Category: Campus Life

It was his first visit to Lagos. Having heard stories about the city, he was well prepared for any eventuality. He went through Lagos without any incident, but on his return journey, he lost his personal effects. This is the moving story of Msonter Anzaa, 200-Level Medicine, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi.

HE was elated when he received the invitation to the last CAMPUSLIFE Correspondents’ Workshop and Award held from November 30 to December 2.

Msonter Anzaa, 200-Level Medicine, Benue State University (BSU), arrived at the Benue Links park some minutes past 6am on for the trip to Lagos, which he had never been to.

Hung on his right arm was a portable black bag, containing his clothe and a biography of Abraham Lincoln, which he had chosen over that of Nelson Mandela because of the latter’s size. He needed to pack toiletries and other items he would need during his stay in Lagos.

A day earlier, he had booked a ticket at the park. “The booking officer told me to be at the park early because the bus would leave by 6:30am. I shouldn’t have taken him seriously being a Nigerian, but I did. I thought transport companies keep to time. Besides, I didn’t want to be responsible if there was a problem. By the time we left the park, it was some minutes past 8am and I was grateful that it did not drag any further,” Msonter said.

“I remembered stories about buses not stopping for people to get on or off and street urchins snatching unwary visitors’ bags. A week earlier, the thought of practising the art of jumping-down-a-moving-bus crossed my mind, but I shoved it aside.”

He believed that he could easily jump off a Lagos bus because the traffic was often slow compared to Makurdi buses, that accelerate when they ought not to and stop suddenly as though the drivers don’t know they are stopping.

As the journey progressed, the loud discussion of two young women sitting on the middle seat after the driver’s grabbed other passengers’ attention. They prattled endlessly, chewed gum and screamed simultaneously. When they were not doing any of these, they would scold the driver on his driving.

“Sitting in the front of the vehicle, I had the privilege of viewing the beautiful scenery along the road. I busied myself in thoughts, except when occasionally awakened by the screams of the two friends, which made me to wonder how far Lagos was from my base.”

After the workshop, it was time to return to base. “The workshop was quite eventful and I made new friends. One of them – my roommate in the hotel – bought a laptop for his Corps member friend serving in Makurdi. He asked me to help deliver the package to him. He bade me goodbye as I jumped to the main road looking at the direction he had given me on how to get to the motor park.”

After an hour of missing his way, Msonter called his roommate for direction but he missed the Makurdi-bound bus. He settled for the Gboko-bound bus. Gboko is a town in Benue State.

Msonter placed his bag at the rear of the bus, but “as I later found out, it was the greatest mistake I made during the journey back to my state.”

When the vehicle got to a community in Ondo State, it was hit from behind by another vehicle that had a brake failure. The Gboko-bound vehicle revved to halt. About 30 minutes later, the journey continued with none of the passengers realising what was amiss when the bus stopped.

In Igbara-Oke community, however, the passengers discovered that the boot compartment of the bus had opened and two bags were missing. “It was my bag and another passenger’s bag,” Msonter quipped.

“The lost bag contained money, my school Identity Card, certificate of participation in the workshop, two magazines, a flash drive containing all the pictures we took during the workshop, and everything I had brought with me to Lagos.”

When the vehicle stopped, a search team comprising the driver, Msonter and another passenger, raced back to the spot where the vehicle stopped. But it was to no avail. Time was spent on unproductive search; other passengers were openly irritated by the delay.

A lady, who lost a bag wept and blamed the driver. Other passengers took turns to criticise whom they thought was responsible for the problem. “The atmosphere was heated and I withdrew into my thoughts, adjusting to the reality of the situation. Then my phone rang; it was the Corps member to whom I was taking the laptop. I told him of what happened. Surprisingly, he said someone called him a moment earlier that his two bags were found on the road and were being taken to Ibadan. I became excited as I realised what was happening. I wrote the Corps member’s phone number in a paper in the bag. So the driver who picked the lost bags assumed the Corps member owned the items. I got the driver’s number from the Corps member to confirm he had the bags.

“While it was a big relief for me, it took eight days for my driver to retrieve the lost items from the Good Samaritan and bring them to Makurdi where I was anxiously waiting to collect the lost items. As I took the leather into my room in the hostel, I felt like calling my friends together and say: ‘rejoice with me, for this my bag was lost in an unknown community, but was later found and returned to me.’”

It was a public seminar organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter to mark its Awareness Week.

Naturally, muslim scholars and students were in attendance.

The lecture was organised to educate the public on the misconception of Islam as a religion of violence and also to raise awareness among various faiths on campus on the need for all to embrace peace and live harmoniously with one another, irrespective of their differences.

The programme, which was held at the UNICAL Central Mosque, began at 10am with recitation and translation of the Holy Qu’ran by Bashir Abdulrahuf.

The event chaired by Alhaji Mustapha Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of Mustaph Hassan Furniture, Calabar, had His Royal Highness Edet Etim Okon, the paramount ruler of Bakassi, as a guest.

Other dignitaries included the Dean, Students’ Affairs Unit, Prof Eyong Eyong, MSSN patron Alhaji Mudi Ibrahim, Chairman of Qusmud Motors, Calabar, Alhaji Qazeem Mudathir, and former Head of Pharmacology Department, Dr Babatunde Lawal.

The Amir of the Muslim students, Nurudeen Olowosoke, said the public lecture was special among the series of programmes to mark the society’s awareness week.

The 500-Level student of Medical Laboratory Science said the theme for the week, Islamic perspectives on terrorism, became imperative against the background of the growing misconception that Islam preached violence and terrorism.

He expressed the belief that the public lecture, among other things, would “realistically” address the false impression as well as offer the desired solution to the insecurity challenges in the country.

In his paper entitled: Is a Muslim a terrorist?, Mr Nurudeen Asologie, an Islamic scholar, noted that often times, Islam has been associated with terrorism and violence due to the actions of a few extremist individuals, who took it upon themselves to perpetrate crimes in the name of Islam.

“Tragic events such as the attack on the twin towers in New York, the bombings of Bali, Madrid and London are assumed to be justified by Islam in the minds of some people,” he said, noting that the notion was being fueled by Western media, which portrayed the criminals as Muslim jihadists. He said terrorism activities were not sanctioned by Islamic teachings neither do the terrorists had legitimate backing of the Muslims.

He argued: “The actions of a few fanatical individuals who happen to have Muslim names or subscribe themselves to Islamic faith should not be a yardstick through which Islam as a religion should be judged.” To understand Islam’s stance on terrorism, he urged the public to read Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, which, he noted, are unambiguous in their prohibition of any form of injustice including violence to cause fear, injury or death to civilians.

Asologie concluded that “not only is the human life that is sacred in Islam but property, wealth, family and dignity of all individuals in society are to be respected and protected; those who transgress against these rights and sow Fasad (corruption), will incur the wrath of Allah.”

Muhammed Bashir Zakariyya, Chief Imam of Akim Navy Command, Calabar, who spoke on The status of Jihad in today’s modern world, said the terror being unleashed on the country by criminals could not be equated with Jihad.

The Imam urged Muslim scholars and faithful to show kindness and embrace peace and justice in dealing with people of other faith in conformity with the spirit of Jihad.

The lecture also featured questions and answers session. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, a participant, Jubril Kareem, said: “The traditions of Prophet Muhammed show how Muslim should engage people of other faiths in the society. It is unfortunate that Islam, the religion of peace, harmony, goodwill and brotherhood has been tarnished by the perpetrators of various terrorist acts and barbarism as seen in recent years. People must know that they are not Muslims but plain criminals.”

A sickle cell survivor and Corps member, Oluwajuwon Abiola, has launched a book on sickle cell in a ceremony held in LCCI Conference Hall, Alausa, Ikeja. The book is titled A hand book on sickle cell for every household.

Speaking on behalf of the chairperson of the ceremony, Dr O. O. Ilesanmi, Mrs Kemi Soleye, said: “The World Health Organisation (WHO) made us know that more than a million people die of sickle cell annually.”

She said the book was a special research by a young Nigerian and must be supported by government and other organisations involving the eradication of sickle cell in Nigeria.

Having passed through the condition, Soleye said Juwon’s zeal to set a good example for others who may be battling with the condition should be praised.

Dr Segun George, of Jaiyeola Clinic, said: “Sickle cell is a genetic disorder, which when a carrier marries another carrier may result in the birth of a victim. It also has its effect on the blood system.”

He added that the agony of victims should inform couples to always check their genotype before marriage.

Dr O. Osijinu, who reviewed the book, said: “When a particular article on sickle cell does not meet the standard to reflect the new development, it must be rejected. But this book has captured everything we may want to know about sickle cell disorder.”

The Nigeria Universities of Accounting Students’ Association (NUASA), University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter, has held an award night and beauty pageant to crown its queen and king. The event was held at the Etaval Hotel, Calabar.

The president of the association, Isaiah Ugwueke, said the ceremony was to recognise people that contributed to the success of his administration.

Guests included the Head of Accounting department, Dr Bassey Bassey, who represented the Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof Joseph Udoayang, Mr Emmanuel Ibeng, NUASA staff adviser, Mr Chris Nyong, Auditor General of Cross River State, Dr M.B Edem and Mr Davis Offiong, a chartered accountant.

Others were Mr David Odu, Assistant Manager Research Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Abuja, Mr John Ekanem, sub- treasury, Office of the Accountant General of Cross River State, Mr O.M. Nsebot, University Bursar and Sen. Bassey Victor.

Declaring the event open, Dr Bassey expressed joy for being in the midst of his students. He described the students as brilliant brains.

During the award session, Isaiah said the success of students of the department was one of the cardinal programmes of his administration. He said Dr Bassey has played his as a father to the department.

Some of the guests honoured included Dr Edem and Dr Bassey, whom the students said had contributed to the development of the association.

The highpoint of the event was the beauty pageant contest, in which many students participated. Contestants, who were clad in various attires, displayed senses of culture and creativity. Four boys and four girls contested for Mr and Miss NUASA.

At the end, Edet Ubong, 100-Level student, beat the three contestants to emerge as Mr NUASA. Nsikak Udom, 300-Level became Miss NUASA.

Nsikak said she won the contest because she displayed unique skill.

All was quiet last Tuesday at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) as students returned to their hostels. As they were relaxing, a drama started playing out in Hasiya Hall – a female hostel. Students ran out of the hostel, screaming “may God save us”.

Some of the students said one of the hostel’s occupants, Rukayat Suleiman, a 100-Level Accounting student, had committed suicide by taking overdose of a hard drug. Others claimed she attempted suicide due to her low Grade Point (GP) of 1.03.

When CAMPUSLIFE got to the scene, Rukayat was being taken to the school clinic by her roommates.

A 300-Level student, who claimed to witness the scenario, said: “I was in my room at Ramat Hall when I heard a deafening noise from Hasiya Hall. When I got out, I saw students rushing out of the hostel and shouting that a female student had committed suicide. They said she took overdose of some drugs because of her bad first semester results. Some people were also saying she got pregnant for a boyfriend, who had broken up with her. But when we got to her room, we saw her writhing in pain.”

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the management, last week, released the students’ first semester results, which were generally poor. Majority of the students were affected by the development. Some departments even released results of 100-Level to 300-Level students.

A 200-Level student, who spoke with our correspondent, wondered what could lead to a situation when a student would attempt to commit suicide. “What example is she showing to those who are affected by the bad results released?” she asked.

Some students, who reside in Hasiya Hall, attributed the suicide attempt to unwanted pregnancy. One of them, 200-Level English, said Rukayat was staying with a male student throughout the semester break. “She was in her boyfriend’s house; she never went home during the semester break. When she confirmed she was pregnant for the boy, she decided to take her life,” she said.

Rukayat’s roommates declined to speak when contacted. When CAMPUSLIFE visited the clinic, our correspondent was not allowed to see her. But a nurse, who spoke on anonymity condition, said Rukayat was responding to treatment.

The journey to CAMPUSLIFE started in July 2008. It was Stanley Ibeku, a colleague and the then Editor of 3rd Eye, a Students’ Union magazine in my school – Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – who motivated me to start writing.

However, before then, I had been a writer. I met with Stanley and told him of my interest to run for the position of the Students’ Union Public Relations Officers (PRO). He gave me a piece of advice. Then I saw him holding The Nation newspaper stamped “Campus Copy”. He told me to be buying the paper if I could afford it, saying it was a good campaign strategy.

Later, I realised Stanley indirectly wanted me to be reading his stories every Thursday on the CAMPUSLIFE pages. Then, there were not many reporters from FUTO. I approached and informed him I wanted to start writing; he gave me the go ahead. My first story was published on the October 30, 2008 with the title “FUTO new leaders pray for help”. I was happy to see the report published.

On that day, my heart was filled with joy. I called my friends and relatives to buy paper. Then, I had been elected to the union. Though, during my stint in the union, I didn’t have much time to do a lot of writing because of union activities. I made the best of my writings after my tenure.

This perhaps explained why I won the Campus Politics category. Last year, while l was waiting to go for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I used that period to write a lot of articles that my materials were used in succession every Thursday.

Sitting in the expansive hall of the Bespoke Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos penultimate Friday, my years of hard work were rewarded. I bagged two awards at the ceremony. But before then, we were ushered into the hall; everyone was dressed decent attires without anyone knowing what was in the office.

I changed my sit from front to the middle. The whole place was cool and beautifully decorated with red and white garment indicating it was Coca Cola Nigeria Limited and its sister company, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) that sponsored the event. It was my first time of attending the award ceremony. I never knew I was going to win an award. There are many good writers in CAMPUSLIFE but I wasn’t expecting the tide to come my way.

When winners of various categories were being called, I was happy when I heard my name as the winner of the Politics prize. The story that gave me the plaque is titled “For students, politicians, honeymoon is over”. The story, according readers, who knew me personally, was a very good analysis of politics in Imo State. I was filled with joy when my name was called as the winner.

I did not know I was going to win the Reporter of the Year prize. I was shocked when it was mentioned that the winner’s name started with letter “G”. Since it was Gilbert Alasa, Emeka Attah and myself that were shortlisted in the category, my heart literally dislocated because it could either be Gilbert or Gerald. However, the moderator, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, The Nation’s Online Editor, kept ringing the letter “G”. But who was the winner? Oh my God, I won!

I am humbled by the honour. Indeed the God of “Sudden Visitation” visited me at the last minute to the end of November 2012 with double portion award. I remain grateful to Him.

Well, it was a remarkable experience for me. It has been long I felt the way I felt that day. Till today, I think I remain the happiest human on earth. The first time I felt that way was when I was elected the PRO of my school’s union.

My joy knew no bounds after Mr Otufodunrin announced my name as the CAMPUSLIFE Reporter of the Year. My entry – Outrage over death of Corps member’s mistaken for Boko Haram member – was the investigation of the circumstance that led to the death of Stephen Enyinnaya Nwosu, killed by Nigerian soldiers in Adamawa State.

The piece was adjudged the best for its depth and accuracy. Up till today, I have been receiving calls and text messages from students and people I have never met. Before the event, I remembered a friend told me I won an award. My colleagues – Stanley Ibeku, Hope Ofobike, Esther Mark, Francis Egwuatu and Emmanuel Shebbs – also prophesied: “Gerald, you are the man.”

I appreciate them all for believing and wishing me good. May I state without mincing words that this feat was a collective effort. Everyone in CAMPUSLIFE is a winner and I believe in all of us. CAMPUSLIFE students are one indivisible family. I believe we will drink and dine in the table of kings later in future.

There has always been some form of rescue whenever the world has fallen to the depths of decadence. In the biblical times, when destruction was afoot, Noah was sent to build the arc that secreted God’s chosen to safety. Today, The Nation’s CAMPUSLIFE proudly sponsored by Coca Cola System is breaking more grounds to redeem youth from bad ventures.

I make bold to say that the milestone The Nation newspaper has made through CAMPUSLIFE cannot never be equaled by other dailies in many years to come. Lives are being affected and so many impacts are being made. World changers are being raised. CAMPUSLIFE is not just about reporting; it goes beyond that.

The vision behind the establishment of the pages was to breed new leaders in all spheres of life, who will make indelible mark in the nearest future and make the world a better place. The late Aunty Ngozi, through the pages, had corrected so many anomalies in the society. While in I was school, CAMPUSLIFE was the third eye.

Aunty Ngozi encouraged me a lot. The few times I ran a report, which almost caused problems in school, she helped me to resolve them. My first time of attending the workshop was last year June 2011. There she spoke to me. She said: “Gerald, do not give up, God has not yet began His good works in your life.” She ended the advice, saying: “I see greatness in you Gerald”. Her words have continued to ring bell in my ears and have made me to believe that I shall have a good end.

I dedicated these awards to the memory of the late Ngozi Agbo, my mentor. How I wish she was around, to see the feat I achieved.

Also, I appreciate the management and staff of NBC and Coca Cola Nigeria Limited for believing in us – the future of Nigeria – through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “Ask of quality soft drinks, ask of Coca-Cola”.

To the management of The Nation newspaper, appreciation is the word for giving us, young ones, the opportunity to showcase our talents through writing. The Nation started the campus pages five years ago but today, many newspapers are copying the concept. The newspaper has brought out the best in us and put smiles on our faces. To my CAMPUSLIFE Editor, Wale Ajetunmobi, I appreciate your support always. My fellow pen pushers, I love you all and we will always drink on the table of kings. We shall all meet at the top. Let the vision not die. Let’s keep it burning. Remember the saying: “A golden fish has no hiding place”. You shall be heard soon. With God on our side, soon we shall actualise this vision.

Gerald just finished his youth service, NYSC Abuja