The Nation Newspaper

Tag: University of Ibadan

  • UI secures N200m students’ scholarships scheme

    UI secures N200m students’ scholarships scheme

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale has inaugurated a board for the N200 million Martins Ifeonuka Etuokwu Scholarship Fund for students of the institution where he reiterated that Alumni are vital for the sustainable development of tertiary institutions.

    He described the efforts as part of the dividends yielded by the celebration of UI @ 75.

    He noted that lack of funds poses challenges to universities hence the need to have a sustainable funding model is inevitable.

    Professor Adebowale said the Alumni must be cultivated with sufficient information for them to be able to look back and give appropriately to their Alma Mater.                                               

    According to the VC, universities in other climes of the world depend largely on the Alumni for sustainability and not on the government.

    He expressed appreciation to the alumnus who helped to source the funds and assured that the funds would be judiciously utilised to ensure the award of the scholarships in perpetuity.

    Read Also: Foundation grants scholarships to pupils

    The members of the newly inaugurated board are Prof. Olawale Ogunkola (Chairman/Convener), Mr. Ganiyu Saliu (member), Mr. Adewuyi Popoola (member), Prof. Abiodun Folawewo (member), Prof. Adekeye Abiona (member), Mrs Odunola Etuokwu (member) and Mr. Sunday Fagbesan (Secretary).

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and the Chairman of UI @75 Committee, Professor Peter Olapegba, described the inauguration of the board as a landmark celebration in the University of Ibadan.

    Olapegba said the UI @75 Committee aimed to attract benefactions to the University which was achieved by searching and designating UI Alumni as Ambassadors and friends of UI as Ambassadors Extraordinaire.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee said one of such ambassadors, a second-generation alumnus, who is passionate about the University facilitated the donation of the scholarship by RAMS Charity Foundation in honour of his father who was also an alumnus of the University.

    Professor Olapegba added that the fund will encourage excellence by giving scholarships to brilliant students and also assist indigent students.

    According to him, the fund will be managed by the inaugurated board which will advise the University on investment opportunities and the proceeds will be awarded as scholarships to students.

    He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support and the UI @ 75 Committee members for their tenacity in fulfilling the visions of the Committee.

    The Chairman/Convener of the new board and former member of the Governing Council of the University, Professor Ogunkola, said the job of the board is simple but delicate in terms of maintaining the value of the fund while delivering the expected outcomes given the current economic situation in the country.

    He said the board will have a robust investment policy, monitor developments, and adjust the portfolio appropriately.

    He also stated that there will be a balancing of the internal requirements, the desires of the donor, and data generated from the Students Affairs Division giving an assurance that the board will be fair in carrying out its duty.

  • No fake professors in University of Ibadan, says management

    No fake professors in University of Ibadan, says management

    The University of Ibadan has refuted the viral list of 100 fake professors uncovered in universities across the country. 

    The Nation reports the list had generated flurry of reactions with many institutions debunking the list.

    The viral list seen by The Nation enlisted some names of fake professors in some universities in the country. 

    Checks by The Nation shows the report was published in December 2019 by Channels TV online platform and it resurfaced on social media platforms especially Whatsapp in January 2024.

    Reacting, the institution clarified that names in the viral list were not known to the university.

    Read Also: University of Ibadan names UBA GMD Alawuba as UI @75 Ambassador

    It noted that the University publishes its calendar wherein all the names of bona-fide academic staff are listed, but these names are not on the calendar. 

    A statement signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council and Senate, G. O. Saliu noted that: “The management of the University of Ibadan read with dismay the baseless story making the rounds that some fake professors were identified in the University.  

    “The management categorically states that none of the listed Professors have ever been listed as staff of the University. Bi-ennially, the University of Ibadan publishes its Calendar wherein all the names of bona-fide academic staff are listed. These names are not on the Calendar. 

    “Members of the public are enjoined to disregard such stories as the University of Ibadan would never jeopardise the integrity of its academic programmes by parading fake professors.”

  • Firm postpones international food, beverage fairs

    Firm postpones international food, beverage fairs

    The University of Ibadan (UI) Consultancy Ventures has postponed the planned 1st International Foods, Beverages, Drugs Fair and Exhibition scheduled to hold between 16th-22nd October, 2023 to 11th-16th March, 2024.

    The exhibition, which was initially billed to take place at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, UI, was postponed over unforseen circumstances.

    A statement jointly signed by the Manager, UI Consultancy Services, Mrs Helen Abu and Project Manager, Akogun Olaoluwa Makinde, stated the postponement was as a result of the current socio-economic situation in the country, particularly incessant rainfall that has continued unabated.

    Read Also: Firm promises food security

    The statement however assured its full committement towards organising memorable and meaningful 1st

    International Foods, Beverages, Drugs Fair & Exhibition.

    “We thank you for your understanding and support. We greatly appreciate your continued enthusiasm, together we will make this event a resounding success. We look forward to celebrating with you soon,” the statement said.

  • Emmanuel Olorunshola trains over 300 youths on e-commerce and digital business at University of Ibadan

    Emmanuel Olorunshola trains over 300 youths on e-commerce and digital business at University of Ibadan

    In a bold step to equip Nigerian youths with practical tools for financial independence, Digiville Nigeria Ltd, led by innovative tech entrepreneur Emmanuel Olorunshola, held a free training on e-commerce and digital business at the University of Ibadan, attracting more than 300 participants from across the South-West.

    The event, which followed similar sessions in Lagos and Kano, brought together aspiring entrepreneurs from Ilorin, Akure, Abeokuta, Abule Egba, Ilesha, Ekiti, and even Lagos, all eager to learn the fundamentals of online business and digital trade. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as young Nigerians crowded the hall, ready to embrace opportunities beyond traditional career paths.

    Olorunshola, founder of Digiville and a leading voice in Nigeria’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, spoke passionately about the power of digital platforms to change lives. “Our goal is simple — to give young Nigerians the tools they need to earn legitimately, build sustainable businesses, and take charge of their futures,” he said.

    The training covered key areas such as mini-importation, online sales strategies, digital marketing, customer engagement, and how to scale businesses using technology. Practical demonstrations helped participants understand not just theory but actionable steps they could implement immediately.

    Participants described the training as eye-opening and inspiring. “This is my first business seminar of the year, and it has completely changed how I see opportunities,” said one attendee. Another participant remarked, “I learnt more in one day about e-commerce than in months of trying to figure it out alone. Mr. Emmanuel gave us real strategies we can use.”

    The impact of the training extends beyond numbers. Many attendees left with renewed confidence and practical knowledge to launch their ventures. By offering the programme free of charge, Olorunshola underscored his commitment to creating opportunities for young people regardless of background or financial capacity.

    Industry observers note that Digiville’s training sessions represent a growing movement of Nigerian entrepreneurs giving back by sharing knowledge and building ecosystems of opportunity. Olorunshola’s approach has been hailed as a model of youth empowerment that blends technology, education, and practical business guidance.

    Reflecting on the success of the Ibadan event, Olorunshola said, “This is just the beginning. Nigeria’s young people are resourceful and determined. All they need is access to the right skills and guidance. We are committed to reaching more cities and helping more young people realise their potential.”

    The Vanguard gathered that plans are underway for Digiville to expand its training footprint across other Nigerian universities and communities, with a long-term goal of equipping thousands of young Nigerians with digital skills that will enable them to thrive in the global economy.

    As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment and economic uncertainty, initiatives like this highlight the critical role of indigenous entrepreneurs in driving empowerment and shaping the country’s future.

    DISCLAIMER

    This publication is subject to updates and revisions. Kindly note that the information herein may be modified or expanded over time to reflect new developments.

    November 5, 2023

  • Nurturing Linguistic Excellence and Social Understanding: Graduates of University of Ibadan pave the way

    Nurturing Linguistic Excellence and Social Understanding: Graduates of University of Ibadan pave the way

    Oluwakemisola Adeusi and Gift Iyioku are recent graduates of the 2019 class of University of Ibadan where they emerged as the best graduating students of German language in the department of European Studies. In this interview, they speak about their love for interculturality and multilingualism, their language school, and plans for further education.

    Congratulations on your graduation from the University of Ibadan as first-class students! Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what led you both to excel in German studies? How did you even become friends?

    Thank you! We just had to be friends because excellence gravitates towards excellence. We unbelievably have many things in common.  Our passion for language and cultural exchange drew us to German studies. The rich history of Germany and the uniqueness of the language captivated us.  Apart from the fact that we studied what we loved, we also believe we would have succeeded even if we were in another field because excellence, is our watchword. We love giving our best to whatever we do. We worked hard because greatness doesn’t come cheap. One thing that helped us excel in German studies particularly was because we were teaching while we were learning. We’re aiming to start our language school.

    Founding a German language school is an ambitious goal. What inspired this vision, and what unique approach do you plan to bring to language education?

    Our time at the University of Ibadan exposed us to the transformative power of language education. Establishing a German language school allows us to share this experience. We aim to provide an immersive learning environment, blending traditional methods with modern technology to make language acquisition engaging and effective. The language school has actually been in operation since 2016, although on a small scale because of school and we’ve taught over 60 students so far. Our next step is getting the school registered.

    What challenges do you anticipate in launching a language school, and how do you plan to overcome them?

    Establishing a language school comes with its challenges, from initial funding to building a curriculum. We’re prepared to collaborate with educational experts, leverage digital platforms, and seek partnerships to overcome hurdles. Flexibility and resilience will be key to navigating the dynamic landscape of education.

    What are the plans for the future?

    We actually would like to further our education, get a master’s and a doctoral degree, do research in a bigger field, on migration, integration, interculturality, and multilingualism. We believe that language learning is at the center of this, connecting people, building cultural gaps, and fostering access to social benefits, etc. It’s German language in our case, but all languages work the same.

    That sounds interesting. Pursuing these degrees is a significant step and your aspiring fields are also important. How do you envision your research contributing to the understanding of these complex issues?

    A core characteristic of our current world is increasing migration, and we believe understanding and fostering integration are crucial. Our research will explore the nuances of migration experiences, emphasizing language as a bridge for integration. We hope our findings will inform policies and practices that promote inclusivity, tolerance, and social cohesion.

    Finally, what message would you like to share with aspiring linguists and researchers considering similar paths?

    Pursue your passions relentlessly. Language studies offer a gateway to diverse opportunities. Whether it’s founding a language school or conducting impactful research, stay committed, embrace challenges, and remember that every linguistic journey contributes to a richer, interconnected world.

  • No, UI, no!

    It’s the ultimate stain — that the University of Ibadan campus is fast becoming a growth area for robbers wanting to make a few bucks and mug a few heads.

    Or what can you call three robberies, around the same area, in practically two months?

    That is absolutely unacceptable and the university’s vice chancellor had better sit up.   Otherwise he might just pass as a chancellor of vice — or how do you excuse all these vices, the regular robbing and mugging of students, under his charge, in a campus that should be a sanctuary from the vice outside?

    For many alumni and alumna, it’s a stain you can’t ever live down.  How can a university that gave you everything — the very best in learning and in character, not to talk of cultivated bragging rights (no contradiction, Hardball can assure you!) — and on which campus you could trudge, throughout its length and breadth, in those halcyon days and nights, suddenly become so porous students now learn to sleep with only one eye closed?  Abomination!

    That porosity bucks about everything that suggests the university is a model for the outside world.  That is the hallmark of the university providing solutions, to about every challenge the environment faces — the classical gown leading the town, to the proverbial promise land.

    But this embarrassing siege bucks everything.  If UI, the citadel, is under siege for common robberies, how can its faculty egg heads proffer solutions to the crisis outside its walls — or are universities no longer the society’s brain boxes again?  Shame, especially for the Premier University, touted as first and best.

    Yeah, the university authorities, it would appear, are at last waking up to the challenge. News reports talk of a partial curfew, between 12 midnight and 5 am, within which time-belt movements would be scrutinized.

    They have also imposed restrictions on movements, particularly in the female halls of residence, temporarily controlling male access.

    As a temporary measure, these are fine; and should be rigorously implemented.  But curbing movements can’t be a permanent solution.  It can’t make up for imposing a security shield that though allows unfettered movement 24-7, still sieves criminal elements from infiltrating the campus.

    Besides, the Idia-Awolowo-new sports centre-Awba Dam sector, its proximity to The Polytechnic, Ibadan/UI common fence and its notorious porosity, need to be tackled fast, as most of those breaches happen along that corridor.

    Give us back our old UI, where you could leave your room at any hour, no matter how late, saunter to your classroom in the Faculty complex; or even your departmental library if you had access, study to your heart’s content and return to your room, without breaking any sweat.

    Indeed, security was the last thing on your mind, whether venturing outside or swotting in the sanctuary of your room; visiting the Arts Theatre to see a film or watch a play; or even partying anywhere you so decided.

    Give us back our UI — the serene haven of safety and security, 24-7.

  • 400-Level UI student dies

    Victor Ajidagba, a 400-Level student of the Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, was on Wednesday confirmed dead after slumping while walking through the Department of Physiology around 5:30p.m.

    Although he was said to have been rushed to the institution’s clinic by two other students, who saw him falling, he was confirmed dead later in the evening, despite being placed on emergency by medical personnel on duty.

    According to sources privy to the incident, the medical officers on duty fought hard to save his life by administering first aid treatment, but they had to refer him to the University College Hospital (UCH), Oritamefa, Ibadan, when they discovered the severity of the case.

    Read Also: Three suspected robbers killed

    He was said to have been conveyed in the university ambulance where further treatment was administered on him.

    Ajidagba later died in the hospital, despite efforts of the medical officers at the UCH.

    Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Communications, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, said: “It’s unfortunate that Victor Ajidagba, a 400-Level student of the Department of Nursing slumped and died yesterday night (Wednesday) despite efforts of doctors and nurses of UI Medical Centre, Jaja Clinic and at the UCH.”

    Oladejo noted that the university will investigate further the cause of his death, noting that his family had been notified of the unfortunate incident.

     

  • Nigerian students shine at CFO Global Competition 2019

    By Alao Abiodun

    4 Nigerian students of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan have emerged as one of the top six teams at the 2019 CFO Global Case Study Competition (fourth edition), organised by the Charterquest Institute, South Africa.

    The Nigerian students competed with over 500 teams from 87 Universities representing 45 countries across the world to emerge as one of the top six teams at the competition.

    The team known as ‘Team Renaissance Consulting’ from University of Ibadan comprises; Ayobami Marcus Olasupo (Team Leader), Oluwaseun Sunmola, Mercy Ndubueze and Jackson Ogbonna.

    The CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is an international, annual multi-round business management and leadership-focused case study competition organised by CharterQuest Institute.

    Read Also: Facts about Imam who saved 262 Christians during attack

    The Competition is aimed at challenging university students around the world to prove they can compete at the highest level: by solving a set of complex finance, operational, strategic and ethical problems that beset a real-world global business in the emerging markets.

    The top six teams which are currently set for the semi-finals are expected to arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa on 14th to 18th October, 2019 to deliver their 10 minutes presentation and to take questions for a further 15 minutes from a Mock Board, comprising of a highly esteemed international panel of judges.

    The international panel of judges will then select the ‘Top 3 Teams’ to compete at the finals.

    Prior to this current stage, all entrants were given a case study to analyze for 60 days and then submit a board report. The best 20 board reports were selected. The top 20 were asked to present their reports in video and PowerPoint slides to pick the best 6 in which the Nigerian students were among the best teams.

  • UI VC urges support for PG students

    Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof  Idowu Olayinka, has called on universities to provide favourable environment for postgraduate students to carry out their research.

    Delivering the keynote address at the 57th Meeting of the Committee of Deans of Postgraduate Schools (CDPGS) in  universities at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Olayinka said universities should also monitor the welfare of postgraduate students to enable them complete their programmes on time.

    Speaking on the theme: “Repositioning the narratives of PG education for national development”, Olayinka said:  “The university will only permit doctoral research programmes to be offered where it is confident that students can be trained and supported within an environment that is supportive of research.

    “In terms of availability of supervisors with relevant experience and recent publications in students’project areas; facilities for research should at least meet those needed for research of national and international standards.”

    To monitor their postgraduate students to ensure they are doing well academically and prevent them from overstaying their study, Olayinka said: “The university requires that supervisory committees should monitor the progress of students on doctoral programmes through annual reports to the postgraduate school.

    “The university should generate a database of its academic staff who are on their PhD programmes and their progress, with a view to coming up with policies that would ensure timely completion of such programmes”.

    He also said students’ personal problems should be looked into by the university, proffering solution to them.

    “The university should develop and provide holistic health care services that do not focus only on physical health and fitness, but also on mental health in the work place. Generating a database of staff who have been on their PhD programmes for more than four years, the challenges and barriers encountered by these staff should be identified and addressed.”

    UNILAG VC, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe said the management of the school was committed to the ideals of postgraduate education since its inception and placed high premium on the quality of graduate students as they are ambassadors of the school.

    On his part, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, UNILAG, Prof Solomon Akinboye said UNILAG PG School had taken steps to solve the lack of quality manpower needed in universities, especially new ones and help fund PG students.

    “We took the decision to increase the number of our graduates because we recognize UNILAG’s status as a big and highly rated University when compared with other universities, especially the new ones,” he said.

  • UI to replace bikes with tricycles on campus

    The management of University of Ibadan is set to prohibit activities of commercial motorcycle transport popularly known as “Okada” on campus.

    This latest development was affirmed in a special meeting convened by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Idowu Olayinka, some members of the university management with student leaders.

    It was learnt the stakeholders considered prohibition of motorcycles for commercial transport (Okada) on campus amongst other issues at the boardroom of the Vice Chancellor’s Office.

    In a background report to explain the reason for the ban placed on bikes, the school’s position was centered on how to consolidate the commercial transport system of the University with the best practices in service delivery.

    It was further learnt the development followed serious security concerns to lives and property, accidents and fatality due to non-usage of helmet or other safety kits by passengers, illegal operation by unregistered bike riders leading to loss of revenue by the university, over-speeding and disobedience to rules.

    Read Also: UI matriculates 6,000 students

    It was gathered alternative has been provided through the University Micro-finance scheme for current motorcycle operators who want to continue operations with commercial tricycles.

    However, the student representatives at the meeting made a case for the reversal of the impending ban of commercial motorcycle transport on campus but there was affirmation from the management’s end that was a direct correlation between the presence of commercial motorcycle transport and prevalence of criminal activities on campus.

    The school said commercial motorcycle transport was already banned in many cities, towns, estates, universities, institutions, etc. in Nigeria due to its apparent negative tendencies hence commercial motorcycle transport remained prohibited on campus with effect from 1 July, 2019.