The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Journalism in a changing world

    Journalism in a changing world

    By Esan Femi Williams

     

    Journalism keeps changing as advancements take place in the media space every day.

     

    It’s a complex world to navigate, and there is indeed an art to journalism.

    It is not by accident that technology is interfacing and changing the pattern of modern-day journalism.

    A scholar, Marshall Mcluhan, in 1962, said in his technological determinism theory that, in future, technology will dominate the world, and that it will turn the whole world to an integrated global village, which is already happening today.

    Through mobile phones and tablets with the help of the internet, one can easily communicate with  the world within the shortest possible time, as against what obtained in the past.

    Moreover, as the world keeps experiencing a surge in its population, audience information needs increased, hence, the need for beat reporting. This brought about great improvement and interest in the world of journalism.

    Newspaper, the foremost agent of mass media was launched centuries ago from Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press into the new world.

    Printing, however, became more expensive with the advancement of the internet. Interestingly, online subscriptions have become the new normal. News is now being  received  in a different and more convenient way.

    The evolution of the internet indeed saw the world through another phase of journalism practice, as it brought about what is termed ‘Information Explosion.’ Everyone claims to be journalists, creating blogs, posting both sense and nonsense in the media space, hence, posing a great threat to journalistic authenticity and success.

    Meanwhile, the internet has led journalism into the digital age, giving readers online subscription options, real-time notifications, and stories tailored towards their information needs.

    Both the print and broadcast media, having noticed the paradigm shift in audience interest, now incorporate their contents on the online space for audience consumption, thereby nearly drifting from the old form of journalism practice.

    However, so many people still get their news from local television and radio channels; and not from smartphones or the internet.

    The internet doesn’t seem to cease bombarding us with endless amounts of content any time soon. Nonetheless, the tenets of journalism will remain unwavering, as long as journalists continue to  prioritise them. It is therefore, my desire that against the backdrop of societal changes and revolution, true and free press should stand, with journalists constantly  upholding the ethics of the profession.

    No doubt, the future of journalism is technology, hence the need for every practising and aspiring journalist  to be technologically-inclined  and versatile.

     

    • Williams is a 400-Level Mass Communication student of Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
  • Fayemi seeks problem-solving curriculum for varsities

    Fayemi seeks problem-solving curriculum for varsities

    By Tope Adejuwon

     

    Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi has underscored the need to tailor university curriculum towards solving problems afflicting the country.

    Fayemi also encouraged graduates to be innovative,  describing it  as catalyst to success in the 21st century.

    He spoke at the 24th Convocation  of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, recently.

    Fayemi, who  urged  the graduating students to see themselves as future leaders, described education as  the most powerful weapon that can change the world.He said he prioritised knowledge economy, stressing its importance to socio-economic development.

    Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
    Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

    He noted that university autonomy would not be eroded while promising to support  leadership of the institution.

    Fayemi said: “This is a period where  curriculum of our citadels of learning should be tailored towards meeting the realities of our contemporary Nigeria and the antidote for its various challenges.

    “It is a generally acceptable norm that only qualified and students could innovate and steer the ship of our university system as well as Nigeria as a nation, to our expected shore.

    “Therefore, I challenge the graduating students of today to see themselves as the future of Nigeria and the earlier the responsibility of leadership is embraced by their generation, the better for them as a people and to us as nation.”

    A major highlight of the convocation which held in strict compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols was the investiture of former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II as  Chancellor.

    Fayemi said he appointed Sanusi  to nationalise and globalise the institution.

    “The Chancellor, a respected man of international repute is currently enrolled in Oxford University, UK for a fellowship programme. It is my firm belief that he shall be of tremendous help to EKSU,” he said.

    The former CBN Governor applauded Fayemi’s commitment to the growth of education in the country.

    He noted that convocation provides  opportunity to reflect on previous achievements,  challenges being faced, prospects and strategies to be deployed for the realisation of  goals and objectives.

    He lauded the governing council for working diligently towards  transforming the university.

    “I assure his Excellency that this appointment will only further encourage me to continue joining hands with him (Fayemi) as we seek to make contributions to resolving some of the intractable issues currently facing this country”.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun said 11,437 students were  conferred with various degrees, with 48 of them graduating with first class honours.

    He  noted that the essence of the event was to appreciate  hard work and doggedness of students who had distinguished themselves.

     

  • JAMB rewards OGITECH with N75m

    JAMB rewards OGITECH with N75m

    By Glory Thomas

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rewarded Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) Igbesa with N75million for being the most compliant institution  during 2019 admission process.

    The examination body presented a cheque to top officers of the institution in  Abuja recently at  the second edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit Award for 2019.

    JAMB gave N75 million to each of the five best performing tertiary institutions.

    They included University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Federal University, Wukari, Taraba among others.

    Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, praised JAMB for ensuring excellence in tertiary institutions.

    He said the Federal Government would continue to play the critical role in teaching, learning and research.He noted  that the exercise was one of government’s reward system and intervention in tertiary institutions.

    “In the first edition of the awards in 2019, JAMB supported tertiary institutions with N125 million and this year, the board is supporting the sector with N375 million.

    “This is no doubt an excellent gesture worthy of emulation. I am aware that the board’s support for the education sector cuts across the basic, secondary and tertiary education levels and it is a good Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.

    “I am equally aware that many other agencies, the organised private sector, individuals, NGOs, international agencies and many others are supporting the education sector in various forms and quantum.

    “Contributions to the education sector should not be limited to budgetary allocation of government to the sector.

    “This does not negate the reality that education is not receiving equitable share of the national budget,’’ he said.

    JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede said the institutions were expected to use the money judiciously.

    Oloyede said the awards were meant to improve the education sector as well as encourage institutions to maintain global standards.

    OGITECH Rector, Dr Olufunke  Akinkurolere  thanked members of staff  for their commitment to  quality service and excellence.

  • Alumni to partner UNIUYO on development

    Alumni to partner UNIUYO on development

    By Mary Ekere and Sam Ibok

     

    The Association of former Students’ Union Government Presidents, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has pledged to partner with the management in developing the institution.

    The association made the pledge during a courtesy visit to  the institution’s Secretary  to Council and Registrar, Mr Aniediabasi Udofia at the school’s permanent site, Nwaniba, Uyo.

    Chairman of the association, Akparawa Nse Ubeh said  the move is aimed at giving back to the institution that moulded them.

    He said  : “We weathered the storm as students and as student leaders.Now that we are in the society, we are back to energise  the university and as major stakeholders,  wade into matters and proffer solutions”.

    Ubeh also appealed to the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities  to find a common ground and call off the strike.

    He praised the Registrar, Mr Aniediabasi Udofia, for representing them well at the Council.

    Mr Ideh Owodiong, a member of the association, expressed happiness that the institution had  continued to contribute to  society’s development.

    He said  the institution wish them  excellent administrators in their various fields.

    Registrar, Aniediabasi Udofia said UniUyo would  continue to be an example to neighbouring states and uphold its values. He praised the Alumni  for  efforts towards the development of the school and urged them to support the institution’s   research.

    Present at the meeting  were the Registrar, Aniediabasi Udofia, Head of Administration, Registrar’s office, Mrs Imaobong Udom, Director Information and Public Relations, Mrs Blossom Okorie, among others.

    On the Alumni team were, Archibong Inyang, Akpakam Ukoh and Eyo Eminue.

  • Using facemask with caution

    Using facemask with caution

    By Abubakar Attahiru Zubairu

     

    The sudden reign of facemask in Nigeria and globally has been as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus, which has led to the loss of  many lives. Notwithstanding, coronavirus in Nigeria is not to be compared with other countries having thousands of cases on a daily basis. Yet, ours seems not to come to an end, as we expect a second phase of lockdown at a period of border re-opening.

    Facemask, perhaps, could help in preventing the virus.

    Meanwhile, caution must be exercised in  using it.

    Healthwise, on its removal, one is expected not to use bare hands to touch the outermost part of the facemask covering the nose and mouth.It should  be removed  gently  and disposed or burnt immediately.

    One is not expected to pull it down  to the jaw to sneeze, talk or eat. By doing this, one is bound to contaminate the neck or any part of the body.

    The way and manner the facemask is being used matters.  Some  are to  be disposed immediately after use.  Re-usable facemask should also be taken off with care and thoroughly  washed  with hot water. Afterwards, hands must be washed with detergent and followed with a hand sanitiser.

    We must note that not all facemasks serve as virus prevention. For instance, the surgical  facemask is not likely to prevent the virus.

    However, when  facemask is  worn appropriately, it could help prevent other diseases. It is important to check the facemask before use to ensure no defects such as a tear, missing tie or ear loop. Likewise, one is expected not to touch the inside of the mask (the part over nose and mouth). It may be contaminated from breathing, coughing  or sneezing.

     

    • Zubairu is a 300 level student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
  • BOWEN appoints one-day VC

    BOWEN appoints one-day VC

    By Toba Adedeji

     

    Bowen University Iwo, Osun State, recently appointed a 400-Level student from Medicine and Surgery Department, Mayomikun Olawale, as one-day vice chancellor.

    Spokesperson of the institution, Toba Adaramola, said the one-day VC must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 and be of good conduct.

    Olawale was appointed for   meeting the necessary requirements and coming out tops  in an  essay competition on leadership which formed part of the criteria for the appointment. He was shortlisted with two other students who partook in  the competition before they were voted  by students of the institution.

    Adaramola  said the appointment was to encourage students to showcase their leadership skills.

    Read Also: Bowen varsity sacks over 100 workers

    “This is a way of encouraging students for them to practise what they have been taught on leadership. They are  given the opportunity to exhibit their leadership skills.

    “He presided over Senate meeting  as the vice chancellor. He will collect the entitlements and salary of the VC,” he said.

    The one-day VC lamented that the Federal Government did not accept research findings on COVID-19 by Bowen University scholars.

    He said: “It is worrisome that the Fed Govt did not accept  research findings made by our staff during the pandemic as a possible cure for COVID-19.  Government and other African countries are waiting for a solution from the United Kingdom, China, the USA, among others. We must embrace the solutions that are proffered by Africans and not wait for other people to build our continent.”

  • UNADACGA’96 Alumni gets new President

    UNADACGA’96 Alumni gets new President

    The University of Ado Ekiti Accounting Graduates Alumni( UNADACGA) 96 has elected a new set of executives to pilot it’s affairs for the next two years.

    The free and fair process was spearheaded by the electoral committee headed by Muyiwa Babalola.

    At the end of the process, which involved members at home and in the Diaspora through automaton, Adura Ojo emerged the new President.

    He will lead the new executives tagged G9 to run the association founded on accountability and integrity.

    The outgoing President, Gbenga Ajiboye, rendered account of his stewardship.

    He expressed delight that the association, which he led from formation, has survived.

    He also recalled various developmental and life-touching projects were executed during his tenure.

    One of them, according to him, was the award of N50,000 to the best student of the Department of Accounting, Ekiti State University, Ado -Ekiti.

    Ojo, who doubles as the chairman board of Trustees, pledged to take the association to higher heights.

    He promised to uphold it’s ideals and objectives.

  • Nigeria and the curse of leadership

    Nigeria and the curse of leadership

    DESPITE arrogating the moniker,  ‘Giant of Africa’ to ourselves, the nation’s economy, infrastructure, education, healthcare system, among others, remain fraught with irregularities. Sixty one years on as an independent nation, we seem to be dependent. Saddening.

    What is the problem with Nigeria? leaders.? It is very simple. It appears our leaders are a curse to us. They have superintended many years of waste and mismanagement.

    Our  politicians and leaders are supposed to be patriotic,but they derive joy in looting the country blind while citizens wallow in poverty. Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s ‘Petals of Blood’  come to mind now. In the novel, the elite were the only ones enjoying the wealth of the nation,while the  economy was affected.

    However, which is a means of liberation from the bondage of corrupt leaders is also crisis-ridden.Many Nigerians from an early stage  do not have the  opportunity of free and stable education. According to the constitution, all children, no matter where they live, have the right to quality education.

    Sadly, about 10.5 million of the country’s children aged five-14 years are not in school. Only 61 per cent of six-11-year-olds regularly attend primary school and only 35.6 per cent of children aged 36-59 months receive early childhood education. Who would fight for such right when  governance leaves much to be desired? Uneducated parents or their children?

    Statistics shows that about 95.9 million  people are living in extreme poverty. How could they be enlightened about those politicians who are self-serving? This is why individual liberty is so important. It protects individuals from the tyranny of the majority. It establishes a base level of intellectual, philosophical, spiritual, and economic diversity that ensures that there is enough free play of ideas in a society for the best solution to problems.

    Educated citizens should be  free to challenge government decisions and policies. They should freely express their frustrations and misgivings about  maladministration. Instead of taking up arms, heading for the hills, and waging guerilla war against the central government, should take to the airwaves. They should participate in  political discourse. Bringing about change should not be about  violent revolution.Usually, it comes at huge costs.

     

    • Sofiullahi is a 300 level student of English Education, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

     

  • Unionism has lost its spark, says don

    Unionism has lost its spark, says don

    Ridwan Azeez

     

    PROF. Kayode Alao of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife,  has lamented that student unionism had lost its essence and effectiveness, stressing that youths should engage in   constructive unionism.

    He spoke in Iwo, Osun State, at the 68th Anniversary of the Federation of Iwoland Students Union (FILSU) which had as theme: “Students’ dynamism and effective political participation in the context of Iwoland development.”

    “Student  unionism is no longer what it used to be as far back as the early 60s. When we were studying in  those days, we were more respected by government.

    ‘’Youths were those who made government act and execute projects and policies. Youths of today should task government on beneficial policies and projects,” he said.

    FILSU President Akinkunmi Iromini thanked the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdurasheed Akanbi, for the success of the union. He made references to projects executed by the Iromini-led union,  including FILSU Essay Competition, Pathfinder Magazine and the shopping blocks at the union secretariat.

    “As part of the anniversary, the union is inauguration of a block of two shops named after Ishola Hajji, a deceased member of the union,’’ he said.

    In  attendance were notable indigenes of Iwoland such as Senator Adeyemi Oriolowo, represented by Hon. Tajudeen Ayofe, Prof. Lai Olurode, and High Chief Kunle Alabi.

  • Youths and self-employment

    Youths and self-employment

    AS the long-running battle between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) continues, one wonders when the strike will be suspended. However, it is not even just about ASUU calling off the strike anymore, it is now a question of whether the universities would be willing to put in place machinery that would facilitate mental rejuvenation and revival for students upon resumption.

    Again, it is not solely on the resumption of students, it is about  ASUU putting a stop to incessant strikes and abrupt disruption of academic activities.  It is now an important decision to be made to avoid the usual occurrence of such disruptions in future.

    Although the strike had been unexpected, students have been advised to engage themselves in acquiring at least a skill or handiwork for added knowledge in the future. Of course, no one knows the future, but as students/youths in this era, one’s  educational certificate will not automatically help you achieve your dreams and aspirations.

    Importantly, this new generation of youths  do not need to seek a  high-paying job after another without satisfaction.As it stands,the standard of living remains abysmally low in the country and the jobs are not even there.

    We need to change our perception about certificates as the all in all. The generations before us had a fair share of certificates,but not anymore.The world has moved on from that. Being self-employed is the new normal.

    Acquiring skills helps to establish dreams and perhaps certificates  rarely do.

    Let’s stop the rat race, running and falling back to regret it afterwards. Why not let’s make it right from the beginning and be employers of labour.

    Choosing the right machinery for such purpose, aiming for growth and at the same time essential evolving stability is quite crucial. We do not need to always clamour often for everything we need, when our needs are obviously clear. We do not need to rustle still waters or walk down every corners of earth before we get our desires. We do not need to shout with our veins visible on our neck and tears meandering down  our face before we are handed our inherent and constitutional rights. We have the powers, as youths to be trail blazers!

     

    • Ogunwale is a 300 level Law student of University of Lagos.