The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • Corps members harp on entrepreneurship

    Entrepreneurship and role of the press towards the advancement of the society were the subjects of discussion when Corps members of the press Community Development Service (CDS) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State held a personal development seminar.

    The workshop, which was held at Radio Gotel boardroom, was attended by substantial number of the serving youths. The president of the press CDS group, Abdullateef Aliyu, said the programme was intended to rededicate Corps members to the service and make them self-reliant.

    He said: “Since our mandate is to publicise the activities of the NYSC through the quarterly publication of Adamawa KOPA newsletter, we believe we should train ourselves on the techniques of newsgathering and news writing so as to effectively and effectually discharge our functions and responsibilities.

    On entrepreneurship, Abdullateef explained that it was in line with the reforms of the Federal Government on self-employment. “The NYSC has undergone a far-reaching reform aimed at inculcating entrepreneurship and vocational skills on Corps members to be self-employed in the face of unemployment challenge in the country. So we believe this programme would help us to achieve the dream of being labour employers,” he said.

    In his lecture, Edgar-Francis Ighata, a corps member and graduate of Mass Communication from University of Benin (UNIBEN), described journalism as a noble profession. He educated the participants on the concept of “five Whys and How”. He said: “News story must be concise, clear and objective especially when writing for broadcast media which are transient in nature. Be simple but don’t be simplistic.”

    Lillian Ezejeluen, a Business Administration graduate of Abia State University (ABSU), while speaking on entrepreneurship, told her colleagues that it was advisable to go into business as the only way to free themselves from the shackles of poverty and unemployment ravaging the nation. According to her, Corps members must be creative to establish businesses that could put food on their table and make them less dependent on government after service year.

    A Corps member, Paul Ekele, said: “This is the best programme I have ever attended since I was posted here. I didn’t study business or journalism but I have been taken through the rudiments of mass communication and I want to commend the initiative of this executive for ensuring that while we strive to better the lives of our host community, we must also improve ourselves.”

  • Training ambassadors of peace

    Last week, students from some higher institutions gathered at the Chesbury Hotel, Abuja, for the seventh and eighth editions of the Nigerian International Model of United Nations (NIGIMUN).

    The conference, borne out of the need to train the youth for challenges ahead, was in line with the procedures set by the United Nations for youth development.

    NIGMUN is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) seeking to aid youth programmes of the United Nations.

    The conference, with the theme: Fighting corruption to promote peace and responsible citizenship, kicked off with representatives from 193 countries. The conference was declared open by its Faculty Adviser, Mr Chuka Nwaozuzu, who welcomed participants and advised them to follow the rules of proceeding and interact with their counterparts from other higher institutions.

    “It is advisable to adhere strictly to the rule of proceeding using United Nations standards; this will make you a better person wherever you find yourself,” he charged the students.

    The Secretary-General of the NIGIMUN General Assembly, Adetola Onayemi, also advised participants to be of good conduct and avail themselves of the benefit of learning from the conference. He announced the various committees that would engage in discussions on topics that included money laundering, strengthening global arms control and non-proliferation regime, threats of nuclear terrorism and piracy, sustainable peace in post-uprising Arab states, drugs and crime control and fighting cybercrime, among others.

    When the discussion ended, participants visited the Switzerland Embassy in Abuja and Wonderland Amusement park to have fun. The conference was rounded off with the adoption of various recommendations. Two new Hewlett Packard laptops were given to the best male and female delegates by the immediate past Switzerland Ambassador to Nigeria.

    The programme also featured drama presentation, poetry recitation and music.

    Chika, speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, said the reason for establishing NIGIMUN was his passion for build a respobsilble youth population in Nigeria after his participation in other model UN conference. “To encourage a cult-free environment in our higher institution, students need to be challenged intellectually and engaged to be productive,” he said.

    Adetola, who spoke on challenges facing the youth in the country, advised on the need for global peace and fairness through individual and collective consciousness.

    “I see NIGIMUN gaining relevance in international politics using the United Nations as a platform to train future leaders,”

    He added: “Over 10 institutions participated in the programme, among which were University of Uyo (UNIUYO), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUS), College of Education, Iyere-Ekiti, Nwafor Orizu College of Education and Federal College of Education, Obudu.

  • Students hold freshers’ night

    Last Friday, the Association of Political Science Students (APPAS), Imo State University chapter, held its award and freshers’ night. It was a night of glamour as the students and their friends from other departments trooped into the Eastegate hotel, Owerri, the venue of the event.

    The event was graced by MC Egbeigwe, one of the popular comedians on campus, past governor of the association, some members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG). The programme featured activities such as music and dance performances by budding artistes in the university.

    An ex-official of the association, Tobechi Anozie, urged the freshers to be obedient and serious with their studies. He recalled his days 2006 when he graduated from the department, saying it was his hard work and dedication to his studies that earned him Second Class Upper division.

    Awards were presented to students in categories that included Most Vibrant Parliamentarian, Most Diplomatic, Political Oracle, Most Expensive Fresher, Mr APPAS and Miss Fresher among others.

    Jude Ibe won Mr Fresher category while Miss Fresher went Gloria Duru.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, the president of association, Chinonso Asiegbu, commended other executive members for their commitment to service. The Chief Judge of the faculty of Social Science also thanked all members of the association for being good ambassador of the department.

    Prince Oliver, one of the recipient of the award, thanked his colleagues for finding him worthy of the honour.

  • Re:Crisis hits Paul University

    The attention of the management of Paul University, Awka, has been drawn to a fabrication published in your CAMPUSLIFE Column on pages 29 and 31 of September 27, 2012 edition of your Newspaper – The Nation.

    The issues published in your paper are not only outlandish but definitely incorrect.

    For instance, your paper carried that last week (16th to 22nd September) our students, especially in the Department of Business Administration and Management were asked to register their courses within one week, failing which they will pay a penalty of N5000.00 for late registration.

    May I state here that students of Paul University have been on long vacation since 1st September 2012 and will resume on October 2012. Secondly Paul University, Awka does not offer Business Administration as at now.

    Your paper also carried that “the other day, students of Paul University pulled down the school gate because they were not mobilized for NYSC, two years after they graduated”

    Paul University, Awka was licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on November 2009 and the University started its academic programme in 2010. The University is in its third year and has not graduated its Pioneer students. The University gate has never been pulled down by anybody/group of persons/ students.

    The issue of poor facilities your reporter said the students complained about is again a feeble imagination of your correspondent.

    The facilities in the University are by every means very standard; very large rooms in the halls for four students, individual wardrobes, reading table and desk, two functional boreholes, stand by generator etc. The students he said spoke to him last week have been on holidays since first September 2012

    Talking about the few retired Professors in the University without bringing in the younger lecturers working under them, is a clear indication that Mr Emeka Odogwu was on a mischief mission, more so when no Paul University student really spoke with him.

    The reporter grossly misrepresented the 55 Bishops of the Anglican Communion, east of the Niger, as what he credited to them to have said, was neither raised nor discuss at their meeting which Mr. Odogwu was neither invited nor attended.

    The interview the Correspondent had with the Vice Chancellor about one year ago, part of which he reproduced, was thoroughly distorted in his vengeful mission of running down an Anglican University.

    Paul University, Awka is at the centre of the town. This reporter has access to the Public Relations Officer of the university and even the Vice Chancellor, but he never cared to cross check whatever information he may have or imagined. Deliberately omitting this elementary principle of journalism, confirms that Mr Odogwu was out for callous mischief, intended to cast aspersions on this young university, owned by the Anglican Church, a communion, Mr Odogwu professes to be a member.

     

    Ikechukwu is the Public Relations Officer of Paul University

  • Oyo students celebrate Amala Day

    It was celebration galore when the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter, marked its annual week that was tagged “Amala Day”. The event, which was held at the Engineering Lecture Theatre in Ikorodu campus, commenced about two hours behind schedule due to test being written by some of the members.

    The programme, which was the second edition of its kind, however, lasted for four hours with a high turnout of students. It took off with an open prayer by one of the students, Adewole Adegbala, HND II Mass Communication, and national anthem by the Vice President of the union, Razaq Adeleke. The programme was anchored by, Mutiat Alli, HND II Mass Communication.

    The programme also featured Amala contest, Ere Oritage (drama), which was titled Awero Alamala, while a presenter with Choice FM, Olalekan Animashaun, recited Ewi (poem).

    The FOSSU president, Babatunde Adepoju, in his speech, praised members of the union for their commitment in promoting the culture of the Pacesetter state. He explained that the programme was to foster unity among Oyo State students.

    The Welfare Director of the union, Adebayo Moyoade, said the event was aimed at bridging the gap among the students of polytechnics. “We are one; we are brothers and sisters despite we are away from home,” Moyoade said.

    Among the personalities present at the event were the former Dean, Students’ Affair (DSA) (LASPOTECH), Mr Isaac Omolumo, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State chapter of the union, Abdufatai Adeoye, the union’s former Welfare Director, Monsurat Akinsola and the outgoing ex-Students’ Union president of LASPOTECH, Raheem Alajogun among others.

     

  • ‘Women are not sex slaves’

    Your parents are academics and you are a Law student. Why did you venture into fashion?

    My parents are passionate about education but fashion designing is my passion because I have always liked working with colours and fabrics even when I was not in school. I used to design clothes for my mum and siblings. I was inspired by the good things around me. Fabrics just fascinated me and I started carving things out of them.

    When did you start Molab Fashion outfit?

    Three years ago! It is basically an accessories company where we make fashionable belts, bow ties and jewelries. The very peculiar thing about our fashion outfit is that it is culture-inclined. Most of our fabrics are traditional materials, such as Aso Oke, damask, silk and the rest.

    Where did you learn fashion designing?

    Nobody taught me and I did not attend any school of fashion designing. I always designed clothes naturally, and then I developed myself through the internet and fashion shows.

    Where does the finance come from?

    I fund myself but my family has been supportive. In the next five years, I see my work redefining fashion in the country and outside; giving fashion a new outlook. I plan to empower women who may want to be fashion designers.

    How do you market your products in this part of Nigeria?

    As a student based in Ife, my concern primarily is my immediate environment. If not for the passion I have for fashion, I would not have been able to maintain the business till now. Economically, it has not been easy but I have discovered that my wares have been accepted within and outside here. People who know the value of culture patronise us.

    How do you manage your academics with your fashion outfit?

    It has been through the grace of the Lord, my family and people around me. I don’t work myself out because I have staff that I pay on contract basis. We have four departments and all of them report directly to me. It has not been easy at all; but I do cope. I don’t plan to drop out even after the Law School because I pay more attention to my academic pursuit. I would not let my business affect my education.

    What is your message for colleagues?

    I urge them to be confident in whatever they do. Success can only come their way when they do what is expected of them at the right time. I am not asking them to disobey their husbands but women are not sex slaves; we are partners in progress. Women must empower themselves to be complete mothers in the society.

  • Union honours Cross River Deputy Speaker

    The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Calabar (Unical) has honored the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Hon. Nyong Asuquo.

    The award was presented to the lawmaker to recognise his contribution to the welfare of institution’s students.

    While presenting the award, the president of the union, Imah Ayi-Ekpenyong, described Asuquo as an icon. He noted that the achievment of the lawmaker should give courage to youth leaders, who looked up to Asuquo as a role model.

    Asuqo expressed appreciation to the students for the honour. He advised to see unionism as a launch pad for their future in politics.

    ‘’I thank the students’ union executives for the recognition. I believe that leadership comes with responsibility. Unionism is a platform for leadership training. It helps you to prepare for leadership challenges in future. I am optimistic that if you put your heads together with your fellow students and work well with the school management, then you would make good input in the lives of your colleagues on campus,” Asuquo said.

    Innocent Echeng, who was part of the delegation, thanked the Deputy Speaker for his advice and promised to maintain the closeness and relationship the students government has established.

  • No more resit exams in varsities, says NUC

    The National Universities Commission (NUC), the body charged with the responsibility of monitoring the activities of universities, has banned the conduct of re-sit examinations in universities.

    The NUC , in a statement in Abuja by its Chief Information Officer, Mrs Bukola Olatunji, frowned on the discovery that some universities conduct supplementary examination for their students, in addition to regular semester examinations.

    The commission, therefore, warned that the conduct of such examinations was in violation of extant rules and regulations, and urged all universities involved to stop the practice or face sanction.

    The statement reads in part: “The attention of the NUC has been drawn to the fact that some universities conduct supplementary examination for their students, in addition to regular semester examinations. This contradicts the Course Credit System in operation in the university system, which has no provision for re-sit or supplementary examinations.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Course Credit System provides that courses should be taken on semester basis and a course failed in one semester should be carried over to the following year and to be re-taken at the next available opportunity.”

  • Ekiti students hail Fayemi on Leadership Award

    Students of Ekiti State studying in Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti (ADO POLY), School of Nursing, privately-owned Crown Polytechnic, Federal University of Oye (FUOYE), and College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, all under the umbrella of the National Association of Ekiti State Students (NAESS), have congratulated Governor Kayode Fayemi, who received the Governor of the Year award by the Leadership newspaper. They described the award as well-deserved.

    Idowu Odebunmi, one of the students, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I congratulate our governor for this meritorious award. He is worth the honour because his administration has changed the face of education in the state. I am congratulating the governor for his fatherly support for all Ekiti students in higher institutions.”

    Olasupo Ajayi, HND II Estate Management, ADO POLY, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti (FEDPOADO), said the governor has done well to bring the state out of the woods. The General Secretary of NAESS, Adebiyi Adewale, 300-Level Chemistry, EKSU, praised the governor for distributing palmtop computers to students of public secondary schools in the state and for the accreditation of the School of Nursing and School of Health Technology.

    A FUOYE student, John Olaoye, described Fayemi as a students’ hero. “It is not only the students that are congratulating him. All citizens of the state are happy for this award and I think it is because he has been paying monthly stipends to elders and this coupled together with the free health care of his administration, our state is enviable among her peers,” John added.

  • Enough of this feckless wrestling

    Everything stands firmly on the granite slab of momentum. If you had ever watched a professional wrestling match, you will have no problem understanding the value of this force. A wrestler raises the roof as he drapes his opponent in a tarn of slams. As the spectators cheer him on, arrogance and complacency set in. Soon, his chances take a dwindling turn as he starts to lose sight of the ball. That’s the dilemma of a feckless wrestler.

    Politics in Nigeria is not different from this sport. People rise from their ramshackled strata of the society to attain power. From ‘shoe-less’ presidents to ‘prisoner’ president, the story has always be the same. As if buried in the rapture of their new status, they soon forget how their journey started. They forget the same people who defied the shine and rain to elect them. They forget the plight of poor pupils who receive lectures under tree shades and leaking roofs. They forget the plight of poor kids who toil under the scorching sun daily just to survive. They forget the plight of graduates who find it difficult to make meaning out of their lives after school.

    Jonathan is a wrestler. But not the kind we see on the riveting World Wresting Entertainment. He does not possess the charisma of John Cena. Not even the feisty presence of Randy Orton. But he seems like a pugilist; a feckless wrestler. To make matters worse, he suffers from what professional wrestling experts call “cheap heat”. This happens when a fighter incites a negative crowd reaction by making disparaging remarks. Jonathan may not have committed all these flaws, yet he goads us each time he breathes. He prods us each time he talks.

    Or was he not the same man that enjoined Nigerians to happily accept the cross of suffering for a controversial fuel subsidy? He told us to endure the pain of watching our lives impoverished. Jonathan told Nigerians to stomach the sting of seeing their cost of living leap astronomically. Why? Not because they committed any known felony. It’s because Nigerian blood runs in their veins. It’s because they live in a country were insensitivity is the definition of governance.

    People make history. But sometimes history has a way of making people. Jonathan seems to tilt towards the latter. Harmless he came with his shoe-less gospel in 2011. Jonathan was a perfect example of hope amidst despair, reminding us that we can rise above the circumstances. And these sentiments somehow played out in his favour. But what has Jonathan achieved since assuming power? Not even those of us on the south can identify any. Rather we suffer from what a political scientist call the peril of victory. Jonathan, though, is not the first to have provoked this political phenomenon.

    In 2000, a coalition of immigrant Muslim groups endorsed the presidential campaign of George W. Bush only to find themselves ignored by Bush’s administration as their communities were rocked by the carrying out of the USA Patriot Act, detention and deportation of Muslim immigrates and other security measures after 9/11. Jonathan neglected the same people who defied the scorching sun and the freezing rains to vote him in last year. But remember, he is a feckless wrestler.

    When it appears our nerves are raging, he appeals to a fallacy philosophers call Argumentum Ad Populum. By appealing to our emotions, he reminds us that his ascension is the making of God. He makes us believe that God chose him. And so, we should swallow his foul stool willy-nilly.

    Again, it’s difficult to identify what Jonathan has achieved as president. Or should he not learn from the legend of Narcissus, a fictional character in Paulo Coelho book The Alchemist, who knelt daily beside a lake to contemplate his beauty. He became pretty fascinated with himself one morning that he fell into the lake and was drowned. Nothing kills the human spirit more than the bug of idleness and self-indulgence. Such inactivity is a virus that has contaminated Jonathan’s tenure. Or how do we explain the level of distraction that hoods him around? Instead of proposing robust economic policies, he champions Sovereign Wealth Fund. Instead of fixing infrastructure and giving hope to Nigerians, he dashes it, squeezes it in his palms and flushes it away like the “Bulgarian shit” in Wole Soyinka’s A Play of Giants.

    In 18th Century, France faced severe political crisis under the reign of Louis XV. Why? A whole king was brought under the spell of two dames: Madam du Barry and Madam du Pompadour. Jonathan should watch out closely for those who think for him. He needs a voice of his own. Jonathan needs a Jonathan action. There is no crime having a chain of advisers but there should be room for discretion. Wisdom comes from the capacity to listen to everybody and yet decipher the wheat from the chaff. Enough of the feckless wrestling, my friend.

     

    Gilbert, 300-Level Foreign Languages, UNIBEN