The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Unilag: Two females emerge best graduating students

    Unilag: Two females emerge best graduating students

    The University of Lagos on Wednesday  held its golden jubilee convocation with  Miss Ibok Favour Asuquo of the department of Accounting and Miss Gabtony Flora Nkeiru of the department of Psychology emerging the  best  best graduating students.

    Miss Asuquo graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point, CGPA, of 4.89 while Miss Nkeiru followed closely graduating with a CGPA of 4.88.

    Speaking at the event, the  Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahhmon Bello said among the 2352 graduands from the six Faculties in the institution, an overall total of 91 graduating students graduated with First Class honours.

    He said as at the last convocation, the university has produced 147, 835 graduates many of whom he said are captains of industries and among the well to do in the society.

    He congratulated the graduating students, their parents, lecturers and other members of staff who contributed to their success.

    Also speaking at the convocation, the Pro-chancellor of the institution, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode said a convocation ceremony serves diverse purposes.

    He said, to some people, it is a period of reaping the fruits of ones labour, to others, it is a period of public recognition and commendation while some see it as a period of crowning glory during which students who have attained some skills and knowledge are formally given their licenses.

    He advised them to be good ambassadors of the university and wished them success in all their future endeavours as he pleaded with them not to join the multitude to do evil.

    “You have worked assiduously to acquire University education. You have acquired intellectual and professional skills which should be utilized for the benefit of the nation. I enjoin you to be good ambassadors in all that you do and play active roles in the Alumni association. Interaction with successful graduate of university will offer you the opportunity to contribute to your alma mater as you climb the success ladder of life.”

    He congratulated all parents, guardians and graduating students saying that they have been found worthy in learning and character for the award of various degrees of this university.

    While giving her convocation speech, Miss Asuquo expressed gratitude to God, her parents and other members of her family who supported her financially and emotionally towards her goal

    She advised other undergraduate to study hard and not forget their primary reason for coming to the university.

    She got N100, 000 for VC award for best  graduating student, N100, 000 for the UNILAG Alunmi Association award for best graduating student, N50, 000 for the Parents Forum award for best graduating student and N50, 000 for late Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Shofoluwe award also for best graduating student.

  • UI admits 2,671 for 2012/2013 session

    UI admits 2,671 for 2012/2013 session

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on Friday said the institution admitted 2,671 candidates out of 41,367 candidates who applied for the 2012/2013 academic session.

    Adewole said this in Ibadan while speaking at the matriculation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre of the university.

    The VC disclosed that 75 year one students for 2011/2012 session were asked to withdraw from the university for failing to meet the institution’s academic requirements.

    While noting that the university had built a reputation for itself as an institution of first choice, Adewole assured the students that the college had the relevant resources to make them the best they wanted to be in life.

    He posited that the institution had become the destination of many parents who wanted an institution with integrity for their children.

    In his Matriculation Lecture, Prof. Innocent Modo, of the University of Uyo, called on private and individual organisations to contribute handsomely toward the education tax fund.

    The title of the lecture is: ”Balancing the Protest Culture Among Undergraduate Students with making The best use of the Golden Opportunity for Academic Excellence. ”

    He urged the matriculating students to focus on achieving academic excellence rather than embarking on the protest culture of criticising what was wrong within the society or the institution.

    “You must blend fast and fit into the good name that the school has built over the years, the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the don as saying at the ceremony.

     

  • 116 students bag 1st Class degrees from UN

    116 students bag 1st Class degrees from UN

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka was agog with celebration last week when the 42nd convocation ceremony of the institution took place.
    The event which held at the University’s multi-purpose hall attracted a host of dignitaries from within and outside the country.
    The highlight of the week-long ceremony was the presentation of certificates to 166 students who bagged first class degrees from various courses offered by the university.
    Making the announcement, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bartho Okolo said out of 18,150 graduates, 116 excelled in First Class, 4,405 made 2nd Class Upper Division; 10,048 made 2nd Class Lower Division and 2,633 went home with 3rd Class. He said that while 154 managed ordinary pass, the remaining 794 obtained diplomas and certificates.
    “I want to congratulate you all for enduring the rigorous training that our university offers and the test of knowledge required to earn the university degree. I expect you all to be proud of your accomplishment and not to allow the prevailing socio-economic condition in the country to diminish the value of your achievement. I am optimistic that you will all fulfill your destinies,” he said.
    The V-C also urged the grandaunts to be good ambassadors of the institution wherever they found themselves.
    In his remark, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sam Igwe commended the V-C and management team for the positive transformation of the university.
    “Without fear of contradiction, we can equivocally say that the last four years have witnessed massive infrastructure transformation and academic excellence.
    “The governing council is happy to leave the university better than it met it,’’ he said.
    The best graduating student of the year, Miss Rosaline Ijendu of the Department of Electronic Engineering, dedicated her success to God.
    Ijendu who made a first class said: “I dedicate this success to God for his special love and care, knowing that without God, this feat could not have been possible”
  • NUC approves 17 programmes for KWASU

    NUC approves 17 programmes for KWASU

    Students seeking admission into the recently established Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have a reason to cheer. The institution got a nod to admit more students last week when the National Universities Commission gave full accreditation for 17 of the courses offered by the University.

    A statement by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, said the accredited programmes include courses in the Faculties of Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences.

     

  • Mass Comm orientates freshers

    Orientation programme has been held for freshers admitted for communication courses in the Lagos State University (LASU). The ceremony was organised at the Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication, Ojo campus.

    The occasion was graced by lecturers in the School of Communication, Dean of the faculty, Prof Lai Osho, who was represented by the sub-Dean, Dr Ayodele Jocob and head, Information Communication Technology, Dr Olounifesi Suraj among others.

    The students learned how to achieve academic excellence during the orientation. Dr Ayodele, in his speech, said: “Knowing something about everything is the best for students in any academic field because this will make them to be versatile.”

    Dr Suraj, who taught the students how to calculate their Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA), enjoined the students to be serious with their studies. The students were also lectured on dress code.

    The president of Communication Students Association (COSA) said: “I believe the purpose organising the orientation programme was fulfilled. For anything that is left unsaid, students can reach us so that we can channel their challenges to the appropriate quarters.”

     

  • College dedicates activities to God

    The Bayelsa State College of Health Technology (BYCOHTECH) has held a solemn assembly to thank God for seeing the college through the past year. The management used the occasion to dedicate the college to God in the current year.

    The event, which was jointly organised by the management and the Joint Christian Campus Fellowships (JCCF), BYCOTECH chapter, started with an opening prayer by Dr Memory Queensoap, who is the Dean of the college’s School of Foundation Studies. Hymns were also rendered by the congregation.

    The Provost, Dr Teddy Charles, said it was imperative that the college handed over its programmes and activities to God in 2013. “As an institution, it is only wise that we offer ourselves anew every year, month, week and day to our creator. We set aside today to offer ourselves new unto God and to seek for His mercies and pray that He lead us through the rest of the activities of the year,” he said.

    In his homily entitled God is able, the guest minister, Dr Patrick Awotula, reiterated God’s capability to do everything beyond human imagination. Reading from Ephesians 3:14 and Luke 5:11, the pastor advised the congregation to always hold unto God’s unchanging hand for the desired solutions to their problems.

    According to him, man could only be saved if he accepted Jesus Christ as his saviour.

    The JCCF president, Europe Stephen, who is a final year student of Environmental Health Technology, said: “Except the Lord builds the house, the builders build but in vain. We felt that beginning the New Year with a dedication service isn’t a bad option for the college.”

    Dr Awotula led the congregation into a session of prayers dedicating the college management, members of staff and students to God. A brand new set of musical instruments acquired by the college were also dedicated to God.

    Prince Stephen, 200-Level Environmental Health Technology, praised the management and the JCCF for organising the programme. Officials at the event included Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr Precious Oru-bo, Bursar, Mr Kiereseiye Aseria, Registrar, Chief Yousuo Iruo, directors and heads of departments.

     

  • Union warns students on false petition

    Officials of the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) have warned students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, and students of other institutions in the Niger Delta region to be careful of the kind of petition they send against their schools.

    Members of the union, who visited IAUE campus to act on reports sent to the NIDSUG secretariat, said false report could bring disagreement between the management and the union.

    Michael Yalah, President of the union, who led other members to the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rosemund Green-Osahogulu, said their visit to the campus was to check how students were being treated by the management.

    The union, however, accused the management of interfering in student politics, while chiding the authorities over increment in tuition fees and lack of concern to the welfare of students.

    Prof Green-Osahogulu denied meddling in students’ affairs. She said: “As far as I am concerned, I don’t know the executive of Students’ Union in this campus. The first time I met the president of the union was the day of their inauguration.”

    On the increment in the school fees, she said: “Our school fees is the cheapest compared to what is obtainable in other schools. We don’t charge faculty fees, departmental fees and the rest of them but others do.”

    The union apologised to the VC for acting on false information and promised to support the management of the school to achieve its goal.

     

  • Matriculation turns awry at KwaraPoly

    Matriculation turns awry at KwaraPoly

    Matriculations, like convocations, hold a special place in students’ hearts. Matriculation signifies the formal start of their academic life; convocation marks the end. On campuses nationwide, it is the season of matriculations. The exercise turned awry at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where two students were reportedly shot. Awwal Mijinyawa, MARK ORGU, HAUWA MUHAMMAD, RILWAN BALOGUN, ADEKUNLE OLADUNNI and IBRAHIM ALAMU write.

     

    FRESHERS in higher institutions across the country were upbeat last week as they took their matriculation oath.

    From the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), and Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY), students gathered for the exercise, which marks the beginning of their academic journey.

    Beaming with smiles, they trooped to the matriculation venues with their families and friends. In excitement, they took pictures to mark the day.

    At KWARA POLY, the ceremony was marred by bloodshed. Two students were allegedly shot by suspected cultists.

    The matriculation began with orientation in departments, where the freshers were exposed to campus life.

    The ceremony started in the ETF Hall at 10am amid tight security. A lecture was given by the Rector, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu, who advised the freshers against joining unregistered associations. He also harped on attainment of academic excellence.

    After the ceremony, the freshers went to the motion ground for pictures and merriment with friends and relatives. The place was filled up with revellers. Some clubs, such as Kegite, welcomed the students with “gyration songs” and palm wine in the building of the Institute of Basic and Applied Students (IBAS).

    Hip-hop music also blared from an uncompleted building, opposite the IBAS complex. The celebration was in full throttle.

    At 4:05pm, things turned awry. Guns boomed from various directions. The revellers scampered for safety, leaving their personal effects. Many rushed to the school park to escape being hit by stray bullets.

    The few buses at the park could not convey all the students out of the campus.

    By the time the dust settled, two students had been shot by the assailants, who were said to be members of a cult group. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that one of the victims died on the spot; the other was taken to the hospital.

    It was gathered that the slain student was among those drinking and smoking in an abandoned building near the IBAS complex. It was learnt that the killing may not be unconnected with the rivalry between two warring campus cult groups.

    A student was allegedly killed when the polytechnic conducted its entrance exams a few months ago. This latest killing heightened the fear of students, who said cultism-related violence was becoming rampant in the institution.

    Mercy Adeoye, a student, said: “The killing is becoming too much in the school. The same thing happened when management conducted post–UTME exam for applicants last year; a student was killed right on campus. Another killing happened on matriculation day again. UNILORIN held its matriculation without bloodshed. This shows security is ineffective here. I implore the management to protect lives on campus.”

    Simbiat Babalola, another student, said: “I and members of my family ran for our lives when we heard the gunshots. This is bad because security should have been tightened on the campus but nobody was concerned. In fact, I still habour fear to enter the campus again.”

    The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abdulqadir Yinus, has denied any killing on campus.

    Speaking to our correspondent on phone, Yinus said: “There is no iota of truth in the report of killing on our campus during the matriculation day. What happened is that, a man, who is not a student of the school, was seen with a gun. This scared the students, who ran for their lives. The gunman was chased by security men but he escaped through the bush. But I can confirm that no student was killed.”

    It was peaceful at ABU as the freshers gathered in Mamman Kontogora Square for the ceremony.

    Clad in flowing academic gowns, the students took the matriculation oath with joy. The event was attended by faculties’ deans.

    The freshers were described as “golden jubilee students”, because the university celebrated its 50th anniversary recently.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, advised the students to shun cultism and exam malpractices.

    He said the university could only admit 6,800 of the 54,000 applicants.

    Chahandila Yalusa of the matriculants Library and Information Department, said: “I feel happy because I have been applying to study in this institution for the past three years. I thank God now that I have been admitted.”

    At UNILORIN, it was the first matriculation under the administration of the vc Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, who assumed office last October.

    By 7:30am, the expansive university auditorium was filled to capacity, with the matriculants and staff seated. At 8am, the programme began with the VC’s speech entitled Hard work.

    He enjoined the students to be hardworking, diligent and focused to make the best use of the opportunity offered them by the institution.

    Ambali said of the 8,093 offered admission, 7,098, which represented 11.10 per cent of the applicants, scaled screening and registration. He warned the students against vices that could truncate their academic career.

    Afeez Agboola of the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, said: “I am elated to be among the lucky applicants admitted into this university. I won’t misuse the opportunity given to me to study in this place.”

    At YABATECH, the Rector, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, described the 4,500 matriculants as the “most privileged ones”. She said they must attend 75 per cent of lectures before their results could be computed. She warned them against vices and keeping of bad company, saying the college would not hesitate to punish anyone that went against regulations.

     

  • Killed on rescue mission

    Killed on rescue mission

    She was killed last month by hoodlums, but when news of the death of Doris Nnadi, a Corps member, reached her junior colleagues at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, where she studied Law, tears flowed freely. UCHE ANICHEBE (500-Level Law) reports.

    The Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, the Anambra State capital was in grief last week.

    A former student of the faculty, Doris Nnadi, was killed on Christmas Eve. Tears flowed freely when students, who knew her learnt about her death.

    Doris graduated with a Second Class, Upper Division, in 2011. She proceeded to the Law School, Abuja where she also made a Second Class, Upper Division. A month after she was called to the Bar, Doris was killed by yet unidentified gunmen.

    The deceased was a Corps member serving at the Kwara State Ministry of Justice before the incident.

    It was gathered that Doris left her place of primary assignment to visit her family in Warri during the Yuletide. In preparation for the Christmas, she was accompanied by her sisters to shop at a supermarket. The girls rode in their father’s car.

    They returned to their family house at 7:44pm. Chidinma, her sister, who drove, parked at the gate on getting home. Then, Doris and others began to move the bought items into the compound. After they had emptied the trunk of the car, Chidinma stayed back in the car with her other sisters.

    The assailants, according to Chidinma, approached the car from the corner of the house. One of them, she said, came to the passenger’s side, knocking on the windscreen. He forced the door open and two of them, aged between 22 and 25, got into the car. “One sat at the front; the other sat in the back. The last one watched out for rescuers,” she recalled.

    She continued: “Immediately they got in, I noticed that the boys had guns with them. Then, one of them pointed a gun at me, demanding for the car key. I begged them to leave the car, pleading that it did not belong to me. I offered to part with all the money I had in my bag. While I was still begging them, I saw Doris, who seemed to have noticed them from the house, coming out. She approached the boys, obviously unaware that they were armed. She scolded them for harassing and intimidating us. Immediately, the boy outside the car shot at her. They fled the scene, without taking anything.”

    Doris was rushed to Mazon Clinic, close to their residence. The family hoped she would survive. Their hope was dashed an hour later, when a doctor told the waiting sympathisers that Doris was having “severe internal bleeding”. The doctor reportedly said there was nothing he could do to remove the bullet, which penetrated Doris’ back bone.

    In an unconscious state, the late Doris was moved to Syracus Clinic, Warri, where she was admitted for surgery. Four hours after the operation, her family was asked to get blood for the completion of the treatment.

    The family bought the blood to continue the operation. On the fifth pint of blood, the condition of the late Doris, who was said to have started talking, became worse. She jerked uncontrollably and died. Her remains were buried three days later in Amaigbo, Nwangele Local Government Area, Imo State.

    Amaka, the late Doris’ younger sister, said: “Everything happened so fast. It was seven hours of agony. I am very much convinced that it was incompetence on the part of the doctor that cost my sister her life. My sister was a strong girl who died defending our interest. She was bold and that was why she came to our defence, even in the face of danger. She died our hero.”

    Doris’ death shocked her mates in the university. Blessing Onwubiko, her roommate at UNIZIK, lamented the death of her best friend. She told CAMPUSLIFE: “I cannot believe that Doris is no more. Whenever I close my eyes, I still remember vividly the times we spent together. The late Doris was more than a roommate to me. She was my friend and confidant. She was the one that helped me through school works because of her brilliance. I pray that God bring her killers to book.”

    The late Doris’ parents, Mr and Mrs Silas Nnadi, were still mourning their daughter when CAMPUSLIFE spoke to them on phone last weekend. According to them, God would judge the killers of the “promising girl.”

  • 6,000 inducted at UNN

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Bartho Okolo, has congratulated freshers admitted into various degree programmes. Over 6,000 new students were officially sworn in during the 39th matriculation ceremony of the institution.

    The VC urged the students to tow the footsteps of great men and women who had passed through the university. He said: “You earned a place at today’s ceremony because of your impressive performances at both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the post-UTME exams. You should all be proud of this achievement. However, you should be humbled by the fact that less than 7,000 of you have been given the opportunity out of the over 100,000 candidates that applied for placement in the university.”

    The VC advised the freshmen to resist temptation to be co-opted into ventures, which the university did not support, stressing that the management had zero tolerance for cultism and examination malpractice.

    He urged those, who may have already joined cult groups before joining the university, to denounce such membership or risk being expelled and prosecuted by the police.

    According to him, there were legitimate students’ associations registered with the department of the Students’ Affairs. Prof Okolo also entreated the students to be law abiding and prioritise their academic work to enable them achieve their mission to the university.

    Joseph Ndu, 100-Level Educational Foundation, said: “I am glad to be among the privileged few that got admission into this prestigious university, and I hope to make good use of the opportunity to develop myself and impact on the society. When I graduate, I hope to apply the knowledge I would have acquired in the area of guidance and counselling to solve the problem of moral decadence that is the lot of our society.”

    Vivian Onuoha, who was admitted into Linguistics department, said: “I feel excited today because being among the matriculating students is a dream come true for me. I set a target to graduate with a first class degree so that the university can retain me as a graduate lecturer. I pray God will help me to attain the goal.”