The Chief Operating Officer, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), Engr. Kayode Adegbulugbe has been conferred with the award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (D.SC) Honoris Causa, by the University of Benin at the just concluded 48th Convocation Ceremony.
In a colourful ceremony at the University of Benin on Saturday, Dr. Kayode Adegbulugbe and other award recipients including a former Lagos Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Edo First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Gbenga Komolafe among others were honoured by the university.
Commenting on the award, Dr. Kayode Adegbulugbe noted that he felt “honoured and humbled” to have been recognized for his ingenious contribution to the development of the Nigerian oil and gas sector by the Senate of the University.
He said: “it’s an honour to be considered among the other great recipients of this award like Engr Komolafe and Babatunde Fashola. Their reputation precedes them and I feel very humbled to be recognized by this great University.”
Born into a distinguished family of academics and entrepreneurs in Ibadan on August 8th, 1978, he is a high-flyer in the world of Petroleum Engineering and an entrepreneur dedicated to delivering serial number 1 exploits, a committed philanthropist known for his significant contributions to countless community developments and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, after which he earned a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He went ahead to broaden his horizon by obtaining a Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law with Distinction from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
He has achieved remarkable feats in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry in his role as COO at GEIL, the Operator of the Otakikpo oil field. Under his leadership, GEIL has become the highest-producing marginal field operator in the country, currently producing 11,500 barrels of oil per day as of October 2023.
One of his numerous standout achievements is leading the construction, installation, and commissioning of a 12 million standard cubic feet modular LPG extraction plant at the Otakikpo field. This scale of modular LPG plant is the first to be installed in the country; an achievement that demonstrates that he is undaunted by hitherto serial number 1 exploits.
This achievement will significantly contribute to ameliorating the perennial associated gas flares that have bedeviled the several stranded pockets of oil fields in the Niger Delta thus supporting the Nigerian government’s aspiration of combating the issue of gas flaring in the country. Dr. Kayode Adegbulugbe hails from Ondo town in Ondo state.
Says strict upbringing saved her from becoming drug addict
Recalls memorable encounter with first female VC Alele-Williams
Prof. Lilian Imuetinyan Salami is the 10th Vice-chancellor of the University of Benin, and the second female Vice-Chancellor of the university after Prof Grace Alele-Williams, the first female Vice-Chancellor in the university and in Nigeria. In this interview with Southsouth Bureau Chief, BISI OLANIYI, Prof Salami speaks about the hostility she experienced upon her appointment, how the “Japa” syndrome can be eradicated and other issues of national interest.
WAS your growing up rosy?
I am the eldest of 18 children in a huge family of the late Mr. Benjamin Idemudia Emovon and the late Mrs. Alice Omoariagbon Emovon. I was born in Jos, Plateau State 67 years ago. I did my first few years of primary education in Jos. But with the outbreak of the civil war, we the children were relocated to Benin City. So, I completed my primary education in Benin City and also attended secondary school there before I moved to the United States of America (USA) where I did my first and second degrees: B.Sc. in Home Economics and M.Sc. in Nutrition.
I returned to Nigeria and moved to the then University of Ife in Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Osun State to teach, after which I moved to the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), with a teaching career of about 10 years, after which I relocated to the University of Benin (UNIBEN). I have spent almost all the remaining years in UNIBEN, save about three years between 2016 and 2019 when I stepped out and became the Director-General/Chief Executive of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo City in Ondo State, which is a Federal Government owned institution.
How was your stay at NIEPA?
When I got to NIEPA, there were problems, as could be found in every normal institution. I was the first non-indigenous director-general/chief executive of the institute, but I was determined to make a mark. So I did everything possible to rewrite the narrative of NIEPA, which I repositioned, and I got so close to the indigenes of Ondo City. Within two months, I was honoured with a chieftaincy title in Ondo City by the Osemawe of Ondo, because of the works that I did at NIEPA. Everyone was quite impressed. The Osemawe of Ondo even said that my tenure was the first time they had peace at NIEPA, without any intervention.
I also had a good working relationship with the former Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, in my determination to rebuild NIEPA, which was a learning ground for me in terms of administration. I am surprised to hear that the institute is now having crisis.
Then you became the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN…
I was lucky to be appointed the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN on October 26, 2019, while I assumed office on December 2, 2019, for five-year non-renewable tenure. My appointment as UNIBEN’s vice-chancellor came after a thorough and tough interview process. We were 31 that applied for the job.
What are the values you got from your parents?
Hard work and being very strict. Those who grew up at my time in Jos would confirm that there was a woman with Opel Record, one of the best cars in those days. But my mother would keep a cane by her side as she was driving, acting like the mother of all the children in Jos. The children who had earlier encountered her would start running to their homes, while the children who had never encountered her and playing away their precious time climbing trees would be thoroughly flogged by her, and they would carry their bags and run away. She would always say women must be mothers to all the children. Some parents would bring their children to my mother for punishment when they did something bad in their schools. My siblings always say that I am a replica of our mother, because I do not give my children any room for nonsense. My mother was very strict, and I thank God for that.
I got to the United States of America as a teenager. While my roommates were smoking opium, now called heroin, they would give to me, but I insisted on not smoking it because of my mother. It was always as if her cane was waiting for me.
While my siblings and I were returning home on holidays, our mother would send her housekeepers home, for us to work, and we would do everything. As a teenager, I learnt from my mother how to sew clothes. She would cut the cloths and ask me to sew everything, which she would insist on wearing the same evening. At times, I could be nasty with the sewing. I would sew it wrongly or turn it upside down, but she would ask me to loose everything and resew. But my father was her exact opposite. He was very gentle. I grew up in a very strict environment.
On your return from NIEPA to UNIBEN as Vice-Chancellor, did you not meet a hostile environment?
I wouldn’t say nearly hostile environment. But having competed with 30 other equally qualified persons, with 29 of them actually resident here (UNIBEN), we were all hopeful. But when it did not get to some persons, questions were asked. But not for so long, as some of them were appointed into positions, and they had to accept the fact that there could only be one vice-chancellor at a time.
How did it feel to be the 10th substantive and second female Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN after the late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams?
Sometimes I asked myself whether it was actually true. But it was true. My appointment as vice-chancellor was applauded within and outside Nigeria, because that was after 35 years of the late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams being UNIBEN’s vice-chancellor. She was a wonderful woman. I watched her from afar, and got a little bit close to her before her demise.
Stepping into the shoes of the great and strong woman made many people to ask if I would be able to surpass her achievements. I needed to prove that I could do like her, if not much better. She said to me that she was always praying for me to succeed and surpass her achievements.
What did you learn from her?
Not only was the late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams committed to her job, she was a very stern person in terms of decisions. The first time I met her, I said to her “wonderful woman,” in view of her good works in UNIBEN. But she stated that she was not sure I would have liked her, as I was then at UNIMAID. That is how blunt she was. She also said she never took nonsense from anyone. She was honest, dedicated and passionate about what she was doing. She was ready to crush anything that stood in the way of her achievements.
UNIBEN has two campuses at Ugbowo and Ekehuan/Ekewuan/Ekenwan, both in Benin City. On assuming office, you were accused of felling the big trees at Ugbowo Campus at a time of global campaigns for afforestation. You were also accused of neglecting the campus the university started from while concentrating your development and transformation efforts on the main campus at Ugbowo. How would you react to these allegations?
The Ugbowo campus of UNIBEN has more trees. The Ekehuan campus is more serene in terms of plants and trees. Some of the trees were so old. There was a particular big tree that fell in the Faculty of Social Sciences of UNIBEN and destroyed five vehicles, because some of the trees were as old as some of the buildings here, which are crying for renovation and refurbishing. Imagine the trees that had stayed for over 50 years of UNIBEN’s existence, thereby creating dirt instead of the ambience that we needed. So, they had to give way. The replanted trees are now grown trees.
The critics, who felt that I was against the green energy drive by cutting trees, must acknowledge the fact that UNIBEN is now so green and very beautiful. We do not celebrate mediocrity in UNIBEN. We have quality lecturers and other staff in the great citadel of learning. The students and members of the alumni association are also wonderful. We are also being supported by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and other friends of the university.
You spoke about quality lecturers in UNIBEN. But there are cases of randy male lecturers sexually harassing female students, many of whom also dress seductively. How are you tackling the challenge?
We are humans. So, you cannot have 100 per cent toeing your line. We are bound to have some of these deviants. We have clearly stated to our students and staff members that this administration has zero tolerance for education corruption. We will not tolerate sexual harassment. We have policies in place for gender equity which also frown at sexual harassment. Anyone who goes contrary to that will face the law, which is so clear in UNIBEN. We had two cases that served as deterrent to others. We have also told our students to speak up, because we are not magicians to know what is happening in their little corners if they do not tell us the story.
Since I came on board, we have had a hotline tagged “See Something, Say Something”. That is still on, and the Vice-Chancellor responds to it 24 hours. We also have dress code in UNIBEN. The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, champions it. Not all the students will want to adhere to the dress code. To a great extent, we do not see the students going with skimpy clothes. We also want to thank some of our lecturers, who would not allow skimpily-dressed students into their classes but always send them out to dress properly.
A lot of parents must also do due diligence from their homes. You do not expect us to change an adult that is already 18 years old even though we are getting them much younger now. We are trying as much as we can to protect our young students and lecturers.
UNIBEN was notorious for cultism, which you tackled head on when you assumed office. Why are there still cases of cultism at the two campuses of the university?
While coming on board as the vice-chancellor of UNIBEN, it was one of the things that I also had in mind, especially how to tackle the menace. It was one major problem that the late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams had to face as vice-chancellor, and he tackled it head on. We still have pockets of cult groups, but not as bad as some people may want to project. Security men on campus and the security agencies have brought the situation under control. Examinations are ongoing, and everywhere is quiet. We have tight security on our two campuses.
What of examination malpractices, sorting through sex, cash or other gift items, and admission racketeering in UNIBEN?
We cannot be 100 per cent proof. Anytime those things happen, we always tackle them head on after thorough investigations. We do not hesitate to rusticate or dismiss the errant students.
Fraudsters are mostly behind admission racketeering, but security agencies are on top of it. We always advise members of the public that we do not sell admission in UNIBEN, but sometimes, they still fall prey to some of these desperate tricksters and notorious groups in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria, with some of them apprehended by security agents and monies refunded. Gradually, members of the public are becoming more sensitive to the fact that admissions are not sold in UNIBEN. Sorting is also not allowed in this university. This administration has zero tolerance for any form of education corruption.
How can human capital flight/brain drain, now popularly referred to as “Japa,” be reduced or stopped outright in Nigeria, in order not to continue to lose the best hands and well-trained professionals, almost in all fields of human endeavour?
Institutions of higher learning, including UNIBEN, are the mirror of the larger society. Educational funding is a major problem in Nigeria. In a better environment, you will excel. I schooled abroad and in Nigeria, and I know the difference. Professionals and other people relocating abroad for greener pastures know that there are better chances of doing better and earning better, as well as more conducive living. Lecturers in Nigeria work round the clock, but are being paid little. In overseas, you can put in less hours of work and you are paid more. Of course, you will take the better offer. Many professionals in Nigeria are getting frustrated. We cannot continue like this.
The way out is to have a change of mind. We are hopeful that things and salaries will improve, the environment will be safer, and we will have more equipment to work with.
The student-to-lecturer ratio must also improve. There are lecturers who teach up to 6,000 students in a class, and they have to mark the scripts manually, but they are not paid commensurate to the hard work that they put in. The likelihood will be for them to relocate overseas where they can teach 50 students in a class and get paid more. Let us be hopeful that things will change for the better.
You are the Chairperson, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities; the Vice-President, Association of African Universities; and a holder of the Oganete of Igarra Land chieftaincy title in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State. How do you cope in the midst of mostly men, who can be very critical of your activities?
I have done the learning process in UNIBEN. So, it is not as bad. A typical African man is the man who must be the head, and must be heard. But we are beginning to shift a little, as women executives are getting the rightful positions and the right respect that they deserve, as much as such respect should also be given to the men.
I am even being overpampered by the men that I am closely working and relating with in the committees, groups and associations in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. Igarra’s eminent monarch and other progressive indigenes of the ancient town are also very wonderful and so supportive.
You are well travelled, as a fellow of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (FNSN) and the International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE). In your frequent travels within and outside Nigeria, doesn’t the home front suffer neglect?
My children are now men and women who are focusing on building their families.
You are an indigene of Benin Kingdom. How has your closeness to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, helped you in providing good leadership at UNIBEN?
I am always very conscious of the fact that I am from a tribe where we must continue to project civility, show humility and always make Edo people proud. I am the first female, a core and pure Benin, to hold the position of the vice-chancellor of UNIBEN. So, I must not fail, and I must deliver.
As the first female Professor and first female Dean, Faculty of Education, UNIBEN, can you share the experience?
I became the first female Dean of UNIBEN’s Faculty of Education with just one vote. It was that tough. When I became Dean, we had five departments, but when I was leaving, we had ten. My legacies are still in the faculty, because I transformed it. I do not compromise when it comes to integrity, cleanliness and hard work. The students had to nickname me: “Headmistress,” because if I saw you dropping a piece of paper on the ground or floor, you would pick all the papers that I could see. The students eventually loved me for being strict and maintaining discipline. I left the faculty to become the director-general/chief executive of NIEPA.
You have publications in excess of 75 reference articles and proceedings while you have served as editor, co-editor and consulting editor to many journals nationally and internationally. What are the benefits?
Writing and editing are highly rewarding, as they help academics and others to progress and grow.
You said earlier that Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is supportive of your administration. But he is currently engaged in a deepening face-off with his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, over his successor. How can there be peace in Edo State, ahead of next year’s governorship election?
I am apolitical. Everyone is my friend, but I am not a politician. The Edo State Government has always assisted UNIBEN. We are very grateful for the support and assistance.
How do you want to be remembered at the end of your five-year tenure at UNIBEN, especially in relation to the fulfilment of your initial promises and having legacy projects that you would be proud of?
When I came on board, we had seven pillars by which this administration would be guided. The seven pillars consist of the ambience of the environment, quality teaching and training, safety, welfare of staff, and security, among others. There is no part that has not been touched. The greatest joy that I have is the fact that digital learning and teaching has become an issue that will remain with us. Thanks that COVID-19 brought it to most universities.
UNIBEN is doing very well. Our ranking was very low when I came on board. But right now, we are in the double digit. From 2000 in Africa, we are now hitting 17th. It brings joy to this administration. We are able to drive digitalisation into teaching, learning, publications and collaboration with other institutions to share ideas.
Prior to rounding off my tenure, once you enter UNIBEN, the wifi must pick. We started with 170 students, today we can boast of over 60,000 students. The lecturers then were about ten, while our staff strength is almost 8,000. We will get better. We are also collaborating with other universities in Africa and beyond.
The alumni of UNIBEN have been so nice and very supportive. They should continue to give back to their alma mater for it to grow and become their pride forever.
The students must remain focused on the primary reason for being in the university and avoid the use of drugs. The lecturers must be more dedicated and continue to put in their best. The same lecturers are currently teaching two sessions in one session. They are a special breed. They must continue to be committed and upright.
West Africa’s leading connectivity and data centre solutions provider, MainOne, on the heels of the expansion of its network into Edo State has assured the University of Benin (UNIBEN) of its support towards continued information communication technology (ICT) development at the university.
The firm reiterated its commitment towards improving access to ICT on campus with the investment in fiber connectivity to campus, as well as by pledging financial support and internship opportunities for the top performing ICT students at the university.
The pledge was made at a private meeting hosted by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, before the start of the fourth edition of University’s ICT Day event with the theme: Building Sustainable Future with ICT Tools and Apps.
The VC was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ekehuan Campus, Prof. Joel Agbolagba. The event was focused on enlightening the students, faculty, secondary school pupils, and general public on the importance of ICT tools in the sustainable economic development of the country.
MainOne CEO, Funke Opeke, who was the keynote speaker at the event, stressed the importance of students taking advantage of the opportunities available to them in ICT.
She highlighted how advances in technology and access to infrastructure, have lowered the barrier to entry for potential entrepreneurs like never before regardless of age, gender, social or educational status. She also said there are more opportunities for financing from local incubators alongside international initiatives to support the growing network of technology startups.
Opeke said: “21st Century success as entrepreneurs or in paid employment will come from adding value with ICT tools and apps. I urge you all to go disrupt the world with an app.”
MainOne’s ICT support of the university is underscored through the completion of the terrestrial fibre infrastructure programme it started nine months ago in partnership with the Edo State government and global social media giant, Facebook. The infrastructure which will provide connectivity for mobile operators’ base stations, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Points of Presence (PoP), and public locations, including schools and hospitals, is now ready to be turned on across the city of Benin.
The Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA) has charged students of the University of Benin and other pedestrians in the Ugbowo axis of Benin City to take advantage of the newly constructed pedestrian in the area to mitigate against road accidents.
Managing Director, EDSTMA, Oloriegbe Dennis Ade, speaking during a sensitization campaign at the pedestrian bridge adjacent UNIBEN main gate, said that the exercise is to engage the students and other pedestrians on the importance of using the bridge and other road safety tips.
According to him, “We are here today on a sensitization programme for the students and pedestrians. We have recorded a number of casualties from students crossing the road without adhering to precautionary measures. So, the state built the bridge to provide them with a safe way to cross the road.
Some officials of the Edo State Transport Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA) during a sensitization campaign at the pedestrian bridge adjacent UNIBEN main gate.
“We are here with our full sensitization team and would want the students to know that this is a project for them and that it would only be foolhardy to have a pedestrian bridge here and they would not use it.”
Charging the students to make good use of the bridge for their safety, he said that the state government and EDSTMA are concerned about the welfare and safety of the students, which informed the sensitization campaign.
One of the students, Mis. Etinosa Igbinoba, applauded the state government for the project, and suggested that a rail guide be constructed to demarcate the road so as to discourage pedestrians from crossing the road in spite of the pedestrian bridge.
Some officials of the Edo State Transport Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA) during a sensitization campaign at the pedestrian bridge adjacent UNIBEN main gate.
The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has rejected the list of ad-hoc staff the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) planned to use to conduct the February 16, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Edo state.
It said the directive to Vice Chancellors of Nigeria universities was clear and explicit that they should provide a list of its members of staff who would be used as ad-hoc staff.
A press statement signed by State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said the list handed over to INEC contained APC card carrying members and operatives who poised as University of Benin staff.
Nehikhare alleged that the list was written in Edo Government house Benin and handed over to the UNIBEN VC, Prof. Faraday Orhunmwense for transmission to INEC.
According to him, “This purported INEC ad-hoc staff list must be completely discarded as it is a recipe for chaos and poses a great danger to our nascent democracy. We reject it and condemn the politicalisation of the “employment” of APC members as ad-hoc staff to manage the election process.
“We call on the vice chancellor of the University of Benin not to allow himself to be used. He must do the right thing by withdrawing the scandalous list he was prevailed upon to submit, and hand over one made up of genuine staff of University of Benin.
“The forth coming election must not only be free, fair and transparent, it must be seen to be so.”
But the authorities of UNIBEN have asked the Edo PDP to visit the institution and be free to verify names on the list.
It debunked allegations that the names were written in Edo Government House and handed over to the VC.
Spokesman for UNIBEN, Mr. Micheal Osasuyi, said it was laughable to claim that the institution would recommend persons who are not staff to work as INEC ad-hoc Staff.
Micheal urged the PDP not to play politics with the list as according to him, ‘INEC has a way of doing its checks and balances.’
“How can we recommend who is not our staff to INEC. Our staff are verifiable. They should not play politics with the list.“
Management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has appealed to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to lift the ban on the use of its ICT Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration.
The school denied allegations it charged above N700 for registration.
A statement by the university’s spokesman, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, said the suspension for the alleged breach of the code governing the 2019 JAMB registration was done hastily and without proper investigation.
Osasuyi explained that JAMB was solely in charge of vending pins while the university charged the approved N700 as cost of registration.
He said the suspension would deny the institution access code to clear its backlog of over 300 candidates.
Osasuyi appealed to JAMB to restore access to the university’s portal to enable candidates process their registration, and hailed JAMB for measures to check extortion during registration.
He said: “Since we are not vending pins, JAMB has the authority over pin vending and can track the source of each pin they dispensed. It is not proper for JAMB to withdraw our access without proper investigation.
“For clarification, University of Benin is not vending JAMB PINs. We only attend to candidates with pins and they pay N700.
“We have partnered JAMB over the years without blemish. This accusation is a serious embarrassment to the university. We look forward to your release of our access code so we can clear our backlog of over 300 candidates.”
But JAMB has rejected appeals that the suspension be lifted.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB refuted claims by the university that the suspension was done hastily.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been drawn to a statement by the University of Benin, on the suspension of the university’s CBT centre on the breach of the code governing the 2019 UTME registration.
“The board appreciates the University for commending JAMB for putting up measures to check extortion of candidates. However, the Board refutes the comment that the matter was concluded hastily and without proper investigation.
“The Registrar of the Board, being a former Vice Chancellor, was shocked and more disturbed with evidences of the extortion of candidates by the University CBT centre. The Board therefore asks the university to investigate the matter and identify bad eggs in the development.
“An apology shall be required not only to the Board, but also to the country if after the denial, evidence is adduced to prove the infraction committed on the ground of a highly respected institution as University of Benin.”
As the strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) enters its third day, academic activities at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in the Edo state capital have been paralysed.
A Correspondent who monitored the compliance level and the effect of the strike on lecturers and students in Benin on Wednesday observed that the institution was unusually empty, as only a few persons were around the campus.
The institution’s ASUU chairman, Prof Julius Iyasele, who spoke with, said that government’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and public tertiary institutions in the country prompted the strike.
Iyasele disclosed that other reasons for the strike were the under-development of tertiary institutions, the revitalization of the country’s education system, insecurity in the country, as well as the non-implementation of a previous agreement reached between the union and the federal government.
He stressed that the government, after reaching agreement with the union, later reneged, adding that the union was now prepared to implement the Ghana model of not returning to work, until government does the needful.
The UNIBEN ASUU chairman said that in most countries of the world today, tertiary education was free, as education was a public good and the pivot of every developing nation.
“But here in Nigeria, we see a situation where government wants to take education beyond the reach of the common man.
“The UNESCO budgetary standard for education is 26 per cent, but in Nigeria, we have moved from nine per cent in 2011 to six per cent, and we are saying no, we cannot continue like this.
“The government wants public universities pauperized so that private universities can flourish, because most of them in government are proprietors of private universities.
“For instance, Dr Wale Babalakin, the leader of the government negotiating team is building a private university; that is why he is fixated that government can’t fund tertiary institutions, and that is why ASUU is saying that Babalakin must step down as a representative of government,’’ he said.
He, however, said that it was sad that government’s insensitivity was causing a setback to students and parents, adding that clearance for new students for the new academic session ought to have commenced on Monday at UNIBEN.
“But we h ave directed all the students to go home, and they have gone home.’’
Meanwhile, Mr Sunday Ogheneyore, a 400-level Economics and Statistics student at the institution has lamented the ongoing strike.
According to him, “I am supposed to be doing my project work, but I can’t do that now due to the strike. The irony is that I don’t even know when it would be called off.
“As it is now, I don’t know whether to go get a job somewhere and be working first or not,’’ he noted.
Similarly, Miss Jacinta Ikediuwa, another student of the institution, said it was sad that government was playing politics with the education and the future of her youth.
ASUU announced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday over the non-implementation of its memorandum of Action (MOA) signed with the Federal Government.
The association’s National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said the strike would involve all federal and state-owned institutions.
The United Kingdom chapter of the University of Benin Alumni, Association, has donated 60,000 books on different titles to their alma mater.
The body under the aegis of the University of Benin Alumni, Association in the United Kingdom (UBAAUK), delivered the materials to the university in a 40 feet truck on Monday last week.
The items were received by officials of the alumni association led by its Secretary General Prof Myke Omoigberale, who stood in for the National President UNIBEN Alumni Association Worldwide, Sir Ifaluyi Isibor. Others in attendance include: the Ag. Director of the Alumni Relations, Mr Eguasa Omagbon; Chairman and PRO of the UNIBEN Branch, Dr Stephen Obeki Obeki and Dr Gabriel Arainru respectively.
The books were officially handed over to the Vice Chancellor Prof Faraday. F. Orumwense, who was also represented by his Deputy (Administration) Prof Jacob Ehiorobo as well as the Ag. Liberian Dr. Luke Obasuyi.
Receiving the books, Orumwense expressed management, workers and students’ appreciation to the donors He was upbeat the books would have tremendously impact on knowledge acquisition, and promised the new items would be put into good use.
Orumwense specifically thanked Chairman of UBAAUK, Dr Lorreta Ogboro-Okor for her leadership, as well as Chief Aloysius Iheze, a member of UBAAUK and the architect behind the donation. The VC recalled that Iheze had previously donated significant number of books to the university. Orumwense admonished alumni members in various positions of influence to always remember to give back to the alma mater..
Some medical students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are battling management over their eviction from their hostels. They have threatened a showdown with management if they are not re-allocated rooms by tomorrow. DAVID EJEAGBASI (300-Level English) reports.
About six years ago, I listened to a lecture on leadership delivered by then Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) – present Minister for Power, Works and Housing – and I was greatly inspired. In that lecture, Fashola made reference to a university don who spent his time visiting places of chaotic traffic situations within Lagos with the intention of proffering workable solutions on how to ease them. He did this without any prompting but as a private citizen seeking solutions to societal problems.
After months of painstaking research which opened vistas for smart solutions to ease some of Lagos’s chaotic traffic situation, the don requested for an audience and presented a blueprint to the Fashola. At the time of the lecture, the state government had implemented five of his solutions with amazing success across Lagos. For readers familiar with Lagos, the underpass from the MUSON centre, Onikan linking the Command Officers Mess on the way to Victoria Island is one of them.
This is a classic case of a private citizen stepping in to solve a problem of societal importance. We have myriad of such problems begging for smart solutions, but typical of Nigerians, we are mainly engrossed with inanities that does nothing but inflame emotions. Of course, leaders who have nothing to show love such inanities and they exploit it to their benefits. It could be tribe, religion, region, it’s our turn to rule, saints vs sinners etc. Rather than play with data and facts, such individuals whip up sentiments to divert attention from real and concrete issues. They do this because they lack simple solutions.
As we are gradually approaching the 2019 elections the country – as always – is faced with real issues. The most important of these is security; it was a big issue in 2015 and it will be an even bigger issue in 2019. In 2015, corruption and Boko Haram – and by extension the Chibok girls abduction – were the main challenges; there were also clashes between farmers and herdsmen. In 2019, corruption, Boko Haram – and by extension, the Dapchi girls abduction and return – and farmers herdsmen clashes will remain the dominant issues.
Just like the university don I started with did his homework effectively and efficiently, we need to interrogate those seeking elective positions to tell us point blank how they intend to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria. These should not be wishy washy solutions, but solutions backed with data and timelines. The media and the citizens should endeavour to set the agenda this time around.
There are over two million internally displaced Nigerians in the country today as a result of a combination of Boko Haram insurgency and the farmers/herdsmen clashes. What are the smart solutions necessary to end these? Corruption remains an issue, how can we end, or reduce it to its barest minimum? Our education and health sectors have virtually collapsed, how do we revive them? How do we engage the army of unemployed in the country? How can we have inclusive development and growth? These and many more are the critical issues we need to put on the table for in-depth discussions. We should refuse to be swayed by base issues of ethnicity and religion; these have never made any nation on earth great. Rather they are harbingers of destruction.
These are the agenda that should be on the front burner from now on. Agenda setting means the ability of the mass media to bring issues to the attention of the public and politicians. The basic claim is that as the media devote more attention to an issue, the public perceives the issue as important. When the media take up a specific topic – such as security, health and education – they make citizens think about it. The theory was introduced in 1972 by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw in their seminal study of the role of the media in the 1968 Presidential campaign in the US (The Agenda-Setting Function of Mass Media).
If our traditional media fail in this area, “citizen journalists” who can mobilise and organise a great number of people can take up the challenge by inventing hashtags aimed at driving attention toward a course. This is one of the positive areas of the social media era. We’ve seen this happen in the last couple of years. Notable examples include the #BringBackOurGirls, #MeToo, #NeverAgain etc. Originators of these hashtags were able to transform their movement unto the global scene of intense discussions.
In their study, McCombs and Shaw claimed that since the mass media – traditional media that is – are a major source of political information for voters, the media can shape public opinion by bringing particular issues to the forefront of their reporting. “The mass media set the agenda for each political campaign, influencing the salience of attitudes toward the political issues.”
They content analysed newspapers, magazines, and television news with regard to the issues the media reported on. At the same time they conducted a survey among undecided voters, asking them what they thought the key questions were in the campaign. McCombs and Shaw found a robust correlation between public opinion and newspaper reporting. Later studies established the causal direction of the effect through analysing time series data, which showed that public opinion lagged behind media coverage, and followed the issues that the media prescribed.
Agenda setting effects are equally relevant with regard to policy making. There are two ways to look at this. If we assume that it has been established that the media influence public opinion, we need to find studies that show whether public opinion influences policy making. The classic study in this regard comes from Page and Shapiro (Effects of Opinion on Policy). Their conclusion: “Examining public opinion and policy data for the United States from 1935 to 1979, we find considerable congruence between changes in preferences and in policies, especially for large, stable opinion changes on salient issues.”
And they do find indeed that public opinion is more often a proximate cause of policy than the other way round. With this, it can be concluded that public opinion affects policy three-quarters of the times its impact is gauged; its effect is of substantial policy importance at least a third of the time, and probably a fair amount more. The more salient an issue is in the public, the stronger its influence on policy. And as Page and Shapiro noted: “impact of opinion on policy remains substantial when the activities of interest organizations, political parties, and elites are taken into account.”
We are in the age of big data now and few things are hidden anymore. Rather than dissipating our energies on who took picture with whom, we should learn how to effectively use data to address our leadership challenges. The good thing is that most data do not lie if done by professionals. We can use such credible data to interrogate leadership. Therefore the media should be considered a relevant player for policy and reform work – through the channel of public opinion the media can help in shaping policies. If the traditional media – which is more coherent – fails in this regard, the social media is there to take over this all important function.
This theory of agenda setting as I have mentioned has many useful uses in our society. First of all it gives the media power to establish what news we see or hear and what part of the news is important to see or hear. Therefore agenda setting is used for many purposes to establish the media agenda and to retrieve the opinion of the public. Also agenda setting is very important in the political aspect because the public agenda influences the policy agenda which means that candidates will try to focus on issues that the public wants to hear about.
Let the agenda setting and debates about the future of Nigeria begin.
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is one of Nigeria’s first generation federal universities. It was founded in 1970. It started as an Institute of Technology and was accorded the status of a full-fledged university by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 1 July 1971.
In his budget speech in April 1972, the then Military Governor of Mid-Western State, Col. S. O. Ogbemudia (also Visitor to the University) announced the change of the name of the Institute of Technology to the University of Benin. On 1 April, 1975, the university at the request of the state government was taken over by the Federal Government and became a Federal University. Since the inception of the institution, it has produced eight substantive Vice chancellors.
Prof Faraday Osasere Orumwense on November 30, 2014 assumed office as the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University, he had over two decades of experience in university administration in various capacities, including his appointment by the Edo State government as pioneer Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology, Usen.
Since his stewardship as Vice-Chancellor in the last three and a half years, there has been rapid development across various strata of the university. The primacy of peace in any given environment cannot be overemphasised, as it remains an important ingredient in the realisation of an organisation’s goals and objectives.
Orumwense was very clear on employees’ and students’ welfare in his first appearance as the university gaffer, saying it was a major factor to improve on.
The former Dean of Students, Prof Francis Osagiede harps on Prof Orumwense’s visionary leadership thus: “Orumwense has matched words with action as the administration placed huge premium on the welfare of staff and students. To this end, the administration remains committed to regular promotion of staff as at when due with their entitlement paid.
“Our pensioners are not left out as we remain committed to their welfare. The administration is also leaving no stone unturned to create a befitting environment for learning. In pursuance of this, the administration has put in place an up to-date routine maintenance of existing public utilities on campus.”
The administration in its effort to strengthen the committee system of university administration successfully conducted the 2015 congregation election, where members of staff were elected into various committees for the smooth running of the university.
Cultism and other associated vices have been reduced to the barest minimum with the increase level of security surveillance made possible through the procurement of six patrol vehicles by this administration.
The VC said: “I am happy to inform you that students now sleep with their two eyes closed and are also not afraid to go about their lawful academic and extra-curricular activities without fear of molestation.”
The state of ICT Platforms in University of Benin has improved tremendously following series of upgrades to international standard.
“It is with a sense of fulfilment that we announce to you that the University of Benin is the first University in Nigeria to develop software independently for the Computer Based Test (CBT) for PUME/PUDE and other internal and external examinations,” he stated.
He further explained that the Network operation Centre (N.O.C. Room) of the University has been upgraded with the support of the NCC and NUC administration to an international standard that can accommodate the 155mbps. The ICT/CRPU of the University of Benin now boasts of e-learning multimedia platform, e-Senate meetings/result presentation and hostels with fiber optics.
Similarly, the Ekehuan campus has been linked with Network operation Centre room to improve internet services in the environment. Also, the campus now boasts of improved information technology facility, massive renovation of lecture theatres and a 24-hour library. Face-lifting and beautification of the institution, provision of new industrial borehole facility for male halls of residence situated at both Ugbowo and Ekehuan campuses, renovation of Anao Toilet facility at Hall IV male hostel at the Ugbowo Campus.
Orumwense also saw to the provision of Methylated Spirit and Hydrogen Peroxide production unit, which is awaiting final approval to commence production but has successfully undergone a mandatory pre-assessment by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
An astroturf football pitch was provided, just as the university embarked on the construction of 500-capacity female hostel, construction of golf course building, construction of safety& environmental education building, construction of an ultramodern library in college of medicine, construction of Botanical gardens research building, re-grassing of main bowl football pitch, among others.
That the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) licensed the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to generate and operate a 7.5 megawatt Independent Power Plant (IPP) within its campus is also a testimony to the dynamism of the astute academician. He also initiated different awards to reward outstanding lecturers like the Distinguished Research and Innovative Achievement Award (DRIAA) to reward researchers in the school who have carved a niche for themselves.
The administration has attracted scholarships/research grants to staff and students of the University. As part of efforts of his administration in building capacity on ICT proficiency for both teaching, non-teaching as well as students, the CRP/ICT Unit of the University of Benin successfully held its 2017 edition of ICT Day, the second in successive years, with the theme ‘Unlimited Access to Learning for Everyone Everywhere: ICT the Rostrum’. The lecture with the topic’ Continuous Learning, the Role of ICT: Free Online Course’ from Abuja by Dr. Joshua Attah, Director NgREN, National Universities Commission Abuja via the use of video conferencing.
The successful launching of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation which was done in collaboration with Lancaster University, United Kingdom attracted participants as well as goodwill messages from African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission, Nigerian Airforce, Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, Raw Material Research and Development Council, National Biosafety Management Agency, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Association of Nigeria, National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and several others.
Under Prof Orumwense, the University of Benin has in partnership with Lancaster University (UK) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (Ghana) won a Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) grant. The grant which is part of a new 225 million pounds rate of investment, aims to grow research capability to meet the challenges faced by the developing world.
The Great Britain 6.8 million projects will be led by Lancaster University (UK), with the University of Benin and CSIR Ghana as core partners. The varsity makes history as first African University to advance to final stage of Petrobowl Championship in USA. The flag of the University of Benin was again flown very high in far-away San Antonio, Texas, USA. This is the first time in the history of the competition that an African University will advance to the final stage.
Two of University of Benin professors have brought honour to the University by their recent appointments as Rectors of Ogwashi Uku and Oghara Polytechnics in Delta State by the Delta State government. They are Professor Stella Chiemeke of the Department of Computer Science and Professor Emmanuel Ogujor of the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
Interestingly, Shell Petroleum Development Company is working with the University of Benin for greater development. Shell Petroleum Development Company is one partner that has expressed keen interest in the University of Benin. The current Managing Director, Mr Okunbor is a worthy alumnus of the University of Benin. The company has expressed interest in constructing an ICT Building for the University. Lately, the company has been involved in the renovation of and upgrading of facilities in the Sport Complex.
With these feats and many more to come, the university is indeed way ahead in administrative proficiency.
Ogievba, a journalist, writes from Benin City, Edo State.
