In response to concerns about the safety of schools in Gombe State,the Commissioner of Education Professor Aishatu Maigari,has assured that schools in the state are safe.

Responding to questions from newsmen regarding school security, the Commissioner refuted rumors suggesting that schools were closed due to insecurity.

She clarified that the government decided to close schools earlier than scheduled due to various factors, including the Ramadan fast, Sallah, Easter breaks, and excessive heat.

Professor Maigari elaborated that the decision was made considering that out of the remaining two weeks, approximately ten days would be devoted to public holidays. Therefore, only four days were deducted from the academic calendar.

The Commissioner gave the public the assurance that the school calendar remained on track, because the government was implementing measures to enhance school security.

Professor Maigari therefore called on the community, stakeholders, parents, and guardians to collaborate with the government in ensuring the safety of schools.

Amidst these reassurances, Professor Maigari’s statements aim to alleviate concerns and reinforce confidence in the safety and continuity of education in Gombe State.

Garba Usman Gero

Bishop Okoye Spiritan Secondary School has smashed the just concluded UTME as 35 students accounting for 50 percent of the entire candidates from the school, got above 300. While unveiling the result, the principal Rev. Fr Jude Ekemgba C. S. Sp, said he was filled with joy to announce the superlative performance of the students.

He attributed the success to the collective hard work of the students, staff and management. He praised the staff for their sacrifices and the students for opening their hearts to learn and to prepare adequately, which paved way for the huge success recorded. On his part the Vice principal/Dean of Studies Rev Fr Edoziem John Paul C.S.Sp described the result as a product of hardwork, strategic planning and the blessing of God.

He noted that though the school has always ranked among the best performing schools, the 2024 UTME result is a consolidation. The clergy also thanked the students and teachers for their collective role in producing the heart warming result. Also speaking the student who got the highest score of 366 Emmanuel Jeremiah returned all glory to God and thanked the school for the rigorous training that repositioned them to achieve the feat.

 The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branch at Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK) has taken a decisive step by engaging the media to highlight the persisting challenges facing the institutionThe move comes after unsuccessful attempts to address concerns with the Kano State Government (KNSG), sparking fears of an impending crisis.

At the heart of ASUU YUMSUK’s struggle lie three critical issues: the enhancement of members’ conditions of service, the urgent need for sustainable funding to bolster the university’s growth, and the imperative to safeguard university autonomy and academic freedom.

One of the primary demands put forth by the union revolves around the immediate settlement of outstanding financial obligations, including the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and Consequential Adjustment Arrears. The total sum owed amounts to a staggering ₦178,705,735.91 and ₦111,321,792.18, respectively. Despite assurances from the KNSG to pay these dues in installments starting April 2024, no funds have been disbursed thus far, leaving members disillusioned.

Additionally, ASUU YUMSUK insists on the implementation of the Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II), which has already been adopted by federal universities but remains unaddressed by the state government. The union also highlights the disparity in the payment of a provisional Wage Award, further underscoring the neglect faced by its members.

The union’s plea for expedited action on completing ongoing projects and augmenting funding for academic staff training reflects the dire need for adequate financial support. With budgetary allocations for capital projects consistently falling short, the university’s growth trajectory has been stifled, as evidenced by a mere 46% budgetary performance in 2023. ASUU YUMSUK calls upon the university’s Visitor to prioritize bolstering funding mechanisms to propel the institution forward.

University Autonomy and Academic Freedom:

Central to ASUU YUMSUK’s concerns is the urgent call for the reconstitution of the University Governing Council, a pivotal entity crucial for effective university administration. The absence of this council undermines the autonomy and decision-making processes within the institution, hindering progress and exacerbating tensions.

In a joint statement, Com. Mansur Said and Com. Yusuf Ahmed Gwarzo, respectively serving as Branch Chairperson and Branch Secretary, implore the university’s Visitor to intervene and address these pressing issues in the interest of fostering industrial harmony.

As the standoff between ASUU YUMSUK and the KNSG persists, the fate of Yusuf Maitama Sule University hangs in the balance, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting a resolution to avert a potential crisis and safeguard the future of academia in Kano State.

The union’s unwavering commitment to advocating for its members’ rights serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector and underscores the critical need for concerted efforts to revitalize and sustain academic institutions across the nation.