Category: Campus Life

Students in tertiary institutions across the country bare their minds on how education has fared in the outgoing year. FORTUNE AMAECHI (ABSU) reports.

Students looked forward to a fulfilling 2021 after going through the COVID-19 disruptions to education last year.

Apart from that, the longest Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in the history of the country last for nine months. But for most of them, this year is no different. Their expectations were not met.

The majority of students were either kidnapped or killed.

The coronavirus pandemic also continued in full blast with the latest deadly variant Omicron. ASUU continues to beat war drums over welfare and other issues.

At a point, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke called for the enactment of a law banning children of public officials from studying abroad. This, he said, would bring the desired change to the education sector.

In an interview, he lamented underfunding, stressing that it was the bane of education in the country.

“Today, the only problem we have is education; once you kill your education system, your country is gone, which is what we have today.

“The money they use to award contracts for railways and others is more than what we are asking for. Education is the key and number one.

“There was a Prime Minister in Britain, who said his number one priority was education, number two was education, number three was education.

“But for our leaders, education does not seem to matter to them. You know why? Because their children are not in Nigerian universities.

“If we can have a law that says that once you are in government or you take a government appointment, your children must school in Nigeria, the system will change,” he said.

However, students are unanimous in their assessment of education in the country this outgoing year. They noted that things had not improved.

Favour Samuel, a 300-Level student at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) said: “This year came with a lot of hurdles, there was no improvement in any way.

“The Federal Government did not keep to its promise and now ASUU wants to go back on strike.

“The truth is I cannot say anything positive really happened this year. It is well, though.”

For Ayo Genesis, a 200-Level student at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, there is nothing to write home about regarding education in the outgoing year.

“The education sector this year is zero, just like other years. Where do you want to assess it from, is it from ASUU’s point of view or is it from the aspect of upgrading universities?

“We are still behind in everything and it seems federal and state institutions are not helping matters, I just hope we do better in the coming year,” he said.

Ifeanyi Victor, a student at Abia State University(ABSU) said: “It is as if state universities wanted to exploit students this year because the way they increased tuition fees, acceptance fees and other fees were alarming.

“One literally had to pay for almost everything that was used, they never considered the financial exertions that COVID-19 put on people especially parents, all they did was increase and keep increasing.

Then, most of these institutions never upgraded their system of doing things, may God help us in this country.”

Patra Onyeji, a student at Delta State University (DELSU) lamented that ASUU had not resolved issues with the Federal Government and that there was nothing to smile about regarding the year.

She said: “This year has not really been a good one for students because we have not gained anything, all we got was the same old and persistent threats from ASUU and how they want to go on strike, not considering those in their finals.

“Okay, let’s leave that, what about students that are seeing themselves through school? What about those combining work with school? No help from anywhere.

“The country never made it easy for us to study, so what are we supposed to do? I just pray that the next year will bring something better for us.”

Onyisi Christian, a student at Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH) said learning was not fun. He added that the majority of students were tired of schooling in the country.

“Fees paid in schools just made the country more difficult to live . Schooling even became more expensive than the cost of living and for some schools, they were not lenient at all with their fees.

“Learning literally was made not fun and many got discouraged especially those that have businesses.

“Nowadays, when one thinks about schooling in Nigeria, you naturally get tired. I urge the Federal Government to set things right because if we continue like this, a lot of people will lose interest in studying in this country,” he said.

Joshua Chijioke, a student at the University of Ibadan(UI) said:” The cost of education became so high this year, when I was even thinking that it would have been reduced due to the hurdles of the previous year, I was mistaken.

“For a while, I thought the no-contact precaution to curb the coronavirus would help schools upgrade, but it did not.

“What exactly is wrong with our country, why can’t we improve when other countries are moving far? God will help us.”

Vivian Iheme, a student at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) lamented the suffering of students and the attempt by the Federal Government to increase the price of petrol.

She said: “I pray the government sees that students are really suffering. Let’s forget ASUU or COVID-19 and let’s concentrate on the government and the attempt to increase the price of fuel, knowing fully that this, in turn, has its effect on students.

“The fare to a particular location can be doubled or tripled by commercial drivers and to get this money is another difficult task.

“Some of us are sponsoring ourselves in school, while some rely on their parents and some of these parents are also training others in school, so how does the government want them to cope?”

For Richard Ojo, a 300-Level University of Benin (UNIBEN) student, the rate of unemployment is alarming, yet institutions churn out a large number of graduates every year. He bemoans a lack of empowerment programmes for young graduates.

“Just take a good look at the statistics of unemployed people and tell me if we stand a chance of getting better.

“Every year, institutions produce a large number of graduates without any employment opportunity, sadly there is no sort of empowerment program set aside for young graduates.”

He added: “Education is gradually becoming uninteresting and a money-making business such that if you do not have the money you can’t go to school.

“Even those who are indigenes of a particular state’s university have little or nothing to gain.

“No form of encouragement in any way and the most annoying thing is that institutions want to remain analogue, they do not want to go digital; it is really terrible.”

A student at Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Michael Uzoma said:

“There is absolutely nothing in the educational sector, I don’t know where those in charge of the sector get their ideas from, but the ideas are killing the sector. It’s almost like we are confused in this country.

“Do you know the amount of people that ventured into business after the pandemic, some don’t even have the time for education again because to them there is no impact it is making, their own is to just come and write the exams and continue with their business.

“Before you know it, ASUU will come with their own again, may God help us in this country.”

Uwakmfon Mfon, a 300-Level student at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike(MOUAU), said: “The truth is that our government does not seemingly care about the education sector and it’s quite unfortunate.

“Everything that goes wrong has a way of affecting students. For instance, look at the price of fuel, between N162 and N170, yet it has not reduced.

“A trip of N100 now cost N150 or N200. Education in this my beloved country is highly discouraging and it does not seem like it’s getting any better, so I advise that something be done about it, if not it will fail completely.”

Ada Peter, a student at University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) said: “One would have expected that after the pandemic, something would have been done to revive the interest of students towards education but instead, they are looking for ways to extort students.

“The nine months old ASUU strike that ended due to the agreement reached by the Federal Government has not been fulfilled completely.”

“To make matters worse, most of these institutions have not upgraded their mode of operation, some are still using till date, the file method of keeping information.

“Whatever happened to going digital and upgrading their system for once, it is well with this country!”

David Ogbaki, an HND 1 student at Auchi Polytechnic, said: “I just want to believe that education will get better in this country because from the look of things, we have been on the same spot for many years.

“For how long will we go on like this especially with this ASUU’s unending strike?

“It’s indeed quite worrisome because there has been no form of improvement at all.

“Come to think of it, I was even thinking that schools would consider the financial situation of parents because it is obvious they do not care about students sponsoring themselves in school.”

“They should at least consider parents who are passing through a lot to make sure their children go to school, what about parents that have more than one child in schools and some still in the secondary, how are they supposed to cope financially?”

Nze Chinenye, a student at Abia Student University(ABSU), said: “The way education is run in this country can make one commit suicide if care is not taken.

“What am I even saying? Don’t we remember the boy that committed suicide in one of the eastern institutions because he could not afford his fees?

“That is the kind of pressure institutions can cause for a person.”.

“Students even thought that to an extent, institutions will reduce fees to be able to accommodate every or some students but the reverse was the case, in fact, some even tried to exploit parents and students. Our leader should address the situation.”

A student at ABSU who pleaded anonymity noted that she was not able to pay her fees on time despite her parents’ effort. She lamented the ‘no school fees, no exams’ rule of the institution.

Her words: “It seems our leaders do not want to improve education. It is quite frustrating.

“Tell me what they have done for students since this administration came on board, yet when ASUU goes on strike, we will all be affected. It is disheartening.”

Precious Samuel, a student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said: “The situation of our education sector is the reason we fly our children abroad to study.

“Have we asked ourselves why the children of the government officials take their children outside to study? it is because of the state of education here.

“Who would want to continue studying in a country where the educational system is not stable, where strike can take place at any time regardless of school being in session? How long are we going to continue like this?

“If things will get better in this country, a lot has to be done and changed.”

Uzochukwu, a student at the Federal University of Technology(FUTO), Owerri said: “The pandemic distorted the academic calendar, ASUU threatened recently to go on strike again because the government has not kept their own end of the deal.

“For how long will our government continue to turn a blind eye and act less concerned about education? Even if their children are studying abroad, how about us here?

“Truth is, they are gradually making students uninterested in the country’s education, let us improve the education sector, it is very necessary.

“I pray there will be an improvement in 2022.”

Three  Physics and Electronics students at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State  built a robotic dog as their final year project.They noted that the security situation of the country inspired the project. They graduated last week amid pomp and ceremony. BOLUWATIFE ADEDOKUN and EMMANUEL OLUWADOLA (AAUA) report.

When the trio of John Aiyegbeni, Stephen Adeyi and Charles Loiki gained admission into the Physics and Electronics Department of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), little did they know that they would write their names in the heart of all and sundry in the school with the robotic dog they created.   there hard work paid off. They came, they saw and they conquered. Having graduated last week,they are set for more conquests and exploits.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Aiyegbeni said he had the idea to build a robotic dog as a final year project in his first year. However, when the time came,he could not do it alone. His project supervisor told him to make it a joint project. This led to Adeyi and Loiki taking part in what became a successful project.

  How it all began

“When we came in as 100-level students, we saw something like this project. It did not have any feature; it just had the same structural semblance with this. It could not bark, move, see, nor do anything. From that moment, we set our eyes on that dog we saw in 2017. We had it in mind that we would come up with something better when we got to our final year.

“When we got to 300-level, preparing for our SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme), we were supervised by Mr. Jelili Adedeji. Fortunately, he supervised the three of us again and also supervised the 2017 hunt dog project. We gave him our topic and he approved  it. That was how we first started it in 2019. We started cutting out some components; then, we went to the scrapyard to get local materials like rubber. At first, we wanted to use plywood, but we discovered that plywood would make the weight too much for the dog. So, we improvised and used lighter aluminum. We made use of aluminum for the bones, leatherwool for the skin – to cover the body, and we used rubber for the tissue and the muscle. We also used actuators for the joints and the movements of the dog and sensors to give it some features and make the dog independent.

 

 Enter robotic dog

Aiyegbeni, the team leader, explained that the robotic dog has two major sensors, the sound sensor which helps it to pick up a sharp sound and the motion sensor which helps it to pick up movement or interference.

“We made use of some local materials and we also got some components from China through courier service. We made use of aluminum as the bone structure and a leather wool as the skin.

“The robotic dog has six  lithium batteries which are connected in series. Each of the battery has four volts. Also, there’s a sound system that has an inbuilt battery inside the dog which serves as the voice.  It barks when it detects danger at a certain distance.

Aiyegbeni noted that the project was inspired by insecurity in the country. He said the robotic dog could be controlled, adding that it uses activators to move.

His words: “We can interact with it in a certain way. As a normal dog barks, it barks also, but when a normal dog barks, and the owner is inside, the only way the owner can know or see why the dog is barking is by going outside to take a look which is somehow dangerous.

“But with this robotic dog, when it is  barking, the owner can just easily connect their device (phones) to the dog and everything outside will be displayed on their device. Unlike a real dog, this  can easily be interacted with it.”

On the knowledge gained from the project, he said it would prepare them for their future careers.

“Though it was just a project work, it’s a stepping stone for us. We  intend to continue with this and gain more knowledge. There is still room for improvement,” he said.

 

Challenges faced

Aiyegbeni said: “At the beginning, we intended to make it a robotic dog that could move around the compound. It will be programmed to move and bark when it senses an intruder, movement, or a sharp sound. But because of the challenge we faced with the activator, we had to settle for other materials which will make the dog sense danger in terms of sight and sounds.

Loiki explained that getting the project done was an herculean task as they sourced some components for the project from outside the country.

“I must say it was not easy, it was stressful. We had to order some materials from outside the country before we could proceed with the project. In the true sense, a robotic dog ought to be able to move around. The activator that is supposed to control the legs is sold for $500 each. We could not afford it.”

Adeyi said: “Most of the components we used, aside from the aluminum, were all shipped from outside the country, which took some months for them to be delivered. Along the way, some of them got spoilt. Truly, it was  not easy, but we thank God.”

 

Collaboration, team spirit worked

Loiki also noted that team spirit and cooperation worked wonders.

His words: “Sincerely,  the cooperation between my colleagues and I really worked. The encouragement from our project supervisor helped a lot. This is a stepping stone for us in our respective future careers.”

Buttressing Loiki, Aiyegbeni said: “One thing that worked for us was being open to one another. We played together, got serious and did all things together. We saw ourselves as equals. Even though we had some positions in the department that might have disrupted the vision of what we wanted to do, we did not allow those things to get in our way. Making decisions together made us united.”

For Adeyi, getting the project done was stressful, but in the long run, it was worthwhile.

“The project is a wonderful one, though stressful. This is the second version, the first version was done by our senior colleagues. We watched how it was done, ours is more advanced in terms of  structure and functions.

“We didn’t know it was going to trend like this. I will say it is God. When God wants to speak for someone, He will start from what we don’t expect,” he said.

  Financial support needed for advanced robotics studies

The trio appealed for financial support from the state and Federal Government as well as school management.

Loiki said: “We need financial support. We probably need to travel abroad and gain more experience concerning these things. Getting visa to travel and study abroad is not an easy task, it requires funds. If the school management, state government, and the Federal Government can help us, it will be good. I am very sure we can still do something better than this.”

On his part, Adeyi said: “We all know that in this life everything has to do with funds; but, apart from that, we still need more knowledge. We need people who can enlighten us more on these things. No one is an island of knowledge. If the government can help us with funds to study abroad – studying robotics and other courses related to our field, I think will be a plus for everyone of us.  Also, we want to affect lives positively with our knowledge.”

Aiyegbeni added: “I always tell my colleagues we need more equipment to do something greater than this. Not that we know it all, there is still so much knowledge to be acquired. I believe we have great potential,  this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is more work to be done, but we need support.”

The project supervisor, Mr. Jelili Adedeji, lauded the trio for their efforts. He, however, urged the government to be committed to funding research and boosting technology. “Let’s start to embrace our own things,” he said.

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has urged corps members to shun unethical practices and be dedicated  in their various places of primary assignment.

Bawa also advised  them to join the anti-graft war , adding that  youths were crucial  to finding  solution to corruption.

This was contained in a keynote address delivered on his behalf on Wednesday by the Head, Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission, Ayodele Babatunde, during the sensitisation lecture for 2021 Batch C corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.

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He urged the corps members to be worthy examples to others.

“Apart from the fact that the youth are considered as leaders of tomorrow, most economic crimes, especially cybercrimes are committed by young people. It therefore, follows that young people must not be mere spectators in the anti-graft campaign. Rather, they should actually be the foot soldiers leading the mass rout of corruption and economic crimes out of our land,” he said.

The EFCC  boss thanked the NYSC for giving the commission the opportunity to impact the corps members.

 

‘…take it or take leave it,  even if it comes  from the most revered of men, what is wrong is wrong’

Once upon a time, we lived in a sane society. We resided in an organised community that exhibited a high level of respect for each other.  Both gender showcased  a significant rate of modesty. Ladies dressed moderately, guys respected the opposite sex, ‘rape’ as a word was practically  not in vogue, ‘divorce’ was never a famous vocabulary, relationships thrived well, marriages were taken with utmost seriousness and just like the biblical Methuselah, lasted longer as expected. Human relationships were treated as being sacred. Indeed, it was the canonised era of yore.

However, a glimpse into the present day shows the exact opposite. We treate ourselves with little or no regard. Men treat ladies as a piece of  garbage and ladies see men as nonentities. We hold ourselves like a pinch of salt and with that, the once beautiful human relationship has become as ugly as the back of a duckling.

Almost every  Tom, Dick and Harry  know about the infamous phrase  “Sex-for-grade.” It is a regular occurrence in our higher institutions. It is mostly common  between male lecturers and female students. The prey, on the basis of weak academic performance is invited to either the lecturers’ office or some strategic places and the god-forsaken act is carried out. This is indeed uncalled for  and warrants urgent actions to abolish such.

Upon hearing for the first time, it is quite easy to castigate  male lecturers. However, upon deeper reasoning, we need to answer the question: Are all cases wholly the lecturers’ fault? Taking a critical look into our society, one latest thing easier to notice is the incessant rate of indecent dressing among ladies. Clad in skimpy wears and tight outfits, ladies reveal their natural endowment to others and this tend to cause an irresistible temptation to the opposite sex. One might argue the fact that since we are getting more civilised, everyone should be entitled to wear what he or she feels like. True. But a question to be answered is: What is the person that deliberately fries plantain in the midst of very famished people trying to achieve?

The human body system is programmed to naturally and automatically respond to happenings in its surrounding. Biology  terms it ‘irritability.’ A human that is pinched is expected to give a sharp cry, anyone who is slapped is expected to react and whoever does otherwise then should be suspected of a physiological aberration. The same applies to a female who indecently dresses and passes in front of a male. Ideally, in any physiologically-active man, a message is automatically sent to his brain and the concerned organs get agitated.

Have we ever sat and given the concept of  lesbianism  a deep thought? If a female can be romantically and sexually attracted to her fellow female as a result of the hyper exposure of her natural endowment and even nursing the ambition of having an irritating  ‘adventure’ that is ideally expected to happen between the opposite gender, why then should we blame the males if similar reaction occurs between them and the opposite gender?

One of the places where indecent dressings predominate is undoubtedly our higher institutions. Some females especially in faculties and departments without a spelt  out dress code showcase their wardrobe by wearing provocative dresses to lectures and tutorials which brings about the question: How do we think male lecturers are coping? Lecturing the same set of students for at least two years, how do we think they manage to control their physiological response to what they can’t prevent? Even, a well concealed item may witness an occasional disturbance by flies not to talk of an exposed commodity.

The fact we can’t deny is that we live not in an angelic land. We live in a secular state that permits freedom of  movement. Hence, solely blaming these male lecturers in all instances is indeed an injustice of the highest order.

Likewise, if asked what students enjoy the most on campus, the dominant response will surely be freedom. Higher institution is indeed a different world wherein a student has the sole drive to his own life. He attends lectures on his own will, attends parties, goes to anywhere he likes, may decide not to do the given assignments or even copy from others. The inevitable consequence of these activities in excess is undoubtedly an academic failure. As a child, females are more protected than males due to their nature and if left in a condition where they are free to do whatever they want to, there is a higher possibility of misusing the freedom.

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A female student who is punctual and serious with her classes is sure to realise her weakness in individual courses. With that, she can work extraordinarily hard on the difficult areas, attend tutorials, organise a study team or even involve a student that is versed  in such a course and as expected, she has a higher chance of passing such a course if not excellently. Let us now imagine a female student that misses classes, has no carry over in ‘party-ology’ and rarely attends  tutorials or group discussions, is grand failure not staring such in the face?  These are indeed the majority of female students that fall into the trap of these unscrupulous lecturers if we have to embrace the bitter truth.

Agreed, sometimes students put in their all into a particular course and the means may not eventually justify the end. One thing we however have to realise is that; deeply in our heart, whenever we finish an exam, we all to a  larger extent  know our stance on such a course. That’s why some students may go to the extent of calling for their scripts if the output shows no resemblance with their input. Such set of students can also involve the appropriate quarters if they smell something fishy between them and the lecturers which might have caused  the unexpected result.  A larger percentage of  female students that fall victim of these sex-for-grade of a thing are the ones that do not  take  their  academics with utmost seriousness and will be left with no other option than to be at the lecturers’ mercy.

Thus, it is germane  to examine the issue from the root and not the surface.

Also, romantic relationship between male lecturers and their female students is a norm in our higher institutions. Males by nature marry later than females, at least on an average. There have  been numerous cases of male lecturers eventually tying the knot with their female students. It has happened, it is happening and it will still happen. If the feeling is mutual and a high level of compatibility exists between the two parties, what then should hinder such from happening? But in a situation wherein an unhygienic and undefined relationship exist between a lecturer and a female student, whereby female students are always found in male lecturers’ staff clubs, offices, clubs etc whether for a ‘cold room experience’ or personal exploit, such a student is also liable to join the screaming team of ‘sex-for-grade’ victims if the lecturer is fair enough to mark her according to what she deserves.

Sad enough, if such  an issue exists between a male and a female, our society tends to listen more to the female than the male due to her emotional nature. But a female student who maintains her dignity, knows her boundaries, takes her academics  with all forms of seriousness, has nothing absurd or hidden to do with a male lecturer.

\,  i  of heaven will join the ones on earth to defend her.

 

Hence, the bottom line is, to a significant extent, our ladies also have a role to play on the issue.

To the other party likewise, one can never deny the fact that some male lecturers are highly unscrupulous. Right from their first encounter with some students, their dubious eyes have carved a niche for some female students, hence, they crave any  opportunity to be alone with such students. These set of lecturers are either  disloyal to their wives or  are pathetic bachelors who just want to tamper with the awesome  configuration of the targeted female students. They may start by being nice, inviting such a vulnerable student to their offices, gatherings, staff clubs,  give advice as regards their academics and life on campus etc. These may lead to the female students imposing a high level of trust in them and thus making it easier to achieve their deceptive plot.

Naturally feeble-minded female folk t inevitably fall into the bad lecturers’ trap and constantly be at their mercy.

Even though indecent dressing on the part of the female students may give rise to an inevitable attention, it is never a right for any male lecturer to unnecessarily use their power over the students. In a tempting setting like our higher institutions,  male lecturers especially the unscrupulous ones are supposed to activate a fasting mode. Whenever one is on a fast, no matter how tempting the situation is, so far it is not life-threatening, one should be disciplined enough till the fast is fit enough to be broken.

Female students, no matter what, are not sex toys or romantic dolls that should be toyed  with by lecturers. Irrelevant attachment after classes should be frowned at. Under no circumstance should  male lecturers be found having a shameful affair with the female students and strict measures should be taken whenever a suspicious act is observed.

 

Being elderly people who have seen the different colours of life, our male lecturers are expected to know better, hence be diplomatic in dealing with students, especially  females.

 

Finally, both parties have a contribution to the subject matter and if each party does what is required and the authorities make some vital rules that forbid  indecent acts, then, it will be goodbye to such seedy affair.

 

‘…for we have to accept it, even if it comes from the most revered of men, what is wrong is wrong’

 

 

 

 

Abdulwasiu Olokooba Omobolaji, a  400-Level student of the Faculty of Law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto(UDUS), has launched an online bookstore – Caliphate Law Bookstore.

It is the  first online platform that sells Law textbooks and other Law-related materials in the Sokoto-Kebbi-Zamfara axis.

Omobolaji noted that he wanted to ease the stress of students and others in getting quality Law materials and related items at affordable prices.

He also said he found that it was difficult for Law students to get relevant textbooks due to the unavailability of dedicated bookstores.

“I realised that there is no established Law bookstore in Sokoto-Kebbi-Zamfara axis and this was a big minus to Law students, legal researchers, Law lecturers and judges in this region.

“They buy books at exorbitant prices and most of the ones available in the market (particularly in Sokoto) are pirated.

“I launched this bookstore to bring Law books, Law reports, and other legal merchandise closer to residents of this region. It would now be easy for them to order any Law textbook or materials of their choice and get them delivered to their doorsteps at affordable prices,” he said.

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He  said he was happy the bookstore would  address challenges of finding quality law materials.

“We do not  only  sell Law books, we also sell suits, law reports, wigs and gowns. Our target is not only the law students, but lawyers, researchers, and any other person willing to buy,” he added.

Omobolaji also explained that his bookstore has PDFs and hard copies of the Law books.

“But since most of the Law books are hard copies, we mostly sell hard copies,” he said.

On how to reach people to buy,he said: “The main difficulty we have now is reaching our target audience because it’s not easy to convince people online.

“We promise to offer them better service, high-quality products; develop better branding and create a better user experience. We  have had many patronages among UDUS students for now, who have tested and confirmed our honesty.

“We are already contacting students from UNIMAID, too. I also  discovered they are facing the same problem of getting Law books,” he said.

However, some students from the Faculty of Law have expressed their satisfaction over the service rendered by the Caliphate Law Bookstore. They said its establishment had brought ease and affordability in the purchase of their materials.

Abdulmumin Musa lauded Omobolaji for prompt delivery of books and reliable service.

“I would love them to improve their online presence because people need to contact them from time to time,” he advised.

For Bilkis, she enjoyed every bit of the customer service rendered by the bookstore. She praised the founder for the initiative.

“The books I bought were just what I needed and they were the ones truly delivered to me,” she said.

PressPayNg, an education technology App created for the savings and loans of students in tertiary institutions was launched Monday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Through the App, students can access loans, savings, insurance, health services and holiday jobs.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PressPayNg, Mr. Abiola Metilelu, expressed concerns over the amount allocated to education in the nation’s budget and the rate of dropouts.

He said: “It is sad that education is only 5.6 per cent of Nigeria’s 2021 budget of N13.6 trillion and 7.9 per cent of the proposed budget of N16.3 trillion of the year 2022.

“The sad reality of today is that students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria are dropping out of school in their numbers, largely for financial reasons and inability to pay tuition. There is a gradual tertiary education backsliding in the country with the annual dropout rate currently at about 18 per cent.”

He said that the App would be introduced across various universities  including public and private universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and Colleges of Education.

The App was launched in partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, MetroHealth HMO, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and Sunu Health Nigeria.

It was also endorsed by the President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Sunday Asefon who expressed confidence that PressPayNg would not extort students.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, represented by the Sooko-Omoniyi of Ife Kingdom, Sooko Dr Ikemade Elugbaju promised  to partner with the organisation.

The Vice Chancellor , Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Prof Lucian Chukwu lauded the platform. “This scheme is here to stay,” he said, Metilelu , however urged  everyone to be part of the solution to the epidemic of dropouts in tertiary institutions.

“We must help flatten the curve of school dropout in Nigeria because if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem,” he said.

Uchenna Emelife, a final year student, writer and campus journalist at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has been selected as an  intern with  Isele Magazine  based in United States of America.

Uchenna, speaking with CAMPUS LIFE, acknowledged that he was excited and happy to be given the rare opportunity to work with the magazine.

“I feel proud and privileged and also pressured; this is unlike anything I have done before. I have interned with another digital magazine, Minority Africa but not as an editorial intern, I managed and scheduled programs. And now being offered a position to edit African Literary Voices is really such an honour and a task I  wouldn’t take lightly.

“Since its inception, Isele Magazine has published some of the finest contemporary African writers writing today and to be given an opportunity to edit their works, among other tasks I would be assigned online, is a big deal. So most of all, I’m truly honoured,” he said.

Isele Magazine was founded in July 2020, by Ukamaka Olisakwe, author of Ogadinma, a UNESCO-World Book Capital “Africa 39” honoree and a University of Iowa’s International Writing Program Fellow.

Emelife is the co-founder and creative director of Book O’clock. Book O’clock is a literary platform in Sokoto which hosts a literary blog, book clubs and a bookstore. It is a platform that aims at reviving the reading culture among young people and to also showcase and appreciate African art and its creators.

Emelife advised young people and personal development enthusiasts to learn to cultivate reading habit for  them to   be exceptional in their craft.

“Also, learn to maximise the digital and physical platforms at your disposal. You have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn account, who are you following? Who is following you? What is your content? These are opportunities for you to sell yourself and at the same time learn.

“I do not agree that opportunities are hard to find. I think if one can be very deliberate and intentional about improving oneself, one would see these opportunities.

“So being serious is very important. It helps connect you to favour. Recently, I got two job offers that I didn’t apply for. How? They saw my Facebook feed and felt they could work with me. So put yourself out there and be deliberate about it. Please cultivate a reading habit,” he said.

In another development, Vanguard Press, one of the most outstanding Press Boards in UDUS has  trained  new and intending members on how news writing.

The training which was held at Student Union Secretariat was facilitated by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Press, Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi.

During the training, Akanbi  explained what news entails and its key elements.

“A good news story must possesses six core things which are ‘five W’s and one H’ ( who, what, when, where, when and how),” he said.

The facilitator, however explained the structure of a news report which distinguishes it from other forms of writing. He explained a news  report follows  an inverted pyramid where the most important information comes first before other points.

He said: “The  first to note is the title, known as headline. In conventional journalism or newspaper, a headline should not be more than eleven words unless in  exceptional cases. It is in present tense and must be concise, specific, captivating and attractive for people not to ignore it.

“The next is the byline. Byline is the name of the writer in the news report. Then, the lead  comes in. The lead is known as the first paragraph and it must contains at least three W’s which are who, when and what.

“Then, other supporting information which contains the other two W’s and H then follows,” he said.

Akanbi also explained the role of a reporter in an event, which is to inform the general public on what is happening. He also stressed the importance of quotes in every news report.

The facilitator also advised members to always consult other news outlets for them to develop their writing skill.

 

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, is set to commence undergraduate programmes in Medicine, Biotechnology, Actuarial Science,  and Islamic Studies in the forthcoming 2021/ 2022 academic session.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor  Prof. Adamu Abu- Kasim during the institution’s maticulation ceremony which  held recently on campus.

He added that 24 other post graduate programmes would kick start that same session.

According to him,  over 4,700 applicants were offered admission for Regular Degree Programmes, 652 for part-time and 130  for long vacation training programmes.

The VC urged  matriculants to abide by  rules and regulations that govern the institution and  participate in lawful activities that would make them  to be adjudged worthy in character and learning.

Similarly, Dr  John Jiya and Sheik Nurudeen Lemu of Islamic Education admonished them to uphold righteousness and uprightness.

They both advised  the students to always support what is right and oppose what is wrong, urging them to demonstrate self control at all times.

Abu-Kasim explained that those offered admission were suitable, stating that they should count themselves among the luckiest who chose the institution as first choice.

Meanwhile,the National Universities Commission(NUC) accreditation team to the institution has lauded the university management for clearly defining the philosophy and objectives of its  programmes for accreditation.

Prof. Isola Rufus Akintoye,  leader of the team during an exit briefing of accreditation exercise of Transport Management and re-accreditation of Accounting and Public Administration,said  the programmes were excellently designed in terms of curriculum, hard and soft skills relevance, among others.

He, however,  called for more staff development and proper emolument for academic staff.

The Registrar,  Alhaji Musa Ango Abdullahi appreciated all the critical and incisive comments, adding that the school management accepts, and would adopt such observations made.

 

The Vice  Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Andy Egwunyenga, is, without doubt, one of the most-prepared Nigerians for such high office. Even as a child, he was outstanding among his colleagues and as he grew in different parts of the country, he imbibed different cultural traits of different people, thus giving him a broad national outlook which discourages ethnocentrism. He developed himself also by exposing himself to different aspects of administration, as Director, Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (ISLT), membership of Government and International Organisations, Chairman of ASUU DELSU and later, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku which he turned around within a short period.

Such background has been a great asset to him as he respects people based on their intrinsic qualities, rather than where they come from. Besides, being a staff in DELSU for about 30 years makes him quite familiar with the staff to the extent that he addresses almost every DELSU Senator by their names during Senate meetings. He is also conversant with the university environment and its problems, thus putting him in a position to articulate workable solutions to the issues that ‘plague’ the university and its host communities.

Given the above scenario, it was not surprising that as soon as he assumed the position of Vice-Chancellor two years ago (December 1, 2019), he hit the ground running. His six-point programme of building an effective and motivated work force, pursuit of innovation using ICT, strengthening faculties, departments and units, emphasis on welfare of students, improvement of revenue base and applying a new approach to university administration and governance has provided a compass for his administration.

Indeed, the above summarised in an effective and practical way, the roadmap he has designed for himself as the helmsman at DELSU. He realised the centrality of man power structure of the university and the welfare of students who are the reasons for the establishment of any university in the first place. First and foremost, he brought down the tension in the university by addressing many cases of injustice against staff and students by setting up committees which thoroughly and expeditiously addressed such issues, thus giving many justice and making them feel part of the system.

His belief in the committee system is well founded as an effective way of university administration. A university by definition, is universal, and houses the highest level manpower possible. But in an effort to personalise university governance, many administrators consign it to the background, and as such deprive the system the quality personnel it needs to run its affairs.

Egwunyenga believes that every  member of staff is useful and that by working together, a lot could be achieved in an atmosphere of healthy competition among them which encourages high productivity. His use of seniority and competence in the appointment of staff to various positions is being widely applauded, as staff contentment has improved considerably. In the same vein, he has reactivated the committee of Deans which is doing a great job in advising the university senate on crucial matters.

A thorough-bred academic, Prof. Egwunyenga from the outset of his administration, has emphasised the need to be innovative, using the opportunities of the ICT revolution. He has directed that all members of  staff should be registered with Google scholar to enhance the university visibility, since knowledge must be shared to be useful. Such step has indeed made the university more visible and also enhanced the university rankings. At the moment, the university is ranked 31st among Nigerian universities and eigth among state universities.

Embedded in his promise to evolve a new approach to university administration is transparent and prudent management of scarce resources, especially in the universities where funding is fragile at best. On assumption of office, he noticed the deficit in academic staff position and decided to do something about it—look inwards! He encouraged non-teaching staff with requisite qualifications who were interested in teaching to apply for conversion. All candidates were properly screened and those found worthy were converted to academic staff. Thereafter, an orientation programme was organised for them, along with the newly employed staff, totalling sixty five for the very first time in the university.

 

The Vice Chancellor, Augustine University, Ilara, Epe, Lagos, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, has said the country needs to develop a holistic educational system that will engender national development.

He also said the weakness in the current Nigerian educational system is not the fault of the students produced, but that the system is not making performance part of the measurement matrix for nation building.

He stated this during the third convocation ceremony of the university.

He added that Nigeria could no longer be delusional about her educational system, but to take urgent steps to redress the situation.

“The primary responsibility of all tertiary institutions is to develop a holistic education for national development. In furtherance of the above, AU has made grant-writing a condition precedent upon joining our faculty, while we also encourage collaborative and industry applicable research.

“Our research goal is to produce deliverables that our nation’s industries can tap into. Our government should be a government that challenges researchers considering the amount of funds our nation has expended on the educational sector since independence,” he said.

While appreciation numerous development partners for their support for the institution, Odetunde solicited further assistance,saying as the university grows, with more courses being approved by relevant authorities, there is need for more facilties.

He also called for the amendment of the law that set up the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, to accommodate and assist private institutions.

He said that it would also give encouragement to the promoters of such institutions.

The Visitor to the university, who is also the Archbishop and Metropolitan of the See of Lagos, Dr Adewale Martins, charged the graduands to be positive changes the country needs.

“In Nigeria, we contend with a lot of challenges such as insecurity, hunger, poverty among others. But you are the positive changes we need. Go out there and be that positive change. You must assess the future that is ahead of you and the question is what next? he said.

The Chancellor, Dr John Aniagwu, charged the graduating students to be ready to give back to the society.

He also admonished them not to lose contact with one another, saying they must stay in touch.

The Convocation lecturer, Mr Edward Okpa, who spoke on the topic: “Attaining your dreams: What is your PhD”, said passion, hard work and dedication were important to making it in life.

The best graduating student, Alinna Kingsley Obinna of the Department of Philosophy, while presenting the valedictorian speech, thanked the management of the school and the Catholic Church for their efforts at setting the students on the path of sound education and moral values.