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  • Interrogating Olanipekun’s musings at Babcock University

    Interrogating Olanipekun’s musings at Babcock University

    • By Sunday Saamu

    Twenty-second undergraduate and Thirteenth  postgraduate convocation ceremony of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo in Ogun state may have come and gone, but not so its ripples. Certain national issues were brought to the fore which require further interrogations and reflections towards a better society. The colourful ceremony which drew mammoth crowds from far and near, including Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,  Ekiti state governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, Ogaga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi was climaxed with a conferment of honourary doctorate degree on a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun and the Managing Director of FSDH merchant Bank, Mrs. Bukola Smith.

    Chief Olanipekun who was the Convocation Commencement Speaker however gleefully spiced the occasion with his speech entitled, “Go and Replenish the Earth: Man’s Misconception of God’s Mandate.” The university had deemed him fit for the occasion, judging by  his life of a glorious harvest of fruits of consistent hard work, unsparing self-discipline and unflinching commitment to worthy pursuits. By all standards, this legal luminary approximates a conscience of the nation; as his clout has few equals, with his reputation and records remaining stellar.

     Mounting the podium in his debonair posture, and being so confident of his own truths, Chief Olanipekun raised some national issues, including over bloated population, youth unemployment, migration matter, popularly called “Japa”, citing copious examples to buttress his arguments. With his wonderfully mellifluous and stentorian voice, keeping his language at a pedagogical level: explicit and meaningful, this eloquent convocation speaker dazed the audience with the immensity of his knowledge, dazzled them with the fecundity of his mind, and mesmerized his listeners with the profundity of his thoughts, thus, commanding intermittent applause.

     On population, this one-time President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said ” as a result of man’s misconception of God’s mandate, there has been a “bourgeoning, alarming, and uncontrolled procreation syndrome in Nigeria”, saying there were “dangers inherent in unguided procreation”. To him, “to live up to the true meaning and intent of this God’s given mandate, our focus must be on contributions to humanity, rather than uncontrolled population which invariably chokes the available limited resources in diverse ways” adding that “abject poverty is the unmitigated nemesis of reckless procreation”

     Chief Olanipekun whose musings demonstrated simplicity of presentation, conciseness  of expression and clarity of thought declared, “the dangers are both intrinsic and extrinsic. Reckless procreation will inevitably lead to societal rascality, and before we know it, we will have ourselves and our world engulfed in ‘procreation terrorism”.

     On migration, the legal titan reasoned that this new-found culture of “Japa” was a dangerous reality which must not be allowed to fester. In his words, “to our youth, including adults who are nursing the ambition of migrating from Nigeria without caring what type of odd jobs or debilitating weather conditions they will meet yonder, they should be very careful, cautious, sober and reflective at migrating to any country ,as all that glitters over there, is not gold” He therefore called on government and well-to-do in the society to salvage the dehydrating situation which drives our youth from their country.

    Chief Olanipekun called on alumni of every university to support their alma maters, pointing out that “a good number of the world’s oldest universities remain what they are today because of the immense contributions and sustained assistance they receive from their alumni from time to time.”

      Indeed, as a great leader that he is, when Chief Olanipekun speaks, he does not just talk to inform; rather, he talks to transform. Indeed, better than some days in the library is a day at his feet, for one of the best classrooms is, metaphorically at his feet. The pieces of advice he gave at the occasion could pass for the needed therapy in order to prevent Nigeria from atrophy. Without doubt, overpopulation in Nigeria is symptomatic of a much graver malady. Who says the Boko Haram menace Nigeria is fighting is not unconnected with overpopulation and untrained children?

    Read Also: Excitement as Babcock University gets table tennis hall

     However, being one of the best of our brightest legal minds in the country, coupled with his numerous contributions to the society, Chief Olanipekun was at the occasion, subsequently conferred with a honorary doctorate degree of Babcock University. This is probably because, before he became a national leader, success was all about himself. Now that he has become a successful leader, it seems all his major concern now is growing institutions and individuals.

    From the University of Ibadan (UI) where he was the Council Chairman between 2009 and 2013 to Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, where he is now Chairman of Board of Trustees, to Ekiti state University where he is Chancellor, currently building Senate Chamber, Chief Olanipekun has spent billions of Naira towards uplifting humanity. Recently, federal government has also appointed him as Council Chairman of University of Lagos. Obviously, he is also going to spend a lot of his personal money. Yet, he neither listens to the pandemonium of the parrots, nor gets distracted by the market noise. Interestingly, the like of Chief Olanipekun are rare, they come once in a while. For example, how many Nigerians do we have spreading and spending their hard-earned money like Chief Olanipekun does? They are few in number. He admonished the youth to confront life’s challenges with grit and gravitas. Nothing could be more encouraging.

    Among those who graced the occasion to honour Chief Olanipekun were Ekiti state governor, Mr. Oyebanji who described him as an illustrious son of Ekiti, Ogaga of Ikere-Ekiti, Olanipekun’s hometown, Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi, Ajayi Crowther University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, his Deputy, Prof. Benjamin Olumuyiwa Popoola, University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola,  one-time University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka and Dr. Gani Adeniran.

    Others were Chairman, Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo state, Senior Legal Adviser to Osun state government, Debo Oladinni, Managing Director, Geometrics Nigeria Limited, Dr. Festus Akindunni, President, Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Mr. Bode Dada among others.

    • Saanu (08034073427) is on sabbatical at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

    Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.com

  • Prosecutor kicks as gang-rape victim asks court to stop trial

    A woman allegedly gang-raped in an hotel in Lekki by two dropouts of Babcock University, on Thursday told an  Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court that she wanted the trial of the defendants stopped.

    The defendants are Don-Chima George and Olusegun Razak.

    During resumed proceedings on Thursday before Justice Abiola Soladoye, the victim requested for the withdrawal of the case through a “Letter of Withdrawal”, dated June 3,   addressed to the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) and signed by the complainant.

    The letter was read by Justice Soladoye. The victim ascribed her decision to “family intervention” and “for the sake of her integrity”.

    However, prosecuting Deputy-Director in the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Akin George, opposed her request.

    He said: “The AG is the complainant in this case and we do not have a directive from the office of the AG. In every criminal matter, victims are natural witnesses and as we speak, there is no Attorney-General in office due to the change in power.

    “We are also aware of the rules of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which states that even the Court of Appeal cannot stay an ongoing proceeding. We have submitted issues for the respective decisions of this court and we will bring the witness to state her position before the court, while we continue proceedings and await directives from the AG’s office,” George said.

    Read Also: ‘How I was drugged, gang-raped at hotel’

    Defence counsel, Mr Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), disagreed with the submission of the prosecution.

    Though he shared the views of the prosecution that Lagos State originated the criminal suit, he insisted that the absence of the AG had not created any vacuum.

    Ayanlaja prayed the court to release the defendants from prison, arguing that in the absence of the AG, the Solicitor-General takes charge.

    “The constitution is very clear on this matter. When there is no AG in office, the Solicitor-General takes over the function of the AG,” he said.

    He reminded the court that the defendants have been in prison for long, noting that the victim, who is the complainant and prosecution witness, has developed cold feet on the matter.

    “I apply that your lordship should consider releasing the defendants on bail. At the end of the day, no compensation will be paid to them. They are young men who have languished in jail for four or five months,” Ayanlaja said.

    After listening to the submissions of the prosecution and defence, Justice Soladoye denied the defendants bail, adding that the court would continue with proceedings of the matter.

    The case was adjourned till June 18.

  • Alleged rape: Change of counsel stalls trial of four UNILAG students

    A change of counsel yesterday stalled the trial of four students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and another undergraduate from the Babcock University, Ilisan, Ogun State.

    The suspects were alleged to have gang-raped a female UNILAG student.

    The students, Moboluwaji Omowole, 19; Chuka Chukwu, 19; Peace Nwankama, 19; James Aguedo, 20 and Osemeka Josephine, 20, were alleged by the prosecution to be involved in the serial gang-rape of a female UNILAG student.

    They are facing a three-count charge before Justice Abiola Soladoye at an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court.

    During resumed proceedings yesterday, a former Solicitor-General of Lagos State and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced appearance for Aguedo, the fourth defendant.

    As a result, the cross-examination of the complainant could not proceed as scheduled, following Pedro’s request for an adjournment.

    Pedro told the court that he was fresh in the matter and that he thought the day was slated for hearing of application for the bail of his client.

    He requested for time to study the proof of evidence in the case in order to properly cross-examine the witness and for justice to be done in the matter.

    “In order not to frustrate the trial, I apply that my cross-examination should be adjourned and the other counsel should proceed with their cross-examination,” Pedro said.

    Justice Soladoye granted his request and adjourned the case till May 2 for continuation of trial.

    The defence counsel to the students had through applications asked the court to grant them bail, having been remanded in Kirikiri Prisons for 21 days.

    The defence counsel noted that the students had no prior criminal record and had attended proceedings since their arraignment at a Magistrates’ Court in March 2017.

    Counsel to Chukwu, the second defendant, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), argued that the defendant does not constitute a flight risk and that he is a student, whose academic pursuits have been disrupted by the matter.

    She said Chukwu’s parents work in Chevron, adding that they will ensure he is present in court at all time.

    “He has never failed to appear in court or whenever his appearance is needed,” Akeredolu said.

    Pedro told the court that at the time the alleged offence was committed, Aguedo was a minor and that if bail was denied him, he would suffer hardship and his academic career would be ruined.

    He said the applicant is a student of Babcock University.

    “We have a letter before the court to show that he is a student of the school. The charge against him is a misdemeanour, not a felony.

    ”He is suffering from a back ailment that requires expert medical attention. We have documents from the National Orthopaedic Hospital as proof. He has never abused the privilege of administrative bail given to him.”

    Mr. Rasak Abudu, counsel to Omowole, said the first defendant’s father had suffered an illness caused by his son’s criminal trial.

    “The first defendant (Omowole) is a second year student of UNILAG. He will not jump bail and has never defaulted coming to court. He has always been present with his parents.”

    Mr. O. C. Aibangbee, the defence counsel to Nwankama, the third defendant, asked the court to grant her bail in liberal terms.

    “My Lord’s granting the application will make the applicant, a third year student of Economics at UNILAG, attend her studies even though there is a pending charge,” he said.

    Mr. N. J. Edechime, counsel to Osemeka, argued that the fifth defendant is the only child of her mother and that she is not capable of interfering with evidence and witnesses in the matter.

    He said the defendant would not jump bail, considering that she is a third year student of Economics in UNILAG.

    “If she is not granted bail, she will lose academic years. Her mother is always in court, as the applicant is her only child,” Edechime said.

    The prosecution team led by Mrs. Fehinti Ogbemudia and Mrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanbi urged the court to deny the students bail and grant accelerated hearing in the case due to the prevalence of the offence and the weight of the punishment.

    Justice Soladoye adjourned the case till April 29 for ruling on Omowole, Chukwu, Nwankama and Osemeka’s bail application and March 25 for the continuation of hearing of Aguedo’s bail application.

     

  • Glo, Huawei empower 30 varsities, 150 Nigeria students

    Nigeria’s second largest carrier, Globacom and global information communication technology (ICT) firm, Huawei Technologies have partnered to reward Nigerian students across institutions in the country with a combination of high-end smartphones and super-fast internet service. The programme, targeted at 30 universities and 150 Nigerian students, will be offering free Huawei smartphones loaded with six months unlimited Glo 4G data to five students and five Huawei routers with pre-loaded 60GB of Glo 4G data to the institution. Students to be rewarded are the top five final year students in each institution.

    According to the two firms, the plan is to aid fast and free internet Wi-Fi connectivity for research in schools to enable students stay connected to good internet for academic tasks while outside of the school premises for free.

    The programme kicked off yesterday at the Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, where the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof Iheayichukwu Okoro, led other members of the university to receive the routers.

    The five outstanding final year students of Babcock University who received the Huawei Y5 smartphones were Dogo Edafe Bawa of Business Education, Olusoji Ifejesu Precious of Accounting Department, Ojutiku Toluwanimi Oluwaseun of Economics, Ajulibe Goziem Benjamin of Medical Laboratory Science and Anifowose Airat Morolake of Computer Science department.

    Read Also: Glo sponsors Special athletes to Olympics

    Speaking during the ceremony, Prof Okoro thanked Globacom and Huawei Technologies for the gesture which he said would motivate students to be more hard working, engender healthy competition and spur them to exceptional performance. “We have always had faith in Globacom as we were part of the first set of postpaid lines and close user group (CUG) users. Our students will continue to cherish this recognition of excellence. Thank you Globacom; thank you Huawei,” he said.

    Also speaking, the university’s registrar, Dr. Jonathan Nwosu, commended the speed and reliability ofGlo’s 4G network set up by Huawei Technologies. He said: “Glo is Babcock, Babcock is Glo. This is reward for hard work. Hard work pays. We thank you for rewarding excellence in academics.”

    One of the beneficiaries, 19-year-old Ojutiku Toluwanimi expressed gratitude for the gesture, stating that her parents and other family members were very happy Glo subscribers. Another recipient, 36-year-old Mrs Dogo Edafe Bawa, commended Globacom and Huawei Technologies for the free smartphones and data; enjoining other service providers to emulate Globacom’s standard of excellence.

    Globacom’s Regional Manager, Retail Sales, Lagos/Ogun, Mr. Olufolahan Faseyitan, urged members of the university community to use the opportunity of the company’s on-going week-long data clinic to upgrade to Glo 4G to experience the new speed of life and enjoy memorable communication experience. He noted that the availability of Glo 4G in all tertiary institutions in the country validates the claim that Globacom has the widest and most reliable 4G LTE coverage in Nigeria.

    Representing Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, the Deputy Human Resources Director, Mrs. Dorothy Johnson, expressed Huawei’s pledge to assisting its clients’ business success by providing leading innovation technology and all-encompassing support as it does for Globacom and other clients. She also stated Huawei’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in line with building the knowledge capacity of Nigerian youths and bridging the digital gap in unconnected societies, including rural areas. “Huawei cares about Nigerian youths” she said.

  • Graduates of private varsities are pacesetters

    In contemporary times, privately-owned universities, especially the popular ones, carry more prestige in their names than most public-owned schools. This is as a result of their stable academic calendar, student-lecturer relationship, committed teaching staff, conducive learning environment and the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to impart knowledge on students.

    Also, the reccurring lecturers’ strikes that have crippled government-owned schools and poor standard in public universities are major contributors to this prestige that private universities have today.

    Little wonder why, in spite of the high fees, parents still send their children to private universities because they want quality and uninterrupted education for them.

    Presently, some private universities, such as the Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Covenant University (CU), Afe Babablola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) and Babcock University (BABCOCK), are among the leading ivory towers, dishing out quality education to students, thereby churning out world-class graduates.

    BIU, for instance, has produced scholars that are performing exceedingly well in their respective fields of endeavours. The institution happens to be one of the many private universities that are leading the change by producing world-class graduates. The university aspires to be model for academic excellence, professional development and entrepreneurship promoter; its graduates are trained to be effective as disciples for Christ by excelling in their professional fields.

    No doubt, the institution can boast of the fact that it has produced graduates that are competing globally. Some of them are employees, who are living their dreams in corporate environment, while some are full time entrepreneurs, who have decided to give their passion a voice while creating a niche for themselves in the market.

    This is made possible because, in private universities, every student is exposed to training by some of the world most renowned leadership experts and knowledgeable people with great achievements. By this, they are inspired and their perspective broadened on spiritual growth, leadership, wealth creation, politics, entertainment and many more.

    A popular aphorism says: “The quality of education determines the development of any nation.” How can a nation develop when the public-owned institutions have performed below expectations in teaching and broadening students’ perspectives on leadership, wealth creation, and self-development?

    Universities should play frontal roles in shaping people’s self-development and nation building.

    It is also noteworthy that while the graduates of private universities have high employment turnover, universities, such as Covenant University, also take a broader step by equipping their students with entrepreneurial skills that make them self-reliant. Covenant University is, unarguably, one of the world-class universities that prepare students for all-round success post-graduation.

    Benson Idahosa University believes in the power of entrepreneurship to drive national economic growth and prosperity through innovation. That is why the school, from the outset, equips its students with skills that open their eyes to free enterprise.

    During the 2017 convocation ceremony, the BIU president affirmed that graduates of the institution were doing well professionally and academically after leaving the school.

    His words: “We have graduates that have done so well that they are now at the tops of their various fields, thus making the vision of our university a reality. They are showing up in fields like Nollywood, where Blossom Chukwujekwu carries the title of renowned actor. In the ICT sector, John Obidi carries the title of social media expert.”

    A BIU alumnus, Alex Osagie, usually described graduates of the school as galaxy of stars shining forth for the entire world to see. Recently, four of the BIU alumni, Mrs Osayuki Aiyanyo, Mrs. Osarunwese Irabor, Ms. Imoedemhe Tessy and Ms. Ivie Akhere were appointed into the Edo State Judiciary as judges.

    Every student is given equal opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience through special programmes organised by the Life Success Centre Department of the university.

    Adekunle Ajasin University is part of the public-owned school training students to stand shoulder to shoulder with graduates from any university around the world. Students gain practical field exposure through entrepreneurship attachments and internships with top-notch companies in their fields of interest to get them equipped for life after school.

    In private universities, students, irrespective of course of study, receive hands-on training in entrepreneurship, administration, management, personal branding, proposal development, resume writing and communication, negotiation, and project management. This is one of the reasons why graduates of private schools are having an edge over their peers, who finished from the public-owned school.

  • Davido’s presence electrifies NYSC Camp

    Soldiers, police and the officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had a Herculean time controlling corps members when popular musician, David Adeleke entered the Orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja on Thursday after the opening ceremony of the three week orientation programme for 2,152 2018 Batch B Stream II corps members.

    The graduate of music from Babcock University was greeted by a crowd of cheering corps members who almost mobbed him as he came out of a white Mercedes Benz with a Police Force plate number PF 413-S.

    The NYSC’s Coordinator, Prince Mohammed Momoh’s best effort to avoid commotion as a result of the star’s presence proved abortive as corps members surrounded his office screaming with excitement after soldiers and officials managed to get him in.

    Davido dressed in the NYSC ceremonial uniform signed the NYSC oath for corps members admidst camp officials and soldiers.

    The officials had to summon the corps members to the parade ground with the beagle to draw them away from the State Coordinator’s office.
    Afterwards he was brought out to the corps members who had been made to sit on the parade ground. He refused to stand on a makeshift stage brought for him but preferred to stand if front of his peers instead.

    He told them to stay motivated in serving their country.

    “Stay motivated; I love you all,” he said before he was whisked away.

    In an interview with journalists, Davido said he chose to serve three years after graduation because he was still young.
    “I am still young and I want to spend my time as a youth to serve my country. I am corper like any other and I think I can withstand the pressure.

    Read Also: Davido to Nigerian youths: Tie up every loose ends!

    Corps members and even others who sell in the Mammy Market ran around as his car left the camp. In his characteristic way, he threw a wad of cash in the air which made some stop the pursuit to scramble for the money. But others still went on until the car left the premises.

    Some corps members described the experience as exciting, while some others felt it was unnecessary.
    “Today was like the bomb. Lagos is the best camp. The best thing Davido came to camp. It was amazing.

    Being a celebrity doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to school or serve. It is just to promote our country that no matter what you are go to school and serve your father’s land,” said Victor Adebiyi a graduate of Business administration
    from Ekiti State University.

    Another corps member, said it was okay that the NYSC was cautious about Davido’s presence in camp because of the distraction
    ” This is the best they should have done.

    Even if he is here in camp it would cause a lot of distraction because many people would want to mingle with him,” he said.
    However, Tolani Tells, a Psychology graduate, felt the corps members should not have been kept on the parade ground because of the music star.

    “It was embarrassing to me as a person. I see it as demeaning to me.

    You won’t tell me to sit on the floor because someone is coming. He went to school like I did. I even spent six years for a four-year course; I spent more years in school than he did. I didn’t see him when he came to register and life did not end so if I didn’t see him today, it wouldn’t matter,” she said.

     

     

  • Man isn’t playing God with creation of Artificial Intelligence – Prof. Awodele

    Man isn’t playing God with creation of Artificial Intelligence – Prof. Awodele

    …Says future children won’t learnt driving

     

    The creation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – robots, gadgets and other technological tools by scientists is not playing God but innovation meant to improve the lots of man on earth, Prof. Awodele Oludele, has said.

    Awodele,  a professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, said AI mirrors God’s creative acts  and having instructed man to have dominion, the call had been heeded with man “creating machines and putting in them man’s image” to think and act accordingly.

    The Dean of Computing and Engineering Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, who made this known on Thursday while delivering the institution’s 19th Inaugural lecture, urged Nigeria and Africa  to embrace AI system lest they be left far behind by other nations of the world.

    He noted that AI is helping man in the areas of precision medicine, security, agriculture, automobile, teaching and learning among others.

    Read Also: Accenture:  Artificial Intelligence, others to boost productivity

    Delivering lecture titled; ‘Sensing The Future: From Common Sense To Intelligent Systems,’ he predicted that “children born 20 years from now may never have the need to learn driving when they come of age as cars would be autonomous (self – driven).”

    Awodele advised skeptics who still think this may take many years to happen, to readjust their thinking as automated devices, robots  and gadgets taking the role of man are already here.

    He said “legislation is mostly what remains for auto makers like Tesla to roll – out level 5 self – driven cars.”

    According to him, the technology is ready but humanity seems hesitant to embrace it.

    He noted that AI is capital intensive but urged Babcock University to establish a laboratory  that would spear head research in AI systems.

     

  • 29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

    The Nigerian Law School on Tuesday said 29 out of the 4,294 candidates called to the Nigerian Bar bagged First Class after the August 2017 bar examinations.

    The Director-General of the school, Mr Olanrewaju Onadeku (SAN) disclosed this at the Call-to-Bar ceremony in Abuja.

    Onadeku said the students were those successful at the August 2017 Bar final examinations and others from previous examinations as conducted by the school under the supervision of the Council of Legal Education.

    He said the 29 students were produced by the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Uyo, Obafemi Awolowo University, Babcock University, University of Ibadan and Osun State University.

    According to him, others are from University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, Ambrose Alli University, Afe Babalola University, Adekunle Ajasin University and Igbinedion University.

    “I particularly commend the 29 students; theirs is the highest number ever attained.

    “They have worked hard to merit their grades after a very thorough assessment and have done the Nigerian Law school and their families proud.”

    Onadeku disclosed that 72 per cent success was achieved after the August examination as 211 obtained the second class upper grade, 1,046 made second class lower division and 3, 000 got the pass grade.

    He said that there had been a sustained level of focus and diligence among the students whom he noted had demonstrated a commendable sense of maturity and drive,  adding that some were involved in various forms of examination malpractices.

    The Director-General, while congratulating the newly called to lawyers, also urged them to make the best of the legal profession.

    “Since it is your freewill to belong to the noble profession of law, you must ensure strict adherence to its norms and ethics.

    “As you are aware, globalisation has impacted on the legal profession with the challenge of bench marking on minimum international best practices.

    “You must ensure you exceed the minimum in all that you do. ”

    Onadeku also noted that the successful students had completed the vocational training at the school as prescribed by the Legal Education Act.

    According to him, they have also met all other conditions set by the Council, while also exhibiting good manners and decorum during their training.

    “They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession.

    Read also: Law school gets luxury hostel

    “The screening committee of your distinguished body has carefully perused the records of each of the aspirants and have found them worthy to be presented for Call to the Nigerian Bar.

    “I attest that they are fit and proper persons for Call and admissions to the Nigerian Bar,” he said.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and also Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, charged the candidates to practice the profession with diligence and sense of responsibility.

    He charged them to promote the course of justice and rule of law, adding that their level of proficiency was of immense significance to the efficiency of the justice system of the country.

    “I urge you to acquaint yourselves with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and all other relevant laws as far as administering justice is concerned.

    “You must not handle a matter without adequate preparation, neither should you handle a matter, which you know or ought to know that you not competent enough to handle.

    “It is advisable to consult your seniors or colleagues in areas you know you are not well groomed, ” he said.

    Onnoghen said that the Body of Benchers, whose role also includes disciplinary committee, would not hesitate to bring to order any erring practitioner whose conduct might negate the standards of the profession.

     The Nigerian Law School has to date graduated 117, 385 lawyers including all the judges of the superior courts of the country and almost all the legal practitioners.

    The event was attended by past and present Body of Benchers, Attorney-General of the Federation, past Directors-General of the school.

    Others are members of the National Assembly, some ministers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the Judiciary sector.

    NAN

  • Babcock VC assures new students of support

    Babcock VC assures new students of support

    The Vice Chancellor, VC Babcock University, Shagamu has assured newly admitted students that the university will give them all the needed support to achieve their dreams.

    He spoke while delivering a speech during the 2017 matriculation ceremony held at the school’s stadium.

    He said: “You who are matriculating today are beginning your journey of success in life, to become outstanding professionals and distinguished professors in your chosen fields.”

    He told the 3,068 matriculants consisting of 2,542 undergraduate and 526 post graduate students that they have chosen the best university.

    According to him: “In an increasing sophisticated and changing world as ours, the need for the right capacities to be relevant and competitive is not negotiable. The more we realise the continuing complexities of our societies, the more it requires of our commitment to the highest educational ideals to compellingly respond to it and deal with it in an outstanding fashion.

    “Babcock University as an institution founded on the principle of leadership through Christian education with the vision to transform lives, places absolute regard on excellence, integrity, accountability, and the Adventist heritage define us as a unique training ground.”

    Saying the University accepts the challenge of giving meaning to the human life, he said that is why “our healthcare service is constructed on the advanced framework to restore value to human life through quality healthcare and medical education.”

     He told the students that their training in Babcock guarantees them the confidence to march through in life with the power and authority to advance the frontiers of national development and international cooperation.

    “In the course of your training here, you can always look into the future with the assurance that you are part of the tool to reshape the world for the common good of man,” he added.

  • Babcock VC makes case for reading

    Vice Chancellor of Babcock University Prof Ademola Tayo  has lamented the negative impact of the media on worsening poor reading habits of Nigerians.

    Speaking during the opening of the 2017 Babcock Book Fair, which held at the registry square of the university, Tayo said it was sad that Nigeria was among countries with poor reading culture.

    Tayo called on the government, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), corporate organisations, educational institutions and well meaning Nigerians to tie reading to some incentives.

    He said the method was used successfully by the United Kingdom (UK) government years back.

    The Vice Chancellor expressed hope that the book fair would contribute to improving the reading culture and significantly impact students, lecturers, and the education system.

    He said next year’s Book Fair would return bigger and better as more publishers will be encouraged to participate.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Education Officer, Ikene Local Government Area, Ogun State, Mrs. Oronti Bukola, praised the university for organising the book fair.

    On her part, Group Managing Director of Babcock Investment Group (BIG)  Prof Yetunde Makinde  said they organised the fair to make variety of books available to students and lecturers.

    As the major working tools for students, Prof Makinde urged parents to give money to their children to buy all the books they need for their studies.