The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal University of Technology

  • All hail Miss FUTA

    All hail Miss FUTA

    A 100-Level Information Technology student, Oluwatosin Olaiye, has won the maiden beauty pageant of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State. The show was organised by the Students Union Government (SUG) in collaboration with Ignit Entertainment. DANIEL OLADELE reports.

    The exuded confidence as she walked to the podium in measured steps. Beaming with smiles and acknowledging cheers from the ecstatic crowd, Miss Oluwatosin Olaiya was crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State.

    The 100-Level Information Technology student became the first student to be decorated as Miss FUTA, winning the grand prize of N150,000 at the maiden beauty pageant organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in collaboration with Ignit Entertainment. The event was aimed at creating awareness on breast cancer.

    After weeks of auditioning, the campus literally stood still for the show, which was graced by a popular artiste, Mayorkun.

    The pageant had 12 contestants, who jostled for the coveted prize. They performed dance and drama, and recited poems in support of the event’s theme: No to breast cancer.

    The contestants educated members of the audience on how to prevent breast cancer and how to identify its symptoms. The contestants’ submissions were backed by in-depth knowledge and contemporary researches on the ailment.

    The contenders were assessed by a six-member panel of assessors. They were scored based on their eloquence, self-confidence, quality of knowledge they shared and their dress mode.

    At the end of the activities, the judges announced Oluwatosin as winner of the pageant. Aleenia Bonny was declared the first runner-up, while Kofoworola Yusuf became the second runner-up.

    Oluwatosin described the feat as a “stepping stone”, dedicating the prize to her fellow contestants. She promised to use her personality to improve social life on the campus.

    She said: “I am happy to be crowned Miss FUTA, which is a great feat for me as a model. The contest is a stepping stone for me and other contestants. It is a step forward in improving social activities in the school. My knowledge and experience became widened in the course of the contest. I invested time on rehearsals and spent personal resources to ensure that I gave in my best. I am sure this experience would help me in my subsequent activities.”

    Although, she did not win the contest, Aleenia was excited after she was announced as the first runner-up.

    She said: “It was a good start for me. I believe everyone who participated is a winner, because we all deserved the crown. Like it is in all contest, there can always be only one winner. So, Oluwatosin is the one who the judges assessed to be the best.”

    Asked if it was the end of her modeling career, Aleeenia said: “For me, Miss FUTA pageant is the beginning of more good things to come. I will not be weighed down by the unfavourable outcome of the pageant, rather I will work hard to win other contests I will partake in programmes outside  the school.”

    Kofoworola said she would propagate the knowledge about breast cancer she acquired. “The contest was not only to showcase our physical beauty and performance, it is also to impart knowledge about breast cancer. I will continue to create awareness about cancer and share this message with my peers within and outside the school to save people from the disease,” she said.

    The event also featured comedy and music performance by the guest artiste, Mayorkun, who dazzled the audience with his hit songs.

    The union’s Public Relation Officer (PRO), Ayomide Fowowe, said the event revived social activities on campus, adding: “The wonderful thing about the pageant is that, it promotes awareness on prevention of a disease affecting the womenfolk.”

    The major supporter of the show, Mr Agbaje Oluwabanji, who recently graduated from the school, said the pageant was informed by poor social life on the campus.

    He said: “In my five years of study, the campus could be likened to a regimented environment where people do not socialise. In my final year, I started to nurture the idea of the pageant to take the campus out of boredom and make students socialise. This is my way of giving back to the school that made me who I am.”

    He added that the event was also used as a tool to fight ignorance about breast cancer.

  • FUTA wins UK grant

    The Department of Meteorology and Climate Science (MCS) and the WASCAL Graduate Research Studies program in the West African Climate System (GSP-WACS) of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA has won a research grant from the United Kingdom (UK) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) African Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques (SWIFT).

    Over the four -year programme, experts from FUTA who won the grant, Prof Kenny Ogunjobi (Director, WASCAL), Dr Elijah Adefisan ,Prof Emmanuel Okogbue (Head of Department of Meteorology and Climate Science Department) Prof  Jerome Omotosho and Dr Vincent Ajayi, will join a the team of 25 UK and 45 African atmospheric scientists, social scientists and operational forecasters who will undertake fundamental scientific research into the physics of tropical weather systems, evaluation and presentation of complex model and satellite data, and communications and exploitation of forecasts.

    By significantly improving the research capacity in Nigeria in particular, the project will benefit diverse sectors such as aviation, agriculture, energy, water resources and emergency response.  The project will also ensure that results can be translated beyond the partner countries and into the wider developing world.

    The African SWIFT consortium will be led by the UK National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) and builds upon existing partnerships between forecasting centres and universities in four African partner countries – bringing together 5 UK partners (NCAS, University of Leeds, University of Reading, CEH and UK Met Office) and 10 African partners (Senegal – ANACIM and UCAD; Ghana – GMet and KNUST; Nigeria – FUTA and Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet; Kenya – KMet, ICPAC and University of Nairobi; and ACMAD) and the World Meteorological Organization, as an advisory partner.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape has congratulated the team that won the grant on behalf of the University saying it further underscores FUTA’s pace setting efforts in technological advancement of Nigeria and its ability to hold its own in the comity of global Universities.

  • FUT MINNA rebuilds burnt clinic

    THE Health centre of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) in Niger State, has come back to life, five months after it was razed by students during a violent protest. The clinic, located on the Bosso campus, was re-built by the management. The facility was opened for operation last week.

    At a ceremony held to reopen the clinic, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Musbau Akanji, said he was delighted by the speedy completion of the project, saying: “Members of the university community who suffer any kind of health impairment can be assured of getting first-class medical attention at a more befitting, functional and state-of-the-art health facility adequately furnished with modern diagnostic equipment.”

    Recalling the ugly incident that led to the destruction of some structures and facilities on the Bosso campus by aggrieved students, Prof Akanji said there was no justification for the vandalism, advising students to be peaceful in channelling their grievances.

    He said: “We took a painful decision to shut down the school for a period of one month. This was done in order to prevent further breakdown of law and order, and to allow for massive rehabilitation work to be carried out on damaged facilities.”

    The VC disclosed that several other damaged facilities had long been repaired, adding that the restitution fee of N4,500 paid by each student was judiciously expended to finance the repair work on the destroyed facilities.

    “The riot that followed the death of the student alleged to have died as a result of medical negligence, to say the least, was traumatic. However, we have put in place necessary measures to forestall a recurrence. The complete renovation of the burnt clinic is the first step. Henceforth, our clinic staff will have no choice than to abide and steadfastly adhere to the work ethics,” he said.

    The VC cautioned the students against resorting to violence in any circumstance, urging them to avoid actions that may disrupt the academic calendar. He warned that the management would not condone acts of rebellion and violence.

    The clinic was burnt down on February 15 by irate students protesting the death of a 300-Level Chemistry Education student, Emmanuel Olalekan, who allegedly died because of negligence of the clinic staff.

  • Climate change responsible for increased barren villages, erratic rainfall

    The Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jubril on Tuesday expressed worry over the increasing rate of barren villages and erratic rainfall in the northern part of the country.

    The minister, who attributed this development to climate change impacts, warned that the situation may persist except there are tentative efforts such as awareness creation and collective approach to reduce the scourge.

    He disclosed this during a meeting with a delegation from West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted land Use (WASCAL), led by its Executive Director, Prof. Jimmy Adegoke in Abuja.

    He added that the Lake Chad in Borno State had significantly reduced, causing water shortage compared with its state 50 years ago.

    Jubril acknowledged over 50 million euro expended by the German government to support Nigeria and other West African countries on research projects regarding climate change.

    His Words: “We thank the German government for this initiative and the support we got from the governing council and executive director of WASCAL. Believe it or not, climate change is not something you can wish away.

    I believe our brothers and sisters from Yobe will attest to it that when you come from areas in the north, where the sand dunes are real, there seem to be barren villages and limited water resources, you cannot deny climate change.

    “Again, in Maiduguri, you know the history of the Lake Chad, you know the former size but 50 years later, it is shrinking to one tenth from 22, 000 sq km to 2, 000 sq klm. I believe it is enough to tell you
    about climate change.

    “We are in May, if you notice, in the north central part of this country, the rains are still erratic. Noting can show you the manifestation of climate change more than this. If it were before perhaps 10 years back, the rain would have been stable.”

    WASCAL is sponsoring training programmes in Federal University of Technology, Minna and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) to increase capacity on climate change issues.

    Earlier, WASCAL executive director emphasised on negative impacts of climate change and need to increase capacity, research, and create sustainable solutions for better livelihood.

    He said there was no single solution to stop climate change but much of collective efforts.

    According to him, WASCAL is managing 10 post graduate schools which include six PhD schools and four Masters schools in the sub-region and they are all addressing climate change issues by sectors.

    Adegoke appealed to the federal government to hasten efforts to fulfil its 200, 000 euros counterpart of the project.

    He said: “Over 3m euros have been spent over five years to develop programmes to support understanding of climate change in the country.

    The country contribution is not a lot. We are so grateful that Nigeria outstanding contribution of 200, 000 euros will be addressed. It’s not much.”

    “Climate change is a global issue that has a particular interest in us in West Africa. Most impacted countries in terms of climate change are right here in West Africa. The Human Development Index (HDI) which shows vulnerable countries in the world has West Africa top the list.

    We have done very little to contribute to climate change and these countries unfortunately, are the least capable of addressing the problem.

    “The resources to address the challenges are limited here. Are we doing enough? No, are other global communities doing enough, No they are not,” he added.

  • FUTA in joyful mood as Minister suspends VC, Registrar

    FUTA in joyful mood as Minister suspends VC, Registrar

    There was spontaneous reaction yesterday over the suspension of the embattled Vice Chancellor (VC), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Prof. Adebiyi Daramola by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

    It was a moment of joy as FUTA campus was thrown into ecstasy with workers exchanging pleasantries on the development.

    Prof Daramola was suspended alongside the Registrar, Mrs Modupe Ajayi.

    The chairman of the Joint Action Committee JAC of the University and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities SSANU ‎Dele Durojaiye confirmed the suspension of the duo by the minister.

    Durojaiye, however, said details of their suspension had not been communicated to them.

    The VC and the Bursar, Emmanuel Oresegun have been dragged to court by the EFCC over alleged mismanagement of the institution funds.

    They ‎were granted bail by the Akure High Court.The reason why the Registrar was suspended and not the bursar ‎with the VC remained unclear yesterday.

    The Registrar is the Secretary of the University council and her five-year tenure was to lapse on May 31 before the ministers axe on Thursday.

    Spokesman of the University Adebanjo Adegbenro said he has no ‎information to the effect that the two principal officers of the university have been suspended by the Minister for Education.

    The Non- Teaching Staff Unions of the University called off their seven-month old industrial action on Tuesday.

    The unions went on strike to protest the refusal of the federal government to sack of the  Prof  Daramola despite his case with EFCC.

    ‎They have since vowed not to resume work until he steps aside to clear himself of the allegations of mismanagement of the institution funds by the EFCC.

    Besides, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU‎) ‎of the university insisted that the tenure of the embattled Vice Chancellor had lapsed‎.

    However, the chairman of the Joint Action congress (JAC) of the institution, Dele Durojaiye acting on a verdict of the Industrial Court recalled the workers back to work.

    According to Durojaye, the court had given an order that the striking workers should resume work within 24 hours.

    He said the court equally‎ ordered the university Management to pay all outstanding salaries within 24 hours and that those whose appointments were terminated be reinstated forthwith.

    Durojaiye in a directive to the union members urged members to resume work while they await the university to pay our salaries

    On the tenure of the Vice Chancellor, the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU‎) of the institution insisted that his tenure had since lapsed on May 9th and not may 23 this year as announced by the university Management.

    In a letter forwarded to the VC, the union leader ‎said that his five-year single tenure ought to have lapsed on May 9.

    They said‎“ Prof. Daramola “assumed office on the 10th May 2012; and as such his tenure should end on 9th May 2017.

    The institution Registrar, Mrs Modupe Ajayi said the tenure of Prof Daramola ends on May 23, this year.

    According to her, “While the Vice-Chancellor appreciates the concern of ASUU-FUTA leadership on this matter and has responded to provide the required information, it is considered expedient to bring this to the public domain and in particular to the members of the university community that the information making the rounds in some quarters within the campus that the Vice Chancellor, Prof Daramola, assumed office on the 10th May 2012; and as such his tenure should end on 9th May 2017 is absolutely incorrect.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, this is to inform all members of staff, students and the entire members of the University Community that the Vice Chancellor, Prof Daramola assumed office on the 24th May 2012, the same day his inauguration took place.This implies that his five-year tenure will come to an end on 23rd May 2017“.

    The University Management appealed to all staff, students and the entire members of the University Community to discountenance and ignore any action being orchestrated to cause a breach of peace and stability on the campus.

  • Don wants Paris Club loans refund channelled to education, agriculture

    A lecturer at Federal  University  of Technology, Minna, Dr Thomas Arabi  has advised state governors to channel the  Paris Club loans refund to the development of education, agriculture and health care delivery.

    Arabi, Head, Educational Services, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Minna.

    NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari directed the release of the money to the governors.

    Buhari told the governors to use part of the money to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries and benefits of retirees.

    The don said that it was only through the diversification of such funds to the sectors that Nigerians would feel the impact of the loans.

    Arabi said that provision of basic drugs and improved atmosphere for learning would enable the public to feel the impact of the political change mantra of the present administration.

    According to him, part of the funds should be used to procure assorted farming inputs for sale to farmers at subsidised rates.

    He said the provision of farming implements would encourage more Nigerians to venture into farming.

    “Nigerians should thank God almighty for making the Paris Club loans refund available at this crucial stage of the economic recession.

    “Our governors should judiciously invest the refunds in the areas of agriculture, education and prompt payment of salaries,’’ Arabi said.

    He said that proper investment of the funds would also attract foreign investors and create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

  • FUT Minna fines students for damages

    FUT Minna fines students for damages

    …Shifts resumption date

    Students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna have been fined N4,950 each for damages on properties during the students the demonstration by the students which occurred two weeks ago.

    The University has also postponed the resumption date to the 18th of March, 2017.

    The decision of the management was contained in a circular issued by the office of the Registrar of the university, Mrs. Victoria Kolo.

    “The extension is to enable management carry out some repairs and replacements of properties damaged during the unfortunate students’ unrest of Wednesday, February 15, 2017”, the circular read.

    It will be recalled that on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, the students went berserk during their demonstration after the death of their one of their colleague at the University clinic where they alleged that the clinic staff did not attend to the student on time. In turn, the already agitated students burnt down the university clinic and destroyed a lot of properties in the Bosso Campus.

    The students have been mandated to pay a restitution fee of N4,950 and bring an undertaking to be of good behaviour which must be written and signed by their parents.

    “Each student is to pay a restitution fee of N4,950.00 only between Saturday, 4 and Saturday 11 March, 2017, through the University portal. Students are to obtain letters of undertaking to be of good behavior written and signed by their parents/guardians, which must be supported with a sworn court affidavit.

    “Students are to submit to their appropriate School Secretaries evidence of payment, letter of undertaken and court affidavit”, the circular read.

  • FUTO: Police arrest 15 students over violent protest

    FUTO: Police arrest 15 students over violent protest

    No fewer than 15 students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in Imo, were arrested following violent protests in the institution on Friday, last week.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the arrest in Owerri on Monday, said that the students were arrested for vandalism and looting of the university property.

    Enwerem said that the students would be charged to court when investigations into the incident had been concluded.

    He dismissed claims by the students that the protest turned violent when policemen allegedly fired teargas at them.

    He said the police intervened at the instance of the school management when the protest degenerated into violence.

    The students embarked on the protest over alleged increase in their school fees.

    The university facilities were damaged by the protesting students who also made away with some valuables.

    One of them, Chinedu Nwakuche, alleged that the university increased fees for first year students from N48, 000 to N54, 000 per session while second and third year fees increased from N32, 000 to N49,000.

    According to him, fees for students of fourth and final years also went up from N28, 000 to 39,000, while acceptance fees has gone up to N45,000 from N25,000.

    Nwakuche said that students now paid as much as N1,500 to register a course every semester.

    The Public Relations Officer of FUTO, Mr Chike Ezenwa, said the management of the university would comment after determining the extent of the damages.

     

  • FUT Minna announces mid-semester break, mourns student

    FUT Minna announces mid-semester break, mourns student

    The management of   Federal University of Technology, Minna, on Thursday announced a two-week mid-semester break for all students.

    The spokesperson of the university, Mrs. Lydia Legbo, said in a statement in Minna that normal academic activities would resume on March 2.

    The statement also announced the death of a 300-level student in the Department of Chemistry Education, Yeye Emmanuel Olalekan, who slumped on Wednesday while playing football on the pitch at the Bosso Campus of the university.

    Olalekan, 23, an indigene of Kwara, was rushed to the University Health Centre where he was certified dead.

    The statement said the institution’s management at its emergency meeting on Thursday directed that all necessary steps be taken to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

    It extended the management’s condolences to the bereaved family, students and the entire university community, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

     

  • FUT Minna produces 34 First Class graduates

    FUT Minna produces 34 First Class graduates

    The Federal University of Technology, Minna has produced 34 First Class and 35 PhD graduates out of 3,734 graduating students in the 2015/2016 session.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Musbau Adewumi Akanji briefing newsmen for the 26th Convocation ceremony and 35th Founder’s Day Celebration said 790 graduating students obtained Second Class Upper Division.

    He said that 2,788 will receive first degrees, 637 will be awarded Masters degrees, 3 will bag PhDs while another 274 will be awarded Postgraduate Diplomas.

    “For this year’s occasion, we have a total of 3,734 graduating students. Of this number, 2,788 will receive First degrees while 637 will be awarded Masters degrees. Thirty-five others will bag PhDs while another 274 will be awarded Postgraduate Diplomas.”

    The Vice Chancellor stated that although 70 graduating students attained Pass degree, the University will no longer award Pass degrees to students.

    He said that three eminent Nigerians, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu and Professor Akin Ladipo Mabogunje will be conferred Honorary Doctorate degrees for their contributions to national development.

    Akanji said that a number of projects including a multi-billion ultra-modern Female Hostel Complex and a Research Farm complex will be commissioned during the convocation ceremony.

    He appealed for more government funding for research in universities adding that a number of challenges are bedeviling higher institutions in Nigeria due to the paucity of funds.