The Nation Newspaper

Tag: DON

  • Slow adjudication worries don

    A  don, Prof. Bankole Sodipo, has expressed concern over the slow pace of adjudication of commercial litigation in the country.

    Prof. Sodipo expressed this worry last week  while delivering the 7th inaugural lecture of the Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State titled: “The Oracle Intellectual Property and Allied Rights, The Knowledge Economy and The Development Agenda”

    He warned that direct foreign investments would be jeopardised if nothing is done to improve the pace of commercial litigation in country.

    He, therefore, urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to give priority to intellectual and commercial cases for foreign investors to develop interest and confidence in the economy of the country.

    Sodipo canvassed for speedy hearing of commercial and intellectual property related cases just as it is done for election cases.

    He urged judges of the high courts and other higher levels of the court system to support the establishment of a Commercial Court of Appeal as the final arbiter of commercial disputes.

    The professor of law also urged Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to work assidiously with the police with a view to tackling counterfeiting in  Alaba International market which he described as the largest counterfeit market in Africa said intellectual property cannot thrive if nothing is done to curtail activities of counterfeiter in Alaba market.

     

  • Why privatisation failed, by don

    Why privatisation failed, by don

    A chartered accountant, Prof T.O. Asaolu, has identified nepotism and insincerity as the bane of privatisation in the country. Privatisation, he said, is a component of government’s strategy to restructure the economy and to strategically solve problems associated with state-owned enterprises for improved service delivery.

    But the don said privatisation of public enterprises in Nigeria were largely characterised by defective capital structure, mismanagement, abuse of monopoly powers, excessive bureaucratic control, inefficiencies and nepotism.

    Asaolu, a senior lecturer at the Department of Management and Accounting of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, made the statement when he delivered the 278 Inaugural lecture of the university at Oduduwa Hall on Tuesday.

    He said imbalances in public corporations, forces of globalization and technological breakthrough made privatisation inevitable. He maintained that Nigeria’s privatisation experience was a mixture of gain and loss.

    He said: “I admit that financial gains and efficiencies were recorded in the privatisation of some smaller enterprises. But, efforts to fully privatise some big state-owned corporations have been largely unsuccessful, because of insincerity, weak institutions, undervaluation, questionable sales, abuse of due process, lack of transparency and policy somersault.

    “These experiences give rise to the need to re-examine our privatisation process. Personal findings show that corrective measures are needed to be put in place to save the nation from the looming calamity of negative privatisation.”

    To solve the problem, Asaolu said government must provide conducive business environment and establish appropriate valuation method. He sad competitive bidding through market liberalisation and deregulation must be promoted, while defaulters must be prosecuted.

    He said privatisation was a good policy that would lead to good governance and improved socio-economic situation, adding that it was the panacea for full liberalisation of the nation’s economy.

  • Don urges partnership between varsities, alumni

    Don urges partnership between varsities, alumni

    An international scholar and immediate past Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Wesley University of Science and Technology in Ondo, Prof Tola Badejo, has stressed the need for synergy between higher institutions and their alumni associations. This partnership, he said, will facilitate facility and education development.

    The former VC spoke at a public lecture organised by the alumni association of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State with the theme: The university and alumni: 21st Century expectations and realities.

    He said since private and public sectors are controlled by graduates of higher institutions, universities should partner with their ex-students to enable them get funding for infrastructure projects and research work.

    He said: “The most challenging role of alumni association is to work hand-in-hand with their alma mater to generate extra funds for development and academic cause. Development of any higher institution could not be achieved individually as it used to be in the 19th Century; it takes partnership with network of donors and group work to produce fruitful results.

    “Establishment of endowments, which is the major source of funding in many universities in the developed countries, should be intensified to complement funding provided by school proprietors that is not always adequate.”

    The guest lecturer stressed the need for the alumni to mentor fresh graduates and monitor their career growth up to retirement. This, he said, will encourage them to give back to their alma mater.

    Badejo advised university administrators to be more aggressive in seeking funds from channels other than their proprietors, citing that partnership with their alumni associations would help to achieve the aim.

    He praised the AAUA Alumni Association for its progress in short period of its establishment.

    He said: “I discovered that AAUA is not as old as I thought. The university was established 16 years ago and had its first set of graduates in 2004. It is highly commendable that, despite administrative challenges the alumni association might have had, this relatively new university now has  highly formidable alumni association with branches already established in the catchment areas as well as in the Federal Capital Territory. You have performed a feat that took many older universities more than two decades to achieve.”

  • CU committed to restoring black dignity, says don

    CU committed to restoring black dignity, says don

    Covenant University (CU) Ota, Ogun State, has restated its determination to restore the dignity of the black race.

    Cecil Blake, a professor of Mass Communications in the university, reiterated the commitment while delivering the institution’s 44th public lecture at the CU chapel last week.

    “We continue to work hard on improving the quality of output necessary to achieve the mission because we are aware of the challenges that need to be met mainly in terms of creating a critical mass that would make a national and indeed, continental impacts,” he said.

    Speaking on the topic: “Engaging the mission to restore the dignity of the Black Man: Challenges and Prospects”, Blake recalled how notable Americans and Europeans in the 18th Century made negative remarks about blacks, describing them as lascivious, inferior, libidinous, wicked, brutal people, who did  not contributed to civilisation.

    “They (pro whites African-Americans) claimed American nativity and rejected any mention of Africa as their ancestral home, and the place they should return to for their well being.

    “African-American spokesmen opposed to any association with Africa during the 1800s demonstrated the depth of negative construction of Africa and African permeated their psyche,” said Blake.

    However, this paradigm was later to be challenged by some other pro-African spokesperson, who Blake said showed how Africans made significant contributions to history.

    Blake said one of them, Edward Wilmot Blyden, a Presbyterian minister, through his numerous speeches, scholarly publications, sermons and eventual relocation to Africa from the U.S., canvassed for the restoration of African dignity.

    Another, Blake said, was Marcus Garvey in the early 20th Century, who via his Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), promoted the black consciousness ideology anchored on black emigration to Africa.

    Exponents of the African inferiority theory, according to Blake, abused a section of the Holy Bible Genesis 9-21-27, which alluded to the story of a drunken Noah, who cursed one of his sons Ham, who while asleep, scorned at his nakedness, while he blessed Shem and Joseph, his two other sons, who out of respect for their father, quickly covered his nakedness.

    “The entire episode recorded in the Bible was used as a means of justifying the enslavement of Africans and condemning them to servitude.

    “Those, who used the Bible as justification for the enslavement of African and their relegation to servitude, claimed that Shem is the patriarch of Whites, Japheth the patriarch of Asians, and Ham the patriarch of Africans.

    “It must be pointed out here that there is no reference to ‘race’ or ‘colour’ that could be used as a basis to cite Genesis 9.21.27 as a biblical justification for ill-treating blacks/Africans.  The realities of slavery, colonialism and aspect of evangelisation that denigrated Africans belief systems left a dent in the charactererological make up of Africans.”

  • Don seeks improved welfare for journalists

    Don seeks improved welfare for journalists

    The welfare of journalists should be prioritised by publishers and media owners to encourage best practice and professionalism. These were the words of Dr Andrew Ate, the guest lecturer at a programme organised by the Department of Mass Communication of the Adekunle Ajasin University at Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State.

    The lecture with the theme: Mass Communication: Past, present and future, marked the 10th anniversary of public lecture in the department.

    While noting that there was need to strengthen professionalism in journalism, the guest lecturer said the media’s future would be driven more by digital technology that is beneficial to the practitioners, academics and the society.

    He said:  “The future of Mass Communication is very bright. It is a profession for the future that would be practised more by sophisticated digital tools and creativity. New functions, trends and paradigms would continue to emerge for the benefit of mass media practitioners, scholars and the society in general. This is why we need to prepare ourselves for tomorrow.”

    Ate said entrepreneurial journalism should be given prominence in higher institution to encourage creative students make lawful money through blogging and information sharing. He said the new media had expanded the scope of journalism and made graduates of Mass Communication to be self-employed through activities on social media.

    Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, represented by his deputy, Prof Oluyemisi Adebowale, praised the staff and students of the department for sustaining the public lecture, which he said had exposed students to trends of Mass Communication.

    The VC said: “I celebrate the department for being a progressive entity of the university. I am elated to know that the public lecture has been sustained for 10 years. I commend staff and students for keeping the tradition of excellence for which the school is known. I encourage the department to continue to expose students to new aspect of Mass Communication.”

    The Acting Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr Babtunde Oyinade, pointed out that there was need to turn the department into a School of Communication to accommodate similar programmes. He revealed that the department would soon establish its graduate programmes to ensure students get adequate training in journalism.

    The event featured presentation of award to people whose efforts led to the development of the department. The immediate past VC, Prof Femi Mimiko, received award of excellence for leadership and media education development. Also honoured were Dr Rotimi Oladele, award of excellence for leadership and professionalism, Chief Dayo Duyile, award of excellence of media training and mentoring, and Mr Tokunbo Jegede, award of excellence for leadership and media partnership.

    The department also recognised its alumni with ambassador awards. They are Shola Ilesanmi, Felix Ochuko, Oladipupo Akinwunmi, Toyosi Olola and Mrs Sade Seye-Ojo.

    Making a speech on behalf of the awardees, Shola Ilesanmi, an ex-CAMPUSLIFE correspondent, praised the department for rewarding them. He said the awards would be a motivation for them to do more excellent works.

     

  • Don recommends regular training for teachers

    A professor of Guidance and Counselling at the Delta State University, Okobiah Otete, has called for training and retraining for teachers in public and private schools across the country.

    Otete spoke at the Great Teachers Conference, organised by Jes’s Lord International Services Limited with support from Master Energy Group, held at the Home Science School, Lagos.

    The conference tagged: “Promoting teacher’s status in the interest of quality education” was attended by over 100 public and private schools teachers and proprietors.

    According to him, the need for professional teachers who have up to date knowledge of the subjects taught in schools is germane for improved performance of learners.

    Otete blamed teachers for the poor performance of students in the May/June 2015 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), claiming that the candidates failed because many teachers could not teach their subjects well because they are not grounded in them.

    She noted that mathematics and English language have become dreaded subjects for students because of this reason. She noted that regular training of teachers would help to change their attitude to work and enhance the development of the teaching profession in Nigeria.

    “Regular training will impact on teachers’ attitude, the students and the teaching profession. They will learn how to handle difficult subjects and issues of discipline, as an alternative to flogging children. They will learn what teachers need to do to become effective on the job,” she said.

    In her welcome address, the Principal Consultant/Programme Director Jes’s Lord International Services Limited, Mrs. Celistina Atuegbe Eradagherse , said the conference was aimed at building the capacity of teachers and provides a platform for exchange of knowledge and ideas.

     

  • Nigeria can become outsourcing hub, says don

    Why is Nigeria not considered a place for Global Software Development (GSD), like many Asian countries?

    Sanjay Misra, a Professor of Computer Engineering at Covenant University (CU), Cannanland, Ota, Ogun State, said this is so because of poor ICT development as well as economic, social and political instability.

    Becoming a GSD destination means being a viable platform for international companies to outsource services through software technology.

    Speaking on the topic: “Global software development: Challenges and opportunities in Nigeria” at the university’s 43rd public lecture, last Friday, Misra said he arrived at his position based on a research he conducted in Europe and Africa both representing the outsourcing and outsourced countries.

    “In general, it can be deduced from this analysis that factors that affect sourcing decision in Nigeria and other African regions are significant enough to reduce the probability of competing with Asian countries. However, there are many positive factors to be optimistic about concerning the future of a country like Nigeria. Its relative political stability, economic strength achieved in recent years and increased development of its workforce, make Nigeria a nation to watch in the medium and long term,” said Misra.

    On the outcome of his research, Misra said while respondents from Africa identified English, Nigeria’s official language as well as training in technology discipline as the main GSD attraction, European informants also agreed with the language in addition to the same time zone. However, the Europeans expressed worry about high costs, absence of a strong software industry and legislative, fiscal as well as commercial practices. Respondents from Africa on the other hand, express disgust at perennial corruption and lack of transparency occasioned by administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    He said: “All European informants agree that corruption or the so called dash culture is a key factor that can affect the decision of foreigners. Dash practice is meant to provide a gratuity or money that these people expect to receive for a service, but the peculiarity is that the ‘service’ can be almost anything. It is considered an entitlement. It is culturally offensive when a foreigner does not make a small donation to these people when they really think they have earned it. It is illegal, but it is a very common practice that the foreign employer has to take into account. Respondents also mention the bad image of Nigeria as a result of famous fraud and scams through internet.

    “Other factors include: terrorism or conflict situations which often makes the environment not conducive to business, lack of work discipline among African workers, as well as status differences, among others.”

    To become a GSD destination, Misra advised the government to accord ICT same priority as oil and gas by “ensuring that right from kindergarten, students develop basic development skills required in the 21st century workplace among which are software development skills.”

    Establishing outsourcing services in friendly zones in the country is another means.

    “The proposed plan to set up a technological park in Bauchi State is a welcome idea that, if fully implemented and properly managed, will set the nation on an upward trajectory technologically,” Misra concluded.

     

  • Cause of prostate enlargement, by don

    Mr. Linus Okeke, a Prof. of Surgery in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI), has revealed that Benigh Prostate Enlargement (BPH) is caused by old age and not by increased sexual activities.

    He also said that BPH is not a death sentence as it can be treated satisfactorily.

    Okeke spoke while delivering his inaugural lecture entitled: “Lord, That I May Urinate” at Trenchard Hall Ibadan.

    “BPH occurs in the ageing male. It is purely caused by aging because there is imbalance between the blood levels of androgen and estrogen and this imbalance is thought to be responsible for this enlargement. The more prevalence is put at two out of 10 in men aged less than 50 years and rises to nine out of 10 in patients over 80 years. However, the enlargement affects different individuals in varying degrees.

    “But unpublished data shows that the society at large believes that prostate enlargement is due to too much sexual intercourse, especially with multiple partners.” he said.

    On how to prevent the prostate gland from enlarging, the don said two methods are currently in vogue. He said they are: “if a boy is castrated before puberty as is said to be practised in some kingdoms and if a boy dies before reaching adulthood.”

    He said nobody is too old to undergo prostate operation, adding that if carried out by an experienced surgeon, age is not a restriction to operating patients with enlarged prostate.

    Prof. Okeke said: “Although not all patients with BPH will require an operation, when operation is needed, patients can undergo such surgery operation without any cut on the body and they can return to normal activities the same day.”

  • Prostrate enlargement caused by old age, says don

    A professor of Surgery in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Linus Okeke, has said Benign Prostrate Enlargement (BPH) is caused by old age and not increased sexual activities.

    He added that BPH was not a death sentence as it could be treated satisfactorily.

    Okeke was delivering his inaugural lecture, entitled: “Lord, That I May Urinate” at the Trenchard Hall, UI, Ibadan.

    The don said: “BPH occurs in the ageing male. It is purely caused by ageing because there is imbalance between the blood levels of androgen and estrogen and this imbalance is responsible for this enlargement.

    “The more prevalence is put at two out of 10 men less than 50 years and rises to nine out of 10 in patients over 80 years.

    “However, the enlargement affects different individuals to varying degrees.

    “But unpublished data shows that the society at large believes that prostrate enlargement is due to too much sexual intercourse, especially with multiple partners.”

    On how to prevent the prostrate gland from enlarging, Okeke said there are two ways: “If a boy is castrated before puberty as is said to be practised in some kingdoms and if a boy dies before reaching adulthood”.

    He said nobody is too old to have prostrate operation, adding that in experienced hands, age is not a restriction to operating on patients with enlarged prostrate.

    Okeke said:”Although not all patients with BPH will require an operation, when operation is needed, it can be done as a day case in most patients without any wound on the body and they can return to normal activities the same day.”

     

  • Stop glorifying corrupt leaders – Don tells Nigerians

    A professor of crop Physiology at the University of Ibadan (UI), Olabode Lucas has said to completely win the war on corruption, Nigerians must stop glorifying corrupt leaders.

    He also tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that History and civics education are re-introduced and taught in Nigeria at primary and secondary schools.

    According to him, glorification of corrupt leaders will only embolden the cancer of corrupt urging Nigerians to collectively fight and kill the cancer of corruption for Nigeria to get to the Promised Land.

    Professor Lucas stated this during a Book Launch/presentation to round-off his 70th Birthday celebration entitled “Snapshots on Some Nigerian and International Events” held at the University of Ibadan Hotels and Conference centre.

    “Nigeria will continue to wallow in its current parlous state if the present rate of corruption and financial malfeasance continues. We should not allow ethnic and other considerations to colour our attitude towards those who are making all of us, except themselves, very poor in the midst of plenty. They should be ostracized and not encouraged. Corruption is a cancer and it is gradually destroying our dear country. We need concerted efforts by all and sundry to destroy this cancer.”

    The Introduction of civics education, he noted, will make the Nigerian child understand the past and have a sense of place and vision for a good Nigeria.

    Professor Lucas who noted that civics education and history were needed to produce a critical soul stated that civics education was central to producing responsible and good citizens.

    Professor Lucas noted that it was a pity that that these beautiful subjects of history and civics are no longer taught in our primary and secondary schools adding that only a re-introduction of the subjects would ensure that Nigerian children to know their history and their place in Nigeria and the world.

    The publisher of the book, Dr O. Okilagwe lamented that Nigeria has no functional book policy and no nationally articulated policy in support of scholarly publishing for the Nigerian university system.

    Okilagwe called for the formulation of functional book policy adding that universities in Nigeria must establish integrated and self-sustaining publishing system like those in the UK and USA.