Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, has said the collective protection of the university was imperative in the face of the increasing level of global insecurity, crime, drug use and abuse, and other social disorders. This, she said, necessitated the security summit which held on its main campus in Otto-Ijanikin, Lagos.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, she noted that it was essential to nip social misdemeanours in the bud and ensure that the university survives, grows and flourishes.
The VC said the rapid development and monumental achievements of the university within the one year of its establishment even in the face of national and local challenges underscores the commitment, dedication, determination, courage, focus and objectivity that characterise its leadership.
She said: “The university has come to stay and as major stakeholders, we must join hands to grow the promising citadel of learning. In the face of the increasing level of global insecurity, crime, drug use and abuse, and other social disorders, we must nip the social misdemeanours in the bud and ensure that the university survives, grows and flourishes.
“We can objectify these goals only if we go at it with all hands on deck. Our collective protection of the university is necessary so that by the time the child becomes the father of the man, our names will be written in gold, and we will be happy that we are part of the success story. It is against this backdrop that this important Security Summit is organised by the university management.
“The guest speakers and discussants are capable and ready to demystify the misinformation, disinformation, malinformation which have affected our ability to improve security, address health challenges, and maintain a stable social order, among others.
“The rapid development and monumental achievements of the university within the one year of its establishment even in the face of national and local challenges underscores the commitment, dedication, determination, courage, focus and objectivity that characterise the university leadership.”
Former Bursar at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Gilbert Deinde Ifarajimi has tasked members of staff in the Bursary department of the university to embrace technology to enhance efficiency, transparency in their financial operations.
Ifarajimi’s said this while delivering his Public Lecture at the maiden edition of bursary day with the theme: The bursary in a future ready university.
While stressing the importance of strategic financial planning and resource allocation to support the university’s goals and objectives, he began his lecture by providing an overview of the historical context of bursaries and their traditional role in supporting students’ educational pursuits.
He emphasised the significance of collaboration among universities, government agencies, and private organisations in creating sustainable bursary programmes.
He mentioned the importance of leveraging technology to streamline administrative processes, enhance transparency, and improve access to financial aid resources.
According to him, universities must adopt data-driven approaches to identify students’ financial needs accurately and allocate resources effectively.
His words, “The Bursary Department in a Future Ready University plays the vital role of coordination of financial activities. It represents a center point where all activities revolve. It is, therefore, proper to submit that the core mandate of the bursary department is to be in charge of all financial activities of the University. You will agree with me that there is hardly any activity in the University that has no financial implication”.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola acknowledged the diligence of the Bursary department in its operations especially in generating, managing and allocating financial resources which has kept the institution off the list of anti-graft agencies.
Similarly, the UNILAG Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunlola Yetunde Adekunle expressed delight at the support she has enjoyed since her assumption of office.
Dean of School of Nursing Sciences, Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Christiana Sowunmi has urged the Federal Government to improve access to quality healthcare to reduce the high rate of maternal mortality in the country.
Sowunmi delivered the institution’s 45th inaugural lecture entitled: Plummeting maternal mortality rate: an uphill task. It took place on campus.
The Professor of Maternal and Child Health argued that many of the pregnancy-related causes of death were preventable with effective, safe, patient-centred quality maternal and child healthcare services.
She said to further reduce the maternal mortality rate in the country, healthcare resources needed by pregnant women should be made accessible at affordable prices.
“Government needs to invest material resources in infrastructure development, equipment and drugs for the adequate provision of basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care in accordance to global standards,” she said.
According to her, while Nigeria makes up 2.4 per cent of the world’s population, it currently contributes 10 per cent of global maternal deaths placing it third behind South Sudan and Chad.
Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), she said: “A Nigerian woman has 1 in 22 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum or post abortion compared with the lifetime risk of 1 in 4,900 in developed countries.”
Aside inadequacy and quality of healthcare facilities, she attributed high maternal mortality to the non-attendance of antenatal care, unavailability of skilled birth attendants during labour as well as low maternal education and socio-cultural norms against women, among others.
Sowunmi said these are compounded by patients’ non-compliance with recommended treatments and preference for traditional birth attendants.
She believes these narratives can be reversed if more women have access to quality healthcare facilities.
“Patient’s satisfaction is a strong indicator for healthcare quality. When patients are satisfied, they will return for institutional delivery rather than patronise Traditional Birth Attendants or worse still, totally uninformed birth attendant,” she added.
She recommended a four-point strategy to reducing Nigeria’s maternal mortality burden which include, accessible and affordable healthcare; political will; harnessing of WHO’s provisions and upgrade of health personnel knowledge and skill.
“Reduction of maternal mortality rate is possible as documented in some pragmatic approach undertaken by government for example the Abiye scheme of Ondo State.
“I call on governments in other Southwestern states to replicate such schemes to reduce the menace in the Southwest, Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” she said.
She enjoined stakeholders in the healthcare sector to continue to step up their research work to reduce the high rate of maternal deaths in the country.
The United States of America-based institution, International Entrepreneurship University, Delaware, at the weekend, conferred on Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management in Nigeria (CIPSMN), Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Business Management.
The event held at the NECA House, CBD, Alausa, Lagos where other deserving Nigerians including Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Dr. Kingsley Ehikioya and others were honoured.
President of International Entrepreneurship University, Dr Rober Clarke hailed the role of people saddled with managing the economy, especially at this period of economic downturn that has not spared both the economy of Nigeria and the USA.
“The world is asking why the economy and the environment are tough for many people. We are in an environment where the US Federal Reserve is battling with inflation concerns leading to increasing rates,” he said.
He advised entrepreneurs and businessmen to be more innovative and look for flexible ways to earn consumers’ confidence.
Clarke congratulated the awardees, adding that they have been found worthy and deserving.
Mohammad expressed joy at the conferment, saying it has given additional responsibility to him to continue to impact the national and international economy.
Anchor University has commenced admission into the Law Faculty for the 2023/24 session as the Council of Legal Education (CLE) has given the approval to run the degree programme.
Commenting on this positive development, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele said the approval came at an auspicious time when the admission for the current session is ongoing.
Bandele recalled that it was a journey worthwhile for the institution as the process started last session with the visit of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and was later rounded off by the Council of Legal Education.
“In all these processes, the school came out better as we are given a clean bill of health by these bodies. The commendation of the Council of Legal Education was heart-warming and it serves as a glimpse of hope for greater things in the nearest future.
“We were commended for massive resources deployed by the school authority in setting up the Faculty of Law; the facilities, the serene environment, the calibre of personnel engaged by the school,” he said.
Director-General, CLE, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, who led the team to the AUL campus said: “We are confident that this school will run effectively for five years with the quality of facilities on the ground; and don’t hesitate to seek our help anytime the need arises. We also commend you for your faithfulness and patience to wait until the approval is given before you commence admission”.
The VC, however, assured that priority would be given to students who chose AUL as their first choice in Law while some old students who might want to change to the Law department will also be considered as long as they met the requirements for the admission.
He also used this opportunity to unfold the school’s innovative medical and engineering programmes in collaboration with overseas universities.
“We are collaborating with some foreign institutions to train medical students and computer engineers. For Medicine, any interested student will spend two years in Nursing at Anchor University and go to Dominican University to complete his/her medicine course. And for Computer Engineering, such interested student will spend two years in Computer Science and will go to the University of Poland to complete his/her programme,” he said.
He continued: ” I must thank our Father in the Lord, the Chancellor, Pastor W.F Kumuyi for his tremendous prayers and support including Mummy Esther Kumuyi.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the members of the Board of Trustees, the Pro-Chancellor, and the management team. They have all contributed immensely to the success of the school”.
Miss Enitan Subair, a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), who completed a record-breaking wash-a-thon in early hours of Monday, is bubbling with excitements of the applause that have greeted her courageous task.
Subair, a 200-level student of Linguistics and African Languages at the first generation university, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State set a new world record after she competed a 58-hour wash-a-thon by 12.05 AM on Monday, November 27, 2023; surpassing her initial target of 50 hours.
In the new video obviously recorded a day after her historic feat, Subair, in brilliant mood and flashing toothsome smile to her supporters, was seen at OAU premises in a formal casual of polo and jean trouser, looking healthy and excited, although she expressed worries about negative news that she was hospitalised.
Contrary to certain news reports in a segment of the media, the video showed Subair’s hands were normal and unaffected by the task of her record 58-hour handwashing.
“Good day people, first of all thank you to everybody who checked up, thank you to everybody who reached out” Subair, making her trademark sign and gesticulating with her hands with no sign of hurt or soreness, started about her state of health and mood, saying “I’m not sick, there was never a point I got hospitalised, there was no point I was admitted or rush to the hospital, there is nothing wrong with me, I have just been home expecting the will of God to happen, there is nothing wrong with me”.
She debunked the negative news from the misinterpretation of her procedural check-up at the clinic immediately after completing her task, expressing worries that such misinterpretation did not represent her state of affairs.
“I cannot even wait to start classes, and I’m going to start that immediately, I have not started classes because of the several interviews and all, not that may be I’m sick”, Subair said.
She said she decided to debunk the misinterpretation because it was feeding a negative perception in some quarters, while expressing appreciation to all her supporters.
‘I’m very fine, this video is just to debunk the news. Thank you so much to everybody,” Subair said.
Some news reports had misrepresented the procedural check-up that usually comes after such record-breaking feat and similar instances as being hospitalised.
Student Union President of OAU, Abbas Akinremi, who was with Subair at the point of completing her record-breaking feat, said the authorities were the one that insisted that as a student ambassador of the first-generation university, Subair should follow the normal procedure of a medical check-up to ascertain she was fit and proper after her uphill task.
According to him, when Subair ended the wash-a-thon in the early hours of Monday, they insisted and took her to the university clinic.
“We took her to the university clinic, that’s the normal thing to do after such task, and we are known for standards, so we don’t compromise that in everything we do,” Akinremi said.
The management of the school led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Abayomi Daramola had on Sunday, November 26, 2023 paid Subair a solidarity visit, to further reassure her of the entire university community’s supports as she entered the final lap of her historic feat.
Photographs posted on the X handle of the wash-a-thon, OAUWashathon, @oau_washathon, posted on the evening of Monday, November 27, 2023, the day Subair completed her record-breaking feat, showed the heroic lady with toothy smile in a lone picture and in another group picture with her family members.
The X post, captioned ‘what success looks like. Enitan and family after wash-a-thon’ vividly depicted the pictures were taken probably in the afternoon of that day, with bright sunlight in the background of the residential compound where the pictures were taken.
X users were full of praises for Subair, hailing her heroism and courage to pull through. Rt Hon. Akinyode Oyewusi, @IreYode, deputy Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, wrote ‘I celebrate your determination, decision, and discipline to scale through this hurdle and make this a reality. Having completed this task and as we await the official response from the Guinness Book of Records, I want to charge you to channel your zeal into contributing your quota to the development of our society. Indeed, another Great IFE is a counterfeit! Once again, Congratulations, Enitan!’ ; Chisom Nwankwo, @somiii_v, showed a champaign saying ‘congratulations’; Richard, @Richard_ode22, said ‘more wins, congratulations’; Miracle, @okorie_mi, posted ‘Congratulations big time… I really commend your energy… E for energy’
While the Guinness World Record is yet to announce Subair as a new record breaker, most analysts in the know of the processes said it was just a matter of time and processes as she had fulfilled all preconditions for such
Subair, who began the attempt on November 24, 2023 at the Sub Car Park inside the school campus, at the end said she was motivated by overwhelming supports to see herself through the task.
“I felt I should give up several times, especially when I was pressed, I was like can I go through this thing? That my mum and my friends are in this crowd, I feel very fulfilled to complete this task right in front of her,” Subair said.
When asked about her motivations and ability to complete the task at the outset, Subair had sighted her intrinsic nature, life lessons, family and general supports and Grace of God.
“My background, the lessons life taught me have been motivating me to embark on this wash-a-thon. My experience is unexplainable, but it taught me to be selfless.
“I am confident that I will reach the set goal of 50 hours of hand wash and by God’s grace I will emerge victorious.
“Despite the massive support from my colleagues here, I pray for the grace of God to be able to complete the task. My parents are very supportive and I urge Nigerians to rally round me while I work towards completing the task,” Subair had said.
It was believed that OAU student notified the prestigious British reference book of her intentions in June this year.
Academic success is a goal that many students aspire to achieve. Excelling academically not only opens doors to future opportunities but also fosters personal growth and development. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for academic success, there are several strategies and habits that can significantly improve your chances of excelling in your studies. Here are key tips on how to excel academically as a student:
*Set clear goals
The first step to academic success is setting clear and achievable goals. Whether it’s aiming for a specific CGPA, getting into a particular tertiary institution, or mastering a challenging subject, having well-defined objectives will give your academic journey purpose and direction.
*Create a study schedule
Consistency is key to academic success. Create a study schedule that includes dedicated time for each subject. A well-organized routine helps you manage your time effectively and prevents last-minute cramming.
*Active learning
Don’t passively absorb information. Engage actively with your course materials. Take notes, ask questions, participate in discussions, and seek to understand concepts deeply. Active learning enhances comprehension and retention.
*Effective time management
Effective time management is crucial. Prioritize your tasks, tackle the most important ones first, and avoid procrastination. Tools like to-do lists and digital calendars can be incredibly helpful in this regard.
*Seek help when needed
If you’re struggling with a particular subject or concept, don’t be afraid to seek help. lecturers, tutors, classmates, and online resources are available to assist you. Don’t let difficulties fester; address them promptly.
*Maintain a growth mindset
Cultivate a growth mindset, which means believing in your ability to learn and improve over time. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.
*Stay organised
Organise your notes, materials, and assignments. A clutter-free environment can reduce stress and make studying more efficient. Consider using folders, binders, or digital tools to keep everything in order.
*Take care of your health
Your physical and mental well-being are closely tied to your academic performance. Get adequate sleep, eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and manage stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.
*Utilise resources
Make the most of available resources, such as libraries, online databases, and educational websites. These can provide additional information and support to complement your coursework.
*Practise regularly
Practice is essential, especially in subjects that require problem-solving or critical thinking. Regularly work on exercises, practice tests, and homework to reinforce your understanding of the material.
*Stay informed
Keep up with the latest developments in your field of study. Read academic journals, follow relevant news, and engage with your lecturers and peers in discussions about current trends and issues.
*Review and revise
Regularly review and revise your notes and coursework. This will help reinforce your memory and understanding of the material, making it easier to recall during exams.
Excelling academically as a student is not an overnight achievement but a journey that requires dedication, tenacity, resilience, commitment, and the right strategies.
Setting clear goals, effective time management, active learning, and maintaining a growth mindset are fundamental principles for success. Combine these with a healthy lifestyle, a well-organized approach, willingness to seek help when needed, and you will definitely be on your way to achieving academic excellence.
The University of Ibadan Students’ Union has awarded N1.5m to 71 indigent students.
The bursary scheme disbursement event, following a two-phase selection process, was held at First Bank Building, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan.
The event attracted the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Professor Aderonke Mojisola Baiyeroju, and the Dean of Students, Professor I. A Abiona as well as the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Students Affairs, Mr Victor Olojede.
The Students’ Union President, Samuel Samson Tobiloba explained that the initiative was birthed to promote higher qualitative education and provide support to indigent students in furtherance of their academic pursuit.
He said: “The University of Ibadan Students’ Union is a union that is concerned about the welfare of the union members. We want the best for the members of the Union.
“We understand that a good number of students are struggling with paying their fees. As a responsible union, we saw the need to go out and reach out to people to get some level of support for students.”
Tobiloba noted that the 71 beneficiaries were selected as a result of the Union’s leadership commitment to ensuring that no student losses his or her studentship because of the economic constraints in the country.
He said: “About 900 people initially applied for the bursary, out of which about 400 wrote the bursary selection examination. While we interviewed over 200 people and we were able to come down to 71 people who are getting the bursary.
“In essence, 71 people are getting the bursary and that is about 1.5million being distributed at different levels to different people” the President said.
“Obviously, everybody is affected, no one is immune to the challenges that we’re facing as a country, which is really affecting a lot of parent too. we’ve had to struggle all through the semester, but thank God, we’re getting over it and I’m sure that with continuous efforts and support that we’re getting, we’d ensure that no student have to dropout because they are unable to pay their fees” the Students’ Union President added.
Professor Baiyeroju commended the Students’ Union for devising the bursary scheme which would alleviate difficulty experienced by many financially disadvantaged students.
At the events, two students received full payment for their fees for topping the examination selection process while the
69 beneficiaries would receive N20,000 each to cushion and support their required fees.
The Chairman of the UI’SU Bursary Committee 2023/2024 academic session, Adewale Alabi explained that the selection process was thorough, to meet targeted beneficiaries.
He said: “We, of course, as the statistics had it, had over 939 applicants. And about close to 500 students of the University of Ibadan had the exam and we had a cut-off of 26 and above. So people below 26 were not liable for the interview, that made it 283 students.
“The first process of interview, for the first week, we had 26, but of course, we tried to look at the statistics of students who had 25 and we saw how wide it was, so we just considered the people with 26 and above and we ensured that thorough ethics were looked into.
“Ethics such as composure and of course we considered the grades of every students as well as, background checks and stories of reasons why they were unable to pay. We were not just ready to hear their stories and get emotional, we did our thorough background check to ensure that students who are beneficiaries of this bursary are actually the right set of individuals.”
Drug abuse is a pressing societal concern that affects individuals across all age groups, from teenagers to adults. Understanding the causes and exploring effective solutions is critical to combat this growing issue. This article delves into the reasons behind drug abuse among different age groups and offers potential solutions to mitigate its impact.
Causes of drug abuse
Peer Pressure: Among teenagers and youths, peer pressure is a prominent cause of drug abuse. The desire to fit in and gain social acceptance can lead individuals to experiment with substances they might not have considered otherwise.
Stress and Mental Health Issues: Teenagers and adults alike often turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for stress and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The temporary relief drugs provide can become a powerful incentive for continued use.
Accessibility: Easy access to drugs is a significant contributing factor. The widespread availability of prescription medications, illicit substances, and alcohol increases the likelihood of experimentation and abuse.
Lack of education: Insufficient awareness and education about the risks associated with drug abuse can leave individuals vulnerable. Without a clear understanding of the consequences, they may underestimate the harm they can cause themselves.
Family influence: Family dynamics play a crucial role. Growing up in an environment where drug abuse is normalized can lead individuals to follow in the footsteps of family members who abuse drugs.
Economic factors: Economic instability can drive individuals to drugs as a means of escape or coping with financial pressures. Poverty can lead to the use of cheaper and more readily available substances.
Solutions to drug abuse
Education and Awareness: Implement comprehensive drug education programs in schools and communities to inform people about the risks associated with drug abuse. These programs should address both the short-term and long-term consequences.
Mental Health Support: Offer accessible and stigma-free mental health services for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Providing healthier coping mechanisms can deter drug use.
Parental Guidance: Encourage open and supportive communication within families to deter drug abuse. Parents should lead by example and actively engage with their children about the dangers of drugs.
Strict Regulation and Control: Enhance the regulation and control of prescription medications, alcohol, and illicit substances. This can help restrict access to these drugs, particularly among younger individuals.
Support Groups and Treatment: Establish community-based support groups and rehabilitation programs for individuals struggling with drug abuse. Offering a path to recovery is crucial in reducing addiction rates.
Law Enforcement and Rehabilitation: While punitive measures are necessary to curb drug trafficking and distribution, rehabilitation and support should also be integral parts of the justice system.
Alternative Activities: Provide recreational and constructive activities for young people to engage in, diverting their focus from drug use towards healthier pursuits.
Conclusion
Drug abuse is a multifaceted problem affecting teenagers, youths, and adults. Understanding its causes and implementing comprehensive solutions is essential to mitigate its impact. By addressing peer pressure, mental health, accessibility, education, family influence, economic factors, and more, society can take significant steps toward reducing drug abuse and its devastating consequences. It is a collective effort involving individuals, families, communities, and governments to create a drug-free future for all.
Thirty-six graduates bagged first class degrees at the 15th convocation ceremony of faith-based Crawford University Igbesa, Ogun State.
They were among over 300 students that convoked on Wednesday where eight bagged PhD, amongst others.
The Vice-Chancellor of Anchor University, Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele, who was the guest speaker, spoke extensively on the need for a change in mentality about private schools paying high fees.
He emphasised that private universities have better guidance and tutelage than the public institutions for students.
Bandele also urged the Federal Government and other academic governing bodies to level the hierarchy between public and private universities stressing that there should be no differential treatment between both institutions.
While congratulating the graduands, Prof. Bandele applauded the great efforts of TETFUND, NUC, JAMB, and other bodies for their job well-done in achieving an academic egalitarian society.
Miss Eniola Shalom Oluwagunna, who graduated from the College of Arts and Communication Studies with a CGPA of 4.91, emerged as the overall best graduating student for 2023.
Oluwagunna got different cash prizes and other awards.
She said: “I’m happy to be celebrated as the best graduating student, I feel elated and I take this as a challenge to push further and achieve greater things.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank God, my parents and others who helped me through this academic journey.
“My advice to my friends and other students out there, is that it’s possible to achieve what you set out to achieve, you only need to be determined and focused. God helping me, I will effect change in the Nigeria media.”
The Proprietor and Chancellor of the university, Rev. (Dr.) Isaac O. Adigun urged all graduands to champion academic and moral greatness as they step out into the world.
Adigun charged the graduands to continue the good works they have started and continue in their academic pursuits affecting the world positively in their various endeavours.
