The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UNIBEN

  • UNIBEN alumni greet Fashola

    The University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), worldwide and Lagos Branch have congratulated Mr Babatunde Fashola on his appointed as Minister of Power, Works and Housing.

    Fashola graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Benin in 1987.

    In a letter to the Minister signed by the chairman, Emmanuel Oriazuwa, the group said the appointment demonstrated the President’s belief in Fashola’s competence given his antecedents in Lagos.

    “It is a unique assignment which glaringly shows the confidence the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammudu Buhari, and the people of this country have in your ability and capacity to perform.

    “This new appointment is exemplified by your excellent performance during your tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State. We are proud of your meritorious rise which has distinguished you as a worthy ambassador of our alma mater and the country in general,” he said.

    The association however urged him not to relent in his efforts but also distinguish himself in this new assignment.

    “We pray that you succeed in this herculean assignment and justify the trust and confidence that the entire people of this country both locally and in the Diaspora have reposed in you”.

    The group also congratulated Fashola’s wife, Abimbola, their children and family as well as the entire people of Lagos State.

     

  • Buhari warns varsities’ administrators on corruption

    Buhari warns varsities’ administrators on corruption

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday issued a stern warning to vice chancellors and management of universities in the country against mismanagement of universities’ resources.

    He said his administration would not fold its arms and watch unscrupulous elements mismanaged funds provided to revitalize the university system.

    Buhari said he is committed to the implementation of the recommendations of report on the Needs Assessment in Nigeria universities.

    He expressed confidence the implementation would halt the rot in Nigeria university system.

    Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, spoke at the installation of His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, as the Chancellor of the University of Benin.

    The President said the implementation of the Needs Assessment would not only permanently reverse the rot in Nigeria universities but place the institutions on the path of international competitiveness.

    He said, “This administration is committed to providing funding for the revitalization of the university system and the entire education sector. The Federal Ministry of Education is all ears to ensure that wastages and leakages are blocked and perpetrators are brought to book.”

    “We are committed to fighting corruption and all departures from proper procedure in government business and in the university system. The Federal Government is working very hard to change the fortunes of our universities for the better.”

    On his part, His Highness, Sanusi II promised to work to consolidate on the ideas and vision of his predecessors in line with the goals of the founding fathers.

    The Sarkin Kano, who became the 9th Chancellor of the institution, urged Nigerians to thank God for a successful election and the prevailing peace in the country.

     

  • UNIBEN produces 64 First-Class graduates

    UNIBEN produces 64 First-Class graduates

    Authorities at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State have said 64 of 6,000 first degree graduates it produced in the 2013/2014 academic session made First Class.

    UNIBEN Vice Chancellor Prof. Faraday Orumwense addressed reporters yesterday in Benin on the university’s graduation.

    He said activities on the 41st convocation and its 45th Founders’ Day celebration would begin next Monday and end on November 28.

    The vice chancellor said 11,020 persons would be awarded various diplomas and degrees of the university during the convocation.

    He added that aside the first class category, 1,671 others would graduate in Second Class (Upper Division) and 4,346 in Second Class (Lower).

    According to him, 1,014 students made Third Class and three made Pass results.

    Prof Orunwense said UNIBEN would also award 268 diplomas, 541 post-graduate diplomas, 2,212 Masters and 382 doctorate degrees.

    The vice chancellor said the ceremonies would also feature the formal installation of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, as the university’s ninth chancellor.

    He said honorary degrees would be conferred on two distinguished Nigerians – Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase and Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie – for their contributions to nation-building.

    Prof Orunwense added that the convocation lecture would be delivered by former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof. Atahiru Jega.

     

     

  • UNIBEN trains workers

    UNIBEN trains workers

    Workers of the University of the Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State have been trained on how to write proposals for research grants.

    The training was held yesterday during the first Annual Research Day organised by the institution.

    Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi, USA, Prof. Nosa Egiebor, who delivered the training said there were enough funding around the world but “the thing is to go after them by writing proposals.”

    Prof. Egiebor noted that the best way to write good grants proposals was to conduct a better research work related to the project proposal.

    Speaking on the topic “Developing and Writing: Winning Grants Proposals”, Egiebor said “winning grants require adequate writing of proposals with concise words and sentences”.

    He explained that training and re-training of Profs, Deans and students were vital to help them learn the basics of grant proposals.

    The don said information about the work, research tools about the project and the support of institutional role must be considered, adding that a good attitude on research towards the structure of education was what Nigeria needed to transform the various institutions.

    Vice Chancellor Prof. Osasere Faraday Orumwense said the Research Day was to cross-fertilise ideas on the way forward to develop the institution.

    Prof. Orumwense noted that the overall goal was to stimulate and share research ideas that would be of immense benefit to policy makers.

    “There is every indication that this research conference will afford researchers, in different disciples, the opportunity to cross fertilise ideas and come up with useful findings that will enhance development.

     

     

  • Unilag, Uniben, ABU students for Shell Eco-marathon

    Unilag, Uniben, ABU students for Shell Eco-marathon

    Students of three Nigerian universities have built cars that will feature at the Shell Eco-marathon, Africa (SEMA) in South Africa from October 2 to 4. They are sponsored by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture.

    The students of University of Lagos, University of Benin and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, collectively known as Team Nigeria, will join 40 teams from four countries to test the energy efficiency of their cars at the Zwartkops Raceway, near Pretoria. The event will be hosted by the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. The Shell Eco-marathon competition challenges students in different continents (America, Europe, Asia and Africa) to build and race energy-efficient cars, and rewards those that travel farthest with the least amount of fuel.

    “The sponsorship of the students opens an exciting phase in our long-standing support for education in Nigeria,” said Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.

    “In addition to awarding scholarships, building schools and donating science equipment, we’re challenging the leaders of tomorrow to begin to think about, and act on the difficult energy choices facing a rapidly increasing world population.”

    In 2014, the SPDC JV provided seed funding for the three universities and sponsored them to the European edition of the competition in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. They also participated in the maiden edition of Shell Eco-Marathon Africa which held in South Africa in 2014, with the University of Benin team winning the Best Designed Car award.  SPDC organised a test drive at the Campos Mini stadium in Lagos in March 2015 to test the readiness of the students.

  • Army urges calm over UNIBEN student’s death

    The 4 Mechanised Brigade in Benin, the Edo State capital, yesterday enjoined students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to remain calm, following the death of one of their colleagues on Tuesday.

    The brigade made the appeal in a statement in Benin by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Capt. Jonah Unuakhalu.

    Two female students of the university were knocked down on Sunday morning in front of the university’s gate by a patrol vehicle of a security outfit, Operation Pulo Shield, driven by a soldier.

    The death of one of the students sparked a protest, which grounded activities at Ogbowo in Benin.

    The Army said the brigade had started investigation into the matter to determine the cause of the accident.

    It said efforts were being made to reach the families of the deceased.

    The statement said: “On Sunday morning, at 8.30a.m, there was a road accident involving Operation Pulo Shield vehicle, driven by a soldier. It knocked down two ladies, who were confirmed to be UNIBEN students.

    “They were, however, evacuated to a nearby hospital where one was confirmed dead; the other student is responding to treatment.

    “Efforts are being made by the command to reach the university authority and families of the two students involved in the accident and to further dialogue with the Students’ Union Government (GUG) to avert the protest. But the students insisted on speaking with government officials.

    “It is advisable that the students should keep calm as the command is looking into the issue.”

  • FRSC to build rumble strides on road near UNIBEN

    FRSC to build rumble strides on road near UNIBEN

    The Edo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to build rumble strides at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate axis of the Benin-Lagos Expressway to prevent further deaths from accidents on the road.

    A female student in the Department of Philosophy was knocked down recently by an Army patrol vehicle when she was going to church.

    Another female student, who was also hit, has been stabilised and admitted at the institution’s health centre.

    UNIBEN students angrily blocked the highway, causing a heavy traffic.

    They demanded the construction of flyover on the highway.

    The students built a speed breaker on the highway after several hours of protest.

    A visit to UNIBEN main gate showed that a zebra crossing was being drawn on the road.

    FRSC’s Unit Commander Ameen Adewale said the zebra crossing would be completed by today.

    He said the construction of rumble strides on the expressway would slow down traffic on the road.

    Adewale said: “Rumble strides will be the answer to the problems on that road. Vehicles will slow down. Street bumps will not work on the road. The one done by the students has been knocked away by vehicles.”

    Also, the Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution, urging UNIBEN authorities and other relevant agencies to save the students from further deaths.

    The resolution was passed after the lawmaker representing Ovia North East I, Sunday Osazemwinde, presented the issue under matters of urgent public importance.

    Deputy Speaker Bright Osayande said the school authorities should have placed a zebra crossing on the road, instead of waiting for the government, to prevent more deaths from similar accidents.

  • UNIBEN hails The Nation

    UNIBEN hails The Nation

    Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA) of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof Francis Osagiede, has hailed The Nation for giving students the opportunity to practise journalism while in school.

    He gave the commendation last Thursday while receiving CAMPUSLIFE correspondents in the school, who were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment as the DSA.

    The student-reporters are Eddy Uwoghiren, a 300-Level Medicine and Surgery student, and Ezekiel Efeobhokhan, a 400-Level Pharmacy student.

    Eddy said the purpose of the visit was to avail the DSA on the activities of campus journalists and build a cordial working relationship with Osagiede to promote understanding.

    He said: “Over the years, our practice has been hindered by our inability to gain access to top management staff. Whenever we report events that require comment from the management to balance our stories, we are unable to do so because of the administrative shield. This is why we have come to intimate the Dean with our activities.”

    Responding, Osagiede hailed the student-reporters for their courage and independent mind. He urged them to be professional in their writing by ensuring proper investigation of any event before publishing it. This, he said, is necessary in order not to portray the school in bad light.

    He said: “You might not see the benefit of your practice now, but with time, you will begin to enjoy the benefit. It is good to know how both of you are combining professional courses with your practice as campus journalists. Please keep developing yourselves.

    Osagiede added: “I am an avid reader of The Nation and I must commend the media firm for giving students platform to develop their writing skill and explore their energy in productive venture.”

     

  • Rally against cancer

    Rally against cancer

    Students of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have sensitised secondary school pupils and residents of the institution’s host community on the need to fight cancer. The campaign was organised in commemoration of the World Cancer Day. EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (400-Level Pharmacy) reports.

    The notice for the rally was short and sharp. Their eagerness to be part of the campaign was driven by their desire to ensure a cancer-free society.

    This was the motivation of Pharmacy students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who organised a health awareness in the institution’s host community to commemorate the World Cancer Day.

    For over four hours, the students, under the aegis of Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP), moved round some notable areas in Ugbowo, the university’s host community, educating people on how they could stop cancer. They displayed placards with  various inscriptions to share information about the disease.

    During the campaign, the students visited Uselu Market and secondary schools in Ugbowo. They spoke to traders at the market in Pidgin English.

    Kingsley Isibor, a 500-Level student, explained to market women what could cause cancer and how it could be prevented. He advised the traders to go for regular medical checkup, noting that early detection remained the best way to cure cancer.

    His words: “I go beg una to chop many fruits. Also make una no drink alcohol, e nor good for body. I wan advise you make una dey do light exercises like walk and you need to move away from where somebody dey smoke cigarettes.”

    Demonstrating to the market women how to carry out Breast Self-Examination (BSE), ADMAP chairperson, Chinenye Ihejirika, advised nursing mothers to breast feed their children adequately, saying it would reduce the risk to cancer.

    Chinenye said: “Make una dey check una breast as I dey do so, at least every month, so that una go fit sabi wether something dey swell up for there. If una feel any pain or anything swell at all for the breast area or under your armpit or if your nipple soft well well, make una quick go hospital go meet doctor. Them go check am well for una.”

    She urged the traders to maintain hygiene in the market, stressing that dirty environment could cause many diseases.

     

  • UNIBEN alumnus Oganufa for burial

    UNIBEN alumnus Oganufa for burial

    A departed alumnus of the University of Benin, Chief Sunday Azuka Patrick Oganufa, who died January 12, will be buried on Saturday.

    In a statement jointly signed by Kehinde Omo Oisemaye (Branch Chairman) and Amerika Ebiotu, Public Relations Officer yesterday, the University of Benin Alumni Association (Warri Branch), said the late Oganufa, popularly called S.A.P, was a distinguished alumnus and past chairman of Warri Branch of the association between 2001 and 2003.

    He was the zonal coordinator of the NNPC Zone of the association at a time; a true leader that believed so much in team spirit, whose wonderful contributions and leadership quality were unparalleled, the statement said.

    His remains, it added, will be buried in his home town, Umuchime-Uno I Quarters, Ogume in Delta State on Saturday by 11 am.

    Service of Songs will to hold at 35H, Refinery Drive, NNPC Housing Complex, Ekpan-Warri by 4 pm on Thursday.