The Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, (FUOYE) has approved an insurance package of N3.1 million at N125,000 each for 25 students to enable them complete their programmes.
The students are those unable to continue with their education as a result of the death of their parents or guardians.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Dosu Malomo, said the scheme would take care of the students’ tuition and other need.
He said over 100 students had benefited from the scheme since it was set up.
Malomo noted that the N125,000 was to the students continue with their education in the university.
He said: “The students who benefitted from the scheme expressed their gratitude to the university’s management team for making their dreams a reality, notwithstanding their financial constraints.
“They thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina and his team for showing support towards their education.
“They prayed that God will bless their children too and make them achieve the best in their future endeavours.”
Malomo, who unveiled the scheme, said the insurance package was introduced as a special policy to cater for students who suddenly lost their parents or guardians responsible for funding their education.
“Students will on submission of relevant documents, be screened for the claims of about N125, 000 each. The funds are sourced from the premium of N1, 000 paid by all students each session.
“The criteria for qualifying for the package include earlier payment of the N1,000 premium along with school fees, losing a parent or guardian or the parent or guardian becoming fatally injured to a state of permanent disability,” he said.
Meanwhile, staff members of FUOYE have also hailed the vice chancellor for approving a proposal for special consideration for their biological children to get admissions into the university’s academic programmes.
The University of Lagos(UNILAG) has conducted online examinations for 100- and 200-Level students. However, whether the students are satisfied is another issue as they have expressed mixed feelings, reports EMMANUEL OCHAYI (UNILAG).
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, many schools have been left with no option than e-learning. University of Lagos (UNILAG) was among the universities that conducted lectures test online.
A platform, the Learning Management System (LMS), was created for the online lectures for five to six weeks, where lecturers dropped their materials for students to read, while some lecturers created opportunities for further teaching using the Zoom App or the Google Meets.
Nevertheless, the school authority announced late February that year one and year two students would have their examinations virtually, using the WebTest application. The management noted that it would be strictly monitored by the school electronic team.
The online examinations started on March 22, with General Studies (GST).The departmental examinations kicked off on March 29.
When the online examinations ended on April 9, some students were disappointed because of hitches encountered, while some were satisfied with the conduct, but called for an improvement. Some of the issues were poor network connection, being logged out during the exam, and inability to log in to continue, among others. Those who could not log in to continue had their exams rescheduled.
A 200-Level student of the Department of Psychology, Folagbade Segun, complained of being logged out during the examination. He added that his examination had been rescheduled because of the hitch.
He said: “I was logged out during the exam and could not log in till the end of the exam. I already complained and they promised to look into it . It has been rescheduled for another day. I cannot really grade the general success of the examinations now. When results are out,I would be able to do that. However, the concept of online testing is nice.”
For Fatuga John, a 200-Level student of Electrical Electronics, the online examinations should be discontinued. He noted that the time allotted for the examinations was not enough.
“I do not think the online examinations should be continued. The time allocated for the courses was not enough for me. All the courses had a time limit of one hour or less. There were log in issues also as a result of network errors,” he said.
But Abraham Adekunle Adejare, a 200-Level student of English, does not want online examinations scrapped. He urged authorities in the institution to work on improving the server.
He said: “The online class has come to stay and improving it is better than scrapping it. The area I seek improvement is the server. However, with what I know, all the hitches occurred because of poor network. However, the university should just hold occasional seminars enlighten students on the workings of the computer system.”
For Aroyehun Johnson, a 100-Level student, the conduct of the exam was fair. He, however, hopes the school improves by providing access to gadgets like laptops and internet connection.
“ I think the conduct of the exam was fair, although I never experienced network difficulty but some of my colleagues complained about it. If there should be any improvement, I think it should be in the area of accessing laptops or desktops as well as internet connection by the school authority. The public are aware of the private universities in the country but opt for public ones for different reasons. Besides private universities do not have access to government grants and other benefits unlike the public universities. That should make public universities capable of providing what is needed,” he said.
Ogunleke Adebayo Sharon, a 100-Level student of the Department of Science and Technology Education, wants the exams cancelled because of high cost of data. He added that the exams went well for him.
“Though the examination went well for me, I do not think it should be continued subsequently. This is as a result of high cost of data in online learning and testing. Then, we have no idea of the new courses that we would be registering next. It is tough when students bear the cost of data,” he said.
Ewenla Tomiwa Joseph, a 200-Level student of Business Administration, said: “There were lots of lapses encountered by students like network issues, server not loading the questions, time factor, among others. Nevertheless, management should look into all the issues because somehow some students have been psychologically affected.”
Abe Taiwo, a 200-Level student, said:
“I missed two exams; I was logged out due to bad network. I hope they improve for a better conduct of the examination next time. The ways they can improve include getting good web developers for the site, provision of enough data for students and provision of materials such as laptops etc.”
A 200-level student of English Education, who refused to be named, said the examination was not really bad, but there were issues concerning the setting of the questions, connection issues and the time frame.
She said: “The UNILAG online exam was not that bad, just the challenge of network connections and other issues. Also, the way the questions are set are not okay; a question per page, it causes tension before it loads to another page, consuming students’ time and data. They could have also given students enough time to work. We hope they improve next time.”
A 100-Level student of Human Kinetics Education who preferred anonymity, said: “The conduct of the examination generally was fair on my path. I cannot really say the exam was a success or a failure. I hope for a better conduct next time and improvement in subsequent exams.”
Olajuwon Owokoniran, a 200-Level student said: “The exam was nearly itch-free; there’s room for improvement. Compared to numerous complaints on the Learning Management System, I can say the UNILAG exam was a 90% success, as there were minimal complaints; 5 per cent of the glitch can be traced to the students, not the site—not all the students are computer literate. I could not type on the chat box; they needed to resolve that. The questions per page should be more than one, at least, three questions; this will save a handful of data.”
However, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Research, Prof. Oluwole Familoni, noted that the examinations were a success and the school would build on it.
He said: “We can attest to 80 per cent success of the exam, and that majority of the complaints by students were personal problems like that of the logging in and out of during the exams. The questions were in a Cloud, so they start showing once a student logs in. The only genuine challenge from students are those with issues of course code, mostly by the carry over students. This was due to the change in course codes. Thus,preventing them from writing the exam. Proper arrangement has been made to reschedule the exams. More than 90 per cent of the students took part in the General Studies (GST) exam,and it proved to be a success.”
He continued: “The revenue spent on the examination was internally generated and the request from the government has not been granted. It would have been better if the government had supported. The setting of the exam was also important, invigilators were stationed online to monitor students either through phone calls, email or popping up questions on the screen of your exam for you to type in what they had asked you. I strongly applaud the cooperation of the lecturers and members of staff.”
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneur Development (CIED) of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) has trained students of the institution on plumbing.
The entrepreneurship training which took place at the Institute of Technology and Innovation Minna, Niger State, was aimed at exposing the students to basics of plumbing and pipe fitting.
CIED coordinator Dr. Abubakar Gud ugi urged the participants to utilise the workshop to become self-reliant.
He stressed the importance of the training, noting that securing employment after graduation was difficult.
One of the participants, Ibrahim Mohammed, said it was an interesting experience. He noted that many aspects of plumbing were taught.
“We were taught how to channel water from a reservoir and how to fix a bathtub and other bathroom materials,” he said.
Another student from Arabic Department, Mikhail Zulqanaini, said the training gave him the opportunity to acquire new skills.
After the training, certificates were awarded to participants from various departments.
The Lagos State University Students’ Union(LASUSU) has intensified efforts in securing the release of Kehinde Olowa, a 300-Level Accounting student who was kidnapped, Friday last week.
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the incident occurred when Kehinde and his younger brother, Segun, and three others were returning to Lagos from Warri in Delta State.
They were attacked by unknown gunmen along the Benin-Ore Expressway.
In a statement, the LASUSU said it had contacted security personnel in the state to quicken the release of the victim.
“The 30th LASUSU Students’ Executive Council have swung into action. Immediately we received this information, we got in touch with the investigation team and investigation has commenced as regards the situation.
“Afterwards, we contacted the Director of SSS, Lagos State axis and also contacted the police headquarters and lodged our complaint. We have been assured that they would discharge their duties diligently.
“We use this medium to assure the students of Lagos State University of our contribution and cooperation in bringing Kehinde Olowa back home, safe and sound,” the union added.
Recalling how the incident happened, the victim’s younger brother Segun said the abductors shot at the car conveying them and they managed to escape except Kehinde.
“They shot at the car, at the front seat where I was seating. Everyone but Kehinde managed to escape,”he said.
The victim’s brother also said the abductors had called to demand a N10 million ransom.
The National Association of Eastern Obolo Students (NAOES), Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic chapter, has elected new leaders.
Wilcox Timothy, a 100-Level HND Electrical Engineering student, is president and Dike Aboh, vice-president.
Others are Chilotan Agunanne, general secretary; Sarah Iyokassa, assistant general secretary; Gift Ekenekot, treasurer; David Ntene, director of sports.
The inauguration was attended by the Chairman, Eastern Obolo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Abraham Odion, who was represented by one of his media aides, Comr. Sam Ibok.
In his acceptance speech, Wilcox said his administration would be innovative.
Odion advised the new executives to be just and transparent in discharging duties. He warned them to shun vices and take their studies seriously.
Stress is the feeling of pressure or worry when there’s a problem or issue going on in a person’s life, it’s emotional or physical tension as the thought of the problems at hand makes one nervous, agitated or frustrated. It’s mostly how our body deals with the challenge. So, it is not out of place to say academic pressure causes stress to students
Lectures to attend, friends to catch up with, books and handouts to buy and read, assignments to submit, tests to prepare for, exams to look forward to. The list is endless. Those are the order of a student’s life. But not all students are fully equipped mentally to go through stress. Unfortunately, academic overloads, inadequate time to study, workload, exams, low motivation and high family expectations really drive stress among students. However, fear of failure has been identified as the major source of stress among undergraduates and this leads to frustration which causes depression. Stress can have both positive and negative consequences if not well managed.
For those that can manage it well; they end up being knowledgeable on how to work under stress beyond the school walls. But for those who cannot, they give in to drugs and alcohol and most likely fall into the clutches of depression. This affects them mentally and pushes some into suicide.
Many researchers in the field of Behavioural Science have carried out extensive research on stress and its consequences and concluded that the subject needed more concentrations. However, it is important that students learn and obtain the essential knowledge and skills in to make them contribute positively to the development of the nation from different aspects. Yet while trying to learn , they encounter many problems which increase their stress levels. Thus, learning becomes difficult.
According to research, the frequency of depression, anxiety and stress undergraduates was found to be 75, 88.4 and 84.4 per cent respectively. The findings of the study showed the prevalence of depression within the range of normal (25%), mild (16%), moderate (35.8%), severe (14.6%) and extremely severe (8.6%).However, there is need for early detection and management of stress among students.
High degree of stress could have negative impact on students’ learning capacity, academic performance, education and employment attainment, sleep quality and quantity, physical health and mental health. Increasing students’ stress-management skills and abilities is quite important.
The physical symptoms of stress include low energy, headaches (migraines most likely),chest pain or rapid heartbeat, stomach upset, high blood pressure , difficult breathing, insomnia, frequent cold among others. Behavioural symptoms of stress include: change in eating habits, either not eating or eating too much, procrastination and avoiding responsibilities, increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes, exhibiting nervous behaviour such as nail biting, and pacing. Psychological and emotional signs of stress: depression or anxiety, anger, irritability, or restlessness, feeling overwhelmed, lack of motivation, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, constant worry, lack of concentration, making bad decisions and others.
Specialists have proved that there are some steps that can be taken to cope with stress.The main point is finding time to relax, out of a busy schedule, eating good food,exercising the body,listening to music,among others.
Above all; there is always a reason to be stressed out either in school, or out of school. According to an expert: “Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.” So no matter how difficult it is to manage the stress, being able to overcome will definitely help in building you up for the future stress overload.
Adeshina is a 100-Level student of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) became the first institution to get a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in the country last week.This has generated excitement among students and members of the university community, reports ABDULWAHEED SOFIULLAHI (UDUS).
These are exciting times in Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, (UDUS).
The National Automotive Design and Development Council(NADDC), on last Thursday inaugurated Nigeria’s first Electric Vehicle Charging Station in the institution.
The NADDC collaborated with the university on the pilot project.
NADDC Director-General Jelani Aliyu said the project was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to building sustainable technology.
“This is the beginning of a new era for Nigeria as it marks the realisation of government’s desire to build sustainable technology in the country.
“Moreover, our vision and mission at NADDC is not just to enable the production of vehicles in Nigeria but also producing the best and most-advanced technology vehicles.
“Today, we have inaugurated the first 100 per cent solar energy powered charging station in Nigeria. The reason for choosing Sokoto for the pilot project is the harsh weather.
“However, such weather has become a blessing for us as we can power our homes, offices and even utilise it for industrial consumption,” he said.
Aliyu also said the NADDC was partnering three universities — UDUS, University of Lagos, UNILAG, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), with the hope of advancing research in renewable energy
“With the current development, Nigeria can power her economy exclusively with renewable energy and, by the time that is achieved, the challenges of power would become history in the country,” he added.
He said it was an avenue for the institutions to utilise the best in research to enable them come up with more-advanced technologies in the automotive industry.
The Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, described the inauguration as a landmark for the institution, Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
Bilbis, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ibrahim Magawata, assured that the university would continue to collaborate with NADDC.
“We are hoping that the collaboration will usher in favourable results to enable Nigerians, even in remote villages, to rely on the gift of nature for energy,” he said.
The Dean Students’ Affairs, (UDUS), Prof. Aminu Mode, said the management was delighted on the latest development in the institution.
•The charging station
“The management is happy about this new development on campus. As we know in Sokoto State, the sun can make solar powered vehicles charge faster and stronger. And we believe as time goes on, the institution would keep advancing and developing among the comity of tertiary institutions in the country,” he said.
Oluwasheun Joseph Hassan, an official of (NADDC) working at the new station, explained the charging process and how the vehicles work to students.
He said: ” When these vehicles are fully charged, they can travel as far as 480km, that is really amazing. If you are to travel from Sokoto to Lagos, a distance of more than 1000km, then the batteries must be charged three times for long hours.
“We drove the cars from Abuja to Sokoto, the movement was okay. They were faster compared to other cars. The vehicles do not use fuel, engine oil. There is no need to change oil because it is purely electric. We did not come with a spare tyre because the tyres are durable. At present, we use solar to charge them. If it is compulsory to charge it while embarking on a long journey, we can use a wire to charge the car. Other branches will soon be launched in Lagos and Nsukka.”
Students celebrate UDUS
Abdurrahman Adamu, a 300-Level student of Chemistry, expressed delight about the new development in the school.
‘’I am excited to witness this first solar powered electric vehicle charging station, being the first station in Nigeria. It is a blessing for the entire students. I am glad because today’s experience is incredible. It is a lifetime experience even seeing the electric cars in operation,” he said.
Umar Hammad Yero, a 300-Level student of Adult Education, said: ‘’Here in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto is a big development for us, something that has never happened before in Nigeria. Some people might think this would first happen in the South, but we’re happy that it was launched in the North. Those vehicles are fit to be used as private cars if one can bear the costs.”
Adekanbi Mariam Olawumi, a 300-Level student of Chemistry Education, said the charging station would pave way for more development in the university.
“The station beautifies the school; the campus looks more attractive than before. It has also brought honour to our varsity and state. What really surprised me about the vehicles is that; everything is electric. It is a great development for UDUS. If solar-powered vehicles like these ones are produced for students, they would get to campus on time for lectures and all,” she said.
Wahab Afolabi, a 200-Level student of Computer Science, noted that with the latest development, students’ horizon would become broadened.
“We’ve created history in Usmanu Danfodiyo University and I’m so excited about it. In Nigeria, the first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station was launched here. It is a remarkable achievement and pride for the university. This new development would broaden the horizon of students,” he said.
Soliu Ridwanullah, a 200-Level student of Public Administration, expressed his satisfaction over the development, stating that it would add to the prestige of the university.
“This new development is pleasing. UDUS would be envied by other institutions across the country,” he said.
Maryam Raji, a 400-Level student of Mathematics Education, said: ‘’This experience is amazing and I am happy that this was first launched in my school; marking the first of its kind in Nigeria. I commend the efforts of those behind the initiative and congratulate the management and all students.”
Another student, Soliu Habeebullahi, said: “Being a student of this university, I am so happy to see the first electric vehicle charging station in Nigeria launched here. Actually, this school is known as an ancient school that has produced different people who are now the pride of this country. The likes of Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and INEC Chairman Mallam Yakubu, among others.”
Ekehuan Campus of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was neglected for many years by successive administrations in the institution. However, the story has changed as the campus has witnessed a transformation, reports IFUNANYA OSAKWE (UNIBEN).
The Ekehuan Campus of the University of Benin was the first campus of the institution in Edo State when it was founded in 1970. From the Ekehuan campus, it moved to Ugbowo Campus, which is the permanent site.
As a result of this movement, the Ekehuan Campus, which houses the Mass Communication Department, Fine Art Department, Theatre Arts Department, Early Childhood Education Department and Public Administration Department suffered neglect for many years. The classrooms and hostels were not what they used to be.
There were incessant protest over lack of light and water by students in Ekehuan campus. Often the protests were said to have achieved very little result as promises to enhance welfare were unfulfilled. On many occasions, students were reported to have killed snakes in the hostels and its environs.
Former Head of Department of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Comfort Obaje, in a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, listed some challenges the campus was facing when the current VC assumed office.
She noted that the Department of Mass Communication had lost some key facilities that aided lecturers in effective teaching and research.
Nevertheless, the administration of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lillian Salami, has put measures in place to address issues facing the campus. Now members of the staff and students have cause to smile.
Prof Salami has made her impact felt not only on the Ugbowo campus but the once neglected Ekehuan campus.
Hostels in Ekehuan have been renovated. The lack of electricity and scarcity of water now belong to the past. The environment now wears a new look.
The Head of the Department (HOD), Mass Communication, Dr. Festus Olise lauded the VC for transforming Ekehuan Campus and UNIBEN at large.
He said: “Madam Vice Chancellor is the magic mother of the moment, who makes the impossible possible through her developmental strides.
“The institution has been greatly transformed to meet up with its name and prestige that it had been known for.
“In fact, everyone in Ekehuan and Ugbowo campuses must be very impressed with the Vice Chancellor. Amid scarce resources, the Vice Chancellor has gone ahead to transform Ekehuan Campus in less than two years into her administration.
“For instance, one of the nagging problems students and staff complained about, which was irregular or no power supply, had been resolved by her. Today, Ekehuan Campus boasts of almost 24 hours power supply.
“Furthermore, I make bold to say that she has given Ekehuan Campus a face-lift,” he said.
He also noted that gone were the days when classrooms were not enough to accommodate everyone, adding that the problem had been remedied. He also said two new lecture halls had been built on the campus to ensure students learnt under conducive atmosphere.
“These halls have the capacity to contain 500 students and it is a great relief to the students and staff,” he said.
Olise said the reviving and repositioning of the students’ Work Study Programme had brought relief to students.
“This programme is designed to assist indigent students in UNIBEN by giving them the opportunity to work while studying to provide extra income for themselves.
•Front gate of the campus
“Students in the programme are meant to work on part-time basis to balance their studies as well as earn money. To me, the repositioning of this programme clearly shows that the institution is well grounded, just like what we have in universities in developed countries where learning and earning are practised simultaneously. For instance, such is practised in the University of Northumbria, United Kingdom,” he said.
Adepoju Oluwatosin, a 400-Level student expressed happiness at the changes on the campus.
According to him, there are a lot of changes and the students are delighted.
“The campus really had a new look when we came. Quite conducive than I ever experienced in my few years of staying here on campus.
“It appears all the cleaners and other staff that should see to the welfare of students are now taking their jobs quite seriously unlike in the past.
“This is a good development and we are happy about it. Also, the issue of lack of water and light has been worked on.
“We are grateful to the VC for also giving us two large lecture theatres. It will go a long way to ease the overcrowding we experience during lectures,” he said.
For Omoregie Sylvester, a 300-Level Mass Communication student, the lecture theatre allotted to the Mass Communication Department was expected as it has the largest student population on campus.
“The allocation of the lecture theatre was expected because in terms of numbers, Mass Communication has the highest number of students on campus and, of course, it deserves the hall.
“Ekehuan Campus although is trying in the aspect of cleanliness but that is when it comes to around the school environment. However, when it gets to inside the classes, It is nothing to write home about.
“As regards light and water, there is marked improvement. Though these amenities are what we should enjoy normally, it is still a great relief to the students in the Ekehuan Campus because we all know what we faced because of lack of light and water for years.
“However, we hope for more good things to come and we thank the VC for keeping true to her promises,” he said.
Another student who preferred anonymity said: “Ekehuan Campus has always been seen as a glorified secondary school because of its unattractive look and old buildings. But I do not think that people will see it that way again.
“The environment now looks clean and even the hostels are looking tidy too. It has come as a great relief because this has been one of the reasons students do not stay in the hostel on campus.
“Also, the water issue has been resolved. At least, since I resumed, there has never been a day when I did not see water running from the tap. There is also constant electricity.
Another student of Mass Communication Department, Okiemuta Rukevwe, said authorities in the institution were committed to the welfare of staff and students.
Rukevwe described the Study Work Programme as a great initiative.
She said: “Look at the Student Work Study Programme that is ongoing. This is a great initiative and it will help those students who are unable to fund their education. This is a commendable effort on the part of the school management.”
Depression is a kind of mental disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in living. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people normally experience.
Most life events, such as loss of a job or death of a person or even loss of income, can cause depression. However, doctors only consider feelings of grief to be a part of depression if they persist.
Depression is an ongoing problem, not a passing one and it’s highly treatable. It mostly consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for at least two weeks or more. Depression could last for several weeks, months, or years and could lead to suicidal thoughts if not taken care of accordingly.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Kenya is not the only African country struggling with high rates of suicide. In Nigeria and Ivory Coast, the figures are way higher than in most European countries, the US or China, with more than 15 suicide cases per 100,000 inhabitants yearly.
Depression is one among the leading causes of disability globally. More than 35 per cent of African women are suffering from depression and 90 per cent have no access to mental health treatment.
Most people don’t even know what mental health is all about. Little data exists on rates of depression and its correlates specifically among older adults in Africa. Among older populations in Western countries, one to three per cent of the elderly suffer major depression, while eight to 16 per cent has clinically significant depressive symptoms.
Some don’t even know about depressive symptoms. In Africa, particularly Nigeria, we don’t even care about our mental health.
And when someone starts going into depression, the least they can turn to is suicide. They see it as a means of escape.
In the country, financial constraints and marital conflicts are the precipitating factors.
According to Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, suicide is a punishable offence in Nigeria. It comes with a prison sentence of one year.
All in all, Nigeria still ranks fifth in suicide rate in the world. Youth suicide is also becoming rampant. Factors and risks contributing to youth suicide are academic pressure, alcohol consumption, the loss of a valued relationship, frequent change of residency and poor family patterns.
Many trying and difficult situations can make a teen consider suicide.The same emotional states that make adults vulnerable to considering suicide also apply to adolescents. Those with good support networks example among family and peers, or extracurricular sport, social, or religious associations are likely to have an outlet to help them deal with their feelings. Others without such networks are more susceptible during their emotional changes, and may feel that they are all alone in times of trouble and that they have no one to stand by them.
Even aside from what we call “the normal pressures of teenage life”, specific circumstances can contribute to an adolescent’s consideration of suicide. It is especially difficult when adolescents are confronted with problems that are out of their control or even beyond their emotional and mental comprehension , such as moving to a different community, physical or sexual abuse, emotional neglect exposure to domestic violence, among others.
Suicidal thoughts or tendencies don’t just appear out of the blue, people usually display a number of warning signs when things seem to go wrong in their lives. Because adolescence is such a turbulent time, it may be difficult to distinguish the signs that lead to suicide from the changing, sometimes uncertain but normal behaviour of teens.
However, parents should make sure that they watch their children to notice any form of behavioural change and take prompt action.
When depression sets in, either online therapy or traditional therapy will be a great option for getting things back to normal. Youths need the necessary support to fight depression. Above all, everyone should focus on mental health to curb suicide.
Adah is a 300-Level Law student of University of Calabar.
Kidnapping has taken another dimension, particularly in the Northwest and the Northcentral regions of the country. Bandits are on the prowl.
Unfortunately, school children have also been victims of unending abductions. Chibok and Dapchi girls’ story that gave rise to #BringBackOurGirls protests didn’t just stop there, the nightmare has continued with a series of school abductions in Kaduna and Niger. Kankara and Kagara boys, Zamfara school girls to, perhaps, last one that took place at Kaduna College.
Statistics shows that from December 2020 till date, more than 600 students from various institutions across the Northeast had been abducted.
About 279 students were abducted from Jangebe in Zamfara State, and an estimated 27 students, including staff from Government Science College, Kagara.
Also, nine students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and another 30 students of the Federal College of Forestry, Kaduna State were kidnapped.
Kidnapping is in vogue.
With the shocking statistics of out-of-school children, education is being threatened if nothing is done to address the issue.
Payment of ransom won’t solve the problem. Security personnel need heavy weapons like the bandits.
It’s high time a state of emergency was declared in the education sector. Government at all levels should put effective measures in place to stem the tide of abductions.
We need to know what government is putting in place to safeguard lives and properties in our institutions. The capture of students further makes people believe they are no longer safe in schools.
Niger State has a fair share of school attacks/abductions. Though it’s yet to witness any attack on its higher institutions, the state government should tighten the noose on abductors.
The school management, local government council and the state government are urged to provide adequate security for students to ensure learning is unhindered.
Police, civil defence and the army need to be deployed to our institutions of learning as it will likely help in scaring away bandits and other criminal elements.
Abaga is a 400-Level Mass Communication student of IBBUL, Niger State.
