By Olasnkanmi Akoni Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN has condemned the recent increment in school fees by the Federal and Lagos State Government, describing it as “illegal.” Recall that the Federal Government had in July 2023 increased fees for Unity Schools from N45,000 to N100,000 per term an increase of over 120 per cent. Similarly, the Lagos State Government, at the weekend announced N100,000 as the new fee for the state-owned boarding schools which was previously, N35,000. Falana in his reaction, described it as a violation of the Child’s Rights Law. He lamented that with the increase being above the Minimum Wage of N70,000, “a worker can no longer sponsor even one child either in Unity School or any secondary school in Lagos State. Falana, however, vowed to challenge the decision in the appropriate High Court. According to him, “The Federal Government has increased fee payable in all unity schools from N45, 000 to N100, 000 per term. Thus, the fee payable per annum is N300
Jesam Ofem (Trinity) In a major political shift, Ntufam Francis Effiom PhD, alongside key political associates, officially defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on September 15, 2024. The high-profile defection took place at Nkonib Town Hall in Ikot Ansa, Ward 8 of Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. Speaking to journalists at the venue, Effiom noted the remarkable achievements of Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as a primary factor for their move. Effiom praised the governor for his dedication to grassroots development, pointing out the construction of the NNPC road and the rehabilitation of Asimita Street as evidence of the governor’s commitment to the people of Ward 8. "It is clear that Senator Prince Bassey Otu has attended to the needs of my people in just a few months of being in office. That is capacity," Effiom remarked. "Politics is local, and we have come to add value to A