The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Abia students hold press conference

    Abia State students under the banner of National Association of Abia State Students (NAASS) have briefed reporters on issues affecting them and the security of the state.

    The briefing was held at the press centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Umuahia, the state capital. The NUJ chairman in the state, Mr Hyacinth Okoli, thanked the students for identifying with the press.

    Okoli challenged students to restore the glory of education in the state, urging them to shun violence and embrace negotiation as the best tool for agitation.

    At the press briefing, the NAASS national president, Jude Ezeibe, noted that the essence of the conference was to redeem the image of students following the rumours that politicians were using students to disrupt peace in the state.

    Jude said: “It has come to our notice that students are being used by some politicians to cause mayhem in some parts of the state. We want to state it categorically that we are students with dignity and character. We cannot be bought over by any proponent of chaos or their agents. We are not political but we are a pro-development group.

    “Our goal is to make sure that the interests of Abia students are protected. We encourage the performing government and suggest ways the performance can be sustained.”

    The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Theodore Orji on Students’ Matter, Mr Christian Afulike, stated that the governor would continue to partner with students to ensure peace.

    Former president of National Association of South East Nigerian Students (NASENS), Kingsley Lawrence, urged the students to support the governor to develop the state.

  • Mass Comm. gets woman president

    The National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMACOS), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter, has elected Omodunni Alero as the first woman president of the department. She is in 400-Level Public Relations and Advertising.

    During the election, Omodunni polled 47 votes to defeat her two male opponents, James Olupona and Sunday Owoeye, who got 32 and 14 votes respectively. The election was held at the Mass Communication Relaxation Centre.

    Announcing the results of the election, the chairman of the electoral commission, Oluwadare Salami, stated it was only the presidential seat that was contested for, adding that other positions were filled unopposed.

    Other officers elected are Ebenezer Ogundahunsi, General Secretary, Damilola Ogbeye, Welfare Director, Joseph Obi, Director of Sports, Damilola Olisa, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Julius Omokhunu, Financial Secretary, Segun Adegboyega, Treasurer and Julie Arobieke, Social Director. Poll was also held for Students’ Union Government seat and it was won by John Ehimero.

    Although, low turnout marred the exercise but students said it was transparent and credible. However, 100-Level and Direct Entry students were not allowed to participate because they had no means of identification as members.

    The outgoing president, Adeniyi Adekolurejo, advised the incoming executive members to work as a team for the progress of the association. Omodunni promised to work for the development of the association.

     

  • League holds convention

    A group of students under the banner of The Undergraduate League (TUL) has held a symposium for secondary school pupils in Benin City, Edo State.

    The event with the theme Be Inspired, be challenged young leaders summit took place at the parliamentary hall of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Ninety students and administrative representatives from various schools were in attendance.

    In his address, President of the group, Daniel Opiti, said the forum was aimed at inspiring young people to recognise their latent potentials. He said: “As a nation, we are confronted with a leadership crisis. Young people are forced to follow the footsteps of depraved public figures and this poses great danger to their future aspirations.”

    While the event lasted, different facilitators were on hand to lecture the pupils on contemporary issues. President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Osifo Osasere, Joshua Egbujuo, Commandant of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, UNIBEN chapter, and Kennedy Odia were among the facilitators.

    Pupils, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event.

  • Freshers begin registration

    Freshers begin registration

    They all clutched brown envelops and transparent file folders, an indication that they are new students. Motorists had hectic time trying to access Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as freshers moved in and out of the campus for registration.

    Some parents and guardians were seen helping their wards to move personal effects into the dormitories. Students, who did not have the luxury, created traffic logjam at the university entrance while trying to move their properties into the hostels.

    Following a circular released by management of the institution’s Computer Centre on the beginning of sales of scratch cards to pay the school fees, students thronged the office to purchase the cards.

    For ease of movement, the university commissioned some buses to convey the freshers into the school for registration.

    It is the business period for cyber cafés on the campus. The operators are making profit as students besieged the centres for online registration. Also, computer business centres and photocopy merchants are not left out in the profit harvest.

    An attendant in one of the cafés, Eldorado, who simply identified himself as Kunle, said: “It is so normal to have this high turnout. It is what we have been used to over the years. In our own capacity, we welcome them into the system by assisting them with registrations.”

    As they moved into their hostels, hall potters were available to receive them. The students were welcomed as the officials signed and stamped their hall placement slips.

    In Awolowo hall, it was gathered that the returning students welcomed the freshers into the hall with Aro (mockery) songs.

    A fresher, Gabriel Ayodeji, told CAMPUS LIFE: “After three years of seeking admission into OAU, I am happy that I am finally offered Social Studies to study for my Bachelor’s degree.” He hoped to graduate with excellence.

  • Pro-Chancellor lays centre’s foundation stone

    Pro-Chancellor lays centre’s foundation stone

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, University of Calabar (UNICAL) Governing Council, Dr Rowland Ehigiamusoe, has laid the foundation stone for the permanent office of the Centre for Educational Services (CES).

    Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ehigiamusoe praised the management of the centre for the initiative of proposing and undertaking the construction of an ultra modern lecture and office block building.

    Ehigiamuse particularly praised the Director of the centre, Prof Bassey Bassey, who he described as a super intelligent and upright man, adding that the director had over the years displayed uncommon qualities to the admiration of the school authorities.

    He appreciated Prof Bassey for making the members of the Council, whose tenure would expire soon the opportunity to witness the foundation of the building, which he said was a fruit of their labour.

    Dr Ehigiamusoe was optimistic that the contractor handling the project would display expertise, which it used to construct the new Senate Chambers and hoped the edifice would be completed on time.

    The Pro-chancellor showered encomiums on the Director of Physical Planning, Mr Eyo Itam, for “his knack for high level professionalism in guiding the Council in matters of projects”.

    The Pro-Chancellor was accompanied to the site by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke and other principal officers of the institution.

     

  • Varsity swears in union leaders

    Varsity swears in union leaders

    The University of Ibadan (UI) has sworn in leaders of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), who were elected in February. The Registrar, Prof O.I. Olukoya, administered the oath on them at a ceremony witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole; Dean of Students’ Afairs, Prof R.A. Alade and some principal officers.

    In his address, Prof Adewole praised the candidates that lost at the poll, praising the electoral body for the peaceful conduct of the election. He promised to work with the incoming leaders and advised them to be effective in delivering their promises to the students.

    The outgoing president, Ekator Edosa, advised the incoming executive to fight for what they believe in and ensure it employed truth to administer the affairs of students.

    Responding, the SUG president, Babatunde Badmus, 300-Level Theatre Arts, promised to improve on the achievements of his predecessor.

    Members of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) were also inaugurated during the ceremony. They were advised not to allow their personal interest override interest of students, who they represent in the parliament. Deputy Registrar, Dr Stella Soola gave the vote of thanks at the end of the ceremony.

    Other members of the union’s executive council include Oluwaseun Adebiyi, Vice President, Olaoluwa Adaramodu, Treasurer, Ugo Nwaoike, Public Relations Officer, Ayomide Adeboye, Assistant General Secretary, Ayokanmi Akinbuluma, General Secretary, Anitie Williams, Parliament Secretary and Opeyemi Akindele, Sport Secretary.

  • VC inspects medical college

    VC inspects medical college

    The Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof Boniface Egboka has inspected the ongoing projects and construction embarked upon by his administration in the varsity and its College of Medical Sciences located in Nnewi.

    Accompanied by top members of the management, the VC was conducted round the medical school by the Provost, Prof Clement Ezechukwu.

    Prof Ezechukwu said: “We are happy to show that the campus is getting a facelift as against the near dungeon it was known for in the past. Although, we still have a long way to go, but the authorities have fully assured us that they are behind us.”

    Speaking while inaugurating the new laboratory complex for the college, Prof Egboka said he was proud of the college’s achievement in a space of few months. He urged staff and heads of faculties to emulate Ezechukwu.

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Joe Ahaneku, disclosed that some faculties of the college had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC). These are Pharmacy, Radiography and Medical Rehabilitation departments.

     

  • No hike in fees, VC assures students

    No hike in fees, VC assures students

    The vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof Femi Mimiko, has said the management does not have plan to increase the school fees as being speculated.

    He said there was no iota of truth in the rumour.

    Speaking at the Information Unit of the university, Prof Mimiko said the management would not deviate from the policy of the Ondo State government, which said it could afford any student to drop out of school for the reason of tuition.

    The VC said there would not be any increment in the present session, explaining that the government had a policy in place that was being directed at ensuring the weakest in the society would not be disadvantaged.

    With the assurance, students and their parents praised the management for maintaining the status quo.

    Mr. Gbenga Arajulu said: “As a parent, I am deeply impressed with this development and I congratulate the university management for not reneging on its promises.”

    Mr Ayodeji Adejuwon, another parent, who described the development as a relief on parents, said: “I am elated that the university is maintaining the old school fees.”

    Gbenga Akinbolade, 400-Level Mass Communication, said the rumour made many students to be panic, adding that with the clarification by the VC, “we are grateful to the authorities and I believe this good trend will continue to project the image of the university”.

  • ‘What God has joined together…’

    ‘What God has joined together…’

    After a three-month clash, students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (Oko Poly), Anambra State and their host-community have reconciled on the footbal pitch.

    Though the host community defeated the polytechnic by 2-1, the match restored their relationship.

    Last year, students clashed with residents of the community during Oko’s masquerade festival. The incident led to the closure of the polytechnic for about three months.

    Speaking before the friendly match, the Rector, Prof Godwin Onu, said the community and the institution were brought together by divine will, adding that nothing could separate what God has joined together.

    While congratulating the Oko youths for winning the match, Onu said: “This is the type of spirit and unity we want in this community.”

    Apart from engendering peace, the Rector said, the match was imperative to the polytechnic to prepare students for the upcoming All Polytechnics Games.

    He said: “I want to thank the youths of Oko community for organising this football match and I assure them that the spirit of unity will continue. We shall continue to work together until we make the polytechnic the best in Africa.

    “The polytechnic is one of the higher institutions in the country where students move around without intimidation and molestation. We have been declared cult-free. Our matriculation was joyful and no bad story. Internal mechanism has been put in place to track down all forms of crime. Again, I thank the Oko community for accommodating our students.”

    In demonstration of the management’s resolution to secure off-campus students and their property, the Rector donated a vehicle to the security outfit in the community to patrol the area. He said: “As an institution, we have a great sense of responsibility. We plead for co-operation among the security operatives and that of the polytechnic. The security outfits should work hand in hand to achieve maximum security especially with our students living around the community.

    “To the students, we urge you to be of good behaviour. Don’t provoke any crisis no matter the level of provocation. The masquerade festival is around the corner, so comport yourselves to avoid violence and realise that you are living with people that have culture, which they will not throw away because you are living with them. Our mission here is to make the polytechnic the first in Africa.”

    The President-General of Oko Progressive Union, Mr Cyprian Nwamuo, in a short speech after the match, praised the youths of the community for the innovation, which he said would foster peace and restore lasting peace in the community.

    “Today, we have gathered here to witness a friendly football match between the students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and the youths of Oko community. This event is very special and important at this time we are on the reconciliatory path after the sad event of last year,” he said.

    He urged any member of the polytechnic community, who had issues with any member of the community not to hesitate to report at the town’s civic centre or to the polytechnic security outfit, promising that such reports would be addressed.

    Nwamuo praised Onu for transforming the polytechnic, which he said had improved the rating of the community and urged him never to relent in his efforts to make the institution best among its peers.

    The youth leader of the community, Barrister Duke Ezeonwuka, described the match as historic, praising the management for being supportive to youth associations in the community.

    He reassured the polytechnic’s staff and students of their security in the community and pledged the support of the youths to Onu’s administration. He said students had been part and parcel of the community, adding that the community could not exist without the polytechnic.

    Presenting the vehicle to the community, Onu said the gesture would encourage unity among the community and the institution.

    Nwamuo, who received the vehicle on behalf of the community, thanked management for the gift, describing Onu as a Rector with a difference. He pledged the support of the host community to the progress of the polytechnic.

  • Governors’ handling of security vote

    If there ever be a time the security of West Africa is threatened to its foundation, it is this period when activities of kidnappers and extremist sect are not being checked adequately by governments in the region.

    Nigeria is not left. In the northern and southern parts of the country, criminals operate freely, making the regions ungovernable to constituted authorities. This, to many Nigerians, has been a headache largely borne by the Federal Government.

    However, the question that rarely comes to mind is what states do with the security vote being released to the troubled states by the Federal Government is meant to prevent criminals from carrying out their nefarious activities. Each state takes its own share of the funds.

    But what are they using the money for when crimes still persist? Are the funds being siphoned and diverted to private accounts or are they being used for the security of our leaders’ personal houses? These questions need to be answered by those concerned.

    A few months ago, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso said security vote had become a conduit through which many governors steal money from their states.

    In the Southsouth and the Southeast, armed robbery and kidnapping are the order of the day. Vaults of banks and other financial institutions in the areas have been bombed by armed bandits camouflaging as militants. Other atrocities being committed by these armed groups is pipeline vandalism, especially in the oil-producing communities.

    According to reports, Edo State politicians now live in fear as most of them now move around in convoy of armed police men for fear of being kidnapped. Where is the security vote being given to the state? There is no doubt that governors in the South-south and the Southeast need to do more in terms of security.

    In the northern states, Boko Haram activity is taking its toll on most of the state, especially Yobe and Borno. These two state have been the epicenter of unbridle terrorism being perpetrated by men, who believed western education is sinful. They used locally-made Improvise Explosive Device (IED) to kill innocent people in their numbers.

    In Niger State, the government has put measures in place to forestall breakdown of law and order. The Hausa/Fulani governors should come together in assisting one another in the area of security. The Northeast states where Boko Haram activities have ravaged should be helped out by Northern Governors’ Forum by ensuring that their security votes are voted to maintain peace and stability in the region.

    In the Southwest, armed robbery is the order of the day. There is no doubt that from Ondo to Ekiti, Ogun to Lagos and Oyo, dynamite-welding bandits terrorise banks and residents. While security operatives seem helpless, there is a ray of hope from Oyo State where government has frustrated the activities of the men of the underworld with the creation of joint security patrol codenamed “Operation Burst”.

    I should be stated that the Federal Government has a very important role to play in maintaining peace in the country to attract foreign investors, let it do all takes to ensure that all states of the federation account for the security vote released to them by also complementing its efforts.

    Also, the citizens have their own role to play to ensure that public office holders are accountable for misappropriation of public funds. We must ensure that anyone caught should face the wrath of the law of the federal republic.