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No going back on 120% Ondo varsity fees hike, VC insists as PDP, parents kick

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Medical Sciences, UNIMED, Ondo State, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, has said there is no going back on the hike in tuition fees of the institution.

This coming on the heels of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and parents of students in UNIMED, yesterday, kicking against the 120 per cent increase in tuition fees, saying the increase would swell the number of out-of-school children.

The PDP’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Kennedy Peretei, in a statement, said the hike “is a silent notice to parents who cannot afford the new fees regime to withdraw their children.”

Akeredolu’s antecedents
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has never hidden his penchant for increasing fees in tertiary institutions, since he assumed headship of the state.

The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, have suffered serial closures over students’ protests bordering on fees’ hikes.

The Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo shrank to a student population of 1,753, from over 9,000, due to fees increase.

Most private residential accommodation for students in Owo is now empty. Even the economy of the ancient city has been adversely affected.

Parents and students of UNIMED received shockers when they noticed increment of fees with nearly 120 per cent for 2021/2022 session.

No explanation was given for this hike. Medical students have to pay as much as N1,320,000, as against N515,000 payable in the previous academic session (2020/2021)

“There is no justification for this continuous upward review of school fees, when the economy of the state is practically comatose and workers’ salaries are not only irregular but never paid in full.

“The PDP in Ondo State calls on the governor and the APC-led government to wear a human face in taking decisions that affect the well-being of our future leaders.”

Parents berate govt
Also faulting the hike, some of the parents who spoke with Vanguard said: “There will be mass withdrawal. It is not realistic.

“Mass withdrawal is looming in the school. We were paying N350,000 and it was difficult.

“We know Medicine is not cheap, but this is on the high side. Other state schools are running medicine but their fees are not as high as N2 million.”

No going back on new fees, VC insists
When contacted, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, said there was no going back on the new fees schedule.

Fatusi said: “The institution is committed to offering quality education and this position would not be compromised.

“The parents have an option. Their children don’t need to study here. Other medical schools are available.

“We run this school almost free of tuition fees. This school is a specialised school and we cannot continue with the previous fees.”

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400 People To Benefit From Lagos’ Free Limb Deformity Intervention – LASG

No fewer than 400 people will benefit from the latest phase of the Lagos State Government sponsored Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery and Rehabilitative Programme – an intervention programme targeted at rehabilitating people, especially children, with lower limb deformities such as rickets or Blount disease, and other lower limb deformities that affect their normal growth and function.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, disclosed this during his visit to the screening site for the latest batch of beneficiaries at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital on Monday.

According to him, the current phase of the exercise has recorded over 400 potential beneficiaries, who will be screened over a period of two days, while appropriate medical examinations are conducted.

He explained that during the current phase, 80 children will benefit from corrective surgical intervention, just as others will be offered physiotherapy, nutrition and health education as well as assistive mobility devices that will improve their health.

Ogboye noted that the results of their examination will be reviewed by a team of specialists and those that qualify for surgery will be booked for surgical intervention within the next 10 days, adding that the process will be at no cost to the patients.

He said: “The process involves a screening where surgeons examine patients and select those eligible to benefit from surgery and others that may benefit from assistive devices and other forms of physical rehabilitation. Those who pre-qualify for surgery will then go through a series of diagnostic investigations including x-rays and blood tests to check for the form of the bone malformation, calcium levels and other basic parameters. Patients are then offered surgery and kept overnight for observation”.

“This is supervised by our team of orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other health professionals. After discharge, patients will come for follow-up visits at the clinic, and then also go through physiotherapy to ensure we get the best outcomes”, the Permanent Secretary added.

He noted that many of the limb deformities, which can be corrected by surgery and rehabilitation, will improve the health status of the beneficiaries and give a greater sense of self-worth, stating that the patients would have better chances for economic empowerment and financial independence.

His words: “This programme often leads to improved mobility and health outcomes for the beneficiaries, and allows us to demonstrate our commitment as a State to develop our human capital and give our children a good platform to achieve their dreams and aspirations”.

“The programme also allows us to generate data to create other targeted disability intervention strategies to help more people that may have been disadvantaged healthwise in one way or another”, Ogboye said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Coordinator of the Programme, Dr. Tolulope Ajomale, noted that over 6,000 patients have benefitted from the programme since inception, adding that the programme has evolved into a multidisciplinary surgical outreach programme that explores surgical intervention, physiotherapy and assistive mobility devices to improve their health.

He noted that the programme, usually held biannually, was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the surgical and rehabilitative intervention programme has been rejigged to ameliorate the suffering of patients and their families.

Ajomale added that the massive turnout of potential beneficiaries at the screening exercise is an affirmation of the impact the programme has on citizens who have benefitted from the programme, stressing that another screening exercise will be organised before the end of the year to expand the window for more potential beneficiaries.

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Gbajabiamila signs Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill, 19 others for transmission to Senate

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has signed 20 bills passed by the House, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria Trust Fund Bill, 2021, for transmission to the Senate for concurrence.

Gbajabiamila signed the 20 bills at a brief ceremony in his office at the National Assembly on Monday, prior to their transmission to the Senate.

The 20 bills are among many other bills already passed by the House and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence before they are transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

The Armed Forces Bill seeks to establish the Armed Forces of Nigeria Trust Fund. It will provide special financial support for the Armed Forces, makes provision for regular training for personnel and the provision of security/defence equipment for effective defence of Nigeria’s territories and the fight against insurgency. The bill was passed by the House on October 13, 2021.

Another one is the National Agricultural Development Fund Bill, 2021, which seeks to establish the National Agricultural Development Fund to provide funding for agricultural development. It was also passed by the House on October 13, 2021.

Other bills the Speaker signed were the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Bill, 2021; Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria Bill, 2021; National Biotechnology Development Agency Bill, 2021; South West Development Commission Bill, 2021; North Central Development Commission Bill, 2021; North West Development Commission Bill, 2021, and the South East Development Commission Bill, 2021.

Also on the list were the Federal College of Education (Technical) Ako, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State Bill, 2021; Federal College of Agriculture Malumfashi Bill, 2021; Federal College of Education (Technical) Keana, Nasarawa State Bill, 2021; Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Saki Bill, 2021; Federal University of Education Pankshin, Plateau State Bill, 2021; Federal Polytechnics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

There were also the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; University of Maiduguri Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021; Federal University of Environmental and Technology Saakpenwa, Ogoni Bill, 2021, and Specialized National Dermatology Hospital Bill, 2021.

Once the 20 bills get to the Senate, the senators are expected to work on them and concur with the House before the National Assembly will forward them to the President for his assent, prior to the bills becoming laws.

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Court Convicts Abdulrasheed Maina Of N2 Billion Pension Fraud Charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday found the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, guilty of money laundering charges.

In a judgement being delivered by Okon Abang, the trial judge, the court held that Mr Maina stole over N2 billion belonging to Pensioners, “most of whom have died without reaping the fruits of their labour,” the judge said.

“I find the defendant (Mr Maina) guilty and convicted in count 2, 6, 9, 3, 7 and 10,” Mr Abang held.

A month ago, the court jailed Mr Maina’s son, Faisal, after finding him guilty on all three counts of money laundering involving N58.1million in public funds.

There has been no report that Faisal, who faced a trial separate from his father, has been apprehended and put in jail.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Mr Maina before Mr Abang, on October 25, 2019, and firm, Common Input Property and Investment Ltd.

Mr Maina was tried on a 12-count money laundering charge filed against him by the EFCC.

Part of the allegations against him is that he used his firm to launder N2 billion and also used some of it to acquire properties in Abuja.

He had pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

Mr Maina had jumped bail twice in the course of the trial. He was recently arrested in Niamey, Niger Republic, where he had fled.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how a senator, Ali Ndume, was briefly jailed after he failed to provide Mr Maina, whom he had stood surety for. Mr Ndume spent five days at the Kuje correctional centre before he was granted bail.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/256/2019, EFCC alleged that Maina used fictitious names to open and operate various bank accounts, as well as recruited his relatives that were bankers to operate fake bank accounts through which illicit funds were channelled.

The verdict is ongoing, as the judge said, “it’s a long judgement, which I don’t want to scare counsel.

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Ikoyi Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises To 43

One more body has been recovered from under the rubble at the site of a 21-storey building that collapsed in the Ikoyi area of Lagos last Monday, bringing the death toll to 43.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso on Sunday.

He noted that the corpse was retrieved from the rubble on Saturday night after the government announced the recovery of six more survivors.

He wrote, ”One more body has been recovered from the site of the collapsed 21-storey building in Ikoyi, Lagos. The body, which was recovered on Saturday, has brought the number of bodies retrieved from the rubble to 43.

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Makinde Mourns Onigbeti of Igbeti, Extols Late Oba’s Virtues

Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, mourned the passage of the Onigbeti of Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the State, Oba Emmanuel Oyebisi, Afasegbejo III, stating that his death has left a vacuum in the state.

According to a statement signed by
Moses Alao, Special Assistant (Print Media) to Governor Makinde, it reads “I condole with the entire Igbeti Community of Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the State on the demise of the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi.
“I equally commiserate with the Oyo State Traditional Council and friends, families and well-wishers of the late royal father.
“I have had many encounters with the late Oba Oyebisi, beginning from the pre-2015 general election days while seeking the governorship seat.

“The late Kabiyesi was a great leader and a peace-loving ruler. His love for the development of Igbeti and Oyo State in general is unprecedented and he never missed an opportunity to make this clear.
“Surely, Oba Oyebisi’s death has left a huge vacuum in Olorunsogo Local Government and among the traditional council in the state.
“It is my prayer that God grants repose to his soul and uphold the community and the family he left behind.”

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Fakolade Anuoluwapo Emerges FIBSU National President

Fakolade Anuoluwapo on Saturday, was declared by the Electoral Committee as the winner for the position of President, Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union.

While announcing the result, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comr. Amole Jamiu said Anuoluwapo had 48 votes, Oluwawemimo 35 votes, while Abiole Abiola had 8 votes.

Busari Uthman was also declared the Treasurer elect with 48 votes to defeat his opponent who had 45 votes.

For the position of vice president II, the two aspirants had 46 votes each, which makes it difficult for the electoral committee to declare a winner. In the decision of the committee, they resolved that the 1st Congress of the association will make decision on who becomes the VP 2 of the association.

Other offices were without opponent, so, they were all declared winner

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FIBSU National Ag. Clerk Congratulates National President Elect, Commends Electoral Committee.

93 Delegates from 37 Institutions yesterday, decided the fate of Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union, National Council for the next administration. It was a keenly contested election between 3 Presidential aspirants, the electioneering which started some two months ago ended yesterday, ANUOLUWAPO will be taking over the mantle of leadership in few days, it’s a privilege to be part of this process. It’s a victory for all the 3 aspirants and not only for the winner, the project before us is the project of development, taking Ibadan and FIBSU to the next level of impactful unionism.

Picture 1: Aare Elect with President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes @ Ibadan House.

I commend the uprightness of the Electoral Committee, despite the uncertainty, they did a very good job, you have written your names in the book of history, and I hope it will be kind to you.

Picture 2: Members & Observers of the Electoral Committee with the PG.

Aare Elect, I congratulate you on this landmark victory, as I have no doubt in your capacity to lead and make the desired changes, the task before you requires wisdom, and I pray the Lord will guide you right.

Some of us will be leaving the stage soon, we will be available for guidance and support when it’s required, I believe with our collective support, we will keep the flag of FIBSU National high.

Congratulations to my very own chapter member, Da’vibes, who was also elected as the National Director of Socials. It’s a reward for competence & loyalty, I wish you success in this new endeavor.

Lastly, I want to implore other elected officials to support the President Elect in his effort in consolidating the works of the past and current leaders of the Union, as he also introduce new innovations for the advancement of the union. It’s also important, for all runner ups to support the coming administration, as the President Elect is not a President for his supporters but for all Ibadan Students throughout the Federation and abroad.

Once again, congratulations, my dear brother.


Ajani ‘Kayode.

FIBSU OAU Outgoing President & Ag. National Clerk, FIBSU Parliament.

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Oyo Monarch, Onigbeti Of Igbeti Is Dead

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the Onigbeti of Igbetiland, Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi, Afasegbejo III has been declared dead. He was said to have reportedly passed on following the announcement of Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.

The foremost monarch who became king in 2004 died at the age of 77. Alaafin condoles with the family and the entire people of igbeti and prayed that Grant him eternal rest.

In same view, the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Abiodun Oni mourn the death of HRH,

Reacting to the death of the monarch, Abiodun Oni said, “We received with utter shock and sadness the news of the death of HRH, Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi, Afasegbejo III, the Onigbeti of Igbeti Land, after 17 years on the throne.’

According to him, “Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi’s wealth of experience, his wisdom and the royal candour he exuded was epochal and defining of a King that loved his people.

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“Mr. Macaroni Was Completely Wrong”- Adamu Garba Faults Comedian For Not Honouring Osinbajo’s Invite

Former presidential aspirant, Adamu Garba, has faulted the declination of an invitation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo by popular skit maker, Debo Adedayo, professionally known as Mr Macaroni.

Mr Macaroni had on Friday, in a very lengthy series of tweets on his verified Twitter handle, gave reason(s) for his refusal to meet with the number two citizen of the country after fellow skit makers met with the latter at Aso Villa Abuja under the aegis of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards.

The meeting of the comedy skit makers with the Vice President was headed by its promoter Bimbo Daramola. Other delegates, who met with the Vice President, on Wednesday, include Adeoye Adeyemi Olosho aka Yemi Elesho, Josh Alfred aka Josh2funny, Maryam Akpaokagi aka Taaooma, Adebamiro Adeyanju aka Mr Hyenana and Ayo Ajewole aka Woli Agba.

Although the skit makers had said their intentions was to promote the skit comedy with a voice like that of the Vice President, they said they used the opportunity to speak out their minds on behalf of Nigerian youths regarding the leadership in the country, and more especially on the last year’s #ENDSARS protest which was rudely brought to a halt when armed Nigerian security operatives allegedly opened live round bullets at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos on the evening of October 20.

Some fans and followers of the skit makers who had attended the meeting with the Vice President, however, condemned the comedians. Others also questioned the absence of Mr Macaroni and Falz. And this has continued to divide fans of these comedians and some even hauled insulting words on those comedians who graced the meeting while others praised comedians who distanced themselves from the said meeting.

Giving reason for his absence, Mr Macaroni said that he was absent because he was not happy with leaders in the country, consequently, his rejection of the invitation sent to him to meet with the Vice President.

But in a new twist to this controversy, Adamu Garba, who is a former presidential aspirant, faulted the decision of Mr Macaroni for refusing to honour the Vice President’s invitation as he argued that it would have been the best avenue for him to register his displeasure with Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Adamu Garba was of the opinion that the comedian should have embraced the hand of olive oil extended to him first before any other thing, and accepting the invitation would have given a chance to bear his mind on contentious issues with the Vice President.

“Mr. Macaroni was completely wrong. Sitting with the VP would have given him an opportunity for formal presentation of the issues of the moment. What would you have done without the power of green pen? You should sit and talk first, always,” the founder and CEO of the defunct Crowwe app, Adamu Garba had exhumed.

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