FG votes N95.6bn intervention funds to tertiary institutions

THE Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has earmarked a whopping N95.653 billion for intervention in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country.

Out of this figure, N70.653 billion is the TETFund’s annual allocation to beneficiary institutions, while the remaining N25 billion is for the Special High Impact project in selected tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones.

Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, made this known in Abuja, on Tuesday, at the TETFund annual strategic planning workshop with federal and state’s beneficiary institutions.

She noted that the allocation to beneficiary institutions had increased by 46.33 per cent for universities, 44.17 per cent for polytechnics and 72.11 per cent for colleges of education compared to last year.

The minister, however, warned against misapplication of the funds. “In applying the resources, I must emphasise the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption in all ramifications,” she  stressed.   

According to the breakdown, each beneficiary university will receive the sum of N598 million in the normal intervention, each polytechnic has N339.5 million and each college of education will receive N321 million.

She urged the beneficiary institutions to properly prioritise and  to apply the funds directly to add value to teaching and learning.

She advised them to ensure that post-graduate training for academic staff, research and scholarly publications were effected.

On the TETFund special high impact which was introduced in 2009, the minister said the intention was to systematically upgrade the infrastructural and instructional facilities in institutions of higher learning in order to further encourage the training of high level manpower for the nation and the eventual emergence of centres of excellence.

She disclosed that the N25 billion allocated for  special impact programme, was for intervention for 12 institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with each zone having a university, polytechnic or college of education as the case may be.

According to the breakdown, each university is allocated a sum of N3 billion while each college of education and polytechnic will get N1 billion each.

In his address on the occasion, the executive Secretary of TETFund, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, expressed the need for proper planning so as to get the desired outcome in quality education in the country.

Nigerian Basketball Coach resigns

The Nigerian Basketball Team Coach has just announced his resignation after the game against France for reasons that he is contented with what he has achieved as a coach of the Nigerian Basketball Team. He is the first coach to take the Nigerian Basketball Team to its first Olympic competition. And he has also won seven out of the eight championship that Nigeria has won.

He is yet to inform the Nigeria Basketball Federation, about is resignation.  http://allafrica.com/stories/201208070108.html

Arsenal New Signing.

Just recently that Arsenal Football club just signed the Spanish international midfielder Santi Cazorla, on a long term deal with arsenal. By which arsenal has not disclosed the fee for the transfer yet. Cazorla, who is age 27 has been capped 45 times by spain and was part of the squad that won Euro 2008 and this Year's championship, which was held in Poland and Ukraine. Cazorla who said in a news briefing, said that he his keen to helping arsenal end their trophy drought. An attacking midfielder who is capable of playing on both sides

Linked with Real Madrid in the past, he becomes the latest impressive addition to the London club's squad this summer following the signings of Germany star Lukas Podolski from Cologne and France striker Olivier Giroud from Montpellier.

And Cazorla wants to help lead Arsene Wenger's team to their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2005.

"There's a very good squad here and we want to fight for titles and win titles," he told the Arsenal Player website.

"The club has made a big step to sign players to have a better team and meet the expectations of the fans.

"I'm very happy to be here, Arsenal are a huge club. I hope to win trophies here, that is what I want."

Cazorla said that he consulted former Gunners Robert Pires and Cesc Fabregas over the transfer and was encouraged by what he heard.

"Robert played with me at Villarreal. He knew about the rumours of me coming here and always encouraged me to sign," he said.

"He told me it was a very good club and I was going to enjoy London, the city and the move.

"The same with Cesc Fabregas. He said this was a big club and that I was going to be very happy here, he said I would adapt easily. And I can feel that."

The 2007 Spanish Player of the Year, Cazorla left Villarreal for Malaga last summer to spearhead their challenge for a Champions League place.

Largely thanks to his influence, the Costa del Sol outfit finished fourth to set up a Champions League play-off later this month but, with the Qatari owners' funds apparently having run dry, Malaga were keen to sell this summer.

"Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He's a player who will add significant quality to our squad," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"Santi has good experience at both club and international level."

"He's a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally.

"He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to us."

Arsenal's summer transfer dealings may not have ended there, with Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin a possible loan signing from Real Madrid.

Playmaker Sahin captained Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title in 2011 but has suffered with injury since moving to the Spanish capital.

And it remains to be seen whether Wenger's signings may have persuaded Robin Van Persie to stay at the Emirates Stadium.

The Dutchman, scorer of 37 goals last season, stated last month that he would not be extending his contract with the club that is due to expire next summer.

That alerted leading clubs such as Manchester United and Juventus, but he remains in North London for now.