Education
ARNU Retreat: Association’s Chairman Says University Strikes Affecting Quality Of Education
From David Christopher, Lafia
The National Chairman, Association Of Registrars Of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) Dr. Abubakar Mamuda has said, that the continues industrial strikes by the unions of Nigerian universities have affected the the quality of education in the country, saying that it is high time for the unions to find other solutions other than strikes to address most of their problems.
Dr. Mamuda who made the assertion in an interview with newsmen during the association’s 17th retreat and 27nd business meeting held at Nasarawa State University, Keffi on Thursday said, universities across the nation is also witnessing the problem of revitalizations which need to be addressed.
“Strikes have been going on for a long time now and they have affected even the quality of education in the country. So,as the think thanks or Avery tower of the nation,I think it is high time we find other solutions other than strikes to address most of the universities unions problems.
Dr Abubakar Mamuda, Chairman , ARNU while thanking the over 100 participating registrars forever present said the 17th annual retreat and 72nd Business meeting of ARNU was aimed at bringing all registrars of Nigerian Universities together on a platform that promotes ethical and best practice in administration of Nigerian Universities and the educational system in the country.
He added that the theme of the occasion”Administring Nigery University of the future” was carefully chosen, taking into cognizance of the present realities of Nigerian Universities system and emerging global trends, adding that the traditional objectives of University which is teaching, research and community service is fast giving way to new goals of research and innovations.
Earlier,during his opening remarks at the occasion Professor Suleiman Bala-Mohammed, Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) has urged Registrars of Universities across Nigeria to entrench impactful academic culture that will produce graduates who are globally competitive.
Bala-Mohammed said giving the important positions they occupy, Registrars have a duty to work assiduously with their Vice Chancellors and other management staff to put in place and entrench academic cultures and traditions that will bring about 21st century universities that will produce graduates who are globally competitive.
He added that the said theme of the retreat and business meeting was apt especially in consideration of the recent strike actions by different union’s in the university, which according to him, is one of the drawbacks in the collective efforts to improving the university system.
Also speaking, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa, Emir of Keffi and Chancellor of NSUK agreed with the NSUK VC submission but warned that success can only be achieved in that regard only if both Vice Chancellors and Registrars work as one unit to achieve one purpose.
He therefore called on Vice Chancellors in Nigerian Universities to see their registrars as partners in progress and not otherwise.
“It is very worrisome to say that there are some few universities without established acrimony between registrars and their vice chancellors. Such ugly differences have affected quality assurance,vision and mission of the universities,” The Emir said.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Bala Ahmed, Registrar, NSUK thanked the ARNU leadership for granting the hosting rights of the 2022 ARNU retreat and business meeting to NSUK and equally appreciated the NSUK VC for his total support in hosting the event.
“Distinguished colleagues, permit me to say that with pride that this occasion is fully funded by the university via the approval of the Vice Chancellor.
“Our experience as registrars is such that many registrars have course to complain or even cry out over their debilitating relationships with their Vice Chancellors. For me, I have had the privilege to enjoy a most cordial, fruitful relationship with my Vice Chancellor,” he sai
Education
NELFUND assures students of smart system to improve loan access
Mariam Abeeb
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has assured students it was working assiduously towards building a technology driven system that would improve easy access to its loans.
This was as the FUND disclosed that no fewer than 320,000 students have thus far been paid with many more currently undergoing verification process to enable their payments.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr gave the assurances in Abuja, while addressing Polytechnics , Monotechnics and Institutes at a Stakeholders Engagement Session/ Technical Workshop on NELFUND System Automation and Loan Application Processes.
Sawyerr noted that the FUND was targeting a platform where students could access loan with confidence and without stress in a manner that was transparent and accountable.
He said: “At NELFUND our mission goes beyond giving loans. It’s about opening doors, it’s about making sure every young Nigerian who is willing to learn and grow has a real shot regardless of their background, location, or chosen path of study.
“For too long, many students, especially in technical institutions, have faced steep financial barriers; some drop out, others have never even applied. This is the gap we at NELFUND are here to close. But we know we can’t do it alone.
“This is a shared mission. It belongs to all of us, government institutions and the private sector alike. This technical workshop marks a major step forward.
“We’re not only providing financing, we’re building a technology-driven system that makes it easier for students to apply, for institutions to verify, and for funds to be disbursed with speed, fairness, and accountability.
“We’re aiming for access without stress, a platform students can use with confidence; transparency and trust so that no one is left wondering where their application stands; partnership with purpose because your feedback, your data, and your cooperation are critical to making this work. We rely on you as our institutional partners to help us bring this vision to life.”
Sawyerr who commended the institutions for providing technical expertise, practical hands-on training that fuels industries and empowers communities over the years, said besides teaching skills, they have built careers, created employers and strengthened economies.
“You know your students, you understand their struggles, your insights will help us tailor this system to reflect the realities on ground, not just assumptions on paper.
“To NBTE, we value your steady leadership in shaping and regulating technical education. Your collaboration is key as we move forward fully.”
The NELFUND boss urged the institutions to partner with the FUND to deliver a system that was not just functional or sustainable, but one that was transformative
“As we move forward fully, integrating NELFUND processes with institutional systems and standards, let us remember at the heart of all of this is a student, a young Nigerian with dreams, with ambition, and the courage to pursue them. Everything we do must serve that student.
“The only way to make it happen is by working together, listening to one another, and staying grounded in real-world challenges. I encourage you all to engage fully today share what’s working and what is not, and together let’s build something that lasts.”
NELFUND ‘s Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Iyal Mustapha, disclosed that apart from the 320,000 students who have so far been paid, more verifications are currently ongoing.
Mustapha, who explained that the failure of not having the number of registered students tally with the number of students whose application process was deemed successful was from the part of students and not NELFUND, said there was an urgent need to bridge the gap.
He also disclosed that the FUND was considering connecting directly to institution’s portal to get the data they need, and how student could apply to their institutions portal without necessarily reaching out to NELFUND.
“One other thing that we’re trying to do going forward is to send some of our IT to all the institutions so that we can see how possible it is we connect directly to your portal instead of saying please send us data. How can we connect using an API which makes it easier to get the data of any student coming to us directly from your portal and not from our portal. So we don’t need to be collecting any data again.
“At the same time, we’re thinking of seeing how is it possible that a student can apply to your portal without coming to us. So it makes it so easy for the student when they’re doing registration, when they’re doing payments, they can select either to apply for NELFUND loans and the process will go through your portal. So you have all the data without ever reaching to NELFUND. All we need is for you to give assurance these are your students and if we have that, we pay you directly. It makes it simpler and faster for all the students.”
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