The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Students

  • Foundation mentors students

    Knowledge came the way of 20 students of Community Senior Secondary School, Mushin,Lagos, benefactors of a day of photography under the Youth Empowerment Through Contemporary Art(YECA).

    Organised by African Artists’ Foundation(AAF), YECA is a programme targeted at the youth in communities in Lagos State through art courses, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities.

    The aim of YECA is to provide vocational training, the acquisition of livelihood skills and a solid extra-curricular outlet for youths in secondary schools and to position art as a viable career path.

    The day of photography held at the Community Senior Secondary School, Mushin. The pupils were shared into four groups. A group was assigned to a photographer with a theme to work on. Thereafter, the students went out within the school environ with a photographer to take pictures that would best describe the theme that was assigned.

    The themes included Handwork, Street and School game, Portraiture and Election and Trade. The photographers at the event were Benedicte Kurzen, Robin Maddock, Jide Odukoya and Bayo Omoboriowo. Before then, the students had a brief lecture on the basis of handling a camera, taking pictures and how technology has converted the Camera Oscura into the digital camera that is trending today.

    Gallery Manager, AAF and Coordinator/Facilitator, YECA, Mr Olayinka Stevens, said that YECA is part of AAF’s quest to give back to the society as an art organisation. He said that it is important to start teaching the students now at the early stage.

    “YECA began in February, 2014 with Euba Secondary school, Mushin,Lagos. The organisation then proceeded to Community Senior Secondary school, Mushin this year.

    “The day of photography is also an avenue of developing a close contact with the students and involve them in AAF’s activities like exhibitions, festivals and so on. Apart from photography, they are also taught paintings, sculptures and also contemporary art”.

    Mr Stevens said that the organisation is also working with two schools on the Lagos-Island; Isaleko Senior Secondary School and Girls Senior Academy.

    He said that the organisation gave out about thirty forms to each school for students to fill and a test was also conducted to determine the level of the students’ interest. “That was where we arrived at the final are in each school. At the end of the pilot programme, YECA will develop a curriculum to be presented for adoption in public secondary schools in Lagos state in order to re-appraise the curriculum with what is trending presently in the art industry”.

    According to him, Art Education is declining in the country due to the inadequate numbers of art teachers. “The programme is a way to give students the opportunity to venture into arts as a profession.

    We are teaching these students to be self-reliant”. One of the photographers, Benedicte Kurzen said that photography is a way to relate to the world and also to tell a story noting that ‘we the photographers are here to teach these children to understand the camera and how to use the light to make good pictures. Sometimes, a photographer has to convince people in order for then to take photographs’.

    Kurzen said that photography is a job you do out of passion and not for money at the initial stage. “So we are teaching the students on how to look at the environment in a different way. Picture is a tool that could also be used to open up the photographer’s mind”.

    Another photographer, Jide Odukoya said that the aim of the programme was achieved at the end of the day because the students were smart; putting into practice all they have been taught. “They surprised me with the way that they were so particular about details”.

    The initiative is sponsored by Ford Foundation with partnership from Nokia Microsoft.

     

  • Fanfare as Etisalat Cliqfest fetes Mapoly students

    Fanfare as Etisalat Cliqfest fetes Mapoly students

    For the student community in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY) penultimate Saturday would go down in the annals of the polytechnic more memorable in many ways than one.

    First, it was a day it got its share of entertainment from arguably one of the most innovative telecommunications company in Nigeria, Etisalat, which stormed the school with its unrivalled youth-centric, empowerment, and educative initiative tagged: ‘Etisalat Cliqfest.’

    The two-day event which held last weekend began with an inspirational session delivered by Motivational Speaker and Life Coach, Niyi Adesanya.

    The icing in the cake was the second day as students were thrilled at a concert headlined by popular Nigerian artistes, a football match and a raffle draw.

    Speaking on the event, Elvis Daniel, Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, described Cliqfest as a touch point for young people where they are at liberty to express themselves and their dreams.

    “We go around the country, bringing an entertaining platform that delivers a wholesome experience to students because Etisalat is passionate about the Nigerian youth and their aspirations. Cliqfest is designed to help them discover themselves right here within the walls of their institution,” said Daniel.

    The climax of the event emerged when Bilikis Egusola Omowunmi, a Science Laboratory Technology student was announced as the winner of a brand new Hyundai i10. The elated student said, “To be honest I bought two raffle tickets in anticipation that I might win but I still cannot believe that I truly won. Etisalat is the best network ever and I am extremely grateful to Etisalat for this encouraging experience.”

    In just six years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 20 million in a highly competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include – easy starter, easycliq, easybusiness, and easyblaze; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.

    Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 19 operations of the Etisalat Group that spans across Africa, Middle East and Asia serving over 182 million subscribers; and it is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.

  • Use computers to learn, Auchi Poly Rector urges students

    The Rector of the Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Phillipa Idogho, has advised newly-admitted students to adopt the correct use of computers for learning.

    Speaking to the over 12,000 new students gathered at the school’s sport complex for the 32nd matriculation last Saturday, Dr Idogho said education is now going the way of electronic learning, therefore, students should be prepared, adding that the polytechnic has four electronic learning centers.

    She said: “As much as we have encouraged staff to be computer literate, it is also necessary that students begin to imbibe the correct use of computers for learning. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Nigeria Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) project has developed instructional materials in seven disciplines that can be downloaded.

    “These materials are available in building technology, computer science, quantity surveying, civil engineering technology, science laboratory technology and mechanical engineering technology. Please visit their websites at www.unesco-nigeriatve.”

    Dr Idogho congratulated the freshers on their admission and enjoined them to be conversant with the rules and regulations operating in the school.

    She, however, frowned at students that present fake credentials.

    “It is forbidden in this institution, the polytechnic has verification mechanisms for ensuring that students with fake credentials are detected. Know that when caught, the sanction is expulsion for presentation of fake credentials and rustication for examination malpractices,” she said.

    She assured the students that the management is determined to make the learning environment conducive for them so they can optimize their time for learning.

    “I urge you all to take full advantage of this priviledge of admission by working studiously to attain your goals and ambition in this institution. On our part, we will do all we need to make you men and women of character “she advised.

    Also at the event, the Student Union Government (SUG) led by the President, Comrade Sanni Kafeel, presented an educational award of excellence to the rector.

    “This award is being presented in appreciation for the laudable achievements you have made in the infrastructural, academic and human development of our great institution. Auchi Polytechnic under your leadership has reached tremendous goals.

    “On behalf of the executive members of the SUG and the entire Nigerian students of Auchi Polytechnic, I present this award for your contribution not only to Polytechnic but the development of education in Africa,” said Kafeel.

     

  • Union sensitises students on dress code

    Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY) have been urged to dress decently.

    The insitution’s Students Union Government (SUG) Vice President, Blessing Onyenwenu, gave the advice at a seminar by the association.

    She advised his colleagues to use the pedestrian bridge when crossing the highway for their safety.

    Addressing participants, Chairman of the polytechnic’s Dress Code Committee, Dr Helen Uhunmwhagho, said students must dress properly and avoid exposing their bodies in the name of fashion.

    She said: “You are addressed the way you are dressed. It is important for students to dress neatly and morally at every occasion.

    The Head of Department of Mass Communication, Mrs Clara Ogbiti, advised students to engage social media responsibly, urging them not to copy everything they see online. She admonished students to use the pedestrian bridge for safety.

    “When you dress indecently, you expose yourself to rape and portray yourself as a prostitute. By implication, you cannot be seen to be a morally-upright human being. You must be good ambassador of your family by dressing decently,” Ogbiti said.

    Blessing said the seminar was to complement management’s effort to curb vices on campus. She said: “Some of our colleagues dress shabbily to classes without considering the immorality of their act. It is not limited to girls alone; guys also sag their trousers with no reason. There is need for sensitisation for students to know the kind of conduct they are expected to put up. This campaign will help to inform them better.”

     

  • Students elect leaders

    Students elect leaders

    Students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye have elected their Students’ Union Government (SUG) leaders.

    The election, conducted by a committee led by Uthman Quadri, followed a debate for candidates and manifesto. The post of the president was keenly contested between Ayoola Faranmi , a 300-Level Philosophy student, and Adenola Adegbesan, a 400-Level Law student.

    After the election, Adenola was announced as president.

    Ayoola conceded defeat, saying: “It was a privilege to have this opportunity to contest SUG election. It was an interesting experience for me.”

    Adenola said: “The electioneering was not an easy task. I sincerely appreciate all students for their support and I promise to serve well.”

    Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Uthman, a final year Animal Production student, said the election was challenging, but hailed the contestants for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the process.

  • Unilag, Douala varsity best computer students honoured

    Unilag, Douala varsity best computer students honoured

    Computer Warehouse Group has rewarded best graduating students of the Computer Science Department of the University of Lagos and the University of Douala, Cameroon, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. At two different ceremonies, its representatives presented gifts to the students in furtherance of its bid to extol the essence of attaining academic excellence.

    At the presentation ceremony in Lagos, UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor,  Prof Rahman Bello observed that if the focus of CWG’s CSR initiative is sustained, it is capable of aiding universities in Nigeria to attain desired greatness.

    He said: “This award presentation has been an annual event. Since inception, CWG has lived up to their promise of rewarding the best graduating student in Computer Science Department every year, for five years now. On behalf of the management of the university, I thank your organisation for your commitment to this partnership. Your commitment to promoting academic excellence will help us in going forward.

    “I tell you that your contributions have been helpful. At the moment, University of Lagos is the 20th best school in Africa and the first in Nigeria, according to the 4icu rankings. Going by our consistent progressive performance, we look forward to being the first in Africa anytime soon. This is our target. And, we believe that the input of corporate partners like CWG will see us through to the point we aim to get to,” he said.

    CWG’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Phillip Obioha, said the annual award presentation underscores CWG’s emphasis on hard-work and qualitative education.  He said: “Our business scope covers a range of sectors; from banking to telecoms and recently SMEs. Our business is all about the quality of our workforce. We boast of an array of professionals whose expertise has formed the bedrock of service providers in the telecoms sector, for example. Our premium on quality workforce explains our emphasis on quality education.”

  • Pharmacists counsel students on drug production

    Pharmacists counsel students on drug production

    Managing Director of Mopson Pharmaceuticals, Dr Paul Oyebanjo, said he is sad that despite producing pharmacists yearly, Nigeria still depends on imports for simple drugs like cough syrup.

    Oyebanjo, said this while delivering a paper titled: Industry “Pharmacy” at a lecture organised by the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia for 300, 400 and 500-Level students of the faculty at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    The paper was drawn from the theme: “Practice grand rounds”.

    The pharmacist lamented that cough mixtures still come from China and India – with the only raw material that comes from Nigeria being water.

    “Nigeria imports everything.  If we still import all these products, it shows that we have benefited nothing from people who have graduated from this field,” he said.

    Oyebanjo challenged the students to do beyond seeking ready-made jobs after graduation and embrace entrepreneurship. He shared how he started producing drugs with them.

    Other lectures delivered at the event included “Hospital practice: teamwork, The future” by Dr Casmir Amadi; and “Community Pharmacy” by the Chief executive Officer of Dlightsom Mount pharmacy, George Okon,

    Okon advised those interested in going into drug production to first practice community pharmacy, which he described as the backbone of the pharmacy profession.  He said there is a lot to learn as a community pharmacist because of the multiple roles they play.

    “The backbone of the pharmacy profession is actually the community pharmacy: you are a pharmaceutical care provider, you are a counselor not just to the patient but to the other health care providers,” he said.

    Amadi said health professionals in the hospital must realise that they are working to achieve a common goal: the wellbeing of the patient.  He called for cooperation among the various professionals that work in the hospitals.

     

  • FCMB advocates financial literacy among students

    irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has held an interactive session on Financial Literacy for pupils of Government Girls College, Dala and the unbanked in Kano Sstate.

    This is part of the bank’s contributions towards securing the future of youths, through the adoption of savings and investment culture, by expanding their knowledge base on financial literacy and its principles.

    The session, which was anchored by the Executive Director, Abuja/North of the Bank, Mr. Adam Nuru, was held  as part of activities commemorating the Global Money Week and Financial Literacy Day celebration.

    An initiative of the Bankers Committee in collaboration with the CBN, the financial literacy programme is focused on educating youths in Nigeria on the economic environment, impressing upon them the importance of saving, entrepreneurship and financial creation to empower the next generation to be self-reliant and money savvy global citizens.

    Nuru, who took the over 200 pupils that attended the session through the topic, ‘’Growing your money’’, advised them to avoid spending money on frivolities.

    He counselled them on the need to open accounts and develop the  habit of saving part of their income, no matter how small. ‘’Saving your money in a box, wallet or home is a good starting point. However, this method of saving does not grow your money. Money saved at home should be transferred to a financial institution or invested after a while. This reduces the risk of spending, theft and gives your money the chance to grow,’’ he said.

    FCMB is determined to ensure that youths understand the importance of prudent management of resources, he said.

    He said ‘’by being financially literate, youths will be able to build their capacity for future business endeavours thereby securing their future and be free from poverty’’, adding that this will also help to fast-track socio-economic growth of the country.

    Mr. Nuru announced that FCMB has adopted the school for a full year financial literacy programme support, part of which will involve the participation of the bank’s staff in providing tutoring to the students and other support activities during the period. In addition, he also announced that the bank will renovate the school hall as part of measures to provide a conducive environment for the students and further enhance the status of the school.

    In her response, the Principal of Government Girls College, Dala, Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed Tukur, commended the CBN and FCMB in particular for committing both human and financial resources to bring the financial literacy initiative to life. She described the project as an important step in nation building, saying if maintained could serve as the much needed solution towards the eradication of poverty in the country. According to her, “the students will really benefit from this programme as it will serve as a kind of career guidance, source of empowerment and skill acquisition in order to make sound financial decisions and right choice of occupation in life. We are very grateful to CBN and FCMB for this intervention”.

    Last year, FCMB carried out a similar project in Akwa Ibom state when it adopted Community Secondary School (CSS), Aka-Offot in Uyo, the state capital. Beyond organising a mentoring session for the students on financial literacy, the bank went further by renovating the school’s computer library and donated 30 new computer systems to the school. The gesture is aimed at building the capacity of the students to facilitate knowledge and skill, particularly on the use of information technology devices.

     

     

  • JAMB: Students seek improved computer-based examination

    JAMB: Students seek improved computer-based examination

    Some students in Enugu State who participated in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have called for improved system to handle lapses in the examination.

    Some of them, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday, regretted that they were given subjects contrary to their choice during the registration.

    Miss Adaeze Iwu, who took the examination at the Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu Nike, said she was forced to write a subject contrary to what she filled during the registration.

    “I registered Christian Religious Studies (CRS) as one of the subjects for the examination but to my utmost surprise, when I logged in to start my exams, I saw economics in place of CRS.

    “Though I guessed to answer the questions, I was not satisfied with the exams because I dropped economics at my senior secondary class 2.

    “I am not sure that I will make a good grade in the exam,’’ Iwu said.

    Another student, Samuel Mfon, who wrote at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, appealed to JAMB to provide more computers in order to improve the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system in the interest of participants.

    “I like the idea of releasing the results immediately but they should improve the system. We had three batches that wrote the examination today due to lack of computers,’’ Mfon said.

    Mfon also complained that he was given CRS to write in place of economics, and urged the board to address the problem immediately.

    Chidiebere Ibe, who wrote at the Prince Computer School in Nsukka, complained that the examination started three hours ahead of time.

    “I came from Enugu town since 9 a.m., to write my examination which was scheduled for 1.30 p.m., but to my surprise, we started around 3.30 p.m.

    “I do not have any relation in Nsukka. JAMB should try as much as they can to keep to time.

    “JAMB should make the CBT system to be optional. I do not think we have gotten to the stage of using only computers to write exams,’’ Ibe said.

    An official of JAMB, who preferred anonymity, expressed optimism that the system would improve over time.

    The official, who expressed regrets over the development, said the system had reduced examination malpractices.

    The official appealed to students to exercise patience with the system as the board was doing everything to make it faultless.

    NAN reports that the examination which is ongoing would end on March 21.

  • Students play Jonathan, Buhari at debate

    Students play Jonathan, Buhari at debate

    Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State have held a mock presidential debate ahead of the March 28 election. The debaters, who stood on the platform of either the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marshalled points on why their parties should win the election. The parking lot of the students’ Union Building was aglow for the event. AFEES LASISI (300-Level Political Science) reports.

    Call it a mock presidential debate and you won’t be wrong. But the discussants had a common purpose – the progress of the country. They made their presentation without rancour. They explained how their adopted parties – All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – would achieve their goals – if elected.

    These were no candidates contesting elections; they are students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Last Friday, they participated in a debate organised by the leadership of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

    The car park of the Students’ Union Building (SUB) was filled by students who came to listen to the programmes of both parties. The debate, which was part of the union’s leadership conference, was put together by Akorede Awode, its Assistant General Secretary.

    Akorede said the debate was to enlighten students on the party with the best programmes and candidate in the March 28 presidential election.

    President Goodluck Jonathan is PDP’s candidate; Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is for APC. Both parties were represented by students at the debate.

    PDP’s representatives were Goodluck Osaretin and Samuel Fakiyesi. Ismaheel Bayewunmi represented APC. The session was moderated by Olatayo Shittu, the General Secretary and Seun Fakorede, a student.

    APC, PDP clash at students' debate...students at the conferenceSamuel, one of the PDP discussants, argued that President Jonathan should be given another chance to bring his Transformation Agenda to fruition, noting that the president’s programmes had brought meaningful development in the last six years. He said another four years of Jonathan would be to the country’s good.

    He said: “President Jonathan has allowed other arms of government to function freely without meddling in their affairs. The entrepreneurship programmes introduced by the president have created millions of jobs for  youths. We have also enjoyed freedom of speech unlike what we used to have under the military.

    “The signing of Freedom of Information (FoI) Bill into law has brought about free press and people can criticise the government without fear of arrest. The president has boosted education with the establishment of more federal universities across regions. The increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has made our economy to grow faster, thereby making the nation largest economy in Africa.”

    But APC’s Ismaheel said there was a difference between economic growth and economic development.

    Economic growth, he said, is the number of sustained businesses and investment in the country. He defined economic development as the impact of the growth on the masses. He punctured PDP’s debaters’ claim of economic development, saying the condition of living of the masses has worsened.

    Ismaheel challenged his opponents to explain why the value of naira is falling against the dollar if truly the economy is growing. He asked them to provide statistics of jobs created yearly by the Jonathan administration in the last five years.

    Insurgency in the Northeast, Ismaheel argued, attests to the failure of the PDP-led Federal Government. Courageous leadership, he added, is needed to combat the Boko Haram menace, saying Gen. Buhari remained the best man for the top job.

    He said: “Under the PDP administration, the rate of corruption has increased and the nation has gone down further in corruption rating. To redeem the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations, we need an incorruptible and a tested leader, who will lead by example. It must be someone whose antecedent speaks volume in effective leadership and ability to fight corruption.

    “All these attributes are found in Gen Buhari. I am convinced that he has what it takes to lead this nation and pave the way for real growth and development in all sectors. If our economy is stabilised, the widening gap between the dollar and naira would close and the economy would grow. APC would proffer solutions to the insecurity challenge claiming innocent lives  daily. Also, education is one of the priorities in the APC manifesto; we should expect re-structuring of the education system for better and quality education.”

    In his counter-argument, the second PDP discussant, Goodluck, said corruption had been in the system before the incumbent came to power. He said the president had fought corruption than any of his predecessors, stressing that Jonathan would do more to stop graft if re-elected.

    Goodluck said: “We must never allow a dictator to steer the affairs of this nation in a democratic period. He would infringe on the fundamental rights of the people and prosecute people he perceives as personal enemies. President Jonathan is an unrepentant democrat and he is the best man to lead the country.”

    In his closing remarks, Ismaheel said: “We have several challenges facing the nation and these are caused by years of PDP misrule. We must vote in Gen. Buhari to move this country forward.”

    There were questions and contributions from members of the audience. Many were convinced beyond doubts who to vote in the presidential election.

    A guest, Pastor Peter Alabi of Rhema Word Church, said the presidential election would re-define the country’s destiny, adding: “This is an election that has generated more than a passing interest on the people in the history of this country. No one knows who would win or lose.”

    He advised the students not be induced by material property before voting for a party, urging them to vote according to their conscience.

    Olawale Kessington, a graduate of the university, said a leader who could not tackle the nation’s challenges has no right to be in office.

    Akorede said the debate was to make students decide which party to vote for in the general elections. He promised to organise a post-election debate that would feature Edo State Chief of Staff Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon.