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Tag: UNILAG

  • UNILAG student in kidnap drama

    A 100-Level student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has accused two men wearing Jeans trousers, T-shirt and a military cap, of attempting kidnap her.

    She told The Nation that the incident happened last Thursday while she was on her way home from the popular Yaba market in Lagos, after buying some goods.

    The men, she said, ordered her to get into their Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and even followed her to the school gate.

    The student said: “I was about to cross at the Yaba Roundabout, beside the Cathedral Church, to board a bus to Ikeja when a silver colour SUV parked beside me.

    She said: “There were two guys in the car and one of them said, ‘how are you? Enter the car.’ I was shocked at the statement because I had never met them before. I continued walking and tried to cross the road but they blocked me with the car; then I became scared. I was finally able to cross and I boarded an Ikeja-bound bus and took a seat.

    “Before I knew it, both men got out of their SUV and walked to the bus I was in. They were both putting on Army caps. They told the bus driver that the bus would not move until I came down and talked to them. They claimed that they knew me, which was untrue. I told them I would not get off the bus and talk to them because I didn’t know who they were but they insisted and it resulted in an argument involving me, the soldiers, passengers and other bus drivers”.

    The student added: “The bus drivers later said I should get off the bus, saying they didn’t want any trouble, that I had probably dated one of the guys. This went on for a while until the soldiers and drivers went to the back of their SUV and continued the argument.

    “When I noticed the soldiers’ attention was not on me anymore, I came down from the bus and ran to board a UNILAG campus shuttle bus, hoping that would save me from them, but when I looked back while in the shuttle, I saw their car following the bus.

    “They followed the bus down to the UNILAG gate in Akoka. I alighted at the school gate and ran to the security gate. Their SUV followed me and parked close to the school gate, so I started shouting and crying, ‘They want to kidnap me.’ After a few minutes, they drove off. I had to call some of my male friends who followed me home.

    “I was so scared because I don’t know what those guys would have done to me, if I had not run to the campus shuttle that took me to school,” she said.

  • Last moments of drown students

    Last moments of drown students

    •Family members, friends pay them tributes

    THE University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Tuesday spoke on the death of two of its postgraduate students on Sunday at Elegushi Beach, saying they were not on a school assignment.

    Funmi Odusina, 24, and Adesola Ogunmefun, 27, were swept away by heavy tide on Sunday during the birthday celebration of a friend, simply identified as Bolu.

    Deputy Registrar (Information) Mr Toyin Adebule said the institution knew nothing about the party, adding: “They are postgraduate students. They were not on our assignment. They were there on their own. What can we do? We were not aware that they went there. Please leave the UNILAG out of this. We can only commiserate with the families. It is a coroner case and the police should handle this.

    “If it happened in our lagoon now, we would have been involved. But when students are out of the institution, they are not under our watch. The Dean, Students Affairs (DSA) and Dean of Postgraduate Studies would contact the families on our behalf,” Adebule said.

    Family members and friends yesterday took to social media to relive their last moments with the deceased.

    Odusina was brought out of the water dead by local divers; Ogunmefun died after being rescued. Bolu Akinyokun, who survived, was discharged from the hospital yesterday.

    The Nation learnt that the families are insisting on autopsy on the bodies, which are still at the Lagos Island General Hospital mortuary.

    According to Funmi’s older sister, Bukola Odusina, their family is devastated by the incident.

    On his Facebook wall, Gbenga Odusina said his sister was not a swimmer, stating: “Sadly, I saw these two on Sunday afternoon…I even joked with Shola about her makeup against Funmi’s own. She just came back from church and had to hook up with my sister for the party…Wished I restrained them from going to meet their death. Their friendship baffles me even in death. They had the same hairstyle and died the same day. At the mortuary, they weren’t too far apart too. My sister laid there dead even as my other sisters cried to her to please wake up…

    “It felt like a deep sleep and her feet were cold with water still running out of her nostrils. Sadly, she doesn’t swim and I would have bet she wasn’t anywhere near the ocean until I saw this picture.

    “I respect life more now and would make the best of every opportunity while still here. I wonder what we keep malice for; hold grudge against someone and never get another opportunity to say something to someone or forgive them. Life is short! Rest in peace Shola Ogunmefun and Funmi. Get well Bolu too!”

    Gbenga, the first family member to comment on the issue on Monday went on: “Happy birthday to my dad as much I would have loved to celebrate his 65th birthday, death snatched away his baby daughter; my sister Funmi, a few hours before. I have never experienced death this close. I still saw her in the afternoon (Sunday) making up. I even asked her, ‘Funmi you’re really dressed like a big madam today.’ She cleaned her room so well; maybe she knew she was going to meet her creator a few hours ago.

    “I saw her lifeless body at the mortuary. But I never really queried how God does His things and I continue to give thanks to Him for all. Rest in peace dear sister!”

    A close friend to Ogunmefun, Samson Tobore Chritos, who took a picture with her in church that Sunday recalled the peck she gave him.

    He said: “It was just two days ago (on Sunday) that we were both together laughing, playing, taking selfies at church and you gave me a kiss on my right cheek, only to find out the next day that you’ve departed this world. I never knew that was a goodbye kiss and that was the last time I was going to see you.

    “It’s sad how a lot could happen within 24 hours. Like Morenike Olusanya will say ‘Life is too short. Please learn to appreciate the people in your life all the time. Be at peace with them, help them, show them love, compliment them, treat them well, forgive them. Nobody knows when nor what will happen’. “Rest in peace dear. You will forever remain in our hearts. You will forever be a part of our family. We will always love and remember you Adesola Olubola Ogunmefun.”

    Another of their friend Mayowa Oyebanji, said Ogunmefun had promised to attend his wedding.

    “R.I.P. Adesola Olubola Ogunmefun and Phummie Toe’dunni Odusina So I lost two of you in a day! I still can’t believe you are gone Sola…No!

    “Sola, you promised to be at my wedding as Iya oko the last time I came to your house. Memories won’t let me be…been reading our chats, stalking your instagram and trying your phone number maybe you will pick.

    “Continue to rest in heaven my teflon nihga till we meet to part no more. No goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart,” said Oyebanji.

    The police have begun investigation into the matter. The parents were at the Ilasan police station, Lekki yesterday afternoon.

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  • Two UNILAG postgraduate students ‘drown’ in Elegushi beach

    Two UNILAG postgraduate students ‘drown’ in Elegushi beach

    Two postgraduate students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have allegedly drowned at the Elegushi Beach in Lagos.

    According to their friend, Ginika Okolo, who took to social media to mourn them, Funmi 24, and Shola, 27, were swept away by high tide on Sunday.

    The duo, who graduated from Covenant University were about completing their Master in International Law and Diplomacy at the UNILAG.

    Okolo blamed the absence of life guards and other safety measures for their death.

    She said: “Some of us have been awake and have cried our hearts out. I shut the day because of the death of these two. Oh life, what a waste!!!

    “Our tears have turned to anger because their lives were carelessly taken away by Elegushi heavy tide. Is there not a rescue team? Don’t people pay to enter the beach? Funmi, 24 and Shola, 27, had bright future.

    “Graduated in International Relations from Covenant University (2007-2011) and on the verge of completing their Masters from UNILAG in International Law and Diplomacy. This is so sad but we must bring awareness because their lives are not worthless to carelessly die like this.

    “If you went to Covenant University, Bells Secondary School, Home Science Secondary School, University of Lagos and you know their families, loved ones or you have loved ones who have been victims, you need to join these campaigns.

    “We need wave alarm system, emergency medical unit, patrol unit, good rescue team in all Nigerian beaches.

    “Funmi and Shola were wonderful young girls who were taken away carelessly. R.I.P my loves you will always remain in the sands of time.”

    Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP), confirmed the tragic incident.

    She said the victims’ relatives reported the case at Elegushi Police Station yesterday after they went to the hospital to claim the bodies but were disallowed unless there was a police report.

  • UNILAG Student fight hostel guard over clearance

    UNILAG Student fight hostel guard over clearance

    A female 100 Level student was on Thursday arrested at a hostel of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and taken to the alpha base for assaulting the hostel security woman.

    The girl, simply identified as Wunmi, was said to have engaged in a physical combat with Mrs White, the hostel security personnel around six in the evening.
    According to eyewitness account, Mrs White asked the young woman for her hostel clearance and an argument ensued between the duo which made the girl lock the security by the collar.

    Eventually a physical battle started and Wunmi made her way into the hostel only for more security men from the alpha base to later come for her arrest.

    She reportedly hid in the room, giving the security guards an assignment of searching the room thoroughly before she was found and escorted to the alpha base.

  • It’s business as usual at UNILAG

    Despite a directive by the national leadership of ASUU that all branches of the union should join the strike to protest the removal of petrol subsidy, all went on as usual at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) yesterday.

    Students were seen writing their first semester examination for the 2015/2016 academic session which started last week.

    Supervisors where seen at the exam centre conducting the examination without any disturbance.

    Those who had no papers were seen reading in the various parts of the campus.

    A postgraduate student, Yinka Adekunle, said they had thought the strike would affect the ongoing examination.

    “We thought the strike was going to affect our exams today; but we got to school only to find that there was no strike and exams continued,” he said.

    Efforts to speak to ASUU chairman proved abortive as he was unavailable and did not return calls or a text message made to his phone.

  • UNILAG begins first semester exams

    UNILAG begins first semester exams

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) first semester examinations for the 2015/2016 academic session commenced without incidence on Monday.

    This was despite protest by some groups that the students did not get adequate time to prepare for the examination following the institution’s resumption last week after a three-week closure occasioned by the students’ protest.

    Before the April 8 closure, the students were preparing for the examination.

    A statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information Unit, Mr Toyin Adebule, noted that examination “have commenced in earnest in all Faculties of the University.”

    The examination would last for three weeks in the Education Faculty, and two in others, including Arts, Law, Business Administration, and Engineering.

    A student in the Faculty of science, who does not want to be named, said the examination went well.

    “The examination was okay.  Though we didn’t cover the syllabus, we had materials for all the courses,” the student said.

    Another student named Eva from the department of Philosophy said: “the exams has been going on smoothly, though we didn’t cover the syllabus, the school instructed lecturers to set questions from where they stopped teaching before the closure, “she said.

  • UNILAG ejects students’ leaders from hostel

    UNILAG ejects students’ leaders from hostel

    THE UNIVERSITY of Lagos (UNILAG) has evicted students union leaders from their hostels.

    A notice yesterday said the eviction followed the suspension of the union.

    The institution resumed yesterday following its closure after students’ protest against irregular power supply and water shortage.

    The notice listed all members of University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) and directed them to vacate their halls of residence.

    Deputy Registrar (Information) Mr Toyin Adebule told The Nation: “There are special rooms allocated to Students Union representatives. But since the union has been suspended, they have to vacate those rooms.”

    On the campus yesterday, students checked into their hostels following their clearance.

    A first year student of Mass communication, simply called Cynthia, said: “We have been submitting our indemnity forms and exam dockets. Though some people still haven’t signed but they have no choice because everything is tied to the form now including entry into hostel and entry into exam hall, so we just have to do as we are told.”

    Some may have decided to wait for sometime before signing.

    A student, who simply identified himself as Seun from the Faculty of Environment, said: “I have not yet filled the form, I don’t think I am ready yet, but probably when it’s time to write exam, I will have no other choice than to fill the form. We left the school as students, we are now returning as zombies/slaves.”

    The students are alleging that the university is looking for evidence to expel the union leaders.

    A source said: “Some students have been tasked with the job of spying and the university tried to get the faculty presidents to form a parallel body they called Council of Faculty Presidents to take over the duties of the students union. They were also asked to come up with another set of constitution which some of the presidents have refused to accept.”

    Adebule also cleared the air on examinations, which he said, would begin in two weeks.

    He said: “The Education faculty will do their examinations in three weeks, while others do theirs in two weeks and that is the normal procedure we are following.”

  • UNILAG students submit undertaking forms enmasse

    UNILAG students submit undertaking forms enmasse

    Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) succumbed to management’s authority by signing and submitting their undertaking/indemnity forms yesterday ahead of resumption on Monday.

    The submission of the forms was the condition stipulated by the institution’s Senate for the re-absorption of the students following a protest on April 8, 2016, which led to the closure of the school and the suspension of the Students’ Union.

    The Deputy Registrar, Information, Mr Toyin Adebule, on Friday confirmed that 19,373 students had downloaded the indemnity forms as at 12.30p.m.

    When The Nation visited the campus yesterday, the various departments of the institution were crowded with students who waited until last minute to sign the forms.

    Although, the students union’s efforts have not yielded desired results, they still believe in the union executives.

    Bolu in Chemistry department said: “I just signed my form today and it was quite stressful because there was a crowd of students trying to sign theirs too. We actually waited because we thought there would be a protest yesterday (Thursday) but nothing happened. I guess it was because the school seemed prepared for them with the presence of police and distress squad vehicles pateoling the school yesterday. But I will be at Onikan for the general protest they asked us to come for on Sunday. We are working with the #SAVEUNILAG.”

    The suspended union leaders also circulated a broadcast with the same hashtag.

    Another student, Hajara, said she still believes in the union: “It was very disappointing that they gave us false protest information yesterday because I was ready and I was around. But I will still be at Onikan on Sunday. I just submitted my form and they told us to come for it on Tuesday because the crowd was too much in my department and it is already past 4. They have to close. Many of my friends are backing ULSU also.”

  • ‘UNILAG students’ union not suspended’

    ‘UNILAG students’ union not suspended’

    Contrary to reports that authorities at the University of Lagos have suspended the institution’s student union body, the union on Friday dismissed its purported suspension as untrue.

    “We are still intact and we are still in the struggle,” the union said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Afolabi.

    He said few days after the university management posted a statement on the institution’s website, announcing the suspension, the union executives are yet to receive any official document on the development.

    He added that instead of the management to give a letter announcing the union’s suspension, it only locked up its offices.

    “On this note, we are stating categorically that ULSU is still ULSU. No ULSU executive or principal officer was elected via the school website and we can never accept a suspension via that means,” the statement added.

    The union, however, described the purported suspension as illegal, insisting that the management has no right to suspend the union.

     

  • UNILAG accuses defunct SUG leaders of ulterior motives

    UNILAG accuses defunct SUG leaders of ulterior motives

    The Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr Karo Ogbinaka has accused the suspended students’ union (ULSU) of working for their own selfish interests, rather than that of the institution or its students.

    This is coming as Lagos lawyer, Ebun Adegboruwa, wrote the university on behalf of the union, seeking reversal of the suspension and withdrawal of the undertaking the students have to sign before tomorrow or be taken to court.

    Speaking to The Nation in his office yesterday, Ogbinaka said most of the ULSU leaders were under investigation for defaulting in various ways in the institution.

    “It is obvious that they are fighting some selfish and fraudulent interests because the demands they tendered to management just two days before the protest were based on trivial issues, not light or water or even high cost of living.

    “As a matter of fact, the President, Muhammed Olaniyan, sent a very disrespectful message to the Vice Chancellor (Prof Rahamon Bello) just after the protest, making direct insults at him.”

    He said all the Students’ Union leaders clamoured for in their meeting was the need for a new bus, a renovated school gate and to force the VC to hold a town hall meeting with students, which he believed, were trivial issues.

    On the issue of power and water, he said the management already informed ULSU that it had intention to buy four generators to power the institution and regulate its supply due to power challenge in the country.

    However, contrary to the ULSU’s claim, only two have arrived because the university does not want all generators to get worn out at the same time.

    Ogbinaka said the indemnity form the students were made to fill was legitimate, assuring that the UNILAG management would not do anything to jeopardise the future of their students.

    However, Adegboruwa in a letter addressed to the vice chancellor and dated April 27, 2016, said the students, having been admitted and paid fees, already had a contract with the university and need not be made to sign an undertaking to be readmitted.

    The lawyer also noted that suspending the union and asking the students to relate with the management through their faculty representatives was not in the general interest of the institution.

    The lawyer therefore urged the university to suspend the signing of the forms, lift ban on the Students’ Union and dialogue with its leaders, postpone the first semester examinations due to start May 9 by one month, absorb students’ representatives into the council, senate and congregation of the university.