Category: Campus Life

PROF. Christopher Imumolen has given a N20,000 prize to a year two student of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, Lagos.

The student, Seyitan Ayangbola, was rewarded for identifying who discovered the antibiotic drug penicillin.

This took place at the Students Union Judiciary Council’s yearly symposium.

At the mention of who invented penicillin during a question session by the don, Ayangbola made reference to Scottish physician Sir Alexander Fleming.

Ayangbola, who was delighted, said: “I am happy and looking forward to doing more.”

When asked how he got to know who invented penicillin, he noted that he was a Basic Science instructor before enrolling at the university.

“I was privileged to be a Basic Science teacher in a school before I gained admission. The question is one of those things I gave my students to recite.”

On how he intends to spend the money, he said he would use it to pay his school fees.

“I am being sponsored by my mother. So, the money will be used to pay my school fees,” he added.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Sola Kosoko, also spoke to LASUSTECH students about the need of maintain excellent moral standards and be courteous.

She utilised her personal experience to demonstrate the need to show respect.

“Courtesy goes a long way. Please let us always try and put it into practice. It doesn’t take anything from you. It doesn’t make you look stupid,” she said.

The immediate past Vice Chancellor of First Technical University (TECH-U), Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, has underscored the need for students to engage in vocational training. This,he said, would make them entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.

Speaking on campus last week, Ayobami stated that the university was committed to producing graduates who would create a market for themselves, instead of going  to the already over bloated labour market.

“The moment students come  to this university, right from the orientation programme, we let them  know that unemployment is real; and having a degree does not guarantee jobs.

“We prepare them for the reality outside. We let them know they can be an entrepreneur, so they  begin to think of what they can commercialise in their  training. If  you study chemistry, for instance, the painting industry is all about chemistry. Look at this office,” he said.

The don noted that students of the institution practise what they learn,hence,they are productive.

“I am  happy to tell you it was my students who painted this office. Those two buildings outside, my students  painted them. The paint that was used was made by the students.

During our first graduation, the best overall student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average CGPA of 4.91 was also the best overall student in vocational training. Some of our students while they are still here are already running their businesses,” he said.

Giving his scorecard, Salami, who  completed his tenure early this week, said the institution was able to maintain an uninterrupted academic calendar despite COVID-19 and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

Therefore, students at the institution enjoyed unhindered learning,such that many of them secured employment before graduation.

“We have been able to ensure a stable academic calendar, despite the strikes in the Nigerian university system and COVID-19.

“We said we would produce graduates that the market would be ready for; graduates that would be able to create a market for themselves.

“Many of our students had already got jobs even before graduation. As I am  talking to you today, we have a student who is yet to write the final exam in Engineering department and has already been given a job in an international oil company outside this country. That’s the kind of university we’ve been able to build within a very short time,” he said.

The don said the institution was the only one in West Africa running a programme in Robotic Engineering.

“Last year, the Association of Commonwealth Universities threw up a challenge after the COVID issue that they wanted a proposal for a project on blended learning. All the universities in Nigeria were asked to compete, and they said only six universities would win that grant. As young as we were, we competed and emerged as one of the six universities chosen in Nigeria that would run that programme. As of now, we are the only university in the entire West Africa running a blended programme in Robotic Engineering,” he said.

He also said the institution boasts of standard facilities to enhance learning. His words: “You can go through our laboratories. We have state-of-the-art laboratories in our science and engineering faculty. Technology is what is driving everything here. Go to all our classrooms, you won’t see chalkboards; only smart boards. We expose our students to best practices.”

On the school’s infrastructural development, Salami said: “When we came in, we only had two buildings. People refered to the  school  as a two-roof university. However, within four years, we were able to put in place additional 16 roofs, and now we have another two on Ajoda campus.”

Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, have kicked against the hike in tuition fees for freshers. They alleged that the increment was a signal that returning students’ fees may be increased. But, the institution’s management says the allegations are unfounded. SUNDAY ADEFEMI (FEDPOLY EDE) reports.

Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, are in a battle with the leadership of the institution following a hike in freshers’ school fees. They want the management to reverse the decision. Reason? There are speculations that with the hike in freshers’ fees, returning students would also taste the bitter pill.

CAMPUS LIFE gathered that the increment was first noticed on students’ portal  early last month, but was deleted following agitation by them.

However, it was re-uploaded to the portal few days ago to the chagrin of students, who took to various social media platforms to condemn  the hike.

It was learnt that the last freshly-admitted HND I students for 2020/2021 session paid N34,500, but new students are now to pay N53,100 for 2021/2022 session.

Most of the students said it was more than 30 per cent increase. They said it was a selfish decision by the institution, stressing  that as  a federal school, it should  be affordable for rich and poor.

Others appealed for a reversal to ease their financial burden.

 

Students bemoan hike

Philip Odeniyi said:”The decision is uncalled for.  Management should not have increased the tuition fees. Ede Poly is a federal polytechnic, that amount is just too huge to bear.”

Another student who pleaded anonymity said: “Management’s decision in this time of economic hardship leaves much to be desired. There is no power supply in the school, the alternative power generating system has been faulty for a long time. We cannot even read for examination inside the school. CBT examination is nothing to write home about. Everything has collapsed, yet they are asking freshers to pay more. We say no to increment for freshers.”

For Tunde Okeniyi, an HND 2 student, it is an unfair decision from management.

“It is very bad and unfair; the school management seems to be taking us as fools. Despite its poor performance with  day-to-day activities in the school, it still increased the school fees, with the economy not faring better,” he said.

Another student, Joy Adelakun, said: “We say no to increment in school fees, despite the disruption in academic calendar, all they can do is just to impose new fee on  students.

“Sadly, this new rate is so outrageous, the decision should be reversed. The new governing council and the management should not serve as enemies  of our future.”

On his part, Lekan Aro noted that the increment might affect returning students.

“To be candid, there is no justification for the increment. The management is just fooling us by insisting that the increment will only affect the newly-admitted students; it is just  deceit.

“I can also recall the increment in transportation maintenance which we didn’t benefit from and the student handbook which no  student has received  since 2018,” he said.

Jamiu Bakare, an  ND I student, said: “The sudden increment is uncalled for. Management should bring it down a little,  if possible it should be five per cent increment.”

Adebayo Suliyat an HND 2  student said: “The management, despite the  hardship in the country now, increased tuition. It is unnecessary at this moment. Authorities should please do  something about it.

“Based on the increment percentage, even 10 per cent is not acceptable because from the break-down of the school fees,  medical, transportation and the rest show that we are not even enjoying any of the benefits. So what is the basis for  the increment?  Transport from North campus to South campus is stress. I don’t see the need for the increment.

“What is the point of increment when  they will just prescribe drugs  that cannot cure one’s ailment when you visit the medical centre?”

 

NAPS, NANS, others  reject hike

Irked by the development, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Students’ Union Government and FPE Students’ Press urged management to reverse the decision and ordered all students to halt payment until the issue is addressed.

The Students’ Union in a statement issued a 12-hour ultimatum to the management to reverse the increment.

Also, NAPS issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the management, but checks by CAMPUS LIFE revealed that the portal still bears the new rate.

‘Returning students won’t be affected’

Meanwhile, the management through the Office of the Dean, Director of Students Affairs, Dr. Solomon Omotosho,  clarified that the increment would only affect newly-admitted students.

He dismissed  allegations that returning students would be affected. He insisted that only freshers’ fees were increased.

He said: “Only freshers will have to accept the new term on the admission, the returning students should not have any problem with that.”

 

 Deadline set  for registration

Despite the furore generated by the hike, management released a memo stating that new students have been given two weeks to complete online registration from the date of the memo, May 9, 2022. The deadline is May 20.

It warned freshers to comply or risk losing their admission.

It reads partly: “All freshers are strongly advised to ignore any contrary information/directive.This is for strict compliance.”

Management appeals to students

In an open letter to students, the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer, Sola Lawal, urged them to sheathe their swords and comply with the increment. He cited paucity of funds as reason for the hike.

The letter reads in part:” I  have decided to passionately appeal to your emotions  in view of the 30 power cent increase of tuition fees for the new intakes.

“You will agree with me that our country is currently passing through a very difficult time, and it is pertinent to inform you all that we need is a concerted effort  to salvage the situation and selflessly build the  system.

” You  are all aware that in the face of paucity of funds ravaging virtually all the entire government agencies, coupled with insecurity pervading the land, the institution has an obligation to provide basic needs and create an enabling environment for conducive learning, hence, the need to moderately improvise without creating further burden for our students.

“As responsive and responsible parents, we are all aware of various challenges  facing our youths, which informed  wider consultations the management embarked upon among  some critical stakeholders before coming  to this conclusion.

“What does  the management stand to gain in making life difficult for our students?

“The slight increase in the school fees for the newly admitted students was a fallout of the management’s quest to live up to her expectations.

“Therefore, I am passionately  appealing to you all to give peace a chance, we have wasted a lot of time in the past as a result of an “avoidable crisis”.    Let’s  partner with with the management and resolve all contending issues without interference of the external parties.

” I want to assure you that the Management of this institution is committed to  serving  you better  to guarantee your  graduation at the  appropriate time.

“Once again, let’s imbibe the attitude and culture of cohesion  and allow peace to reign in our institution.”

The current strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has left the majority of students with no option than to seek other means to keep themselves busy. It is of great interest to everyone trying to know who is at fault between the government and the union.

Many students believe ASUU should derive another means or strategy to make its demands instead of allowing innocent students to suffer from incessant industrial action. The Federal Government has a major role to play to meet up with the union’s demands for  students  to  return to school.

What the union is fighting for is not for its interest, but that of every student. The government should accede to its demands. We see a situation where students are going to private universities both within and outside the country for uninterrupted study. I shake my head when I hear or see some of my colleagues going to school in Ghana, Benin Republic, etc, to have their tertiary education. The lecturers we know in those schools cannot be compared to those in Nigerian federal universities, but due to a conducive environment of learning, they go there.

As a student of English, sadly, I have never entered the language lab in my school for any practical on phonetics. It is supposed to be compulsory, but due to the state of the laboratory, it is impossible.

Other departments suffer from this also, especially those of the sciences and many more. We see students sitting on windows to receive lectures, no proper public address system for lecturing, and limited hostel facilities among other things that are lacking. These are some of the reasons students go to private universities both within and outside the country. Therefore, it is advisable for the government to devise a means by which they can meet up  with the demands of ASUU as they did some years ago which brought about the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

Education can become a money spinner for government if it does the needful.

If our tertiary institutions are overhauled, foreign students will certainly want to attend.  The government should not only be interested in what will yield results immediately but also in long-term investment that will better the nation at large, with education made  the highest priority.

• Ochayi is a student of University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given approval for Medicine and Surgery and 18 other programmes at the Federal University, Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State.

Spokesman of the university, Abdullahi Yahaya-Bello made this known in a statement.

According to the statement, the approval is contained in a letter  addressed to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdulkarim Sabo  by the NUC

Yahaya-Bello said the approval followed the commission’s inspection and validation of  requisite facilities.

He said: “FUD has received full accreditation from the NUC for Medicine and Surgery and 18 other academic programmes in the College of Medicine and five faculties of the university.”

According to him, the other  accredited programmes are  Anatomy, Physiology, Agriculture, Accounting, Actuarial Science, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Taxation.

Others are Linguistics (Arabic), Linguistics (English), Biochemistry, Biology, Environmental Management and Toxicology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Economics, Information Technology and Software Engineering.

The VC  reiterated  the university’s commitment to  maintaining the  quality  and standards.

He said: “The accreditation of the medical programmes is no small achievement for the university. It is a wakeup call for staff and students to double their effort in ensuring that the MBBS programme of the university is among the best in the country.”

The VC also hailed the institution’s Academic Planning Directorate for its efforts in making the accreditation successful.

Vice Chancellor, Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun, has urged new students to place premium on their studies and be focused.

He spoke last week at the institution where 236 students were matriculated.

The VC advised them to refrain from unethical practices and make hardwork their watchword.He urged them not to forget their mission in the university.

Olatunbosun said the institution would soon begin Medicine and Pharmacy courses.

He said: “The university has initiated the process for the commencement of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. For a start, the faculty will take off with programmes in Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health. It is hoped that these processes will be completed in time so that students can be admitted into these new programmes during the next admission exercise.

“In line with the vision and the desire of the founder, the take-off of these programmes is the first step towards the commencement of programmes in Medicine and Pharmacy.

“The founder has already assembled a team of seasoned experts in these fields who have given appropriate advice on the requirements and procedures for commencements of these programmes.

“In addition, a large expanse of land has also been acquired by the founder across the university’s main gate for additional use and further expansion of the university.”

He noted that the university had commenced part-time, top-up, Degree/HND conversion programmes.

“The university has signed Memoranda of Understanding with the following institutions and organisations, Central State University, Ohio, United States, Universiti Teknologi, MARA, Malaysia, Missouri State University, USA, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, United Kingdom, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, New Horizon Systems,” he added.

 

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has given full accreditation status to Mass Communication and four other  programmes of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

Director of Accreditation, Dr Maryam Sali, said the other  programmes included Fisheries and Aquaculture, Performing Arts, Mathematics and Microbiology.

In 2020, NUC did not approve accreditation for some courses in the school.

Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, thanked the NUC  for ensuring quality and high standards of programmes in Nigerian universities.

He lauded the Visitor to the university and Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his  support.

The VC, who appreciated staff for their commitment and steadfastness,  noted that the university would continue to maintain  high standard for all its programmes.

Meanwhile, students of  the institution are delighted following the accreditation.

Olumide Samuel, a 200-Level student, said  he was  happy with the accreditation  and glad that Mass Communication had been approved.

He said: “I am very happy with this development. It will enhance quality education in our university and also ensure we are updated with the latest curriculum.”

Collins Adeyemi, a 300-Level student, believes that the accreditation was good news for students and the management.

His words: “This is to let us know that our school is up to date and advanced when it comes to the standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

No that a small group of thoughtful and committed youths can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has

                                                         – Margaret Mead

It should be noted that there is no universal definition of the word youth. It is defined based on different criteria. “Youth” is traditionally defined as the period of transition from childhood to adulthood. The United Nations Organisation (UN) defines the youth as young people who fall in the age category of 15 to 24 years. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), a specialised agency of the UN, has expanded this definition to cover all those who fall within the age category of 15 to 34. For the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),  youths are those within 15 and 35, as likewise recognised in the African Youth Charter.  However, this is a broad definition and several African countries define their youth populations differently. Nigeria, as the case study, defines youths as all young persons of the ages 18 to 35 years according to the National Youth Policy (2009). Standing on this definition, the youth population was estimated at 61,306,413 or 31.7 per cent of the total population projection of 193,392,517 by the National Population Commission in 2016. This is one of the highest percentages of youths in any country. However, to what extent has this huge population of able-bodied citizens been put to use in our dear fatherland?

Indeed, it is paradoxical that globally  youths are a “demographic majority” and yet a “political minority”. Youth activism is an essential ingredient of politics. Historically, this has been so, with many concrete illustrations, which can be drawn from many countries. Yet, contemporarily, in most countries, especially so-called developing countries such as Nigeria, the role of  youths in politics has been relegated to merely being mobilised as weapons in the arsenal of reckless political godfathers. Educational policies fail to address their needs and aspirations, economic policies undermine their potentials and dampen their spirits and national development policies also ignore their input, engagement and roles. It is imperative that we take measures urgently to empower and enable our youths to play appropriate roles in our politics in particular, and in our decision-making processes. National progress and development is conditional on the youth playing more appropriate roles in the political sector. Nigeria neglects its youths at her own peril. Youths are our future . We must guard, protect and nurture our future. The place and importance of the youth in the development process was aptly described by the Nigerian National Youths Policy (2009) in this way: “The youths are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have.

Not only are they legitimately regarded as the future leaders, they are potentially and actually the greatest investment for a country’s development. They serve as a good measure of the extent to which a country can reproduce as well as sustain itself. The extent of their vitality, responsible conduct, and roles in society is positively correlated with the development of their country.”

Youths  are currently faced with the task of redefining their roles in governance. Given the right climate, the following are considered as the role-expectations of the Nigerian youth in the political and developmental processes. First, the youth should parade themselves as agents of political socialisation—the ways in which political values are formed and utilised in the society. Active participation in governance at all levels including student organisations in higher institutions is another process through which the youth can make impact in  political and developmental processes.

Grass-root politics will afford the youth the opportunity to identify with the masses, appreciate their problems and master the terrain. In a nascent democratic system like Nigeria, learning by participating in grassroot politics is the best way to curb the widely spread infection of glorified servants under the tutelage of greedy political godfathers.

Across every major settlement in Nigeria, various types of organisations exist. However, the thriving organisations now are the ones formed by youth. The essence of the formation of these organisations is to supplement government efforts in community development projects. These organisations are the closest to the people at the grassroots  because they are formed by the members of the community themselves.

Youths community-based organisations can enhance community and national development through the promotion and implementation of sustainable projects for the benefit of the citizens; enlightening and mobilising members of the community for national development; strengthening community resources management etc.

Lastly, The Nigerian National Youth Policy asserts that: “Youths are the foundation of a society. Their energy, inventiveness, character and orientation define the pace of development and security of a nation.”

This statement acknowledges the role of youths in upholding the pace of development in a nation. As the most active segment of any society, youths are the major determiners of progress and stability of the nation. Conversely, the degree of backwardness and instability in the society is also determined primarily by  youths. Considering their significance, youths have the greatest responsibility to promote peace, security, stability and national unity. Democracy and good governance can only be nurtured and sustained in an environment of peace, security and stability. Where these are lacking, it is not only democracy and good governance that suffer, but also social progress and  future of  youths are seriously compromised.

As for the youth, there is the absolute need for a change of mindset, from despondency, apathy and “exiting the country”, to hopeful and positive, can-do attitude,  to positive engagement and activism with purposefulness and integrity. These, I believe, are the attributes of the mindset required to move Nigeria out of its current state of chaos to a greater future.

Young men and women must rise to get involved; to organise, not agonise! They must take their destiny and our nation’s destiny in their hands.

• Adeniji is a 100-Level student at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

Rector, Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) Igbesa, Ogun State, Dr Olufunke Olanike Akinkurolere has warned new students to desist from unethical practices or face expulsion.

She gave the warning at the institution’s 16th matriculation held at Prince Dapo Abiodun Twin Lecture Theatre Hall of the institution.

” The polytechnic has zero tolerance for anti-social behaviours like cultism, indecent dressing,  forgery of any kind and other activities that go against the school code of conduct.Any  student caught in the web will face dismissal, rustication or expulsion,” she said.

She noted  that over 3000 freshmen were matriculated in both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels into the six schools of the institute at full and part-time studies.

“I want to assure all parents that your children are in safe hands by the special grace of God.The institute has matriculated  over 3000 students  at the National Diploma (ND),  Higher National Diploma (HND) levels of full time and part-time into the six schools of the institute including; school of pure and applied sciences, school of engineering technology, school of environmental sciences, school of information and communication technology, school of business and management studies, school of financial management studies and centre for part-time studies,” she said.

The rector also said programmes offered in the school were accredited by the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE).

While announcing her departure, Akinkurolere said  the 16th matriculation  was her last.

Her words: “To the glory of God, this is the 16th Matriculation ceremony and the last one under my supervision as the rector of OGITECH.  By the grace of God I’ve been the Rector of this institute since  July 2014 and July this year by the grace of God, I will sign out.”

She also assured  students of adequate security and peaceful coexistence between the institute and its host community.

Akinkurolere advised them to report any suspicious activity to school authorities.

She thanked  Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner, Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu  and other the stakeholders for their support towards the institution.