Apply For The 'Transparency International School On Integrity 2015'

About School

What is Transparency International School on Integrity?

Transparency International School on Integrity (TISI) is an annual state-of-the-art anti-corruption and accountability training for future leaders. This year TISI 2015 will take place during 6 – 12 July, 2015. TISI exposes its participants to the latest developments in the field of anti-corruption and accountability and offers real opportunities to try and implement their ideas in practice.

Following a rigorous selection process, selected students spend 7 highly intensive days learning from leading anti-corruption and accountability professionals. TISI seeks to create a peer-to-peer learning and integrity-building environment that links theory with practice and helps young leaders to acquire better skills in bringing the anti-corruption message across.

School lectures, seminars, training and field trips provide TISI participants with a unique blend of international and local know-how, while also challenging the students to approach the subject from outside the box and offer novel, previously untested solutions. Since 2010, TISI has welcomed almost 500 youth leaders from more than 85 countries worldwide.

Is this School for you?

This one is easy. TISI is for senior students, graduates and young professionals eager to learn how to make a stand against corruption and to achieve greater transparency in their country. The seven-day format offers a powerful mix of an intensive academic schedule, unconference-like atmosphere and continuous peer-to-peer interactions which all makes it into an unforgettable one-week-long adventure.

TISI usually hosts an equal share of participants from private and public sectors, NGOs and academia from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Such diversity in background and experience further strengthen our applied approach to anti-corruption and transparency. So, the students not only learn about the causes of corruption but also spend a larger part of their time learning practical ways in which societies can become more transparent and accountable.

In July 2015, once again we will welcome around 140 future leaders from more than 60 countries for a seven day event in the beautiful Lithuanian capital Vilnius. The number of places and scholarships is limited, so we encourage you to apply fully prepared and well in advance.
What will you learn?

TISI is organized in cooperation with Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius. Upon completion of the TISI course, the students receive 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, which only stresses the fact that you come to school to learn and are required to do additional preparatory reading before the School starts. The course reading material is published in advance and students are encouraged to get in touch with TISI organizers for additional reading suggestions.

The School curriculum is presented through a variety of learning modules such as lectures, seminars, training, discussions, field trips, film screenings and social events. The program follows a conscious schedule which, as the week goes by, gradually moves away from introductory topics to seminars and training aimed to address particular subjects and let participants to acquire new skill sets. In short, the aim of the program is to leave you inspired and empowered by creating opportunities to learn in small groups as well as through mentoring hours.

The School features three teaching modules that cover the public sector, the private sector and civic empowerment tools. Each module deals both with theory and practice and includes:

Public sector - grand and small corruption, measuring corruption, state capture, political party financing, public procurement, etc.

Private sector – international anti-corruption mechanisms, corporate reporting standards and corruption in different industry sectors, such as the media or sports, etc.

The civic empowerment module addresses the role of citizens in monitoring the activities of the state and explores ways in which people can become involved in the public decision-making process, in reporting corruption and in anti-corruption activities.

While the 2015 School program is currently being finalized, please see the 2014 curriculum for a glimpse of what the week at TISI looks like.

Location

MRU_buildingThe School on Integrity is organized in cooperation with Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius. It is the second largest university in Lithuania with 21,000 students and 200 doctoral candidates. Its mission is to educate young people to become creative, innovative and productive members of society in all areas, from science to culture and technology.

How to apply

The application process

Applying is really simple - just fill out and submit our online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload a short motivational letter along with your Europass CV. We strongly advise that you prepare these in advance and have them ready before you start filling out your application form.

Who can apply?

The School is open to senior students, graduates and young professionals under the age of 35.
We welcome individuals from public, private, non-governmental and academic sectors, from all academic backgrounds.

TI School does not discriminate its applicants on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, political beliefs, marital, familial or parental status, sexual orientation or any other basis.

Fees & Accommodation

The course fee is EUR 550. It covers tuition fee, course material, accommodation, meals and extra-curricular activities.

The students will be staying at the Mykolas Romeris University student campus, which provides an effective working environment and allows to keep TISI fees to the minimum.

Do not hesitate to let us know if you have particular needs or certain preferences. TI School team will do their best to meet your needs and make sure nothing spoils your stay in Vilnius.

Once we have confirmed your admittance, we kindly ask you to transfer the participation fee of 550 EUR to the following account by 15 June 2015 the latest:

Transparency International Lithuanian Chapter
Bank Name: AB SEB bankas
Bank Address: Gedimino pr. 12, LT-01103 Vilnius
Bank Code: 70440
IBAN: LT62 7044 0600 0144 8550
BIC: CBVILT2X

Please indicate the purpose of the transfer: Your name/surname – TISI 2015 participation fee

Application deadline

Students applying for TISI 2015 without a scholarship are encouraged to apply as early as possible and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Deadline for scholarship applications is 1 May 2015, for non-scholarship applications - 15 May 2015.

Non-EU students are encouraged to take into account the possible length of visa-related procedures and apply well ahead of the deadlines. Non-scholarship students will be notified of their results within two weeks of their application and no later than 1 June 2014.

Please note that citizens from a number of countries may be eligible for TI School scholarships. For more details, deadlines and procedures of scholarship applications please see the Scholarships section.

Visa

Participants from non-EU member states that require a visa to enter Lithuania will be issued an invitation letter upon request. Please address this request to admissions@transparencyschool.org. Please note that an invitation letter will only be issued to those participants who have already paid the registration fee.

Cancellation policy

Please note that a refund of 500 EUR will be offered to all cancellations made in writing (by email) ONLY until the 15 June 2015.

An administrative refund fee 50 EUR will be withheld.
No refunds will be issued for registrations cancelled after 15 June 2015.

If you have any additional questions or encounter difficulties while filling out the online application form, please contact us at admissions@transparencyschool.org.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships will be available for students from certain countries. Full scholarships cover transportation, tuition and accommodation expenses. Students seeking to receive full or partial scholarships are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. In certain cases, students may be also offered partial tuition fee waivers to cover a part of their course expenses.

Students from the following countries may apply for full or partial scholarships: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Iceland, Latvia, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine.

Scholarship application deadline - 1 May 2015

Students applying for a scholarship will be notified about the results of the selection procedure by 22 May 2015 at the latest. Those not granted a scholarship but possessing outstanding academic or professional merit and motivation will be invited to attend TISI 2015 at their own expense.

If you wish to apply for a scholarship, make sure to fill out the appropriate section in the online application form, stating your reasons for applying.

For additional questions regarding the application procedure, fees, scholarships or other general inquiries, please contact us at admissions@transparencyschool.org.


To apply, follow this link

GEJ Hosts Val Dinner For Widows & Kids Of Soldiers Killed In Boko Haram Attacks (Photos)

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan celebrated Valentine in a special way with the widows and children of soldiers killed in Boko Haram attacks. See photos below:

Photo Credit: State House

2015 Elections: Obasanjo Attacks Jonathan Again

Two days after he spoke against President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in London, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, now at home, attacked the President, yesterday, accusing him of a hidden agenda over the 2015 polls.

Specifically, Obasanjo alleged that Jonathan was engaged in do-or-die politics.

But in a swift reaction, the Presidency and Jonathan’s Campaign Office charged that Obasanjo’s allegations were not only baseless but also absurd, repugnant and self-serving.

On Thursday, while publicly presenting his latest book, ‘My Watch’, in London, the former President told his audience that the certificate issue against Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), APC presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections, was a ploy by Jonathan’s men to stop Buhari in the election.


The former President, who spoke to journalists at his Hilltop Mansion residence, Abeokuta, likened the politics played by Jonathan to “the do-or-die” politics played by the former President of Cote d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo.

Obasanjo, while reacting to the postponement of the general elections, said it was a grand plan by Jonathan to perpetuate himself in office till the situation becomes clear that the presidential election would favour him.

He likened the situation to the one in Cote d’Ivoire in which Gbagbo delayed the presidential election of the country and, when he eventually conducted the election and lost, refused to leave office.

“I was away because I had a number of assignments abroad which took me to Morocco, Munich, Nairobi, London and New Delhi. Exactly a week today, we were in Munich for what they called `Munich security conference’ and all people who are in security community, normally, you found them there”, the former President said.

“For this year, the Vice President of America was there, the Secretary of State, John Kerry, was there, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany was there, President of Ukraine was there and many others.

“I was there with Koffi Annan. Our side was to talk about peace and security in Africa. I was to handle the African perspective while Koffi Annan was to look at it from the global perspective.

“And suddenly people started asking me questions about what was happening in my country:; Americans, British, Germans and every other person. Koffi Annan was particularly agitated. “While I was out, I refused to make any categorical statement on this issue because I wanted to come back home and learn, first hand, what actually transpired and what was going on. And it turned out to be a forced decision on the INEC because it was alleged that the Security Chiefs were unable to provide security and, as a result, the Chairman of INEC had to postpone, in accordance with the dictates of the so called Security Chiefs.

“I thought that was bad precedent for democracy in Nigeria, it meant it doesn’t matter what preparation or lack of preparation any electoral body could make in Nigeria, the final decision whether election will take place on the day scheduled for it lies in the domains of the security, it is a sad day for democracy in Nigeria.

“And I will say this. We must all feel concerned before democracy is killed. The observable and what would appear to be happening is that the President has a grand plan, a grand plan to ensure that, by hook or crook, he wins the election or if it all fails, they scuttles it and create chaos, confusion and unpleasantness in the whole country”.

According to him, it is the duty of the security officers to provide security. “The President is the Chief Security Officer of the country and he is the Commander-in-Chief and if security is required anywhere any time, it is his duty to provide it, failure to provide it is dereliction of duty, pure and simple”.

‘Grand plan’
Obasanjo said the President, following his own grand plan or his aides and associates, was working a script.

“What again it looks to me is that the President is trying to play Gbagbo. Gbagbo was the President of Cote d’Ivoire and Gbagbo made sure he postponed the election in his country until he was sure he would win and then allowed the election to take place. He got an inconclusive election in the first ballot and I believe this is the sort of thing Nigeria may fall into if I am right in what I observed as the grand plan and then, in the run-off, Gbgbo lost with 8% behind Ouattara and then refused to hand over. All reasonable persuasion and pleading was rebuffed by him and he unleashed horror in that country until nemesis caught up with him”, he stated.

“I believe that we may be seeing the repeat of Gbagbo or what I call the Gbagbo saga here in Nigeria. I hope I am wrong.

“I believe the President’s concern of fear is not to live out of office per se, because he and I have occasions to talk about this both seriously and jovially. I believe the President would want an opportunity to disengage peacefully and have a nice, decent and a glorious exit, I believe the President’s fear is, particularly, motivated by the person he sees as his likely successor, that is General Buhari.

“I believe people would have been telling him that Buhari is a hard man, he would fight corruption and you may end up in jail if not in grave. I believe people must have told him all sorts of things and he is not the only one, there are other people who may be afraid of Buhari, but, why? I would say that Buhari has learnt lessons; if he hasn’t learnt lessons, then he would be probably be the most unlearning human being.

“If he has learnt lessons, he would know that you do not fight corruption by putting people in jail for 200 years and this has been done by my own predecessor in office, General Abdulsalam Abubakar; he recovered over $750 million from Abacha’s estate without putting anybody in jail, without hurting or harming anybody. When I took over, we recovered over $1.25 billion from the same Abacha estate without hurting anybody, without harming anybody and, in fact, what would be rather unfortunate is the fact that our lawyer, who is still alive, able, who was chasing this money all over the world, said to us that there’s still about $1 billion to be recovered from Abacha estate but the unfortunate thing is that my successor did not do anything about it even though it was in my handing over note”.

While speaking on the role of the Security Chiefs on the postponement of the elections, Obasanjo said: “That is what I said; it was strange to me; it wasn’t the duty and responsibility of Security Chiefs and Service Chiefs to tell INEC, ‘we are not in the position to provide security for you’ because it is their job. When they have failed, they can as well go home, their job is to maitain law and order and provide security at any time, at any place, they said they could not do it, they have failed”.

On the Boko Haram insurgency as excuse for the elections postponement, the former President said, “You can give any excuse or you can rationalise anything. Boko Haram has been with us since 2009 and now if we said what we have not been able to achieve since 2009 would be achieved in six weeks, all I would say is that God is a God of miracle. God can do anything”.

On the alleged plot to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, Obasanjo said: “I think the President, in his media chat, has dispelled that rumour but, of course, I know the President very well, but I want to believe him and believe what I see not what I hear”.

“I believe that after Jega has been boxed to a corner, he had no choice but to accept the fait accompli and postponed the election. And I believe that like I have said before, it is unfortunate because in the past, this same Jega had changed the date of election when he found it that it was not suitable. So it is the duty, responsibility, function and jurisdiction of INEC to determine whether the situation allows or does not allow them to go on with the election. Nobody should either twist their arms, blackmail them or force them”.

Buhari phobia

Obasanjo added: “I appeal to President Jonathan again not to listen to those creating phobia, phobia of Buhari, phobia of enquiry and all that. President Jonathan has done well to the best of his ability and he has made history as the first elected Nigerian from a minority tribe and nobody can take that away from him. He can even make a second history; if it turns out that way, if he contests a fair, free and transparent election and if he loses, she should have a dignified decent and a dignified exit. He will be on the mountain top and he would be acclaimed as a true patriot and a true democrat. What stops him from doing this?”

President fires back: ‘Allegations baseless, absurd!’
Meanwhile, Jonathan, through the Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, last night, described Obasanjo’s claims as repugnant.

Jonathan’s statement read: “We find the false claims and allegations reportedly made against President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday in Abeokuta very odious and repugnant.

“As we have had cause to say before, it is most regrettable indeed that a man like Chief Obasanjo, who should know better, chooses to repeatedly, wantonly, and maliciously impugn the integrity of a sitting President of his country for the primary purpose of self-promotion.
“It is obvious from Chief Obasanjo’s serial vituperations against President Jonathan who is doing his best to positively transform Nigeria for the benefit of all of its people that he has willfully chosen to close his eyes to the present administration’s good works and intentions. For reasons best known to him, Chief Obasanjo has set his mind on regime change by fair or foul means.

“Otherwise, it would be completely senseless, irrational and out of place for Chief Obasanjo, who still claims to belong to the same party as the President, to accuse President Jonathan of plotting to win the rescheduled presidential elections by “hook or crook” and planning to plunge the nation into crisis if he loses the election. For the record, President Jonathan has no such intention and will continue to give the greatest possible support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant federal agencies to ensure that the rescheduled elections are successfully conducted.

“Indeed, it is not President Jonathan who remains faithful to his oath of office who is trying to plunge Nigeria into crisis, but Chief Obasanjo who is scheming to plunge the country into chaos in pursuit of a selfish and highly egocentric agenda.

“Chief Obasanjo’s plot with others within and outside the country to thwart the general elections and foist an unconstitutional Interim National Government, which he hopes to head on the nation is well known to us, but by the Grace of God Almighty, his odious plan to return to power through the back door will fail woefully.

“We know very well that it is in pursuit of this nefarious plot that the former President continues to sow the seeds of discord and crises in the polity by purporting to remain in the ruling party while openly consorting with the opposition, endorsing its candidates and predicting victory for opposition candidates in a manner most unbecoming of a supposed elder statesman.

Thankfully, the vast majority of Nigerians who are patriotic and right-thinking cannot be fooled by Chief Obasanjo’s antics.

“We urge them to be assured that President Jonathan’s commitment to democracy in all its ramifications remains constant and that he will never be party to the use of any unlawful means to remain in office or gain political advantage over his opponents.

“The President stands by his commitment, which he reaffirmed on national television last Wednesday that on his watch, all elections in Nigeria, will be free, fair and credible, and that all certified election results will be respected.

“As President Jonathan has also assured the nation, the rescheduling of the general elections was in the best interest of the nation and was never driven by any ulterior motive on the part of government as Chief Obasanjo and others have alleged.

“President Jonathan will continue to put his best efforts into giving Nigeria quality leadership and will not be distracted from his purpose by unwarranted and needless criticism by persons who ought to know better.

“The President also continues to trust in the good judgment of Nigerians and to believe that in appreciation of his sincere efforts to move the country forward over the past four years, they will re-elect him for a second term on March 28, 2015 with a mandate to pursue his agenda for national transformation to a successful conclusion”.

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO), also responded, saying the decision to postpone the elections was INEC’s and not the President’s.

“It is most uncharitable and unfair for him to suggest that President Jonathan wishes to remain in power by hook or by crook because that is not the nature of”, the PCO statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said. “It is even worse for him to compare him to President Laurent Gbagbo. To Jonathan, politics is not a matter of do or die and President Obasanjo knows this more than anyone else. We will respond to President Obasanjo in full at the appropriate time but the truth is that we will not allow him or anyone else to distract us from the task that lies ahead. We have an election to fight and to win and that remains our primary focus. We reject President Obasanjo’s very serious and grave allegations and we are not in the least bit disturbed by them because we know that they have no basis in truth, rationality or reason.
The days of anyone attempting to rule by proxy or through surrogates are long over because we have all come of age”.


Source

Punishment Made Easy - A Poem By Tuyitola

By Adetuyi Adetola


From the North-West in mascara
Mr President comes afresh
Calling for renewed trust

Thrusting away his hand
Chanting and shouting
Sai Nigeria

He doles out his promises
To an unbelieving frigid crowd
The press gladly observe

He then descends the podium
Here comes the first wave of stones
And a rain of abuses

A real man in a king's robe
He waves despite the repulse
Showing the greatest of love.

See Adorable Photo Of Emir Lamido Sanusi's Family

I could not just take my eyes off this lovely and cute picture of the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria governor and the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi and his family. Take a look at it.

2015 Dream Seminar v1.2: Break The Box

The Dream Seminar is a seminar with the vision to guide young minds to become their dreams and accomplish their God-given purpose in life.This edition of dream seminar is tagged: Break The Box. We aim to modify the traditional saying that posits that "to be extraordinary, you have to think outside the box". We propose that d box be broken and that the mind should be allowed to soar.

Home to this edition would be Oduduwa Hall with a capacity of 1,000 people on the 14th of March, 2015 by 10am.The event would be streamed live and would feature two major Speakers: Rev. Fr Victor Ogunyemi who is the Founder of Inspire Youth Network Nigeria and Dr. Ijadunola. The program promises to be amazing as it is packed with mouth watering activities and presentations.

Box-Perience which would feature young people who have embarked on the journey of breaking their boxes and exhibit the challenges that they faced in their quest. EXPRESSION segment which would portray creativity which emanates from breaking of all limitations placed on the mind.It would include areas such as technology, agriculture etcetera. Another Feature is the Broken Boxes Lounge which would feature broken boxes on display. Young Nigerians who have embarked on the journey of breaking the boxes would exhibit offsprings of their adventures. Other activities would include: *Live-Music * Poetry * Crusaders * Project Dream

In summary, the aim of the team is to organize a seminar that will not only motivate people but also show them the rough patches that they will face along the way and to help guide them on the journey towards realizing their dreams.

2014/2015 Nigerian Agip Oil Company Tertiary Scholarship Scheme

OVERVIEW

The Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) Joint Venture in pursuance of its corporate Social Responsibility invites suitably qualified applicants for its 2014/2015 Session Tertiary Scholarship Scheme, effective February 9 to March 9, 2015.

Category of Awards
Host Communities Merit Award – For applicants strictly from NAOC Host Communities
National Merit Award – For applicants from Non-Host communities

REQUIREMENTS/ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for consideration, applicants MUST be:

Registered Full TIME undergraduates in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Certified 100 level students at the time of application

NOTE: The following categories of students should not apply:
200 level students and above
Current beneficiaries of similar Awards from other Companies and Agencies
Dependants of naoc/nae/aenr

Only Indigenes of naoc Host Communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Imo States SHOULD apply for the Host Communities Merit Award.
Only applicants studying Engineering, Geology and Geosciences are eligible for the National Merit Award.

Deadline: Closing date for receipt of e-applications is strictly March 9, 2015.

NOTE: The aptitude test will take place at designated centres to be communicated to applicants at a later date and applicants are to fully bear the cost of transportation to and from Aptitude test centres.

HOW TO APPLY

Application is open to 100 level students only.

1. Before you start this application, ensure you have clearly scanned copies of the following documents

Passport photograph with white background not more than 3 months old (450px by 450px not more than 200kb)
School ID Card
O’level Certificate
Admission Letter
Birth Certificate
Proof of Local Government Area of Origin
JAMB Result

2. Ensure the documents are named according to what they represent to avoid mixing up documents during upload
3. Ensure you attach the appropriate documents when asked to upload

To apply, follow the steps below:
1. Click on "Apply Now" tab.
2. Click on "Register Now" to create an account.
3. Proceed to your email box to activate your account
4. Click on www.scholastica.ng/schemes/naocscholarships to return to Scholarship site
5. Enter your registered email and password to upload your information.
6. Enter your personal information, National Identification Number (if available), educational information, other information and upload required scanned documents.
7. Ensure the name used in application matches the names on all documentation in same order. Upload a sworn affidavit or certificate if otherwise.
8. Ensure you view all documents after uploading, to eliminate errors during uploading.
9. When asked to upload photo, upload a pass-port photograph with a white background.
10. Recheck application information to avoid errors
11. Click "Apply Now" to submit information
12. You will receive an email and a sms that confirms your application was successful.
13. Return to www.scholastica.ng, enter your Email and Password to download your profile and proceed to have your Head of Department sign the document.
14. Upload a scanned copy of the signed profile, this would be used for verification.
15. If National Identification Number (NIN) number was not available in step 6, to obtain your National Identification Number (NIN)
Visit http://ninenrol.gov.ng to register and learn more about the National Identity Number
Click "Create Account" and fill in the required fields
Login with Email and Password to complete the form
After completion, schedule a date for photo and finger print capture
Visit any of the 37 capture centres www.nimc.gov.ng/pages/general/enrolmentcentres.html to complete the registration process and obtain your National Identity Number
You can also do your total registration at the NIMC office

16. Return to www.scholastica.ng/schemes/naocscholarships and update application with National Identification Number (NIN) to ensure completion

Note: Multiple applications attract a disqualification penalty from the Scholarship board


For enquiries, complaints and technical assistance:
Contact email: scholastica@dragnet-solutions.com
Phone number: 07088609791, 07011962033