The Sustainability and Social Performance Department of Dangote Cement Plc will be implementing a malaria intervention programme at communities in Okpella, Edo State.

The health intervention programme, according to a statement from the company, will run for two days around the host communities of the Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella.

The statement said the “intervention is part of efforts to advance the Safer and Healthier Communities (SHC) initiative to promotes access to health and wellbeing of our host communities and their neighbours through structured health interventions and public health awareness campaigns.”

It added that: “Malaria is another key area of the DCP Group’s public health focus besides HIV/AIDS.”

It said that Dangote Cement Plc had initiated its Safer and Healthier Communities (SHC) programme in 2022 with the implementation of the pilot phase of the HIV/AIDS intervention programme in three transit communities in Gboko, Benue state.

Speaking, Head of Social Perfomance of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, said the two-day event (9th and 10th May) would feature awareness campaigns testing and referrals, distribution of treated nets, mosquito creams, ultrasonic anti-mosquito insect repellant, rechargeable electric mosquito killer swatter and other mosquito repellant paraphernalia. The Public Health officials will also offer counselling and referral services.

The intervention is the company’s response to reports that Edo state records an estimated 1.2 million malaria cases with a 317/1000 per location or geographical area. As a socially responsible company, Dangote Cement implements this initiative as contribution to safeguarding the lives of populations of high risk of malaria, which includes children, pregnant women and the elderly.
The Head of Sustainability, Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba providing context on the partnership of the programme expressed appreciation to the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Edo State chapter, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Nigrowth Consults Services – implementing partner.

According to her, the project which supports Sustainable Development Goal 3_ Good Health and Wellbeing, is another effort of the Dangote Cement Okpella to demonstrate its solidarity with stakeholders in Edo state and the health sector at large.

The AD Scientific Index ranking 2024 has ranked the Nile University, Abuja, as the best private university in Northern Nigeria.

According to the ranking made available on the website of the AD Scientific, titled: ‘Nigeria Private Universities Ranking 2024’, the Maryam Abacha American University, MAAUN, emerged second best university in the North.

This is as the American University of Nigeria, AUN, was ranked third in the same category.

In the overall ranking, Redeemers University was ranked 1st University in Nigeria, followed by Covenant University Ota and Afe Babalola University, which emerged 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Nile University, founded in 2009, was ranked 10th, MAAUN, established in 2021 in Kano, was ranked 11th, while AUN got ranked as the 13th university.

Al Qalam University in Katsina was ranked 33rd, Al Hikmah University Ilorin 39th and
Skyline University 42nd

MAAUN was established in 2021 by renowned philanthropist Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, who is also the founder of Niger’s best private university, Maryam Abacha American University of Niger.

Prof. Dr Bikash Sharma, co-founder and president of International Academic and Management Association, described the ranking as a stepping stone for MAAUN.

“It’s high time that we did a complete overhaul of the education system globally, employing the best lecturers, and equipping our universities with the best facilities.

“MAAUN achieving this feat in less than 3 tears is not surprising. The founder has proved his commitment to standard and internationalisation.

“It is high time that we move from traditional teaching to experiential learning,” he said.

On his part, Isa Gwadabe, an educationist, hailed MAAUN for projecting its image through commitment to academic excellence.

“This is not an achievement to the institution alone but to the entire Kano State and Nigeria in particular. Among all the universities that were given licences together, MAAUN is leading in just less than 3 years.

AD Scientific Index is one of the best rankings for scientists in the world.

“I hope other institutions will emulate MAAUN towards achieving this great feat.”

The “AD Scientific Index” in its website said the University Rankings will not only show the areas in which a university is best or focused but also reflect the results of the institutions’ scientific recruitment policies.

This feature reveals the ability of institutions to attract successful scientists and the ability of institutions to promote advances and retain scientists.

“AD Scientific Index” is the only university/institution ranking system that analyzes the distribution of scientists in an institution according to the top % 10, %20, %40, %60, % 80 percentiles and total scientists.

By Asile Abel,Jos

The Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) has called upon media practitioners to rally behind its sustainable health insurance initiatives. The appeal was made by the Director-General of PLASCHEM, Dr Agabus Manasseh in a one-day interface with media professionals in Jos, Plateau State, themed “Media: A Tool for Sustainable Development.”

Dr Agabus emphasized the pivotal role of media partnerships in disseminating vital information about PLASCHEMA’s health insurance policies, enrollment procedures, and benefits to the populace. He stressed that such collaboration aids in educating citizens about the significance of health insurance coverage and empowers them to make informed decisions concerning their healthcare needs.

Highlighting the media’s potential as a catalyst for policy advocacy, Agabus underscored its capacity to champion policies supportive of PLASCHEMA’s sustainable health insurance programs. Through raising awareness about the importance of governmental backing for healthcare initiatives and advocating for health insurance coverage, the media can sway public opinion and policy formulation in favor of expanding access to quality healthcare services.

“We believe that the media plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of social health insurance programs in Plateau State. By effectively communicating information about the benefits, coverage options, enrollment procedures, and updates related to health insurance programs, the media helps raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of health insurance coverage,” Nanfwang affirmed.

Director General also highlighted PLASCHEMA’s major achievements, including clearing arrears in capitation and fee-for-service payments, conducting house-to-house verifications of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund beneficiaries, and securing government funding to subsidize healthcare for the poor and vulnerable individuals across the state. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Christian Aid and advocacy efforts with local government officials have resulted in increased uptake of health insurance.

Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, Chair of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, commended PLASCHEMA for recognizing the pivotal role of media practitioners in promoting and sensitizing the public about the importance of healthcare plans.

Moving forward, PLASCHEMA is actively pursuing collaborations and developing innovative ICT solutions to efficiently manage information systems and data, furthering its mission to achieve universal health coverage in Plateau State.