The Nation Newspaper

Category: Campus Life

  • After report, physically challenged Corps member gets job promises

    After report, physically challenged Corps member gets job promises

    On February 3, Campus Life reported the story of Ikiotere Ayebatonye, a physically-challenged  Corps member born with upper and lower limbs case disability, serving in Bayelsa State.

    In the report, Ayebatonye spoke about his challenges and how he overcame his deformity to get educated.

    The 25-year-old Ayebatonye is a graduate of Management Science from the Niger Delta University. This feat wasn’t achieved without some obstacles. His mum, who sells bean cake (Akara) and pap, Pagabo Ebigoni, lost her husband 12 years ago. She, however, managed to train him through school with her petty business.

    After the report, Ayebatonye  said he got calls from some people who promised him employment after his youth service. He said the report exposed him to well-meaning Nigerians who assured him of getting a job after he completed his youth service.

    “The report exposed me to many dignitaries and by the grace of God when I finish my service, I will not need to hunt for a job. People mostly call me and ask me if I’ve finished service and I say no and they just said, ‘let’s keep in contact and be in touch. I feel great,’ ”  he said.

    Ayebatonye will be done with his youth service in September.

  • Thoughts on rhesus factor and genotype

    Thoughts on rhesus factor and genotype

    Perhaps, many are conversant with the practical concept of genotype or genotypic compatibility. Either via counseling, class lectures, health awarenesses, personal research etc, anyone  would definitely know which alphabet combinations match the other, especially when it comes to choosing a marriage partner.

    However, what do we know about Rhesus factor and incompatibility? Why is the knowledge of the concept important?  What is or are the possible effect(s) it may pose to  one’s life if not understood?

    What is rhesus factor?

    Rhesus factor (otherwise known as Rh factor) is a genetically-inherited material in form of protein and is found on the exterior of our red blood cells. It is passed down from parents (mostly the father) to the offspring and hence, anyone who inherits the protein would be said to be Rh-positive while the ones that do not  are Rh-negative. Rh-positive humans majorly are the ones with positive blood type (such as A+, B+ or  O+) while the Rh-negative individuals are the ones with the otherwise (such as A-, B- or O-). A very vital point to note is, according to research, about 85 per cent of humans or more are Rh-positive.

    Why is the knowledge of Rh-factor important? The Rh-factor does not have any negative effect on the general wellbeing of humans. Howbeit, its knowledge becomes of utmost importance when pregnant or planning to conceive as there will arise serious complications if the rhesus factor of the pregnant woman and that of the fetus are incompatible.

    What is rhesus incompatibility?

    For a Rh-negative woman that got impregnated by a Rh-negative partner, there would be no occurrence of any issue. The problem arises when a Rh-negative woman is impregnated by a Rh-positive man and unfortunately the foetus inherits the Rh-positive gene from the father. This is basically termed ‘RHESUS INCOMPATIBILITY.’

    The implication

    When the blood of the Rh-positive fetus gets in contact with that of the Rh-negative mother, the mother’s body senses it as a threat (antigen)  and there is an instant activation of the antibodies (soldier-like entities that will fight and get rid of the antigen). With that, the Rh-negative woman is at a very high risk of losing the child and even subsequent miscarriages as the already activated antibodies would sense the later pregnancies as threats, thereby always at alert to fight and get rid of them. Sadly, once the antibodies get activated in the woman, there may never be a deactivation till the woman dies.

    Any remedy?

    Definitely not all bad things that happen to man are forces from the village, we can sometimes be the cause of our own problem by not having the right information or seeking the necessary knowledge before delving into some affairs. Hence, let’s kindly do ourselves a lot of benefit by seeking the right and timely knowledge before or when situations arise.

    In this context, to prevent the production of soldiers (in form of antibodies) in   a Rh-negative woman impregnated by a man with the opposite rhesus factor and thereby preventing the unwanted from happening, the woman would be administered an injection termed ‘Rhogam’ 28 weeks into the pregnancy, 72 hours after delivery and after either an abortion, a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (a type of pregnancy wherein the fertilised egg develops elsewhere other than the uterus).

    Additional information

    As earlier stated, a larger percentage of humans are Rh-positive, hence, the chances of a Rh-negative woman to get a Rh-positive man as husband may be quite slim. There is a solution to almost all problems though. Hence dear beloved, to prevent oneself from falling into those sad circumstances, it is germane to go for genetic counseling, seek the required knowledge and ask questions when not clear about a particular aspect.

    Know your genotype, know your blood type, know your rhesus factor, know that of your partner and loved ones. In all, be aware of your overall health status.

  • Ex-Campus Life reporter, others win CAPPA Trans Fat Fellowship

    Ex-Campus Life reporter, others win CAPPA Trans Fat Fellowship

    Former Campus Life reporter,  Adesola Ikulajolu, and five others have won the Journalism Fellowship for Investigative Reporting on trans fat.

    The other winners at the programme organised by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) were Temitope Bademosi of TVC,  Sunday Elom of Orient Daily Newspaper, Dare Akogun of Sobi FM, Felicia Dairo of Premium Times and Nkoli Omhoudu of AIT.

    Ikulajolu is a graduate of Mass Communication from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

    According to the organiser, the winners will form the second cohort of the fellowship, which begins later this month.

    Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of CAPPA, in a statement, said: “The purpose of the fellowship is to stimulate conversations and delve into key issues relating to trans fat consumption, elimination and health of Nigerians.”

    He noted  that the fellowship would also equip the journalists with the necessary skills and access to information to aid their reporting on trans fatty acids.

    The fellows were judged based on the quality of their pitches, the ingenuity of their ideas and the relevance of their pitches to the campaign objectives.

    As part of the fellowship, the journalists will produce and publish in-depth pieces on trans fat around any of trans fat content in food, trans fat and wellbeing, among others.

    CAPPA, through the fellowship, aims to build the capacity of the media to report on trans fat use, health risk and its regulation from an informed perspective in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommended standards for countries to follow.

    Akinbode said the fellowship supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) was geared towards improving public awareness of trans fat and global best practices.

  • Provost to students: shun unethical practices

    Provost to students: shun unethical practices

    Provost of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, Mr Gbenga Adefaye,  has warned freshmen  to distance themselves from unethical practices. He  urged them to abide by rules and regulations of the institution.

    “We disapprove of every anti-social behaviour, such as cultism, examination malpractice, bullying, sexual harassment and other vices. You are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the school and participate in all  activities of the school,” he  said.

    He spoke at the 19th matriculation  of the institute  in Ogba.

    Adefaye, who stressed the importance of matriculation to students, noted that the institute runs an uninterrupted academic calendar.

    “Students are not recognised  until they have taken the matriculation oath and have signed the matriculation register,” he said.  He said the institute matriculated 309 students.

    The Provost  also said the management was concerned about the way students present themselves.

    “We are particular about the way our students present themselves. Therefore, they are expected to dress decently without unduly exposing parts of their body. Our members of staff have been advised to ensure that improperly dressed students are prevented from entering classes,” he said.

     

  • Nigerian music and youths

    Nigerian music and youths

    The role of music in life  can never be overemphasised. It is joy to the heart. It is very powerful.

    It  comes with various impact. It can either be  positive or negative. It also conveys different messages to people.

    In terms of lyrics and sound of each era, we can discern the impression of a particular generation.

    The rate at which music industry is promoting unethical practices in Nigeria is alarming. Music has now deviated from promoting morality, culture and art.

    It seemingly promotes the obscene.

    Hardly would you see youths listening to motivational and inspirational music.They derive pleasure from songs that promote crime, weed and sex.Thus, our  culture and tradition are fading fast.

    Songs hold the power to change the world in unexpected ways, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on issues that have historically been ignored.

    It is imperative that our musicians   consider our culture and promote what will lead us forward as a nation.

    It is  high time we started deploying music in a way that would move  society forward.

     

    • Thomas is a Mass Communication student at Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH),Igbesa.
  • KWASU partners media to train students

    KWASU partners media to train students

    The management of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete has intensified efforts to partner Royal FM Ilorin, to train students in broadcasting.

    This was made known when founder of the radio station Gbenga Adebayo visited the Vice Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Mustapha Akanbi.

    The VC  noted that with the National Universities Commission (NUC) ranking  of KWASU as the fastest-growing state- owned university in the country, the institution is a fertile ground for investors seeking huge  returns on their investments.

    The VC said  the university  was open to  investors and private individuals who are willing to support and add value to the university through funding projects, providing endowments and grants.

    Adebayo noted that his  organisation was ready to work with KWASU to produce employable graduates with marketable skills relevant to  the 21st century economy.

    He said the partnership would commence with 10 students  who would be trained in practical radio broadcast for six months,while  other students  follow later.

    Adebayo also said his organisation was willing to extend training opportunities to KWASU students in Agri-Business, Health and Telecommunication with emphasis on call centre services.

    A committee  headed by the Director of Centre for Wellness and Creative Arts Therapy of the institution, Dr Khadijah Toyin Musah, was raised to enhance  the partnership between the university and and the Radio station.

     

  • ASUU: Perils of industrial action

    ASUU: Perils of industrial action

    Without a doubt, echoes of the ‘Solidarity forever!’ chant across the country late  February 2022, caught the attention of passionate Nigerians, likewise their unpatriotic counterparts.

    The National Association of Nigerian Students’ (NANS) reaction two weeks into the month-long ‘comprehensive and total’ strike, embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), left behind a trail of mixed feelings. Students are still on the receiving end with union elongating the strike for another eight weeks.

    It is discouraging that the NANS reached  a stalemate in its negotiations with the authorities.This  might mean we have not seen the last of student protests.

    At this juncture, the proverb that says, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” comes to mind.Unlike vacations, strikes give room for needless holidays, leading to the idleness of exuberant youths. With this, we couldn’t agree more that every strike will spike the soaring crime rates  and bring the name of our dear nation to disrepute.

    However, it is not too late to prevent innocent students from becoming martyrs for a cause that outlived their parents, which is an eventuality of protests going awry.Thus, it is germane  for government  prevent unnecessary crimes, save innocent lives and bequeath a working nation  to posterity.

    The demands of ASUU and sister associations can be met if  successful Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, pool resources for this cause.

    I remember how social media ‘exploded’ when Davido, a Nigerian artiste, raised millions of naira in a few days.Imagine the difference that would be  made if well meaning citizens follow in his footsteps.

    Doing this would be a great favour to the country.

    I dream of times when an average person  will agree that education is the remedy of many societal ills. Herbert Spencer said: “The greatest aim of education is not knowledge, but action”. It is hoped that  the ageless festival called the ASUU strike would be a thing of the past someday.

    For this to happen, the demands of lecturers must be met.

    Similarly, meeting the demand of ASUU and other unions will improve the overall quality of tertiary education.

    Youths will have the drive to remain patriotic and law-abiding , criminal activities will reduce to the barest minimum. Such a feat will encourage foreign investment while checking insecurity, corruption, brain drain,among others.

    May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain.

     

    • Mazeed is a student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).
  • VC to new students: future of work not about degrees

    VC to new students: future of work not about degrees

    Vice Chancellor Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, Prof. Charles Korede Ayo, has urged freshmen to develop practical and competitive skills that would stand them out in the 21st century economy, instead of over relying on degrees.

    He spoke at the fourth matriculation of the institution last week in Lagos.

    He said: “In economic terms, the future presents us with tales of two nations, one of ‘unheard-of-wealth’, the other of ‘unheard-of-poverty’. The case of the former refers not only to the active participants in the disrupted world, but technopreneurs,who are in control and setting the pace for technological innovations in the disrupted world of work. On the other hand, the latter refers to individuals who cannot find relevance in the disrupted economy.”

    Ayo reiterated the commitment of the institution to equipping its students with relevant skills to make them effective change-agents and value-adding members of the society.

    He urged the matriculants to maintain high level of discipline, stressing that unethical practices would not be condoned.

    Guest lecturer, Prof. Rufus Ishola Akintoye, in his lecture entitled: ‘ Accountability and the future of the Nigerian State’, stressed the need for political office holders to be accountable to citizens.

    He noted that the country needed reforms and reorientation.

    He charged the matriculants to be accountable to themselves, their parents and God.

    Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Mr Samuel Olatunji, urged government to address challenges in education and other sectors.

    “The challenges confronting our nation are enormous in all sectors and education is no exception. It is a universal fact that, while everyone has a role to play, government must take the lead in providing effective leadership and enabling environment in which others can contribute to their fullest capacity,” he said.

  • OAU students: Our expectations from new VC

    OAU students: Our expectations from new VC

    Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife have charged the incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, to address insecurity, improve healthcare facilities, and create student-friendly policies, among others. CALEB IJIOMA (AAP) reports.

    The dream of every career person is to reach the pinnacle of his/her profession. Any  academic worth his salt would  also want to be vice chancellor of an institution some day.

    However, when Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire was announced  on March 17, 2022, as the 12th vice chancellor of  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), he must have leapt for joy because he is living the dream.

    Bamire, 63, a native of Oyan in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, was the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, before his appointment.

    Bamire’s appointment will take effect from June 7, and he would be succeeding the outgoing VC, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede. According to the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of the Council of the university, Owelle Oscar Udoji, he was picked out of the 16 candidates that contested for the office.

    Udoji in a  statement said:  “In line with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act as amended, the report of the Selection Board was considered by the Council which, after a careful and dispassionate review of the report, decided to appoint Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, a professor of Agricultural Economics from the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as the Vice-Chancellor of the university with effect from June 7, 2022.

    “The decision of the council shall be communicated to the Visitor to the University, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari through the Hon. Minister of Education.”

    Controversy trails appointment

    However, the appointment was fraught with controversy as indigenes of Ife invaded the university’s campus protesting Bamire’s appointment.

    The protesters argued that an Ife indigene should have been appointed, demanding the reversal of the governing council’s decision, challenging the Selection Committee to reveal the parameters used in the selection of Prof. Bamire.

    Students highlight expectations

    Despite the controversy, students who spoke to Campus Life, shed light on some important areas they want the new VC to look into.

    Olawoore Cecilia said she wanted the new VC to focus on the health centre, stressing that it was in a bad shape.

    “I want him to do better than Ogunbodede.  He should at least make things better for students. He should improve the health facilities in general; our health centre is bad. Also, he  should take into cognisance the security of students. A whole lot of students are at risk because they couldn’t stay on campus and they get robbed. Those are the pending issues and they should be prioritised,”  she said.

    Mustapha Oni, a 400-Level Pharmacy student, said: “Honestly, we expect more of the same from the new VC. He was the Deputy Vice Chancellor.  It is  expected that he was on the same page with the outgoing VC regarding policies and management issues. Association-wise, the consensus is also that he is aligned with the past administration as well. As such, early indications suggest that not much would be different. We just have to wait and see.”

    Another student, Waris Abiodun, wants the new VC  to cater to the welfare of the university community and improve security, among others.

    “The vice chancellor- elect was the former Dean of Faculty of Agriculture and DVC. Having been selected out of more than 15 people that contested for the race of vice-chancellor,  it is  crystal clear that he is capable and  fit to lead the institution.

    “I expect him to cater to the welfare of the OAU community, students, academic staff, non-academic staff, etc. He should ensure stable academic calendar, improve the security on and off-campus, and enhance  sports and all the sectors on campus,” he  said.

    Tolulope Ayandokun said: “I  feel at the end of the current struggles that came with his appointment we might have more and tougher issues when he resumes office. God’s will be done and hopefully, he might end up doing a little better. I expect getting nothing but the best and hope he is committed to student welfare and work harmoniously with them’’.

    Samuel Daramola urged the new helmsman to improve school hostels and the curriculum.

    “Well, I’m sure he’s the right man  for the job and I hope he proves himself. I  expect him to continue from where his predecessor stopped and even possibly do better. He should be able to highlight the challenges students are facing in all areas and not just the educational part. Standard of living in hostels, the quality and relevance of our curriculum in the modern world, the lecturers’ and student’s welfare in general are areas he should work on,” he said.

    David Oludayo, a 300-Level student said:” From the little I observed about him and when I contacted him before he became the new VC of OAU, he sounded friendly and approachable, humble and student-friendly to some extent. I haven’t noticed anything wrong about him yet. I expect good leadership from him, he should be student-friendly. He also needs to be strict with the policy of the university and maintain standards.”

    Bamidele Johnson a 500-Level student wants the VC to obtain grants to build more laboratories and lecture theatres.

    His words: “Well, I would like the new VC to continue the pace of the outgoing VC in the area of avoiding strikes as much as he can. The VC should with his influence, obtain grants for various faculties like mine to provide more facilities like laboratories, lab materials, and lecture theatres because things have gone bad.

    “Also I would like him to allow the voice of the student union to be heard at all times, I mean he should not oppress students exercising their rights.”

    For Oyeleke Timothy, a 400-Level student,  there should be no anti-students policies and the new VC should build  more halls of residence.

    “There should be favorable policies and implementation of benefitting laws and regulations. Reading through the autobiography and biography of the new VC shows a high level of his intellectual prowess and leadership skills and I’m personally convinced he would deliver.

    “There should be no anti-students policies and he should find ways to work with the Student Union. He should also build  more halls of residence.

    “There should  be a  good working relationship with the lecturers. Treat all academic bodies and unions  with sincerity. He should belong to all academic bodies and non academic bodies, therefore, he should treat them with fairness. He should shun things that can hamper  the advancement of the school,” he said.

    A student,Tejumoluwa Adebisi said: “Well, I don’t know the new VC, but for him to be the number one on the  list, he has to be a good man and the best choice for the position of the VC. I do not expect him to disappoint his students, and he should  just prove the indigenes wrong.”

    Babatunde Adebayo, a 200-Level  student wants the new VC to rebuild OAU.

    “The appointment of a VC is based on academic merit and not indigenous sentiment. My expectation from the new VC is to rebuild OAU in its entirety,” he said.

    For  Boluwatife Ojo, a 500-Level Law student, security, health facilities, accommodation are what he wants the new VC to focus on.

    Ojo said quite a number of students were not given the opportunity to live on campus and they faced security issues.

    “As a student, our expectations are not far-fetched. The new VC was a deputy vice chancellor. He must have heard some of the complaints of students, particularly on accommodation.  More than half of the students of OAU were not given a chance to live on campus, we live outside and face several issues like security threats, among others.

    “We need our new VC to make the school security to be more functional and maintain more synergy with sister security agents to combat insecurity. I personally want the school to also work out ways to  maintain checks on private hostels  and address  exploitation from hostel owners because  almost every year they  increase their rent despite not providing necessary facilities for  students.

    “We students need intensive and good healthcare facilities. Going by the track record of  our health centre, it is terrible that  avoidable deaths were caused due poor less proactive personnel,” he said.

    OAUSU wants VC to prioritise students’ welfare

    The Obafemi Awolowo University Student Union has charged the new vice chancellor to prioritise students’ welfare, noting that it is the union’s paramount interest.

    The union executives were elected on the  September 1, 2021, after being suspended in 2017. They were inaugurated on March 8, 2022, six months later.

    According toTaofeek Ogunperi, the union’s  Publicity Secretary, the union expects  Bamire to proactively address the concerns of students.

    “The union wants the new VC to prioritise the welfare of students, that is the paramount interest of the union. Also, the union expects the new VC to address concerns of students proactively and ensure that the Students’ Union takes active participation in addressing such concerns,” he said.

    Ogunperi said the union had not met with the vice chancellor but would state their case whenever they do so.

    “The union has not met with the VC. Whenever the union meets with him, other than congratulating him,  we let him know our demands and  interests,”  he said.

  • My dad sold his bus to pay my tuition- Ilaro Poly ND best graduating student

    My dad sold his bus to pay my tuition- Ilaro Poly ND best graduating student

    Despite serious financial challenges, Modupe Ayangbenro has emerged as the best National Diploma (ND) graduating student of the Federal Polytechnics, Ilaro, Ogun State.

    Ayangbenro was the cynosure of all eyes at the recent convocation of the institution where she bagged several awards for her sterling academic performances. ‘

    She was named the overall best ND graduating student; overall best student in School of Communication and Information Technology; overall best student in Mass Communication of full-time and part-time classes.

    Recalling the challenges she faced, she said her father at a point had to sell his bus to pay for her tuition.

    According to him: “I didn’t expect to be the overall best ND graduating student in FPI though I prayed for it.

    “I felt like I am dreaming. I am surprised and really grateful to God because to me, it looked like a miracle and a prayer coming through.

    “This is because I am always longing to receive awards and make my parent proud. At a point, my father had to sell his bus to pay for my tuition.

    READ ALSO: Akindele gives Caleb University‘s 2 best graduating students N10m

    “My challenges in school were financial support and oppression coming from an average home. I didn’t collect much for pocket money.

    “Like in my first year, my parents sent me N5000 as food money and other expenses for the whole month, which was not even enough for a week not to talk of a month.”

    Ayangbenro pointed out that as a Mass Communication student, she had to undergo many practicals, which required a lot of finances.

    So, she was forced to reserve N3, 000 for feeding and keep the N2, 000 for pocket money for a whole month.

    She said she also suffered oppression from her well-to-do coursemates.

    “I was always baffled how my coursemates get to buy new clothes, shoes, bags, flying drinks and food up and down in the class while I had to survive with my N5000,” she recalled.

    But Ayangbenro turned the adversity into an opportunity to focus on her studies.

    As the oppressed her financially, she resorted to oppressing them academically.

    Ayangbenro advised average students “to keep pushing forward and never give up. They should have strong determination and most importantly put God at the centre of their lives.”