The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Masters

  • Learning from the ‘masters’

    Through its innovative platform tagged ‘MessedUp,’ Smepeaks, a Lagos-based business-media firm, has stepped up its empowerment programme for small businesses. At its maiden conference, the firm exposed aspiring entrepreneurs to some of the problems of business ownership and how to avoid them. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Smepeaks, a Lagos-based business media firm dedicated to empowering small businesses, has never hidden its intention to avail aspiring entrepreneurs of the much-needed resources and insight to launch and sustain successful businesses.

    The firm last week organised the maiden conference’ aimed at helping budding entrepreneurs to learn from the failures of successful business owners.

    The conference, held in Lagos, drew strength from the firm’s innovative platform tagged ‘MessedUp,’ which enables young entrepreneurs to learn from the failures of other entrepreneurs.

    The forum, aptly themed ‘Milking timeless lessons from founders’ failures,’ featured various founders who failed at one point or the other. By sharing their experiences, young and up-coming entrepreneurs learnt how to avoid the pitfalls to succeed.

    One of the speakers, the Chief Executive, Total Infotech & Telecoms, Olaniyi Adeosun, said he started as a banker. He said his was a clerical job without challenges. He, however, said as an innovator, he felt that he was in the wrong place.

    He, therefore, resigned and pursued his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Adeosun, who started with a business information publication, admitted that the business eventually turned into his big break.

    Today, Adeosun provides business directories service to phone users by text messages. He was an instant success. But as time went on, he realised that one of his challenges was attracting enough capital to expand the business.

    The budding entrepreneur said he faced rejection from potential investors. He, however, listed some of the attributes that worked in his favour as reliability, consistency and the ability to find innovative solution to any problem.

    Adeosun’s ability to create tech solutions to solve every problem tossed on his path to success endeared him to clients, including his bank manager who he said stood by him.

    According to him, his bank manager connected him to new clients who assisted him to recover and bounce when the business initially nose-dived due to lack of capital. He, therefore, counseled entrepreneurs at the conference to be resilient and consistent if they must survive.

    As Adeosun admonished, an entrepreneur who remains resilient and consistent has a better chance of being backed by investors. He said investors and financiers are always looking for older, seasoned and experienced business owners, who made mistakes and were able to learn from them.

    He also said organisations want more than one-size-fits-all-products; it would be an advantage to have diverse products and revenue streams so that if one segment of the business experiences turbulence, the others would cover up.

    Ebony Crystals & Gold Limited Chief Executive, Mr. Lanre Oyenuga, said hard work and consistency are key to business success. He was exposed to entrepreneurship at a very young age. His parents were in business in Oyo State, so, he grew up and was exposed to business from an early stage.

    He was engaged by Dunlop Plc as a sales executive.

    Oyenuga rose to the position of export manager before he quit his job to start tyre retreading. He explained that tread is important because it is that portion of the tyre that is in contact with the road. Tread, according to him, comprises 20 to 25 per cent of the whole tyre body, which commands about 80 per cent of the manufacturing cost of a tyre.

    He said applying a new tread on the body of a worn tire gives it a fresh life. The fresh life comes at half the price of a new tyre. He said the setting up of his Retreading Centre in Lagos was to provide quality retreading service to truck owners customers. But the business has not been without its own ups and downs.

    Oyenuga said, for instance, that a man he sought financial assistance to clear the treading equipment he ordered from India, which was held at the port, decided to take over the business.  When he couldn’t resolve the dispute with his financier, he decided to leave the factory and equipment for him. He was left with nothing. He said it was at that point he launched into real estate business.

    As a real estate broker, Oyenuga makes money from commissions from successful real estate transactions. This also means that he could work for days without making any money. For him, every day was a struggle. But he said as time went on, the business blossomed and started raking in millions.

    Oyenuga advised other aspiring entrepreneurs to be persistent. He said the other values learnt as a young businessman are hard work and consistency. According to him, consistency and focus are critical to business success.

    Also, the Co-Founder/Director of Projects & Partnerships, Fastlaunch Incubator, Mr. George Akande, said his logistics venture once failed, an experience which helped him in his business journey. He, however, confessed that he was far from being an ideal entrepreneur.

    Akande noted that though there are several reasons entrepreneurs who fail have a better chance of reaching success, one of them that stand out is experience. According to him, the level of business acumen and hands-on experience, along with patience can give a business the best chance of success.

    The other thing, he emphasised, is the passion an entrepreneur brings to bear launching his business. He explained that Fastlaunch is a social enterprise hub designed for social entrepreneurs who wish to turn social challenges into business opportunities that bring benefits to the greatest number of people.

    Akande said Fastlaunch Incubator provides business counselling and training; assistance in entering markets, developing technology-related products and providing a supportive environment for new start-ups.

    Smepeaks Team Lead, Grace Akinosun  said the conference provides a platform for people to learn from entrepreneurs’ failures.

  • Traces of Time builds on masters, young artists

    TO provide a platform for  promoting young and master artists in Edo State, Crowne Art Gallery, Benin City,  opened its second group art exhibition: Traces of Time, between June 23 and July 5.

    To spice the event, there will be theatre performance of Ekete, (a montage of plays celebrating the throne) directed by Israel Wekpe, as well as Jazz music concert led by Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa.

    The group show is expected to feature a mix of four master artists, two female artists and a young outstanding artist. They are Bob Aiwerioba, Osazuwa Osagie, Greg Agbonkonkon, El Dragg Okwoju, Adebimpe Owoyemi, Sophia Omon Igbinovia and Ibrahim Afegbua.

    France-based Nigerian curator, Bose Fagbemi, will feature at the exhibition, about seven paintings or sculptures each by the masters.

    Besides, Traces of Time will also show some rich collection of artefacts mainly on Edo culture, dating back to centuries. The event is a collaboration between Crowne Art Gallery, Fagbemi and Wekpe.

    The command performance of Ekete will, however, hold on June 30, while on July 1, there will be a public presentation of the drama at The Hexagon, Golf Course, GRA, Benin City, by 1pm and 3pm.

    Fagbemi said the idea behind the annual show is in reaction to the responses from participants at the maiden edition last year, which she said, was an eye opener. “The maiden show was an eye opener to all of us and we knew how rich and gifted Edo State is in terms of creativity in arts.

    Also, it is in support of Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa’s initiative of ‘Young and Old’, exhibiting side by side and using the opportunity to promote up and coming artists, while linking all that to the era of artefacts. This year’s edition is packaged with more cultural events.

    “And there is something for everyone, including painting and sculptures. We are trying to bring out the best of art, drama and music in Edo State. The story of Benn Kingdom cannot be fully told without a drama presentation,” she said.

  • Traces of Time builds on masters, young artists

    TO provide a platform for  promoting young and master

    artists in Edo State, Crowne Art Gallery, Benin City, will hold its second group art exhibition: Traces of Time, between June 23 and July 5.

    To spice the event, there will be theatre performance of Ekete, (a montage of plays celebrating the throne) directed by Israel Wekpe, as well as Jazz music concert led by Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa.

    The group show is expected to feature a mix of four master artists, two female artists and a young outstanding artist. They are Bob Aiwerioba, Osazuwa Osagie, Greg Agbonkonkon, El Dragg Okwoju, Adebimpe Owoyemi, Sophia Omon Igbinovia and Ibrahim Afegbua.

    France-based Nigerian curator, Bose Fagbemi, will feature at the exhibition, about seven paintings or sculptures each by the masters.

    Besides, Traces of Time will also show some rich collection of artefacts mainly on Edo culture, dating back to centuries. The event is a collaboration between Crowne Art Gallery, Fagbemi and Wekpe.

    The command performance of Ekete will, however, hold on June 30, while on July 1, there will be a public presentation of the drama at The Hexagon, Golf Course, GRA, Benin City, by 1pm and 3pm.

    Fagbemi said the idea behind the annual show is in reaction to the responses from participants at the maiden edition last year, which she said, was an eye opener. “The maiden show was an eye opener to all of us and we knew how rich and gifted Edo State is in terms of creativity in arts.

    Also, it is in support of Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa’s initiative of ‘Young and Old’, exhibiting side by side and using the opportunity to promote up and coming artists, while linking all that to the era of artefacts. This year’s edition is packaged with more cultural events.

    “And there is something for everyone, including painting and sculptures. We are trying to bring out the best of art, drama and music in Edo State. The story of Benn Kingdom cannot be fully told without a drama presentation,” she said.

  • Mydrim marks 25 years with Masters

    For over 25 years, the founder of Mydrim Art Gallery,Lagos,  Sinmidele Adesanya, has been consistent in promoting Nigerian arts and artists. The gallery has remained a major player in the Nigerian art industry with the keen oversight of Adesanya, who is highly regarded for making art relevant and accessible to contemporary audience.

    As part of the activities to mark the gallery’s 25th anniversary, a private preview of an exhibition titled: The masters exhibition held in Lagos. It was sponsored by Templars, a law firm.

    It was an amazing experience to attend the preview as it’s not everyday one gets to see 56 works by 12 Nigeria Masters in one room. Some of the works dated back to the 60s and some were done in 2018. A piece by Yusuf Grillo got the most attention as viewers were fascinated by the piece painted this year, considering the renowned artist’s age. The piece titled: Won Kere, depicted a girl dancing energetically, losing herself to the rhythm of the music.

    The Masters are Yusuf Grillo, El Anatsui, Abayomi Barber, Jimoh Akolo, David Dale, Nike Davies-Okundaye, late Bisi Fakeye, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Muraina Oyelami, Jimoh Buraimoh and the late Gani Odutokun.

    The exhibition of paintings, sculptures, mixed media and bead works was opened to public from  Sunday, June 3 to Monday, June 4 at the Desiderata, plot 5A, Abuja Street, Banana Island, Foreshore Estate, Lagos.

    For this particular initiative, Templars was pleased to collaborate with Mydrim Gallery to host a private preview of the Masters Exhibition in its our Lagos office. This initiative was aimed at celebrating Nigerian art and the works of renowned artists who contributed immensely to the development of visual art in Nigeria.

    Union Bank of Nigeria also organised a session for about two hundred young artists and art students to interact with the Masters during the course of the exhibition.

    According to Adesanya, the exhibition was organised to share their memories with the public, such that art lovers, artists, and art students know the source some of those artists who steered the course and remained committed and focused to developing the visual arts in Nigeria in the face of monumental challenges.

    On December 1, 1992, Adesanya, a lawyer and an avid collector, left law to pursue a career in art. He officially opened the gallery and ever since, it has organised over 70 exhibitions.

    “A Nigerian proverb says: ‘A river that does not know its source will soon run dry.’

    “They made the sacrifices for the present generation of artists. Young artists today need to know the history of those who paved the way for them. We celebrate them today,” she added.

    Reminiscing on how the gallery was established, Adesanya, who spoke passionately about her journey said: “Mydrim was borne out of passion for the fine arts and recognised the incredible talent of Nigerian artists. Unfortunately, that time art profession was generally not regarded as one of the noble professions and the society did not accord much importance to the artists or their works.”

    When she opened the gallery, the art profession she said, “was frowned at and artists were like town criers. “We had to tell people that this is art, come and buy art. As the objective of the gallery was to rectify this anomaly and create a platform for educating Nigerians about the importance and the value of art, the gallery also sought to discover and promote new artists and  showcase the works of emerging and established artists,”she said.

    The journey, she revealed, has been extremely challenging, but she was happy with the progress of the sector in recent time. “The promulgation of art as a great store of value has been established and artists are now held in high esteem. The works of Nigerian artists are now sought after all over the world,” she said.

    Mydrim Gallery remains at the forefront of providing art lovers in Lagos and across the country an avenue to discover and acquire important and collectable works of art by African artists. In 2015, the gallery represented Africa at the modern art sector of International Art Dubai Fair in recognition of its involvement with art in Nigeria.

    The gallery also sought to discover and promote new artists and  showcase the works of emerging and established artists, and this it has done successfully. Some of the artists, who spoke with The Nation attested to the achievements and contributions of the gallery in promotion of Nigerian arts and artists.

    “I have known the owner for almost three decades,” recalled OlusegunAdejumo, a full time studio artist, who has taken part in over 10 group exhibitions at Mydrim. “Mydrim is the bedrock of the artists’ gallery experience that is being enjoyed now,” he said.

    To him the gallery ‘has never been good at blowing its own trumpet. And I have collaborated with Mydrim Gallery on many major projects and consulted on a few others not so major projects. So, my relationship is that of an artist primarily, art consultant and a gallery owner colleague,” he said.

    Another artist, AtoArinze, who participated in a group show in the gallery organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists, said: “They have tremendously contributed to the growth of Nigerian art and many Nigerian artists. Many artists have exhibited there and I have been attending their openings since the late 90s.”

    Gab Awusa, who started doing business with Adesanya from her house at Adeniran Ogunsaya, said the reason the gallery never folded up was due to ’sincerity of purpose, and integrity. “Mrs Adesanya started by organising a saloon. She is a pioneer of serious art business in Nigeria. The art business is dynamic and is quite challenging, she’s doing her best. Remember, she left law practice to pursue a career in art,” he said.

    Mydrim gallery has also organised events, including a series of nation-wide public lectures on contemporary arts and culture delivered by international speakers, and organised in collaboration with renowned art curator, Bisi Silva, operating at the Institute of Visual Arts and Culture.

    The Living Masters exhibition inaugurated last year was declared open by the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.

    In 2010, on behalf of the Lagos State government, Mydrim Gallery organised Nigeria at Fifty, a photo exhibition for Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

     

  • Traces of Time builds on masters, young artists

    TO provide a platform for  promoting young and master

    artists in Edo State, Crowne Art Gallery, Benin City, will hold its second group art exhibition: Traces of Time, between June 23 and July 5.

    To spice the event, there will be theatre performance of Ekete, (a montage of plays celebrating the throne) directed by Israel Wekpe, as well as Jazz music concert led by Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa.

    The group show is expected to feature a mix of four master artists, two female artists and a young outstanding artist. They are Bob Aiwerioba, Osazuwa Osagie, Greg Agbonkonkon, El Dragg Okwoju, Adebimpe Owoyemi, Sophia Omon Igbinovia and Ibrahim Afegbua.

    France-based Nigerian curator, Bose Fagbemi, will feature at the exhibition, about seven paintings or sculptures each by the masters.

    Besides, Traces of Time will also show some rich collection of artefacts mainly on Edo culture, dating back to centuries. The event is a collaboration between Crowne Art Gallery, Fagbemi and Wekpe.

    The command performance of Ekete will, however, hold on June 30, while on July 1, there will be a public presentation of the drama at The Hexagon, Golf Course, GRA, Benin City, by 1pm and 3pm.

    Fagbemi said the idea behind the annual show is in reaction to the responses from participants at the maiden edition last year, which she said, was an eye opener. “The maiden show was an eye opener to all of us and we knew how rich and gifted Edo State is in terms of creativity in arts.

    Also, it is in support of Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa’s initiative of ‘Young and Old’, exhibiting side by side and using the opportunity to promote up and coming artists, while linking all that to the era of artefacts. This year’s edition is packaged with more cultural events.

    “And there is something for everyone, including painting and sculptures. We are trying to bring out the best of art, drama and music in Edo State. The story of Benn Kingdom cannot be fully told without a drama presentation,” she said.

  • ‘They’re masters at diving’

    The foregoing phrase was one of my takeaways after watching the UK/Nigeria soccer friendly with my boys at home at the weekend. The pain of watching Super Eagles going down with two-goal deficit during the first half was enough to lull me into slumber during the 15-minute half-time break. Only to be roused suddenly by the shouts of “Daddy!, Daddy!!, Nigeria has scored!!!”

    Instantly, sleep fell off my eyes. The gloom in the lounge vanished as we bumped fists in child-like jubilation.

    Now ecstatic Josh, 11, elected to fill me in on what brought about Nigeria’s dramatic change of fortune within few minutes into the second half: “The coach changed three players as the second half was starting and the team is now playing well.”

    By some strange telepathy, Josh and Ese, 14, had both screamed “Oh!, Daddy, Nigerian team lacked coordination”, almost immediately after the second goal shook our net in the first half. No wonder, twice, Nigerian players headbutted themselves while contesting for the football mid-air.

    Then, by the 52nd minute, our renewed excitement would again be frozen when an English player appeared to have been hacked down in Nigeria’s 18-yard box.

    Oh Lord!, so this is how the one-goal relief will be wiped off by a penalty kick?

    Our relief could only be imagined when the referee ruled out any foul. The crafty lad had faked a fall.

    In half jest, half anger, Josh sneered: “They’re masters at diving.”

    “Who?” I asked.

    “I mean English players are masters at diving inside the penalty box in order to have penalty kick.”

    That sweeping generalization by someone I would consider a very little boy really caught me. Such conclusion was undoubtedly informed by a fascination – if not obsession – with the European league. So, this is the sort of mental profiling the kids are making of the nation that once colonized their own fatherland?

    Following the crowd’s heckling of fair-skinned Dele Ali while walking off the pitch after being substituted by the English coach, Ese remarked: “They’re booing him that he could have played for Nigeria.”

    Dele Ali is of Nigerian descent.

    It was clear the booing came from the Nigerian supporters among the spectators.

    Hmm, a lesson in patriotism.

    Josh is Arsenal fanatic, Ese a Chelsea fan. (Incidentally, they both are active in their school football teams.)

    So, the incongruity, the tension between a dad whose own passion is boxing and two sons fiercely devoted to foreign soccer league having to share the same roof can only be imagined every weekend.

    Indeed, the world has changed. While growing up, boys of my generation would rather be heard showing off the recitation of textbook theories to the nodding admiration of our fathers.

    How dare you openly romanticize soccer before your parent – something denigrated as a distraction and designed only for academic failures.

    Life.

    Even with their access to TV restricted to weekend, I’m always amazed at the authority these kids ooze when commenting on football. So, more out of compromise, what I end up reminding them after eavesdropping on their regular soccer chatter is the need to bring same passion to their studies, drawing attention to some lessons from, say, the England Vs Nigeria match.

    One, just like on the field, “lack of coordination” in real life situation will only bring defeat.

    Two, the courage to “change bad habits” like the Nigerian coach did to the weak players at the start of the second half could indeed be the game-changer needed for success in life.

    For me, it is yet another reminder of a festering cultural imperialism under which our nation appears helpless. Access to cable TV means the boys can watch international matches in better organized environment real-time.

    This naturally kills the enthusiasm for football matches at home held under often impossible conditions. I am not ashamed to admit that the boys today know very little about the otherwise iconic Bendel Insurance (even though they see me wearing their jerseys personalized with my name).

    How can we change this story?

  • My master’s son (3)

    After that, Edward and I started seeing each other regularly. We were a couple now and we did things normal couples in love do like going out on dates and other things. We were very happy together and in my mind, I thought it would last forever. I kept the relationship away from my mother as I knew what her reaction would be. She would be against it and advise me to end it. That was the last thing I wanted to hear so I kept quiet.

    Unknown to me, other eyes were watching us and they were the ones that blew the lid open on my relationship with Edward.

    One evening, I returned from work to meet my mother pacing up and down on the verandah of our apartment. As soon as she saw me, she exclaimed:

    “You! Come here! Can you tell me what this is all about?” And she waved a magazine in my face. It was one of those soft sell variety that thrived on gossip and scandals.

    Staring at me from the cover was a large picture of Edward and I. It must have been taken the previous week when we had gone to the mall to do some shopping. Edward’s arm was around my waist and he was gazing fondly down at me.

    By the picture was the screaming headline-

    ‘Tycoon’s son in sizzling romance with mystery lady!’

    As I quickly read through the story on the inside page, my mother was talking all the while:

    “So, this is what you have been up to! Your secret is out? You see your life! Instead of you to focus on the job you went there to do, it’s your master’s son that you are busy running around town with! Do you know the implication of what you have done? Do you use that silly brain of yours at all?”

    She was really angry and I tried to calm her down by stating:

    “Mum, take it easy! The situation is not so bad! It’s not as if we are married or something. We are just dating.”

    “Can you hear yourself? Just dating! Well, let me spell it out plainly for you to understand. You can’t date him, you can’t have anything to do with him. Edward is not for you. He is way beyond your reach, he is not your level. Can’t you get that into your thick skull? Look for someone of your own class to date and get married to,” she stated emphatically.

    “But Mum, what has class got to do with it? What does it matter if we like each other” I asked.

    “Everything! As they say- ‘water has its level.’ My dear girl, you are playing above your level. You need to leave that ‘fairytale land’ where you are presently living and come down to earth. In the real world we live in, the rich and the poor don’t mix. It’s like water and oil- they can’t blend. Infact, my candid advise to you as a mother who cares about your wellbeing is this: whatever is going on between you and Edward must stop now!” she insisted.

    “But I can’t, Mum. I love him!” I stated in a truculent manner.

    “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Because soon, you will have no say in this matter when Edward’s parents find out what’s going on.”

     

    Opposition

    As it turned out, my mother was right. Chief and his wife had been out of the country when the story broke in the media. On their return, they saw the report and thereafter, had a chat with my mother. There, they made their stand clear as my mother informed me later.

    “They first expressed disappointment in me for not bringing you up well enough to know your place. ‘The fact that we allowed your children to mix freely with ours when they were growing up does not mean everyone does not know where he or she belongs’ were his mother’s exact words. They then gave me an ultimatum- that if I still cherish my job and the relationship we have established over the years, I should keep you away from their son. They said he has a fiancé already and you are not the one for him.

    “I warned you but you would not listen. You see what you have caused? I’ve been working with this family for about fifteen years and I have never had any problem with them. We’ve been living peacefully together and they have never complained about me or my work. Now, you want to spoil everything! I don’t want to lose my job- this is the work I have been doing since your father died. It’s what I have been using to take care of you and your siblings without help from anyone including your father’s relatives who abandoned us. So, please leave Edward alone! Is he the only man in this world? Look for someone else!” my mother nearly screamed at me.

    It was easier said than done. Even if I was ready to end things between us for the sake of peace, Edward did not want to hear anything concerning our breaking up. He promised to win his parents over, that with time they would accept me as his choice.

    As things turned out, it was a mission impossible. His parents were not even ready to listen to him. They even threatened to throw my mother and our family out of their premises if Edward persisted in the relationship with me. It was a very difficult time for us. The opposition to our being together was just too much; seeing it was going to affect my mother and her means of livelihood, I decided to break up with Edward. It was a very painful decision as I had grown to love him so much. But what could I do? My hands were tied…

     

    Two years later

    After my relationship with Edward ended, I resigned from the company. I could not bear to be in close proximity with him when we were no longer together. Not long after, I got another job

    at another part of town. It was in a smaller company and not as well-paying as the previous position. I also moved from my mother’s place into a small flat I rented not too far from my new working place.

    I did not see Edward for a long time after I moved out from my old home. We still communicated though as he often called to check on me, to see if I was doing ok. Then a year after our break up, he called and told me he was getting married. That his parents were practically forcing him to marry one of their friend’s daughters. He confessed that he did not love her, that he only accepted the marriage because of his mother, who was sick.

    “Her health is not good; I don’t want to cause her any distress now as it could trigger a crisis,” he explained.

    That night, after hearing the news that my love, Edward, was getting married to another woman, I shed bitter tears of pain, grief and dejection. I kept wondering what might have been; that if his parents had not stood against our relationship, I would have been his bride, the one that would stand besides him at the altar…

    Later, I put my disappointment over Edward behind me and forged on with my life. Then, one morning, I was on my way to the office when I stopped by the vendor to buy a magazine. After my purchase, I was glancing cursorily over the daily newspapers, when I was attracted by a small news item on the front page of one of the dailies.

    I quickly picked up the paper and my heart froze as I read the story…

     

    To be continued

     

    What did Laura see in the paper? Join us next week for the juicy details!

    *************

    Names have been changed to protect the identity of the narrator, Laura and other individuals in the story.

     

    *************

    Send comments/suggestions to 08030822400 (sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com

  • ECOWAS Fellowship Programme for and PhD students (EFP), 2015

    The Association of African Universities (AAU) is inviting applications for ECOWAS Fellowship Programme. Fellowship is open to qualified Nigerians (including graduate students, researchers, lecturers,  and staff) who will be admitted for Masters or PhD degree programme at any one of the following three universities: University of Lagos, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Nigeria and Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal. The application deadline is 15th October 2015.

    Study Subject(s): Fellowship is awarded in all disciplines linked to the fields of strategic importance to the West African region such as: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Earth and Life Sciences; Health including maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, etc.; Agriculture, Food Security and related disciplines; History of Africa; Information technology; and Gender issues. – Scholarship can be taken at: Nigeria and Senegal

    Eligibility:

    • A good first degree (at least second class upper division or its equivalent) is required for Masters degree programme. An MPhil degree or its equivalent is required for PhD programme.
    • Priority will be given to Anglophone nationals who want admission into Francophone institutions, as well as to Francophone nationals who want admission into Anglophone institutions. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

    Scholarship Description: The Association of African Universities (AAU) is pleased to announce the 2015 maiden edition of the ECOWAS Fellowship Programme for Masters and PhD (EFP) under the sponsorship of the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS). The Programme seeks to promote capacity building within the ECOWAS 15-member countries by providing full fellowships for training and education for nationals of ECOWAS member states in higher education institutions of ECOWAS.

    What does it cover? The ECOWAS Fellowship Programme (EFP) is a full scholarship intended to cater for each fellow’s costs of living, tuition fees, visas, travel, insurance and thesis research. In this respect, ECOWAS will pay the tuition fees directly to the institutions and provide a monthly stipend of US$600 per Masters student and US$800 per PhD student to cover all other expenses for the duration of the degree programme.

    How to Apply: Applications should be sent electronically. Qualified candidates will be admitted to one of the three institutions mentioned above. Please ensure that the institution that you have selected offers the course you have chosen. All the three universities provide information about their degree programmes on their websites. Each application must include the following:

    • A photocopy of the degree and other certificates.
    • Completed EFP Form. Download the EFP form here
    • Most recent curriculum vitae.

     

    Read more: ECOWAS Fellowship Programme for Masters & PhD, 2015 Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

     

  • My master’s son (1)

    I FIRST came into the Addamson family as a little girl of about nine. You see, my mother was the family’s housekeeper, a job she did for many years until her retirement a few years ago. My mother, siblings and I lived at the back of the expansive compound in a small, two bedroom flat. Even as a little girl, I could tell that my mother’s employers were a different breed of people. Because of their wealth and status, they lived a different lifestyle and had different values and attitudes.

    There are five children in the Addamson family- three girls and two boys. Francis is the first son and heir while Edward, (the focus of my story), is the second son. Growing up, we did not interact much with the children of the family. One reason may be because they were hardly around. Once they finished primary school, they would be sent abroad for both their secondary and university education. It was like a family tradition. The only time I saw them was when they came home for holidays or special family events like funerals and weddings.

    The only one who stayed behind in Nigeria was Fanny, the last child. She had been sickly right from childhood- I think she was born premature according to my mother, and the parents had decided to keep her close to them to monitor her health. Being the only child at home most of the time, I think she was lonely for with time, she started hanging out with my younger sister Angela. They were about the same age and they would play and do things together. Sometimes, I joined in their games until I outgrew their childish pursuits.

    Fanny’s parents did not seem to mind that their beloved daughter was getting so close to the housekeeper’s daughter. They could see that she was keeping their child company so they encouraged the friendship. Besides, Chief and his wife were not the snobby type like some wealthy people out there. They treated us well and always bought things for us whenever they travelled out. Years later, their attitude will change due to certain events that happened as you will find out from my story…

    ***

    The years went by and we all grew up. I finished secondary school and though I wanted to further my education, getting admission to a higher institution was a problem. After writing JAMB for two years with no success, I decided to do a computer course at a school in the city. After the programme ended, I got admission into a Polytechnic to do a business related course. I was rounding up my programme in the school when Edward, Chief’s second son finally returned home from his sojourn abroad.

    The last time I had seen him was nearly seven years earlier. Then, he had returned home after his first degree, and after resting for a while, had gone back for his Masters. He worked for some years abroad and would have remained there if his father had not ordered him to return home so he could enter the family business.

    “The boy has grown so used to staying abroad, he finds Nigeria, his own fatherland, a strange place. He told me the other day that if he had his way, he would have preferred to remain in oyibo land,” said my mother one day. I had returned home from school on a short break and I had found her and Angela talking about Edward, who had recently returned to Nigeria for good.

    “Do you blame him, Mama. If I were in his shoes and had all that money, I’ll not remain in this  country for one minute,” Angela declared.

    “And what will you be doing over there?” I asked, joining in the conversation.

    “Ask her o! You think life over there is a bed of roses? Don’t be fooled by what you see on TV!” my mother stated. She had travelled several times with Chief and his wife abroad and had told us a lot of stories about life in Europe and America.

    “I don’t care as long as I leave this country!” Angela maintained.

    “My friend, go and finish washing the dirty dishes in the kitchen before you start talking about travelling out. Look at her, somebody who has not even been to Cotonou talking about travelling to Europe!” my mother said mockingly.

    A few days later, I had gone out on an errand for my mother and was returning home when I ran into Edward. As I drew close to the large gate of the compound, it opened and a wine colored sports car drove out. Seeing that it was Edward, I waved to him and he parked by the roadside.

    “Is that you, Laura? Wow, you are such a big girl now!” he exclaimed as he got down from the car. I laughed as he said:

    “I could have driven past you, not knowing who you were if you had not waved. You’ve grown up to be so pretty! What has your mother been feeding you with?”

    We stood chatting for a while, with him asking after my studies. He was very pleased to hear I had almost finished school, with just my project left to do.

    I saw him a couple of times after that before my return to school. The evening before my departure, he sent for me and gave me some money and some provisions he had bought.

    “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything,” he stated as he handed the items to me. We were in his apartment which was separate from the main house, a short distance away.

    “I still can’t get over how grown up you are! In my mind, I still remember you as that little kid who used to skip rope with Fanny and your sister in the compound and play hide and seek in the garden!” he said.

    “That was then. I’m not a little kid anymore; I’m a big girl now!” I pointed out.

    “I can see that,” he rejoined, looking admiringly at me from head to toe.

    “So, what will you like to do when you graduate?” he asked sometime later.

    I shrugged.

    “I hope to get a job and make a living for myself instead of relying on my mother all the time,” I replied.

    “That’s good. Maybe I can help in that regard when the time comes…” he said.

    To be continued

     

    Names have been changed to protect the identities of the narrator, Laura, the Addamsons and other individuals in the story.

     

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  • Lessons from masters

    Lessons from masters

     

    Last week, I was privileged to learn from various seasoned educationists about how we could improve our education system.  One of them was Mr Rotimi Eyitayo, an educational consultant, whose views about the need for education to focus on learning, tally with mine.  He shared a wonderful idea of how this could be promoted through specialized schools that I think is brilliant.

    Eyitayo said specialized schools could become a way of raising professionals to serve in various fields of endeavour in the society.  He said schools could specialize in swimming, music, dance, name it, and attract learners with inclination to such areas.  It means that from early, students who attend such schools, generally know their strengths and spassions early and are helped to develop them.  He said if the Federal/state governments were to establish schools along specialized areas, private schools would follow suit.

    This model is not actually new in the developed world; and we have a few in Nigeria – for example, the football academy in Kwara State.  We also have some grammar schools, which in reality are not operated as grammar schools.  If they did, they would only enroll the best brains from all over.  There are also many government science secondary schools, especially in the north.  But like the grammar schools, they have no distinctions regarding performances in sciences or innovative feats that distinguish them from other secondary schools.  The only schools (at secondary level) that are really treated as specialised institutions are the technical colleges.  But for long, technical and vocational education was not appreciated.  The story only recently started changing – and that because the Federal some state governments began to realise the importance of science and technology to development.

    It is a good idea for learning to be enhanced through specialized schools.  However, the drive for learning and personal development should be at the heart of all school activities – irrespective of school type.  When learning takes place, our certificates would have greater value.  They would be better reflections of the abilities of the bearers.  We do not need a prophet to tell us that graduates of a school system that emphasizes learning would be more productive, innovative, and creative in the labour market.

    Another scholar I learnt from in the past week was Dr Mashuud Fashola, the Executive Secretary of the Fadhil-i-Omar Ahmadiyya Muslim Educational Foundation (FAMEF), which owns the Mahmud Ahmadiyya College, Ijede, in Ikorodu, Lagos.  He called for an emphasis on moral education in schools.  He argued that such emphasis would ensure that we do not only focus on academics but groom students who would not defraud people.  He said that Nigerian leaders (and Nigerians generally) are fraudulent today because of an education lacking in moral content.

    One of his points that struck me most was the need for our schools to teach members of the society to be more humane.  He said this humanity transcended religion, tribe or other ties.  If the Nigerian society becomes more humane, he said the less privileged would be better taken care of.  However, he warned that if we continue to promote the ‘survival of the fittest’ mode of ‘success’, we may be headed down the same road as Syria.  He also noted that in times of crisis, success, and the earlier mentioned ties may not be relevant.  Because once the social structure breaks down, things that would have worked in favour of the influential, such as money in the bank or connection in high places, collapse.

    A third lesson from last week came through Mr Joseph Ayeni, a consultant who trains school owners under the aegis of the Association for Formidable Education Development (AFED).  He said education is supposed to solve problems plaguing the society, but this is not happening in our own country.   He said our focus should be how education could bring about solutions.  He advocated for a result-oriented learning process in our schools.

    These lessons are worth giving deeper thought.  Like former Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Prof Offiong E. Offiong rightly noted, Nigeria does not lack skilled manpower who can proffer solutions to her problems.  But are we using them?