The Nation Newspaper

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‘How I emerged the best medical student in a Russian University’

A Nigerian student, Victor Olalusi recently emerged the best graduating student with a grade point of 5.0 at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences at the Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow.

Olalusi in 2004 had the best result in the West African School Certificate Examination result in 2004 and was the best Science Student in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in 2006. He also had the highest Obafemi Awolowo University Post UME score in 2006.

In this interview with Lekan Otufodunrin, Olalusi speaks on his accomplishments and quality of education in Russia.

Congratulations on emerging as the best graduating student in your faculty, how did you accomplish this feat?

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for these successes. Mostly, I do the much I can, which can be very little, but with God, little is much. Besides that, I would say I was spurred on by a genuine interest to become better than I was yesterday. More pragmatically, I took every class as it came and made sure I gave each of them equal attention; attended my lectures, referred to resource materials and with the much-needed grasp of the language, things turned around. And of course, that’s not undermining personal study hours, hard work, diligence and self-discipline.

In a foreign country, you are your own parent, cum your own ‘child’, what I mean is, besides being a student, you do everything for yourself, so effective time management is key to anything you do.

How will you describe the Russian education system compared with your experience in Nigeria?

Besides the fact one has to study in Russian language, the education system in Russia is intensive and more students friendly. Everything, lecture materials, school books, internet resources are at the tip of your fingers. The lectures hours, lecture halls and classes are very decent – what I mean is the student study environment here is more conducive. For instance, you do not need to run to a lecture at 5:00am (as we students had to sometimes do in OAU) to grab a seat. There are seats enough, and those at the rare end of the halls get the gist of the lecture just in the same way as those in the front. The Lecturers don’t scare you; rather they welcome you and are always willing to help and assist.

And besides lectures, we have practical classes, where we study in small groups (of 10 – 12 students each) and each group has its own instructor. For any student willing to put in the needed effort, the system of education here just comes to your aid. And with a sound knowledge of the language, you’re home and dry.

There are options to study in English, but having to study in Russian language is a great thing and it can be very helpful, so most times I advise my friends to do the same. You know the same thing in two different ways, two different languages; and you think uniquely in the two languages, simultaneously.

With your brilliant records from secondary school, why did you opt to study in Russia?

Well, back at home, there are opportunities, but the issue is how many of such are made known to everyone. I believe, besides me, there are tens of thousands of students with quite impressive high school records, but the question is how many of such students have access to scholarship offers, schooling abroad. Throughout my stay, I did not come across any offers to study in the US or the UK, and of course studying there (without some form of scholarship) can be definitely capital-intensive.

I came across a scholarship offer to Russia (IN THE DAILIES), grabbed the application form and went for the interview; and that was how it all began. As for offers to the UK and the United States, I doubt if such information would be published in the dailies, you might need to have THE so called NIGERIAN EDGE (like KNOW SOMEONE) to even get to know that. Sad though.

How would you rate medical training in Russia globally?

Medical training in Russia is at par with the rest of the world, Europe and the Americas. Besides up-to-date theoretical knowledge, Russia offers training practically. I have heard Russian doctors beat their American colleagues, when it comes to physically examining a patient. The system is awesome, it gives you everything you need; but again it boils down to individual commitments and goals.

How will you compare the medical training you got in Russia with that of medical schools in Nigeria?

The training I got here has been very multi-sided. By that I mean, there has been a decent balance between theoretical and practical knowledge. Besides that, the standard here is just what obtains in the developed world – Nothing beats that. Patient management, operational procedures, maneuvers and manipulations are carried out to world standard. Medical school here is very intensive; besides lectures, we have practical classes EVERY DAY, where you have to write and pass a test, answer oral questions, and take part in discussions and procedures, as the case may be. Haha, they even take our attendance like we are in high school, and classes missed have to re-taken.

If you have an offer to remain in Russia based on your performance will you consider it against returning home?

Hmm, tough question definitely. But really, I believe my home country needs me more than any other nation does. I would return home.

What should the government do to discourage brain drain in the medical sector in the country?

ONE thing, …just ONE thing: EQUIP our hospitals. Our clinics are 50 years behind the standards abroad; this makes my heart bleed. I almost was crying when a Nigerian medical student told me over the phone of how doctors had to use a TORCH LIGHT (a lamp) to finish an operation.

Accidents/trauma at home is like a death sentence, because the ERs (Emergency Rooms) are not EQIPPED enough to take care of these victims. I cry each time I ponder over this.

Our doctors sometimes can’t even help the patients. It can be frustrating and depressing to work in such conditions. It’s sad when you have all the knowledge, but there is nothing physically you can do. That defeats the nobility of medicine (to help the sick and take off pain/suffering) and renders it lame.

It’s sad.

You are a believer in building a positive image for Nigeria and being a worthy ambassador, how much of negative image do you and your Nigerian colleagues in Russia have to deal with?

Oh, negative image, I can write a thesis on this. Corruption, bombings, killings, scams are the bane. It’s even worse when you’re held down, delayed (and MADE TO MISS YOUR FLIGHT) at airports because you’re a Nigerian. I study in a very international environment, with students from Greece, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, Africa, India and lots of other Soviet countries; and it’s sad to know that they come to you with stories of killings and corruption in Nigeria that you do not even know.

The first thing I DID was to take it upon myself to help build a positive image for Nigeria, I placed that weight on my shoulders and I started taking steps at re-defining the image of the country I COME FROM. I saw that even more important than my academics – being a man of character and leaving a sound impression of myself, my family and my nation.

I was mindful of the things I say, do and kind of activities I was involved in. With God, I began setting a standard for them to see; and made sure I talked to my friends about Nigeria each time such issues came up. Soon enough I was made president of the AFRICAN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION in my school and served in a variety of other positions. I used that opportunity to re-present Nigeria and I must thank God for what He has done through that.

Has your excellent performance changed the negative impression?

Yes, it has. And in a long way. Now, the world is gradually coming to understand who we truly are, we just need to be more consistent and true (HONEST) to ourselves.

How affordable is University education in Russia

Compared to the United States and the rest of the world, it is pretty affordable. I MEAN YOU GET the same level of education (except in Russian language) as you get in these countries. Living in Moscow can be very expensive though.

The facilities are up to standard. Internet, water, power, transport, everything works! Everything works! And as a young student, all these lessen your problems in a huge way.

Apart from your recent accomplishments what are the other high points and low points of your studying in Russia?

HIGH POINTS:1) Leading other team of international students (Russia, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Morocco) and bagging the best captain of the year award AT THE University’s annual quiz competition on Internal Medicine.

2) Being a part of and Representing Nigeria on the University’s Hall of fame.

3) Bagging an award from the National Union of Ghanaian Students NUGS Russia and the Embassy of Ghana as International Student personality of the year 2012/13

3) Bagging awards and several honours during my Russian language study years (2006 – 2007) – took part in and won Russian language literature contests, quiz competitions in the basic sciences.

4) Leading the African Students in my University also was a great honour for me

Low points: It can be pretty unfair and sad when you get treated or judged based on the things a few Nigerians/Africans have done wrong.

You said in your valedictory speech that you hope to use your wealth of experience and knowledge to help and serve in Nigeria; do you have a particular focus in mind?

I hope to work with other foreign-medical graduates (the Russia-trained and others) and see to it that we bring our experiences abroad to bear on medical practice at home. This might involve inviting our colleagues abroad over to the country, having seminars and workshops, going for further studies, seeing to it (and with the help of the government) that our clinics are upgraded to international standards.

Personally, I am a lover of Cardiology and Cardiovascular medicine; but I have been having a growing interest in Infectious Diseases, especially Malaria. I had once talked to a friend about a possibility of having an institute of Malariology at home, a clinic ONLY for Malaria patients, with ongoing research works aimed at stopping the manace and at reducing the number of deaths and complications.

Can you elaborate on your call to your graduating colleagues that that they should not forget, as young medical professionals to be “true to our calling ; true to our patients, true to our colleagues and most importantly be true to ourselves?”

In one phrase, that means being honest and very diligent in practice.

July 4, 2013
Beware of people who pretend to be your friend

Some people have accused Bradley Manning and Edward Snowden of being traitors. But this obscures a deeper and more important question. If the government of the United States is engaged in endless acts of lawless violence, as the documentary evidence clearly demonstrates, (See Fred Branfman, ‘World’s Most Evil and Lawless Institution? The Executive Branch of the U.S. Government’: http://www.alternet.org/investigations/executive-branch-evil-and-lawless) then it is not Manning and Snowden who are the traitors for providing evidence of this violence and the surveillance necessary to carry it out.

The real traitors are all of those other employees of intelligence agencies who say nothing while they collaborate with the endless and often secret perpetration of violence by the U.S. government and its allied governments in our name.

Why does this matter? It matters because it tells us that thousands of individuals are willing to collaborate, without the intervention of analytical thought, compassionate feeling or conscience, with the use of violence. And that bodes ill for our society.

Collaborators and traitors take many forms: they are prevalent in warfare but common in ‘ordinary’ society as well, and labels such as ‘scab labourer’ are used to describe them. Most frequently, they are those relatives and friends who ‘stab you in the back’. Why do so many people collaborate with perpetrators of violence? An understanding of their psychological profile will tell us this.

First, collaborators are terrified and they are particularly terrified of those individuals (usually one or both parents or other significant adults) who perpetrated violence against them when they were a child although this terror and, remarkably, the identity of their perpetrator(s) remain unconscious to them. Second, because they are terrified, they are unable to defend themselves against the original perpetrator(s) but also, as a result, they are unable to defend themselves against other perpetrators who attack them later in life.

This lack of capacity to defend them leads to a third feeling – a deep sense of powerlessness. Thus, terrified, defenseless and powerless, some victims will try to placate the perpetrator. Victims who resort to placation, the fourth attribute of collaborators, will invariably fear those individuals who resist the perpetrator’s violence simply because resistance ‘violates’ their powerless ‘strategy’ of placation.

The strategy of placation is also attractive to collaborators because they have a warped sense of empathy and sympathy, the fifth attribute. They will have empathy and sympathy for the perpetrators of violence, rather than the perpetrator’s victims, as an outcome of how they were emotionally damaged as a child.

Having unconsciously ‘chosen’ collaboration and betrayal as a means of ‘defending’ themselves against personal victimisation, the collaborator will now acquire a deep sense of self-hatred (precisely because they cannot defend themselves and now betray others) which, in turn, will
negate any remaining sense of personal self-worth.

However, it is too terrifying and painful for the collaborator/traitor to be conscious of any of these feelings, so they will usually exhibit an eighth attribute if challenged: self-righteous justification for their collaboration/betrayal often expressed in either ideological/religious
terms or as sympathy for the perpetrator.

One version of this occurs when collaborators justify their collaboration with perpetrators of violence in terms of a supposed ‘obligation to obey’, although they might not use this precise language: many collaborators will characterise their obedience as ‘loyalty’, ‘support’ or ‘helpfulness’ in order to mask from themselves the fear that drives their submissive
behaviour. For collaborators, the importance of obedience also far outweighs any sense of personal moral choice. If you are scared to resist violence, then you must make a virtue out of submission and obedience.

Collaborators/traitors invariably exhibit a ninth attribute: they unconsciously project their fear and self-hatred, as outcomes of their own victimhood, as fear of and hatred for the perpetrator’s victims.

Finally, as a result of all of the above, the collaborator will exhibit a tenth attribute: the delusion that they are ‘in control’; that is, they are no longer (and never were) the victim of violence themselves. Tragically, of course, this delusion is a trap: an individual is never safe in the role of collaborator. The perpetrator might turn on them at any time.

Collaborators and traitors learn their ‘craft’ during childhood. Most usually it will originate when a parent terrorizes the child (by threatening and/or inflicting violence) into collaborating with this parent against the other parent and/or the child’s siblings. Sometimes it
originates when a teacher terrorizes the child into collaborating with the teacher against the child’s fellow students, perhaps to find out who was responsible for some minor ‘wrongdoing’.

The collaborator will perform this role throughout their life as they now unconsciously recognise and identify with those who are most violent, including state authorities that inflict ‘legitimised’ violence on those individuals perceived as ‘enemies’ or ‘criminals’.

If you wish to publicly identify yourself as someone who will not collaborate with violence, you are welcome to sign online ‘The People’s Charter to Create a Nonviolent World’ http://thepeoplesnonviolencecharter.wordpress.com

Robert has a lifetime commitment to understanding and ending human violence. He has done extensive research since 1966 in an effort to understand why human beings are violent and has been a nonviolent activist since 1981. He is the author of ‘Why Violence?’ http://tinyurl.com/whyviolence. He can be reached via: flametree@riseup.net or visit website: http://robertjburrowes.wordpress.com

July 1, 2013
Biggest summer signings

The transfer market is buzzing with major European clubs moving swiftly to fortify their squad ahead of the 2013/2014 soccer season starting in August.

Interestingly, No Nigerian is among the seven biggest summer signings, while another African country Ivory Coast has one representative on the list. AKPAN SAMUEL looks at some of the major transfer dealings across Europe so far.

Neymar: Santos – Barcelona

The prodigiously talented Brazilian international joined Barcelona for a reported five-year deal worth £48 million.

After flirting with major clubs across Europe, the player who is currently with the five-time world champions Brazil at the FIFA Confederations Cup joined the Catalan giants at the beginning of the month.

Neymar is a spectacular talent and the kind of player who comes along a handful of times each generation. Playing alongside Lionel Messi should improve the 21-year-old’s game even further, a scary thought for La Liga defences.

Mario Gotze: Borussia Dortmund – Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich snapped Gotze from Borussia Dortmund after triggering his £31.5 million release clause.

Gotze continues to improve rapidly and is sure to be a huge hit at the Allianz Arena.

Fernandinho : Shaktar Donesk – Manchester City

Manchester City paid Shakhtar Donetsk £30 million for the Brazilian international on a four-year contract.

His arrival shows that Manuel Pellegrini wants to spice things up at Etihad.

Alongside Navas, Fernandinho will add boundless energy to the 2011/2012 Premier League champions’ midfield.

The 28-year-old has played five times for Brazil and flaunts an excellent roll of awards from his time in Donetsk.

Roman Isco: Malaga – Real Madrid

The La Liga giants paid £23 million to secure the Spanish U-21 playmaker’s signature from Malaga.

He became Carlo Ancelotti first signing as a Real Madrid’s Manager after snubbing EPL side Manchester City.

Isco had previously admitted that the idea of following Manuel Pellegrini from Malaga to Manchester City appealed to him, but the lure of Real has proved impossible to resist. The 21 -year old had become a key member of Pellegrini’s side at Malaga and will now try to break into a Real Madrid team that has Mesut Ozil and Kaka in the playmaking roles.

Jesus Navas: Sevilla – Manchester City

The Spanish international cost Manchester City £14.9 million to secure his release from Sevilla.

The live-wire winger who is presently with the reigning world and European champions in Brazil for the Confederations Cup recorded over 15 goals and six assists in 37 La Liga appearances during the 2012/13 season for Sevilla.

The 27-year-old’s quality is undeniable and he’ll be looking to help Manuel Pellegrini’s side return to the Premier League summit.

Radamel Falcao: Athletico Madrid – Monaco

The prolific Colombian international joined Ligue 2 champions Monaco on a five-year-deal after helping Athletico Madrid to lift the Copa Del Rey at the end of last season.

The two-time Europa Cup winner needs very little introduction among football watchers across the globe. He is an outrageous finisher and possesses terrific quality in aerial situations. He leads Monaco into an exciting Ligue 1 adventure that should see plenty of world-class stars join the rich principality club.

Kolo Toure: Manchester City – Liverpool

The Ivory Coast international joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City.

The former Arsenal defender was pivotal member of Roberto Mancini Manchester City side that won the EPL title in 2011/2012 season. Before he joined the Sky Blue he was a key member of the invincible Arsenal side that won the EPL in 2004/2005 league season.

He also played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups with Ivory Coast. The experienced defender would boster Liverpool’s defensive ranks now that Jamie Carragher has retired.

June 28, 2013
Nigeria’s ‘finest athlete’ in Canada

Three Nigerian students have been honoured at Albert College, Canada’s oldest co-educational boarding and day school for their outstanding performance.

Lotanna Raphael Eze, Anuoluwapo Adetokunbo Adewole and Atinuke Damilola Akinyanbola were among 42 graduates from 14 countries at the 156^th convocation of institution held on Saturday June 15.

According to a statement by Kelly Bacon, Marketing and Communications Coordinator of the college, Latona graduated as an Ontario Scholar, having achieved an average of 80 percent or more in six Grade 12 subjects.

He was also awarded the Class of ’49 Trophy for Most Outstanding Male

Athlete and a member of the Senior Boys’ soccer, basketball and track teams and qualified for the Canadian championship track and field finals in the 100-meter race with a time of 10.88 seconds.

The Director of Athletics at Albert College, Colin Gulliver, said Lotanna was “the finest athlete” he had worked with in his 30 years at this school.”

Lotanna also played a lead role in the school’s dramatic stage production, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone”, participated in the Senior School choir and served as the Advancement Prefect.

Becon said Latona been admitted to study Computer Science at the University of Ottawa in Canada’s capital city.

Anuoluwapo who also participated in many different sports teams, including basketball, soccer and rugby will attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver where he will major in Computer Science.

Atinuke who played field hockey and soccer will attend Carleton University in Ottawa.

Becon said Albert College inspires academic excellence, self-confidence and sound moral values in a family environment.

June 26, 2013
1 in 3 women abused worldwide

Physical or sexual violence affects more than one in three women worldwide according to a new report released by the World Health Organisation and partnering health authorities. The report represents the first systematic study of global data on the prevalence of violence against women.

According to the report, “Some 35 per cent of all women will experience either intimate partner or non-partner violence,” says the report. Additionally, 38 per cent of all women murdered were reportedly killed by their partners, and such violence is a major contributor to depression, alcohol abuse, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and abortions.

“These findings send a powerful message that violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General, WHO. “We also see that the world’s health systems can and must do more for women who experience violence.”

Health impacts of violence

Violence in the home is a major contributor to women’s mental health. The report found women who experienced partner violence to be nearly twice as likely to experience depression. Depression and mental health disorders are skyrocketing as children view the abuse and it becomes a generational acceptance.

About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14. Around 20 per cent of the world’s children and adolescents are estimated to have mental disorders or problems. Stigma about mental disorders and discrimination often prevent people from seeking mental health care.

“Women experiencing intimate partner violence are almost twice as likely as other women to have alcohol-use problems,” according to the WHO.

Alcohol use has short and long-term health consequences. It’s a leading cause of depression and other mental health conditions as well as sexually transmitted infections. Women who experience physical and/or sexual partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or HIV.

Additionally, violence is a leading cause of unwanted pregnancy and abortion. The report found that women experiencing physical and/or sexual partner violence are twice as likely to have an abortion. If the female carries to term, they have a 16 per cent greater chance of having a low birth-weight baby – a leading cause of infant mortality and complication.

“This new data shows that violence against women is extremely common. We urgently need to invest in prevention to address the underlying causes of this global women’s health problem,” said Professor Charlotte Watts, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

“Gender based violence is responsible for the psychological distress, which results in acceptance, which results in more violence and consequently more psychological distress: a cycle of risk and consequence,” said Rachel Jewkes from the South African Medical Research Council.

Psychological distress and alcohol use also makes it much harder for women to protect themselves. It makes them more likely to accept the man’s dominance in the relationship and she is more likely to have frequent sex without a condom, explains Jewkes.

Women often suffer isolation, inability to work, loss of wages and lack participation in activities. These common outcomes will prevent and limit a woman’s ability to care for herself and her family. Sadly, a common side effect of abuse is more abuse – It’s a downward spiral.

Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.

June 26, 2013
Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs

June 26 of every year is the day set aside by the United Nations, UN, to create awareness on the dangers posed by hard drugs and Illicit Trafficking globally. Since 1987 when UN instituted the day, most countries of the world including Nigeria have been commemorating it.

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The General Assembly recognized that despite continued and increased efforts by the international community, the world drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people, and the national security and sovereignty of States, and that it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development. Illicit drugs continue to pose a health danger to humanity. That’s why drugs are, and should remain, controlled.

Africa is not exempted from the drug menace, Cannabis herb which is known in local parlance as “marijuana, wewe, igboo or grass” is commonly produced, trafficked and highly consumed in Africa.

In West Africa, Nigeria is in the forefront in the battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The Nigerian government in 1990 established the National Drug law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for this purpose.

Drug abuse involves compulsive craving to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences. Certain drugs are more physically addicting than others. Drug use may lead to an emotional, psychological or a physical dependence.

Today, there is an alarming new drug problem; demand has soared for substances not under international control. Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign “Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs” aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign “Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs” aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Sold openly, including through the internet, these substances, which have not been tested for safety in humans, can be far more dangerous than traditional drugs.

Marketed as ‘legal highs’, “research chemicals”, “plant food” and “bath salts,” NPS are proliferating at an unprecedented rate. The use of these terms gives a semblance of legality misleading young people into believing that they are indulging in low-risk fun. Intentional mislabeling of some NPS as “not for human consumption” provides a way of evading drug control laws.

The sheer number of NPS arriving on the scene almost weekly compounded by the lack of understanding of the adverse effects and addictive potential of these uncontrolled substances presents a major public health challenge. Often, the difference between a ‘safe’ and toxic dose is marginal and NPS have been associated with fatalities, delirium and violent behaviour. Mixtures of NPS bought unknowingly by users have resulted in unpredictable and sometimes disastrous effects.

Everyone has a part to play in protecting the youth of the world from dangerous substances. The United Nations Office and Crime (UNODC) leads the annual World Drug Campaign to drive home the message that illicit drugs pose a danger to society, aims to mobilize wide public support and seeks to inspire people to act against drug abuse.

In his message, the Secretary- General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon drawing from his recent visit to San Patrignano drug rehabilitation centre in northern Italy where 1,200 addicts are learning how to free themselves from drug abuses, acknowledged that drug abuses and illicit trafficking pose a threat to the future.

“This year I visited the San Patrignano drug rehabilitation centre in northern Italy where more than 1,200 young women and men from 28 countries are learning how to free themselves from the curse of addiction and enjoy dignified, productive lives. Their road is not easy. It demands courage, commitment and the compassion of dedicated mentors. But the members of this inspiring community understand that they are fortunate. All over the world, drugs threaten the health and welfare of youth and children, families and communities, and the billions of dollars generated by the drugs trade feed corruption, enhance the power of criminal networks and create fear and instability.”

He said, “Illegal drug trafficking is a clear obstacle to development. This cross-border problem requires a robust and coordinated law enforcement response within and among countries. Tackling organized crime and the illicit drugs trade is a shared responsibility. But the rule of law is only part of the equation. For instance, farmers dependent on the cultivation of illicit drugs such as coca, marijuana and opium must be offered alternative livelihoods, while drug users and addicts need help not stigmatization.”

Ban Ki-moon canvassed for a science-based public health approach with the support of the government, media and major stakeholders, including the individual in tackling the menace.

He said “a human rights and science-based public health approach is the only sound basis for preventing and treating addiction and related consequences such as HIV transmission through unsafe injecting practices. We must also address threats such as the emerging problem of new psychoactive substances, many of which are not under international control. Young people, in particular, must be made aware of the dangers of these drugs. On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I call on governments, the media and civil society to do everything possible to raise awareness of the harm caused by illicit drugs and to help prevent people profiting from their use.”

June 26, 2013
Free learning on laptop

Opportunities for Nigerians interested in E-learning has been boosted by Allversity, a free service that links users with online courses and learning materials in health, entrepreneurship, agriculture, life skills, and human rights.

Based in Berlin, the not-for-profit e-learning platform according to a statement by Ysanne Choksey Program Manager, invites Nigerians to join its community in “creating a brighter future while enjoying the simple Magic of learning.”

Allversity.org helps users connect with experts, creators, and one another while sharing in the simple beauty of learning.

“Allversity is offering the people of Nigeria the opportunity to learn for free from a laptop, computer or smartphone device. Smartphone usage in Africa is expected to reach 40% by 2017.

“All it will take to start an education revolution is the accessibility of good content — and Allversity aims to enable emerging economies to create and innovate solutions with the rest of the world, ” the organization stated.

It noted that Nigeria is following the trend in e-learning which is on the rise in the country.

“E-learning Nigeria provides online testing and education materials for learners at university level, which has proved invaluable for distance learners and those without the time to go back to university or college.

“But there is an accessibility gap for users in low-resource areas in connecting with practical learning materials designed to help them meet the unique challenges they face. This leaves a large part of the population uncatered for by the e-learning sector — namely the majority of Nigerians who do not go to university, but would like to continue their education beyond the primary school level.”

June 24, 2013
Fatunla: undying passion for medicine

Justice Ilevbare recalls the life and times of Late Dr Victor Olubi Fatunla, former Director of Medical Services, Nigeria Baptist Convention who died on June 17 in South Africa.

For Dr Victor Olubi Fatunla, death has brought to an end a fruitful medical practice on planet earth. While he will be missed by his family and friends, those whose lives he touched one way or the other will forever remain grateful to God for bringing their way.

Though, Fatunla is no more, his exploit in the medical field and his undying passion for the profession stood him out throughout his lifetime. No wonder he had a rich resume and expertise, which can only be matched be very few of his equals dead or alive today.

Born on the January 12, 1932 to the family of Reverend Nathaniel Faboyade Fatunla and Mrs. Joanna Aina Fatunla in the town of Igede – Ekiti in Ekiti State, the late Fatunla started his education at Baptist primary School Igede Ekiti in 1938 and completed it at Baptist primary School, Benin City in 1945.

In his quest to get a secondary education, he then progressed to the prestigious Baptist Boys High school, Oke -Igunya, Abeokuta which he completed in 1952 and passed his Cambridge exams with flying colors.

He began his working career very early in life at the Audit department and secretariat of the federal government of Nigeria (then still under colonial rule). He also had the privilege of working with the then African Bank.

While working at the federal government’s metrological department, he also embarked on private studies of pure mathematics, applied mathematics and physics. He wrote and passed GCE advanced level in these three subjects. Then wrote and passed as Jamb in 1954.

At that time several opportunities came his way, but the problem of making up his mind on which to take up was quite a challenging one. He obtained a federal government scholarship to study meteorology in England, got admission to the University College of Ibadan to study Engineering, was offered a Baptist mission scholarship to study Education and also had a childhood interest in becoming a doctor having been coached by his father.

Even though he had already started his Engineering studies whilst contemplating the dilemma he was faced with. He remembered that he had been admitted into the government hospital for arthritis in 1948 where he found out that there was only one doctor in the entire hospital and district.

At that point, he had promised God that he would be a missionary doctor in future so as to be able to help the doctor. This was the answer he was looking for and subsequently changed his study to medicine which was sponsored by the Baptist mission.

He got his MBBS London in 1962 and then proceeded to Lagos University Teaching Hospital for internship where he got a federal government scholarship to enroll for post graduate studies in surgery in London in 1966.

He became a fellow of the royal college of surgeons England in 1969. It was at this point that he heard about the Baptist mission wanting to wind down hospital operations in 3 towns in Nigeria.

Worried by this development and a careful deliberation and divine guidance, he decided to go to Saki, Oyo state to resuscitate the hospital in 1970. He grew it from a dispensary to a 100 bed hospital by 1976. By the time Dr Fatunla retired from Baptist Hospital Saki in 1998, he had expanded the hospital tremendously.

Some of the exploits he recorded at the hospital include, linked the hospital as a faculty to UCH in 1976. He was an associate lecturer; increased number of hospital beds to 200; established Baptist midwifery school Saki in the early 80’s; established Baptist nursing school Saki in the early 90’s, established Baptist nursery school Saki in the 80’s and Baptist Primary school in the late 80’s. Others are Baptist Secondary school Saki in the late 80’s, established four additional hospitals around Oke-Ogun in the 80’s and early 90’s, adviser to several associations in Oke- Ogun region and director of Baptist medical services in Nigeria

He also extended the same service to South Africa. In 1997, Dr Fatunla travelled to South Africa, where he quickly set up community based health care service centres to help the local community. He was also involved in the local Baptist church where he helped in the expansion and building of the Baptist ministry in the local communities.

Dr Fatunla subsequently joined the Government health care service in 2006 where he practiced selflessly as a Doctor until his retirement from South Africa government service in 2012. He was blessed with a loving wife Mrs. Grace Olutola Fatunla and seven children as well as Grand children. Among whom are ; Mrs Victoria Olusola – South Africa; Dr Abiola Fatunla – South Africa (Late); Dr. Mrs. Olubunmi Oyeleye – USA and Dr. Mrs. Modupe Adeniyi – USA. Others are; Mrs Mobolaji Hassan – USA, Mr Adeyemi Fatunla – South Africa and Mr Oluwatosin Fatunla – South Africa.

June 22, 2013
‘The true history of the national anthem’

Contrary to the widely held impression, Pa Benneth Odiase, who died on June 12, 2013, was only the composer of the music and not the wordings of the national anthem. Dr Sota Omoigui, a Nigerian consultant anesthesiologist and pain specialist based in the United States, who was one of the five composers of the wordings of the anthem, in this interview with LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN, speaks on the history of the anthem and other related issues.

Pa Benneth Odiase who composed the music of the national anthem died during the week; what kind of tribute do you want to pay in his memory?

I am saddened by the passing away of Pa Benedict Odiase who composed the music of our national anthem. As one of the five co-authors of the wordings of the anthem, I had looked forward to the day when the country would bring us all together – composers of both the words and music – to celebrate what we created in 1978 – 35 years ago.

The words and music replaced the old colonial anthem of “Nigeria, we hail thee” and were composed to inspire all of us -citizens and leaders – to build a great nation. Alas, death gave our leaders a long time to get this done, but death can only wait so long. I wish Pa Odiase God speed and journey mercies as he unshackles the bonds of this earthly world. May the good Lord console his family and give them the strength to bear his loss. They should take solace that where the Lord abides, death will have no sting and grave no victory.

The nation can be comforted that whenever the drum roll of our national anthem is played, Pa Odiase would be smiling from heaven. May we continue to be

one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

As one of the composers of the words of the Nigerian national anthem, it must mean much to you than all of us who recite it. What kind of feelings do you get when you hear the anthem?

I have mixed feelings when I hear our anthem. I have pride in our country and its potential to take its place as a great nation. Nigerians are achievers who thrive anywhere in the world they go. But I feel sadness that we as a country have lost our way. We are a giant shackled to the underclass of nations, and kept in bondage by our leaders whose corruption and avarice demonstrate a lack of love for their own people. Love is mentioned in each verse of the anthem. But our political leaders show only love for themselves and their immediate family. Our hospitals can remain mere consulting clinics with few drugs and outdated equipment as long as they can travel abroad for medical treatment and earn foreign exchange for themselves and their family while receiving the best medical care. This is the opposite of all the virtues we called for in the anthem. Our leaders are living in a bubble and fail to see a train crash waiting to happen.

Can you recall your involvement in composing the anthem?

Very much so. I was in Kings College, Lagos at the time, and there was a national competition for the anthem organized by the National Publicity Committee on the Draft Constitution/Return to Civilian Rule in Nigeria. I sent in my entry, and, to my great surprise, I saw my name in the Daily Times newspaper as one of the top five selected out of a total of 1,499 entries submitted. The final words of the national anthem were formed from these five entries.

What particular words are yours in the anthem?

The last lines of each verse.

What informed your words in the anthem?

It was my desire for a great nation bound in love, social justice, peace, freedom and unity. Justice and peace are two sides of the same coin. As the late great Fela Anikulapo-Kuti would say: No justice, no peace. And that is the story of Nigeria to date. When the undertrodden have no justice, the ruling class will find no peace.

You said in your press release that the anthem was composed to inspire all of us -citizens and leaders – to build a great nation; has this been achieved?

Unfortunately, we as a nation have failed to achieve our potential. In fact we have lost our way. I will give you two examples.

First,when I drive on the 405 freeway which passes next to Los Angeles International Airport, I can see planes coming in to land. The national insignia on the aircraft is very visible. I see national airlines from many developing countries, such as Ethiopian Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and even from small pacific islands, such as Air Tahiti Nui. But I feel a pain in my heart that I do not see the Nigeria Airways insignia on any aircraft. We cannot even run our own national airline. And that is a nation that has lost its way.

Second, the Channels TV video that showed the rot at the Police College, Lagos – This is a glaring example of leaders who do not care for their people.

How do you go to work in the foremost police college ofthe country with any conscience and supervise the training of future police officers in such dilapidated and appallingconditions ?

How do you sleep at night knowing that your trainee officers are living in such squalid conditions?

How did we as a country deteriorate to such an extent, where no one is held accountable? I will take the liberty to quote my sister-in-law, Mrs Moira Omoigui, whose response to the video was a prayer that “May you and your loved ones never meet the products of such an institution at a checkpoint” That prayer sums it all.

These and the underdevelopment of our nation bring up the salient question whether we were ready for independence and if we can rule ourselves.

Who are the other co-composers?

These records are available online. The other co-authors of the anthem lyrics are John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike and P. O. Aderibigbe. The music was composed by the Police Band under the directorship of

Benedict Elide Odiase You said you had looked forward to the day when the country would bring together – composers of both the words and music – to celebrate what you all created in 1978 – 35 years ago; why do you think this didn’t happen?

The origin and history of the anthem had been forgotten by those in government. Pa Odiase was awarded the MON in December 2001 for the anthem.

However, the composition of the anthem comprised both music and lyrics. This was a lost opportunity to bring together all those who created the anthem. Do you feel cheated that you and your co-composers have not been acknowledged and rewarded like Pa Odiase?

Not at all. The origin and history of the anthem have been forgotten and that explains why none of the other composers has been acknowledged. This is a reflection of our government as well as the state of our media when our journalists go to press without doing the minimum research or fact finding.

ALL the newspaper reports since the transition of Pa Odiase have described him incorrectly as the composer of the national anthem. This is not to take anything from the greatness of Pa Odiase and the indelible musical legacy of the anthem he has left behind for our country. I am very pleased that he was acknowledged in his lifetime.

But history is history. It cannot be altered and we must document it as it is. With a few keystrokes search on the Internet, any reporter or government official can obtain the proper history of our national anthem, including the names of the composers of the lyrics as well as the music. This is just recent history dating back to 1978, and we cannot get it right. Compare that to the UK where they acknowledge their history dating back a thousand years such as the conquest of King Harold by William the conqueror on October 13th, 1066. This should be a wake-up call for all of us.

A nation that forgets its history has no guide to its future.

Now irrespective of our failure to remember our history, I cannot feel cheated when the average Nigerian is cheated of constant power supply, cheated of potable water, cheated of good roads, cheated of basic health care, cheated of good education, cheated of security for life and limb and cheated of good governance.

Will you still be willing to participate in a get- together of the composers?

Yes I will.

Do you think Nigerians have imbibed the message of the anthem?

If not, what should be done to ensure that it is not just a song, but acall to action?

The message of the anthem can only resonate when we have moral leadership, starting from President Goodluck Jonathan and permeating all branches of the government from top to bottom. Corruption is not a problem in Nigeria. It

is an institution and a way of life. We are too greedy and selfish to realize the old saying that a rising tide lifts all boats. 300 years ago, our ancestors sold their brothers and sisters into physical slavery. Today the majority of Nigerians are in economic servitude. More than 100 million Nigerians, about 61 per cent of the population, were living on less than $1 a day at the end of 2010. That’s up from 51 per cent in 2004, as reported by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics. Despite the fact that the Nigerian economy is growing, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing every year, as reported by the statistician general. We cannot solve the problems of Boko Haram with an iron fist. Neither can we solve the environmental and economic devastation in the Niger Delta by paying off the militants.

Our people need a coherent economic plan and a leadership that work for them. Our constitution with its party system that prevents honest men and women from rising to leadership positions, its failure to provide for independent candidates, lack of checks and balances of an all powerful executive branch and numerous other failings has set us up for failure.

We need an independent Office of the Inspector General at all levels of Federal, State and Local Government to audit and prevent crime and an independent transparent EFCC to prosecute the crime. All past and present office holders must match their assets with their income. But alas, until we adhere to the words of our anthem, Nigeria can never take its place of leadership in the community of nations.

Tell me more about your background, relocation abroad and your present work?

I left Nigeria to the United States in 1986, after finishing medical school at the University of Ibadan, College of Medicine and serving my internship and national youth corps service.

This is my bio below : Sota Omoigui M.D. is a consultant anesthesiologist and pain specialist. He is an expert in all types of acute and chronic pain syndromes and treats patients in the USA, Nigeria as well as around the world. He is Medical Director of the L.A. Pain Clinic in Hawthorne, California and former member of the FDA Advisory Committee on Anesthetics and Life Support Devices (2008 – 2011).

Dr. Sota Omoigui is author of The Biochemical Origin of Pain (State-of-the-Art Technologies, 2002), Sota Omoigui’s Pain Drugs Handbook (Blackwell Scientific Publishers, 1999), The Anesthesia Drugs Handbook (Mosby Yearbook Publishers, 1995), The Pain Drugs Handbook (Mosby Yearbook Publishers, 1996), Pain Relief—The L.A. Pain Clinic Guide (State-of-the-Art Technologies, 1998), The Universal Drug Infusion Ruler (State-of-the-Art Technologies, 1995) and co-author of The Nigerian National Anthem (198). Dr. Sota Omoigui’s drug handbooks are used worldwide and have been published in five other languages (Italian, Japanese, Malaysian, Polish and Portuguese).

Dr. Sota Omoigui’s research focus is on inflammation and pain, anesthetic and pain pharmacology. Dr. Sota Omoigui pioneered the technique of audio-capnometry and holds a United States patent for the audio-capnometer monitor and a patent for the process of continuous non-invasive hemometry (measurement of hemoglobin).

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2013

•Omoigui ‘The true history of the national anthem’

June 22, 2013
Nigerian students top in Russian University

From the News and Information Desk, African Students Association, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia comes a cheering report of the exploits of Nigerian students in a Russian University.

These days, at the mention of Nigeria, what we are subconsciously waiting to hear is the news about the next scammer, the next suicide bomber who kills a British soldier. We expect to hear news of death, stolen wealth or disease.

For a number of us, our minds are already made up, even before we get the news, we have declared ourselves guilty.

There are news of Nigeria that are not about gun-shots, corruption, suicide bombings and scams; and it is just as important we talk about them. For over five years, Nigerian Medical scholarship Students at the Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow have consistently bagged first-class honours in Medicine and Surgery and represented the school at major Quiz competitions.

These students, while meeting the demands of the language, Russia’s relatively alien conditions and other academic engagements, have taken it upon themselves to tell a story of Nigeria by being worthy ambassadors of the nation, off and on classes.

A Nigerian student Olalusi O. Victor led a team of other International students from Russia, Italy, Greece, Morocco and bagged the “Best Captain of the Year” award at the University’s annual Quiz competition. His team – International United – won Silver at the University’s annual Quiz competition.

Olalusi, who for the past three years has represented Nigeria in the University’s Hall of Fame, will deliver a valedictory speech on June 27th as the best graduating Student in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences with a grade point of 5.0. The year 2012 saw another Nigerian student, Ganiyu Sanusi bagging the “Best Student of the year” award at the University’s quiz competition. He graduated as the best student in the faculty with first-class honours and a CGPA of 5.0. Ganiyu Sanusi now works as an Intern in one of Nigeria’s teaching hospitals.

Nigeria-born Alonge Olanike Omotola, who in 2010 represented the country on the University’s Hall of Fame, bagged first-class honours degree in Medicine and Surgery and was the best Graduating student and valedictorian for that year. She proceeded for her Masters Degree at Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA.

Over the past five years, Nigerian students at the Russian National Research Medical University have consistently topped the graduation chat, bagging honours and contributing their wealth of knowledge to the University’s academic status.

These are stories of Nigeria that aren’t about bombings, gun-shots or students protesting for unpaid stipends; and it is as important we talk about them.

The Russian National Research Medical University will celebrate the 2013 set of Nigerian Doctors at a grand ceremony on June 27th, House of the Scientists (дом ученых), Moscow, Russia.

God bless Nigeria.

June 22, 2013