THE National Union Of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, and other affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are set for the two-day warning strike declared by the workers’ body.
The workers are downing tools to protest the escalating hardship arising from the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, by the Federal Government.
The strike holds between Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
The ICIR reports that it will paralyse socio-economic activities across the country, leading to a further loss for a nation struggling with its economy.
NLC President Joe Ajaero ordered the union members to commence the strike on Friday, August 31.
He said unless the government takes significant measures to alleviate the effects of the subsidy removal on Nigerians, the union would commence an indefinite strike in either 14 working days or 21 days.
The Union had previously embarked on a nationwide protest on the same issue in August 2023, with its membership comprising workers from both the public and private sectors.
NUBIFIE, in a statement released on Monday, September 4, announced its solidarity and declared that all banks would be closed on Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday, September 6.
According to the statement, the notice aligns with the NLC’s resolution on its planned two-day strike.
Part of the statement read: “In line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday 31 August 2023, that all affiliates should direct their members to commence two days withdrawal of services from Tuesday and Wednesday the 5 and 6 September 2023, the directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it of its new found love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than addressing the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves in.”
The group directed its organs to comply with the directive by ensuring all members stayed off duty for the two days.
The ICIR had earlier reported that numerous NLC affiliate organisations had instructed their members to adhere to the directive issued by the national body.
One of these groups, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), ordered its workers to mobilise its members effectively to ensure their participation in the strike.
In a circular shared by Deputy Secretary General Erazua Oniha, acting on behalf of the union’s Secretary General Felix Akingboye, the union stated, “We have received a communique from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, regarding the aforementioned matter, instructing all NLC affiliates to initiate a two-day nationwide warning strike as a demonstration of our preparedness for the indefinite strike later in the month…”
“Consequent to the foregoing, all National Administrative Council, NAC, Central Working Committee, CWC, NEC and members in all ports, jetties, terminals and oil and gas platforms nationwide are by this notice directed to commence an immediate and total mobilisation of our members to effectively ensure their participation in the nationwide warning strike from Tuesday 5 to Wednesday 6 September 2023.”
Others, according to a report, are the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN).
The ICIR reports that sources within the judiciary said the strike would not affect the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPT), which delivers judgment in the case of Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) against the winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election, and incumbent President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, September 6.
However, the government appealed to the NLC to shelve the strike on Monday, September 4.
The ICIR contacted Ajaero on the telephone Monday evening to confirm if the strike would go on as planned. He did not pick up the call put across to his telephone line. He did not also reply to text and WhatsApp messages sent to his line.
THE Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro will continue his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF as the head coach despite agreeing to a 29 percent pay cut.
His employer, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), made this announcement on Sunday.
The NFF said in a statement that the 63-year-old Portuguese will now lead Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations after his initial one-year contract ran out in July.
Peseiro’s initial contract with the country’s apex football administration was agreed on $70,000 a month, but it is understood the new agreement will have his monthly pay at $50,000 after the federation said they could no longer afford his previous salary.
The ICIR calculated the head coach’s pay cut dropped to 29 per cent.
Ahead of the Africa Cup to be hosted by the Ivory Coast in January 2024, he has been handed the target of leading the Super Eagles to at least the semi-finals.
The three-time African champions have 12 points from five qualifying matches and have already secured a place in the tournament.
However, the Super Eagles will need at least a point against Sao Tome and Principe next weekend to win their group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who are on 10 points and play at home to Sierra Leone.
Ahead of the match, Nigeria has called up several uncapped players, including Victor Boniface, Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha.
Among the players recalled up for the match include Portugal-based left-back, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tyronne Ebuehi, defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika and defender Jamilu Collins, who has returned from a long-term injury.
SB Morgan (SBM), known as SBM Intelligence, has revealed that between July 2022 and June 2023, $387,179, translating to N302 million, was paid as ransom to kidnappers in the country.
According to the SBM, the amount represents six per cent of the total N5 billion ($6,410,256 as of 30 June 2023) the kidnappers requested within the period.
Nigeria has faced insecurity challenges in the last decade, from insurgent attacks, banditry, inter-ethnic or communal crises, and separatist agitations.
The ICIRreported how non-state actors killed 31,821 people between May 2015 and April 2023. Also, within the first 45 days of President Bola Tinubu, over 600 people were reportedly killed from the insecurity crisis.
However, kidnapping in Nigeria has become an economic industry where abductors demand money from families and guardians before releasing abductees. This is most prominent in the Northern region of the country, which has recorded a plethora of cases of school children and other kidnappings like Chibok, Jangebe and Dapchi in the last decade.
According to the SBM report, between June 2022 and July 2023, 3,620 people were abducted in 582 kidnap-related incidents in Nigeria.
SBM said, “The north west and north-central regions exhibit higher numbers of in-kind ransom demands. This aligns with Nigeria’s poverty and its correlation with areas where food is commonly demanded. Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in motorcycle demands due to economic opportunities and possibly because of their potential use in terror activities.”
Analysis of the data
According to the report, at least 3,620 people were kidnapped, while 570 people were killed during kidnapping incidents. The North-West region had the highest number of people kidnapped and killed during kidnapping incidents.
However, the North-East region had the lowest number of people kidnapped, and the South-East region had the least people killed during the kidnapping incidents.
Region
NUMBER OF PEOPLE KIDNAPPED
NO. OF PEOPLE KILLED DURING KIDNAP INCIDENTS
North East
125
63
North Central
977
153
North West
1,921
217
South East
159
27
South South
270
81
South West
168
29
The report said it was more likely to get kidnapped and killed in states like Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna than elsewhere. Meanwhile, three states recorded no deaths from kidnap: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Borno.
“Civilians comprised the most casualties for persons killed in kidnap cases, with 430 dead. In the same period, 121 kidnappers were killed, mostly by security agents, with some of them meeting their end at the hands of irate mobs or in friendly fire. 19 security operatives—including state security agencies and vigilantes—lost their lives”, SBM stated.
Additionally, within the period in review, 21 Catholic priests were kidnapped.
THE National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported an increase in value-added tax (VAT) from N709.59 billionin the first quarter(Q1) to N781.35 billion in the second quarter (Q2).
The NBS disclosed this in its ‘Sectorial Distribution of Value Added Tax (Q2 2023)’ report released on Saturday, September 2, highlighting that the VAT grew by 10.11 on a quarter-on-quarter basis.
VAT is a consumption tax the final consumer bears, and it is paid when goods are purchased and services rendered.
It is one of the primary government funding sources as the federal government targets N10.49 trillion in revenue in its 2023 budget.
It is charged at a rate of 7.5 per cent, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The latest NBS report shows VAT from local payments stood at N512.03 billion, foreign, N142.63 billion, while import VAT contributed N126.69 billion.
On the activity line, extraterritorial organisations and bodies recorded the highest growth rate with 212.06 per cent to N277.82 million, followed by real estate with 123.09 per cent to N1.15 billion.
On the contrary, households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use had the lowest growth rate, falling by 57.06 per cent to N73.72 million even as agriculture, forestry, and fishing also declined in the review quarter.
Regarding sectoral contributions, manufacturing, information and communication, and financial and insurance activities were the top three contributors.
The manufacturing contribution rose by 29.64 per cent to N151.78 billion, information and communication by 21.19 per cent to N108.48 billion, and financial and insurance activities by 11.18 per cent to N57.27 billion.
However, activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded a minor share, followed by water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities, and activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies.
But on a year-on-year basis, VAT collections increased by 30.19 per cent from N600.15 billion in the corresponding quarter of last year.
To address revenue underperformance and expenditure efficiency, President Bola Tinubu set up a tax committee, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, to look into the tax system.
DIVINE Ikubor, known as Rema, clinched three awards at the just concluded Headies Awards held on Sunday, September 3.
Rema won the Best Male Artiste, Digital Artiste of the Year and African Artiste of the Year awards.
In his speech, the event’s highlight, Rema emphasised the importance of supporting the Nigerian music industry.
He also urged Nigerian artists to protect the “institutions” that propel them to global recognition.
“It is important to let everyone know I am not here because of the award. I am here because it is important to support our institutions.
“When I say institutions, I mean you know the body that supports you to have these major successes, the media houses, the awards.
“I feel like we are in a very sensitive period that if we do not give attention to our institutions, with this chance that we have, if we miss this chance, we will never have this chance again,” he said.
The 16th edition of Africa’s most prestigious music award show, The Headies, was held at the Cobb Energy Centre, Atlanta, Georgia, for the second time in a row.
Hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Terrence J, this year’s edition, tagged “Celebrating African Renaissance”, had top artists from all around Africa come together to be celebrated.
Despite being the artiste with the highest nominations, Burna Boy received two awards, including Best R&B Single and Afrobeat Song of the Year.
Similarly, Asake won the Next Rated Artiste and Album of the Year award.
Full list of winners
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Soweto” – Victony and Tempoe – WINNER
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Rexxie – “Abracadabra” -WINNER
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
“Loyal” – Simi – WINNER
Best R&B Single
“For My Hand” – Burna Boy ft ED Sheeran – WINNER
Best Rap Single
“Declan Rice” – Odumodublvck – WINNER
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
“In Between” – Waje – WINNER
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
“Kpe Paso” Wande Coal – WINNER
Best Alternative Song
“Earth Song” – Wizard Chan – WINNER
Best Music Video
“Calm Down (Remix)” – Director K – WINNER
Best Collaboration
Spyro ft. Tiwa Savage – “Who’s Your Guy Remix” – WINNER
THE Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPT) is set to deliver judgment on Wednesday, September 6, in the case of Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP)against the winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election, and incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
The Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Bangari, confirmed this to The ICIR in a telephone chat on Monday, September 4.
“Yes, it is confirmed. The date is September 6. I am sending the statement to your chapel chairman now,” Bangari said.
Judgement on the case of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has also been scheduled for the same day.
Bangari also added the proceedings would be open to live broadcast by interested media organisations.
The ICIR reportedthat the Presidential Election Tribunal on Tuesday, August 1, reserved judgment on the petitions filed by Abubakar and Obi against Tinubu’s victory.
In different suits, Atiku and Obi are challenging Tinubu’s declaration as the election winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In Atiku’s case, the respondents in the suit are INEC, Tinubu and the All Progressives Party (APC).
After adopting the parties’ final written addresses, the tribunal reserved judgment on the petition.
The tribunal’s chairman, Simon Haruna Tsammani, announced that the verdict would be given at a later time that would be made known to all parties.
The lead lawyer for Atiku, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated in his concluding statement that no presidential election had ever been nullified in the country, which should not be a reason for not rejecting the result of the 2023 poll.
He maintained that the technical difficulties encountered during the transfer of results were intentional to permit manipulation.
Uche requested that Tinubu be removed from office due to the American Court ruling that ordered him to forfeit $460,000 for drug and money laundering-related offences.
He also requested that the tribunal consider the European Union (EU) report on the election.
Uche, however, urged the Tribunal to either grant the petitioner’s request for relief or, failing that, to void the election and order a new one.
In his submission, APC’s legal representative, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, asserted that there was no written or verbal evidence from Chicago University refuting Tinubu’s enrollment.n
Fagbemi said the forfeiture was a civil one and was not a disqualification factor.
He added that the United States of America had awarded his client a clean bill of health.
Regarding the President’s relief from having dual citizenship, Fagbemi cited Section 137 (1a) to make the case that a citizen by birth cannot be disqualified for having citizenship in another country.
Tinubu’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, requested that the case be dismissed because INEC is the object of Atiku and PDP’s complaints.
Olanipekun argued that the petition should be dismissed because it was without merit and referred to the petitioner as an intrusive outsider.
He added that the FCT counts as the 37th state for electoral purposes. In Abuja, the second respondent received two-thirds of one-fourth of the votes.
Lawyer to INEC, Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, said the petitioners’ evidence demonstrated INEC’s sincere intentions to use technology to hold a legitimate election.
He claimed that the petition utterly failed to prove that human meddling caused the IReV problem and that it harmed the election’s result.
The Presidential Election Petition tribunal also reserved judgment in the suit filed by Obi of the LP.
Obi, who came third in the election, filed a petition in March challenging the outcome of the February 25 poll.
Obi and his party are asking the court to nullify Tinubu’s victory.
In their final written address dated July 20, the petitioners insisted that Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were not qualified to contest the poll.
The petitioners also argued that Tinubu, due to the forfeiture of $460,000 in the US and his failure to receive 25 per cent of the votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Tinubu should not have been declared President.
Obi ended his case on June 23 after interrogating 13 witnesses.
Apart from the Presidential Tribunal, at least 25 of the 28 states where elections were held are also contesting the results announced by INEC.
THE State Security Service (SSS) said it had uncovered plots by unnamed individuals to stage violent protests nationwide.
The secret security outfit claimed the protest had been planned to discredit the Federal Government over its economic policies.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, September 4, by the SSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.
“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.
“Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.,” the SSS stated.
In the statement, the organisation advised university vice-chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions to discourage their students from engaging in acts that derail public peace.
The agency also urged parents and guardians to reprimand their children and wards to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conduct against law and order.
According to the SSS, as the government is trying to make an effort to ease people’s pains, those planning to undermine national security should desist from it.
It added that it would not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans.
The warning came on the heels of notice of a two-day warning strike issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the Federal Government’s failure to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of petrol subsidy in the country.
At a press briefing on Friday, September 1, the NLC President Joe Ajaero said the strike would commence on Tuesday, September 5, and precede an indefinite action to begin later in the month.
“We have resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until the government takes steps to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment experienced around the country.
“We will commence a two-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday the 5th and 6th of September, 2023, to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month,” Ajaero said.
He added that there would also be a protest in Imo state against the abuse and violations of workers’ rights and picketing of Airpeace Airline’s office for violating workers’ rights.
“We are set to begin the shutdown of the operations of Airpeace Airline and other companies in the Aviation sector that are involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of Association and to collectively bargain and Organise,” he added.
THE Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) and the Cell Norbert Zongo for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO) have signed a joint commitment, to bolster investigative journalism and enhance media capacity in the West African region, with emphasis on transnational investigations and co-publications, among others.
The partnership, sealed on August 25, is poised to usher in a new era of collaborative journalism across the region through skill-building initiatives and the exchange of resources among journalists and editors across the sub-region.
A joint statement released by CCIJ and CENOZO on Thursday, August 31, said the accord underscored a commitment to cooperation, shared knowledge, training programmes, co-publications, and advancing journalism activities among their members.
CCIJ, a non-profit news organisation with a global focus on investigative reporting that leads to accountability and solutions, boasts of orchestrating worldwide investigations with a foundation in strategic mentorship, aiming to elevate underrepresented communities’ stories.
Established in Burkina Faso in 2015, CENOZO is dedicated to fostering the capacities of investigative journalists through training, mentoring, grants, and networking.
By pooling their resources and expertise, CCIJ and CENOZO aspire to elevate the standard of investigative journalism, particularly by undertaking comprehensive cross-border investigations on issues of common concern.
Both organisations pledged to maintain an active and consistent collaboration, fostering excellence in the field and contributing to creating more transparent and equitable societies.
“The partnership also aims to foster solidarity between members by promoting shared surveys for publication, thereby maximising the reach and impact of crucial issues. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to identify opportunities for combined funding for cross-border investigative projects and the development of specialised resources catering to investigative journalism,” the statement added.
The organisations are also set to engage with other entities invested in strengthening investigative journalism across West Africa. This broader cooperation aims to cultivate an environment conducive to press freedom and the promotion of integrity in public affairs,” the statement added.
CCIJ Executive Director Jeff Kelly Lowenstein expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, lauding CENOZO’s integrity and investigative prowess. “I’m excited about what will come from our joint efforts, Lowenstein said.
CENOZO Board President David Dembélé emphasised the two organisations’ commitment to combat corruption and poor governance through a united front. “We know that financial delinquents and other apostles of bad governance have connections and structures with ramifications far beyond our states,” Dembele said.
While expressing delight to join forces with CCIJ, Dembele added that the collaboration was important in fighting every shade and/or appearance of unhealthy governance practices within African countries and the world.
“The partnership between CCIJ and CENOZO not only promises to elevate the standards of investigative journalism in the West African region but also exemplifies a collaborative approach to addressing issues of corruption, impunity, and governance challenges that transcend national borders,” the statement added.
WHEN Najib Usman, a student of Bauchi State University, first received an invitation to attend a leadership summit in Dubai where he would be awarded an honorary doctorate, he felt flattered. At first glance, it was a tempting offer.
The invitation was from the London Graduate School (LGS), an online academic institution affiliated with the Commonwealth University. Both institutions have their head office at the Mayfair Point 34, South Molton Street in London and are in a validated partnership, where students can undertake a programme or study at one institution and upon completion, receive a degree award conferred by the partner university.
In this case, CommonWealth University is the degree awarding body, while London Graduate School is the education and training provider.
The letter sent to Najib by the LGS indicated that he had been nominated along “with a distinguished number of personalities who will accept to attend and participate in the Dubai leadership workshop to receive an honorary degree in recognition of your achievement and contribution.”
After a while, he grew sceptical. It was too good to be true.
“I know the weight of a doctorate degree and I have not done anything extraordinary to deserve such,” he told The ICIR.
Screenshot of Najib’s Invitation email
The school also demanded $4,500 as a workshop fee, which made Najib more suspicious.
“It didn’t look credible; I do not have any prior engagement with the London Graduate School. At least their email should have stated who referred them to me since it’s not me that applied for it.
“The school was in London, so why should the honorary confirmation be held in Dubai?
I was curious. So, I posted it on Twitter. Then, a guy commented under the tweet that it was a sham. In the end, I ignored the email.”
Independent findings by The ICIR would later reveal that for $5,000, the London Graduate School and CommonWealth University can award you an honorary doctorate in any field of your choice.
The $5,000 charge is equivalent to N4 million. But in some cases, it can be subsidised at $4,500, which is about N3.5 million.
As soon as payment is settled, participants are only expected to attend a seminar in Dubai, where the degree will be conferred. The ICIR findings show that these institutions are degree mills that offer illegitimate academic degrees for a fee.
As Internet evolution allows online institutions to become an important part of the academic landscape, it also provides access to unaccredited or loosely accredited virtual schools that award high school and college degrees. The degrees are often awarded based on “life experience” or less.
How to get an honorary doctorate from LGS
The London Graduate School hosts its executive leadership seminars every quarter of the year. Before each event, it sends out invitation letters to random persons who may or may not accept to attend the seminars.
By tracking social media posts about the institution, The ICIR found several persons who have received an invitation letter to attend one of its seminars between 2016 and 2023. Some of those who accepted the offer believed it is credible and those who declined considered it fraudulent.
“If you have earned it, the graduate school, at their discretion, can award you an honorary degree,” according to Abubakar Yunus Ahmed, a recipient of the honorary degree.
Ahmed was a member of the House of Representatives representing Yamaltu/Deba constituency in Gombe state when he received the award in July 2018.
Yunus Ahmed after receiving the degree
The former lawmaker said the school only awards honorary degrees to noble members of the society in appreciation of their achievement. He said, ” LGS Honorary degree is earned. It is not just given to anyone. When you have earned it, the university will give you an honorary card to encourage you.”
But, contrary to his claim, the LGS has an application form and a copy of its invitation letter published on its website for any interested person. The institution listed the criteria to qualify, such as philanthropy, success and integrity. However, there is no effort to certify whether the applicant has met these criteria.
To affirm the process and validate the lawmaker’s claim, The ICIR filled this form three times using Pseudo names and got three invitations to attend a seminar in Dubai and Rwanda shortly after.
Invitation emails from LGS
Professor Charles Ukeje, Obafemi Awolowo University Honorary degree committee chairman, strongly criticised the process. He believed that no one should apply for an honorary degree or be randomly nominated. He said it requires a rigorous process, and due diligence must be done.
“There are criteria for nomination and layers of work to be done before a person is awarded an honorary degree,” said Ukeje.
“Many of these institutions don’t do due diligence and it oozes in the award process. It oozes fraud, but I don’t understand why people don’t see it. It is greedy to accept an honorary degree that you have to pay for.”.=
He went further to differentiate between honorary and regular academic degrees. He said an honorary doctorate degree differs from an academic degree and that recipients of the former may use the title “Doctor” but must indicate that the degree is honorary.
However, only a few recipients make this indication when using the title.
Public officeholders recipients of fake honorary degree
The ICIR found that recipients of the honorary awards are often Africans, many of whom are political office holders in their respective countries.
Some of them are; Jewel Howard-Taylor, Vice-president of Liberia. She was awarded an honorary degree in Public Administration by the LGS in collaboration with the Commonwealth University and one of the other partner universities, Universidad Empresarial De Costa Rica, in Costa Rica, in March 2019.
Jewel Howard-Taylor facebook post
Ghanaian politician and member of parliament of Tema East constituency, Daniel Titus Glover, was conferred with an honorary degree in Shipping Management in 2018.
Glover’s facebook post
The Sierra Leonean Minister of Tourism and Culture, Memunatu Pratt, received an honorary doctorate in peace and conflict Management from the LGS in Dubai in July 2019.
Pratt’s facebook post
The ICIR found a number of well known or influential Nigerians who have been beneficiaries of the two institution’s academic largesse. Chima William, an environmentalist and Executive Director of Environment Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, is one of such recipients.
“Behold Dr Chima Williams (LLD, honorary causa – Human rights). Yours faithfully was awarded an honorary degree of law specialising in Human Rights by the London Graduate School in collaboration with Commonwealth University College, Cotonou,” he declared on his Facebook page.
However, Chima said he received the award after an “intensive but rewarding executive course.” The ICIR found a claim untrue as getting an honorary degree does not require any rigorous or intensive process.
On March 15, The ICIR attempted to reach out to Williams to clarify why he described the process as intensive but could not reach him over the phone. He also did not respond to messages sent to his phone number and Facebook account.
Also, Asma’u Abdulaziz Yari, the wife of the former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, received an honorary doctorate degree in Business Management and Leadership from the LGS in 2017.
A facebook post on Yari’s degree
The CommonWealth College and the London Graduate School share the same address, according to information provided on their websites.
The London Graduate School, which claims to be registered in the UK, was founded by David Iornem, a UK-based Nigerian. According to media reports, David was a member of the Nigerian Senate in the 3rd Republic and is a founding father of the defunct Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Benue State.
However, his son, Kohol Shadrach Iornem is the beneficial owner of the institution. A search into the institution’s profile on the UK public data, a website for Public sector information created by the state Digital Service, showed that Kohol became the director of London Graduate School in April 2021.
Document of Kohol appointment details
On its website, David is described as the school’s Director of International Operations and Kohol as the Director of Programmes. While the London Graduate School is a registered business in the UK, it was only incorporated in 2020. Yet, it has been awarding honorary degrees as far back as 2016.
Screenshot of Certificate of Incorporation
The CommonWealth University, on the other hand, is registered in Panama, a Caribbean tax haven. Although The ICIR was unable to verify the identity of its principal owner, this report described David Iornem as the founder and project director.
The ICIR also noticed a similarity in the management body of both CommonWealth University and the LGS.
For instance, David and Kohol fill the same role in both institutions. A certain Professor, Dilip Nandkeolyar, identified as the co-chancellor of the LGS, is also the Co-chancellor of the CommonWealth University.
Another member of the school management, Sadiksha Rai, is the Head of the Department for Continuing Education Programmes for both institutions. Also, Zacharys Gundu, the former Pro-Chancellor of Benue State University, is an adjunct faculty member in both schools.
Unregistered academic institutions
While the London Graduate School is a registered business in London, it is not a licensed academic institution. The LGS does not meet the legal definition of an independent (private) institution in the country as it is not registered with the Department of Education (DFE)
On June 26, The ICIR contacted the DFE through the online forms on its website to confirm the status of the LGS. The DFS responded on July 17 and disclosed that neither LGS nor CommonWealth University is registered as a UK higher education provider.
DFE response
“I can assure you that the Department takes any allegations of fraud seriously. An initial search for the two UK Higher Education (HE) providers that you mention in your correspondence indicates that neither are listed as an Office for Students registered provider list and may not be legitimate HE providers,” the DFS told ICIR in an email.
The ICIR also wrote to the Office of Student (OFS), the independent regulator of higher education in England, on June 6 to certify if the LSG is a recognised institution in the country and is licensed to provide any academic degree.
The OFS responded on June 23 that “neither London Graduate School nor Commonwealth University are registered with the OfS and therefore cannot award English degrees, including honorary degrees.”
OFS response
The regulatory body noted that “it appears that Commonwealth University may award online degrees, including honorary degrees, from elsewhere in the world.”
To authenticate the status of the Commonwealth University in Panama, where the institution claims to be registered, The ICIR sent an email to the Panama Minister of Education, Maruja Gorday de Villalobos, on June 26, 2023.
The move was to see if the “CommonWealth University is registered and recognised by the Ministry of Education in Panama and can award degrees.” However, the minister is yet to respond to the email.
Founder’s fraud case
There’s a pending court case against the London Graduate School founder, David for allegedly defrauding people.
In August 2013, Iornem was remanded at the Kuje Prison for allegedly operating an illegal University. He was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on a three-count charge bordering on the fraudulent collection of about N200 million from three unsuspecting persons.
The anti-graft agency said the former senator defrauded these people using admission rackets into his foreign institutions – the Island Open University and the Commonwealth University.
His victims in that case were Professor Is-haq Oloyede, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Registrar of the Joint Admission and Examination Board, (JAMB), a certain Akinkuotu Albert Oluwatoyin and Jamilu Rabiu Sani.
He was granted bail for the sum of N100,000 on the same day. And the case has been adjourned multiple times since then.
In 2018, a judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Ahmed Mohammed, condemned the trial delay. At the resumption of the proceedings in October 2018, the judge said, “taking into account his status in the society and his age, I am not comfortable that this witness (Prof Isaq Oloyede) is being called for the fourth time only for cross examination purposes. I will not condone this delay.”
Fraudulent partners
The CommonWealth University and the London Graduate School claim to have partnered with higher institutions listed in the UNESCO handbook. They have the same partners.
The partners include Universidad Azteca in Mexico, École Superieure Universities in Cotonou, Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, Aldersgate College, 98 Ft. Pte. Ltd in Singapore.
St Clements University. Online Business School is the only partner school exclusive to the LGS.
However, The ICIR looked through the UNESCO handbook and found that only one institution, Universidad Azteca in Mexico, is on the list.
Instead, The ICIR found that some of the said institutions are fraudulent.
The Aldersgate College is one of the LGS’s major partners. It claims to be one of the oldest institutions in the Philippines. However, checks by The ICIR show that Aldergate is not registered in the Philippines as claimed.
A search through the Philippines Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASU) showed that the school is not on its list of accredited schools.
The university hotline on Google differs from what exists on its Facebook page. The hotline on Facebook is a Nigerian phone number. And a search on Truecaller showed that the number belonged to a certain Josephine C. Egbuta.
Aldersgate Facebook page
When The ICIR contacted Egbuta to find out about Aldersgate University, she claimed the
school stopped functioning in 2020.
“What we operate now is Azteca University in Mexico,” said Eguta.
She told The ICIR that she does not work with Aldersgate University. Rather, she runs a Ghanaian University that is affiliated with it.
Her university is called Saint Williams International College and is located in Ghana, although she primarily resides in Nigeria.
The ICIR asked if her institution is affiliated with the London Graduate School or the CommonWealth University, and she said, “Yes, but we only offer honorary doctorate degrees and professorship and not for academics.”
Also, Ecole Superieure University was delisted by the Nigerian National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2021. The body said the university was one of the many doctorate mills that award degrees to students a few months after Matriculation.
LGS responds
An email was sent to the LGS director, Shadrach Kohl Iornem, on July 25. The email was forwarded to Sadiksha Rai, the LGS Head of Department for Continuing Education Programmes.
Rai, in response, said, “We do not have powers to award degrees, and we make this clear even on our website and other correspondence. However, we have partnerships with accredited universities (in different countries) where we teach.”
She noted that the school practises a type of academic partnership used by many higher institutions in the UK.
“We do not charge money for honorary doctorate degrees. As explained earlier, we organise workshops in different training destinations, including London, Singapore, the USA, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Dubai and Switzerland.
“Our workshops are usually from 2 days to a maximum of 2 weeks. The workshop fee covers the tuition, course materials, tea, snacks and lunch during the seminar sessions, intensive seminar and coaching by a team of management experts trained from top universities.
She also said, “the negative information you may have come across about our institution is false. For some, it is ignorance that has led them to write those unfounded claims.
“Others deliberately publish negative news even when we have provided evidence of our existence and activities.
“It is also disturbing that because a few members of our faculty are from Nigeria, people from other countries, especially African countries try to discredit our institution even when these faculty members are high ranking professors in Nigerian universities.”
The ICIR also wrote to CommonWealth University on August 2. However, it did not get a response.
Four housemates of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) All Stars edition, Ike Onyema, Seyi Awolowo, Lucy Essien, and Prince Nelson have been evicted from reality TV show.
During the live eviction show on Sunday, September 3, the host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, revealed that the eviction would take a different turn as Big Brother had instructed that the eviction takes place immediately.
Speaking with the host after being evicted, Ike said that he had an amazing time on the show as he will be going back to work now that he is out of the show.
“Going forward, it is money money, money for me, I will be doing more adverts and back to the work”, he said.
Seyi’s eviction sparked a lot of excitement on social media from many lovers of the show.
Seyi was the recipient of severe criticism from Nigerians across all social media platforms following his comment on having only sons that would “run train” on girls.
As reported by The ICIR, the Lagos state Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Agency (DSVA) also condemned the comments, describing them as harmful attitudes and contribute to a culture of violence and abuse.
However, when he was questioned by Big Brother during one of his diary sessions, he apologized and admitted that the comment was unfair and dark.
“I am married to a beautiful woman. My mother has been there for me. I shouldn’t have made that comment. It is a very dark thing to say about anybody’s child. It is very unfair”, he said.
Still on the eviction on Sunday, it was game over for one pair of Biggie’s special house guests, Lucy Essien and Prince Nelson. They were both former housemates of the Lockdown edition (Season 5) of the show.
They expressed gratitude to Big Brother and the organisers of the show for giving them another chance to be seen.
The show continues with 13 housemates (7 ladies and 6 men) vying for the N120 million grand prize alongside two house guests, Kimoprah and Sholzy.
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