Category: Campus Life

Students are leveraging the ongoing ASUU strike to learn new skills and make money.
CALEB IJIOMA(AAP), TOSIN ODUNEWU (UNILAG), IFUNANYA OSAKWE (UNIBEN), SAMUEL AGBELUSI and BOLU ADEDOKUN (AAUA) spoke to students on how they are faring outside the confines of their classrooms.

The Federal Government and  Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are locked in  what seems an unending battle. The union had embarked on a warning strike on February 14,2022, before extending it for another eight weeks following the refusal of government to accede to their demands.

However, with the ASUU strike becoming a yearly ritual of sorts, students of various federal universities across the country have started channeling their efforts into other endeavours pending when activities resume in their respective institutions.

 

 Students speak

The majority of students who spoke to Campus Life said the ASUU strike has given them  time to learn new skills and gather money pending the time schools reopen.

A 200-Level Mass Communication student at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Akinola Abidemi, said she was undergoing  internship in a radio station.

” I am undergoing internship in a radio station to keep myself busy and learn the practical aspects of broadcasting. I will be doing this till they call off the strike” she said.

Olalekan Shindara, a 100-Level French Education student at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State, said she intends to learn how to make creams.

“I heard that the ASUU strike is usually prolonged. I am always at home, studying sometimes is tiring. I want to learn cream production. I want to learn  how to make facial creams, body lotion, lip balm and many more. After the training,  I’ll start production and sales,”  she said.

For Halimat Mohammed, a 400-Level  Biochemistry student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, said the strike pushed her to learn catering.

“During the four-week strike, I learned catering. I will still be learning more and hopefully start making cakes to get money for myself,” she said.

Ogundimu  Ololade, a 400-Level Linguistics student at  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, wants to go back to  digital marketing pending when the strike would be called off.

Precious Bakare, a 200-Level Law student at University of Lagos (UNILAG), is preparing to sit for ICAN examination, after that, she would volunteer for non-governmental organisations.

Kelly Osamota, a student at the department of Fine and Applied Arts of University of Benin (UNIBEN),  is also  planning to learn   digital marketing and video editing.

According to him, he has been in the school for about five years now when the course he is studying is for four years.

“The strike is becoming annoying. I am supposed to graduate this year but with this strike it might not be possible.

“Due to the strike I am also learning video editing and it is very enlightening. Apart from that, I have started making money already from it,” he said.

Adeyemo Olaide, a student at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko(AAUA), is delighted at learning  marketing and tailoring.

She said: “ASUU Strike is more like a blessing to me in disguise because I always focus my attention on school activities and do not have time for other things. But now, I am learning the art of tailoring  since we do not know how long it will last.  Also, I’m able to learn affiliate marketing to ease myself from the stress of asking around for money and other things. If not for the strike, I might not know all these.”

Akinola Joseph, a student at University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN), hopes the strike won’t be  too long, although he is glad he can use this period to work on repairing computers and phones.

“I don’t like staying at home, but since the strike is longer than I thought, there is need for one not to be idle looking at the situation in the country. I am working with an elder brother to repair computers and phones here in computer village in Lagos,” he said.

Moses Olatuja, another UNILAG student said: “School life has been hindering me from fulfilling a lot of things which I am now working on, all thanks to the strike. I hope to achieve them before the strike is called off. Aside from music, I am learning to barb so I can know how to do something with my hands to avoid idleness.”

Oshoniyi Mofiyinfoluwa, a 400-Level Human Kinetics and Health Education student at University of Ilorin(UNILORIN) said: “The strike is not a good one for me,  but I’m maximising it by getting more serious with my business.I am  planning to work as an intern in Oyo State Gymnasium as it’s in line with what I’m studying in school.”

Agbola Aanuoluwapo, a student at Federal University of Katshere, Gombe State, said he was  learning shoe -making.

Mariam Abubakar, another UNIBEN student,  said she would use  the  opportunity  to learn hairdressing.

“I have tried  to learn hairdressing, but there was no chance in the past because of school activities.

“So this strike is a blessing in disguise”, she said.

Babatunde Pelumi, a 400-Level  Sociology  student at TASUED, wants to   focus more on cryptocurrency trading and engineering.

For Emmanuel Iyanuoluwa, another FUOYE student   explained that he had been learning programming and coding.

Mogaji Esther, a Food Science Technology student at Federal University of Technology of  Akure (FUTA)  noted that being a final year student, she stayed in school for a while to finish her project before she continued with her shoe making work.

Josh Mokwe, another UNIBEN student said: “I can no longer rely on degree. That is what this continuous strike has taught me.

“I have started a course on digital marketing and it is going very well. I have learnt a lot and hopefully will start making money from it soon.”

Yusuf Kafeelah, a student  at AAUA said: “I’ve been occupied with my Quran memorisation and Arabic learning.”

Tobiloba Justinah, another UNIBEN student said:  “I hope the strike is called off as soon as possible though, I have learnt a lot of things like hairdressing and baking . I have been learning hairdressing and baking for a while even before the strike and I am  looking forward to learning  other things  if the strike is further extended.”

Adegbite Taiwo, another TASUED student said: ” I had to stop my catering business in school because of the ASUU strike but I’m in search of a job. I am not doing anything at the moment. I am working towards getting a job.”

Another AAUA student, Afolabi Olawale,  said:  “This lingering strike  helped me because before I gained admission, I have learnt a craft.  I know the situation of the country and I know the system. The ASUU  strike is an opportunity for me to continue my work and meet new customers.”

The Medicus Foundation, a non-governmental organisation which supports Medical and Dental education in the country,has given  scholarship  to  students at the College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL) .

Five new Medical students were  selected for  the scholarship which would  last throughout their undergraduate studies.

They are Kehinde Gbelee, Overcomer Olugbenga, Joseph Ikenye, Eseosa Ebuehi and Damilola Owadokun.

This was done on  behalf of the 2003 class of Medical and Dental graduates of the institution.

The presentation held at the school’s  boardroom at Idi-Araba, Lagos.

Those  in attendance included,

Provost of the College, Prof.  David Adewale Oke, Director of Finance, Dr Simeon Akinade, among others.

Presenting the scholarship, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Dr Victor Fakeye said the first edition of the scholarship presentation took place in 2020.

He said: “The recipients are now in year three of their studies through the scholarship . The scholarships are open to Medical and Dental students only.”

The Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University (APU), Patigi, Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has urged  new students to make academic excellence their watchword.

He spoke at the maiden matriculation held last week at the Aliyu Ahman-Pategi Hall on campus.

A total of 269 students matriculated.

He said: “Today is your day and a definitive chapter in the book of your sojourn not only at Ahman Pategi University but also in life, it is important that you re-commit yourselves to the pursuit of excellence and embrace positivity in doing so.”

Adedimeji urged the students to work tirelessly until they achieved their goals.

His words: “Always do your best in all circumstances. It is by doing your best that you will be able to live a life of fulfillment that is free from self- ridicule, regret and negative energy. The maxim is that you do your best and leave the rest but don’t rest till you do your best.”

The VC,who  also told the students to adhere strictly to school rules and regulations,urged them to be committed to their studies.

“Remain guided by always ensuring that you do the right thing. For example, you cannot succeed without adhering to the rules and regulations and discharging your primary assignment in the university with utmost commitment,” he said.

On  the achievements of the institution within a short time, Adedimeji said:”Though the university began just last year, it has recorded its few rings of success stories. Apart from starting academic work less than two months after receiving its provisional licence to operate, it emerged the first Nigerian university to host the national beach soccer league, which was broadcast on Super Sports cable channel late June last year.

“The university also gave a good account of itself at the 9th edition of the All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship and 2nd edition of All-Nigeria Universities Quiz Challenge hosted by the University of Ilorin between February 13 and 19, 2022.

“APU is the only university established in the past six years to participate in the academic tournament.”

Adedimeji said the university had also succeeded in networking with other institutions and organisations both within and outside the country.

“Publications bearing the name of the university have appeared in international outlets,” he said.

 

A 400-Level  Business Education student at  University of Lagos (UNILAG), Aremu Mubarak Olajide, was presented with a motorised wheelchair by a philanthropist, Mrs Funmi Ayinke, last week on campus.

This was done at the university multipurpose hall.

An elated Olajide noted that he told the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Oluwatoyin Ogundipe he needed a wheelchair.

It was dream come true after his request for same was turned down several times by individuals and groups.

The VC contacted Ayinke, who made the donation.The donor also offered  to sponsor him  all through his remaining stay in the university.

Olajide,who  thanked the donor and the management, said being on wheelchair was challenging.

“I am herefor the collection of my motorised wheelchair. I participated in ‘NUGA Walk for Life’.I was able to meet with the VC  and I told him  I needed a motorised wheelchair.

“I thank Almighty Allah. I feel so elated because, I have been trying to get this wheelchair for so long but it was not possible. So many people turned me down, even some radio stations turned me,” he said.

Olajide said he did not see disability as a hindrance to achieving life’s goals.

“Life is full of ups and down. I have been through hard times and there is no one to support me. My family is not that wealthy.  But with God’s support, and my friends’, I have been able to scale through. I am trying to develop myself more. I want to go on into Computer programming and website development if there is somebody to help,” he said.

Ogundipe said the gesture was part of his agenda in supporting students living with disability.

“This is part of what we will continue to do  to take care of our students who are physically challenged and make sure we get people who will be able to support them and provide facilities they need. They will be able to do well and excel in their academic pursuit. The help we offer is not based on tribe or religion,” he said.

The donor, Ayinke, said this was her little way of helping humanity.

“Everything about humanitarian services, is like the air that I breath. To me, I see myself as helping to push forth the work of God. You are not a billionaire by having the billions to yourself. The souls you help matters. I will be a blessing to any person that crosses my part,” she said.

 

NEW students of Landmark University Omu-Aran have been charged to individually work out their success as same is not transferrable even from their parents.

This charge was given to the new students of the institution by the chancellor, Dr David Oyedepo, during the school’s 12th matriculation ceremony, held at Omu-Aran last Friday.

Over 600 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate students were matriculated at the ceremony.

“Note that success is not transferable.Success is an offspring of serious-minded individuals,” he said.

To buttress his point, he gave the instances of the biblical Abraham who could not bequeath greatness to his son Isaac. He added that Isaac too could not transfer greatness to his son Jacob who had to struggle on his own to fulfill his destiny.

Oyedepo  highlighted the success nuggets embedded in the curriculum of the institution. These are the Total Man Concept (TMC), Entrepreneurial Studies (EDS), agripreneurship, and Towards a Total Graduate (TTG).

The “four high-selling custom-built programs”, according to him, are aimed at promoting the Man-child model of education, to engender accelerated maturity, spiritually, intellectually and in entrepreneurship.

In her address at the ceremony, the pro-chancellor of the institution, Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo, assured the new students of the top-notch quality of the institution, among others.

“ The university is a centre for qualitative learning and character moulding,” she said.

She also enjoined them to be focused and also lay emphasis on capacity building, which she said would be needed, not only at the institution, but throughout their lifetime.

On her part, acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charity Aremu said over 3,000 graduates of the institution were making exploits in their fields.

They include, Dr Oluwatobi Alabi, in University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; Glory Egwede, a young model accomplished pathfinder, and Alexander Shuaibu, founder of Zane Graphics.

Aremu also said that 25 persons from the university were ranked in the just released ranking of ‘Top 500’ Nigerian authors for year 2021 as captured by SciVal, reputed for ranking world-class universities. Among them, the leading researcher in Landmark University is ranked 13th at the national level.

She added that the university emerged as the best private university in the North Central of Nigeria in 2021 and 1:10 in Nigeria among 196 ranked universities.

The registrar, Miss Adefunke Fola Oyinloye, congratulated the new students, on starting off their journey “to becoming solution providers, new generation leaders, reformers and pathfinders.”

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, drug is a substance (other than food or device) that is used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment and prevention of disease to affect the structure or function of the body. This implies that it is a vast term that can translate to many things ranging from tablets, capsules, caplets, emulsions, suspensions, syrups, infusions, injections, topical medicines, inhalation drugs, insertions etc.

No doubt, drug is one of the most common substances used by humans. A day won’t pass without having a substantial number of people using this tablet or that capsule  for one reason or another.

It has, however, been observed that the knowledge of the right use of drug is not well embraced by many.  Most times, people would take drugs with eba, semo, soft drinks, milk, alcohol, juices etc.  Some would even go to the extent of either swallowing the pills whole or chewing before swallowing. Are these actions right? Are they not?

All orthodox solid drugs taken orally are chemical agents. The implication of this being a high propensity of reacting with other substances which may yield an unwanted effect. Taking drugs with the aforementioned food substances would either destroy  some  pharmacokinetics properties of the drug such as absorption, release profile, distribution, metabolism, among others. With that, the expected therapeutic outcome would negatively be altered.

For relatable instances: taking drugs such as diclofenac or aspirin with carbonated drinks or coffee may lead to  stomach ulcer.

Taking the common flagyl (metronidazole) with alcohol will inevitably result to a term called ‘disulfiram reaction’ wherein the patient will be experiencing symptoms such as headache, flushing, nausea and vomiting.

Taking iron-containing drugs (e.g ferrous sulphate) or even meals  containing iron with milk will reduce the amount of iron that gets absorbed by the body, hence, it is safe to conclude that the drug may not work as expected. A 1-hour interval before or  2-hour gap after is advised to be left between the usage of iron and milk.

It is common knowledge that grape is nutritional, it is also pertinent to say that it can cause  damages when taken with drugs like, statin cholesterol drugs (e.g atorvastatin, simvastatin);  some antibiotics (e.g clarithromycin), some anti-hypertensives (e.g felodipine), loratadine and some anti-cancer drugs.

These are instances of  drug-food interactions that exist. With that,  the reason always given when defaulter patients are asked why they take  solid drugs with substances other than water is that, the drugs are very bitter and not palatable. Quite agreed, but is it not just to close our eyes and swallow the stuff? By now, I really hope we  know better.

Also, when the instruction is to take the drug with meals, what this basically implies is you can pause the meal in between, take it and continue eating. The message is not to coat it with food or wrap your food around it like most people do. The essence of this is that some drug components can either irritate the stomach, thereby causing nauseous and vomiting actions, or cause stomach problem, especially when  taken regularly. Do not chew your drugs, there is an expected percentage targeted to reach the body system. Do not swallow whole, what if it gets stuck to your throat and chokes you? It is important to use water.

Henceforth, for the sake of your precious health, whenever you visit your licensed doctors, nurses, pharmacists, kindly  listen and  ask questions. Help yourself and your health care providers by adhering to the given instructions. It is always sad on their end, too, whenever a patient says a particular drug does not work, but sadder when that ineffectiveness is traced to the wrong use of the drug. Abuse or misuse of drugs can come in different forms.

 

• Babalola is a Pharmacy student at University of Ibadan (UI).

The Adeyemi Federal University has held its maiden reunion meeting and EXCO election of its Ekiti State Branch.

Welcoming the Alumni members at the Ekiti State University Staff Club, Ado Ekiti on Saturday, the Convener of the meeting, Dr. Seun Oyewale commended members of the Association for turning out impressively to honour their Alma Mata.

Oyewale charged the members not to be deterred by any situation or circumstance but be encouraged by continuously participating in the association’s future activities in the state. He also enjoined them to step up their efforts towards encouraging more old Students of Ekiti State into the fold.

Representative of the Provost, Dr Charles Adeniranye of the Defunct Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo, Dr Samuel Akintunde advised members of the association in the State to be steadfast in meeting attendance.

Dr. Yemi Olugbamigbe, Acting National Secretary of the Alumni Association of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo, stated: “Ekiti is a state referred to as Fountain of Knowledge. And I have not been disappointed by what I have seen here today. Just that it has taken us a long time to harness these resources of erudite scholars and the former scholars from that great Institution to properly organised the Alumni Association Branch in Ekiti State.

“I think what I have seen here today has shown that, people still have the interest of their Alma Mata at heart. And we will soon begin to reap the fruit of this coming together and the inauguration of this State Branch of the Alumni,” he affirmed.

He maintained products of Adeyemi, both as a College of Education and as a University of Education, have a tradition of doggedness to be relevant and make things happen wherever they find themselves.

He expressed his belief that the new Executives will act in line with the tradition of making their impact felt, while also revealing that Ekiti has one of the largest populations of Adeyemi College/University of Education alumni members aside from Ondo and the Osun States.

He tasked the newly elected EXCO to embark on a drive for more members, expressing his hope that the number of members would have increased at the next meeting, and the association would be able to do more.

He called on members of the Alumni Association like Chief Ayo Ademilua (the Asaoye of Ikogosi Ekiti Kingdom), Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre and others who are former students of Adeyemi College, also prominent in Ekiti to make their positive impacts felt in the growth of the association in the State.

Dr. Olugbamigbe averred further that, by the time they all come in, the younger generation will benefit. Even the Institution will benefit and members will also have their own benefits from coming together.

Acting Director, Directorate of Alumni Association and Statistics, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Dr. Charles Adeniranye, who stood in for the current Provost of the College, Dr. Samuel Akintunde, congratulated the maiden Executives Officers.

Adeniranye conveyed the Provost’s, charge to the maiden Executives to do all in their powers to support the College and ensure that the College is taken to enviable heights.

According to him: “I am impressed with the kind of camaraderie in the fold, even though they are from different sectors. We have seen here today different sets from 1992 to 2007. And the relationship is such that you would not know that it’s been long they have been together. I am very impressed by it and I can say the Association in Ekiti State has a very bright future”.

The newly elected executive members are: Dr. Seun Oyewale (State Chairman); Tunbosun Akole (Vice-Chairman); Ademola Adetolaju (State Secretary) and Steve Oni (Assistant State Secretary).

Others are Emmanuel Adeniran (Public Relations Officer); Mrs. Mojisola Osanyilusi (State Treasurer); Mrs. Ajayi Folakemi (State Financial Secretary); Babalola Olutosin (Social Director) and Mrs. Adedeji Folakemi (Welfare Officer).

The newly elected Chairman, Dr. Seun Oyewale described his election as “a call to duty and a call for responsibility.”

Tecnotree, a Finnish-based provider of digital transformation solutions for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and Digital Service Providers (DSPs), has  launched digital multi-experience platform, “Tecnotree Moments” in collaboration with MTN Nigeria.

The platform is aimed at providing Massive Online Open Curriculum (MOOC) for career development and progression to facilitatie the acquisition of soft and technical skills.

‘Tecnotree Moments’ is a gateway of digital services and lifestyle bundling products, being launched with e-sports content such as PUBG Mobile Daily, FIFA Daily, Rocket League Daily, Fortnite Monthly and Fantasy Football.

The platform is positioned to cater for the convergence in education and gaming content around the globe that fosters social and emotional learning, imperative for personalised and adaptive experiences.

It contains the complete Nigerian JSSCE, SSSCE and IGCSE syllabus in the form of interactive and immersive content and live classes.

MTN’s Acting Chief Digital Officer, Aisha Mumuni, said the platform would  provide enormous quality content that cuts across education and entertainment for customers.

Padma Ravichander, CEO of Tecnotree Corporation, said: “Our vision is to empower digitally connected communities, narrow the digital divide and create digital inclusion for various diasporas of the Nigerian population. We are very excited to partner with MTN Nigeria to launch our Tecnotree Moments platform that will support larger Nigerian community with true digital services and products through our global partners.”

The Oyo State Youth Parliament has partnered  with the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency(OYSADA) to train corps members on the basics of agribusiness and the various opportunities available in agriculture.

The training, which featured Livestock Farming, Aquaculture, Crop Production and Fund Raising Strategies, was aimed at enabling them (corps members) to settle for the best after their service year, without recourse to white collar jobs.

Speaker, Oyo State Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Israel Fawole, thanked the facilitators of the training.

He urged the corp members to utilise the knowledge they acquire at the training, stressing that it would  help them succeed both in agricultural  and non agricultural businesses.

Dr. Adedayo Sosina enlightened  participants on the operations of a livestock farmer and how to manage livestock.

Dr.  Tolulope Adegbesan took participants through the rudiments of fish farming.

On his part, Mr. Kolawole Bamigbola exposed them to  cassava and rice plantation processes, the factors that influence the processes and how to harness the opportunities they offered.