The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OAU

  • Fee hike at Ife

    Fee hike at Ife

    The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has increased fees. The decision did not go down well with students, who described it all as an “irrational increment”. SIKIRU AKINOLA (Political Science) reports.

    A new fee regime is coming at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The management has issued a circular, stating its plan to raise the fees paid by freshers when the institution resumes for a new session next month.

    Students expressed shock over the development.

    The circular reads: “Obafemi Awolowo University is presently the only federal university with the lowest fees in the country. Efforts to review the charges have been in the pipeline for some time now. It is now imperative to take further action on this matter in view of the following: overhead cost allocation and subvention received from the Federal Government has dwindled by over 50 per cent compared to what the university received five years ago.

    “Despite the decrease in the overhead allocation from the Federal Government, inflation has eaten deep into the meager allocation to the university and therefore makes the current fees paid by fresh students unsustainable.”

    Under the coming regime, fees may go up by more than 100 per cent, depending on the faculty. For instance, the management proposed N72,400 for fresh students of the faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences against the N17,150 paid by freshers last session.

    Students to be admitted in to Faculty of Sciences will pay N78,400. It was N22,150 last session. The proposed fees for freshers in the faculties of Clinical Sciences and Pharmacy are four times higher than last year’s. The students will also pay N20,000 acceptance fee.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, said the Senate has approved an adjustment in the municipal charges payable by freshers. Municipal charges include payments for utility services.

    The introduction of the acceptance fee in 2011 led to a violent protest, which culminated in the closure of the university and proscription of the Students’ Union activities. The ban on the union was lifted three months ago.

    The university said it did not take that decision without considering students’ plight, comparing its new fees with other universities, such as like University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Ibadan (UI) and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

    The SUG has reacted to the proposed fees hike  at its emergency meeting of departmental presidents, faculty executives, hall executives council and the Association of Campus Journalists in the TV Room of the union building.

    In a statement signed by the SUG president-elect, Isaac Ibikunle, and General Secretary, Olatayo Shittu, the union described the proposed fees as an “irrational increment”.

    The statement reads: “We may have all come in different ships, but we are in the same boat now as Great Ife. The leadership of the union is designing a strategy to engage the management to reconsider this shocking hike in fees.”

    Reacting, Olanrewaju said: “The Senate of OAU has unanimously agreed to further improve on the ratings of the university as the best in Nigeria, especially in terms of sound and quality teaching for its students. It, therefore, enjoins parents and guardians of new students to assist the university in this regard by being financially active in the payment of this fee.”

    Olarewaju pointed out that the Senate has constituted a committee to take care of the financial constraints of indigent students, adding that OAU would continue to do its best to uplift the standard of education in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, the proposed fee regime has sparked a protest. Last Tuesday, students demonstrated on Ife-Ibadan Highway, causing gridlock on the expressway.

  • Vehicle crushes student to death

    The Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife, was thrown into mourning last week when Tayo Akerele, a 200-Level Biochemistry student, was knocked down by a vehicle.

    The victim, it was gathered, was crossing the main road to buy water when she was knocked down.

    Eyewitnesses said vehicle’s tyre burst on motion, which made the drive to lose control of the vehicle. The late Tayo, it was learnt, was coming from the opposite direction.

    An eyewitness said: “The tyre and the rim got disloctaed and moved in the victim’s direction. Though she tried to avoid the objects, but she ended up being hit by the vehicle’s tyre,” the source said.

    The victim was said to have been taken to the OAU Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) but she died five days after.

    Tayo’s death was described as a great loss to her department. Her colleagues said she was easy going. A student who simply identified himself as Femi, recalled his last encounter with the deceased.

    Her classmate, Theophilus King, waxed poetic, saying: “No wonder it happened, a short procession of clouds. You were beautiful, but shame on beauty that couldn’t pay the price to woo butchers.”

    When our correspondent visited the deceased room in Moremi Hall, a roommate, who did not say her name, said Tayo’s death had left a huge hole in their hearts, adding that the pain would linger forever in their hearts. She said none of the roommates could sleep, following the unfortunate incidence.

    Other students said the deceased was friendly and unassuming.

  • OAU students protest tuition fee hike

    OAU students protest tuition fee hike

    Thousands of students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State on Tuesday protested the increase in the institution’s tuition.

    Led by their union’s President-Elect, Mr. Ibikunle Isaac, the protesters said the hike was unacceptable.

    The aggrieved students were carrying placards with inscriptions like: “OAU STUDENTS SAY NO TO TUITION INCREMENT,” “OMOLE, BRING DOWN OUR SCHOOL FEE,” “OMOLE, YOU ENJOYED FREE EDUCATION, WHY KILLING IT?,” “THE POOR DESERVES QUALITY EDUCATION TOO” among others.

    Some Post-Graduate students of the university also participated in the protest which began as early as 8.00 am. The students had converged at the school’s Anglomoz car park and later marched out of the campus to Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway where they barricaded the roads.

    Following the protest, there was a traffic gridlock as many motorists found it difficult to get into Ife township.
    The students also were distributing handbills to sensitize the travellers on the road about their plight.

    When the Student Union President-Elect was addressing his colleagues, he dropped the hints that the university management had reduced the tuition fee by #17,000 after holding meeting with the students representatives. He said the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Omole had promised to reverse the increase in tuition fee at the meeting which was held at the school Senate Building.

    According to him: “The management had increased increased the tuition from #17,000 to about #100,000 apart from #20,000 acceptance and accommodation fees. We have exhausted all peaceful means, we have consulted union bodies like ASUU, NASU and even the alumni body of the institution to help us appeal to the management to reverse the fee but no avail.

    “The Vice Chancellor had told us (the leadership of the Student Union) during a meeting yesterday that it was the federal government that directed them to increase the school and that the federal government cannot continue funding education, that is why we barricaded the federal government roads here in Ife. We are not here alone, we are also here with Post Graduate students because it affected them also.

    The police found it very difficult to make the students allow free flow of traffic as the students were resolute to make sure no vehicle passed through the barricade.

    Candidates  writing the Computer Based Test Mode of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on campus were almost affected by the protest as the students prevented commercial bus drivers and motorcyclists from conveying passengers to the venue of the examination.

    The management of the institution last week increased the acceptance fee payable by the newly admitted students from #2,000 to #20,000 in 2010 thus resulting to protest that led to the closing down of the institution for three months.

    The newly admitted students of the institution would be paying #74, 000 as against #17,000 excluding the acceptance fee of #20, 000 while the returning students would be paying around #50,000 as against #7,000.

  • Thrilling campaigns at OAU

    Thrilling campaigns at OAU

    The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has conducted the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election. The exercise will be remembered for the comical manner candidates conducted their campaigns. KEMI BUSARI and SIKIRU AKINOLA (400-Level Political Science) write.

    The Students’ Government (SUG) elections at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, are always full of theatrics.

    The last SUG election was not an exception. Even the three-year ban on unionism did not stop the drama that always attends electioneering.

    It was time for election, following the restoration of unionism.

    It began with the sale of nomination forms, which went for N100. Though the nomination forms were cheap, some of the aspirants ended up spending hundreds of thousands of naira, campaigning.

    From the Halls of Residence to the academic area, walls and boards were covered in aspirants’ posters, banners and fliers. Some took to graffiti.

    Many of these posters were pasted at strange locations. Some were seen on waste bins, toilet doors;  some students wore their posters to make themselves popular. The outspoken among the candidates took their campaigns to the hostels and classrooms.

    The campaigns took a dramatic turn when Adebayo Aladesanye, one of the candidates vying for Social Director, who is known on campus as DJ Daruga, brought a bag of beans, a large local iron pot, adogan (local stove) and firewood to Awolowo Hall. The food was cooked for the occupants, known for their legendary consumption of beans.

    While the food was being prepared, students in other halls got information about the meal. They came to join their colleagues in Awolowo Hall, chanting Aro (comic) songs.

    When the food was ready, students surrounded the pot with different types of bowl, including small pots and water buckets to be served.

    Adebayo said: “I decided to cook beans to revive the Ewa (bean) Day we used to celebrate in Awolowo Hall. I knew students living in the hall would never appreciate anything except beans.”

    Adebayo’s opponent, Adewale Adesina, a 300-Level Demography and Social Statistics student, held a dance and soccer contest for students as campaign strategy. Participants won cash prizes up to N5,000.

    Adewale’s supporter told CAMPUSLIFE that the candidate initially had the plan to feed Awolowo Hall occupants but “an opponent hijacked the strategy”.

    Another drama ensued when Oluwafunmilola Oladejo, a Vice Presidential candidate known as Olori, took her campaign to Awolowo Hall. As OAU tradition demands, female aspirants must kneel down to show respect to the occupants of the hall.

    Oluwafunmilola did, but it was not enough for the male students. They demanded to know her boyfriend. The following conversation took place: “What is your name?” “Olori,” she answered. “Who is your boyfriend?”, “the kings,” she responded. “Where are they?” “They live in Awolowo Hall,” she replied.

    Satisfied with the responses, Oluwafunmilola was allowed to campaign in the hostel.

    On Manifesto Day at the Amphi Theatre, all the candidates were asked to dobale (prostrate) on the podium before speaking on their programmes. Candidates, who forgot to prostrate before the audience, were booed off the stage.

    There was drama when students discovered that the candidates, who enjoyed the loudest ovation, had been disqualified.

    A student said: “The campaigns themselves are a good comedy show that is free for all students. It has been interesting all the way. At times, I find it hard to decide which campaign to witness because the candidates ran funny campaigns.”

    Isaac Ibikunle, a Law student, was elected the union president; Olufunmilola, vice president. Olatayo Shittu is the General Secretary.

    Others elected are Louis Awode, Assistant General Secretary, Bamidele Oludare, Public Relations Officer, Adewale Adesina, Director of Socials, Damilola Oludayo, Director of Sports, Omolayo Awoyemi, Financial Secretary and Martins Ajewole, Welfare Officer.

  • Olomo’s disappearance

    Olomo’s disappearance

    • It is a shame that such a high-profile intellectual has not been found

    The puzzling disappearance of James Bolarinwa Olomo, an egg-head and professor of Nuclear Physics at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, since last year has reinforced the escalating security challenges bedevilling the country. He reportedly left home on October 17, 2013, and flew to Calabar on an Arik Air flight from where he travelled by road to Eket, Akwa Ibom State. In Eket, he reportedly lodged at Hotel Farlem. His mission was to fulfill a purportedly scheduled obligation with Mobil Oil Unlimited, a multinational oil company where he was its Radiation Safety Adviser. He reportedly left his hotel room on October 20 without taking any of his belongings and could not be found since then.

    What could have informed the trip and even its sad end remains a matter of conjecture. But from reports, we can glean that Olomo embarked on the trip purportedly to kill boredom and to earn some income during last year’s long strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). But he was oblivious that that journey was going to turn out the way it had. We pray he survives since he reportedly suffered a similar fate on July 16, 2003, but was luckily released from his abductors’ captivity after spending 31 days there. This last one is, sadly, proving to be hopelessly too long since it is getting to over six months.

    We share in the apprehensions and anxiety of Olomo’s family, friends, dependants and professional colleagues that are deeply disturbed about his sudden and prolonged disappearance. In particular, his ancestral Olomo family of Risawe Anlerin Compound in Otan Ayegbaju area of Osun State has consistently addressed the media alongside the family lawyer to express their grave concerns over the disappearance of their illustrious son and breadwinner.

    The ASUU chapter of OAU led by Prof. Akinola Adegbola has not been left out. The union equally organised a media parley in Lagos to sensitise the public and call government’s attention to perceived lacklustre handling of the plight of Olomo. Despite the fact that the matter has been brought before the police and State Security Service’s topmost hierarchies, nothing concrete has been heard from government through these quarters or even through Nyesom Wike, Minister of Education.

    We deprecate the widespread incidents of mostly unresolved kidnappings, abductions, mysterious disappearances and killings in the country. These gory occurrences are no doubt a big slur on the already battered image of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. We ask: Isn’t it a shame that someone of Olomo’s standing could just get missing without visible traces in a country where billions of naira are budgeted annually for security? If Olomo could not be found despite his status and the prominence accorded his case, we wonder the fate of most common Nigerians that are daily abducted by ritualists and other evil men/women in the land. This latter class with their agonising families would obviously be left to privately bemoan their plight in a country that is gradually descending into the abyss of devilish conducts.

    Nothing short of unravelling the mystery behind Olomo’s disappearance is acceptable from this administration and its security chiefs. The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, and the top hierarchy of the intelligence service must do something fast to ensure the discovery of this distinguished don. That is the only way to justify their pay; and to, most importantly, convince those unsung Nigerian families that have suffered similar fates and others that live in perpetual fear of the unknown, that all hope is not lost, after all.

  • OAU don turns bitumen into asphalt for road repair

    OAU don turns bitumen into asphalt for road repair

    A lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, Dr. Bayonle Ademodi, has refined untapped crude bitumen in Agbabu, Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, to Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA).

    Ademodi, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Consultant on Bitumen and Heavy Crude Oil, is now using the substance to fill failed portions of roads in Ondo West Local Government Area.

    The lecturer hails from Ondo Town in Ondo State.

    For years, the Federal Government has been importing bitumen for the repair and construction of roads, even though Nigeria has been said to have the third largest deposit of this natural resource in the world.

    Speaking with reporters after demonstrating how he converted the crude bitumen to CMA, Ademodi said he had been using the resource to fill pot holes in the last one month.

    He said motorists and motorcyclists have been enjoying smooth rides in areas where the material was applied.

    Ademodi, who is an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ondo State, suggested that a Ministry of Bitumen and Heavy Oil Resources be established to focus on the exploitation of the resources for domestic and export markets free of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC’s) regulations.

    He lamented that the Federal Government refused to utilise the resources due to Nigerian factors, which listed as “unnecessary politicisation of issues, ethnic consideration and the fact that it is not easy to make easy money from the exploitation”.

    The academic said bitumen can be used to repair/construct roads; as fuel for power plants; and to create jobs.

    He said: “Nigeria should take advantage of the fact that its heavy/extra heavy oil did not fall under the OPEC quota. Venezuela developed the world famous ORIMULSION fuel, which has been used for years domestically and exported to energy hungry countries like China, India and Japan as fuel for generating electricity in thermal power plants and land based diesel engines.

    “Nigeria’s heavy/extra heavy oil is equally amenable for use as power plant fuel and considerable progress has been made in research in this regard. Nigeria’s heavy oil has been used to successfully raise steam in a mini-steam boiler, a precursor stage to electricity generation.

    “The resource is a potential substitute for natural gas, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and coal as process fuel in industries and thermal power plants. Our work has shown that it can conveniently replace substantial quantities of LPFO, otherwise known as black oil, the cost of which has skyrocketed astronomically and which, in turn, is responsible for the high cost of goods ranging from cement to sundry consumer products in Nigeria.

    “Similarly, Nigeria’s bitumen exists in the two forms of solid tar sands and liquid deposits. Considerable success has been achieved in the utilisation of these two types of bitumen for the manufacture of road asphalt. In this regard, there are two possibilities: Hot Mix Asphalt and Cold Mix Asphalt.”

    The don said he would continue to mount pressure on the Federal Government to fully utilise the resource.

  • Don turns crude bitumen to Asphalt for Ondo road repairs

    A lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)Ile Ife,Osun State, has refined the untapped crude Bitumen in Agbabu,Irele Local Government of Ondo State to Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA).

    Dr Ademodi, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Consultant on Bitumen and Heavy Crude Oil is now using the substance to fill the failed portions of roads in Ondo West local government area of the State where he hails.

    For years, federal government has been importing  bitumen from abroad in repairing and constructing roads despite that the nation is naturally endowed with this natural resources which is rated third largest in the world.

    Ademodi, an indigene of Ondo town, who spoke with reporters shortly after demonstrating how he converted the crude bitumen to CMA said he had been using the resources in filling pot holes in the community for the past one month.

    He added that motorists and motorcyclists have been enjoying their riding in some of the streets where these materials have been applied.

    Besides, Ademodi, who is a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State suggested that a Ministry of Bitumen and Heavy Oil Resources be established, saying such ministry would focus on the meaningful exploitation of the resources for domestic and export markets free of OPEC regulations.

    He lamented that the federal government has refused to utilise the resources due to Nigerian factors, which he said include unnecessary politization of issues, ethnic consideration and the fact that it is not very easy to make easy money from the exploitation.

    The Academic listed some of the benefits of the resources as road repair/road construction, fuel for power plants, creation of employment for the teeming youths among others

    According to him, “Nigeria should take the advantage of the fact that its heavy/extra heavy oil did not fall under the OPEC quota, Venezuela developed the world famous ORIMULSION fuel which has been used for years domestically and exported to energy hungry countries like China, India and Japan as fuel for generating electricity (in thermal power plants), land based diesel engines.

    “Nigeria’s heavy/extra heavy oil is equally amenable for use as power plant fuel and considerable progress has been made in research in this regard. Nigeria’s heavy oil has been used to successfully raise steam in a mini-steam boiler, a precursor stage to electricity generation.

    “The resources is a potential substitute for natural gas, LPFO and coal as process fuel in industries and thermal power plants.

    ” Our work has shown that it can conveniently replace substantial quantities of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) otherwise known as black oil, the cost of which has skyrocketed astronomically and which, in turn, is responsible for the high cost of goods ranging from cement to sundry consumer products in Nigeria.

    “Similarly, Nigeria’s bitumen exists in the two form of solid tar sands and liquid deposits. Considerable success has been achieved in the utilisation of these two types of bitumen for the manufacture of road asphalt. In this regard, there are two possibilities: Hot Mix Asphalt and Cold Mix Asphalt”

    The University Don said he would continue to mount pressure on the federal government on why the resources must be fully utilised.

  • Fire at OAU union building

    Fire at OAU union building

    The Students’ Union Building of the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State almost went up in flames last Thursday as electric surge from the Computer Room in the building sparked fire.

    The quick intervention of the institution’s fire men saved the day.

    Passers-by, who noticed emission of smoke from the building, called emergency number of the fire service.

    The head of OAU Fire Service, Mr Ibrahim Muideen, led the fire-fighting operation, climbing and axing the affected section to prevent re-ignition.

    The building was renovated about three years ago after a violent, following the introduction of a new acceptance fee. Students’ unionism was proscribed after the protest and since then, access to the building has been restricted.

    Speaking after the fire was put out, Muideen said he mobilised firemen immediately his office got a distress call from students.

    He said: “We got a call on our emergency number at 12:17pm, informing us that the Students’ Union Building was on fire. We immediately rushed to the scene. On getting there, we saw smoke coming out of the computer room but since all entrances had been sealed, we could not move into the building. We had to use ladder to access the affected room and removed all burning materials.”

    Muideen said his men discovered that all cables in the building were not affected by the fire but added that the inferno may have been caused by “spontaneous combustion” which may occur as result of heat.

    He said the fire unit was planning to establish a fire-fighters’ club in the university to teach students how to fight fire.

     

  • Job creation’ll curb insurgencies, says don

    Job creation’ll curb insurgencies, says don

    Former Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Wale Omole has said the only way to curb violence is job creation.

    He said the government needs to address the fundamental problems that fuel insecurity.

    Omole spoke with reporters at a variety night held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC), Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion). It was part of the events marking the cathedral’s 50th anniversary. The variety night featured choreography, documentary, special song renditions, musical performances by gospel artistes Monique and Wole Sax and a drama, among others.

    Omole said: “The greatest factor for violence is poverty. When youths leave school and have no job or food, they become violent. I am not justifying violence, but if you want to ameliorate crime, you must provide jobs and make life better for the people. Things are too difficult and that promotes violence.”

    Omole, who is the chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, said the variety night was organised for youths.

    He said: “The variety night is to involve youths in the anniversary celebration. They are the future of the church and the more we involve them, the more committed to the church they will become. They put up something beautiful tonight. In 50 years time, they will be the elders of the church and, by the grace of God, a number of them will still be around.”

    The anniversary lecture, titled: “The church today”, will be delivered tomorrow by Dr. Tunji Braitwaite. Other activities lined up for the celebration include: a visit to orphanages and a dinner, among others.

    A three-day prayer session was held earlier for the nation.

    Dean of the cathedral Ven. Abel Ajibodu said: “There is no doubt that this great church has contributed a lot to the society, not only to Nigeria but the world. People who have passed through this church at one time or the other have traveled across the globe and contributed positively in all human endeavours. As a church, it has been our tradition to pray for the government everyday. It is part of our liturgy to pray for peace, breakthrough, the wellbeing of the populace and wisdom from above for leaders to lead the country aright. The security situation is a concern to the church. There is no day we gather for worship that we do not pray for the nation.”

  • ‘Job creation’ll curb insurgencies’

    Former Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Wale Omole has said the only way to curb violence is job creation.

    He said the government should address the fundamental problems that fuel insecurity.

    Omole spoke with reporters at a variety night at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC), Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion) as part of events marking the cathedral’s 50th anniversary.

    The night featured choreography, documentary, special song renditions, musical performances by gospel artistes Monique and Wole Sax and a drama, among others.

    Omole said: “The greatest factor for violence is poverty. When youths leave school and have no job or food, they become violent. I am not justifying violence, but if you want to ameliorate crime, you must provide jobs and make life better for the people.”

    Omole, who chairs the 50th Anniversary Committee, said the variety night was organised for youths, adding: ‘’They are the future of the church and the more we involve them, the more committed they will become. They put up something beautiful tonight. In 50 years time, they will be the elders of the church.”

    The anniversary lecture, titled: “The church today”, will be delivered tomorrow by Dr. Tunji Braitwaite. Other activities lined up include a visit to orphanages and a dinner. A three-day prayer session was held earlier for the nation.

    Dean of the cathedral Ven. Abel Ajibodu said: “This church has contributed much to Nigeria and the world. People who have passed through this church have travelled across the globe and contributed positively in all human endeavours. As a church, it has been our tradition to pray for the government. It is part of our liturgy to pray for peace, breakthrough, well being and wisdom for leaders. The security situation is a concern to the church.”