The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • UNICAL Suspends Lecturer, Joseph Idung For Extortion

    UNICAL Suspends Lecturer, Joseph Idung For Extortion

    Culled from CrossRiverWatch 

    As part of efforts to sanitize the University of Calabar, the institution has yet  suspended another lecturer, Dr. Joseph Idung of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology.

    In a letter of suspension addressed to the lecturer and signed by the Registrar Gabriel Egbe, Dr. Joseph refused to return money collected from students for their induction into the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT).

    This is coming less than a week the Acting Head of Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Joseph Akpan was suspended and sacked from office after Management said it received a report from the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC) revealing his involvement in the alteration of examination scores in PHM 311 (Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology).

    In the case of Dr. Idung, the Management expressed dismay at his refusal to refund the alleged extorted money.

    According to the letter, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi directed that he should be suspended from his official duties in the University to enable him face the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU), which has been mandated to investigate the matter.

    He is also directed to handover all University properties in his possession to the Head of Department and stay away from the campus unless while responding to the invitation of ACTU.

    “By copy of this letter, the Bursar is advised to place you on half salaries for the period of the suspension.”

  • Alumni Urges Gov Otu To End Uncertainty, Appoint Substantive VC For UniCross

    Alumni Urges Gov Otu To End Uncertainty, Appoint Substantive VC For UniCross

     

    The University of Cross River State (UniCross) Alumni Association commends Governor Bassey Otu’s giant strides since assuming office, notably the transformation Calabar as well as enhanced security across the state. The association also expresses its eternal gratitude to the Governor over his past support to the university, particularly in facilitating the construction of our administrative block.

    However, the Association is deeply disappointed that our beloved university failed to secure a spot in the top ten universities in Nigeria, according to the latest Times Higher Education Ranking. This is a significant drop from our previous ranking of seventh in the country and 37th in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are concerned that this decline is a direct result of the leadership instability that has plagued our institution.

    Consequently, we appeal to Governor Otu to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor, rather than continuing with the current Acting Vice Chancellor arrangement at the end of the tenure of the current Acting VC. The constant changes in leadership have created uncertainty and hindered progress. In the past three months alone, we have had three different Vice Chancellors, which is unacceptable. Our university needs stability to grow and thrive.

    The Alumni wonders why UniCross is treated differently as the Governor has set a standard of swiftly replacing other suspended government officials in the past to bring stability and avoid derailing the focus of his administration. Five months have passed since the Vice Chancellor’s suspension, with no official communication from the government on the investigation’s outcome. This silence suggests a lack of interest in the former Vice Chancellor’s return. Therefore, we urge the Governor and Visitor to the University to boldly and firmly address this issue to bring the much-needed stability to UniCross. The prolonged uncertainty is undermining the institution’s focus and progress.

    This call became necessary as the constant uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the institution is not only stifling progress but significantly contributing to our institution’s decline, as evidenced in the latest ranking. As critical stakeholders, we’re very worried that our institution’s reputation hangs in the balance, with far-reaching consequences for students, staff, and alumni who hold the university certificates.

    Considering the standard the Governor has set for himself as a ‘People’s First Leader’, it would be disappointing to see our institution continue to regress under his watch. With over fifteen months in office, we believe he has had enough time to complete his restructuring process for the University to move forward. We appeal to the Governor to extend the attention he is giving to other sectors to UniCrosss which is one of the most significant assets of the state.

    The alumni also passionately appeals to all stakeholders and well meaning Cross Riverians to join us in advocating for a better future for our university. The Association remains committed to supporting the government and our dear institution to regain its place as one of the top ivory towers in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D
    National President
    UniCross Alumni

  • UNICAL Suspends Head, Department Of Pharmacology From Duty

    UNICAL Suspends Head, Department Of Pharmacology From Duty

     

    Unrelenting in her bid to rid the institution of vices, the Management of the University of Calabar has announced the removal from office and suspension from duties of the acting Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Joseph Akpan.

    According to a release signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, the Vice Chancellor took the decision having received a report from the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC) revealing the involvement of Dr. Joseph Akpan in the alteration of examination scores in PHM 311 (Introduction to General Antimicrobial Pharmacology).

    The release reads in parts “…you altered 235 out of the 242 scripts marked by you. You also allotted marks to two students who did not participate in the examinations. You genuinely marked only five scripts without alteration. In your defense before the SEMC, you admitted that you inflated the scores of students in PHM 311 in order to “protect the image of the Department”.”

    The release adds that Management considers Dr. Akpan’s defense as ridiculous and unacceptable.

    Consequently, the University Management has directed that he should be relieved of his appointment as Head of Department and Coordinator of PHM 311, as well as suspended from duty with effect from October 8, 2024.

    While Dr. Akpan’s official responsibilities are to be reassigned to other qualified lecturers in the department, he has been further directed to stay away from the University forthwith unless while responding to the invitation of the AFIC.

    Public Relations Unit
    University of Calabar

  • UNICAL DVC, Okafor, Six Others Ranks Among Top 2% of Global Scientists

    UNICAL DVC, Okafor, Six Others Ranks Among Top 2% of Global Scientists

     

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Peter C. Okafor and six (6) other scholars from the University of Calabar have made the list of top 2% global scientists in the 2024 Stanford University, the United States of America, and Elsevier compiled list.

    The list shows the 2% of top scientists globally and which represents the records of scientists from any country. The American University of Stanford/Elsevier periodically established the most influential researchers globally which spans over 8 million researchers with the highest impact in their various fields.

    From the September 16th, 2024 data published by the Elsevier/Stanford University, Nigerian Scientists totaling 233 scholars made the list and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration of the University of Calabar, Prof. Peter C. Okafor, a lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry in the institution apparently appeared as number 141 with a credited 75 publications in Scopus, ranking number 233,540 in the global index.

    Available information also showed that Prof. Martin Meremikwu of the
    Department of Pediatrics takes number 182 with 168 publications in Scopus and ranking 327,718 in the world.

    Prof. Aniekan Edet of the Department of Geology takes number 101 with 57 publications in Scopus and seizes number 163,100 in the world order.

    Dr Alexander I. Ikeuba of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry also earned number 198 with 45 Scopus publications and ranking 395,630 in the world.

    Mr. Louis Hitler emerged with number 127 having 260 publications in Scopus while earning 209,994 position in the world.

    Also on the list are Mr. Otu, Akaninyene of the College of Medical Sciences and Mr. Gber, Terkumbur E. of the Department of Chemical Physics having the later occupying number 232 with 71 Scopus publications and ranking 1,393,314 in the globe and the former taking number 109 position with 91 publications in Scopus with 177,878 in the world index.

     

    (To search the name of any scientist, readers can visit the website https://topresearcherslist.com/).

     

  • Why I Floated Educational Support Grant Initiative in Yala II State Constituency – Achadu

    Why I Floated Educational Support Grant Initiative in Yala II State Constituency – Achadu

     

    Ugo Solomon, Calabar

    Honourable Dr Martins Achadu, the House Committee Chairman on Education and the member representing Yala II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly has advanced reasons for floating an Educational Support Grant Empowerment Scheme for constituents.

    Flanked by his colleagues; Hon Samuel Neji Abeng the Minority Leader and member Ikom 1 as well as Hon Kingsley Ntui: member Etung and Chairman committee on water resources during the presentation of cash gifts to beneficiaries at the Assembly Complex yesterday in Calabar, Dr Achadu who had lectured at the University of Calabar said the initiative was propelled by an understanding that education can bring community development across Ukelle .

    “If communities must develop, you start with education especially in professional courses. We are doing this to ensure that people are not just encouraged only by words of mouth but financially too”.

    According to Dr Achadu whose benevolence is a watershed in the history of representation in the constituency opined that the financial support kick-starts the first phase of his benevolence to the community and had chosen to focus on the PhDs and those in special courses such as Medicine and Law.

    ” It is a drive to push those who have pushed further to even have a master’s degree and I have indicated interest in supporting their Doctoral Programmes especially sharing my philosophy with them just to encourage them so that they would know that someone is also praying for them”.

    Refuting insinuations about possible political undertone of his Educational Support Grant Empowerment, he emphasised that “the foundation of what I am doing is not for any political goal otherwise I would not go for the PhDs that are few, I would have gone for secondary schools and other areas”.

    “My reason is that when you have a PhD, it opens you up to endless opportunities and added you a unique intelligent quotient to reason in a perspective that can bring solutions to societal problems.This also helps in ensuring adequate contribution to the development of Ukelle.

    ” The second phase would focus on master’s degree students and my decision to encourage law and medicine students in the first phase is that Ukelle is academically disadvantaged and our people rarely get admission into these special programmes.However, we are consciously taking steps to address the challenge by interfacing with key stakeholders because there is always a quota for university admission and the competition is stringent. Consciously,we are making efforts that our students are adequately prepared to beat the competition”.

    In an earlier address by the Committee that articulated the success of Dr Achadu’s Educational Support Grant Empowerment Scheme comprising Dr Innocent Chigbe, Mr Pius Udeh and Ebri. The committee described those in attendance as just an extract because other beneficiaries are scattered all over the country some beneficiaries where selected from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Benin and University of Ibadan.

    Specifically, Dr Innocent Chigbe stated that yesterday’s presentation was “just a test run and the real ceremony would be at the village where empowerment would take place for excellent indigent students billed for Ukelle”

    The committee affirmed that it is a combination of PhD students and those reading special courses like; Medicine and law are being encouraged through financial support in their academic pursuit by the member representing Yala II state Constituency.

    While reacting to the succour given to them, some of the beneficiaries eulogised Dr Achadu’s resilience and passion towards tackling the development of constituents through education. Other Cross Riverians have taken turns on social media to commend Honourable Achadu who has kept a famous pact with the Ukelle people through a meticulous approach to leadership have rode on a popular mandate elected by the people in admiration of his sterling qualities.

     

  • Obono-Obla Donates Books to Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep

    Obono-Obla Donates Books to Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep

     

    By Odey Xavier Ojeka

    A Renowned author, scholar and Former President Muhammadu Buhari Aide, Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, has donated a collection of books to the Apostolic Secondary Grammar School Ugep Management. The donation aims to enrich the school library and encourage students to develop love for reading and learning.

    During the presentation, Chief Obono-Obla emphasized the importance of reading and knowledge, stating that “knowledge is power.” He highlighted the significance of the donated books, particularly “Grammar of Lokaa” by Onun Ewa Ubi, which he provides insight into the Bantus and a brief history and explanation of the Lokaa language .

    The donated books include:

    – “Grammar of Lokaa” by Onun Ewa Ubi
    – “No More Secrets” written by Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
    – “Nigeria, My Country” also written by Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla
    – “Civics for Nigeria Schools” by Patrick Ubi Mni

    Mr. Sampson Eno, a literature tutor, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school, thanking Chief Obono-Obla for his generous donation and commitment to empowering students through education.

    Chief Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla is a seasoned communicator, historian, activist, and erudite scholar who holds an LLM in International Business Law.

    His donation demonstrates his dedication to fostering a
    love for reading and learning among young minds.

  • Fifty-five Thousand Naira Is For The Mandatory Professional Examination, Not Levy, Says SLT HOD, Mr Ivon Ettah

    Fifty-five Thousand Naira Is For The Mandatory Professional Examination, Not Levy, Says SLT HOD, Mr Ivon Ettah

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Head of Department of Science Laboratory Technology SLT, Mr Ivon Ettah PhD, has stated that the Fifty-five Thousand Naira (#55,000.00) charge is for the mandatory professional examination for all graduates of the department.

    Mr Ettah disclosed this to TheLumineNews while reacting to the widespread criticism of the levy where some students of the department and members of the public criticized the levy, wondering why students that are yet to complete their B.Sc. program are made to pay for professional levies.

    When contacted, the Head of Science Laboratory Technology SLT, Mr Ettah PhD, noted that “I resumed duty as the head of department last two weeks, and I got a notification from the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology NISLT, which I am an Associate Fellow, to ask our graduates.and final year students to register for the examination. A Google form was sent to me and I placed on the students Whatsapp group and asked our final students and those who recently graduated to fill the form, which was done free of charge.

    “The institute sent names of 315 persons who registered using the Google form to us and asked that they proceed to pay the sum of #55,000.00 each as part of the requirements to be qualified for the examination. And I placed a notice on the students WhatsApp group stating that registration fee is 5,000.00,  Certificate verification is 10,000.00 and 40,000.00 is for registration of modules 1 & 2. Each module costs 20,000.00”.

    In a release signed by the HOD, Mr Ivon Ettah PhD, and sent to TheLumineNews indicates that, students are to pay to:

    SLT Professional Account
    0110460510
    UNICAL Microfinance Bank, and payment dateline is 6th September, 2024, and students are advised not to pay to any individual and to notify their parents and guardians properly.

    The release reads in whole “INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION FOR 2024 THE MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION (MPE):

    “You are to Cross check your names first on the list above👆🏿. If you have been shortlisted, then proceed to pay at the Unical Microfinance Bank.

    ” Pay the sum of N55,000( Fifty Five Thousand Naira ) only to the Account details:

    *0110460510*
    *SLT professional account*

    Analysis of the 55,000 is below:

    *5,000 for Registration form:
    *10,000 for O’ Level Certificate Verification:
    *40,000 for Registration for modules 1& 2…NOTE: Each module costs 20,000

    “Take the original Payment teller to the Department for proper Documentation (The Admin staff shall handle this)
    * *DEADLINE* FOR PAYMENT FOR MPE IS *THE 6th of SEPTEMBER, 2024.* There shall be no extension
    * Only those who pay for Examination shall be finally shortlisted for the Exams

    * You are to quote your serial number on the list above👆🏿 when coming for documentation after the payment
    * No payment should be made to any individual by hand
    * Pls take note of the deadline 🙏 .
    * Notify your parents and Guardians properly

    *HOD*”

    On why students are to pay into a departmental account, the HOD explained that it is a general directive and not restricted to UNICAL only. And noted that “Whatever is paid in UNICAL for the professional Examination is what is paid in all the Universities and Polytechnics offering SLT course”

    A brief search on Google on the mode of registration for the mandatory professional examination for the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology shows that 400 level students are expected to register through their head of departments.

    “The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) was established by Act 12 of 2003 of the National Assembly with the core mandate of “advancing the Science Laboratory Technology profession in Nigeria and ensuring through its registered Members, effective and efficient management and administration of all Science Laboratories in Nigeria.

    “In pursuance of its mandate, the Council of the Institute at its 32nd meeting modified and approved the new curriculum for the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE). The MPE would be open to all graduates of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) from any accredited institution and students of SLT at 400Level or HND I in the University and Polytechnic respectively. Henceforth, passing the MPE would be the pre-requisite for Associate Membership of the Institute.

    “The examinations will be in two Modules with two (2) Papers per module. Candidates will be required to pass all papers in Module I before proceeding to Module II while those who fail any paper will have the opportunity to re-sit the paper. Candidates are expected to download the syllabus from the Institute website and prepare for the examination individually. The Institute shall conduct examinations at selected centers in the country at specific times of the year. After passing the MPE, all successful candidates would be inducted into the profession and will be issued an Annual Practicing License.

    “Graduates of SLT who wish to write the MPE should fill out the expression of interest form online and pay all the necessary fees. Once the payment is successful, the applicant is expected to proceed and fill out the MPE form. The form will be processed by the Institute. If approved, the candidates will receive their login detail and then be eligible to register for an examination (Module I or Module II or Re-Sit) he or she is qualified to write once the Institute schedules the examination. When the result is released, candidates will be able to log in to their portal and check for their results.

    “Students of SLT at 400L or HND I can register for MPE ONLY through their school. The HOD will be expected to profile all students of SLT with the Institute. Only profiled students can register for the examinations. It is to be noted that students CANNOT register directly with the Institute for MPE rather they must first be profiled by their respective schools and then presented for the examinations by their HODs”.

  • UNICAL Emerges Victorious In Regional Law Competition, Wins ₦2 Million And Fully Sponsored Internship

    UNICAL Emerges Victorious In Regional Law Competition, Wins ₦2 Million And Fully Sponsored Internship

     

     

    By: Cynthia Maduekwe 

     

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has triumphed in the Regional Law Moot and Mock Trial Competition organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, defeating the University of Benin (UNIBEN) as 2nd Position, Imo State University (IMSU) came 3rd position and Rivers State University (RSU) came 4th and UNICAL as first position got in to securing the top prize of ₦2 million and a fully sponsored internship.

    This victory marks the second time UNICAL has outperformed UNIBEN in a competition this year, having previously won an online competition earlier in the year. The University of Calabar’s team, comprising four law students – 1st Female SUG President, H.E. Comr. Blessing Alims Led Administration Attorney General, Greatness Eyonsa, 2 years ago, he won the award of  “Moot god” & “Best Advocate, South South LAWSAN” and 2 years down he is appearing in his last National Moot Competition as a Law Undergraduate with the great team and winning this for the prestigious institution alongside Ignatius Ogabor, emerging as the best advocate of the tournament . Glenn Bassey, and Hannangel Samuel, who won the cash prize of N50,000 for the team for producing a video of the event which had over 4,000 views. The was led by Dr. Paul Ebiala, a law lecturer, who demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in the competition.

    The Students’ Union Government of UNICAL,  Management as well the Public and Well wishers commends the team for their outstanding performance and dedication to excellence. This achievement is a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its students’ potential.

  • TCTI Concludes 2-Day Training Of 150 Teachers Aimed At Integrating Smart Tech Skills Into Pry Schools’ Curriculum

    TCTI Concludes 2-Day Training Of 150 Teachers Aimed At Integrating Smart Tech Skills Into Pry Schools’ Curriculum

    By TheLumineNews Admin 

    The Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI) Biase, Cross River State, is poised to strengthen basic and foundational literacy education in the State. To achieve this, the Institute has undertaken a 2-day training program for one hundred and fifty primary school teachers in select schools in the state, to develop their digital literacy skills.

    The 2-day training program themed: “The Application of Smart Skills To Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools”, was held between July 18 and 19, 2024 at the TCTI. This intensive training seeks to equip primary school teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize smart application technology in their academic pursuits.

    Declaring the workshop open on Thursday, Director-General of the TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja highlighted the impacts of the exercise to manpower development and nation building, noting that “Cross River State cannot afford to keep teachers of analogue skills at this period of digital platforms for all sectors of development, particularly the education sector”.

    According to the DG, the smart application workshop is to prepare teachers at the elementary level for the task ahead with the practical knowledge that will enable participants learn how to harness the power of digital infrastructure to enhance their teaching experience, improve their smart literacy usage and develop essential skills for the classroom task.

    “The training also aims to spotlight the significance of leveraging digital infrastructure in improving teaching and learning in primary schools across both rural and urban areas of Cross River State, ultimately bridging the educational divide and enhancing the quality of education”, he opined.

    Addressing participants, the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by the State Secretary, Comrade Victor Amireze, expressed his satisfaction that: “We are most pleased that TCTI is strategically constructed to provide the needed continuous professional development for teachers, not only in Cross River State, but for the benefit of teachers in Nigeria. The management of TCTI is most commended for carrying the union along in its training programs.”

    In his goodwill message, Dr. Adekunle Adekola, a Senior Education Specialist at the Abuja office of the World Bank, stressed the significance of digital literacy for teachers, both present and future. He praised the initiative of TCTI for organizing the workshop, which aims to equip educators with essential digital skills.

    In a related development, Mrs. Jane Walter Obeten, a teacher at Government Primary School State Housing Estate Calabar, said, “My experience here has been wonderful since I arrived. The topics are well-chosen, and the facilitators are highly knowledgeable. This workshop has opened our eyes to the potential of digital tools in enhancing classroom learning as teachers. I feel privileged to be part of this training, as not all my colleagues were selected.”

    Mr. Ekashi Jack-Konor, a teacher at Government Primary School Bateriko, Boki, also spoke, saying: “This experience will remain in my memory. The facilities are top-notch, the computers and the interactive whiteboards are 21st-century learning tools. They represent the perfect blend of AI and internet-based skills that are essential for smart learning in this era.”

    Mr. Achi Henry Achi, a teacher at Government Primary School, Obudu, was one of several educators who confirmed that the training facilitators were chosen from a range of national institutions, renowned for their expertise in the specific areas being covered. The teachers took turns, praising the Cross River State governor and the Institute’s management for organizing the event, commending their efforts and leadership.

    This workshop follows a similar event held earlier in March, which targeted primary school Head teachers in the state and builds upon the progress made during that initial gathering.
    This training exercise for 150 primary school educators, sets another stage for a series of comprehensive and effective learning opportunities that will have a lasting impact on education in the state and nationwide.

  • We Came To Hand Over The Affairs Of Our University To God – UNICAL VC

    We Came To Hand Over The Affairs Of Our University To God – UNICAL VC

     

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar has stated that the essence of the institution’s Solemn Assembly is to hand over the affairs of the management of the citadel of learning to God.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi stated this at a service tagged “Solemn Assembly 2024″ with the theme titled ” Walk with Me Oh Lord” held at the Unical International Conference Centre.

    Prof Florence Obi said that though it has become a tradition to seek God’s presence, intervention and blessings at the beginning of every semester and session, there was a need for staff and students to personalize the theme which indicates the intention of the institution to walk with God and align with his ways.

    She thanked God for sparing the lives of staff and students and charged the duo to continue to uphold the good name of the University and also commended the Guest Speaker for accepting the invitation to share God’s precious words with the institution.

    In his homily, the Guest Speaker, Rev Fr Francis Agantiem Eworo speaking on the theme “Walk with Me O Lord” said that God is ever prepared to walk with any individual or community if they are not distant from him.
    Rev Fr Francis Eworo said for the walk to be enabled, men must repent of their sins, renounce evil, and turn back to God, changing their minds and direction.

    Fr Eworo who focused his message on the book of Isaiah 1 described many assemblies of humans today like that of Israel during the time of the Prophet Isaiah as one which were simply religious but did not know God.

    The clergyman said many worship assemblies are breeding rebellion and have become detestable to God.

    He called on all staff and students to begin a needful walk with God, listen to and enjoy his company, align with his will and consequently produce much Christian fruit from their lives.
    The well-attended solemn assembly had Principal officers in attendance as well as Deans, Directors, Heads of departments, students and a team of clergy who officiated at the service.