Category: Campus Life

Co-ordinator, Commonwealth Students Association(CSA), Precious Ebere has stressed the need to expose disadvantaged/indigent students to technological aids to enhance their education.

In a statement, she noted that  students would also like to see an increase in online and digital learning opportunities, as technological tools continue to offer convenient and efficient access to education resources.

She said: “Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing education, particularly for disadvantaged students who may not have access to the same resources as their peers. Leaders can support initiatives that provide technological resources to schools and teachers and  ensure that students have access to reliable internet connectivity.

“The future of education is continually changing and evolving. However, some of the things that many students want to see in the future of education include more personalised learning experiences, more opportunities to engage with real world issues and problems, and more opportunities to network and connect with other students and educators’’.

The  renowned development expert and policy analyst underscored the need to bridge inequality gaps in African democracy while  advocating  effective interventions that provide equal access to education and long-term learning outcomes for marginalised Nigerians by engaging critical stakeholders, encouraging youths.

On addressing challenges in the education sector, she said: “Following a real-time survey, it was  discovered that Nigeria suffered lots of issues, from reducing 10.2 million out-of-school children to a situation where unemployment rate jumped and has been disproportionately borne by young people with almost 30 per cent of them out of work. We came up with an innovation called DO

Skill Up Climb Up, a 10-year human capacity development project. It was primarily targeted at addressing the challenges of skills deficit, poverty, unemployment rates, among others.

“However, the  initiative is contributing to the achievements of improving access to quality education and opportunity for young people using skills and human capacity development.

“It is designed to impact 50,000 young people by 2030, with ongoing projects in Abuja, Rivers and Taraba. It has empowered over 500 women, 50 creatives, and provided employment for 20 creatives.”

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Co-ordinator, Commonwealth Students Association(CSA), Precious Ebere has stressed the need to expose disadvantaged/indigent students to technological aids to enhance their education.

In a statement, she noted that  students would also like to see an increase in online and digital learning opportunities, as technological tools continue to offer convenient and efficient access to education resources.

She said: “Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing education, particularly for disadvantaged students who may not have access to the same resources as their peers. Leaders can support initiatives that provide technological resources to schools and teachers and  ensure that students have access to reliable internet connectivity.

“The future of education is continually changing and evolving. However, some of the things that many students want to see in the future of education include more personalised learning experiences, more opportunities to engage with real world issues and problems, and more opportunities to network and connect with other students and educators’’.

The  renowned development expert and policy analyst underscored the need to bridge inequality gaps in African democracy while  advocating  effective interventions that provide equal access to education and long-term learning outcomes for marginalised Nigerians by engaging critical stakeholders, encouraging youths.

On addressing challenges in the education sector, she said: “Following a real-time survey, it was  discovered that Nigeria suffered lots of issues, from reducing 10.2 million out-of-school children to a situation where unemployment rate jumped and has been disproportionately borne by young people with almost 30 per cent of them out of work. We came up with an innovation called DO

Skill Up Climb Up, a 10-year human capacity development project. It was primarily targeted at addressing the challenges of skills deficit, poverty, unemployment rates, among others.

“However, the  initiative is contributing to the achievements of improving access to quality education and opportunity for young people using skills and human capacity development.

“It is designed to impact 50,000 young people by 2030, with ongoing projects in Abuja, Rivers and Taraba. It has empowered over 500 women, 50 creatives, and provided employment for 20 creatives.”

Ebere, who said it was imperative to use technological aids boost education, noted that she developed an application called ALLO. She described it as an inclusive-interactive audio and visual instructional device that captures the Teaching at the Right Level (TARL) concept.

 According to her, the application contains a learner-centered learning kit with pre-recorded and audio interactive lessons content and micro-learning resources for primary, junior and secondary school students with a focus on STEM subjects covering Mathematics, English and Science for Primary school pupils, Mathematics, English, Basic Science, and  Basic Technology for Junior School students and Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for  Senior School students while also preparing them for examinations such as West African Senior School Certificate Examination WASSCE in line with the  curriculum.

ere, who said it was imperative to use technological aids boost education, noted that she developed an application called ALLO. She described it as an inclusive-interactive audio and visual instructional device that captures the Teaching at the Right Level (TARL) concept.

 According to her, the application contains a learner-centered learning kit with pre-recorded and audio interactive lessons content and micro-learning resources for primary, junior and secondary school students with a focus on STEM subjects covering Mathematics, English and Science for Primary school pupils, Mathematics, English, Basic Science, and  Basic Technology for Junior School students and Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for  Senior School students while also preparing them for examinations such as West African Senior School Certificate Examination WASSCE in line with the  curriculum.

Temitayo Ayodeji, a final year student of Physics and Electronics at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, was stabbed to death in his off-campus residence by an indigene now identified as Damilola Adejumo. Students at the university have condemned the heinous act, seeking justice. EMMANUEL OLUWADOLA (AAUA) reports.

When Temitayo Ayodeji gained admission to study Physics and Electronics at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, he must have envisioned a glittering future after graduation,one in which he would not only contribute to society,but repay his parents for giving him a ‘meal ticket’– education. But in a twist of fate, he never had the slightest premonition of death after writing his final examination and waiting to defend his project.

Sadly, death came calling like a bolt  from blue last Thursday,  April 6, 2023. He was stabbed by an indigene at his Ebenco off-campus hostel.

A  friend of the deceased, Patrick Oluwafemi, recounted what had happened.

His words: “He (Temitayo) wasn’t the one they (the suspect and his allies) were looking for. There was a student living in that villa that had something to do with these indigenes. They sold something to the student. It was N4000. The student (not Temitayo) paid N3000 out of it, and he was to pay a balance of N1000. The dealer sent his brother (the suspect) to collect the balance but the student wasn’t able to pay it.

“It was not the issue of cultism. There was a struggle between them as the indigene first came to intimidate the student and in the process, the student hit the indigene as said. Then the brother (the suspect) went back to call his brother who sent him and more teams. Policemen sent everyone away but the suspect and his associates still reinforced and came back.

“Right from the start, Temitayo wasn’t in the picture at all. He was about to go and buy sachet water and he saw what was going on in his villa and wanted to know what was happening. The suspect and his teams were already aggressive and violent and the suspect stabbed Temitayo with a scissors on the side. Temitayo was rushed to Aduloju Hospital along Iwaro-Akoko road. My colleagues and I went to the hospital that afternoon to check on him. We saw that he was already getting better and we needed not panic.

“His side was plastered, I saw the band-aid on the injury and they even bought food for him. We saw it as a minor injury when we went back home. It was in the evening that we were called that Temitayo gave up the ghost.”

He added that Temitayo was a gentle young man, easygoing, always on his earphones, and was not a troublemaker.

The death of the soon-to-graduate Temitayo left the university and the entire community in shock.

The Ondo Police Spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya also confirmed the incident.

A few hours after the incident, AAUA students took to the streets to protest the death of the innocent student, but the intervention of the school management, students’ union leaders, and security operatives prevented a breakdown of law and order.

The students further took to various social media platforms to trend pictures of the perpetrator who was declared wanted. They stormed the Twitter space with the hashtag “#JusticeForTemitayo” calling for quick action.

Students condemn Temitayo’s murder

Some AAUA students, who reacted to the gruesome murder of their fellow students, called on the school management to partner with security personnel to ensure students’ lives, most especially, those living off-campus are protected.

Ogunduyile Tunde Daniel, a student of Computer Science said the incident was uncalled for, while he called on the school management to set up bodies to look after the well-being of students and their relationship with indigenes.

“The incident is saddening and uncalled for. Such an attitude needs thorough disciplinary action. The alleged murderer and his colleagues need to be well disciplined and tortured to prevent such from happening again.

“The school management needs to set up important bodies to look after the well-being of the students. Such bodies should be able to hear students out individually, concerning their experience with the indigenes to know the right steps to take. The bodies will be an intermediary between the indigenes and the students to protect their rights. Security personnel also need to take their work more seriously not only within the campus but also outside the campus, by defending students’ right and to avoid any sort of intimidation or violent acts.

“To avoid conflict between students and indigenes, the best way is by stating important rules that should guide both the students and the indigenes in their endeavours. Anyone who goes against such rules and regulations should be prosecuted without favouritism or partiality,” he said.

Olamide Grace, a 200-Level student of Science Education stated that the incident was heartbreaking. She advised students to always try to avoid any form of argument with indigenes, even with their fellow students.

“It’s bad, and heartbreaking. If security personnel were quickly accessed, the victim might have had a chance to survive. So, security men should be dispatched everywhere.

“Sometimes, students are not at fault because according to what I heard, the victim was not at fault for offering to help a friend. Students need to be sensitive in this area and they should try to avoid arguing with indigenes, even with their colleagues,” she said.

Also, a 400-Level student of Law, Seyifunmi Francis Adeosun condemned the act, saying over the years, students have experienced harassment and bullying by some indigenes.

His words: “I like to say unequivocally that the incident was heartbreaking and unfortunate. Over the years, indigenes have always terrorised students, they’ve always been harassing and bullying us. I’ve had several stories of how they forced students to make transfers to them. This has to stop!

“The lives of students off-campus will only be safe when we put all necessary measures in place to curb such acts. The incident and the reactions that follow show that there is a huge gap not only between the management and the students’ community but between the Students Union leaders and the members of the union. I look forward to a robust synergy between and among all necessary parties involved so that we all can live in peace and harmony. Without a doubt, we have some unscrupulous elements trying to sabotage the efforts of the stakeholders in the town, but with proper synergy, we will overcome.”

Philip Anjorin, a fresh graduate of Mass Communication lamented the incident. He urged the school management and all stakeholders involved to do better for students.

He said: “It’s so unfortunate the incident happened to the student, not just a student but a graduate waiting for project defence. What about the dreams and life span that was cut short? May his soul rest in peace and may God comfort his family.

“Students living off-campus are subjected to harmful conditions. It is not just the student populace across Akungba Akoko and not just about AAUA alone, but students who have no choice but to live off-campus across all institutions in Nigeria. The schools that do not provide accommodation within the campus need to do something better.

“Now, AAUA only has housing facilities within the campus for female students. A larger percentage of  students are outside the campus. That means school authorities need to do more, and put more efforts to ensure that more accommodation is available for all students. Then it will now be left for the students to voluntarily choose where to stay- within or off-campus. Most of the students living off-campus today would love to be within the campus.”

He added that students living off-campus are more vulnerable and school authorities should provide adequate security and conflict resolution strategists who will promptly work towards resolving conflicts.

“This is a clarion call to the school authorities, the security network outside the school, and the association of landlords, landladies, and indigenes, to do better. The school authorities should provide better facilities, adequate security, and conflict resolution strategists who will ensure if there is going to be any conflict, it will be resolved amicably, not just the situation where people would take the law into their own hands. So students need to be in an environment that can guarantee their safety and this can only be achieved by the collaboration between all stakeholders that are involved in student welfare in AAUA and Ondo State generally,” he said.

Another 300-Level student, Catherine Bukola advised the school management to join forces with community leaders and security personnel to stop unwanted practices.

“I was shocked and felt bad when I heard that story. To ensure students’ safety, the school management should collaborate with the village chiefs and leaders and security personnel and look for a way to stop all acts like extortion, robbery and other vices,” she said.

Students’ Union reacts

Reacting to the occurrence through a release signed by the Union’s President, Comr. Ogunsanmi Kolade, the AAUA Students’ Union condemned the inhuman behaviour displayed by the perpetrator.

The union confirmed that the case has been reported to the Akungba Police and their stand remains that the security pertshould apprehend the perpetrator. However, they urged students to remain calm and follow the directives of the union.

It reads: “The leadership of AAUA Students’ Union has been reliably informed about the killing of our innocent student and we have since swung to action to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and justice is served accordingly.

“Information at our disposal, given by some eyewitnesses, reports that Temitayo Ayodeji was stabbed to death in his hostel(off campus) by some indigenes who are already on the run.

“However, the case has been reported to the Akungba Police. Our position remains that the security services should launch a manhunt immediately to apprehend the perpetrator, and we shall NOT rest until justice is served.

“We call on all students to remain calm and follow the directives of the union. Aluta Continua!”

NAUS urges authorities to carry out thorough investigation

The National Association of University Students, Ondo State through a release signed by the NAUS Chairman, Comr. Olasupo Mubarack Olalekan also decried the death of the student.

The association called on authorities to launch a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrator(s) are brought to justice. Meanwhile, they extended deep sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.

It reads: “It is with great sadness and outrage that we must address the recent tragic event that has occurred.

We have just received the devastating news that a student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko has been brutally murdered by an unknown assailant.

“We, the National Association of University Students Ondo State, strongly condemn this heinous act of violence and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless tragedy.

“We urge the authorities to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrator(s) are brought to justice. We also call on all students to remain calm and peaceful during this difficult time and to cooperate fully with the authorities as they carry out their investigation.

“Let us stand together as a community, united in our condemnation of violence and our commitment to justice. We will not allow this tragic event to define us, but rather, we will honour the memory of the victim by working towards a safer and more peaceful society for all.”

NANS reacts, urges swift action

Coordinator of National Association of Nigerian Students NANS Zone D (Southwest), Comr. Adejuwon Emmanuel Olatunji in a statement,urged swift action by security operatives to fish out the perpetrator.

“It is uncalled for when we see a fellow youth stab his fellow youth. We want a state of emergency declared on the the student area of the institution and we urge all security agencies to swing into action immediately. We call on the university management, community leaders, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State to stand up and defend the welfarism and life of all students of the school and find a lasting solution to the rift between students and indigenes of Akungba-Akoko. They should also look into the issues of security of students’ life and properties. It is becoming so unbearable. We are as well using this medium to send our condolences to the family of the deceased and pray that his soul rest in peace.”

University to forestall a recurrence

Dean of Students’Affairs, AAUA, Prof. Olusegun Matthew Akanbi , said: ” The school is seriously working to forestall a recurrence. The Chief Security Officer is poised to beef up security on and off-campus. Then, concerning accommodation, more hostels will be built on campus to accommodate 80 per cent of our students. That has been in  the Vice Chancellor’s plans even before he assumed office. He is passionate about providing accommodation on campus. He has also inquired about two abandoned buildings on campus, exploring the possibility of handing  them over to a developer for hostel accommodation.”

Investigation ongoing, says Akungba Police

A call was put through to the Akungba Patrol and Guard Officer, Mr Tunde Olomojare to know if there are steps taken by the Akungba Police Department to fish out the perpetrator(s). He said: “Yes, there are steps on it, to get the culprit arrested and there is an investigation going on. You can come down to meet the DPO.”

It was home-coming for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, during his one-day working visit to the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), reports IBRAHIM ADAM.

he University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) literally stood still for its alumnus, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Outside the university community, people went about their business; some were at work, yet others commuted from place to place, the norm of every Monday in the boisterous oil city.
Ogbuku came to reunite with his alma mater on which hallowed grounds he established the foundation for his being an accomplished academic, technocrat and activist for a better Niger Delta.
He spent his adult life in pursuit of academic laurels there, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), Political Science & Public Administration, Masters of Science (M.Sc) Development Studies, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political and Administrative Studies, in the process.
The university set aside the day especially for him. In a show of solidarity and love, the Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Andrew Uchendu; the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Owunari Georgewill; council members, students and staff members rolled out the drums to welcome the NDDC boss, who was in the university on a one-day working visit.
The Ebitimi Banigo Hall, where he was received, was filled. In speech after speech, some university personages extolled his virtues, reputation and achievements.
Uchendu said he had only known Ogbuku from a distance, adding that having come to know him closely, he was overwhelmed by the grace and humility that define his person.
Georgewill said Ogbuku was astounding as a young student in pursuit of academic attainment. Ogbuku, he said, ranked among the great leaders, academics and icons which the university continues to produce.
“Mr MD sir, the news of your appointment was received with great joy by the university. It was a source of celebration here in the university. We rejoice that your many silent endeavours and hard work have opened up new frontiers for you and elevated you”, the VC said.
The VC said the university was proud of the NDDC boss as an illustrious alumnus.
“You once trod this campus as a young student with a zeal to change the environment.
“Today, several years later, you are here with that same zeal, determined to effect the change you have so dearly worked for. Today, the university that admitted you, as a young person yearning for knowledge, has rolled out the drums to welcome you as a man of great accomplishments. We are proud of you and rejoice in the hallmark of your achievements,” he said.
George would acknowledge the contributions of the NDDC and its interventions in UNIPORT, all of which, he said, were more than 80 per cent completed. He expressed the hope that Ogbuku would complete them all.
Ogbuku recounted his student days, his journey through the university, which equipped him for his journey through life. He recalled the names of his lecturers and thanked them for making him the person that he has become.
He said he was emotionally attached to UNIPORT, where he spent his youth as a student, adding that he was overwhelmed by the show of love and humbled and honoured to be hosted by his teachers.
He said: “I value the special reception in my honour. Today, my pride as an alumnus of the unique UNIPORT, is renewed and re-established.”
NDDC, he promised, would incorporate the needs of major stakeholders in its 2024 budget.
“We are here to understand what your priorities are, because we believe it is not enough to conceive projects. We have to interface with the beneficiaries, including stakeholders like states, to execute meaningful projects and avoid duplication of projects.
“You are very important to us, because, among the stakeholders of NDDC, we believe that you are very important. The commission is open to partner with the university in the area of research and other benefits it can offer,” he added.

BY OLUNIYI TOLUWANI ANUOLUWA

It is easy to be overwhelmed by fear, despair and chaos in our world today. Many negative occurrences try to steal our hope and cause us to doubt the promises, plans and purpose of God for our lives.

There is a famous inspiring quote by author and Pastor, Neale Donald Walsch. “God will not show you the picture of what he is bringing you through, he will show you what he is bringing you to.” Walsch is speaking to the idea that we will not often see the trials and tribulations that happen in our lives. We may see the aftermath, but not the process. This is often seen as a good thing, because it allows us to focus on what is ahead and trust God.

In our journey through life, we are sometimes faced with overwhelming challenges that are difficult for us to handle. During this period, we usually hope that there will be an immediate answer to these challenges. But in most cases, even after committing the situation into God’s hand, we still battle the problem for some time.

Walsch’s quote is applicable to our relationship with God as well. We often think that if we just pray for guidance, we will get what we need. However, that is not how God works. Rather than showing us what he wants us to do, God often works through hardships and trials to teach us what we need to know. This is often the most difficult thing to accept, but it is ultimately the most rewarding. We will often see what we need to change in our lives before we get the opportunity to make the changes ourselves. Sometimes we need to go through pain in order to be fulfilled.

A major reason why God don’t show us the picture of what He is bringing us through is because God wants us to focus on what is the most important thing. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Cor.4:17-18. He want us to keep our focus and concentrate on the final goal rather than to lose our focus in our quest for His promises.

We must remember that God is always with us. He is working everything out for our good, and he will never leave us or forsake us. Despite what may be happening in our lives, we can believe God and trust in Him that even if we go through the most challenging times of our life and we seem not to understand why we go through such times, God will inevitably work out things in our favour as long as we put our trust in Him.

•Oluniyi is a student at Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State.

By Tunde Adeniyi

Sen. Abiola Ajimobi First Technical University, Ibadan, has concluded plans to offer 13 First Class Engineering graduates automatic employment.

This was made known by the Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Adesola Ajayi, at the institution’s convocation in Ibadan where 165 students graduated.

The institution was formerly First Technical University, but was renamed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

At the event, Makinde promised to release an outstanding N1billion grant to the university, which had in recent years largely been fending for itself – except for the intervention of the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund). 

 Makinde also  unveiled another scholarship package for the university, while promising that  his government would build a health facility on campus. 

On why the convocation was symbolic, the VC said: “The historical relevance of this second convocation ceremony is that it marks the graduation of the pioneer set of engineering students. It is worthy of mention that despite the prolonged COVID-19 lockdown and the associated challenges, Tech-U has kept faith with the ideals for its establishment by ensuring that students graduate on record time, exactly five years after the admission of engineering students in 2018 and after four years for those science students admitted in 2019 for four-year degree programmes.”

He said the institution had  leveraged  ICT infrastructure  to commission the development of applications that make academic, administrative, financial, as well as student services easier, faster and accessible online. 

Ajayi said  from the next semester, it would be possible for many of the management and other staff to discharge some of their functions remotely and in real time thereby increasing efficiency and freeing our time to pursue and explore partnerships with the larger society. 

“The management has sustained our avowed commitment to adopt global best practices. The Senate of the University has approved and continues to nurture a dual mode of instruction including up to 30 per cent online instruction in its regular programmes,” he added.

The VC said students had undertaken many projects beneficial to the community and the university.

“We have developed product protypes among which are electronic circuits, abuwe soap, otherwise known as ose dudu which has a higher medicinal value and is available on a commercial scale. 

“All disinfectants and hand wash used in this University are produced by us. We have developed protocols to utilise local wastes to cultivate and produce mushrooms under ordinary ambient room conditions. 

“Health drinks and weaning infant formula have also been produced from locally-available agricultural products. Many students have found a calling in other entrepreneurship areas such as music, film, and several other service areas.

“Among those that have graduated and those graduating today, several of them are already earning a living  and increasingly becoming less financially-dependent on their sponsors even while being students,” he said.

BY PRECIOUS IFODE

Rebelling against one’s assignment from God can produce many painful experiences that correct the individual. When an individual deliberately rebels against God, He allows such a person or the group of persons to go through painful experiences to correct the person(s) involved.

In 1 Samuel 15:23, God said rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Rebellion is an attitude displayed to contradict authority. It started from creation. When God created Adam and Eve, He put them in the Garden of Eden and gave them instructions on what to do and what not to do. But Adam rebelled against God and it resulted in suffering before the birth of Jesus Christ. Rebellion against God comes with  grave consequences . One of the consequences is pain.

Pain is a natural and necessary tool of God’s corrective process (Hebrews 12:7). It often manifests itself as physical, emotional and spiritual pain.

Physical pain is a warning sign from God for us to change.

From the scripture, in Jonah chapter 4, we saw what happened to Jonah. The Lord spoke to Jonah son of Amittai. He said: “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and speak out against it; I am aware of how wicked its people are.” Instead of obeying God, He set out in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.

“Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

God sometimes uses special means to bring rebels to repentance, and the rebel always suffers greatly from the stringent measures that God finds necessary to use.

Emotional pain is another way that God uses to correct us. It is inevitable, and it should not be taken personally. Every experience in life teaches us something. When we get through our emotional pain, we may find that we have gained new insights and knowledge.

Spiritual pain is the deepest pain of all. It can be the most difficult to endure, but it is also the most beneficial. Spiritual pain often leads us to repentance, regeneration and restoration. When we rebel against God, He permits painful experiences to correct us.

•Ifode is a student at Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State.

By Samson Ezenwa

No fewer than  90 students graduated from  Christopher University (UNICHRIS),Mowe, Ogun State, with seven of them bagging First Class.

This was made known on campus by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olatunji Oyelana, during the institution’s  combined convocation for three sets, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022.

He said : “By simple percentage, we have combined records of First Class (15%), Second Class Upper (45 %), Second Class Lower (28 %) and Third class/Pass degree (12 %).

The VC said Esther Anyalewechi of  the Department of Psychology,was the best graduating student of the 2021/2022 set, scoring   the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.73.

Olatunji described the graduates as champions, who have gone through three to four years of rigorous study and have achieved  excellence.

On accreditation, he said 15 courses were approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that the university plans to introduce new programmes in  medicine and engineering,  while the Faculty of Law kick started with the admission of students last year.

He noted plans were underway for the establishment of a Postgraduate School.

 Olatunji praised the founder and Chancellor,  Christopher Ezeh for his commitment to quality university education, infrastructural development, and fatherly role in the institution.

He urged the graduates to make impact in the society.

His words: “My dear students, you have been brewed and nurtured as change agents, and we expect your change impact to be profound in all sectors of our national life, and the World in general. You must continue to seek more advanced knowledge available within your chosen fields of endeavours.”

Ezeh urged the Federal Government to extend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grants to private universities.

He said the extension of grants to private varsities was desirable and long overdue and that it was on record that they absorbed a large number of candidates seeking admission into universities, thus lifting the burden off the already oversubscribed public universities.

He said, in spite of the skepticism that greeted the emergence of private universities on the nation’s educational landscape, private universities have since their emergence in early 2000 contributed substantially to the supply of the needed middle-level manpower in the economy.

“Some of these universities, within the short period of their existence, are making waves and have achieved international visibility through remarkable records of scientific research breakthroughs. In these respects, private universities have paid their dues and rightly deserve Federal Government recognition and assistance,” he added.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)  Joint Campus Committee(JCC),Ondo Axis has decried the hike in prices of goods and services within students’ communities within the state.

 In a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Comr. Okeniyi Elijah, Chairman of the association,  Akinola Elijah, noted that students are still hard hit.

“It is no more news that few weeks ago, the entire country was thrown into a huge disarray following the  cash policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, with regards to the acceptance of the old naira notes as legal tender.

 “It is worrisome that despite the Supreme Court judgement, a lot of economic and socio activities have drastically changed, thereby forcing many small scale business owned by  students and youths to go under because of the prices of products and services. Thus, students  are left with no option than to patronise those who have deliberately inflated the prices of goods and services by a hundred percent.

 “A 300-Level student at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko  noted that when students eat  in some restaurants, they are stylishly been extorted for paying through either mobile transfer or via PoS.

“The FUTA Campus Shuttle transport fare spiked  from N50 to N100 with the excuse of fuel and naira scarcity. As of now,   drivers are yet to reduce the price.

“It has been further discovered that the unavailability of the naira in circulation has made many business owners and vendors to add extra charges to their normal prices of goods and services despite the Supreme Court judgement, an act we consider as extortion, and will be vehemently resisted.

 “It is quite sad that a chilled  bottle of drink which normally is  sold for N200 has increased to N250 by cash and N300 via mobile transfer or POS.

“These are the agonies of  students  across the different tertiary institutions in Ondo State,” the statement said.

The student body urged Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu to address the issues being a lover of students. It said it would also consult the state Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services to wade in.

NANS urged traders in the state  to ensure they get their prices back to  normal and  be considerate to buyers, especially students

By Chinedu Chisom

Grief can be a difficult emotion to grapple with, but it can also be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. According to many experts, things that cause us the most pain and sorrow may be clues to our life’s purpose or calling. When we identify the source of our grief, we can begin to understand what we are uniquely equipped to heal in ourselves and in the world around us. Whether it is a personal tragedy or a larger societal issue that troubles us, embracing our grief can lead us to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Mike Murdock, in chapter eight of his book, entitled: “The assignment: powerful secrets for discovering your destiny”, notes that   grief can be a key indicator of our life’s purpose or calling.

He  suggests  that  issues that cause us the most sorrow and pain, particularly in relation to social  matters, may be clear indicators of what we are specifically assigned to heal. The author explains that these burdens may be unique to each individual, as they are often imposed on us by a higher power, such as God, to orchestrate liberation in relation to a specific issue. He also draws examples from notable Bible characters, highlighting their significant accomplishments as a result of God placing burdens on their hearts. He suggests that one of God’s strategies for pointing us towards our life’s assignment is to place these burdens in our hearts.

As such, readers are urged  to pay  attention to  issues that cause them grief, tears, and sorrows, as they may be  issues that God wants them to work hard on to help others.

Grief can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. When we allow ourselves to embrace the issues that cause us the most pain and sorrow, we may begin to uncover our unique purpose and calling. As the author suggests,  these burdens may be imposed on us by a higher power as a means of guiding us towards our life’s assignment. According to the biblical examples given by Mike Murdock, we can see that some of the greatest accomplishments in history have been the result of individuals being driven by a deep sense of burden for a particular issue. Therefore, paying close attention to the issues that grieve us, we can begin to understand what we are specifically assigned to heal in ourselves and in the world. Ultimately, it is through our pain and grief that we may find purpose and meaning in our lives.

•Chinedu is a student at Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State.

By Tunde Adeniyi TECH-U

All is set for the second convocation ceremony of the First Technical University(TECH-U), Ibadan.

The event  would hold on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the institution’s main campus on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

It would  be attended by the Governor of Oyo State,  Seyi Makinde,  the Visitor to the university and other dignitaries.

The university would graduate 165 students, out of  which 24 bagged First Class.

A  statement by the university noted that the convocation coming as scheduled in the academic calendar, underscored the fact that Tech-U was strategically positioned to pilot a sound technical educational system anchored on innovations and technologies towards driving development in Oyo State in particular and Nigeria at large.

The institution was established by the Oyo State Government to bridge the skill gap between competence of university graduates and industry requirements through a blend of theory, practical and hands-on experiences.