At last Scotland applies to join Brexit legal tussle at the Supreme Court

At last Scotland applies to join Brexit legal tussle at the Supreme Court

World Unknown   07:00

It is now clear that Scotland is going to join in the legal battle at the Supreme Court which is now schedule to begin early December.

Accordingly, a formal application to join the legal tussle is being prepared by Scotland's top law officer when it comes before judges ahead of schedule one month from now trying to ensure MPs and Scotland's parliament have a say on activating Article 50.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "it simply cannot be right" that European Union membership "can be removed by the UK Government on the say-so of a Prime Minister without parliamentary debate, scrutiny or consent".

She added: "So legislation should be required at Westminster and the consent of the Scottish Parliament should be sought before Article 50 is triggered."

She said: "Let me be clear - I recognise and respect the right of England and Wales to leave the European Union. This is not an attempt to veto that process.

"But the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland and the national Parliament of Scotland cannot be brushed aside as if they do not matter."

The High Court decided a week ago that Theresa May couldn't trigger the formal separation process with the EU without putting the matter before Parliament.

The ruling thus, made the Government to promptly declare that it would file an appeal against the ruling at the Supreme Court and the case will proceed on 5 December. And may like last for only four days.

Reacting to the news in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon said that Holyrood could join specialist Gina Miller and beautician Deir Dos Santos as "participants in the case”.

Ms Miller respected the news and said: "It is absolutely welcome - the more parties that come together the more efficient a process it will be - it will reduce the amount of interruption to the Government's timeline."

Ms Sturgeon has likewise clarified that the 54 SNP MPs would "certainly not vote for anything that undermines the will or the interests of the Scottish people".

Mrs May has clarified regardless she means to trigger Article 50 by her end of March due date and has said she is certain of winning the case at Supreme Court.

In any case, as Sky News gave an account on Monday saying, the Government is discreetly attracting up a bill to trigger Article 50 on the off chance that it loses the case.

Toward the end of a late Brexit summit meeting with Mrs May, Ms Sturgeon said she was no clearer on the Prime Minister's system for leaving the EU than she was toward the start.

Though she said there had been a "frank exchange" at the meeting but she had found it "deeply frustrating".

Ms Sturgeon said: "I don't know any more now about the UK Government's approach to the negotiations than before I went into the meeting."

Jail break in North London, as escapees used dummies to deceive prison officials on their bed

Jail break in North London, as escapees used dummies to deceive prison officials on their bed

World Unknown   11:13

Two smart prisoners who used mannequins in their beds to deceive prison workers have been confirmed by the Ministry of Justice to have absconded from Pentonville jail in north London.

It is presumed the match utilized precious stone tipped slicing gear to get through cell bars before scaling the edge divider.

Thus the government have put machineries on ground to get hold of the jail breakers whose identities are given as James Whitlock, aged 31, and 28-year-old Matthew Baker.

Police have cautioned people in general not to approach the two convicts as they could get to be brutal, yet to call 999 on the off chance that they see both of them.

Pastry specialist who was due to be sent given his jail term on Friday was on remand in the wake of being discovered blameworthy two weeks back of the endeavoured murder of a man at a level in Dagenham.

Also, Whitlock, who has "Tracy" inked on his body, was additionally on remand in the wake of being accused of scheme to burgle more than 19 ATMs between December 2015 and August 2016.

Furthermore, Sky News was told that the escapees would have had assistance from outside, and gear may have been sent in by automaton said Mike Rolfe, from the Prison Officers' Association.

A representative from the Prison Service said: "Public protection is our top priority and we take escapes from custody extremely seriously.

"We are working closely with the police and are urgently investigating the matter."

Similarly, one could recall how a convicted killer, John Massey, got away from the north London imprison in 2012 in the wake of figuring out how to climb a divider utilizing a rope made out of bed sheets, before being recovered following 48 hours on the run.

Buhari's government releases over 1271 Boko Haram suspects in Northern Nigeria

Buhari's government releases over 1271 Boko Haram suspects in Northern Nigeria

Regional News Unknown   07:30

In as much as nobody wants innocent children and women to be incarcerated for crime they know nothing about, the way in which the Burhari led government is releasing even those the public identifies as masterminds behind various terrorist acts is so alarming.

Former President Goodluck in a bid to end Islamic insurgency, made a lot of arrest of people who were caught in the act aiding and abetting terrorism. Which the Army then also confirmed with some evidences at the time of their arrests.

But it is so amazing that ever since President Buhari came into power there has been little or no arrest of any of these terrorists, rather, Buhari’s regime has been releasing all members of the Boko Haram terrorists who were in detention. Even those who committed murder in certain northern states have been tactically set free by the law court which is expected to protect innocent citizens. Recent one was the purported killers of a Christian lady in northern Nigeria.

As if that was not enough, the military have claimed that so far, about 1271 detainees have been set free after clearing them of any link with the Boko Haram terrorists group. So one wonders how most of the evidences they displayed when these people were arrested came about.

Information regarding the release of the suspected Boko Haram members was made known by Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, during a forum organised for the reintegration of children related with armed group in Maiduguri

“The Nigerian Army gives utmost priority to the rights of detainees especially women and children.

“We always try to fast track investigation to determine their fate, while those found innocent were released with out delay,” he said.

Ezugwu added:” Consequently, between February and October this year we have had five releases.

“In February 135 persons comprising mainly women and children were released, 204 were released in May, while the remaining three releases were carried out in September and October”.

He said that the army had also improved on the provision of welfare for the detainees.

“As part of the military high command care for the vulnerable persons under our protective custody.

“We have identified areas needing attention including feeding, health care, decongestion of cells, respect for detainees rights, sanitation and personal hygiene, ” Ezugwu said.

He said children and vulnerable persons were fed three times daily with balanced diet.

“We always provide meat or fish in every meal and drinks every Sunday for them.

“If fact, some of those released would have preferred to remain with us if they had the choice rather than move to IDPs camps,” he said.

Ezugwu commended the organisers of the forum, saying the event was timely.

POLAND: Miracle baby born 55 days after mum's dead

POLAND: Miracle baby born 55 days after mum's dead

News Unknown   07:00

Like Holy Bible said, with God all things are possible, indeed God has worked His wonders through a team of medical experts who save the life of an unborn baby.

It was in Poland where a baby was put to bed 55 days after the baby’s mum was declared dead. Medical experts had earlier on certified the woman brain-dead but was kept alive in an hospital in Poland till her baby was born.

The lady aged 41 had a brain tumour. Specialists say she would not like to be worked on, as she was scared of the risks involved. She was then taken into the facility in Wroclaw in November oblivious with no cerebrum movement.

Specialists discovered that the woman was already 17 weeks pregnant when they heard the infant's pulse. The doctors chose to spare the youngster. So they needed to develop the lady's life for no less than two months.

Anesthesiologists, neonatologists, gynecologists and neurosurgeons were filling in as one group to spare the child's life. Consistently they needed to battle the diseases and illnesses in the mother's body.

Neonatologists however stated the woman needed to be placed under life for at least 30 weeks of her pregnancy. Though that was too long for the cerebrum dead body, in light of the fact that the creature can have a great deal of disorders.

Gynecologists set the objective to drag out the mother's life to no less than 25 weeks of pregnancy. This is a base for the baby to develop until it can be conceived and get an opportunity to live.

Finally the child was born at the end of a Cesarean segment. Though boy kid weighed just 1 kilogram. His lovely father persistently sat tight for the birth for 55 days as he reads fairy tales for him.

A couple days prior a kid and his father were released from the healing center and they are at last at home. Presently Wojtek measures 3 kilograms and he is doing admirably. Each of the 145 days that his dad spent in the healing center was hard for him. He wouldn't like to impart this novel story to outsiders. He is occupied with dealing with his minor act of God.

POST BREXIT TRADE DEAL: UK Prime Minister turns down request to relax Indian visa rule

POST BREXIT TRADE DEAL: UK Prime Minister turns down request to relax Indian visa rule

World Unknown   13:10

The Indian government have made an appeal to the British Prime Minister, Theresa May to relax her visa policy in favour of Indian applicants.

The PM travelled to Delhi to open more doors for trade deals with the country when the UK finally leaves the EU. According to her, the UK is making progress in attracting the best possible trade deals outside the EU.

though in her reaction to the visa request made by the Indian government, May said "Nine out of 10 visa applications from India are already accepted,"

But she said the UK could give ground if Indians who overstayed their visas could be returned more swiftly.

“The UK will consider further improvements to our visa offer if, at the same time, we can step up the speed and volume of returns of Indians with no right to remain," she told reporters.

She also stated how ready her government desires to help wealthy Indian entrepreneurs to come to the UK to invest. Saying that those high-net-worth individuals along with members of their families will have entrance to the Great Club, which make their UK visa application hitch free.

Theresa May also assured thousands of Indians who are on work visa that they could also be part of the Registered Travellers Scheme which will mean they can get through UK border controls more quickly.

"As we leave the EU, we want to ensure that the UK remains one of the most attractive countries in the world to do business and invest." 

Famous comedian, Basketmouth celebrates 6th marriage anniversary

Famous comedian, Basketmouth celebrates 6th marriage anniversary

News Unknown   08:00

While other celebrities are having turbulent times and breaking their relationships and sometimes divorcing their spouses, some are having fun in their matrimonial home.

One such who enjoys a blissful marriage is a Nigerian born comedian Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth, as he marks his 6^th marriage anniversary with his lovely wife.

In an instagram post, Basketmouth said “Happy Anniversary to you my love @elsieokpocha, it’s been 6 wonderful years since you said ‘I do’ 6 years of love, happiness, friendship and peace. Happy Anniversary to you my love…..I love you”.

So far, the Lord has blessed their union with two love kids named, Jason and Janelle Okpocha.

INEC distances self from fake result printing syndicates

INEC distances self from fake result printing syndicates

Politics Unknown   07:30

Following the order given to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct the re-run elections in Rivers State with immediate effect, which made the electoral body to announcement the conduct of the said election in December.

It was reported during the weekend that some agents of the ruling All Progressive Congress were in connivance with the commission were caught printing fake result sheet.

But INEC has come out to say that the commission is not part of the criminal syndicates which goes about printing fake result sheets in a printing press that was found in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

This was disclosed via the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, in an announcement released on Sunday stating that the electoral body was unaware of the development. The commission via the spokesman also used the moment to call on the security agencies in charge of the issue to bring the arrested suspects along with all their sponsors to book.

He said, “The commission has heard the news about the arrest of nine people with fake result sheets in Port Harcourt.

“INEC wants to appeal to security agencies that the culprits should not just be arrested, they and their sponsors should be prosecuted.”

Oyekanmi further denied that INEC had no relationship with the printing press and its arrested director on the production of the fake results sheet.

He said, “INEC does not have any relationship with the said company or any other one in Port Harcourt on the production of results sheets for the election.”

Oyekanmi also denied the allegation that the production of the fake election result sheets was in connivance with INEC and a political party to rig the December 10 election.

He said, “INEC will never connive with any political party to do such a thing to destroy the credibility of our elections.

“Our system is too strict and complex for anybody to successfully to do such a thing. It is not easy to break into the process.

“From our own possibilities, we are willing, ready and able to conduct the election in a credible manner.

“We are appealing to political parties, and politicians to please play by the electoral rules and guidelines.

“If they play by the rules and allow INEC to do its job, the election would be peaceful and credible.”

Dog meat sellers in Bauchi State of Nigeria, said the business is a money making machine to them

Dog meat sellers in Bauchi State of Nigeria, said the business is a money making machine to them

News Unknown   07:00

While some breed dogs for the sole aim of selling to people who want them as pets, security guards, guide dogs for those who have some degree of visual impairment, it will surprise you to know that, there are those who breed them for sale as meat to dog eaters as dogs are said to be a favourite delicacy to certain communities in Africa.

Report has it that ladies in Tafawa Balewa town of Bauchi State have now taken over the business of offering dog  meat, that was in the past a male dominated business, as they make huge profit from the trade.

According to journalists who paid visit to the community, the business was giving money related aid to so many ladies. A lot of the ladies said they went into the business on the grounds that the menfolk showed up not to be occupied with the business any more.

The ladies when interviewed stated that before, dog meat business was solely saved for the men-society, however it had now turned into a comprehensive business for both men and ladies.

One Mrs. Lucy John, who happened to be a butcher said that a few ladies chose to take to the trade in light of the fact that their male partners were steadily relinquishing it and wandering into different forms of trade. She said that canine meat, being a delicacy in the region, was quick turning into a rare item in the market in light of the fact that the male butchers were forsaking the business gradually.

John said the disregard of the business by men had opened up an open door for ladies to get ready and offer canine meat, as well as breed and market the creature, particularly in view of the lucrative way of the business.

Speaking further, she stated that huge cash is being made during festive season since canines were costly, with the slightest cost being N5000.

She said “The abandonment of the trade by men created an opportunity for me and other women to make money, feed our family and satisfy other needs of our people.

“Selling dog meat is the best as people in the community love eating the meat.”

John said amid the festival of a yearly social celebration in Tafawa Balewa, she butchered four pooches which costed her N25, 000, sold the meat and made enormous benefit.

He said, “We need to do this for survival and since dog meat is preferred in this community, we make business out of it.

“I used to slaughter only one dog at a time but I now kill six.”

Another lady, whose name is given as Mrs Blessing John, likewise authenticated the announcement of Lucy, saying this was boom time' in view of the just ended and approaching season of celebrations.

She said she had butchered six mutts amid a social celebration which came to an end of recent, including that every "piece" of meat was sold at N100.

She said, “Our men no longer do this (selling dog meat) because they are no longer interested, and for us women, we need to survive, as such had to engage in the trade since the patronage is very high.

Madam Kyauta Illiya, a buyer of pooch meat, clarified that the delicacy had an interesting taste accordingly she favoured eating it over whatever other meat. She further stated puppy meat had turned into a most loved food among a few people of the region, and had esteem.

In his view, Mr Isiaku Gambo, another buyer, guaranteed that pooch meat had therapeutic impact as it could serve as cure for a few sicknesses. He demanded that eating puppy meat kept one from any assault furthermore served as a cure to a few maladies.

He said, “If you serve me varieties like fish, cow, chicken and dog meat, I will opt for dog meat because the meat is nice.

“In this community, those who eat dog meat are the strongest.”              

Irrespective of the High Court ruling, Theresa May has emphasised her readiness to take the UK out of the EU

Irrespective of the High Court ruling, Theresa May has emphasised her readiness to take the UK out of the EU

World Unknown   17:46

Following the outcome of last Thursday’s High Court ruling stopping the British Prime Minister from triggering Article 50 without giving parliament a say, the PM has re-emphasised that her government is "getting on" with Brexit. Appealing for peers to  "remember" the result referendum.

Nigel Farage, who is the leader of UKIP and Brexit campaigner has also given a serious warning of a possible street protests if the referendum result is thrown out.

Nevertheless, the campaigner who initiated the High Court case said it would halt ministers acting like a "tin-pot dictatorship".

Earlier on, the PM announced to the world that she would the trigger to set in motion the process that will take the UK out of the EU by the end of March.

But after arguments from both sides, the court ruled that parliament should debate on the when and how Article 50 should be triggered.

According to the government, the Royal Prerogative have given enough powers to ministers to trigger the process without involving the parliament and peers making any vote to it. Thus have decided to appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court in December.

During a media chat, Jeremy Hunt revealed to BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show the prime minister had to be allowed "latitude" when negotiating with the EU over Brexit.

He said: "The impact on the economy will be far worse if, through some parliamentary mechanism, Theresa May is forced to lay out her entire negotiating strategy."

Also before the PM left for a trade mission to India she stated at Heathrow Airport that: "I think we all have to remember, and what MPs and peers have to remember, is that we had a vote on 23 June.

"The British people, the majority of the British people, voted to leave the European Union. The government is now getting on with that."

She added: "I want to ensure that we get the best possible deal for the UK as we leave the EU, that's the best possible deal for trading with and operating within the single European market.

"But alongside that, the UK will be a confident, outward-looking nation, taking its place on the world stage, looking to build relationships around the globe."

Also speaking to Andrew Marr, Ms Miller, the investment manager who was the lead claimant in the High Court case against the government, said: "Everyone in this country should be my biggest fan, because we have used our own money to create certainty about the way ahead."

She added: "Do we want a country where we have no process?"

"The case is that [Mrs May] cannot use something called the Royal Prerogative to do it because we do not live in a tin-pot dictatorship," Ms Miller said.

Deadly attack by Boko Haram terrorists kills an officer and four other soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Borno State

Deadly attack by Boko Haram terrorists kills an officer and four other soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Borno State

Regional News Unknown   16:33

A deadly attack by some suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic terrorists last Friday in Borno State has resulted to the untimely death of one officer and four soldiers of the Nigeria army

According to press statement released by the Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Sani Usman other soldiers’ sustained injuries in the attack. Though the military gallantly engaged the terrorists in a bid to repel the attack, which resulted to the death of 14 of them terrorists.

The statement reads, ”Unfortunately, we lost an officer and 4 soldiers, while 4 other soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter. One of those killed in action, was Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion.

”It would be recalled that because of the late senior officer’s exceptional bravery and gallantry, he was given an accelerated promotion from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel and was decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at Gamboru Ngala on 9th September, 2015 during an operational visit.

”So far, the troops have recovered 1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 7 AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition. Mopping up and exploitation are ongoing,” Usman disclosed.

I did not bribe the judge, but i gave him money - APC legal adviser Banire tells EFCC

I did not bribe the judge, but i gave him money - APC legal adviser Banire tells EFCC

Politics Unknown   11:44

The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), was on Thursday interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly transferring the sum N500, 000 to bribe Justice Terseer Agbadu-Fishim of the National Industrial Court.

However he was given an administrative bail after being in the commission’s custody for couple of hours, though he was asked to surrender his international passport to prevent him from leaving the country.

According to sources, “While detectives were probing Justice Fishim’s account, they discovered that Banire deposited money into the judge’s account. So, we invited him and he did not deny it. He only said the money was not a bribe.

“Banire was quizzed by the EFCC for several hours and his passport was seized from him. He will return for more questioning as investigations continue.”

In a text message to the newsprint, Banire admitted to giving the judge money.

Banire wrote, “Thank you for clarification sought. I have no official relationship with the said judge. I have never appeared before him in any matter and in fact, in my entire professional career, I have only recently a month ago appeared at the industrial court before a separate judge.

“He was an old friend in the 90s, who only called me up some years back to seek financial assistance due to his mother’s death. Beyond that, I have not seen him in the last 17 years.”

SUSPENSION: Has Timi Frank been used and dumped by the APC?

SUSPENSION: Has Timi Frank been used and dumped by the APC?

Politics Unknown   08:30

At last, the All Progressive Congress (APC) suspends Mr. Timi Frank, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC. The suspension was made by the Zonal Executive Committee of the party

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Frank's suspension took after the suggestion of a five-man disciplinary board.

The board of trustees was set up by the party`s National Executive Committee (NEC) to examine petition filed against Frank by an individual from the party.

The board additionally prescribed to the party`s NEC that Frank ought to be removed from the gathering entirely.

Briefing newsmen. Mr Hilliard Eta, Zonal Vice Chairman (South) of the APC, while embracing the board of trustees' report, said that Frank was suspended in accordance with article 1 (d) and (f) of the party`s constitution.

“In furtherance of satisfying the provisions of the constitution of the APC, I had to call for this emergency meeting of the zone.

“After very exhausting deliberation, the zone has arrived at the confirmation of the disciplinary committee’s report that Mr Timi Frank be suspended from the party forthwith.

“This is in line with article 1 (d) and (f), having been accepted by this house, he hereby stands suspended by this party”, he stated.

Eta said the zonal board of trustees would prescribe to the party`s NEC that Frank ought to be removed from the party in accordance with Article 21 D H (2 and 3) of its constitution.

He also said that the panel was not hurried in suspending Frank as being guaranteed in a few quarters. As indicated by him, the party’s constitution stipulates that petitions ought to be quickly treated.

When asked whether the APC would overturn its decision if Frank apologizes, Eta said that would just be considered in the event that it was accommodated in the party’s constitution.

He said that in spite of Frank's claim that the party`s zonal official board of trustees did not have the established authority to arraign him, the advisory group was supported by the party`s constitution to make such move.

“Timi Frank is a member of the NEC, a member of the ZEC and a member of Local Executive Committee and State Executive Committee and Ward Executive Committee.

“Any of these executive committees can look into petitions against any party member including myself.

“Our constitution is radically different from the constitutions of other parties that have preceded us.

“A lot of Nigerians assume that all political parties have the same constitution; ours is not the same as operated by others,’’ he said.

Leaders from Africa make a strong demand to the UN to suspend newly appointed LGBT expert

Leaders from Africa make a strong demand to the UN to suspend newly appointed LGBT expert

News Unknown   08:00

Leaders in the African continent have made a strong demand to the United Nations (UN) to immediately suspend the appointment of a new UN expert on LGBT rights, stressing that his mission to report on anti-gay violence had nothing to do with human rights.

The appointment of Vitit Muntarbhorn of Thailand was made by the UN Human Rights Council in late September. Vitit is an international law professor who is appointed to examine abuses against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people globally.

The president of Botswana who spoke on behalf of the African continent to the UN General Assembly Committee that it was not necessary nor important for the council to start looking into “sexual orientation and gender identity”.

“We wish to state that those two notions are not and should not be linked to existing international human rights instruments,” said Charles Ntwaagae.

It was learnt that the 54-country African Group offered a draft UN resolution requesting for proper discussions on the lawfulness of the new expert’s specialists obligation saying that such appointment should be suspended for now.

The measure is expected to come up for a vote on Tuesday.

“We therefore call for the suspension of the activities of the appointed independent expert pending the determination of this issue,” said Ntwaagae.

Currently, about 73 nations, which is made up of 40% of all UN member states still prohibit in strong terms the homosexuality. In Africa alone, 33 countries have anti-gay laws including Uganda, Nigeria, Sudan and Mauritania.

2017/2018 PTDF Overseas and In-country MSc and PhD Scholarships

2017/2018 PTDF Overseas and In-country MSc and PhD Scholarships

News Unknown   07:30

PTDF Scholarship 2017/2018 - The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources established by law for the purpose of developing and promoting petroleum technology and for creating the human resource needs of the oil and gas industry through research and training of Nigerians.

The Oversea Scholarship Scheme (OSS) was institute by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund as a short-term measure to address identified skills gaps, pending the outcome of the various capacity building efforts being made to enable our domestic universities effectively handle the task of grooming professionals in oil and gas related disciplines. As such, the Fund reserves the right to allocate prospective applicants to scholarships institution and field/programmes targeted at filling those gaps.

Furthermore with the numerous upgrade programmes executed by the Fund in some Federal Universities in Nigeria; emphasis has shifted to training Nigerians in-country. Consequently, only a limited number of candidates will be sponsored overseas and the rest in Nigerian Universities.

To ensure a steadfast implementation of this mandate, PTDF is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the :

2017/2018 PTDF Overseas and In-country MSc and PhD Scholarships

PTDF Scholarship Description 

Awards will be granted for studies in the 2017/2018 academic session in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, France (through Campus France), Top Institutions in the United States of America as well as Federal Universities and Centres of Excellence in Nigeria.

Application forms can be accessed online using an ATM (Interswitch, Master & Visa) card or through purchase of a scratch card from designated main branches of First Bank of Nigeria Plc in all the 36 States and FCT, upon payment of a NON-REFUNDABLE sum of N1,000 (One Thousand Naira Only). Instructions on how to access the form online is clearly stated on the backside of the cards.

Criteria for PTDF Scholarship Scheme
Applicants for OSS must be in possession of the following:

·                     Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)(USA)

·                     G.R.E (Graduate Record Examination) (USA)

·                     GMAT - for Management related courses (USA)

·                     International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (UK

MSc

·                     A minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in an Oil and Gas related field OR a 2.2 with oil and gas industry experience;

·                     National Youth Service (NYSC) certificate;

·                     Applicants must be computer literate;

·                     Possession of O/level with Credit in English Language; (At least C6 in WAEC/SSCE or C4 and above in NECO); and

·                     Applicants must not be above 30 years of age.

PhD

·                     Scholarships will be offered for admission into the under listed courses (for overseas MSc). Candidates are advised to apply for admission into universities in the UK and France that offer these courses, while applying for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Scholarship.

·                     For the Split-Site PhD Programme, please CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Documents to Scan and Attach to the Application Form
Applicants are advised to scan the following documents and attach to their online application forms:

·                     First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result;

·                     NYSC discharge certificate;

·                     WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO Results;

·                     2 Recent Passport Photographs;

·                     Local Government Identification Letter;

·                     Masters’ Degree Certificate (PhD Applicants only); and

·                     Admission Letter (PhD Applicants).

Please note that the possession of a valid University Admission Letter is Compulsory for LSS (Undergraduates, MSC & PHD) Applicants

List of Approved Courses for Sponsorship

A.) M.SC
The list, of approved courses for Overseas MSc sponsorship for the year is published in our website http://www.ptdf.gov.ng/ Candidates are advised,, to apply for admission into Universities in the UK, Germany, Brazil, France and the United States that offer these courses., while applying for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Scholarship. The Local Scholarship Scheme applicants can apply to all Federal Universities and Centre of Excellence in courses relevant to the Oil & Gas industry

B.) PhD Priority Research Areas
In addition to the MSc programmes areas, the PhD research areas are as published in our website. Please visit our website for details: http://www.ptdf.gov.ng/

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY

CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIST OF APPROVED COURSES FOR SPONSORSHIP

Note

·                     Applicants may please note that only those who meet the requirements above shall be shortlisted and invited for a Computer Based Aptitude Test, in the case of MSc applicants, while oral interview will be conducted for PhD applicants (full time and Split-site) on dates to be announced later. Following the aptitude tests and interview, successful candidates will be selected and awarded the PTDF Scholarship.

·                     Recipients of other scholarship must not apply for the ptdf scholarship.

·                     Please note that the duration of the phd award is limited to a maximum of thirty-six (36) months only.

·                     Applicants who already possess a master’s degree need not apply for M.Sc programme, but are qualified to apply for the phd.

·                     The ptdf award will take effect from September 2017

·                     Phd applicants who would have already commenced their programmes by September 2017 need not apply.

Deadline  

31st November, 2016.

Gambia's female team goalkeeper dies in the Mediterranean sea while crossing to look for greener pasture in Europe

Gambia's female team goalkeeper dies in the Mediterranean sea while crossing to look for greener pasture in Europe

Sports Unknown   07:00

How sad it is to hear the demise of the goalkeeper of the Gambia's national ladies' football group while trying to cross the Mediterranean with the hope of beginning another life in Europe, this was made known to AFP by her previous coach on Wednesday.

Fatim Jawara, known to have been only 19, was one of the passengers of a vessel that kept running into trouble in the Mediterranean a month ago while crossing from Libya to Europe.

She and other 3,300 illegal migrants who have lost their lives in its waters this year, as indicated by figures from the International Organization for Migration.

As goalkeeper of the ladies' national side, known as the Scorpions, Jawara had made her introduction a year back in a friendly against another team from Glasgow, Scotland.

“Her death is untimely, but we will remember her for her great performances on the pitch,” said Chorro Mbenga, who was the assistant coach of the national under-17 side where Jawara made her achievement and knew her well.

According to sources, Jawara is said to have left the Gambia in September to cross the Sahara and set out toward Libya, where most African illegal migrants start the ocean intersection to Europe.

Gambia Football Federation President Lamin Kabba Bajo told AFP: “We are grieving at the moment as this is a great loss to the national soccer team and the nation.

“She will be remembered for saving a penalty kick in a friendly encounter involving the national soccer team and the Glasgow Girls from Scotland.”

Statistics shows that Gambians are the fourth largest collection of arrivals to Italy by number as indicated by the IOM, in spite of being one of Africa's littlest countries with a populace of around 1.8 million.

According to Gambia’s information minister, “mass murder of young African migrants on European beaches and waters” in its thinking is the reason why the country pulled back from the International Criminal Court a week ago.

It called the absence of activity by European countries to ensure transients making the intersection a "racist genocide" and assaulted the ICC for neglecting to arraign their leaders.

In any case, Gambian President Yahya Jammeh expelled the monetary stresses of Gambian migrants a year ago, contending in a broadcast address that "true Muslims" would empower their children and little girls to accept up occupation open doors which are accessible at home.

In actuality 60 percent of the populace live in neediness, and a third get by on $1.25 or less a day, as indicated by the UN.