Category: Campus Life

By Samuel Ajala, RU

Anthony Ilesanmi, a final year student of Law, has been elected as the President of Redeemer’s University Student Association (RUNSA). 

RUNSA is the student’s association body of Redeemer’s University, established on 8 January 2008. 

 Ilesanmi polled 27 votes to defeat his opponents, Fadare Ayomide, Owojuyigbe Mayokun and Taofek Adekola, who had 14, 11 and 7 votes.

The election was a delegate voting process of members of the uiversity’s Student Representative Council who voted to elect their new leaders. 

Other executive members like vice president, general secretary, public relations officer, among others, were also elected.

Electoral committee chairman, Adeoti Jadesola, praised her team for the conduct of the election.

She described the process as free and fair. “I believe  it was a free and fair election because our activities were open for  students to see,’’ she said.

The newly-elected President, Ilesanmi, thanked the Almighty God for the conduct of the election. He thanked the electoral committee and student body for conducting a free, fair, peaceful and dignifying election.

“This is a new era and my first move is to unify the whole school. Despite different contestants, the goal was to achieve a better RUNSA.

“In light of this, I welcome everyone that contested in the election into an adhoc  policy steering committee. Apart from unifying the candidates, we would also like to unify students. As the Bible says: ‘A house divided against itself would not stand. A fist is more powerful than fingers separated’.  This underpins the power of unity.

“We assure the school that by the grace of God this administration would work in harmony and in tandem with the school core values while seeking cooperation with  management.”

With the next year’s general election fast approaching, students in tertiary institutions across the country believe the pulls would shape the fortunes of the country. However, they want a president who would improve the nation, overhaul the education sector, provide adequate funding and improve other sectors. CALEB IJIOMA( AAP) reports.

The next presidential election is scheduled for February 25, 2023. It is 65 days to what observers have termed ‘one of the most crucial elections’  in the country’s history.

Generally, it would be the first general election under the nation’s new electoral legislation, signed in February, this year. The law accommodates advanced technology in the electoral process, including the e-transmission of results. Thus, voters would optimistic of transparency of the results.

Aspirants jostling for the top job include All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Labour Party’s Peter Obi; Peoples Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar; and New Nigeria Peoples Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) in a last year’s report stated that over 2.1 million students are in Nigerian universities, an increase over 2017 statistics, where the number was put at 1.7 million undergraduates and 234,000 postgraduate students.

These students, who are a large percentage of youths, are in high spirits with many expectations, that the  forthcoming general elections would bring a national leader who will bring visible developments in major sectors, including education.

Threfore, the seventh presidential election to be held in the country since independence promises to be interesting.

Voters Registration statistics

The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which began on June 28, last year,  ended on August 31, this year. At the end of the exercise, it recorded a total of 10,487,972 fresh registrants out of 31,098,013 applications covering voter transfer, requests for replacement of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and update of voter information records among other requests.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), registration stands at a total of 12,298,944, made up of 3,444,378 online registration and 8,854,566 physical registration.

Campus Life  gathered that INEC registered 6.8 million new voters between June, last year, when it started the continuous voter registration and last June. Also, about 4.8 million of the new registrants, representing 69.7 per cent, were youths, and the majority of them were students, business persons, and housewives.

2023 election, a game changer

Students have described the forthcoming election as a game changer with so many things at stake.

Philip Anjorin, a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA),  Ondo State, noted that the country was on the threshold of change, and the general election would shape its  fortunes.

“The 2023 election is probably going to rank with the 1993 election as the most anticipated because of the events unfolding before our very eyes. For the first time, we’re looking at a situation where more than two candidates are holding equal stakes to Aso Rock without assurance of victory for any of them.

“Meanwhile, the administration has left a lot of damage in its wake, so much that whoever becomes the next president will have his hands filled to the brim in security, economy, and education among other cases. This same damage has also greatly influenced the chances of victory for his political party’s presidential candidate.

“The coming election is beyond dicey, but Nigeria is on the edge of change with how the youth are getting informed on voter power. It will shape lots of things and I look forward to seeing amazing changes,” he said.

Nweke Chineye, a student at  Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho (LAUTECH), said the election would shape the country if the candidate that emerges provides strategies to make Nigeria better.

“The election will shape the country. However, the candidate that emerges will determine if the shape will be haphazardly done or would follow a regular pattern with strategies that will birth a new Nigeria. The election will definitely shape the country according to the will of whoever emerges,” she said.

Safiu Kehinde, a student, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), noted that next year’s general election would decide the fate of the country and its unity.

“From all indications, the 2023 general election is one major decider of this country’s destiny. It’s not going to be any rosy, considering the current state of things.We are currently at a crossroads and everybody is ready for what lies ahead of the 2023 election. It is a decider of this country’s fate and the last redline holding the unity of this country,” he said.

Faith Alofe, a  student of  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), said: “This period has brought changes to the political template we used to have in the country.

“This election period is one of the election times when the dynamics have changed and individuals are getting involved. People are now interested in the electioneering process, unlike before. Many people are now interested in what is about to become of this country. We are intentional about choosing the person who will become the president, and other sectors of leadership. I believe this particular period is a change in the dynamics of politics that we used to have.”

Peace Oladipo, a Mass Communication student, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), said the forthcoming general election would have a different tone, adding that many Nigerians are more intentional about the electioneering process.

“Nigerians are becoming serious with the issue of governance.The current state of  the country has fired up the interest of  almost everyone. The administration seems to have failed in its primary responsibility which is to protect the lives of humans and properties. The major issue of insecurity has affected every sector of the state.

“Surely, the forthcoming election is going to be different. Youths are conscious and this is seen in the rate at which they participated in the Permanent Voters Card registration. Many Nigerians are intentional about who they want to vote for.I believe the result of the 2023 election will be a surprise to many. It will shape the country for the better,” she said.

Akintulubo Precious, a student, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, stated that the general election was an opportunity to restructure the country.

“The 2023 general election is another opportunity for us to bring changes to the country and, if we fail, we will suffer for a long time. It is a time for us to restructure the country, especially those people can bring changes. It would surely shape the country, good or bad, depending on our actions at the polls,” she said.

Muhammed Bello Buhari, a student, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the election might not be different from previous elections but the Electoral Act 2022 would make it free and fair.

“I view the 2023 elections just like the previous elections that produced the same leaders. I really don’t want to be pessimistic because I’m an optimist. Nigeria’s problems which cut across the education, economic, security sector and many other sectors are simply due to ineffective leadership. We need effective leaders committed to the development of the country. But I view the 2023 elections as just another election that would produce the same kind and class of leaders that have been part of our problem since the inception of the Fourth Republic.

“Nevertheless, for once, the Electoral Act will be a game changer in the elections. Because the manner that elections used to be rigged will really not be effective anymore and now people have that assurance and confidence that votes actually will count,” he said.

However, for Lasilo Oromidayo, a student,  Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), the coming general election is likely not to have any effect on the country. According to him, the winner of the poll has already been determined.

“The 2023 general elections can never be a game changer because the Nigerians can predict who would win already. We have three major candidates, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC, Atiku Abubakar of PDP and  Peter Obi of Labour Party. I can say that Tinubu will be victorious. As students, we need a game changer who can reset and restructure Nigeria but it’s a shame that it’s the same set of people who have already tasted power or that have held one office or the other that are still contesting,” he said.

Toheeb Shittu, a student, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic(AAPOLY), Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State,  the youth are becoming active players in the political scenes and hopes the general election would reshape the country.

“We have three popular candidates and also millions of Nigerians who are ready to do the needful. Youths are getting ready and it’s sending a message to the already political giants in the country. The election is another period where we take strategic decisions and I’m glad the youths are becoming active players. Hopefully, it’s going to be one that would rewrite the destiny of the country.”

Students should be actively 

involved

National Coordinator, Fund Education Coalition, Damilare Adenola, has urged students to get involved in the electioneering.

Adenola noted that the general election would test the advancement of the political process in Nigeria.

“We would be waiting to see if the election will reflect the will of the people. Students have always involved themselves in elections but it appears that in 2023 we are witnessing a doubling of that. However, I think that as we have more students, their choices will be informed and they won’t succumb to vote buying and other electoral offences,” he said.

Speaking on how students can get involved, he said: “Students should volunteer to campaign candidates of their choice. I mean candidates whose ideas reflect their yearnings.Students should not work for candidates who would come in and shut schools and enact policies that would affect the citizenry.”

By Safiu Kehinde

More often than ever,  the just-concluded FIFA World Cup has  proved to be a platform for several global discussions and debates.

Long before the tourney’s kick-off, there had been several issues  by participating countries due to the policies in place at the host nation. Ranging from beer consumption, LGBT, to the level of  social interaction among visiting fans, Qatar was  able to provide answers to the questions raised by the global community. They also did well in curbing political-driven advocacy by fans as the case of Iran.

However, one problem they couldn’t solve is the controversy surrounding Morocco. The North Africans became the first to progress to World Cup semi-final.

While the defeat of Portugal by the Atlas Lions of Morocco had sent the entire African continent into  frenzy, the Arabian peninsula had also taken turn to paint the town red in celebration of the only Arabian country left in the World Cup and also the first Arabian country to make it that far in the history of the tournament. Way back in the Middle East, Palestinians had taken the celebration of Morocco’s victory to the gate of Damascus with Israeli forces repelling them from going beyond their boundary.

Fellow North African countries had also joined in the celebration with thousands of fans trooping out in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, to cheer Morocco’s victory.  As if this was not enough, the celebration was also extended to the heart of America where several Moroccans and well-wishers stormed the New York Times Square. These had, again, raised the age-long debate on the true identity of Morocco with a reaction by one of Morocco’s player, adding  more fire to the debate.

Following the Atlas Lions’ victory over Portugal, former Southampton midfielder, Sofiane Boufal, dedicated the victory to the Arab world while appreciating the support of Moroccans home and abroad.

“Thanks to all the Moroccans all over the world for their support. To all Arab people, to Muslim people, this win belongs to you,”  Boufal had said in a post-match interview.

 This sparked the debate as most Africans, who were of the notion that Morocco is the only African country left at the world and as such celebrated their victory, were left dumbfounded. Boufal would later apologise for his omission of Africa, but his initial statement- just as some netizens had said, had an iota of truth about Moroccans perception of themselves.

Seven years ago, a Moroccan journalist, Sana Afouaiz, wrote on Morocco’s identity crisis, revealing her experience with other African and Arab colleagues.

“When I meet some of my African and Arab fellows. Africans would ask me “Where are you from?”, me: “Morocco”, them: “Ah, you are an Arab who don’t admit the African origins”, then Arabs ask the same and then say, “Oh you are the ones who don’t speak Arabic only French”, she wrote.

 While this could considered as the perception of outsiders about Moroccans, Afouaiz sought after what her people perceived of themselves and made a shocking discovery of same clash of identity.

“On the other hand, I asked some Moroccans: “Are you African?” and I got the most shocking answers, which is actually common between the North Africans. They said: ” Not really, Africans are black, but we are not black”, and I replied: “Should I be black to be called African?”

Afouaiz  noted that Morocco is a mix of Arab, African, and Amazighi culture, which constituted 48 per cent of the population.

Speaking of the Amazighists, they are the indigenous people of Morocco and are also dominant in Algeria. They have established their presence long before the Arab and French invasion.

According to a National Geographic book entitled: “World History: Journey Across Time”, the Amazighists, also known as Berbers, are the first identified set of people to settle in North Africa.

Historically, they travelled through the Sahara Desert  to engage in trade with West African nations such as the old Mali empire, and Niger. They are also responsible for the spread of Islam in West Africa.

The Amazighists language, Tamazight was made Morocco’s official language in 2011.

According to Aljazeera, the language was introduced into Moroccan education system in 2003. Africa’s story can never be complete without the mention of the Amazighists who made today’s Morocco and Algeria.

While the real Arabians are geographically based in Asia, Morocco is located in Northwest Africa, sharing border with the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea to the north and Sahara desert and Algeria to the south.

The famous Atlas mountains from which the Moroccan national team derived its nickname, run across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Just as Somalia represents the horn of Africa, Morocco can be described as the window of Africa for its proximity to the western world.

Morocco’s affiliation to Africa became more pronounced when they rejoined African Union (AU) in 2017 after over 30 years since their withdrawal from the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The move was labelled by the King Mohammed VI of Morocco as a “return home”.

Similarly, the president/founder, Insitut Amadeus – a Morocco-based think tank, Brahim Fassi Fihri, admitted that the initial withdrawal of Morocco from the union was a “strategic mistake”, stressing that Africa is their natural home.

Earlier this month, the country offered to contribute to the African Development Fund designed by African Development Bank (AfDB) to foster growth among African countries.

Thus, we can admit that Morocco is more African than Arabian. Their victory is a pride to Africa and of great advantage to the continent in terms of representation at the next FIFA World Cup.

Morocco’s advancement to the semi-final opened the possibility of having nine to ten African countries qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

•Kehinde is a student at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).

Former Head of Department of European Languages, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Jide Timothy-Asobele, has bemoaned indecent dressing among youths, adding that fashion now tends to be seductive rather adoring God.

Timothy-Asobele, a professor of French Language, was the guest lecturer at the maiden General Nigerian Studies Day celebration organised by the  Lagos State University Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS) at the campus in Ojo, Lagos.

In his  lecture entitled: “Lagos cultural nationalism in the 19th century: change of names and costumes (dress),” the don stressed the need to dress decently and look responsible. He told students to be properly dressed.

“Fashion seems to have been hijacked by demonic powers which make it more seductive than adoring to God. Absolutely not every hairstyle, hair cut in vogue is meant for priestly people. Let our dressing be decent outwardly. Even in our universities, we have dress-code for faculties: black and white for Law students,” he said.

Timothy-Asobele said it was imperative to develop African languages in our universities, adding that many  scholars were protecting African languages from extinction through research.

“The easiest and quickest way to make a slave of a nation is to take away the language of the nation. A nation that forgets its language has nothing else to lose. Once a language is lost, the literature is lost. In fact, it has lost everything that can make a nation,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,who was represented by Dean of Arts,  Prof Moshood Salisu, said the event was an avenue to expose students to the important role of  culture  in  enhancing  national development.

 Director of CGNS, Prof. Simiat Elias, said it was important to protect the nation’s languages and reawaken the interest of students and everyone to 19th Century Lagos.

“It is important we protect our languages. We are looking at the 19th century Lagos to reawaken the interest of the youth, academia and all.

‘’Henceforth, we will be celebrating GNS Day every third Thursday in December. The Vice Chancellor has approved it,” she said.

•UNIBEN Mass Comm Dept holds conference

 

By Ifunanya Osakwe UNIBEN

Mass Communication students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been urged to take bold steps in journalism if they are desirous of excelling.

This was at the media conference which held on campus.

It was the first of its kind in the institution. The conference  was also attended  by  students from other departments.

The event was to motivate upcoming professionals to attain their dreams of becoming practical and skilled journalists.

Speakers included the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Daniel Ekhareafo, Mr. Salihu Mohammed, KU FM Manager Mr. Courage Eboigbe, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Secretary Edo State Chapter Mstar Bryant, a podcaster and a staff at Vibes FM, Latifa  Idris Freelance Media Personality, Sunday Ekerikevwe, Mass Communication Department Lecturer.

The organiser of the event and a student at the Department of Mass Communication, Paschal Keerebu said that the idea of organising the event was borne out of the need to inspire students to become better mass communicators.

Keerebu further said  he worked for Bronze FM radio station and this has helped him become skilled in journalism.

“I took it upon myself to organise this conference and I am honoured to have been permitted to host the event by my HoD, Dr. Ekhareafo.

“I have noticed that a lot of students do not feel motivated to acquire practical skill of journalism. To change the narrative in this regard is one of the major reasons which motivated me to organise this conference.

“To be sincere, most of us graduate from this school without an inkling of what broadcasting is all about. But I hope the majority of the students that are attending this conference will learn one or two things.

“I take this medium to appreciate the  Dr.  Ekhareafo, the speakers who graced the occasion despite the short notice we gave them and students of the Department of Mass Communication,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Mohammed who is a sports presenter and Manager at KU FM, encouraged  students to take bold steps if they wanted to excel in journalism.

He said broadcasting was a  time-consuming profession. “You see, I have been in the broadcast media for about 20 years now.

“That is why I stand here boldly to tell you that journalism is one of the most time-consuming profession. Apart from that,  if you go into journalism just because of the fame and money, you might become disappointed,”  he said.

Eboigbe advised students to always make  efforts to learn from those who have practical knowledge of the profession.

“Humility is important in the journalism profession. If you are not humble you will not go far in your career. I will tell you this as someone who already has an experience in this field,” he said.

Mystar Bryan, a podcaster and staff of Vibes FM, said discipline and humility were important in journalism.

“Without discipline and humility one cannot survive in the media world.

“I always tell people that you cannot be bigger than your tutor. You might expand your knowledge more than he did but he will always be your teacher,”  he said.

Ekhearafo stressed the importance of hard work and dedication for whoever desires to be a  journalist.

He said: “Journalism is one of the best fields in the world. And it is important as students of the Department of Mass Communication to acquire the practical aspect of the field.

“This is the first time we are having such an event and I am proud to say that this was achieved within two weeks of preparation. Now imagine if we had more time,” he said.

Ekeriekvwe said  to be acknowledged in the pen profession one needed to be sound.

He said: “I always tell my students that Mass Communication is not mass cosmetics nor is it mass gallivanting. In fact it is too serious a career choice.

“You must work harder if you want to excel. There are thousands of people who are already in journalism field but only a few knows what it entails,” he said.

By Emmanuel Ochayi

It was a day of celebration and tributes at Government Technical College, Ikotun,Lagos State, as the school honoured its outgone director, Mrs. Esther Olufunmilayo Dada.

The retirement ceremony was well attended by friends, college staff, church and family members, as well as her colleagues from Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

Chairman of the event, Pastor Adewunmi, hailed the celebrator and described her as a wonderful person who could not be easily offended.

“The celebrator is a wonderful person.She is not easily offended,no matter what happens. I want to appreciate her. We appreciate God for helping her to spend 35 years in service,” he said.

He advised her to take her health seriously and pay attention to the kind of food she eats.

“Take what you will do next to God in prayer. Take care of your health which is very important, because you are getting older. Do exercise, eat more of fruits and vegetables,” he  added.

Vice Principal (Academics) of the college,  Mr.  Babajide Soewu, also described the celebrator  as an excellent woman,  a role model and an unassuming personality.

His words:  “I am  next door neighbour to her in the office. She makes someone feel one  can do it. She listens to instruction and she always complies. She is so wonderful. She is sister and a role model. Whether you are older than her or younger, she will approach you to tell her what she does not know.”

The outgone director’s  husband, Pastor Steve Oluwasegun Dada described her her as a counsellor, helper and adviser.

“She is not a wife but a mother.She has helped  the family, the ministry and work of God. She is a counselor. When you go meet her, she will always give a meaningful answer to any problem.

“When you have someone who share your interests and goal, you will like to stick with that person. She is my prayer house,” he said.

The celebrator thanked God  for seeing her through her service years.She urged government to uplift the teaching profession.

“Today is a glorious day. I have been looking forward to this day for more than one or two years ago. That after 35years of service, one needs to go and rest from one’s labour.

I thank God for counting me worthy of seeing today,” she said.

Dada urged  teachers and students not to be lazy and wayward. She advised them to be devoted to the profession.

She equally advised  students to face their studies so they can be  better in all aspects.

By Abike Sanusi UNILAG

First female winner of the Prof. Rahamon Bello Best Ph.D Thesis Award, Dr. Henrietta Omo, has said the feat will inspire her to do more for Africa.

Omo spoke at the presentation of her $1000 prize and a certificate by the  Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), African Cluster Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG). Omo is of the University of Ibadan.

The event took place at UNILAG.

According to Omo, believing in one’s self helps to maximise one’s  potential to attain set goals.

“I want to thank the Almighty God for His grace to achieve this. It was not easy.

“I wanted to do something differently, something that will stand out and be counted. And, today, the perseverance, commitment and patience have paid off.

“There is no better time for me to have won this award,” she said.

Omo lauded the institute for encouraging young scholars to do their best in research.

She said with the initiative, Africa would be a force to reckon with.

The Director of the institute, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye, said  it was the first time a woman would win the award since its inception two years ago.

According to him, the award is aimed at projecting and developing young scholars.

“We, at the IADS, are doing this to encourage young career scholars so that we will have people to take over  from the rest of us when we retire; this is one of the basic reasons IADS was founded.

“The IADS is very big in early career development, as we fund PhD students, as well as visiting post-doctoral fellows from all over Africa,” he said.

He added that the institute organised conferences for PhD students from all over the country just as it  sends them abroad for conferences and workshops.

“This year, we have done that for three scholars – two to Mozambique and one will be going to Japan in few days. All of them are funded through the grants won at the institute,” he said.

Falaiye noted that the institute also planned to fund Ph.D students admitted into IADS.

The Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Letters said the institute would be responsible for the tuition fees and accommodation of the students, as well as provide them with stipends for their upkeep.

“2023 will be a year for early career scholars. They need to be tutored, mentored and directed aright,” he said.

According to him, IADS has won research  grants in excess of $2 million in the last two years.

He explained that the grant had been largely for research projects, development of infrastructure in the institute, as well as development of young early career scholars.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said  the IADS was taking the right steps in the right direction.

“The IADS has got it right. It is supporting and encouraging early career researchers, and that is the way to go.

” If you get them now,  it can build a bigger and better university system.

” We did something similar at the College of Medicine, where, in the last 10 years, we have been working through a grant, to develop early career researchers, and it has paid off significantly.

“We are going to replicate this across the university, and it is not going to be only for the teaching staff. We are also going to develop early career administrators.

Prof. Rahmon Bello, the honoree for the award and the 11th Vice Chancellor of UNILAG also lauded the institute for its  achievements.

He said  the institute was getting increasingly recognised globally by its activities.

“By the grace of God, I am the one that initiated the concept and  I am happy that the institute has grown.

“I want to thank the management of the institute led by Prof. Falaiye for doing a wonderful job to ensure that we get to the point where we are today.

“They are doing very well and I will keep supporting them in any little way,” he said.

On whether there were plans to accommodate scholars outside the continent in the programme, the former vice chancellor said that there were possibilities for it if the scholars could base their works on African studies.

“Maybe, virtually, we will need to open it up to include those who are  doing African studies abroad,” Bello said.

The Lake Chad region, which was ranked as Africa’s largest freshwater lake, has also been occupied by some areas with seasonal surfaces from year to year. It is located in west-central Africa and comprises Niger, Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It is noteworthy for important archaeological discoveries, its role in trans-Saharan trade, and its connection with historical African kingdoms and ancient cultural heritage.

Conservatively, the featured countries under the territory were enveloped with historical, bread-and-butter cultural heritage that served as a plausible means of growing those lands and kingdoms.

Meanwhile, there are some other cultural heritage sites which were either artificially created by our forefathers or naturally formed and rearranged to maintain the cultural values of the areas of the Lake Chad region.

Inside a few of Nigeria’s Lake Chad regions, particularly Yobe, Borno, and Bauchi states, several amazing cultural heritages have been preserved as historical sites for the sake of tourism and to honour the younger generations. In ancient times, the region was enriched by various sources of fishing, farming, and rearing of animals, irrigation, how its water sustains people and other economic activities.

The region has developed enormously in maintaining and expanding the value of that vital cultural heritage, but the areas continuously experience challenges of losing  attention from people who are likely being colonised by irrelevant cultures, while the majority live with no knowledge of those interesting cultural heritage practices and places. It should be important to give people the full story of how rich in cultural heritage the Lake Chad region was and to reimagine ways to entice them to  support those cultures.

The need to revive cultural heritage in the Lake Chad region is important because such places are meant to be  historical backgrounds that are keyed to maintaining the image of people living in areas of the region. It easily generates income from tourism management and helps gain knowledge of history.

Specifically, some states, such as Borno, Yobe, and Bauchi, have an enthralling cultural heritage that has a wide origin from the lives of forefathers and that closely brings effective development for the regions, their government, and society at large. For instance, in Yobe State, there are numerous places which were created to enhance  the cultural standard of the Lake Chad region.

However, in the local areas of the state, most commonly in the emirate palace, cultural heritage is  highly valued.

Places and occasions that underscore the  cultural heritage of the state, are Daura Old Settlement, Bade Fishing and Cultural Festival, Old Daniski Settlement, Bakarau Festival, Birnin Ngazargamu, Dokshi Spring Water, Dagona Birds Sanctuary, Dufuna Canoe and Tulo-Tulowa.

The ‘Dufuna Canoe’  was discovered near the region of the River Yobe. The canoe was discovered by a Fulani herdsman in May 1987 around Dufuna village while digging a well. The canoe is almost black wood and is said to be Africa’s mahogany, as entirely an organic material. According to research, the canoe is about 8,500 years old, thus making it the oldest African boat.

In Borno State, places like the Shehu of Borno Palace, Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, Rabe’s Fort in Dikwa, Lake Chad Game Sanctuary, Lake Tilla, Jarry Falls, and Borno State Museum are exciting cultural sites.

Nevertheless, government should make efforts to attract tourists to the nation’s tourists site. It will stand it in good stead in the long run.

•Adeyemo is a Mass Communication student at University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

By Clarion Olusegun LASU

Lagos State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has commended the professionalism of journalists, especially in ensuring fairness and objectivity in their reportage of activities of the institution.

Speaking at the 5th media parley and awards, organised by the institution’s Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, in Ojo, Lagos, Prof. Olatunji-Bello praised the media for  sustaining and sharing public opinion to  enhance nation building and development.

“Considering the critical role, the media plays  in shaping public opinion, it has   contributed to the growth and development of the society. From the house of the entire LASU committee, thank you for your professionalism and balanced reportage.

“We have the unalloyed support of stakeholders whose contributions are crucial for attaining our desire on LASU. This is why I am indebted to our media friends of the critical role they have played in the last one year in sustaining the positive narrative in the new LASU. I am grateful to the media for their swift and occasional coverage and publicity of our activities.”

“I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and keep you from evil as you discharge your service to humanity.”

She congratulated 2022 awardees, urging media practitioners to continue to put professionalism, fairness and objectivity at the forefront while doing their job.

Similarly, Mr. Aderemi Fashola, coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, thanked  journalists for their balanced coverage and reportage.

According to him the media parley is an annual program, to appreciate media practitioners.

“The media parley organised at the end of the year is to appreciate the media for its  healthy and objective reporting throughout the year,” he said.

The awardees  of the year included Tayo Olorunyomi, for the radio category, Samuel Dada, television category, Apata Oyeniran, print category, Folorunso Victor Taiwo and Adonai Gideon for the online category.

The Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo, has said the institution was committed to students welfare and development. This, he said, necessitated the introduction of the payment of  80 per cent tuition for  students who lose their parents , guardians and sponsors till they graduate.

“We remain an institution that is student-focused, ensuring that students receive equal opportunity for development, care and security irrespective of background,” he said.

He spoke at a  media dinner at the weekend on campus in Ilishan-Remo.

He said the university has initiated many  student support programmes which include academic empowerment programme for students on academic suspension as well as tutorial and learning skills for students with low Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Tayo said the institution also runs an emotional intelligence certification programme, international students’ welfare, and social welfare for medically challenged students.

The VC noted  that some of the school’s programmes received a surge  in enrolment.

“The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has upwardly reviewed our student enrolment in Medicine from 100 to 120.

“Similarly, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria have also approved an upgrade for our Nursing student enrolment to 150. Currently, we have 44 accredited undergraduate programmes ranging from Accounting to Nursing and Medicine & Surgery.”

He urged  journalists to continue to uphold the tenets of truth, objectivity, and integrity which were the recipe for great journalism.

“Undoubtedly, in the course of reporting behind the firing lines, you and sometimes, family members have faced life-threatening situations. I bet you have more than enough stories to share on these challenges today.

“In spite of threats from political manipulators and infiltrators in the ranks ready to exchange professionalism for mediocrity, continue to uphold the tenets of truth, objectivity, and integrity which are the hallmarks of great journalism.“