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Take Out IPPIS Condition on Universities, ASUU tells FG

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ASUU and FG at Loggerheads Over IPPIS

The demand for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, revitalization, among others were the conditions laid down by ASUU when it embarked on the nationwide strike which started on 23rd of March, 2020.

In a statement made by Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU President, he urged the Federal Government to reconsider its stand and take off the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Service (IPPIS) from Nigerian Universities.

ASUU pleaded with Nigerians to bear with them and have it in mind that they are fighting every Nigerian battle for better and improved government universities.

“Our Union is struggling to ensure that the children of the poor, who cannot afford the prohibitive cost paid in private universities or do not have opportunities to study outside Nigeria, get quality education which is not priced beyond their reach.

“This will only happen when government adequately funds public universities and addresses the rot and decay in them.

“ASUU has shifted positions in some respects.

“For instance, our members have reduced their demand of one tranche N220bn of the outstanding revitalization fund by 50 per cent.

“The Union has also agreed that N30bn out of the so far verified arrears of N40bn of the earned academic allowances (EAA) be paid to our members while the balance of N10bn could be spread over the next two tranches,

“We were equally making steady progress on other issues,” he explained.

ASUU President, Prof. Ogunyemi, clarified that the major delay in reaching a conclusive agreement was government insistence on the acceptance of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform by all federal universities in the country and the condition that the payment of withheld salaries and other due entitlements will be paid through the IPPIS

He added that the government is imposing IPPIS on Nigerian universities which is against the provision of the law on autonomy and universal practices.

However, he said that although the IPPIS was engineered by the World Bank, the UTAS was locally developed by ASUU members and the union is at the final stage of the integrity test of the Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

Prof. Ogunyemi said UTAS had been presented to the Minister of Education and senior management staff, the President and leadership of Senate, and the Office of the Accountant-General where NITDA and Office of the National Security Adviser and other MDAs were fully represented.

“Last Thursday, 5th November, 2020, the National Universities Commission (NUC) facilitated the presentation of UTAS to Vice-Chancellors and Bursars of federal universities.

“All questions raised at the four levels of presentation of UTAS were satisfactorily answered.

“With the full cooperation of the concerned agencies, the final test with NITDA could be completed as a matter of days and UTAS adopted in place of IPPIS in our universities.

“ASUU disagrees with government on the use of IPPIS during the so-called transition period.

“In practical terms, there is no transition period if government is sincere,”Ogunyemi added.

Prof. Ogunyemi, said they are at the last stage of integrity test for UTAS, however, over three-quarters of ASUU members are yet to be registered on IPPIS and it will take longer to capture them all on the IPPIS system.

He said the rumor that the GIFMIS platform used in paying ASUU members’ salaries before the advent of IPPIS is false. He claimed that some of its members received part of their withheld salaries last week despite not been registered on the IPPIS platform.

“But, in furtherance of the attack on ASUU, the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) has illegally seized all the deducted union check-off dues of our members in the last nine months.

“So, government should release all what is due ASUU members and the union without the conditionality of IPPIS.

“That would enable us conclude on the outstanding five demands including revitalisation, EAA, renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, inauguration of the Visitation Panels.

“Others are proliferation of state universities and governance issues in them of the Union to pave way for the quick resolution of the lingering crisis.

“It is government that is prolonging the matter, not ASUU,” he added.

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Finidi George Resigns from Super Eagles Role, Confirms Toyin Ibitoye

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Finidi George

Finidi George has resigned from his position as the head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles.

This news was confirmed by former Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, who announced the resignation on his social media account.

“News just in: Finidi George @FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his @NGSuperEagles manager position,” Ibitoye posted, causing a ripple of reactions among fans and football analysts.

Finidi’s resignation comes just days after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed plans to appoint a foreign technical adviser, a move seen by many as a shake-up intended to bolster the team’s performance.

This strategic decision by the NFF likely influenced Finidi’s choice to step down.

Appointed on April 29, 2024, Finidi’s tenure was notably brief. He succeeded Jose Peseiro, whose contract expired in February.

During his short spell, Finidi managed two World Cup qualifying matches, leading the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw with South Africa and a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic.

Despite the less-than-stellar results, Finidi’s appointment had initially been met with enthusiasm, with many hoping his extensive experience as a former international player and successful coach of Enyimba FC would translate into success for the national team.

The NFF’s decision to bring in foreign expertise highlights its commitment to enhancing the Super Eagles’ competitive edge on the international stage.

However, the timing of this announcement and Finidi’s subsequent resignation have sparked discussions about the stability and future direction of the team.

In response to the resignation, the NFF will need to expedite its search for a new head coach. This transition period is critical, especially with the ongoing World Cup qualifiers and other international fixtures looming.

Fans and stakeholders are watching closely, hoping that the new direction will bring positive changes and improved performances.

The NFF now faces the challenge of not only finding a suitable replacement but also ensuring that the transition is seamless to maintain team morale and focus.

The next few weeks will be crucial as the Super Eagles prepare under new guidance, aiming to meet the high expectations of their supporters and the nation.

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Woman Kills Boyfriend Over Dispute on ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Earnings

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In a shocking turn of events, a 27-year-old woman, Oluchi Nzemechi, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, Kelechi Nzemechi, to death over a disagreement on how to share the proceeds from their internet scam business, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’.

The incident occurred in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the suspect has confessed to committing the crime.

Oluchi revealed during interrogation that her boyfriend had introduced her to the world of cybercrime.

Their illicit activities recently culminated in the successful duping of an Indonesian victim out of 250 million rupiah (approximately $16,500 USD).

The fatal dispute arose when Oluchi and Kelechi were discussing how to divide the substantial sum. The argument quickly escalated, and in a fit of rage, Oluchi grabbed a kitchen knife and fatally stabbed Kelechi.

Realizing the gravity of her actions, she attempted to divert suspicion from herself by leaving a misleading note on Kelechi’s body, which read, “You think you can eat my money and go free? I am baba for the boys. I am coming for your wife and your child, including your family,” before fleeing the scene.

ASP Okoye’s statement also mentioned that Oluchi and Kelechi had been living together since 2019 and had a child together.

The police are currently taking necessary steps to recover the fraudulently obtained 250 million Indonesian rupiah to return it to the rightful owner.

The suspect is now in police custody and undergoing further investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department. She will be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.

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Napoli President Travels to Convince PSG on Osimhen’s €120M Clause

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Victor Osimhen

In a high-stakes move to secure the future of one of European football’s hottest talents, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has flown to France to engage in direct talks with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) officials.

The purpose of the trip is to persuade the French club to trigger the €120 million release clause of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The 24-year-old forward has been a pivotal player for Napoli, drawing widespread attention with his impressive performances.

Last year, Osimhen expressed a desire to explore new opportunities, prompting Napoli to offer him a new contract that included a substantial release clause.

Despite his outstanding form, concerns over his recent injury have caused potential suitors to hesitate.

De Laurentiis’ trip to Paris underscores Napoli’s determination to secure a lucrative transfer for Osimhen. With PSG reportedly cooling their interest in recent months, the Napoli president aims to reignite their pursuit and finalize the deal.

“We believe Victor is worth every cent of his release clause,” a Napoli insider revealed. “De Laurentiis is committed to ensuring that any transfer reflects his true value.”

In addition to Osimhen, De Laurentiis is expected to discuss Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has reportedly agreed on personal terms with PSG.

The Napoli president aims to prevent the French giants from swooping in for another of their prized assets without due negotiation.

Over the past year, several top European clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, have been linked with Osimhen.

However, his €120 million release clause and injury issues have deterred them from making firm offers. Chelsea, in particular, has turned its attention to alternative targets such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Despite these setbacks, De Laurentiis remains hopeful. “PSG has the financial power and the ambition to sign a player of Osimhen’s caliber,” he said before his departure. “We are here to ensure they understand the opportunity that lies before them.”

This development comes as Napoli seeks to balance their books and invest in strengthening their squad for the upcoming season. A successful sale of Osimhen would provide significant financial flexibility and allow them to pursue other high-profile targets.

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