The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • UDUS’s students seek end to hemp smoking in private hostel

    UDUS’s students seek end to hemp smoking in private hostel

    Students have lamented that a private hostel inside Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has become a den of hemp smokers. They are calling on school authorities to look into the matter and bring sanity to the place, reports ABDULWAHEED SOFIULLAHI (UDUS)

     

    Abdulrazak Abdul Moheez, a 200- Level student of Biology, coughs at intervals for some few minutes of his conversation with this reporter. He attempted to  clear his throat of phlegm to no avail. Illness makes him submissive to discomfort in his room. His nose is cupped with a handkerchief, saving his breath from the acrid smell of marijuana.

    The young man didn’t bargain for such an uncomfortable life when he gained admission into Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He  is a victim of smoke at his rented apartment. He has started to regret living in Gidan Fati, a private hostel beside the university.

    At Gidan Fati, living has become unbearable for students. The rooms are uncomfortable, especially during the hot weather in Sokoto. Though the houses are very small, there is no room for ventilation. But for  students who could not secure bed spaces  in the school hostel, there is no better place for them.

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Abdul Moheez recounted his experience with  villagers, mostly young boys, who almost killed him with marijuana smoke.

    “Marijuana smokers have almost killed me. Every minute is celebration for them, their smoking starts in the morning and ends at night. They smoke openly. Nothing is hidden; everything happens before my eyes. Disappointingly, there is no one to challenge them or move to report them,” he said.

    He also noted that his health had deteriorated and other students in the hostel had been finding it difficult to cope with the terrible conditions of the hostel.

    “Every night, when coming back from class, I usually see them in groups smoking weed. The  sharp smell of the smoke is suffocating, it affects us inside our rooms; we cannot do anything about it,” he said.

     

    Danger of living outside school hostel

    Before now, students living at Gidan Fati had fought the villagers  on the issue of water.  When this happened, it took the intervention of the school management before things got back to  normal.

    Khalifa Muhammad, a 100-Level  Mathematics student, is uncomfortable and depressed at the situation.

    He said: “The only problem we are having at  present is that we are affected by the activities of those boys. They smoke so hard that we develop cough as you can see.

    “I feel uncomfortable and unhappy about the situation. When I arrived here, one of those boys  wanted to move closer to me but I refused because of their bad habit. They smoke all the time  at the front of our hostel.”

    For Muhammad Mu’asu, a 100-Level  Biology student, the caretaker has refused to call the smokers to order, noting that nobody could control them.

    ” Our caretaker said we don’t have any power on them. And I personally hate the smell of marijuana. I pray the right decision is taken  because they are disturbing our peace,” he said.

    Ayinla Faezudeen, a 200-Level student while decrying the situation, said: “The way they are treating us is terrible. Smoking is dangerous to their health, just as it is harmful to us inhaling the smoke. lt is sad. If the school management intervenes, the  outcome  should favour students and the smokers. If the management speaks with their parents and they are able to caution them not to smoke either at the front of our hostel or anywhere, it would be great.”

    Habeebullahi Zakariya, a 200-Level Business Administration student, wants school authorities to checkmate the activities of the hemp smokers.

    He said: “I want the school management to please come and talk to them to stop smoking marijuana at the front of our  hostel.  We already  complained about this  last semester.”

    Another student, Jimoh Taofeeq, said: “I do not think our management can stop them because it is a private hostel.  It is  not our fault for staying there. We apply for hostel space every year but  they do not  allocate bed spaces to us. Hence,  we stay at a private hostel. I pray the authorities to stop them from smoking at the front of our hostel. We have no power to stop them.”

    For Kamaldeen Ismaila, a 100-Level student, ignorance has made those young boys unrepentant smokers, hence, he wants them to be enlightened on the dangers of marijuana.

    “I suggest the smokers be enlightened on the side effects and damages that marijuana can cause to their health.

    “Marijuana is dangerous to health, we all know that. At night, it is difficult to spend five minutes at the front of our hostel, the smoke  would force us in again. Even during the dry season, we usually sleep outside and most of us used to forcefully stay inside  despite the heat,” he said.

    Abdullah Adebayo, a 300 level Statistics  student, lamented that the hostel environment is unsafe because of those scary and dangerous smokers.

    ” Those boys who  smoke  at the front of our private hostel are very scary and dangerous to be with. Whenever I am going for lectures, I pray against meeting them outside to avoid inhaling smoke. But that has proved impossible because I meet them early in the morning likewise in the evening when  coming back.

    “I wish the school management should intervene  and call their  attention; enlighten them on the  negative effect of what they’re smoking to their bodies. Also, the environment, most especially we students, are not save. They should warn them that if they ignore their speech nobody among them will be allowed to stay around that private hostel again.”

    Taofeeq Garuba, another student, said: “We have to call the attention of management to this situation for our safety. Those boys could be dangerous. If nothing is done urgently, then we are in danger. They are not to be trusted  because they may harm students and rob them of valuables.”

    Ibrahim Muazu, a 200 level Economics student, said apart from smoking marijuana,the boys also move around with dangerous weapons like sword and cutlass. He, however, called on the management to expedite action and get rid of them.

    “Some of those smokers also walk around with harmful things like knife, cutlass and sword and other harmful things, that is not proper because it is a school environment. They could misbehave anytime and harm students with  those things. Although we have not experienced any  attack, we do not want such to happen, hence, we want the management to  intervene and get rid of them.

    “Inhaling smoke is also not good for our health, so taking urgent action on the issue is very important,” he said.

     

    Caretaker to take action

    The caretaker who pleaded anonymity  noted that he had warned them to stop smoking marijuana at the front of  the  private hostel, but they refused. He, however, noted that he would take an action on the matter.

    The caretaker said:  “I really appreciate this good observation. I have warned them before. I cannot hide the truth. I will report them to their parents. I will meet them again and warn them to stop smoking marijuana at the front of students’ private hostel. And if they refuse, I will take a decision because nobody is above the law. I urge the students not to meet those smokers themselves, I will handle the case myself.”

     

     School management unaware

    The school’s Chief Security Officer, Col. Abdullahi Gwandu (retd) said: “I am not   aware of the situation. Since you said  some boys are smoking marijuana at the front of the private hostel at Gidan Fati, I need to go there and confirm it. The problem can only be resolved when school resumes.”

     

    Effects of marijuana

    Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica plant. The plant contains  mind-altering chemicals and other similar compounds.

    Experts have warned that marijuana causes breathing problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and people who smoke marijuana frequently can have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco. These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections. Also, it can increase  heart rate. Marijuana increases heartbeat for up to three hours after smoking. This effect may increase the chance of heart attack, they said.

     

     

  • ‘Learn key areas of public relations’

    ‘Learn key areas of public relations’

    By Elizabeth Ogunwale

     

    FOUNDER, Nigeria Women in Public Relations, Tolulope Olurundero, has urged undergraduates to learn the key areas of public relations. This, she said, would provide them information in their quest to make career decisions.

    She spoke during the virtual  summit organised for Public Relations students of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

    She noted that the non-profit organisation established in 2019 was aimed  at building a robust network of practising and aspiring female Public Relations professionals of Nigerian origin.

    “The event was open to female students of the university and targeted at attracting new talents to the Public Relations  industry,” she said.

    The Head of Department, Mass Communication, Dr Joseph Adepoju Tejumaiye, said the  initiative by the group was an avenue for town and gown to interact and provide practical guidance to theories taught in class.

    Her words: “The Public Relations industry in Nigeria is ageing,and there is an increasing drought of fresh talents coming into the profession”.

    A young professional, Oluwatomi Lawal, an alumna of UNILAG, said she discovered Public Relations as a 400 level student.

    “If  you don’t like to write, you should have a rethink because Public Relations will make you write,” she said. Another professional, Olamide Oni, a Public Relations executive and  graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education, said she started Public Relations from 100-Level when she joined a unit in church as an undergraduate.

    As part of the summit, the organisation unveiled its Students Ambassadorship programme where five students would be selected across each tertiary institution in Nigeria, for internship during school break

    According to Amarachukwu Chimuanya,  the Community Manager, the Student Ambassadorship programme will help them gain practical experience while giving them access to mentors and other growth opportunities.

  • Technology and human relations

    Technology and human relations

    By Tunde Adebayo

     

    TECHNOLOGY over the years has been a life saver. It has also grown to impressive levels since the Stone Age such that it makes people of the current age look back with a strong sense of approval. From the tales of the People of Carthage, or those of Egypt, China, the Romans, Greeks, the Arabians, the feats achieved by these ancestors were so remarkable that they would seem exaggerated in comparison to the expectations of posterity.

    Thus, technology progressed rapidly as time advanced. And it solved almost all human problems. Technology might be defined as the practice of industrial use of scientific discoveries. However, technology is simply a way of life. That is, the way the mind works when it’s in need of something, an incentive; a drive to make life easier.

    The past one thousand years has seen the greatest boost of technological development. Humans have grown in transportation, so have we in communication. The 20th century even ushered in aircrafts, submarines, computers, nuclear energy, telephones, varieties of automobiles and the internet.

    All of these birthed the new age. This is why the 1900s was referred to as the age of technological explosion.

    This is not to cut short the achievements of the earlier centuries, which boasted of geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci, who designed the submarine, helicopter, and the steam engine; or Galileo Galilei who invented the telescope, discovered planets, and was even referred to as the father of physics, geography and mathematics. Then we have Isaac Newton and Michael Faraday.

    This technological age (1500s-1700s) broadened the exposure range of the people. And so did their wants. Then natural human greedy nature, ‘I want it all’ set in, then the European journey began. They sailed into the Americas, Asia and Africa.  They began construction of faster, stronger  and more efficient ships for their voyages. An unsuspecting spectator would think that would only increase human relationship, positively. If only it were so.

    Retrogression in the simplest understanding means the return to an older or archaic state. In other words, the meltdown in norms of what is socio-culturally acceptable. The world in this age has shed away all sense of morality, all in the name of civilisation.

    Millennium technology could be any of the scientific innovations achieved over the past one thousand years. It could be the advanced weaponry we now boast of, or healthcare. It could be high speed transportation, i.e. airplanes, spaceships.

    Then there is ICT; the internet is responsible for effective information inter-communication and it is the actual backbone. Internet is like the soul of technology nowadays. And anyone breathing would likely agree that the grandest technological discovery has to be the internet.

    From the commercial aspect, the internet business is the most lucrative industry today. According to Forbes, six out of the ten wealthiest people make their money from ICT. Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Jack Ma (Alibaba Group) come to mind.

    This is not hard to fathom because the internet made it possible for quicker dispersion and retrieval of data and information. Before the arrival of the internet, sending and receiving international letters could take a  very long time,ranging from few weeks to months. But with social media, this can easily be achieved in mere seconds despite the great distance in between. This in effect has turned the world into a global village.

    In linguistics, languages can be easily translated using translation applications of your mobile devices. This aids communication  among people of different race, tribes or country.

    And just when it could be perceived that only good would emerge from such opportunities,  hate blossomed.

    Four hundred years of slavery, colonisation and world wars made sure of that. And as species full of hate, technology was meant to repair that. However, technology acted as an amplifier to these evil traits one might have.

    With internet, the people found a cunning way to swindle unsuspecting victims.  Internet fraud is now a norm in West Africa that those guilty have found a way to justify it. This  vile practice alone has robbed countless innocent people  of  opportunities in foreign lands.

    Nonetheless we are impressionable beings, and we act on things we see.

     

    • Adebayo is a HND 2 Mechanical Engineering student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

  • Speak up against abuse, pupils urged

    Speak up against abuse, pupils urged

    Our Reporter

     

    THE Executive Director of the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (PBOF), Mrs Ronke Oyelakin has urged pupils to speak up when they suffer any form of abuse or when their rights are being violated.

    She spoke last week during a sensitisation campaign to commemorate this year’s Universal Children’s Day which had as theme: “Investing in our future means investing in children.” The Universal Children’s Day is celebrated November 20 every year.

    “We want the pupils to know that they can be abused sexually, emotionally and psychologically because they are vulnerable. However,they should not hesitate to speak up and report to  the necessary authorities when they suffer any form of abuse,” she said.

    The PBOF in partnership with Fundawazi Foundation toured four schools across Mushin  local government, to sensitise pupils on their rights, sexual abuse ,child labour among others.

    The schools included, Agbayewa Memorial College,Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, Stella Maris College and Estate Grammar School.

    Oyelakin , while commenting on the theme of this year’s celebration, stressed the need to give all children equal opportunities and acceptance.

    She,however,called on  parents to protect their children and ensure they access to qualitative education,shelter and health care.

    Abisola Soneye, Executive Director, Fundawazi Foundation urged the pupils to resist the violation of their rights and steer clear of hard drugs.

    “You should make sure nobody violates your rights. It is important you know you have a right to basic education,protection from abuse and that nobody has the right to touch you inappropriately. However,you need to be decent and stay away from hard drugs because you are the face of tomorrow,” she said.

     

  • Embrace skill acquisition, undergraduates urged

    Embrace skill acquisition, undergraduates urged

    Olalekan Adejumo

     

    UNDERGRADUATES have been urged to  embrace skill acquisition and other complementing values to help boost their chances and relevance in the labour market.

    At a webinar organised by the Student Association of the Department of Mass Communication, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Esan Femi Williams, a youth advocate in Ekiti State, urged students not to rely solely on their academic certificates, but to acquire skills relevant to their discipline.

    The virtual lecture entitled: “Your CV, your worth, was aimed at  equipping students with skills on writing curriculum vitae and how to position themselves for opportunities after school.

    “Most graduates looking for white-collar jobs are not dullards; they are very intelligent, but unfortunately, many of them fail due to poor CV.  It is not just about acquiring certificates but also acquiring necessary skills and know-how. However, there are some people who have a keen interest in reading and passing exams, but lack needed skills to practise. For instance, a professor of Mass Communication who doesn’t know how to write a good news story is a failure.” he stated.

    Williams also emphasised the need for graduates to build good character and competence, saying, “When character is lost, all is lost.”

    He encouraged intending and fresh graduates to always think like an employer, while consistently building their skills, which he said were germane to their professional career and success.

    Urging government at all levels to prioritise education and job creation, he charged youths to take up responsibility, highlighting three major skills necessary for success: academics, leadership, and business skills.

    Ishaq Mariam Jumoke, a participant, lauded the efforts of the organiser for the educative and eye-opening lecture.

    Other participants also expressed their delight at the illuminating learning experience.

  • Foundation to launch Students’ Bill of Right

    Foundation to launch Students’ Bill of Right

    By Abdulrasheed Hammad

     

    TO protect the right of students against victimisation and harassment in tertiary institutions, Help Foundation is proposing a Students’ Bill of Rights to protect the rights of students and provide conducive learning environment for them.

    Help Foundation was established by Olympus Ade-Banjo, Ayotunde Omole, and Oluwadamilare Bajela in 2018.

    The Students’ Bill of Rights is a legislative document that will declare and protect the rights of students within educational institutions, most especially at the tertiary level. There are various movements for the Bill of Students Rights across the world which include Romania which is considered as the safest country for students for legislating the most robust Bill of Students Rights.

    Ade-Banjo said he couldn’t stand the high level of victimisation students face on campus which include sexual harassment, physical abuse, police brutality as well as lack of conducive learning and living environment. Hence, he proposed the bill.

    ”Everyone will agree that Nigeria’s higher education needs an overhaul. The Students’ Bill of Right is the frontrunner of that debate. The bill will redirect the focus of our higher institutions and necessitate global standards of delivery. Just imagine having a Harvard-like education experience in Nigeria. It will impact every fibre of our society,” he said.

    He, however, noted that the foundation was proposing it to the National Assembly with high optimism of a successful outcome.

    When asked about the measures they are taking to implement the bill, he said:”We will commence a holistic stakeholder engagement on the implementation of the demands of the bill. Engagement with key sectors and stakeholders for a memorandum of action. Partnership with Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and other civil society organisations for the provision of free legal services for students when their rights are violated.”

    He noted that the bill would not only help students, but lecturers in weeding out the bad eggs who are tainting the profession with their illicit acts such as sex-for-grades.

    He said the main challenge the foundation was  facing was its inability to get potential sponsors because the organisation is reform-oriented.

    “I just want to call on all well-meaning Nigerians and organisations, especially the media, to weigh in on the Students’ Bill of Right. It is high time we encouraged and promoted sustainable solutions to the education malaise in the country. We cannot agree on one hand that education is declining and students in Nigeria are being shortchanged, while, on the other hand, we ignore honest efforts to change the system,” he said.

  • Concerns over poor facilities in Kwara school

    Concerns over poor facilities in Kwara school

    Despite receiving N7 billion as grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) recently, parents and residents have lamented the poor facilities at Sobi Community School in Kwara State. They urged immediate action on improving the condition of the school, reports ABDULWAHEED SOFIULLAHI (UDUS).

     

    IT was an early morning English class at Sobi Community School in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State on November 9. About 25 pupils aged between 12 and 13 years were seated on rows of chairs in an open space on the premises. They listened with rapt attention to their teacher who stood in front of a blackboard to teach them.

    But beyond the seriousness of the pupils were tell-tale signs of dehumanising learning environment in the three-year-old school. It was founded during the administration of former   Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed. The school lacks adequate classrooms. Sadly, the school was founded in 2017 with only two classes, hence, most of the  pupils have been receiving lessons under a makeshift shed.

    Learning in tears

    CAMPUSLIFE observed that some classes also hold on the corridor of the two classes which does not encourage ease of learning.

    During one of the visits our correspondent made to the school, the poor pupils had to scamper into a  nearby mosque as their learning session was halted by heavy rain.The two classes were being used for Primary 2 and 3 while other classes are organised under the shed and on the corridor.

    When the rain stopped, pupils regrouped outside their classrooms to continue their lessons, wearing their face masks in strict compliance with the COVID-19 protocols and enduring the scorching sun that followed the rain.

    The teachers declined comments in spite of promptings from our correspondent as they cited civil service regulations, which they said, forbade them from talking to the media.

    “The situation is beyond us. There is nothing we can do about it. The Commissioner for Education visited the school in February and promised that government would construct more classes,  but there has not been any fruitful response from the authorities,” a source in the school said, pleading anonymity.

    One of the pupils, who spoke with  our correspondent in confidence, expressed concern about their safety, saying that learning in the open had exposed them to unfriendly environmental condition and dangerous reptiles, particularly snakes, which sometimes slither  onto the premises, especially on sunny days.

    A pupil who didn’t disclose her name explained that some community leaders had shown concern about their plight. She said the situation had negatively affected their performance as students and the wellbeing of their teachers.

    She said: “We can no longer concentrate because of the weather conditions. It may rain at any time while we are being taught in the open. Most times, we panic as the weather changes because our session would be halted until the rain subsides.

    “The state authorities should help to rescue us from the hopeless situation that dilapidated structures and absence of good classrooms have foisted on us. On some days, prolonged rainfall would not even allow us to have any session with our teachers.

    “The situation calls for urgent intervention to save our future and guarantee conducive learning environment.”

    Government to intervene

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State noted that his administration would  revamp the education sector, in line with his  campaign promises of improving the sector.

    Speaking while inaugurating a block of two classrooms donated to Alaparo community in Moro Local Government Area, by the Ilorin Emirate Stakeholders Forum, as part of its 2018 /2019 intervention project, the governor said: “The school will serve as a prototype to be provided for other communities, we have directed the forum to identify 20 communities in need of such intervention that will be supported by the state government.”

    However, the gesture promised by the governor has not been extended to Sobi Community School.

    Residents also worried

    A cross-section of parents and residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the infrastructural deficit in the school.

    One of them, who identified herself simply as Madam Sadatu, said: “The condition of the school since  its establishment has been worrisome. Most of our children, except those in the  two available  classrooms are taking their lessons outside.

    “As you can see for yourself, our children sit in the open space to take lessons from their teachers and this has exposed them to unfriendly environment as they are disturbed by exposure to intense sunlight and rains.

    “Although some elders of this community have made frantic efforts to call the attention of government to the terrible situation in the school, nothing has been done to remedy the problem.”

    Our correspondent also gathered that, through collaborative efforts of community members, 200 blocks have been donated to the school.

    Another resident, Ishaq Abiodun, noted  that all appeals made by the community to the state government lately had yielded no result.

    “Before now, we made appeals to the past administration in the state but  the authorities apparently turned deaf ears to our cries,” he said.

    Tobilola Oladeji, on his part, urged the governor to come to their aid without further delay.

    “The residents have called the attention of government officials, but there hasn’t been changes. We plead  with the current administration led by Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to come to our aid,” he said.

    Issa Babatunde, a parent, said: “My child  always complains about headache whenever he comes back from that school. l  had to withdraw him from there.

    “The last time there was any government intervention in the school was about three years ago. Since then, no help has come from government to address the plight of the pupils who have since been sitting in the open to learn.

    “We have lodged several complaints by way of letters to concerned authorities especially the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) all to no avail. They only promised to come to our aid but nothing has been done as we speak.”

    Another parent, Fayomi Abiodun James, said: “We have gathered several times  to discuss possible solutions with the school management, but nothing seems to be happening.We also sent several notifications to government.

    “The last administration of Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed promised to support and build more classrooms for pupils,but nothing was done.”

    Group urges government action

    Elite Network For Sustainable Development (ENETSUD), through its Coordinator, Dr Alagbonsi Abdulateef, has called on the state government to prioritise funding of schools. The group described most public schools in the state as lacking requisite facilities.

    “The deplorable conditions of the schools with dilapidated structures make them unhealthy for effective teaching and learning. This could have been one of the reasons for low patronage of public schools, thereby making private schools better alternatives  for people who want quality education for their children and wards. Due to negligence, it is regrettable that the reputable schools in the past that produced virtually all the important personalities in Kwara State are now the options for only the poorest and most  vulnerable  in the state,” he said.

    Hope rises

    Kwara State Government has received N7,151,142,190 grant from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the first time since 2013 when the state was removed from the national scheme. The N7.1bn is a cumulative of UBEC grants that were not accessed between 2014 and 2019. The UBEC grants are meant for rehabilitation of dilapidated basic schools, construction of new ones, equipment of the schools with ICT tools, training of teachers, and project evaluation, among other purposes contained in the UBEC work plan.

    Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Fatimah Bisola Ahmed, in a statement, said: “This money would be spent in phases over the next two years to fix up to 600 elementary schools out of the over 1400 decrepit basic education facilities across the state. The projects would be monitored by UBEC to ensure compliance with the work plan submitted by the government.

    “This development has taken Kwara State out of the bottom position in the ranking of states with highest figures of outstanding UBEC grants. The pitiful state of basic education infrastructure in the state is a reflection of the failure to access UBEC funds and the near-zero investments in the sector over the past few years.”

    The state government also organised  a three-day workshop for local contractors and anyone interested in working with the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KW-SUBEB). The workshop took place between November 9 and 11.

     

  • Fed Govt, ASUU and future of students

    Fed Govt, ASUU and future of students

    By Elizabeth Ogunwale

    Sometimes it is  the smallest decisions that can change your life forever. This is not to say that the biggest doesn’t but that the smallest decisions which you had no high hopes for could turn tables around. In recent time, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has gained both popularity and notoriety in our public space, especially in the educational sphere.

    Noteworthy is its every day or say, every week closed door meetings with the government, to draw up conclusions on their demands – long term demands – but to no avail. This sole decision made by the ASUU without the involvement of students have led to the age-long stay- at- home of students which  seems like it would not  be ending soon. The disagreement between the government and  ASUU  since March 23 has put students  at a dead end.

    The major issue that triggered the ASUU strike early was largely dependent on the introduction of the new payment system for all government employees which was met with negative response by the ASUU. The Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), a centralised payroll platform designed  by the Federal government to  manage its payroll budget directly and supposedly curb ghost workers.

    However, reasoning with  ASUU, the core reason for the long-term strike also borders on other  issues which include revitalisation, improvement in the quality of infrastructure, funding of universities and regulation of payments of salaries, among others. The only way out of this grid is to strike a balance for the above issues which have kept students and lecturers alike at home.

    Lecturers, as we can testify to, during this strike live a  miserable life unless they have an alternative, while students due to the idleness, have engaged themselves in illicit, illegal and mundane activities which have had a negative impact on the country.

    The sole  decision made by  ASUU has  caused us, the students, to restructure  our plans this year. It has also  altered the number of  years to be used in the university. Though year one students can still opt out, write UTME  and pick a private university to start from  scratch but the reverse is the case for most of us in our third or last year as this will be hard for us.

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has  unanimously resolved to organise a nationwide mass protest to drive home its  demands  on the immediate re-opening of all universities across the country. On his part, the President, University of Ilorin Students union, Wisdom Okoko said : “ASUU strike is killing us. The Federal Government and ASUU are putting their interests forward. Nobody is putting the interest of students as a priority. ”

    In sum, let’s bring back to our focus that, without students, there will be no lecturing job. However , ASUU is forgetting something – that students should be fought for. Whether they reach a resolution with government or not, one thing the union  needs  to remember is that ” you’ve to know when to strike and when to retreat”.

    • Ogunwale is a 300-Level Law student of University of Lagos (UNILAG).
  • FUOYE promotes 27 dons to professors

    FUOYE promotes 27 dons to professors

    By Esan Femi Williams

     

    The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti has approved the promotion of 27 academic  staff to the  professorial cadre in the institution.

    The announcement  was made at a  council meeting Wednesday last week  and was confirmed by the  Registrar, Prof. Olatunbosun Odusanya.

    The newly promoted professors are : Dr Fakoyede Segun Bamidele- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension; Dr Bolanle Tajudeen Opoola- Department of Linguistics; Dr Olubukola Olugasa-Faculty of Law; Dr Olusola Atilade Adeeyo- Department of Anatomy; Dr Isaac Ayodele Olatunji – Department of Estate Management; Dr Gbenga  Olumayede – Department of Industrial Chemistry; Dr Modupe Orunmuyi – Department of Animal Production and Health; Dr Musiliu Oluseun – Faculty of Pharmacy; Dr A. O. Olaniyan – Department of Political Science; Dr Dosu Malomo – Department of Industrial Chemistry and  Dr A.A Fajinmi – Department of Crop Science.

    Those promoted to reader cadre otherwise known as Associate Professor are: Dr. Matthew  Arowolo – Department of Mechatronics Engineering;  Dr Jonathan  Mbachaga – Department of Theatre and Media Arts; Dr Folasayo  Fayose – Department of Agric. & Bio-resources Engineering;  Dr Chika  Asogwa – Department of Mass Communication; Dr Habibat   Adubiaro – Department of Industrial Chemistry; Dr Adegoke  Tirimisiyu – Department of Criminology and Security Studies. Others are , Dr Oyebamiji  Oketayo – Department of Physics;  Dr O. E. Abolarin – Department of Mathematics;  Dr Oyedokun-Alli Wasiu Ademola – Department of English and Literary Studies;  Dr Omodele Ibraheem – Department of Biochemistry;  Dr Bolupe Awe – Department of Educational Management;  Dr Oyelaran  Ajani – Department of Mechanical Engineering,  Dr Jonathan  Amassoma – Department of Economics; Dr Opeyemi  Enoch – Department of Mathematics;  Dr Taofiq  Nasir – Department of Theatre and Media Arts and  Dr Olorunwa  Omofunmi – Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering.

    In a related development, the  management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has directed all staff of the institution to resume normal duties, with effect from Monday, November 23. This is  contained in an internal memorandum, issued and signed by the  Registrar, Mr. Olatunbosun Odusanya. According to him, the  management approved the resumption date for all staff of the institution, following the Federal Government’s directive on the resumption of duties by all categories of staff in tertiary institutions across the country.

    Mr. Odusanya, therefore, urged all members of staff to abide by all necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the institution.

    The memo reads: “ The university management at a recent meeting, considered and approved  Monday,  November 23, 2020 as the resumption date for all staff.This decision is in line with the directive of the Federal Government on the resumption of duties by all categories of staff.

    “Consequently, all staff are hereby requested to resume normal duties. Staff are therefore, enjoined to abide by the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

  • IBBUL set to discover cure for COVID-19

    IBBUL set to discover cure for COVID-19

    By George Idowu George

     

    As the deadly COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage  the  world, a  don at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai(IBBUL),  Dr  Dickson Achimugu Musa, with some other researchers are working tirelessly on  possible local vegetables   that could serve as a therapy to the virus.

    Making a presentation to the management at the  2nd COVID-19 Workshop in the Senate Chamber of the university, he  explained that there are pieces of  evidence to prove that some Nigerian vegetables have therapeutic elements that could be a solution to the  coronavirus.

    According to him,  the research was progressing steadily.He,therefore, thanked the university for its   unwavering support and cooperation, assuring that the outcome would be made public.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abu Kasim Adamu, praised  the efforts of the research team particularly when COVID-19 pandemic  is rising in some parts of the country and the world at large.

    He also expressed satisfaction with doggedness of the Central Research Team of the institution  for initiating a zeroprevalence study on the pandemic which has been adjudged by reputable national and international organisations to be the first of its kind.

    The VC  assured that  the university was determined to support every viable research project that would impact meaningfully on humanity.

    The Coordinating Director, University Research and Development, Prof.  Nuhu George Obaje, reaffirmed that the Central Research Team of the institution was determined to pursue  every valid research project that could place the universityon a higher pedestal  with its peers worldwide.

    The Registrar, Alhaji Musa Ango Abdullahi,  thanked the research team for  the bold steps already taken  and charged other members of the academic staff to initiate research efforts that would boost the ranking of the institution at global level.

    Meanwhile, the management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, is determined   to increase   tuition fees due to the nonchalant attitude of the state government towards the development of the institution. This was disclosed by the  President ,Students ‘ Union Government (SUG), Idris  Baba.

    He said:  ” To be honest with you, it is a battle and struggle we are into for quite some time now just to ensure we halt the entire proposal.

    “But the reality is that it will be difficult as the institution’s hand is seriously tied and government doesn’t care”,  he added.

    The union leader, however, disclosed that efforts are being made to ensure that the fees  are not too  high such that  the  students, parents and guardians wouldn’t be able to  afford it.

    He said: “Representing the good interests of our fellow students, we are passionately appealing to the management to ensure that the hike won’t be so high that we won’t be able to bear it.”

    He added that the internal strike of the institution is still on because the issues fuelling the strike have not been resolved.

    The  Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), IBBUL chapter, Dr Kudu Dangana, said the strike was  still on but efforts have  been made to suspend  it.

    “The new council we have is  making efforts, because they have been meeting with us so that they can forward our demands to the state government. We have articulated our demands so that they can present them before the governor,” he said.

    Kudu emphasised that if the issues are resolved before the national body calls   off  the strike, they will have to also  suspend the action.

    The chairman, however, pointed out that, even if the national body calls off the industrial action  and the internal issues are not resolved, the strike will continue.