Author: The Nation

By Chinedu Chisom

Grief can be a difficult emotion to grapple with, but it can also be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. According to many experts, things that cause us the most pain and sorrow may be clues to our life’s purpose or calling. When we identify the source of our grief, we can begin to understand what we are uniquely equipped to heal in ourselves and in the world around us. Whether it is a personal tragedy or a larger societal issue that troubles us, embracing our grief can lead us to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Mike Murdock, in chapter eight of his book, entitled: “The assignment: powerful secrets for discovering your destiny”, notes that   grief can be a key indicator of our life’s purpose or calling.

He  suggests  that  issues that cause us the most sorrow and pain, particularly in relation to social  matters, may be clear indicators of what we are specifically assigned to heal. The author explains that these burdens may be unique to each individual, as they are often imposed on us by a higher power, such as God, to orchestrate liberation in relation to a specific issue. He also draws examples from notable Bible characters, highlighting their significant accomplishments as a result of God placing burdens on their hearts. He suggests that one of God’s strategies for pointing us towards our life’s assignment is to place these burdens in our hearts.

As such, readers are urged  to pay  attention to  issues that cause them grief, tears, and sorrows, as they may be  issues that God wants them to work hard on to help others.

Grief can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. When we allow ourselves to embrace the issues that cause us the most pain and sorrow, we may begin to uncover our unique purpose and calling. As the author suggests,  these burdens may be imposed on us by a higher power as a means of guiding us towards our life’s assignment. According to the biblical examples given by Mike Murdock, we can see that some of the greatest accomplishments in history have been the result of individuals being driven by a deep sense of burden for a particular issue. Therefore, paying close attention to the issues that grieve us, we can begin to understand what we are specifically assigned to heal in ourselves and in the world. Ultimately, it is through our pain and grief that we may find purpose and meaning in our lives.

•Chinedu is a student at Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State.

By Tunde Adeniyi TECH-U

All is set for the second convocation ceremony of the First Technical University(TECH-U), Ibadan.

The event  would hold on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the institution’s main campus on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

It would  be attended by the Governor of Oyo State,  Seyi Makinde,  the Visitor to the university and other dignitaries.

The university would graduate 165 students, out of  which 24 bagged First Class.

A  statement by the university noted that the convocation coming as scheduled in the academic calendar, underscored the fact that Tech-U was strategically positioned to pilot a sound technical educational system anchored on innovations and technologies towards driving development in Oyo State in particular and Nigeria at large.

The institution was established by the Oyo State Government to bridge the skill gap between competence of university graduates and industry requirements through a blend of theory, practical and hands-on experiences.

By Ajayi Anne Olubukola

As children of God, we have one primary assignment, which is to preach the gospel of Christ to every creation (Mark 16 vs 15). We are the apple of God’s eye and, in extension, Satan’s enemy. So Satan always tries his best to turn us away from God.

To avoid that, we have to stay focused. To be focused is to not get distracted. It is to keep your eyes on the goal and try your  best to achieve that goal. It is to be determined to follow through the processes that your set goal requires. It is to give your time, energy and attention to the goal.

You can only stay focused when you consider your set goal important. For example, the level of importance you give to a person determines how well you relate with him/her and how much respect you will show that fellow. That also goes for your goal; as children of God, Jesus encourages us to keep our focus on the kingdom of God and the things of the kingdom and all other things would be  provided for us.

Focus has to be mastered. So you have to give all your time to your assignment. When you spend the required time and energy needed for your goal, you will see progress and results. To get things done, you can’t afford to be lazy. A lazy man should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3 vs 10). A period of time should be allocated and followed through to the end if you want the result  you seek.

Focusing on the word of God daily is necessary to achieve your set goals. The word of God is our constitution, it is our daily bread, and we are to meditate on it day and night if we want to grow spiritually.  Everything we need to survive the day-to-day struggles that we face on earth has been provided to us if only we can study the word of God. Listening to sermons and powerful messages from great men of God would  help in   completing assignments.

As Christians, we should be careful of ‘frenemies’ whose ultimate goal and desire is to distract us from our goal in life. They are only in your life to break your focus from your God-given assignment so that you would forget your reward which is in heaven.

Rather, we should embrace friends that help us to keep our focus on the instructions God has given us.

Remember to keep your head up high and remain steadfast in pursuing your goal. Steer clear of friends who do not share the same goal with you, and pursue relationships that will increase  focus on your assignment. Take time to read the word of God and meditate on it, sing praises to God and control what you listen to, both music and teachings.

•Ajayi wrote in from Ede, Osun State.

Vice Chancellor, Ahman Pategi University (APU), Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz  Adedimeji, has urged freshmen to  be committed to the pursuit of excellence. He also charged them to resist the urge to be complacent and engage in social vices.

Adedimeji’s lecture at the institution’s 2022/2023 matriculation was entitled:”Persist and resist”.

He said: “You must persist on reading, studying, devoting time and committing energy to the pursuit of excellence. You must persist on ensuring that you attend your lectures, do your assignments, engage in class discussions, obey rules and regulations and keep your eyes on the ball of your primary assignment in the university. If you are persistent, you will be excellent.

“Meanwhile, for your success to be guaranteed, you must also resist. What must you resist? You must resist the tendency to be in your comfort zone and the temptation to do what is wrong. In other words, you must resist bad company, procrastination, laziness, complacency and indulgence in immorality. You are only admitted to study for an average of four years and this period has serious implications for the life you’ll live after you graduate. It is my prayer that you will all succeed!”

The VC urged them to imbibe life-changing principles of the Japanese,which are; discovering the purpose of their life; leaving go what they  cannot change; finding peace; exercising self-control; avoiding comparison with others and seeking improvement in all areas.

He described the students as  the torchbearers of excellence, adding that they were  the beneficiaries of the institution’s quality education  aimed at benefiting people, protecting the planet and producing prosperity for the current and future generations.

“I urge parents and guardians to ensure a brighter future for their children by bringing them to us for training as more windows are to be opened soon for additional academic programmes,” he said.

Adedimeji stressed the importance of skill-based education to the development of the nation, adding that intellect, or developing the cognitive domain of learning  was not enough.

A total of 96 students matriculated.  69 were admitted through Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),  while 27 came in through Direct Entry.

The VC thanked the founder  Ahman Pategi, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, staff and other stakeholders for their support.

• Varsity holds maiden matriculation

The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has had it admission quota increased from 1,850 to 3,000 by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

This was made known by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya yesterday at the institution’s maiden matriculation for its pioneer students.

He noted that the school admitted over 2000 students from more than 16,000 applicants, with 36 programmes to be offered across five colleges.

Odusanya said the occasion was  historic in the annals of the university.

In his address entitled: “A bright future lies ahead,” he enjoined the matriculants  to be creative and seek to be entrepreneurial.  He urged them to begin to think of inventing  drones, robots, new accounting software, driverless cars, building materials, newer housing designs, sustainable houses and many more.

The VC said Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu had  expanded access to education by establishing both LASUSTECH and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).  Thus, opening a way to a bright future.

On how the students can create a bright future, Odusanya said: “Each one must give undivided attention to their studies, prompt attendance in classes, realising that there is a minimum percentage to be eligible to sit at examinations. Self-drive is key.

“Learning is an active process. Each student learns only what he/she does and shows interest in and not primarily what the Instructor teaches.  In this age of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and access to the internet there is no reason not to be fully informed and learn rapidly. 

“The university is not a sprint but a marathon. You cannot play for the first three years and then gatecrash to excellence in the fourth year. What degree classification do you desire, first class, second class upper or what?  It is indeed up to you. Be a positive solution and change to Nigeria even if you are planning to ‘Japa’.Your transcript will be a life-long reminder of who you were in school,” he added.

Odusanya admonished them to be good ambassadors of the school, avoid drugs, cultism and fraudulent activities. He also advised them to live a balanced life, eat well, sleep adequately, have social interactions, learn to avoid stress and practice true spirituality.

He thanked Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Kola Ojikutu and other members of Council, the Transmutation Committee led by Prof. Emeritus Olufemi Bamiro for their support.

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, was 40 recently. Nevertheless, students seek improvement in infrastructure,ranking and other areas. PRECIOUS AKINTULUBO (OOU) reports.

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, recently clocked 40 years. The institution celebrated its anniversary which had as theme: ”Lighting the path of academic excellence”, on campus. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Olayinka  Agboola  revealed the six strategic intervention pillars for the institution within a five-year timeline including, Academic Excellence,  High Impact and Translational Research, University Administration, Improving Student Experience, Entrepreneurial Linkages and Partnership, and Improved and Sustainable Funding.

He noted that he would consolidate on the various achievements of the past administration through the six strategic interventions.

Agboola said the institution was the first to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to conduct Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (PUTME),  during the pandemic.

However, the institution still ranks 21st  among institutions in the country. Students believe there is room for improvement, hence, they want authorities to swing into action.

Caleb Adekunle, a 500-Level student of Architecture said though many things have been achieved over the last 40 years,  the institution could do better.

“I’ll say ways to reposition the school among the best globally includes provision of infrastructure and resources and then  learning should be enjoyable. This  can be achieved via access to resources, equipment, modern-day facilities which aid  research and educational processes,” he said.

Speaking on changes the school could implement, he said:  “One change I’ll really appreciate is if all the campuses are  merged in one location. Students need social connections and networks.”

He said  OOU was  doing many things but can do much more by creating initiatives that inspire creativity instead of the current environment  where students just want to pass their examinations and get out of school.

For Gbolahan Salaudeen, a 300-Level student of Mass Communication, the institution is actually working towards ranking among the best globally.

He  said  construction was  going on for OOU Business School and plans to retain a distant learning programme  where one can study as an OOU student from any part of the world is currently  on.

On challenges to be addressed, he said:  “ID card should be a sufficient  mode of identification instead of a printed exam pass to write examinations.”

Paula Ogundeji, a 200-Level student of Law suggested that the current administration should make use of the technology to ease affairs.

“Our world today speaks “tech” so having anything short will present itself as “mediocre”. Also, good lecturing, research, student satisfaction, and innovations all are important if we want to be the best ranked globally,” she said.

She urged management on effective WiFi network, an advanced “stop and search” at the school gate,  security and welfare of  students, building of toilets, conducive lecture rooms, etc.

“If OOU becomes a light in academic excellence, it then can lighten the path for others to follow,” she added.

Yakubu Yinusa Temitope, a 300 – Level student of Computer Science said OOU  fared  better in terms of administration when compared with other  state universities  within the country but  suggested  improvement in infrastructure, academic processes, focus on curriculum that promotes career accessibility and partnership with organisations that promote research and development.

His words: “OOU should be more student-focused. Management must understand that the process of learning isn’t about theoretical absorption alone, a practical application of that knowledge is also vital, and that is what we need  now.”

On how the university can improve,  he said:  “The school must ensure  students and graduates are known for something, and it begins when the school starts to deliberately inculcate  special culture and values in students.”

Lemboye Farouq Damilola, a 100-Level student of Law said the physical and learning process is preferable as the lecturers dispatch their tasks efficiently but the class buildings need to be renovated as they are not conducive enough for smooth learning.

“I believe conscious efforts towards extracurricular activities, improvement on sport facilities, changes in the CBT examination results for instance, the results of the last semester exams were all messed up and random scores were allocated with no hope of rectification, if all these are addressed,  it will give the institution an edge over others.”

He said the institution doesn’t seem like it’s already 40 years; meanwhile, if the suggested changes are effected, learning will be interesting.

Iretomiwa Fortunatus, a 100-Level student of Computer Science suggested that the current administration should provide more competent lecturers to ensure a better  learning structure.

He said:  “We need intentional lecturers. Also, the institution should provide more functioning and audible sound systems in the lecture rooms.”

Fortunatus said he heard stories of students who worked hard in their academics but were discouraged by unfulfilled promises. He, therefore, advised the current administration to endeavour to fulfill its promises.

A 200-Level student of Political Science, Abraham Bankole, said the current administration was trying, but students are not getting what they need.

“The current administration needs to look into those things that the students really need like transport, complaints on results produced by the ICT centre,among others,” he said.

Bankole called for a ‘democratic setting’  where students are able to give their opinions and complaints which must be addressed by the school management. If complaints are addressed, it will give the institution the strength to be ranked globally.”

Atiogbe Daniel, a 100-Level student of Mechanical Engineering said the institution can do better by eliminating some current issues like hike in transportation prices which has made some students to take small side jobs.

On the way forward, he said: “More lecture halls should be allocated and the time table should be adjusted to accommodate the large volume of students that offer particular courses.”

He said the school could look into other methods and tactics of learning, like incentive-based learning, active recall, among many others.

Stephen Ezekiel, a 300-Level student of Psychology said repositioning the institution  would require concerted efforts from the university leadership, faculty, students and stakeholders.

“Personally, some steps  the university could take includes enhancing academic excellence by improving the quality of its academic programmes, collaborating with industry and other universities, increasing internationalisation where students can study abroad, strengthening governance and management, investing more in infrastructure, leveraging technology, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Also, lecturers should be versed  in their area of specialty and student-lecturer relationship should be promoted across levels,” he said.

He also  mentioned some specific changes that the institution can apply to enhance its academic programmes and promote its global ranking. Some of which include: curriculum review, faculty development, research funding, student-centred approach to teaching and learning, technology integration and an efficient administration.

“For academic excellence, the institution should enhance academic programmes and support student success,” he added.

Adetunji Tofunmi Ezekiel, a 300-Level student of Law said the school was  making efforts to be among the best.

On how the school can make  learning and administration process better, he said: “I’ll say that we should do more physical classes than virtual. Also, the school should make sure that it’s lecturers are actually present and doing proper teaching.”

He stressed the deployment of conventional teaching methods like practicals which will surely improve  students.

Toyin Ayorinde, a 200-Level student of Social Studies Education said  more efforts should be made to prioritise all departments and avoiding discrimination.

She said:  “OOU should change some of its rules like the hair rule whereby females are not allowed to make any hair colour choice other than black. Also, departments should have a permanent hall for lecturers to avoid students moving from one hall to another. Finally, the school should monitor lecturers activities before paying salaries.”

Bolarinwa Abiodun Emmanuel, a 100-Level student of Accounting, said: “The institution should work on their medical officials whose manner of approach is nothing to write home about. Also, the CBT examination result compilation should be duly checked because students keep complaining of bad results. Transportation issues should also be addressed.”

Bolarinwa added that the school should create room for students’ creativity by providing quality workshops and projects for students.

Johnson Ebunoluwa Abisola, a 300-Level student of Law said that the school should  improve on technological facilities and more educational materials especially for the science students who do more research and field work.

“The school can as well do  better if there are positive changes in the academic calendar and proper monitoring of lecturers. Students should be given access to express themselves freely and proper training should be organised for lecturers as well,” she said.