The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • ‘Man, insects share the same world’

    The Chuwkuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University in Uli, Anambra State, has held its first inaugural lecture, focusing on insects and their, relationship with man. The event was attended by staff and students, civil servants, traditional rulers and  neighbouring institutions of higher learning.

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Fidelis Okafor, said the lecture was a giant step in taking the institution to greater heights.

    Delivering his paper titled: ‘’Insects and man: species, diversity and interactions, Prof Chukwunenye Anene said as men and insects share the same world, there was a constant interaction between the two, adding that the intensity of this interaction was contingent upon the size of the human population and upon the number of insects both in terms of the individuals and species.

    The professor of entomology said only a small percentage of insect was antagonistic to man, and an equal number was beneficial and great majority were essentially neutral.

  • Fellowship marks 20th anniversary

    From a humble beginning of being the only fellowship with an Academic Secretary in April 1994, the Anglican Students’ Fellowship, University of Benin, Edo State chapter,  has grown in capacity and influence.

    This was explained at the fellowship’s annual anniversary week and alumni reunion, recently held at the All Saints Chapel of the institution.

    It was a week-long event packed with meaningful programmes for her members and the university community. It included prayers for the university and Nigeria, visit to the orphanage, variety nights and Alumni reunion service.

    Speaking on the theme: Arise and shine, Rev Chigozie Anieto explained that it is the will and purpose of God for his children to be shining stars, and of great influence. ‘God is very much interested in your future, so you must not fail. You must as well be alive to effect the changes you want to see in your generation.’ He said.

    With the congregation clad in the uniform Ankara wear, the event ended with thanksgiving at the fellowship auditorium.

  • Beautiful Nubia thrills OAU students

    It was an exciting evening at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, last Thursday when singer, Segun Akinlolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, stormed the campus.

    The Chairman of the Institute, Prof Gbemisola Adeoti, said the concert tagged An Evening of African Folklore, was organised by the Institute of Cultural Studies, OAU, to honour Beautiful Nubia as an icon of African culture.

    While expressing gratitude for the award, he said singing artistically was a natural gift from God which he had been nurturing since he was nine.

    He noted that the degenerating situation of Nigerians required a massive change that must begin with helping children to embrace good values and shun vices of corruption right from their early years.

    “If we get it right with the children, we still have one more chance. Teach them humility, honesty, respect for elders, love for fellow human beings regardless of gender, colour or class,” he said.

    He urged young people to spot the errors in today’s leaders, noting where the older generation has erred and choose to set things right for the progress of the country.

    Prof Gbemisola said though some purveyors of modernism would want to denigrate many aspects of Africa’s culture and history, the story-telling art and the folk song tradition remained irrepressible aspects of African heritage.

    He said “One of these new modes, which we are proud to associate with at the Institute of Cultural Studies is the musical art of Beautiful Nubia and his Roots Renaissance Band. His artistic efforts at rekindling interests in Africa’s cultural heritage accord with the objective of the institute especially in promoting, preserving and propagating knowledge about the culture of African peoples in a holistic sense.”

    He noted that the need to strengthen the synergy between the academia and the larger society motivated the collaboration between the institute and Eni Oba nke to come up with the programme.

    He described Nubia as one of those very few song stars who were able to win and sustain the interests of audience across gender, generational and national boundaries in contemporary times.

    “His harmonious blend of Yoruba and English languages in his songs as well as harmonious fusion of musical instruments from African and non-African performance cultures, actively mark him out as an important artiste of our generation who is doing things that are worthy of scholarly note and musical notation.” he said.

  • ‘Only fraudsters make money from unionism’

    ‘Only fraudsters make money from unionism’

    Israel Fagbemigun,24, has been sworn in as Senate President of the National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS). The 400-Level Microbiology student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, tells KEMI BUSARI (Political Science) why students must show their aim for seeking leadership.

    How did you join students’ politics?

    I started by engaging students in political discussions on campus. Later, I developed interest in seeking leadership position by election. In my 100-Level, I contested to be the class representative but I lost. In the same year, I lost the bid to be the Assistant General Secretary of my faculty. After that, I have contested for 16 other offices on campus and won all.

    What elective positions have you held on campus and elsewhere?

    I served as a local government co-ordinator for “Ribadu For President”, a campaign team in Ondo State in 2011. I was elected the Public Relations Officer of the National Union of Ikale Students in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). I was a member of Students’ Association Parliament for three years during which I served in various committees, including project monitoring and audit committees. I also served in the audit committee of my department for three years and rose to become the chairman. I was also privileged to serve as the General Secretary of National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS) in OAU and later became president in the 2012/2013 session.

    How would you describe your emergence as NAOSS Senate President?

    It was an indication of hope for better change because students voted according to their conscience and not for money. I could never match what my opponents spent during the campaign but in the end, the total vote cast for me was more than that of my opponents’ altogether. The victory is a relief and an encouragement for me to serve my colleagues and state.

    What would you do to foster unity among members?

    Our roles go beyond making laws to smoothen operation of the association. We are also to check the activities of the executive members. We are expected to offer support where necessary in strengthening peace and unity. All these responsibilities are to promote development.

    How would you manage the seemingly recurring rivalry between executive and legislative arms?

    Disagreement does not always end in rivalry as people may think. It requires that the legislative arm deals with the executive respectfully in carrying out checks and balances. The executive must, in turn, respect the parliament’s members and their decisions. If there is mutual respect, tension will be reduced.

    Do you believe the notion that students’ unionism is a means to get money from politicians?

    I totally disagree. But some students’ leaders engage in it. This is a product of lack of leadership orientation on the part of those doing it. It is against my principle in politics. While some may do it, people must understand that it is not general. It is only a fraudster that uses unionism to amass wealth.

    Can students’ politics be devoid of corruption?

    Yes it can, with the proper orientation. Students seeking elective positions must show sincerity of purpose rather than pecuniary gains.

     

     

  • Participate in politics, students told

    Participate in politics, students told

    The Secretary-General of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS) has organised a seminar for students of the Department of Pharmacy.

    The event, which took place at the Lecture Theatre IV, was attended by representatives of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN).

    The Secretary of PSN, Dr Felix Nduka, encouraged the students to imbibe good attitude in their endeavours, stating that pharmacists were not to be depressed by happenings around them.

    He said: “This is the maiden edition of the pharmacy talk show between pharmacists and pharmacy students. Today’s event is going to be highly informative as you will all be given opportunity to ask questions on any matters that may seem ambiguous in pharmacy.”

    The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of PSN, Solomon Ikpefan, decried the poor attitude of pharmacy students to politics. He stressed that the ‘book only’ lifestyle was not enough to survive in today’s society, stating that pharmacy students live a triangular life that was detrimental to modern career life.

    “Although I was the best graduating student in my class, I would tell you that no profession can go far without politics. Pharmacy students ought to network and not live a secluded life, involve in politics either at the faculty level or in the student Union government. This will help build the network you require to survive in the profession; the curriculum of the pharmacy school is under review, this is done in order to reduce the work load of the pharmacy students.”

    High point of the event was the quiz competition of which Akpan Eti-Inyene, 200-Level; Jennifer Otakhor, 500-Level and Christopher Ilegoghe, 600 -Level emerged first, second and third positions respectively.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Toluwani Osabiya, 300-Level Pharmacy, said: “I didn’t like politics before this talk show, but now I am willing to sponsor a candidate in any political office he wishes to vie for.”

    Meanwhile, the Academic Committee organised a seminar titled: “Building a consummate pharmacist”. Present at the event were Jacob Egharevba, Chief Pharmacist, University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Dr Emmanuel Oloton, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS); President, University of Benin chapter Samuel Ugwumba, speaker of PANS congress Ikechukwu Abah, Dr Mathew Arewoh and Chairman Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mr Festus Awo-Osagie.

    In his remark, Egharevba told the students to lead a responsible life, saying it would help to give the profession a good name.

    Highlights of the event included the raffle draw where winners were given pressing iron, chargeable lanterns and calculators.

  • Mass Comm students win scholarship

    Two students in the Department of Mass Communication at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) have won the 2014 Social Investment award (SIA) and the 2014/2015 NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited National University Scholarship Awards.

    The awards were instituted by Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Cheveron Nigeria Limited.

    The students, Celina Atama Danladi and Monday Ovye Arigu, both from Nasarawa State,  get N75,000  and N100,000.

    The awarding firms said they expected continued academic performance at an acceptable level and satisfactory conduct from the students.

    Atama said: “I am delighted at this great opportunity and I will continue to do my best.” An elated Monday also said: “I am highly glad to have won the award. I really thank the NNPC/Chevron for the award. I wish to encourage other students who are interested to also apply.”

    The two were among the over one thousand candidates who sat for the computer-based scholarship tests in English and Mathematics at Chams City, Central Business District Abuja last April.

    The acting head of the Department, Malam Muhammad S. Rabiu said: “We continuously challenge our students to showcase their brilliant colours. We are happy they are flying high.”

  • Students’ N1m endowment fund for Akwa Ibom

    The leadership of the Akwa Ibom State Graduate Students’ Association (AKWAGRASA) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has launched a one million naira endowment fund to support educational programmes in the state. The endowment fund launching, which coincided with the swearing-in of the new leaders of the association, was held at the CES Auditorium of the university.

    Speaking after his inauguration, the president, Rankin Ndipmong, said the educational endowment fund was established with a view of supporting the free and compulsory education programme under the current leadership of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    Rankin who appealed for support and donations from public-spirited individuals and organizations, noted that through the endowment fund, educational materials and facilities such as textbooks, notebooks, desks and other writing materials were made available to public primary and secondary schools across the state.

    Rankin expressed the belief that the educational materials, when provided, would go a long way in contributing to functional and qualitative education across schools in the state.

    The Deputy Dean of Postgraduate School, UNICAL, Prof Margaret Okon, applauded the brainchild of the administration, describing the gesture as effort in consolidating the achievements of free education scheme of the state.

    Other members of the new executives were Uko Itohowo, Vice-president; Ekong Asuquo, Secretary General; Ibanga Okon, Financial Secretary; Udoh Oliver, Treasurer; Nta Ubong, Director of Socials and Ebito Amanam as Provost  Marshal.

    John Akpan, a member of the association said: “the initiative of the new leadership will play a significant role in promoting education in the state. Education is paramount, hence, all and sundry must attach importance to it.”

  • Rumour causes stir at OFFA POLY

    There was pandemonium  last Friday at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) when reports got to the campus that policemen had killed two students.

    It was, however, confirmed that the students, who are in ND 1 Accounting, were injured and are in a hospital in Offa Government Reserved Area (GRA). The students’ names and numbers could not be ascertained at the press time.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the victims were on their way to the polytechnic’s permanent site in Ojoku in the wee hours when a commercial bus called “Korope” being chased by policemen hit the motorcyle they were riding. The students, according to witnesses, were flung into the bush.

    When report got to students on campus, activities were disrupted as they took to the streets in protest. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) officials made efforts to douse the tension but the students were adamant, demanding justice for their injured colleagues.

    Efforts by the Dean Students’ Affairs, Mr. L.A Adeyemi, to calm the angry students were futile. The Dean, in a statement, said: “This is to inform the entire student that the two students that sustained injuries during the accident that happened on their way to permanent site on Friday are alive and they are responding very well to treatment.

    “I also want to use this medium to clarify that no life was lost during or after the accident. Students are hereby enjoined to shun rumour and face their studies squarely and avoid any acts that can prolong the semester unnecessarily.”

    A police officer, who did not give his name, urged students to find out correct information about event before reacting.

    “This matter is as a result of misunderstanding between the police and students. The policemen did not kill anyone, they were just doing lawful job,” he said.

     

  • Blackout sparks students’ anger

    Blackout sparks students’ anger

    A drama played out last week at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, when occupants of the Awolowo Hall splashed water on Students’ Union leaders in the hostel because of power outage and water shortage. AFEES LASISI (200-Level Political Science) reports.

    There was a drama at the Awolowo Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, last weekend. Occupants of the hostel embarrassed members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    The students vented their anger on their leaders for not being alive to their responsibility. Some of the union leaders living in the hostel were called out from their rooms and splashed with water. Although none of the students’ leaders were beaten with any hard materials, students said the action was necessary to remind the leaders of their failure to attend to students’ well-being.

    The first victim was Isaac Ibikunle, the SUG president, who was drenched from head to the toe. As he was being splashed, some of his colleagues, who learnt about the incident, wanted to escape from the hostel but they were prevented by students, who politely asked them to come forward for ‘baptism’.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that there was power outage in the school for five days, resulting in water shortage. While the outage lasted, students turned to mosques and churches to charge their mobile phones and laptops.

    “Before the union was restored, we always gathered ourselves to fight for our welfare. But the presence of SUG seems not to make any difference. We no longer have a vibrant union anymore; Isaac Ibikunle and his colleagues have become puppets of the management,” a student said.

    Another student said: “Since we resumed, after the increment in school fees, the quality of services we are getting from the union shows these people are not for us.”

    But Isaac pleaded for patience and support from the students, noting that years of proscription may have affected the SUG’s vibrancy.

    He said: “I understand all your grievances and criticisms, which made you to splash water on me. But, you must remember that the union members are under probation, which means we must be careful of our activities so that it won’t lead to another suspension by the management.”

    On the allegations that he beat up a student, Isaac said the victim could not explain what he was doing on the spot he was caught at 12am.

    Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE after the incident, condemned the union’s inaction, describing it as unprecedented.

    One of them, who simply identified himself as Tunde, said: “Students spending days without electricity on the campus had never happened. This tells us that, it is the Students’ Union that is making the situation worse because with a functional union, nobody would have dared to play with students’ welfare.”

    Another student, Segun Ayoola, said: “Why must we go through agony because we are students of a Nigerian university? How do they want us to excel in our academic pursuit when there is no power supply and water in the hostel?”

    Before the electricity was restored, students led a procession to the Students’ Union Building to register their displeasure over the outage. Officials of the union hurriedly left their office for fear of being attacked by the angry students.

  • Farewell, Idachaba

    Farewell, Idachaba

    All roads led to Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, where students of the Kogi State University (KSU) joined dignitaries from various parts of the world to bid former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Idachaba a final farewell. MOHAMMED YABAGI (200-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    IDAH, the cultural capital of the Igala in Kogi State, literarily stood still last Friday. Residents halted all activities to receive dignitaries, who came to the ancient town to witness the funeral of their illustrious son and academic hero, Prof Francis Idachaba, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba.

    The event brought people from the government, academia, business, politics and traditional institution. The dignitaries were led by the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, and his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi.

    The burial started with a service of songs at the deceased’s residence in New Bodija, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. This was followed by a commendation service at his alma mater – the University of Ibadan (UI) – by his colleagues in the academia. The late Idachaba studied Economics.

    The remains of the late university teacher departed Ibadan on Thursday to Ofiayi-Idah, where relations and mourners observed a wake before the body arrived.

    At 9:40am, the body conveyed in a black Mercedes Benz V Class Wagon, was received by officials of United Evangelical Church in Idah for lying-in-state. A large crowd of sympathisers were at the church auditorium to participate in the burial rite.

    Stunt by the pallbearers, who were dressed in brown dansiki (Yoruba flowing gown) with etu caps to match, enlivened the mood of mourners. The sympathisers danced to the beat from the accompanying live band as the brown metallic casket, which contained the remains of the deceased, was held shoulder high.

    The casket was wheeled into the church hall, trailed by members of academia, clad in red academic gown, and students.

    Other guests at the event included Governor Wada’s wife, Hajia Halima, former Governor Ibrahim Idris, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, KSU Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Hassan Isah, and VC of Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, among others.

    In his sermon, Reverend John Ugah urged the congregation to always remember that death could come anytime. The clergy, who took his exhortation from Psalm, chapter 116 vs. 15, said: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” He said God did not promise the sinners a happy welcome into the heaven when they pass on.

    Ugah said it was not the plan of God for anyone to go to hell, appealing to members of the congregation to always put their trust in God for them to be guided aright.

    In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Wada described the late scholar as a man of peace, who chose hard work and sincerity to improve the lots of humanity. He said the late Idachaba contributed immensely to the global knowledge in field of agriculture.

    Anyim, who spoke through Mr Solomon Ishaya, a Director in the presidency, said the Federal Government said Idachaba’s demise was loss not only to the family and the nation but to the world.

    Chairman Igala Education Foundation, Chief Gabriel Aduku, who spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees, described Prof Idachaba as a pride of Igala people.

    In his message, which was read by Chief Yusuf Ameh Adaji, the Attah of Igala, Michael Ameh Oboni ll, said the kingdom was touched by the death of the great scholar, adding that Igala people would take solace in the good legacy Idachaba left in Igalaland and the nation while he lived.

    The late Idachaba’s widow, Dr Esther, said she was privileged to have known him and be by his side for years. “The relationship we had was more of brother and sister but in all, I give glory to God because the Lord giveth and He taketh,” she said.

    On the deceased’s spiritual life, the widow said: “Francis never left his God; this was why he was able to attain the level he got to in life. There was never a time he forgot his God; there was never a controversy over who his God was.”

    Members of academia were not left out in the tribute session. Prof Noah Attah described his late colleague as an “intellectual enigma” who never compromised standard in any field of human endavour.

    Prof Isah said his late predecessor devoted his energy, time and resources in transforming the university.