In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Wednesday 09 October, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
FG 31-member panel to begin talks with ASUU – Punch
The Federal Ministry of Education has set up a 31-man panel to renegotiate the agreement entered into between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
We call on the federal government to seize this opportunity to address the concerns of ASUU comprehensively and transparently, ensuring that this renegotiation brings lasting solutions. The government must prioritise the welfare of lecturers, improving university funding, and fulfilling previously unmet agreements, in order to restore stability to the education sector and prevent future academic strikes that disrupt the future of millions of Nigerian students.
Cholera-related deaths rise in Lagos rise as Lagos, Jigawa, Kano lead in casualties – Daily Trust
Lagos, Jigawa, Kano, Oyo and four other states are leading the number of deaths from cholera since the beginning of the year, Daily Trust reports.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), a total of 10,837 suspected cases and 359 deaths from cholera have been reported.
We call on the NCDC to collaborate with state governments on curbing the spread of cholera and prevent further loss of life.
Anxiety as FG ‘commits’ states’ funds to special devt commissions – The Guardian
Amid falling or stagnating revenues, rising funding needs and the ballooning cost of debt service, state governments may not only lose their fiscal lifeline to emergency development vehicles, but Nigeria may create more channels to funnel away its lean resources.
Instead of creating more channels that could worsen the already ballooning cost of debt service, the government should collaborate with state governments to develop sustainable, accountable financial mechanisms that address the country’s developmental challenges without compromising fiscal stability. We call for immediate policy adjustments that protect state revenues and promote long-term national growth.
