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Tag: Ondo Varsity

  • Midnight fire destroys shops, goods worth millions near Ondo varsity

    Midnight fire destroys shops, goods worth millions near Ondo varsity

    A Midnight inferno has destroyed goods worth millions of naira in a row of locked-up shops located adjacent to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State.

    The fire, which broke out around 10 p.m. on Thursday, razed several shops, leaving traders and owners in deep losses. Items such as laptops, electronics, freezers, and mobile phones were completely consumed by the flames.

    One of the affected traders, who identified himself as Prince, said he lost over 400 laptops to the inferno.

     “I repair laptops, and all my tools and gadgets were burnt to ashes. I don’t know what to do; everything is gone,” he lamented.

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    Another victim, a female shop owner who preferred not to disclose her name, said she lost deep freezers and other electronics.

    “Before we got here yesterday, the shops had already been razed. We lost four freezers, drinks, and other valuables. Some who sell phones here were also affected,” she said.

    Eyewitnesses recounted how the fire spread rapidly through the row of shops, leaving owners helpless as they watched their investments turn to rubble. One source suggested the blaze may have been caused by an electrical spark in one of the locked-up shops.

     Officials of the Ondo State Fire Service were not immediately available for comments as of Friday.

  • Crisis looms in Ondo varsity over killing of another student

    Crisis looms in Ondo varsity over killing of another student

    • …three weeks after two others were abducted, murdered
    • Decomposing body found three days after declared missing
    • •tudents protest, accuse indigenes of orchestrating killings
    • Police arrest three suspects

    A fresh crisis is looming at the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State over the killing of another student identified as Joy Adeyemi.

    Adeyemi, an undergraduate student of the Department of Human Kinetics in the state owned-institution, was killed on Tuesday, following which she was declared missing by course mates.

    Her decomposed body was discovered in a one-room apartment in the university community; a development that sparked angry reaction and protest among her bereaved colleagues yesterday.

    The latest incident came barely three weeks after two students of the school, Andrel Okah of the Department of History and International Studies and John Abba of the Department of Economics were allegedly abducted and killed by their landlord.

    A fortnight ago, Oladele, who was arrested by the police as a prime suspect in the murder case, later died in the hospital after developing a strange illness.

    Angered by the recurring incident, the students of the institution took to the streets yseterday, protesting the violent killing of their colleagues. 

    The protesters blocked major roads, saying the protest was triggered by the murder of Ms Adeyemi, who was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend who is currently on the run.

    Carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “AAUA students are not goats to indigenes; “Stop killing us; “We are here to study, not to die”; the protesting students accused the indigenes of the community of masterminding the killings.

    One of the protesters, who identified himself as Kunle, said some neighbours discovered the dead body of Ms Adeyemi inside the room following a stench that oozed from the building.

    He explained that the mystery behind the killing was yet unknown, revealing that the student, who also operates a point of sales (POS) shop around the campus, was gruesomely murdered.

    “Since Tuesday, she (Adeyemi) disappeared and nobody knew her whereabouts until the neighbours perceived a bad odour from the room and found her corpse.

    “They discovered that she had been stabbed to death by someone they alleged to be her boyfriend and indigene of Akungba town.

    “After killing her, the guy went away with the money she used for her POS business,” he added.

    Condemning the killings, Kunle said the school, the police and the state government must find a solution to the security challenges in the university and the community at large.

    He said: “It is high time the state government finds an urgent solution to the killing of our students by the indigenes of this town.

    “If nothing is done, this may lead to a serious crisis in this community.

    “You remember that some weeks ago, two of our students were also kidnapped and killed.

    “So, something has to be done.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the killing, revealing that three suspects had been arrested by the security agencies in connection with the murder case.

    “We have arrested three suspects and we are making efforts to arrest other fleeing suspects while investigation is ongoing,” Ayanlade told our correspondent on the phone.

    Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have condemned the latest killing, expressing dismay at repeated violent attacks on students.

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    Comrade Salami Akeem, SUG President of the institution, in a statement issued yesterday, accused the indigenes of the host community of orchestrating many of the attacks and killing of his colleagues.

    Akeem recalled how they received the shocking news of two of their colleagues, Okah and Abbah, who were murdered after they were kidnapped for several days.

    He explained that they were “alarmed to learn that the primary suspects in the crime are indigenes of the host community”, noting that the matter was taken up, and the police were actively engaged in collaboration with key stakeholders within the Akungba community, ” in the hope that such an unfortunate incident would not reoccur.

    “However, to our greatest shock, we were once again confronted with the devastating news of another student who was murdered by her boyfriend, who is also an indigene of the host community.

    “From available information, the student was brutally murdered — stabbed to death and left in his room for more than three days.

    “The body was only discovered after neighbours noticed a foul odour emanating from the room, prompting them to break down the door, whereupon they found the decomposing corpse of the young woman.

    “It was also gathered that the boyfriend is currently on the run. Although his mother has been arrested, the suspect remains at large.”

    The student union body, however, issued “a 24-hour ultimatum” to the state government, the police and all relevant authorities to come to the aid of students and put an end to the gruesome and incessant killings in the Akungba community.

    “We make this demand in the spirit of solidarity and comradeship, and without fear of contradiction, to seek justice for our fallen students.

    “We also wish to state clearly that if the perpetrators of this heinous crime are not brought to book within the stipulated timeframe, the Students’ Union Body will not hesitate to embark on full-scale protests in a bid to permanently halt the continuous killing of our students.”

    Also, NANS – Joint Campus Committee condemned the killings in a statement signed by its chairman and the secretary Adekanye Adeboye and Oladele Emmanuel, respectively.

    It also called on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book without any delay, threatening to mobilise a mass of Nigerian students to the state for protest if the “senseless killings” did not stop.

    The students’ body also demanded the implementation of robust security measures to prevent further attacks on students and ensure the safety and security of all students within the university and its environs.

    “As a body saddled with the responsibility overseeing the general affairs and welfarism of all Nigerian students, we strongly condemn these heinous acts and demand immediate action from the Ondo State Government and all security operatives responsible for safeguarding lives and property within the state.

    “The incessant killings are a clear indication of a security lapse that must be addressed urgently,” the statement said.

    But reacting, the spokesperson for the institution, Victor Akinpelumi, called on the students to avoid taking the law into their hands.

    Akinpelumi, who commiserated with the students, noted that the management was making frantic efforts with the police and other security agencies in ensuring maximum protection of the institution’s students.

    He therefore pleaded with the protesting students to allow the security agencies to carry out thorough investigation on the matter.

    “We are only appealing to the students not to take the law into their hands and they should allow the police to do thorough investigation, and I am sure justice will be served on the perpetrators,” he said.

  • Police arrest landlord over gruesome death of two missing Ondo varsity students

    Police arrest landlord over gruesome death of two missing Ondo varsity students

    The Ondo State Police Command has arrested the prime suspect in the brutal murder of two missing students from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) — Andrel Eloho Okah and John Friday Abba.

    The Nation had earlier reported the grim discovery of their bodies near the Ondo-Ekiti border, weeks after they were declared missing and absent from classes by their coursemates.

    Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Akure, Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal revealed that the suspect, identified as Femi Oladele a.k.a. ‘Tallest,’ was the students’ landlord. 

    He was said to have ordered suspected cultists to “deal with” the victims for allegedly being disrespectful to him.

    According to CP Lawal, the two undergraduates were abducted, robbed, raped, and murdered. 

    The suspect, now in custody, reportedly confessed to orchestrating the attack and helping conceal the crime.

    He revealed that the landlord was arrested after investigation to a petition filed on behalf of one Mr. Emmanuel Peter from Shagari Village, Akure, who reported the disappearance of his younger brother and his girl-lover, Abba, 25, and Okah, 19 to the police. 

    Lawal said the Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched an intensive investigation, with forensic tracking leading operatives to Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, where an iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the student was recovered from a man identified as Abdul Mohammed Mubarak, 38.

    “Mubarak reportedly confessed to buying the phone from one Ojo Michael, who was later arrested in Aramoko-Ekiti. A Lexus RX 350, which belonged to the victims (students), was also recovered during the arrest.

    “Under interrogation, Michael confessed to being involved in the robbery, abduction, and subsequent murder of the students. 

    “He claimed that the operation was masterminded by Oladele Femi, the landlord of one of the victims, who recruited him and an accomplice, known simply as “Kola” (still at large), to carry out the crime,” the CP said. 

    Explaining further, Lawal disclosed that the sum of N800,000 was transferred from one of the students’ accounts during their captivity, stating that the arrested suspect (Michael) also admitted to raping the female student before killing her. 

    According to the police boss, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he murdered the female student because she recognised him and could expose his identity. 

    “Both victims (Abba and Okah) were then killed to prevent them from revealing their attackers. Their bodies were disposed of at different locations between Agbado and Ode-Ekiti,” he added. 

    CP Lawal further said investigations led to the arrest of the landlord, who allegedly confessed to orchestrating the crime and helping to conceal the killings. 

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    He revealed that acting on the landlord’s confession, police recovered the body of the female student in a bush near Ode-Ekiti. 

    “Her remains have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, while efforts continue to recover the male victim’s body, believed to have been dumped in a river.

    “This case stands as a tragic reminder of the brutality of premeditated crimes and the devastating consequences of betrayal and greed. 

    “The victims, young and promising undergraduates, were senselessly raped and murdered in cold blood. The command will ensure all those involved are brought to justice,” he said. 

  • Ondo varsity gets new library

    Ondo varsity gets new library

    An education advocate, Dr. Seun Osamaye, has donated a new library to Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State.

     Osamaye said the project was part of her “unwavering commitment to advancing learning.”

     The newly inaugurated ultra-modern library houses an extensive collection of books across diverse disciplines, ensuring students and faculties have access to a broad spectrum of academic literature and research materials.

     At  the inauguration yesterday, Osamaye said the state-of-the-art library provided digital resources, adding that the facility facilitates seamless access to online databases and journals.

     With comfortable study areas, collaborative spaces, and technologically advanced multimedia rooms, she said the library creates an optimal environment for both individual and group learning.

     Osamaye emphasised the importance of education in national development, stating, “Developing the nation starts from the classroom. I decided to build and donate this library not because I earn much, but because I believe our students need a conducive place for studying and for them to cultivate a culture of reading and learning.”

    Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Dr Samuel Akintunde highlighted the significance of having libraries on educational premises, stressing its role in strengthening students’ horizons.

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     A former Provost of the institution, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, characterised the initiative as a wake-up call for others to contribute to education, noting, “It’s not as if the donour is richer than others, but the commitment and passion to give back.”

     Expressing gratitude on behalf of the academic community, the deputy vice-chancellor of the institution acknowledged Osamaye’s transformative gift.

     He said, “By providing this ultramodern library, Osamaye has demonstrated her firm belief in the transformative power of education.”

    A member representing Ondo West constituency II at the State Assembly, Biola Oladapo said that the library symbolised progress and innovation, shaping the future of education at the institution.

    He added that the donation marked a significant milestone for education in Ondo, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community.

  • Ondo Varsity signs Memorandum on Research

    Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, has entered into an agreement with the Engineering Materials Development Institute, EMDI, Akure, on research and capacity development.

    The agreement was the culmination of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, and the Managing Director of the Federal Government-owned institute, Dr. Samuel Olusunle.

    The MoU is expected to be in effect for a period of three years in the first instance.

    In line with the pact, which was facilitated by university’s Centre for Research and Development (CRD), both parties would exploit areas of common interest for possible collaboration.

    Also, members of staff and some  students would get access to facilities of EMDI for academic and research purposes, as well as for the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

    The agreement also makes provision for research collaborations in Natural and Applied Sciences, Engineering and other related fields.  They would also share facilities of any of the parties that would aid training, accreditation, certification, and consultancy, among others.

    In his speech, Ajibefun marvelled that facilities for engineering construction and materials development were available in the institute. He said the university was ready to partner with the Institute in commercial exploitation of research outcomes.

    Olusunle on his part said the Institute had enjoyed cooperation  with similar institutions in Ondo State and welcomed AAUA on board.

    Both Chief Executives opined that Researchers should leverage on the facilities available while the Vice Chancellor informed the EMDI of the readiness of AAUA to partner with the Institute in commercial exploitation of research outcomes.

  • Ondo varsity graduates 9,182.

    Ondo varsity graduates 9,182.

    A total number of 9,812 students of the Adekunle Ajasin University(AAU) Akungba-Akoko, Ondo state at the weekend bagged degrees in various fields of study. Out of this number, 7,786 were for the 2014/2015 session, while 2,026 graduated for the 2015/2016 academic session

    According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, of the 7,624 that earned first degree in the 2014/2015 session, 29 graduated with first class honours, 1,316 bagged second class upper division, 5,183 earned second class lower division, 1,027 had third class honours, while 69 got pass degree. In the post-graduate category, 16 bagged Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D),128 earned Master’s degree, while 18 had post-graduate Diploma in Education in Education(PGDE).

    Of the 2,026 that graduated in the 2015/2016 session, 21 earned First Class, 609 graduated in Second Class Upper Division, 239 bagged third Class,while six had Pass Degree. Three distinguished Nigerians including Chief Kesington Adebutu, a foremost entrepreneur, were conferred with Doctor of Business Finance (Honoris Causa) at the occasion.

    Also,Chief Julius Ajibulu baggef the Doctor of Science(Honoris Causa) while the Imo state governor,Owelle Rochas Okorocha was honoured with Doctor of Letters(D.Litt). The VC said this year honorary award was benchmarked against awardees ‘contributions to the University and the course of education in Nigeria. He noted that the prevailing economic crunch not withstanding, the University has employed a combination of creativity and goodwill to facilitate massive projects to sustain huge infrastructural development.

    The VC appreciated the University’s Visitor, Governor Oluwarotimi akeredolu for achieving  sustainable peace and development in a short period of 10 months in office.

  • ‘Ondo Varsity hails Adefarati

    Authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin University,Akungba, Akoko(AAUA), Ondo State has extolled the legacies of its founder and former governor,the late Adebayo Adefarati.

    Its Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, gave the commendation when he led the management team of the university to the Akungba residence of the late sage to rejoice with the family on the 10th memorial anniversary.

    Ajibefun said: “We are here on behalf of all members of the university community to felicitate with the entire family of our former Visitor to our university and former governor of Ondo State, the late Chief Adefarati.

    “We really appreciate his courage to have established AAUA without which we wouldn’t have been in here as workers. This legacy that Adefarati left behind would continue to be a pride for not only the Akugba community, but also all the people of Ondo State.”

    Ajibefun thanked the wife of the deceased, Adetutu, who gave the management team a warm reception.

    Mrs. Adefarati commended AAUA for deeming it fit to identify with the family. She acknowledged that God granted her late husband the grace to have made laudable impacts in the state.

  • New DVC for Ondo Varsity

    The Senate of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, has elected Prof. Olugbenga Ige as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the state-owned Institution.

    The 58-year-old Professor of Palynology and Palaeoecology, who was until his appointment the acting Dean, Post graduate School, was elected by the University Senate last Thursday.

    He beat Prof Sunday Amuseghan with 17 votes to clinch the position.

    He replaced Prof Francis Oyebade who held the position for a single term of two years.

    Speaking after his election, Ige said, “I am very grateful to the University Management for this appointment. I am also grateful to members of Senate for the trust they repose in me. I promise to work with the school management to achieve the vision and mission of our institution.”

    The new DVC hails from Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Benin, and a Masters and Doctorate Degrees from the University of Ibadan between 1991 and 2004.

    Ige has put in over 25 years of teaching and research experience in the university system.

    He had, prior to his appointment, held various academic and administrative positions within and outside the university system. These include acting Dean, Faculty of Science; Dean, Student Affairs; acting Head of Department; acting Director, Industrial Training Unit; acting Director, Academic Planning Unit.

    At the level of community service, he was Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). He was also the Chairman, Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission between 2011 and 2016.

    Ige is the current Vice President of the Palynological Association of Nigeria and member of several professional and academic bodies. He has over 35 research publications both local and international and has attended over 25 local and international conferences.

  • Ondo varsity suspends student for alleged internet fraud

    THE Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State (AAUA), has suspended one of his students, Abudu Kolawole, over alleged N16 million internet fraud.

    A statement issued by the institution’s spokesman, Sola Imoru, clarified that the university’s record has shown that  the suspect, who claimed to be Adebiyi Tayo Abudu alleged to be a 300-Level Mathematics student of the university gave a fake identity to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    His real name is Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole, a 400-Level student of Political Science, the university said.

    The statement said: “In line with the regulation of the university, Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole has been suspended, pending the conclusion of investigation and prosecution by the anti-graft body.

    “The suspension is in line with the extant rule of the university to place on suspension, any student allegedly involved in a criminal act either within or outside the university until the conclusion of his or her case by the investigating or prosecuting authority and the relevant University Disciplinary Committee.

    “Therefore, Abudu Tajudeen Kolawole is advised to stay clear of the university campus, except when expressly invited by the university authorities.”

  • APC decries state of Ondo Varsity

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State has decried the “pathetic situation” of the state-owned university of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH).

    The party alleged that since the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko assumed office; he has abandoned the institution to its fate.

    A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, the party decried the present state of the University, which it noted has deteriorated in the last six years.

    The party said, “No sooner had the founding fathers left office than the institution started going down. The administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, which took over government after the inauguration of the institution, has neglected it.

    “A university is a universal institution that should primarily serve as a center for learning, research and community development. Unfortunately and regrettably, OSUSTECH is not standing on this tripod right now. It is critically ill. Academic and administrative activities in this institution have been paralysed.

    “It is clear that the Mimiko led-administration is on a deliberate mission of wiping out this once lively institution and a legacy of formal governor Agagu going by the actions and inaction of Mimiko in recent times.”

    The APC, who accused the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tolu Odugbemi of acting the script of the governor in running the university, further alleged that Odugbemi on several occasions, instituted exorbitant and arbitrary increment of school fees, payment of ICT fees without the facilities, non-payment of staff salaries, arbitrary withdrawal of money from the university account without recourse to due process, slow response to happenings and negative developments in the institution.

    The party added, “It is unimaginable that in this year’s annual budget, Governor Mimiko only voted N100 million to OSUSTECH. This budget was passed by his rubber-stamp House of Assembly led by Jumoke Akindele, who incidentally is from Okitipupa, whereas the newly established Medical University in Ondo, the governor’s hometown “smiled” home with a largesse of N2.6 billion. There is no obvious justification for this double standard.”

    However, the state government had on many occasions maintained that priority attention was being given to its three tertiary institutions, including the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko(AAUA), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo and OSUSTECH.