A glass of tomato squeeze a day could help keep bosom growth under control.

Ladies who upped their tomato consumption made even more a hormone thought to secure against the sickness.

The US analysts said: 'The points of interest of consuming a lot of tomatoes and tomato-based items, actually for a brief time of time, were obviously obvious in our discoveries.'

They included that ladies can without much of a stretch expend a gainful measure of tomatoes.

Case in point, a glass of tomato squeeze a day would hold the perfect measure of the lycopene, the plant compound accepted to be behind the impacts.

Lycopene gives tomatoes their rich red shade and is now accepted to help ward off prostate malignancy.

The individuals who dislike tomato juice could attempt a dish of tomato soup, in addition to tomato sauce with their pasta and bit of ketchup a day.

The specialists, from Rutgers University in New Jersey, measured hormone levels in 70 ladies matured 55 or more previously, then after the fact upping their tomato admission for ten weeks.

All were either overweight or had a nearby relative with breast malignancy, putting them at higher danger of the ailment themselves.

The measure of lycopene found in a glass of tomato squeeze a day raised levels of the hormone adiponectin by nine for every penny, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reports.

Adiponectin is included in controlling fat levels and heftiness is known to raise the chances of bosom growth.

'Expending an eating regimen rich in tomatoes had a bigger effect on hormone levels in ladies who kept up a sound weight.'

Past work proposes that lycopene likewise battles bosom growth by preventing dangerous cells from developing and spreading.

Nonetheless, British specialists said that shortcomings in the study imply that there is no requirement for ladies to surge out and purchase heaps of tomatoes.

Yinka Ebo, of Cancer Research UK, included: 'Our eating regimen is made up of loads of distinctive nourishments and supplements and large portions of these influence our danger of tumor, regularly in fusion with each other.

'Consuming any one particular sustenance is unrealistic to have a significant effect on anticipating malignancy on its own.

'There's no compelling reason to begin stocking up on tomatoes, ladies can lessen the danger of bosom malignancy by keeping up a sound weight, drinking less liquor and being physically dynamic.'

Breast malignancy is Britain's most regular disease.

Practically are 50,000 ladies diagnosed with the malady every year and around 1,000 bite the dust from it every month.

 Its a wonderful year in Music industry after witnessing multiple matrimonial celebrations among music stars.
Late this year atleast two of the finest stars got engaged and now Musician Dr Sid joins with her beautiful wife simi Osomo.






Congrats!

Jose Mourinho has ruled out making any January signings even though he is losing patience with Chelsea’s ineffective forwards.

Mourinho fears that Chelsea’s Premier League title hopes are becoming increasingly remote after his first visit to the Britannia Stadium ended in a chastening 3-2 defeat, and the statistics make unpalatable reading.

Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba have scored only four league goals between them this season and were unconvincing again, underlining why Mourinho spent so much effort battling to tempt Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United this summer.

The manager’s decision to allow Romelu Lukaku to join Everton on loan appears ever more bizarre with each passing week and it is a situation that is threatening to reach crisis proportions.

However, Mourinho has claimed that he will not be pleading for transfer funds next month and pledged to work with his squad for the rest of the season which, on this evidence, represents a huge risk.

“If you tell me [Sergio] Agüero has scored already 10 or 12 goals, [Alvaro] Negredo 10 or 12 goals, [Edin] Dzeko four or five, Rooney eight or 10, [Olivier] Giroud eight or 10, [Daniel] Sturridge eight or 10, [Luis] Suárez 10 or 12, if you ask me would I like my strikers to score eight-10-12 goals, yes,” Mourinho said.

“If we had eight-10-12 goals [from the strikers] we would be top of the league. That’s a reality but my strikers give everything and the team works hard. What can you do more? We work, we keep working. That’s the only way I know is to keep working.

“Of course we want the best possible results, but I am not waiting for players, I am not asking for players. This is a period for the club and this is a period of my team where we have to try and improve the players we have and try to build a future.

“It is my squad. For good and for bad it is my squad. Of course it is not the perfect squad, but it is my squad and I work with them until the last day. To criticise does not help me. What do I win by criticising my players? I win nothing.”

Mourinho’s problems are not exclusively with his forwards, however. Petr Cech was far from assured in goal once again while Stoke City frequently exposed César Azpilicueta at left back, while Ashley Cole gathers dust on the bench.

Chelsea may have scored 12 goals in four games but conceding six against Sunderland and Stoke would have been unheard of in Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge.

They looked on course for another of their annual jaunts in the Potteries when Andre Schürrle gave them a ninth-minute lead but Mourinho’s frustration at the profligacy of his players was evident well before Peter Crouch equalised shortly before half-time.

Stephen Ireland’s excellent goal set the tone for an absorbing second half, only for Schürrle to equalise, but Oussama Assaidi delivered an outstanding finish in the final minute to leave Mourinho downbeat about the future.

The manager said: “I think we are one of the six teams that are the six potential contenders for the title. Remember that in the past two years, this team finished 25 points behind the leaders and finished 14 points behind the leaders.

“We are not speaking with me about my team being champions last year or finished one or two points behind. My team in the last two or three years in December was 15-20 points behind the leaders and I am saying we are building a team, a style of play with the players we have and of course we want the best results.”

Arguably, this was a result Mark Hughes needed to silence his doubters after only one league win since August. The Britannia Stadium may have lost some of its fear factor over the years but this was a stirring reminder of their early days back in the top flight, when Tony Pulis made putting noses out of joint an art form.

Assaidi’s devastating contribution, after his late introduction as a substitute, should earn him more opportunities after revealing he carried out his manager’s orders to the letter.

“Before I went on the pitch he told me, ‘Go and win us the game’,” Assaidi said.

“He knows what I can do. I’m very happy for this confidence, but I really want to start, of course. The coach makes the decision. I had to be patient until he gave me my opportunity.

" Of course, everyone wants to play, me too. The coach made today another decision but I hope for more starts. But I’m very happy I started twice this week. For me this is good because for a long time I don’t play and I hope I showed the coach that I can start.”

Source: Telegraph

Manchester United will give David Moyes transfer fund he needs to reshape his squad in the January transfer window.

Scouts have been handed a remit to look for world-class players in every position, although creative midfielders remain the priority.

Moyes is determined to bring in quality stars instead of topping up his squad, and insists he will not simply throw money at the problem.

Sportsmail has drawn up a list of the top 10 midfielders believed to be on United’s hit-list.



Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund) - £24m

United have been tracking the German for some time and were close to making an offer in the summer. The biggest hurdle they may face is that Real Madrid also want the combative midfielder.

His availability in January could depend on his recovery from a persistent back injury and whether Dortmund lose out to Arsenal and Napoli in their Champions League group.
Chance of signing - 2/5
Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle) - £18m

He proved to United again on Saturday just how influential he could be and the Old Trafford faithful won't forget his goal in a hurry. Cabaye refused to play at the start of this season when close to a move and may be convinced to leave if anyone makes a January offer.

United will have stiff competition, however, with Arsenal and PSG very keen on the Frenchman.
Chance of signing - 3/5

Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) - £35m

One of last summer's transfer sagas that eventually proved a lot of hot air. United had several bids for the Spaniard turned down despite making him their No 1 target.

Barcelona are unlikely to sell one of their stars midway through the season, but should they make another big signing next summer, Fabregas could be the man to leave.
Chance of signing - 2/5

Luka Modric (Real Madrid) - £25m

David Moyes may try and lure Modric away from the Bernabeu in the same way Arsene Wenger stole Mesut Ozil. With the likes of Isco, Xabi Alonso, Asier Illarramendi and the currently injured Sami Khedira, Modric is often not in the starting line-up.

However, Madrid won't want to sell the Croatian unless they receive a significant offer and United may not want to splash too much cash seeing as he's now 28.
Chance of signing - 2/5


Ander Herrera (Atletico Bilbao) - £30m

Many people were surprised when Athletic Bilbao turned down United’s bid to sign Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, holding out for his £30.5million release clause.

Unfortunately for the Reds, Herrara has lost form since United's initial interest and may not justify that price tag now.
Chance of signing - 2/5

Remy Cabella (Montpellier) - £18m

It seems a big amount to pay for a player not many have heard of, but United would definitely see him as one for the future. Montpellier president Louis Nicollin has said he's not for sale in January, but his hand could be forced if a large enough offer is made. The player is thought to be searching for his next challenge.

An attacking midfielder similar to Oscar or Ozil, Cabella would at least bring a spark to Old Trafford. Yet to be given a cap owing to the pool of talent France have in midfield, he may want to sign for one of Europe's biggest clubs to fulfill his international ambitions.
Chance of signing - 4/5

Everton Ribeiro (Cruzeiro) - £10m

The Brazilian 24-year-old would be a cheaper option than most but also much riskier seeing as he's untried in Europe and never played a full international.

He's not shy of getting forward and would link well with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney but Moyes may be looking for a deeper player who starts, rather than finishes, moves.
Chance of signing - 3/5

Koke (Atletico Madrid) - £16m

Potentially a very shrewd signing for Moyes, Koke has learnt his trade playing alongside the likes of Radamel Falcao, Diego Forlan, David Villa and Diego Costa.

Despite just being 21, Koke has proved he has the pedigree for the big occasion and could be a replacement for Tom Cleverley but may take time to adjust to the English game.
Chance of signing - 3/5

Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray) - £8.5m

At 29, Sneijder made a rather strange decision to move to Galatasaray, although his hand was forced by Inter Milan who had no need for him. His salary would be an issue for some, but United are one of the few who could pay it without problems.

He would be considered a short-term option who has worked with Van Persie for the Dutch national team and his signing will keep the fans off Moyes' back.
Chance of signing - 2/5

Kevin Strootman (Roma) - £30m

The Dutchman's former boss at PSV, Dick Advocat, has already said he thinks Old Trafford will be the long-term home of Strootman, but the question is will Roma sell him before next summer?

The playmaker cost the Italians £17million and they will want a big profit should United convince Strootman to join the Premier League.
Chance of signing - 2/5


Souce: Mailonline

It was dubious on Saturday whether the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities would cancel its five-month-old strike, regardless of the Federal Government's Monday final proposal.

There were theories that the college speakers would suspend the strike after the entombment function for an ex-ASUU President, Prof. Festus Iyayi, who was slaughtered in a mischance including the Kogi State senator's guard.

The Chairman, ASUU, University of Benin, Dr. Tony Monye-Emina said, "The strike has not been canceled.

The power (of the establishment) is succeeding government's mandate; we are not moving our stand. It is not a neighborhood strike. "It is not genuine we are canceling the strike. By what method would we be able to be holding a gathering today? The entombment is going on and it proceeds tomorrow (today)."

Likewise, ASUU in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, promised not to comply with government's request that instructors ought to profit to classroom for Monday.

The Chairman, ASUU, OOU part, Dr. Nasir Adesola said the teachers would not succumb to dangers by government to sack them. Adesola, who is likewise the South-West Coordinator, ASUU, focused on that since the instructors did not go on strike in the first case due to government, they would not come back to work by pressure from government.

He expressed that the instructors would just about-face to the classroom when the administration had taken care of their requests.

"We didn't go on strike due to government request. The explanations behind which we set out on the strike have not been released by the legislature. Those requests of government are simply some piece of official neglectfulness. We are not coming back to chip away at Monday," Adesola said.

Also, the ASUU Chairman in Enugu State University of Technology, Prof. Chatter Agu, said teachers would not continue on Monday.

He said it was talk that the union would call of the strike. He expressed that the National Executive Council of ASUU would meet and concur before the strike could be canceled.

Same with ASUU in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where the Chairman, Dr. Ifeanyi Abada, said just the ASUU NEC could advertise the suspension of the strike.

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan had on Friday, in light of the mandates of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities and the National Universities Commission, said the foundation would be re-opened on January 4, 2014.

In the authority release of the college, which was marked by its Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr. Olujimi Olukoya, the chamber clarified that the re-opening got essential in perspective of the thought of all matters identifying with the on-going ASUU strike, at its late gathering.

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists his side will do "everything they possibly can" to haul back Premier Leagueleaders Arsenal, who have opened up a 12-point lead over the reigning champions.

Everton's first victory at Old Trafford since 1992 has led to a storm of criticism being unleashed on Moyes.      

Manchester United manager David Moyes denies referring to Everton fans as 'disgraceful' Manchester United 0 Everton 1:

David Moyes should be ruthless in pursuit of former heights after shock defeat Manchester United owners, the Glazers, believe club can survive missing out on Champions League qualification And the United manager confirmed widespread expectation that new faces will arrive during next month's transfer window as they look to move up the table.

"The club has always thought about strengthening," he said. "You do that every transfer window. We will try and make that happen." When asked about the 1-0 defeat against his former club on Wednesday, Moyes responded:

"It's football isn't it? It can happen at any club and it has happened here. "I hoped it wouldn't but it has. It was our first defeat in 13 games. Now I hope we can do something very similar in the coming games."

However, he insists the situation is not as bad as has been depicted. "I think I saw a response in the game.

We weren't that bad that I felt we needed a big response," said Moyes. "People who watched the game - they would have got lots of belief from it.

"There were chances in the game we didn't take. It could quite easily have been very different. "Unless you are someone who doesn't understand the game too much you would have seen that.

 "These are good players. They have been here before. They know what is expected of them. They will do the right things.

" Next up for United is a home game against Newcastle on Saturday and Moyes confirmed Shinji Kagawa is a doubt.

The Japan playmaker has picked up a sickness bug and was ill immediately after Wednesday night's defeat by Everton. "Shinji has a sickness bug," said Moyes.

 "We need to see how he is on Saturday but he wasn't too good after the game." Moyes refused to confirm whether Robin van Persie, who has been missing for a fortnight with groin and toe problems, will be fit to return for the match.

David Moyes has vehemently denied calling Everton supporters "a f****** disgrace" following his former club's 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

An Everton fan who met Moyes after the match in the Lowry Hotel in Manchester tweeted that the Manchester United manager had said the remark in relation to the hostility shown by the away support, who, among other chants, sang "you're getting sacked in the morning" toward him following Bryan Oviedo's late winner.

It was confirmed by a United spokeswoman that Moyes had indeed met the fan and taken a photograph with him, however she said the manager insists he did not utter the alleged remark. Moyes had been given a guard of honour when he left Everton to join United in May following an 11-year spell on Merseyside, but his summer pursuit of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines soured his relationship with the club and the fans.

In August he said: "If I'd been Everton manager and Sir Alex [Ferguson] had come asking for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, I'd have found it very difficult to keep them because I always felt the right thing to do was what was right for the players." Wednesday's defeat saw United slip 12 points off Premier League leaders Arsenal, and they could now face a fight to finish in the top four.

Moyes' side are five points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool. Moyes has been reassured however by United's owners the Glazer family that the club's finances are strong enough to survive missing out on the Champions League, and that they would still be prepared to provide significant funds for investment in the squad. United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, speaking to the fanzineUnited We Standearlier this season, said: "If we have a bad year, does it impact on our sponsorship that year? No. If we have a bad year, we have the financial strength to change the team."

Tragedy struck yesterday at Maronu Street in the Araromi area of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, as a former military officer, Desilva Adedipe, reportedly shot and killed his son, Ayo Adedipe. Family sources told SaharaReporters that Mr. Adedipe, who retired from service at the rank of major, shot his son at close range as the two argued over an electricity bill. A resident of the street told our correspondent that many residents fled the area for fear of their lives as well as possible arrest by security operatives. Our sources said that an argument broke out between the retired major and his son over payments for an electricity bill issued by the Power Holding Company of Nigerian (PHCN). One source said neighbors had tried to settle the matter between the two before the tragic incident. A source said the former military officer’s son had verbally insulted his father. After a while, the ex-officer ran into his room and reemerged with a gun with which he shot his son in the chest at a close range. The young man died instantly. Several residents who spoke to SaharaReportersdescribed the incident as shocking. They expressed disappointment in the officer, disclosing that he had ignored their pleas to show restraint in dealing with his son. A few of the residents, however, blamed the late Ayo, saying he had a reputation in the community for stubbornness. Popularly called “Osha,” the late Ayo was described as a notorious street boy in the community who reportedly masterminded many nefarious activities in the area including burglarizing shops to steal goods. A source close to the family revealed that night guards on several occasion had come over to the family house to warn about the late youngster’s late-night escapades. “The night guard of our street on many occasions had knocked on our doors telling us to warn Osha because they won’t hesitate to hand him over to the police for associating with notorious street gangs and for his late walks,” the source said. “Even his father knew him to be a bad boy,” said another resident of the community. He added: “Osha didn’t listen to advice from people. He would embarrass you or even send his gangs to trail you, beat or even molest you, if you talk about him.” Olaide Adedipe, who claimed to be the wife of the deceased, said the shooting happened after Ayo’s father discovered that his son had not been depositing the electricity payments handed over to him. Ms. Olaide said the former major found out that his son had been diverting the money but would show him fake electricity receipts as proof that the money had been paid. SaharaReporters learnt that after killing Ayo, his father hurriedly carried his body out of the compound. A source said that a commercial motorcyclist had raised an alarm after seeing the ex-military officer in a bush at Onigari, Shagari Village, Akure trying to dump his son’s body. The retired officer reportedly took to his heels. Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force, Ondo State Command, Wole Ogodo, said that Ms. Olaide, who claimed to be the wife of the deceased, reported the tragic development to them. “The complainant rushed to the [police] station and said that the suspect, whom they used to call ‘Old Soldier,’ allegedly shot his own son during an argument over NEPA bill,” said the police spokesman. Mr. Ogodo said police officers went in search of the alleged assailant, who remains elusive. The police investigators found the late Ayo’s body. He disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at a morgue in Akure, adding that an autopsy would be carried out. The police spokesman also revealed that the case had been transferred to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department and that the police were on the trail of the suspect.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his Johannesburg home on Thursday after a prolonged lung infection, President Jacob Zuma said.

Mandela, the country's first black president and anti-apartheid icon known in South Africa by his clan name of Madiba, emerged from 27 years in apartheid prisons to help guide South Africa through bloodshed and turmoil to democracy. In a nationally televised address, Zuma said Mandela would have a full state funeral. He ordered flags to be flown at half mast.

"Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rohlihla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed," Zuma said. "He passed on peacefully in the comfort of his home." Mandela rose from rural obscurity to challenge the might of white minority apartheid government - a struggle that gave the 20th century one of its most respected and loved figures.

He was among the first to advocate armed resistance to apartheid in 1960, but was quick to preach reconciliation and forgiveness when the country's white minority began easing its grip on power 30 years later. Mandela, imprisoned for nearly three decades, was elected president in landmark all-race elections in 1994 and retired in 1999.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, an honor he shared with F.W. de Klerk, the white Afrikaner leader who released from jail arguably the world's most famous political prisoner. As president, Mandela faced the monumental task of forging a new nation from the deep racial injustices left over from the apartheid era, making reconciliation the theme of his time in office.

The hallmark of Mandela's mission was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which probed apartheid crimes on both sides of the struggle and tried to heal the country's wounds. It also provided a model for other countries torn by civil strife.

In 1999, Mandela handed over power to younger leaders better equipped to manage a modern economy - a rare voluntary departure from power cited as an example to African leaders. In retirement, he shifted his energies to battling South Africa's AIDS crisis and the struggle became personal when he lost his only surviving son to the disease in 2005.

Mandela's last major appearance on the global stage came in 2010 when he attended the championship match of the soccer World Cup, where he received a thunderous ovation from the 90,000 at the stadium in Soweto, the neighborhood in which he cut his teeth as a resistance leader.

Charged with capital offences in the infamous 1963 Rivonia Trial, his statement from the dock was his political testimony. "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife have been asked to resume on Sunday, December 8. In a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of OAU, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju, it was noted that lectures would commence immediately after the resumption. “The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have announced Sunday, 8th December, 2013 as the resumption date for the 2012/ 2013 rain semester. Accordingly, students of the university are expected to come into residence on the above date as lectures will commence immediately.” The statement reads.

Federal government has extended the deadline on an ultimatum issued to striking university lecturers, asking them to go ‘Back to Class’ on December 4 or face being sacked.

With the deadline extended to December 9, lecturers are no longer expected to resume duties as required by the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, on November 28.

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okogie, told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that the ultimatum had been shifted to enable the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) carry out the burial ceremony of Professor Festus Iyayi, a former leader of the union who died in the line of duty.

In a bid to lay to rest the issue of non-victimisation that the striking lecturers had stressed in a letter to the government before the ultimatum was issued, the NUC boss stated that all lecturers, who would resume duties and ready to work on December 9 would be paid their full salary arrears.

The public universities’ lecturers have not been paid since they embarked on a nationwide strike on July 1. They have, by invoking the non-victimisation clause, demanded that all the arrears must be paid.

He, however, pointed out that the leadership of ASUU, at the end of its meeting with the president on November 4, had agreed to call off the strike after several resolutions were reached which did not include the new conditions recently released by the union.

The union said it did not add any new condition but only emphasised the non-victimisation clause, which states that no member of the union should be punished for being part of the ongoing strike.

It claims the government was aware of the clause and called for the payment of the salary arrears.
It has also insisted that the government deposit the 200 billion Naira revitalisation fund for public universities as agreed with the Central Bank of Nigeria, before the strike would be called off.

Federal Government says it has deposited the sum of N200bn promised as funding to universities in an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, confirmed this on Tuesday.

The amount is for renewal of infrastructure in the nation’s public universities. Okupe, who featured onChannels Televisionprogramme ‘Sunrise Daily,’ said from the government’s perspective, everything that needed to be done had been done. According to him, many of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities have been agreed upon at the 13-hour meeting the union had with President Goodluck Jonathan which ended in the early hours of October 4.

“At the end of that meeting, the government proposed that everything that has been agreed should be put in a Memorandum of Understanding and that the two parties should sign. But the leadership of ASUU declined and said instead of that, they would rather have a letter expressing everything that has been resolved therein, and that will suffice for them.”

Okupe stressed that the attitude of the ASUU leadership showed that the seed of discord and evidence of bad faith already existed. “It is unfortunate that somebody died but notwithstanding, that cannot be a justification for delaying the implementation of an agreement for 21 or more days.

At a briefing in Abuja, Okojie, who also said the money had been deposited in CBN, noted that the Coordinating Minister of Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had confirmed to him that the money had been deposited in the CBN. ASUU had requested evidence that the money had been released as a condition to suspend the strike. Okojie, who claimed that ASUU did not seek clarification from the commission, however said, such money could not be distributed directly to universities. “You don’t disburse such funds to institutions; it is not earned allowance.

The minister of finance said since they opened the account, the money had been deposited there. If there was any doubt, NUC is here they (ASUU) could have asked the question,” he said.

The NUC boss also revealed that government had directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to extend the resumption deadline for lecturers to December 9 to allow ASUU members to attend the burial ceremony of Prof. Festus Iyayi. Iyayi, a former ASUU president died in a motor accident on November 12 while going to Kano for the union’s National Executive Council meeting.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, had warned that any lecturer that failed to resume on or before Wednesday (today) would be sacked. But Okojie claimed that government was not aware of the burial arrangement when the deadline was issued.

“Council has been directed to shift the deadline to December 9 to allow those who have travelled to come back. That letter was only received yesterday from the burial committee which I also forwarded to the Minister of Education”, he said.

Okojie promised that lecturers that resumed by December 9 would be paid their salary arrears. “For those who resumed by December 9, their salary arrears will be paid. We can’t pay someone who is on strike salary. In a democracy, those who want to work should be allowed to work,” he added. Okojie, who admitted that ASUU and the Federal Government discussed the issue of renegotiation, maintained that it was not supposed to be included in the Memorandum of Understanding as demanded by the union. According to him, either of the parties could call for renegotiation at any time.

Asked why the non-victimisation clause was not included in the MoU as pointed out by ASUU, Okojie said the issue was not discussed at the meeting with the President, so could not have formed part of the resolution. He wondered why the union turned around to raise the issue when it “never arose” at their meeting.

The NUC boss claimed that ASUU went away after the meeting with the President with the mind that strike would be called off on Friday only “to come back to say you (government) didn’t include it.” “We are saying that if there was an issue, it would have been resolved. To come back after three weeks means we are going back.

The issue of non-victimisation clause never arose,” he insisted. He, however, promised that the government would not victimise anybody for his role in the strike. “Government is not going to victimise anybody. Because of the mood that day, nobody thought about it. The President shook hands with everybody on that day. The letter was written that night, they also vetted it.

“Government will not victimise anybody. If any government is going to do that it is not Jonathan’s government”, he assured. But ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, who said the decision had not been communicated to the union, expressed doubt about the sincerity of government. He wondered why government instead of responding to the letter of the union went public that it had deposited the N200bn in the CBN. He said,

“What they are doing is that they will tell you something when in actual fact they have not done anything. There were previous times when they will call the public on a matter only for us to find out that it has not been done. If they have done it, what is wrong in them answering our letter? Why are they going to the public when we that they are supposed to respond to we don’t know.”

 Akinwumi Adesina has been named Forbes African of the Year for his reforms to the country's farming sector.

"He is a man on a mission to help Africa feed itself," said Forbes Africa editor Chris Bishop. Analysts say Nigeria's economy has long been dominated by oil, while agriculture has been ignored, even though it supports far more people.

Mr Adesina said he wanted to help people become rich through farming. "My goal is to make as many millionaires, maybe even billionaires, from agriculture as possible," he said in his acceptance speech. Aliyu Tanko from BBC Hausa says Mr Adesina has introduced more transparency into the supply and distribution of fertiliser, which had previously been marred by massive corruption.

Most Nigerians still live in poverty, especially in rural areas The minister has also urged Nigerians to grow more food crops, especially cassava. In January, Mr Adesina announced a scheme to hand out 10 million mobile phones to farmers to "drive an agriculture revolution" so they can find out the latest market information.

The phones are also used to get vouchers for seeds and fertiliser. However, our correspondent says this goal has not yet been achieved, noting there is no mobile network coverage in many rural areas. The main opposition party criticised the scheme as a "mischievous vote-catching exercise".

Mr Adesina was chosen ahead of some of Africa's most prominent businesspeople: Aliko Dangote and Jim Ovia, also from Nigeria; South Africa's Patrice Motsepe; and Zimbabwe's Strive Masiyiwa. Although their country is one of the world's biggest oil exporters, most Nigerians live in poverty, especially in rural areas.

Mr Bishop said he hoped the award would "encourage the rest of the continent to grow more of its own food".

Nigerian man Harrison Okene - who had been trapped for 60 hours 30m underwater in a capsized boat - was rescued by divers.

The ship's cook had taken refuge in an air pocket. Divers from the DCN global diving company had been searching the remains of the tugboat, which sank to the bottom of the ocean off the Nigerian coast in May, in order to recover the bodies of the sailors.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Sunday advised parents not to endanger the lives of their children and wards by sending them to their university campuses. ASUU which also told its members not to sign attendance registers in their institutions, lashed out at the Federal Government for lack of consistency in its statements on the ongoing strike. The Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, had at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, warned that any ASUU member that failed to resume on or before Wednesday would be sacked. Wike also directed vice-chancellors to advertise vacancies (internal and external) in their institutions. He told the vice-chancellors to open attendance registers for lecturers that resumed in their universities. The Federal Government then directed the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, to deploy policemen in all the federal universities. On Friday, President Goodluck Jonathan, who described the strike by the university teachers as a “subversive action,” added that ASUU had ceased to be a trade union. But the Chairman, University of Ibadan chapter of ASUU, Dr. Segun Ajiboye, said parents should keep their children and wards at home as no academic activity would resume until the five-month-old strike was called off. Ajiboye added, “Don’t risk the lives of your children and wards. Keep them at home because ASUU will not teach. Soldiers and the police deployed by the Federal Government will not teach. Wike can come and teach in the universities. It is a huge joke to sack lecturers. Our strike must not be in vain. Our students must see the results. “It is funny. We thought we are in a democracy. I assure Nigerians that we know what the law says about the strike. Our job is statue backed. We are not threatened. “We do not trust the government. The record of the government is clear. This government is dishonouring agreements. Our members are resolved to pursue this to a logical conclusion.” Ajiboye also said that the Federal Government’s stance was from a script that was played out by the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida in the 1990s. He stated, “Dear members, stay calm and remain resolute. There is nothing wrong in asking government to do what it says it will do immediately. ASUU is not making any new demands as the supervising minister is propagating. Government is only repeating a ‘one act play’ scripted by the IBB dictatorship in early 90s. It didn’t work then, and, it won’t work now. All branches are intact. We cannot be intimidated. “If ASUU could withstand Babangida, this government cannot threaten us. We have worked this road before, the only thing that will work is peaceful resolution. It is sad that government wants to sack us because we are asking for the resolutions. We are ready to be sacked but government should learn from the University of Ilorin experience. We are going to stay the course.” ASUU President, Dr. Nassir Fagge, urged university teachers on Sunday not to sign any attendance register. Fagge, in a message to the UI chapter , urged the lecturers to be resolute in their demands despite the threat of insecurity to their jobs. He said, “Comrades, can you see the unfolding drama? Now Jonathan says they didn’t give ultimatum. That the vice -chancellors did and Wike became their trumpet. But NUC’s (National Universities Commission) ultimatum is by the Federal Government to us to resume or get sacked. “Wike’s press address says ‘FG has directed’ not ‘VCs have directed.’ Be calm, stay resolute. By God’s grace, we are on course.” The Chairman, University of Lagos chapter of the union, Dr. Karol Ogbinaka, said Jonathan’s description of the strike as a “subversive action,” was unfortunate. “How can our action be subversive when we do not have arms and ammunition? We take exception to that. We are academics not coup plotters. I have a feeling he was misquoted. I wish to deny this on his behalf because it is an extreme statement,” Ogbinaka said. He also faulted the buck passing on the directive to reopen universities, saying it pointed to the fact that the government was “somersaulting.” According to him, the Federal Government is now shifting the blame among the pro-chancellors, Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Wike. But the Presidency on Sunday insisted that those behind the strike were enemies of the state. It said this could be the reason why the ASUU leadership refused to call off the strike even when 42 out of its 61 chapters voted against its continuation. The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, stated these at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday. He wondered why the leadership of the union also refused to call off the strike even after its 13-hour meeting with the President. Okupe described the strike as an evil programme motivated by selfish political interest. He said, “The ASUU leadership refused to accede to the wishes of 42 of its 61 chapters nationwide, who voted in favour of the agreement with the President and the calling off of the strike; but in a surprise volte face presented government again with a new set of demands and considerations outside the terms agreed at the presidential intervention. “From all indications therefore and other information available to government, it has become obvious that this is no longer an altruistic strike borne out of good intentions and aimed at improving the welfare of students and staff of the universities and the standard of our educational institutions. “Rather it is an evil programme motivated by selfish political interests and motivations within the polity. These are, quoting late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, ‘the enemies of state operating from within’”. While Okupe was talking tough in Abuja, the All Progressives Congress slammed the government for issuing the sack threat against the university teachers. In a statement in Lagos, the APC said the resort to military tactics reflected government’s poverty of ideas in resolving the prolonged strike. The statement by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also criticised Wike for the way he talked down on the striking teachers, while issuing the threat. APC stated, ‘’Wike’s language was crude, his presentation was rude and his threat was demeaning and counter-productive. We believe his lack of finesse and the inability to think out of the box in handling the whole strike issue will not bode well for a quick resolution of the crisis.” Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress will on Monday(today) meet with the ASUU leadership as part of its efforts to resolve the crisis between the union and the Federal Government.

The Deji-in-council has officially announced the demise of the Dejiof Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida. He was reported to have passed on today. The 63-year-old first class paramount ruler ascended the throne about three years ago after his predecessor was deposed as a result of a street fight with one of the former monarch’s wives. A highly competent source confirmed the death but said such announcement could only be made after seven days in accordance with tradition.

In the event that you have make a calendar to meet your in-laws,then i can guarantee you that these tips would help you a lot.many individuals don't appreciate their first gathering with their in-laws in light of the fact that they are excessively occupied or energized and they disregard things that are helpful to them.

Going to meet your in-laws would be fascinating in the event that you matter these succeeding tips.

1 Dress Proper.

Whichever way you dress before,i mean a specific style of dressing you are utilized to,you ought to look for prompt from accomplished individuals to put you through.ask them if your style of dressing would suit such an excursion.

Some men are utilized to Suite with Tie while some would go out in basic Shirt and Trousers.some women would lean toward going out in shirt and trousers or skirt,midi outfit and high hilled shoes.these are normal dressing outfit men and ladies revel in on day by day fundamentals.





While going to meet your in-laws for the first time,you need to dress developed and responsible.how do i mean responsible.you cannot meet your in-laws dressed like you are heading for a night club.


Before going to meet your in-laws,thing of that dress you wore getting it done companion's engagement i know you wouldn't dress in club outfit to your closest companion's engagement.

Contact your style fashioner and check if there are most recent styles.get the dress cleaned,ironed and verify your shoes are overall cleaned.

2 Be Confident.

Don't get startled by things you may have seen or got notification from people.be courageous.don't ever suppose they wouldn't welcome you as you would want.don't ever suppose they wouldn't see you as best for their tyke.

Relax,see yourself the one they continually eager and enthusiastic to meet.



3 Be Happy.

They are your in-laws,they expecting you .Make beyond any doubt you are in your best mood,put whatever may be troubling you aside.
4 Be Friendly.

Yes! be friendly.remember its a new family therefore,make them cheerful and let them need to have you promptly.

Impart your side interest to them.if you know how to sing a great song.joke with them like you knew them for long.

5 Be Yourself.


Don't ever fake your personality.many individuals when they meet their in-laws for first time,they get to be so energized and they do exceedingly more than they are able to do.

You don't have to do this.let them see the genuine you by doing the best you can and they would acknowledge and cherish you for that.

A debt of gratitude is in order regarding perusing. Like us on facebook Naijadailymedia

Take after us on Twitter @naijadailymedia

Three men suspected of being members of Hezbollah have been cleared of terrorism charges by a Nigerian court.

The men, all Lebanese nationals, were arrested in May after the discovery of weapons in the northern city of Kano.

They denied accusations of plotting attacks on Western and Israeli targets in Nigeria.

One of the men was convicted on a weapons charge and jailed for life. Nigerian officials had described the weapons cache as a "cell of Hezbollah".

The defence lawyer for the three men - Mustapha Fawaz, Abdallah Thahini and Talal Ahmad Roda - said he was happy that the terrorism charges had been dismissed.

Ahmed Raji said: "We are happy and slightly not comfortable with respect to the third accused [Roda, who was jailed]."

He said he would consult with Roda about an appeal.

Nigeria's military said the weapons had been carefully stored in sawdust

There is a large business Lebanese community in Kano, the commercial hub of northern Nigeria, as in many cities across West Africa.

Nigerian authorities' statements in May represented the first time they had alleged that the Lebanese Shia movement had an operational interest in the country.

Hezbollah is considered by the US to be a terrorist organisation.

Analysts had expressed surprise at the claim of a possible link between Hezbollah and the Nigerian insurgents, Boko Haram, which follows the strict Salafi interpretation of Sunni Islam.

Hottest Couple Ever! Victoria & David Beckham Model For Vogue Paris



After 14 years of marriage, the couple is still smoldering as they talk of their ups, downs and triumphs with the magazine.

Residents in areas hardest hit by the civil war, including the eastern area of Ghouta, were residents have reported desperate food shortages.

Last month a cleric issued a fatwa to allow starving people in the region to eat cats and dogs.

'We issued a religious edict allowing people to eat dog and cat meat. Not because it is religiously permitted, but because it is a reflection of the reality we are suffering,' said Sheikh Saleh al-Khatib.

'People here have nothing for their children. I am on strike because I want to help save food for others.'

More than two million Syrians fled their homes because of the country's raging conflict, seeking shelter in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. At least half of the refugees - 1.1 million - are children.

In Lebanon, hundreds of refugee children - many of them girls aged seven to 12 - are picked up daily at dozens of informal refugee settlements dotting the Bekaa Valley and border areas in the north, loaded onto trucks and taken to the fields where they work for six to eight hours and earn up to 6,000 Lebanese pounds per day.

Many Syrian refugee children in Lebanon also fall into the hands of criminal gangs specialized in exploiting the most vulnerable victims of the conflict.

 
His debut

On 5 May 1991, the 17-year-old Giggs made his first league start for Manchester United against Manchester City and was later credited with the game's only goal, his first for the senior team.



His Career In Numbers.

0 Red cards in his club career. He was sent off in a 2001 World Cup qualifier for Wales against Norway.

1 Goal of the season, his match-winner in the FA Cup semifinal against Arsenal in 1999.

1 PFA Player of the year award, for the 2008-09 season.

1 OBE for services to football, awarded in 2007.

1 Honorary degree, a master of arts from Salford university for contributions to football and charity work in developing countries.

2 Champions League winner's medals, in 1999 and 2008.

2 PFA young player of the year awards.

3 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, including two from BBC Wales.

4 FA Cups: 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004.

4 League Cups: 1992, 2006, 2009 and 2010.

6 Times included in the PFA team of the year.

10 Goals against Tottenham and Middlesbrough, the opposition he has scored most frequently against.

12 Goals for Wales.

13 English league titles, a record.

21 The only player to have appeared and scored in all 21 Premier League campaigns so far.

22 The 22nd person to receive the freedom of the City of Salford in January 2010.

35 Trophies won. He is the most decorated player in English football history.

37 Oldest player to score in the Champions League at 37 years, 289 days – against Benfica in September 2011.

50 Games against Arsenal, the opposition he has faced most frequently.

64 Caps for Wales.

148 Champions League games played.

168 Goals for Manchester United.

666 League appearances, a Manchester United record.

952 Manchester United appearances, the most in the club's history.

1,021 Total senior games.
Ten of his greatest goals

As chosen by Jacob Steinberg earlier this year …

1) Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United, 19 September 1992

The quality lies as much in Giggs's lightning speed as it does in the simplicity of the goal. Count the touches. One. Two. Three. Goal! One to take the ball past Dean Austin after his slip, one to nutmeg Jason Cundy, one to zip round Ian Walker in the Tottenham goal and one to fire the ball into the empty net. Breathtaking. Giggs was 18.


2) QPR 2-3 Manchester United, 5 February 1994

This goal is remarkably similar to the one against Tottenham, as Giggs seizes on a loose touch from Ray Wilkins before driving towards the QPR area. First he struts past a ludicrous lunge from Darren Peacock and then switches left, his change of direction leaving one QPR defender flat on his backside. Giggs then rifles a superb shot past Jan Stejsdal into the bottom right corner. As he wheels away to celebrate, QPR's area is full of defenders piled in a heap after slipping and sliding in their attempts to stop the flying winger.

3) Leeds 0-2 Manchester United, 27 April 1994

Earlier in the season Leeds had held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, Gary Kelly marking Giggs out of the game. Ahead of the return match there were suggestions that Kelly would do a number on Giggs again. Not so. United are already 1-0 up when Giggs picks up possession on the left touchline. Faced by Kelly and Gary McAllister, his options are sparse. Then, a shake of the hips fools both and the No11 is away. A perfect one-two with Mark Hughes on the edge of Leeds' area lets Giggs stride through before finding the top corner virtually to seal the title for United.

4) Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United, 6 April 1996

Going into the Manchester derby at Maine Road, United were three points ahead of Kevin Keegan's Newcastle at the top having played a game more. Twice United took the lead in the match , twice Manchester City equalised, with Newcastle winning. Then on 77 minutes Eric Cantona slips a pass through to Giggs on the left. Instead of challenging him Keith Curle waves Giggs through, like a waiter ushering a customer into a restaurant. Giggs shows it does not always pay to be this polite and the surprise factor in his early, rising shot was enough to deceive Eike Immel.

5) Manchester United 3-2 Juventus, 1 October 1997

United had played Juventus twice in the previous season and had been swatted aside in both matches but the Italians' sheen of invincibility vanished here. This match signalled United's coming of age in Europe. As they lead 2-1 in the dying moments Teddy Sheringham's cute pass sends Giggs haring into the area and from a seemingly impossible angle the ferocity of his shot is enough to beat Angelo Peruzzi at his near post and render Zinedine Zidane's even later free-kick irrelevant.

6) Manchester United 3-3 Barcelona, 16 September 1998

Giggs generally does not get enough credit for his heading ability. Although a header from the edge of the area against Coventry City caught the eye, there was an element of luck about that goal. This one, against a finer side and in a stunning match, was better, a goal that showcased United's pace and menace on the counter. It also contained a collector's item as David Beckham beats a full-back, Sergi, before whipping in a sublime cross for Giggs to head in at the far post.


7) Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United, 14 April 1999

Ferguson coined the phrase "twisted blood" for this goal. The most iconic moment of Giggs's career, not only for its brilliance, but also for the baring of his astonishingly hairy chest. It tends to go unnoticed that Giggs starts this FA Cup semi-final replay on the bench, coming on only after 61 minutes. But what a substitution. With United down to 10 men in extra-time after Roy Keane's red card, Giggs strikes. From the halfway line Giggs motors towards goal and, with an ageing Arsenal defence terrified of bringing him down, slaloms past Lee Dixon and Martin Keown and crashes an unstoppable shot over David Seaman. Cue the rug.

8) Juventus 0-3 Manchester United, 2003

A few weeks before this game Giggs had somehow missed a glaring open goal as United lost in the FA Cup against Arsenal. His form had been poor and he was increasingly becoming a target for fans' ire at Old Trafford. This goal changed all that. As with many of the goals on this list, a loose pass, this time from Antonio Conte, gives Giggs – seemingly always in the right place at the right time – possession. Unusually, after going on a diagonal run towards the right of Juventus's area, he does not change direction. Instead he simply places the ball clinically past Gianluigi Buffon with his right foot, just to show it is not always for standing on.

9) Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea, 26 January 2005

If Giggs was all about explosive solo runs in his early days, the latter stages of his career have been more about conjuring moments of subtle genius. United are trailing to Frank Lampard's first-half goal when Gary Neville spots a run from Giggs down the inside-right channel. Neville lofts the ball towards him and Giggs, having noted Petr Cech edge of his line and without a preliminary touch, gloriously and acrobatically lobs the goalkeeper with the outside of his left boot.

10) Tottenham 1-3 Manchester United 12 September 2009

Until David Beckham turned up, Giggs was United's first-choice free-kick taker. When Beckham left in 2003, it was assumed he would regain responsibility. And then Cristiano Ronaldo turned up. It was not until Ronaldo left in 2009 that Giggs reminded us of his deadliness with the dead ball at White Hart Lane. From a central position 25 yards from goal Giggs's free-kick is perfect, curling beautifully into the top right corner of Carlo Cudicini's goal.

The Federal Government has directed all federal university vice-chancellors to reopen their institutions for academic and allied activities. The government also declared that lecturers who fail to resume on or before December 4, would lose their jobs.

This was delivered by the Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday. The development which elicited mixed reactions, has consequently put the President Goodluck Jonathan-ASUU leaders truce meeting in jeopardy. The meeting had raised the hopes of students and parents on the resolution of the crisis but an accident on November 12, in which a former President of ASUU, Prof Festus Iyayi, lost his life, cast gloom on the calling off of the strike.

Iyayi and some members of the University of Benin chapter of the union were on their way to the Bayero University, Kano for a meeting where the outcome of the meeting with Jonathan was to be tabled before the NEC members’ for consideration. Due to Iyayi’s death, ASUU called off the meeting but reconvened penultimate Thursday in Kano where it harmonised its members’ position on the offer by government.

The union, as part of its conditions for calling off the strike, demanded the payment of its members’ salary arrears and a commitment on the part of the government to review the agreement in 2014. They also requested the release of the N200bn promised for this year as a condition for suspending the strike.

ASUU had in a letter issued after its NEC meeting on November 22, demanded the following: - that the N200bn agreed upon as 2013 revitalisation fund for public universities should be deposited with the CBN and disbursed to the benefiting universities within two weeks; - that the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement in 2014 be included in the final document as agreed at the discussion with the President; - that a non-victimisation clause, which is normally captured in all interactions of this nature, be included in the final document; and - that a new memorandum of understanding shall be validly endorsed; signed by a representative of government, preferably the Attorney-General of the Federation, and a representative of ASUU, with the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress as a witness.

The letter dated November 25, 2013 which was addressed to President Jonathan through Wike was obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday.(See the letter at the end of this story). But as students, parents and other stakeholders awaited the government’s decision on the demands, Wike warned ASUU members to resume on December 4 or be sacked.

To clearly indicate government’s seriousness, the supervising Minister of Education advised the vice-chancellors to advertise the positions of those who failed to resume. He said, “Vice-chancellors should ensure that staff who resume for work are provided with the enabling environment for academic and allied activities. “Any academic employee who fails to resume on or before December 4, 2013 automatically ceases to be an employee of the institution. “Vice-chancellors are also directed to advertise vacancies (internal and external) in their institutions.

“The National Universities Commission is hereby directed to monitor the compliance of these directives by the various institutions.” Wike said the government took the decision in the best interest of the country. He recalled the meetings with the ASUU leadership, including one with Vice-President Namadi Sambo where the contentious issues of earned academic allowances and funding for the revitalisation of the universities were discussed .

Wike, who expressed surprise that ASUU returned to the government with “unacceptable new conditions”, said, “Government does not operate that way.” He said Jonathan’s gesture was more than sufficient to guarantee the commitment of government to address all issues resolved at the meeting with the union.

The government was also not comfortable with the union’s request that the AGF should sign the MOU and that there should be a renegotiation of the agreement in 2014. Wike said, “To start with, the agreement you (ASUU) said the Federal Government should comply with, was it the AGF that signed it? It was signed by the Federal Ministry of Education led by the Permanent Secretary.

The AGF was not even part of the negotiation. “We have made every effort to see that students go back to their schools. Each time government made frantic effort, you would hear one reason or the other(from ASUU). For us, we cannot continue to see this thing happens. We will continue to make sure that we stick to all we have agreed to do. “If you cannot believe Mr. President, then who would you discuss with again? Mr. President cannot sit down for 13 hours having a discussion and at the end of the day the only thing you can do is to attach some new conditions. “I don’t think that is acceptable to us. All we have promised them, we are going to do; we won’t go back. But bringing new conditions, we don’t think it is favourable. We don’t think it is for the good of this country.”

To pacify the lecturers, Wike said the government had increased their initial N30bn earned academic allowance by extra N10bn. He said the government also offered N200bn for the next six years as funding to the universities with a request for them to draw their priority list based on the need assessment report on universities. “We all agreed. ASUU said we should put the resolution down. That was done and signed by the permanent secretary,” he said.

The supervising minister said the government had reviewed the entire situation and came to the conclusion that the continuation of the strike was an attempt by ASUU to sabotage all efforts to address the issues.

“As a responsible government, we cannot allow the continuous closure of our public universities for this length of time as this poses danger to the education system, the future of our youths and national development”, he added. Asked if the decision to compel the lecturers to resume work had no legal implication, Wike replied, “Leave legal implication for us. We have weighed all options and I think government has done all it is supposed to do. “The Federal Government has met all its commitments and obligations with respect to the 2009 Agreement. We appeal to all stakeholders to appreciate the position of the government which is in the best interest of our dear country.”

- FG’s threat’ll fail –ASUU But ASUU’s National Treasurer, Dr. Ademola, Aremu, said the ultimatum to the university teachers had shown that the government was not committed to implementing any of the resolutions it reached with the union. Aremu expressed shock that the government could have such a plan when there was a shortfall of 60,000 lecturers in the nation’s universities .

He added that the threat would not hinder the union’s determination to ensure that the universities were well funded. The ASUU chief added, “It is a pity if the Federal Government is not willing to perfect the resolutions reached with the union. This is why we find it difficult to trust our leaders by their words. “How can someone be threatening to sack lecturers when universities are already short-staffed by almost 60,000. We are not in a military era. The military tried it and failed. This one will fail again. They can re-open the schools. ASUU did not shut the universities. It was their management that ordered the students to go back home. “With the latest action, the government has shown that it is not committed to all it has been saying. We are saying that since we agreed at the meeting that N200bn is for 2012 and 2013 revitalisation, the government should deposit same in the Central Bank of Nigeria . “ We are already in November and December is around the corner. If they don’t do that now, when do they want to do it? “We are saying that a non-victimisation clause should be included as agreed while the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement should be included as agreed with the President.”

He flayed Wike for alleging that ASUU was making outrageous demands from the government. “Government should address the issue we sent to them in the letter and we are not demanding extra kobo.

Under the military, the threat to sack lecturers did not work. What the current government has done is another long path to make the strike linger than necessary,” Aremu added. - SSANU warns of strike But as Wike and the ASUU national treasurer were talking tough in Abuja and Ibadan, the Senior Staff Association of Universities was also threatening to embark on strike over the possible implementation of the NEEDS Assessment Report. SSANU expressed the fear that the government could be forced to reduce workforce in the universities if the report was implemented.

The Chairman of the Western Zone of the association, Alfred Jimoh, warned at a news conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, that any attempt by the government to do so could lead to another strike in the education sector. He said the report was targeting members of the association by the claim that the system was top-heavy. Jimoh said non-teaching members of staff of the universities had not enjoyed what their colleagues in the academics had profited from. He added,

“It has been a common knowledge that the non-teaching staff of public universities constitute endangered species of the very hostile environment, in which they found themselves. With my position in the association and the privileged information at my disposal, I will like to say that the adjective “endangered species” is even mild to describe the precarious situation of the non-teaching staff of the universities. “As it were, the elite members of the university community, the teaching members of staff have finally gone for the broke, by goading the government to empanel a one-sided committee, comprising their members only, to conduct a NEEDS Assessment of the Nigerian public universities and produce a pre-determined report with a damming and damaging recommendation on the non-teaching staff of the university system.”

Jimoh said the report among other things, claimed that the numerical strength of the non-teaching members of staff constituted the major conduit that drained the scarce financial resources of the universities. “We frown on this as the report fails to match up the numerical strength of the various categories of members of staff with the quantum of fund being expended on them in terms of salaries, wages and training finances.”