Category: Campus Life

In the realm of politics, leaders often emerge from diverse backgrounds, bringing with them unique perspectives and experiences that shape their approach to governance. One such leader is Stephen Osemwegie, whose journey from agriculture to politics has instilled in him a strong sense of leadership and a commitment to serving the people of Edo.

Born into a family with deep roots in agriculture, Stephen Osemwegie was exposed to the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. His family’s subsistence farming business in the Uhunwonde and Orhionmwon communities became their primary source of livelihood. Stephen learned the intricacies of farming and developed an appreciation for the land and its bounty. These formative years instilled in him a deep respect for the importance of agriculture as a means of sustenance and economic growth.

Stephen’s exposure to politics came through his father, Pa. Abusomwan Osemwegie JP, a grassroots politician who was actively involved in the then SDP (Social Democratic Party) and later the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party). From a young age, Stephen witnessed his father’s dedication to public service and his ability to connect with people. He observed the impact that effective leadership and mobilization could have on a community.

These early experiences in agriculture and politics played a pivotal role in shaping Stephen’s path. They laid the foundation for his journey into politics and governance, instilling in him the values of hard work, community engagement, and servant leadership. Stephen recognised that he had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people of Edo State, and he embraced that responsibility with determination and passion.

In 2005, Stephen Osemwegie took a significant step towards his political aspirations by gaining admission to the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka. Studying Geoinformatics and Surveying, he honed his leadership skills and demonstrated his commitment to serving his fellow students. From serving as the President of the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) UNN Chapter to becoming the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the nationwide student body, Stephen showcased his ability to mobilise and organise for a common cause.

During his time at the university, Stephen’s leadership abilities were recognized when he was appointed as the Welfare Director of the Enugu Campus’s caretaker committee. In this role, he was responsible for addressing the day-to-day needs of over 5000 students, working closely with other committee members and the Dean of Students Affairs. Stephen’s outstanding service was acknowledged with a Vice Chancellor Award, affirming his dedication to serving others and his commitment to excellence.

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Stephen Osemwegie’s academic achievements also opened doors for him in the professional world. He was recruited by an international aerospace company, thanks to his outstanding academic credentials and performance. His work as a GIS analyst and his involvement in state-wide aerial survey mapping demonstrated his expertise and his ability to contribute to large-scale projects.

Today, Stephen Osemwegie’s journey continues as he seeks to translate his leadership skills, his agricultural background, and his political experiences into meaningful change for the people of Edo. His vision encompasses safety, infrastructure development, human capital growth, and job creation. Stephen’s unique perspective, shaped by his early exposure to agriculture and politics, allows him to approach governance with a holistic understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people he aims to serve.

As Stephen Osemwegie embarks on his political journey, he remains committed to the principles of hard work, community engagement, and servant leadership that guided him from his humble beginnings. His deep-rooted connection to the land and his understanding of the importance of effective leadership will undoubtedly transform Edo as he looks forward to clinching the Labour Party (LP) ticket in the coming weeks.

By Peace Oladipo and Samuel Sodunke

Students and staff of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), have  celebrated  the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina on his second anniversary of assuming office.

The Governing Council of FUOYE announced the appointment of the professor of soil science as the new vice chancellor of the institution, two years ago.

Fasina succeeded Prof. Kayode Soromekun,who was the third  VC.

Students and staff hailed Fasina for his impact in the institution.

Elijah Kolawole, a student at the  Mechatronics Department, said: “Prof Fasina listens to students better. This might be because he’s spent most of his career in the “not-so-glorified” side of the campus(Ikole campus).

‘’He cares about Ikole students and for one time in our lives, we have someone who listens.”

Kenny Ayeni, a 100-Level student, said: “When it comes to academic management, I heard he is one the best strategists so far. Every examination is held on its respective due date and less delay is witnessed. This is one of the best since the inception of the school.”

Abiodun Priscilla, another student, said: “Right from the start, Prof. Fasina has proved to be a leader who understands the struggle of  students in FUOYE.’’

 He has repeatedly shown that the welfare of FUOYEITES is just as important as their scholarly well-being.

“FUOYE as a community can see all that you do to make her a conducive learning and grooming environment,  and as such we are blessed to have you.”

Soremekun Zainab Kikelomo, a student of Law, said: “Kudos to Prof. Fasina. He is very diligent, amiable, skillful, and has a good relationship with students in school. He has contributed to the success of the school academically, physically, psychologically, and financially.

 ‘’Therefore, we greet him for his second anniversary. We wish him more success.”

A staff member, Bamidele Eleniola of the Directorate of Corporate Services, described the VC as result-oriented. He praised him for projects on Ikole and Oye campuses.

“Going by developmental projects, the welfare  of students and staff, you can see that he is result-oriented.

“He provided a bus conveying staff us from Ado to Oye at a subsidised rate. This is to ease transportation of the staff.

“And another thing is industrial harmony between the management and the unions on campus. Also, our academic calendar has been smooth and the VC is core unionist, hence,  there is peace  on campus,” he said.

By Habeebullahi Olawale Cole

Do you work because you’re passionate or need money,  dear clerics?

 Nigeria is full of confused, moral and emotionally depraved religionists. Religion? Religion is a particular system of faith and worship. The term religion comes from both old French and Anglo Norman (1200 AD) and means respect for sense of right, moral obligation, sanity, what is sacred, reverence for the gods. Although, there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion. Different religions may or may not contain various elements ranging from the divine, sacredness, faith, and a supernatural being or beings. Moreover, trade  is  a particular instance of buying or selling.

There are estimated 10,000 distinct religions worldwide according to  research. Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion (ATR) account for 100 per cent  of Nigeria’ s population, 92 per cent of either follow one of those three religions while others are identified as nonreligious.

Every religion teaches its followers to choose right over wrong, good over evil, truth over lies and live a prosperous life with peace and harmony but to my greatest surprise most of the clergy preach “Thou Shalt not Steal”, but they don’t seem to be honest with their congregation’s money. Religion tends to teach us all the moral values that need to be learnt to live a  holy life.

 “Thou shalt not commit adultery or fornication”, but what do they do? They sleep with their members’ wives and members.

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In our society those  we call prophets/saints do not merit it. They are people who are just playing on people’s intelligence. Religion, sadly, has  been commercialised and many sins are being committed. Religion is now like a trade; everybody wakes up one day and establish his or her  own church or mosque. They call themselves saviours.

 Finally, religion tends to teach us the right path, therefore, it is important to abstain from sin.

 The house of God/Allah is a place to worship and adore not only His supremacy, but also His omnipotence. To those who think they can run the Lord’s house because of its funds, they should know that He won’t be really pleased with them. Be pure!

•Cole wrote in from Lagos State University (LASU).

The management of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, has hailed its former student Temilade Openiyi, stage-named Tems, for bagging a Grammy award.

She won the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to the hit song: “Wait for U” with Future and Drake.

The school described the award winner as very focused and hardworking. It  enjoined its students to emulate her and become great in life.

The management reiterated its commitment to encouraging students to  be the best.

In a statement,it said: “For the college, its year-long 25th Founder’s anniversary continues to be a season of winnings of awards, accolades, trophies and recognitions both locally and internationally. The school just emerged winner of the competition organised by the Centre for Black and African Arts Civilisation (CBAAC) where Maryam Abba came first in Poetry to clinch a trophy and N100,000 cash prize; Tolulope Doherty  came second  in Folklore with N80,000 cash prize; George Edegware, 2nd in Saxophone and N80,000 cash prize; Chibuikem Nwafor second position in Piano for an N80,000 cash prize and then a General School Performance award of N50,000.

“In the same vein, five of our students made the first Top 10 winners list in the 2022 Maritime Quiz in which more than 250 participants represented over 50 top schools.

“Few weeks ago, 15 of our students qualified for a $900,000 scholarship award at Clarkson University, New York,USA and also got recognised by the British Council for an award of Excellence,The International School Award.”

By Abike Sanusi

Theatre Arts students of Lagos State University of Education(LASUED), Otto- Ijanikin,Lagos State, have been urged to be professional at all times, be punctual at lectures and be committed  to attain greater heights in their chosen career.

This was during the institution’s maiden initiation/oath-taking ceremony for its pioneer degree undergraduate Theatre Arts  students on the main campus in Otto Ijanikin.

The well ceremony was graced by some notable veteran actors and actresses.

The session was co-conducted by Dr Tunji Sotimirin of the University of Lagos(UNILAG)  and Dr Joke Muyiwa of  Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

They enjoined the students to be committed to their studies to attain greater heights in their chosen career.

Chairman of the ceremony, Prof. Tunji Azeez congratulated the students on being among the pioneer students of the university.

He said the students were at the right place to acquire theatre  arts knowledge,adding that LASUED would offer them the opportunity to unleash the talent in them and maximise it to their full advantage.

Azeez lauded  the university for being excellent right from the period it was a College of Education and up till now that  the institution has transmuted to a university.

Oba Afolabi Momodu Ashafa, the Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom, represented by Chief Akanbi Isa Sanni, the Oosa of Ijanikin Kingdom, congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye on her recent pronouncement as the vice chancellor of the institution.

He also congratulated the  management on its transmutation, saying he was delighted with the performance of the theatre arts students.

According to him, the university had been a household name among tertiary institutions in the country. He  lauded the management for making the university one of the best in the country.

He urged parents and guardians to monitor and guide the activities of their children/wards against social vices.

Acting Dean, College of Humanities, Dr Femi Adedina thanked God and other  dignitaries for the success of  the ceremony. He said the college would continue to impact lives positively.

By Oluwatoyin Victoria Abolarin

As the lingering fuel scarcity is gradually abating across the country, it is a different ball game in Malete area of Kwara, as students of the Kwara State University(KWASU) are still bearing the brunt.

 While the fuel issue is abating in some areas, it is biting harder in Malete, as the students are always stranded at bus-stops while rushing for morning classes.

It was observed that there were only few buses at bus-stops to convey students to the campus.

It is disheartening to see students walking the long distance to their various faculties, tired, weary and worn out. To say they are fed up of the situation is to say the least as the development is not abating.

  What worsens the matter is the issue of shuttle card. The policy has been rendered useless as the drivers always demand cash before taking students to their destinations.

A 200-Level  student of Mass Communication, Henry Adewumi, who lamented the situation, said it had prevented him from attending lectures.

 “The buses are not enough to convey us to school and the fuel scarcity is another major problem. For instance, based on the development, fare has increased. From West end to Tarmac, we pay N100 instead of the usual N50,” he said.

   Similarly, a 100-Level student of the Department of Common Law, Adeyemi Richard, said: “I waited for two hours to board a shuttle bus to the school. As a new student, I would have been glad to be in the lecture room as early as possible, but there were few buses to convey us to school hence, we had to wait for a long time.

 “The school authority should please find a solution to alleviate the transportation challenge,” he said.

Also, a 300-Level student of Computer Science, who  gave his name as John, said: “It has been a bitter experience going through this condition. I hope the situation will be brought under control soon,” he said.

A student of Mass Communication, who pleaded anonymity, said the transportation challenge is not peculiar to the institution, but it is as a result of fuel scarcity in the country.       

  “As you are aware, the problem is not a domestic one, it is not peculiar to KWASU. It is as a result of the ongoing fuel crisis in the country. However, the management of the institution should put a number of measures in place to cushion the effect of transportation challenges on the students. ‘’

The management should intensify efforts on the building of more hostels to accommodate more students on campus. This will drastically reduce the number of students going outside the campus every day. The welfare of students is a priority of the management,” he said.

  He continued:   “We need the authority to look into this situation for us as it is really affecting the students a lot.There should be provision of more shuttles, the Student Union Government should look into this on behalf of the students, the idea of shuttle card should be revived to help the students lessen the stress of getting cash before boarding the school shuttle.

  “Various methods should be employed by the school to make sure that the students do not go through stress before getting to school.”

Students in tertiary institutions across the country are coping with learning despite the inability to study their early preferred courses. Some, for several reasons, were denied the opportunity to study their dream courses. However, they are finding career paths and developing passions for the latter courses. EMMANUEL OLUWADOLA (AAUA) reports.

The trend which seems to be increasing yearly has shown that students at institutions of higher learning end up studying or being given courses they do not intend to study while seeking  admission.

Unfortunately, some students’ predicament could be traced to parental influence and inability to meet up with some admission requirements such as schools’ cut-off marks, Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) grades, and O’level subject combination, among others.

Students  narrated their experiences, and how they have been coping with learning and developing desires in their recent courses.

Zainab Adewale, a 400-Level student of the English Department at Obafemi Awolowo University,(OAU), Ile Ife, said her childhood dream was to study Law but  she ended up studying Literature in English.

Her words: “I am not studying my choice of course. My childhood dream was to study Law but for some reasons, I changed to Mass Communication which still goes directly in line with my future career. But as fate would have it, I found myself in (OAU) where Mass Communication wasn’t offered as a course, and then I picked English. Unfortunately, I was given Literature in English as a course of study.”

“Well, I have grown to love the course over time. Though the career I have chosen does not require a specific course, it only requires skills and passion,” she said.

According to Olamide Oni, a 500-Level student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure(FUTA), Ondo State, her UTME cut-off mark hindered her from studying Pharmacy which she craved for. She said: “I wanted to study Pharmacy but I’m studying Ecotourism and Wildlife Management. I could not study my preferred course because I had a low UTME score of 213, which was not sufficient to study Pharmacy.

“With 213, I could not gain admission into my preferred university (OAU) because of the high competition. So, I changed to FUTA. I chose Biochemistry, but instead, I was offered Ecotourism and Wildlife Management and I had to accept it because I don’t want to spend an extra year at home or have to do UTME again.

“I am enjoying my course of study and I even prefer it to Pharmacy and Biochemistry, which I chose earlier. It made me love the study of wildlife, especially ecology and conservation. Through the exposure, I volunteered with several organisations that are into wildlife and environmental conservation. Indeed, I have found my career path in Ecotourism and Wildlife Management,” she said.

Similarly, Afelumo Victor, a student of Criminology and Security Studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko(AAUA),   said his UTME score and post-UTME result deprived him of the opportunity to study Law – his dream course.

His words: “The course I had a passion for was Law. I have respect for human rights and all. I like Law because of how people talk about it, but I’m studying Criminology. In my first admission, I had 60 per cent in the post-UTME instead of the 70 per cent needed for Law. Also, my UTME score wasn’t enough for me to gain admission into the department.

“But I have been coping. Even these days, I love Criminology more than Law. At first, my passion for Law started with the influence of my parents and others. But since I accepted Criminology, it has been interesting and God has been helping me because I’ve found a career path in it,” he said.

For Adebayo Similoluwa, a 200-Level student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), her ambition was to study Law, but her mum convinced her to go for Mass Communication.

She said: “I could say my mum stopped me from studying Law for reasons best known to her. She thought that that might not be the best option for me. And I like Law because it has always been on my mind. It was what I wanted to study? Then a man said since you can’t study Law, why not go for Mass Communication? I did my research and admitted that if Law isn’t going to be put through, I feel Mass Comm. should.

“Well, funny enough, I have been coping well. Honestly, I am grateful that I chose Mass Communication. I felt like if I had gone for Law, maybe in the long run, I would have been tired by now, although I didn’t try it. But then, I am enjoying Mass Communication, not that it doesn’t have its downs, all departments have their downs, but it has been good and cool for me all the way.”

She further said: “I must say God does work in mysterious ways. There are times and unfair situations could later turn out to be a good thing. I developed an interest in this course because I was given more to watch a lot of TV shows, movies, and programmes. I became more intentional.Through research, I discovered that there were a lot of careers in Mass Comm that I can explore like broadcasting, Cinematography, and so on.

“I was delighted. This is nice. It increases my interest in broadcasting. Who doesn’t want to be informed, educated with a lot of fun? The joy is that there are a lot of sequences in Mass Comm. that I can explore. Apart from loving broadcasting, I’m taking an online course on Public Relations and I love it as well.”

Also, Popoola Oluwafunmilayo, a 300-Level studying Guidance and Counselling, student, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), said: “I had a preference for Economics, but I’m studying Guidance and Counselling. In my UTME selected subjects, I was wrong about the school requirements. Nevertheless, I believe I have found purpose with the Guidance and Counselling course I was given.

“I am driven by purpose and I find this course thrilling. Although the course is not that valued in this country, I hope to make Guidance and Counselling work in Nigeria,” she said.

Akintulubo Precious Oreoluwa, a 200-Level student, Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU), Ogun State, said her desire was to study Mass Communication but her school’s  admission process made her change.

“I applied for admission via the Direct Entry to study Mass Communication, but I was given Social Studies Education. It was the school admission process, I guess. As a Direct Entry student who studied a different course (Mass Communication), it’s kind of difficult because I will have to make extra efforts to study the basics of the new course at  200-Level.

“I had to develop interest in the course because it aligned with the career I chose. It helped me understand more social issues related to the course. Meanwhile, I already found a career path in the course while at school because it lightened up my current career path which is Journalism, Content creation and Leadership,” she said.

A  Law student at Elizade University, Ilara, Ondo State, who pleaded anonymity, said: “I had a preference for Mass Communication, but I’m studying Law. My parents prefer Law because I have always said I wanted to study it. So, they thought the sudden change of mind was a result of peer pressure.

 “I’m yet to develop an interest and I don’t intend to find a career path in it (Law). I’ve been coping with God’s help. Most times, I don’t know what I write. I just write my best and so far I’ve been passing,” she said.

However, Samuel Eshanokpe’s experience seems a little different from others. He had made two attempts at the UTME, but he couldn’t get admission.

Though he succeeded in the third one with a high score of 287, he was denied admission to his preferred course: Medicine. He had to unwillingly accept Agriculture offered him by the University of Benin. Despite the change of the course, Samuel, who is in his third year, said: “I am enjoying the course.’’

Lecturers react

 A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, AAUA, Mr. Lamidi Ishola, said students who experienced this situation should put their minds in the new course and make something good out of it rather than giving up or remaining sad.

His words: “In such a scenario, what such a student needs to do is re-orientate  his mind towards the new course he has been given. If you don’t have passion for what you’re doing, definitely you will lose interest and you may not give it your best. If I find myself in such a situation, I will re-orientate myself towards the course and believe that I can make something good out of it.

“At least, we have a former Governor in Ondo State, who was a medical doctor and then later became a politician of note. If he had not developed or had a passion for politics, he would not have become a governor. So, passion matters in whatever one does. It’s just a matter of accepting what destiny has dropped on his or her laps and trying to make a good career out of such a profession or field as the case may be.”

He advised students to accept what destiny puts on their laps and not accept defeat. He said they must have passion and deep interest to become successful no matter what they end up studying at  institutions of higher learning.

“We have seen cases of someone who studied engineering, but ended up becoming a banker. An example of a Yoruba actor, Kunle Afolayan, though he didn’t study Performing Arts along the line, re-orientated his mind towards the movie industry and he’s doing very well. Man proposes, God disposes, that should be their mindset. They should not accept defeat, there is a purpose for everything.

“That purpose is what such students should work towards in ensuring that such a situation turns around for the individual’s betterment. My wife, for instance, studied Science. Because her admission was denied at the University of Ibadan, they said because of her score, she couldn’t study Chemistry at the Master’s level. Right there on my own, I chose another course (Education Management) for her and she’s doing well and thanking God she took such a step. Today, she’s a lecturer at Adeyemi Federal University of Education,” he said.

Another lecturer at FUTA, Mr. Sunday Oladipo Oladeji said: “These  students, I mean those who are not studying their preferred courses should search for available opportunities in the areas of the course given to them. How does the course fit into the global trends in terms of addressing challenges confronting the world? They should take their academic work seriously combined with other extracurricular activities that are available.’’

Tunde Kushimo, a Physics PhD. student conducting research on Quantum Computing Education in the United States has shared on the importance of advancing Quantum Computing Education in Nigeria.

Quantum Information Science (Quantum Computing) is a captivating field with broad implications for theoretical and experimental mathematical and physical sciences. 

It introduces a new language to describe the workings of nature and inspires fresh perspectives on various scientific and theoretical questions. one of the highly anticipated developments in Quantum Information Science engineering is the creation of fault-tolerant quantum computers. 

Several countries around the world recognize the transformative power of quantum technologies and are actively investing in research, education, workforce development, and infrastructure to gain a competitive edge. Nigeria has always been at the forefront of embracing emerging technologies, and quantum information science should be no exception.

The past century has witnessed significant intellectual advancements in quantum physics, information science, and computer science. These advancements have transformed various sectors and industries. Now, an exciting synthesis of these fields is emerging, as quantum physics provides a more comprehensive model for computing. 

As quantum computing continues to advance, embracing this technology in Nigeria is very important as it can unlock new possibilities for scientific research, healthcare, finance, and more. By leveraging some open-source learning and research resources like the IBM Qiskit, Nigerians can position themselves at the forefront of this technological revolution and contribute to the growth and development of quantum computing on a global scale. At this time, it is crucial for Nigeria to incorporate quantum computing education across all levels of its education system, equipping its students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this transformative field. By introducing quantum computing education and investing in it, Nigeria can position itself as a hub for quantum innovation and empower its youth for the future of technology.

At the primary and secondary levels of education, integrating quantum concepts into science and mathematics curricula can pique students’ curiosity and lay a strong foundation for quantum literacy. 

This can also be achieved via extracurricular activities like the student clubs. As students progress to higher education institutions, universities and technical colleges play a crucial role in nurturing quantum talents. It is vital to offer dedicated quantum courses, research programs, and interdisciplinary collaborations that blend computer science, physics, and mathematics. 

To accomplish this, partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise. Additionally, by leveraging online platforms, and open-access resources, educators can enhance their knowledge and teaching methodologies, ensuring that students receive the highest quality quantum education. 

One of such many available open-access resources is the IBM Qiskit. IBM Qiskit is an open-source quantum computing framework that provides a comprehensive suite of tools and libraries to facilitate the learning, development, exploration, and execution of quantum algorithms and applications. It provides the necessary resources and makes it accessible for individuals to get started with quantum computing (check this link for more information https://qiskit.org/).

By incorporating quantum computing education across all levels of education, Nigeria can develop a skilled quantum workforce that embraces the future of technology. University graduates with strong foundation in quantum computing will have a competitive edge in the global job market, as industries worldwide seek professionals capable of harnessing the potential of quantum technologies. 

Nigeria will not only shape its own destiny, that of its citizens, but also contribute significantly to the global quantum revolution.

By Caleb Ijioma

A 300-Level student of Crop and Environmental Protection, Ladoke University of Science and Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso,  Mary Nwake, has published a book to address some of these challenges and proffer solutions.

The book entitled: Blooming Rose was  launched at the Bishop Richard Finn Resource Centre,  Jericho G.R.A, Eleyele, Ibadan.

It speaks about the sojourn of an average African youth  on a path to self discovery, educational success, financial breakthrough and finding a life partner.

Nwake noted  that the 105-page book was written to reach out to everyone having a tough time  and  struggling as a student.

“I wrote ‘Blooming Rose’ to reach out to people who are struggling to find themselves, facing challenges financially and are in search of a life partner.  When I walk into a Nigerian institution,  I find that many students struggle to fund themselves through school.

“When you decide to ask or listen to them, you find that they  have touching background stories, ranging from being an orphan, family going bankrupt, poor financial background and so on. Due to frustration and desperate need to change their situation, many have resulted to doing drugs, attempting suicide, sex for sale, cybercrime, etcetera.”

She urged students to make  efforts to develop themselves despite life’s challenges.