FIRSTBANK REWARDS CUSTOMERS WITH 50 MILLION NAIRA WORTH OF PRIZES IN VERVE CARD CAMPAIGN
FirstBank, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider has urged its customers to take advantage of the Bank’s ongoing Verve Card campaign designed to reward customers for their continued usage of the Verve debit Card.
The Eight-week promo will end on Wednesday, 30 March 2022 as 2,601 customers will win various prizes. These prizes include: N20,000 Cash Prize, N10,000 Cash Prize, N10,000 worth of airtime; power generating sets, refrigerator, cooking gas and the grand prize of a brand-new car.
The promo will reward customers on a weekly and monthly basis. In every week of the promo, 200 customers who carry out a minimum of 2 transactions with their Verve debit card stand a chance to win N10,000.00 worth of airtime, cash prizes of N10,000 and N20,000.
Furthermore, 100 customers who perform a minimum of 8 transactions within 4 weeks with their Verve debit card will be rewarded with either a Generator set, Refrigerator, Gas Cooker or N50,000 cash prize every four weeks.
A Grand prize of a brand-new car will also be won by a lucky customer who performs a minimum of 16 transactions during the campaign period.
Chuma Ezirim, FirstBank’s Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products said “we are happy with the ongoing verve debit card promo designed to appreciate customers for their continued usage and adoption of the card for various digitally-driven transactions.
With the promo being instrumental to reinforcing the value placed by customers on its versatile capabilities, we encourage the continued usage of the verve card as it is a card offering that promotes safe, convenient and rewarding digital banking service to customers,” he concluded.
The Verve debit card is a Naira-denominated debit card that offers a convenient, fast, and secured payment for goods and services. It is accepted on all channels connected to the Verve International network where the Interswitch/ Verve logo is displayed; ATMs, POS and Web in Nigeria. The Bank’s Verve debit Cards make up a notable percentage of the industry’s base. Hence, this Promo is aimed at appreciating our cardholders while growing the bank’s card adoption and usage.
Visit the nearest FirstBank branch today to pick up your Verve card and start getting rewarded
The gospel music band called Gigo Global Dynamite presents a three-in-one event, marking the release of their second musical album; titled Ade-Ogo (crown of glory); alongside the unveiling of an all-new reinvigorated Gigo Band; and Praise His Majesty Concert as the highlight.
The special event which will hold at Radio Lagos-Eko FM Multipurpose Hall on Thursday, the 17th of March, 2022 starts from 12 noon.
The multilingual band led by Evangelist Deborah Semande Ochaba, sings in English and Nigerian languages, particularly Yoruba and Ogu.
The band leader, Mrs. Ochaba nee Gandonu is an ordained pastor and tele-evangelist.
Also a song writer and inspirational music minister of the gospel, Evangelist Ochaba is a passionate promoter of her cultural heritage, hence the name of her band – Gigo; which means glory in Ogu language of Badagry descent.
Notable music ministers of the gospel expected to grace the occasion are Evangelists Timi Orokoya, Tope Alabi, Adegbodu Twins, Oluwatoyin Smith and Sesi Ijitimehin. Other music artistes expected to add flavour to the event are Mega ’99 and Dare Melody.
The dignitaries expected are Mr. Samson Segun Ajibade as chairman of occasion, His Royal Majesty Oba Nelson Obayomi Ogunlari, Ogundalu I; the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, also His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Sejiro Olalekan Ogungbe James (JP), Okiki Arolagbade III; Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty the Agano Toniyon I of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom; as royal fathers of the day.
Ecobank To Pay $40 Million Dividends To Shareholders
The Pan-African banking group, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) is set to pay its shareholders dividends of $0.16 per share totaling $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. This implies approximately CFA90, N66.6, or 1.08 Ghana Cedi per share. For Nigerian and Ghanaian investors, this represents 5.5 times and 8.3 times, respectively, the most recent value of the Ecobank shares they hold.
According to the Company Secretary, Madibinet Cisse, “We are pleased to inform our shareholders and the public that the Board of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (“ETI”), at its meeting of February 25, 2022, approved the Ecobank consolidated audited accounts for the year ended December 31, 2021 (“Audited Accounts”) subject to relevant regulatory approvals. The Board also recommended the payment of a dividend of USD0.16 cents per share being a total amount of circa USD40 million. The relevant resolutions will be presented for shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of ETI.”
He further stated that “The details of the audited accounts will be published upon approval of relevant regulators. Consequently, the closed period which commenced from January 1, 2022, will continue until 24 hours after the Audited Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2021, are released to the Stock Exchanges on which Ecobank Transnational Incorporated is listed.”
The dividend payout has triggered the share price in the various stock exchanges where ETI is listed. In Nigeria, ETI featured in this week’s selection for trading well below its real value, meaning it stands a good chance of considerable price appreciation in the future. The lender’s price-to-earnings (PE) ratio as of Friday was 2.54x, with earnings per share (EPS) of N4.32.
Africa’s Biggest Food And Drink Festival Is Back!… 2022 GTCo Food And Drink Festival
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), is set to continue its long-running showpiece event– The Food and Drink Festival. For the 5th Edition, this headlining event will hold from Saturday, April 30 to Monday, May 02, 2022, at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos.
The GTCO Food and drink festival brings together the biggest chefs and food lovers from ALL OVER the world in a celebration of all things delicious with family and friends. Over the years, the Food and Drink festival has hosted millions of people and featured enlightening and engaging masterclasses by world-renowned chefs and food business experts. This year, the free to attend three-day festival will feature cooking masterclasses of cuisines chosen from all around the world and over 140 free retail stalls showcasing everything from the best of Nigeria’s street food to bite-sized gourmet treats and fresh farm produce from the farmers’ market. The well-fitted play area is designed to add another layer of excitement for children and keep them meaningfully engaged.
Commenting on the 2022 GTCO Food and Drink Festival, the Group Chief Executive Office of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said; “Africa’s history and rich cultural heritage is beautifully reflected in its cuisines. The primary objective of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is to showcase our diversity and industry as a people whilst delivering a sumptuous culinary experience to food enthusiasts across the continent. As our contribution to the development of local SMEs, we want to see our retail customers who also own small businesses thrive by giving them more opportunities to connect with consumers from around the world.”
He further added: “At GTCO Plc, we are committed to offering our customers and communities great experiences with every nteraction and will continue to promote viable enterprises particularly in the food and fashion industries, given the massive capabilities and countless multiplier effects inherent in these critical industry segments.”
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is a leading financial services company providing banking and non-banking services including Payments, Wealth Management, and Pension Fund Management, with a presence across eleven countries spanning West and East Africa as well as the United Kingdom. The Group operates a diversified, Proudly African franchise and is renowned for its innovative approach to customer service and stakeholder engagement which has endeared the brand to millions of people across Africa and beyond. Over the years, many customers have benefited from its unique loan products including the Food Industry Credit and Fashion Industry Credit designed specifically for businesses in the food and fashion industry.
The 2022 GTCO Food and Drink Festival promises to be an experience of a lifetime. If you have been keen to try all the local street food and would like to go on exhilarating culture-filled culinary adventures, this is your chance!
Hon. Temitope Adewale, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, who made the position of the Assembly known, said the legislative arm had been very proactive as it already has a law creating the Lagos State Parking Authority, which should now oversee activities at all the parks in the State.
According to Hon. Adewale, the House is fully aware of developments in the transportation union and now that the crisis has resulted in the banning of NURTW activities in Lagos, “it is clear to state that all parks, garrages and parking activities would be under the Lagos State Parking Authority as stipulated by law.”
The House said at the stage the NURTW has found itself, the State has to take charge of the situation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
The House said, by law, the state’s Parking Authority has a General Manager on whose shoulders the responsibility now falls to manage the parks at the moment.
“The law approves a General Manager for the Parking Authority.
“Lagosians should be calm. The situation is under control as the government takes necessary actions,” he said in a statement.
The Lagos State Government had, late Thursday, announced the suspension of all NURTW activities in the State.
The Government has also denied appointing suspended chairman of the NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, as General Manager of Lagos Transport Parks and Garages Committee.
N34b Security Vote: Oyo State Questioned on Increase on Insecurity
As it is in many other States in Nigeria, tales of insecurity have trailed the administration of Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, a corporate Czar, who made laudable marks in the oil and gas sector before venturing into politics.
Pre 2019, governor Makinde had solicited for votes, promising the people of Oyo State through a concise manifesto, “ Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development, 2019-2023” with Economy (through agribusiness), Education, Healthcare and Security as priority areas.
However, just after assuming office, a segment of the numerous crises that upturned the innocence of Igangan to the mayhem at Iwo Road and the assassination of an Ibadan On-Air Personality, showed clearly about the renewed upsurge in crime in the 46 years old State.
But an investigation by the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE revealed that the governor has taken measures to enhance safety in the State.
Among other things, the governor, within one year in office, was said to have procured and distributed 100 Rio Kia motor vehicles fully equipped with modern security communication gadgets; operationalised 615 Citizens’ Emergency toll-free lines, streetlights under the Light-up Oyo Phase 1, about 49 JAC Pickup Vans for the new Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron (No. 72 PMF), refurbished 8 Toyota Hilux Pickup Vans and 1 Utility Lorry for the security outfits, enactment of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (‘AMOTEKUN’) Bill 2019 which was signed into law March 10, 2020.
In May 2021, by which time the governor was two years old in office, he had operationalised the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun in Oyo State in November 2020 and recruited and trained 1,500 Amotekun Corps members.
He also expanded and upgraded the Security Control Room and City, provided CCTV cameras in strategic locations in the state and provided more communication equipment for the security agencies as well as more brand new operational vehicles for the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ‘Operation Burst’ and Amotekun.
However, further investigations indicate that though governor Makinde may have purchased security equipment, the totality of what he has expended in security operations is a far cry from the sum total of his security votes in the past two and half years, raising the questions about his genuine concerns for the safety of life and property in Oyo State.
Unconfirmed report showed that while his predecessor, late governor Abiola Ajimobi ensured safety of life and property with a monthly security vote of N250 million, Seyi Makinde, upon assumption of office, increased the monthly vote to N1 billion, translating to about N34 billion in his 34-month old in office.
Insiders averred that governor Makinde is not truly concerned about the security of people in Oyo State.
Those who spoke to NAOSRE stressed that the young governor is more interested in his second tenure, a development that may ignited the passion to save for elections and careless about the series of unrest, kidnapping, attacks on citizens and killing in major towns and cities in the state due to poor security network in the State especially in Oke Ogun and Ibarapa zones.
However, there have been arguments about the over blown security situation in Oyo State.
This argument is held mostly by the governor’s loyalists who maintain, at every available opportunity, that governor Makinde is a victim of political cross fire, essentially from the camp of opposition.
Though this might sound valid, Oyo State government’s penchant for withholding valid information from journalists rubbishes such argument with many saying that the governor has so much to hide at the expense of the safety of life and property in the State.
This is much so as the request by NAOSRE, “To access documents of the security votes accrual to the Oyo State government in the past two years,” had not yielded any response as of the time of filling this phase one report in the ongoing investigation.
NAOSRE is a body of publishers
and professional journalists from the digital and conventional news platforms, made up of the finest hands in Nigeria’s security reportage.
The association’s goal is to professionally bridge the information gap between government, security agencies and the general public on security related matters.
Justice Must Be Done On Bamise Ayanwole’s Case – Speaker Obasa, Lawmakers
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday promised that the legislative arm of the State Government must ensure justice in the case of the alleged murder of Bamise Ayanwole.
Obasa said this while addressing some protesters who stormed the House to urge the lawmakers to act on the case of the victim.
The 22-year-old was reportedly killed inside a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle on her way from the Lekki area of the State recently.
The protesters, who came to the Assembly with the immediate elder sister of the deceased, said it was painful that such an incident happened. They also called for more efforts by the government to ensure the security of lives and property.
Obasa, who said he and his colleagues were very concerned about the incident, sympathised with the family and friends of the victim.
While urging Nigerians not to preempt the police which is investigating the case, he said the House would continue to follow up to ensure justice is served appropriately.
“The erroneous belief that it would be swept under the carpet is unnecessary. The driver has been arrested and is in custody.
“We are watching and must ensure justice is done on the case. The Governor has spoken about it and I just want to appeal that we work together to get justice.
“We will do everything to make sure that justice is served. Justice must be served. And everybody in Lagos must be protected,” he told the protesters.
Earlier during plenary, the Speaker urged Nigeria, its citizens and leaders to use the opportunity of the International Women’s Day to address whatever is lacking in the push for equity for women.
Commending women for their resilience and importance, Obasa, however, expressed sadness that the women have become victims of heinous crimes.
“As a government, we must look inward to see the areas that are beneficial to the women. Women have become victims of violence and other crimes. What have we done for the emancipation of our women? How much of our women have we lost during child birth?
“We must encourage our women to be successful and live better,” he said.
He charged all the committees of the House to work for the benefit of women in the State.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Photos 1-3: Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, with his colleagues addressing protesters and relations of Bamise Ayanwole.
Lanre Teriba bill for American Tour …To perform at ICCS Summit
For his unfailing talent and consistency, handsome gospel artist, Lanre Teriba who is better known Atorise, ranks among the high profile and long-standing gospel singers around. Aside release of albums, ceaseless weekly engagements, one other factor that has made the popular singer remained relevant, is knowing how to keep up with his fans around the world and that explains why he embarks on foreign tour annually.
Meanwhile, as the new year progresses, the Ogun state versatile singer is already in a mood to embark on a tour of the United State of America. The tour that will be kicking off May is tagged, Breakthrough. The tour is designed to make him perform across 21 cities in the United States of America.
The tour kicks off in May as Teriba headlines events in Houston, Texas to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. The award winning musician will continue to spread gospel of his music at the Summer 2022 African Pop-Up Festival in New York taking place from the 25th – 26th of June.
The Summer 2022 African Pop-Up Festival is one of several annual festivals including the African Restaurant Week “Food & Music” Festival produced by Akin Akinsanya in celebration of African music, food and culture across America.
Various promoters in America have also booked him to perform at concerts in Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and many more cities.
Speaking on the tour, Teriba said he’s excited about the tour as he revealed he eagerly looks forward to commence the tour as he can’t wait to see his teeming fans in America.
“I must confess I am so happy about this particular tour. Of course, it is not my first time of doing my thing in the States but I am particularly happy the world is healing and opening up after the pandemic that practically brought the world to a halt. My heart genuinely goes out to lives that were lost during that period, but at the end, we still have to give glory to God for everything. That is why I look forward to seeing my fans throughout America like never before”. Lanre said.
“ I can also promise this tour is going to be a totally new experience”. He concluded.
It is anticipated that this tour will be record breaking amongst Nigerian musicians as Teriba will be among other international Gospel artists to perform at the International Cultural & Music Convention – ICMC night at the ICCS SUMMIT in Washington DC from the 26th of August – 28th of August hosted by All Christian Network.
On another note, amiable Teriba who has made several appearances as an actor in a number of movies, is currently up to a new thing. Although, details of the whole thing are still being jealously guided but it was learnt Lanre just wrapped up from a movie location where he was for some time. It was also learnt his role in the movie would definitely redefine him as an actor when the effort is finally released.
Youths Can Be Catalyst Of Creative And Innovative Agents To Strengthen Democracy As Buhari Signs Electoral Bill Into Law – Ambassador Buratai
Following the signing of the 2022 electoral bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2023 general elections, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Rtd, says the youths should take full advantage of the opportunities in the political space as agents of innovation to strengthen democratic practice for all inclusive growth.
Buratai’s itemized analyses are presented below
1. Let me begin by stating unequivocally that I have spent my entire service life defending my nation and democracy because I am convinced that it is the political system most conducive to peace, sustainable development, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are the three pillars of any healthy and democratic nation. Permit me to utilize this opportunity to congratulate Nigeria and all Nigerians, particularly the youth, on 22 years of uninterrupted democratic administration. Some may argue that Nigeria’s young democracy is nothing to celebrate because its elections, which are designed to serve as means for the peaceful resolution of political rivalries, are frequently flashpoints for political bloodshed. I concur that elections devoid of integrity cannot bring legitimacy to the winners, security to the losers, or public confidence in their leaders and institutions. This weakens polities by encouraging disaffected groups to seek out less constructive outlets for their discontent. Because of this challenge associated with all nascent democracies, some people feel that there is no need to commend the Nigerian democratic project. I respectfully disagree. We are evolving, and as you can see, the system is improving daily as a result of our leaders’ periodic enhancements to the democratic system. For instance, the 2022 Electoral Act which the President, Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari just signed into law, is a factor that will undoubtedly improve the transparency and acceptability of the country’s future elections and promote democratic governance.
2. Democracy remains a universal aspiration because it actually delivers. For example, of the twenty countries with highest levels of human development as measured by the UN’s human development index, nineteen are liberal democracies. Among the top forty, thirty-six are liberal democracies. And even the citizens of poorer democracies live, on average, nine years longer than citizens of poor autocracies, because they have better access to health and education. Democracies are also less vulnerable to famines and conflicts.
3. It was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who said, “Man is, by nature, a political animal.” It means that a man is born, lives, and dies as a member of a community, and the affairs of that community are therefore his and vice-versa. This is why since my transition back to civilian life from the Army, I have continued to participate in every civic activity I could to promote peace and strengthen our democracy. It is the reason I decided to send this message to all Nigerian youths.
4. Democracy is known as the finest form of government. Why so? It is because in a democracy, the people of the country choose their leaders who will then form a government to lead them. They enjoy certain rights that are very essential for any human being to live freely and happily. On the other hand, Good governance has been defined to refer to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation. Good governance also represents the norms, values and rules of the game through which public affairs are managed in a manner that is transparent, participatory, inclusive and responsive.
5. If we want to continue to make our democracy work and deliver dividends, we must take the critical issues of participation and a vibrant democratic system in Nigeria as sacrosanct, and our youths must embrace what I termed political dynamism. Political dynamism can be defined as vigorous political activity that is geared towards progress, and strength in the polity. It is usually characterized by patriotism, service to the fatherland, and youth inclusivity. Youth can be a creative force, a dynamic source of innovations, and they have undoubtedly, throughout history, participated, contributed, and even catalyzed important changes in political systems, power-sharing dynamics, and economic opportunities.
6. However, young people also face poverty, barriers to education, multiple forms of discrimination, and limited employment prospects and opportunities. This is a global challenge although it differs across countries, and it is why the youth must take the issue of electing their leaders very seriously. Our greatest resource as a country is not crude oil or any of the natural minerals but our population, our youth. Today, we have the largest global youth population in history, and the large majority of young people around the world are committed to peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Throughout my time in the Army, I’ve met with many groups of young people, including youth groups, student groups, and young leaders. I’ve always been impressed by their talent, knowledge, and desire to make the world a better place.
7. If I should take you back to memory lane to the history of our founding fathers, which most people agree that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo agreed on, you will find out that they all started as youths fired by political dynamism. Dr. Azikiwe captured the nation’s attention when, in 1937, he arrived in Nigeria with an electrifying personality and a bundle of talents, and on November 22, 1937, he published the maiden edition of his popular newspaper, The West African Pilot. The Sardauna started to experiment with his leadership qualities right from Katsina Teachers’ College, and later on, through political dynamism characterized by inclusiveness of all ethnic nationalities in the North. Same with Awolowo who showed his people the power of education as a liberating and equalizing force in any society. All three of these great leaders practiced political dynamism characterized by non-violence, patriotism, human development, and service to humanity.
8. The first time all three met together was on Friday, June 19, 1953. Enahoro’s Self-Government-Now bill and the consequent resignation of all the Action Group’s federal ministers caused a constitutional crisis which made Nigeria ungovernable. Oliver Lyttleton, the secretary of state for colonies, tried to salvage the situation by inviting the main players to a constitutional conference in London. But Awolowo and Azikiwe, who had become friends since Enahoro’s bill was tabled, refused the terms and conditions. Because the Sardauna was fine with them, Macpherson, Nigeria’s governor, brought Sardauna, Azikiwe and Awolowo together in his office to jointly fashion new terms and conditions.
9. After the meeting, which ended at 10:10pm, he presented the trio to the media and the Daily Times the following day, naming them The Big Three. Since then, it has stuck that they were founding fathers because their tribes and their parties were the largest and because it offered an inclusive impression that all the regions had a say in the formation of the country.
10. In countries emerging from or facing conflicts, young people can engage in peace-building by leading non-violent movements and using innovative solutions to mobilize societies to bring about the needed transformation. Young people have demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together to help manage conflict and promote peace. Young people play a big role in conflict and peace-building, and they can be agents of peaceful change and help rebuild lives and communities, making the world a better place.
11. President Muhammadu Buhari has laid a foundation for a new Nigeria. Despite the myriad of challenges, he has kept faith with his vision and principles. The youths must carry these vision and principles beyond this administration. The legacies must be protected for a greater Nigeria and a formidable future generations.
12. My message to young people today is that they must not let themselves be used as willing tools by do-or-die politicians who want to stir up trouble in their communities. Instead, you must embrace the tenets of political dynamism and root out every factor that contributes to the democracy deficit in Nigeria, namely voter apathy, ballot snatching, looting, arson, and the likes. You constitute a large percentage of our voting and working population. You are also going to be the number one population block that will suffer the consequences of bad governance and incompetent leaders in the future. Therefore, you must do everything to safeguard your future survival and welfare in mind. Get actively involved in the democratic process by joining a political party and electing those who will lead you. Remember that voting is a civic duty expected of every Nigerian.
LASUSTECH: Getting it right from the start By Steven Anu’ Adesemoye
The world over, academic excellence is typically an offshoot of endogenous and enduring culture that has immunity against compromise, but mutation to classic global best practices. This has always been the benchmark that many universities are struggling to catch up with, while many others have considered this rare feat as a sprint and not a marathon.
The outcome of personal research has shown that, designing an evolving and adaptable academic culture requires critical thinking that is capable of espousing need-oriented courses and robust curricula, 360-degree touchpoint digital automation, technology-driven teaching and learning, versatile and creative administration, qualitative manpower, dynamic policy formulation, collaboration and networking, strict internal and external regulations, adequate and purposive funding, branding and Public Relations for Marketing (PRM) and ultimately the mindset of excellence by all stakeholders.
Now that the transmutation of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) to Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has been consummated, the next phase of the process should be to take the advantage of starting afresh into laying the foundation of a specialized university that would become the pride of Lagos and Africa at large. It is possible and in our time too.
Considering the peculiarity of the university, starting with the existing programmes of the former polytechnic to keep people’s jobs won’t be a bad idea. Looking at the bigger picture, this university will need to do a Skill Gap Assessment – what are the industry’s first line needs? Skillsets versus current and emerging ‘need sets’. The Knowledge Gap Deficiencies (KGD) must give way to a systemic approach in the Productive Science and Technology (PS&T) model that is not only unique but 100% result-oriented. There must also be an environmental scanning of the immediate community to determine the relevant courses and programmes that are community needed. These two needs assessments would help the university to define and develop its core competencies from the beginning. The fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) as the current and developing environment for disruptive technologies and trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), among others, must be considered. For the community and Lagos as a whole, the university should consider programmes like Ferry Fabrication and Services Technology (Marine Technology); AgriTech and Post-Harvest Processing Technology; Digital Transformation Technology; Integrated Waste Management and Recycling Technology; Alternative/ Renewable Energy Production Technology; Oil and Gas Supports Technology. This is the era of nanotechnology, we can do it.
Automating the whole system, including the management of the new university is key. From admission to graduation, the process must be seamless. One digital solution should connect payments, registration, result processing, administration, information dissemination, library services, etc. No loopholes must be allowed. In this new university, there should not be missing scripts or results. Result, certificate, and transcripts should be ready in less than 72 hours upon request, yes, it is possible. 24/7 internet facilities and handshake with big tech firms would go a long way to position the institution.
Teaching and learning must have a technology interface. This is not a conventional university of marker and board, 70 percent of the learning process must be demonstrated if we must do anything differently. Up to the Ph.D. level (it is the new direction), attention must be given to hands-on practical demonstrations. Only modern and digital laboratories, studios, workshops, and classrooms can deliver the desired results as seen in a well-educated cultured society.
The drivers of LASUSTECH must be able to think like there is no box anywhere. Creativity and ingenuity should guide the administration of the new university. There must be an enduring line of ideation and curation. The principal officers must be fired for excellent development in all forms. In the same vein, if the government is really genuine in setting a standard for this university, the members of the Governing Council must be a mix of blue-chip captains, boardroom technocrats, industry experts, technophiles, philanthropists, and education enthusiasts. This very council should not be made a retirement plan for tired hands. And the university must not be made a dumping ground for the unqualified job-seeking family, friends, and associates. Relying on school fees to undergo a substantial development is no more in vogue, therefore, the business arm of the university must wake up to its responsibility to drive development, while maintenance culture must be entrenched in the core value of the institution.
Skilling, reskilling, upskilling, research, and development are very essential in defining qualitative manpower for the university. Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the excellent mindset of a goal-getter are equally of great importance. Knowledge of what to teach and the skill to teach right would be more appreciated if the lecturers put students at the centre of teaching. Other staff must have a total reorientation to understand that students are customers and kings in their right. To achieve excellence, there must be a systemic adoption of excellent culture across the board.
In making policy, the drivers of the new university may have to borrow some quality templates from the best universities. Policies like the Graduate on Time (GOT) system that guides against lecturer frustrating a student with extra year(s) or unserious student overstaying the period of graduation would be a welcome development. Students accessing lecturers performance and completing progress reports per semester before they (students) can access results is going to improve standards. Digitally monitored compulsory 75 percent attendance and regular use of customized mail/digital wallet would encourage seriousness and dedication. Policies should be made flexible and people-oriented. The Directorate of Students’ Affairs (DSA) should have a policy document that takes care of the students’ welfare, sporting activities, complaints, and graduation.
This is the era of collaboration, co-creation, and networking. LASUSTECH needs to stretch the hands of fellowship to partner universities (home & abroad) for students and staff exchange programmes. The university must also be ready to have a strong tie with the industry, foreign embassies, politicians, government at all levels to attract research grants, chairs, endowments, bursary, and donations.
Aside the statutory National University Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise, the internal and external assessment should be carried out regularly and diligently. The Annual Performance Evaluation (APER) must be holistic and watertight. As part of the culture that must be established from now, only journal articles on Scopus Journal Metrics or indexed journals should be allowed. Inventions, Innovations, creations, and ideations should also be considered for promotion. The OSAE visit should go beyond inspection; it should include government accreditation with well-crafted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
There should be the immediate design of a brand strategy that must take care of the rebranding, repositioning, and internal /external communication architecture- brand manual. The ergonomics design of the campus must be fascinating. We are in the woke era, issues should not be allowed to snowball into a crisis. Response time to students’ distress must be swift and effective. Internal communication is as important as external communication, therefore, there must be a structured conflict resolution mechanism, community and government relations.
Lastly, the government must be ready to fund every aspect of the university or give it complete autonomy. It will be easier to partner with firms like Google, Microsoft, among others, to enhance the smooth operation of the university. Apart from the overhead cost, recurrent expenditure, and cost of accreditation, Lagos State Education Trust Fund should aggressively look into infrastructural development, capacity building, research and development, software acquisitions for all Lagos state-owned universities, such as Turnitin, Nvivo, IBM SPSS, ATLAS.ti, RStudio, Orange, Base SAS, OriginPro, TIMI Suite, etc.
As the summary of my piece, I wish to leave stakeholders of the new university with the Times Higher Education for university rankings which, calibrated 13 performance indicators into five areas: Teaching (the learning environment); Research (volume, income, and reputation); Citations (research influence); International outlook (staff, students and research); and Industry income (knowledge transfer).
Steven Anu’ Adesemoye is a researcher in the Department Of Media and Communications, University of Malaysia.
