The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Students

  • UI students protest hike in tuition fees, power supply rationing

    UI students protest hike in tuition fees, power supply rationing

    Some students of University of Ibadan yesterday took to the street to protest against the recent hike in tuition fees and power supply rationing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesting students wore masks to hide their identities, with some blocking the main entrance to the school and others around the Senate Building.

    A document sighted by NAN indicated that the decision to stage the protest was sequel to the resolution reached at an emergency congress held within the institution on Tuesday.

    “The resolution of the emergency congress/demonstration on the night of July 16, 2024 is that the union will embark on a peaceful demonstration on  July 17, 2024 by 5.30 a.m.

    “Sequel to this, there is to be a mass boycott of lectures and classes today as transportation will not be available on campus,” the document, signed by Council of Faculty President (COFP), read in part.

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    It listed the demands of the students to include: reversal of the new electricity rationing policy and total reversal of school fee hike.

    A 200-level student of Political Science, who spoke with NAN, said that the Federal Government and the school management should help Nigerians who were already grappling with the present economic hardship to have education.

    According to him, some of his colleagues are now contemplating quitting their studies because of the hike in the school and utility fees.

    “The school fees are too much for us; we can’t afford it. We need an education subsidy. ‘‘

  • 12 varsity students charged with killing colleague freed

    12 varsity students charged with killing colleague freed

    • Others remanded

    An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has discharged 12 students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, charged with alleged murder of their colleagues.

      Twenty-five students were on June 5 charged with conspiracy, murder and negligence.

     The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, had ordered the students to be remanded in a correctional facility in Ibadan, pending outcome of legal advice.

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     Those 12 discharged were Kehinde Martins, Samuel Okorie, Mustapha Khalid, Yusuf Adeniran, Joseph Areoye, Iyanuoluwa Oyelakin, Obaloluwa Olalekan, Emmanuel Adejumobi, John Daudu, Moses Abiola, Hammad Tijani and David Kolawole.

     Ogunkanmi held that the legal advice indicated that the 12 students should not be charged as there was no evidence linking them with the offences.

  • Foundation donates buildings to ‘special’ students’ school in Anambra

    Foundation donates buildings to ‘special’ students’ school in Anambra

    The Godwin and Patricia Okeke Foundation has donated dormitory and classroom blocks to the Special Secondary School for the Deaf in Odoakpu, Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The newly equipped facilities include classrooms, hostels, dormitories, and vocational centres, all furnished with essential learning resources.

    Sir Godwin Okeke, the founder of the organization and also known for establishing GUO Motors, expressed his commitment to societal welfare during a speech following the handover of the structures to the school management.

    He emphasised that this initiative was a meaningful way for him to give back to the community and ensure that the students have access to quality education.

    He said: “My wife, children and I took it upon ourselves to invest in the less-privileged and people with special needs by building this dormitory and classroom blocks for conducive learning.

    “We decided to build and donate this edifice to the school owned by Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion) as part of celebrating my 75th birthday and my wife’s 70th birthday.

    “I have also given out over N30 million in cash to the less privileged and the elderly. We are happy doing this and will continue to do more, trusting God to reward us in His way.

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    “We encourage other well-to-do in society to invest in the less privileged, particularly, for people with disabilities living among them.”

    Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo praised the benefactor for his sustained benevolence to the poor and downtrodden in society.

    “Chief Okeke, his wife, Patricia, with the support of their children, have been helping the vulnerable in and outside Anambra State for the past 10 years,” he said.

    Appreciating the benefactor for the gesture, the principal of the School, Ify Felicia Agu, described the structure as ultra-modern hostel facilities with attached caregiver sections and a kitchen for pupils and students.

    “Part of the official commissioning was a set of sewing machines for practical training, renovation of classroom and office block, payment of incentive of N30, 000 as motivation for the entire staff of the school and compilation of SSCE (WAEC) for the year 2023,” she added.

  • AISA students get foreign scholarships

    AISA students get foreign scholarships

    Students of American International School of Abuja (AISA) have secured admission in top schools in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and England.

    The graduating class of 2024 earned notable scholarships to numerous universities, including admissions into Oregon State University, the University of British Columbia, Baylor University, and University College Dublin, among many others.

    A statement by the Head of School Greg Hughes and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ndubisi Anyanwu, said the achievements underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and facilitating students’ pathways to success.

    “While most of the graduates earned their college admissions based on academic merit, this year one of the school’s student-athletes, Agib Hughes, was admitted to North Carolina A&T University for his sporting prowess, where he will join their NCAA Division 1 golf programme.

    “Agib has won golf tournaments in numerous countries and is currently Nigeria’s top-ranked amateur golfer, according to the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

    “A notable trend at AISA is the increasing enrolment of students in grades 11 and 12, as families recognise the value of early preparation for tertiary education. By leveraging the school’s resources and guidance programmes, families aim to optimise their children’s chances of securing admissions to prestigious institutions worldwide,” the statement said.

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    USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, said: “This day is a testament to your hard work and resilience, and it is also the unwavering support of your families, friends and educators. Each one of you have completed a rigorous and internationally recognised curriculum, further developed your skills, expanded your knowledge and honed your character.

    “This moment marks a significant milestone, not just in your academic careers, but it has also laid the foundation for your next chapter…”

    She urged the students to be lifelong learners because “the world is constantly changing… Stay curious, seek out new knowledge and experiences, and never stop growing”.

    The school said it remained steadfast in its commitment to empowering students to reach their full potential, both academically and beyond.

  • Veritas varsity students win Commonwealth Universities debating championship

    Veritas varsity students win Commonwealth Universities debating championship

    Students of Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja have won the maiden edition of the Commonwealth Universities Debating Championship held in Kigali, Rwanda.

    A statement issued in Abuja by the university’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Ben Agande, noted that the victory of the Veritas team in the championship came on the heels of many international laurels won by the institution.

    The statement said: “In February, 2024, Veritas University emerged Victorious in the African Telecommunications Union Digital Innovation Challenge in Nairobi, Kenya. The victory came with a prize money I’ll $20,000.

    “Similarly, in December 2022, Veritas University won the Pan-African Universities Debate Championship held in Nairobi, Kenya, defeating over 100 other African universities.”

    Vice – Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Professor Hycinth Ichoku, noted that “with this programme it is clear that our victories in the other international competitions were not flukes.

    He said: “What this means is that we are on the right track in our commitment to giving our students holistic education that will combine discipline, academic excellence, robust interpersonal skills development and the confidence to stand on the world stage to defend their knowledge. We are thrilled by this and it will certainly serve as an elixir for us to consolidate on what we have been doing and to do more. I thank the students that represented us at the world stage. It is a thing of pride for not just Veritas University but also for our country, Nigeria.

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    “As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we keenly look forward to the pursuit of excellence in the field of research and other academic endeavours. The university remains committed to nurturing talent, fostering critical thinking skills and providing platforms for students to excel both inside and outside the classroom.”

    A statement by the Commonwealth secretariat said: “The Commonwealth Universities’ Debating Championship (CUDC) is a flagship programme initiated by Aspire Debate Rwanda in partnership with the University of Rwanda with strong support from the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Rwanda as the leading line ministry in preparation of this championship. The post-Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) engagement CUDC activities seek to bring youth, specifically university students from Commonwealth member countries together to discuss and share ideas, information and knowledge on the recommendations of the previous Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

  • VC to students: take your studies seriously

    VC to students: take your studies seriously

    The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA) Ondo State, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has urged freshmen of the institution to take their studies seriously and take advantage of the resources the university has to offer.

    He spoke at the matriculation ceremony of the Mufutau Lanihun College of Education, (MULCOED) Ibadan Campus, Oyo State, which is in affiliation with AAUA.

    The VC urged the students on holistic development, adding that education transcends the classroom, thus, they need to engage in extracurricular activities and community service initiatives that align with their interest.

    He said the experience garnered would enhance their personal growth and equip them with the skills to thrive in a rapidly  evolving world.

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    The don urged the students to uphold the values of integrity, respect and ethical conduct throughout their academic journey, as, character development and moral values are highly esteemed in the institution.

    He said the values should be a guide for their actions both on and off campus, to foster inclusivity, diversity and unity among your peers.

    He said: “Guard your admission and studentship jealously, avoid all forms of vices, including examination misconduct, cultism, rape, indecent dressing and sexual harassment, as, such behaviours are forbidden and will not be condoned, also, severe actions will be taken against offenders without fear or favour.”

    Ige tasked them   to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking and be open to diverse perspectives and challenge conventional wisdom and also embrace interdisciplinary collaboration  to find innovative solutions to societal challenges.

    Provost of MULCOED, Prof. Abiodun Taiwo Gbolagade, said matriculation symbolises the commencement of a transformative educational journey, adding that the students should be committed to their studies.

  • Bells hosts students’ leadership summit

    Bells hosts students’ leadership summit

    • By Segun Odukoya

    Bells University of Technology, Sango-Ota,  Ogun State, has hosted the inaugural Southwest Leadership Summit for students. The event with the theme: “ Role of leaders in the 21st Century brought together student leaders and professionals from across the region and various private schools.

    Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, highlighted the significance of leadership, particularly among youths.

    President of Bells University Student Association (BUSA), Tobi Animashaun,  the convener of the summit,said: “This leadership summit marks a significant milestone, bringing together student leaders from private universities across the southwest region alongside key stakeholders, distinguished leaders, experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to share insights, foster collaborations, inspire innovation, and empower the next generation of leaders.”

    Chairperson of Bells University Parent Forum (BUPF), Mrs. Ayo-Ponle Adefowoke, emphasized that leadership is a journey that requires dedication and effort. She highlighted the importance of taking  opportunities and making impactful contributions.

    “Leadership is more than just positions; it’s about what you do that’s impactful and will always be referenced even when you leave the position,” she said.

    Panel discussions focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including “Building Ethical and Inclusive Leadership for a Sustainable Future” and “Innovative Leadership Approaches for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Growth.”

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    The panelists included, Founder of Stecs Gbenle Habeeb;Editor of Techmoonshot, Muhammed Mustapaha; Founder of Lead for Good Africa, Chinonso Clark; Principal Partner of DASA Architects Ltd, Dr. Segun Alabi; President of Pan-Atlantic University Student Council,Prisca-Okocha Ojeah, among others.

    The summit provided ample opportunities for attendees to network with industry peers, fostering collaborations and professional connections.

    Sanni Samiat, a member of the organizing committee, thanked the school management, attendees, speakers, schools, sponsors, for their contributions to the summit’s success.

    “Without you all, this summit wouldn’t have been a success. Our goal was to create a platform that fosters collaboration between students from private schools across the southwest region and empowers leaders to drive change and innovation,” she said.

  • IG deploys helicopter to rescue abducted Kogi varsity students

    IG deploys helicopter to rescue abducted Kogi varsity students

    The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed a helicopter and police security apparatus to rescue the remaining abducted university students in Kogi.

    In a statement yesterday, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Kogi, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, said the police were determined to rescue the students.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) were on May 9 abducted by suspected bandits, who invaded the institution while they were reading for their first semester examination. But only 21 of them had been rescued.

    “In furtherance to the ongoing Rescue Operation and to sustain the onslaught, the IGP deployed the Air Component of Police Security Apparatus well trained for Aerial Surveillance, Monitoring Team as well as Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) to Kogi.

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    “The reinforcement is in response to IGP’s unwavering passion about protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, especially the safety of our children in various Schools in the Country.

    “The diligence and indomitable spirit of the combined Team had led to the rescue of additional seven victims, bringing the total to 21.

    “It is not over until it is over, so we won’t rest on our oars as all hands will be on deck to ensure all the students are safely rescued and perpetrators brought to deserved justice,’’ he said.

    He added: “Already, the Kogi State government as well as the university community are satisfied with the rescue operations so far and commended the indubitable, unassailable level of cooperation, collaboration and synergy amongst the security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters in the state.”

    He also said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, thanked the I-G for the gesture and others for their show of patriotism to Kogi people.

  • Vice chancellor warns students against bullying

    Vice chancellor warns students against bullying

    Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences (FUSHI), Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Prof. Akeem Lasisi has warned the 673 newly matriculated students against bully and indiscipline.

    Prof. Lasisi spoke yesterday during the second matriculation ceremony and investiture of the institution’s pioneer Chancellor, Alhaji Ibrahim El-Kanemi, who is also the Shehu of Dikwa.

    He said the university management has put up a strong department to deal with the menace. 

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    “We have a strong department which has effective ways of getting to the students. You must know the university’s stand on indiscipline and culture, we will not condone bullying. We are clear about our direction over bullying and indiscipline, so any one who wants to misbehave should know that the management will not bend the rules in dealing with you,” the don said.

    The VC hailed President Bola Tinubu for appointing Alhaji El-Kanemi as the institution’s pioneer Chancellor. He added that of the 673 students admitted into 13 programmes, 439 were female, representing 63.7 per cent of the number.

    Alhaji El-Kanemi, after his investiture by officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, pledged to serve diligently and advocate for students’ academic pursuits, personal development and their aspirations.

  • ‘Pay stipends to diaspora students’

    ‘Pay stipends to diaspora students’

    National  Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS Diaspora) has  urged Federal Government to intervene in the payment of  stipends  to  students abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship.

    NANS Diaspora President, Chris Fayomi, urged the minister of Education to expedite disbursement of stipends to Nigerian students in Russia, China, Morocco, Algeria, Hungary and Venezuela

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     “These students face severe challenges due to withholding of their 11-month stipends, which was a persistent issue last year,” he said.

    Fayomi, in coordination with the Students Ambassador, John Aikeremiokha and leadership of Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS), reported that despite reaching out to the scholarship board and others responsible for welfare of Nigerian students on bilateral scholarships in over six countries, the situation remains unresolved.