Category: Campus Life

By Deborah Omoare

In the past years, cases of sex, in exchange for grades have plagued tertiary institutions and gradually began to attract the interest of the media.

At a recent seminar,  the First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi shared  the story of a female student at the Department of Pharmacy at the then University of Ife ( now Obafemi Awolowo University).

The lady, who was victimised by a male lecturer for refusing his sexual advances decided to strip herself naked in the full glare of the public, shouting her harasser’s name to come to have his sexual fill after he had failed her in his course for three years  consecutively. This happened when the First Lady herself was an undergraduate.

Academic institutions that are meant to protect students have become grounds for sexual predators to prey on female undergraduates. In 2018, Richard Akindele, a professor of Accounting at the Obafemi Awolowo University was accused by Monica Osagie, a postgraduate student, for demanding sex in exchange for grades.

He was later sacked by the university and sentenced to two years imprisonment.There was also the case of Boniface Igheneghu, a lecturer at the University of Lagos who was caught on camera sexually harassing an undercover reporter who posed as a minor seeking admission into the institution. Similarly, in November 2019, Akwa Ibom State University issued sack letters to eight randy lecturers for sexually harassing some female students and for extortion, after a thorough investigation .

However, the Nigerian Senate recently passed the Sexual Harassment Bill, christened “A bill for an Act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions and for matters concerned therewith”.

The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege jointly with 106 Senators, is aimed at promoting ethical standards and protecting students against sexual harassment by educators in tertiary institutions.The bill was first introduced in the 8th Senate led by Bukola Saraki,former Senate President, but did not scale through the lower chamber concurrent stage because it received criticism and did not include sexual harassment in the workplace.

The bill was reintroduced in the 9th Senate, 48 hours after the BBC Africa Eye Sex for grades documentary was aired. It passed its second reading in November 2019. The bill with 25 clauses, proposes up to fourteen years in jail but not less than two years in jail, depending on the gravity of the offence committed.

During the public hearing held by the Senate on 17th of February, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members kicked against the bill, leaving other stakeholders and the public in curiosity. There are indeed questions to be addressed as regards why ASUU opposed  the  bill and why the union is yet to take an open stand in its support. Which aspect of the bill does ASUU find problematic? What are the implications of ASUU not supporting the bill? In the light of the rejection, what actions does ASUU plan taking to protect female students from sexual harassment mainly perpetrated against them by male lecturers  on campus?

It is imperative to note that laws are made to address issues and to punish vampires in the society, but the union expressly faulted the bill. According to the  report released by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, ASUU is of the view that the bill is discriminatory, stating that the bill applies to a particular segment of the society, in which case, is directed to the educators in tertiary institutions.  ASUU also opined that the bill disturbs and unnecessarily affects the governance of the university as guaranteed by the law that makes them effective. The union also said  there are existing laws that have sufficient provisions to deal with the matter.

Although there are internal mechanisms in place to address sexual harassment in various educational institutions, but there is need for legislation that acts as a backbone in preventing this scourge and ensure the culprits face the wrath of the law.

However, the new bill on sexual harassment covers a wide range of issues including procedures the school must take to ensure that the lecturers don’t continue to harass students. It puts obligation on the schools to ensure protection and to put relevant mechanisms in place bodies.  This is a reminder  that we should all pay attention to  eliminating the scourge from  our school system, and ensure  that adequate learning space is provided for both male and female students so that no student because of his or her gender would study in an environment  plagued by sexual harassment.The bill, however, which has gone through  three readings, is set to be referred to the House of Representatives before being  submitted to the President for assent.

• Omoare is a 300 level Mass communication student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba

By Abike Sanusi

 

Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Provost Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye has stressed the need to have teachers in leadership positions in times of crisis.This, he said, was important in solving problems.

In a statement, he reiterated that teachers should not  be undermined, emphasising their contributions during the lockdown.

He said: “Teachers are in loco parentis as they wear the garb of parents while the students are in school. The issue of teacher leadership in relation to crisis response is not just timely, but critical in terms of the contributions teachers have made to provide remote learning, support vulnerable population, reopen schools and ensure that learning gaps have been plugged.”

Lafiaji-Okuneye said the role of teachers was not only about building a resilient spirit, but also shaping the future of education and teaching.

He, however, enjoined all to support teachers in their efforts to protect the right to education, following the new normal brought about by the coronavirus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to the challenges faced by over extended education systems throughout the world. Thus, the world is at crossroads, and we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic,” Lafiaji-Okuneye said.

He also said AOCOED had taken precautionary measures for the ‘new normal’ to safeguard the future of potential educators.

He lauded the Lagos State Government and stakeholders for helping to achieve effective service delivery.

 

By Agha Sunday Inya

 

To address infrastructural challenges at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),  Anambra State, former Governor Peter Obi has launched a N5 billion development fund for the institution.

It was at the university’s 60th Founders’ Day where he was the guest lecturer.

Obi decried the pace of development at the university, stating its alumni had done very little or nothing to help their alma mater.

He said the fund-raiser would run for five years with a target of N1 billion yearly from the alumni from next year.

“If about 10,000 alumni of the university can come together and make annual contribution of  N100,000 each, we should be able to raise N1 billion yearly to help our alma mater,” he said.

Obi, who promised to pay two per cent of annual fund mobilisation, said he would make funds available to the university to furnish  the office apartment where the fund drive would be coordinated.

“I will be fully involved and will  supervise activities of the office,” he promised.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who  lamented the deplorable state of infrastructure, noted that the institution was the only first generation university in the country without a  Senate Building.

According to him, Senate members have their meetings  at a make-shift venue furnished with plastic seats. He added that the space  had   become inadequate for the growing number of professors at the university.

Igwe bemoaned the problem of power supply, adding that the monthly energy bill of over N70 million ate deep into the purse of the university.

“Being able to generate our own electricity, like some of our peers, would be a huge relief to the university,” he said.

He said the fund-raiser spearheaded by Obi was necessary to save the soul of the institution.

He explained that Obi was selected to drive the campaign because of his passion for improved funding for education and his track record of prudent management of public funds.

Igwe expressed confidence in the ability of Obi to mobilise the alumni to help the the institution, promising that every amount donated would be properly accounted for.

 

Some tertiary institutions have resumed across the country following the reopening of schools by the government after a closure that lasted six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, students speak on how they are coping with safety guidelines and what has been described as the ‘New normal’, reports ELIZABETH FADEYI (IBADANPOLY).

 

It is no longer news that the Coronavirus pandemic crippled activities across the world. All the sectors of the economy, including education as well as other were not left in Nigeria. The government ordered a lockdown, including closure of schools from the primary to tertiary level, to prevent outbreak of the virus.

With the relaxation of the lockdown, which lasted for about six months, the Federal Government last month gave the approval for tertiary institutions to resume across the federation. Against this backdrop, some have resumed while others have fixed dates for resumption.

However, it is not business as usual as they have to comply with laid-down safety guidelines and protocols and the ‘New Normal’.

The guidelines are that schools should provide wash hand basins, sanitizers and ensure the observation of social distancing on campus. Also, facemasks are to be used by everyone including members of staff, students and visitors in addition to washing their hands and using sanitizers while maintaining social distancing.

Some students who have resumed recount their experiences and how they are coping with safety protocols.

For Fayemi Gbenga, a Mass Communication student of Ire Poly, Osun State, adapting to the new system has been very difficult. He noted that he would adapt with time.

He said: “ It is really hard  for me  to  adapt to the new system. Most times, I forget my nose mask at home and would be at the school entrance already before remembering that I didn’t have it on me. Even  in school, maintaining social distancing with my friends is difficult, but as time goes on I will get used to it.”

In like manner, Philip Faith, a Business Administration student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State (MAPOLY), abandoning old habits has not been easy. She said it would take a great deal of time to adjust.

“It will  really take time for me to get along with the  new guidelines set down. It is not really easy letting go of old habits. Maintaining social distance with my coursemates and   friends  has been tough.We often  hug and shake hands before realising we have not adhered to the guidelines,” she said.

Samuel Tunmise, a  HND 2 Mass Communication student of   Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, is getting accustomed to the new norms after he has been sent home three times to pick his nose mask.

He said: “I have already learnt to use the nose mask and keep it with me wherever I go. I also try as much as possible to maintain social distance from my friends as that can curb the virus from spreading. However, it does not always work out with my friends as sometimes we maee body contact before remembering.”

For Ogunyemi  Titilayo, a  HND 2 student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, it has been a herculean task but she would adapt in the long run.

She  said: “It is just a matter of time to get along with the new guidelines. Right now, I am already used to using and carrying along my nose mask wherever I go. I also try as much as possible not to have contact with people, especially my coursemates and close friends. It is  really not easy but with time every one will adapt.”

While complaining about having to adhere strictly to the guidelines, Ojedokun Isimi, an ND  2  student of  Ire Polytechnic, Osun State, said: “Putting on nose mask constantly doesn’t go well with me. I  find it hard to breathe when I use it. I wouldn’t  have bothered  using it at all if not for the fact that the school management made it compulsory.”

Similarly, Igwe Kingsley, a student of Polytechnic, Ilaro, said most times he found it difficult to breathe when he used his nose mask. However, he has been maintaining social distance among his friends.

He said: “Usually, I forget to use nose mask, but when I do, it makes me uncomfortable. I find it hard to breathe. Besides that, I have adhered strictly to the social distancing rule.”

A student of  Lagos State University (LASU), Tope Olalere, said though the guidelines were aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, it hasn’t been easy at all.

He said: “What is not being done before has  suddenly become so essential and compulsory to people in their day-to-day activities. I have tried as much as I can to do my part in making sure I have my nose mask on every where I go and avoid social gatherings.”

For Akinwunmi Temiloluwa, another student of  MAPOLY, adapting to the new system of wearing face  masks and keeping social distance with people wouldn’t have been possible for her if  the school hadn’t  made it compulsory.

Solomon Dorcas, a HND 2 student of  Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), said using face mask, washing of hands, ensuring social distancing regularly were not easy.

“ It seemed impossible  for me, but with time I got used to it. I learnt to use my face mask every where I go and also avoided people in a gathering.”

Another student of Ire Polytechnic, Odewumi Yetunde,  noted that she would have loved to use nose masks and adhere to safety protocols, but she was finding it difficult to adapt within a short time.

She said: “I often have breathing problem whenever I use nose mask for a very long time. I don’t find it comfortable at all. So, the use of the nose mask won’t really work out for people who encounter breathing problems.”

Sunday Timileyin, a student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, said he had adapted to the new safety rules. According to him, wearing face mask and keeping social distance have become part him even before resumption.

“I already added the rules to my daily routine. This process is just to safeguard every one on campus against the deadly disease and I implore others to get used to the idea,” he said.

In the same vein, Jumoke Ogunsina, a student of Lagos State University, noted that adapting to the rules was not tough for her because she likes to maintain rules of hygiene.

She said: “I have found it easy because as an individual I like to adhere to rules of proper hygiene. I have always taken care of myself even before the pandemic struck. So, for me, it is just normal.”

Peter Prosper, ND 2 Public Administration, Ire Polytechnic, said: “Definitely, it hasn’t been easy. What I am not accustomed to has suddenly become the norm. Having to use face mask to school all day, making sure there is social distancing among friends and coursemates has been tough to say the least. That the school management made it mandatory allowed students to force themselves to adapt.”

David Oluwakunle, a  Mass Communication student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic,  said adhering strictly to the protocols had been hard for him.

“ Using a face mask daily when going to school is not really easy. At times, I would be at the school entrance before I notice that I didn’t have face mask; and most times, I am denied entry because of that. Even on the campus, I will still have to maintain social distance with friends. It doesn’t always work out because I am used to being close physically with my friends,” he noted.

For Quadri Toheeb, a student of Business Administration at the Lagos State Polytechnic, taking the face mask wherever he goes is really problematic for him because he has not fully adapted to the new system.

He said: “First of all, taking the face mask along with me wherever I go still seems difficult and problematic. Often, I forget it at home. I would have got to the school gate before I notice I have left it at home. It will take time before I get used to it. It hasn’t being easy also to avoid social gatherings, maintain social distance with my coursemates and close friends. In fact,  my friends and I would have had  physical contact with each other before we thinking of social distancing.”