The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Students

  • Students’ unionism is losing

    It is of uttermost importance for me to rise at such a time like this, being a leader rather than an impostor as opposed to what has come to characterise students’ movement in Nigeria. I believe strongly that there is no better time to revisit the role of students’ unionism in the Nigerian tertiary institutions.

    It is often said that when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.Without doubt, the role of students in the success of university administration, especially in the age of democracy, cannot be overemphasised as the students’ body constitutes the critical mass of a university campus.

    In plain terms, student unionism is aimed at offering ideas, initiatives and perspectives that foster better conditions for students. It is a platform for addressing the problems of the Nigerian students and the effective running of the university administration as well asits implications for good governance in Nigeria.

    Various students’ unions in tertiary institutions are expected to serve students and represent their interest in order to promote discipline, orderliness and oneness among students and their school authorities. That is, students’ union government were established in various institutions of higher learning to promote unity, orderliness and smooth relationship between students, school authorities and the state or federal government.

    As it stands, most students’ union government in Nigeria institutions have failed to understand the essence of their existence, resulting in a paralysed and polarised institutions. In recent times, we have witnessed large-scale violence leading to destruction of lives and properties and disruption of academic programmes. These are clearly not the original intent of students’ movements. So instead of alleviating the sufferings of students, the studentsend up bearing the brunt of their foolish actions as most times they are compelled to pay for the destroyed amenities during such protests.

    There was the golden era of unionism in Nigeria where intellectualism thrived. Students’ leaders of this era penned incisive articles that were stimulating and engaging. It was an era when oratory became the norm on campuses; an era when students even taught politicians how to practice democracy. There was a time when Nigerian students proudly held successive government accountable through incisive write-ups, debates and street protests which were held when necessary in a much civilised manner.

    But today, we see the defilement of the purpose of its establishment perpetrated by various tyrants who have adopted student unionism as a platform to display their hooliganism and lawlessness. The acts and attitudes of various union leaders and representatives have called to questions as to whether students’ movement is a platform for marauders and pretenders. It questions the state of mind of the so-called students whose actions give them away as miscreants.

    Education is not just about the claim to have passed through the best university in the nation or the number of certificates one has been able to accumulate but the ability to relate in the society as a responsible and God fearing students. Failure to understand this has led to various incidents of cultism, prostitution, arm robbery, drug addiction and other heinous crimes which now seem to be the hallmark of students and unionism on our campuses.

    Contrary to what we sing in our national anthem, we have been making the effort or labour of our past heroes to be in vain through our actions and I must confess that the horse of Nigeria unionism is hovering around the Bermuda triangle and if we continue to fail in taking measures, amendment and restitutions where necessary, unionism may become a thing of the past in our future generation.

    To avoid eventual collapse, all hands are needed on deck to ensure that we lay a solid foundation for an enduring democracy that would be the pride of future generations of Nigerians. The way to achieve the change that we desire is not just in chanting the change mantra. It is not just a declaration. But we can only have a foretaste of that glorious tomorrow through the way we conduct ourselves today by being always positive in all our approach and to be always true to what we say.

    We are meant to be nation builders and not devourers or destroyers.Let us therefore see ourselves as the future of the nation, for we must first develop ourselves before we can develop any nation. There must be a changed man with a changedmindset before we can have a changed nation. Let us purge ourselves of this prevailing indiscipline; let us make our unions credible enough for everyone to believe. Let us wisely use our discretions and stop playing into the hands of the dubious paymasters that we have today in various levels of the school administration by doing their bidding for a portion of pottage.

    Let us work together to ensure that students’ unionism achieve its aim of being the voice of the Nigerian helpless students who are suffering greatly in the hands of some heartless lecturers. Let us make our union an antagonist to corrupt or bad leadership, a no-go-area for retired touts and rusticated cultists who are the potential crime leaders. Let us make it a place to be for God fearing future leaders by staying committed to the path of truth and justice, righteousness and probity. Let us endeavour to make consultation before consolidation and even if we are to embark on confrontation after consolidation has failed to work, let us make it a peaceful one.

    Let us abstain from chaos that extends our four-year program to six and even seven years or even more. That way, we can look back when all is said and done and be proud of the history we have left behind so that people from afar may join us to sing halleluiah.

    Let us understand that the future of this nation and students unionism – as far as Nigeria is concerned – depend solely on us and the kind of approach with which we tackle issues facing us. Tomorrow belongs to us. Let us fight a just cause because posterity beckons.

     

    • Benson, is an Economics student of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State

     

     

  • Be focused and decisive, lawmaker tells students

    Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Lagos Mainland 2 constituency, Moshood Oshun, has admonished youths to set their priorities right in life.

    Oshun lamented that youths are losing focus and drifting into social vices such as cultism which tends to be the norm these days.

    The lawmaker stated this while addressing a group of students under the aegis of ‘The Lagos State tertiary institutions speakers forum’ comprising of speakers from students parliament in all the tertiary institutions in Lagos state who paid him a courtesy visit and gave him an award for being the most youth-friendly lawmaker in the state at the Assembly.

    “Everything we do now, there is a price we have to pay later in life,” Oshun warned.

    Hesaid since becoming a lawmaker in 2007, he has provided between 60 and 80 jobs for youths in the state.

    The lawmaker, however, expressed worry that in the face of rising unemployment, some youths in the country no longer want to work because but are only interested in cutting corners.

    According to him, the get-rich-quick mentality has enveloped many young men and women resulting in an increase in social vices and criminal activities.

    “Youths are losing focus and what should be priority is no longer there. We are losing what should be our pride,” he said, while recalling how he grew up with focus on education and the spirit of competition between him and his mates  in school. “Today, youths now compete with smoking and drinking,” he continued, “Now, the youths only think of driving the best cars and living in the best houses, but they don’t want to work hard. And when you are not ready to work hard, then you would steal. That was how social vices came into existence.

    “I once had an opportunity to get someone a job that six people had already rejected because they were not comfortable with waiting for the end of the month to get paid. They also did not want to be seen wearing uniforms. It was the seventh person who picked the job.

    “The sky is the limit for this forum of yours, but that is when you decide that the sky would be your limit. Being serious does not mean you should not catch fun; but be very responsible,” he advised.

    Chairman of the forum, Ibrahim Oladimeji from Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Yaba said they decided to visit Oshun and present the award following all his contributions especially to students of the tertiary institutions within his constituency.

     

  • Old students spend N25m on alma mater

    Ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Methodist High School, Ilesa in Osun State, its old students’ association has spent about N25 million to renovate dilapidated buildings and provide other necessary infrastructure in the school.

    The money was spent to construct a new school gate and drive, re-roof five blocks, consisting of 29 classrooms among others.

    Addressing a press conference, the President Old students’ Association, Methodist High School, Ilesa (OSAMTHSI), Dideolu Falobi, disclosed that the old students are already preparing a series of activities to give the school a befitting 60th anniversary.

    Falobi, who further disclosed that the anniversary is scheduled for January 29-31, 2016 said the old students’ support for the school is to enhance learning outcomes in order to give the current students a secured future.

    He said the old students would not relent in restoring the school’s past glory.

    The association, according to him,  is also planning to build an e-library/ICT centre and a new sport centre with modern facilities as well as renovate 11 blocks of classrooms and complete the school hall.

    Though acknowledging the financial challenges facing the state, Falobi appealed to the state government to support the old students in their quest to ensure that the standard of the school does not go down.

    He also called on the parents, who have their wards in the school, distinguished Ijesa sons and daughters, the Methodist Church and other stakeholders as well as industries, banks and others in the private sector within and outside Ijesaland to come to the aid of the school.

     

  • Coordinator: Amnesty for UK students not suspended

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has said the funding of foundation students undergoing training in the United Kingdom (U.K) has not been suspended or stopped, contrary to speculation.

    In a statement in Abuja, PAP’s Coordinator Gen. Paul Boroh (retd) said foundation students sent for training in the U.K in 2014 were returning because of the expiration of their one-year visa.

    The statement, by PAP’s Head of Media and Communications, Mr Owei Lakemfa, reads: “Foundation students sent to the U.K in 2014 under the Presidential Amnesty Programme are returning to the country following the expiration of their one-year visa. Apart from the completion of their one-year foundation course, they are required to return to the country to renew their visa, where necessary. This has nothing to do with the funding of their programmes, as being insinuated.

    “Also, the Presidential Amnesty Office reiterates that there is no policy or plans under the programme to pay housing or accommodation allowances. It is, therefore, not correct for any beneficiary under the programme to claim he is being owed or is expecting such an allowance.

    “Furthermore, the Amnesty Office reiterates that all allowances and payments under the programme have been effected. However, some beneficiaries, especially in South Africa and United States (U.S.), experienced some delays, perhaps due to the Central Bank’s implementation of the TSA policy. Happily, the affected beneficiaries have started getting alerts, confirming their banks’ receipt of the funds.

    “The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Gen. Paul T. Boroh (retd) appreciates the support of the leaders and members of the various groups and camps under the Amnesty Programme.

    “He reiterates that only under a peaceful atmosphere will investors be attracted to the Niger Delta Region, and sustainable development achieved.”

  • Delta students suspend president

    National Association of Delta State Students’ Union (NADESSTU)president Emomine Shaka has been suspended over allegations of financial misconduct. He was also accused of calling off a meeting of parliament members.

    His suspension was announced in a joint statement by the Senate President, Samson Agolo, and Clerk, Segun Onoriode, at a meeting held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    The parliament ordered Emomine to handover properties in his possession to the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board with immediate effect. It asked the Vice President, Ogheneyole Ugagaoghene, to assume the leadership of the union in acting capacity.

    The parliament said the suspended president contravened Section 19 (1)(b) of NADESSTU constitution. Samson listed allegations against Emomine to include withholding funds meant for the parliament for over two months and enriching himself at the expense of the union by commercialising the union bus without remitting proceeds.

    He said: “Emomine engaged in fraudulent and dishonest practices. He did not fully remit the funds meant for parliament meeting. He collected N1 million from the state government on behalf of the parliament but remitted N400,000.

    “Emomine sold and unilaterally shared slots given to students in state government’s youth empowerment schemes, thereby denying qualified students opportunity to benefit from the scheme. He also connived with some government officials to defraud the association to the tune of N450,000 being money meant for mobilisation members of the union for a visit to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.”

    The parliament said it had set up a five-man committee chaired by Peter Onoriode to further probe the allegation against the embattled president.

    In his reaction, Emomine denied the allegations, saying he was not aware of his impeachment.

    He said: “I am not aware of any meeting held by some disgruntled members of the union. I only heard that I was impeached on telephone. It cannot hold water. I am still the president.”

    On the corruption allegations against him, Emomine said: “I don’t want to say anything. Go and ask those who made the allegations against me. They will be able to give you facts and evidence if they have any.”

  • Students protest ‘deplorable’ facilities

    Students protest ‘deplorable’ facilities

    arly morning protest, on Monday, hit the University of Calabar (UNICAL), with students moving round the campus to draw management attention to what they called deplorable state of infrastructure in the school.

    By 6am, students had come out of their hostels to embark on the demonstration, which was informed by lack of water in the hostel, poor sanitary and healthcare service, epileptic power supply, dilapidated hostel facilities and abandoned renovation work on the Halls of Residences.

    Although the protest was peaceful, the students said it was unhuman for the management to keep the campus in darkness for three weeks, saying the blackout in Calabar should not affect the school.

    The protesters swarmed the school main gate, preventing lecturers and non-teaching staff to move into the campus. This led to traffic congestion on the major roads leading to the school; motorists spent hours to make detour to alternative routes.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, led other principal officers of the school to pacify the protesters at the gate, but the students gave the VC a little audience. They told the VC to follow them to see the state of their hostels.

    Prof Epoke said the management was facing financial challenge, which made it unable to meet the students’ demand. He said the school had put some facilities in place despite its financial circumstance.

    He promised that the management would address the issue in due time.

    The students could not be convinced by the VC’s statement; some of the protesters chanted anti-management songs. They insisted that the VC should visit their hostels.

    As the protest continued, the management issued a memo stating that it would meet the demands of the students within 14 days.

    Students’ Union Government (SUG) president, Ekpo Tete, said the union would ensure the management fulfilled its promise.

    Ekpo, while addressing the protesters, said students should vacate their hostels to allow renovation work. He said the management had shown its commitment by road rehabilitation and purchase of over 100 mattresses for students’ use.

     

  • Why we visited National Assembly, by students

    Why we visited National Assembly, by students

    Members of Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Adekunle Ajasin University at Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State have gone on two-day excursion to the Federal Capital Territory.

    During the tour, the students visited the National Assembly in Abuja to observe the Senate and the House of Representatives at work.

    The union Speaker, Joseph Akinkuotu, said the aim of the tour was to expose members of the legislative arm to core legislative business to improve their participation in the union. He said the visit was worthwhile, stressing that it would add values to the SRC members’ intellectualism and enhance their activities.

    Recounting his experience, Femi Adewole, a member from English and Literary Studies Department, said the visit was educative. “I learnt things I was ignorant of in the business of legislature. I learnt how the House of Representatives and the Senate are being run,” he said.

    He said the reception at the National Assembly was pleasant, adding: “When we were led into the Green Chamber, the House of Representatives Speaker recognised us before they started plenary session.”

    The students held an interactive session with lawmakers from Ondo State during the tour. Kolawole Folarin, a member from Sociology Department, said the visit broadened his knowledge in legislation. He urged the management to sustain the excursion and ensure members of the SUG go on such trips to enable them become responsible.

    Joseph praised the management for financing the trip, describing it as rare privilege. He said: “We are grateful to the management for this rare privilege bestow on us and also for believing in us. This visit to the National Assembly would create an enabling atmosphere for students to get exposed to the practice of legislature beyond the campus.”

  • Kogi State University expels 68 students

    Kogi State University, Ayangba, has expelled 68 students for examination malpractice and poor academic performance, according to a statement.

    The statement, issued by the Registrar of the university, Dr Yakubu Abubakar in Lokoja on Sunday, said 19 of the affected students were expelled for various examination misconduct and 49 others withdrawn for poor academic performance.

    Abubakar noted that some students also had their admission withdrawn for failure to register within the stipulated period and wrong entry requirements and that the affected students cut across all the faculties.

    He stated that Prof. Mohammed Abdulkadir had been appointed the new Vice Chancellor of the university to take over from Prof. Hassan Isah, whose tenure expired on Oct. 12.

    He added that Abdulkadir had since resumed duty, noting that until his appointment, he was a professor of economic history from Bayero University, Kano.

    The registrar stated that while taking over from his predecessor, the new vice chancellor promised to run an inclusive and consultative administration and appealed to stakeholders to join hands with him in moving the school forward.

  • Students donate N.5m materials to poly

    Students donate N.5m materials to poly

    To complement government’s effort at enhancing quality education, students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State, have donated N.5m worth of equipment and furniture to the faculty.

    President of Association of Applied Science Students (ASAPSS), Femi Akinjisola, who led other executive members of the association to deliver the materials, explained that the gesture was to contribute to the academic progress of the polytechnic.

    At a colourful ceremony where the materials were handed over to the school, Femi called on other students’ associations to think of what they could do to complement the government’s efforts in making the school better.

    Reacting, the Acting Rector, Mr I.B. Ologunagba, hailed the students for the gesture, which he said would support the development agenda of the state government. The rector explained that the donated materials would help the school to reduce pressure on existing facilities in the faculty, as well as driving the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) profile of the institution.

    He said: “We are happy this is happening in our time. Our students are really making great impact. The fact that this institution was adjudged the best state polytechnic in Nigeria in 2013 was as a result of our high education standard, quality of staff and students as well as the peaceful manner in which the affairs of the institution have been managed over years.”

    The Registrar, Mr P.T. Akinlabi, promised that the management would always strive to ensure mutual relationship among various stakeholders in the institution by paying prompt attention to the welfare of all and engaging in constructive dialogue to address differences.

    While unveiling the materials, the Dean of the faculty, Mr Gani Ogundahunsi, explained that as future leaders, students owed it a duty to be highly responsible, dedicated and patriotic as demonstrated by the Applied Science students. Rather than engaging in criminal activities, Ogundahunsi said students should channel their energy and resources to meaningful activities that could promote peace and wellbeing.

    The Registrar said he was amazed about the achievement of the ASAPSS executive despite having a short tenure, stressing that the world would be a better place if young people could contribute their quota to the development of the society they live in.

    Items donated included furniture, projector, laboratory hardware and consumables.

  • FUTA VC counsels students on planning

    FUTA VC counsels students on planning

    The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Adebiyi Daramola, has admonished students of higher institutions to acquire extra skills in addition to their degrees in order to have a unique selling point.

    During an interaction  with the institution’s Students Union officials led by the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Idowu  Ayodeji, Daramola said having a distinctive expertise like foreign language, software skills or higher degree in an uncommon course will give  undergraduates  added advantage in the labour market and make them favourite of prospective employers.

    Speaking on the state of the education sector in the country, Daramola stated that ICT has made learning broader and students have unlimited access to diverse information and opportunities to broaden their horizon.

    On students unionism, the Vice-Chancellor that dialogue should be the key factor in students’ engagement with university authorities, government, communities and other stakeholders.

    According to him, strikes by students cause set-back and destroy the system.

    “The university is a civilised place where ideas can be cross fertilised to achieve the best result” he said.  He urged the student leaders to apply common sense to students’ unionism and curtail militancy among their members while resisting the temptation to be goaded into doing evil in order not to destroy their future.

    The Vice-Chancellor noted that FUTA students were well behaved internally and externally due to the efforts of management in exposing the leadership as well as the generality of the students to global best practices and requisite training programmes.

    Daramola said he was optimistic that before the end of his tenure FUTA will rank as one of the first five universities in Nigeria.  He said: “The process of building a world class institution is a long one but FUTA is steadily becoming a first class university globally. His words: “We have overtaken some of the old generation universities, but we can still do better.” He said students have a major role to play in the institution’s journey to greatness by participating in and winning top rated competitions nationally and globally.

    The Students Union team which included Mr. Tesleem Okunlola, and Miss Oyewunmi Balogun, thanked the Vice Chancellor for his advice assuring him that they would continue to engage in constructive engagement with the authorities and other stakeholders.