The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Success should be students’ watchword

    Success is the expectation of every determined and industrious man. One of the famous quotes of Michael Jordan is: “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career, I have lost almost 300 games in 26 times, I have been trusted to take the winning shot and I have failed over and over again in life and that is why I succeed.”

    A progress in life takes a steady heart and committed soul to achieve. Pastor William Kumuyi said: “Failure occurs at every stage of life; failing is not the issue but what one does with it.”

    This expression should remind us that life is full of miseries. Things happen inexplicably to man, which bring out their true character, understanding and ways of dealing with problems.

    Although race, language, culture and religion can shape the habit of man and how much endurance in he can muster in the face of challenges. In life, the difference between success and failure is doing the right thing at the right time and hoping that one day one will be rewarded for his efforts.

    People of this present generation always fear to fail not minding that failure can be a stepping stone for greatness. It can build up the courage, strength and determination to reach the zenith that people ever desire in life. One must not fear failure but to be afraid in losing totally in a game.

    Why does beginner or novice need to be afraid in losing a game to the competent, professional and expert? I think people should cure their mind with aforementioned words of wisdom of Pastor Kumuyi and Michael Jordon. People we call great leaders may have initially failed at stage in their lives but then, they would have retraced their steps from failure by the words of wisdom of those who have won.

    The likes of Prof Wole Soyinka could have encountered various challenges but despite the problems, he still became the first Nobel Laureate in Literature on African continent. Marie Curie became the first female Noble Laureate in Physics in 1903 due to her determination to surmount every challenge in life.

    Some students try to avoid failure but they never prepare to overcome the challenges. I wondered how students preparing for a crucial examination want to be successful through cheating.

    In tertiary institution, there is popular saying among girls that “use what you have to get what you want”. In doing so, girls engage in all forms of bad acts including sacrificing their bodies just to get C grade. Male students, who do not want to use their heads to think, bribe lecturers with money and gifts. But these people don’t know they are only fooling themselves. Why did they not graduate with First Class since they can use what they have to get what they want?

    Students want to pass, to have good grade but never read their books. How does it possible to get good grades by being unserious. Failure is now limited on campus because students have deviated from their primary aims of being on the campus.

    Dave Roberson said: “Getting off the starting block, then improve your position and also the greatest test of courage is to bear defeat without losing heart”. This quote can redeem the steps a man on the verge of failure back to consciousness and stand up to any difficulty. Success is the main purpose of our being. We must endure and learn through harsh conditions. Everybody wants to embrace and accept success but nobody wants failure.

    When you believe, certainly you will surely see the real success. Winston Churchill said: “Success outshines failure; making the story difference at the early stage in order to bring out the success within you and never thinking of giving up”. People should believe in themselves and work harder to achieve their goal because anything successful is never achieved through an easy means.

     

    Olushola, 300-Level Agriculture, UNILORIN

     

  • Three deaths in three weeks

    ALL was silent at the faculties of Law and Social Science of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State capital, last week. The silence was caused by the death of three students, two in final year and one in post graduate school.

    In hushed tones, students discussed the tragedy in groups.

    They were still in that mood when a procession of students emerged from nowhere, singing dirges for yet another, who was said to be a final year student in the Faculty of Management.

    Before the first semester break, Adaobi Chukwuma Chukwukelue, was a final year student of Law. According to her course mates, she was friendly and was looking forward to the day she would graduate.

    Three weeks ago, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, Adaobi, 500-Level Law, who was pregnant with her first child, was taken to a restaurant by her husband for relaxation. At the restaurant, she asked to use the restroom. When she did not return on time, her husband went to see what was happening. He was said to have knocked on the door several times without response. When the door was forced open, Adaobi was found on the floor, unconscious. As efforts were being made to take her to the hospital, she reportedly died.

    The other final year student, Uchenna Michael Ejionye, was said to be a sickler. He became ill after the first semester examination. He was in 400-Level Public Administration. His close friends said he looked forward to resuming for the second semester but Michael did not resume with his friends. He died after a battle with an undisclosed ailment.

    All he left for his friends and classmates are memories of how nice he was. However, according to the class governor, Emmanuel Okon, Michael fought hard but eventually lost the battle to the cold hands of death.

    Mohammed Nasiru, a post-graduate student in the Department of Mass Communication, was preparing to defend his thesis last Monday. Our correspondent gathered that Nasiru traversed Auchi, Edo State and Awka for lectures. Sources said the deceased may have died as a result of accumulated stress.

    CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the three deaths occurred within three weeks. Some students who spoke to our correspondent said such bad news always happens in the second semester. An anonymous student said: “These deaths mostly happen among the final year students. I don’t know what is wrong. It is really sad.”

    Expressing their grief, students of the affected departments wore black clothes and went from one faculty to another, chanting dirges.

    Some of them spoke to CAMPUSLIFE. Chinelo Akorah, 500-Level Law, said: “The joy of admission into a higher institution is one that should be for life. Every one of us thought of going to school, graduate with good results and get work to make money. But when this kind of death comes, it disrupts plans, shattering the hope of loved ones, robbing parents of the benefits of investment. The death of final year students is disheartening.”

    Another final year student in the Department of Public Administration, who craved anonymity, said: “I think we need serious prayers and divine intervention, because it is only God that can save us from untimely death. We share in the grief of the families of the deceased and we pray God to stop this sad news on the campus.”

    The remains of the deceased have since been interred.

     

     

     

  • Bank vehicle kills student

    Bank vehicle kills student

    The University of Ibadan (UI) community was, last Monday, thrown into mourning when the driver of a new generation bank crushed one of the institution’s students.

    Deborah Asha Odunayo, 200-Level Guidance and Counselling, left the campus after reading in preparation for her next exam.

    The university is conducting its first semester examination.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the late Deborah was crushed by the vehicle as she tried to cross the Ojoo road to buy some food items.

    Our correspodents learnt that the late student was immediately rushed her to a hospital but gave up the ghost a few hours later.

    This incident shocked students when the news hit the campus. According to the deceased’s close friend, Hiqmat Abdulsalam, Deborah left the campus to buy food stuffs after she wrote her first paper but she was hit by the vehicle while she was trying to buy the items. Hiqmat said she was yet to believe her close friend was dead.

    Yomi Alli, 200-Level Political Science and the late Deborah’s secondary school classmate at International School Ibadan, described the deceased as easygoing. He added she would be greatly missed.

    Fadekemi Folarin, 100-Level Guidance and Counselling, said the late Deborah never looked down on people, which was why she moved close to the deceased.

    The late Deborah, 20, was said to be dreaming to become a Public Relations consultant.

  • Their struggle for survival

    Their struggle for survival

    They are preparing for life after school so that they won’t have to search for non-existing jobs after graduation. They are combining their academic pursuit with low-income vocations to pay their bills. There are many of such students at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    To them, there is no compromise in the struggle for survival. On campus, they are merchants. Their colleagues and lecturers patronise them. In most cases, their products are cheap and they are appreciated for their expertise and quick delivery.

    Often times, their roommates and classmates help them to serve their customers. For the traders among them, they always pray for lecture-free periods to enable them trade. When they are not attending lectures, they are busy attending to their customers.

    For those engaged in craftwork, their weekends are busy. They go to the market to buy materials to carry out their job. Often times, these students face threats of ejection by the hall management because they use their hostels as business centres.

    Busayo Idowu is in her final year in the Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Education. She is gradually becoming popular on campus as a tailor. One of her customers told CAMPUSLIFE she “is blessed with a huge sense of fashion”.

    Though her shop is not on the campus, Busayo, the manager of Treasure House Couture, cuts and designs clothes in her average-sized room in Mayfair area of Ile-Ife, the university’s host community.

    Busayo said she learnt the trade while seeking admission into higher institution.

    “When I did not gain admission on time, I decided to learn tailoring. I didn’t want to just sit down at home doing nothing. I was trained not to depend on others for survival but to create wealth and put smiles on the faces of people,” she said.

    She added that since she started her business, she has relieved her parents of the burden of paying her school fees.

    On her tricks, Busayo said studying the environment, knowing what the people wanted was the zeal that made her business to grow.

    She said: “I have always loved dresses, and, as much as I could, I appreciate people who wear appropriate combination and have a good dress sense. I see the campus as a community, a market, a breeding ground and a starting point to showcase my expertise.

    “Making clothes for my colleagues, who are my customers, has its advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes, some of them will praise me and even add extra on the charges. Others make insulting remarks because I simply know how to sew. I have taken every one of them as a customer because I don’t want to lose their patronage.”

    Despite his tight schedule as a paramedical student, Bosun Fadeyibi, a final year student of Medical Rehabilitation, is a barber. He started his business in 2009 when he was admitted into the school. Later, he ventured into laundry services to increase his customer base.

    Bosun said he learnt the trade from a secondary school mate and a retired soldier.

    At the time the businesses started taking more of his time, his younger brother, Tolulope, gained admission to study Demography and Social Statistics in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Tolulope joined his brother in managing the enterprise.

    He told CAMPUSLIFE: “I have been learning how to do business since my childhood days. My dad entrusted over 500 poultry birds in my care. He told me that there is dignity in labour, and this gives me the passion to continue to struggle to make a living through my handiwork.”

    Bosun, who runs his businesses from Fajuyi Hall, said none of his customers had made any derogatory remark about him, he stated.

    He said: “As people see my business as menial, it sustains me and I have achieved something tangible through it. I don’t feel embarrassed cutting hair and washing the clothes of my fellow students. I am always happy when I see my work on people.”

    Bosun admitted that combining business with academics had been an Herculean task, but he said it was a burden he must bear because he is looking beyond the campus.

    Mending shoes and bags for students sustains Ayodeji Obisesan. The 300-Level Economics Education student, who operates in Awolowo Hall, started his shoe-making business in his first year. He is patronised by students and members of the staff.

    Does he feel embarrassed when his colleagues call him a cobbler? Ayodeji answered: “How can I feel embarrassed when I need their ‘insults’ to grow my business? I am a business man who needs money. I don’t trouble my parents for stipends and school fees. I am making some money by sewing leather materials for students and staff. But this does not affect my studies.”

    Will he look for a white-collar job after graduation, Ayodeji said he was planning to grow his business and be self-reliant.

     

     

  • Campus journalism at poly

    Campus journalism at poly

    The National Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ) has inaugurated a new chapter at the Delta State Polytechnic (DSP), Ogwashi-Uku.

    At a ceremony in the institution’s Open Pavilion, the executive of the union was presented to students.

    At the event were the Librarian, Mr Azino Akpokurerie, and NUCJ national president Emmanuel Ahanonu.

    In a lecture titled Editorial: Who does what to copy, Unimke Ipong, said there was a need for division of editorial tasks among campus journalists to ensure effectiveness.

    Delivering a lecture on Ethics in campus journalism and the power of the pen, Esther Etuke, a member of NUCJ, said there was the need for uniformity of purpose in all branches of the union.

    Akpokurerie advised the student-journalists to imbibe simplicity in their reporting. He said: “The language of news writing is clear, concise, simple, precise, accurate, objective and fair. It is detailed, yet not verbose. It is devoid of the writer’s opinion and insinuations. It tells the story as it is, as it happened and not as the reporter thinks it should have happened.”

    He warned that the culture of “brown envelope” should not be encouraged among campus writers.

    The programme featured an interactive session during which answers were given to questions.

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the polytechnic, Manfred Oyibogbeye, and Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Mr Frank Ikeji, said the management would give the union the support needed to flourish.

  • Students, teachers trade words over exam

    Students, teachers trade words over exam

    After examination, students tell tales of how they tackled the questions. When the results are released, the tales continue, depending on whether the majority are successful or not.

    At the University of Calabar (UNICAL), there are students who do not read or attend lectures but prefer to go to parties. Such students are seen on campus during examination. When the results do not favour them, they cited various reasons ranging from strict invigilation to lecturers’ lateness to class and complicated course outline for their failure.

    Lecturers complain that students don’t start studying until examination is around the corner. They wondered how students would prepare for exam two weeks before it starts and expect to pass all the courses. When examination gets closer, the school library and classrooms are packed with students. Yet, students still fail exams.

    Some students who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE said lecturers contributed to their failure. They complained that lecturers do not start their lecture until two or three weeks to examination.

    John Ngam (not real name), a student of the Faculty of Allied Medical Science, UNICAL, said: “Two weeks to our exams, that is when lecturers come with photocopies of materials with diagrams for us to study for exams. In such situation, we are left with no choice but to burn their mid-night candle in order to get acquainted with the materials given to us. We study the materials aggressively but how many of us understandd the scope?”

    A Radiography student, who identified herself as Tracy, said: “After the August 2011 riot, semesters have been unnecessarily short but students are expected to attend all lectures without giving us break to adequately prepare for exams. This makes some of us to resort to cramming of formulas and equations that could have been learnt with ease. And when one crams to write exam, one hardly remembers anything in the examination hall. I will urge the management to look into our curriculum and see if they can reduce the work load. Many of us can no longer bear it.”

    In anger, a 500-Level student of Radiography, who did not say his name, said he and some students were delayed in writing examination because they did not submit their class admit card. “The invigilators told us to wait outside. We waited for about an hour before they later called us in. A few minutes after, we were asked to submit the answer booklets. How do they want us to pass the exam is such manner?” he said.

    There is no reason for students to start reading at the beginning of semesters, said a student of the Faculty of Management Sciences, who simply identified himself as Emmanuel. “At this period, the course outline will still be in progress. So how do we read a topic we have not been taught?” he wondered.

    A 500-Level Law student, Jessica, said the management should borrow a leaf from institutions such as University of Benin (UNIBEN) where students were given three to four weeks to prepare for semester examination. She said: “Here, we given two weeks, which is not regular, to prepare for eight to 10 courses. Last session, there was a paper which students failed woefully. We did not prepare because there was no time to do so. This was why the Dean of Law faculty ordered that the exam should be retaken.”

    A student of the department of Political Science told CAMPUSLIFE, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “I no longer understand what is going on in my department; it seems Political Science department is the toughest in UNICAL. The lecturers are too strict and many students are complaining. We need management to come to our aid.”

    A student, who is known on campus as Jackson, said students should be blamed for failure in examination. He said laziness made students to pile up work until examination caught up with them. “What students are supposes to learn in three months, they will abandon it and engage themselves in unproductive things. When the exam comes, they will race against time to read for ten courses in two weeks. Some of them will cram and still mess up at the end,” he said.

     

  • Students urged to target excellence

    Students urged to target excellence

    Former Vice-Chairman of Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Pastor Joseph Adeniran has urged students to aim for excellence.

    He was addressing students of McPherson University, Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State, during the maiden Students’ Week.

    Adeniran, a journalist, said Nigeria remained backward because excellence had been sacrificed for mediocrity. In his presentation entitled: Excellence: The relationship matrix, he said excellence could be achieved by devotion to study, stressing that students must be the driver of their destiny.

    “You can become an expert in anything you can devote 10,000 hours of practise to. The 10,000 hours are a great wand for expertise, greatness and excellence,” he added, urging them to be leading lights as pioneer students of the faith-based university by sticking to excellence and doing a common thing in an uncommon way.

    He, however, cautioned the students against vices that may terminate their academic pursuit.

    Other speakers at the event included the university Chaplain, Reverend Ezekiel Abikoye; Deacon Bisi Afolabi and Dr Abikoye Aderounmu.

    Afolabi spoke on Academic excellence: Pathway to greatness while Aderounmu lectured the students on You and your health.

    Elijah Fadare, 100-Level Accountancy, said the Week was impactful. His colleague from the department of History and Diplomatic Studies described the programme as worthwhile.

     

  • ‘Nigeria needs good music to develop’

    How did you discover your musical talent?

    Since my childhood, I’ve loved music. I listened to all kinds of music. So, I maintained the tempo as I grew up but never knew I would be a musician.

    You mix Yoruba, pidgin and English in your songs. What genre would you describe your kind of music?

    I won’t say my songs belong to a particular genre. But mixing all languages is what creativity is all about. It is my goal that my music will reach as many people as possible, through different styles and, of course, diverse languages. Each dialect I use is a message to the people that speak it.

    You have done a couple of songs, which have not been waxed into an album. When do you plan to release your first album?

    My debut single is titled Ojo Ife, which translated in English means Love Rain. It is rocking the airwaves. On the album, well, I have not signed on yet to any record label. To me, this is because releasing an album is not the most important thing. Passing my message across to people is what gives me joy. I am focused doing what I am born to do. I conduct my musical affairs with my Correct Music Crew, which comprises artistes such as CSB, my younger brother, Crown, Holy Josh and our producer, Waxy Wax.

    Has there been any time you considered quitting music, perhaps because of frustration?

    There have been challenges, every now and then. However, it has never crossed my mind to quit because music is what I love to do without much effort.

    Who do you look up to?

    I have so many of them, but I will mention a few. I love and listen to Tupac, Robert Kelly, King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. I wish to surpass them.

    Do you think music is playing any role in societal development?

    Music is food for the soul and the soul is the seat of thoughts and imagination. Hence, nothing affects the society like the media and music. I am of the opinion that a good artiste must find a way to balance his music. Just as we require a balanced diet for body growth, our nation needs good music to surmount its challenges. The artiste must entertain, educate and inspire his audience. If musicians would chart a course to deliberately promote good characters and attitudes, then we are on track to changing our world, which would in turn shape our country into one of our dream.

    Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

    I want to look back to today and smile after I would have achieved my desire to be one of the greatest musicians of all times. Of course, if we ask the likes of D’banj, MI or Whizkid what they had dreamed to be, none of them would say he never wanted to be a star artiste. So, in 10 years, by the grace of God and support from music lovers, I would have become an international artiste of great repute. I also hope to be a major donor to charities and orphanages.

  • Leaders for campus journalists

    Leaders for campus journalists

    The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, chapter of the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) has inaugurated its leaders.

    The event, held at the Biological Sciences lecture theatre, was attended by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr Paul Ogidi, outgoing president of the ACJ, Samuel Adegbola; his deputy, Faizah Somide and other key officials of the body.

    The CSO, represented by Mr Funminiyi Adegboyega, said members of the ACJ had always demonstrated good character and a strong support for students’ welfare. He charged the incoming leaders to be f objective and transparent in the discharge of duties.

    Giving an account of his stewardship, Samuel said what stopped his administration from overcoming some challenges was the people’s predilection for scoring cheap points.

    “Our administration organised several events such as the July 10 remembrance, maiden International Campus Journalists Conference and ACJ awards, among others,” he said.

    Samuel advised the incoming leaders to take the organisation to greater heights. The officials took the oath and pledged allegiance to the union.

    The president, Aderemi Ojekunle, described the inauguration as a new chapter in the annals of campus journalism. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the spirit of oneness by involving every member in the handling of the affairs of the body. He said his administration would take members on tour to reputable media houses. He listed his programmes to include internship, job opportunities and international conference, among others.

    Other officers are Omolola Okediji, vice-president; Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, general secretary; Sadiq Fatai, chairman, Guild of Editors; Johnson Ogunleye, public relations officer; Adekolawole Longe, treasurer and Tosin Alawode, financial secretary.

     

  • Cultural display at its best

    Cultural display at its best

    It was threatening to rain as students got ready for the event. As they moved out of their hostels, it started drizzling; but they were undeterred. Soon, the campus was literally enveloped in various cultural attires.

    It was the Nativity Night, a cultural fiesta held yearly by the Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF) of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) chapter.

    The students trooped en masse to the Ecumenical Centre, the venue of the event.

    The fiesta brings students from all ethnic backgrounds under one umbrella to celebrate their cultures. Students from every ethnic group on campus come together as one.

    Participants were dressed in their cultural attires. The Yoruba cultural representatives were beautifully dressed in aso ofi, agbada with abeti aja caps to match. The Igbo representatives sparkled in their Ankara robes and beads, clutching walking sticks. The Arewa students shone in their Babanriga while the Ijaws wore their hats majestically.

    Each group carried its cultural elements such as beads, calabashes, baskets and tubers of yam.

    The students moved round the campus before converging at the exhibition venue. As they settled for the programme, the drama group of the RCF performed a play, which reflected the need for unity, peace and love among the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

    The event was made interesting by the sharing of native foods prepared by each ethnic group among the students. According to one of the students, the event was to celebrate Nigeria and not a particular ethnic nationality.

    The occasion began with a cultural exhibition. The audience was entertained by cultural display from various ethnic groups including Arewa, Tiv, Idoma, Igbo, Ijaw, Calabar, Yoruba and Itsekiri among others.

    A participant, Deborah Moses, said: “This event has added value to my life by helping me learn how to relate with people of different cultural backgrounds. I have eaten three traditional food from three ethnic groups. This really shows that what we need in this country is love and unity. Why should we be fighting ourselves; we are all people from the same root.”

    There were also performances of native songs, dances and pageantry. The guest artiste at the event, Adams Amik, sang various songs in different languages. Students were thrilled as they went wild with applause. The artiste encouraged the students to maximise their potentials and see Nigeria as one nation.

    The RCF president, Patrick Bethel, an Igbo student, said: “The purpose of the event is to foster unity irrespective of our cultural background. As you can see, all ethnic groups represented here today are allowed to display their heritage. I want to encourage the youths to discover their uniqueness and be a blessing to others.”

    He said despite the disappointment encountered, the event was a success because of the students’ determination. Patrick also conveyed the message of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to the students.

    A Hausa student, who could not conceal his excitement during the Arewa cultural display, said: “I am very happy today. I feel at home. I interacted freely and saw how other different ethnic groups celebrate their culture.”