The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Education key to nation building, says UNILAG VC

    As President Goodluck Jonathan seeks to achieve his Transformation Agenda, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Rahamon Bello, has urged the Federal Government to put the education system in shape as it is crucial to its success.

    Bello spoke while delivering his welcome address at the opening ceremony of Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN) tagged “Lagos 2013”.

    The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Dean, School of Post graduate Studies, Prof Obinna Chukwu said the theme of the conference, “Zoology and the Nigerian Transformation Agenda” is apt especially coming at a time when the country’s education sector is in crisis.

    He noted that with over 70 per cent of its citizens living below the poverty line of $1.5 per day, Nigeria is ranked as 156th out of 187 countries in the world according to the Human Development Index of UNDP, 2011.

    If the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is to reverse this through its transformation agenda, Bello said that education is the key to achieving and sustaining it.

    He said: “No country or nation can claim to be transformed until its citizens are mentally and morally transformed. Education is the most powerful weapon which can change the world. It was the engine behind great civilisation in Greece and Rome the industrial revolution of the 18th century and the cradle of the western scholarship.

    “Education preserves the ultimate values and culture of any society. It is to the nation what mind is to the body. It’s the most significant tool and asset in nation building and development. It’s the best legacy any nation can give to its citizens. The nation, who fails to develop its citizenry will multiply its problems.”

    Bello lamented that science and specifically biological sciences, has experienced set back in the recent decades in the Nigerian education landscape. He said zoology, which is one of the basic prerequisite for most disciplines in the biological sciences, is gradually becoming “endangered.”

    “Our students do not want to study zoology while those who study it only use it as a stepping stone into other fields such as medicine, pharmacy, microbiology, geology among others. Many students keep wondering why they need to study zoology since they can easily learn about animals in the “zoo”.

    In his keynote address, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, assured the zoologists that their generous inputs to President Jonathan’s agenda will be valued with utmost respect and humility.

    Adesina, who was represented by the Ag. Director General of National Agricultural seeds council (FMA & RD), Mr. Anthony Olatokun, said the multidimensional benefits of well-developed agricultural sector in a nation’s economy include; employment generation, food security, provision of raw materials for the manufacturing industries and generation of foreign exchange earnings among others.

    He said that it is heart-warming to note that the conference is coming at a most auspicious time when Nigeria is strongly repositioning and diversifying her economy to explore the potentials of non-oil productive sector of the economy.

    In his speech, the President of Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN), Prof Sonnie Oniye, commended all the participants for attending the conference despite the challenges in the country. He also commended University of Lagos and Dr. Grace Adeoye led Local Organizing Committee for working very hard to make the conference a reality.

     

  • ‘Ghanaian varsities not better than ours’

    ‘Ghanaian varsities not better than ours’

    Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State has graduated its first set. Its President, Dr Ramon Adedoyin, talks about efforts to make its graduates jobs creators, the lies about universities in Ghana and Benin Republic; and expansion plans with GBENGA ADERANTI, Excerpts:

    How has it been in the last four years?

    It is not easy I must confess to you because we started with fewer than 200 students and we graduated 157 students. As you know, this is a fee-paying school. So many of them came but could not afford to continue and they left despite the fact that we charge very reasonable fees. I know a private university that charges between N700,000 and N1 million, but we charge below. It is not reasonable for us to reduce school fees because of expenses that we incur every day, especially salaries. We pay 10 per cent more than Federal Government salaries and being a new university, buildings are springing up every day. Do not forget that our only source of income is the school fees. No local, state or federal government is giving us anything, so it is not easy at all.

    How do you think the government can assist private universities?

    Unfortunately, the Federal Government does not seem to be interested in assisting private universities at all apart from giving them opportunity to operate. I still believe that the Federal Government can do more and there are many ways to do it. They do not need to give money to any proprietor. For example, they can sponsor those who want to go to federal universities because it is free by sending them to private schools and paying their fees. They can also ensure that the proprietor of such schools uses the money judiciously. How? If the Federal Government decides to sponsor 500 students in a private university in an academic year, if the sponsorship is N100million, the government may ask the university what it wants to do with that N100million. The university may wish to build an e-library; and the federal government says, ‘this is e-library for you and this is the equivalent of the N100million’. It means you have given out N100million and if he is a good proprietor, he is going to spend it in that wise, I think that is a very good way Federal Government can assist. If you look at the amount of money the federal government spends on a federal university and then divide it by the total number of students in that school, you will discover that what the Federal Government is paying per student is more than the N400,000 we are charging.

    The argument is that the private universities are set up for profit making?

    But that is wrong. You’re not looking at the assistance the so-called private universities are rendering to the society in terms of employment. It is because the federal government cannot cope with the population of students who want to go to universities in Nigeria that they now give licenses to individuals and organisations to operate universities. Look at it from this angle that right now, universities are not enough. So many people want to enter Nigerian universities and because they do not get the opportunity, that is why they go to attend fake universities in the Republic of Benin and they go to Ghana, Ivory Coast. Some of them are desperate to travel out and instead of travelling by air, they go by sea and kill themselves. Are those not government problems? The proprietors are just there to assist the Federal Government.

    Some people would argue that the Federal Government should not give new licences to universities. What do you say about that?

    Universities are not enough in Nigeria. There is a need to set up more universities in the country. Unfortunately, there are no lecturers to teach in our universities. As I am talking to you, we keep on advertising now and then for PhD holders. The PhD holders are not there. If there is any university that can brag to you that they have enough PhD holders, you’re are probably talking about first seven universities in Nigeria and this time we are talking about 120-something universities in Nigeria now.

    We have many good universities in Nigeria, why do you think parents still send their wards abroad, even to places such as the Republic of Benin?

    I have told you that it is because there are not enough universities to admit our students in Nigeria, that is why they have decided to go to the Republic of Benin. I do not believe that the university in the Republic of Benin is better than any university in Nigeria; I have been there. Ghana too; I do not believe universities in Ghana are better than those of Nigeria. I had the opportunity of going overseas and I know that there are better universities overseas. So, if a parent has enough money and feels he is not satisfied with what is on ground, he can send his or her ward overseas. But then there are good universities in Nigeria.

     

  • Youths must fight for good governance

    Youths must fight for good governance

    I grew up to hear my parents say “Nigeria of then is better than what we have today”. If the country could be better in a period when there was relatively little education, it is obvious that today’s country is worse. Don’t call me a prophet of doom.

    It was Abraham Lincoln, former president of the United States, that defined democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people. But this is not the case in Nigeria. The government belongs to a few people, by their family members and cronies, and for their generations to come.

    At the 2006 All Africa Student Union (AASU) event held in Pretoria, South Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was then the governor of Bayelsa State, spoke of empty promises and grandstood before the mammoth crowd of students.

    Jonathan said he was always happy addressing youths, especially students because “they are change agents for the future.”

    He also added that he urged the youths, students and future generations to be proud of their country. But what would make us proud in the face of acute poverty, multi-billion naira fraud in official circles and massive corruption under the watch of the Jonathan government?

    How could one describe a government that shut down the universities for almost six months because it could not see logic in Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU’s) demand to improve infrastructure and encourage quality research? Yet, a minister deemed it fit to insult our sensibility by purchasing bullet-proof BMW cars for N255 million.

    Now every politician hailed the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as icon. But how many mansion did the late Madiba build from the resources of South Africa?

    The battle for democratisation of Nigeria has been won but how to manage the victory for the greater benefit of the people is the challenge before us. It is important for us to win this war. A generation in Nigeria fought for our independence from colonial rule; another generation made efforts to end military rule. Our generation must strive to fight for good governance.

    We are faced with the war of bad economy, insecurity, corruption, division and gross injustice. The victory over these wars will give meaning to our democracy. Unless these wars are fought with same tenacity of purpose and won, our nation will never achieve the level of greatness it desires.

    The world remembers Mandela today because of the good foundation he laid for the development of post-apartheid South Africa. He fought oppression to give his people freedom; he was fired by an uncommon courage and sense of love for Africa and its people. Mandela left legacies that would continue to be cherished by all black people.

    We need to start working towards the realization of the dreams of African founding fathers like Mandela, while also dreaming new dreams to advance societal progress. Giving expression to these dreams requires a continuous dose of patriotism, selflessness, determination and courage to trudge on against all odds because it is often said that where there is no sweet dream, there is bound to be nightmare, where there is no attitude, there won’t be Latitude, where ther is no progression, there will be depression and where there is no vision, the people perish, as the Holy Bible warns.

    Now, corruption has become part of our national life. Our elections are like wars because we refuse to choose qualified people who will not appropriate public funds for personal aggrandisement. Corrupt people do not make good leaders. Only courageous and selfless people can bring change to a society.

    Everybody lauds democarcy but we must realise the fact that democracy alone cannot improve the welfare of the people. Only good governance can.

    •Adam, NDII Mass Comm., IBADAN POLY.

  • VC preaches love at UNIBEN’s Carol

    Staff and students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have observed the 2013 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol. The event was held at Akin Deko Auditorium on the Ugbowo Campus of the institution.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Osayuki Oshodin thanked participants for sharing in the joy of the occasion, saying that Jesus Christ was the reason for the celebration.

    The band of choristers entertained the audience in spiritual hymns.

    President of the UNIBEN Students’ Union Governmnent (SUG), Favour Osifo, charged participants to use Christmas as a period to show love to everyone.

    Prof Osayuki Oshodin, who was represented by his Deputy (Administration); Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof V. E. Omozuwa; Others at the service were Registrar, Mrs G.A. Ogboghodoh; Provost UNIBEN Medical School, Prof Vincent Iyawe; Dean of Medicine, Prof Efosa Oviasu and other principal offices of the institution.

     

  • FEDPOFFA ASUP gets new leaders

    The Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), has appointed new executives to run the affairs of the union.

    They are Dr Sola Ojeniyi (Chairman), Dr Abdulwaheed Balogun (Vice-Chairman), Mr Bankole (General Secretary), Mr Bisola Olowookere (Assistant General Secretary), Mrs Bolanle Ajibade (Financial Secretary), Mr Samuel Ogundele (Treasurer), Mr Mufutau Olaoye (Public Relations Officer), Mr Peter Ajayi (Social Welfare Officer) and Mrs Grace Korter (Internal Auditor).

    At the inauguration of the new executives, which took place inside the 1000-seater lecture hall of the institution, the Rector, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo, represented by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr Ayodele Kuburat Olaosebikan, congratulated the new executives on a successful power transition.

    He also appreciated the immediate past executives for their support and understanding. He advised the new team to be proactive in any situation and allow God to lead them in the course of duty.

    Olatinwo urged them to lift the institution to the highest level by giving the management good suggestions on how the institution can be moved higher.

    The Deputy Rector, Academics, Alhaji Biaminu Saliu advised the new leaders to ensure that they work as a team. He maintained that in unity, there is harmony and understanding, he implored them to listen to people and be sensitive to people and situation on campus.

    The Chairman, ASUP Electoral Committee, Elder Omotosho Badmus, enjoined the contestants to close ranks and work together for the progress of the union and not to give room for division them.

    In his inaugural speech as Chairman, Ojeniyi appreciated God for the victory. He thanked all the ASUP members for their understanding, cooperation and support during the election period. He appealed to the supporters of all the contestants to put politics behind them and join hands with him to lift the union.

    His predecessor, Mr Kamoru Kadiri wished them a successful tenure.

     

  • Medical students hold conference

    No fewer than 1,200 medical students from more than 25 teaching hospitals in the country converged on the Old Auditorium of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway last week for the 20th national Conference of the Christian Medical and Dental Association Students (CMDAS).

    The theme of the five-day event, which was hosted by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in collaboration with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), was: The ancient paths.

    In his opening address, President of the association, Korede Awani, said the theme of the conference was timely, adding that many medical students do not know the will of God for their careers.

    “We are to rebuild the ancient ruins and original paths of God for our lives, academics, professions and society. It should be a life-long task for everyone,” he said.

    Speaking on Rebuilding the ancient ruins in the medical profession, Dr Ola Seirde from LASUTH taught participants the history and challenges facing medical practice in Nigeria.

    “What we do in Nigerian hospitals is merely a rescue mission. To overcome the hurdles, we would need an effective community healthcare system. If we can reach out to rural dwellers and educate them on basic practices such as personal hygiene, the bulk of patients visiting our hospitals will reduce because there would be a drop in infection,” he said.

    Dr Simon Ajisegiri from the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, who spoke on Reflecting the glory of God in your academics, urged the students to be hardworking and assist their weaklings, adding: “The medical career requires diligent people. Never allow yourself to be lazy and never compete with others. You only have to compete with yourself and set realistic standards for your self-improvement.”

    Other issues discussed at the conference included: “Balancing life as a medical student,” “Strike in the health sector: the christian doctor’s response,” amongst others.

    Highlights of the event included quiz contest, debate, launching of Touch magazine and research presentations on the effects of social media on students.

    The event also witnessed the election of new leaders to pilot the affairs of the association. Owolanke Oluwagbenga from the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABUTH) emerged president.

    President of the doctors’ arm of the association, Prof Oluwatosin Odunayo, charged the students to exhange ideas and embrace networking for professional success.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Amaza Ishaku, 200-Level Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) described the conference as timely, adding: “I will begin to rebuild ancient ruins in my life and academics to become a proficient medical doctor when I graduate.” He commended the organisers of the programme.

     

  • Corps member lifts community

    Indigenes of Karara community in Kogi State have benefited from a community development project organised by a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Toochukwu Onuchukwu.

    During the programme, 53 treated mosquito nets were donated to pregnant women and nursing mothers in the community and free medical screening and counselling on HIV/AIDS were held.

    Representative of the State Co-ordinator of the scheme, Mr Felix Ajayi, commissioned the projects. He said he was impressed by the large turnout of residents and the various ministries and agencies that supported the projects, commending the initiator for mobilising resources to organise the programme.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, who was represented by Mrs Roseline Alabi, lauded the vision of the corps member, describing him as a passionate youth who has taken a leap of faith by impacting positively on the lives of residents of the community.

    Representative of the Commissioner for Health, Mariam Muhammed commended the efforts of the corps member, saying the projects were in line with the goals of the state government.

    The representative of the Local Government Chairman, Mr Bochi Umar praised the corps member for organising the programme.

    A community leader in Karara, Alhaji Ibrahim Kaura, thanked the corps member for successfully executing the projects in the community, adding that the incessant cases of malaria would be reduced.

    Onuchukwu said he was motivated to initiate the projects because of his desire to contribute to the global fight against the scourge of malaria and HIV/AIDS.

     

  • OAU resumes Monday

    The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU) will resume on Sunday.

    A statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, said academic activities for the 2013/2014 session would begin on Monday while students are expected to come into residence on Sunday.

    Also, the management of the Kogi State University in Anyigba (KSU) has slated January 6 as resumption date during the 71st meeting of the institution’s senate.

    In a statement signed by the institution’s Registrar, Mr J. A. Zhizhi, students are expected to come into residence on January 4 as lectures commence January 6.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that changes have been made to the academic calendar to help students to recover their lost time.

  • Association gets new leaders

    Members of the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) have elected new leaders.

    The executive is led by Igbinevbo Clive, a 500-Level student of Medicine at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). He was elected unopposed as other aspirants, Joseph Osazuwa, from the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY) and Precious Eghomwanre from Igbinedion University, Okada, were unable to present their running mates within the specified period.

    Others included Abiebhode Aaron, Vice President (National); Halima Muhammed, Vice President, (Special Duties); Ajie Kennedy, Secretary-General; Abdulafeez Muhammed, Assistant Secretary-General; Irhiaebo Odion, Financial Secretary; Osamede Asemota, Treasurer; Yusuf Abdulrahim, Director of Welfare; Aiyegunle Ofunime, Public Relations Officer; Ogene Jacob, Director of Sports, Christopher Uhunmwangho, Provost.

    However, Okoimisi Christopher and Joshua Airenakho have been elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the National Representative Council of the association.

    Clive promised to consolidate the efforts of the outgoing executives to foster unity and promote the welfare of members.

    “By the grace of God, I pledge that my administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we transform this association in dramatic fashion,” he said.

    Chairman of NAESS Electoral Committee, Matthew Sadoh, described the election as free, fair and keenly contested.

     

  • Peace seminar gets deadline

    Management of Tolerance Academy, a mobile peace-building centre, has extended the deadline for application into its Season Three Leadership Certification programme for students, to January 10, 2014.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, the Curator of the academy, Ayodele Obajeun, said the application was extended to give room to students who would be returning to school early January, noting that female applicants would be given special attention.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the event is a one-week residency leadership training organised by the academy in collaboration with the United Nations Alliance for Civilisation and Youth Development Centre, Federal Ministry of Youth and Developmet, Osun State.

    A total of 40 undergraduates from Nigeria’s six geoploitical zones would be selected to participate in the propgramme. Applicants are expected to upload their detailed curriculum vitae on the organistation’s website.

    “Selected applicants would be notified between January 11 and 15. The programme holds between February 16 and 22. I enjoin youths who are desirous of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria to take advantage of the training and play their role in intra and inter-ethnic integration in the country,” he said.

    Obajeun said the training would assist the nation’s efforts at combating violence and promote peace in the country.