The Minister of Finance, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, has unveiled the achievements of her ministry as the clock ticks for her exit, revealing that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $44.69 billion as at May 13, 2019.

The foreign reserves stood at $28.3 billion in May 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took over governance from ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Minister unveiled the position of the ministry in her opening remarks at the quarterly World Press Conference, held in Abuja.

The minister said also that year-on-year inflation rates continued to improve from a high rate of 18.7 per cent in January 2017 to 11.37 per cent in April 2019.

She also disclosed that states will soon receive their outstanding balance of the Paris Club debts refunds based on the verification made on a total sum of N649.434 billion by the Ministry.

“For the final phase of the Paris Club debts refunds, the total sum of N649.434 billion was verified by the Ministry as the outstanding balance to be refunded to the State Governments.

“The payments made by the CBN as at March 2019, is N691.560 billion.

“The increase in CBN payments partly arose from exchange rate differential at the point of payment. Although, some states still have outstanding balances, which will be refunded in due course.”

According to her, with the implementation of Economic Recovery & Growth Plan (ERGP) which the Buhari’s administration developed in 2017 has led to the economy’s exit from recession and moved upwards on a path of sustainable, inclusive and diversified growth.

She further maintained that it is the resolve of the Ministry to address the long standing issue of “unsatisfactory revenue performance” in Nigeria, particularly in the non-oil sector, in order to ensure appropriate financing for critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, and ultimately of co-creating a Nigeria where no one is left behind.

She said: “Our External Reserves on the other hand, grew from $28.3 billion in 2015 to US $44.69 billion as at May 13, 2019 representing significant improvement that has helped stabilize the economy, including our currency exchange rates.

“Our FX market remained relatively stable from 2017 with the convergence of the NIFEX and NAFEX windows witnessed by November 2018.

“Let me first underscore the vital role of domestic revenue mobilization for continued economic success and inclusive growth in Nigeria.

“Indeed, President Muhammadu Buhari underscored the urgent need for improved revenue performance during his 2019 Budget Speech, and he directed the acceleration of all revenue initiatives.

“The time to act is now – if we do not address the long standing issue of “unsatisfactory revenue performance” in Nigeria, particularly in the non-oil sector, we will never realize our shared goal of ensuring appropriate financing for critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, and ultimately of co-creating a Nigeria where no one is left behind.

“As Minister of Finance, I have taken on the President’s important call to action, by prioritizing revenue generation, and formally launching in January 2019, the Strategic Revenue Growth Initiatives, a suite of comprehensive and cross-cutting interventions aimed at boosting revenue performance.

“I am pleased to share that we have made significant progress since launching the initiatives and I look forward to providing details later in my remarks.”

She also added that the Ministry has achieved seven consecutive quarters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth since the country’s exit from recession in Q2, 2017. “As at Q4 2018, the economy grew by 2.38% in real terms (year-on-year), representing an increase of 0.27% compared to Q4 2017 and, a rise of 0.55% compared with the growth rate in Q3 2018.
Overall, GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.93% in 2018 compared with 0.82% in 2017, representing an overall increase of 1.11% year on year.”

However, the Minister acknowledged that the expenditure performance cannot be in isolation of revenues, which as a result expenditure outturn largely depends on government’s ability to generate budgeted revenues with deficits funded through borrowings.

“In 2018 our budgeted revenue was N7.2 trillion this is against the realised figure of N3.96 trillion, signifying a negative variance of 45%.

“Despite this shortfall we have been able to fully pay salaries and service 100% of our debt. We have also released seven months overhead for 2018, two months for 2019, and N2.079 billion capital expenditure as at 14th May 2019.

“We have adopted a prudent debt management strategy which ensures that we invest what we borrow in capital projects.

“Although our debt by international standards, at 19.09% Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio is well below the threshold of 56% for countries similar to Nigeria.

“The government is addressing the issue of reducing the debt service to revenue through a combination of debt substitution strategies.”

The Minister maintained that on global risks, the Ministry will continue to remain focused on taking key mitigating actions to safeguard the economy and ensure it is “resilient to external shocks.”

“We will continue to monitor key global risks, and the Federal Ministry of Finance is focused on taking key mitigating actions to safeguard the economy and ensure it is resilient to external shocks.

“As anticipated, the global economy has slowed down in 2019 with a revised growth projection of 3.3%.

“This trajectory is mirrored in Africa, with the continent projected to grow slightly more at 3.5% in the same year. Commodity based economies including Nigeria are expected to continue recovery from the rapid commodity crash witnessed from 2014 to 2016.”

She further explained that, “This development represents challenging times amidst this year’s volatility in oil prices that has fallen from $86/barrel in October to $62/barrel in December when I gave my last Press Conference, and risen to a five-month high of above $71/barrel as at April 2019.

“While oil prices are expected to remain within the average range of $70/barrel, continued volatility is expected through the end of 2019.”

She said that her ministry was carrying out reforms at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB).

With the reforms, taxpayer database has been expanded to 35 million from 9 million in the four years of the Buhari-led administration.

“Through reforms at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB), we have been able to harmonize the Tax Identity Number (TIN) database to cover Federal, States and Local Governments to establish a unified identity number system for uniquely identifying tax-payers.

“The country’s taxpayer database has been expanded to 35 million from 9 million at the beginning of the administration.

“It is anticipated that this figure will grow to 45 million individual and corporate payers when the ongoing integration of different biometric database is completed”.

The bursary is available for high potential international students and aims to help them in their studies by covering some of their study expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Countries:Citizens of any nationality except New Zealand and Australia are eligible.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: They can apply for an undergraduate degree program in any subjects offered by the university.
• Admissible Criteria: Candidates must be full-fee-paying international students.

Method of Application:For this opportunity, applicants have to take admission in an undergraduate degree course at the university and then complete the online application for the grant.

• Supporting Documents:A curriculum vitae, a copy of the passport, and academic transcripts should be submitted.
• Admission Requirements:Candidates are expected to complete their 12 years of academic education before applying to this course.
• Language Requirement:You are bound to take IELTS or TOEFL test, only if English is not your local language.

Benefits: Funded education will provide $10,000 – $20,000 for this course of 1 year.

Scholarship Application Deadline:October 31, 2019

Source: Scholarships And Aid

If you are interested in pursuing degree level courses inAustralia, then you have a chance Griffith University is offering GELI direct entry program scholarship.

The bursary is having a motive to help those highly excellent aspirants who are not able to complete their studies because of their financial condition.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Countries:Citizens other than Australia or New Zealand are worthy for this grant.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: They are eligible to join the undergraduate or postgraduate degree program in any subjects offered by the university.
• Admissible Criteria: Must be ready to be a full-time degree course at the university.

Method of Application:For this grant, candidates are suggested to take admission in any of the given courses at the university. They will be automatically considered for the award, there is no other application required.

• Supporting Documents:The University is not asking for supporting documents but is can ask at the time of admission.
• Admission Requirements:The requirements have based the selection of the applicants course.
• Language Requirement:TOEFL or IELTS test is necessary to show your English language proficiency only if English is not your local language.

Benefits:The educational award will be awarded ,000 towards a candidates Griffith tuition fees.

Scholarship Application Deadline:Open

Source: Scholarships And Aid

The MTF Academy offers eligible applicants who are passionate about telling their own stories a unique opportunity to improve their skills and ultimately contribute to the growth of the local and pan African film and broadcasting industries.

The MTF Academy initiative will operate in Lagos, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Nairobi, Republic of Kenya and Lusaka, Republic of Zambia for 12 months, with a production break to be determined by MultiChoice at its sole discretion.

MultiChoice Talent Factory Film Skills Development Programme Benefits.

• Sixty talented students from 13 African countries will get the chance to hone their film and television production skills alongside industry greats.
• This year-long, funded, programme will be supported byMultiChoice Talent Factory academies hosted in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia.Students will create quality local content that will be broadcast on our local M-Net channels on the MultiChoice platform.

MultiChoice Talent Factory Film Skills Development Programme Eligibility.

Applicants must

• • Be over 18 years of age;
  • Be citizens and residents of the countries from which they are selected by MultiChoice to participate in the MTF Academy initiative, namely Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe;
  • Be fluent in English in terms of speaking, reading and writing;

• Demonstrate passion for the drama, film, television or related media and entertainment industry during selection interviews; and
• Have completed a relevant qualification from an accredited and/or recognised tertiary education institution in drama, film, television or a related media field, within the last 2 years. For the avoidance of doubt, the said qualification must be obtained only from a post-secondary education institution which has been accredited or recognised by a relevant registered institution.

Method of Application

If you are driven, committed to developing your skills and interested in participating in the MTF Academy and meet the eligibility criteria then:

• you must register on the MTF Academy website atmultichoicetalentfactory.com;
• correctly and fully complete the online application form;
• write an online a motivation letter; and
• collate and electronically submit all of the relevant supporting documents listed below:
  • your curriculum vitae; including contactable references
  • certified copy of academic transcripts or certificate from a tertiary institution; and/or
• You may also be required to provide references or any other documents that MultiChoice may stipulate.
• Your application must be submitted online by no later than the Closing Date and Time.

APPLY HERE

OFFICIAL LINK

Scholarship Application Deadline: 17h00 on 14 June 2019.

Source: Scholarships And Aid

The Association of African Universities (AAU) is calling for 3rd and final year university students who want to undergo a 3-month corporate and industrial internship from June 3rd August 3rd 2019. Selected interns will work on the projects below:

AFRICAN RESEARCH BANK

The African Research Bank is a data repository which houses research needs and problems from industries and other key sectors. The repository provides student researchers with real research problems which inform their choice of topics or problem statement during their research work/project work/thesis and dissertations stage of their academic work. The repository will assist researchers in getting real research problems from industry and other sectors of the economy and help shape their relevant research output.

AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES OLYMPICS

The African Universities Olympics is a major sporting activity organized by the Association of African Universities which brings together universities in Africa through sporting activities. After the maiden edition held in Egypt in March 2019, the AAU will be benchmarking the lessons and outcomes of the maiden Olympics in preparation for the 2nd edition.

Association of African Universities (AAU) Internships Requirements.

A. REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH BANK INTERNS

Category A: Student Researchers (Undergraduates, Postgraduates)

• • Must be either a 3rd /4th year undergraduate student or a postgraduate student.
  • Must have carried out or assisted in research work before.

• Must demonstrate a clear understand of research processes
• Must have the ability to work with teams, analyze and think critically.
• Must demonstrate dexterity in writing and communication

Responsibilities/Roles

• Develop concept notes and proposals.
• Develop tools for data collection.
• Analyze data for storage.

Category B: Software Developers, Web Developers and Graphic Designers

• Must be either a 3rd /4th year undergraduate or Post Graduate student studying IT/Computer Science or any related programme
• Software Developers must be able to design, develop and implement data repositories and related systems. Key technical skills are PhP, MYSQL; AGILE Software Development Methodology; HTML; CSS; Javascript; Additional or minor skills: C#; C ; XML; Java, Python; Knowledge of software development frameworks will also be a plus e.g. Laravel, MVC, Jquery and Ajax.
• Web Developers must be able to design websites (WordPress knowledge is a plus including the following HTML, CSS, Java Script, PhP, Java, SEO knowledge).
• Graphic Designers must be able to design promotional materials for publicity using tools such as Adobe Suite, Corell Draw, Canva or others.

Responsibilities/Roles

• Develop a robust system to house research bank data.
• Develop websites for the project.
• Design flyers and other promotional materials.

B. Requirement for Olympics Interns

Category A: Student Sport Administrators/Coaches (Undergraduates and Postgraduates)

• Must be either a 3rd /4th year undergraduate student or a postgraduate student studying Sports Administration or any related field.
• Must demonstrate a clear understanding of all sports disciplines and technical management.
• Must have the ability to work with teams, analyze and think critically.
• Must demonstrate dexterity in writing and communication

Responsibilities/Roles

• Develop concept notes and proposals.
• Categorize data and pictures for the maiden Olympics.
• Set modalities for the 2nd African Universities Olympics
• Develop publicity materials.

Category B: Web Developers and Graphic Designers

• Must be either a 3rd /4th year undergraduate or Post Graduate student reading IT/Computer Science or any related programme.
• Web Developers must be able to design websites (WordPress knowledge is a plus including the following HTML, CSS, Java Script, PhP, Java, SEO knowledge).
• Graphic Designers must be able to design promotional materials for publicity using tools such as Adobe Suite, Corell Draw, Canva or others.

Responsibilities/Roles

• Develop a website for the Olympics.
• Design flyers and other promotional materials.

COMMUNICATIONS INTERNS

Requirements for Communications Interns: (Undergraduates and Postgraduates)

• Must be either a 3rd /4th year undergraduate student or a postgraduate student.
• Must have the ability to work with teams, analyze and think critically.
• Must demonstrate dexterity in writing, marketing and communication.

Association of African Universities (AAU) Internships Benefits.

Interns will:

a) solve real organizational challenges using their skills

b) add real working experience to their profile

c) learn about the African Higher Education Sector and how they can contribute to its growth

d) receive very clear Terms of Reference and expected deliverables.

e) be connected to the African Higher Education Sector some of these contacts will provide opportunities for their future careers

f) join a dynamic and motivated team at AAU where they will feel part of a family

g) receive a testimonial at the end of your contractual period

How to Apply for Association of African Universities (AAU) Internships.

Interested candidates who meet the criteria listed above should submit their CVs by clicking on the Submit button below:

SUBMIT HERE

OFFICIAL LINK

Applicants will go through selection process and training before the start of the project. The deadline for submission of application is21st May, 2019.

Source: Scholarships And Aid

The Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. It is a Premier continental university network whose mission is to provide quality postgraduate education geared towards the achievement of a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa.

Young, qualified, talented and enterprising applicants from African countries and the African Diaspora are invited to apply to join Masters or PhD degree programmes at any of the following four PAU institutes listed below. Candidates with potential, motivation and who desire to play transformative leadership roles as academics, professionals, industrialists, innovators and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to apply.

Reasons to join PAU:

• Excellent programmes taught by world class faculty;
• A broad network of academic and professional partners on the continent and beyond;
• Attractive scholarship scheme;
• Joint degree awards from the Pan African University and its Host Universities;
• Excellent career prospects in some of the fastest growing industries, with relevant career guidance; and
• Vibrant, multi-cultural and Pan African learning and research environments.

Pan African University Institutes.

• • Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya.
  • Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences- including Health and Agriculture (PAULESI), at the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria.

• Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS), at the University of Yaounde II and the University of Buea, Cameroon.
• Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences -including climate change (PAUWES), at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria.

Pan African University Scholarship Eligibility.

Admission Requirements for Masters Programmes *

Candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

• Undergraduate degree from a recognized university,with at least a second class upper division or its equivalent, in a relevant field;
• Certified copies of relevant certificates, transcripts (from university and high school),
• National passport (personal details page);
• Clear colored passport size photograph(2cmx2cm);
• Detailed CV;
• Recommendation letters from 2 Professors
• A letter of motivation justifying why you want to pursue your study in the Pan African University;
• Maximum age of 30 years for male and 35 years for female applicants.

Candidates may be required to undergo a written/oral examination after preselection.

Candidates for the Master in Conference Interpreting and Translation programmes are required to have excellent knowledge of at least two of the African Unions official languages (Arabic, English, French and Portuguese).

Admission Requirements for Doctoral Programmes

Candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

• A Masters degree in a relevant field from PAU or any internationally recognized university;
• Certified copies of relevant certificates, transcripts,
• Copy of Passport (personal details page);
• A 3 to 4 page research concept note (tentaive title, research questions, objectives, significance of the research etc)
• Recommendation letters from 2 Professors
• Clear colored passport size photograph (2cmx2cm);
• Detailed CV
• A letter of motivation justifying why you want to pursue your study in the Pan African University;
• Maximum age of 35 years for male and 40 years for female applicants.

The African Union Commission will offer full scholarships to the successful African candidates.

Method of Application

Interested candidates who meet the criteria listed above should apply by clicking on the Apply button below:

APPLY HERE

OFFICIAL LINK

Source: Scholarships And Aid

Below is the price of wash hand basin in Nigeria as at 16th May, 2019

A wash basin—is a bowl-shaped plumbing fixture used for washing hands, dishwashing, and other purposes. Sinks have taps (faucets) that supply hot and cold water and may include a spray feature to be used for faster rinsing. They also include a drain to remove used water; this drain may itself include a strainer and/or shut-off device and an overflow-prevention device. Sinks may also have an integrated soap dispenser. Many sinks, especially in kitchens, are installed adjacent to or inside a counter.

Twyford Bathrooms is a worldwide market leader and major manufacturer of this plumbing building material. Twyford has been in existence since 1849.

Twyford wash hand basin

Twyford wash hand basin Starting Price - N4,000

Double Tray Single Hole last Price - N4,000

Location: Iyana Ipaja Lagos

External Resource: Wikipedia

Below are the prices of kitchen sinks in Nigeria as at 16th May, 2019

Kitchen Sink Double Tray Single Hole

Double Tray Double Hole Starting Price - N15,000

Double Tray Double Hole last Price - N15,000

Single Tray Double Hole Basin or Cabinet Basin Price - N7,000

Location: Iyana Ipaja Lagos

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday dissociated the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) from a document calling for the overthrow of the Muhammadu Buhari democratically-elected administration.

Navy Capt. Muhammed Wabi, Deputy Director of Defence Information accused a group, “Nigerian Continuity and Progress (NCP)’’ as being behind the document.

Wabi alleged that the document called for the setting up of an “interim government’’ in place of the elected government.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to dissociate itself from the rascality and intentions as espoused in a document being circulated by a faceless group named Nigerian Continuity and Progress (NCP) calling for support of a revolution to oust the current democratically elected government and in its place establish an illegitimate interim government.

“The AFN outrightly condemns the undemocratic and demonic actions of the author of the document.

“Accordingly, members of the public are enjoined to discountenance the content of the documents being circulated by NCP and equally condemned in totality, the call to derail our hard earned democracy,’’ the statement said.

Wabi said that the AFN was “very mindful of its constitutional responsibilities’’ and would not be misled into any act that would undermine democracy as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“The AFN remains unflinchingly loyal to the Constitution, as well as President Muhammadu Buhari and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement said all relevant law enforcement agencies had been advised to unravel those behind the seditious document for appropriate actions.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday finally approved the listing of MTN Nigeria shares on the nation’s bourse.

A senior management at the NSE, who pleaded anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that MTN Nigeria application for listing was approved on Tuesday.

The source said that the company, barring unforeseen circumstances, would be listing a total of 20, 354,513,050 at N90 per share on May 16.

The source told NAN that the company had completed all the necessary steps required by the exchange for listing which led to the approval.

NAN reports that MTN Nigeria shares, when listed at N90 per share, will emerge the second largest company on the nation’s bourse after Dangote Cement with market capitalisation of N1.83 trillion.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently confirmed the approval of MTN Nigeria application to be listed on NSE by way of introduction.

Mrs Efe Ebelo, SEC Head Corporate Communications, said that the commission had approved the company’s application to be listed on the nation’s bourse by way of introduction.

She said that the company had successfully completed the registration of 20,354,513,050 ordinary shares of N0.02 each with the commission.

NAN recalls that MTN Nigeria on May 6 filed an application with SEC and the exchange for listing by introduction.

MTN Nigeria recently changed its status from a private company to a public liability company (PLC) ahead of its listing on the exchange.

NAN reports that the conversion was one of the requirements for listing on the exchange.

The company had previously announced that it looks to list on the NSE before July, saying it plans to enter the market by way of listing by introduction.

Speaking on the conversion, Fredi Moolman, MTN Chief Executive Officer, said the listing was part of its commitment to localisation in the markets in which it operates.

“Our conversion to a Plc is a major step towards listing by introduction on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in the first half of 2019.

“It is a reaffirmation of our long-term commitment to expanding investment opportunities for Nigerians, in addition to providing everyday services to them.

“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the SEC and NSE to take forward the listing process,” Moolman had said.

NAN reports that listing on the NSE was one of the conditions reached in the resolution of a N330 billion fine placed on the telco by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its inability to disconnect improperly registered SIM cards. (NAN)!