The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Pantami, Ndace mentor young communicators on artificial intelligence, professionalism

    Pantami, Ndace mentor young communicators on artificial intelligence, professionalism

    Participants of the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship have concluded high-level institutional tours, featuring intensive mentorship sessions with former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace.

    The engagements in Abuja focused on media ethics, professionalism, artificial intelligence, national security, and the future of communication practice, strengthening the Fellowship’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for young media talents. The tours were led by Dahiru Lawal, PRNigeria Centre’s Head of Special Projects, and Zekeri Laruba, the Fellowship Coordinator.

    Receiving the cohort, Pantami underscored the importance of structured mentorship, describing it as the fastest route for young professionals to acquire wisdom that ordinarily takes decades to gather. He noted that no successful person is self-made, stressing that individuals grow faster when guided by those who have walked the path before them.

    Pantami, who outlined the qualities in today’s media practice, including curiosity, objectivity, accuracy, fairness, integrity, and strong research skills, cautioned against compromising ethical standards for favours, financial rewards or political influence. Acknowledging AI as a helpful verification tool, he insists the technology cannot replace primary data gathering, ethical judgment, or intuition.

    The professor of cybersecurity encouraged the fellows to continuously upskill, reskill, and cross-skill, adding that modern communicators must be multidisciplinary to remain competitive. He believes Nigeria’s security challenges can be tackled more effectively through technology-driven intelligence and professional conduct within security agencies.

    In his mentorship session, VON DG Jibrin Ndace urged the fellows to take their professional paths seriously and appreciate the access and influence that journalism and public relations provide. Warning against misinformation, he advised them to deepen their knowledge about the country and avoid sharing unverified content as media credibility depends on accuracy, restraint, and responsibility.

    Ndace emphasised the importance of human relationships, social intelligence, and self-development, adding that mentorship opens doors to opportunities, recommendations, and even mercy in critical moments. He commended Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) for its commitment to grooming young communication professionals, describing them as a representation of the nation’s potential.

    During the enlightening visit, the fellows toured several Voice of Nigeria facilities, including the newsroom, digital media department, and control room, gaining a firsthand understanding of global broadcasting operations.

    The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is a career-building programme for graduates aged 20 to 30 who are passionate about journalism, public relations, and digital communication. Organised by the IMPR, publishers of PRNigeria and other titles, the fellowship runs across Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin.

    It focuses on strategic communication, public relations, journalism, fact-checking, social media management, and the application of AI in modern journalism. The programme blends lectures, workshops with industry leaders, hands-on training, and media excursions to provide a comprehensive and practical learning experience.

  • UNILAG Alumni give scholarship to students, donate computers

    UNILAG Alumni give scholarship to students, donate computers

    By Sanusi Opeyemi

    The 1991 alumni set of the Department of Computer Science, now part of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos, has awarded  scholarships to four outstanding students and donated 10 desktop computers to the faculty.

    The scholarship is intended to cover the 2025/2026 obligatory fees for the students.

    The beneficiaries include, Olorunda, Elijah Kolawole – Year 2 – CGPA: 4.62;  Ezekiel, Chihumnanya Beloved – Year 3 – CGPA: 5.00; Jefferson, Anu John Chukwuka – Year 4 – CGPA: 3.95 and Martins-Idowu, Funke – Year 5 – CGPA: 3.45.

    The scholarship and donation ceremony held  last Thursday at Lab 203 in the Computer Science Building.

    The alumni set was represented at the event by Mr. Abdul-Lateef Odusanya, Mr. Gbenga Senbore, and Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike, a lecturer at the faculty.

    Odusanya, who encouraged students to be relentless in their pursuit of excellence, explained the competitive nature of the process that led to the selection of the awardees. He also thanked  a fellow alumnus who contributed to the initiative, including Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike, Mr. Gbenga Senbore, Mr. Bode Adediran, Mr. Lekan Dada, and Mr. Tosin Onanuga, among others.

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    On  the department’s transformation into a full-fledged faculty since his graduation in 1996, Senbore expressed delight in the  progress made.

    He urged students to take their education seriously, adding that they should explore free learning platforms and acquire new skills each semester.

    “It’s never too late to take your life serious. It is what you know, what skills you have that will work for you. They are what you will use in life,” he said.

    The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Philip Adewole, and Head of the Department, Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo, thanked the alumni for their unwavering support.

    Adewole hailed the group for their consistent generosity since the initiative began in 2024. He assured the donors that the scholarships and equipment would be used judiciously. The occasion also featured  group photographs, formal presentation of the desktop computers, and a vote of thanks delivered by Sennaike.

  • Shun deviant behaviour, LASUED VC tells students

    Shun deviant behaviour, LASUED VC tells students

    By Temitayo Seidu

    Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Otto Ijanikin, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis  Lafiaji-Okuneye has urged the new 5000 students of the institution to shun deviant behaviours capable of affecting their academic career.

    She spoke at  the matriculation ceremony for new full- time degree and diploma students on the main campus in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos.

    The VC  urged the students to be disciplined, refrain from illicit drugs, cultism and other vice.

    She said: “Let me reiterate here that the university has zero tolerance for drugs, cultism, gay, lesbianism, rape or any acts of violence.

    “ Be curious. Be disciplined. Be resilient. Embrace our blended learning model. Engage your lecturers.

    She urged them not to take the “rare” opportunity for granted, adding that they were part of a privileged cohort of  the over 5000 students that were admitted  out of the over 15,000 candidates that applied for admissions this session.

    “Look around you. You have been chosen because we see in you the spark of our own ambition. Do not take this rare opportunity for granted,” she added.

    She said the university is poised  to be a globally competitive and highly sought-after institution.

    “While older universities may rest on their history, we are busy making history. How do we prove this? We prove it with results.

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    “In less than four years, LASUED presented 66 of its academic programmes to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    “The result, a historic 100 percent full accreditation. This is not just statistics; it is a national validation of our standards, our faculty, and our strategic vision.

    “It is the deliberate outcome of a strategic compass, our “A.C.H.I.E.V.E” agenda: Academic Culture; Community Relations; Human Capacity Development; Infrastructural Development; Entrepreneurship; Valuable Research; and Excellence in Professionalism,”she said.

    She pledged the university’s support towards helping them achieve their dreams through a conducive and supportive environment.

    “This university is a place of boundless opportunity, but it demands your best. Your matriculation oath today is a solemn promise of diligence, integrity, and excellence,” she added.

  • 75 per cent lack mental health treatment, says expert

    75 per cent lack mental health treatment, says expert

    By Kunle Gbadebo

    The Senior Vice President, Market Access at Advantage Health Africa (Advantages Network Holdings Ltd), Parm. Adewale Oladigbolu has said nearly one billion people, globally, live with mental health conditions, adding that 75 percent receive no treatment.

    Oladigbolu  delivered  the 8th Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture, at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba. It had the theme:“Mental Health in a Disruptive Economy: The Impact of Community Pharmacists.”

    The lecture was organised by  the Office of Advancement, UNILAG and the Board of Trustees of the Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture in Pharmacy. Oladigbolu said it was imperative  to ensure that pharmacists are fully involved in addressing mental health in the nation.

    He sought an effective partnership between academics and community pharmacists to improve mental health training, and enhance medicine quality monitoring.

    According to him, there should be a stronger national response to mental health issues, prioritising community pharmacists and expanding access to quality healthcare.

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    He said  though community pharmacies receive an estimated 280,000 visitors daily, about 500 Local Government Areas had  no access to such facilities. The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Folasade Ogunsola, described the lecture series as one of UNILAG’s key contributions to improving healthcare. He pledged the university’s continued support for research and advocacy on mental health.

    Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Oluwole Familoni and the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Sunday Adesegun, urged community pharmacists to become  more accessible and responsive to citizens.

    Mrs. Laide Sasegbon, who  represented  the Executors of the donor’s Will assured that  the family would continue to support  initiatives that strengthen healthcare and empower communities.

    The event featured the presentation of the 2025 Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture in Pharmacy Best Award Grant to Dr. Chidalu Benedicta Ikeotuonye of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She got  a cheque of N2.5 million for her research: “Development and In-Vitro Evaluation of Intranasal Lipid-Based Nanoemulsions of Curcumin and Huperzine A for Synergistic Neuroprotection in Early-Stage Alzheimer’s.”

    The Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun-Afodu Annual Lecture in Pharmacy was instituted by the  late Chief Frederica Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele in honour of her father.

  • Institute makes case for transport education, others

    Institute makes case for transport education, others

    By Abike Sanusi

    The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA) has underscored the need to collaborate with  transport unions to deepen transport education and training in the country.

    It said it would improve productivity, operational efficiency, effectiveness, and professional ethics. 

    CIoTA also sought  a multimodal integration of transport systems connecting road, rail, air, maritime, and inland waterways to boost efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and position Nigeria in global supply chains for it to maximise the AfCFTA regime.

    This and many more formed the crux of the institute’s communique at the 7th National Transport Conference (NTC), 2025, which had the theme: “Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness.” It was held in Abuja.

    While presenting the communique signed by the institute’s President/Chairman of Governing Council, Dr Segun Ochuko Obayendo, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, who co-sigmed the communique, stressed the importance of multimodal integration for an effective transport system.

    The don noted that CIoTA should collaborate with the government to ensure public enlightenment and the effective implementation of the National Land Transport Policy, and the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, thereby enhancing and modernising the country’s transportation system. 

    His words: “The conference resolved that there is a need to collaborate with the transport unions to deepen transport education and training in Nigeria, thereby improving productivity, operational efficiency, effectiveness, and professional ethics. 

    “It  noted that only three states, Lagos, Kano and Kaduna, have a State Transport Policy and therefore call on others to develop their policies to guide the development of the sector. It is expected that they will align their policy with the national framework.

    The conference resolved  that there is a need for the CIoTA and the government to collaborate to strengthen the implementation of Public-Private Partnership strategies for transport infrastructure development and sustainability.”

    Odewumi said it was agreed that there is a need for the government to establish a Road Transport Management Authority to plan and manage the orderly development of the mode, which is responsible for more than 90 percent  of the sector’s mobility needs.

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    “There is a need for improvements in the linkage of port infrastructure and the national rail network to enhance port efficiency and put the Inland Dry Ports to maximum use. Implement a deliberate policy to activate the use of the Eastern ports, thereby reducing congestion in the Western ports, improving ship turnaround time and cargo dwell time, and making the Nigerian ports more attractive to shippers.

    “The government should streamline the issuance of driver’s licences and strengthen driver education and training institutions in Nigeria, especially by encouraging states to establish driver training institutes to enhance the overall safety and security of Nigerian roads.  

    “CIoTA reiterates its commitment to support the governments, private sector, and all other stakeholders in the planning and development of transport infrastructure in the country.

    CIoTA is ready and willing to assist with developing the transport policy for the government at all levels through its special-purpose consultancy outfit, well-suited to the drafting,” it said.

    The institute added that the vision behind the National Land Transport Policy is to deliver for the nation an organised, efficient, competitive, integrated, private sector-driven, safe, secure and sustainable world-class Land Transportation System that will meet the needs of a growing economy and the people.

  • UNN VC: 100 days of renewal at varsity

    UNN VC: 100 days of renewal at varsity

    By Damian Eze

    When Prof. Simon Ortuanya took oath of office on August 11 as 16th Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the institution stood at a crossroads. Years of infrastructural decline, policy drift, weakened governance, and frayed community relations had pushed the university to the edge of institutional fatigue. One hundred days later, the story has changed dramatically.

    Though the vice chancellor marked no special ceremony on November 19, insisting on “quiet reflection and stock-taking,” the period has produced achievements more often associated with more than a full year in office. His early steps, taken with what many staff describe as “purposeful urgency,” set the tone for a bold revival.

    His first charge was rebuilding the physical heart of the campus. In his first week, Ortuanya toured facilities and launched an aggressive infrastructure recovery programme. Major internal roads like Elias Avenue, Zik’s Drive, Chitis/Alumni Road, Main Gate Road, and VC Office Road, were rehabilitated. The moribund UNN Filling Station, dormant for decades, now operates again with four installed pumps. Renovation of student hostels is on, while foundations for three hostel blocks will soon be laid.

    The Senate Building, stuck at the piling stage for years, has roared back to life. Construction has resumed, with the 10-storey structure at foundation stage. VC’s Lodge has been restored, and a dedicated mini-power grid earmarked exclusively for the library.

    The vice chancellor is also revamping the academics and research capacity of the institution. Determined to restore UNN’s academic edge, Ortuanya established two centres in his first 100 days. These are the Michael Okpara Centre for Leadership, to strengthen leadership and character development training, and Electric Vehicle Development Centre, signalling the university’s emergence in technological research.

    Meanwhile, staff and student welfare never escaped his attention. One of his earliest directives was completion of outstanding staff evaluations and promotions. Hundreds of workers in junior and senior cadres have been elevated to their proper ranks from the stagnation they had endured for years.

    Housing and student accommodation challenges prompted creation of a Housing and Accommodation Directorate, dedicated to addressing the university’s residential problems. Community relations have also been strengthened through a Community Relations Directorate for Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla campuses.

    For students, the reactivation of suspended union activities has restored internal democracy and campus vibrancy. Before the new administration, the university struggled under weak governance frameworks. Ortuanya established robust policy structures for Public-Private Partnership, Communications, Research and Update, ICT, and Whistleblowing. Each has a standing committee to ensure operational ease and compliance.

    On security, he worked hard to have a change of narrative on campus security by overhauling their operations beginning with appointment of a new campus security chief.

    This was followed by a staff audit, and procurement of modern equipment, including patrol motorcycles showcased during a high-level UNN Security Summit.

    Then, there is his campaign to reposition UNN globally under its Global Engagement and Institutional Visibility Initiatives. To these ends, the university hosted a delegation from Swedish Embassy to explore academic cooperation, with several programmes set for rollout next year.

    In Canada, Ortuanya met the President of University of Waterloo, Prof. Vivek Goel, leading to an MoU covering interdisciplinary research, cooperative education, and institutional capacity building.

    Between 19 and 25 October 2025, he led a delegation to Taiwan, engaging with leading institutions including National Chengchi University, Ming Chuan University, Tamkang University, Taiwan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, and the Taiwan African Business Association.

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    Indeed the Vice Chancellor has not relented these past one hundred years in pursuing his dreams for the university. His persistent engagement with TETFund, where he personally visited repeatedly for weeks, yielded approvals, procurement clearances, and mobilization for key projects.

    Some of these projects that would soon be built are: a faculty block for the College of Medicine, Ituku-Ozalla; a 40-room hostel for Nursing students; a 40-room hostel for Pharmacy students; a laboratory building that would be fully equipped and furnished; complete supply and installation of laboratory equipment for the College of Medicine.

    Observers have described Ortuanya’s first 100 days as a demonstration of what determined leadership can achieve. His approach, driven by passion, innovation, courage, and deliberate reform, has rekindled institutional confidence and redirected the University of Nigeria toward the global relevance it once enjoyed.

    For the premier university, long in search of a renaissance, the Ortuanya administration’s first 100 days signal not just progress, but possibility. And as the VC himself insists, this is “only the beginning of the beginning.”

  • ABSU: How lecturer’s office was razed after exam

    ABSU: How lecturer’s office was razed after exam

    Tension, disbelief, and outrage have gripped the campus of Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu, following the shocking destruction of a lecturer’s office in what many suspect to be an explosive act of retaliation over a difficult Physics examination, CALEB OKECHUKWU(ABSU) reports

    When the office of a senior lecturer, Dr Okezuonu Patrick Chinedu, was set ablaze in the early hours of a Sunday morning, not a few expressed shock and disbelief. It was barely 24 hours after 100-Level students sat for the much-feared Physics 104 examination. The fire is suspected to be a case of arson, carried out by persons who remain unidentified.

    The Incident

    Eyewitnesses on campus reported seeing thick smoke emanating from the Science Faculty building at dawn. Staff, students, and the university’s security personnel responded swiftly, managing to contain the fire before it spread to adjacent offices. Nonetheless, the damage was substantial. Years of academic work; exam scripts, research files, office equipment, and personal belongings, were lost in the blaze.

    Although no one has claimed responsibility, student conversations and internal whispers suggest that the burning may be connected to dissatisfaction over the Physics 104 exam written just hours earlier. The course is infamous among first-year students for its complexity. As one student put it: “People cry after writing Physics 104.”

    But this year’s anguish has clearly gone beyond tears.

    Silence from the University and Lecturer

    Many expected an official statement from the university authorities in the wake of the incident, but none has been issued so far. According to sources close to the administration, the matter is being quietly investigated, likely to avoid panic, or bad press.

    The lecturer, Dr Okezuonu, has also refrained from public commentary. However, his response came in an unexpected form: the Physics 104 exam was rescheduled for Friday, November 21. This decision was posted without explanation, fueling further confusion and frustration among students who now have to prepare all over again.

    A History of Tough Exams

    This isn’t the first time students have struggled with Okezuonu’s classes. Among students, especially in science and medical departments, he has a reputation for setting notoriously tough questions. This reputation is not just based on hearsay, the numbers back it up.

    Several members of the current 200-Level had previously failed the course and are now rewriting it with the 100-Levels.

    One of them, Adaugo Paul, a 200-Level Medicine and Surgery student, didn’t mince words: “It’s very frustrating. Who else would go and burn a lecturer’s office if not the 100-Level students? We 200-Level students already have a lot going on, including MB exams to prepare for. Now I have to re-write Physics 104 again, wasting time and energy I should use for other things.”

    She added: “I’m not saying we deserve to fail, but it’s hard to believe the number of students carrying this course year after year is just about merit. Something is wrong.”

    Students’ Perspectives

    The sentiment is similar among many. For some, the burning feels like a desperate act triggered by academic frustration. For others, it’s simply unfathomable.

    Kingsley Osuala, a 100-Level Medical Laboratory Science student who hails from Kano and hasn’t traveled home since the session began eight months ago, expressed the exhaustion many fresh undergraduates are experiencing. “I planned to go home last weekend. Now I’ll have to stay an extra week because of this rescheduled exam. It’s frustrating and surprising. My experiences here in ABSU –and the Southeast in general– have been nothing short of eye-opening, sometimes in ways I didn’t expect.”

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    Despite his concerns, Kingsley acknowledges that the lecturer was strict but fair. “I didn’t expect anyone to do this. It’s just an exam, though a tough one. This whole situation… it feels very wrong,” he said.

    Measures to Forestall a Repeat

    In response to the situation, the university’s security department has quietly increased patrols. Some buildings now close earlier, and staff have been encouraged to secure sensitive materials off-campus or in safer locations. Top administrators have also approached student leaders, urging them to promote peace and discourage any form of retaliation.

    Who’s Responsible?

    While all fingers point to the 100-Level students, the truth is far from clear. No names or groups have been officially implicated. But should the culprits be found, they risk expulsion, and possibly criminal prosecution.

    The larger question, however, remains: what drives students to such extremes? Is it simply examination stress, or a deeper discontent with the academic environment?

    A Campus Under Pressure

    The incident has sparked discussions about student welfare, academic expectations, and mental health support. ABSU, like many Nigerian universities, operates under systemic pressures – overloaded curriculum, underfunded departments, and rigid lecturer-student dynamics. In such spaces, resentment and desperation often simmer below the surface.

    While arson is never justifiable, it could be seen as a tragic symptom of discontent that has long gone unaddressed. Many now wonder: if dissatisfaction continues without dialogue, what might future eruptions look like?

    As the university community processes this shocking incident, one thing is clear: something must change. Whether through improved communication, support systems, or academic reforms, ABSU must use this as a turning point.

    The blackened walls of Okezuonu’s office stands not just as a testament to destruction, but as a call for reflection, intervention, and healing. Will the university answer that call, or will the embers of frustration continue to glow in silence?

    For now, students like Adaugo and Kingsley will keep pressing forward, preparing for their rescheduled exam and hoping that the incident never happens again.

  • Bamidele: hands-on learning, problem-solving skills vital

    Bamidele: hands-on learning, problem-solving skills vital

    The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has said Nigeria’s education system must shift away from theory-heavy learning to hands-on, problem-solving and market-ready skills.

    “The factories of the future will not be built by paper qualifications alone,” he said. “They will be driven by creativity, technical competence and the ability to use digital tools to solve real problems.”

    He described the  country’s median age of 17 years as “a national opportunity waiting to be harnessed.”

    The Senate Majority Leader on Tuesday delivered the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)  convocation lecture: “Entrepreneurship Development in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for Job Creation”.

    He emphasised the importance of the digital economy, saying it remained one of the most viable pathways for addressing unemployment and transforming the national economy.

    According to him, Nigeria’s ICT sector already contributes about 19 per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product(GDP) while tech startups continue to attract significant foreign investment, especially in fintech, logistics, and digital services.

     “Technology is flattening the world,” he said. “A young developer in Yaba can build a product for the global market.”

    Bamidele identified fintech, remote work, blockchain, artificial intelligence, creative industries, agritech and digital commerce as sectors with the highest potential for youth-driven job creation.

    He sought nationwide adoption of digital literacy programmes and curriculum restructuring from primary to tertiary levels to reflect present realities.

    “Modern economies are cutting down costs through automation and artificial intelligence. The future belongs to those who can innovate, adapt and solve problems using technology, “ he said.

    He said Nigeria’s education system must move from theory-heavy learning to hands-on, problem-solving and market-ready skills.

    “The factories of the future will not be built by paper qualifications alone. They will be driven by creativity, technical competence and the ability to use digital tools to solve real problems,” he added.

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    He urged government at all levels to strengthen broadband infrastructure, invest in digital hubs, simplify regulations for startups, and introduce innovation sandboxes that would reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs. He also sought  special funding windows for women-led and rural technology enterprises, which he described as critical for inclusive national development.

    The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, highlighted a number of institution-wide digital initiatives, including a National Skills Resource Centre, a technology-driven innovation complex, and a phased solar-powered smart-campus project aimed at reducing energy costs and improving learning outcomes.

     He said the developments were part of a broader plan to reposition YABATECH for global competitiveness in line with the Federal Government’s STI goals.

    He said the college was expanding its digital footprint and developing new curricula aligned with artificial intelligence, robotics, smart manufacturing, mechatronics, digital media production and green energy technologies.

    Abdul added that the institution had also launched new mentorship programmes linking students with industry experts in banking, telecoms, creative industries and digital startups.

  • LASUSTECH lost two students, mgt clarifies

    LASUSTECH lost two students, mgt clarifies

    By Sanusi Opeyemi

    Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos, has  announced the  death of two of its  students in a fatal motor accident that occurred in the morning of Saturday, 8th November 2025 in Ikorodu.

    In a statement, the institution dismissed reports circulating in the media that the three persons who  lost their lives in the incident were students of the university.

    It confirmed that only two of the deceased persons were students of the institution.

    The school said they were, Oluwaseyitan Afolabi Emmanuel, a newly admitted 200-Level  direct entry male student in the Department of Banking and Finance, College of Applied Social Sciences and Ayomide Jagun, a 300-Level  female student in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology.

    It added that no  other LASUSTECH students were involved, and none are receiving care in any hospital to the best of its knowledge.

    The statement read: “The Vice Chancellor has taken charge of this unfortunate incident to lead the university’s response in providing care and support to those affected.

    He has contacted the General Hospital Ikorodu and the Divisional Police Officer of Shagamu Divisional Police Station. Furthermore he has been in close contact with the Dean of Student Affairs, Director of Health Services, the Heads of the affected Departments, the Deans of the respective Colleges, giving directives to support the bereaved families.

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    This has started immediately. The Students Representative Council has also been involved in the process.

    “In addition, the university is reaching out directly to the parents and guardians of the deceased to provide support and ensure necessary arrangements are made for a befitting burial.

    ‘The Vice Chancellor extends our deepest condolences to the families of the departed, the entire student body, staff, and all stakeholders of LASUSTECH.

    “We are devastated by this irreparable loss. These young lives, full of promises and potentials, have been cut short in the most cruel circumstances. Our hearts ache with the families and the university community. We pray that our beloved students rest in peace and that God will grant the families the fortitude to cope with the irreparable losses.”

    According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident was caused by an unregistered truck loaded with sand, that suffered brake failure, leading to multiple vehicle collisions, injuries and loss of lives.

  • ‘How I became best student despite challenges’

    ‘How I became best student despite challenges’

    26-year-old Busari Roqeebat, a Radiography student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), details how she navigated the rough road to glory. WONDERFUL ADEGOKE (UDUS) reports.

    My early days

    I’m from Oyo West LGA. I graduated from secondary school and began chasing my dream of being a medical doctor in 2014 when I sat for my first Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    However, things didn’t go as planned. I sat for UTME three times: to study at University of Ilorin once and Obafemi Awolowo University twice, respectively. It was very demoralising.

    Fortunately, my parents were very keen on giving me the best education. Their support kept me going.

    After my many failed attempts at Human Medicine, I decided to explore paramedical courses. During my research, Radiography stood out to me: it is a profession with depth, relevance, and a bright future. 

    Luckily, when I sat for UTME in 2018, I scored 276 and was given admission to study Radiography at  Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

    Motivation

    At first, my parents were a bit hesitant about me studying at UDUS because they didn’t know much about the school. It was actually my cousin who had graduated from the School of Medical Laboratory Sciences there, who convinced them of the quality of education and opportunities available. His experience reassured them, and once I started and they saw how much I was learning and growing, they became fully supportive and proud.

    Resolution after  admission

    Concerning my resolution, entering into UDUS, I really wasn’t expecting anything much. Since the degree is unclassified, my aim was just to pass and move to the next class.

    Changes along the line

    Shortly after our Anatomy and Physiology results were released in 200-Level, I became more attracted to not only patient interaction, but also the precise and powerful imaging that guides our accurate medical decisions. That shift built my resolve.

    My academic journey

    Being a student of the Department of Radiography is no joke, to be sincere. II wasn’t at any point in time easy. The department as a whole has high academic standards and demanding coursework. I had days I must complete a series of assignments, read for tests, attend lectures and prepare myself for presentations; all in one day.

    Limited access to  practical aspects

    Initially, I expected the programme to be more focused on practicals. During my time, some facilities were lacking, which made it challenging to get the level of hands-on training I had imagined. For example, I had imagined getting hands-on with those beautiful MRI machines early on. But when I began to take MRI Physics, I was surprised as the complex theory behind it and honestly, not nearly as appealing as the machine itself.

    How I  pulled through

    The academic part of the Radiography programme  is intense. I often say I earned mine with blood, sweat, and tears. One major strategy that worked for me was starting early, especially with bulky courses, just to get familiar with the concepts before things got overwhelming. I made it a habit not to wait until exams were approaching before I started reading.

    My reading pattern

    I maintained my grades through a consistent study routine. For difficult courses, I broke the topics into smaller bits. And if something remained unclear, I always approached my senior colleagues for guidance. Planning ahead and knowing how to set my priorities right also gave me an edge.

    Challenges

    There were tough courses, strict marking schemes, and moments of self-doubt. I had to learn to stay disciplined even when results weren’t as high as I expected. Financially, it was not always easy either. There were times I had to budget tightly, look for small ways to support myself, and rely on family or friends for help.

    Support system on campus

    Besides being a two-time winner of the 4YouthByYouth (4YBY) HIV contest which focused on primary healthcare innovation, in 2023, I was awarded a  scholarship, which recognised academic excellence and potential.

    Beyond their financial support, I earned several certifications. These include the Hultz Prize Calabar Impact Summit (USA), Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network recognition (Nigeria), and the 4YouthByYouth Certificate of Commendation. They all served as a source of motivation for me, pushing me to strive for academic excellence.

    Between first class in private varsities and  public

    I’d rather say that making a first class, regardless of the type of school, is not an easy task. Although the academic workload requires focus, consistency, and genuine interest, it’s been highly rewarding. I’m glad to have been part of the process because I believe that if you can survive the academic journey in UDUS, there’s hardly anything in life that you cannot overcome.

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    Extracurricular activities

    Aside academics, I was involved in student politics. I served as the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Radiography Students in 2023. During my tenure, one of my biggest achievements was organizing a successful event at the National level titled: “Ethics of Radiography; Comparing the UK to Nigeria.” I brought together a practising radiographer from the UK and another from Nigeria to share insights on the differences in radiographic practice, professional standards, and ethical expectations in both countries.

    Future aspirations

    I plan to complete my internship, and start building a strong career in Radiography. I am also looking forward to training and international opportunities. Further studies and personal development are definitely on my list too.

    Yes, I plan to specialise in radiotherapy. In 5-10 years, I see myself as a highly skilled Radiotherapist, possibly with advanced certifications or Master’s degree.

    Advice to students

    Take your journey seriously. Stay consistent, ask questions, and build good relationships with your mates and lecturers. Plan ahead and prioritize. Start reading early, don’t wait until exams are around the corner.