Category: Campus Life

By Ajayi Anne Olubukola

As children of God, we have one primary assignment, which is to preach the gospel of Christ to every creation (Mark 16 vs 15). We are the apple of God’s eye and, in extension, Satan’s enemy. So Satan always tries his best to turn us away from God.

To avoid that, we have to stay focused. To be focused is to not get distracted. It is to keep your eyes on the goal and try your  best to achieve that goal. It is to be determined to follow through the processes that your set goal requires. It is to give your time, energy and attention to the goal.

You can only stay focused when you consider your set goal important. For example, the level of importance you give to a person determines how well you relate with him/her and how much respect you will show that fellow. That also goes for your goal; as children of God, Jesus encourages us to keep our focus on the kingdom of God and the things of the kingdom and all other things would be  provided for us.

Focus has to be mastered. So you have to give all your time to your assignment. When you spend the required time and energy needed for your goal, you will see progress and results. To get things done, you can’t afford to be lazy. A lazy man should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3 vs 10). A period of time should be allocated and followed through to the end if you want the result  you seek.

Focusing on the word of God daily is necessary to achieve your set goals. The word of God is our constitution, it is our daily bread, and we are to meditate on it day and night if we want to grow spiritually.  Everything we need to survive the day-to-day struggles that we face on earth has been provided to us if only we can study the word of God. Listening to sermons and powerful messages from great men of God would  help in   completing assignments.

As Christians, we should be careful of ‘frenemies’ whose ultimate goal and desire is to distract us from our goal in life. They are only in your life to break your focus from your God-given assignment so that you would forget your reward which is in heaven.

Rather, we should embrace friends that help us to keep our focus on the instructions God has given us.

Remember to keep your head up high and remain steadfast in pursuing your goal. Steer clear of friends who do not share the same goal with you, and pursue relationships that will increase  focus on your assignment. Take time to read the word of God and meditate on it, sing praises to God and control what you listen to, both music and teachings.

•Ajayi wrote in from Ede, Osun State.

Vice Chancellor, Ahman Pategi University (APU), Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz  Adedimeji, has urged freshmen to  be committed to the pursuit of excellence. He also charged them to resist the urge to be complacent and engage in social vices.

Adedimeji’s lecture at the institution’s 2022/2023 matriculation was entitled:”Persist and resist”.

He said: “You must persist on reading, studying, devoting time and committing energy to the pursuit of excellence. You must persist on ensuring that you attend your lectures, do your assignments, engage in class discussions, obey rules and regulations and keep your eyes on the ball of your primary assignment in the university. If you are persistent, you will be excellent.

“Meanwhile, for your success to be guaranteed, you must also resist. What must you resist? You must resist the tendency to be in your comfort zone and the temptation to do what is wrong. In other words, you must resist bad company, procrastination, laziness, complacency and indulgence in immorality. You are only admitted to study for an average of four years and this period has serious implications for the life you’ll live after you graduate. It is my prayer that you will all succeed!”

The VC urged them to imbibe life-changing principles of the Japanese,which are; discovering the purpose of their life; leaving go what they  cannot change; finding peace; exercising self-control; avoiding comparison with others and seeking improvement in all areas.

He described the students as  the torchbearers of excellence, adding that they were  the beneficiaries of the institution’s quality education  aimed at benefiting people, protecting the planet and producing prosperity for the current and future generations.

“I urge parents and guardians to ensure a brighter future for their children by bringing them to us for training as more windows are to be opened soon for additional academic programmes,” he said.

Adedimeji stressed the importance of skill-based education to the development of the nation, adding that intellect, or developing the cognitive domain of learning  was not enough.

A total of 96 students matriculated.  69 were admitted through Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),  while 27 came in through Direct Entry.

The VC thanked the founder  Ahman Pategi, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, staff and other stakeholders for their support.

• Varsity holds maiden matriculation

The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has had it admission quota increased from 1,850 to 3,000 by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

This was made known by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya yesterday at the institution’s maiden matriculation for its pioneer students.

He noted that the school admitted over 2000 students from more than 16,000 applicants, with 36 programmes to be offered across five colleges.

Odusanya said the occasion was  historic in the annals of the university.

In his address entitled: “A bright future lies ahead,” he enjoined the matriculants  to be creative and seek to be entrepreneurial.  He urged them to begin to think of inventing  drones, robots, new accounting software, driverless cars, building materials, newer housing designs, sustainable houses and many more.

The VC said Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu had  expanded access to education by establishing both LASUSTECH and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).  Thus, opening a way to a bright future.

On how the students can create a bright future, Odusanya said: “Each one must give undivided attention to their studies, prompt attendance in classes, realising that there is a minimum percentage to be eligible to sit at examinations. Self-drive is key.

“Learning is an active process. Each student learns only what he/she does and shows interest in and not primarily what the Instructor teaches.  In this age of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and access to the internet there is no reason not to be fully informed and learn rapidly. 

“The university is not a sprint but a marathon. You cannot play for the first three years and then gatecrash to excellence in the fourth year. What degree classification do you desire, first class, second class upper or what?  It is indeed up to you. Be a positive solution and change to Nigeria even if you are planning to ‘Japa’.Your transcript will be a life-long reminder of who you were in school,” he added.

Odusanya admonished them to be good ambassadors of the school, avoid drugs, cultism and fraudulent activities. He also advised them to live a balanced life, eat well, sleep adequately, have social interactions, learn to avoid stress and practice true spirituality.

He thanked Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Kola Ojikutu and other members of Council, the Transmutation Committee led by Prof. Emeritus Olufemi Bamiro for their support.

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, was 40 recently. Nevertheless, students seek improvement in infrastructure,ranking and other areas. PRECIOUS AKINTULUBO (OOU) reports.

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, recently clocked 40 years. The institution celebrated its anniversary which had as theme: ”Lighting the path of academic excellence”, on campus. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Olayinka  Agboola  revealed the six strategic intervention pillars for the institution within a five-year timeline including, Academic Excellence,  High Impact and Translational Research, University Administration, Improving Student Experience, Entrepreneurial Linkages and Partnership, and Improved and Sustainable Funding.

He noted that he would consolidate on the various achievements of the past administration through the six strategic interventions.

Agboola said the institution was the first to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to conduct Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (PUTME),  during the pandemic.

However, the institution still ranks 21st  among institutions in the country. Students believe there is room for improvement, hence, they want authorities to swing into action.

Caleb Adekunle, a 500-Level student of Architecture said though many things have been achieved over the last 40 years,  the institution could do better.

“I’ll say ways to reposition the school among the best globally includes provision of infrastructure and resources and then  learning should be enjoyable. This  can be achieved via access to resources, equipment, modern-day facilities which aid  research and educational processes,” he said.

Speaking on changes the school could implement, he said:  “One change I’ll really appreciate is if all the campuses are  merged in one location. Students need social connections and networks.”

He said  OOU was  doing many things but can do much more by creating initiatives that inspire creativity instead of the current environment  where students just want to pass their examinations and get out of school.

For Gbolahan Salaudeen, a 300-Level student of Mass Communication, the institution is actually working towards ranking among the best globally.

He  said  construction was  going on for OOU Business School and plans to retain a distant learning programme  where one can study as an OOU student from any part of the world is currently  on.

On challenges to be addressed, he said:  “ID card should be a sufficient  mode of identification instead of a printed exam pass to write examinations.”

Paula Ogundeji, a 200-Level student of Law suggested that the current administration should make use of the technology to ease affairs.

“Our world today speaks “tech” so having anything short will present itself as “mediocre”. Also, good lecturing, research, student satisfaction, and innovations all are important if we want to be the best ranked globally,” she said.

She urged management on effective WiFi network, an advanced “stop and search” at the school gate,  security and welfare of  students, building of toilets, conducive lecture rooms, etc.

“If OOU becomes a light in academic excellence, it then can lighten the path for others to follow,” she added.

Yakubu Yinusa Temitope, a 300 – Level student of Computer Science said OOU  fared  better in terms of administration when compared with other  state universities  within the country but  suggested  improvement in infrastructure, academic processes, focus on curriculum that promotes career accessibility and partnership with organisations that promote research and development.

His words: “OOU should be more student-focused. Management must understand that the process of learning isn’t about theoretical absorption alone, a practical application of that knowledge is also vital, and that is what we need  now.”

On how the university can improve,  he said:  “The school must ensure  students and graduates are known for something, and it begins when the school starts to deliberately inculcate  special culture and values in students.”

Lemboye Farouq Damilola, a 100-Level student of Law said the physical and learning process is preferable as the lecturers dispatch their tasks efficiently but the class buildings need to be renovated as they are not conducive enough for smooth learning.

“I believe conscious efforts towards extracurricular activities, improvement on sport facilities, changes in the CBT examination results for instance, the results of the last semester exams were all messed up and random scores were allocated with no hope of rectification, if all these are addressed,  it will give the institution an edge over others.”

He said the institution doesn’t seem like it’s already 40 years; meanwhile, if the suggested changes are effected, learning will be interesting.

Iretomiwa Fortunatus, a 100-Level student of Computer Science suggested that the current administration should provide more competent lecturers to ensure a better  learning structure.

He said:  “We need intentional lecturers. Also, the institution should provide more functioning and audible sound systems in the lecture rooms.”

Fortunatus said he heard stories of students who worked hard in their academics but were discouraged by unfulfilled promises. He, therefore, advised the current administration to endeavour to fulfill its promises.

A 200-Level student of Political Science, Abraham Bankole, said the current administration was trying, but students are not getting what they need.

“The current administration needs to look into those things that the students really need like transport, complaints on results produced by the ICT centre,among others,” he said.

Bankole called for a ‘democratic setting’  where students are able to give their opinions and complaints which must be addressed by the school management. If complaints are addressed, it will give the institution the strength to be ranked globally.”

Atiogbe Daniel, a 100-Level student of Mechanical Engineering said the institution can do better by eliminating some current issues like hike in transportation prices which has made some students to take small side jobs.

On the way forward, he said: “More lecture halls should be allocated and the time table should be adjusted to accommodate the large volume of students that offer particular courses.”

He said the school could look into other methods and tactics of learning, like incentive-based learning, active recall, among many others.

Stephen Ezekiel, a 300-Level student of Psychology said repositioning the institution  would require concerted efforts from the university leadership, faculty, students and stakeholders.

“Personally, some steps  the university could take includes enhancing academic excellence by improving the quality of its academic programmes, collaborating with industry and other universities, increasing internationalisation where students can study abroad, strengthening governance and management, investing more in infrastructure, leveraging technology, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Also, lecturers should be versed  in their area of specialty and student-lecturer relationship should be promoted across levels,” he said.

He also  mentioned some specific changes that the institution can apply to enhance its academic programmes and promote its global ranking. Some of which include: curriculum review, faculty development, research funding, student-centred approach to teaching and learning, technology integration and an efficient administration.

“For academic excellence, the institution should enhance academic programmes and support student success,” he added.

Adetunji Tofunmi Ezekiel, a 300-Level student of Law said the school was  making efforts to be among the best.

On how the school can make  learning and administration process better, he said: “I’ll say that we should do more physical classes than virtual. Also, the school should make sure that it’s lecturers are actually present and doing proper teaching.”

He stressed the deployment of conventional teaching methods like practicals which will surely improve  students.

Toyin Ayorinde, a 200-Level student of Social Studies Education said  more efforts should be made to prioritise all departments and avoiding discrimination.

She said:  “OOU should change some of its rules like the hair rule whereby females are not allowed to make any hair colour choice other than black. Also, departments should have a permanent hall for lecturers to avoid students moving from one hall to another. Finally, the school should monitor lecturers activities before paying salaries.”

Bolarinwa Abiodun Emmanuel, a 100-Level student of Accounting, said: “The institution should work on their medical officials whose manner of approach is nothing to write home about. Also, the CBT examination result compilation should be duly checked because students keep complaining of bad results. Transportation issues should also be addressed.”

Bolarinwa added that the school should create room for students’ creativity by providing quality workshops and projects for students.

Johnson Ebunoluwa Abisola, a 300-Level student of Law said that the school should  improve on technological facilities and more educational materials especially for the science students who do more research and field work.

“The school can as well do  better if there are positive changes in the academic calendar and proper monitoring of lecturers. Students should be given access to express themselves freely and proper training should be organised for lecturers as well,” she 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 consequences of magnitude proportion. 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 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 life.
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 life. 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 times.

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 life 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 want 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 life, 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.

Students are apprehensive of resumption after the elections as the cash crunch is yet to abate. ESTHER OGUNTUASE(AAUA) reports

With the  naira scarcity yet to subside, despite the ruling of the Supreme Court that old notes should co-exist with new ones as legal tender till December 31, 2023, students are disturbed at the prospect of resumption after the conclusion of elections last Saturday.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier postponed the resumption of all higher institutions to March 14 due to the scheduled date for the Presidential, Governorship, House of Representative, and State House of Assembly elections.

Owing to the postponement of the governorship  and State House of Assembly elections from March 11 to 18, some universities have announced a new resumption date for academic activities.

Students dread thinking of resumption now. Reason? Scarcity of naira persists. Sadly, bank networks are discouraging,while Point of Sales (POS) operators continue  to reap from the problem.

Apprehension on resumption sums up the mood of students

Emmanuel Anthony,  a 200-Level Economics student at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, decried  the inconvenience that the naira scarcity would bestow on students when they return to school.

According to him, it was a terrible  experience for him  last semester as he struggled to get cash from banks and Point of Sales (POS) terminals.

“The other day, I  had to borrow cash because the bank transfer wasn’t going through. Some students were in lecture rooms the other day before the end of the semester and couldn’t even think straight,” he said.

He noted  that the current cash crisis  would be detrimental to students’ retention and living conditions when they resume.

Mohammed Taoheed, a law student at Usmanu Danfodiyyo University Sokoto (UDUS), said resuming school during this period would leave a bitter taste in the mouth of  students because they need to purchase basic things.

He  also suggested that school management can assist  students by ensuring price regulation and  control within the campus so the skyrocketing prices of foodstuff can be in check.

Monyei Chukwueloka Daniel, a Civilaw student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said  students had to start the food ratio 0:0:1 while some were stranded in school due to the scarcity of the naira note.

“In school, banks have already installed many  Automated Teller Machines at different spots for students. If the school can liaise with these banks to put money in the machines and set N5,000 withdrawal limit by enforcing it with security personnel, it would go a long way in reducing the pain on students,” he said.

Adesida Taiwo, a fresh graduate of Political Science at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), said: “Being a student at this point isn’t an easy one. Not having enough naira at the host community POS terminals is worrisome. Returning to the same cash scarcity students left before going home for the election is far worse. I hope the CBN will make cash available to banks and also for banks to work on their network services,” he said.

He urged  school authorities to discuss with banks on campuses to improve their network services.

Henry Olufemi,  a student of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) said the scarcity of the naira notes has resulted in fraudulent activities which pose a lot of fear in marketers due to the “fake transfer” invented by  bad citizens.

“The naira is competing with the naira itself in the sense that I had to withdraw N10,000 with N3000. So the POS guy withdrew N10,000 from my account and gave me just N7,000 out of my money. What I needed to buy was even more than the actual money, now removing N3000; this was emotional damage,”  he said.

On the flipside, Olufemi said  the naira scarcity has taught him how to judiciously use his resources and save for the future.

A student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) Owo, Ondo State, who pleaded anonymity, also agreed that the recent development is an inhibitor to students’ movement and living conditions.

She bemoaned the sudden high charges on keted withdrawals by POS agents and the unstable network for bank transfers.

However, she remains hopeful that things will get better in the coming days.

Boluwatife Adedokun, a Mass Communication student at Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA, said:

“I went out the other day and instead of spending N200 to and fro for the bike, I begged the bike man to collect N500 just because I wanted to make a transfer, spending double the money. I was looking for where to withdraw but no POS attendant here could give me any cash. When we get to school, it won’t be an encouraging situation,” she said.

She urged the  government to handle the situation very well to ease the hardship on students and other citizens.

Another student, Adekunle Johnson, noted that the current naira crisis might stop  students from acquiring the necessary materials needed for their studies.

“The education system in Nigeria has always been stressful, so this is like adding fuel to fire. I hope  Student Unions will come up with policies that will be favourable to  students and market women as inflation is unavoidable. And most of these market women believe that every student is rich,” he said.

He suggested that schools  should assist students by discussing with the POS operators on campus to reduce charges on withdrawals.

For Zainab Adewale, a student of English at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, the situation should not be a hindrance to students when they resume as they could  adapt to the situation.

She said:  “My school semester calendar has been reviewed three times already due to one break or the other, even the students who are affected by the naira scarcity won’t pray they review the calendar again because they also want to resume to finish up their semesters and move into what’s next on the agenda, either to graduate or move  to  another session. Students are tired of going around the circle without moving into the next phase. So it is left for the students to know how they can joggle, endure this crisis  and find their way back to their campuses.”

Zulikha Olawale, a Microbiology student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said  students staying off-campus would face serious problems because of  fares as commercial drivers do not accept transfers.

She expressed her fears of resuming school without access to cash,saying  it would be a “terrible experience”.

Irawooluwa Akintunde, an Educational Management student at UNILAG said: “I went to the bank today and couldn’t even get the old note despite the announcement from the Central Bank and Supreme Court.”

She  said resuming school during this crisis would be stressful and many  students would also avoid classes due to the scarcity of the naira notes.

Lecturers react,proffer

solutions

A lecturer at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ekiti State, Benson Ojedayo, expressed his displeasure over the recent development, adding that it could be a hindrance to students returning to their campuses.

“Most of the individual transport companies don’t have a bank account and those who do might collect extra charges which is a big challenge and more burden for students,” he said.

He advised students to take care of themselves as adults and suggested that school authorities can assist students by controlling banks in their premises as well as shuttle buses between town and school.

Another lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Dr Umar Sani Bebeji, said  the situation which is a cash confiscation policy has taken a toll on all Nigerians.

“I am a witness to how difficult it was for students to get home as soon as the NUC and ABU gave the directive that universities should close. Some students had to board lorries and trailers to get back home,it  is very bad,” he said.

He added that due to the non-availability of cash despite the order from the CBN, arrangements should be put in place to assist students.

“The state could provide buses to students who are indigent so they can be transported to their schools. Banks should also prioritise accessibility of cash to students to facilitate their resumption, help the staff of universities and assist small businesses,” he said.

He suggested that schools can provide welfare and transport schemes as well as liaise with banks on their campuses.

He said  the Student Union of each university can also discuss with the transport unions of their respective states so students can be conveyed to their campuses without hassles.

Nevertheless, students look forward to a stress-free environment as well as improved living conditions.

• •Gov lauds move

By Fortune Amaechi

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has restored Medicine and Surgery to Abia State University (ABSU).

The   Vice Chancellor, Prof. Onyemachi Ogbulu,  said the NUC granted full accreditation to the course and others including,Nursing Science,  Optometry, Biochemistry, French, Sociology and  Business Education after the December 2022 accreditation exercise.

The institution was disallowed from offering Medicine and Surgery in 2021.

Meanwhile, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has expressed delight at the restoration of full accreditation of the course  in the institution  after it was withdrawn by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Ikpeazu was also happy that  the university scored 100 per cent  for the other six courses presented for accreditation.

He promised that the state government would  continue to support the university.

The governor congratulated the Governing Council, management and  the VC with professors at the various faculties for the feat.

He also congratulated students  who wish to study the course.

The VC thanked the governor for his ‘uncommon moral and financial support  in achieving the feat.He described him as a ‘consummate academic, cerebral administrator and scholar-in-governance’.

He also lauded the contributions of the Governing Council, management, Senate, staff and students.

By Peace Oladipo

Odunewu Femi Stephen  has made history as the first First Class graduate in the Mass Communication Department of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State.

Odunewu, who graduated  in February, this year, revealed his journey towards achieving this feat. He said  he began his 100-Level first semester with a 4.52 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA),  but dropped to 4.41. He ended his 200-Level with  4.40 and his 300-Level with 4.43.

However, in his 400-Level, he got 4.51, thus bagging a First Class.

Aside  his academics, Odunewu was involved in student politics, serving as vice president of his department in his 200-Level. He was also a member of the student union of journalists until his final year. In addition, he was into video editing and photography.

When asked about his feelings about being the first First Class graduate in his department, he  said he felt happy and blessed, giving all the glory to God. He said he was not the best but was privileged and attributed his success to God’s grace.

Aside from the school prize, Femi also won a monetary prize from the pioneer head of the department, Prof. Chika Asogwa.

When asked if he plans to work in the media, Femi stated that he was unsure at the moment, but his degree has prepared him well. He said his theoretical knowledge was different from practical knowledge, and the ability to use one’s knowledge to solve humanity’s problems is what matters most.

His  advice to undergraduates is to put God first and take every class, assignment, test, and other academic work seriously. He emphasised the importance of consistent reading, adding that reading should be an everyday activity for any serious student. He also urged  students not to be complacent about making progress and always strive to do better.

As  for his plans for the future, he stated that he would pursue his Master’s degree immediately after his youth service, and let God lead him on  to next path.

PRO University, a foreign institution, has intensified efforts to establish a pre-degree study programme for secondary school leavers, to study in universities overseas. It is also poised to help students get scholarships and internships  abroad.

PROU is a pre-degree institution, which started in Europe and has   branches in the United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Germany and Canada.

The institution launched its programme on Tuesday in Lagos at  an educational symposium.

The Chief Executive Officer, PROU Nigeria, Dr Piyush Jain, said the institution was  ready to include Nigeria as one of their locations, expressing satisfaction at  the attitude of a high proportion of Nigerians towards attaining educational qualifications.

“Two big problems we are solving: students, youths are confused  on what to do and when they  know what to do,they need guidance. We have free training for students and they get a digital certificate in courses like data analysis,web development and the likes.

The training  and internships can be used to get employment here or abroad. The only way for youths  unleash their potential is to train them and we are committed to that,” he said.

He said a distinctive quality that distinguishes PROU is the extent of engaging their students in internship programmes.

“We arrange internship for students to join companies, where they get involved in official activities of such companies. The internships help the students

complement the theories taught at the universities. At the completion of the internships, the students have added advantage. The experience gained puts them in good stead and a stronger platform to secure desirable employment in the future,” he added.

Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities in Nigeria, Prof. Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, hailed  PROU for  bringing its  innovation to benefit  school leavers in the country.

Adeyemo, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, said: “The Committee of Vice Chancellors and Registrars of Private Universities, though appreciative of the opportunities given Nigerian students to pursue degree programmes with scholarships by PROU, however, said we very much welcome and embrace the opportunities for postgraduate study in universities overseas.”

He  urged  school leavers, aspiring to enter universities, to take the opportunities offered by PROU, to prepare students in their post-secondary study programmes.

Global/Country Advisor of PROU Education, Nigeria, Alaka-Yusuf Owolabi, stressed the need for  ICT skill acquisition for   students during  internship. 

He hailed the institution for bringing its project to the country.

Alaka-Yusuf, who is also the General Secretary of the National Association Proprietors of  Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State, said ICT skills would help  students  when they are in need of employment.

He explained that training programmes on ICT could include practical skills development on areas that includes Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint, Statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS) and networking.