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The Federal Government says state governments and school administrators should start making preparations for the full reopening of schools in the country.

Reports had earlier reported that schools in the country were shut in March as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease .

However , the FG announced the resumption of graduating pupils effective August 4 , 2020 , to write this year ’ s West African Senior School Certificate Examination from August 17 , 2020 , through September 12 , 2020 .

Some state governments such as Lagos and Kogi had subsequently announced the full reopening of schools effective mid- September.

Speaking , the National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID- 19 , Dr Sani Aliyu , during a briefing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport , Abuja , said the task force recommends phased return of students to classrooms .

Aliyu said , “ For educational institutions which include daycare , primary , secondary and tertiary institutions. Educational institutions should begin the process of working towards potentially reopening within this phase.

“ However , we strongly recommend that states conduct risk assessment to ensure all schools are at a level of compliance and create a monitoring mechanism to assess , create , and monitor this level of preparedness .

“ Meanwhile , all daycares and educational institutions are to remain closed to in – classes until this level of risk is assessed . And if there will be opening of schools , it must be staged and preferably carried out in phases to ensure that this does not pose a risk to the general public and in particular to vulnerable groups that might end up getting infected by students going back home. ”

Punch

The University of Ibadan , Lagos State University , University of Lagos , and Covenant University have ranked among the top 1 , 000 universities in the world .

This was contained in the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Ranking released .

THE ranked UI , LASU , UNILAG as first , second , and third respectively in Nigeria .

Privately – owned Covenant University , Ota , Ogun State, was ranked fourth; ahead of Federal Government- owned University of Nigeria , Nsukka , which came fifth; and Obafemi Awolowo University , sixth in Nigeria .

The University of Oxford tops the rankings for the fifth consecutive year , while mainland China ’ s Tsinghua University becomes the first Asian university to break into the top 20 under the current methodology ( launched in 2011 ).

The US claims a record eight places in the top 10 , after the University of California , Berkeley, climbed six places to seventh , but US universities outside the top 200 show signs of decline .

There were 141 first – time entrants in the rankings this year , topped by France ’ s recently merged Paris- Saclay University (joint 178 th ) .

India has the highest number of new entries ( 14 ) and as a result, boasts a record number of ranked institutions ( 63 ).

A breakdown of the ranking further showed that UI rose to the 401 – 500 bracket to overtake CU , which witnessed a drop from 2018 ’ s 636 position to remain at the top 1 , 000 .

CU was ranked as Nigeria ’ s best university in THE ’ s 2020 report after usurping UI since 2018 .

LASU placed between 501 and 600 bands , while UNILAG ranked 601–800 .

UNN and OAU placed on figures exceeding 1 , 000 .

Reacting , LASU in a press statement said , “ The latest ranking follows a consistent and meteoric rise in the local and international stock of the University in the last five years of the Prof . Olanrewaju Fagbohun- led administration , thanks to the entrenchment of academic excellence , a culture of cutting edge research and enhanced community service . ”

Less than 24 hours after the increase in the ex – depot price of Premium Motor Spirit ( petrol ) was announced , some filling stations in Lagos and Ogun states have adjusted their pump prices , selling the product at between N150 and N 162 per litre .

News correspondent, who visited several filling stations along the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway , observed that Fatgbems was selling a litre of petrol at N 162 ; NNPC , N160 ; and Mobil , N159 . 9 .

Enyo was selling the product at N159 . 9 per litre; Capital Oil and Gas , N158 ; and Oando , N150 .

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the pump price of PMS appeared set to hit N 160 per litre as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had increased the price at which it sells the product to marketers from N138 . 62 per litre to N 147 . 67 .

The Petroleum Products Marketing Company , a subsidiary of the NNPC , had on Wednesday increased the ex -depot price of the PMS to N 151 . 56 per litre, with marketers saying the product would be sold at between N158 and N 162 per litre .

The ex – depot price is the price at which the product is sold to marketers at the depots.

The Chairman , Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria , Mr Adetunji Oyebanji , told news correspondent that prices at the pump would have to be adjusted to reflect realities of the increase of ex – depot prices by PPMC.

He said , “ However the magnitude of the increase , timing and location is a decision left to each company . Consistent with global best practices, MOMAN does not dictate prices to its members as this would be anti -competition in a fully deregulated market .

“ We welcome government ’ s action in allowing the market to determine prices as we believe it will prevent the return of subsidies while allowing operators the opportunity to recover their costs. This will, in the long run , encourage investment and create jobs. ”

Punch

Former Malian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who has not been seen in public since his August 18 ouster in a coup, has been hospitalised after suffering a brief stroke-like attack, a doctor said.

Keita, 75, was admitted to a private clinic in the capital Bamako on Tuesday evening, he said.

“According to thorough analysis, the president was the victim of a transient ischaemic attack. It is an alert, but he is recovering well at the moment,” a doctor at the facility said.

A transient ischaemic attack, also called a mini-stroke, happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted for a few minutes, causing stroke-like symptoms such as numbness on one side of the body, vision difficulties or confusion in understanding speech.
Although the symptoms are typically short-lasting, they are often a warning sign for future strokes, experts say.

Earlier , an aide to Keita and a medical source had said the former president had been admitted to the clinic for a routine checkup and that he was expected to return home in the coming hours.

Asked how long Keita would stay, the doctor said: “It’s true, his return home was initially envisaged for today, but right now he is under observation.”

AFP

The organised labour in Ogun State has gave the State Governor , Dapo Abiodun , a 14 – day ultimatum over the non – payment of the negotiated new minimum wage .

Rising from an emergency meeting of the State Organised Labour held at the Nigeria Labour Congress ’ State Secretariat , Abeokuta , the labour leaders , threatened industrial action if the governor failed to address the issues within the period given.

The union lamented over what it called the dysfunctional Contributory Pension Scheme, totalling 134 months deducted from workers ’ salaries and unremitted ; non – promotion of staff since 2018 and unpaid leave allowances to all employees , both of the State and of the Local Governments since 2015 .

This was contained in a letter addressed to the governor titled “ Declaration of Trade Dispute. ”

The letter dated September 2 , was jointly signed by the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress , Bankole Emmanuel ; the Vice Chairman of Trade Union Congress , Akeem Lasisi ; the Chairman and the Secretary of Joint Negotiation Council , Folorunso Olarewaju and Adebiyi Olusegun respectively .

Other issues by the labour leaders are , non – restoration of payment of gross salary and the zero remittance of the National Housing Fund deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank.

The union which accused the government of insincerity to its commitment described the issues as “ recurring and over – flogged ” .

The statement reads , “ It is quite obvious that the State government has chosen to situate the welfare of its employees to the sphere of afterthoughts . Nothing could capture this our stance better than the deliberate distancing of policies that clearly would have improved workers lot . Viewed dispassionately , we hold the belief that the State government has no clear cut roadmap for solving any issue ( s ) or matter ( s ) that bother ( s) on its personnel welfare.

“ We , therefore , request of the State government to , without further delay , set the machinery in motion to address all of the items within fourteen ( 14 ) days from the date above failing which the State Organised Labour will call out its members for full industrial action . The State Organised Labour has demonstrated enough maturity and respect to the development and growth of the state . It is now the turn of the State government to reciprocate . ”

In his reaction, the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Communications , Remmy Hazzan expressed the government ’ s commitment to paying the minimum wage.

Hazzan said , “ The issue of the new minimum wage is not contentious, it’ s been agreed and the state government has said that it is already committed to paying on that date .

“ We as a state are committed to any promise we have made in every single sector including the welfare of the workers . We are not a government of empty promises and I doubt it that the workers said that . ”

The organised labour in Ogun State has gave the State Governor , Dapo Abiodun , a 14 – day ultimatum over the non – payment of the negotiated new minimum wage .

Rising from an emergency meeting of the State Organised Labour held at the Nigeria Labour Congress ’ State Secretariat , Abeokuta , the labour leaders , threatened industrial action if the governor failed to address the issues within the period given.

The union lamented over what it called the dysfunctional Contributory Pension Scheme, totalling 134 months deducted from workers ’ salaries and unremitted ; non – promotion of staff since 2018 and unpaid leave allowances to all employees , both of the State and of the Local Governments since 2015 .

This was contained in a letter addressed to the governor titled “ Declaration of Trade Dispute. ”

The letter dated September 2 , was jointly signed by the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress , Bankole Emmanuel ; the Vice Chairman of Trade Union Congress , Akeem Lasisi ; the Chairman and the Secretary of Joint Negotiation Council , Folorunso Olarewaju and Adebiyi Olusegun respectively .

Other issues by the labour leaders are , non – restoration of payment of gross salary and the zero remittance of the National Housing Fund deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank.

The union which accused the government of insincerity to its commitment described the issues as “ recurring and over – flogged ” .

The statement reads , “ It is quite obvious that the State government has chosen to situate the welfare of its employees to the sphere of afterthoughts . Nothing could capture this our stance better than the deliberate distancing of policies that clearly would have improved workers lot . Viewed dispassionately , we hold the belief that the State government has no clear cut roadmap for solving any issue ( s ) or matter ( s ) that bother ( s) on its personnel welfare.

“ We , therefore , request of the State government to , without further delay , set the machinery in motion to address all of the items within fourteen ( 14 ) days from the date above failing which the State Organised Labour will call out its members for full industrial action . The State Organised Labour has demonstrated enough maturity and respect to the development and growth of the state . It is now the turn of the State government to reciprocate . ”

In his reaction, the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Communications , Remmy Hazzan expressed the government ’ s commitment to paying the minimum wage.

Hazzan said , “ The issue of the new minimum wage is not contentious, it’ s been agreed and the state government has said that it is already committed to paying on that date .

“ We as a state are committed to any promise we have made in every single sector including the welfare of the workers . We are not a government of empty promises and I doubt it that the workers said that . ”

The Super Eagles will launch new jerseys designed by kit – sponsors Nike for national teams in October .

This was announced in a statement by the NFF’ s Communications Department .

Nike Senior Director, Global Communications , Heidi Burgett , had February 5 , shared the designs of the new national team’ s jerseys on Twitter .

“ New 2020 kits for Nigeria : Home kit ’ s hand drawn design fuses the traditional aesthetic of an agbada robe w / modern football design. Away kit trim is inspired by Onaism . Broader collection of Super Eagles apparel includes a poncho , vest, dress, & more, ” Burgett wrote .

Burgett ’ s tweet came after NFF president Amaju Pinnick confirmed to newsmen January 28 , that the new national team jerseys would be unveiled in New York , London and Nigeria .
Further plans for the unveiling were however put on hold due to COVID- 19 .

Officials of the NFF , which include Pinnick, vice presidents, Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko ; General Secretary , Mohammed Sanusi ; board members Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Felix Anyansi – Agwu; Director of Communications , Ademola Olajire ; Head of Marketing , Alizor Chuks and Special Assistant to Pinnick, Nasiru Jibril met with officials of Nike Tina Salminen , David Watson and Lee Murphy via a virtual meeting on Monday .

“ Finishing touches were put to the designs with observations and comments taken, and Nike officials fully briefed on the minute details of the preferences of the NFF chieftains , ” the NFF statement said .

The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd . ) , has approved November 1 st of every year as the National Youth Day, Minister of Youth and Sports Development , Sunday Dare , has said .

According to the minister , the President made this known during a Federal Executive Council meeting .

Announcing that the day has been set aside for the celebration of Nigerian youths , Dare tweeted , “ Today , President Buhari in Council approved November 1 st every year as the National Youth Day to celebrate , draw attention to and find solutions to the issues that affect the Youth. Mr . President as again demonstrated his commitment to supporting youth -focused policies. Thank You . ”

Although the meeting was virtual , Buhari presided from the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa , Abuja while some ministers participated virtually from their offices.

The meeting, which started at about 10 am , also has Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Boss Mustapha , in attendance .

Osun State Government has directed principals and heads of public elementary schools to revert to the old names of their various schools before the reclassification effected by the administration of ex – governor Rauf Aregbesola in 2013 .

The directive was contained in a circular titled ‘ Reverting : Reclassification nomenclature of schools to old status, ’ and signed by Dr . Taiwo Adeagbo , for the Coordinating Director , Ministry of Education and addressed to principals , headteachers of elementary schools , Inspectors of Education and Zonal Inspectors of Education.

The circular dated August 27 , 2020 , recalled approval given to the recommendations of the Policy Review Roundtable Summit on some extant policies in the Education Sector held in February 2020 and directed the affected officials to immediately comply with the directive .

The circular read in parts , “ Recall that at the policy review roundtable summit on some extant policies in Education Sector held between 20 and 21 of February 2020 , His Excellency , Mr . Adegboyega Oyetola approved that Schools should revert to their pre -reclassification names and nomenclatures .

“ Sequel to the above , all schools are hereby directed to revert to their old names with immediate effect as approved by the Osun State Government.

“ Kindly give this circular the widest publicity it deserves . ”

The resumption of public schools for the abridged third term had been tentatively fixed for Monday , September 21 , 2020 , by the state government .

Punch

The Petroleum Products Marketing Company , a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation , has increased the ex- depot price of Premium Motor Spirit , also known as petrol , to N151 . 56 per litre from N138 . 62 per litre .

This was disclosed in an internal memo from Ibadan depot to all stakeholders with reference number PPMC /IB /LS / 020 dated September 2 , 2020 and signed by D. O Abalaka .

The ex – depot price is the price at which the product is sold to marketers at the depots.

The memo, a copy of which was seen by our correspondent, said , “ Please be informed that a new product price adjustment has been effected on our payment platform .

” To this end, the price of Premium Motor Spirit ( PMS ) is now one hundred and fifty- one naira , fifty- six kobo ( N151 . 56 k ) per litre. This is effective from September 2 , 2020 . ”

Punch