The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • ‘Information gap bane of rural farming’

    A lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension of the Delta State University (DELSU), Prof Ogisi Ovuevuraye, has blamed poor information network for small-scale farming problems. Small formers, he said, could not take advantage of developments in agriculture because of communication gap.

    Ogisi said the short life-span of agricultural policies and programmes of government did not allow sufficient time for proper evaluation, thereby putting farmers at a disadvantage.

    He spoke during the 38th inaugural lecture held at the Pre-degree Auditorium in Site III of the university.

    Delivering a lecture titled: Agricultural reforms without food security: A paradox, Ogisi lamented the high level of food importation in the country, despite government’s agricultural trade policies.

    Ogisi called for consistency, effective monitoring and evaluation of resources, stressing that the nation should intensify food production to achieve food security for the teeming populace.

  • You are the chosen ones, VC tells fresh students

    Management of the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Benue State has sworn in freshers in an event held at James Ayatse Convocations Square. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, disclosed that 5,868 students were admitted into the institution.

    Kucha congratulated the freshers, saying their efforts yielded success during the admission exercise. He said they were the successful among thousands that applied to study in the institution, urging them not to misuse the opportunity.

    He advised them to face the challenges ahead with strong faith, saying they must be of good character and interact with other members of the university with respect. He assured that the management would support them.

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Peter Iorna, who was admitted into Crops and Environmental Science Department, said the matriculation was the happiest day of his life. “This is the second time I applied to this school and I am fulfiled that I was chosen at the end.”

    Helen Ada, 100-Level Computer Statistics expressed gratitude to God, saying: “I am happy that my parents are alive to celebrate with me.”

  • Group unveils initiative at LASPOTECH

    A non-governmental organisation, Hope for Youth Development Initiative (HYDI), has been launched at the Students’ Union Mansion of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).

    Its founder, Ajibike Taofeek, said the organisation was formed to provide a platform for sustainable empowerment for under-privileged youths.

    “When the youths are empowered with skills, education and jobs, the rate of poverty will be reduced as well as that of crime,” he said.

    The institution’s former Rector, Ayodeji Babatunde, advised youths to have balanced development of the mind.

    “The economic situation in Nigeria resulting in youth unemployment and defective infrastructure has generated a lot of stress and hypertension in the youth. The truth remains that only youths with sound mental health can sustain the environment,” he said.

    Speaking on “Youths, social media and online preference: what the 21st Century should know”, The Nation newspaper, Online Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, said youths should deploy the social media as a learning tool. He urged them to spend quality time the internet and develop themselves.

    “Every youth should know that he or she can be googled. What you do online should not contradict your personality. Be careful of what you do on your social media platform,” he cautioned.

    Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Fatai Olukoga, charged the youth to explore opportunities around them for self-development. He urged them to be self-reliant and work hard to achieve their dreams despite the present situation of the country.

    “A lot of youths have derailed because they do not have the opportunity to listen to the voice of their elders. Many of them have lost sight of the ball by indulging in illicit behaviours,” he said.

    The event was attended by the school’s Rector, Dr Abdul Azeez Abioye, representatives of Ikorodu Local Government and students.

  • How nations develop, by don

    HOw can the creative sector to achieve sustainable development? It is by cultural awareness and creative thinking in the education system, says Prof Aderemi Raji-Oyelade. He spoke at the 3rd public lecture of the Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hall of the institution last week.

    Delivering a lecture titled: “Creativity and the dimensions of literacy for nation building”, Prof Oyelade said the problem of dysfunctional system witnessed in the country was caused by mis-education of the mind, saying no society can develop in intellect and industry with poor literacy policies.

    “The knowledge of abstract sciences, the interventionist grind of the clinical sciences, the enterprise of technology, the developmental engagement of the social sciences and the inventive creativism of the arts and other disciplines, must be fully harnessed for the achievement of national development,” he said.

    He decried the poor knowledge of information technology prevalent in the academia, calling on members of the academic community to embrace the power of new technologies.

     

  • We’re raising Africa’s next generation’

    The Country Director of the Entrepreneurship Action in Us (ENACTUS), Mrs Ifedi Adesuwa, has described the group as a platform for raising Africa’s next generation of leaders.

    Adesuwa, who visited the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State with her team, disclosed this to the students.

    In his address, the school’s Rector, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, assured the visiting team of management’s support for their programmes.

    “ENACTUS members are demonstrating the fact that individuals with knowledge of business can be powerful force for change in any society,” Mrs Adesuwa said.

    A Faculty Adviser to the organisation, Mr Akintan Akinyemi, thanked the  group for extending its programmes to the polytechnic, saying it has recorded success barely a year after inception.

     

  • Fellowship hosts students’ summit

    Covenant Christian Centre has organised a conference for Nigerian undergraduates with the theme: “Making the most of your stay on campus.” The event, which held at the Covenant Place, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos suburb, was witnessed by top-notch motivational speakers who addressed participants on the realities of post-graduate life.

    An official of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Francis Ebuhei, said life was a personal journey where everyone would be responsible to what they get from it.

    The organisers told CAMPUSLIFE that the aim of the workshop was to bring together youths from various institutions to learn the winning formula for success in today’s world.

    Speakers at the summit included the Head, Learning and Development Division, Fidelity Bank Plc., Irunna Ejibe; Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Obinna Abajue, among others.

  • Student presents book on leadership

    To prepare the youth for future leadership, a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has written a book titled: The exceptional leader.

    The writer, Aliu Oluwafemi, a CAMPUSLIFE reporter, unveiled the book at a Students’ Union Leadership Conference held in the 2,500-capacity hall of the university. The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Prof Oluyemisi Obilade, Director of Outreach, AfricanLiberty.org, Adedayo Thomas, Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology Prof Sanni Lateef, a politician, Hon. Iskilu Akinlade and Mr Aanu Damola, who reviewed the book.

    Aanu said the book came at the right time, given the leadership crisis facing the country. This crisis, he said, is evident in the monumental corruption, bad followership, indiscipline, contempt for rule of law and insecurity.

    He said the work was not out to examine the cause of bad leadership but to provide panaceas and thoughtful solution for generations of Nigerians. He described the writer as “passionate for human developer”.

    Aanu said the 80-page book would introduce readers to basic concept of leadership, noting that the author divided the work into three parts – the man, the piece and the work. He also said the book explained the activities of the writer in organisations and enterprise.

    He said: “The six-chapter work gives vivid descriptions from the author’s characterisation to the meaning of leadership; why leadership matters. It also discusses the values, skills and principles of leadership, and challenges before an exceptional leader, with personal examples from his experiences. The piece did not fail to make mention types of leadership styles, qualities of exceptional leaders, and a self-help guide to taking up the mantle of leadership, especially as regards leading self, and leading others.”

    The book highlighted steps to build the values of character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence and discernment.

    Damola Morenikeji, a writer, urged the participants to share the knowledge contained in the book.

     

  • Resolving Africa’s food crisis

    Resolving Africa’s food crisis

    Experts and stakeholders gathered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to proffer solution to Africa’s food crisis, reports OLADELE OGE (Mass Comm.).

    How can Africa achieve food sustainability and feed its populace? James Ogbonna, a professor of Crop Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), believes the continent could make that mark by adopting crop biotechnologyto improve food production.

    Ogbonna spoke at an international conference on food security and biotechnology organised by the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) in collaboration with the UNN, University of Groningen in Netherlands, Ehcloret University in Kenya, and University of Oragonding in Burkina Faso.

    The lecture examined the benefits and constraints in agricultural productivity in Africa.

    The lecture focused on improving awareness on food security and how to educate the African citizens on the use of technology to increase food production. Prof Ogbonna spoke on Adoption of crop biotechnology as a food security option: Benefits and constraints.

    He said scientists had made several efforts in recent time to consolidate the gains of biotechnology to ensure adequate production of food and energy drinks, saying: “Biotechnology has been tested to have capacity to increase productivity by fortifying crops with necessary minerals and vitamins that will enhance nutritional needs of people.”

    He dismissed as rumour the fears that crops produced from biotechnology are nutrient-deficient, saying such claim had not been scientifically proved. He told the participants to rely on research and not on misleading information from people he described as illiterate.

    Ogbonna outlined some of the benefits of the technology, urging more awareness on food programme and security in Africa. Through this, he said, Africa would be equipped to combat unexpected diseases and prevent death that may arise from wrong information.

    The Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nnemeka Chukwuone, urged the participants to uphold new method of ensuring safety of locally-produced beverages, noting that there had been crisis in the nation’s agricultural extension.

    The commissioner appealed to the Federal Government to promote quality research through adequate funding of higher institutions to address problems plaguing the country’s agricultural sector.

    Dr Nnemeka said agricultural extension practice was being gradually phased out, stressing that farmers had misplaced their responsibility in producing quality food for the citizens.

    Earlier, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman, Dr Aja Nwachukwu, said efforts were being made to contain the threats and the challenges of low production of food in Nigeria. He urged elaborate research and training to achieve the aim.

    The co-ordinator of the seminar, Prof Jerry Ugwuanyi, explained that part of the aim of the lecture was also to address food contamination. He urged the participants to spread the message of biotechnology to rebuild the capability of Africa to achieve food security.

    He hinted that useful information gathered from research and biotechnology conferences would be recommended to African government and other relevant agencies working to ensure safety of foods and human lives.

    Responding to question on the quality of the imported food, Mrs Rosline Gidado, one of the facilitators, said a concrete plan was underway to strengthen the campaign in rural communities to ensure throughout counseling.

     

  • Our dream constitution, by UNILAG students

    Our dream constitution, by UNILAG students

    Controversies have been trailing the drafting of a new constitution for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students’ Union Government (SUG), which the management is planning to restore. To students, the document must reflect their wishes. Occupants of Saburi Biobaku Hall have held a meeting to debate some of its likely provisions. MODIU OLAGURO (400-Level Education and Mathematics) reports.

    The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has unveiled plans for restoring students’ unionism. It has inaugurated a committee to draft a new constitution and midwife election into the offices of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    This means it will be the first time in about 10 years that students will be electing their SUG leaders. For many, it is cheery news because a constituted students’ union would give them a platform to channel their views about their welfare.

    To ensure the proposed constitution truly reflects the yearnings of students, residents of Saburi Oladeni Biobaku Hall last Thursday’s evening held a meeting to make their input and suggestions to the proposed constitution.

    The meeting was anchored by the hall chairman, Moyosore Adebanjo, and attended by class representatives and hall executives. Each room in the hall was represented.

    Moyosore said the meeting was necessary to make students have inputs in the union constitution.

    “The draft is very fundamental as it goes a long way in defining our stay on campus. It is a reference point to address a way forward in the university,” he said.

    Briefing the students on the controversy and suspicion that greeted the proposed name of the union, a member of the drafting committee, Tobi Adeyoyin, a student, informed the gathering that it would be an aberration to have two legitimate students’ union governments on a campus, noting that the proposed union name, University of Lagos Students’ Union (ULSU) was acceptable to the management.

    Students want their union to be UNILAG Students’ Union Government (ULSUG).

    Tobi said previous students’ union leaders adopted “government” to be part of the union’s name because they wanted to differentiate it from military government.

    Several issues were argued during the meeting. One was consensus or voting method of selecting their leaders. The students also deliberated on whether Halls of Residence should be considered as constituencies, high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as eligibility requirement for elections, candidates’ year of study, justification for the non-inclusion of the judicial council in the drafting of the constitution and non-involvement of campus journalists to cover the electoral process.

    A room representative, Adesola Oyetomi, faulted the draft constitution, noting it would not reflect students’ wishes because it did not provide for Students’ Judicial Council (SJC). “A government without a judiciary lacks basis. I urge the people drafting the constitution to incorporate a judicial system that should be headed by a student in the Faculty of Law,” he said.

    Tobi gave reasons for the exclusion of a judicial council in the drafted document, saying: “ULSU Judicial Council was scrapped because of the lack of substantial responsibility; we strongly feel the congress can wade in into any legal case and if it remains unsolved, the Faculty of Law can be brought in.”

    For Michael Adeyemi, the press club should be engaged in the drafting of the constitution. Besides, the draft must restrict students with carry overs from aspiring for offices, he said.

    Temitope Nelson, a student, made a case for students’ congress to be held in hostels. He said: “The faculty is the students’ workplace while their hostels are home. The students’ congress should be brought to the hall for everyone to participate.”

    At the end of the session, Moyosore submitted a summary of the occupants’ contributions to the constitution, saying the union should comprise four arms, namely the executive, legislature, congress and judiciary.

    The students also wanted the membership of the judicial council to be open to all students irrespective of course of study. In a unanimous decision, the meeting agreed that Halls of Residence be made constituencies and have representatives in the congress. They wanted press club to be part of the constitution drafting committee.

    On the basic academic requirement for eligibility to contest for offices, the students recommended a CGPA of 2.5 as against the 3.0 proposed in the draft document.

  • Dons urge collaboration in health sector

    Academics  in the health sector have called for sustained collaboration among practitioners. They made the call at a symposium organised by the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), held at the Idi-Araba campus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    Pro-Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof Fola Tayo, who spoke at the symposium, stressed the need for collaboration among health-care providers. He said “no man is an island of knowledge, and as such, requires the expertise and specialisation of others to complement areas of deficiency”.

    According to him, anyone who prides himself as all-knowing displays the hallmark of a fool.

    Prof Tayo, a former dean of Pharmacy at UNILAG, said the curriculum of medical sciences should be reviewed for maximum impact.

    Another speaker, Prof Jane Ajukuchukwu, said capacity building workshops and retraining of pharmacists would enhance professionalism in the sector, adding that the move would allay fears of ineptitude which hinder cooperation among medical practitioners.

    Speaking on the need for collaboration among practitioners and patients, Prof Adebayo Onajole of Department of Community Health and Primary Care, said communication was crucial for achieving better results.

    “For patients and care-givers to have confidence in you, you must learn to communicate effectively in a language they understand,” he said.

    He lamented the instability of the tenure of office for practitioners, saying it had affected quality leadership in the sector.

    Referring to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Convention in Community Development, Dean of Basic Medical Sciences (UNILAG), Prof Olufunmi Adeyemi, expressed desire for the sustenance of the programme.