UCH, USA VARSITIES DISCOVER CURE FOR SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

By Ola Ajayi
Ibadan — OVER five million sickle cell patients in Nigeria and other African countries can now heave a sigh of relief as the University of Ibadan in partnership with the University of Illinois, Chicago, USA and University of Loyola, Chicago have discovered a permanent cure for the terminal disease.

The cure of the deadly disease, according to the Professor  of Medicine, Victor Gordeuk, who is the Director, Sickle Cell Centre, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA and his colleagues, Prof. Damiano Rondelli, also from the same university and Prof. Bamidele Tayo, University of Loyola, Chicago this new treatment is done through bone marrow transplant and that it is less risky.
This was revealed yesterday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan after a three-day brainstorming session with other experts in the teaching hospital.
Unlike the other conventional method of stem cell transplant which exposes patients to radiation which could cause cancer, first blood and marrow stem cell transplant, BMT, is much more effective.
The experts who were flanked by the Chief Medical Director, UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge, Dr. Titilola Akingbola, an haematologist and Dr. Foluke Fasola, said this  stem cell transplant is a standard procedure for the treatment of many blood cancers in both adult and children.
He said: “With this chemotherapy-free transplant, we are curing adults with sickle cell disease, and we see that their quality of life improves fast within just one month of the transplant.
“About 90 per cent of the approximately 450 patients who have received stem cell transplants for sickle cell disease have been children. Chemotherapy has been considered too risky for adult patients, who are often more weakened than children by the disease.
“Adults with sickle cell disease can now be cured without chemotherapy — the main barrier that has stood in the way for them for so long. Our data provide more support that this therapy is safe and effective and prevents patients from living shortened lives, condemned to pain and progressive complications.”
“In the new procedure, patients receive immuno-suppressive drugs just before the transplant, along with a very low dose of total body irradiation, a treatment much less harsh and with fewer potentially serious side effects than chemotherapy.”
“ Donor cells from a healthy and tissue-matched sibling are transfused into the patient. Stem cells from the donor produce healthy new blood cells in the patient, eventually in sufficient quantity to eliminate symptoms. In many cases, sickle cells can no longer be detected. Patients must continue to take immunosuppressant drugs for at least a year.
The CMD, Prof. Alonge who called for support from government, philanthropists, donour agencies and corporate bodies like banks and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for provision of equipment and completion of the sickle cell centre, described sickle cell as a disease of bone crisis which the patient suffers from head to toe.
He added that Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic disorder due to the presence of an abnormal form of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, called haemoglobin S (Hb S) instead of haemoglobin A (Hb A). Haemoglobin in the red blood cell is responsible for the transportation of oxygen in the body.

SAVE OSUSTECH FROM MIMIKO’S CLAWS - APC CRIES OUT TO INDIGENES, PUBLIC.

SAVE OSUSTECH FROM MIMIKO’S CLAWS - APC CRIES OUT TO INDIGENES, PUBLIC.
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Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa, Nigeria is located in Okitipupa in the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State Nigeria and the only higher institution of learning in the region that is generating the major revenue for the state. The University was inaugurated on 27th September, 2010 by the then Executive Governor of Ondo State and Visitor to the University, Dr. Olusegun Agagu of blessed memory. Academic activities in the institution took off fully in January 2011 and the matriculation of the first set of students was held on Thursday 3rd of March 2011. OSUSTECH is a technology-based institution which aims at providing the needed manpower training required to address the critical areas of industrial and technological development of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole, of which the proposed Olokola Free-Trade Zone and Deep-Sea Port, Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas, Petrochemical Industries and other allied industries are expected to be the first beneficiary.
In a statement made available to journalists through email, in Akure, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Omo'ba Abayomi Adesanya decried the present state of the University. “No sooner had the founding father left office than the institution started going down”. The administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who took over government after the inauguration of the institution snubbed it. A University is a universal institution that should primarily serve as a center for learning, research and community development. Unfortunately and highly regrettable, OSUSTECH is not standing on this tripod right now. It is critically ill. Academic and administrative activities on this institution have been paralyzed. It is clear that the Mimiko led-administration is on a deliberate mission of wiping out this once lively institution and a legacy of formal governor Agagu, going by the actions and inaction of Mimiko in recent times.
For example, Mimiko planted in this institution, a Vice Chancellor in person of Prof. Tolu Odugbemi who has been acting the script of Mr. Governor in so many ways. Odugbemi on several occasions has instituted exorbitant and arbitrary increment of school fees (#125,000 for indigenous students and #175,000 for non-indigenes), payment of ICT fees without the facilities, neglect of the University and non-payment of the staff salaries, arbitrary withdrawer of money from the University account without recourse to due process, slow response to happenings and negative developments in this institution, to mention but a few. This is a rape of fundamental human right – education.
It is unimaginable that in this year's annual budget, Governor Mimiko only voted #100 million to OSUSTECH. This budget was passed by his rubber-stamped Assembly led by Hon. Jumoke Akindele who incidentally is from Okitipupa. Whereas, the newly established Medical University in Ondo, his home town “smiled” home with a largee to the tune of # 2.6 billion. There is no obvious justification for this double standard.
This recent development had its multiplier effect on the host community and the institution in so many ways. Commercial activities in and around the institution is on a standstill. Staff and students had been completely cut-off from the global and competitive world due to lack of internet facilities, functional laboratory, well-stocked libraries, relevant infrastructures such as hostels, adequate educational facility or equipment, conducive and hygienic learning environment, electricity supply and social amenities etc. As a matter of fact all activities are stalled at the institution right now, buildings are completely overgrown by weeds and building comfortable habitation for reptiles. Students now receive lectures under a nearly collapsed and dilapidated building which is not receiving any attention.

APC hereby urge Mimiko-led government to focus more on the institution by responding to its demands, work in tandem with the vision of its founding fathers and rescue it from gradually becoming a glorify secondary school.
Therefore, it is highly imperative that all well-meaning sons and daughters and leaders of Okitipupa Division rise up in unison to rescue this institution from extinction. APC call on traditional rulers and prominent groups in this area such as: Jegun of Idepe, Abodi of Ikale Land, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Zenith Club, Ikale World Congress, Ilaje Progressives Union, Omowa Club and other prominent groups and associations to challenge Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Jumoke Akindele for their deliberate attempt to moribund OSUSTECH for their newly created Medical University, Ondo, the statement reads.

HOW TO ROOT TOUGH ANDROID PHONES WITH IROOT

Rooting some android phones can be a bit challenging sometimes. I have tried several root apps on my phone but it refuse to root. Later, i stumbled on this post and since then i have been able to use the app on the system to root several phones.
iRoot is also known as Root Master. It’s a Windows Application that helps you to root your android phone in a single click. Here, I’m going to guide you ‘How to use iRoot to Root your Android Device?’.

Important points to remember:

• Your Android Device’s data like contacts, pictures, videos, and music etc won’t be affected with this method.
• Your Android Device’s warranty may be void after this process.

How to use iRoot? – iRoot Guide [Rooting Guide for any Android Device]

1. Enable USB Debugging in your phone from Developer options.
(To enable Developer options go to Settings >> About phone >> Tap 5 times on Build Number)
2. If you’ve not installed USB drivers for your device then wait for the device to automatically install them. If it doesn’t, then download them from web.
3. Download and install iRoot.
4. After successful installation, open it.

5. Connect your Android device to the computer.

Once your device is successfully connected to iRoot, it will automatically detect your device.
6. Now click on “Root” to start rooting process.

WARNING: Don’t touch USB cable while rooting is being done as any interruptions may cause hard-brick (permanent device failure) to your device.
Once successful root, your phone will automatically reboot.
7. Now download and install SuperSU from Google Play store to control root permissions.

Done!

CREDITS TO: XDA, mashinie

Nigerian Military Rescues 338 Abductees, Clears More Boko Haram Camps

By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
The Nigerian military has rescued 338 abductees and cleared more Boko Haram camps in parts of Borno State.
The Director of Army Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, said that the troops were able to kill 30 Boko Haram terrorists.
Usman said: "Troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, deployed at Bitta and Pridang carried out a successful raid on suspected Boko Haram terrorists camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages along Bita and Damboa road at the fringes of Sambisa forest on Tuesday."
"The unit also rescued 338 persons that were held captive by the terrorists in the enclaves. The rescued persons which comprised of eight male , female 138 and children 192, have since been evacuated to Mubi.
"Troops also recovered arms and ammunitions during the raid operation which include a General Purpose Machine Gun and 2 Dane Guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 6 boxes of 7.62mm (NATO) and 3 cutlasses," he stated.

UNKNOWN AILMENTS HIT EKITI COLLEGE

FROM PUNCH:
No fewer than 300 pupils of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, have been hospitalised due to an outbreak of an unknown disease.
Signs of the outbreak of the disease started manifesting on October 10, when some pupils were said to have started vomiting and stooling, creating fears of a cholera outbreak.
But the state government through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olurotimi Ojo, has come out to dismiss it as “diarrhoea” while medical investigation has begun.
Parents and guardians are now trooping to the school to check if their children and wards are among the victims.
The Principal of the school, Mrs Grace Ogunyomi, was said to have reported the case to the state government on Wednesday for prompt action.
It was learnt that the school authorities had been taking the patients to Efon General Hospital in batches since the epidemic started.
It was gathered that Governor Ayodele Fayose had ordered the commissioner to mobilise health care workers to the school to arrest the situation.
Of the about 300 pupils said to be infected, only 31 of them were still receiving treatment while others had been treated and discharged, a source revealed on Thursday.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner, confirmed that only 20 of the infected pupils were still in the hospital, adding that the ministry had brought in environmental health officials.
“We have alerted the water corporation to chlorinate their water. They have about six boreholes and we have got them chlorinated, because we knew as professionals that the water could be a source.
“We are trying to look into their environment, so that we can get where such could have broken out. We want to know how they dump their faeces and how they discharge their sewages,” she added.

UNIVERSITY OF BENIN CLEARANCE EXERCISE: STEP BY STEP GUIDE

UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY
2015/2016 CLEARANCE EXERCISE FOR UTME AND DIRECT ENTRY CANDIDATES
1. The UTME and Direct Entry Candidates admitted into University of Benin for 2015/2016 academic session are required to login at https://www.uniben.edu, click on student portal and login with the username and password used for their application and result checking.
2. Click on “Download application slip”. . Print it and take note of your ID. and Password. You will henceforth, use your ID and Password for subsequent login. Login and print your provisional admission letter.
3. ONLY CANDIDATES WITH THE RIGHT PASSPORT SIZE (1- inch X 1-inch) WITH RED BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPH USED FOR THE SCREENING AND ALREADY EMBEDDED IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AND WITH REQUISITE RESULTS TO CLEAR SHOULD PROCEED TO PAY THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NON-REFUNDABLE ACCEPTANCE FEE ITEMIZED BELOW.
College of Medical Sciences Candidates
N N Bank/Portal charges - 3000.00 3000.00 Admission clearance - 20000.00 20000.00 ICT Levy - 6000.00 6000.00 Development Levy - 15000.00 15000.00 MTN NET Library - 1000.00 1000.00 College Development fee - 20000.00 - TOTAL 65000.00 other candidates is 45000.00
Schools/Departments under College of Medical Sciences: �� Medicine �� Dentistry �� Anatomy �� Medical Biochemistry �� Medical Laboratory Science �� Nursing Science �� Physiology4. Optional: You can change your password by clicking “change password” button and you can also change your email and phone number by using “Edit” button
5. On the Menu, click on “My data” select “Payment” option then click on “Add online payment ticket” button.
6. Select from the Payment Category, Acceptance Fee and click on “Create Ticket” button and then click the link under Payment ID.
7. Click on the “College Pay” button to view payment details and click the “Submit” button to proceed with the payment through Interswitch payment gateway.
8. Select your ATM Card type: Verve or Master Card and supply the card details (card number, expiration date, 4-digit PIN etc) as required.
9. Then click on “PAY” button.
10. If payment is successful, an acceptance slip will appear on the screen. Copy the “Clearance Activation Code” on the acceptance payment slip.
11. Click on “My Data” on the menu and select “Clearance data” option. Enter your “Clearance Activation Code” to open your Clearance/Eligibility form.
12. Fill the Clearance/Eligibility Form appropriately. Scan and upload the following documents:
a. “O‟ level Certificates and Statements of „O‟ level results from the schools
b. Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
c. Acceptance Letter
d. Guarantor‟s Letter
e. Affidavit of Good Conduct
f. Affidavit of Non-Membership of Secret Cults
g. JAMB & UNIBEN offer of Provisional Admission slips
Please note
�� Any affidavits sworn in any Court of Law in Nigeria are acceptable �� Payment of acceptance fee commences Monday 12th October , 2015
13. At the bottom of the Clearance/Eligibility Form, click on the “Save” button to return later and complete the form OR click on “Save and request clearance” button to finally submit your Clearance/Eligibility Form when you are done. You cannot edit the Clearance /Eligibility form after final submission!
14. Click on “Download clearance slip” button and print your Clearance/Eligibility slip. Present it with online payment receipt, six (6) copies each of the listed items a to g in item 12, including six coloured passport photographs with red background and WAEC/NECO Scratch Card for checking results online to the clearance officers. The original credentials are for sighting during the physical clearance.
Physical clearance commences Tuesday 20th October to Friday 4th December, 2015 at the University Auditorium, Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5pm each day.
15. ONLY CANDIDATES SCHEDULED FOR CLEARANCE PER DAY WILL BE ATTENDED TO. CHECK YOUR CLEARANCE DATE IN YOUR ONLINE PROFILE AND PRINT OUT YOUR INVITATION LETTER.
16. Prohibition of Financial Transactions at Clearance Venue: There shall be no financial transactions in whatever form at the Main Auditorium Clearance Venue. Consequently, sales of Faculty Prospectus, Collection of dues, levies and other forms of Payment and Purchases are strictly prohibited. The release of completed and signed Clearance/eligibility form to student should not be tied to any other payment other than the fund paid for clearance.
17. Upon successful physical clearance, proceed to pay you School Fee/Charges. Please note that you are not allowed into the lecture halls and to proceed with any other activity without evidence of payment of fees
18. On the Menu, click on “My data”. select “Payment” option then click on �� “Add online payment ticket” button
�� Select from the Payment Category, “School Fee” and click on “Create Ticket” button
and then click the link under Payment ID
�� Click on the “College Pay” button to view payment details and click the “Submit”
button to proceed with the payment through Interswitch payment gateway
�� Select your ATM Card type: Verve or Master Card and supply the card details (card
number, expiration date, 4 digit PIN etc) as required. �� Then click on “PAY” button.