Flowerbud News

Category: Education and Youth

  • NUC, VCs deny bribery allegation against Reps C’ttee

    NUC, VCs deny bribery allegation against Reps C’ttee

    Flowerbudnews

     

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja:  The National Universities Commission (NUC) and Committee of Vice Chancellors (VCs) have denied bribery and extortion allegations against the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing job racketeering and mismanagement of IPPIS in MDAs.

    Prof. Chris Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary, NUC, and Prof. Isiah Tanko, the VC of University of Jos, denied the allegation as reported by an online medium.

    They denied the report attributed to them when they jointly appeared before the committee in Abuja on Friday.

    Speaking on the issue as reported by the medium which alleged that the committee collected money from NUC and VCs for soft landing over the probe, the NUC official said the report was baseless.

    According to him, the publication is regrettable, whatever the substance is, we wish that this does not impugn the partnership we have with the lawmakers which we should be promoting.

    Maiyaki said the universities occupied a special place in the life of any nation, advising that the lawmakers and the universities should come together to create a game changer for the country.

    On his part, Tanko, who represented Prof. Lilian Salami, the Chairman of the Committee of VCs, said they read the publication, but added that the VCs were not part of the allegation.

    “”We read the disturbing publication and I can say that the VCs were not part of that and we did not provide any bribe to anybody,

    “”We all dispersed from the committee investigative hearing as soon as we finished the last time we appeared before you,” said the representatives of the VCs.

    Maiyaki stressed that: “Soliciting money for bribes is out of contest and not true, the reporter did not find out the fact. We have hope and confidence in this ad hoc committee.”

    He said more than five programmes of University of Jos were in danger of being dis-accredited because of lack of manpower, adding “we were looking up to the committee to correct that”.

    The Chairman of the Adhoc Committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, however noted that the publication was a sponsored to divert the attention of the members from finding out the deep rooted evil that existed in public sectors.

    “”It is not even our mandate to investigate the publication by Premium Times, but to investigate alleged racketeering in MDAs.

    “”The investigating authorities like the ICPC and EFCC have been given the mandate to investigate those allegations and the account number,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Reps committee never demanded bribe from us –Fed Rectors

    Reps committee never demanded bribe from us –Fed Rectors

    Rectors of Federal Polytechnics across the country on Thursday refuted allegations that they were asked to give bribes by members of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating alleged job racketeering and mismanagement of the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS) by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).Chairman of the Committee of Federal Polytechnics’ Rectors, Engr Yahaya Mohammed who spoke on behalf of the polytechnic rectors who were present at the resumed hearing of the investigative hearing said they had at no time interfaced with any member of the panel and also denied being given any account number to pay bribes as alleged.

    Gagdi also threatened that the committee would take legal action against the online medium over the publication which he said was to “blackmail and discredit” the committee

     

    Recall that an online platform had on Tuesday in an investigation, reported how some members of the panel had asked vice chancellors of universities and heads of tertiary institutions to pay certain amount of money as bribes into a bank account inorder to give them a soft landing.

     

    Members of the committee were also reported to have been engaging in extortion of money from heads of federal ministries, departments and agencies, including those of tertiary institutions across the country.

     

    Mohammed, who is also the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, said this when chairman of the adhoc committee, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi asked him to speak on the allegations of bribery and extortion levied against members of the committee as reported.

     

    The rector said, “This is our first time of interfacing with the committee. All of us came into Abuja yesterday. Chairman, we are not in receipt of any account number or account name by any member of this committee. I will say under oath that we have not received any account number from any member of this committee.”

     

    Gagdi said he has written to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the account number allegedly released to heads of tertiary institutions for the payments of bribes as reported.

     

    He said, “I have already written to the ICPC to investigate that account number that was published, the owner of that account and whether there is any transaction by vice chancellors, rectors of polytechnics and leaders of tertiary institutions in the country.”

  • Twelve Essential Skills to Launch and Grow a Small or Medium-Sized Business

    Twelve Essential Skills to Launch and Grow a Small or Medium-Sized Business

    Starting and running a small or medium-sized business (SMB) can be both challenging and rewarding. Success in this endeavor often depends on a combination of entrepreneurial skills, industry-specific knowledge, and practical abilities. In this article, we will explore twelve essential skills that aspiring entrepreneurs can acquire to establish and manage a successful SMB.

    1. Business Planning

    A solid business plan is the foundation of any successful SMB. Learning how to create a comprehensive plan that outlines your business goals, strategies, financial projections, and marketing tactics is crucial for long-term success.

    2. Financial Management

    Understanding financial management is essential for SMB owners. This includes budgeting, financial forecasting, and monitoring cash flow to ensure the business remains financially viable.

    3. Marketing and Sales

    Effective marketing and sales skills are vital for attracting customers and generating revenue. Learning how to market your product or service, identify target audiences, and close sales is critical for growth.

    4. Customer Relationship Management

    Building and maintaining strong customer relationships is key to the success of an SMB. Skills in customer service, communication, and feedback management can help create a loyal customer base.

    5. Networking

    Networking is a valuable skill for any entrepreneur. Building relationships with industry peers, mentors, potential clients, and partners can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights.

    6. Time Management

    Time management skills are essential for handling the numerous responsibilities that come with running an SMB. Learning to prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage your time efficiently can improve productivity.

    7. Problem Solving and Decision Making

    SMB owners often encounter unexpected challenges. Developing problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions, even under pressure, is crucial for overcoming obstacles.

    8. Adaptability

    The business landscape is ever-changing. SMB owners need to be adaptable and open to new ideas, technologies, and market trends to stay competitive and relevant.

    9. Digital Literacy

    In today’s digital age, having basic digital literacy skills is essential. This includes proficiency in using software, social media, and online marketing tools to reach a broader audience.

    10. Leadership and Team Management

    SMB owners often work closely with a team. Developing leadership skills, fostering teamwork, and effectively managing employees can create a positive work environment and improve productivity.

    11. Risk Management

    Understanding and managing risks is vital for business sustainability. Entrepreneurs should learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact their SMB.

    12. Continuous Learning

    The business world is constantly evolving. Entrepreneurs should cultivate a habit of continuous learning to stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.

    Conclusion

    Establishing and managing a small or medium-sized business requires a diverse skill set. Acquiring the skills mentioned above can help aspiring entrepreneurs build a strong foundation for their SMBs. While formal education and training programs can be beneficial, much can also be learned through real-world experience, mentorship, and self-study.

    Remember that becoming proficient in these skills may take time and practice. As you embark on your journey as an SMB owner, embrace the process of acquiring and honing these skills. The ability to adapt, learn, and grow is often what sets successful entrepreneurs apart in the competitive world of small and medium-sized business.