The Lumine News

Category: Education

  • 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.

  • UNICROSS Announces Resumption, Matriculation Date

    UNICROSS Announces Resumption, Matriculation Date

    By Able Winnard

    The management of the University of Cross River State, (UNICROSS) has announced the resumption date for the continuation of the first semester 2023/2024 academic session.

    Recall that the State-owned institution had on the 14th of December, 2023 embarked on a two-week festive break for both students and staff which elapsed on January 4, 2024.

    In a circular signed by the management also announced January 25, and 26 for matriculation of new students across the four campuses.

    The management enjoined both old students to pay their outstanding fees while the new students pay up their fees in full.

    The circular reads: “The Management of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS wishes to remind all Students (old and new) that school resumed for academic activities after the Christmas and New Year holidays on Thursday, January 04, 2024, for continuation of the 1st Semester 2023/2024 Session.

    “Students should please note and comply with the following directives:

    “All new Students are expected to pay their fees in full on or before 19th January 2024. This is to enable them to participate in the matriculation scheduled for 25 January 2024.

    “All new students who have not yet paid their full school fees should do so on or before 19h January 2024.

    “New Students should note that their matriculation shall be held on Thursday and Friday, 25th 26 January 2024 on all campuses of the University.

    “All new students who fail to pay their school fees shall lose their studentship in the University after the matriculation. New students should expect further directives on guidelines for the matriculation.

    “All old students viz, years 2,3,4,5, an extra year, should pay up any outstanding school fees they are owing immediately.

    “Old students should note that failure to pay up their fees will attract stipulated late registration charges which have taken effect from November 2023. Every student of the University should endeavor to comply with these directives in order to avoid undesirable consequences.”

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

    UNICAL Blazes The Trail Of Induction In The South-South Zone

     

    The Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar became the first to conduct the induction of her graduating students into the Historical Society of Nigeria in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

    The colourful ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 5th December 2023 at the Senate Chamber of the institution attracted friends and well-wishers of the inductees from within and outside the University of Calabar. A total of one hundred and twenty three students were inducted.

    The highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Samuel Aghalino on the inductees. The Council members from the South-South Zone, including Prof. Grace Brown (Council Member), Dr. Dave Imbua (VP) and Dr Obar Irom (Assistant Secretary) attended the ceremony.

    Distinguished service awards were conferred on several persons including the President, Prof. Aghalino and the Vice President (South-South), Dr. Dave Imbua.

    Various categories of awards were also presented to Rt Hon Sylvester Agabi (Deputy Speaker, CRHA), Professor Tony Eyang (Dean of Students Affairs, Unical), Dr Patrick Ene Okon (Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Unical) and several other persons.

    It is hoped that the event will open a floodgate for inductions in other member institutions in the Zone.

  • UNICROSS Graduate Excels in NYSC Camp, Wins One Million Naira

    UNICROSS Graduate Excels in NYSC Camp, Wins One Million Naira

    Okpo Chibueze, a graduate of Department of Animal Science in Obubra campus of UNICROSS has excelled in Port Harcourt camp of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) by clinching the top position in the Accesspreneur business pitch contest held in camp.

    His success came by delivering a compelling defense of his Pig Farming business pitch, aimed at addressing food insecurity.
    Sponsors of the competition rewarded him with the sum of one million naira.
    Kudos to UNICROSS and congratulations to Okpo on this well-deserved achievement.

    – UNICROSS Media Team

  • Ogoja Diocese Welcomes V.C. For Development From USA

    Ogoja Diocese Welcomes V.C. For Development From USA

    The Catholic diocese of Ogoja recently hosted the Vice Chancellor for Development of one of America’s famous Catholic Universities, The Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio State, Mr. Stephen Rasche.

    Mr. Rasche was in Ogoja following another recent visit to the USA by the Vicar General of Ogoja diocese and Chairman of the Further studies Commission, Fr. Peter Abue.

    In August 2023, in his travels, Fr Abue had appealed to Franciscan University of Steubenville Ohio, USA through Mr. John Stilley to enable a partnership that would enable the upgrade of The diocesan Thomas McGettrick Institute of Technology (TMIT) possible and faster.

    In his interaction with the University Council headed by Fr David Pivonka TOR and his Council, Fr Abue discussed the Partnership, which would attract funding towards this initiative and open more doors for other project areas in the diocese.

    Both Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS), Ohio and the proposed Thomas McGettrick University (TMU), Ogoja would have missions to educate Nigerian priests/seminarians through a rolling mentorship programme with FUS personnel. The topics for the programme would include: Building financial reporting processes, Designing Budgets and Projections, Admissions and Enrollment Modeling, Campus Master Planning as well as Legal and Compliance Matters. The concept would be for the Priests to spend time in each functional area and learn how FUS operates in order to come back and build up TMU.

    The Thomas McGettrick University Project was a mandate by the Bishop of Ogoja diocese Most Rev Donatus Akpan to the Further studies Commission of the diocese headed by Fr Peter Abue to oversea modalities that would ensure among other things, the upgrade of the present TMIT to the status of a university by raising funds to meet the requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    In his response to the Bishop and the team of selected Priests who welcomed the august visitor, he emphasized the willingness of the Franciscan University of Steubenville to support the initiative of the diocese and mentioned one of the key stakeholders John Stilley who is particularly interested in this partnership.

    He thanked the Bishop for receiving him and promised to set to work to make this vision possible in the nearest future.