The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alumnus

  • Alumnus to donate building to UNN

    Chief Executive Officer of Future Concerns Group Anthony Oguike has laid the foundation for the construction of a multi-million naira Biomedical Engineering building he plans to donate to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    Performing the ceremony, Oguike, an alumnus of the university,‘ said the edifice would be named Solomon Oguike Building’  in memory of his late father,  who was a lecturer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the  institution.

    He said the building, valued at over N120 million, would be completed and inaugurated by September.

    Oguike said his major concern was for students to have a better learning environment and facilities than what was obtainable in his student days.

    “I desire the best for these young people. That is why I feel obligated to do whatever I can to help them,” he said.

    The safety expert said he was motivated by a sense of responsibility to give back to the institution that laid a good foundation for his success in life.

    REad also: Umeadi is UNN visiting professor of law

    Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof Benjamin Ozumba described Oguike as a distinguished alumnus with a heart of gold.

    He praised the donor for his exemplary show of interest in the development of his alma mater.

    “Many people had been here and they left without looking back, but you have shown that you are a rare breed, Ozumba said  urging other alumni of the institution to toe the donor’s path.

    The Dean Faculty of Engineering, Prof Val Ekechukwu, described Oguike as a great contributor to the faculty, having constructed modern restroom for staff and students, built a solar power station and donated project vehicles to the department.

    Ekechukwu said Oguike’s latest donation would enable the Faculty realise its ambition of going into Biomedical Engineering.

    He thanked the donor for mobilising the contractor for the timely completion of the project.

  • How alumnus raped UNILAG student, stole her pants, by witness

    An Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court heard yesterday how an alumnus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), John Otema, raped a student and stole her pants.

    Police Inspector Nkem Ejelonu told the court that Otema raped the student who he gave a lift on January 17, 2018, at the Distance Learning Institute (DHI) and went away with her pants, brassiere and handkerchief.

    The officer was testifying at the trial of Otema who is charged with rape and assault occasioning harm befor Justice Abiola Soladoye.

    He was alleged to have raped two students.

    Ejelonu, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) of the case, who is attached to the Adeniji Adele Police Station, said the stolen items were not found in Ejelonu’s 6, Adeleye Street Bariga, Lagos, home, when it was searched on February 6, 2018.

    Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Mrs Arinola Momoh-Ayokanbi, Ejelonu said: “I had earlier visited the scene of the incident, which is the area of DLI of UNILAG, to check if I could find the pants, bra and handkerchief, but I could not find anything, hence the search of his house,” she said.

    Ejelonu narrated how another complainant, also a student, was raped by Otema.

    According to her, the second student said sometime in 2018, she saw the defendant on campus; they went to the canteen to buy food but that the defendant later went to the bank and refunded her N2, 000 for the meal.

    According to the IPO, both of them became friends even after the student told him that she already had a boyfriend.

    She said during the relationship, the second victim demanded a laptop and the defendant gave her N20,000  with a promise to give her additional N30,000 later.

    The IPO said on January 30, 2018, the defendant picked up his victim, took her to his house and wanted to sleep with her.

    She claimed that she resisted, demanded N100,000 so that the defendant would  let her go, but he insisted and had his way, while  the money was not given to her.

    “He had sex with her, during that period her boyfriend was calling her. The defendant took her bag and dropped her off at campus at 11.30pm, the witness said.”

    Under cross-examination by Mr Fred Onyeka, Otema’s defence counsel, the IPO said the defendant’s car was still in police custody.

    “One of the complainants said he had sex with her in the vehicle. The vehicle is with the exhibit keeper at Adeniji Police Station,” she said.

    Justice Soladoye adjourned the case till May 9.

     

  • Alumnus organises skills workshop for students

    An alumnus of the Department of Microbiology of the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Chimezie Nwakire, has organised a career development training to empower final year students with skills and techniques that can aid their efforts to excel in their chosen career.

    The training with the theme: The science of microbiology, was aimed at helping the participants to activate their career path and imbibe core values that would help them transform into professionals.

    The participants were taken through modern techniques in the field of microbiology, such as gram staining, media preparation, good laboratory practice, quality assurance, critical scientific writing, experimental design, method development and validation. There was also practical training on employability skills, including speech presentation, curriculum vitae designing and cover letter writing, utilising the LinkedIn social media network and job hunting skills.

    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Uche Ikonne, represented by Director of Research and Publications, Prof Victor Nwaugo, described Chimezie as one of the alumni in whom the school took pride.

    He said Chimezie’s return to his alma mater attested to the quality training he received as a student, urging other alumni of the school emulate the gesture.

    According to Chimezie, the programme was inspired by the need to mentor students and guide them on opportunities available in microbiology profession.

    He said: “I spent four years here and I believe there is no better place to start this career training other than where my career was defined. We were made to believe that there is no future in microbiology, but that is a big lie. There are loads and loads of opportunities out there for people willing to practise in that field. While I was in the United Kingdom, I thought of how and where I could give back. I think initiating this career programme and equipping the department with relevant equipment will inspire students and help them realise their potentials.”

    Chimezie donated four modern textbooks and a Celestron Microscope Kit – a device that can magnify microscopic elements on a computer screen – to the department.

    Receiving the materials on behalf of the department, Dr Hope Okereke, an Associate Professor of Food Microbiology, said: “We are glad to welcome our supportive alumni who got his training here. He has conquered the world and returned to invest in the next generation. The device donated would bring more clarity to research works, and we are highly elated. The entire department is happy about this and we expect other alumni to emulate his kind gesture.”

    Ositadinma Ugbogu, a professor of Applied Microbiology and Director of Institute for Computer Studies, who was part of the training facilitators, said participants were exposed to practical parts of microbiology and how they can pursue careers in the discipline.

    A participant, Constance Enwereji, said: “The workshop was enlightening and helped me in breaking down the opportunities I could get after my first degree. Now, I can say my career path has become clearer. I am ready more than ever before to practise as a microbiologist. I appreciate the department for creating this opportunity for students to learn. I also appreciate Mr Chimezie for consider it necessary to leave to mentor us and donate equipment that can aid our learning in the field.”

  • Alumnus donates N1.5m textbooks to alma mater

    N alumnus of the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Mr Mani Robson, has donated textbooks worth N1.5 million to the library of the school.

    The school, one of the oldest secondary schools in the country, was founded in 1895.

    Robson, who made the donation in the school library, expressed delight at the opportunity to give back to the institution that shaped him to what he is today.

    The alumnus, who is the Vice President of Temple and AegeanDas Ltd said he was in the school between 1988 and 1991.

    According to him, government alone cannot provide everything for education.

    “Government is pulled from many areas by many demands. Individuals and businesses can also contribute to the development of education,” he said.

    He said the books covers all subjects taught in the school.

    He promised to make annual donations of books as well as refurbish the library and equip it with tables and chairs to create a more conducive environment.

    Robson also announced a scholarship for the best graduating students yearly, and a renovation fund for the school chapel and the 1894 building.

    He said the 1894 building, the first structure in the school, was a national treasure, and he would work towards its restoration in conjunction with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

    He said the school had groomed leaders for the country.

    He urged the students to be disciplined and take their studies seriously, and the workers to continue being dedicated.

    Robson later made financial gift to the staff of an undisclosed amount.

    Overwhelmed by the gesture, Principal of the institution, Mr Samuel Ikpeme, said it was the first of its kind since he to charge.

    “We are aware that students have passed through here in different categories across the country, but no past student has single handedly done what he (Robson) has done today,” he said.

  • AOCOED alumnus gives tips on RSW

    It was like homecoming on Monday for the former  Adeniran Ogunanya College of Education Oto/Ijanikin president, Comrade Marvelous Ojuomla.

    He literarily set the Oluremi Tinubu’s hall of the college on fire when he shared his experience as an alumnus of the Ready Set Work (RSW).

    Ojuomola advised the 200 and 300 level undergraduates, who crowded the hall to register online for this year’s RSW, which started on Monday and would run till April 30.

    RSW is an employability and entrepreneurship programme aimed at preparing final year students for  entry into the workforce as employees and employers.

    Recounting his experience, Ojuomola described the exercise, which runs on weekends for 13 weeks as ‘hectic’, saying that many of his contemporaries abandoned the journey half way.

    He said: “When we started, it was very hectic. We had to be in school by every Saturday 6.30am and finish by 5pm. Then as a Christian, you have to go to a church on Sunday. Some of us felt it was too tedious and so stopped coming.

    “However, the good thing is that we had facilitators that trained us on employability and entrepreneurship. They equip us on emotional intelligence, which helps us to develop team spirit, communicate with your colleagues and learn problem-solving approach.

    He challenged the students not to look down on themselves, saying that students from AOCOED who participated in the exercise outperformed those from other institutions.

    Mrs Sade Oshin, who was part of the RSW team from the Office of the Special Adviser on Education, said this year’s exercise targets 25,000 participants, with 20,000 for the six-week intensive online academy, which is a prerequisite for all 300  Level students. The 5000 students, who are their final year, would be enrolled into the 13-week training that would hold at three centres  – Lagos State University; Yaba College of Technology and University of Lagos.

    Oshin noted that because of its success, RSW has become more competitive, adding that those who scale the hurdle stand a chance of improving their market value.

    She advised the students to fill in their profile first on a blank sheet before entering same online, as any wrong entry during registration would disqualify them.

    Aside being punctual, Oshin noted that those shortlisted must be ready to meet other criteria before being awarded certificates.

    “The fact that you attended all the 13 weeks does not qualify you for the certificate. You must have completed a minimum of 11 of the 13 Saturdays in addition to completing all exercises and tests. Afterwards, you will write the final exam which you must also pass.”

    Special Adviser on Education Mr Obafemi Bank-Olemoh, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Shamsideen Allisson, likened the exercise as one that would develop students innate potentials. He said Lagos state is being proactive in grooming youngsters to face the challenge of industry and skill development in future.

    AOCOED Provost Dr Omolola Aina Ladele expressed appreciation to the government for increasing the college slot from 125 to 166 in the previous exercise. She is also happy about the Teachers Track,  which was newly introduced into the RSW, to sharpen teachers’ skills and exposed them to 21st century pedagogies.

  • Ambode, a worthy alumnus, say UNILAG alumni

    Ambode, a worthy alumnus, say UNILAG alumni

    University of Lagos Alumni, Lagos State chapter, has praised Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s performance.

    In a statement signed by the Lagos State Chairman of the alumni Dr. Lukumon Adeoti, the group said it identified with the numerous landmark achievements of Ambode, adding that his performances epitomised the philosophy that UNILAG is reputed for.

    Adeoti, an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences, said the association and UNILAG, were proud to have produced the number one citizen of the state, with his visionary leadership cutting across education, agriculture, wealth, job creation, security and infrastructural development.

    The statement reads: “The governor is a true Akokite and has demonstrated that the knowledge he gained from his alma mater benefits and guides him as he is taking Lagos State to the Promised Land. It is instructive to note that the massive infrastructural development of Akinwumni Ambode, particularly his Light up Lagos project, reconstruction of new and dilapidated roads has eased traffic and movement of people.

    “In the agricultural sector, the governor has ensured that Lagos is one of the rice-producing states in Nigeria. Besides, Lagos now enjoys an enabling environment where businesses thrive and individuals and properties are secured.

    “The alumni are using this medium to appeal to the governor to participate in the chapter’s program because charity begins at home, noting that the alumni share the governor’s vision in the areas of education and youth development.’’

    The body urged Akinwunmi and other prominent individuals who graduated from the institution but reside in Lagos to make out time to attend the chapter’s various activities.

     

  • ABUAD celebrates award-winning alumnus

    ABUAD celebrates award-winning alumnus

    Legal icon and founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, (SAN), rolled out the drums last Friday to celebrate an alumnus of the university, Mr. Olamide Popoola, for putting the institution on the world map.

    Popoola, a 2015 Petroleum Engineering graduate, and two undergraduates from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo (Adekunle Adepoju), and Babcock University (Jennifer Ikeokwu), made up the Nigerian team that won the Category 1 Award for “Authenticity on Brand, Relevant to target audience and drives talkability and shareability (A.R.T)” in the 2016 Unilever Ideathrophy.

    This is coming six months after ABUAD’s Team LifeWatch, the inventor of AsthmaVisor, emerged fourth out of the five teams nominated for Microsoft Imagine Cup Ability Award in the 2015 edition of the contest in Seattle, United States. They showcased the potential impact their project could have on the lives of people with disabilities.

    Popoola was received like a star with cheers from workers as he made his way into the Alfa Belgore Hall of the university, venue of the event.

    Popoola’s race to stardom started when someone told him about the competition, which focuses on students finding intelligent solutions to business problems last May. He got shortlisted and was given the first business challenge with his randomly selected team mates to create a model for marketing Rexona, an anti-perspirant deodorant produced by Unilever with Nigeria as a focus. The trio scaled the hurdle to the semi finals in Nigeria on October 21, 2015, the day Popoola graduated from ABUAD. This feat qualified his team, then christened ‘Team Apex’, and another group, ‘Team Blueprint’ to represent Nigeria in the Africa Idea Trophy Contest (AIT 2016) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    In South Africa, Team Apex, competed against the best minds from South Africa, Kenya and Ghana to proffer the best solution on Rexona Class of confidence.

    Renamed ‘Team Nigeria’, the trio won the ticket alongside ‘Team South Africa’ to represent Africa at the global semi finals that featured 30 countries, including the U.S., United Kingdom, Pakistan, Malaysia, Portugal, Brazil, India, Bangladesh, Egypt and Costa Rica.  It survived and proceeded to the global contest in the United Kingdom, where it won the award.

    Popoola said participating in the contest opened a floodgate of benefits for him, Team Nigeria, ABUAD, and the country.

    He said: “We were made to compete against people who were far more experienced than us – with some already running their master’s programmes in business-related areas, and yet we emerged African Champions and the eventual overall global champions.”

    He added that the Team’s success put ABUAD on a global spotlight as a reputable institution for grooming quality graduates.

    He believes that his achievement would inspire others to key into the dream and vision of the Founder to become the best they can be.

    Popoola thanked Babalola and the entire ABUAD community for the honour done him.

    After his national service, Popoola plans to do a Master’s in Renewable Energy, and then a Ph.D.  He also plans to create employment opportunities for others.

    As he progresses, he pledged to collaborate with the university on ideas that can help improve the fortunes of the institution.

    Lauding Popoola’s achievement, Chief Babalola urged other students to emulate him.  He added that the institution had surpassed its expectations in its six years of existence.

     

    Olofintila, ABUAD’s Head of Corporate Affairs, writes from Ado-Ekiti

  • ABUAD alumnus wins global laurel

    ABUAD alumnus wins global laurel

    Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) Founder Aare Afe Babalola has said he spent $246 million to build the institution.

    Babalola spoke at the weekend at a reception in honour of an alumnus, Olamide Popoola, who excelled at the Unilever Future Leaders League, held in London, United Kingdom.

    Popoola, along with his counterparts from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, won the Unilever national competition in Lagos before winning the continental edition in South Africa, which qualified them for the global edition, which they also won.

    Popoola is a graduate of Petroleum Engineering.

    Students from 30 countries participated in the grand finale with the Nigerian team winning the No 1 category award for “Authentically on Brand, Relevant to Target Audience and Talkability and Shareability”.

    Babalola said he was proud of Popoola and others before him, adding that their outstanding academic accomplishment was proof that his investment was not a misplaced priority.

    The eminent lawyer, who is a former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, said he has no regrets for his huge investment in ABUAD as long as he realises his dream of building human capacity through quality education.

    According to him, ABUAD remains the only institution that runs Talent Discovery Centre where students are made to discover their areas of proficiency early.

  • Alumnus blames govt for weak students’ unionism

    National Coordinator, Democracy Vanguard, Adeola Soetan, has criticised the way the government and authorities treat students unions in universities.

    He blamed the lack of direction and power of students unions on the consistent attacks on them by school authorities and government.

    Soetan, who served as a students’ union president, Obafemi Awolowo Univerity, Ile Ife, spoke at the second yearly meeting of the Great Ife Alumni Association at the Springhill Hotel, Oko Oba on Independence Day.

    The event had as theme: “Survival strategies in an economy in recession.”

    He said: “Nowadays, because the university authorities attack the radically progressive organisations in their institutions, they have almost completely vanished in schools. What we have today is just students’ union for students’ union sake. Corrupt politicians use them to achieve various corrupt means, forgetting that what you sow is what you would reap.

    “So until the culture of attack on student unionism is stopped, you are going to have emergence of cultists and commercial students’ activists, who will go to presidents, governors, politicians to collect money. In those days, it was a great crime to fraternise unnecessarily with government, not to talk of politicians. So what is happening today is just the result of the collapse of radical students’ movement in the university.”

    Soetan, who is well-known as one of the most radical students union presidents of his time in the 1980s, also encouraged students to be more active in their unions’ electoral and leadership activities and cautioned students union leaders against corruption.

    He said: “Students union must exist. However, the students must be watchful and active in who makes up their students union, so that if anyone goes against your wish, you impeach the person. There is no power beyond the student’s power in the university. It is only when students decide to sleep that you get ridiculous charlatans and criminals as leaders, because when you spend students money for yourself, you are simply a criminal.”

    Also speaking, Chairman of the association, Steve Mbanefo emphasised the importance of alumni associations in higher institutions.

    He said: “Alumni association is for greater bonding among our members and important for every institution. The functions are limitless. Students still come to us for help, we fight for the right and good of the students. They tell us what they want to tell the university and we relay the information to the school because we have the ears of the institution. We investigate unjust treatment of students. In fact, ours is such that the world wide president of the association is always a member of the senate of the universi ty. So they can never make decisions that would be militate against students right.”

    Mbanefo also suggested that government should increase funding for education and cease corruption.

  • Alumnus donates water tank to school

    A renowned philanthropist in Oshodi, Lagos, Mr Benjamin Eweoya, has donated a water tank to pupils of St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Oshodi.

    Obadara, who beamed with smiles all through the inauguration of the project at the school premises, attributed his gesture to his appetite for selfless service.

    Headmistress of the School, Mrs Olufunmilayo Obadara, said   the former water tank and scaffolding collapsed a long time ago, making the school to run without water for sanitary and drinking purposes

    She described the project as a ‘big relief’, noting that young pupils needed water for so many things to accomplish some of their objectives.

    Eweoya, a son of a teacher and an alumnus (82’ Set), said this was not his first project in the community and the school. As an alumnus, Eweoya said he had embarked on projects, such as free reading classes as well as donations of text books to pupils in his alma mater.

    “I am very excited today because a remarkable project such as this has happened during my tenure in a short period of time. I know this is the beginning and more is coming from other privileged individuals. We cannot wait for the government to do it all,” Obadara said.

    Eweoya, who was also very happy at the level of accomplishment of the project, urged all to give government more support. He emphasised on the need for leaders to lend a helping hand to young generations.

    “I feel very good to be able to give back to my community. What motivated me to embark on this project was the spirit of parenthood and not because I am a community donor. My relationship with young pupils is intact because they are the ones to point out the things that we did or we didn’t do; but it is unfortunate that none of our leaders today are particular about that.”

    To Jibola Badu, a Primary Four pupil in the school, the new tank would afford him to wash his clothes which often gets messy at the close of school.

    “I am very happy because I would not be punished at home for coming home dirty. I can now clean up before going home,” he said.