The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Everistus Onwuzurike

  • Idahosa varsity wins 7th Private University Games

    Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin-Edo state has emerged champions again at the just concluded seventh edition of the Nigeria Private Universities Games Association (NPUGA), after topping the overall medals table with 38 gold medals, 9 silver medals and 6 bronze medals.

    BIU, the defending champion defeated 25 other private Universities which included, Afe Babalola University, Igbinedion University, Lead City University, Babcock University, Elizade University, and American University amongst others to emerge winners for the 7th time in 14years of the sporting festival.

    During the biennial sport fiesta that took place from December 9th to 20 that took place at the Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Team BIU participated in Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Scrabble and Swimming where they proved their superiority respectively.

    The Sports Coordinator at BIU, Mrs. Eunice Adebayo-James, commended the organizers stating that games have helped discover talents who could be prepared for national and international sport events.

    She attributed her team’s performance to God and the unflinching support from the Management of the institution.

    “We dedicate this victory to the God of Archbishop Benson Idahosa who laid the foundation of this university. I also dedicate it to the President of Benson Idahosa University, F.E.B. Idahosa who has always supported our sporting activities through his words of encouragement and prayers.”

    She further thanked the Director of Campus life, Rev. Laurie Idahosa for her unrelenting encouragement to sports.

    One of the team members, Oduni Evans who spoke on behalf of others said it was a worthy experience to participate in the games as it will serve as a leap of greatness to continually perform exceptionally. He thanked the University for giving him the opportunity to represent them at the national level.

    She solicited that the government should support the games as it would help in the development of sports men and women.

    Meanwhile, Team Afe Babalola came second with 14 gold, 20 silver, and 12 bronze medals, while Igbinedion University finished third with 10 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medals.

    Lead University gathered 7 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze medals to place fourth position, while Redeemers University were in fifth position with 5 gold, 11 silver and 9 bronze medals. The host, Nile University, finished with 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.

  • Idahosa varsity hosts NUC resource verification team

    Idahosa varsity hosts NUC resource verification team

    Management of the Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, has received an eight-man team from the National Universities Commission (NUC), on resource verification, to assess the level of the University’s preparedness in terms of human and material resources to start its proposed programmes.

    The proposed programmes are Industrial Chemistry, Chemistry, Software Engineering and Information Technology, all in the Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science.

    Receiving the delegation of Professors from various universities in the country and NUC representatives led by Professor S.B Junaid, the Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Professor Ernest Izevbigie thanked the team for responding to the University’s invitation.

    The Vice Chancellor assured them of University’s unflinching cooperation and readiness to adhere to all professional advice offered and to correct, implement and execute whatever recommendations made.

    Briefing the Management after the verification exercise, the leader of the National Universities Commission (NUC) delegation, Professor S.B Junaid expressed satisfaction with things on ground for the proposed programmes and enjoined the University to keep up the pace of developmental projects.

    He lauded the University for providing sophisticated equipment in the laboratories, efficient e-library, and adequate internet facility. Furthermore, he thanked the University for providing an enabling environment for his team to do its job, while commending the notable contributions of the entire Faculty to the relentless pursuit of the vision of raising models, professionals and entrepreneurs.

    Professor S.B Junaid mentioned that the assignment took them to many places on the University campus such as the laboratories, classrooms, library, and staff offices.

    Responding on behalf of the University, the Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie thanked the team for the visit and appreciated the suggestions, observations and genuine criticism made by the verification team to the University. He expressed hope that the University would be given the nod to commence the programmes very soon.

    He maintained that the University was going to ensure strict compliance to the National Universities Commission’s set standard in its entire academic programme.

    Other members of the eight-man team include, Prof. Hammawa Mohammed, Prof. Olumide Owolabi, Prof. Folahan Adekola, Prof. Abass Olajure, Prof. O.S Adewale, Hayatuddeen Umar and Nazeef Bala.

    Also at the meeting were the Registrar, Benson Idahosa University, Rev. Mike Okagbare; Librarian, Mrs. Grace Sanni, Bursar, Mr. Gladday Igweagbara; Dean of Post graduate School, Prof. Bamidele Sanni, Dean of Faculty of Science, Dr. Osondu Akoma; Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Mark Ighile and other faculty members from the Department of Physical Sciences.
  • Leadership is effective when communicated – Dr Ighile

    Leadership is effective when communicated – Dr Ighile

    Strategic Leadership Academy, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in conjunction with Scripture Communication Network recently organised a leadership summit for staff and students of Benson Idahosa University, business executives, administrators, youth leaders and heads of gospel ministries.

    The event with the theme: Communicating Leadership had industry top-rated leadership experts and academics as keynote speakers.

    In his welcome address, the convener of the leadership summit, Dr. Mark Ighile, said the event was held to equip participants with leadership skills and qualities of progressive leadership for success in various aspects of life.

    According to him, if you can speak to a leader, you have spoken to hundreds of people. Leaders must learn to speak right in other to lead right.

    Dr Ighile said the summit would challenge participants to strive for excellence and relevance, especially in this age of moral relativity.

    Explaining the theme of the summit, Dr. Ighile, who also doubles as the Director of Academic Planning, Benson Idahosa University explained that many leaders are not productive because they lack the ability to communicate. It is the effective presentation of ideas and vision that precipitates followership and fulfilment.

    Speaking on “work ethics and leadership branding,” one of the plenary session speakers, Dr. Isaac Awotanmi said: “ethical life helps your spiritual life and makes the evil depart from you.” He added that not all values are ethical values.

    He told the participants that for them to become good leaders; they must first be good followers.

    The former Provost of Apostolic Church Theological Seminary noted that there are many books on leadership but few books on followership.
    Awotanmi advised youth leaders and scholars to treat people with dignity and be fair in all their dealings.

    The Director, HR, Friesland Campina WAMCO, Tominiyi Oni, who spoke on “Raising talents through coaching and mentoring,” said that coaching and mentoring help to nurture individuals for all they need in life to be successful.

    Oni added that the world is changing, and because of this, the people of the world are changing too.As a result, he urged administrators, minister, staff and students to find their purpose while they are still young.

    “You can be good but with your purpose, you will be great,” he said.

    He advised leaders across the country to mentor and coach young people so that the future can be bright for all Nigerians.
    On his part, the resident Pastor, Church of God Mission International, Rev. Dickson Ogbahon mentioned that leadership is an influence and is not being imposed.

    He said a lot of people attend leadership summit but fail to exhibit the characteristics inherent in a leader.

    “There are people with various leadership certificates but are not really leaders,” he said.

    He reminded them that even though they are not leading anybody, they are leading themselves to a destination.

    Present at the summit, were the former Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. J.O Oyedeji, Dean College of Agriculture, Prof. Williams Molindo, Senior Pastor of Unique Christian Assembly, Pastor Joseph Abraham, staff and students leaders of 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.

  • Rector enjoins staff to explore more qualitative ways of teaching

    The Rector of Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies, Dr. Mark Ighile, has urged staff members to explore more qualitative ways of imparting knowledge to students. He disclosed this during the Annual staff orientation/stakeholders meeting to begin the new academic session.

    Giving his welcome address, he said for the institution to move forward this new academic session, staff members need to explore more qualitative ways of teaching, collaborating, diversifying and boosting enrolment.

    According to him, lecturers and administrators must adhere more than ever before to quality assurance dynamics in all ramifications.
    He stressed that admission drive is the responsibility of everyone.

    He mentioned that the essence of the staff orientation programme was for all staff members to come together and thank God for what he has done, to think, plan and then chart the way forward with a singleness of heart and unity of thoughts.

    “You will all agree with me that God has been gracious to us as an institution. While other innovative enterprise institutions are struggling for survival we have been experiencing the hand of God.”

    Giving a rundown of the developmental strides of the institution since its establishment, he mentioned that the collaboration with National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has continued to yield positive results.

    He added that the school has put in place the admission board and also an effective publicity committee which makes the school hopeful of a robust enrolment this new session.

    Alluding to the successful accreditation exercise earlier in the year, he mentioned that the outcome of the exercise has put the school on platform for various creative possibilities.

    In the words of the Rector, “we intend to drive more vigorously our collaboration with professional bodies. We plan to encourage the commencement of the remedial school and the part time programmes which our favourable accreditation status has made us eligible to operate. As partners in progress we must jointly publicize all the various programmes and arms of this institution.”

    “We hold in high esteem this orientation exercise because it is also a stakeholders meeting. Remember, there is always a better way of doing something, though we are early in the journey but we have a clear destination.”

    He encouraged them to come up with ideas, suggestions, and strategies that would move this school forward.

    Speaking on maintaining excellence and quality assurance, the Deputy Rector, Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies, Mrs. Georgina Asemota advised staff members to be dedicated to their duties as success couldn’t be achieved without dedication.

    She urged them to look at their calling as divine and therefore help to solve the peculiar needs of the students.

    “We need to have a well prepared course outline based on the Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies outline; also ensure that student attendance is compulsory as we are not running a correspondent college.’’
    She further announced that the institution’s first Convocation Ceremony would hold in November.

    On her part, Dr. (Mrs.) C.J Okafor, charged the staff members to serve as mentors to the students as many of them secretly look up to them.
    “There should be a form of mentor-mentee relationship which translates into Lecturer-student relationship.”

    On the other hand, she asked them to show leniency to their students and approach their job with commitment as it is one of the most respected jobs in the world.

    The highly inspiring event was anchored by the Registrar/Secretary to the Academic and Governing Board of the institution, Mr. Enoma Aruevbose.

  • ‘Buhari means well for Nigerians’

    ‘Buhari means well for Nigerians’

    The Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie has urged Nigerians to give the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration a chance, saying he means well for all Nigerians irrespective of our tribal differences.

    He disclosed this on Thursday at the Benson Idahosa University Annual Staff Orientation.

    He noted that the President is a disciplined man working towards creating a better Nigeria.

    He said: “To govern a country as big as Nigeria, you need a lot of vigour, support, and good people who will work with you to drive home your positive intentions.”

    “But I think he needs to revisit some of the people working for him, this is mid-term and people are beginning to give their own assessment.”

    “Let him look at deliverables, I am always particular about deliverables because that is what propels me to do certain things and attain milestones.” he said.

    Prof. Izevbigie urged the President to look at the novelty and not to settle for the status quo, adding that it is never wrong to sort new ways of getting things done.

    He further encouraged him to seek advice from elder statesmen who have demonstrated capacity in leadership and good governance.

    On the clamour for restructuring, he said political scientists know better. In my area, Biochemistry, Medicine, I am not afraid to speak my mind.

    “On the issue of Fanta and sprite, Benson Idahosa University has been on the forefront in bringing the scientific consensus to bear. So when it comes to politics, let the Political Scientists pontificate because I can’t claim to be an expert outside my field.”
    Speaking at the Staff Orientation programme, he charged all staff members of the University to renew their commitment to their respective duties as they resume for the 2017/2018 Academic Session.

    According to him, the essence of the Annual Staff Orientation exercise is to further gain employee’s commitment, reduce anxiety among staff members and place Benson Idahosa University as the preferred brand among tertiary schools in Nigeria.

    Prof. Ernest B. Izevbigie expressed his appreciation to God as well as to the University Council, Management and Staff for their commitment, hard work and dedication towards the successful completion and achievements recorded in the last academic year.

    He described the cooperation of his Principal Officers as unique and commended members of Staff for their unflinching loyalty and unswerving allegiance.

    Highlighting the achievements of the 2016/2017 Academic Session, he said the University has continued to demonstrate capacity in academic excellence.

    He said, “Recently we just came back from JAMB stakeholder’s summit where Benson Idahosa University ranked 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 announced to the staff members on the University, the University’s undying interest in grantmanship and research. He further reassured members of the public and the University’s Stakeholders that the institution will continue to strive towards the vision of its founding father in making Benson Idahosa University rank among the best Universities in the world.

    Prof. Izevbigie hinted that the entire academic programmes of the University would be reviewed while new programmes have been introduced to enhance the global competitiveness of the institution.

  • 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.”