Education

UI Students reject school fees increment, protest

The Students’ Union of the University of Ibadan (UI) on Friday rejected the school fees increment approved by the governing council of the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to show their disapproval, the students staged an overnight protest from 10:20 pm to 2 a.m.

The President of the union, Bolaji Aweda; Vice-President, Bolutife Aboderin, and Secretary, Daniel Elemide in a statement, rejected the new fees.

“We reject the decision made by the council. We are embarking a boycott of classes until our demands are fulfilled.

“We demand a reversal of the increase. The students demand that the school fees portal should be shut down within 24 hours until our demands were met,” they said.

The union leaders urged students to make use of social media platforms to mobilise others on the #UIFEESMUSTFALL and #SAVEUITES until there demands are met.

NAN reports that the governing council of the university on Thursday, approved the increment in school fees of students of the university from 100 to 400 level and also fixed deadline for payment.

In a statement signed by the Registrar and secretary to the council, G.O. Saliu and available to UCJUI, the decision was reached at the inaugural meeting of the council held earlier on Thursday and it considered the new levy as recommended by the Senate of the University.

Students who had not yet completed their registration, the council said, were advised to do so on or before Sept. 4.

“Consequently, students who are yet to pay and complete their registration exercises are advised to do so, on or before Sept. 4, to enable departments download lists of registered students, in preparation for the First Semester Examination,” the release read in part.

Additionally, the council urged students to take advantage of financial aids such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and various scholarships offered by the University and other benefactors to assist indigent students.

The council also made it clear that there would be no extension of the registration deadline, as the portal will be closed after the specified date.

“Council equally directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund (NELFUND) and sundry scholarships instituted by the University and other weil-meaning philanthropists, to cater for indigent students.

“Above is for strict adherence as the portal will not be opened after the deadline,” the released further clarified.

NAN reports that the deadline for the payment of school fees was initially suspended, following the July protest . (NAN)

Education

Govt sanctions school for selling position of Head Prefect during election

The Anambra State Government has imposed a one-month sanction on Blossom Fount School, Awka, for allegedly selling the position of head prefect during a student election.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

According to the commissioner, the school reportedly demanded N5,000 from each pupil aspiring to become head prefect in the primary section.

Chuma-Udeh condemned the act, describing it as an attempt to “sell the psyche of the children to the highest bidder from the cradle.”

According to her, such practices are unacceptable under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

She said that an investigation was ongoing to examine the school’s broader management practices, with the possibility of further actions based on the findings.

Education

JAMB releases 2025 UTME results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.

The board disclosed that it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.

Recall that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.

JAMB also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.

He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.

Education

DESOPADEC unveils 2024/ 2025 bursary scheme for students in mandate areas

The Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, on Thursday May 8th, 2025 launched the official portal for 2024/2025 students’ bursary scheme to enable indigent students across her mandate areas to apply, beginning from today 8th to 29th of May, 2025.

The Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor who launched the 2024/2025 bursary scheme on behalf of the Commission stated that, “This initiative of the Board underscores our collective commitment to education, human capital development and sustainable growth in the oil bearing communities. It is more than a mere financial aid; it’s an investment in human capital, community development and future leadership.”

Chief Izoukumor noted that the need to support the student community cannot be over emphasized, recognizing the financial challenges many students and parents go through in the face of daunting economic challenges in our nation. Hence, the Board ably led by Chief Barr. John Nani and MD/CEO Chief Festus Ochonogor unanimously agreed to embark on this program to bring succor to our people.

Chief Izoukumor further stated that the DESOPADEC Bursary scheme serves as a catalyst for hope, academic excellence and community transformation, stating therefore that “The 2024/2025 DESOPADEC Bursary is a stimulus to advancing educational excellence and encouraging higher enrollment in tertiary institutions, reducing dropout rates amongst students and enabling students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress. It is on this note that the Commission has graciously asked all students to apply within the stipulated time frame.”

The portal will be opened from May 8th to May 29th, 2025 for applicants who must be indigenes of the oil producing communities/areas of Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ika and Ndokwa nationalities; Full time undergraduates in any Nigerian University or Polytechnic; must be in 200 level or above at the time of application and Not a part time, Pre- degree or postgraduate student.

Required Documents to be uploaded in JPEG format and which should not be more than 8MB per file include Recent passport photograph; Valid student ID card; Official admission letter; Letter of Identification from oil Producing Nationalities Students Union; NIN slip (National identity Number) and Certificate of local government of origin.

To apply, all students must create an account on the DESOPADEC Bursary portal; Enter personal details; Provide institution and bank details for disbursement; Upload required documents (JPEG only); Save progress and return later if need be and Review all information before final submission.

Reiterating DESOPADEC ‘s commitment to fostering educational growth and sustainable development in Delta State, Chief Izoukumor urged all eligible students to apply promptly and ensure their submission meets the specific requirements and enjoined all applicants to visit DESOPADEC website or contact Social Services Directorate at https://Www.desopadecbursary.com.ng.

Speaking at the event, the National President of Urhobo ethnic nationality, Comrade Onagba O. Freedom along side Presidents of ethnic nationalities in the Commission’s mandate areas who were on ground to witness the official launch, thanked the Board and State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori for the gesture of giving the students’ community a leap in their educational pursuit in the face of dwindling economic resources in the State.

“We assure you of our continuous support and commitment to adhering to policies and programs of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.

Present at the official launch were the Head of Department, Social Services, Mr. Jude Azosibe Elaye; Mrs. Theresa Ogboriaphien, Divisional Head, Youths and Sports; Mr. Ezekiel Ikporikpo and
Mr. Monday Itoghen of the Social Services Directorate of the Commission and aides of the Executive Director, Social Services.

Also in attendance were Comrade Emmanuel Ifeanyi Chukwuji, Ndokwa; Comrade Aweh Nanasentei Johnson Ijaw; Ifeanyi Godsent Ebubechukwu Ika; Efedhoma Shelly, Isoko and Eyitweremi Amajuoritse, Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.