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Tag: varsity

  • Benue varsity graduates 9,340

    No fewer than 9,340 graduands were churned out by the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi during the institution’s convocation ceremony held on Saturday. The graduands got certificates in first degrees and post-graduate degrees in different disciplines. The ceremony was held for combined set.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charity Angya, congratulated the graduating students for being privileged to attend the institution. She further urged the graduands to impact positively in environments they found themselves and be good ambassadors of the institution.

    The VC hailed Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its support in providing infrastructure and quality education to the students. She said the education-funding body had supported the school in equipping library, fund research and capacity development for staff.

    She also praised the state government for making funds available for smooth running of academic programmes.

    She said efforts by various stakeholders made the institution to achieve academic excellence and be rated among 10 African centres of excellence by the World Bank. She said provision of conducive environment for learning through renovation of classrooms, raising of new structures, and teaching aids to meet up standard of National Universities Commission (NUC) improve the rating of the school.

     

     

  • Corps member donates e-boards to varsity

    Corps member donates e-boards to varsity

    A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Miss Panu Sewedo, has donated six electronic signposts to the University as part of her Community Development Service (CDS).

    The signposts, which cost N65,000 each, have been erected at strategic places on campus, including the Student Affairs’ Unit and hostel area. Commissioning the signposts on Saturday, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Yisa Fakunle, said the management appreciated Panu’s effort to make movement easy for visitors on campus.

    Prof Fakunle said: “I want to congratulate you on this selfless service and we appreciate the NYSC for the good Corps members they usually send to this institution. We, at the University of Ilorin, appreciate the thoughtfulness, the drive and dedication of Miss Panu Sewedo to this project that we are commissioning today.”

    The DVC reiterated the management’s support to Corps member future projects, urging her not to relent in contributing to the development of her host community. He added: “You can see the amount of support you had received from the university since you commenced this project. People who don’t get support are those waiting for things to happen. We are assuring you that the billboards will be maintained.”

    In his remarks, the Kwara State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr M. A. Amusa, who led 18 other senior officials from the secretariat, praised the Corps member, describing her as a good ambassador of the NYSC.

    Amusa said: “The NYSC and universities need to work together, because it is higher institution’s graduates we are mentoring. Likewise, universities absorb our products as staff and post-graduate students.”

    Pointing out that UNILORIN is the largest employer of Corps members posted to Ilorin South Local Government Area, Amusa urged the university management to productively engage Corps members deployed to serve in the institution.

    “We have the responsibility to recommend excellent Corps members for state and federal awards. President Goodluck Jonathan has graciously raised the prizes for these awards. Apart from immediate employment, recipients of Federal Government Youth Corpers’ Award will be given government scholarships to local and foreign school to further their education in any course of their choice,” Amusa said.

    Panu said she was grateful to God and the university officials, including the VC, Registrar, Mr E.D. Obafemi, Dean and sub-Students of Students’ Affairs, Prof O.A. Omotesho and Dr A. Yusuf and the University Protocol Officer, Mr S.O. Agboola for their support.

    She disclosed that she was motivated to embark on the project because she wanted to bueatify the campus by the electronic billboards.

    Panu said: “The skills I acquired during the production process cannot be quantified. I got myself involved in welding metals, painting iron sheets, working with the electricians and even the carpenters. It is an experience that I will never forget.”

  • Screening begins at varsity

    The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State has started screening for freshers admitted into the school. The exercise, which began on Monday, will include registration.

    In a statement by the Acting Registrar, Amiso Iniowuari, the university urged the freshers to participate in the exercise and come with original copies of their credentials. The statement added that provision of accommodation to the students would be based on first-come-first-serve method.

     

  • Kogi varsity gets teaching hospital

    The Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has laid the foundation for Kogi State University Teaching Hospital with a promise to ensure timely completion of the project.

    According to the governor, the first phase is put at the cost of over N1.7billion for the entire building up to roofing stage. The internal work on ground floor and technical facilities would be completed at another N1.7billion, which also included furniture and equipment.

    The 250-bed teaching hospital, Wada explained, is his administration’s desire to better the lot of the people through better healthcare services as encapsulated in his administration’s transformation agenda.

    The hospital which is a two floor building, Wada disclosed, would comprise major clinical areas of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, dentistry, pathology, sub specialty areas, bulk store and administration.

    He disclosed that the Teaching Hospital, when completed, would be research hospital with cutting edge technology, and assured of the political will that will make for seamless migration of medical students.

     

     

  • Varsity signs pact with Malaysia

    The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has entered into an agreement with the Universiti Sains Islam, Malaysia (USIM) to share experiences and expertise in capacity building.

    The UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard with his USIM counterpart, Prof. Dato Musa Ahmad, in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia.

    Ambali explained that the agreement is expected to be mutually beneficial in the areas of staff and student exchange, as well as facility development among others. The USIM Vice-Chancellor added that the collaboration came at the right time – when Malaysia in Asia and Nigeria in Africa are emerging as economic powers.

    “This will go a long way for both Malaysians and Nigerians to best contribute in directing the future relevance of higher education”, Prof. Ahmad added.

    Ambali, who also spoke at a collaborative workshop on “Leadership for Higher Education” at the university, said universities need to exchange ideas to overcome 21st century challenges.

    “All the presentations at the workshop have further confirmed the universality of education. It has shown that the challenges of managing higher educational institutions are similar worldwide and require global collaborative solutions,” he said.

  • Danjuma donates water reservoir to varsity

    Danjuma donates water reservoir to varsity

    The South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO) has donated one million litre water reservoir to the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). The reservoir was commissioned on Tuesday in a ceremony marked with feast of culture and comedy.

    Water is a scarce commodity in the university and protest by students to draw the authorities’ attention to their plight led to the death of three students two years ago.

    The project was commissioned by the chairman of SAPETRO, General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman, Senator Desi Danjuma.

    Senator Danjuma said: “I am delighted to be here today to commission this project on behalf of my husband and the entire management of SAPETRO. We are proud to deliver this project as one of our corporate social responsibilities. Water is life and we all know that when you have good source of water, you have good source of life. We are pleased to be intervening in some parts of the development of this institution. SAPETRO will continue to do the best to support the development of this university.”

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Mainoma, said the reservoir would solve the water challenge facing the school. “Anybody who gives you water has given you a life. With this intervention by SAPETRO, which constructed and donated a one million litre water reservoir, the water problem in the university has now been solved. We thank the management of SAPETRO for this contribution,” he said.

    Students of the Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies entertained the guests with cultural performance.

    While giving vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Dalhatu Mamman, said: “We do not have enough words to use in showing our gratitude to General Danjuma for this wonderful and life-touching project. His contributions to the development of this university have always been remarkable. As we all know, the university clinic, a modern and well-equipped healthcare centre was constructed and donated by General Danjuma. We pray that he will continue to be our partner in progress. Your wealth means nothing until you use such wealth to touch the lives of people in the society.”

    A plaque of honour was presented to Senator Danjuma by the VC on behalf of the university community to show appreciation for the intervention project.

    It should be recalled that the university was shut down for months in 2013, following a violent protest over water shortage on campus.

     

  • Abia varsity students hail fee cut

    In what could be likened to a Christmas gift, the Abia State government has announced reduction in the fee of Abia State University (ABSU) by 20 per cent. In a statement by the Secretary to the state government, Governor Theodore Orji said the cut was necessary because of the challenges facing the nation’s economy.

    The school fee was hiked by 100 per cent in 2011 by the government, which hinged its reason the need to improve the institution’s infrastructure.

    The news of the reduction spread like wild fire after it was confirmed by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Israel Ahaemfula. For students, it was good news.

    The Chairman of ABSU chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr David Chikezie, said the government was yet to notify the management on the reduction. “It is true that the state government has reduced the school fee by 20 per cent but they are yet to write to inform us of the development,” he said.

    A fresh student in the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Goodness Ihemelandu, described the fee reduction as a good development. He said: “The high fee almost botched my dream to study medicine. I am happy that the government has reduced it and this will enable the indigent student to remain in school.”

    Kelechi Okorie, a 400-Level Law student, said: “This is a Christmas gift from the governor. For this commendable act, Gov. Orji has proven to be a lover of education.”

    Some graduating students described the reduction as political, wondering why the governor waited till election time to reduce the fee. A final year student, who did not want his name in print, said: “Why did the government slash the fee now when it has less than five months to leave office? For me, this is a political gimmick and I can’t fall for it.”

    Another student, who pleaded anonymity, said it was obvious that the governor reduced the school fee for political reasons, saying: “This is political because 20 per cent reduction is not much. But, we will manage it.”

    With the new development, students in Faculty of Health Sciences will now pay N112,000 per session against N140,000 they paid last session. Student in the faculties of Agriculture and Humanities will pay N96,000 as against N120,000 they paid last year.

     

  • Fanfare as Abia varsity graduates 5,760

    No fewer than 5,760 students graduated during the 23rd Convocation of the Abia State University (ABSU). UCHECHUKWU AMANZE (100-Level Medicine and Surgery) and FAVOUR NNADI (300-Level Medical Laboratory Science) report.

    All roads led to the Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu, last week. It was the institution’s 23rd Convocation and for five days, the campus throbbed with activities.

    The ceremony started on Monday with a press conference at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chibuzo Ogbuagu, told reporters that the university had produced graduates of repute in the last four years. The VC also reeled out his achievements including provision of infrastructure and facilities to aid learning.

    On Tuesday, the arts and books exhibition and cultural carnival were held. The exhibition took place at the Administrative Block’s gallery, where lecturers and students showcased their works.

    Members of the university community embarked on environmental sanitation on the third day to clean up the university.

    A pre-convocation lecture and a novelty football match were held on the fourth day. During the lecture held in Uche Ogah Family Auditorium, the guest lecturer, Emeritus Professor Austine Okwu, who spoke on: Sapere Aude Oganihu Ndigbo, decried what he called marginalisation of the Igbo.

    Prof Okwu said: “The Igbo are being marginalised on daily basis in this country. We occupy few top positions, and we have been sidelined from national politics.” He blamed Igbo leaders for the fate of the tribe, saying: “Igbo is being marginalised because there is no love among its leaders. It is only when we love ourselves and united that we can fight for our rights together.”

    On how the ethnic group could be relevant again, guest lecturer said the Igbo should be guided by the values espoused by its foremost thinkers, such as the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and the late Dr Alvan Ikoku.

    The novelty match was between female students and the staff. While the students’ team dominated the game, the staff team won with a lone goal. The goal was scored in the second half by Dr David Chikezie, chairman of ABSU chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Steve Amaranuro, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, said the objective of the match was to improve relationship between student and management. The VC rewarded the players with N20,000 after the match.

    On Friday, graduates got their degrees. The best among them  won awards. The graduates, were clad in blue academic gowns, could not hide their joy as they filed into the pavilion,

    A total of 893 graduates had Second Class (Upper Division), 3,584 Second Class (Lower Division), 583, Third Class, while Nine had a pass.

    The Pro-chancellor, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, represented by the President, Vision Africa, Dr Sunday Onuoha, congratulated the graduands on the completion of their programmes. Nwachukwu said: “You all deserve the joy of this occasion, because your labour has been adequately rewarded. I, therefore, charge you to be worthy ambassadors of Abia State University wherever you may find yourselves hereafter.”

    A graduating student of the Department of Soil Science, Miss Precious Onuma,  the best graduating student. She had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.7. Six others also made a First Class.

    Precious dedicated the feat to her parents, describing her mother as her anchor. She said: “I applied to study Nursing Science, but I was offered Soil Science. Initially, I did not want to accept the course, however, my mother pleaded with me to accept the course. Today, the decision has turned out to be good.”

    For her outstanding performance, Precious was offered automatic employment by the university.

    The ceremony ended on Saturday, award of post-graduate and honorary degrees. Sixty-six students bagged Ph.D; 296, Master’s and 126, post-graduate Diplomas.

    Prof Ogbuagu praised the  government for  funding made the institution’s  capital projects. The VC,  pleaded with the government to help the university in solving the its electricity and water challenges.

    Individuals conferred with honorary degrees include a media mentor, Chief Ewuolonu Ogbuagu (Doctor of Public Administration), Pro-chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Prof Anya Anya (Doctor of Letters) and Igwe Eze Nwachukwu Okere of Oheiyi-ukwu Community, who bagged Doctorate degree in Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

     

  • Varsity fetes its dearest

    Varsity fetes its dearest

    Two graduates of Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, who graduated with a First Class in this year’s Bar examination at the Nigerian Law School (NLS), have been hosted by management of the institution to mark their feat. They are Akeem Longe and Ebunoluwa Bamigboye.

    Akeem, who also graduated with a First Class in Law at AAUA, was the first student of the school  to emerge overall best in Nigeria. He bested 5,840 others in six campuses of the Law School. He won seven awards during the Call-to-Bar ceremony held last month, setting a new record at the Nigerian Law School. The highest honour won by any student was six.

    Ebunoluwa also won two awards, making AAUA to shine at the Bar ceremony.

    In his remark, the AAUA Vice-Chancellor, Prof Femi Mimiko, congratulated the graduates for not only doing the university proud, but also their families.

    Mimiko said the accomplishment was a testimonial that AAUA was committed to promote academic excellence. He urged them to take the advantage of the university’s Graduate Fellow Scheme, which provides scholarships for its best students to further their studies anywhere in the world.

    In his speech, the Dean of Faculty of Law, Dr Olubayo Oluduro, described Akeem as honest, brilliant and hardworking young man, saying Ebunoluwa is a humble and intelligent young lady.

    The Dean said the Faculty would not relent in producing excellent graduates, thanking the management for supporting the faculty with necessary facilities, including library resources.

    Responding, the graduates thanked the management for honouring them and appreciated staff and students of their support.

    They were presented with gifts to appreciate their feat.

  • Sokoto varsity agog as students return

    Activities have resumed at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) as the  institution re-opened for 2014/2015 session.

    Freshers have since begun registration, which would last for two weeks, while that of returning students follows.

    Students, who are unable to register within this period, would have  one week’s  grace or pay a fine for late registration.

    The registration centres were beehives when CAMPUSLIFE visited the campus last Thursday. Students were seen moving from one office to another to beat the deadline. Some of them described the registration as stressful, but others said there were improvements from what they had last session.

    Abdulkadir Imam, a 300-Level Business Administration student, said: “I am happy that we have resumed because we had a long holiday. The registration is stressful but it appears there has been improvement from what we had last session.”

    Another student from the Islamic Education Studies Department, Saudatu Mahmud, said the registration was tough. Aminat Jibril, a fresher at the Biochemistry Department, said: “It is tiring and stressful. I don’t know why I have to pass through pain to get my courses registered. I am tired.”

    A final year student of Political Science, Abulkareem Isiaka, said the registration ended a period of rumour over their resumption. “It is so disheartening that we had troubles dealing with resumption date because of rumours. Thank God, we are back to school at last. I am impressed with the registration, because it is not just online but it is fast and easy.”

    An official at the registration centre, Mallam Ibrahim Aminu, said any new system always had its attendant challenges, noting that the online registration was no exception. He said: “Since the new system of online registration was developed in 2010, we have been facing various challenges yearly. We have tried to update and improve the system to make it perfect. We urge any student who is experiencing any difficulty to report to our support team at the Information and Communication Technologies Centre as well as the Management Information System (MIS) and we shall definitely solve it.”