Teachers have received training on virtual teaching to equip them with tech skills and how to retain their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The seminar, entitled: “Teacher preparation and Covid-19 snags: Rethinking the models”, which held on WhatsApp, was the first online colloquium on education in Nigeria.
It had in attendance experts from the six geo-political zones and over 450 participants. Each expert trained the teachers on how they could attune themselves to this period of Covid-19 and how to use Zoom and other applications to teach students.
The event was organised by four post-graduate students — Iyanuoluwa Olalowo of the University of Ibadan (UI), Stephane Oghuma of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Ikeoluwapo Baruwa and Tosin Aluko of Ekiti State University.
Olalowo explained that the seminar was aimed at enlightening teachers towards adapting to e-learning due to the pandemic.
He noted that they brought experts in the field of teacher education and educational technology, within and outside Nigeria to train the teachers on how to engage learners from pre-school up to higher Institutions in using low-cost, user-friendly learning management systems “LMS”, which puts the teacher and the learner at minimal/no disadvantage of not having a physical class.
He, however, urged teachers to be more proactive and tech-savvy to fit into the new occurrence.
“A specialisation teacher needs a more knowledgeable individual in the use of any online platform he/she intends to use to deliver lessons,” he said.
Notable experts who featured in the two-day seminar included Sikiru Kola Babárìndé, a foremost Professor of Pedagogy; Prof. Esther Oduolowu, the Head of Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, UI, Dr Dara Abimbade, Clemson University Research Scholar of Educational Technology, United States; and Dr Stephane Schaefer, Coordinator of Maryland Association of Education of Young Children, US, among others.
Rape is as old as man, but recently it has been occurring at an alarming rate such that various groups and stakeholders have continued to condemn it in strong terms.
Expectedly, the social media and the newspapers have been awash with stories of agitations against rapists. Some have suggested castrating them, others proposed life imprisonment.
However, some people have blamed the spate of rape cases on the indecent dressing of the female child.
Is that enough reason to rape a young girl? We now live in a generation where the females are vulnerable, sexually harassed and abused, and the victims are still being blamed despite their pains, trauma and death.
Young, vibrant girls have been killed in their prime after being raped. Barakat Bello,18, was raped and killed in her own house at Ibadan, Oyo State.
She was a 100 level student of Federal College of Animal Health and Production (FCAHPT), Ibadan and had only come home from school as a result of the lockdown.
She was found dead in the bathroom in a pool of her own blood, murdered, after being raped.
Another popular case that went viral is the case of Uwavera Omozuwa, the 22-year-old Microbiology student of University of Benin that was attacked and raped in a church at Ikpoba Hill, Edo state.
She was raped and murdered in cold blood. The aforementioned cases happened within a space of three days in the same month although in different locations.
This tragedy of rape has been for a long time and it appears as if nothing can be done to stop it. New cases keep cropping up daily, sadly some victims remain silent because of the fear of being stigmatised.
This should not be so.Victims should be encouraged to speak and culprits dealt with accordingly.
If people say a girl is raped because of poor home training,what then do we say about the male child that indulges in the violent act of rape? I would say that in order to prevent rape,the boy child should be given proper home training and orientation about the consequences of the act.
If every male child is trained to respect women,there would be little or no cases of rape.
This is a wake-up call to every family to properly train their children both male and female in a God- fearing manner, teaching them proper morals, etiquette and to also shun all manner of indiscipline..
This helps the society to be in control of situations like this because families make up the society and good families make up a good society.
Having said that, I would also like to appeal to all men to control their urge while calling on government to introduce capital punishment. Say no to rape!
Aderintoye is a 200 Level Nursing Science student, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
Over the years, ‘The police is your friend’ has become a popular refrain. It is pasted on the walls of some police stations across the country. However, the veracity of the saying remains debatable.
The police are the officials responsible for law enforcement, order and maintenance in the society, but in our dear country, they brutally use force beyond the limit permissible by law.
Sadly, police brutality has been a recurring problem in Nigeria. It has become widespread and manifested in several ways. The Nigeria Police is supposed to be a custodian to all citizens, but the reverse is the case.
In a survey conducted on people in police custody, nearly half of the accused persons interviewed (48.7 per cent) stated that their arrest involved insult or abuse by the police.
Roughly half (51.1 per cent) of the accused persons interviewed indicated that their arrest did not involve use of physical force by the police, however, 35.9 per cent were rough handled or slapped; 7.4 per cent were beaten with a baton; and three per cent were threatened with a gun.
As to why force was used on them, 24.2 per cent said they did nothing to warrant the use of force, three per cent resisted arrest, while 1.6 per cent returned verbal abuse. 5.2 per cent were assaulted because they questioned police behaviour; and 22.5 per cent were assaulted because they either refused to admit their offence or make a statement.
Recently,Tina Ezekwe, a 16-year-old secondary school pupil, died after she was struck by a police bullet in Iyana-Oworo area of Lagos.
The young girl was reportedly killed by a drunk police officer who shot to disperse a crowd that had gathered after shooting a commercial bus driver who refused to give him bribe.
Over the years, there has been so many cases of police brutality and mindless murder of innocent citizens.
A student Chukwuemeka Matthew Onovo, 22, left his father’s house in Enugu on the morning of July 4, 2008 and never returned. His father went to the police to report his sudden disappearance.
He later discovered his son had been shot dead after a shootout ensued near their home.The police claimed he was an armed robber but eye witnesses said he was unarmed when he was killed.
Another pathetic story is that of Chibuike Anams, a 23-year-old student, who was killed in company of two friends at a guest house in Elimgbu, Rivers State, on July 24, 2009.
The police had raided the guest house, he attempted to escape and was shot dead on the spot. His friends were arrested but were later released.
Anams’family reported him missing at the police headquarters in Port Harcourt after he failed to come home.
They discovered he had died almost a week after they had visited several police stations. Why the police shot Anams was mystery to his parents. He did not commit any crime.
It will not be out of place to say relationships between the Nigeria police and citizens are largely characterised by suspicion, prejudice, mutual disrespect, conflict and violence.
This is a clarion call to the police to be friends with all and sundry without any form of hypocrisy.
Adah is a 300 level student of the Department of Law,University of Calabar.
The coronavirus pandemic has made many schools across Nigeria, including Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) to strengthen e-learning offerings.
The institution’s online learning management system (OLMS) provides students a platform to interface with their lecturers.
Over 70 per cent of the institution’s students have enrolled on the OLMS and take lectures in modules.
Daily, lecturers upload their notes complete with reading list, course outline, assignments and seminar topics. Students, on their part, are expected to complete their assignments and send via the portal to the respective lecturers for grading, and result sent back to them.
Postgraduate students are not left out. They are expected to present seminars through the e- conferencing system which allows the accessors interface with students.
Arrangements are being made to enable students also defend their thesis through Zoom, a tele-conferencing software.
So far, the university has conducted continuous assessment tests (C.A.Ts) on the platform and the results were released last week of May.
From today, final year students are to begin their project defense virtually on the OLMS in line with the approved 2019/2020 Academic calendar.
Students are also gaining from the focus on e-learning with the establishment of a Microsoft academy in collaboration with Microsoft. Through the academy, they would get opportunity to train for mikro Tik courses like Mikro Tik Certified Network Associate (MTCNA), Mikro Tik Certified Routine Engineer (MTCRE), Mikro Tik certified Wireless Engineer (MTCWE) among others.
The university founded by Chief Gabriel Igbinedion is headed by Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye as Vice-Chancellor.
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Hanyang Agricultural Industry Limited(HAIL), Abuja, and University of Georgia, Athens, United States, have reached an agreement for research programmes for an initial five years.
The agreement covers student and staff exchanges, studying abroad, research programmes, seminars and workshops, as well as service programmes.
Welcoming the team from Hanyang Agricultural Industry Limited to the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abu Kasim Adamu said the initiative had been planned since last year, adding that this was the first meeting between the university and the team in Lapai.
The VC urged the parties to ensure that the agreement served the interest of all stakeholders, stressing that the institution was ready to abide by the terms of the deal with the agricultural sector playing a vital role.
Adamu maintained that when operational, Bobi Grazing Reserve, established by Niger State Government, would be well managed as more experts would be available then.
Leader of the team, Hakeem Olopade said the consortium had earlier met the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on how to harness the potential of the Reserve to the benefit of the state, especially in curbing the clashes between herders and farmers.
He said the consortium had met with top officials of the University of Georgia, along with some state government officials, noting that they were impressed with the facilities in the institution.
Olopade said the agreement also included funding, which would cover the training of animal husbandry experts and graduate assistants who must be indigenes of the state.
He noted that soil samples from the state needed to be taken to the University of Georgia, adding that a lot of knowledge about the Reserve was necessary.
Teachers have received training on virtual teaching to equip them with tech skills and how to retain their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The seminar, entitled: “Teacher preparation and Covid-19 snags: Rethinking the models”, which held on WhatsApp, was the first online colloquium on education in Nigeria.
It had in attendance experts from the six geo-political zones and over 450 participants. Each expert trained the teachers on how they could attune themselves to this period of Covid-19 and how to use Zoom and other applications to teach students.
The event was organised by four Postgraduate students. They were Iyanuoluwa Olalowo of the University of Ibadan (UI), Stephane Oghuma of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Ikeoluwapo Baruwa and Tosin Aluko of Ekiti State University.
Olalowo explained that the seminar was aimed at enlightening teachers towards adapting to e-learning due to the pandemic.
He noted that they brought experts in the field of teacher education and educational technology, within and outside Nigeria to train the teachers on how to engage learners from the pre-school, up to the higher Institutions in using low-cost, user- friendly learning management systems “LMS”, which puts the teacher and the learner at minimal/no disadvantage of not having a physical class.
He, however, urged teachers to be more proactive and tech-savvy to fit into the new occurrence.
“A specialisation teacher needs a more knowledgeable individual in the use of any online platform he/she intends to use to deliver lessons,” he said.
Notable experts who featured in the two-day seminar included Sikiru Kola Babárìndé, a foremost Professor of Pedagogy; Prof. Esther Oduolowu, the Head of Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, UI, Dr Dara Abimbade, Clemson University Research Scholar of Educational Technology, United States; and Dr Stephane Schaefer, Coordinator of Maryland Association of Education of Young Children, US, among others.
The Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Design (FEED), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has designed an open source ventilator as part of her commitment in the management of the coronavirus in Nigeria.
In a memorandum signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, it was announced that Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto has designed and produced a ventilator and an automatic/manual hand washing station.
The management of the institution has sent the product outside for review.
A lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, Mr Adamu Mode, who launched the ventilator, stated that the ventilator is an open source which can be used to ventilate the patients without requiring any human intervention.
However, the students of the institution lauded the efforts of the management for this good initiative, urging other institutions to do the same.
A 100-Level student of Biochemistry, Chris Andrew, said the ventilator shows Nigerians are innovative. He advised the government to make facilities available and create an enabling environment to support projects like this.
A 400-Level student of Medical Laboratory Science, Sofiullah Abu Sufyan, who was impressed, stated that institutions shouldn’t only be a centres of consumption but innovation.
He said: “I was really impressed when I heard that Udus’ has recorded such a great milestone. Just as it is expected, a university should be a centre for innovation and not only consumption.”
He however advised the government to be committed to funding research in the country’s tertiary institutions.
A 100-Level student of Law, Rabi’at Achida, said the institution has proved to be a citadel of learning and research by contributing its quota towards curbing the virus by designing a ventilator.
The construction of a ventilator by a 12-member team of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is an indication that our researchers are among the best in the world. Besides, the initiative also shows that Africa can rely on her people for innovations in medicine, science and technology during emergencies rather than going cap-in-hand to the West for aid. Now at the final stage, the university is seeking sponsors to mass produce the device. IFUNANYA OSAKWE, a 200-LEVEL MASS COMMUNICATION student of UNIBEN, reports
The 12-member team of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), which has constructed a ventilator, is appealing for funding from the government and private donors to mass produce the device.
The leader of the team, Prof Kessington Obahiagbon of the Faculty of Engineering of UNIBEN, said the device has been adjudged reliable by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), considering the technical input which makes it different from imported ventilators.
“The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has given us a clean bill after coming physically for the demonstration of the prototype ventilator using the artificial lungs,” Obahiagbon told CAMPUSLIFE. He explained the mileage the device has over the imported ones.
“Our ventilator not only met but surpassed the internationally-acceptable standard for a ventilator due to the technical input. So, once we get the financial support and other necessary aid from the government and private bodies, we will commence the mass production of the ventilator,” he said.
About three weeks ago, the UNIBEN team launched the device which Obahiagbon said forms a part of the institution’s contribution to the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), ventilators are needed for COVID-19 patients who suffer the worst effects of the infection which takes over the body’s breathing process when the disease has caused the lungs to fail.
The ventilator will, therefore, help facilitate the healing process of those infected by coronavirus, a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
It is a disease that has pneumonia symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, and can lead to the collapse of the liver and kidney and possibly death.
With the spread of virus globally, ventilators have become rare, leading to the need by countries to have the device manufactured locally to treat their infected citizens. And because of its spread, more ventilators are needed to take care of infected patients daily.
Obahiagbon continued: “Our aim is to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 by producing ventilators that will help facilitate the treatment of the virus. By mass producing the ventilator, it will not only serve as an economic benefit for the university, but the nation at large.
“This is why it is imperative that besides other donor agencies, government should show enormous commitment towards the project. We are fully capable of the task at hand.”
Going down memory lane, Obahiagbon said members comprised lecturers across Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, as well as a professor of Anaesthesiology from the UNIBEN College of Medicine.
Obahiagbon recalled how the team leveraged the opportunity of the partial lockdown in Edo State to develop the device.
He said: “As you are aware, one of the critical symptoms of COVID-19 is difficulty in breathing. This is why the ventilator is important as it is used to supply oxygen to the patient.
“During the partial lockdown in Edo State, my team and I decided to intervene knowing full well that ventilators are a critical requirement in the treatment of Covid-19.
“We had to finance the project by levying ourselves to buy the necessary equipment for the assemblage of the ventilator. Luckily for us, we were able to source the materials locally.”
Furthermore, Obahiagbon described the ventilator as unique, saying that it has so many features that makes it one of the best in the world.
Prof Obahiagbon
He continued: “One of the unique features of our ventilator is that it can operate on a battery for at least one hour. This is a great invention considering the epileptic power supply in Nigeria. In this case, battery can be used during emergency situation.
“In addition, the ventilator can operate on solar energy which makes it easily usable in rural areas. We decided to input this feature into the ventilator because solar is the most reliable form of power presently and it is mostly used in the advanced world.
“With solar, we won’t have to spend much in electricity or generator to power the ventilator. As we all know, power supply has been hindering the usage of most ventilators and that is why we decided to add this feature to it.’’
Obahiagbon noted that the device would equally be useful in the event of having to transport a critically ill patient from one point to another via a vehicle or ambulance.
“Another unique feature is that the ventilator can also use the cigarette lighter point in a car,” Obahiagbon explained.
“This makes it very useful in carrying critically ill patients who need oxygen from home to hospital or hospital to hospital.
“Also, it will be helpful for inter-state movement of a patient. Let us assume we have a situation where a hospital is filled up and there is no bed space for a patient, a hospital with this ventilator can simply move the patient to another state where there is enough space without worsening the patient’s case,’’ he added.
Aside its portability, Obahiagbon said the ventilator has two modes which could be adjusted either for adult or children
“Another significant advantage of this ventilator is that in addition to using oxygen from an oxygen cylinder, it can also use direct air from the atmosphere,” Obahiagbon said.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN Prof Lilian Salami, praised the team for looking inward in seeking solutions to the pandemic.
Salami described the initiative as one of the fulfillments of universities’mandate that is anchored on teaching, research and community service.
She said: “I am elated with the construction of this ventilator by UNIBEN. It is just the beginning of our greatness. “I’m also thanking Prof. Obahiagbon and his team for looking inward in finding a solution to help facilitate the fight against COVID-19. “I am using this medium to encourage every expert in UNIBEN to believe in themselves and make more efforts to achieve greater success in their fields.”
We are usually overjoyed when we finally gain admission into a higher institution in Nigeria. When I finally gained admission after three years of struggling, I remember how I sat down with my mum calculating the years of my life.
I told her I would quickly gain employment in Nigeria after spending four years in university and take good care of her for toiling for my sake. Tall dream! My brother told me it was impossible to spend four years uninterrupted as a result of the shambolic educational system in Nigeria. I found it hard to believe.
What we often don’t remember is that there would be one person to subtly give us hint on what to expect in school. However, I got to the university, made friends, joined groups, attended classes and meetings, too.
Then the practicals kept coming, draining my energy and money. The pressure kept building up threatening to make me drop out. I couldn’t call my family, I had to bear my cross all alone!
After the grinding stress of the semester, then comes academic assessment. With the examination, tests and practicals piling up, with the fees and levies, among other things, to worry about, I still read and sit for the examination, with no assurance of getting the grades deserved.
This is what virtually every Nigerian student go through while pursuing an academic qualification. The financial demands, inadequacy in learning facilities and opportunities along with other things make students lose the zeal to perform well. Thus, an average Nigerian higher institution produces more mediocre students than geniuses.
This is a clarion call to all and sundry over the mental state of students in higher institutions. Not all students can be strong enough till the end, which is evident with the high rate of suicide cases and depression levels among undergraduates. It is imperative for guardians and parents to reach out to their wards/child emotionally.
It is of equal importance for lecturers and academics to reach out to students. This can serve as an energiser in their academic performance. Above all, it is essential for higher institutions in Nigeria to be revitalised.
The outdated syllabus should be restructured to enable students perform up to the required standard on the global stage, while making them understand that the pressure they went through was worth it.
Finally, this is a call for solidarity among all students. The pain you go through as a student is not on equal grounds with the fulfillment you will enjoy at the end of the journey. Keep striving. Keep hustling. All is well that ends well.
Anjorin, is a 300 level student of Mass Communication in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.
A book entitled “Ultimate Guide in Dealing with Exams”, written by Sam Ibok, has been presented at the SUG Hall of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
Ibok, a postgraduate student of the University of Uyo, is also a CAMPUSLIFE reporter.
Ibok, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SI Foundation, a platform for mentoring and empowering youths and students, said the book provides ample solutions to poor performance in examinations.
“Ultimate Guide in Dealing with Exam is a 35-page book, which provides solutions to the problems of poor performance in examinations by revealing the secret of passing exams with ease. It’s a sure guide on how to prepare for exams and pass with distinctions,” he said.
Chairman on the occasion Chief Dick Collins, a Vice Principal in a secondary school in Akwa Ibom State, advised students to enhance their potential through intellectual engagements.
Collins, who wrote the foreword of the book, recounted how the young author started his writing adventure from secondary school; urging students to believe in themselves and work hard.
Okworo, who is from the Faculty of Education, praised the author and advised students to emulate the young writer.
“Sam is a visionary young scholar. He is a fertile ground for creativity,” he said.
The author thanked his parents, friends and course mates for making the launch possible. He said his journey into literature was borne out of his passion to be an agent of social change in the society.
At the ceremony were scholars, including Dr Faniran Ephraim, Mr Osu, Dr. Kenneth Innocent and Prof Mrs. Bolanle Esu.
