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Tag: Oduduwa University

  • ‘No cult clash at Oduduwa varsity’

    ‘No cult clash at Oduduwa varsity’

    The management of Oduduwa University has debunked a report circulating on social media linking the institution with cult-related clashes.

    A statement by the university authorities said the institution has “zero tolerance for cult-related activities and wishes to inform the public that nothing of such happened at any time in the school.”

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    The statement said: “Our institution has nothing to do with the said story. The students of Oduduwa University are studious and law-abiding. The management ensures all hands are on deck to ensure the institution runs a hitch-free calendar, devoid of any form of distractions, to ensure  students’ academic sessions are completed as and when due.”

  • Why I opted for male-dominated course – Oduduwa University best graduating student

    Why I opted for male-dominated course – Oduduwa University best graduating student

    It is rare to find females in the Computer Engineering industry. But in an instance of departure from the norm, Moshood Kausar, the best graduating student of Oduduwa University,  Ipetumodu, Osun  State, shares her story with GBENGA ADERANTI as to why she ventured into the field.

    HOW was your journey into Oduduwa University?

    My journey into OUI was quite unexpected, as attending a private university was never in my plans. Upon graduating from secondary school and waiting for acceptance from a Federal University, the process seemed to be taking longer than expected. One Sunday morning, my dad switched the TV channel to LTV, and an advertisement for ongoing admissions caught our attention. Jotting down the contact number displayed, we headed to Egbeda the next day to obtain the admission form. I took the screening test on a Thursday and received my admission letter, marking the beginning of my journey as a student at OUI.

    How many times did you do UTME and what were your scores?

    I took the UTME twice. The first attempt was during my SS2 year, resulting in a score of 245. The second attempt took place in my SS3 year, with a lower score of 205.

    At what point did you decide to opt for OUI?

    I chose to enroll at OUI primarily because it was a private university with tuition fees that were manageable for my parents. Additionally, I reached out to various students already studying at the university, and they all attested that the quality of education offered was very high.

    Why did you decide to opt for Computer Engineering?

    To be honest, I never initially considered studying Computer Engineering. When I visited the admission office, I inquired about the availability of Medicine or Nursing courses. However, as Nursing wasn’t offered at the time, I randomly selected Computer Engineering, considering my prior exposure to computer training. Little did I know that there was more to the field beyond my previous computer training experiences.

    What were the reactions of your friends and parents to your choice of course and school?

    My parents desired the best for me, and surprisingly, they did not express any complaints or objections. They believed it was my decision to make and wanted me to select a course in which I would excel, rather than one imposed on me by them.

    Computer Engineering is a field dominated by men. Why were you attracted to it and what can you do differently in the field?

    I believe the dominance of males in the field of Computer Engineering might stem from the perception that engineering, in general, is a demanding and challenging domain tailored for men. While I once shared this belief, I decided to take the initiative to delve deeper into the subject and challenge myself to understand its complexities, striving to prove that these stereotypes could be overcome.

    Were there sacrifices you had to make to emerge as the best graduating student?

    Emerging as the best graduating student was not a fleeting accomplishment but rather a five-year-long journey fueled by unwavering determination and passion. Inspired by the achievement of a lady who graduated from Afe Babalola University with a perfect CGPA of 5.0, I silently vowed to attain the same. Although I couldn’t reach that exact goal, I dedicated myself to each course, striving to push my limits and maintain exceptionally high standards throughout my academic journey.

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    During my time in school, my routine was structured around attending classes regularly, frequenting the library, and seeking additional guidance from my professors during their available hours whenever I faced challenges with specific topics, even after discussing them with my peers. I prioritised early morning studying as it was the time I found myself most receptive to learning. However, achieving this came at the cost of sacrificing my usual sleeping comfort. Waking up as early as 3 am every day was not an easy adjustment, but it ultimately proved to be a worthwhile sacrifice.

    What was your social life on campus like?

    My social life on campus was a harmonious blend of academic commitments and recreational activities. I frequently attended parties organised by the school, and I enjoyed embarking on food adventures with my friends. While I was actively involved in social gatherings, I also remained focused on maintaining a balance with my academic responsibilities.

    What were the challenges you encountered as an undergraduate?

    I would say my undergraduate years were relatively smooth, with minimal challenges, except for the time when my hostel teller went missing. It was a significant setback as I had to pay again, while the investigation into the missing teller took about six months. I am grateful to my roommate, Hafsat, for providing me with support and assistance during that trying period.

    What would you be telling other ladies, especially those who want to attain your kind of feat?

    My advice to other women would be to aim for the highest goals and never limit their potential. No course should be perceived as gender-specific. It’s crucial to continually challenge oneself to achieve excellence and ensure that your voice is heard. Be confident in who you are and what you can accomplish.

    Any regrets attending a private university?

    Absolutely not. I do not regret attending a private university. In fact, I am immensely grateful that I made the right decision by choosing a private university for my education.

    If you had not studied Computer Engineering, what other course would you have preferred and why?

    If I hadn’t pursued Computer Engineering, I would have opted for Nursing. My inclination towards caring for people and tending to their needs would have guided my choice in this field.

    What are your plans after  service year?

    My plan entails working in a tech company while simultaneously pursuing a Master’s degree in either Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or Engineering Management. My goal is to delve deeper into the field of technology and contribute my expertise to further advancements in the industry.

  • Nigerian plans to establish varsity in Sierra Leone

    THE founder of the Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu,  Osun State, Chief Ramon Atobatele Adedoyin, has expressed his readiness to establish a university in Sierra Leone.

    He said this during a four-day working visit to Sierra Leone.

    Adedoyin was received with his wife, Iyabo, at the Freetown Airport by the Nigerian Embassy staff and officials of the University of Makeni from where they boarded a boat to  Freetown.

    Chief Adedoyin and his entourage used the opportunity to visit to Sierra Leonean officials, including the Minister for Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Aiah Gbakima, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation to the two countries.

    The couple and their entourage were hosted to a breakfast treat by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Ambassador Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada, who expressed delight that the visit would go a long way to further strengthen the strong and cordial relationship between the two countries.

    The delegation had earlier attended the postgraduate congregation of the University of Makeni where Chief Adedoyin delivered the convocation lecture titled: ‘Postgraduate Education and Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’.

    He said the purpose of his visit was to solidify academic relations between the Oduduwa University and the University of Makeni.

     

  • Sponsor students to private varsities, proprietor urges govt

    Oduduwa University founder,  Chief Ramon Adedoyin, has advised the Federal Government to invest in the education of brilliant but indigent students by paying their school fees in private universities.

    To him, this would ensure that more candidates are admitted into our universities yearly. The university is located in Ipetumodu, Osun State.

    Adedoyin, spoke on the Unified  Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which begins today, lamented what he called space constraints in many higher institutions.

    However, he said while most public tertiary institutions, especially federal-owned institutions were bursting at the seams, none of the private universities was able to admit up to its carrying capacity because of high school fees.  He  noted that most parents could not afford the average of N400,000 charged by many private universities.

    Adedoyin noted that some of those not admitted by public institutions were forced to patronise sub-standard universities in Cotonou, Republic of Benin or illegal universities in Nigeria.

    The NUC recently listed almost 100 illegal varsities in Nigeria and Cotonou, Republic of Benin, where many Nigerian students are studying.

    To address this problem, Adedoyin advised the government to provide access by sponsoring poor students in private institutions rather than approve more private universities.

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    He said the government need not give cash directly to private institutions for such sponsorships, but channel the funds into building laboratories, libraries, hostels as well as other facilities, which will be equivalent to the school fees charged by the private universities.

    “Private schools pay heavily on salaries and provision of facilities,” he said.

    The educationist also advised the government to consider that approval of new universities was putting pressure on insufficient manpower needed to run them.

    The minimum qualification to lecture in the university, he said , is a doctoral degree.  With insufficient number of PhDs holders, Adedoyin said many of the existing universities are understaffed.

    “As a university proprietor outside Nigeria, I am able to compare and contrast ways universities are approved in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. New universities outside come first as colleges of well-established universities,” he said.

  • Govt advised to sponsor indigent students in varsities

    The Maye of Yoruba land and founder of the Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State High Chief Ramon Adedoyin has advised the Federal Government to show more commitment in the education of brilliant but indigent students. This, he said, it could do by ensuring the improvement of the education sector through investment in the sector which he described as catalyst for development.

    According to him, many brilliant students would continue to be denied university education as long as the current arrangement subsists.

    To ensure that more students from poor homes receive university education, the High Chief maintained that the Federal Government should sponsor more brilliant but indigent students in tertiary education.

    Adedoyin spoke while reacting to a recent statistics which revealed that “out of close to two million candidates who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), more than one million would be denied admission not because they are not qualified but because the present carrying capacity of Nigeria tertiary institutions, especially the public ones, are not enough to cater for the teeming population of youths seeking admission each year.”

    The statistics revealed that “about 1.99 million candidates registered for the UTME, but the current carrying capacity of Nigerian universities, monotechnics, polytechnics, colleges of education and innovation schools is 750,000 which leaves a shortfall of over 1.2 million candidates who will have to join other candidates to jostle for the limited admission spaces next year or look for ramshackle universities in Cotonou, Republic of Benin or illegal universities in Nigeria.”

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) recently listed almost 100 illegal varsities in Nigeria and Republic of Benin, where many Nigerian students are currently studying.

    The statistics also stated that while most public tertiary institutions, especially the public ones already admit above their carrying capacity, none of the private universities is able to admit up to its carrying capacity because of exorbitant fees which they charge.

    Proffering solution to the unsavoury situation, High Chief Adedoyin said the way out is for government to ensure that the poor have access to quality education by sponsoring those students whose parents could not afford fees for tertiary education. He further noted that the carrying capacities of private universities are not met because they charge an average of 400,000 naira which most parents cannot afford.

    According to him, the government doesn’t need to give cash to private institutions for such sponsorships; rather such sponsorships can be in form of building laboratories, libraries, hostels as well as other facilities which shall be equivalent of the tuition charged by the private universities.

    “Private schools pay heavily on salaries and provision of facilities,” he said.

    He also advised that rather than proliferating private universities by giving approval for more of such institutions, the Federal Government should create access to private universities through sponsorships and other incentives.

    Stating that the minimum qualification for one to teach in a standard university is a doctoral degree, the educationist said many of the existing universities lack the requisite manpower, adding that there is need for the existing universities to work optimally before approvals are given for new ones.

  • I stayed alone for four years to avoid distractions —Oduduwa varsity’s best graduating student

    I stayed alone for four years to avoid distractions —Oduduwa varsity’s best graduating student

    Ibraheem Kabir Adeyemi, a graduate of Computer Science from Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI), Osun State with a cumulative grade point average (CPGA) of 4.94, emerged the best graduating student at the 5th convocation ceremony of the university recently. Twenty-year-old Adeyemi, who claimed to have lived a “triangular lifestyle” in his days at the university, spoke to GBENGA ADERANTI about the secrets of his academic success, among other issues.

    YOU have just emerged the best graduating student of Oduduwa University. What was your CPGA?

    I graduated with a CGPA of 4.94.

    Why did you choose Oduduwa University?

    I chose Oduduwa University because I could see the potential in the school. Being a relatively young university, the kind of structures which the school management had been able to put together in such a short period of time, really impressed me. I also had a family friend who graduated from there, and he really convinced me that the standard of teaching was excellent. He got a scholarship to study in the UK after he finished.

    How many times did you sit for university entrance examination before you got admission into OUI?

    I sat for the Joint Matriculation Examination (UME) once before I got admission into OUI, though OUI was not my first choice.

    How was the experience waiting for admission?

    Waiting for admission was a real turning point for me. That was the point I realised that in life, you can only depend on yourself for support, and you will only get what you work hard for in life. I was really anxious during that period, but I thank God everything worked out for the better.

    At what point did you decide to apply for admission into OUI?

    I decided to apply to OUI as my backup school in case my first choice school did not work out. Though I was picked in my first choice school, I was not given the course I wanted. OUI gave me the chance to achieve my dreams and took it.

    What were the reactions of your parents when you told them you were going to study at OUI?

    My parents were really supportive of my choice. They understood that it was what I wanted. I had to convince some of my siblings, because I come from a very big family and my parents always encouraged us to share ideas with each other.

    What was your preferred course and why?

    My preferred course is Computer Science because I have always had a flare for computing as a kid. I always had interest in how this device has been able to revolutionise the world as we know it. Growing up, my uncle had a cyber cafe where I would go every weekend. He would allow me to surf the web, play games and solve problems online. I guess that is where I first developed my love for computing.

    What were your experiences at the university?

    My experiences in Oduduwa University were really memorable. I had lot of good experiences in the school. I guess my best experience was going to check my result at the end of each semester. Most of the time, I  knew I was going to have all As, so it was self gratifying for me because I believed that all my hard work for the semester had not been in vain.

    I guess my worst experience was in my third year. I lost one of my very close friends. It was a really tough period because i didn’t have a lot of friends. So, losing one of them really made me sad.

    How did you manage to come tops in the school, considering the distractions one faces as an undergraduate?

    When I resumed in my first year, i had my mind set on being the best that I could be.  I made up my mind that what was important was my studies only, and I was not going to allow anything hinder me from achieving my goals, no matter what. I had friends, but I have always been blessed with the ability to see through people.

    I always knew when someone was a good influence or not, and I thank God for the few friends I had in school. My resolute rectangular life (class, hostel, mosque and library) kept me away from all forms of distractions. I always stayed alone throughout my four years, because I enjoyed my privacy a lot.

    At what point did you resolve that you were going to be the best graduating student?

    That would be in my third year. I met this lecturer who took a real interest in me. He made me to realise that although I was a really brilliant student, being brilliant is not enough to achieve success in life. There is a difference between being able to excel in academics and being able to excel in life. He explained to me what it takes to be a computer scientist and the need to excel in whatever I lay my hands on.

    How did you achieve this feat?

    Hard work, God’s favour and determination really helped in achieving my goals. I also gained a lot from tutoring other students, because this helped me in refreshing the things I had read a long time ago and also made me recognise the aspects I needed to improve on.

    Tell me the challenges you faced as an undergraduate of OUI?

    I faced a lot of challenges as an undergraduate, but with God’s help and grace, I was able to overcome them. One of the most important was changing the general cliche that smart people are not sociable. I engaged in other projects apart from academic work and picked up other hobbies apart from reading. I thank God I was able to balance them all.

    What were the factors that helped you to come tops?

    I would say the major factor was being resolute. I was extremely determined to achieve my objectives, no matter what, and this helped me a lot in achieving my goal.

    Do you have any plan to lecture in the school?

    considering the fact that the institution is willing to absorb its best students?

    If given the chance to, I would like to impact knowledge and I would also like to apply my skills in the emerging start-up sphere in Nigeria in order to make our country a better place. I have a secret passion in helping others achieve their goals. That is why my friend and I are launching an online tutoring platform where students can meet capable tutors in various skills they have interest in, such as programming, academics and the likes.

    What is that thing about OUI that you are not going to forget in a hurry?

    It has to be the lecturers. I met lecturers who changed my orientation and made me think differently every day. The mosque too. It was always my safe haven; always very quiet and serene.

    How easy was it for your parents to pay your school fees?

    My father is a businessman and my mum is a retired teacher. My parents are the most remarkable people even though they don’t have much. They are willing to do anything for their children so far as it is for their education. it was not easy but they always found a way. I thank God for them.

    Was there a time you felt like quitting the institution?

    Not really. My understanding of education as a whole changed a lot when I went for internship. I realised that especially in the field of IT, most of the skills you require are in the outside world; they are not taught in the classroom. Even people who are not IT majors can pick up those skills and become more relevant. I realised that I had to be focused on academics and also learn relevant skills like programming and the likes in order to be relevant in the industry.

    What is your plan for the future?

    I would like to be successful.

     

  • Cultism: Court remands three Odua Varsity students in prison

    Cultism: Court remands three Odua Varsity students in prison

    An Osun Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday remanded three students of the Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun, in prison custody over forceful initiation of a student into cultism.

    The accused, Alade Temitope, Emmanuel Tobiloba and Oluwatosin Emmanuel, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, inflicted injuries, assault and threat to kill.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

    Magistrate Olalekan Ijiyode, while refusing the bail of the accused, said that the defence counsel, Mr Wole Omotoso, should come with written application for their bail.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP. Mathew Imepreve, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 17 around 3.45 p.m at the Oduduwa University Campus, Ipetumodu.

    Imepreve said that the accused conspired with others to commit felony to wit unlawful society.

    He added that the accused unlawfully assembled themselves, beat Abdullahi Aboluwadun and cut his finger with razor blade while initiating him into the Alora Secret Cult.

    According to him, the accused threatened to kill Aboluwadun with stick and other weapons when he refused to be a member of the secret cult.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 35, 62, 86 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The case was adjourned until Dec. 20 for hearing.

  • Osun seals Oduduwa varsity over unpaid tax

    The Osun Internal Revenue Service on Monday sealed off Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu,  over non-remittance of N173 million income tax.

    Mr Femi Balogun, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on  Revenue,  who led the  team to the university  said  this in a statement in Osogbo.

    The News Agency of  Nigeria reports that Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu,  is a private tertiary institution  located in Ife North area of the state.

    Balogun said: “ The tax liabilities covered back duty liability from 2006-2011 and the enforcement is the last stage of any tax process which is in line with Section 104 sub section (1) and (2) of personnel income tax act as amended.

    ‘’Tax payment is a law and a civic responsibility of all sundries; it is through this effort that government provides massive infrastructural development, security and other amenities.

    ‘’The Revenue Department will stop at nothing to ensure that every individual performs his civic obligations.’’

    He advised the university to “ do  the needful by paying up its tax liability to avoid further action of prosecution in a court of law.’’

    “ We have commenced the general enforcement on all corporate tax defaulters and within the next few days, the enforcement team will visit all tax defaulters.

    ‘’We have on  our radar  corporate institutions like banks  owing back duty of withholding tax on bank interest and some other companies that are recalcitrant in fulfilling tax obligations.

    ‘’It is important to urge all tax payers and companies with outstanding tax liabilities to resolve their tax issues to avoid embarrassment,’’ Balogun said.

  • Varsity floats secondary school

    Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State has opened the secondary arm of the institution.

    Academic activities at the school, which will be known as Oduduwa University International Secondary School and located in Egbeda, a Lagos suburb, will begin in October.

    The Acting Principal of the institution, Mrs Funke-Williams Oladele, said teaching and learning facilities have been provided by the school management.

    Conducting our reporter round the school, she said the management has decided to put in place world-class educational facilities to aid learning.

    Mrs Oladele said the management had taken into consideration many factors which include, the mission of the new school, the benevolence of the institution’s proprietor, the economic downturn in the Nigeria and above all, the willingness of the school proprietor, Chief R. A. Adedoyin to foster functional and accessible secondary school education in Nigeria

    On why the school was established in Lagos instead of the university’s campus, Dr Adedoyin said the decision was informed by his intention to make the school international.

    “Besides, Lagos by virtue of its global popularity will appropriately serve the purpose of easily projecting the school outside the shores of Nigeria, “ he added.

     

    He, however, stated that the Ipetumodu-Ife Campus of Oduduwa University International Secondary School will soon take off as well so as to cater for the educational needs of OUI staff children and wards including other people who may wish to enrol their kids in the school.

     

  • Oduduwa varsity students shine

    Students of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu (OUI) Osun State have held participants spell bound at a seminar organised for private universities students at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ilesa, Osun State.

    The event was organised by the Association of Nigerian Private Universities to stimulate the students towards positive thinking and joint action to rescue Nigeria’s education failing system.

    Speaking during the two-day event, leader of the OUI team and 300-Level Mass Communication student, Eriye Uche, called for a concerted effort by all to move the country’s education system forward.

    He recommended a tripartite remedial approach – adequate funding, discipline and expanding the research base and potentials of the nation’s ivory towers as solutions to address the perennial quagmire being experienced in Nigeria’s education system today.

    Another OUI student, Daniel Eluyemi, who is a finalist in the Microbiology department, made a case for government intervention in all private tertiary institutions in Nigeria in the areas of infrastructures, and donation of books to aid teaching and learning.

    On her part, Miss Cynthia Uzochukwu of the Department of International Relations sought for more purposeful and result-oriented curriculum which should encompass entrepreneurial programme meant to prepare students for different vocations, professions and enterprises.

    She enjoined administrators in Nigerian universities and curriculum designers to be more creative in their efforts to give a new meaning to Nigerian educational system.