University workers, SSANU , NASU go on indefinite strike
The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has declared an indefinite strike starting Monday. This follows the expiration of a government deadline to resolve issues of withheld salaries from a previous strike and unmet commitments under an August 2022 Memorandum of Understanding. Read more
Athena Commentary: This indefinite strike yet again exposes the persistent gaps in dialogue and accountability within Nigeria’s education sector. With students’ futures hanging in the balance, the government’s failure to meet commitments jeopardises not just academic calendars but the broader credibility of its promises. This crisis speaks to a need for genuine reform in government-union relations to prevent perpetual disruptions in higher education.
Court stops JAMB from restricting underage students
The Delta State High Court has temporarily halted the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) new age restriction policy, which mandated that only candidates aged 16 or older by August 2025 are eligible for university admission. This suspension comes in response to a lawsuit filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, representing underage candidates who passed the JAMB exams in 2024, challenging the policy’s fairness. Read more
Athena Commentary: This ruling speaks to the ongoing debate over age limits in Nigerian university admissions, about balancing academic readiness with individual rights. While JAMB’s age restriction aims to standardise admission maturity, it raises important questions about flexibility for gifted younger students. There is a need for flexible policies that respect students’ rights and align with practical realities in education.
EFCC to track funds as LG autonomy begins November
Direct allocation of funds to Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria is set to commence in November 2024, marking a significant step toward full financial autonomy. The EFCC will monitor these allocations, ensuring the proper use of funds.
Resd more: https://punchng.com/efcc-to-track-funds-as-lg-autonomy-begins-november/
Athena commentary: Local government autonomy could enhance developmental projects and reduce rural poverty. With the EFCC’s oversight, these funds are more likely to be used as intended, and this can enhance local governance accountability.
We will soon demand World Bank’s, IMF’s complete withdrawal from Nigeria – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its recent statement distancing itself from the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, an austerity measure often promoted by the IMF for fiscal sustainability.
Athena Commentary: The NLC’s stance highlights ongoing frustration with global financial bodies like the IMF and World Bank, whose policies are seen as deepening economic hardship in Nigeria. While the IMF claims it respects Nigeria’s policy decisions, its influence in favour of austerity has repeatedly aligned with policy outcomes that escalate poverty. There’s a growing need for Nigeria to reclaim its economic sovereignty by shaping policies that serve its unique socioeconomic needs rather than conforming to generalised austerity models.
Compiled by:
Aliyu Jalal
Kesiena Jaspar EVAGBERIEN