Observers Times

Tag: #FCT

  • FCT Moves Against Exam Malpractice in Secondary Schools

    FCT Moves Against Exam Malpractice in Secondary Schools

     

    The Education Resource Centre of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has taken steps to ensure strict compliance with examination standards and zero tolerance for examination malpractice in secondary schools.

    The ERC director, Neemat Abdulrahim, stated this in Abuja on Thursday while monitoring the Senior Secondary Certificate mock examination in mathematics in secondary schools.

    Ms Abdulrahim explained that the mock examination prepares secondary school students for the West African Examination Council and the National Examination Council.

    She said the monitoring was part of the centre’s mandate to ensure that examinations were conducted in conducive environments and vetted question papers met approved standards.

    She commended the orderly conduct of the examination in the schools visited and noted a steady increase in private schools’ participation, reflecting the credibility and standards of the ERC mock examinations.

    The director also said that the ongoing renovation of school facilities by FCT minister Nyesom Wike significantly boosted students’ morale.

    The director of the Department of Quality Assurance, Titilayo Alayande, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to safeguarding examination integrity.

    Ms Alayande commended Ms Abdulrahim and her team “for sustaining a quality mock examination process that prepares students for WAEC and NECO examinations”.

    She expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided and commended teachers for their dedication, noting that students displayed confidence and seriousness throughout the exercise.

    Some school administrators and management applauded the ongoing education reforms being implemented by the FCT minister.

    The director of Royal Family Academy, Olubunmi Ayeni, described the mock examination as a “highly impactful initiative that has consistently helped schools to assess students’ preparedness for external examinations.”

    Ms Ayeni added that as a law-abiding institution, the school remains compliant with government policies and directives and called on other private schools to key into the ERC initiative.

    Some principals of the schools visited described the mock examination as a dependable benchmark for measuring students’ readiness for external examinations.

    They also lauded the timely distribution of question papers, the hitch-free conduct, and the conducive examination environment.

    The principals, who thanked the FCT minister for ongoing renovations and upgrades of schools, assured the FCT Administration of their commitment to maintaining the facilities.

    Schools visited were Government Science Technical College, Area 3, Abuja; Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja; Government Science Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; and Royal Family Academy, Wuye, Abuja, among others.

    (NAN)

  • FCT Minister Wike Launches Task Force to Combat Crime and Survey Undeveloped Land

    FCT Minister Wike Launches Task Force to Combat Crime and Survey Undeveloped Land

    ••••New Initiative Targets Criminal Hideouts and Aims to Reclaim Abuja’s Safety.

    By John Audu,Abuja.

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced the formation of a Special Task Force dedicated to eradicating criminal activities in unfinished structures and abandoned plots throughout Abuja. This initiative, disclosed by Mr. Adamu Gwary, Director of the Department of Security Services, FCT Administration, was shared during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

    Mr. Gwary explained that the task force aims to dismantle the networks of vandals targeting government assets and infrastructure. The FCT Security Committee has identified these neglected areas as significant havens for criminal activities. “The Commissioner of Police in the FCT has been mandated to collaborate with his colleagues to establish a team to tackle this issue,” Gwary stated.

    A financial plan for the operation has been submitted to the minister, covering strategic points like Pantaker markets and other spots flagged in intelligence reports as criminal hideouts. “In the coming weeks, there will be concerted efforts to clear all criminal hideouts, including uncompleted buildings and abandoned plots,” assured Gwary, emphasizing the goal of depriving criminals of safe spaces and enhancing resident safety.

    In tandem with these security measures, the FCTA Land Department is conducting a census of undeveloped plots, following the minister’s directive. Minister Wike has warned landowners to develop their properties or face revocation of their allocations. “This measure will significantly address security issues linked to undeveloped plots and their misuse as hideouts for criminals,” Gwary noted.

    Additionally, the minister has instructed the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to devise a plan to secure under-bridge areas across the FCT. “The FCDA has been tasked with creating a comprehensive proposal to deny miscreants access to these locations,” Gwary added.

    This initiative is part of Minister Wike’s broader strategy to bolster security and ensure a safer living environment for Abuja’s residents.

  • FCT Minister Accuses Iron Smelting Company of Receiving Stolen Manhole Covers.

    FCT Minister Accuses Iron Smelting Company of Receiving Stolen Manhole Covers.

    •••orders replacement of vandalised sewage manhole covers.

    By Suleiman Ibrahim, Abuja.

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Abuja Steel Company, an iron smelting company, of being one of the receivers of stolen manhole covers in the Nigerian capital.
    This accusation comes after security agencies arrested several individuals involved in the removal of sewage manhole covers from Abuja highways.
    Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communications and New Media) to the FCT Minister, confirmed the arrest and recovery of stolen manhole covers in a statement on Sunday and obtained by OBSERVERS TIMES, He further stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those involved in the purchase and melting of these stolen items.
    “One iron smelting company, Abuja Steel Company, has been identified as one of the alleged receivers of the stolen manhole covers,” Olayinka said in a statement on Monday. “Exhibits of interest have been recovered from the company and are currently in police custody.”
    The replacement of sewage manhole covers removed by vandals, as directed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commenced, his media aide disclosed.

  • Breaking: Suspected Vandals of Abuja Highway Sewage Manhole Covers Arrested, Security Agencies After Others

    Breaking: Suspected Vandals of Abuja Highway Sewage Manhole Covers Arrested, Security Agencies After Others

    By Juliet Awilo.

    Some of the suspected criminals removing sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja have been arrested by the security agencies.

    Efforts are also being made to apprehend their collaborators, especially buyers of the manhole covers.

    As directed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, relevant stakeholders are already working hard to stop this act of vandalism by criminal elements and the public will be briefed in due course.

    The Minister, in a statement signed by Lere Olayinka Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, the minister lamented that Nigerians could go to the devilish extent of removing sewage manhole covers on highways and selling them, thereby putting the lives of road users at risk, vowed that government will do everything necessary to bring the perpetrators to book.

    He said it was sad that government will use public funds to put amenities in place for the use of Nigerians, and criminally minded Nigerians will remove the amenities and sell them to Nigerians, who do not mind the danger their nefarious activities pose to their fellow Nigerians.

    The FCT Minister thanked Nigerians, especially the man who took his time to record the video that went viral, describing his effort as demonstration of patriotism that the country desired.

  • FCT Allocates Record Amount of 10bn for National Assembly Leadership Housing.

    FCT Allocates Record Amount of 10bn for National Assembly Leadership Housing.

    The presiding officers of Nigeria’s National Assembly—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and their deputies—have been allocated N10 billion for rent and furnishings in the 2024 supplementary budget. This allocation, part of the N288 billion supplementary budget submitted by President Bola Tinubu in September, was swiftly approved by lawmakers within just five days, Premium Times Investigation.

    The budget line item, labeled “Renting and Furnishing of Presiding Officers of the National Assembly,” highlights a trend of lavish spending amidst widespread economic hardship in Nigeria. This allocation follows a series of generous expenditures by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whose recent spending spree includes a N21 billion mansion for Vice President Kashim Shettima and N25 billion for housing construction for judges.

    Wike’s allocations raise questions about the priorities of the current administration, particularly as Nigeria faces significant economic challenges exacerbated by deregulation policies and currency devaluation. Recent reports indicate a tragic increase in food scarcity, with numerous Nigerians losing their lives in desperate attempts to secure basic provisions.

    Critics have labeled this move as emblematic of the government’s “lavish spending” while advocating austerity measures for the general populace. High-profile expenditures have included a $100 million presidential jet and luxury vehicles for National Assembly members, drawing scrutiny and allegations of misusing public funds to influence key institutions.

    The constitutional framework designates the president as the governor of the FCT, with the National Assembly acting as its legislative body. Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was appointed by President Tinubu, a move seen as a reward for his support during the 2023 presidential election.

    Historically, the presiding officers of the National Assembly have been housed in legislative quarters, which were sold off under a monetization policy initiated during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Since 2011, the government has resorted to renting accommodations for these officials, with reports indicating that Senate President Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen currently reside in rented apartments in upscale areas of Abuja.

    The supplementary budget presented by Wike included 32 projects, with the N10 billion earmarked for the presiding officers’ housing raising numerous questions: What type of rent and furnishings are being covered? Why is the FCT financing these expenses when the National Assembly has its own budget? And why allocate N10 billion for rent when there are existing housing projects for these officials that remain incomplete?

    Despite the National Assembly’s budget of N344 billion—the highest ever—these pressing questions remain unanswered. The allocation for rent and furnishings appears particularly stark when compared to the federal government’s proposed N11.5 billion for the construction of 20,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Agenda Housing Scheme.

    As the National Assembly grapples with its role in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, the N10 billion allocation for a select few underscores a growing perception of insensitivity and a lack of transparency in the management of public funds.

    This report is brought to you with support from Civic Media Lab.

  • PHOTO STORY: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, presides over FCTA. Executive Council meeting.

    PHOTO STORY: FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, presides over FCTA. Executive Council meeting.

    The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrives at the elegant conference room in the heart of Abuja, ready to preside over the important Executive Council meeting. As he takes his seat at the head of the table, his presence commands attention and respect from all those in attendance.

    The room is filled with top government officials, each one eager to present their reports and updates on various projects and initiatives within the Federal Capital Territory. The atmosphere is charged with energy and anticipation as the meeting gets underway.

    Wike listens attentively to each presentation, asking insightful questions and offering valuable feedback. His leadership and decision-making skills are on full display as he navigates through the agenda, ensuring that every issue is addressed thoroughly and efficiently.

    As the meeting draws to a close, Wike gives a rousing speech, inspiring his team to continue working hard towards the development and progress of the FCT. His passion and dedication to serving the people are evident in every word he speaks.

    The Executive Council meeting ends on a high note, with everyone leaving the room feeling motivated and encouraged by the Minister’s vision for the future of Abuja. It is clear that under Wike’s leadership, the Federal Capital Territory is in good hands.

    PHOTO Credit: Facebook | Lere Olayinka