The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • CAMPUSLIFE reporter leads AAUA Mass Comm body

    A student journalist, Ikulajolu Adesola, is the president of the of National Association of Mass Communication Students, Adekunle Ajasin University chapter (NAMACOS AAUA).

    Ikulajolu emerged alongside Kieribo Esther, who was  elected the vice president.

    Ikulajolu is a reporter with CAMPUSLIFE as well as a student of Mass Communication.

    Similarly, Akeju Samson was elected the social director. Ohwofasa Dorcas clinched the welfare director’s office.

    Idowu Ridwan will represent the department at the Students Union Representative Council (SRC). Ogunsanmi Kolade also won the faculty’s SRC seat to represent the 200-Level.

    Those elected unopposed included Boluwaji Emmanuel Temitope (general-secretary), Onikuro Tobiloba (assistant general secretary), Harrison Ayoleyi (financial secretary), Adeboye Mary Folayemi (treasurer),Olubodun Samson (sport director), and Abdulwasiu Habeebullahi (PRO).

    In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, Ikulajolu said he had plans to transform the association.

    He said: “I have great interest in building the minds of students. I want to serve them with keen interest that will build their mind, capacity and widen their horizon about certain things.”

    He added: “I want to engage the students in activities that would build them morally, academically and socially for the future.

    “As communication students, there is a distinction attached to our names and we must live up to that standard. I want to discover, develop and deploy lots of talents and as well connect them,” he said.

    He further expressed his confidence in the ability of his executive to deliver.

    “It is actually never easy putting different people together to pilot the affairs of an association but once unity is adopted, it will be easy.

    “Teamwork is what would help us, but along side, my executive members must be honest and ready to serve. I want them to keep to their plans and work more for the students.”

    Ikulajolu’s co-contestant Omolola Omowumi, who is also the outgoing vice- president, congratulated the President-elect. She said as a young woman, her intention to contest would spur others.

    She said: “I think I was able to bring back the dead spirit in the female students because the only female president we ever had was Mrs Alero Benson, who contetsted in 2014,  but later went on to become a lecturer.’’

    She reiterated her commitment and willingness to cooperate with the incoming executive. “My advice to them is that they should fulfill their promises, if not all. They  should not forget God who gave them the opportunity. I don’t think there’s any way I can influence the association but if my help is needed I’m always available. I promise to give them my support and pay my dues when necessary,” she said.

  • Revisiting the Next Generation report II

    One of the challenges Nigeria is grappling with today, as it was in 2010, is unemployment – especially youth unemployment. If it was a challenge in 2010, it is critical now. The Next Generation pointed this out in its report. “Young Nigerians,” it stated “are increasingly frustrated by their lack of opportunities, and there are signs of new movements emerging to campaign for change. The next generation can make a huge contribution to Nigeria’s future, but if its potential is not harnessed, it will become an increasingly disruptive force.”

    Preventing the emergence of this ‘disruptive force’ is to focus on economic growth to create jobs and business growth opportunities, but unfortunately this has not been the case. Nigeria therefore urgently needs to develop a thorough action plan for its next generation. In 2010, policymakers were faced with a dearth of robust data on the country’s future challenges, challenges that has now been compounded by insecurity.

    In order to assist policymaker tread this torturous path, the report made a couple of recommendations. It advised that investment in people must be substantially boosted. The government should set targets for increasing expenditure on education and health, using oil revenue to fund both infrastructure and recurrent spending, while ensuring that existing funds are spent more efficiently. The priorities for education are to develop skills that lead to employment through expansion of vocational training, and to tackle the gross inequalities in educational provision that threaten Nigeria’s integrity as a cohesive society.

    Secondly, it recommended rapid improvements in the health sector especially by addressing very high levels of child mortality. Regions with low health standards need emergency funding to build effective primary health systems, with a focus on maternal and child health care. The needs of young families must also be put at the heart of the Nigerian policy agenda. With better health and education, parents will choose to invest more in fewer children, giving those children a much better chance of living a prosperous, secure and fulfilled life. Creating pro-family policies must be a priority for the Nigerian government.

    Nine years down the line, the recommendation that: “without remedial action, the crisis in the job market will worsen rapidly as growing numbers of young Nigerians enter the workforce. Nigeria needs to create almost 25 million jobs over the next ten years if it is to offer work to new entrants, and halve current unemployment,” has caught up with the country.

    To navigate the cul-de-sac, Nigeria needs to develop the infrastructure that will underpin a world class economy, spending up to an additional 4% of GDP on this task. It should diversify away from oil, with an emphasis on sectors that will improve employment prospects for young people, while removing obstacles to economic growth and private enterprise.

    The previous and present governments have toyed with interventions like Sure-P, N-Power and their offshoots to close the unemployment gap, but these interventions have fallen short in addressing the challenge. The report highlighted that the oil industry contributes as much as 40% to national GDP, but is highly capital-intensive and employs only a tiny fraction of the population. Other industries still in their infancy offer greater potential to Nigeria and Nigerians: communications; manufacturing (textiles, clothing and footwear; automobiles); and the mining of resources other than oil.

    Furthermore, it emphasised a fact that has been blowing in the wind for decades now; Nigeria must tap into the energies of the next generation, releasing its innovative and entrepreneurial potential and ensuring that young people have better opportunities for political expression. It should also harness the potential of its diaspora to provide opportunities for the young and for new ideas, investments, and contacts.

    If the country had walked this path what would have been the outcome? “With the right policies for the next generation, Nigeria’s aspiration to become one of the world’s largest 20 economies is within reach. If Nigeria’s leaders make the wrong choices today, the country will suffer the consequences for many decades to come – and Nigeria’s development breakthrough could be forever lost.”

    A frightening prognosis you would say. Without doubt the country is suffering the consequences of making the wrong choices which has left millions of our youth jobless. In the past few years industries and businesses that ought to have provided jobs have closed shop. The Boko Haram insurgency and the upsurge in kidnappings and banditry are taking a tool as scarce resources are being channeled to address growing security challenges. The danger in this is that emphasis is shifting from discussing how the economy can grow and provide jobs. The outcome is glaring for all to see: runaway unemployment.

    The report also harped on Nigeria’s rising population pointing out that such rapid growth – which stood at158 million in 2010, now 198 million – will definitely place enormous strains on any society. “In Nigeria, fertility rose through the first quarter century after independence, with each woman bearing an average of seven children in the mid-1980s. During this period, infant mortality, while still shockingly high, was falling. The result was unsurprising: growing numbers of large families faced a constant struggle to subsist.”

    In 2010, over 40 per cent of Nigerians were under fifteen, while three per cent are over retirement age. That means there is only slightly more than one adult of working age available to take care of each dependent in the population, a ratio that worsened after independence and is now barely higher than it was in 1960.

    “Any country with so few working age adults and so many children is likely to find economic progress exceedingly difficult to achieve. Throughout the post-independence period, Nigerians have devoted substantial resources to feeding, clothing, housing, educating, and securing the health of their children. This has come at a significant short-term cost, diverting funds that could have been used to construct factories, invest in infrastructure, or build the institutions needed to support a modern economy. Nigeria’s post-independence generation has sacrificed its own prospects in order to make a substantial investment in their children’s survival.”

    It is therefore not difficult to gauge why the report came to the conclusion that the economic impact was predictable. “Between 1980 and 2006, Nigeria’s economy barely kept up with its surging population, with incomes barely higher today than they were 30 years ago.  Over the past generation, Nigeria has fallen far behind its international competitors, most of whom have enjoyed much more favourable demographic conditions during this period.”

    Demography is clearly not the only factor in Nigeria’s underwhelming economic performance over the past 50 years. Better education, healthcare, and governance would have all helped the country grow faster, but providing these services was complicated by rapid population growth. Nigeria has been struggling against a powerful demographic tide ever since independence.

    Is there a silver lining somewhere? The report answered in the affirmative by stressing that “this demographic tide is finally turning in Nigeria’s favour. For half a century, Nigeria may have faced tough demographic conditions, but over the next 50 years, demography will begin to work in its favour. This will provide the country with opportunities on a scale that few richer countries can look forward to.”

    The drivers of change are easy to understand. For a generation now, Nigerian women have been choosing to have fewer children, following a pattern seen in countries across the world as they develop (though current levels of fertility in Nigeria are still relatively high). As health standards improve, babies have a much greater chance of surviving to adulthood. For a while, family size grows rapidly, but parents soon adjust, choosing to focus their energies and resources on ensuring that a smaller number of children have the chance of a better life.

  • UDUS student leaders trade blame over financial record

    Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) Students’Union President, Faruk Barade, has accused his predecessor Ibrahim Kalgo of refusing to hand over the financial records of the body to him.

    In a statement, the Students Union Public Relations Officer II, Hassan Kangiwa, a 300-level Agriculture undergraduate, quoted Barade as saying: “There is no financial record handed over to us.”

    “First, I want to assure you that Kalgo has not left any financial record. There is no financial record left either for the office of the president or financial secretary.’’

    In an interview, Kalgo, a 400-level Microbiology student, recounted  that the handing over of financial documents between him and his successor was slated for May, but that Barade did not show up.

    “We wanted to hand over and we agreed to meet at the SU secretariat immediately at 8pm. Other colleagues and I waited from 8pm till around 11pm. We called their phone numbers, times without number, but we eventually left after  waiting for some hours.”

    Kalgo, however, noted that  the hand over could still be done  privately.

    In response, Barade confirmed the development.

    “During Ramadan, we agreed to meet after Iftar for handing over. Unfortunately, an issue came up at the city campus that required the attention of the Students’ Union. We went there, and before we came back they had left.”

    He continued: “The issue is this: though we agreed on 8:30pm, we were at the City Campus addressing one issue, but we pleaded with them to excuse us for some minutes. They would have none of that. We hurriedly attended to what we went to do at the City Campus to meet them, but we couldn’t.

    “When we came back, we called them, but they insisted that they would not come back. Some of us were even meeting them one-on-one to handover to us officially, but they refused.”

    Nonetheless, he said Kalgo has agreed to hand over to him unofficially.

    “When I called him, he insisted that when he sees me, he will brief me,” he said.

    Kalgo informed CAMPUSLIFE that he had sent the financial documents to Barade on the Whats Asap platform. However, Barade  has denied it.

    “There is no message of financial record,” Barade said, showing this reporter his Whatsapp chat with Kalgo.

    Barade also condemned the digital approach the former president claimed to have used.

    “Why should a financial breakdown be sent on Whatsapp? Why would he even send me a soft copy of a financial record?  Barade asked.

    “A financial record is something that should be put in the public domain, and signed by him and his financial secretary,”he said.

    Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of UDUS SU, Abubakar Auta, a 300-level Law student, expressed dissatisfion with the manner the immediate past administration handled the matter, describing it as ‘intentional negligence’.

  • Remembering OAU ‘matyrs’

    Twenty years ago, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State Students’ Union, General Secretary, Comrade George Iwilade, AKA Afrika, and four others were killed on the campus by cultists. To students, the bloody incident led to the peace being enjoyed in OAU. To mark the 20th anniversary, they are calling on management to immortalise the martyrs and deproscribe the Students Union. But management says it wants a “refined union”. OMOLOLA AFOLABI  and OMOTOSHO OMOWUMI ADETUNJI.

    The killing of George Iwilade, aka Afrika, who was the general secretary of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State Students’ Union (SU) and four others is still being remembered as if it happened yesterday.

    Since they were cut down in their prime on July 10, 1999, by cultists at the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of the institution, management and students have not forgotten these martyrs.

    Past and present students’ union leaders and individuals turned out in large numbers to mark the 20th anniversary at the university’s Amphi Theatre last Wednesday.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof Eyitayo Ogunmodede, was represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Ishiaq Aransiola. The occasion provided an avenue for attendees to demand the resuscitation of the SU.

    About two years ago, management proscribed the SU for what it described as “lack of leadership quality and an atmosphere of violence.” Management says it is favourably disposed towards de-proscribing the union, but it wants a virile and intellectually-driven students’ body, interested in constructive criticism.

    The three-day commemoration event began on July 8 with the signing of the condolence register, anti-cult parade and a film show at Awo café, climaxed  on Wednesday with a symposium with the theme: Scars of Injustice.

    One after the other, the students’ leaders mounted the podium to reflect on the gory incident and how it has ensured the entrenchment of peace on OAU campus in the last two decades. The students also said it’s about time management erected a monument in honour of Iwilade and others.

    Students’ leaders speak

    Comrade Lanre Adeleke, popularly known as Lanre Legacy under whose tenure as SU president of OAU the incident occurred, recounted the sordid details and how he escaped by hair’s breath.

    “There were some activities on the eve of July 10th that left most students tired. Fortunately, I was awoken by a lady some moments before the attack. At this point, I wasn’t deeply asleep anymore. Later on, I heard a gunshot and later realised cultists had invaded Awolowo hall. I ran into the corridor and in the company of a medical student. We both maneuvered our way using the railings.

    “After the attack had subsided, we came into the room and found Afrika and the other students in a pool of their own blood.

    “A Congress was called to embark on an investigation that would lead to the arrest of these criminals. Between July 10th and 20th, 33 of the 48 cultists were apprehended. The Federal Government later set up a committee of enquiry to investigate the matter, the then vice chancellor was recommended for trial but nothing was done.”

    He described Afrika as a ‘loyal general secretary’.

    Adeleke lamented that the unionism of those days are poles apart from what obtains today. Using the gory event as an example, he recalled how, as students, they marshalled out strategies which led to the arrest of the perpetrator and other accomplices.

    He said: “It is irresponsible students that move anyhow; we didn’t do that. Rather, we moved with policemen from Osogbo here, we moved with police from Moro (in Ife), went straight to the University of Lagos where we lodged at the university’s guest house to be able to capture the ring leader. We didn’t go  in group. It was an intelligent thing and we were able to get the ring leader’s location. I then urged the police and the regular battalion that accompanied us to wait because I had my own Plan B, C, and D.  I had to disguise into the building. While making an enquiry, the lady guiding us sighted him and told me that is the person we were looking for. It was then the policemen came in and apprehended him.

    “We then took him back to the university guest house where he made useful confessions and gave us a comprehensive list of other perpetrators, which tallied  with the information in our custody’’.

    Adeleke said he is already putting the account of the detail in a book form, promising that come next year, the material will be on the shelf.

    Iwilade’s younger brother Akintayo, said making sacrifices was synonymous with his late brother.

    “The issue of sacrifice is not new to Afrika, and I will give instances, said Akintayo, a lawyer.

    “When Afrika was still waiting for admission, he took up teaching as vocation. The school where he worked was cash strapped and the school owner couldn’t pay workers. Afrika wrote a letter to the school owner that his meagre salary should be used to pay other staff. I still have the copy of the letter.

    “Another instance was when he was arrested alongside Lanre Legacy, Adebayo Yahaya and other student activists. Afrika was granted bail but he refused to leave until others were released.

    “The story of Afrika has pushed me further into activism,” said Olowolafe Dunsin, the chairman of OAU Students Union Action Committee.

    He continued: “As is the tradition, at the time I resumed, they gave us orientation about some issues in the past.  On hearing this story of Afrika, it is not possible not to be emotional. I did my findings and came to the realisation that the event, aside its truism, also increases the level of security and freedom we currently enjoyed on  the campus.

    “We need to keep on defending the (Afrika) legacy, as it is the only way we can achieve optimal security on campus. Our campus has been at peace until lately the reverse is seemingly the case and that is because of the attack on the union. “

    Dunsin similarly recalled how the action committee in OAU came as a child of necessity.

    He said: “The action committee came into being during the last SU administration led by Edward Ibukun Omole. At the time, students’ welfare was at its lowest ebb. So, a congress of students constituted an action committee to be in charge of students’ affairs whether the union was ready or not to take up the challenges being experienced by students. Omole was impeached and the union proscribed by the management. However, under the Constitution of Nigeria, freedom of association is guaranteed. It is then the Action Committee became the face of the students.”

    Dunsin’s predecessor Gbenga Oloniniran, popularly known as Gbenga Von, who graduated from the Department of Geography in 2019, argued that management’s desire for a responsible union is mere wishful thinking, as long as SU remains unconscious.

    He said: “The management of OAU is not the determinant of a responsible union because it belongs to the students. Besides, management cannot find a responsible one by clamping down on that union. You can’t know a responsible union when you don’t even allow the union to thrive. Having a responsible union has been the same old story of the management for suspending the union since two years ago’’.

    Oloniniran also spoke on the essence of the event.

    “The event of July 10, as dreadful as it was, remains one of the prominent incidents that made Ife to be great. It did not only sanctify our campus of vices, it has equally sustained unending consciousness and greatness since 20 years of the attack. It has been 20 years of a sacred greatness that is globally envied and reckoned with.

    “Well, the university community may have been doing their best since 20 years to honour the memories of Afrika and OAU four who died for the peace we enjoy till today. The university might equally put up structures in a bid to immortalise them. But to me, Afrika and the four others are best immortalised in our hearts by sustaining the legacies they left behind,” he submitted.

    A former general secretary of OAU–SU, Comrade, Louis Awode, described Afrika as the voice of the oppressed to all Nigerian students.

    His words: “Afrika represents the totality of unionism. His death was significant because he had been targeted for long because of his uncommon brand of unionism”.

    Awode recalled that the death of OAU five happened during a transition period which remains significant in the political annals of Nigeria. He said the peaceful atmosphere in OAU and other campuses can be correctly attributed to the massacre as students rose up with fire brand energy to fight cultism across campuses.

     

    OAU students speak

    Also, Gbenga Odetoyinbo, a final year Mechanical Engineering undergraduate, supported the reinstatement of students’ union, urging management to also erect a monument in his honour.

    He said: ‘’Students’ Union (in OAU), should be reinstated. What Afrika did made us enjoy the peace and security on campus today. Afrika should be honoured with a monument for people to see, ask questions and get answer.’’

    Another 400-Level student of English Omole Daniel, also toed Odetoyinbo’s line.

    “Students’ Union should be reinstated and Africa should be honoured more than this yearly remembrance.’’

    Others such as the university’s Chief Security Officer Mr Tunde Opadotu Soetan who is regarded as the father of OAU aluta, Tomi Olagunju a lawyer, Dr Kehinde Ajila who is one time vice president of OAU SU. Other past executive members of OAU, as well as members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), all put their feet down on reviving students’ activism in the institution.

    Nonetheless, the Dean of Students Affairs Prof Aransola, noted that management is desirous of a refined SU.

    He said: “We have plans to reinstate the students’ union as soon as possible. If you knew the kind of union we last had, we ourselves were afraid not only as lecturers but parents. They were breaking bottles and head-butting each other even within the university. According to rules, it supposed to be suspension of such persons but we didn’t do that.

    “Before we reinstate students’ union, we are going to do a lot of leadership training. Our students’ unions have always been intelligent and that is what we used to have in the past. It is our best interest to have a responsible Students’ Union.

    “OAU students union is reputed to be one of the most vocal set of intellectuals we have on Nigerian campuses, this is the crop of leaders we want to bring back. We would organise leadership training for the prospective leaders before the commencement of their administration in order to nip any kind of misconduct in the bud,” Aransiola concluded.

  • Police cautioned over attempt to instigate personnel against soldiers

    The Nigeria Police have been cautioned against instigating colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation over the recent incident involving their men and personnel of the Nigerian Army in Takum, Taraba State.

    Recall that some officers of the Intelligence Response Unit, the Nigeria Police Force, lost their lives in what was believed to be an operational mix-up with the Nigerian Army in Takum.

    However, the police had through their Spokesman, Frank Mba, claimed that the death of the cops was a deliberate attack on their men by officers of the Nigerian Army.

    Consequently, a panel of inquiry has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Reacting to the incident, the Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT) said the ongoing war of words between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army was needless since a panel has been institute to investigate the root cause of the clash.

    Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, Babatunde Michael, Executive Director of GAAT, said the recent statements and comments that the force officially issued practically instigated colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation., a development he said would not augur well for future working relationship with not just the Nigerian Army and the military but also with other security and para-military organizations.

    The group, therefore, called on both parties to sheathe swords while waiting for the outcome of the investigation.

    His speech below.

    We wish the Nigeria Police had, in the aftermath of the tragedy that resulted in the death of these gallant policemen, resorted to the kind of profound introspection that will not provide answers as to what went wrong but one that will provide the framework that will ensure that in the future there will be no incident of police teams attempting to convey an arrested suspect past Army checkpoint without identifying themselves but rather attempting to ram through the checkpoints.

    As laymen, we had hazarded a guess as to why a police team on a national assignment of such importance will refuse to stop at those Army check points and we can only conclude that there is such uncertainty about identities in the land that criminals could have kitted themselves in any choice uniform and mounted a roadblock to free the suspect, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume, who was being conveyed. It became immediately clear that a few procedural steps could have averted this disaster, like the police team notifying the Nigerian Army ahead that they were transporting a suspect; the policemen could also have changed into uniform and transfer to a clearly marked police vehicle for that leg of the assignment.

    These observations are because, the same way uniformed people mounting roadblocks could be criminals, is the same way kidnappers will attempt to transport their victims past military checkpoints by ramming their way through. A timely notification, proper service uniform and a conspicuous police branded car or convoy of cars would have made the difference that ensure these hardworking policemen are still among the living.

    The probe that has been ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari into the death of the policemen is enough grounds to not raise more posers than these for the moment. In fact, we urge the panel to take these issues we have raised as part of the input for its investigation. Adherence to rules of engagement on the part of the Army and the Police, or lack of it, should form part of what the investigation should uncover because we believe that no one that is rendering such service to their fatherland deserve to die under such avoidable circumstance.

    While it is imprudent to at this time apportion blames to either party as to the series of events that led to the death of the policemen, it is important to condemn the aftermath of the event in which the Nigeria Police Force launched a coordinated campaign of calumny against the Nigerian Army on the unfortunate incident.  The media war run by the police was so intense that some critics that have been known to support criminal groups were celebrating the face-off between the two security organizations. We can only wonder how much boost this has given to the underworld.

    From the much we have seen in the aftermath of the incident, it seems the Police are desirous of taking up arms against the Nigerian Army. The statements and comments that the force officially issued practically instigated colleagues of the deceased policemen to go after soldiers in retaliation. The Police is embarking on social media campaign against the Nigerian Army which does not augur well for future working relationship with not just the Nigerian Army and the military but also with other security and para-military organizations. Added to the ubiquity of social media on which the incitements were publicized this is a dangerous precedent.

    It is a route that the Nigeria Police should not have taken especially when Mr President has already directed for a thorough investigation, which makes the ongoing campaign against the Army by the police unnecessary.  It makes more sense for all parties to await for the outcome of the investigation, so the police must show that it is sincere and has nothing to hide by peddling sentiments.

    More importantly, Nigerians must not lose sight of the fact that the Nigerian Army would not be on the roads in civilian areas if the police had lived up to its billings. Therefore, notwithstanding what the panel will decide, the police as a matter of self-review should begin implementing measures to resume its statutory duties of civil policing that the Army was forced to take over owing to its inability to meet up. Since the Army is only supporting in this regard, the police leadership needs wake up and take charge.

    Even though something tragic has happened, as patriotic Nigerians who are interested in the interest of our country, we urge for decorum in dealing with the situation even as we condemn attempt by either of the parties to embark on blame game that will ruin the collective efforts being made by all.

     

    The panel occasioned by the Presidential directive for a proper investigation must be allowed to do a proper job because we believe and have confidence in Mr. President’s capacity to do justice at the end of the day. The Grand Alliance Against Terrorism (GAAT) therefore considers the flagrant disregard for Mr. President’s directive as irresponsible and lack of respect for the nation’s constituted authority by the Police.  We want to emphasize that even for a law enforcement agency, no one or organization is above the law so the Police or the Army should not take laws into their hands. This demands an end to the ongoing media hostility including the current campaign of calumny on the social media against the Army and its leadership.

     

  • Revisiting the Next Generation report

    ‘’Today, Nigeria stands on the threshold of the greatest transformation in its history. Over the next 20 years, the fundamental nature of its society could alter beyond recognition. Yet the direction of this change remains profoundly uncertain. Decisions made today will have a critical influence on the path the country takes. In the best case, Nigeria will enjoy a substantial boost to its development, becoming an economic engine not only for the region, but also for the whole of Africa. If the worst happens, it will see a deepening cycle of economic under performance, social unrest, and even conflict.”

    The quote above is the opening paragraph of a British Council initiated project titled: “Nigeria – The Next Generation.” When I first read the final report in 2010 I felt it was a good reflection of the state of the nation and what the youth think about the country. I find the outcomes of the report quite instructive considering the enormous challenges the country is passing through today. Our leaders will do well to revisit the report once more; hence my intervention today.

    ‘Next Generation’ is a series of global British Council research focusing on the attitudes and aspirations of young people, and the policies and conditions that support them in becoming creative, fulfilled and active citizens. The research projects examines young people’s views around education, employment, and lifestyle, as well as uncovering their hopes and fears for their country, their degree of international engagement and views on the wider world, and the values and beliefs that affect their lives.

    To give bite to the report, a ‘Task Force’ of some eminent Nigerians was convened to explore Nigeria’s future at a time of rapid demographic, social, and economic change. The Task Force was chaired by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at that time the Managing Director of the World Bank and later the Minister of Finance. Members include: Alhaji Lamido Ado Bayero, Mr. Donald Duke Governor of Cross River State, 1999-2007, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr former Minister and Director General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Lord Triesman Former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for Africa, Prof Pat Utomi Director of The Centre for Applied Economics at Lagos Business School, and Mrs. Maryam Uwais Principal Partner, Wali Uwais & Co. There were also several individuals on the academic team.

    The report stated that “the choice between success and failure rests on Nigeria’s ability to harness the power of its single greatest asset: not oil, but youth. Although the effective use of Nigeria’s vast oil resources is an important part of the story, the oil industry alone will not be able to effectively harness Nigeria’s rapidly increasing numbers of young people. As youth becomes an increasingly precious resource, Nigeria will be one of the few large countries in the world that has young adults in plentiful, and growing, supply.”

    This is a honest assessment considering that Nigeria is already the eighth largest country by population. By 2030, it is estimated that the country will have an additional 68 million people, and will add a further 63 million by 2050, making it the fifth most populous nation in the world after India, China, the United States, and Pakistan. As a result, Nigeria will have a considerable and growing global influence.

    However, as pointed out in the report, this is not simply about raw numbers. The world is ageing quickly. Western countries are already grappling with the burden imposed by their rapidly ageing societies. Even countries like China are now seeing a decline in the share of working-age people in their population. While a global scarcity of young adults will accelerate in the coming decades, Nigeria will remain a young country throughout most of the twenty-first century, the report predicted.

    Do we have the right strategies to positively harness the country’s glaring youth asset? Unfortunately, there appears to be no clear-cut and systematic plan since the release of the report in 2010. One of the clear paths that would have allowed this critical asset work for our advantage is education, but we are all aware of the plethora of challenges confronting the sector. I’m of the opinion that before we can make positive headways a state of emergency need to be declared to totally overhaul our education system and sector.

    It is instructive to note that when the final report was released in 2010, it rightly predicted that over the next 20 years, Nigeria will experience huge growth in the number of young adults in its society. It pointed out that if these young people are healthy, well educated, and find productive employment, they could boost the country’s economy and reinvigorate it culturally and politically. If not, they could be a force for instability and social unrest.

    What are we witnessing nine years down the line? The heightened state of insecurity, especially violent crimes like kidnapping and banditry, has been partly blamed on the large number of idle youth without skills. Most have grown into young adults totally unprepared to face a world that has changed considerably. While some say it may be too late in the day to turn the hand of the clock, I believe with massive investment in education and strategic skills development centres to cater for those who may have “outgrown” formal schooling, we can make some progress.

    So, what are the key findings of the report? Nigeria stands on the threshold of what could be the greatest transformation in its history. By 2030, it will be one of the few countries in the world that has young workers in plentiful supply. Youth, not oil, will be the country’s most valuable resource in the twenty-first century.

    Secondly, Nigeria has been struggling against the demographic tide since independence. Rapid population growth has created a huge strain on the country’s economic, social and political systems. Today, just 1.2 adults care for each of the country’s children and old people.

    During the past 30 years, the findings noted, the Nigerian economy has stagnated, in sharp contrast to the fortunes of natural comparators such as Indonesia. “The 1990s was a lost decade for Nigeria with per capita GDP falling to below 1980 levels.” This put a severe strain on the affairs of the nation to the extent that today, Nigeria’s demographic tide is finally turning, as population growth slows and its ‘baby boom generation’ enters the workforce. By mid-century, depending on how fast family size falls, there could be as much as a whole additional adult to support each child and old person.

    Additionally, Nigeria stands ready to collect a substantial demographic dividend. If it continues with recent positive economic growth ( when the report was released in 2010), improves health standards, and harnesses a growing workforce, the average Nigerian’s income will be as much as three times higher by 2030 and over 30 million people will be lifted out of poverty.

    On the other hand, if Nigeria fails to collect its demographic dividend, the seriousness of the country’s predicament should not be underestimated. Its prospects will be bleak and could be catastrophic.

    Furthermore; in the worst case, Nigeria will see: growing numbers of restless young people frustrated by lack of opportunity; increased competition for jobs, land, natural resources, and political patronage; cities that are increasingly unable to cope with the pressures placed on them; ethnic and religious conflict and radicalisation; and a political system discredited by its failure to improve lives.

    Demography is pushing Nigerian states and regions onto widely different economic trajectories, and could further increase inequality if measures are not taken to promote social cohesion. Demographic factors are steadily elevating Nigeria’s risk of conflict. If Nigeria fails to respond appropriately over the next decade, it could well face a demographic disaster.

    Sadly, the report stated in 2010 that Nigeria is “currently poorly positioned to maximise the economic opportunities created by its demographics, despite marked improvements in the policy environment over the past decade. At present, health and education standards are low, especially in disadvantaged regions and among the poor. Many young Nigerians are ill-equipped for life in a modern economy. Young women are especially likely to be excluded from opportunities.”

  • How to help your alma mater, by LASU VC

    New Executive of the Lagos State University Alumni Association (LASU),has taken the oath to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

    The new executive was inaugurated on Tuesday last week at the university’s old Senate chamber, with the charge to ensure it plays its part in complementing the institution’s efforts towards greatness. The inauguration follows the election of the association earlier held on June Saturday 22, at the International Conference Abuja.

    Vice Chancellor of LASU Prof Lanre Adigun Fagbohun, assured that the 46-year-old institution is ready to partner with the alumni so the two parties could achieve the loft vision of its founding fathers.

    Speaking on the theme:I believe we are ready, Fagbohun gave his nod that LASUalumni is living up to its billing in giving back to its alma mater.

    Nonetheless, he noted that while some old students have the burning passion to give back, the preponderance are simply passive.

    According to him, alumni usually comprise three groups: the give group’ comprising individuals with passion to contribute to their old school; the ‘take group’ who are simply looking for what to profit by association with the alumni,; as well as the social symbol’ group who are interested in organising and attending members’ social activities beyond their institutions.

    Lauding the executives of the Alumni for their determination to add value to the university, Fagbohun charged the new executive not to rest on their oars, but set achievable targets.

    Said Fagbohun: “You must set your plan of action, draw a timeline, forget your differences and focus on your assignment.

    “Have a clear vision that the work must not fail, respect yourself and offices and you will not fail.”

    The association’s chairman, Board of Trustees Mr FataiOlatejuSonoiki, said the inauguration is a compulsory ritual which must not be ignored, adding that such amounts to an ‘aberration’

    “This inauguration is in line with the dictates of the university’s founding fathers; and we are here to do it the way the university wants it done,” he said.

    Sonoiki said, as usual, alumni associations are not for every Dick and Harry; but individuals desirous of seeing their institutions attain enviable standard.

    Sonoiki challenged the executives to be determined to go extra miles in committing their time, money and other resources in addition to the fund that would be generated from other donors towards the development of their alma mater.

    In his acceptance speech, re-elected President of the alumni Maj-Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd),promised full support of the alumni to the university and its conglomerate.

    Esekhaigbe is also hopeful of the executive delivering on their promises based on the calibre of individuals involved.

    He said: “To whom much is given, much is expected. The best is expected of us and mobilisation is very key to harnessing all our resources.

    “I call on all LASU Alumni to collaborate with us to re-strategise, toward meeting our demands.

    The high point of the event was the official swearing in of the new executive, conducted by the LASU Deputy Registrar, (Legal) Mrs Olajumoke Boyejo.

    Other members include Morrison Quarkers (SAN, vice 1); Prof OlusolaOladipupo(vice 2); Mr Olawale Anthony, (national general-secretary); Dupe Adefolarin, (treasurer); John Akingbade, (financial secretary); OlusolaOdeja, (social secretary); and Bayo Ayo(legal adviser).

    Others are: AdenikeFajembola(internal auditor); AdemolaAdeoye(publicity secretary); DayoFadesire(organising secretary); AdemolaOloyede(asst. gen. secretary); JustinaBalogun(asst. financial secretary); MoshoodTaiwo(asst. internal auditor); SeunAdesina, (asst. organising secretary); Ralph Nwafor, (ex-officio 1, Nigeria); and TaiwoAjisefini(ex-officio 2, Nigeria).

  • NASRDA, UNN mark ‘World Asteroid Day’

    To educate the public on space activities, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)-Centre for Basic Space Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has joined its counterparts across the world to observe the World Asteroid Day.

    With the theme: Asteroid: Its potential danger and benefits to the earth, the lecture, the third edition of the annual event at the centre, was in collaboration with the International Astronomical Union.  The event was designed to analyse the implications and the benefits of asteroid to the universe, while also helping researchers to be well informed of its implications.

    At CBSS Observatory Complex, venue of the event, Head of Planetary Dvision of the Centre Dr Emeka Onyeumaoma, noted that the lecture which was not limited to a particular group, was not meant to create fear in people’s mind, but alert the public about the natural phenomenon.

    Director of the centre Dr Bonaventure… declared the lecture open. He said: “Asteroid is a crucial researched work that is important for the Nigeria Space Agency to create adequate awareness for the public based on its dangers and potential to the universe.

    Similarly, Okere explained how scientists in the centre stressed to get the sample of asteroid that fell in some parts of the country like Sokoto, Benue and Taraba states between 2010 and 2013 of which the researchers paid the villagers huge amount in naira before they could release them, because of their ignorance about it.

    “Some of them have started worshiping these ‘meteorite” claiming that it was their gods,” he added.

    Okere continued: “In the past researched work, not much value was given to asteroid, currently many countries are extracting gold from it base on their understanding about it. Nigeria, as a country with its population growth can as well do better through its Space Research Agency.”

    Delivering the 2019 Asteroid lecture, by Mr Emeka Eze of the planetary division of the Centre, canvassed more attention to indigenous scientific and manpower development which he described as tools that would enhance national growth and technology improvement.

    Emeka, noted that without adequate research, problem plaguing the Nigerian society would not be sufficiently addressed. He nonetheless, urged participants to utilise the knowledge gathered during the lecture in solving various challenges facing their organisations.

    The annual, celebrated every June 30 , focuses mainly on science of asteroids and the possible threat they pose to the earth.

  • Domesticate tree planting, school urges Nigerians

    Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Oto/Ijanikin has planted trees on its premises to mark the yearly Tree Planting Day.

    Its Provost, Dr Omolola Aina Ladele,  praised the Lagos State government which launched the initiative about 12 years ago, and backed same with commitment by ensuring annual compliance across board.  And with about a year and half left as target year, Ladele is optimistic that over 10 million trees projected by the government at inception would have been planted.

    Appreciating efforts of tertiary education institutions (TEI) in the state in embracing the initiative over the years, Ladele said AOCOED will rather complement the United Nations green campaign. She also urged individuals, government and corporate bodies to domesticate the tree-planting culture.

    “The college has started with an effort to power its street light by solar energy. This is designed to reduce its carbon footprint and integrate sound environmental practices within the college. We also believe that there should be direct, personal action on the part of students and workers to control greenhouse gas emission, not only on campus but also at home,” said Ladele who also stood in for Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    She continued: “Also as staff in the college, we could personalise tree-planting culture. As a worker, you could plant a tree to mark your promotion, birthday and other major events. You will have a cause to smile anytime you sight the tree. At the level of the college, tree planting could be included in the programme of some of its landmark events such as convocation, and conferences. Such trees could be tagged to indicate the events for which they were planted. By this, tree planting will cease to be only a yearly affair. It will also help maximise the potential benefits of tree planting such as providing beautiful shades under which we can enjoy cool breeze after a day’s work and enhancing the beauty of our campuses.”

    Similarly, representative of the Ministry of Environment Mr Idowu Sunday, said the theme of this year’s event: Clean and green is our perfect dream, is ideal in view of government’s desire of transforming Lagos State to a ‘cleaner, healthier, greener and an environmentally-sustainable entity.

    “It is important to note that no matter our economic status, we can still be a part of Lagos State development agenda by simple act of planting tree and nurturing it to survival,” said Idowu Sunday, an assistant director, Lagos State Parks and Gardens (LASPAK).

    “I urge all Lagosians to be alive to their responsibilities on this nagging issue of sanitation and greening. When we make it clean, let us also make it green; and when we make it green, we have made it safer and healthier for the generality of our people. This is our perfect dream for a prosperous Lagos,” Sunday concluded.

  • Oyedepo: Food security a necessity, not ideology

    Landmark University Chancellor Dr. David Oyedepo has again raised the fear of food insecurity in Africa, saying it is the ‘greatest threat to the continent’s survival. The cleric fears that the menace, if not checked, could wipe off a whole generation.

    Dr Oyedepo challenged Africans to learn to engage in intensive agricultural endeavours if they must survive in the face of impending global food crisis. The cleric insists that Africa, especially Nigeria, has no excuse to suffer  food insufficiency with the available abundant arable land and resources.

    Dr Oyedepo spoke during the university’s sixth convocation at Omu-Aran, Kwara State. The theme was:Release of pathfinders, Royal Set of 2019.

    According to him, food security is a major global concern as over a billion people are suffering from starvation, hunger and malnutrition.

    “There is no substitute for food as far as human substance is concerned; there is no software for addressing food challenges,” he began.

    “No matter the state of the economy of any nation, the last thing to remove from the budget is food, food security is not an ideology but a necessity.

    “There is nothing that challenges human dignity like lack of food, with the massive arable land to us as a nation, hunger is obviously an insult in our intelligence.”

    The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, noted that the need for the institution to address these anomalies informed the Landmark’s introduction of agripreneurship,an entrepreneurial-driven programme, as well as toward total graduate (TTG) concept, meant to infuse values in graduates.

    He said Landmark is very much committed to a new approach to leading an agrarian revolution through the consciousness of farming since mankind acknowledges the indispensability of food.

    Oyedepo continued: “The number one purpose for setting up Landmark University is to help young people see the treasure hidden in the mother earth through agripreneurship and other incentives.

    “Our university life-coach programme, compulsory for all final year undergraduate students are designed to provide pathways to a life of meaning, fulfilment and out-of-this-world order of accomplishments.”

    He expressed the urgency to repackage the continent’s education system to align with best global standard that seeks solutions to their peculiar challenges, arguing that a good and formidable formal education system must be a departure from knowledge to empowerment.

    “It (education) must be a departure from figure to future-building, a departure from points to facts, a departure from mathematics to life-matics and a departure from legalism to realism.’’

    Keynote speaker and former Secretary-General of African Development Bank (AfDB) Ms Cecilia Akintomide, urged the graduands to be “very focused and research oriented’’.

    In her lecture titled: You only get one shot, she said: “You have to stay focused, research-oriented and informed. You have to be bold, audacious and you must be ready to take well-calculated risks.

    “Have covenant with God in getting a different relationship, He will guide and propel the rest of your life,” she counselled. Vice-Chancellor Prof Adeniyi Olayanju attributed the institution’s achievements to spiritual support and continuous investment in ultra-modern facilitiesa.

    “We are unrelenting in advancing the frontiers of research activities that would, among others, boost agricultural value chain.

    “This, we hope, will engender the much needed food sufficiency in our continent,” he said.

    The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulraheemAdeoti, praised the Chancellor and the management for putting the name of the community and Igbomina region in global limelight.

    Fifty-one First Class graduates led 381 others. The 2018, 2019 set comprised 182 female and 250 males. Interestingly, four of the 26 First Class female graduands, were overall best from the four colleges of the university.