Category: Campus Life

  • KASU students stage play on protection of environment 

    KASU students stage play on protection of environment 

    By Usman Aliyu, KASU

    Students of Kaduna State University (KASU)  have staged a play on the need to protect the environment. The play titled ‘Muhali’ graced the stage courtesy Thespian Family Theatre & Production which collaborated with the institution as it is doing with about 20 others nationwide.

     It is part of Thespian’s ‘Kummuniti Theatre Project’ through which it is winning souls for the environment. It particularly targets youths and other stakeholders in and around higher institutions.

    The project made its debut with Bakare Ojo Rasaki’s ‘Ekun Omi’, which was staged at the Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State. It has been to the University of Port Harcourt with ‘The Flood’s Fury’ and to the University of Abuja with ‘Echoes of a Dying Earth’, among other universities. 

    ‘Muhali’  is the Hausa word for “the environment” and is also the name of the community in which the events of the play unfold. It recounts the story of a farmer, Sani, who faces a lot of challenges that are related to the environment in one way or the other. But, at the end, with the support of a young doctoral researcher on environment named Danladi and the Maigari (traditional leader) of Muhali community, he is able to galvanise the entire community into finding ways to tackle some of these environment-related challenges through  Theatre for Development (TfD). 

    Muhali is a collection of three independent, but mutually related, stories that focus on different issues on environment. The three stories – ‘Running out of Time’, ‘My Dear Wife’, and ‘Action Time’, address issues of lack of proper waste disposal outlets, tree felling, charcoal business, floods due to drain blockages.

    Read Also: KASU knocks ASUU President over ‘quack’ tag

    With the Head of Theatre Arts Department of KASU, Prof. Yusuf Shamagana, as the coordinator, the play was directed by Daniel Elisha while Patricia Peter was the stage manager.

    On the goal of the project, Thespian Theatre’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Ayo Jaiyesimi, says it is in line with the functionality of the arts, especially in Africa.

    Jaiyesimi  in a statement, said: “For over 20 years, Thespian Family Theatre & Productions has been dedicated to using visual storytelling to drive social and behavioural change through community-focused initiatives. This season, our spotlight is on the environment, a critical issue that demands attention. We are aligning our focus with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and zeroing in on SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 14, and 15.

    “The environment plays a vital role in our lives, and it is our responsibility to care for it and maintain ecological balance. Despite measures and propaganda, apathy remains a significant challenge. Therefore, we have taken a personal approach to address this issue. We are engaging with the community and community groups through workshops, readings, stage plays, competitions, and roadshows to reinforce government efforts and global interventions.”

    She explains that the creative sector, particularly the performing arts, has the power to inspire social change by presenting vivid pictures of current situations, the need for change, and the benefits of collective action.

    “We are collaborating with 14 universities in 2024/25 to drive awareness and social change. These universities will participate in workshops, scriptwriting, and performances to showcase environmental issues and promote sustainable practices,” she added.

  • David-Kaiyewu urges youths to value time 

    David-Kaiyewu urges youths to value time 

    Founder and Executive Director of Purpose-Drive Global Yinka David-Kaiyewu has urged youths, and undergraduates to take due cognisance of time noting that it greatly impacts the chances of success in life. 

    She said this at the GenZ summit organised by Purpose-Drive Global on Saturday while addressing students and participants at UNILAG.

    “Time is a precious resource that, when used wisely, can significantly impact one’s future. Here are a few tips for Gen Z on maximizing time. 

    “Avoid distractions: Minimise distractions that can hinder productivity, such as excessive social media use or unnecessary multitasking. 

    “Set realistic goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps.

    “Learn to say no:  Don’t overcommit yourself. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and avoid burnout

    “Continuous learning: Invest time in personal and professional development.

    “Time management techniques: Experiment with different time management techniques to find what works best for you,” She said. 

    Prasanna Burri, CIO of Dangote Group, urged youths to keep a value system that exempts them from immoral acts especially in a digital world like today, saying nothing they say or do on the internet is a secret and there are consequences to their actions. 

    “Well, having the right value system is key, but even if values come later, keep in mind that the digital ecosystem we have today keeps record of every single thing we do. Nothing is private. Nothing is private. 

    “They can track down some very elaborate cybercriminals, even if they’re hiding in remote parts of the world. They can track them down. So, nothing is invisible. 

    “That’s the plus and the minus of the world that we live in today, the digital sphere. So, we need to be cognizant that actions are consequences. And it can leave a very lasting image, a mark on the career. 

    “So, you don’t want to mess it up. So, do things the right way. Apply your knowledge, your skills to achieve. So, there are a lot of opportunities in digital space that do things the right way and not take a wrong path,” she added. 

    Executive Director of Lady with balls and founder of Orifunke Lawal Academy, Orifunke Lawal advised ladies and women to take opportunities life presents to them, noting that the world is evolving, and the era of women being relegated have gone, it’s time for them to take charge of their territories. 

    “One thing I am going to mention is that usually, privileges aren’t granted. They are taken, right? So as a woman, as a lady, you need to realize that nobody is going to drop anything on your table just easily. 

    “You need to step up and you would need to take charge. And you see, even in the little things, the very things that we think are insignificant, like speaking up when you need to, taking up responsibility at work, in your class, in your school, wherever it is. 

    “Stepping up to take charge, really, instead of, you know, staying back behind. And so, because of how a lot of ladies have been socialized, how they’ve grown, you see that they don’t exactly have a lot of confidence. So when there’s something they need to do, they don’t step out. So that’s a training that you need to do for yourself. 

    “You need to realise that as a lady, especially as an adult, if you’re over 18, you have the responsibility to begin to step up, to begin to speak up, to begin to say no when you need to say no.

    ” When you have your dreams as well, you follow up on your dreams and you take action, basically. And so, Debola Deji-Kurunmi (DDK) mentioned during the session that you need to have historical data on execution. And that’s where conviction comes from. So even in the little things, in the big things, do something. 

    Read Also: Commissioner to youths: use diversity to strengthen social cohesion

    “Do something for your society, do something for your family, do something for your community, wherever you find yourself. Do something that, you know, creates change, make impact. Even if you fail, you keep making impact. It’s when you’ve done this over and over again that you’ll be able to build confidence in doing greater stuff.“

    Public speaker and founder of scholarly, Emmanuel Nduka advised Genz’s not to disregard the teachings and livelihood of the millennials but incorporate it into theirs to have a balanced future in the business world. 

    There are two different generations, so what’s obtainable for millennials is slightly different from what’s obtainable for Gen Z’s. and one of the reasons is because of, like, how they’ve grown, their connection with social media, and because how connected they are, there’s always quick feedback, results are gotten immediately, it has been integrated into the lifestyle of Gen Z’s, which is quite an unfortunate thing, I have to say. Because, why that’s unfortunate is because life is not always like that, you mostly will not get things as you want them to be, or get them immediately. They will usually take time, and that is why, I first of all have to say why that is so. Now for business i feel like business education is very important, because if you must function effectively, you cannot give what you don’t have, you need to know, some things. 

    “You need to know, how to play it well, how to stay safe, how to take risks, and know, the extent to which you must not cross your boundary. In terms of, rules and regulations and policies and laws and all, so that’s how it works. And that’s why, these conversations and having, events like these are really important, so that people can understand, the information and resources they need to have in order to, like, build a successful business.” 

    Co-founder of Cyber Security Education Initiative (Cysed) and security engineer, Ayodele Ernest Oluwatobi urged that Genz’s be mindful of the kind of information’s they put on the internet, noting that posting sensitive informations about them online increases their chances of being victims of cyber attacks. 

    “Gen Zs were actually born on the internet. So, by default, their profile is there by birth. Because if you go around the social media now, you will see children that are not even a year old, but their pictures are already there. By default, they already have a digital identity. So, what I have to say is for you to be more cautious of your digital identity. What are those things that are out there and how do you put those things out there? Alright, so if, for instance, I know that, okay, this information I want to put out there is actually sensitive, I take a step back when I don’t put it out there. 

    “You have to be able to like manage what you put out there to ensure that cyber criminals don’t have too much information about you. Because it’s from that information that they are going to be able to use to craft out, let’s say, phishing text, a pretext for you. Or they will call you, oh, my name is this, I’m from your bank. And your name is this and this, your date of birth is this, your local government is this. You ask, how did they get that information? But today, you are celebrating your local government on Facebook, you’re putting it out there. 

    “Today, you are celebrating your birthday. Like I said on stage, everything you put online is a jigsaw puzzle of your entire biography. All I just need to do is to fix it together and trust me, I will have a complete biography with you. So, what I just advise for you is to be more sensitive, to be more aware of what you put out there and limit the amount of personal information you put out there.”

  • KWASU expands campuses for 1,380 students 

    KWASU expands campuses for 1,380 students 

    By Kola Alhassan, KWASU

    The  Kwara State University (KWASU) will welcome over 1,380 students to its Ilesha-Baruba and Osi campuses for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    A statement by the university’s acting director of University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, noted  that 1,200 students at  the Faculty of Agriculture and 180 students at  the Faculty of Environmental Sciences will soon resume academic activities on these campuses.

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the council, Prof.  AbdulGaniyu Ambali,urged the people of Ilesha-Baruba and Osi  to welcome the staff and students and  support them for seamless learning.

    Ambali led members of the Governing Council of the institution to the palaces of the Emir of Ilesha-Baruba, HRH Prof. Halidu Abubakar, and the Oba of Osi, HRH, Oba Salihu Abdulkareem Adasofegbe Arowobeku I as part of the Council’s tour to assess the level of construction on the campuses.

    Read Also: KWASU sanctions students for inappropriate skit

    The Pro-Chancellor reiterated the commitment of the state government and that of the KWASU management to begin academic activities on the campuses.

    Abubakar, and the Oba of Osi,  Arowobeku I, declared that their communities were eager for the students to join them.

    Abubakar described his community  a cosmopolitan one, being home to the largest livestock market in West Africa.

    He urged  the university to leverage the presence of the market in the community by commencing the Veterinary Sciences part of the Faculty of Agriculture to add more value to livestock development in the state.

    Both traditional rulers praised Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for ensuring that the dream of having operational campuses of the university in their area became a reality. They  pledged to do their best to help integrate both staff and students who would  soon become a part of their communities.

  • LASUED VC applauds ex-student leader for advancement of education 

    LASUED VC applauds ex-student leader for advancement of education 

    Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Otto-Ijanikin/Noforija ,Epe, Lagos, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, has applauded former student leader at Lagos State University (LASU) Mr Yusuf Adetimirin for initiating  ideas towards the advancement of education in the country.

    Speaking on campus, the VC said youths should emulate the ex- president of Language, Arts and Social Science Education Students’ Association(LASSESA) at LASU and foster the socio-economic development of the nation.

    The don was speaking against the backdrop of the soon-to-be launched Naija Education Clinic (NEC), an educational centre championed by Adetimirin. 

    Lafiaji-Okuneye, however expressed her support for the project,adding that more of such initiatives would not only better the lot of citizens,but put Nigeria among the comity of great nations.

    She said: “It is a great initiative which will further lead to the socio-economic development of the country. Education is quite crucial to nation building and constructing an institution to that would cater to the needs of the less privileged is quite commendable. With quality education, Nigeria will climb the ladder of greatness.”

    Adetimirin, on his part, expressed readiness to support Tinubu in his drive to provide accessible and quality education to people through the establishment of the soon-to-be launched Naija Education Clinic (NEC).

    On the project,he said: “In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision anchored on making education accessible to every Nigerian child, anticipate the establishment of a world-class learning centre where education will be free for all ,while  we make Nigeria one of the greatest countries in the world. At NEC, we shall connect the dot of President Tinubu’s legacies in education from pioneering payment of WAEC  fees of candidates in 2002 to the establishment of the Students’ Loan Scheme in 2024.

    “Every Nigerian child deserves quality education. The imperative of education cannot be overemphasized — education is light; one that delivers from the darkness of ignorance. Hence, it significant to  bequeath  a great future and legacy to this generation and the ones yet unborn.

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    “We want to ensure all children are given self- security in form oa world-class learning environment for out-of- school children ( deprived, underprivileged and  special children). Major goal of the school is to emphasize technology, innovation and agriculture.

    “Children from different villages in the north, south and east will be nurtured for a greater Nigeria; ‘thou tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand’, as President Tinubu rightly said.

    “The school, mainly boarding, will focus on getting underprivileged  children to attain greater heights. It will be sited on 100 acres of land with top-of-the-range world-class facilities. We hope to make it a modern-day learning centre for total and inclusive education.

    Our vision consists largely in leadership by product.

    We are targeting 200 children in each  of the 774 local government areas  in Nigeria,  translating to 154,800 children at inception.

    “The Naija Education Clinic (NEC) will serve as a hub for transformation of the human mind, a solution centre that will not only advance the development of the nation, but further boost Nigeria’s rating among the comity of great nations of the world.

    We are committed to not just theoretical aspect of learning with the synergy and intellect of great scholars, but will ensure effective hands-on and practical education.

    We shall align the town and gown by breaking the shackle of poverty through nurturing of ideas and promoting the children’s creativity.”

    The  ex-LASSESA president noted that he deferred his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme to see to the successful completion of the Tinubu Student Square project he initiated on LASU campus in Ojo, adding that if everyone shows commitment to education, without leaving it for government alone, the country will overcome it challenges.

    “What is honouring when the honoured is not aware, this has made me to wait for two years after graduation denying myself of NYSC after siting a symbolic project for Tinubu in LASU, the first of such in all universities across the nation. 

  • YABATECH wins intercampus debate, as NANS hails stakeholders 

    YABATECH wins intercampus debate, as NANS hails stakeholders 

    By Femi Adeolu, YABATECH 

    Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has won the NANS Lagos Security Summit and Intercampus Debate which  held yesterday at the

    Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu,Lagos.

    YABATECH students, Israel Ogundele and Isibor Anointed emerged victorious in the first position,while second position went to Chilaka Shedrach and Nwaeze Brendan of Saint Augustine College of Education(SACOED), and Saheed Sunday and Umar Sherifah of Lagos State University (LASU) placed third.

    The winners were rewarded with N300,000; SACOED students got N200,000, while LASU students took home N100,000.

    The convener,Chairman NANS Lagos, Comr. Alimi Lekan Idris,who congratulated the students, noted that they demonstrated exceptional intellectual capabilities and represented their institutions with great honour.

    Read Also: YABATECH postpones resumption for students

    He reiterated the commitment of NANS to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within tertiary institutions and the zeal to  continue to champion the interests of students across the state.

    He thànked the  Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Prof. OluMuyiwa Odusanya, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Union Affairs, Kappo Samuel and other stakeholders for their support towards the success of the event.

    “The  NANS Lagos Security Summit and Intercampus Debate was a remarkable success, made possible through the collaborative efforts of all involved. The event, which brought together representatives from various tertiary institutions across Lagos, was a platform for meaningful discussions and thought-provoking debates,” he added.

  • Nigerian scholar Tayo Taiwo wins prestigious International APBP 2024 Ken Cross award for innovative campus sustainability research

    Nigerian scholar Tayo Taiwo wins prestigious International APBP 2024 Ken Cross award for innovative campus sustainability research

    In an extraordinary display of research excellence, innovation, and dedication to transportation sustainability, Tayo Taiwo, a Nigerian born planner and a researcher has won the prestigious Ken Cross Award at the 2024 Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) Conference. This international award marks a significant milestone, recognizing Taiwo’s cutting-edge research on campus sustainability and his success in emerging as the best among three global finalists from leading institutions in North America.

    The Ken Cross Contest Winner Award is a competitive, merit-based honor granted to a single recipient at the conference. The selection committee conducts a rigorous evaluation process that considers several key aspects of each presentation. They examine the innovative nature of the research and its potential impact on transportation policy, along with the presenter’s specific contributions to pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives. The committee also assesses the overall quality of the presentation and its professional significance within the field. Of particular importance is the practical applicability of the research findings and their potential for implementation in real-world transportation scenarios. Through this comprehensive evaluation, the committee identifies work that demonstrates excellence across these essential criteria.

    Taiwo’s research, How Green Can We Go? Transforming College Commuting for Campus Sustainability and Beyond, was selected from a large pool of contestant across North America placing him among the top three distinguished finalists before ultimately emerging as the winner. The other finalists included Christopher Lehmann Skelton, University of Waterloo, Canada – Modelling Pedestrian Crossing Behaviour and Violations as a Pathfinding Process and Nicole Odell, North Carolina State University, USA – Steering Toward Sustainability: E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and the Urban Campus Experience

    His victory in this prestigious international competition underscores not only the innovative approach of his research but also his ability to leverage data-driven methodologies to drive large-scale transportation transformations.

    The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) is a globally recognized organization committed to advancing the field of non-motorized transportation. APBP serves as a hub for engineers, planners, architects, developers, and advocates working to enhance pedestrian and cycling conditions worldwide. The organization’s primary mission includes: Promoting the professional development of experts in pedestrian and bicycle mobility, providing a platform for networking, training, and knowledge-sharing in the field of transportation, representing the interests of pedestrian and bicycle professionals in governmental policy discussions, and increasing diversity and inclusion within the profession, ensuring that solutions benefit all communities equitably.

    Taiwo’s victory places him among an elite group of international researchers and professionals who are shaping the future of urban mobility and sustainability.

    Taiwo’s research provides a data-intensive blueprint for transitioning college campuses into fully pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly environments. His study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, statistical modeling, and AI-assisted traffic flow analysis to analyze transportation patterns across three distinct college environments: the University of Maryland, Baltimore (urban), the University of Maryland, College Park (suburban), and Washington College (rural).

    Taiwo’s research and victory signal a major shift in how universities and by extension, urban centers can approach non-motorized transportation. His findings provide a scalable model that cities and institutions can use to: Reduce traffic fatalities and injuries, improve air quality by decreasing dependence on motor vehicles, encourage healthier lifestyles through active commuting options, and promote the adoption of smart mobility solutions like AI-driven traffic management and predictive analytics for pedestrian safety.

    Taiwo’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of immense pride for Nigeria and the African continent. As a Nigerian innovator making an international impact, his success highlights the brilliance, resilience, and ingenuity that Nigerians consistently bring to the global stage.

  • How to boost agriculture education, by don

    How to boost agriculture education, by don

    By Temitope Adejuwon, EKSU

    The Board of Vocational and Technical Education in each state of the federation should collaborate with other agencies of government to evaluate gall the pre-vocational and vocational subjects in schools, a lecturer at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Religious Oyebode Famiwole has said.

    He urged  government to make Agricultural Science a compulsory for all students in junior classes and science students in all public and private secondary schools.

    According to him, this would address the problems  facing practical Agricultural Education,  a pre-vocational and vocational subject.

    The don  delivered the 85th inaugural lecture at the Ekiti State University, EKSU, Ado-Ekiti. The lecture  was entitled:  “Dynamics of Agricultural Science And Agricultural Education Pedagogies: The Missing Link Leverage.

    Famiwole noted that only trained and professional teachers should be allowed by the government to teach the subject in all secondary schools.

    According to him, most of the agricultural practices in the country especially in the rural areas are carried out by old farmers.

    “The old farmers are now getting older and dying off. There have never been enough youths in Agriculture who are willing or skilled to go into production agriculture or agri- preneurship, to replace those who are leaving the world of agriculture.

    “Activities of teachers and students on the school farm should be evaluated periodically by the school authorities and other relevant government agencies.

    “The PTA, philanthropists and successful agro-based businessmen should fund school farm development through donations of farm resources or funds.

    “The Board of Vocational and Technical Education in each state of the federation should in collaboration with other agencies of government be responsible for evaluating all the pre-vocational and vocational subjects in secondary schools in Nigeria,” he said.

  • ASR Africa flags off construction of publishing at Babcock

    ASR Africa flags off construction of publishing at Babcock

    By Tunde Adeniyi, BU

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), has flagged off the construction of a N280 million Abdul Samad Rabiu Integrated Publishing House for Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

    This project will enhance the capacity of the University from basic press status to a modern, integrated publishing house to encompass publishing, print production, and other related diversified services. The one-storey building facility will serve as a laboratory and studio for training students of communications, media studies, and allied disciplines as well as other disciplines. 

    At the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, expressed satisfaction at the nomination by ASR Africa, under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme.

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    He added that the choice of the project was a response to the vision to take the Mass Communications Department of the University to a whole new level. According to him, the university’s vision is to produce young men and women capable of critical thinking, and problem-solvers capable of proffering innovative solutions to problems of everyday life, be it social, political, and cultural.

    In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, expressed his delight at the University’s choice of establishing an Integrated Publishing House. He added that when information is appropriately applied, human society is empowered to liberate itself from limitations and attain its full potential. Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu to supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and urged the institution to focus on the sustainability of this noble project. He also reiterated the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the university and the contractor for the timely delivery of the publishing house. 

    ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu. It was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa. 

  • How Benue students won 2024 Enactus contest

    How Benue students won 2024 Enactus contest

    By Abike Sanusi 

    The  Enactus team of  Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Markurdi (formerly University of Agriculture, Makurdi) has won the Enactus Nigeria 2024 National Competition with its outstanding innovative solution, ECORESIN. The grand finale took place in Lagos.

    ECORESIN is a project committed to providing a sustainable solution to the plastic waste crisis. Through the project, the team developed biodegradable polymers using agricultural and plant-based materials such as cassava and water hyacinth. These polymers are used to produce various everyday items, from shopping bags to seedling wrappers and packaging for foods, care products, and pharmaceutical products. The biodegradable polymers are designed to disappear back into nature without leaving any harmful traces. They can be converted into fertilizer through decomposition, promoting sustainable farming.

    Enactus Nigeria, a non-governmental and non-profit organisation is  committed to preparing young Nigerians in  tertiary institutions for future leadership, workplace management, job creation, skill acquisition for global business competitiveness.

    Enactus Nigeria also gave out awards and cash prizes to other deserving tertiary institutions that participated with their innovative solutions they created in their communities in the special competition category for both the ACT Foundation Leadership Challenge and the Schneider Electric Battery Innovation Challenge.

    It aims to transform youths into resourceful, purposeful, and value-driven entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators, while making  significant impact by engaging the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to be innovative and  improve the world.

     Enactus Nigeria Country Director, Michael Ajayi said: “This competition is a showcase of the ingenuity and the outcome over 12 months of hard work by the Enactus Students. It brings together Enactus student leaders and academic leaders from over 20 tertiary institutions, as well as business leaders for the celebration of innovation and impact.

    “One of the interesting things about the national competition is that it’s an expression of students’ ingenuity, creativity, and doggedness and all of that. It is also a reflection of the amount of work that Enactus Nigeria has done in recruiting the students and training them in a bid to build their capacity.

    Read Also: Benue students demand end to ASUU strike

    “At the final round, we had judges who are business leaders from different organisations like KPMG, Chevron Nigeria, Schneider Electric Foundation, African Capital Alliance, Coca Cola and the rest of them. These judges reviewed the presentations and ranked the four teams based on their performance, which must be the most relevant, innovative, scalable, impactful project, social enterprise that can transform the life of people across the country. Once the judges identified that team, we named that team number one, the team now becomes, Enactus Nigeria National Champion for 2024.”

     The winners   will get the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup, which holds in different countries every year. This year, it will hold in Kazakhstan, in the city of Astana.

     Ajayi added that the  programme is structured to transform Nigerian students into resourceful, purposeful and value driven entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators. 

    “We are able to achieve this because of the structure we have put in place. On each campus where we are active, we recruit a group of students from different departments, different faculties, different levels, and backgrounds. Successful candidates are inducted into the Enactus,” he added.

  • NANS condemns rustication of students at Ede Poly

    NANS condemns rustication of students at Ede Poly

    The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has condemned the recent rustication of students at Federal Polytechnic, Ede by Rector of the institution.

    NANS claimed that the affected students, whose only “offense” was to stand up and agitate for their rightful entitlements, have been unjustly punished for exercising their constitutional rights.

    A statement by NANS Senate President, Com. Akinteye Babatunde alleged instead of the Rector to address legitimate concerns raised by the students, he has chosen a path of intimidation and further threats.

    According to the NANS Senate President, the targeting of faculty presidents and course representatives with threats of rustication is not only unacceptable but also a blatant abuse of power aimed at silencing the student body.

    He said: “Furthermore, it is appalling to note that after extorting ₦10,000 from each student as a fee for damages post-protest, the Rector still proceeded to expel them.

    “This not only showcases a lack of integrity and accountability but also a gross exploitation of the students’ plight for financial gain.

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    “We wishes to unequivocally state that such threats will not deter us from pursuing justice for our members. The rights of the students to advocate for their welfare and demand accountability are sacrosanct and must be respected.

    “We hereby demand the immediate reinstatement of all rusticated students. Should the Rector fail to meet this demand, we will proceed with the last C of Aluta to ensure that the voices of the students are heard and their rights are upheld. The threats and intimidation tactics currently employed will not save the Rector from facing the consequences of his actions.

    “We stand firm in our position: it is either the Rector resigns or he reinstates our students. The choice is his to make.

    “The unity and solidarity of the Nigerian students are unbreakable, and we will continue to stand together against any form of injustice. We call upon all students, alumni, and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in this struggle to defend the rights of the student body.”