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OCCEN engages North West Youth On Democratic Process  And Participation 

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By Ozimi Abdul

In the bid to entrench democratic tenets for effective and wholesome participations amongst the youths of the North West region, Organisation for Community Civic Engagement Organisation (OCCEN) organised a 3-day workshop capacity building where youths from different states of the region are engaged, enlightened and educated about democratic process with the view of passing the knowledge of whatever they learnt during their 3 days engagement to other youths of their individual societies.

According to Mallam Abdulrazak Alkali who is organiser of the workshop said the major objectives of the workshop are to train the youth to understand the generality of what democracy entails and also to provide a mechanism that would empower them to hold those elected to represent them accountable for their actions and inactions.

On his expectations from the participants of the workshop after their 3-day engagement, Abdulrazak exuded the confidence that after the training, they would have increase in knowledge to understand how democracy works, human rights and constitution, while also expecting that the knowledge they learnt to be passed to other youths in their various states.
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“Our expectations are that after the training they would have increased knowledge of the understanding of democracy, rule of law and the rest, so that if they return to their individual states they can do some step-down trainings for those who are not privileged to be here whether because of financial constraint, or other reasons in the same areas and topics, in order to have expanded knowledge amongst young people about the concept of democracy “.

 

Speaking during the workshop, The Director, Centre for Research and Documentation, Professor Muhammad Habu ruled that there are 3 major challenges confronting the Nigerian fledgling democracy since its return in 1999, which he described as” epileptic” considering its weak democratic institutions, the limit in which democracy can elicit good governance, while also adding that the challenges can not be pegged on these three alone as there are other gamut factors putting spanner in the wheel of the development of the country’s democratic process.

He stressed that for democracy to grow in the country, the government must be responsive and responsible.

“Democracy is a process and as a process it is normal to envisage challenges. But it is also good to remind ourselves that in some countries, they have gone too far to make their institutions of government very strong, unlike these countries, ours are very weak, and the extents which democracy can elicit good governance in Nigeria are very limited, insecurity is another issue “.

He continued,” Democracy has not engendered good governance in my opinion, by good governance, the government must be responsive and responsible, so since 1999, our democracy has been crawling as a troubling one and has never engendered good governance “, he submitted.

Professor Habu regretted that the country is ranked the capita of poverty in the world in spite of the country’s boast for enormous natural resources, which according to him is “disgusting”, with lack of quality health sector, insecurity, lack of infrastructural development and so many other indices that can be used to measure the development of the democracy of any democratic nation or otherwise.

On the role of the youth in effecting positive changes, the political science professor was unapologetically opmistic by emphatically stating that the “raw resources” of the youth need to be tapped, by catching them young, training them on the workings of democracy in participating actively against all odds so that they can have their imprints in rekindling true democracy in Nigeria ; emphasing that the civil societies particularly the youth sector have prominent roles to play.

He said the opportunity to discuss the pending “Not Too Young To Run” bill and the challenges.
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“The raw resources of the youth need to be tapped, catch them young if you like by training, impart in them about the workings of democracy ; and to participate actively against all odds so that the youth would have their imprints in rekindling the country’s dwindling fortune of true democracy. Also, the civil societies especially the youth sector have prominent roles to play in educating the youth so that they can become leaders of tomorrow “, he hoped.

He concluded by advising the stakeholders to come in and never to botch on their responsibilities, noting that it would be in the collective interest of the stakeholders to converge and discuss the issues that affect the growth of democracy in the country, and also frown at some undemocratic tendencies.

He however warned that while the youth have the right to protest or frown at any government’s policies, that there are limitations to such right as it must be within the purview of law.

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Bichi rep Reaffirms Commitment to Education as Bichi Nursing College Matriculates students

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The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to education.
Bichi stated this at the Maiden Matriculation of Flagship College of Nursing Sciences, Bichi.

He said that his foundation is focusing on education as one of its core pillars of social intervention.

He added that since inception the foundation has been employing and paying salaries to teachers to cover gaps in primary and secondary schools in Bichi Federal Constituency.

Bichi said, “Our Education Committee is working tirelessly to ensure that our teeming youths are given opportunities to excel. In line with our ‘Bichi First’ guiding principle, we will not rest until all eligible sons and daughters of Bichi Federal Constituency have a formal education and are empowered to live a decent life. May Allah SWT guide us!
“Our Foundation, since its inception, has been intervening in all strata of education, ranging from employing and paying salaries to teachers to cover gaps in primary and secondary schools in Bichi Federal Constituency, to providing basic items and stipends to students, thereby easing the pressure on parents. We are also establishing new schools, renovating and equipping the existing ones.

“In the area of sponsorship, our scholarship scheme covers full sponsorship to our students enrolled in Colleges, Polytechnics, and Universities across the nation. We are also sponsoring Postgraduate Students abroad to make them competitive and skilled, with the added advantage of foreign exposure and networking opportunities.

“”Therefore, our dear Matriculating students, as you embark on this academic journey, I urge you to remember that nursing is a noble profession that requires dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to caring for others. You are not just students; you are future leaders in the healthcare sector.

“We want you to remember that, in the rural areas and villages, your services are greatly needed. So, please put in your very best effort to acquire the right skills to help reduce infant and maternal mortalities and address the shortage of skilled birth attendants and midwives in our communities.
“In addition, our esteemed students in training, I advise you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you within this institution. Work hard, be diligent, and strive for excellence in all you do.
“Let me assure you that we, as partners in progress, will continue to collaborate with institutions like yours to ensure that students receive the best possible academic and professional experience.
He congratulated the Management and entire community of the College, especially the founder of the school, Engr. Dr Rabiu Suleiman Bichi.
He said, “The establishment of this institution is a testament to the power of vision and determination of the founding fathers and promoters.
“To the Management and staff, I charge you to provide our students with the best possible education and training. Equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their chosen profession. I do not doubt that your collective expertise and dedication will make this institution a model of excellence in nursing education.

“I congratulate all matriculating students once again. May this ceremony mark the beginning of a successful and fulfilling academic journey for you.”

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Skyline University Nigeria Marks Eight Years of Academic Excellence, Prepares for 4th Convocation

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The Vice Chancellor of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN), Professor Ajith Kumar V. V, has announced that the institution will hold its 4th Convocation Ceremony, celebrating eight years of academic excellence, innovation, and social impact.

Prof. Ajith made this known during a press briefing held ahead of the ceremony held at the university’s campus in Kano, where he reflected on the university’s remarkable progress since its establishment in 2018. “This event marks another milestone in our journey of delivering quality education, enriching minds, and shaping the future of young Nigerians,” he stated.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Skyline University Nigeria was founded with a mission to provide world-class, value-based education that empowers students with the knowledge, skills, and moral grounding needed to lead in a globalized world. “From our humble beginnings with two schools the School of Science and Information Technology (SSIT) and the School of Arts, Management and Social Sciences (SAMSS) we have now expanded into five schools, including the Schools of Legal Studies, Basic Medical Sciences, and Postgraduate Studies,” he added.

Prof. Ajith explained that the university currently offers a wide range of programs, including degrees in Law, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Physiotherapy, as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs designed to promote professional and academic advancement.

Highlighting the institution’s achievements, the Vice Chancellor emphasized Skyline’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the RMK Empowerment Program, which trained 1,000 teachers under the Teachers’ Empowerment Certification Program, 100 youths and women in hospitality, and 50 entrepreneurs under the Digital Literacy and ICE Program. “We are also partnering with the World Bank’s IDEAS Project to train 1,000 Nigerian youths in ICT, web design, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity,” he revealed.

On international partnerships, Prof. Ajith announced that Skyline University signed four new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the 2024–2025 academic year with prestigious global institutions, including Keele University in the United Kingdom and Sheridan College in Canada. “These collaborations focus on student exchange and joint academic development, reinforcing our commitment to global learning and internationalization,” he said.

He further disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had granted approval for seven new part-time undergraduate programs, including B.Sc. International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Mass Communication, and Computer Science & Information Systems. “This expansion provides flexible learning opportunities for professionals seeking advancement without compromising work or family life,” Prof. Ajith explained.

According to him, all programs under the School of Basic and Medical Sciences also received full accreditation during the academic year, reaffirming Skyline University’s status as a fully accredited institution by the NUC.

On student development, Prof. Ajith listed several events organized to enhance learning experiences, including CEO Lecture Series, Guest Lectures, the First Career Fair, and Skyline TEDx, where students showcasedspeaking skills and thought leadership shared stage with invited international guest speakers.

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Just In: Last Surviving Widow of Late President Shehu Shagari, Hajiya Sutura, Passes On at 89

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Late President Shehu Shagari

 

 

The last surviving wife of Nigeria’s first democratically elected President, Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, has passed on.

In a statement signed by Captain Bala Muhammad Shagari, the son of the former President, he announced that the last surviving spouse of late President Shagari passed away today at 3:00 PM.

Captain Bala Shagari described late Hajiya Sutura as a woman of humility and trustworthiness, and a good mother and grandmother.

Nigerian Tracker reports that late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, who ruled Nigeria from 1979 to 1983, died seven years ago on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93.

 

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