The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Rector to students: work hard, exhibit good conduct

    Rector to students: work hard, exhibit good conduct

    The Rector of TimeOn KAIROS Polytechnic, Lagos,  Prof. Olufemi Oludimu, has charged students to work hard, shun anti-social activities and be morally upright.

    He spoke at  the third matriculation/ first convocation and sixth open house events of the institution held on  the school’s premises in Lagos.

    Oludimu said the institution is a place for character building, adding  that when students focus on their studies they would be  successful.

    “I am charging you to abide by all the rules and regulations and be committed to your studies. I want you to attend lectures regularly because 70 percent of lecture attendance is required for you to qualify for exams. Also continuous assessment is a requirement for exams.

    “Cultism and examination malpractices are prohibited in this institution. Offenders will be summarily dismissed. Do not succumb to any pressure to join illegal or anti-social activities and groups.

    “In this polytechnic, we encourage students to dress properly and those who default will be sanctioned. You must duly earn our certificate through hard work. Our school is well-equipped with both physical and e-library to aid your learning.

    Read Also: YABATECH projects more than being varsity, says rector

    “Also note that you may be graduating from this noble institution with two certificates – your diploma academic certificate and entrepreneurial skill acquisition certificate,” he said.

    On her part, Dr Adebusola Okedele, the guest speaker, charged  new students to be focused and aspire for greater things.

    “I want to charge you to be focused on the primary reason you are here. Avoid bad friends because they will ruin your aspirations.

    “Mind your business and be ready to give your all to your studies. It is only through hard work, giving your time, and being dedicated to why you are here that you will achieve success. If you will make a distinction, it would start with your first assessment test here; so be serious with what you do,” she said.

    Meanwhile, at the convocation session, the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Dr Titus Kolawole Oyeyemi tasked the graduates to make the best of their studies to impact the world.

    He said the graduation marked a new chapter in their lives, urging them  to face the outside world with calmness but with a mindset of a winner. He enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the school.

    “This day is marking a new beginning in your life. I want you to be dynamic, ambitious, and determined. I want you to develop strong characters and never be intimidated by anyone. Life is unpredictably challenging but as young men and women, you have to be daring. As young people, when life dares you, your response should be ‘I dare you too’.

    “As I often tell students at all levels, it is education that changes your name. But education is difficult and schooling is tedious. So many things can change your life but one thing that can change your life for the better is education”.

    “Think about it; it’s by education that you picked and added some appellate or accolades to your given names such as accountant, engineer, doctor, and even professor, to name a few. All these and many more are achieved by and through schooling, ” he said.

  • We place premium on discipline, moral uprightness, says VC

    We place premium on discipline, moral uprightness, says VC

    • By Korede Omololu-David

    Vice Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Adebooye has said the institution upholds the values of integrity, discipline, and moral uprightness. He noted that social vice such as examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and truancy are not condoned, adding that the institution strongly discountenances such and anyone found wanting would be dismissed.

    The VC spoke during the school’s matriculation ceremony on campus, where 6,000 new students got matriculated.

    He said: “In this esteemed institution, we uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and moral uprightness. Social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and truancy are vehemently condemned. The university is resolute in its stance on these, and culprits are subject to summary dismissal.”

    The VC also announced that students can now cook in their hostels to make things easy for new entrants.

    Read Also: Uniosun lifts ban on cooking in hostels, warns against truancy

    Authorities at the institution had  suspended its “no cooking in hostel”, policy, thus allowing  students living on campus to cook in their  halls of residence.

    The university had created  a policy of not allowing students in hostels controlled by the school management to cook, thus  creating rift between the school and students union leadership in the past.

     “You are all aware that our university does not allow its students living in our hostels to cook, but in a bid to make life easier for you all, the policy has been suspended. I know you are now cooking in your hostel’’

    The VC said the university  does not treat issues of social vices, including cultism, examination malpractices, drug abuse, among others with kid gloves, therefore  students should take the matriculation oath  seriously.

    “In this esteemed institution, we uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and moral uprightness. Social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and truancy are vehemently condemned. The university is resolute in its stance on these, and culprits are subject to summary dismissal”, he said.

  • Babcock VC seeks promotion of peace by media

    Babcock VC seeks promotion of peace by media

    The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola  Tayo, has urged  media practitioners to prioritise the promotion of  peace and development.

    He spoke at the institution’s yeraly media parley weekend.

    Tayo noted that the sensitive nature of journalism requires being circumspect and discreet in certain issues.

    The VC said  recognising the limits and ethics that govern the profession is critical to ensuring that journalists’ report is accurate, unbiased, and responsible.

     He urged them to be cautious not to fuel hate or incite violence, adding that it is their responsibility to promote understanding, bring about constructive dialogue, and ensure that the public has access to accurate and unbiased information.

    Tayo advised them  to remember that they  are working towards the same goal- a peaceful, prosperous, and united country.

    He said the profession requires them to help in building bridges, promoting dialogue, and finding common ground, adding that they  must create a discourse that leads to national development and peaceful co-existence rather than division and acrimony.

    He said: “With the privilege you have, comes also a great responsibility to the peace, unity, and development of our dear country. As journalists, you are all aware of the decisions you make; the stories you report, the pictures you paint, and the messages that are conveyed to your audiences. It is your responsibility to strive always to put the peace, unity, and development of our country first in your reporting. We must understand that your actions could have significant impacts on our country.

    “In the course of your reporting, you must familiarise yourself with these principles, which include truthfulness, objectivity, accuracy, fairness, and accountability. Various laws and guidelines provide legal frameworks to govern media practices. You have to always adhere to these laws and guidelines. This includes regulations governing issues such as defamation, invasion of privacy, and confidential sources, sensationalism and opinionated news reporting. Some news reporting do not always adhere to these principles, and we cannot promote healthy democracy, peace and unity through such reporting.

    “I know that each news organisation has its house style, policies, and guidelines, which you must adhere to. Adhere to your news organisation’s guidelines and policies: Ensure that you are fully informed about them and follow them in your reporting. But, any house style, or policies that does not promote democracy, truth, objectivity and balance reporting, surely will promote disunity and anarchy which is antithetical to what the citizens want.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    “As journalists, you must avoid any situation that may lead to potential conflicts of interest. Be objective and transparent in your reporting and, where necessary, disclose any potential conflicts of interest to your audience. Seek feedback and guidance from peers and editors: Seek feedback from your colleagues and editors to help you identify areas where you may be violating ethical standards. This can help you identify and avoid ethical issues that you may have overlooked.

    “For example, when the journalist gets so close to the politician or business mogul, to the extent that he is accused of promoting politicians or corporate business executives, the journalist should review the relationship. He has both moral and ethical commitment to that review. Journalists will not be at their best when they work together with politicians and business executives. That sort of camaraderie is certainly bad for democracy.’’

    Chairman of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), Mojeed Alabi, said media professionals know the importance of their calling and would not betray public trust.

     He said EWAN members were conscious of the need to  impact the society positively,hence, they would prioritise that.

  • ‘How I bagged 23 awards as best graduating medical student’

    ‘How I bagged 23 awards as best graduating medical student’

    • By Abdulrasheed Akere

    A 24-year-old woman,  Sumayyah Abdallah  was the best graduating medical student of the 2022/2023 academic session as she bagged 23 awards in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).

    She also went home with cash prizes at the medical students’ induction held at the university’s auditorium on December 09, 2023. She recalled that  about 140 of them  started the academic journey far back in 2015 but only 79 were inducted.

    This mother of one who hails from Agaie, Niger State,  got married in 2021.

    “Marriage affected my studies positively, it gave me more motivation and determination than ever. It made me more focused on achieving my goals,” she said.

    For students pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, or MBBS, grades are used to measure their performance, not Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Sumayyah said she had so many good grades that made her achieve the feat.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

     She expressed her excitement about the achievement. “Alhamdulillah, I feel really happy, seeing the smiles on my parents’ faces and their tears of joy is the most satisfying feeling in the whole wide world.”

    I faced challenges — Sumayyah

    “I faced challenges but challenges are part of life, and we are not as perfect as the picture you see, I was scared at some point in time,” she said. Having a baby in medical school, especially while carrying the nine months pregnancy and taking care of the child after delivery was strenuous for her. This was because she had to read, go to lectures, and sit for many tests. While in 400-level, she wrote several C.A tests on hospital bed.

    Sumayyah almost gave up her dream to be a doctor, but she kept  going. Her parents’ hard work, dedication, and unflinching support as well as her siblings’ encouragement to her are what pushed her to never give up.

    “Thanks to my husband and my little Zayd too, we went through it all together,” she added.

    Avoid overconfidence

    Sumayyah advised undergraduates to stay humble, avoid overconfidence, and avoid too many friends. “What is worth doing is worth doing well. Most importantly, pray as if you’ve never read anything and read as if you’ve never prayed.”

  • UDUS students develop app for learning

    UDUS students develop app for learning

    • By Usman Yakubu Usman

    Armed with ideas, as a practising software engineer, Femi Fatokun, a 200-Level student of the Computer Science Department in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), partnered with other three team members from the same institution, on leveraging the plight of students in getting access to reading materials.

    Despite the existence of an internet Google search, Fatokun  and his team identified the gap and inaccessibility of other academic sources akin to the courses offered in their school, hence, they launched a domain called “Schovela” on November 29, this year.

    “I  pictured the problems associated with students trying to access academic materials. My goal was to solve the problems by creating the app,” he said.

    Schovela is a mobile app containing many uploaded handouts and other reading materials that can be accessed by downloading the domain from the Google Play Store or by scanning the QR Code.

    The app is simple. It enables students to download educational sources for free. Inside the domain, there are various materials for many courses offered at UDUS. After rigorous examination of the app, this reporter found it easy to use, by installing and reading some GST materials in the content. To extend its visibility on campus, the web team initiated the effort of pasting the QR Code in the vicinity of the school.

    According to data collated from the team leader, Fatokun, at the time of writing this report, the App currently has 114 users which are all students, with a total number of 172 educational materials uploaded.  

    Also, as many students use phones on campus to read PDFs, Schovela, which has a centralised source of reading materials, serves as an alternative to other books and handouts.

    Like Fatokun, the graphics designer of the team, Tijjani Shehu Ahmad, a 200-Level student of the Computer Science Department hopes it crosses  the boundary of UDUS, reaching out to other universities across the country. His target does not lie with  students only, but even the lecturers alike. Both were meant to benefit from the innovation.

    “It’s not only for UDUS students, but it’s available in UDUS, by January it will be available for Sokoto State University (SSU) students and beyond. Everyone in the academic community can access it,” he said.

     John Johnathan, another 200-Level Computer Science student and web developer in the team, felt elated about their achievement. His contribution to enhancing the content of the app had been his long-time dream.

    The motivation that drove him to join the team was to create a “user-friendly interface” that would ultimately expand the accessibility of the domain.

    Meanwhile, the team also said the app was launched during the Tech event of the National Association of Computer Science Students (NACOS) UDUS, an event which was organised for students to showcase their projects.

    Students’ reaction

    After using the newly created app, Mubarak Attahiru, a 100-Level student of the Sociology Department was jubilant on seeing the GST and other materials of his course.

    “It’s a fantastic app. It will become easy for me to get all my handouts and easy to read even at home. And by using it, I will prepare well for my next level,” he said.

    Expressing his delight, Mohammad Auwal, a 300-Level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies said:  “This app is unique! I can use it without waiting for the lecturers to give me materials,” he said. He said Wi-Fi in school makes it easy for students to use the app.

    “The app is going to be beneficial to me. I can access so many materials from it,” said Qozeem Adekunle, a 200-Level student of Political Science.

    Challenges

    Despite the success of the team, challenges nearly made them abandon their efforts. And sometimes even wondering how to go about it.

    Samson Onifade, the only 200-Level  Economics student and software developer on the team, said lack of collaboration in getting access to academic materials to upload in the domain was a daunting task. This had been slowing the implementation of their project.

    “Getting access to infrastructure, feedback channels for continuous improvement, and having collaboration opportunities with educators to tailor the development to educational needs are hard to come by. Their engagement will be instrumental for the project”, he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    Fatokun also recounted both the technical and financial difficulties they faced. 

    “When we began to face difficulties in getting access to some services like Web hosting, Email provider, access to Google Play store and Apple account, I paid for Web Hosting and email, while my friend from the tech industry donated an Apple store account,”  he said.

    Students’ Union commendation

    Amid the various challenges,  the team informed the students’ union of their project. The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee (CTC), Mr. Ibrahim Sanusi, applauded their decisive approach in bringing solutions to the challenges faced by their fellow students.

    “It’s a very good achievement, and to some extent, we are happy with the development brought to the university. These gentlemen did their best. What they did is for students, and it’s good”, he said.

    Management speaks

    While speaking with this reporter, the Dean of Students Affairs Prof. Umar Aliyu urged the team to see him regarding the project. “The students should meet me in the office, such development is welcome. The university is open for that, but we need to see them first,” he said.

  • VC: UNILAG has made steady progress, despite harsh economy

    VC: UNILAG has made steady progress, despite harsh economy

    • By Tosin Odunewu, UNILAG

    Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, has said despite the inclement economic climate and many disruptions, her administration since assumption of office on November 14, last year has made steady progress.

     The VC also highlighted staff housing, funding and security as some challenges confronting the university.

    Ogunsola spoke at a media parley at the Senate Chamber of the university last week.

    She said:  “We were determined to push forward to ensure that the university could grow and deliver on its mandate of teaching, research and service through the Future-ready agenda that is encapsulated by the four pillars of growth: Growing the Finance, Growing the infrastructure, Growing the Reputation and Growing the Manpower (FIRM).

    “This last year was one of consolidation, seed sowing and growth which we have achieved by building on our strengths, strengthening and developing new partnerships and facilitating the creativity and initiatives of staff and students. We have been putting in place the building blocks to make UNILAG Future-Ready.”

    She noted that the institution was recently selected as one of the  beneficiaries of a professorial Chair Endowment Fund worth N30 million by the National Communications Commission (NUC).

     The VC said the endowment would enhance research activities and improve the quality of “industry-ready” graduates produced by the university in telecommunications and Social Sciences, areas that greatly impact the activities of the commission and Telecoms industry.

    On improving the institution’s revenue, she said: “It is clear that we need to have new ways of generating revenue to meet our financial obligations. The raising of the obligatory fees was a difficult but necessary decision that had been taken even before the subsidy removal. This was to reduce the growing deficit. The fees still mean that the university can continue to subsidise  the education.

    “As at today, over 32,778, undergraduate students have registered in both Akoka and Idi-Araba and I am glad to state that as we promised, no student has dropped out because of the increase in obligatory fees.To date, 765 indigent students have benefitted from various student support schemes including scholarships to cover obligatory fees, Adopt-an-Akokite, free meal ticket per day and work study.”

    Ogunsola said efforts at advancing contributions to industry development culminated in the strengthening of  its collaboration with Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO). This, she said,  resulted in the Senate-approved Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Hydrographic Surveying.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    She also noted that the institution also partnered with  the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in Disaster Management to train the UNILAG Fire Service personnel, adding that with input from industry through this collaboration,  the  curriculum of the Masters in Disaster Management (MDM) had been redesigned.

    Ogunsola said Havillah Group publishing company, which donated books worth N20million to the university, was the first private organisation to reach out to her administration, adding that Total Energies also donated laboratory and fieldwork equipment for training Geoscience students to understand and interpret ditch cuttings and mud logs obtained from wells during drilling operations.

    The  VC said the university commenced comprehensive infrastructure upgrade and rehabilitation of Mariere hall, and the renovated structure would be available for occupation by January 2024.

    “More limited renovations were carried out in 7 hostels, (Moremi, Fagunwa, Jaja, Makama Bida and Eni Njoku, Amina and Biobaku Hostels.). The rooms, windows, nettings, doors, ceilings, floor tiles, toilets are being repaired. The rebuilding of block G of Moremi Hall is on-going and work has also started on the rehabilitation of the Honors Hostel. Both renovated halls should be ready in 2024,” she said.

    She noted that funding remains a challenge to optimising quality education delivery, but management would  not relent in boosting its finances.

    Regarding security on campus, she said: “We  are beginning to experience unprecedented threats to the security of university property. This year, we experienced incessant attacks on university property but I will say that the combined efforts of our security agents and the Nigerian Police have helped to stem the tide. We will continue to ensure that we keep our campuses safe.”

  • TFN honours immediate past chairman

    TFN honours immediate past chairman

    By Abike Sanusi

    Teach For Nigeria (TFN), a non-profit organisation committed to promoting educational equity and excellence, has honoured its immediate past board chairman, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, MFR.

    He was honoured at  a ceremony  in Lagos which was well attended by  philanthropists, government officials, board members, and ambassadors of TFN.

    Oyebode, whose commitment has been instrumental in steering the organisation towards its vision of expanding educational opportunities for children, served as its pioneer board chairman for six years.

    A statement by the TFN noted that under his leadership, it experienced unprecedented growth and impact with the organisation expanding its reach across four states, with  over 1,500 fellows, and  more than 190,000 children impacted. The organisation also  developed an alumni network of 835 visionary leaders changing the nation’s education landscape.

     “His tenure was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, fostering partnerships with government and private entities, and spearheading innovative initiatives that positively impacted the lives of numerous students and communities,” it added.

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    At the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer  of TFN,  Folawe Omikunle, praised Oyebode for his  commitment and guidance in steering the organisation’s vision.

    Current board chair, Kunle Elebute extolled the honoree’s leadership qualities and outstanding contribution to the growth of the organisation.

    He  announced the ‘Gbenga Oyebode Outstanding Leadership Award’ for exceptional TFN fellows   as a legacy project in his honour.

     Oyebode described TFN as an essential vehicle for change in Nigeria’s education. He noted that the organisation is not just about education but leadership, inclusive growth, and community. He urged  everyone to become great role models, donate their time to the cause, and continue to show up to address education inequity in Africa.

    He pledged  support for the  continuous success of the organisation.

    The organisation restated its commitment to

     developing a network of more than 20,000 leaders across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, while  impacting over a million students annually by 2033.

  • MTOTY: Rewarding teachers and putting them on global stage

    MTOTY: Rewarding teachers and putting them on global stage

    By Tosin Odunewu, UNILAG

    The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition 2023 has come and gone but its echoes keep reverberating in the Nigerian educational circle. It was a night of stars at the Jewel Aedia, Lagos, where the grand finale was held on October 20, 2023. The award, in its 9th year, has transformed the lives of many teachers, bringing them out of obscurity into the limelight.

    An initiative of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition recognises, celebrates, and rewards extraordinary teachers who have contributed immensely to moulding Nigerian children and youth.

    As the popularity of the competition among teachers made headlines this year, recording its highest number of entries ever, a record-breaking 1,499 entries nationwide, the story gets more interesting with an impressive 1,203 valid entries for grading. At the end of the rigorous evaluation by the esteemed panel of judges, the top 10 finalists emerged, and on the night of October 20, 2023, the Maltina Teacher of the Year was unveiled to roaring applause.

    Adeola Adedunke Adefemi of Keke Senior High School, Agege, Lagos was crowned winner, and like previous shining lights of the award, she will receive a total cash prize of N6.5 million (N1.5million immediately and N1 million annually for the next five years) from the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Trust Fund.  The roll-call of winners continued with Azuh Chike, a teacher with Ezemu Girls Grammar School, Delta State as the first runner-up, with a total cash prize of N1.5 million. Adam Abdulqadir Ndi of Model Science College, Niger State, the second runner-up went home with a N1.25 million cash prize while the remaining 27 teachers who emerged as State Champions were rewarded with the sum of N500, 000.00 each.

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    The event which played host to past winners, the top 10 finalists, management and staff of Nigerian Breweries Plc, as well as dignitaries  was filled with fun and entertainment. Among the dignitaries present was the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who, in his goodwill message, commended the efforts of Nigerian Breweries Plc-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to celebrate outstanding teachers across Nigeria and cited the growing national efforts to bring back the glory days of teachers in the country.

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also lauded Nigerian Breweries Plc for the significant contributions towards making the teaching profession an enviable one stating that the state government appreciates the significance of such competition in improving the quality of teaching and students’ performance.

    In the euphoria of the moment, the winner of the coveted prize, Adeola who was delighted to be among the illustrious list of past winners, was filled with gratitude to Nigerian Breweries Plc for shining the light of recognition on the teaching profession and rewarding teachers through the initiative.

    Since its inception nine years ago, the competition has recognised a total of 211 State Champions, and eight National Champions and equipped eight schools with educational facilities such as blocks of classrooms, an auditorium and computers.

    All eyes are on 2024, when the competition will be 10 years. Just as the government at the state and federal levels are working towards improving the lives of teachers, it will be a thing of delight if such initiatives can spring from other sources too. This will make teachers more respectable and dignified in society, boost interest in the profession, and no longer will we hear that statement of resignation: ‘Teachers’ rewards are in heaven.’

  • Paradigm shift vital to wealth creation, others, says don

    Paradigm shift vital to wealth creation, others, says don

    Expert says paradigm shift is imperative in the thinking and approach of the federal, state and local governments to job creation with a view to  enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities of citizens. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports

    Director, Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre (ESDC) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Sunday Adebisi, has stressed the need for a paradigm shift in the thinking and approach of the federal, state and local governments to creating jobs. This, he said, would promote a new economic sphere where citizens can productively explore entrepreneurial capabilities and take  advantage of innovation opportunities that create wealth and boost standard of living.

    The don also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the  “Renewed Hope” agenda stimulates and drives innovation.

    According to him, it  would not only make Nigeria rise above  unemployment among other challenges, but it would enhance the creation of a New Enterprise Nigeria where the prospect of the country’s  youths is guaranteed.

    Adebisi delivered the First Special Annual Lecture of Dr Mike Adenuga (Jnr) Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurship Studies. It was entitled:  “Revolutionising the Nigerian economy to create jobs and sustainable wealth: the Sole Ladder, the Sole Option, the Sole Platform” last week, at the J.F. Ade Ajayi (Main) Auditorium of UNILAG. The don  is the First Occupier Professor of the Professorial Chair.

    He deplored the  rise in the nation’s inflation rate, the sustained assault on the nation’s currency and upward trend in the number of youths exiting the country for greener pastures abroad, a development, he said, is fuelled by failed promises, dashed hopes, poor change management system, irresponsible leadership, dysfunctional policies, outright disregard for citizens’ feelings and government’s inability to live up to its billings to the people.

     The don called on  the Federal Government  to  be committed to promoting and building a knowledge-based economy which thrives on the pillar of innovation.

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    He queried the indices used in the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which puts the national unemployment rate at 4.1 percent as against the 2020 report which was  33 percent.

     The don also faulted the 92.6 percent informal employment statistics and the 75.4 per cent allocated to those in farming and other small businesses in the NBS data which he labelled as outrageous and capable of distracting the government from paying the desired attention to job creation.

    Adebisi expressed concerns over the rate and  impact of job loss, brain-drain and the generational gap between those he called Gen-Baby Boomers (i.e. 1946- 1964), Gen-X (i.e. 1965-1979), Gen-Y (1981-1996) and Gen-Z (i.e. 1997-2021).

    On solutions to job loss, he  underscored the need for states to harness their innate strength  to create an Enterprise Innovation Hub that will propel wealth-creation job opportunities, tackle unemployment, create decent jobs and wipe out  poverty.

    He noted that youths especially the Gen-Y and Gen-Z who accounts for over 80 percent of the nation’s population as Nigeria’s hope and change agents. He stressed the need for them to be wary of the globalisation agenda, the neo-liberalisation policies of the West as well as the current free global market which is being used to lure them out of the country.

    Adebisi urged governments at all levels to democratise entrepreneurship knowledge, formulate and implement policies that  would bring unfettered access to entrepreneurial financing, support ease of market entry and ensure conversion of innovation to enterprises.

    He tasked states and local governments, private companies and individuals to take advantage of the African Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) by increasing their investments and dedication to producing commodities that are fit for markets beyond the country. Earlier, Chairman of the lecture, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo (Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University) and the Special Guest of Honour, Otunba Abimbola Ashiru (Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Ltd.) hailed  Adebisi for creating the right environment for entrepreneurship and enterprise to thrive in the university.

    They stressed  the need for better partnerships between the town and the gown towards boosting  the potentials of small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the lecture was organised  to expand public awareness in the field of Entrepreneurial Studies and Skills Development, adding that it is expected to promote interest that can be galvanised to enhance job creation and address the massive problem of youth unemployment.

    The VC said to support  the development of the innovation and entrepreneurial mindset among UNILAG students, the school is  adopting new teaching methods to facilitate better learning as well as prioritise the use of modern methods of knowledge and skills acquisition that emphasise problem solving and critical thinking skills. Ogunsola said the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certificate (EIBIC) offers students the opportunity to discover and develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills by including Entrepreneurship Skills Development into all courses, programmes and promote student entrepreneurship ideas (SEI’s). She thanked the donor of the Professorial Chair, Dr Mike Adenuga (Jnr.), GCON for partnering with the university in enhancing the frontiers of entrepreneurial academic knowledge and skills acquisition through this endowment.

    She said: “This first Public Lecture which is organised to expand public awareness in the field of Entrepreneurial Studies and Skills Development, is expected to promote interest that can be galvanised to enhance job creation and address the massive problem of youth unemployment.

    “This Chair is one of many initiatives to promote research and learning at the University of Lagos especially research and teaching that is responsive to development needs. We have continued to record success in the quality and quantum of research and grants, improved collaborations and partnerships with other universities and industry within & outside Nigeria, as well as exchange programmes for staff and students. Our Future Ready Agenda is beginning to record many successes.

    “To support the development of the innovation and entrepreneurial mindset among our students, we are adopting new teaching methods to facilitate better learning as well as prioritise the use of modern methods of knowledge and skills acquisition that emphasise problem solving and critical thinking skills. The Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certificate (EIBIC) which offers our student the opportunity to discover and develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills by including Entrepreneurship Skills Development into all courses, programmes and promote student entrepreneurship ideas (SEI’s).

    “Recently, we concluded the Project I2M Incubator programme which onboarded several innovators from across the country and trained them on skills and techniques to develop their innovation. Some of the selected innovators were supported with prototyped funding as well as intellectual Property filing, and company and tax registration. Similarly, we just secured the support of Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in accrediting the University of Lagos as a Business Development Service Provider Centre. This will offer support in financing student enterprises and pitch ideas, creating an enabling environment for their business sustainability.

    “Based on the example of Dr Adenuga,  permit me to use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to support education, entrepreneurship and research with their endowments however small. This is the only way we will be able to impact globally through special attention being paid to areas of interest to us as Nigerians.”

  • Makinde charges Ibadan Poly on technological training, innovation, others

    Makinde charges Ibadan Poly on technological training, innovation, others

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday charged management and students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan to intensify efforts in the areas of technological training, science, innovation and creativity.

    He said this would make products of the Institution self-employed as well as employers of labour.

    Speaking at the 35th – 38th combined convocation ceremony for the award of Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes for 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2022/2023 graduands of the institution, Makinde said Polytechnic/Technical education anywhere in the world is the basic foundation and launching pad for technological development of any

    nation which Nigeria is not an exception.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in the state, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, also charged the institution to use its technological know-how as a foremost Polytechnic to develop solar power that will serve key areas within the institution. 

    Makinde said Department of Works in the institution in conjunction with other relevant departments such as Civil Engineering, should be able to construct and maintain road network within the institution.

    He stated required financial support will be given to the institution through special intervention for such initiatives.

    According to him, the Institution has brought glory and fame to Oyo State, declaring he looks forward to more laurels from the institution. 

    Read Also: Makinde presents staff of office to new Aseyin

    He stated that the Institution has also produced numbers of former Governors, Ministers, lawmakers, seasoned politicians, administrators, Royal Fathers and industrialists, adding that many former students have been appointed into key positions in his administration.

    The Rector of the institution, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi thanked the Governor for giving him the opportunity to serve as head of the institution.

    He stated that Makinde has always provided succor for smooth administration of the institution, saying accreditation of courses and welfare of staff and students are dear to the heart of the Governor.