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Brain drain: Only 58,000 doctors renewed practice license out of 130,000 registered doctors

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Brain drain: Only 58,000 doctors renewed practice license out of 130,000 registered doctors

The Deputy Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Victor Kolawole, revealed that only 58,000 out of the 130,000 registered doctors in Nigeria renewed their annual practice license in 2023.

 

He made this revelation during the Induction/Oath Taking Ceremony of the 2022/2023 Batch B Medicine and Surgery graduates at the Edo State University, Uzairue, the Deputy Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

 

Dr Kolawole emphasized the concerning trend of doctors migrating abroad for better opportunities, attributing the low number of license renewals to this phenomenon.

 

He urged newly graduated medical professionals to consider staying and practicing within the country.

 

What he said

Kolawole said “Since inception in 1963, we presently have over 130,000 registered doctors in Nigeria.

“However, as you know because of the increase in migration of doctors out of the country, we have about 58,000

doctors who renewed their annual practice licence in 2023 and they are those that are fit to practice in Nigeria.”

Dr. Kolawole lamented the prevalent trend of doctors seeking greener pastures abroad and earnestly implored the freshly minted medical graduates to consider remaining in Nigeria to ply their trade.

 

He also highlighted the council’s commitment to maintaining standards in the medical profession, stating that increased quotas in training centers would be contingent upon meeting stringent requirements.

 

In a bid to maintain professional integrity, Dr Kolawole stressed the importance of upholding ethical standards and abiding by the regulations set forth by the council.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, expressed gratitude to Gov. Godwin Obaseki for his support in establishing the university teaching hospital, which has significantly enhanced medical training and healthcare services in the region.

With only a fraction of registered doctors renewing their practice licenses, the Nigerian healthcare sector faces challenges in retaining its skilled workforce.

Army Commends Actor Osita Iheme For Promoting Unity, Peace

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Army Commends Actor Osita Iheme For Promoting Unity, Peace

The Nigerian Army has commended Nollywood actor Osita Iheme, also known as Pawpaw, for his efforts in fostering unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence across different groups in the country.

 

In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday, Iheme was lauded for his peaceful advocacy and global recognition.

 

The statement partly reads: “Mazi Osita Iheme MFR also known as Pawpaw, a peaceful, accomplished and globally celebrated Nigerian has been an advocate for unity, peace and stability in Nigeria over the years.

 

“He has been actively engaging with various platforms to promote unity and understanding among different groups in the country. His efforts have been focused on fostering dialogue and finding common ground for the betterment of all Nigerians.

 

“During the 2023 general election, Mazi Osita Iheme was seen engaging with various media personalities, including those associated with IPOB. His interactions were open, devoid of any misgiving and clearly aimed at understanding different perspectives and promoting peaceful coexistence.

 

“His willingness to engage with diverse voices demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and understanding.

 

“Recently, Mazi Osita Iheme was invited by the Nigerian military to participate in a social media seminar in Aba, Abia State. His participation in the seminar was a reflection of his desire to contribute positively to the media landscape and promote responsible communication.

 

“His intention was to share his insights and promote constructive dialogue, in line with his advocacy for peace and stability in Nigeria.”

 

Credit: X | HQNigerianArmy

TikTok Promises to Sue Over Potential U.S. Ban: ‘We Expect to Prevail’

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TikTok Promises to Sue Over Potential U.S. Ban: ‘We Expect to Prevail’

President Joe Biden signed into law a national security bill on Wednesday that would force TikTok to be sold by its owner, ByteDance, or face a possible ban in the United States. Minutes later, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew responded with a video posted to the platform, declaring that “rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere.”

 

“Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice,” Chew says in the video. “Politicians may say otherwise. But don’t get confused.”

 

The legislation signed by Biden gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, with a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. It would also keep ByteDance from controlling TikTok’s algorithm, which is credited with helping the app rocket in popularity.

 

In his video, Chew suggests that freedom of speech will be the company’s argument against the ban, saying that the bill becoming law is “a disappointing moment, but it does not need to be a defining one.

 

“It’s actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom,” he continues. “TikTok gives everyday Americans a powerful way to be seen and heard.”

 

To that end, Chew also seeks to reassure users that the app is not going anywhere anytime soon and to rally its users to weigh in publicly on how important TikTok is to them:

 

“You will still be able to enjoy TikTok like you always have, in fact, if you have a story about how TikTok impacts your life, we would love for you to share it to showcase exactly what we’re fighting for,” he says.

 

With the legislation now law, it is only a matter of time before TikTok sues to stop it, and the countdown clock has officially started. As of writing, barring a court-issued delay, ByteDance will have until Jan. 24, 2025, to find a buyer, or risk having the app wiped away from U.S. users.

 

“We are confident, and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts,” Chew says in the video. “The facts and the Constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail.”

 

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.

Emefiele, Kanu arrested arbitrarily as pre-trial detention persists in Nigeria – US Govt

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Emefiele, Kanu arrested arbitrarily as pre-trial detention persists in Nigeria – US Govt

The United States Government has said that Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra were examples of individuals arrested arbitrarily by security personnel.

 

The U.S noted that lengthy pre-trial detention has remained a problem, denying detainees access to a court and frustrating the country’s judicial system.

 

The U.S. Department of State disclosed this in its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ published on its website on Tuesday.

 

It said that in the prosecution of corruption cases, law enforcement and intelligence agencies did not always follow due process, leading to the arrest of suspects without appropriate arrest and search warrants.

 

According to the report, the Department of State Services (DSS) detained the suspended CBN governor “for investigative reasons” on June 10 after which a Federal High Court in Lagos, on July 25, granted him bail and ordered he be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the bail was made.

 

“However, the DSS immediately attempted to arrest Emefiele again, and a fight reportedly broke out between DSS agents and Nigerian Correctional Service officers as each group tried to take Emefiele into custody,” the report stated.

 

Meanwhile, the former CBN governor was released on bail on November 8 before he was later charged with corruption.

 

Similarly, the report noted that the DSS continued to detain Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a government-designated terrorist organisation on national security grounds.

 

“In 2017, Kanu fled abroad after skipping bail, but was arrested and returned to the country in 2021,” the report stated.

 

However, in 2022, an appeal court in Abuja dropped all charges against Kanu and ordered his release, which the federal government appealed.

 

“On December 15, the Supreme Court overturned the appeals court ruling and stated Kanu faced terrorism charges, even though Nigeria’s secret police had violated Kanu’s rights during his arrest and extradition. Kanu remained incarcerated at year’s end,” the US said.

 

The report stated that a shortage of trial judges, trial backlogs, endemic corruption, bureaucratic inertia, and undue political influence hampered the judicial system.

 

“Some detainees had their cases delayed because the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Correctional Service did not have vehicles to transport them to court.

 

“Some individuals remained in detention because authorities lost their case files. In general, the courts were plagued with inadequate, antiquated systems and procedures,” the US said.

Bitcoin price falls below $64,000 as $209 million in crypto long positions liquidated  

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Bitcoin price falls below $64,000 as $209 million in crypto long positions liquidated  

Bitcoin price falls below $64,000 as $209 million in crypto long positions liquidated

Michael Ndu-Okeke

The price of Bitcoin fell below $64,000 on Thursday morning with over $209 million in crypto-bullish positions wiped off as the market slumped overnight.

 

According to Decrypt, data from Coingecko states that Bitcoin is selling at $63,700 down by 4% on the day.

 

Bitcoin is not alone in its slump, the wider crypto market also slumped with the combined market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies dropping by 4.7% overnight.

 

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization also slumped like Bitcoin down by 5.3% over the past 24 hours with its price hovering around $3,090.

 

Among the top 10 cryptocurrencies, Toncoin (TON) has seen the biggest dip, down 10.1% over the past 24 hours to trade at $5.21.

 

The market dip saw over $209 million worth of crypto-long positions liquidated according to CoinGlass data. About 52 million in Bitcoin Long Positions were also liquidated.

 

The current dip comes as inflows into Blackrock’s spot bitcoin ETF dried up, ending a 71-day streak of consistent inflows making it break into the top ten for the longest ETF daily inflow streaks since 2004.

 

Across the board, according to CoinGlass data, Bitcoin spot ETFs outflows hit $120.6 million after three consecutive days of inflows.

 

This follows Hong Kong spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs getting officially approved yesterday, with a trading date set for April 30.

 

Experts believe as much as $25 billion could be brought into the crypto market should the exchange-traded funds be opened to investors in mainland China.

 

The much-anticipated Bitcoin Halving event occurred over the weekend. This event has always been Bullish over the long term but also comes with some short-term losses.

 

Since Bitcoin’s high of $65,230 on the day of the halving, the leading cryptocurrency has dropped 2% as it dipped below $64,000.

 

What to Know

Long positions are derivative contracts that enable investors to bet that the price of an asset will go up; if a long is liquidated, then the trader has lost the bet, and their position is closed.

Alongside the Bitcoin Halving event, a new Bitcoin token standard called Runes was released. These tokens accounted for over 81% of transactions on Tuesday. They are essentially meme coins for Bitcoin and their launch created a frenzy that took over the network,

NOUN graduate’s gaffe: We lack facilities for effective virtual teaching, learning – ASUU

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NOUN graduate’s gaffe: We lack facilities for effective virtual teaching, learning – ASUU

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has said the country lacks adequate facilities for effective virtual teaching and learning.

 

Osodeke, in a chat with Vanguard, said the dearth of such facilities is impacting negatively on the quality of virtual teaching and learning.

 

He was reacting to a recent gaffe by a graduate of the National Open University, NOUN, who said she got a Bachelor of Science degree in Law, while Nigerian universities don’t award BSc degree in Law.

 

“Though I learned that a law graduate said she got a BSc degree in Law from NOUN, I have not seen the video and we don’t react to issues on social media, the real issue here is, do we have the facilities to do effective virtual teaching and learning? The answer is we don’t.

 

“The schools that are to do virtual teaching and learning, power is a big problem, it is a problem killing even conventional universities gradually. How many schools can do say six hours of virtual teaching without interruptions or glitches here and there? How many students can stay to be taught virtually for six hours?

 

“The school lacks the facilities, the students too lack same. Apart from power supply, the students are unable to connect for long hours because of the cost of data. What you now have is a sort of crash programme. As a union, ASUU has been in the fore front of making education accessible to the citizens and making the environment conducive to the teachers and students.

 

“ASUU does not believe in the proliferation of institutions that are poorly funded, making it look like if you combine two of such institutions, they are not up to one. The focus should not be on numbers, but on quality, ” he stated.

 

Recall that a police woman, Vera Anyim, while giving testimony at a church in Abuja, said she graduated BSc in Law from NOUN.

 

Some attributed the gaffe to stage fright, while some said the way the Pastor, Paul Enenche, cut her short was not too good.

 

However, some faulted her spoken English during the encounter.

 

Though the church leadership and the woman have made up, the incident threw up debate about virtual teaching and learning in the country, given the state of facilities.

Meet Shehu Balami, young Nigerian engineer who invented solid-fuel rocket

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Meet Shehu Balami, young Nigerian engineer who invented solid-fuel rocket

Meet Shehu Balami, young Nigerian engineer who invented solid-fuel rocket

Nigerian engineer and inventor, Shehu Saleh Balami who invented solid fuel rocket

 

Shehu Saleh Balami is a Nigerian engineer who designed and invented a solid-fuel rocket, the first ever in the world.

 

He has been involved in designing rockets since 2000, and came into limelight at the age of 28 after he designed the first ever solid fuel rocket.

 

Balami is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State.

 

He was said to have produced two solid fuel rockets which were launched along the new Kaduna Millennium City Road in Kaduna State.

 

In 2008, with the assistance of relatives and allies, he was able to build his first rocket which he later modified in 2011.

 

The solid-fuel rocket was produced under the auspices of the Movement for the Propagation of Science and Technology in Nigeria.

 

With Balami’s invention, it is indisputable that Nigeria is endowed with inventors who have contributed in designing wind-propelled turbines to create power, and hospital in a box

, among others.

 

To Facilitate Purchase Of Cars, Houses’, Tinubu Approves Credit Scheme Takeoff 

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To Facilitate Purchase Of Cars, Houses’, Tinubu Approves Credit Scheme Takeoff 

President Tinubu Signs Amended Student Loan Bill Into Law

President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme to facilitate the purchase of houses and cars by working Nigerians.

In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the Consumer Credit Scheme will enhance the quality of life citizens by allowing them to “access goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time”.

 

“It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations,” the statement added.

 

“Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation.

 

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.”

 

In line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

 

“This initiative, in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, aims to broaden consumer credit availability,” the statement noted, adding that working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit can visit CREDICORP’s website to express interest before the deadline date of May 15, 2024.

 

“The scheme will be rolled out in phases, starting with members of the civil service and cascading to members of the public.”

 

The CREDICORP’s objectives include: “(1) Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit.

 

“(2) Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access today.

 

“(3) Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.”

Oluwo of Oyo files petition against Basorun over alleged criminal conspiracy, threat to life

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Oluwo of Oyo files petition against Basorun over alleged criminal conspiracy, threat to life

The Oluwo Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Ikusaanu lfaleye lyanda, has filed a petition against the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Akinade Ayoola, over alleged criminal conspiracy, threat to life and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace in oyo town, Oyo State.

 

The petition, signed by the lawyer to Oluwo, M.R. Idowu Esq, was addressed to Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Adebola Hamzat.

“We act as Solicitors to Chief Ikusaanu lfaleye lyanda (Oluwo Alaafin of Oyo Town) (Hereinafter referred to as our Client) and pursuant to whose instructions we write this petition.

“It is the instructions of our client that on the April 8, 2024, Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola (Bashorun of Oyo Town) invited the Oluwo lsheke of Oyo Town in person of Chief Ifaniyi Omoyeni Ayinla to his home. He subsequently told Chief Ifaniyi Omoyeni Ayinla to go and warn our client that failure to support his choice to ascend the throne of Alaafin would subject our client to facing his wrath as the Prime Minister of Oyo kingdom.

 

“Furthermore, Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola (Bashorun of Oyo Town) boasted openly that he would harm various unknown individuals with various kinds of dangerous weapons to maliciously and intentionally attack our client, if our client fails to succumb to his threatening demands and command.

 

“Sir, as if that was not enough, Chief Yussuf Akinade Ayoola (Bashorun of Oyo Town) has now resorted to threatening fire and brimstones and warned our client not to move freely within Oyo Town and its environs. He boasted in strong words to get rid of our client and also terminate our client’s chieftaincy title.

 

“Sir, it is our fear that if these reckless criminal activities and threats are allowed to continue unabated, the situation might snowball into intractable civil unrest in the entire community and its neighbouring areas.

 

“This development has brought untold hardship and discomfort to our client.

 

“We, therefore, humbly request that our complaint be investigated by your good office and if found culpable, the said guilty individual be prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, threat to life and conduct likely to cause the breach of public peace,” the petition read.

Over 100 Inmates Escaped’, Correctional Service Confirms Suleja Incident

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Over 100 Inmates Escaped’, Correctional Service Confirms Suleja Incident

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the escape of inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, Niger state.

Daily Trust had reported how the inmates fled during a heavy rainfall, which destroyed the prison’s fence on Wednesday.

 

In a statement, on Thursday morning, spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of NCoS, Adamu Duza, said a total of 118 inmates escaped.

 

“A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, 24 April 2024 has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of a total of 118 inmates of the facility.

“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.

 

“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.”

 

“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance,” the statement read.

 

Sources told Daily Trust that some of the inmates who escaped were re-arrested between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

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