Category: Campus Life

Students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, staged a protest last week following a hike in school fees and other dues. However, authorities at the institution rescinded the decision much to the relief of the students,report ELIZABETH MORDI, DUMKENEOLISE OSAKWE and GRACE NDUKWE (DELTAPOLY).

Relief  came  the way of the students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku last Wednesday following the decision of the school management to reverse the hike in school fees.The students had taken to the streets to protest the newly introduced Microsoft Certification Programme fee of N8,000 added to their tuition.

This followed the protest staged by the students that same day  at the polytechnic gate.

The Students Union Government (SUG) President, Thompson Ofunne, told CAMPUSLIFE  that the school leadership  suspended the extra fee after serious negotiation in an emergency meeting.

“We have come to an agreement with the school management and the Microsoft Certification Programme fee has been suspended until further notice,’’ he said.

Students jubilant

Students of the institution were delighted following the  decision of school authorities to rescind the hike.

Moments after  the protest,the Rector, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, announced  the decision of the leadership to suspend the hike in school fees, throwing the entire institution into jubilation.

Nneka Chiazor, Financial Secretary of the Association of Mass Communication Students in the institution, said  the rector chose to reverse the fee because she was moved by the plight of the majority of the students.

She said: “I feel very happy that the authorities decided to listen to the voice of the students because many of them are striving to make ends meet.Our Rector Prof. Chiemeke rescinded the earlier decision because she is a mother; she understands the plight of the students. From all indications, she was not happy with the whole development from the word go. She pleaded  with the Governing Council to reconsider their position in the interest of the students.”

A National Diploma 1 student, Mass Communication Department, Jonathan Moses, also expressed gratitude to  school authorities.

“I feel elated because many of us are facing numerous challenges at the moment. Not all students would have been able to afford the new rate. I thank all the students that came out to protest against the increment.

” You can see the joy being expressed by all the students. We are very happy about the decision to revert to the old school fees. The reduction would allow the students to take care of other needs. It could have resulted in some students dropping out of school.

“I would also advise  school authorities to remove other levies that the students are being subjected to in these trying times. For instance, how can we be compelled to pay N4,500 for COVID-19, when we are not being given hand sanitisers, face masks or buckets of water to wash our hands when entering the school? The authorities should know that we are students and that we are trying against all odds to acquire knowledge, so what we need is encouragement,” he said.

Another student who simply gave his name  as Tega said:

“If we failed to act at this point, the authorities would  continue  to take us for granted. Thus, we decided to rise and fight for our right.  The first hike was in the cost of transportation, then the so-called COVID-19 dues.”

A ND 2  student of the Department of Public Administration , Mark Ojimoufo  lauded the management  for suspending the additional N8,000 for Microsoft Certification Programme.

He  thanked the school management for listening to the voice of the students and taking measures to appease them.

“We are happy that the management were able to immediately come to terms with the SUG and suspend the Microsoft Certification Programme fee.

“We believe that this would go a long way in boosting the morale of the students to study more and also reduce the burden on our parents,” he said.

Mordi Onyebuchi,  an ND 1 student of the Department of Mass Communication, while praising the school management, also pleaded with them to do more in the areas of school dues.

“The school management has really tried by taking immediate action to suspend the Microsoft Certification Programme fee ; but I believe it can still do more.

“Our school dues should be reduced to allow for quick and easy payment. We the new ND1 students have to pay up to N20,000 just for school dues and this is after paying school fee of N52,000.

“The school management should look into this and take appropriate measures to lessen the burden on our parents,” she said.

Another student of Mass Communication Okechukwu Famous said that the immediate suspension of the Microsoft Certification Programme fee shows that the school management actually cares about the students.

“We have heard about protests in other schools whereby the demands of the students were not met and in some cases, the instigators of the protest were even suspended.

“But our Rector has proved her leadership acumen by listening to the voice of the students and responding immediately by suspending the additional fee,”he said.

An HND 2 student of the Department of Mass Communication, Jude Chukwunwike called on the school management to always try to carry the SUG along while making decisions in order to avoid dissatisfaction.

According to him, the protest was as a result of the school management keeping the SUG out of the picture when making the decision to add to school fees.

He urged the school management to work hand in hand with the SUG to prevent dissatisfaction and promote peace in the school.

Nkechi Jennifer Uzoka,  an HND 1 Public Administration student, said she felt relieved when the school authorities reverted to the old school fees. She said: “Nowadays paying our school fees and other expenses are  already becoming a big burden to our parents, so increasing the fees will increase the burden. As a non-indigene, I was supposed to be paying N63,000. When N8,000 was added to the fees, it came to N71,000, which is a huge amount of money.

“As I said, it would have increased the burden for my parents, I feel very, very relieved and okay. I thank the rector for giving us a listening ear. I also thank the Student Union Government (SUG) . Students of DSPG should also be praised  for coming out in their numbers to protest the increment in the school fees.”

Uzoka believes nevertheless that the victory may be short-lived, as the authorities may decide to increase the fees in the not too distant future.

She said: “I feel this would happen again because the economy may further nose-dive next session and the school authorities would have no other alternative but increase the school fees again. I pray it doesn’t happen anyway.’’

Agha-Okoro Maryann,  an ND 2 student of Chemistry, said she did not expect the authorities to rescind the decision and so it was a pleasant surprise for her. She said the student body deserves commendation for speaking loud and clear with one voice.

She added: “I don’t think they would have changed their minds, if we had not come out in large numbers to protest, almost immediately the announcement was made. So, I am very, glad the additional fee was removed at the end of the day.

“The school fees was initially N20,000 and later N30,000. But today, it is above N50,000. I hope we don’t experience an increase again in the nearest future.”

By Sunday Aderintoye, MAPOLY

Acting Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, has warned students to stop boarding  motorcycles (okada) following the death of Adebola Ashaolu, a Mass Communication student.

Odedeji gave the warning on Monday  at the Department of Mass Communication, when the management of the department and the students mourned the  late Ashaolu.

The deceased was coming back from church, recently, when she was hit by a driver along Japo Adigbe area of Abeokuta.

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that bike conveying her was hit by a vehicle allegedly driven by a Yahoo boy.

Eyewitnesses noted that she died after being rejected by a nearby hospital as a result of multiple injuries.

Dr Odedeji told students to stop boarding motorcycles, noting that most riders were incompetent.

He said: “Little patience can save lives.Your life is more important than the five minutes you can’t wait to take a taxi, stop boarding okada because most of them are not competent and they are under several influences when riding.

“We will surely get to the root of the matter, I have spoken to the Chief Justice of Ogun State about this and he promised to get justice. I urge you all to be calm and continue praying for the institution.”

The Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Funmi Alakija, urged students of the department to be strong, adding that death was  inevitable.

“I know it’s not easy but you all just have to be strong, death is inevitable and we should continue to pray that we should not experience untimely death again,” she said.

Some friends of the deceased described her as a brilliant and straight forward person.

Mariam Olapade, an  HND2 Mass Communication  student, said:  “Ashaolu was nice, brilliant and open minded. She didn’t tolerate insults and disrespect no matter your status.

“She had her clique. They’re united and known for their brilliance. Last time I saw her was Tuesday last week, when we were discussing issues regarding HND 1 and HND 2 students. May her soul rest in peace.”

Also, another student, Risquot Badmus, described Ashaolu’s death as disheartening and painful.

“It’s so terrible and disheartening. I left my house immediately they called me to where her friends were. It was hard to believe,” she said.

By Taofeek Ayangbemi, LASU

An Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos , Olurotimi Coker, has urged the Federal Government to address incessant abduction of students in the country. He noted abducted students were at a risk of psychological trauma.

In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, he noted the psychological trauma caused by the abduction would extend not only to the close and distant family members of the abductees but gradually to other citizens .

He noted that upon release, the students may experience repeated intrusive thoughts such as flashbacks about the abduction. He said some of the abductees may also relive the traumatic experience which may also make them to be tensed up and frightened.

He said: “The impact of being abducted or kidnapped and taken hostage is akin to that of being exposed to similar physical and psychological emotional trauma for children as well as adults. The psychological effects include impairment of some faculties of the brain such as reduced attention, concentration, memory and rapid judgment on difficult tasks. The affectation of the brain may lead to disorientation and confusion. There may be symptoms of acute stress disorder which may be followed by posttraumatic stress disorder weeks, months and sometimes years after experiencing the abduction.

“Some of the abductees may develop some signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder such as feeling numb, worrying excessively, sweating profusely and the general feeling as if one is losing sanity or going crazy. In the same vein, some may even experience signs and symptoms of depression such as repeated low moods, loss of interest in pleasurable activities and the constant experience of being fatigued. In the absence of psychological intervention, these signs of depression may become worse and some of the abductees may start to experience hallucinations and delusion which can lead to feelings of excessive guilt, helplessness and hopelessness which may make some of them to contemplate suicide, while some may even attempt suicide.”

Coker said some  of them may experience denial about the abduction, believing that the whole incident was a joke or theatre; while some will experience anger emotions against the authorities of the school, the state and Federal Government for not giving them adequate protection.

He continued:” All the above-mentioned signs and symptoms may affect the social health and lives of victims.

“The victims may withdraw into themselves by trying to avoid social events, especially those that may remind them of the incident. The  period of the captivity may make some of them to develop learned helplessness. They do not have hope of surviving the period of abduction which would make them to behave like walking corpses.”

Apart from experiencing some psychological distress, some of the victims will also develop certain physical ailments such as bruises, lacerations, malaria and typhoid fever, diarrhea and constipation.

 

By AJAO HANNAH OMOWUMI

It is  known that those that had lived and are living in Nigeria are always active, smart, and intelligent. Although things are hard in the country, people still try to make themselves happy by visiting recreational places, attending concerts and chatting on social media where issues are being discussed.

Stress, financial and family issues, unemployment, bad educational system, having to live from paycheck to paycheck and many others, can’t be avoided. But surviving it all is always the order of the day among citizens. In doing that, they need to be smart about happenings around them. There is a constant struggle for self improvement , done at  all costs  irrespective of moral implications.

Surviving is always at the top of the game during day-to- day activities and it’s being practised by all Nigerians right from childhood to adolescent and then adulthood. When a mother shares cake among her six children, the smartest one will take the biggest part in the blink of an eye, then others will also have it in mind to take the biggest part next time.  They all know that one needs to be smart and fast in doing that.

Education is seen as a means to a better life. No wonder it is the dream of every family to send children to school to acquire knowledge that will  make them live well. Today, getting  education is not a problem, but the certificate determines  the salary and type of job.

Unfortunately, the number of graduates outnumber the number of available jobs. Even those offered employment would prefer to stay at home because the pay is poor.To get a job in Nigeria now,one needs to be connected. This also  applies to  gaining admission into tertiary institutions.

In  business as well, the buyer and seller need to be smart in their respective dealings because the seller will want to increase the price of goods and the buyer will want to reduce it to his or her advantage.

Surviving in a Federal Public University is not  a child’s play.Students struggle most times to survive. Other times, it’s tuition fees, course materials, textbooks, paying several impromptu registration fees, accommodation fee, transportation expenses and other miscellaneous expenses. Some students tell their  parents  to send them more than enough allowance for feeding and taking care of miscellaneous expenses, especially those from well to do families. But for  others  whose parents are not really rich, they venture  into businesses on campus.

Interestingly, there is much to be valued about life in Nigeria. Attempts are being made to give the country a facelift for the future and only time will tell. However, based on personal experience, these challenges are surmountable. Stop focusing on the challenges and begin to look for the opportunities that exist.  If one is prepared, it can remain mere inconveniences.

It’s true that living in Nigeria is not for the fainthearted, you have to be ready to take on as many challenges as possible, but Nigeria is not a failed country and not a difficult place to live.

• Ajao is a 200-Level Mass Communication student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

 

 

By GLORY THOMAS

The importance of social activities cannot be overemphasised. Campuses would have been boring if all students did was to go to school, receive lectures and go back to their various hostels. There is strong evidence that extracurricular activities increase self-esteem and positive social behaviour among children and adolescents.

However, schools that do not know the importance will always joke with it.

One of the importance of  education is giving  people who live in a society the skills they need to compete in the global marketplace; and the skills they need to produce technological goods that can be sold on the open market. But  how do we intend to achieve this, if extracurricular activities  meant to build students  are neglected?

Creative extracurricular activities such as,  music, dance, drama, and visual arts can increase participants’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive behaviour. After-school activities appear to improve motivation, and academic achievement among school students. Elementary school students appear to have greater social engagement benefits when they are highly engaged in after school programming than when they are less engaged.

No doubt, extracurricular activities with academic components can modestly improve grades, test scores, and academic proficiency along with social benefits. Some studies indicate that participation in extracurricular activities may decrease problem behaviours such as alcohol use, risky sexual activity, and delinquency, while others suggest no effect on such behaviours.

Extracurricular activities are also a suggested strategy to increase social support systems, develop social skills and relationships, and enhance neighbourhood cohesion. There are a variety of these types of activities and programs, however, and some are more effective than others.

Studies show that students who participate in one or more extracurricular activities are less prone to negative peer pressure and have higher self-confidence. However, if your child is neglecting her/his academics in pursuit of extra curricular’s then surely, it is a matter of concern and you need to step up.

Students’ attendance at extracurricular activities may be enhanced by supportive environments, age-appropriate structures, positive relationships between participants and staff, and diverse activities that foster child development and engage participants. These characteristics can also improve student overall performance.

Always remember “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” If your child is stuck in her/his room and studies all day and gets perfect scores in exam, then it is not completely healthy.

Extracurricular activities are necessary to improve her/his interactive and social skills. Too much of anything is never good. A good child must excel in both  fields without compromising.

However, students should as well learn how to create a balance between their social activities and academics. Some schools that neglected these activities, did that  because the students prioritised it, forgetting the main reason they were in school. Academics and extracurricular activities are important for students, but what is more important is, the need to strike a balance between the two.

On the other hand, students must be picky about extracurricular activities; not all clubs or organisations  are to be joined. It is best to pick no more than three or four activities and focus on them through obtaining leadership positions than to engage in everything and come out with nothing.

Students are meant to develop a schedule; plan out what needs to be done and when it needs to be finished. They must prioritise their activities.

• Thomas is a Mass Communication student of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH).

By Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim

 

The Nigerian Army is to collaborate with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on how to tackle insecurity in the country.

This was made known during a visit  to the institution by a military team from Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Leader of the team Major-General Victor Offiong said the Defence Headquarters’ collaboration with the university and other relevant research and development establishments was vital for exchange of ideas towards tackling the security challenges.

He said  modern warfare was not all about strength and that visiting the university would give the Nigerian Military an edge in its fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

Offiong, who was in company of Commodore A. R. Akinwale and Lt.-Col. B. A. Mohammed, thanked the  management team of the institution for the warm reception accorded them.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabir Bala, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Danladi Ameh,  assured the team  that the university would  collaborate with the  military on any area that would enhance their performance.

The  military officers were  later conducted  round Faculties of Physical Sciences, Engineering and Social Sciences.

 

By George Idowu George

 

The Governor of Niger State,  Abubakar Sani Bello, has decried   insecurity in the state and assured that it would soon be a thing of the past.

This was made known by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Ketso, who represented him during a visit to Ibrahim Badamasi University Lapai (IBBUL)

According to him, insecurity is not peculiar to institutions in the state, but, rather it has become a national issue.

“The government in collaboration with the Local Government Council Chairmen and traditional rulers are doing everything possible to protect lives and properties in  institutions across the state,” he noted.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abu Kasim Adamu, urged the state government to boost  infrastructural development in the state.

He said one of the problems affecting the institution was lack of adequate accommodation. According to him, more than 70 per cent  of the students lived off-campus.

Ketso expressed satisfaction with the progress made on infrastructure in IBBUL

He inspected  two  newly-built hostels  for students expected to reduce the number who live off-campus.

By Ayo Sanusi

 

Students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, last Friday trooped out in their numbers to protest the newly-introduced medical fee of N2,000.

The students boycotted the second semester examination.

TASUED Students Union Government President Abdul-Azeez Soneye said the N2,000 medical fee was introduced on the students portal without prior notice.

Soneye insisted that the protest would continue if the management  refused to cancel the new medical fee.

“This protest which resulted in the cancellation of GNS221 exam earlier scheduled for Friday was as a result of the N2,000 medical fee payment that was introduced on the students portal.

“The union members have since taken a stance that the fee should be cancelled,” he  said.

He, however, noted  that the university management had a meeting with students after the protest where an agreement was reached for further deliberation.

“The meeting ended with both the management and students union members agreeing to reconvene on Thursday,March 25, for further deliberation.

“We are hopeful that the university management would surely listen to the plight of the students and grant this demand,” he said.

On his part, the Ogun State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Damilola Simeon, blamed the Acting Vice Chancellor of TASUED, Prof. Wole Banjo, for the introduction of medical fee.

“If he refuses to reverse that fee as fast as possible, we are going to that school to shut it down. I will lead the teeming Nigerian students to the school and we are going to shut it down. They won’t be able to run their daily activities unless the needful is done,” he said.

The Acting VC said the new medical fee had the approval of the Federal Government as Tertiary Institution Social and Medical Insurance Scheme.

“All over the country, it is a rule by the Federal Government. We staff, we keyed into it, we are paying every month. All over the country, university students are paying and that N2,000  is the least of payments in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. If not for the increase in prices of drugs, we would not have done that, because to take care of over 20,000 students is not easy. That is why we decided that they should start paying so that we can improve the health facilities on campus,” he  said.

On the call to the university to reverse the medical fee or have the school shut down, he said: “We had a meeting and we asked the students to go around and see what obtains in some other universities. So when they come back, we will resolve the issue.

“Our students are law-abiding. They can’t do that. Even the protest they had  was a peaceful one. They didn’t destroy any university property.”