The Nation Newspaper

Tag: University of Nigeria

  • FG inaugurates 240kw solar plant at UNN

    FG inaugurates 240kw solar plant at UNN

    The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated a 240 Kilowatt Solar Car Park donated by the Azura Power West Africa Limited to the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Mr Sunday Owolabi, the Director of Renewable and Rural Power Access in the ministry, handed over the project to the university.

    The project worth N900m was facilitated by an alumnus of the faculty and Managing Director of Azura Power, Mr Edu Okeke.

    Adelabu said that energy played a crucial role in driving development, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, industry among others.

    “The importance of ensuring that our institutions have access to reliable affordable and sustainable energy cannot be overstated.

    “It is in this context that this project holds such significant value to our yearning and aspiration towards sustainable energy development for the country.

    “By providing UNN with this state-of-the-art solar-powered car park, we are not only enhancing the university’s energy capacity but also contributing to the environmental sustainability agenda of our nation,” he said.

    The minister commended the donor for providing solar electricity, saying that it will ensure uninterrupted clean power supply to the faculty of engineering.

    “This uninterrupted power supply will boost learning, teaching and research in this faculty.

    “We commend Azura Power for their unwavering commitment to the growth and development of renewable energy in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Yobe Govt to provide solar energy in all secondary schools – SSG

    “This project is a testament to the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and its belief in the transformative power of renewable energy to address Nigeria’s energy deficits,” he said.

    The minister also commended Crimeng Services Limited, the Contractor that handled the project, for delivering a quality according to specifications.

    Speaking, Mr Ekundayo Ibeun, Managing Director of Crimeng Services Limited, said that the indigenous company had good track records in fields of energy provision, telecommunication engineering and building automation.

    He said that the 240kw solar car park was done with indigenous content and innovation, together with application of technologies around the world.

    “Some of our company workers will be in UNN to maintain the facility as well as help train some staff of UNN who will take over the maintenance after two years warranty of the project, while the duration of the project is 25 years.

    Okeke, the Managing Director of Azura Power, said that the project was part of its company’s initiative that aligned with Nigeria’s energy transition goals of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on power sector reforms.

  • UNN to host conference Nigeria’s challenges

    UNN to host conference Nigeria’s challenges

    The Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN) has said its forthcoming maiden multi-disciplinary conference/workshop at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) would seek solutions to the numerous challenges facing the nation.

    A statement by its Director, Media/Publicity, Dr. Chekwube Nzomiwu, said the three-day will be held at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium, UNN from November 20.

    DECRAN Convener/President Dr. Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha said the conference was open to all academics and professionals, irrespective of their discipline.

    According to her, participants would brainstorm on how to use media and communication to empower communities, promote gender equality and inclusivity, tackle health and environmental challenges and improve disaster preparedness, among others.

    Read Also: Hijack of PMS truck: Police confirm suspects as ex-officers

    She gave the theme as: “Empowering voices and transforming communities: Harnessing development communication for sustainable change in Nigeria.”

    Mrs. Chinweobo-Onuoha explained that DECRAN, which is flagging off its annual international conference at the UNN, stands as the pioneering force in the realm of communication research in the country.

    She listed the UNN acting Vice Chancellor Prof Romanus Ezeokonkwo as Chief Host; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Paul Obi-Ani, as Host; Head of Department, Mass Communication, Prof. Joseph Wogu (Co-Host) and former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro (Keynote Speaker).

    Expected to present the lead paper presenters are: Prof. Sunny Udeze of the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Prof. Chinwe Uzochukwu of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

  • UNN graduates 11,681 PhD

    A total of 11,681 graduates would be released at the convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) coming up on Friday.
    Of the number, 9,702 of them would be conferred with First Degrees, Diploma and Certificates.
    ‎The distribution include 173 in 1st Class honours, 3, 725 in 2nd Class honours (upper division), 4,123 in 2nd Class (Lower division), 1,306 in 3rd Class, 76 pass and 253 unclassified while 46 would receive Diploma.
    Announcing the development on Monday at a pre-convocation press conference in Enugu, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof Benjamin Ozumba said 480 Ph.D degrees would be awarded at the convocation.
    He said it was “an unprecedented record in the number of Ph.D degrees ever awarded by a Nigerian university in a single convocation”.

    Read Also: UNN relishes lecture series

    The Vice chancellor also announced that three eminent Nigerians would be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.
    The recipients include the MD/CEO Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe; MD Dozzy Group, Daniel Chukwudozie and Reginald Chika Stanley.
    The high point of the convocation would be the conferment of the title of Professor Emeritus on the wife of the founder of the university, Professor Uche Azikiwe and 10 other professors who had served the university meritoriously and are still making invaluable contributions to the body of knowledge.

  • UNN has achieved its goals under my watch, says VC

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, has said the university, under his watch, achieved some of the objectives for which it was established by its founding fathers.

    One of those objectives, Ozumba said, was to become a globally recognised tertiary institution where liberal education would be offered to restore man’s dignity. He said the school had achieved this goal.

    The VC spoke at the just-concluded 58th Founders’ Day where a special convocation was held to confer honorary doctoral degree on Mr Austin Avuru, an alumnus of the university from the Department of Geology. He was conferred with the honorary degree in Business Administration after bringing Platform Petroleum to donate a building to the department in his honour.

    According to a statement by the school’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Okwun Omeaku, the complex, which is named after Austin Avuru, is valued at over N1 billion.

    Ozumba said the special convocation was organised for the conferment of the award on Avuru, who was shortlisted for the award in 2014 by the school Senate.

    “Avuru accepted the degree after he had completed a signature project in the university,” Ozumba said, pointing out that the school only conferred its honorary degrees on people of integrity, who have distinguished themselves in services to humanity, and not those who lobby to acquire the degree with money.

    Ozumba said his administration had created an atmosphere of peace in the university by restoring the confidence of the alumni, who, he said, showed willingness to enhance the image of the university.

    The VC, who used the occasion to give account of his administration, said the school vigorously pursued linkage programmes and collaborations with renowned universities in the world.

    The result, according to the VC, led to an enhanced global perception of the university, including the improved Webometric rankings and the latest recognition by the Times Higher Education global ranking of universities.

    Ozumba, who recently played host to a team of academics from Michigan State University, who were in the school to revive an age-long relationship with the UNN, said his leadership had made the university a toast for international collaborators.

    He said: “I recall we made it clear that our overall agenda was to provide the University of Nigeria the leadership needed to become an academic giant and a pacesetter in quality scientific research. The level of UNN innovative teaching and the robustness of its community service among communities in the developing countries.”

    Ozumba reiterated his promise of improved welfare made to members of staff and students of the university at the inception of his administration in 2014.

    He attributed the progress the university has made under him to hard work, commitment and the culture of excellence which, he said, his administration injected in all spheres of the university’s system.

    In his response after being conferred with the degree, Avuru said he was humbled by the honour from his alma mater, stating that what he benefited from the university could not be quantified.

    Avuru announced N10 million travel grant for workers of the Faculty of Physical Sciences of the university, adding that the money will be used to sponsor anyone who wishes to attend conferences abroad from the Department of Geology and other departments in the Faculty of Physical Sciences.

  • Why Atiku picked Peter Obi as running mate – Daniel

    The Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has given reasons why Mr. Peter Obi was picked as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar.

    The 57-year-old Obi was a former governor of Anambra State and a former Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc.

    In a statement on Friday, Daniel said Mr. Obi’s choice was largely influenced by his youthfulness, vast knowledge of global and local economics as well as being a financial expert, all experience which Nigeria is in great need at this point in time.

    “This ticket will be able to steer our nation back on the path of progress, economic prosperity and unity”, Daniel said.

    Born 19th July, 1961, Obi attended the Christ the King College, Onitsha and later proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

    The statement continued, “He is also a graduate of several international and national institutions such as the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, Columbia Business School, Institute of Management, Switzerland, Kellogg Graduate School, Oxford University and Cambridge University.

    “In public service, he has led various divisions some of which includes: Member, Presidential Economic Management Team; Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum, and the Governor of Anambra State.

    Read Also: Education is key, says Peter Obi

    “Peter Obi is an astute professional who has laid his footprints across the corporate world. He was the Chairman, Board of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); former Chairman, Fidelity Bank PLC; former Chairman, Guardian Express Mortgage Bank; former Chairman, Future Views Securities; former Chairman, Paymaster Nigeria; former Chairman, Next International Nigeria; former Director, Guardian Express Bank PLC; former Director, Chams Nigeria PLC; former Director, Emerging Capital: former Director, Card Centre PLC.

    “He is a member of the British Institute of Directors (IOD), Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers and Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

  • Rainstorm destroys hostels, electricity poles at UNN

    Properties worthy millions were destroyed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), on Monday, following a rainstorm that struck the city.

    Academic buildings and students’ hostels, including Opara and Eni Njoku Halls were destroyed by the rainstorm that lasted four hours.

    Major routes on the campus were littered with logs and electric poles brought down by the wind, leaving the roads impassable.

    Also impassable was the road leading to the graduate school from the institution’s main gate, making the university workers to go through Akanu Ibiam Stadium Road to get to the school’s Administrative Building. This, again, resulted in traffic congestion.

    As the rainstorm blew off hostels’ roofs, making students to run out of their rooms for safety. The affected halls have been deserted, as students had moved out their personal effects to seek temporary accommodation elsewhere.

    Occupants of Opara Hall said the incident “happened unexpectedly”, expressing gratitude to God for protecting their lives.

    The hall governor was not in school when CAMPUSLIFE visited, but her deputy, Chiamaka Obiakor, refused to speak with our reporter.

    The affected students said in chorus: “We are stranded; we want the management to urgently do something about it.”

    One of them, who gave her name as Rita, said: “Many of us are not from Nsukka and we don’t have alternative places to stay than our hostels.”

    At Eni Njoku Hall, students expressed disappointment, saying the destruction was an indication that the building was in “poor state”. They said the hostel needed “complete renovation” to prevent future occurrence.

    One of the affected students, Chibuzor Ugwu,  said: “It is quite embarrassing that an institution like UNN could not boast of strong hostels to accommodate its students. I was in secondary school when I started to hear about UNN’s accommodation challenges. I urge the management and government to do something urgent and stop moving students from one place to another whenever there is a disaster.”

    Chibuzor appealed to management to re-design major roads on the campus, saying the rainstorm disrupted activities because the roads were in deplorable conditions.

    Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Ifeanyi Ofoefule, did not respond to questions by our reporter to know the steps the school was taking in the aftermath of the storm.

  • BBNaija: Alex wins N1m as ‘Most Fun Housemate’

    Alex Asogwa, third runner up of the just concluded Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’ has received One million naira for being the ‘most fun housemate’ during the season.

    The newsmen reports that the cash prize was donated by Dufil Prima Foods Plc, producers of Minimie chinchin and noodles, one of the sponsors of the show.

    Dufil Prima Foods Plc shared the news on its Instagram page @minimienoodles.

    It read: “A big shout out to @Alexunusual for being the most fun Housemate in the Big Brother Naija Double Wahala ‘Funometer game’.”

    Alex was immediately congratulated by friends and second runner up of the show Tobi Bakre. He wrote on Instagram @Tobibakre, “@Alexunusual with the moolah.”

    Alex, who is a student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ), garnered acclaimed for her famous dance moves and liveliness during the Saturday night parties in the house.

    The dancer and model was fondly described as the ‘life of the party’, along with friends and former housemates Miracle Igbokwe and Tobi Bakre with the acronym ‘TORACLEX’.

    The newsmen reports that during the show, Alex won a joint one million Naira with Miracle in the ‘Close-up Challenge’ and Dano Milk ‘Kitchen Revamp’ for her mother.

    BBNaija Double Wahala was the third season of the Nigerian version of the reality show Big Brother.

    It was launched on Jan. 28, 2018 on DStv channel 198, with 20 housemates from different parts of the country, while ex-housemate, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu from season one anchored.

    The third season which ran for the duration of 12 weeks, ended on April 22, as housemate Miracle, a pilot, won the star prize and went away with prizes worth N45 million.

    NAN

  • Police arrest OPC member over alleged murder of student

    Police arrest OPC member over alleged murder of student

    The Police have arrested and detained a chieftain Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dele Olorunfemi, over alleged murder of a student, Faramo Tope in Ikere-Ekiti.

    The deceased, who was said to be a student of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti Campus, was said to have been killed at about 9.30 pm on Wednesday, February 28.

    Tope was being conveyed with another passenger by a commercial motorcyclist when he was hit by bullets allegedly fired by some OPC men on patrol led by Olorunfemi.

    The shooting incident reportedly took place along Winners’ Chapel Road in Oke Osun area of the town but the corpse of the deceased was dumped in a bush at Ona Owuro Road behind College Demonstration School.

    The Nation gathered that the commercial motorcyclist who witnessed the killing of his passenger and identified the suspects reported the incident at Anaye Police Station in Uro Quarters of the town.

    The report of the alleged murder led to the arrests of Olorunfemi and another suspect who was simply identified as “Bebe.” Another suspect identified as “Abule” is presently at large.

    Residents of the area where the corpse was dumped also reported the killing at the same police station.

    The corpse of the student has been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, along Ise Road, Ikere.

    Chairman of the Landlords Association of the area, Pastor David Owotobi, said the corpse was dumped when members of his church were having all night prayer.

    “After our programme in the church, our members were going back home and they came back to report that a corpse was dropped very close to our church.

    “I went there when and I saw the corpse there; on the second day very early in the morning, I went to the police station to report what happened on our street.”

    Confirming the incident in a telephone chat, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdullahi Chafe, said only one person has been arrested.

    Chafe said: “I can confirm that such an incident occurred, one person has been arrested and he will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.”

    Read Also: OPC warn IPOB chief stop attacking Obasanjo, Tinubu

  • UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    UNN seeks partnership with Nigerian Air Force on training

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ) is seeking partnership with Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) on training, Research and Development (R & D) to support the service in the discharge of its responsibilities.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, made the plan known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, made the fact known in a statement  in Abuja on Thursday.

    During the visit, Ozumba said the university decided to partner NAF because of its giant strides in R & D and the consistent display of professionalism in the discharge of its responsibility, Adesanya said.

    He commended NAF for its efforts toward attaining self-reliance, adding that NAF was one of the government agencies that were in tune with the changes in the 21st Century.

    According to him, the world has gone beyond the era of commodity driven economy to knowledge-based economy.

    Ozumba commended the efforts of the current NAF leadership toward improving the knowledge base of its personnel through sustained R & D activities.

    Read Also: UNN  set to establish $7m Science Park in Africa

    “Therefore, I reiterated the readiness and capability of the institution to collaborate with NAF in all aspects of R & D to ensure that the service continued to successfully accomplish its constitutional tasks.

    “UNN has been consistently ranked Number one in the Google Scholarly Search in West Africa, for the past three years, a testimony of the university’s commitment to academic endeavours,” he said.

    Ozumba said arrangement had been concluded by the university to establish a science park toward advancing technological knowledge.

    He used the opportunity to invite NAF to be part of the institution’s Innovation Conference scheduled for February.

    In his remarks, Abubakar  said that NAF would also partner UNN in the area of aircraft maintenance, building technology and other relevant fields.

    The CAS added that the service had identified the need to partner with academic institutions in Nigeria more than five years ago.

    He said NAF had already signed a Memoranda of Understanding with 15 other Nigerian universities, adding that the partnerships had started yielding benefits, especially in the enhancement of NAF’s aircraft maintenance capacity.

    Abubakar expressed the readiness of NAF to participate in the establishment of the science park at UNN and promised that NAF would be  represented at the Innovation Conference.

    Abubakar  directed that a team of relevant NAF personnel from NAF Research and Development Centre and NAF Institute of Technology, Kaduna,   be composed to visit UNN.

    He explained that the visit would help identify  specific areas of potential partnership between both organisations.

    NAN

  • ‘How Nollywood actor motivated me’

    ‘How Nollywood actor motivated me’

    After bagging a Second Class Upper in Political Science, Tochukwu Okechukwu’s dream was to hit the labour market after his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corp’s ( NYSC ) programme. But fate had other ideas. He shares his story with ROBERT EGBE.

    Family

    I am Tochukwu Georgecollins Okechukwu ( TGO ), from Adazi-ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. I am the second child in the family of Mr. & Mrs. Okechukwu Boniface Offor.

    Education

    I am a graduate of Political Science ( 2007-2011 ) and Law ( 2012-2016 ), with Second Class ( Upper Division ) honours from the University of Nigeria ( UNN ), Nsukka. I attended the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School ( 2016/2017 ) and graduated with a Second Class (Lower Division) honours.

    Choice of law

    My choice to study Law wasn’t actually my entire personal plan. During my National Youth Service Corp ( NYSC ) year in 2012, all I wanted was to hit the labour market afterwards. However, the plan changed when I received a phone call from my dad, informing me that I should apply for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) direct entry admission to study law. I went for the entrance examination without any preparation just to fulfill the biblical obligation that says “Child respect your father and mother so your days on earth will be long”. During the examination proper, I got the motivation to study law when I noticed that a popular Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, also took part in the examination.

     Law school

    Law school is an interesting environment for learning. I must appreciate the efforts of the Council of Legal Education and the academic team of the Nigerian Law School (Lagos campus in particular).

    Law school marking scheme

    I don’t have any problem with the law school marking scheme. I believe that if you want the best, then you must aim and work for it. Nevertheless, we can’t underestimate the grace of God as one of the determining factors.

    Most memorable day

    My memorable day in court was as a law school extern in Hon. Justice Idowu Alakija’s court at Igbosere ( Lagos ), when Mr. Kanu. Esq (NLS, Lagos campus lecturer) moved a Motion for an interim injunction. After I heard his motion, I never studied how to move a motion for bar final exams.

     What I would change about law

    What I would like to change about law is to unify some of our local laws, especially in the areas of criminal and civil law.

     Personal achievements

    I hold a diploma in Latin from St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, (Affiliate of Pontificia Universitas Urbaniana, Roma). I also held the positions of Assistant Secretary-General National Association of Political Science Students ( NAPSS UNN CHAPTER 2009-2010 ) and Judge Law Students Association ( LAWSA )  Court of Appeal, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (2015-2016).

    The future

    I plan to practise up to the height of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at least and possibly to go into politics at some point.