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FG Cuts Foreign Scholars’ Allowances Amid Economic Crisis: 12.7% Slash Sparks Outrage
FG Cuts Foreign Scholars’ Allowances Amid Economic Crisis: 12.7% Slash Sparks OutrageThe Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has reduced the allowances of foreign scholars currently stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among other countries, by 12.7%. This decision follows complaints from Nigerian students studying in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and other nations about unpaid stipends for over eight months.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
These students are beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship, which facilitates educational exchanges between Nigeria and partnering countries. The Federal Scholarship Board, under the Federal Ministry of Education, oversees the scholarship program.
In a memo signed by Ndajiwo H.A., Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Ministry attributed the allowance reduction to the current economic crisis. The memo details that monthly allowances have been cut from $500 to $220, graduation allowances from $2500 to $2000, and PG research allowances from $1,000 to $500, among other reductions. Consequently, the total payment per student has decreased from $5,650 to $4,370.
The memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, states, “After due consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has come up with adjustments in line with budgetary provisions in the payment of BEA scholars’ supplementation allowances for the 2024 academic year. The Scholars’ Association is hereby notified that due to the prevailing economic situation, the payment mandate for the BEA scholars’ allowances will be as per the new adjustment. The balances for the years 2023 and 2024 owed to scholars will be paid as soon as the funds are made available.”
Senegal’s parliament has passed a bill that doubles prison sentences for homosexual acts, making the West African nation the latest in Africa to impose harsher penalties on the LGBTQ+ community.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The legislation, introduced last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, labels homosexual acts as “against nature” and increases punishments from one–five years to five–10 years in prison.
Reports indicate that nearly all lawmakers voted in favour during Wednesday’s plenary session, with no opposition and only three abstentions. The bill now awaits presidential approval to become law.
According to Naija News, the proposed law also targets the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality, aiming to crack down on organisations supporting sexual and gender minorities. Fines for the offence have been raised to a maximum of 10 million CFA francs ($17,609), though it remains classified as a misdemeanour rather than a crime. Lawmakers argued that the previous 1966 legislation was too lenient.
The bill categorises homosexuality alongside necrophilia and bestiality under “acts against nature” offences but also criminalises false accusations of homosexual acts without proof.
Currently, over 30 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalise same-sex sexual acts. Senegal now joins nations such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, where penalties can reach 10 or more years in prison. In Somalia, Uganda, and Mauritania, the offence can carry the death penalty.
Religious groups promoting Islamic values have supported the measure, organising rallies in recent weeks. Police have reportedly arrested at least a dozen individuals suspected of homosexual activity.
The bill fulfils a campaign promise made by Sonko while in opposition and represents a major shift in Senegal’s approach to homosexuality, reflecting conservative social attitudes in the predominantly Muslim nation.
Rights advocates have expressed concern about the law’s potential impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and supporting organisations. The legislation now awaits signature from the President before it can take effect.
A wave of defections hit Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Thursday, as 12 lawmakers formally announced their exit from their respective political parties.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The development was disclosed by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, during plenary. Six lawmakers moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another six left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kalu explained that several lawmakers had submitted letters notifying the House of their political realignment.
“Honourable James, yes please. We have seen the reason you are due is the basic reason that most of the people who have left PDP have our dues, and you like what the president is doing with APC, so you are welcome on board,” Kalu said.
He added that lawmakers who had defected would later be formally recognised with photographs alongside the presiding officer.
Kalu welcomed the first batch of PDP lawmakers into the APC, including Bamisele Komolafe Beatrice Lowery, whose defection letter was read during the session. Others included Muktar Aliyu Betara and Zakari Dauda Nyampa.
Several lawmakers also announced their departure from opposition parties to join the ADC. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe moved from YPP to ADC, while Bright Iyamu Jesse Oke Onakpasa and Shuaib Abiola Sowunmi resigned from the Labour Party to join the ADC. Kalu noted that ceremonial announcements would be made when all defecting lawmakers are physically present in the chamber.
Other lawmakers recognised during the session included Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Jafaru Yakubu, Prince Sadiq Abbas Tafida, Victor Afam Ogene, Kafilat Ogbara, Peter Udo Udofia, Professor Obi Lilian Orogbu, Barrister Mohammed Bello Shehu, Dankawu Idris, Hassan Shehu Hussaini, Muhammad Ghali Tijjani, and Jimbo Ibrahim.
Concluding the announcement, Kalu described the defections as part of ongoing political realignments in the National Assembly:
“This is a clear demonstration of political realignment, and we welcome all lawmakers into their new parties. It reflects the will of the people and the ongoing changes in our political system.”
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has dismissed claims that he endorsed candidates for the 2027 general elections, describing them as false, misleading, and fabricated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A statement issued by the Ahmed Maiyaki, Commissioner for Information, clarified that Governor Sani has not given preferential support to any individual seeking elective office.
Maiyaki emphasized that Sani remains committed to democratic principles and supports a transparent, fair, and inclusive process, allowing party members and stakeholders to select candidates through constitutionally established mechanisms.
The statement added that the governor is currently focused on governance and implementing policies and programmes to improve the welfare of Kaduna State residents, rather than engaging in premature political endorsements.
The Commissioner urged the public to disregard the report and warned individuals and groups against spreading fake news or politically motivated misinformation, noting that such actions could create unnecessary tension and mislead the public.
“The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to a misleading message circulating on social media alleging that Governor Uba Sani has endorsed certain aspirants for elective positions. This claim is entirely false and should be disregarded,” the statement concluded.
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