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Tag: Benson Idahosa University

  • Prof Guobadia to deliver inaugural lecture

    Prof Guobadia to deliver inaugural lecture

    Benson Idahosa University is set to hold its 7th Inaugural Lecture. The title of the lecture is, “It’s the environment” and will be delivered by an erudite scholar, Prof. Sam Guobadia from the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.

    The event would hold on Thursday, October 19, 2017, at the University Auditorium by 1:00 pm. The Vice-Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof Ernest Izevbigie is to chair and preside over the occasion.

    Prof. Guobadia, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Benson Idahosa of University, is a top research scholar, teacher, editor and facilitator.

    The Professor of Economics boasts of innovative ideas in economic development, corporate governance and organizational management. He received his undergraduate and postgraduate training in Nigeria and the United States of America.

    The astute scholar’s academic qualifications include baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Economics with emphasis on economic forecasting, economic development and financial economics. His academic and professional affiliations have included the American Economic Association, Nigerian Economic Society and the Nigerian Statistical Association.

    He played an instrumental role in the new Federal Government’s Youth-with-Innovation programme; coordinating Edo and Delta States – receiving commendations from the National Coordinators of these programmes.

    The 7th Inaugural Lecturer is actively engaged in capacity building for the enhancement and development of various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

  • Students advised to embrace entrepreneurial skills

    Students advised to embrace entrepreneurial skills

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Sam Guobadia has advised final year students to develop a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship as it is one of the major ways of attaining self-fulfilment.
    The university don who gave the advice while speaking at the Life Success Centre programme said being an entrepreneur would help them meet their financial goals and increase their self-confidence.
    Speaking on “why start a business” he told the students that it will enable them to become job creators rather than job seekers after their graduation.
    “Starting a business helps you to make money and do well for society.”
    He reminded them that successful businesses are not always about the money as some of the biggest businesses today started with little or nothing.
    “Before you start a business, you must develop prerequisite skills,” he said.
    He urged them to also develop a globalised mindset which entails being creative and spending on assets rather than on liabilities as the former will help increase cash flow.
    The Professor of Economics urged the students to acquire more knowledge by attending workshops and conferences organized for start-ups.
    Speaking on “Home training” the Director, Campus life Division, Rev. Laurie Idahosa said that effective time management is the major key in-home training.
    “Time management is the key to home training. A good host prepares ahead of time and anticipates the needs of his/her guest,” she said.
    “As a lady, you should know the kind of man you are going to marry. Remember that men like surprises, therefore don’t expose your body just to entice them.” She added.
    The Life Success Centre (LSC) is a career training centre that helps to train, equip and challenge Benson Idahosa University final year students.

  • BIU VC urges workers to be committed

    The Vice Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin City, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, has urged the university’s members of staff to renew their commitment to their duties as they resume for the 2017/2018 academic session.

    He gave the advice during the 2017 orientation programme organised as a call to commitment for workers ahead of the new academic session.

    Izevbigie, in his address, praised the workers for their unflinching loyalty and unswerving allegiance but counseled them to emulate the cooperation of principal officers.

    Highlighting the achievements of the 2016/2017 academic session, he said: “Recently we came back from JAMB stakeholders meeting where Benson Idahosa University ranked the 10th most preferred private university in the country.  Our products are doing well. The 2015 best graduating student, Ibude Ben Ikem, just got a scholarship from University of Greenwich, Southeast London to study forensics.”

    He reassured the public and the university’s stakeholders that the institution would continue to strive towards the vision of its founding father to rank among the best universities in the world.

    In the new session, the Vice Chancellor said the entire academic programmes of the university would be reviewed, saying new programmes had been introduced to enhance the global competitiveness.

    Speaking on the “Vision and Mission of Benson Idahosa University”, the Director, Campus Life Division, Rev. Laurie Idahosa praised the Management for the giant developmental strides recorded, saying that leadership is discovering the University’s destiny and having the courage to follow it.

    “If you don’t have a direction or vision, nothing will work. When you have a clear definition, it is easier to succeed,” she added.

    In his remarks, the Registrar, Rev. Mike Okagbare, urged all members of staff to be result-driven. He mentioned the university has adopted the e-Staff system of administration for easy assessment.

    He also enjoined all workers to set attainable goals in the forthcoming academic session.

    Speaking on the “Church of God Mission Intl Tenets of Faith”, Rev Eghosa Igunbor, said the institution should not deviate from the church’s beliefs.

    “Tenets of Faith ensure that there is no deviation from what the church believes. Our church is successful because its tenets of faith are in God’s word,” he said.

    He urged the workers to make sure the word of God remained the driving force of the University.

    Special prayers were offered for the University to kick start the new academic session.

     

  • Fanta, Vitamin C: ‘NBC must withdraw product now’

    Fanta, Vitamin C: ‘NBC must withdraw product now’

    The Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie has insisted that taking Vitamin C with Fanta and sprite soft drink could cause cancer and other health illness.

    He expressed concern over the non-compliance with the order of a Lagos High Court mandating the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to compel NBC to include a written warning that it would be dangerous to take the contents of the soft drinks with Vitamin C.

    He said the 90 days given by the court has since expired and that the NBC should have withdrawn the products until all the issues were resolved.

    Speaking at a press briefing at the university senate chambers, he said that it was worrisome that nothing had changed since the order from the court mandating NAFDAC to compel the Nigeria bottling company (NBC) to do the needful, adding that it was wrong for organizations to place profit ahead of human safety.

    Prof. Izevbigie, said that the institution stood by its research findings on the danger of taking Vitamin C with benzoic acid as in Fanta and Sprite, saying it was done in line with the mandate given to the University to impact knowledge, research and service to the country.

    “It is the university that should serve as an umpire. It is about us to give our expert opinion.”

    He explained that the review of the Scientific literature which examined the effect of temperature (20 o C, 60 o C and 100 o C) on the conversion of Benzoic acid to benzene shows, “an increase in benzene formation of as the temperature increased from 20 degree Celsius to 60 degree Celsius by approximately three fold (300%) in the absence of Vitamin C, and tenfold (1000%) in the presence of Vitamin C in 24 hours. It cannot be concluded the formation of benzene does not occur at 30 o C and 40 o C”.

    He said the colourant used in Fanta, the yellow sunset, had been implicated in cytotoxicity, carcinogenesis, allergies and hyper activity in children when the right amount is not used.

    On benzoic acid, he said the Federal Ministry of Health has explanation to give on the reason why standard given for it in soft drinks was put at 250mg/kg as opposed to 150mg/kg that was obtainable in the United Kingdom and Ghana.

    He further said that azo dyes do not occur in nature, they metabolise due to the presence of azo reductase enzymes in the body, which reduce the azo group to produce two compounds with amino groups.

    Prof Izevbigie, who noted that though the Nigerian standard was high owing to high temperature and that it still falls within the international standard, said pasteurization and the use of carbon dioxide can achieve the same goal as the use of high benzoic acid without the added health risks.

    He urged NAFDAC to live up to its responsibility in scientific research and regulation, adding that the issue of human safety must override business profit.

    He recommended a “reduction of the sodium benzoate concentration to below 150mg/kg, a removal of Vitamin C as an ingredient in Fanta due to concern for benzene toxicity and the use of natural dye as a replacement for the colourant in Fanta.”

  • I almost dropped out of school, says valedictorian

    I almost dropped out of school, says valedictorian

    Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City, Edo State, graduated 721 students at its 13th convocation held last week. The Best Graduating Student, Faithful Bob-Manuel, told the gathering how the recession almost truncated his dreams. EVERISTUS ONWUZURIKE reports.

    Faithful Bob-Manuel is the overall Best Graduating Student of Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City, Edo State. The graduate of Microbiology received five academic awards at the school’s 13th convocation last week.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Ernest Izevbigie, disclosed that 60 of the 721 graduands bagged First Class, while 144 finished with Second Class (Upper Division). He added that 364 graduands bagged Second Class (Lower Division) and 38 finished with a Third Class. Also, the school produced 115 post-graduate students.

    Faithful had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.97 on a scale of 4.0. He was the cynosure of all eyes at the ceremony as he stepped out to give testimony and receive the awards.

    According to him, his graduation would have been delayed due to his inability to pay his final year fee.

    He said: “Three weeks before this convocation, I was told I would not graduate because I paid my school fee late. I had said I would not attend this convocation since I would not be a proper part of it. To my surprise, God came through for me and my name was added to the graduating students’ list at the last minute. That was when the Governing Board realised that my CGPA was the highest.”

    Faithful described his academic feat as “God’s favour”, adding that the accomplishment was a product of hard work.

    He said: “The feat achieved was through God’s favour. He rewarded my hard work with this exceptional achievement. Most times, I would read all night just to be prepared. I was nicknamed ‘all-night king’, because I usually didn’t go to bed. I am happy to be the first Microbiology student to graduate with the overall best result.”

    Faithful’s itinerary in school was not all about reading books. He had a robust social life and engaged in extra-curricular activities.

    He said: “I was involved in many extra-curricular activities, including sports. I was the captain of the BIU male chess team. But, every hour I spent outside academic activities was compensated for at night when I returned to class to read. I believe education was my major aim in school.”

    The valedictorian said he never had a girlfriend, because doing so would distract him and affect his studies. He said Bible was his source of motivation throughout his undergraduate days.

    “I believe everything I need to achieve my life goals is in the words of God. All I have to do is declare to myself and believe in the declaration. When my family was going through financial crisis and it seemed I would not sit for my final year exams, I kept reading Philippians 1:6.”

    Faithful said his journey to academic excellence did not come without challenges. He revealed how the economic recession affected his family.

    He said: “My major challenge was finance. When government declared the economy was in recession, the financial status of my family was terribly affected. I almost dropped out of school, because there was no money to pay my fees. My dad sold his car to save the situation and by the grace of God, it was a worthy sacrifice.”

    Unlike some First Class graduates who want to take up well-paid jobs in money-spinning industries, Faithful wants to be a lecturer.

    “My aim is to impart the knowledge I have acquired to the coming generation. That would give me a lifetime satisfaction. I want to lecture in a university and educate future generations. I wish to start my Master’s degree and be the youngest professor.”

  • Benin Monarch urges Fayose to eschew violence

    Benin Monarch urges Fayose to eschew violence

    The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II has advised Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, to eschew conflicts and embrace peace for the over all  interest the country.

    Oba Ewuare II who opined that no meaningful development could take place in an environment of rancour said all hands must be on deck in the battle against the current economic woes  currently bedeviling the country

    The Benin Monarch spoke when he played host to Governor Fayose  who paid him a courtesy visit

    Governor Fayose was in the state to deliver the 13th convocation lecture of the Benson Idahosa university.

    According to Oba Ewaure II, “You spoke and confirm my observations that you are a leader. We thank God for having you here today and coming to deliver the lecture at BIU

    “We have been following some of your political wars. We are in support of resolving conflicts peacefully and we always pray for peace and we strive for it in Benin.

    “I want to reassure you that this palace is your home and you can come official and privately. We can then have confidential discussions and exchange ideas

    “I salute your commitment to democracy and good governance out there and we say keep on doing the good work in spite of the adversities being faced.”

    Governor Fayose said he was impressed with the achievements of the Benin Monarch within a few months.

    He said, “You are royal and it fits you and some people occupy royal thrones but the seats don’t  fit them. I watched in close quarters your activities and I am impressed.

    “Our traditional and culture can’t be wished away. Education, knowledge and wisdom are vital to our human existence. I left office in controversial circumstances on Oct 16 2006 and came back exactly eight years after

    “I represent the belief that this country must stay unite in justice as without justice there would be no peace. I want to stay close to this palace and be an asset to it. You are a man of this generation and your support and advice would be invaluable

    ‎”Traditional rulers are the custodians of our culture and whether we ascribe any role to them on paper or not, they are the closest to the people and have ears to the ground. Those things we politicians in our hurry do not take not off, monarchs have the time and all that is necessary to get them.”

  • Cultists kill Idahosa Varsity student

    Cultists kill Idahosa Varsity student

    Suspected cultists have killed a student of the Benson Idahosa University identified as Tobi Ohio.

    The victim was said to be the only child of a former General Manger of the Edo Broadcasting Service, Mrs. Sidi Lawal-Igioh.

    A version of the killing had it that the victim was hit by a stray bullet in a sporadic gunshot being fired by hoodlums who robbed some shops in the area last Sunday.

    Another version was that the victim was a target of the cultists.

    Other persons injured in the attack are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

    Edo Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, said he was yet to get full details of the killing.

    He promised to get back to our reporter after getting a report from the Divisional Police Officer in the area.

    An official of the institution who pleaded anonymity confirmed the killing saying it was cult related killing.

    The official said no other student was injured in the attack but was silent whether the killing took place inside the campus.

  • Idahosa Varsity threatens to sanction Presidential Amnesty Students

    Management of the Benson Idahosa University has threatened to sanction ex-militants who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programmes in the institution.

    The ex-militants had on Wednesday caused a lock down at the institution during a protest over non-payment of their monthly stipends by the presidency.

    They set-up bonfires within the university campus and locked the institution’s gate thereby preventing staff or visitors from entering or leaving the campus.

    The protesters were said to have chanted war songs demanding immediate payment of their in-training allowances.

    Addressing journalists in Benin City, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ernest Izevbigie, said the university was still investigating the disturbances on campus before giving appropriate sanctions.

    Prof. Izevbigie stated that locking the gate and preventing people’s movement was a serious offense and against the institution’s laid down rules and regulations.

    Izevbigie said the university’s rules and regulations apply to all students of the institution whether they are under federal government scholarship or not.

    He opined that the protesting ex-militants failed to explore internal mechanism to solve their problems.

    His words, “Every students is accountable to his or actions. We are considering what those violations would amount to even though no property of the school was destroyed.

    “Regardless of the number of months being owed, it is not sufficient for anyone to disturb the peace of others or does things not in line with our rules and regulations. We are taking steps to make sure such incidents does not occur again.

    Explaining why immediate sanction was not meted to the protesters, Prof. Izevbigie said, “We are university of due process. We are following due process. There is still need for investigation. We will review the tapes as capture by CCTV.”

    Leader of the Niger Delta Amnesty students, Priye Noel Kuete, said the ex-militants did the protest because of hunger.

    Priye explained  that many of the Amnesty students wrote examinations without taking any food because of delayed payment.

    He apologized to the school authorities for the disturbances and promised that such incident would not occur again.

    “We expressed our apology for what transpired. For several months, our monthly stipends were not paid. We have been receiving lectures in hunger.

    “We never intended to be violent. We are regretting what happened. The federal government should pay our allowances.”