Mujeeedah's blog

NSCDC reassures safety of lives in Kwara

By Mujidat Oyewole
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensure safety of students, teachers and host communities.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Umar Muhammed made the assertion during an organized Security Summit, themed “School Safety & Emergency Response Tips: Citizens’ Security” at Ilorin West Division.

Muhammed said that it is part of the corps mandate to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure, including educational institutions.

He explained that the summit aimed at strengthening security measures in schools and host communities.

The State Commandant emphasized NSCDC leading role in the implementation of the federal government’s Safe School Initiative.

He expressed concern over the rising security threats in school environments and called for a coordinated and collective approach to mitigate risks.

“The safety of our children, teachers, and school communities is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and community leaders.

“This summit is both timely and necessary as it provides stakeholders with practical strategies to enhance school security and emergency response mechanisms,” Muhammed said.

The Commandant urged school administrators, teachers, students and parents to actively support government policies and security measures aimed at protecting schools across the 16 local government areas of the state.

He reiterated that intelligence sharing, vigilance and adherence to security protocols are essential in preventing security breaches.

Speaking at the event, CSC Muhammed Hamzat, Divisional Officer, Ilorin West Division said that the summit was to strengthen grassroots security architecture, with focus on safeguarding schools, students, teachers and surrounding communities.

Hamzat noted that they planned to tackle rising security challenges in schools, particularly kidnapping, cultism, bullying, drug abuse and other forms of violence within the school environment.

In their separate remarks, Dr. Uthman Atolagbe, the Balogun Alanamu, and Dr. Adekola Abdulazeez of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, stressed the importance of collaboration among school administrators, community leaders, and security agencies.

They both emphasized the importance of community participation, strengthened surveillance and early warning systems in preventing security threats.

The experts further aligned their recommendations with the global Safe Schools Declaration, advocating for policy implementation, security awareness and risk assessment measures within educational institutions.

It is worth noting that NSCDC, through the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre serve as the coordinating agency for the federal government’s Safe School Initiative, established to protect students and create a secure learning environment.

Kwara State Commandant of NSCDC, Umar Muhammed

Blank registration: JAMB sanctions 6 CBT centres

By Mujidat Oyewole

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), says six Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres have been sanctioned for engaging in blank registration.

Oloyede, however, did not give the location or details of the sanctioned CBT centres.

The registrar disclosed this on Monday in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen during a tour of some CBT Centres in Kwara.

He said that the six affected centres were engaging in blank registration in preparation for examination malpractices.

“We identified six CBT centres engaged in blank registration, shortly after we began the online JAMB registration, so we sanctioned them and put them on suspension for this week.

“We called them into a meeting where they all apologised for what they did.

“Initially, we wanted to give them two weeks suspension, but realised that the candidates will suffer more, instead of the CBT centres.

“JAMB decided to identify the staff of the institutions that committed the offence and blacklist them.

“Those blacklisted will never, at any time, be involved in JAMB activities, either at CBT centres or when they become lecturers or vice-chancellors.

“This means that the six people who did the act are under punishment directly, because all their details have been known and put down in the black list,” he said.

According to Oloyede, when someone works at a CBT centre, such a person should be conscious of his doings.

“Once a student is involved in malpractice during examination organised by any of the examination bodies, such a person is no longer in good standing with JAMB,” he said.

The registrar, however, thanked the JAMB staff, CBT centres, those on the field and the security operatives for doing excellently well.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five CBT centres visited in Ilorin are: Kwara College of Education; Al-Hikma University; Socrates College; University of Ilorin; and Matrix CBT Centre.

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB tour round some CBT Centres in Kwara

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

Alhamdulilah robil alamin…. Which of the favors of my Lord can I deny? Absolutely none.

Alhamdulilah robil alamin for everything in my life both the one I have and those I couldn’t.

I pray that Almighty Allah will be merciful and kind to us always 🙏

Unilorin VC congratulates AbdulRazaq at 65

By Mujidat Oyewole

The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, has congratulated Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

The congratulatory message was delivered in Ilorin on Tuesday through the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun.

The VC eulogised the governor for the exploits he had so far recorded in office.

He commended the governor in particular for commissioning the Tunde Idiagbon Flyover and rehabilitating the Tafawa Balewa Road in Ilorin.

He said the projects would ease transportation to and from the university campus, especially as activities marking its golden jubilee would soon commence.

Egbewole said the school had enjoyed a cordial relationship with its host state since its establishment in 1975.

According to him, the university community is looking forward to more positive collaborations with the government and the people of Kwara.

He wished the governor many more years of sound health and a successful tenure.

Emir of Ilorin appoints new Sarkin Gobir

By Mujidat Oyewole

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has appointed a new Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate.

The newly appointed Sarkin Gobir is Alhaji Yakubu Layi Gobir, who succeeds Muhammed Yusuf-Gobir, who passed away recently.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ilorin by the Emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona.

The new Sarkin Gobir is a pharmacist by profession and was previously the Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate and Waziri Kasar Hausa.

The Emir has urged all members of the Gobir community in Ilorin Emirate to support the new Sarkin Gobir to promote peace, unity, and progress in the emirate and beyond.

Sulu-Gambari also prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the new Sarkin Gobir good health, wisdom, guidance, and a long reign as the Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate.

UNILORIN gets 20 new professors, 31 new readers

By Mujidat Oyewole

The Governing Council of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has approved 20 new professors and 31 readers in various faculties of the institution.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Ilorin by the Registrar of UNILORIN, Mr Mansur Alfanla.

Alfanla explained that 20 readers were promoted to the professorial level, while 31 senior lecturers were upgraded to the position of readers.

“This followed recommendations from the Appointments and Promotions Committee (A&PC) of UNILORIN, as presented to the meeting of the council held on Jan.27, by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole.

“The A&PC, at its 186th meeting, considered the recommendations from the 2024 promotion exercise of some eligible members of academic staff to the positions of professor and reader,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 20 new professors include Olufunmilayo Abiodun and Fausat Kolawole, Department of Home Economics and Food Science; A.S. Afolabi, Department of History and International Studies.

Also, K.T. Omopupa, Department of Library and Information Science; L.K. Mustapha and Kehinde Kadir, Department of Mass Communication; and A.O. Akanbi, Department of Science Education, among others.

The 31 new readers include, Dr S.O. Akanbi, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management; Dr A.O. Dauda, Department of Home Economics and Food Science; and Dr Folusho Bankole, Department of Agronomy, among others.

First Lady inaugurates OAFLAD campaign against spread of HIV/AIDs in Africa

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Free to Shine Campaign against the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Africa.

Tinubu said that the campaign was an advocacy initiative of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and global partners.

She said the campaign was to address the growing complacency in the response to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.

The first lady, while inaugurating the campaign in Ilorin, explained that Nigeria had the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its population size.

She emphasised that the burden was particularly high among children, youths, women and marginalised groups.

Tinubu explained that she decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis by 2030 in order to compliment the campaign.

According to her, the campaign will be held across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

“Today, we are inaugurating the campaign for the North Central zone in Kwara State, which aims to significantly reduce the number of new HIV infections among women of reproductive age.

“It also aims to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV, (Vertical Transmission), and to guarantee that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to thrive.

“According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in 2024, there were over 140,000 children and nearly two million adults living with HIV.

“Also, it is reported that most infants born to HIV-positive mothers, are not tested within the first two months of birth.

“This is largely due to the fact that the mothers are not aware or they are ignorant of the consequences of their inaction.

“It is heartbreaking to learn that just two 2 years ago, fifteen thousand children between the ages of 0-14 lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses,” she said.

According to Tinubu, the goal of this campaign is to raise awareness, renew commitment, and take collective action against these diseases.

“I believe this aligns with our shared vision of a healthier Nigeria, where every individual, particularly women, youth, and children, can thrive and live healthier lives.

“Nigeria is at a pivotal stage in her fight against HIV/AIDS and is poised and ready to join other countries in Africa who have achieved the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target by 2030.

“This target is to see that 95 per cent of people living with HIV/AIDS know their status, while 95 per cent of those aware of their status are placed on life-saving antiretroviral treatment.

“Also, 95 per cent of people undergoing treatment achieve viral suppression, which means they cannot transmit the virus to others.

“We must deepen engagement with traditional and faith-based institutions to address cultural and religious influences on HIV prevention behaviours, especially those engaging in birthing services.

“Access to HIV testing services with comprehensive counselling, treatment and care for all individuals who test positive, need to be expanded”, she added.

Earlier, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, assured that the state government would mobilise resources to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS received the required attention to live a healthy, productive life.

AbdulRazaq expressed concern over the impact of the HIV pandemic, and stressed the need for collective efforts to overcome the challenges of the virus.

He assured the first lady of the state government’s readiness to work with her and other stakeholders to checkmate the menace.

The Wife of the Kwara Governor, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described the Free To Shine campaign as a welcome development, saying that it would eliminate mother to child transmission of the disease.

AbdulRazaq commended the first lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative and the support to better the future of women and children in the country.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, explained that ending HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis was possible considering the country’s efforts in tackling diseases in the past.

Pate emphasised the need for young doctors to engage in research, assurance that the presence administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to supporting research.

The Executive Secretary, Organisation of African First Ladies For Development, Dr Nardos Berhanu identified children, women and the vulnerable ones as beneficiaries of the initiative, “as they are the most affected”.

Berhanu described the campaign as “an action at all level”, and called on stakeholders including international organisations to support the campaign.

EFCC tasks Corps members to fight against corruption

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to be change agents and strong resisting force against corruption.

He also enjoined them to be active foot soldiers and whistle-blowers or intelligence-gatherers against corruption. .

Speaking on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Olukoyede said It is important for youths to realise that, these roles, if performed creditably, will bring up appreciable growth in the economy of our nation.

He said that, “creative energies of youths will be maximised when corruption is brought to its knees.”

The EFCC boss whose address was delivered by the Head, Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde said that most of the problem confronting the country such as kidnapping, banditry, poor infrastructure, among others were connected to corruption.

He added that all hands must be on the deck to tame the cankerworm.

Olukoyede encouraged the youths to embrace the virtues of hard work and shun fraudulent practices such as cybercrime noting that, “it’s profitable to earn dignity and fame through hard work and legit business.”

While calling on the youths to channel their potentials productively and shun crime, the EFCC Chair said that, “Yahoo-Yahoo is not a sustainable way of life.”

“There is no shortcut to wealth and fame. The fact that the rate of unemployment is high should not be an excuse to resort to crime. Act of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but there will be misery and gnashing of teeth”, he said.

Over 1,000 Unilorin staff benefitted from international opportunities in 2024 – Director

The University of Ilorin, on Wednesday, said that over 1000 members of staff of the institution benefitted from international scholarships and attended local and foreign seminars and conferences in 2024.

The institution’s Director, Centre for International Education, Prof. Lateef Onireti, disclosed this to newsmen in Ilorin at a news conference.

Onireti said that the Centre was established in 2009 to enhance the university’s collaboration and affiliation with foreign ones and make its staff and students global scholars.

He emphasised the importance of using the Centre’s resources to get scholarship opportunities and affiliation to world class foreign universities.

“The university has indeed become a hub for international collaboration with over 70 top universities worldwide partnering with it.

“The institution has also won numerous grants, including over N1 billion in research grants”, he disclosed.

The director said that Unilorin has been recognised as the most sought-after university in Nigeria, and has the highest number of international students.

He highlighted the successes of Unilorin students in international competitions, such as the X Culture problem-solving competition, established in Japan.

“Out of 79 Unilorin students that participated in the competition recently, 41 excelled, and one of them ranked among the top 14 globally.

“The university’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as it recently won the JAMB N500 million prize for being the most sought-after university and having the highest number of international students,” Onireti said.

He said that as the university prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, numerous dignitaries would be invited through the Centre and several programmes organised to make the celebration a special one.

The director also appreciated the university’s management, headed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, for its invaluable support to the Centre

According to him, this has made it easy for the Centre to thrive under his leadership.

Private schools should use unique qualities to attract customers – Don

Dr AbdulRoheem Kadir, a Lecturer at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Kwara, has tasked private school owners on using unique qualities to attract customers and ensure high enrolment of children in their schools.

Kadir made the assertion on Wednesday in Ilorin during the annual Conference for School Leaders and Proprietors, organised by Association of Model Islamic Schools.

The lecturer, also Proprietor of An-Nujoom Schools, a private school in Ilorin, noted that unique selling point would ensure that people noticed and enrolled their children and wards in the school.

“A good school should have important qualities such as honesty, trustworthiness and sincerity, which should be part of their vision and mission that guides them.

“As a school owner, the first thing that should be considered is the reason for establishing a school and when there is no specific reason, don’t bother to start.

“I, personally, started my school because I want my children to have standard education in both western and Islamic knowledge, and to have good impacts on the society.

“Private school owners should invest in management and teachers, and ignore distractions from parents and other stakeholders. They should also reward and punish when necessary,” he said.

Mr Daudu Muhammad-Saheed, Proprietor, Offspring ILM Schools, a private school, said that technology was built for efficient learning and to preserve resources, hence, the need to use it to teach students.

“Training through technology helps students function well in a 21st century world they have found themselves.

“Technology is very important because we are training global citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the world at large.

“Teachers should be well enlightened and be ahead of students in the use of technology, in order to know what is in vogue and how to train and caution students on its usage,” he said.

Muhammed-Saheed, however, said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be totally relied on.

According to him, students should not be allowed to use AI in answering questions in assignments, tests and examinations.

“Students should be made to understand that knowledge is basic and AI should only be a helping hand to guide and not to get the solution to all problems,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were presented to six members of the association for their excellent performance.

New executives of the association were also inaugurated, while the Chairman, Alhaji Tahjudeen Bolaji, was re-elected.

Speaking to NAN on the sidelines of the event, Bolaji said the association was established in 1995 and currently had 23 branches.

The chairman said the headquarters of the association was located in Abuja, while their mission was to unite Islamic schools and encourage Islamic education.