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Tag: UNIBEN

  • Week of fun at UNIBEN

    Week of fun at UNIBEN

    The Aminu Kano Hall of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was a beehive of activities for six days when residents marked their Hall Week. DAVID AJAYI (300-Level Pharmacy) reports. 

    The pace of academic activities at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has increased because of the approaching second semester examination. But it appears some students are not perturbed. Last week Monday, occupants of Aminu Kano Hall, a male hostel known as Hall 3, took time to organise Hall Week to relieve themselves of academic stress.

    An open field within the hostel bubbled with sporting activities for six days. The event started with the opening match of Inter-block Football Contest between occupants of Block B and Block F. All the six blocks in the hall fielded 15 players each to participate in the soccer competition.

    The second day witnessed games, such as table tennis, volley ball and board games, while the football fixtures continued. There was excitement in the premises as students abandoned lectures to celebrate the Week.

    On the third day, the students observed Beans Day, during which students cooked beans and shared with their friends from other hostels. This, the students said, was to show love and unity. This is because beans was the most eaten food in the hall, either due to its affordability or because it is easy to cook needing little or no spice to prepare.

    The final match of the football competition took the fouth day slot. It was between Block B and Block E. The former carried the day.

    A bonfire night followed the soccer contest, where students were thrilled with hip-hop music and comedy by upcoming artistes in the hall. High point of the night was the freestyle rap competition held for the occupants. They also observed a cultural day to showcase the rich tradition of all ethnic group in the country.

    The hall occupants contributed money among themselves to buy food stuff and distributed to school cleaners working in the hostel to appreciation of their service.

    One of the cleaners, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude to the students for their “kind gesture”. She said in Pidgin English: “I happy for wetin the students buy give us. Even say most of them no too get money, them still fit give from the small wey them get and them no think am say why dem go gather money take buy food give us wen. Them dey pay, na God go bless them and I pray say them go get good work after them graduate from school.”

    Tedeye Adaneoritsewo, a 200-Level Environmental Education student, said the event taught him an act of giving. Apart from the excitement, Tedeye added that he use the opportunity to relieve himself of tension before the examination.

    “I really had a nice time and I’m also happy to have played for my block in the inter-block football competition. Although my expectations were high but I believe the next edition would be better than this. But in all, I learned an act of charity and giving in the Week event,” he said.

    In related development, residents of Queen Idia Hall, a female hostel, also marked their Week, which culminated in a beauty pageant. Occupants of the hall that participated in the pageant displayed beauty and cultures.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that each contestant educated their colleagues on the meaning of some cultural names and significance of the traditional attires. The event also featured various music and comedy.

  • 118 bags first class in UNIBEN

    118 bags first class in UNIBEN

    A total of 118 graduating students of the University of Benin have bagged first class honors degree at the institution.

    This was disclosed on Tuesday by the institution’s outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, at a pre-convocation press conference.

    Oshodin, who will bow out as UNIBEN vice chancellor on November 30, said the figures comprised graduates from two academic sessions.

    He explained that last year’s convocation of the university did not take place because of the university lecturers’ strike.

    The vice chancellor said 19,472 graduating students from both sessions would be awarded various diplomas and degrees.

    He stated that Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma, Rev. Matthew Okpebholo and Chief Sam Igbe would be conferred with honourary degrees.

    Oshodin said two Senior Professors of the institution – Thomas Audu and R.O Ofoegbu would be conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus.

     

  • Harvest of Providence at UNIBEN

    Students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have held their annual thanksgiving and fundraising service at the university’s interdenominational worship center, All Saints’ Chapel. The students sang worship hymns to appreciate God for witnessing the event.

    The programme was graced by lecturers and dignitaries from outside the campus.

    Speaking on the theme: Harvest of providence, Reverend Henry Oti, who quoted 1 Chronicles 29:11, said: “Indeed everything on earth has being given by God and that both the fruits and the seeds of the earth all come from God.”

    He also pointed out that God gave humans fruits and seeds but said any man who ate both the fruits and all the seeds would be hungry in future. “Some seeds are meant to be sown,” he added, admonishing the students to live with a vision and determination to discover their gifts and talents to a beneficiary of God’s blessing.

    He said: “As Christians, we should not ask God what to give but for the grace to give what we ought to give.”

    The high point of the occasion was the fundraising, held immediately after the thanksgiving service. The Chairman of the chapel’s harvest sub-committee, Prof S. Edo, said the students’ harvest was the first phase of the chapel’s fundraising project towards the building of the priest house.

    He made his donation towards the project and urged everyone to give generously as they could afford.

    The event came to an end with a vote of thanks given by the Youth Harvest Chairman, Godwin Egeruan, a final year Mechanical Engineering student.

    Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, president of the church youth, Uche Emwemwa, a 400-Level Optometry student, said: “I am elated that youths responded to the event despite the short notice.” He praised students that contributed financially to the project.

     

  • It’s no longer anonymous

    It’s no longer anonymous

    A Professor of Art History and Graphics at University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, Prof John Ogene, has ascribed the seeming anonymity of art and the perception that it is a craft to the importance the society attaches to it.

    He spoke at a lecture at the Prof Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, Yaba College of Technology (Yaba Tech), Yaba, Lagos. The theme was: No Longer Anonymous. He said art is anonymous in Nigeria because most people don’t know its importance to the society.

    According to him, art is unknown, obscure, nameless and unrecognised “as a serious profession. “This attests to the fact that art as a vocation belonged to a category of unfamiliar professions. Things have not changed much today. This stereotype, apart from exasperating, is suggestive of the fact that what is “commonly” attainable is of little importance,” he siad.

    He described the anonymity of art in Nigeria as a collective burden like illiteracy. “It is a factor that robs the individual and the profession of social, academic and political visibility. Consequently, it is a direct source of inferiority complex and, thus, must be shed and demolished,” he said.

    Ogene observed that lack of grand institutions for art in the country contributes to its anonymity, suggesting that contemporary artists should marry art with science and technology as the world revolves around them.

    “Some people argue that art is a doing thing and it is a natural gift which cannot be taught. This may be right, but the thought is both defeatist and nihilist. It is an over simplification of what the profession demands, and gives a false sense of confidence to the creative individual that is often in early stage in life. Besides, such an assumption limits the potential of such an individual.

    “This over simplification may be responsible for the mindset of most Nigerians who think that you “just draw” when you say you are an artist. The next thing they want to say is “my little daughter or son can also draw very well.”

    Recounting an experience while handling a project with Professor Osa Egonwa of Delta State Univerty, Abraka, Delta State,  in 1987, at Okada Wonderland, Ogene said he presented a quotation to the committeein charge and the Director of Consultancy (one Professor Osifo) noted that the quotation was on the high side.  Osifo asked Egonwa to reduce it, saying, after all, his brother, who had no training in art, is also an artist,” he said.

    He stressed that Fine Arts students are also faced with these challenges as other students perceive their choice of course as inferior.

    He said: “Recently, I received a complaint that a Fine and Applied Arts student at UNIBEN was verbally assaulted by a student of History and International Relations, who said the Visual Arts student was ‘making noise over ordinary N500, no wonder he is reading ordinary Fine Arts.

    “This attitude towards the discipline exists and the status of artists is continuously being undermined. This is what could be referred to as identity crises or group anonymity.”

    He noted that the teaching of art in Nigeria has been dominated by the culture of practice with minimal theory, scarcely articulating what is being done. “Although the practice of making art is as important as its articulation, what we find today in most institutions is the excessive emphasis on the psychomotor domain. In other words, emphasis is laid on doing or making art- a practice largely based on perceptual and physical ability, skilled movements and non discursive communication. It is, therefore, convenient to conclude that the state of art has predominantly stagnated within this domain of learning,” he stated.

    Ogene advised that  those artists who wish to further their education, should be encouraged to do so, bearing in mind that not only their practice will be enhanced; their potential to articulate their practice becomes incremental. “This is important, because a journey into the inner mind of a celebrated uneducated artist will reveal a vacuum or desire for education. It is a different thing altogether for those who suffer from illiteracy.

    “This can be achieved by taking cognisance of the three equal domains of learning which are cognitive, affective and psychomotor. Without these, it will be futile to articulate what we have produced and are producing in our country. Failure on our part will yield to perpetual dependence on the West in defining our cultural wealth,” he asserted.

    After the lecture, Ogene presented an art exhibition for public viewing in Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery at the same venue.

    The works consisted of paintings and photographs, which Ogene said he took with his mobile phone. He also gave the show the same titled with his lecture: No Longer Anonymous.

    The lecture and the works from the exhibition are also documented in a glossy book, entitled: No Longer Anonymous.

    According to him, the theme of his lecture and the art exhibition was inspired by Prof Solomon Wangboje’s quote. “My encounter with Professor Solomon Wangboje in 1995 remains indelible for several statements he made when I interviewed him in preparation for a conference in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. One of them is his proverbial “now that we are no longer anonymous, let us see what we have done.” Besides impacting on me as a young lecturer, his words remain in perspective and context both as it was then, and today. Almost 20 years after, it now dawned on me that to be anonymous is to be free, and to be known is responsibility.

    “Given a choice, anonymity is certainly not the kind of freedom an artist should enjoy. The freedom of anonymity can be likened to the saying by Jean-Jacques Rousseau that Man is born free but everywhere he is in chains – and in this instance, art in Nigeria as symbolised by man, is in chains of obscurity and anonymity,” he said.

  • Ebola outbreak hoax at UNIBEN

    Ebola outbreak hoax at UNIBEN

    The rumoured outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has made the management to step up measures to promote hygiene on the campus. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine), EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (300-Level Pharmacy) and SUNNY IBEH report.

    In unconfirmed report of  the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak caused a stir at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last week. Three students, the report said, tested positive to the disease (EVD) at the school health centre.

    For a moment, there was panic on the campus as students rushed back to their hostel to avoid contact with the ‘victims’.

    Disturbed by the report, parents called from far and near, telling their children to return home. Students, who are fond of exchanging pleasantries through handshakes and hugs, maintained their distance from one another son as not contract the disease.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Gift Obaseki, had to go round the campus to convince the jittery students that the report was an hoax.

    Dr Raymond Osakwe of the School Health Centre, dismissed the rumour, saying: “No Ebola case in UNIBEN.”

    Following the rumour, the management stepped up measures to prevent the deadly disease by providing hand sanitisers at entrances of the university library, John Harris Library, MTN Library and the extension.

    The management provided drums of water for library users to wash their hand before entering the facilities. CAMPUSLIFE observed some students performing hand washing at the main library. Students praised the proactive efforts by the authorities to make the campus free of diseases.

    Precious Oboh, a student, said: “I came here to see students washing their hands, so I joined them. This is a welcome development as it will help in maintaining hygiene.”

    The Director of Health Services unit, Dr Comfort Enofe, explained the reason for the preventive measures being taken by the institution to promote hygiene among students, saying the measure was to prevent the outbreak of Ebola in the school.

    She said: “We have sent message to all students to report strange sickness at the health center and to also properly cook meats before eating. We sensitise them to avoid eating fruits that are not washed and those partially eaten by birds. We are also encouraging them to stop all unnecessary travelling to areas where the disease has been confirmed.”

    At the entrance to the health center, CAMPUSLIFE observed a medical personnel, checking the temperatures of visitors. Dr Enofe said the move was necessary because a high temperature was a symptom of the EVD.

    “When we find anyone with high temperature, we alert the medical professionals that would attend to the patient to take accurate protective measures in the course of examining, treating and counselling such patient,” she said.

    Dr Enofe added that students and staff going to the health centre can now get appointment 24 hours before their visit. This, she said, is to prevent waste of time in the waiting room

    She said: “Everyone can now call and book appointment with our doctor at their own convenient time within the working days. This is the practice everywhere and we can’t afford to do less.”

    Janet Okoduwa, a student, hailed the initiative, saying it would bring about quick response to health challenges.

    Emmanuel Sunmola, a 200-Level History student, encouraged his colleagues on personal hygiene, saying: “Ebola virus is not what you can just contract anyhow. Students should develop the habit of personal hygiene and stop creating panic on the campus.”

    Meanwhile, the UNIBEN Medical Students Association (UBEMSSA) has joined the campaign against Ebola. The association moved round the campus with posters containing information on how the EVD spread, its symptoms and prevention.

     

  • Medical student turns artist

    Medical student turns artist

    His first love is  in the health care profession but driven by an inner passion and love for the arts, a young medical student now ekes a living from painting, writes DANIEL ESSIET. 

    Etiobhio Samuel Osemudiamen,  a 23 year-old final year medical student of University of Benin (UNIBEN), may be pursuing a career in the medical profession, but he has another love.

    From a very young age, he had fallen in love with the arts, especially painting. And as his passion  grew, he began to realise the potential in the vocation.

    Today, he not only earns income from painting, more than enough to take care of some of his needs on campus, he is also imparting knowledge in other students that are interested in painting.

    For Osemudiamen, the journey into the world of arts began with N2, 000 with which he bought some paints and materials and began to draw.

    His experience with digital art keeps him connected to modern art as he continues his practice, while still studying medicine. Taking the stage at several events,Ose, as he is fondly called by his peers, has  not only taken people on his journey, his paint strokes create a vibrant image and also inspires people to think about innovation, taking success to the next level and living the dream.

    He has been selling art work consistently since his junior high school years. He paints, frames and sells them. He peeks inside a few galleries for more concepts whenever he can steal a moment between classes, and painting.

    In 2012, Ose established a studio, Magnum Arts,to encourage and bring out the intellectual capability in young Nigerians using fine art, and painting in general. Members feature in trainingsthat help them refine their products and increase customer acquisition. The ideas and solutions showcased by young people  not only address real customer needs and issues, but  also help in the creation of local jobs and serving young people in realising financial independence. As an artist, Ose combines his two passions to demonstrate the journey for his entrepreneurship endeavour, while also providing motivation to others.

    In the last two years, Ose  has created  online hub for lovers of arts and artists to meet, discuss and interact through sharing of ideas relevant to their field. The platform also offers a marketplace for them to showcase and sell their creations to lovers locally and across the world.

    His latest achievement is an art blogging competition involving budding  arts entrepreneurs and students.

    So far, he has gotten responses from different universities and outfits round the country and people really want the competition to be more popularised.

    His entrepreneurial achievements are becoming valuable pacesetters. This year, the club has recorded  N350,000 as  net  profit from its activities.

  • Tenure elongation: Mischief makers at work -UNIBEN

    Tenure elongation: Mischief makers at work -UNIBEN

    THE authorities of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) yesterday described as mischief and an attempt to distort the facts, the claims in some quarters that the recent protest by market women in Benin City was aimed toward the elongation of the tenure of the out-going Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Osayuki Oshodin.

    While distancing the authorities of the university from the protest, the university recalled that part of the reasons adduced by the women for embarking on the protest was to request that another Benin son succeeds Prof.Oshodin and not that they sought for the elongation of the tenure of Prof. Oshodin.

    It would be recalled that over one thousand market women had last week stormed the palace of the Oba of Benin and the state Government House demanding that security operatives should fish out those who allegedly poisoned Prof.Oshodin, just as they also demanded that another Benin man should succeed Oshodin due to what they described as age-long marginalisation of the Benins in the appointment of VCs despite the fact that the university is situated in their land.

    Consequently, some panellists in a private TV station in the state alleged that the protest may have been masterminded by the VC with a view to elongate his tenure in the university.

     

    But in a swift reaction through a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Harry Osarenren, the university noted that “we watch some panellists on TV insinuating that the VC who has performed creditably well is seeking for elongation through the women.”

  • Ebola: UNIBEN students allege isolation

    Barely a week after the University of Benin (UNIBEN) resumed for a new semester, some students of the university, who travelled from Lagos, have alleged plans by some of their friends to isolate them over the fear of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    Although no case of the virus has been recorded they are taking precautionary  measures from contracting the virus.

    Speaking with The Nation in Benin City, some students absolved themselves of any blame over the preventive measure, noting that everybody, including clerics is scared of contracting the disease.

    One of them, who pleaded anonymity, said: “I’m not surprised to hear this. It’s not true and I cannot blame the students who have decided to do so. Everybody in Nigeria is afraid of the disease, including pastors. It will definitely create problems among students.”

    Another source said students  are a lot more careful.

    Meanwhile, the authorities of the UNIBEN have urged both staff and students to take precautionary measure against contracting EVD.

    In a statement by the management, workers and students were advised to avoid casual sex, use of unsterlised needles and blades, as well as unnecessary travels, especially to places where cases of the virus have been confirmed. They were urged to avoid contact with body secretions and fluids such as sweat, saliva, blood, urine from other people and cook food properly before eating.

  • UNIBEN VC returns hale and hearty

    UNIBEN VC returns hale and hearty

    THE Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof Osayuki Oshodin, has made a surprise appearance at the university premises, provoking jubilation among workers.

    Dressed in a grey shirt and jacket on black trousers, Oshoding presided over the meeting of Appointments and Promotion Board of the institution. Management staff were seen singing songs of praises to God for his return since he was flown abroad for medical attention in May.

    At a briefing, members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), described calls for Oshodin’s replacement as ‘selfishiness driven by greed’, saying the tension created by the Oshodin’s absence slowed activities in the university.

    Chairman of SSANU, Comrade John Alile and his counterparts at NASU, Comrade Joel Idonije and  Comrade Sunday Momoh noted that even in the absence of Oshodin, UNIBEN completed its first semester, resumed for second semester, while students who graduated have been mobilised for their mandatory National Youth Service Coprs (NYSC). This, they added, was in addition to the hosting of the 11th edition of Nigerian Universities Staff Sports Association games, among others.

    Said the unions: “It is sad to note how the pursuit of selfish interest could drive some persons to the point of losing sight of the uniqueness of the university system whose operations are largely guided by the rule of law.

    “We advise those calling for the appointment of an acting vice-chancellor to check the statutes for their own good. Anyway, we are delighted to make it known that Prof Oshodin is hale and hearty; he resumed duty today.”

    Alile said the appointment of two acting deputies to Oshodin was done with strict compliance with due process

  • Fashion at its best

    Fashion at its best

    Dentistry students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have organised a Fashion Challenge and Dinner to mark their Health Week. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine) reports.

    The gathering hooted in excitement as models emerged from a section in wedding outfits and fitted suits. Their synchronised movement was greeted with applause by the audience. They waved back to the crowd, smiling. Moments later, the models came out in different attires, this time – in flowing gowns and native dresses.

    This was the scene at the 2014 edition of the Fashion Challenge and Dinner organised by the Benin University Dental Students Association (BUDSA) in collaboration with Evol Fashion World.

    The event, with the theme: Through the eyes of a dental surgeon, took place at the multipurpose hall of the Women Health and Action Research (WHARC) last Friday. It had top fashion designers, beauty queens, models and students in attendance.

    It started at 7:30pm with a red carpet session, where guests were interviewed on their mode of dressing. At 8:45 pm, the stage was set for the show.

    Samuel Ajagba, BUDSA president, said the event was part of the programmes commemorating the association’s Health Week. According to him, the fashion show was held to enable students relieve tension of medical school and foster friendship among them. This year, he said, the association brought top models to spice up the event with their runway skills.

    He said: “Thus far, we have had a picnic, campus blast, free blood donation, symposium, dental outreaches to Edo State Government House and an Africana Night. Our theme for this year’s health week was carefully selected to proffer solution to the nation’s dental challenges.”

    There was excitement while the event, anchored by MC Casino, lasted. Campus comedians dished out hilarious jokes. Hip hop artistes, such as Chiblaze, Emmanuella and Acrobatic Dancers dazzled the crowd with their stunts.

    Fashion designers had a field day showcasing beautifully sewn attires. Photographers made brisk business taking shots of the participants. There was a lot to eat and drink.

    The highpoint was the presentation of awards to students who distinguished themselves in their academics. Linda Iheme won the Scholar of the School of Dentistry Award. She has a record of distinctions in all courses since she was admitted into the school.

    “There is always a reward for hard work,” the excited Linda said after she received the award. Other students were also rewarded for their academic feats.

    At the event were the National Vice President of Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr Harrison Omokhua; chairman of Committee on Dental Education and Health (CODEH) Osahon Okeaya-Inneh; former president of University of Benin Medical Student Association (UBEMSA) Osagie Eigbodion and former Vice President of the National Association of Edo State Students Ovenserin Iyekeoretin.

    Chuks Obuse, a student, said the event provided an opportunity to socialise and relax after a hectic dental posting to teaching hospital. He described the association as the most vibrant, despite having a few members.

    He said: “We believe it is not about the number. Each class in dentistry has not more than 25 students, and the association is vibrant. The welfare of each member is the primary objective.”

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Topleg-K Models praised BUDSA for the partnership. He said his outfit would participate in subsequent BUDSA programmes.