Category: Campus Life

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) awarded yesterday a PhD to Mr. (now Dr.) Olaoluwa Oluwadamilola (24), Africa’s youngest PhD holder.

Olwadamilola had the best PhD thesis, titled: “Studies on Fixed Points of Contractive and Expanding Maps in Multi-Dimensional Spaces”. He scored 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as Bakre Oluwafemi Abubakar, a graduate of Electrical/Electronics, emerged the 2012/2013 Convocation Valedictorian — he graduated with a superlative CGPA of 4.86.

Oluwadamilola’s parents are missionaries with the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

They gave birth to him while on missionary work in African Central Republic, a French-speaking country, where Oluwadamilola had his basic and tertiary education.

He got a B.SC in Mathematics and M.SC and Physics before returning to Nigeria in October, 2009.

According to Oluwadamilola, he began his PhD in 2010, courtesy of a scholarship from the General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Mission, Pastor Williams Kumuyi. He spent the minimum three years for a PhD scholar in school.

Speaking with reporters at UNILAG Auditorium One, Oluwadamilola said: “I used to come first in my secondary school days, but not always. My performances became better when I entered the university.”

On his challenges during the programme, he said: “As a Christian, my schedule is very tight. I am focused. There were times when I faced distractions from friends who wanted to take me out. There is nothing bad in it, but it can make you concentrate less. There were times when I had job offers and was tempted to take them.

“I was discouraged at the beginning. One gets a feeling at the beginning of one’s doctorate programme that all the research topics had been considered by previous scholars and so there is nothing else to do, except for the most complicated ones that are most times beyond one’s ability. “Sometimes when you send your papers to international journals, they return it for one reason or the other. That does not mean your work is not good enough, but it can be very discouraging.”

On his next plan, he said: “I want to take another doctoral programme, which will be in either Mathematics or Physics. I will think of what topic to choose before I eventually go ahead.”

Abubakar, the valedictorian, described himself as someone from a privileged home.

Born of banker parents, he said it was not too difficult for him to study Electrical/Electronics, adding: “I will not describe myself as a bookworm, as I try to normalise everything I do. I am not a party freak, but once in a while, I attend social functions with my friends. I am privileged to have been born into a comfortable home. I must confess that I am a product of good advice. I chose the kind of friends I knew would influence me positively and you will always find me in their company.”

Executive-Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof. Julius Okojie, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, urged the university’s management to be more creative in boosting its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

Okojie, who also commended UNILAG for the prudent use of funds, underscored the need for universities to seek help from the alumni.

The week-long convocation wrapped up yesterday with the inauguration of three projects – the Central Laboratory donated by an alumnus and the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministry, Dr. Daniel Olukoya; the Biodun Shobanjo Mass Communication Multimedia Centre of Excellence, courtesy of the Chairman of the Troyka Group, Chief Biodun Shobanjo; and the Alumni Jubilee House built by the UNILAG Alumni Association in collaboration with Guarantee Trust Bank.

Twenty-one years ago today, Nigerians voted the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola as their president, even though he ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket with Ambassador Babagana Kingibe as his running mate. To mark the anniversary, students will join many pro-democracy groups at rallies and related events. But how many of them really understand the struggle behind June 12? OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (Language Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State) writes.

What is June 12?” Balikis Moyosore, 22, retorted when asked by this reporter what she knew about the date.

The ND II Mass Communication student of the Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY) was a toddler when the Gen Ibrahim Babangida junta organised the June 12, 1993 election, adjudged to be the freest and fairest ever in Nigeria.

The election was believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose Social Democratic Party (SDP) fielded a Muslim-Muslim ticket. However, the election was annulled by the Babangida junta because, according to the government, “the election was inconclusive in some states.”

In the heat of the logjam, Gen. Babangida “stepped aside” and handed over to an Interim National Government (ING) headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Since the interim government lacked legal backing, it was declared “illegal” by Justice Dolapo Akinsanya of the Lagos High Court. The verdict paved the way for the late Gen. Sani Abacha to remove the interim government, following what was described as Shonekan’s “voluntary resignation”. Gen Abacha, who was planning to transmute to civilian president, died on June 8, 1998.

The failure of successive governments to acknowledge the results of the election and recognise the late Abiola as the winner, gave birth to a series of rallies by pro-democracy activists, which are now held yearly to commemorate the anniversary.

Today is the 21st anniversary of June 12, and many students have joined some pro-democracy groups to commemorate the day. But, how many of them really know the history of June 12 and what the day stands for?

Balikis said: “How would you expect a 12-month toddler to understand what happened at the time? We can only learn about it from the elders or by reading the history of the struggle.”

Damilola Adesanya, a student of English Education at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, who was six years old then, said she could only remember when Abiola died but not the June 12, 1993 struggle.

She said: “Though, I was six years old at the time, but, from what I read, I could feel that majority of the citizens were ready for change and they all went for it. Little did they know they would not get what they laboured for. Nothing has changed in the country. People still complain of those things they were complaining about; our leaders are still wicked and corrupt. Many of us are complacent; we can only complain without doing anything about the situation of things.”

Hammed Hamzat, a 400-Level Educational Management student of the University of Ibadan (UI), who was also six years old in 1993, said: “I cannot recollect anything about the struggle. The only thing I remember was that, my mum came to my primary school and picked me up, telling my teachers there was a problem in the country.”

He added: “I later read about the struggle of the people at the time and, since then, I have been sympathising with June 12 anniversary.”

Hammed said everything June 12 came to correct are still in practice today. “There is still injustice and corruption in the system. Against what the late Abiola stood for, Nigerian politics is still being defined by religious and ethnic sentiments. June 12 must be realised to change our politics,” he said.

Rosheedah Owolabi, a 400-Level Language Arts student of OAU, said: “I was a year old at the time, but while growing up, I learnt about the life and times of Chief MKO Abiola and his struggle; how he died in detention. From what I read, he would have made a huge difference in governance.”

Timothy Nwaobilo, a final year student of Mechanical Engineering at OAU, said: “I learnt that June 12, 1993 election was an eye-opener for Nigerians. It was the era people came in contact with democracy face-to-face and became politically conscious. But, it turned out to be an anticlimax. Abiola died in detention and we did not get the kind of democracy we fought for.”

Suleiman Eniaiyewu, graduating student of Economics at OAU, was only five years old then. He said: “I really didn’t understand the political settings of the country at the time, but felt Nigerians were tired of the military rule. They wanted one of their own to lead but the military truncated the process. I now see the struggle as one between the people and soldiers.”

Suleiman said he read different accounts of what transpired during the election, saying: “I learnt that Abiola flouted the campaign regulation, wearing a cloth that bore his portrait. This was another form of campaign, thus making it illegal. I read he was over ambitious.”

The Concorde Hotel in Owerri, the Imo State capital, was agog when students gathered for a beauty pageant to pick Mr Imo and Miss Imo. EKENE AHANEKU (200-Level Medicine and Surgery, Imo State University) reports.

Their inviting looks and figures attracted attention. They came from the 27 local government areas of Imo State. On arrival, they moved into the Imo Concorde Hotel, in the state capital.

They were models and contestants for the state beauty pageant. During the week-long event, auditioning was held to shortlist those who would participate in the contests. The models were taken through aerobic exercises and choreographed catwalk and other runway tactics.

On the D-Day, the contestants filed out, one after the other, in choreographed movements. They were decked in yellow polo shirt, looking radiant and glitzy. They entertained the audience with various dance steps.

Afterwards, the contestants changed to traditional attires to showcase the beauty of African culture. The male participants used their display to promote hard work as a virtue in Africa; their female counterparts showed the mode of dressing for an African lady.

The contestants later dressed in suits and gowns; the women dazzled the crowd with their catwalk, while the men displayed their ‘six packs’ and muscles to the applause of the judges.

The judges shortlisted the best 16 female and 10 male contestants, for the next round. There was a music interlude after which the contest proceeded to select winners.

The contestants participated in Intelligent Quotient (IQ) test, which produced Samantha Ubani, a graduating student of the Imo State University (IMSU) as the winner. She was crowned Imo Queen with a brand new car. Marlven Akandu, another student of IMSU, won the male category and got a $4,000 cash prize.

The runners-up were crowned as ambassadors of some of the sponsors of the event, including 360 Cinema, All Grain Noodles, Octagon Night Club and Links Hotel.

The event also featured presentation of awards of patronage to dignitaries, such as the former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho (rtd), and leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Sir Ralph Uwazuruike.

Capt. Ihenacho donated the car and cash prizes for the winners.

Ijeoma Chinedum, 200-Level Geology student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), said: “Notwithstanding the fact that I did not win the pageant, I am happy to be among the runners- up. It is a good start for me.”

Miss Samantha, who won the Face of IMSU in 2012 and Queen of Trust in 2013, said: “I am happy for the feat and I appreciate everyone that contributed towards this. For me, it is a call for service and I promise to do my best to promote good values that will help to develop my state and the country.”

Marlven said: “I will forever remain grateful to the sponsors of event, which is to empower the youth. Winning for me is a glory of God and I hail Capt. Ihenacho for bringing us this programme.”

Hundreds of students participated in the second edition of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) marathon. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine) and EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (300-Level Pharmacy) report.

By 7am, the participants were already at the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Sports Complex of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to collect kits for the exercise. This took some time as participants moved to the track one after the other, after getting their kits.

At 8:15am, all was set for the exercise. It was the second edition of the UNIBEN Marathon organised by the sport department.

Participants looked radiant in their white vests. It was reminiscent of an Olympic contest. The university sports officials led by Mrs Felicia Egbase co-ordinated the exercise. The athletes converged on the take-off point.

Before the exercise started, the school security personnel cleared the marathon route for easy movement and safety. The race started from the sport complex to the main library and Hall 5; it extended to the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge to the Faculty of the Social Sciences and then to the Ransome Kuti Road and back to the complex.

Medical personnel from the health centre and officials of the Red Cross Society were on hand with a well-equipped ambulance to attend to injured.

The marathon started at 8.30am.

As the race progressed, some participants exhausted their energy and could not continue. They were helped away from the race track by the medical personnel.

After 127 minutes, Victor Yinlang, a 200-Level Philosophy student, returned to the starting point, winning the marathon. Victor maintained his lead from the take-off point and finished the race at 9:58am. The last athlete arrived at 10:32am.

The second and the third position in the male category went to Abdulkabir Baiwa, 300-Level Animal Science, who finished at 10:04am, and Prior Chibuzor, 200-Level linguistics and African Language, who finished at 10:10am.

Omoyemwense Osa-Iyoha, a 200-Level English and Literature student, came first in the female category; she completed the race at 10:08am. She was followed by Praise Origho, who finished at 10:12am and Mary Oyewole, 10:15am. Both runners-up are 200-Level Computer Science students.

It was learnt that there was no  injured during the exercise.

The participants converged on the main bowl of the sport complex for winners’ announcement. It was a moment filled with anticipation as officials of the sport department and guests mounted the podium to make the announcement.

Participants that won the first positions in both categories were rewarded with cash prize of N20,000; the second and third positions got N12,000 and N8,000 respectively. Consolation cash prize of N2000 was given to 20 participants in both categories.

Victor said frequent exercise made him to win the race, urging his colleagues to always perform aerobics to keep fit.

Egbase said the reason for the marathon was to officially welcome students to a new session and create awareness of the future events to hold.

Asked why the university did not always give a lecture-free day for sporting events, she said: “There is a policy that every Wednesday should be a lecture-free day for sporting activities in universities. It is not implemented in most schools, considering the workload the students have to pass through. Various sports units here in UNIBEN create time for sport using students lecture time table. Nevertheless, we have been doing well in competitions despite these challenges. We got some medals at the just-concluded Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.”

Baye Osagie, Director of Sport of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), urged the students to always participate in sport, saying it would improve their health and fitness.

Abdulkabir said: “I am grateful to the management. I was dejected for days, looking for money to pay some fees. I came here sluggishly to participate in the marathon but emerged one of the winners. I will use the money to pay some bill.”

Meshach Chu, a 600-Level medical student said the event was fun. “It provided me an opportunity to relax after hectic lectures in weekdays,” he said.

Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, observed that a state without an organised government invites anarchy and a state of nature, where life is brutish, nasty, solitary, ugly, poor and short. According to him, anarchy tends to thrive where there is no established body of authority to guide the conduct of humans in the society.

Therefore, government, constitution and laws are essential ingredients for a society to check vices that tend to turn it to a lawless culture.

The crux of this piece borders on what most people term “jungle justice”, which, to me, is man’s inhumanity to fellow man – a system where judgment is delivered without any room for redress or explanation. This is a system where everyone on the street is deemed qualified to stand as judge, irrespective of age, gender, status, mentality, height, agility or intelligence.

Once you are accused of being a kidnapper, thief, witch and or a Boko Haram member, you are condemned immediately. The street judges gather from almost nowhere to dispense their brand of justice – lynching.

What informed this piece was an incident this writer witnessed at NNPC Filling Station in Ilorin, Kwara State capital. I was going with a friend on Tanke Road when we saw these ‘judges’ in their numbers, beating a woman, who appeared to be insane. We stopped our vehicle to plead on her behalf. We were told the lady was part of the criminals feigning madness to kidnap people for rituals.

Moving closer to the victim, we observed there was no trace of sanity because while the “street judges” tortured her, the woman was pleading with inconsistent language, showing she may truly have lost her sanity.

When we could not pacify the mob, my colleague quickly rushed to inform the police about the incident, while I stayed back to give them report of what was going on. The police came and the woman was rescued from the mob.

In recent times, there have been cases of jungle justice, which is plaguing our society like a ravaging disease. In October 2012, the nation woke up to the brutal murder of four students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) accused of theft and cultism.

In Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, there has been increase in cases of jungle justice almost daily, since the discovery of the dreaded Soka Forest in Ibadan. In April, reports showed that not less than three suspected kidnappers were lynched at various locations in Osogbo. In the three cases, a victim was burnt to death at Ayetoro community, others in Plantation and Igbona areas of Osogbo.

There have also been cases in Lagos and other parts of the country. The question that comes to mind is: why will people find it easy and pleasurable to prey on their fellow man and kill him like a goat? If it is not cannibalism, what else could one call it?

The incidents speak of injustice and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. The rise in cases of terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery has groomed monsters, who take laws into their hands as though there are no security agencies in the country.

This transforms civilians to vigilantes, who daily take it as a responsibility to arrest, kill and destroy suspects’ properties. It is because people have lost confidence in the police to prosecute suspects. Instead, the complainant ends up in jail while the suspect walks on the street freely. This situation is very pathetic and discouraging and for this reason, many Nigerians, even when they are victims of crime, feel reluctant to go to the police station.

The end result is what we witness daily on the street. Whether one is accused rightly or wrongly, the mob delivers its jungle justice. The nation is gradually maintaining a descent into a Hobbesian state of nature.

As a remedy to this, the security and judicial systems must be restructured to restore their lost glory. If this is done and confidence people have for the system is restored, nobody would dare take law into his hand.

 

Joseph, 400-Level Mass Comm., UNILORIN

Members of the Kegites’ Club of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have converged on the campus for the coronation of their new chiefo (leader). The event also featured the initiation of new members, report STANLEY UCHEGBU (Accounting) and EMMANUEL OGAR (Electronic and Computer Technology).

In a carnival-like mode, they gyrated (singing and dancing) round the campus decked in green and white babanriga, drinking palm wine. They are members of the Kegites’ Club, holding a procession in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to announce the coronation of new Chiefo (leader) and initiation of new comradium (members).

All roads led to the Malabor Square, the venue of the event. From various destinations, the club members walked into the campus, wearing different shades of traditional caps. The Methuselah chiefesis (past leaders) – titles used to describe old Kegites’ leaders – were dressed in unique regalia, different from others.

The venue was decorated with some cultural objects such as palm fronds, calabashes, palm wine wooden keg, local mats, horse-tail and other traditional ornaments.  Students and staff watched with rapt attention, the cultural display by members of the club.

As the coronation rite progressed, a drama played out when the outgoing Chiefo, Lucky Obetem, was moved into the ‘labour room’ (shrine). This is in tandem with the belief of the club, which states that “chiefos are born and not made”. He was kept there in the company of Methuselah chiefesis to assist him to ‘deliver’ the new leader safely.

Lucky said: “I must give birth to my successor, who must be a final year student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0; he must be crowned on the day of his birth.”

After he was ‘born’, the incoming chiefo, Etim Ekpeyengong, was stripped half naked and drenched with palm wine. He was fed with alligator pepper, kola nut, bitter kola, salt and palm oil that were served in calabashes.

He was draped in a white robe and instructed to crawl to where chiefesis were waiting to receive him. Each of the chiefesis scooped palm wine from the keg and splashed it on the new chiefo.

Afterwards, the Methuselah chiefesis handed over the “ancient calabash” that represents a symbol of power and authority to the new chiefo. This ended the succession rite and the new chiefo was unveiled to members.

New members were ushered into the shrine made of palm fronds for initiation. They recited the club’s anthem, which served as oath.

A member, Godwin Abang, said the attendance of the coronation ceremony showed that the club was not violent. He said kidnapping, cultism and lack of respect for elders were not part of the tradition of the club, saying: “What we see here today is Kegites Club is not an association of cultists as many have painted; it is a social group that detests violence but promotes unity and peace.”

Some students at the ceremony, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, praised the club’s members for promoting African culture.

Joseph Orok, one of the Methuselah chiefesis, said there was no way a new chiefo would sworn in without performing the rite of coronation. He noted that there was nothing superstitious with the ceremony, saying: “The rite can be likened to Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem; palm fronds were used to welcome him. That is why we use palm fronds to welcome new members.”

Maurice Bassey, a new member, said: “I  joined the club because of the manner in which members dress. Also, because of the gyration with palm wine, which one can use to enliven his mood after academic activities.”

The annual free medical outreach of the Federation Of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) chapter, has been held in Akpabu community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The outreach brought smiles to the faces of the residents of the community.

The event was conducted by students of all departments in the institution’s Medical College.

The services provided to the villagers included blood pressure test, blood group examination, urine analysis, malaria test and medical counselling.

Free drugs were also given to the residents. There was a de-worming programme and sensitisation on healthy lifestyle while critical medical cases were referred to the community primary health centre or general hospital.

FECAMDS president, Bernard Ossai, a final year student of Medicine and Surgery, said the event was aimed at making impact on the lives of the residents.

“We cannot depend on our leaders to do everything for us. No matter our level in life, there is always something we can do to impact the lives of those around us. Over the years, we have put smiles on the faces of people that we show care for. In most cases, what these people need is not a bag of drugs or injections but a touch of care and listening ear.

He added that the team chose the community because of inadequate health facilities.

Ethel Anaege, a 400-Level Pharmacy student, said her participation was divine. She said: “It gladdens my heart each time I attend to the health need of other people.”

A resident of the community, who simply identified himself as Pa Chinedu, said: “We are very grateful to this people. Some of us have not been feeling fine for months but we have nobody to attend to us. Even the drugs are costly for us to afford. But the students provided drugs and attended to us genuinely. We pray for the favour of God in all their endeavours.”

Two CAMPUSLIFE reporters, Sikiru Akinola and Kemi Busari, have won awards at the final year dinner organised by the department Political Science of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Sikiru received the Most Politically Vast Student of the Year award, while Kemi got award for the Most Influential Student among graduating students of the department.

Other awardees included Adeniyi Adediran, Most Enterprising Student (male category), Titilayo Adegbaju, Most Enterprising Student (female category), Olaoluwa Opaleye, Most Sociable Student (male category), Ginika Joseph, Best Dressed Male and Oyindamola Olaobaju, Best Dressed Female.

Susan Adu and Mofe Aghaye were adjudged the Most Beautiful and Most Handsome while Shakirat Adesina clinched both the Politically Vast and Most Sociable female student.

Kemi said he was grateful to God for sparing his life to witness his graduation from the department.

He said: “I am very happy for being honoured by my colleagues.  This award will always remind me of my days and activities in the department and the school.”

Sikiru said he would cherish the award forever.

He thanked his colleagues for considering him for the honour, saying he would continue to be a good ambassador of the department

The event was held at the Pit Theatre.

Rofiat Omodolapo, a student of Mass Communication at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY), is carving a niche for herself in Islamic music. The upcoming singer has launched her first album titled: Idunnu Obi (Parents’ Joy). The launch was witnessed by dignitaries. She tells KAZEEM YEKEEN, her classmate, how she discovered her talent. 

Can you tell us about your background?

I was born on August 17, 1991 and I am a native of Ibadan, Oyo State, although I am based in Ogbomoso. I live with my mum because my dad resides in Lagos. I had my primary and secondary school education in Ogbomoso. My mom is an entertainer, who specialises in anchoring of engagements and wedding ceremonies.

How did you discover your talent in music?

It happened the day I got home from school and did not see my mum. After a while, I became nervous because I was very fond of her even up till this moment. So, I decided to go and meet her because I was told she was at a wedding ceremony. On getting there, I sat beside the Disc Jockey and I was watching my mum singing. She needed a back-up from her fellow entertainers but nobody was there. So, I got the microphone from where I sat and did a perfect back-up for her. Everyone in attendance was shocked including my mum. That was when I knew I have the talent.

How are you coping with your studies and pursuing your talent in music?

It has been tough for me as a student and a singer. I could remember the day I was called from location in Ogbomoso that there would be a test. Unfortunately, I missed the test. I shuttle between Ogbomoso and Offa twice a week just to pursue my musical career and stay for the rest of the week for my studies. It was not easy when I started, but I give glory to Allah for giving me the grace to cope with the challenge. The best thing is to have the courage to pursue your passion and ability to accomplish it.

Does your mum help you in anyway?

She is consistent in investing her time and money on me. In fact, my mum is the key to the little success I have achieved. She encourages me every day and advises me to be dynamic. I am not an Islamic singer, who sings for Muslims alone. My message is for both Muslims and Christians, who are the believers.

Who is your role model?  

She is Alhaja Hafsat Sideeq popularly known as Ola Fatia. I fell in love with her voice as a child but as time passed by, I realised the uniqueness of her music.

Where do you wish to see yourself in the next five years?

I wish to feature great Islamic artistes such as Alhaja Hafsat Sideeq, Hajia Aminat Ajao, Alhaji Ibrahim Labaika, Alhaji Qamarudeen Aiyeloyun, Sofiat Qamorudeen, Hajia Basirat Iya Ghana, among others. Though, it is all about prayers but I believe, by Allah’s leave, that my name would be among the top Islamic artistes in the country.

What is your message for upcoming and famous musicians?

To my fellow upcoming artistes, I will say that they must be focused because the road to success is littered with thorns. To the famous artistes, I implore them to do all to assist upcoming artistes. They should also set a good legacy because we are looking up to them and I pray almighty Allah will be with us all.