The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • ‘ICT training in varsities, means to reform’

    By Abiodun Jamiu

    Re-echoing the words of Jelani Aliyu, who said, ‘Our powers lie dormant, that dynamism and those powerful capabilities within us continue to remain inside and unproductive.’ You may argue that we are not standing still, that we are making some progress, but when you observe the pace of technological advancements around the world, you know that we might as well be standing still.”

    In his lecture at the combined convocation of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, with the theme: ‘Ensuring global relevance: Creating a new generation of super Nigerians’ Director-General, National Automative Design and Development Council Jelani Aliyu, said Nigerians’ might at the end remain still while the rest of the world moves on.

    Today, from the far north to the tail end of the universe, technology makes the world function efficiently. It has made digital revolution inevitable. As ‘information technology’ becomes part of the ingredients used in the making of a new order – in the lives of individuals, groups and communities, it is now more pertinent than ever to ensure a technology-driven university system in line with the best global practices.

    It is noteworthy to stress that information and communication technology has made digital inclusion across all spectrum of the society pertinent. Significantly, with ‘globalisation’, the world has become a better place. Down the memory lane, Marshall McLuhan had predicted the interconnectedness of the world societies which according to him, would be as a result of the revolution in the information communication technology.

    In x-raying the term ‘digital inclusion’, to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, it is “the ability of individual and group to access and use information and communication technologies.” It is also “the condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in the society, democracy and economy.”

    Digital inclusion is meant to be a pragmatic, policy-driven tool that addresses the need of individuals and communities. While some argue that tertiary institutions in Nigeria are ripe for a digital revolution, others believe that the system is right on track, and that it is only a matter of time until the desired change can be achieved. Of the differing views, one thing holds true – Nigerian universities need ‘reforming’.

    Government-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria had surely seen better days. They were once good examples of emerging giants attracting recognition from different countries of the world. But, today, they are left in cold ruins owing to applying technology at a ‘snail pace’. Technology makes it more efficient for lecturers and administrative staff to handle office functions and grading papers, thus cutting down long working hours. But, sadly, Nigerian universities are benighted outright.

    Despite decades into technology age, there are still calls by students and graduates of Nigerian universities to embrace technology. It’s quite worrisome that graduates still wait in the cold to obtain their certificates. Worse still, students in Nigeria wait endlessly for results to be released and queue hour-long to sign forms which could have been done electronically.

    In this age of information explosion, a skill in processing and distribution of data using Information Technology will determine one’s value in the force of work. Pathetic enough, innovation in Nigerian universities is at infancy. The nation’s public universities still rely heavily on the conventional ‘teaching-learning’, meanwhile, universities in other climes have gone ahead leaning towards technology-driven perspectives. These universities publish their course materials via the Internet, updating it regularly and have students that spread across the globe through distance learning programmes.

    Sadly, most of the supporting materials in Nigerian universities are manually obtained and largely outdated owing to the dearth of the needed technological knowledge to meet up with global best practices. It is, therefore, not out of place to submit that ‘poor network and communication imbroglio’ is one prominent obstacle to the integration of ICT in Nigerian universities.

    As the digital age widens continuously, tertiary institutions in Nigeria will have to extend access to ICT broadly. A state of emergency should be declared in our tertiary institutions until the desired effect is achieved. Thus, promotion of research and learning in emerging technologies should be given the utmost priority in a long term plan that will ensure our tertiary institutions are self-sufficient without necessarily relying on government for their running.

    The country is still grappling with inconsistent electricity, something very vital to maintenance of information technology resources.  Truth is, technology and science laboratories cannot run without power. However, some universities have an added advantage owing to the situation of the zone they are based; like sun light in Northwest and Northeast, rivers and dams in North Central and coal deposits in Eastern Nigeria. This will give the universities in the zones the edge to tap these potential at their disposal to keep information technology resources running, thus reawakening the universities as a force to reckon with in the comity of universities globally.

    One cannot gainsay the fact that when technology-driven knowledge is prioritised, Nigeria universities would be tapping into a previously unrecognised potential. For instance, some institutions in the country have taken giant strides in e-learning deliveries; University of Ilorin; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife today boast of public institutions with best developed ICT system.

    Thus, engaging in innovation and emerging technologies will be a stepping stone for Nigerian universities to becoming flag bearers in the global education scene. Like Jelani Aliyu strongly asserted, until Nigerian universities dance to the tune of technology and build up research outputs, our universities would remain a laughing stock in the global scene. With technology however, Nigerian universities will reclaim their lost glory.

  • AAUA begins campaign against social vices

    By Habeebullahi Abdulwasiu

    Students’ Union (SU) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), has organised a  Walk against social vices.

    The movement is part of activities planned for the 2018/2019 students’ union week.

    The campaign is to kick against anti-social conducts on campus.

    The movement is primarily aimed at curbing social vices such as indecent dressing, thuggery, cultism, internet fraud, bribery, and examination malpractices, among others.

    Ahead of the campaign, security officials have been waging a war  enforcing the university’s dress code. The university’s dress code forbids students to wear clothes that show part of their cleavages (for ladies), and any form of short dress as well as crazy jeans, among others.

    Comrade Oyedokun Ayodele who is the chairman, planning committee of the Students’ Union’s week, said the move is to correct abnormalities that have eaten deep into the society.

    “The Students’ Union is playing a vital role.They have given their support to the security unit to fight any form of social vices. As a good student, you must dress well, you must say no to drugs, raping and any other forms of social vices,” he said.

    Ayodele who is also the director of campus affairs of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), added that students must shun social vices both within and outside the campus.

    He said: “We are trying to tell the whole world that we are saying no to indecent dressings, both within and outside the campus. We believe (through this campaign) some people have been convinced enough to say no to social vices.”

    President of AAUA SU Comrade Samuel Adesomoju, noted that the union has not been able to hold such event for the past four years.

    “I feel sad when I see some students dress in clothes showing half their nakedness, or trousers that is half torn.But I think this rally would impact them,” he said.

    “The past administration has not been able to organise this kind of event for the past four years but we are starting it gradually and bringing it on board again. We so much believe in our capacity and our ability, and we believe that we are going higher,” he added.

    Omotola Oseni, a 300-Level student of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, praised SU for the initiative.

    He said: “The proper checks by the security on campus as regards indecent dressing is commendable, and I must sincerely commend the union leaders for coming up with such a brilliant idea.”

    A 300-level student of the Faculty of Law Adedamola Adeusi, considered cultism as one of the vices that must to be reduced considerably.

    “Cultism is one of the social vices with which many have found pleasure in. People join it to trend on campus, while some are influenced by bad company. Cultism diminishes and annihilates one’s reputation,” he explained.

    Feranmi Okuku, a final year student of the Department of Mass Communication, agreed with Adeusi.

    She, however, applauded the management for rising to the occasion.

    “Indecent dressing, rape, examination malpractices and the likes, are mostly caused by wrong exposure and peer group influence. The management has been trying its best to address them; though, we may not rule out some students that would prove adamant,’’ she added.

    Feranmi implored management to be stricter and define what they term as ‘indecent dressing’ in order to make their instructions clearer.

  • MAPOLY student bags integrity award for returning lost money

    By Fasilat Oluwuyi

    A student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Aminat Olaleye who returned the sum of N20,000 she found on campus, has been awarded for her act of honesty.

    Olaleye was presented her award by a group of media professionals and entrepreneurs who are organisers of the annual Integrity campaign 2.0.

    Aside the award, Olaleye was also installed Integrity Ambassador alongside the Students Union President of MAPOLY, Samson Omoniyi, who was equally garlanded Campus integrity ambassador at an event held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, with the theme: Before you act, think integrity.

    Expressing her joy, the 22-year-old old HND2 Accountancy undergraduate said she felt the owner of the cash might desperately need it as payment for school fees, hence the need for her to return it.

    She recalled that there was no means of identification to get the owner; the reason Olaleye said compelled her to hand the money over to the Student Union that eventually tracked the owner.

    “What prompted me to return the money was because I felt the person will want to use the money for the payment of her school fees,” she began.

    “I felt if I’d been in the shoes of the loser, it would have been pretty difficult for me to raise the money again. That was the reason I decided to return it.

    “The money didn’t contain any means of identification. I had to pass it across to the Public Relations Officer of the students, Mr Johnson Idowu, who made the information public before they eventually identify the true owner.

    Presenting the award, Chief Executive Officer of Boot Communications, owner of Rockcity 101.9FM,Dr Niran Malaolu, urged Olaleye not to relent in her upholding ethical principles.

    Earlier, Omoniyi had honoured Olaleye with an award of Integrity during the final match of Samson Odedina’s fresher’s cup held at the institution’s sport centre.

    Presenting the SU award, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Samson Odedina had also promised that management would pay Olaleye’s tuition for one academic session only. Odedina charged other students to emulate the act.

    The event had in attendance wife of the Ogun State Governor Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, as well as other dignitaries.

  • The mindshift initiative

    By Agbo Agbo

    In 1999, Graves Manor, a neighbourhood in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States of America was a tough neighbourhood where drug gangs held sway. These gangs sell drugs to teens and youth in the area with no misgivings whatsoever. Tired of seeing the lives of their youthful population wasting away, some residents formed the Memphis Neighbourhood Watch organisation to clean up their ‘hood.’ The organisation then rolled out a special Violence Reduction Programme for children between five and 17. They provide tutoring and quiet places for homework. They bring in mentors to guide the youth toward imbibing positive value skill-sets. The result after six months was remarkable, there was a radical turnaround; drug use reduced drastically, drug gangs were forced to leave and youths were free to express themselves without being molested by violent gang members.

    The lesson here is that it sometimes takes a group, or even an individual to change the mindset of a society. For long, we have held the belief that only the government can solve all our problems with a magic wand. That certainly is not true. This is the tough call Mr. Bamijoko Okupe, an entrepreneur and brand marketing and communications practitioner with over 30 years’ experience has taken upon himself to champion. It starts with a “Mindshift” in the Nigerian and African youth. Mr. Okupe’s keen interest and passion for Nation building, transformation and social enterprise made him to participate in the OAKSEED programme of the Institute of National Transformation in 2006.

    I met with this “die-hard” Nigerian recently and the optimism he exudes about Nigeria, Africa and its youth is quite contagious. As the founder of the ‘Mindshift Advocacy for Development Initiative,’ Okupe already has his work cut out for him. Incorporated on November 28, 2016, the non-partisan, non-governmental organisation aims at re-directing citizens’ mindsets from negative mindsets in private lives, societies and nations to positive mindsets that foster meaningful holistic personal, social and national development. The initiative also seeks to activate a radical and positive change in the mindset of the Nigerian – and by extension, African youth – literate and non-literate.

    In rolling out this initiative, Mr. Okupe believes strongly that “the bane of Africa’s problems is the mindset of Africans as individuals, communities and nations, about themselves and the mindset of the rest of the world about Africa. The wrong mindset of Africans, which influences the way we do things, has created problems such as lack of visionary and purposeful leadership, bad governance standards, erosion and loss of good value systems, corruption, poor understanding of global issues and how it impacts their lives; unprecedented, never-ending poverty, heavy debt burdens, over dependence on international aids, endless conflicts, inadequate education etc.”

    He stressed that every effort geared at re-orientating the citizens with a view to making them develop positive and progressive mindsets as individual, society and at national levels, would put us on the road to meaningful and effective transformation of the continent for sustainable growth and development. This is why: “The changes we wish to make have more to do with how we think than what we actually do, because thinking patterns ultimately influence actions. We need to get our citizens to embrace positive mindsets that can impact thought and action for our progress and development. We must also lead by example by thinking and acting differently.”

    Citing Mr. Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, who once said that Africa’s transformational change will first happen at the level of mindsets before it is translated into concrete actions; Okupe firmly believes that Africa’s journey of transformation starts with changing how people think. “It is vital for citizens of all ages and social classes to have the right mindset because they are the ones who would be actively involved in the day-to-day actions that bring about sustainable transformation.”

    In his determination to put his best foot forward, he agrees with the late Martin Luther King that “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions.” These “easy answers and half-baked solutions” are what the initiative is out to challenge viciously because “a popular old Chinese proverb says the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. If we want success and growth in the future, the best time to act is now! The number one strategic tool for transformation is to change how people think! Transformational change happens at the level of mindsets.”

    A further rationalisation for targeting the youth – and others – is because they are the most critical and active component of the population that is required to drive progress and development of any society. Studies have shown that about 60% of Nigeria’s population is the youth and the number is still growing. To this end, he is bent on creating a broad based, youth driven movement, aimed at the transformation of human minds towards desiring and doing good for mankind – especially for Nigerians – to create a more developed, progressive and enduring society.

    On what lies ahead, the initiative’s mission includes empowering citizens with relevant knowledge and enlightenment to provoke “mindshifts” from negative to positive mindsets; citizens’ re-orientation and promotion of values to engender responsible citizenship in mindset, attitude and behaviour; initiate and motivate citizens to partake in action-oriented initiatives that will positively impact self, society and nation and to foster fruitful interaction between governments and citizens to engender more productive relationship between government and citizens.

    In order to achieve these, the initiative has in place well-articulated key focus areas toward its agenda. These areas are: family and society, government and politics, education, business and economy, media, arts and entertainment, innovation and technology, religion, culture, and health and wellness. Additionally, it will approach this systematically through social research, targeted issues campaigns, action-oriented initiatives, knowledge sharing, events, and public discourse platforms.

    According to the late American management consultant, educator and author, Peter Ferdinand Drucker: “Every few hundred years in Western history there occurs a sharp transformation…Within a few short decades, society rearranges itself – its world view; its basic values; its social and political structure; its arts; its key institutions. Fifty years later there is a new world. And the people born then cannot even imagine the world in which their grandparents lived and into which their own parents were born.” Though using the West as a springboard, we can hardly fault his submission as 21st century events have clearly shown.

    Progress and development are functions of the mind therefore our actions are manifestations of our mental constructs. These actions can be expressed in different forms, including body language. Of course these actions are informed by values and these values can be positive or negative. But to propagate progress and development we must examine the minds of our youths vis-à-vis their disposition to the prevailing values in order to intervene for the collective good. As a system we are stuck, hence, this is the time for a new model to navigate our way forward toward progress and development.

    There is, therefore, the need for a radical change in perspectives beyond the traditional way of looking at leadership, the economy, religion and other aspects of life because the context in which our present leaders – both in public and private sectors – operate is less desirable. However, leadership is to be responsible; and responsibility is not about age.

    Society, as we are aware, is made up of individuals with varying backgrounds. These individuals are associated with different religions, manners, festivals, literature, customs and traditions etc. The condensed form of all these elements is what is known as culture. It thus takes a long time to form the society and its culture. The various element of the culture that is bound to provide the welfare of human kind and surroundings are called societal norms and values.

    If we are honest with ourselves we’d mostly agree that all is not well with our nation and that the values we once held dear sadly belongs in another era. This is the major reason I’m aligning with the vision of the mindshift initiative – especially as it relates to the youth, my constituency – to cause a paradigm shift.

  • Mass Comm student wins competition

    Hamzat Ibrahim Abaga

     

    A 300-level level student of Mass Communication at Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, (IBBUL),Mohammed Yakubu, has emerged winner at the maiden Prof Muhammad Nasirudeen Maiturare’s inter local government competition organised by the National Association of Niger State Students (NANNIS), IBBUL chapter.

    The competition which encompassed quiz on English studies, mathematics, spelling bee and current affairs featured students from Lavun, Katcha, Magama and Borgu Local Government.

    Announcing the result, Yakubu who represented Lavun Local Government Area, surpassed other participants with 10 points against eight point to the lowest.

    Yakubu is also a two-time beneficiary of IBBUL scholarship for overall best student of his department in 100 and 200 levels respectively, and was presented his award by the vice chancellor Prof Muhammad Nasirudeen Maiturare during previous matriculation ceremonies.

  • Igbo students in PTI celebrate Cultural Day

    Students of Igbo extraction in Petroleum Training Institute, (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, marked their cultural day last week with the inauguration of the new Igwe and his cabinet for the 2019/2020 academic session.

    The funfare was further complemented by the colourful traditional attires worn by the Igbo students. The event was not just to showcase the rich cultural deposits of the easterners but also to coronate the new Igwe and his cabinet, CAMPUSLIFE learned.

    In his remarks, a medical practitioner and patron of the Igbo Student Union (ISU), Dr. I. Ogbonna, reminded the Igbo students that aside catching their fun, their primary goal should be acquiring good grades.

    Ogbonna advised the new executive of ISU to ensure that funds entrusted in their care is carefully utilised.

    The students were advised to maintain the good image they have built in the institute. Ogbonna counselled them to steer clear of cultism and other unwholesome conduct.

    Part of the side attractions of the occasion was a display of various dance styles from Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia states. A mock New Yam festival was also held. The usual ‘Item 7’ was not lost as participants enjoyed local Igbo delicacies.

    Comrade Nwali Isaiah and his Ms. Ndomadu Joy both emerged the Igwe and Lolo of the executive respectively.

    In his address, Nwali an HND1 student of Petroleum Engineering and Geo-Science, told CAMPUSLIFE his administration would ensure welfare of members.

    He promised that under his watch, ISU would maintain its good reputation.

     

  • ‘Amenities for students a privilege, not right’

    By Okerinmodun Faith Olusegun

    The Public Relations Officer of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, has said the university’s major aim is to provide education.

    Olanrewaju also said students should see certain basic amenities they have hitherto been enjoying, as a privilege; therefore they should not take it for granted.

    He spoke to CAMPUSLIFE correspondent who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    Olanrewaju said: “It’s a privilege for students to get some basic amenities because things of such are not mandated in other schools.

    “Nobody told them (students) to choose OAU; they chose it themselves with a particular course. That’s the main focus of Oau. Even  abroad, your accommodation and transportation is the sole responsibility of your guardians and parents.

    “Students shouldn’t take the privileges for granted. Our main focus is to provide accommodation for final year and fresh students only. However, with time, we saw that there was an increase of students. At present, we have more than 40,000 students in OAU here.

    “We only collect money from Federal Government and do what the money is requested for. We cannot go beyond our bound. We have due process.

    “Students shouldn’t abuse this privilege. Some students don’t have light at home but they dare not protest. The university management spends N60 million on electricity alone, not to talk of the maintenance and all. We can’t rely on the Federal Government alone, because they can only do little”

    Speaking on the security of students in town, Olanrewaju noted that the institution is working in concert with security agencies in town. Nonetheless, management would not reveal the strategy because it is a security matter.

    Speaking on the reinstatement of the Students Union, which was proscribed three years ago, Olanrewaju said management is working to ensure its revival, adding that after all has been perfected, management would roll out modalities.

  • Practise in your fatherland, VC tells doctors

    Newly inducted doctors of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have been cautioned against migrating to other countries in order for them to contribute their quota to the development of the nation’s health sector.

    The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Zana Akpagu, gave the admonition at the institution’s International Conference Centre during the 50th physicians’ oath-taking ceremony.

    Akpagu, who was Chairman of the occasion, stressed that there was need for the new doctors to stay back owing to dearth of doctors and other healthcare professionals in the country.

    Akpagu, said over the years there have been massive migration of Nigerian doctors to other countries in search of greener pastures, a situation, he lamented has impacted negatively on the nation’s healthcare system.

    According to him,  the  new doctors may desire to travel abroad for further medical training, they owe Nigerians a duty to cater for their health needs.

    While urging them to see their induction as a call to service of humanity, he charged them to respect the ethics of their profession and shun acts capable of jeopardising their future.

    Prof Akpaku who congratulated the doctors for scaling the hurdles in the course of their training also appreciated their parents for making sacrifices to ensure that their children become successful. He, therefore, urged the doctors to reciprocate by taking good care o f their parents.

    Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, UNICAL Prof Victor Ansa, congratulated the inductees for the feat. He urged them to be good ambassadors of their alma mater.

    He called on them to embrace discipline and humility, charging them to learn from their seniors in the medical profession.

    Ansa thanked the vice chancellor for the great support for the college, stressing the standard he has created has contributed immensely to the great achievements recorded by the college especially in the area of training of doctors.

    In his words: “You  are welcome to the real world of the practice of medicine and I urge you to be humble and learn from your seniors and teachers.

    “We urge you to always hold your alma mater in high esteem wherever you are and don’t drag the image of your profession in the mud.”

    Speaking shortly after administering oath on the new doctors, the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, aligned with the vice chancellor’s submission on the need for new doctors to ply their trade in Nigeria, stating that their services are needed locally.

    He charged the new doctors to adhere strictly to the code of medical ethics, warning that anyone who runs foul of the law will be punished accordingly.

    Sanusi, who said that the doctors owe the society a duty further warned them to desist from any misconduct, which according to him, may lead to their suspension from medical practice.

    Sanusi said: “Your induction is a call to service of humanity. You must adhere strictly to the code of medical ethics, violation of which may cause you to be a victim before the medical organs of council.”

    He also called for a robust synergy between the College  of Medical Sciences of UNICAL and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in the onerous task of training doctors and other healthcare professionals.

    The Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof Ikpeme Ikpeme, said the training of doctors remained his topmost priority, even as he promised to join forces with its sister establishment in that regard.

    Represented by Dr. Ogbu Ngim, the CMD said he was happy to be part of the graduands’ success stories and wished them well in the medical profession.

    Cross River State Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Agami Ayuk, thanked the management of UNICAL for making sure that the doctors graduate with their certificates.

    Welcoming them into NMA, he urged them to uphold the code of ethics of the medical profession as well as the professional ethics of the NMA.

    The NMA Chairman who warned the doctors against sharp practices also called on them to be security conscious.

    The guest lecturer Prof Eric Archibong who spoke on the topic: Transforming a medical student to a medical practitioner, called on the new doctors to maintain confidentiality when dealing with patients.

    Archibong said it is important for doctors to obtain a patient’s consent at all times, saying they should always explain to a patient in simple and clear language their findings and treatment options, including the likely outcome of their treatment.

    He said, while dealing with patients, the doctors must rise above cultural, ethnic and religious barriers.

    He called on the new doctors to show compassion and identify with patient’s problems as well as show empathy rather than shower blames on a patient

    Igri Abaseoyi James who spoke on behalf of his fellow new doctors, described their induction into the medical profession as a dream come true. He recalled that the journey through medical school has been a memorable one.

    James, who was their class representative, thanked the lecturers, staff and Provost of Medical College for their numerous contributions, which she said, impacted on their success.

    The new doctors, 33 in all, pledged to consecrate their lives to the service of humanity.

  • UI has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, VC assures

    Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Idowu Olayinka has called on both the staff and students of the institution to familiarize themselves with the various laws guiding against sexual harassment in the school saying ignorance will not be taken as an excuse for anybody found wanting by the law.

    The VC spoke on the background of trending media investigation on sexual assault and sex-for-grade scandals in some West African Universities at the quarterly media chat organized by the UI-owned campus radio, Diamond 101.1FM.

    Speaking on the efforts put in place by the institution to prevent sexual harassment by either the students or the staffs of the institution, Prof Olayinka noted that two related but different bodies had been in place to check such excesses and give room for students to report cases of sexual harassment to the school authority.

    He said, two policy documents guiding the operations of the centres named Gender Mainstreaming Policy and Gender Harassment Policy which had been operating in the last 15 years were recently reviewed to capture recent peculiarities in the areas of sexual harassment.

    He appealed to both the students and staffs to take advantage of the centres and the policy been operated to make sure that they don’t suffer in silence, adding that staff in one of the Centres in the institution was recently expelled after failing to give satisfactory defence to an allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him.

    Olayinka said “There are two major structures in place. We have the Gender Mainstreaming Office. In fact, last night I called the Vocal Person, Prof. Ayelagbe, we discussed especially on the news that broke on two Universities in Africa – Lagos and Legon.

    “So we have Gender Mainstreaming Policy and also Gender Harassment Policy which was developed when Prof. Odejide was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). In fact, she insisted that two bodies should not be merged, that the Sexual Harassment Policy should be separate from Gender Policy.

    “So there are structures in place. UI has zero-tolerance for sexual harassment. So, students have the opportunity to report. Because if a report is not made it will be difficult to bring anybody to book.

    “My own position is that we are not going to rewrite any new law because of a particular issue. We can learn from experience. And if there is existing law and someone has flouted, then you should be seen to be implementing the law. Otherwise, you won’t be sending the right signal.

    “So, if any member of staff is accused, he or she will be given a fair hearing. Then, if found guilty, we have to look at the books because if my daughter or wife is here, I won’t want her to be harassed. That is the issue.

    Read Also; Sex-for-grades: Outrage as another UNILAG lecturer is named

    “If anyone flouts the regulation that is put in place, he or she should be made to face the music. There are also instances where male lecturers will also be harassed. Even though most of the times, female students are at the receiving end. We have zero-tolerance for harassment.

    “Recently, there was one, a post-graduate student who tutors at a Centre. He was expelled a few months ago when there was a report. He appeared before the disciplinary committee to defend himself but we were not satisfied with his explanation.

    “The students have the opportunity to blow the whistle. They may not be able to open up to me because I am a man but we have a Gender Mainstreaming Office which is manned by a female lecturer so that they can always confide in her. That is why the Head of the place, the Gender Vocal Person is a woman so that they can report to her.

    “If it is an allegation, the person is presumed to be innocent, he or she will be given the opportunity to make a defence. If the committee is not convinced, we will apply the appropriate sanction. There is always an opportunity for the person to appeal to the Governing Council. The disciplinary committee is not the final arbiter, it is the Council because all of us are employed by the Council. But as a matter of policy, we have zero tolerance for sexual harassment.”

  • Row over Oyo law students’ bursary

    An announcement that was meant to be soothing to students of Oyo State at the Law School has snowballed into accusations and counter-accusations between beneficiary students and those who are non-beneficiaries. CHIMA OSUJI reports.

    •We are shortchanged, say non-beneficiaries
    •Gladiators:we did our homework well

    In early August, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde hosted some students of the Law School who are indigenes of the state.

    The students, about 120,  visited the governor to congratulate him on his election victory. They used the opportunity to plead for bursary. Their request was granted by the governor who promptly issued a N60 million cheque (amounting to N500,000 per student) to the visitors. Shortly afterwards, government went ahead to put the information on its twitter handle that it had paid the bursary of the entire indigenes of the state in the Law School.

    The information generated reactions on the social media. While many students applauded the governor for reviving the state bursary which had been in comatose since 2012, some other  students in the law school stoutly rose, to say they did not benefit from the award.

    Though the governor was to later use the bursary as part of his achievements in ‘100 days in office’ a few weeks later; yet the entire episode appeared to be mired in controversy.

    The law students of Class of 2018/2019 of Oyo State Law Students have described the disbursement of the bursary as ‘imbalanced’ and lacking adequate representation of real beneficiaries.

    President of the 2018/19 Class, Kolapo Sodiq Abidemi, said his colleagues, got nothing from the largesse. adding that only the 2019/2020 Set, benefitted.

    Abidemi, who is the national president of the Association of Oyo State Law School Students, a body comprising students in the law school across the six campuses, said the list submitted to the governor was not official, as he has in his custody the authentic list  issued by the Nigerian Law School.

    CAMPUSLIFE learned that the Nigerian Law School has two sets of admission-the ‘regular set’ (2018/2019) admitted in November); as well as the ‘backlog set’ (admitted in April for the 2019-2020 session). While the former category has students spread across the six campuses of the law school; the latter group has students in only Yenagoa, Yola and Abuja arms of the school.

    Abidemi attributed the ‘shortchanging’ to misinformation given to the government by a representative of the backlog set, Mr Olaniyi Adisa Ogunlade, who according to him, allegedly omitted his set on the ground that they had already graduated from the law school.

    Though already through with their final exams, Abidemi said neither has their results  been released, nor have they been called to the Bar, indicating that they are still in the system.

    Meanwhile, Ogunlade, has dismissed the allegation leveled against him as a tissue of lies. Defending his stance, Ogunlade said he acted on behalf of his colleagues alone, therefore he is not answerable for others.

    The Genesis

    CAMPUSLIFE learned that as a   tradition upon resumption at the law school, students usually form a cell across the six campuses of the school, and with a representative, to reach out to their state government for bursaries. According to findings, Ogunlade had earlier opened a whattsssup platform Forum of Oyo State Indigenes where he asked his colleagues at the three aforementioned campuses to send in their names. CAMPUSLIFE heard that the regular and backlog sets separately collated their lists and sent to the government, but these were rejected because government insisted on honouring only a comprehensive list from the law school.

    Abidemi told CAMPUSLIFE that he eventually obtained a consolidated list from the law school comprising names of the two sets. But Ogunlade, with some members of his executive, sought a courtesy visit with Governor Makinde ostensibly to congratulate him on his election victory; but later used that platform to tender the list containing names he gathered on the whatssup platform he earlier opened.

    Said Abidemi: “I am the president of the NLS Oyo State indigenes. We set out to collect bursary from the state, which was ready to pay us. Then government directed that only those who chose Oyo as their state of origin in law school would be eligible. We requested law school to send a comprehensive list of names of both sets, and the law school was in the process of sending those names when government suddenly announced that it had approved N500,000 bursary for Oyo State indigenes in law school.

    “We did our investigations and later discovered the governor approved the bursary to backlog students only.

    ‘’We also learnt Ogunlade misguided the governor that our set had graduated, but we later informed the governor that we have not. The governor then promised to see the comprehensive list by the law school and do the needful.

    “To our utter dismay, the governor refused to go on with the collation. The governor later came on air to make a public apology on a radio programme. However, we wish to state that we’re offended because, one, our right was infringed upon, paying: backlog’s students at the expense of regular students.

    “Two, the governor announced that he approved N500,000 to each   law student of Oyo origin. This has created a misconception about us in the public. Friends and family members think we’ve been paid. Going by the governor’s statement, the public believed all law school students of Oyo origin have been paid. Only God knows the number of calls I have received from friends to share my N500,000 with them. How do I explain to them?

    Ogunla defends stance:

    Ogunlade dismissed the allegation leveled against him.

    He also claimed ignorance of the existence of the regular set during the planning and execution stages, saying he simply acted for members of his forum only.

    Giving his own side of the story to CAMPUSLIFE, Ogunlade described as ‘majic wand’ the whatssapp group-Forum of Oyo State Indigenes which he set up for his contemporaries at the Yenagoa, Yola and Abuja campuses.

    “I was offered admission at the Yenagoa campus of the Nigerian Law School in April, “Ogunlade began.

    He continued: “Immediately, I established a whatssapp group and I tried as much as possible to send a link to the three campuses that are used for the backlog set.

    “It was a voluntary association with a mandate to push the state government to pay us bursary allowance. So, we’ve been on it since we have been on campus. We’ve been having normal deliberations among ourselves on the platform. So, I requested that members should submit their names and other details on that platform.

    “I took out time to personally collate all the lists on my own. So, when we came to Ibadan for external training, we wrote a letter requesting for a courtesy visit to the governor. We wanted to congratulate him on his emergence as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. We were able to push that letter, and got an audience with His Excellency.

    “I led the seven-member delegation, spoke on behalf of my forum and thereafter we presented a gift to him. I then pleaded on behalf of members of my forum for bursary. Right there, His Excellency requested for the list of my members and I gave it to him because I had already prepared it. It contained 120 names of my members. On that spot, His Excellency approved the sum of N500,000 to each of us. That was how the news went viral.”

    Ogunlade however admitted that not all backlog students benefited from the bursary, attributing the development to those who defaulted in sending in their details to the platform.

    No directive to pay regular students yet, says govt.

    During his live broadcast on the 100 days in office, Makinde’s attention was brought to the plight of the regular set who are yet to be paid. The governor immediately apologised, saying he was misinformed that the set had already graduated. Nonetheless, he promised to right the wrong, while also making adequate preparation for the twin sets that will be offered admission to the law school next year.

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, secretary of the bursary department, Oyo State Ministry of Education Mrs Akinremi M.J, said that no further directive has been given by government in respect of the aggrieved students.

    Akinremi was equally noncommittal on whether the aggrieved students’ request would eventually be granted.

    Nevertheless, she suggested that the students could visit the state secretariat to express their displeasure, adding that she as well as the Commissioner of Education would be on ground to attend to their grievances.