Five Held over 33 Illegal Varsities
•Including “Atlanta University” in Kogi
Five persons have been arrested over the operations of 33 illegal universities in the country. They would soon face prosecution to serve as deterrent to others.
The National University Commission (NUC) consultant on satellite campus, Mr. Fidelis Oyakhilome, made this known while speaking to journalists in Ibadan.
One of the illegal universities, Atlanta University, is said to be operating in Kogi State. The Graphic has not however confirmed the campus of the university in the state.
Mr. Oyakhilome also told newsmen that NUC is already engaging the services of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to put an end to the operations of illegal universities.
According to him, “The sixty day ultimatum given to illegal operators had since expired”, adding that “from henceforth, all illegal universities will be obliterated”.
The consultant called on Nigerians to be very sensitive while trying to seek admission to tertiary institutions.
He maintained that people who obtain certificates from illegal universities will not be qualified for NYSC and employment.

Hajia Zainab Makes Case for Hiring of more Health Workers
By Veronica Okolo
An appeal has gone out to Kogi State Government to employ more medical personnel to manage health institutions in the state.
The wife of the Governor, Hajia Zainab Idris made the appeal at Okene and Kabba General Hospitals where she donated beddings material to the hospitals recently.
Hajia Zainab, who attributed frequent ill-health to environmental problems, said the donation become necessary in order to give the hospitals the desired clean environmental.
She said that part of her contributions to the present administration is to go round to see things and inform the appropriate authority for possible solution.
Reacting to the request of the hospitals, Hajia Zainab said it is unfortunate that in most cases, fund approved for some organisations are often diverted instead of using it for what it is meant for.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chairman, Kabba-Banu Local Government Area, Hon. Solomon Modeyin, described Hajia Zainab as a mother who always strives to put smiles on the faces of the needy.
Hon. Solomon then thanked her for taking time to visit and know their problems, stressing that the visit is timely.
In an address by the representative of the Chief Medical Director of General Hospital, Kabba, Mrs. Abigail Osanaiye who is also the matron in-charge of the hospital, she commended Alhaji Ibrahim Idris for the priority accorded the health sectors in the state.
Mrs. Osanaiye also intimated the government of the hospital’s needs which ranges from lack of attendant, labourers, physiotherapist and ambulance.
Also in Okene, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Abdulsalami, commended Hajia Zainab Idris’ contribution to the health of Kogians.’

FG Insists on Separating JSS from Senior Sec Schools – Okala
By Ebute John and Noah Ocheni
Even as Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Chief Sylvester Onoja, has directed that all the designated principals of UBE schools are to revert to their previous positions of vice – principals with immediate effect, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Hon. Stan Okala has maintained that the National Policy of separation of UBE Junior Secondary School from Senior Secondary Schools is still in force in the state.
Hon. Okala who stated this while briefing journalists in Lokoja last week, stated that the “stepping down of separating system by the state Ministry of Education means dissociating Kogi State from the National policy of Education of Federal Government and isolating the state from National policy decision of committee of states”.
The chairman, who expressed dissatisfaction over the stepping down separation letter from the Ministry of Education to the Board, said SUBEB was not informed of any meeting where such decision was taken.
He also stated that the UBE Junior Secondary Schools have been co-existing with senior secondary schools and teachers have been undergoing training of implementation until there is enough facilities that would enhance separation.
The Commissioner for Education, who gave the directive of the new policy while briefing journalists in his office, stated that the decision was to ensure harmonious working relation, saying “two principals operating in the same school would affect the smooth running of such school”.
He explained that hence forth, all junior secondary schools operating within the premises of existing senior secondary schools from which they were carved out would cease from operating independently and revert to the authority of the principals of such secondary schools.
Chief Onoja also disclosed that the state government has approved the establishment of two schools of Remedial studies to enable students who have deficiencies in their Senior Schools Certificate Examination qualify for admission into higher institution of learning.
The commissioner added that the state government has also established 19 science schools in addition to the existing ones, adding that about I,500 science teachers would be recruited to enhance the quality of teaching in the state.

Idah Education Sec Vows to Promote Teachers’ Interest
From Samuel Ilani Idah
THE Education Secretary of Idah Local Government Authority, Simeon Alhassan, has promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by discharging his responsibility with commitment and diligence.
Mr. Alhassan gave the promise during a thanksgiving reception in his honour at Idah recently.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Ibrahim Idris for the appointment and thanked the state PDP chairman, Barrister Dangana O. Ocheja, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Musa Idoko for their various efforts and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him.
Speaking, the chairman of the occasion and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Joseph Y. Obaje described the new Education Secretary as a focused and honest person and advised him to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him.
Earlier at a thanksgiving service, Rev. Fr. Godwin Atede charged Christians to always give thanks for whatever God has done in their lives.
Speaking with The Graphic shortly after the reception, the Education Scribe, Mr. Simon Alhassan, expressed gratitude to Idah Chapter of NUT, members of Ogecha Chukpahiu Association, Mr. Emmanuel Adejo, former DLG as well as staffers of Idah LG and all those who were at the thanksgiving service and reception.