The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Develop sound morality, character, Agboola admonishes students

    Develop sound morality, character, Agboola admonishes students

    Dr. Babatunde Agboola, an alumnus of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has admonished students to develop sound morality and be of good character. 

    Dr. Agboola, who is the Principal Engineer on Lunar Mobillity at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in United States of America, spoke on Monday at a seminar organised by Students of Engineering and Science at UNILAG.  

    Sharing his grass-to-grace story, Dr. Agboola enlightened the participants on the newest developments in the fields of Science and Engineering. 

    He further urged them to recognise the value-laden nature of their respective courses of study

    Dr. Agboola is leading the development of airless or non-pneumatic tires for Lunar (Moon) vehicles at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company towards the NASA Artemis mission and beyond.

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    He said: “My Bachelor’s degree thesis here at the University of Lagos prepared me for the Constitutive Modelling that I now do so well in Aerospace Engineering there in the United States of America. 

    “Everything you are learning now will be useful for you beyond your departments and the shores of this country. 

    “I urge you to take pride in the courses you are currently studying, become so good at it that you become synonymous with excellence, and the sky will be your starting point.” 

    Nicknamed as “Pastor” during his undergraduate days, Dr. Agboola who reminisced his days on campus with the participants, urged them to develop sound morality and character side-by-side their academic capacities.

    He said: “Character will take you far in life. When your classmates know that you’re truthful, honest, and upright, they can stand up for you – and that follows you all through life”.

    Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. S.O. Adeosun commended the Department for bringing back outstanding alumni like Dr. Agboola to speak with the students. 

    Adeosun further urged them to draw inspiration from the life of the Guest Speaker who rose from humble beginnings in Bariga to global stardom in the United States.

    He said: “All you need to do is to do well here in school, academically and character-wise. Yes, we may not have all, the desired facilities here to train you as it is obtainable in developed countries, but the content we are giving you are globally relevant and recognised, and it is up to you to make the most of them. Dr. Agboola here is a shining example of that.”

    The immediate past Head of Department, Dr. Lawrence Osoba and Ag. HOD, Dr. H. Mgbemere thanked the guest speaker for giving the students the benefit of his time and immense knowledge.

  • War against indecent dressing must continue

    War against indecent dressing must continue

    A while ago, the management of Auchi Polytechnic decided to initiate a dress code for its students, as a means to coordinate their dressing pattern.

    It was a good idea, especially when the Security Unit took the initiative as a task that must be accomplished. Many students were sent home right from the Main Gate for “under-dressing”. The affected students grumbled but, who cared? The campus under this new rule enjoyed decorum as one was saved unseeingly sights that tempted even eunuchs.

    The straps, leggings, mono straps, wicked straps, spaghetti stops, and the rest, as pointed out by the committee on dress code and morals went into exile. The girls cum “big babes” could not reveal their cleavages on campus anymore. Thus they took the show off campus where they soared excellently. Their male counterparts, the “tattered boys”, with their earrings and braids, were also completely swept of their feet outside the campus. And decency, at last, was reestablished on campus.

    But, just three months after the initiated dress code, the storyline has changed completely. The exiled ones are back on campus. The Security Unit has jettisoned the campaign against indecent dressing for reasons I do not know. The braids, earrings, tattered jeans and all other insignia of the weird dressers are evident once again in the polytechnic. And for the girls, you know the game: the straps, spaghetti tops, transparent dress, mono straps, wicked straps, and others now flourish.

    Every corner of the polytechnic has one of these antecedents in view. One is forced to ask: how can a dress code planned and initiated by the management of Auchi Polytechnic and recommended by the Committee on Dress code and Morals, with the Dean of Arts and Design, Mrs. Helen Uhumwangho, as head, crumble so soon? Is it that we do not adhere strictly to rules anymore? Or we just make rules and do not observe or seek to uphold them for long?

    It is quite pathetic that an idea which began brightly is dying gradually in the hands of the Security Unit with apparently no effort to keep it going. This attitude is saddening indeed to our moral development. It reflects further degradation to our educational system. The school is a place where morals are taught and promoted, and, as such, students flouting the rule must be stopped. It is obvious that degrees or certificates are awarded based on two criteria: being found worthy in leaning and in character. More so, I can vouch that the Rector of the institution, Dr. Phillipa Idogho, is a disciplinarian, an upright and a strict woman. She does not condone arrogance amongst students as reflected in her days as the Dean of School of Part–Time Studies.

    Efforts must be made to rekindle and reignite the campaign against indecent dressing on campus. Only then will our campus be free of this parochial malaise.

  • Start from where you are, Aisha Ochuwa tasks OOU law students on entrepreneurship

    Start from where you are, Aisha Ochuwa tasks OOU law students on entrepreneurship

    Group Managing Director (GMD) of Aisha Ochuwa Limited, Aisha Tella Ochuwa, has urged law students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ogun State, not to be afraid to launch entrepreneurial ideas as undergraduates.

    Ochuwa made the call during visit to the institution, on the invitation of the Faculty of Law, OOU, to speak on the subject: “Transitioning from the legal career to the business world”.

    Ochuwa holds a degree in law, as well as a Diploma in Criminology—both from Babcock University. The jewellery merchant has demonstrated indomitable spirit and visionary capabilities in business. She started what has grown into Aisha Ochuwa Group Limited with N150 back in her undergraduate days at Babcock University, where she acquired her LL.B degree and diploma.

    Years after, the high-flying jewellery mogul currently controls three massively successful subsidiaries of her umbrella brand. Aisha Ochuwa Jewellery Limited is reputed for affordable luxury, class and creativity. It handles the production and sale of stainless steel jewellery, rich in blending artistry, crafting high-quality stainless steel jewellery and watches that blend with charm and grandeur. Aishaochuwa Luxury Limited stands as clients’ hub for for pure gold, natural diamonds, certified fine silver, and moissanite jewellery. Her most recent brainchild—Bespoke by AishaOchuwa Limited, stands as the incubation centre for young entreprenuers beaming with passion to emulate her giant strides in business and life. She is currently making new giant strides with ‘The Industry Miner’—the ultimate guide to entrepreneurial success.

    Speaking in line with the theme at the event, Aisha Ochuwa admonished the students to look beyond their academic training and launch business ideas that they have with whatever capital that is available. She noted that many business idead have been aborted because of fear of failure, asking the undergraduates not to give up when confronted with challenges but learn from mistakes.

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    “Do you know there is nothing like failure? That is my own theory. What happened? You’ve only made mistakes and when you make mistake what do you do? Do you give up?

    “You go back, look at that mistake you have made and see how you can turn those beautiful broken pieces into a work of art. Don’t be afraid to start,” Aisha Ochuwa said.

    “You have to put the word out there, if you do not expose your brand to the people, they will not know about your brand because it is information received that is processed.There are a lot people that come up with brilliant ideas at some point but never followed through why” Because of fear. It is all a mind game; it’s all in your head, I promise you, that restriction is in your head.

    “The very minute you break out of it, you will see yourself doing things you never imagined. Yes, a lot of people have thrown away even brilliant business plans that they’ve drafted because of fear. Fear has made a lot of great men die with their talent.

    “Fear has restricted people from showing themselves approved to the world, even though they know deep down in their heart that they have it. The very first thing you must do before you start a business is to work on your mind.”

  • Youths trained on key career skills at Redrick Accelerated Workshops 2:0

    Youths trained on key career skills at Redrick Accelerated Workshops 2:0

    Several youths honed their key career skills at the Redrick PR Accelerated workshop 2.0 on Friday June 28th, 2024.

    The initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with career-launching skills kicked off the R.A.W 2.0 workshop.

    The one-day event at The Nest Hub in Yaba was packed with energy and practical learning. The initiative was supported by media outlets such as Career Buddy, Bella Naija and Pulse NG.

    Participants earnt how to craft better resumes that grab attention under the guidance of seasoned HR professional Adetoun Adele.

    Tolagbe Martins, a communications expert and founder of TM Grammar, broke down professional communication etiquettes in a session titled: “Professional communication and email writing 101,” equipping participants with the skills to write clear and impactful emails.

    Content marketing trainer and top LinkedIn creator, Oche Writes led a session on “Networking on LinkedIn,” providing valuable insights on building a strong online presence and connecting with industry professionals.

    “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the return of R.A.W,” Ijeoma Balogun, Founder/CEO of Redrick Accelerate Workshops said.

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    “Our goal is to empower young Nigerians with the tools and confidence they need to navigate the job market and launch fulfilling careers. Seeing the enthusiasm and engagement of the participants today reinforces the importance of this initiative.”

    The learning didn’t stop with the workshops! By the end of the day, the crowd converged for a vibrant networking session. Participants buzzed with excitement, sharing their career journeys and forging new connections.

    To commemorate their achievements, attendees were presented with certificates, a tangible reminder of the skills they gained and the network they built at RAW 2.0.

  • Southwest NANS disassociates self from protest against EFCC

    Southwest NANS disassociates self from protest against EFCC

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest Zone D, has distanced itself from recent speculations on protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by various groups.

    The association said it stands with EFCC in the fight against cybercrimes and other related which tend to paint image of youths negatively.  

    A statement by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Com. Alao John noted that Nigerian students were known for their amazing intelligence quotient all around the globe with excellent academic records to show for it in various Universities.

    He stated that EFCC as an agency of government is known for fighting corruption at all levels, which includes financial crimes committed by young people, students or individuals who use students to perpetuate crimes against the law. 

    He said: “I firmly state that we are not in support of any form of protest against the EFCC. Instead, we stand in solidarity with the EFCC and are committed to working collaboratively with them to foster a culture of integrity and transparency. 

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    “We believe that constructive dialogue and cooperation are key to addressing issues, we are pleased to inform the general public that Nigerian Students in Southwest maintains a positive and constructive relationship with the EFCC.

    “Our collaboration is founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to upholding integrity and transparency within our association and the broader community.

    “We encourage all students and members of the community to refrain from participating in any protests that may arise and to continue supporting efforts to promote accountability and fighting against corruption.

    “Once again NANS SOUTHWEST ZONE D wishes to clearly state our stand that we are not in support of any protests against the EFCC by some unknown groups and individuals.

    “NANS SOUTHWEST hereby disassociate herself from any group of persons,  organisations or individuals who plan to water down the effort of the EFCC.

    “We encourage all students and members of the community to refrain from participating in any protests that may arise and to continue supporting efforts to promote accountability and good governance.

    “In line with our commitment to positive engagement, we are excited to announce our upcoming program titled “The Effect of Cybercrime on National Development: Our Role as Nigerian Students.

    “This initiative aims to educate and empower students on the impacts of cybercrime and our collective responsibility in combating it to ensure the nation’s progress. 

    “We encourage all students to join us in this endeavour, contributing to meaningful discussions and solutions that will benefit our society.”

  • African child day: Scholars care initiative meets NBC management

    African child day: Scholars care initiative meets NBC management

    The founder and president of African Scholars Care Initiatives, Queen Joy Onumajuru has held a top management engagement with the leadership of Nigerian Bottling Company Plc (NBC) ahead of the 2024 edition of International Day of the African Child.

    She concluded arrangements to mark the day with the theme, “Education for all children in Africa: The Time is Now” with an inter-school quiz competition.

    Her visit coincided with the World Food Day safety with the theme, “Prepare for the unexpected”. NBC celebrated the day at its Abuja plant. 

    Already, she has secured media partnership with NTA and AIT.

    Also supporting the event is Nutrition International, UNICEF, National Population Commission and others.

    The inter-school quiz competition is scheduled to hold on June 19 and will have critical stakeholders in education, child rights and nutrition in attendance.

  • ‘EBMC will address challenges of business owners’

    ‘EBMC will address challenges of business owners’

    The 2024 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite chapter, Cynthia Akhagbeme-Simeon, has said the annual business masterclass of the organisation, “Elite Business Master Class” (EBMC) is aimed at addressing challenges facing entrepreneurs and business owners, established solid structures and systems to help their businesses to thrive.

    She said EBMC will also helped entrepreneurs and business owners to thrive as well as educating them within Ibadan and beyond.

    Speaking at the 4th edition of EBMC, an event in partnership with University of Ibadan School of Business tagged “Establishing Systems and Structures in Businesses, Akhagbeme-Simeon stated that the event was designed to educate entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators. 

    According to her, establishing solid business structures and systems is the bedrock upon which sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience are built.

    She noted EBMC has always been selective with its speakers, choosing successful individuals who can provide insights and practical solutions to business owners’ challenges in Nigeria.

    She said: “It featured insights and strategies from distinguished panellists and industry experts, including CEOs and founders from renowned companies, who shared their expertise in the world of business.”

    The keynote speaker m, Oluyemi Oloyede, emphasised that every business owner automatically becomes a leader.

    According to him, being a democratic leader doesn’t necessarily make one a good leader; rather, how one interacts with their employees determines their effectiveness as a leader.

    “In reality, leadership can be lonely and challenging. Everyone looks to you for guidance, and your employees’ livelihoods depend on you. 

    “Accessibility is the key every employee should be able to speak with you. This sets you apart from the rest of the bureaucratic Nigerian business industry. Being a democratic leader doesn’t necessarily make you a great or good leader,” he said.

    He noted that business owners and entrepreneurs should target markets with consumers who have disposable income but should also prioritize their significant customers.

    “Don’t go after markets for market’s sake; go after the people in the market. They have the disposable income that you need. Look for places where people have the money.”

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    Other panellists at the event include Dr. Ayokunle Fatokun, Lead Consultant at Russel and Barnes; Ayo Winkunle, CEO of Techlytics Africa; Bamiro Oluwaseun, CEO of YNORTH and TIMETELLER NG; Engr. Goodness Morakinyo, Founder of Valencia Schools; and Kawthar Odukoya, Co-founder of Vanguard Pharmacy Ltd.

    Each panelists led different panel sessions with interactive discussions, educating and addressing business owners and entrepreneurs.

    The Ibadan Elite 2024 Director of Business, Timothy Oladeni thank the guest speakers, participants, and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

    He said: “As we conclude this Entrepreneurial Business Masterclass, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you for your active participation and engagement. Your energy and time have made this journey truly unforgettable.

    “Remember, entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it’s about creating a vision, taking risks, and making a meaningful impact in the world. You have the power to turn your passions into reality and make a difference in your communities.”

  • Lead City Varsity’s don, others secure five million dollar grant for CLARE project

    Lead City Varsity’s don, others secure five million dollar grant for CLARE project

    A Professor of Urban Planing and Environmental Management, Prof. Grace Oloukoi, and other 15 institutions in Africa have secured a grant amounting to five million Canadian Dollars for the Pioneering Climate Adaptation REsilience (CLARE) project.

    Oloukoi, who is the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Lead City University, Ibadan said out of CAD 5 million, Lead City University is participating in a research collaboration with a grant of CAD 325,876 which she secured.

    Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Don said this is a sub-contract of a project with the  title: ‘A Pan-African and Trans-disciplinary Lens on the Margins: Tackling the Risks of Extreme Events (PALM-TREEs)’. 

    While explaining details of the breakthrough, Oloukoi said: ‘’Palm-Trees, a project worth 5,370, 300 Canadian dollars is one of the CLimate Adaptation and REsilience (CLARE), a UK-Canada framework research programme mainly funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). 

    ‘’Palm-Trees is being implemented in six  countries – Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya and DR Congo –  and 16 institutions across Africa and the United Kingdom with the University of Cape Town as the lead organisation where the Project Consortium Office domiciles under the leadership of Prof. Abiodun Babatunde.

    ‘’Other partners include the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Lead City University, University of Lagos, University of Oxford, UK Met Office, University of Nairobi, Kwame University of Science and Technology, the Nigerian Institute for Social Economic Research (NISER) and University of Yaoundé.

    ‘’The project emphasises lived experiences methodology and the dynamics of indigenous knowledge to understand the dimensions of climate risks based on the complex social identities of the margins in local communities and to ensure inclusive adaptation policies in Africa’’.

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    In Nigeria, Oloukoi is working with her colleagues, Prof. Mayowa Fasona from the University of Lagos and Prof. Andrew Onwuemele from the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER).

    The project is focusing on Lagos as a city-scale study on flooding and heat waves and the Middle Belt as a regional scale study on agricultural drought and flooding. 

    The Don said, ‘’The project will deconstruct the dimensions of impacts of these extremes on livability, livelihoods and well-being of the margins. The margins are the vulnerable; the population groups that lack representation or voice in climate adaptation discourse.

    ‘’These include the homeless, the aged, the children, the women, the immigrants and the physically challenged. The project also provides opportunities for Early Career Scientists (ECS) who are being supported for their doctoral and postdoctoral research. Oloukoi is also serving as the Focal Lead for Gender and Social Inclusion for the Palm-Trees project across Africa.

    ‘’The inter-connected work packages for the Palm-Trees project are: social impacts of climate extremes, physical impacts of extreme events, climate resilient solutions and capacity strengthening’’.

    She stated that the specific outputs of the project include reduction in barriers to sustainable knowledge networks, more equitable relationships between communities, practitioners, policy makers and researchers, transferable methodology to deal with multidimensional compounds of extreme events and sustainable change based on nature-based adaptation strategies.

    ‘’The project implementation has commenced and this will run for 42 months, till January, 2027. Inception meetings were already held at Lagos and Ilorin as parts of Stakeholders’ Engagement and Community Entry strategies during which the media, the communities, government agencies, non-state actors, knowledge brokers and scientists brainstormed to harvest ideas for the actualization of Palm-Trees project in Nigeria.

    ‘’Lead City University is providing institutional support for the implementation of the project. This scholarship milestone will foster the global visibility of faculty members of Lead City University, Nigeria.”

  • Submission deadline for National Essay Competition on parliamentary system now July 31

    Submission deadline for National Essay Competition on parliamentary system now July 31

    Following the overwhelming interest of Nigerian students across the globe in the National Essay Competition on Parliamentary System, the Home-Grown Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG), organiser of the competition, has announced the extension of the submission deadline earlier slated for June 12, 2024.

    A statement by the Convener, Home-Grown Parliamentary System Support Group (PSSG), says the new deadline for submission of essay is now midnight July 31, 2024.

    Also, the National Discussion, where distinguished guests and the public, will deliberate on the essay topic has been scheduled for Monday September 9 in Abuja.

    The National Essay Competition is open to all Nigerian students in tertiary institutions across the globe.

    The statement said there had been overwhelming interest of Nigerian students around the world in the essay competition, since it began last month. 

    It noted that many entries had been received on the essay portal but there were appeals from a cross section of students for extension of the submission deadline. 

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    The national essay competition was sequel to the presentation of bills by a group of members of the House of Representatives in February seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 for a transition from the current presidential system to parliamentary system at all levels of government. 

    The lawmakers had hoped that the presentation of the bills would 

    “Ignite, provoke a national conversation about the future of Nigerian governance system; ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process; and  raise awareness about the significant development and encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of these proposed constitutional alterations.” 

  • Baobab+ Partners JCI to provide solar in Ogun schools

    Baobab+ Partners JCI to provide solar in Ogun schools

     Towards enhancing education and fostering sustainable development, Baobab+ Nigeria has partnered with JCI Abeokuta Hills to bring solar lighting to schools in Ogun State.

     This initiative, aimed at revitalising the reading culture among secondary school students and creating a conducive learning environment, was launched at Baptist Girls’ College Idi Aba.

     The “Unleash A Child’s Potential Project” marks a major milestone in Baobab+’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. 

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Kolawole Osinowo, CEO of Baobab+ Nigeria, emphasised the project’s alignment with the company’s mission to provide easy access to energy in schools and communities, reflecting Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). “Providing energy to light an environment, especially in schools, is akin to giving life,” Mr. Osinowo stated.

     “Our mission at Baobab Plus is to ensure easy access to energy in schools and communities, in line with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 7.” Mr. Osinowo further noted that Baobab+ Nigeria operates in 21 locations nationwide, with Abeokuta being a key area for their solar energy distribution. He emphasized that Baptist Girls’ College is just the beginning, with plans for broader initiatives. In addition to the school lighting project, Baobab+ recently launched a new solar power station for Nigerians, a portable solar generator catering to various energy needs. 

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    This high-capacity portable power station provides a reliable power source for appliances such as fridges, coolers, power tools, medical devices, laptops, lights, and TVs, offering a quiet and fume-free solution. 

     During the event, JCIN Amb. Eniola Adesanya, President of JCI Abeokuta Hills, expressed optimism about the project’s positive impact on the school. She underscored that educating children secures the leadership of tomorrow and that unlocking their potential shapes future leaders. Mrs. Stella Iwedi, Principal of Baptist Girls’ College, recounted the challenges posed by darkness on the school premises, especially for hostel students.

    She highlighted the safety issues, including encounters with reptiles and night reading impediments. “With the new solar lights, our students are now safer and can read at night,” Iwedi said. She thanked Baobab+ Nigeria for addressing the school’s critical needs and called on other organizations to emulate Baobab+ and JCI Abeokuta Hills in their humanitarian efforts. Supporting the initiative, Mrs. Funmi Baker, President of the Baptist Girls’ College Alumni, expressed satisfaction with the project, noting its significant impact on students’ ability to study at night.

    Furthermore, JCIN Amb. Abel Badmus, Immediate Past President of JCI Abeokuta Hills, encouraged students to join JCI in higher institutions to continue making positive societal impacts and developing their leadership skills. The launch of the “Unleash A Child’s Potential Project” at Baptist Girls’ College Idi Aba stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving sustainable development and educational advancement. With this initiative, Baobab+ Nigeria and JCI Abeokuta Hills are not only lighting up schools but also illuminating the path to a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.