner with the government in implementing safety guidelines and enhancing awareness on fire prevention.

The Farm Centre GSM Market, situated in Tarauni Local Government Area, is a major hub for technology and communication gadgets in Kano, serving buyers from within and outside the state.

“It’s over: Trump cuts ties with Musk, threatens ‘serious consequences’

Donald Trump said on Saturday that his relationship with his billionaire donor Elon Musk is over and warned there would be “serious consequences” if Musk funds U.S. Democrats running against Republicans who vote for the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill.

In a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to say what those consequences would be, and went on to add that he had not had discussions about whether to investigate Musk.

Asked if he thought his relationship with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was over, Trump said, “I would assume so, yeah.”

“No,” Trump told NBC when asked if he had any desire to repair his relationship with Musk.

“I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump said.

However, Trump said he had not thought about terminating U.S. government contracts with Musk’s StarLink satellite internet or SpaceX rocket launch companies.

Musk and Trump began exchanging insults this week, as Musk denounced Trump’s bill as a “disgusting abomination”.

Musk’s opposition to the measure complicated efforts to pass the legislation in Congress, where Republicans hold only slim majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.

The bill narrowly passed the House last month and is now before the Senate, where Trump’s fellow Republicans are considering making changes.

Nonpartisan analysts estimate the measure would add $2.4 trillion to the $36.2 trillion U.S. debt over 10 years, which worries many lawmakers, including some Republicans who are fiscal hawks.

Musk also declared it was time for a new political party in the United States “to represent the 80 per cent in the middle!”

Trump said on Saturday he is confident the bill would get passed by the U.S. July 4 Independence Day holiday.

“In fact, yeah, people that were, were going to vote for it are now enthusiastically going to vote for it, and we expect it to pass,” Trump told NBC.

Republicans have strongly backed Trump’s initiatives since he began his second term as president on Jan. 20.

While some Republican lawmakers have made comments to the news media expressing concern about some of Trump’s choices, they have yet to vote down any of his policies or nominations.

Musk has deleted some social media posts critical of Trump, including one that signaled support for impeaching the president, appearing to seek a de-escalation of their public feud which exploded on Thursday.

During his first term as president, the House, then controlled by Democrats, twice voted to impeach Trump but the Senate both times acquitted him.

The White House and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday on the deleted posts.

People who have spoken to Musk said his anger has begun to recede and they thought he would want to repair his relationship with Trump.

One of the X posts that Musk appeared to have deleted was a response to another user posting: “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and (Vice President) JD Vance should replace him.” Musk had written “yes.”

On Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast – recorded on Thursday as the feud between Trump and Musk unfolded and released on Saturday – Vance called Musk’s criticism of Trump a “huge mistake.”

“I’m always going to be loyal to the president, and I hope that eventually Elon kind of comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear.

But I hope it is,” said Vance, describing Musk as an “incredible entrepreneur.”

Trump is due to attend an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight card on Saturday in New Jersey.

Since his second election win, he has attended two previous UFC mixed martial arts fight cards with Musk. Musk is not expected to attend on Saturday.

Musk, the world’s richest man, bankrolled a large part of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, spending nearly 300 million dollars in last year’s U.S. elections and taking credit for Republicans retaining a majority of seats in the House and retaking a majority in the Senate.

Trump named Musk to head an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending, lauding him at the White House only about a week ago for his work as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk cut only about half of one per cent of total spending, far short of his brash plans to axe two trillion dollars from the federal budget.

Group debunks claim Queen Elizabeth slept in Ijebu

The popular Ijebu age grade, Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin Akile Ijebu, on Saturday, lamented the wrong narrative being circulated on social media about the visit of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England to Nigeria, particularly, Ijebu land in 1956.

While addressing journalists at Ijebu Ode on Saturday, Abiodun Onanuga, the Giwa of the age-grade, said that the narrative being pushed around that the late Queen Elizabeth II slept in the house of the late Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land and famous industrialist, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, during her visit was an outright falsehood.

The group stated that the late monarch was received at Itoro by the late Awujale, Oba Daniel Adesanya, then she moved to the GRA residence of the colonial head of the old Ijebu Province, now housing the Egbe Bobakeye.

According to the group, they said she had her lunch there and left for Lagos.

Onanuga said that the foremost age grade decided to take it upon itself to clear the air about this unnecessary distortion of history, and the dissemination of untrue news to preserve the integrity of highly diligent and resourceful people.

He explained that the age group, about a year ago, commissioned two of its members, Kayode Adesanya and Lekan Odufunlade, to approach the British National Archives to research this controversial history and investigate the truth.

He stated that “The duo painstakingly checked through volumes of documents for several months and succeeded in obtaining a well compiled information on Her Majesty’s travel, meticulously detailing every point of her official visit to a few parts of the old Western Region of Nigeria, including where she had lunch.

“They ultimately obtained incontrovertible documentary evidence from the British Government on the itinerary of Her Majesty, Elizabeth II, the late Queen of England’s visit to Ijebu-Ode and our Ule Egbe in 1956.

“On behalf of Egbe Bobakeye, I can now state categorically and indisputably that our own Ule Egbe, which used to be the residence of the British resident in ljebu-Ode, was the venue where the Queen had her lunch.

“This record unequivocally debunks any claim that her Majesty spent the night in Ijebu-Ode because she left for Lagos after visiting the Awujale at Itoro and having lunch at our present Ule Egbe, which at that time was housing the colonials”.

Odunfunlade, one of the researchers commissioned for the research, said that the researcher got the truth from some documents obtained at the British National Archive.

Odunfunlade, however, called on the federal government to intensify efforts at preservation and documentation of the country’s history, such that it will be available for the yet unborn generation.

Railway assets not scraps, NRC MD warns against vandalism

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, has issued a warning against the vandalism of railway infrastructure, asserting that these critical components are not mere scrap materials but invaluable national assets essential for the country’s unity and economic development.

In an interview on Channels Television’s “Hard Copy,” on Saturday, Opeifa emphasised the significance of the railway system beyond its immediate transportation function, highlighting its role in binding the diverse Nigerian populace.

Addressing the persistent challenge of vandalism, particularly the theft of railway materials, the NRC MD stated, “We don’t have scraps in the Nigerian railway; we have national assets.”

He distinguished discarded waste and the functional, integrative infrastructure that forms the backbone of the nation’s connectivity.

Opeifa recounted encountering similar issues internationally but pointed out a unique local problem.

“I was at a conference in South Africa I think in the month of April and I was shocked that people are even stealing electric cables that powers their trade,” he noted, contrasting this with the prevalent issue in Nigeria. “but what do they steal here they steal the steel and they call it scrap.”

He stressed the destructive impact of such acts, explaining that these “scraps” are in fact fundamental elements that facilitate national cohesion.

“Those are the assets that link our people by culture, by religion, by tribe to each other. Through those tracks, you can transit from Lagos to Osogbo speaking Yoruba. You’ve got to learn speaking further when you get to Ilorin to Mokua and Niger, you change to Nupe from Nupe you start speaking Hausa and go further to speak Igbo. You speak fufide in Kaura Namoda or some other language when you go to the other side you are speaking calabari, you speak Edo then if you want to go further, you speak Hebrew and you move further you start speaking Tiv and when you get to Maiduguri, you are speaking Kanuri”, Opeifa said.

The NRC MD underscored that any act of vandalism is akin to striking at the very core of Nigeria’s national identity. “Anybody vandalising them is like going to the heart of our people, the integration that binds us together,” he lamented.

Opeifa appealed directly to local communities situated along the railway corridors, urging them to take ownership and ensure the survival of these vital assets.

He pointed out that rail lines often transform surrounding areas into major cities, thereby serving the direct interests of the local populace.

“Every part the railway passes through becomes a major city so it is in the interest of the locals too to make sure the railway survives,” he added.

While not detailing specific security measures taken, Opeifa implied ongoing efforts, stating, “I wouldn’t want to talk about what we have been doing so far but we just pray that we continue to do them and want to appeal to the communities who are supporting us to continue to support us the area we need them more is in the area of vandalism.”

Zambia declares seven days of mourning for ex-president Lungu

Zambia on Saturday declared seven days of national mourning in honour of the country’s former president Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa on Thursday, the government said.

Lungu, who died at the age of 68, ruled the large but sparsely populated southern African nation from January 2015 until August 2021, when he lost to current President Hakainde Hichilema.

“The government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform the nation that President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded a state funeral to the sixth president, Edgar Lungu, who died on 5 June,” said the secretary to the cabinet, Patrick Kangwa.

The government announced that all flags would fly at half-mast from June 8 to 14 and that entertainment events would be suspended during that time.

Kangwa said that the body of Lungu would arrive in Zambia next Wednesday and that Belvedere Lodge in the capital, Lusaka, had been designated as the official place of mourning.

Lungu was receiving specialised medical treatment in a clinic in Pretoria, South Africa, his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), said.

He was suffering from recurring achalasia, a condition caused by narrowing of the oesophagus.

AFP

Nine die in Jigawa auto accident

An accident claimed the lives of nine people in Kyaramma village, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The accident, which occurred on Saturday around 20:00, involved two Golf 3 saloon vehicles and also left several others injured.

According to the Jigawa State Police Command, the vehicles collided head-on, resulting in the fatal crash.

In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Police Command, Dutse, Shiisu Adam, revealed that one of the vehicles, with registration number Kaduna MKA 687 AY, was driven by Adamu Sunusi, a 35-year-old man from Hadejia LGA, heading to Gujungu town from Abuja.

The other vehicle, with registration number KWL 606 KA, was driven by Bashari Danjummai, a 30-year-old man from Sauna Area, Nassarawa LGA, Kano State, heading to Kano from Hadejia.

Adam said that the Police “upon receiving the report, Motor Traffic Department personnel rushed to the scene and provided assistance. The injured victims were rushed to Ringim General Hospital for treatment.’He further clarified that nine passengers, including the two drivers, were pronounced dead by the doctor after a post-mortem examination.

“Eleven passengers are currently receiving treatment at the hospital and are responding well. Efforts are underway to identify all victims and notify their families,” said the statement.

The Jigawa police, therefore, assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

However, the State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdullahi, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Abdullah urged drivers to adhere to traffic rules and regulations, avoid speeding, and ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles to prevent such tragic incidents.