The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Oloyede Esuwoye II, has inaugurated the Esuwoye II Student Relaxation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, built by the 2013/2014 Students’ Union.

Dr Mufutau Olatunde, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Offa speaking at the event said: “The construction of the edifice by the union is another testimony of the consolidation of a new era of accountability and sense of responsibility on the part of our students leadership.

“The level of discipline and commitment to welfare of members as displayed by the Students’ Union executives in recent times is a source of pride, not only to the management, but also the students. I must commend the present union for these laudable achievement,” he said.

The responsible unionism and construction engagement of the students leadership with the management has contributed to the notable achievements recorded by the institution.

“I want to urge you to continue to eschew violence and always embrace dialogue in your presentations and request. And I assure you that the management will continue to assist the union in all your activities and ensure adequate provision of welfare materials as much as possible,” the vice chancellor added.

Oba Olofa of Offa represented by the high chief Bayo Akinola, the Ojomu of Offa in his appreciation message said it was another innovation that would help leaders of tomorrow desist from social vices.

“Endeavour to involve yourself in things that will better your life after school. Build the spirit of entrepreneurship,” he advised.

The royal father also appreciated the students for naming the garden after him and promised to continue to support the Students’ Union of the institution.

The president of the union, Adedeji Festus, in his goodwill message, thanked the school management and the Olofa of Offa for supporting the project.

Wale Bakare

as the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) strike, which started on 16, November, 2014, enters its third month, the medical students at the University of Calabar (UNCIAL) have cried out on the adverse effects the strike is having on their academic pursuit.

Speaking with Campusbeats, some of them lamented how much the strike had cost them.

A 400-Level student at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Blessing Akpan, said that the students have been bearing the brunt since the on-going strike by the health workers began, and called on the Federal Government to kindly intervene in the matter.

“The strike has denied us the opportunity of embarking on our three-months’ intensive laboratory posting and internship, which is always done by 400 level students of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at the UNICAL teaching hospital. All the laboratories have been closed for over two months now due to the strike.

Idara Effiong, another 400-Level student of the Department of Nursing Science, also lamented over the strike, saying that it had prolonged her years of graduation.

Idara said her ward round posting could not be completed since the nurses were on strike and equally pleaded with the government to look into the matter.

Likewise, students of the Departments of Radiography and Radiological Sciences were also affected by the strike.

A final year student of the Department of Histopathology, Johnson Daniel, while speaking with Campusbeats, decried the exorbitant expenses he has made as a result of embarking on his research work in the private laboratories, due to the ongoing strike.

Daniel also added that the private laboratories were taking advantage of the strike to exploit students and staff who come to their laboratories to analyse their samples.

He concluded that he was afraid that this year’s set of graduates might lack practical experiences, since they could not complete their postings in the laboratories.

The unions under the auspices of the JOHESU include; the Medical and Health Workers Unions of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutions and Associated Institutions.

Others are the Nigeria Union of Pharmacists, Technologists and Professions Allied to Medicine and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

The workers, who have been at loggerheads with the government since November 16, are demanding among other contentious issues, the implementation the National Industrial Court judgment.

The court, in its judgment, stated that JOESHU members should continue to skip Consolidated Health Salary Structure, that specialists llowance should be paid to JOHESU, and that JOHESU members should continue to be recognised as consultants, while retirement age of health workers be reviewed upward from 60 to 65 years of age.

They are also seeking a change of section 5 of the National Health Bill, which deals with the composition of the National Council of Health.

Ekemini Raymond

As part of plans to create awareness against violence in the 2015 general elections among students and the academic staff of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), the HND2 Mass Communication students had held its annual costume day at the Ikorodu campus of the institution, tagged: ‘Say No To Election Violence.’

The programme was held on Monday, 12 January, with the students dressed in different costumes, displaying placards with messages against violence during election.

The students, led by a lecturer, Mr Steve Adesemoye kicked off the awareness rally in the morning, moving from the first gate towards the school library.

The Deputy Registrar on Students’ Affair, Mrs Kolawole who addressed the students at the office of the Dean, Students’ Affair (DSA), applauded the students for a job well done and prayed that the election will not bring war before, during and after.

It was however, gathered that the annual costume day is geared towards fulfilling the requirement in a course titled “Film writing and Production,” to serve as a continuous assessment.

According to one of the students, Oyetunji Mukhtar, he disclosed that the costume day is an initiative of the department, which has been in existence for a long time and that the initiative, has always taken the students from the theoretical realm to the practical realm of what they have learnt in the classroom.

Speaking further, Mukthar stressed that many people constituted the society with different cultures and occupations, and the students had dressed in different attires to represent the society.

“The Costume Day was organised by the HND 2 students of the department. They all dressed in different attires to depict people from all walks of life. The essence of this years’ event is to sensitise people within Laspotech community and its environs and Nigeria as a whole, as regards the forthcoming general election coming up in February.

“We hope that the little that had been done would go a long way in passing the message of peace to the electorates and those who are vying for political posts, to know that the election has to be violence free,” Mukhtar said.

Ademola Fagbemi

(HND 2 Mass Comm, LASPOTECH)

The Students’ Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, at the weekend gave account of its stewardship at a press meeting held at the conference hall of the Students’ Union Building.

The president, Ibikunle Isaac, and some members of the executive, after the press meeting, took newsmen and student stakeholders at the meeting to inaugurate completed projects and inspect ongoing ones.

The Secretary-General, Olatayo Shittu, debunked the rumours that the union collected N18 million from the university management.

He said: “We expected N18 million from the university management, but the management is only willing to give us N6 million, out of which less than N5 million has been released to the union.

“The revenue came from students’ dues. Each student contributed N300, and having that from more than 20,000 students amounts to more than N6 million.”

Ibikunle said that it was from the accumulation of the money collected from the past administration and the money released by the university management that several projects were embarked on.

However, the completed and ongoing projects are erection of Storex tanks and pumping machines in the Angola and Mozambique halls respectively, as well as construction of two pedestrian bridges linking halls of residence. The union also bought two buses, out of which one is yet to arrive. It also renovated the Students’ Union Building conference room, among others.

“This administration started with no cash, especially during the struggle. There was the problem of fund because there was a problem with transfer of signature from the previous administration of Joel Fredrick.

“It was after the school fees increments struggle that N1.4 million was transferred from the last administration to the present one,” Ibikunle explained.

The student leader also added that the union is known to be accountable to the students.

The union, according to the president, also proposes to build a hostel of six blocks, which will contain 1,532 bed spaces to ease the accommodation problem facing the students.

Afees Lasisi

(OAU)

Vice Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Professor Henry Edeoga, has appealed to the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to speed up the completion of the 522-bed hostel it is building for students of the university.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued by Head, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Mr Ibitoye Abosede, and made available to Campusbeats in Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

The vice chancellor, who spoke when the commission’s top officials recently went on inspection tour of the hostel, said the appeal became necessary because the students of the institution were threatening to move into the hostel, which is still receiving finishing touches.

Professor Edeoga said the university, expecting that the hostel would be ready for hand over late last year, had admitted 6,000 students on the assumption that they would be fully accommodated.

“The students have been on my neck over the accommodation problem on campus. They even threatened to pack into the hostel, even as the remaining work on the building is going on,” he said.

He, however, thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for directing the NDDC management to urgently complete ongoing projects before embarking on new ones, noting that university hostel projects deserve to be given priority.

He also gave kudos to the NDDC Managing Director, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, for coming personally to supervise the project to facilitate its completion in the shortest possible time.

Responding, the NDDC managing director said the commission placed emphasis on the 19 prototype hostels it was building in universities across the Niger Delta region.

He said all agencies of government have a responsibility to ensure that the development projects being undertaken by the Federal Government are fully realised.

“The president has directed us to complete all ongoing projects and we intend to comply strictly with this directive. Unfortunately, we do not have enough funds to complete all the projects at the same time. So, we need to prioritize in carrying out our mandate,” he said.

Dan-Abia assured the vice chancellor that the contractor handling the project would be funded adequately to ensure that the work on the hostel is completed as quickly as possible.

He said, “university hostel projects are very dear to us,” noting that NDDC had completed and handed over similar hostels in institutions such as the Imo State University, Federal University of Science and Technology, Owerri, University of Benin and the Delta State University, Abraka.

Consequent upon the swearing in of the executives of the Students’ Union during the holiday, the Students’ Representatives’ Assembly of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), had its inaugural meeting for the 2015 parliamentary year to officially kick-start the activities of the house for the 2014/2015 session.

Speaking at the event, the president of the union, Olajumoke Olawale, gave a report of the state of the union, where he spoke on the giant strides of the union since he assumed office.

“Hostels off-campus now have regular power supply, after we fought tooth and nail to make this a reality. This, among others, is one of our achievements since we were sworn into office.”

He also gave a report of properties handed over to him, which he noted are all in good condition. Placing the tag ‘Team Good Works’ on his tenure, he noted that his team members have been incredible.

Another issue raised at the floor of the House bordered on the welfare of the students, such as transportation, which has generated a lot of complaints from students in recent times. And the House constituted a committee to look into it.

The judiciary arm of the union was also supposed to be constituted at the meeting, as the executives presented the nomination list, but the House postponed its ratification till the next sitting.

Royal Oluwafemi

(Department of Soil Science and Land Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta)

The University College Hospital Ibadan (UCH) chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Students Association (CMDSA) now has new leaders.

The leaders emerged after an election held at the hospital premises recently with Atoki Olusola emerging as the President and Adediran Oluwale as the General Secretary.

Oni Oluwaseun is to serve as the Public Relations Officer and Alao Temitope as the Academic Secretary.

Other members of the executive include Olubamiwa Tinuoluwa, Editor-in-Chief; Uko Emmanuel, Organising Secretary; Odemuyiwa Jesutomisin, Mission Secretary; Ayorinde Damilola, Financial Secretary and Adeboye Ibukun as the Welfare Secretary.

In a related development, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) chapter of CMDSA has also elected new leaders to pilot its affairs for the new year.

The elections, which was held at Lecture Theatre 2 of the School of Medicine, University of Benin (UNIBEN), saw Rex Uwaifo and Chioma Eleje, students of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, elected as the President and General Secretary respectively.

Harry Ogodo, who will serve as Missions Secretary, is to be assisted by Afesiume Emmanuel. Other executives include Seun Alaba, Academic Secretary; Chidi Ituma, Organising Secretary; Benjamin Okinno, Prayer Secretary; Rebecca Omozupo, Financial Secretary; Mayowa Williams, Assistant Organising Secretary and Ijay Odiawa as Editor-in-Chief.

The outgoing president, Enejo Joseph, thanked members of the association for their support in 2014 and encouraged them to support the new officers.

Dr Eghe Aihe of the Department of Medical Physiology, UBTH congratulated the new executives and wished them well. He also encouraged them not to forget their books in the course of discharging their duties.

Eddy Uwoghiren

(Medicine and Surgery, University of Benin)

The National Association of Niger State Students (NANISS), an umbrella body of Niger State students, has suspended Shehu Mohammed Chata, the National President; Abubakar Abdullahi, the National Secretary-General and Yusuf Mohammed, the National Financial Secretary.

The suspension was effected on January 14, 2015 through its legislative arm, Students’ Representatives’ Assembly (SRA).

In a communique signed by the Senate President of SRA, Saidu Mohammed Kandi, the association stated that it suspended the officers for endorsing political aspirants without due consultation with Niger State students, for collecting cash from some politicians without informing the assembly to ensure that the money is spent with full financial discipline.

The suspended officers were asked why there had been a freeze in payment for over eight months if N25 million hit the scholarship account every month. The trio were also suspended because they breached the constitutional matters.

The congress, which was held at the Assembly Hall, College of Education, Minna, reiterated their its resolve to sanitise the association.

The communique stressed the capacity of the association if used as an instrument of democracy, and the harm it can cause.

The association thereby appointed the Vice President, Hauwa Ibrahim Ahmad, as the acting president of the association and the Assistant Secretary-General, Abubakar Mohammed Nma, as the Secretary-General. The appointment was said to have taken immediate effect by virtue of the constitution of the association.

Shehu Mohammed Chanta, Abubakar Abdullahi and Yusuf Mohammed were all suspended for six weeks until they stand trial before the disciplinary committee of the association.

Faith Olaniran

(Federal University of Technology, Minna)

‘Party Politics and Democratic Sustenance; 2015 General Election in Focus’ was the theme of discussion at this year’s annual Fresher’s Oratory Contest as put together by the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter.

The contest, born out of a desire to actualise and promote good verbal fluency and writing prowess among students, is particularly opened to newly admitted students of the university.

The event, staged at the institution’s auditorium basement, attracted participants from various faculties on campus.

In the preliminary stage of the competition, nine faculties participated in a contest which saw only five students, each representing these faculties, in the grand finale.

While declaring the contest open, the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, UNILORIN, Dr Mahfuz Adedimeji, who is also the staff adviser to the union, said “life is itself a competition ground where individuals face challenges on a daily basis and achievement is recorded based on individual effort.”

He thus congratulated all participants that would eventually emerge successful and those that would emerge less successful for a work well done, as it takes a lot to be a contestant.

Each of the five competitors was given five minutes to defend their position on the aforementioned topic, ‘Party Politics and Democratic Sustenance; 2015 General Election in Focus.’

The guest lecturer of the day, Dr Lukman Saka of the Department of Political Science, UNILORIN, during his lecture, gave a professional insight into the topic of discussion.

He suggested ways for a peaceful outing in the conduct of a free and credible general election in 2015.

“In other to record a free fair and credible election in 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be an independent body devoid of impartiality. It should earmark constructive but legal ways to conduct a free fair and credible election, as this is crucial to the success of the February 14, 2015 general election,” he said.

Dr Saka also advised politicians to ensure that the trust people have in them must not be truncated by personal and selfish interest, but rather, be used as a will to deliver justice to the people.

He added that security of the nation should be a collective effort and common objective of all political state actors before, during and after the elections.

Meanwhile, the Assistant General Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State chapter, Mallam Abubakare Mustapha, who represented the NUJ chairman of the state, Mr Abdulkareem Abiodun, advised the students to get involved in other educative programmes besides their academic programmes. This he said will help the students leave the four walls of the institution better than they met it.

After each debator was graded based on their appearance, composure, speaking ability, high points and time management, Victory Evans Emmanuel of the Faculty of Engineering emerged the overall winner of the contest, while Olawuyi Damilola of the Faculty of Education was the first runner-up and Ajibade Temidayo of the Faculty of Physical Sciences emerged the second runner-up.

Gift items, including mobile phones, t-shirts and stationery, among other things, were given accordingly to the winners as well as other participants.

The union president, Tiamiyu Taofeek, a 500-Level student of the Department of Agricultural Science, in his goodwill speech said: “Divergence in terms of political parties, race and tribal affiliation should not be a major problem. We all are enjoined to be law-abiding citizens and not agents of destruction.”

Odeyemi Afis Olawale (300-Level, Department of Education-History, UNILORIN)

The University of Nigeria (UNN) has conferred the award of       Bachelor degrees on 14,015 students during its 44th convocation ceremony held last Friday at the university’s Margaret Ekpo Convocation Arena, Nsukka campus.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Benjamin Ozumba, said: “It is with delight mixed with radiant joy that I welcome you to today’s event which marked the 44th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria.

“As an important part of its mission, the University of Nigeria is graduating an avalanche of candidates who have worked very hard to change their status, thereby deserving the degree of this institution.

The number is quite unprecedented. We have a total of 14,015 first degree graduates made up of the following classifications: 85 First Class honours; 3,717 Second Class honours Upper Division; 7,275 Second Class honours Lower Division; 2,294 third class honours and 227 in the Pass category,” Professor Ozumba revealed.

In her valedictory address, the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Department Of Pharmaceutical Science with 4.88 CGPA, Nkiruka Ozioma Ibeanu, said: “I thank God for His divine favour and mercy towards all of us over the past four, five or six years. You would agree with me that the road leading up to this day has not been easy, but by God’s grace we are all gathered here.”

Advising her fellow graduates, Ibeanu said: “As you enter the next phase of your life, expect challenges to come. Although challenges are inevitable, you must not compromise your values in order to fit the expectations of the world.

“You must not allow the trappings of comfort to sway you into forgetting that you are fundamentally a moral being. Always strive to change the world for the better and do not let the world change you for the worse. Create the change you want and become the change you desire,” she advised.

Graduates who were at the event could not hide their excitement. Speaking with Campusbeats, Chinyere Eleanya, a graduate from the Department of Microbiology said: “Graduating from UNN after four years is indeed a great privilege. Although it has not been easy, God helped me to survive, I’m going to miss UNN, the weather, my friends and some of my lecturers.”

“I’m glad that the journey of a thousand miles which started with a step four years ago has ended. Graduating from this school has not been easy; it has been a tough race but I thank God for everything,” said Obianuju Awanye, a graduate from the Department of Mass Communication.

Also speaking, Vivian Chinenye, a graduate from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies said: “It is a thing of joy that after four years, I am a graduate of this institution, I thank God for his favour and mercy over my life in the past four years.”

The annual event which started off with press briefing, music and prize night event, climaxed in the epoch event, convocation ceremony, on Friday.

Festus Iyorah

(University of Nigeria)

Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s education programme was to reduce ignorance and illiteracy in the society where majority of the people did not know how to read and write.

These were the words of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the governor of Lagos State, at the fourth Free Education Lecture organised recently by the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Held at the Oduduwa Hall of the institution, the lecture was titled ‘Protecting the Nigerian Child’s Right to Education; A Catalyst to Socio-Political Emancipation.’

“Education is a right of every child, but specialisation or professionalism is a choice. Every nation must give her children education,” Fashola said.

Governor Fashola, who received an award of excellence in education, explained that education and specialisation or professionalism are not the same.

The governor, while speaking at the event, said that the government of Western Region under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, propagated education in every nook and cranny of Western Region because he understood the power of education.

“The kind of education that Baba Awolowo propagated brought people out of ignorance and illiteracy to freedom.”

Governor Fashola also added that free education is possible, but the government and Nigeria will bear the costs. Other sectors’ budgets will be cut short and people will have to pay their taxes.

He challenged other well-meaning Nigerians to complement the efforts of the government in the development of education in the country.

Other guests at the event were the Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by his deputy, Titi-Laoye Tomori; OAU Vice Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole; former deputy governor of Ekiti State, Professor Grace Adelabu; Dean Faculty of Education, Professor Phillip Jegede; Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, Olayinka Oladunjoye, and Mrs Funsho Adegbola, daughter of Chief Bola Ige, among others.

The representative of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Reverend Mrs Tola Oyediran, said: “Baba’s aim was to eradicate ignorance, and that was his mission back then.”

Earlier the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Omole, said that it was the issue of education that charmed him to attend the programme.

“I have a lot of works to do on ground, but when they told me the topic for the event, most especially as it pertains to education, I have to be present.”

While pondering Chief Awolowo’s legacy and what remains of it today, Professor Jegede asked the gathering of students, lecturers, politicians and members of the public what Chief Obafemi Awolowo would be doing, if he was alive today.

Awards were also presented to the awardees.

Afees Lasisi

(OAU)

Niger Delta Students’ Union Government (NIDSUG), under the Obada Akpomiemie-led administration, has just concluded its one-day rally, which marked the official declaration of their position for the forthcoming presidential election.

The event, which was attended by over 2,000 Niger Delta students from various institutions across the federation, started with a three-hour rally which kicked-off from Stadium Road in Port-Harcourt, River State capital.

The students then rallied from there to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) office in Aba Road, before proceeding to the president’s wife’s house behind the Government House, and lastly to Senator Dakuku’s resident on Peter Odili Road.

Dressed in white T-shirts with the inscription “The Role of Students in Consolidating the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” written on it, the students moved from one point to the other, singing the praise of the president.

The rally, which was preceded by a conference, was attended by past presidents of the union, as well as thousands of students from the state.

While speaking on the theme of the conference, the National President of the union, Obada, stated that they were supporting President Jonathan not because he is from their region, but because the president stands for peace and development.

While appreciating the students for the support, the chairman of the event, Commissioner, Ministry of Ijaw Affairs, Dr Felix Tuodolo, who was represented by Mr Victor Otobo, warned them to desist from any form of electoral flaws, as their blood is not worth any politician’s ambition.

“To maintain the peace we are experiencing now, we must conduct ourselves well during this election,” he said.

The pioneer president of NIDSUG, Genesis Idikibiebuma, in his remarks also highlighted the developmental policies and programmes of President Goodluck Jonathan, which he said had upgraded the status of the country before the international community.

Delivering a lecture on ‘The Welfare of Niger Deltans,’ Tonbara Michael Yalah, said that he was not being biased by saying that the president takes into cognisance that youths ought to be employed, and that he is working towards making this dream a reality, and has the interest of Nigerians at heart.

Speaking on what spurred the programme, Obada noted that the event was not sponsored by any person, but that the executives took up the project to enlighten Niger Delta students.

“Niger Delta students have unanimously adopted President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as their sole candidate for the forthcoming election, not because he is from our region, but because his performance speaks for him,” he explained.

Emmanuel Ahanonu

(A serving corps member in Enugu)

Students of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) were in panic on Sunday as officers of the Nigerian military were trying to repel Boko Haram insurgents from gaining access into Maiduguri.

For the students, it was an eight-hour ordeal that sent cold shivers down their spines as the insurgents attempted to capture the city of Maiduguri through the Maiduguri-Damboa and Maidugri-Konduga axis of Borno State.

Reacting to the incident, a student of the Faculty of Law, Gayus Mustapha, said: “The first explosion I heard was around 4 a.m when I woke up to pray. But I went back to sleep, hoping that it was nothing. When I woke up again at 6a.m., it was something else, as the explosions were more frequent and close.”

Gun shots boomed for several hours and reverberating explosions were heard as soldiers battled to repel the insurgents. Christian students who were supposed to go for Sunday service at the University Chapel, which is located at the extreme eastern end of the university, deserted the venue, and only a few attended the service.

A student at the service who pleaded to be anonymous said, “I’m at the chapel because it makes no difference to stay back at the hostel. Explosions were still heard across the campus when we were in the service, but we were not deterred; it was just as if nothing was happening. We observed our regular order of service and we stayed till the usual time,” he explained.

Students who worshipped outside the campus observed that soldiers manning the university’s major gates disallowed entry and exit out of the university. And although everyone was going about their usual business, there was the consciousness that the university may be a victim of the attacks on the city.

When Campusbeats visited the Sardauna Male Hall, students were sitting in groups contemplating the cause of the explosions and what might happen next. Another student, Ayuba Yahaya, while speaking with Campusbeats said: “This is not the first time we had heard explosions like this, but this one was sinister.

“It was more than the usual and regular explosions. And when this kind of thing happens, fleeing is not a wise decision, because some people will be running away from where you are running to. That is why it is good to stay calm and observe the direction of the attack before you make any move.”

While recounting a similar experience, exactly two weeks ago, Jide Olatokun, a fresh student of the university, said: “We were discussing in our room around 11.30p.m. when we began to hear distant explosions. My roommates were awake too. Everywhere was dark; so we couldn’t see what was happening.

“It was not until after about 15 minutes that the loudest explosion went off. It was so close, and all we could do was to pick our identity cards and run out of the hostel towards another hostel. It is that bad,” he lamented.

The thought that maybe the insurgents would later invade the campus, because it was a weak point, unsettled many of the students. A second year student, Emmanuel Paul, said: “At times like this, it is good to be prepared. What used to be a casual experience can turn sour anytime. That is why I’m always ready.”

Many religious activities scheduled for that day (Sunday) were cancelled and students were seen trooping to their classrooms to prepare for their examinations the following day.

A final year student of the Faculty of Agriculture, Victor Ndekwe, who spoke with Campusbeats said: “One thing I have learnt in my experiences of the attacks is that explosions don’t make any difference here.

“If explosions rock neighbouring communities of the university at 2a.m., it won’t stop lectures slated for 8a.m. And the fact that there are explosions today does not mean that there won’t be examinations tomorrow. That is why despite this morning’s explosions, I am still in class tonight to prepare for my tomorrow exams.”

At the time of filing this report, students were going about their normal school activities and serenity had returned to the campus.

Isola Taiwo

(400-Level, Human Anatomy, University of Maiduguri)

In order to educate young journalists on the ethics that guide media reports ahead of the 2015 general elections, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Femi Falana, on Tuesday, January 27, visited the main campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu campus and spoke on the topic, “2015 Elections: Legal and Ethical Issues in Media Reporting.”

The programme, organised by the School of Communication and Liberal Studies, was held at the 700-seater auditorium, School of Management and Business Studies (SMBS), and it witnessed a high turnout of students of the institution.

In his opening speech, Falana commended the effort of Dr Abdul-Azeez Lawal on the development of the polytechnic.

“I want to commend the rector of this institution, Dr Abdulazeez Abioye Lawal, for his achievements so far. I am impressed and I do hope that he will keep this up,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, the barrister explained that one of the ethical objectives of the media is to present balance and fair reporting to members of the public.

“In order to conduct fair and free election, the constitution and Electoral Act have charged mass media of the responsibility to mobilise and sensitise the electorate to choose credible leaders,” Falana explained.

He further urged the students to ensure that they make thorough researches on every information to be disseminated to the members of the society, in order not to run foul of the law.

On the part of the right to vote, the barrister stressed further that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should allow whoever cannot get the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to vote for candidates of their choice, and they should not disenfranchise the citizens from voting.

Ademola Fagbemi

(HND 2, Mass Communication, LASPOTECH)

The 149th inaugural lecture of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has been delivered. The lecture titled: ‘The Clinical Pharmacologist: Sentry, Ombudsman, Arbiter and Custodian of Therapeutic Care in Health Care System’ was given last Thursday at the Akin Deko Auditorium of the university by Professor Ambrose Isah, a consultant in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Welcoming participants, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Friday Orumwense, who was represented the DVC (Administration) Professor Lawrence Ezemwonye, said over the years, the inaugural lectures of the university had been an avenue where scholars educate members of the university on their achievements in the field of research.

Delivering the lecture, Professor Isah said his interest in clinical pharmacology was spurred after reading a journal titled: ‘Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin’ at the Professor Latunde Odeku Memorial Library of the University of Ibadan in 1977.

He stated that as an Arbiter, the clinical pharmacologist serves as a judge to the kinds of drugs entering the market.

“The role of the clinical pharmacologist is very important if we must have safe drugs in the society. As a custodian, the clinical pharmacologist is the caretaker of drugs and should monitor drug lifecycles. The clinical pharmacologist acts as an Ombudsman by regulating movement of drugs,” he said.

In his recommendations, he called on the government to immediately address cost drugs, taxes and tariff of medicine. He also appealed to the government to make drug information available to people.

According to him, there is the need for government to urgently support the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) with fund to carry out its roles regarding use of medicine.

Professor Isah also told the audience that his involvement in drug research led to the establishment of the Pharmacovigilance Centre at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), which is the first of its kind in South-South Nigeria.

Oge Nwaobi, President of the UNIBEN Medical Students Association (UBEMSA) and Louis Aikorogie, National Vice-President, External Affairs of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) both commended Professor Isah for the lecture, as he was later decorated and presented a medal for delivering the lecture.

“Professor Isah has proven that he is a scholar in the field of drug regulation. The government needs to wake up to its responsibility because it is beyond legislating laws, but rather the implementation that matters,” Oge stated.

Born May 5, 1956, Professor Isah attended St. Anthony’s College Ugbuluku in Delta State, before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he studied Medicine and Surgery. He did his residency in Internal Medicine at UBTH and went to the University of Newcastle for training in clinic pharmacology.

A former Dean and Head of Department of Medicine, UNIBEN, Isah is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians and the Royal College of Physicians. He is married to Dr Clementina Isah of the Department of Community Medicine, UBTH.

Eddy Uwoghiren

(300-Level, Medicine and Surgery, UNIBEN)

The Centre for Gender and Development Studies of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) has organised a one-day “Train the Trainers” workshop to help complement the teaching and learning system with valuable knowledge of Gender Mainstreaming.

In her opening remarks, the Director the centre, Professor Olabisi Aina, said that Gender Mainstreaming has become a practice in academic, socio-political and economic order in first class institutions all over the world.

She emphasised that first class universities of the world had infused Gender Mainstreaming and its values into the various teaching curriculum across all faculties and that EKSU could not lag behind.

Dr Toyin Ilesanmi, a clinical psychologist also from the centre, said that the approach was not to elevate the female over the male gender, but to achieve a balance in the improvement of the learning ability of both gender.

A psychiatrist and clinical psychologist from the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Dr Boladale Mapayi, noted that lecturers and university managers should be aware of the differences and similarities between males and females to enable teaching methodology and pedagogy.

The workshop also featured questions and answers, group works by the participants which included Deans and Departmental Heads.

Ajibade Olubunmi

(EKSU)

The College of Health and Science Technology (COHEST), Ijero Ekiti, on Thursday, January 29, was filled with excitement as the Students’ Union of the institution organised a Fresher’s Night, an annual social event for the newly admitted students.

The event which attracted thousands of students of the institution was held at a popular hostel: ‘Private Hostel’ on campus.

With various performances from upcoming hip-hop artistes in the state, the highlight of the event was the crowning of different pageants for the year.

Olowu Oluwanifemi Joy of the Department of Environmental Health Technician was crowned the New Miss COHEST, while Osorun Adefunke Helen of the Department of Radiology was crowned the New Miss Fresher.

Badmus Sidikat also from the Department of Environmental Health Technician was crowned the New Miss Ebony of the year, while Bakiyat Sanusi from the Department of Ophthalmic Nursing was crowned the new Miss Portable of the institution.

The performance of the Sango Drama Band of Ijero Ekiti, also thrilled the audience.

Dignitaries at the event included the Caretaker Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Honourable John Abiodun Dada; the Provost of the institution, Pastor Bayo Ojo and other principal officers of the institution.

Also present were both National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU) executives, while members of the legislative arm of government, led by their Speaker, Aladesanmi Ifeoluwa and Deputy Speaker, Oguntoyinbo Oluwafemi, were also present.

Speaking with Campusbeats, the president of the Students’ Union, Ifeoluwa Adewuyi, commended other executive members for their commitment to service, while also thanking all the students for being good ambassadors of the school.

Ifeoluwa also appreciated the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose for reducing the school’s fees by N15,000.

Also speaking, the Director of Social, Olubosinrin Ayodele Adeleke, said the event was to boost social activities on the campus, adding that more of such event would be held as semester progresses.

Olomosola Olubunmi, a first year student, said that the event would remain indelible in her heart, adding that she would keep on participating until she graduates.

Earlier in the day, the Students’ Union gave Governor Fayose an award of excellence tagged: ‘Senior Advocate of the Masses,’ which was presented to the governor by Ifeoluwa Adewuyi inside the school, when the governor attended the institution’s matriculation.

Yakubu Temitope

(Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti)

The Africa Amphitheatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Thursday, January 29, played host to law students from three institutions for the 20th edition of the Annual National Law Students’ Debate, where contestants slugged it out for the grand prize at the winner-takes-all competition.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Insecurity in Nigeria, an Exposure of Youth Neglect,’ speakers from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Babcock University argued on the motion, while they were judged by Dr Chijioke Uwasomba of the Department of English, OAU; Dr Femi Odunsi and Mr Adegbite, lecturers from the Faculty of Law, OAU; and Dr Tete Adams, a lecturer from the Faculty of Law, Babcock University.

While Omolaja Olayemi of the LASU argued that Nigeria’s insecurity was as a result of neglect of the youth, Adekunle, EKSU’s first speaker, vigorously spoke against the topic, noting that insecurity in Nigeria is not a determinant of youthful exuberance.

Citing Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chelsea Football Club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, who had humble beginnings and yet excelled exceptionally, Adekunle added that an example of Abdulmutallab presented evidence that youth neglect was not what caused insecurity, but an innate desire of youths to be wayward.

Odjeni Emuesiri, Team OAU’s first speaker who spoke for the topic, referred to happenings around the country, making a case that Nigeria’s insecurity stemmed from youth neglect, while using her local language adages to drive her point home.

As the contest neared its final stage, an impromptu oratory for five minutes was to be given by one speaker from the three teams on the topic: ‘Two-Party System; A Panacea to Nigerian Elections.’

While the results were being prepared after the presentations, Mr Olusola Amusan, Citizen Manager of Microsoft in Nigeria, spoke to the students on job opportunities and how they could make themselves productive for the future.

Senator Babajide Omoworare of Ife East Senatorial District while addressing the students on a two-party system for Nigeria, noted that while a two-party system is wonderful, what Nigeria needs is the multi-party system which it is already operating.

With 73.7 per cent, the Obafemi Awolowo University Team emerged first, while Babcock University’s team came second with only two points behind Team OAU, and Ekiti State University came third. The first team received a cheque of N100, 000, while Emuesiri of OAU received the prize for best orator.

The Annual National Law Students Debate has been hosted by the Prima Strata Club for 20 years. The club started at the Faculty of Law, OAU in 1983 and prides itself as the oldest club in the faculty. The self-funding 30-member club is committed to philanthropic ideas, social emancipation, charity and educational development.

Caleb Adebayo

(500-Law, OAU)

The Principal Officers of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (EACOED) Oyo led by the college Provost, Dr Rasak Adefabi, recently joined the new intakes of the institution and their parents to observe the 2014/2015 matriculation ceremony of the college where not less than 3,640 students took the college oaths.

The management at the occasion, recognised the overall best candidate of the year, Ganiyu Abdullahi Jayeola, who scored 80 per cent in the last post-UTME examination conducted by the institution and was offered a full scholarship that would see him through his academic programme at the college.

Dr Adefabi in his address, restated the college’s commitment to promoting excellence, quality and moral education.

He also added that his administration would continue to reward hard work and diligence among students in the college.

Meanwhile, the recipient of the scholarship award, Jayeola, while speaking with Campusbeats said, “I finished my secondary School education at Baptist Academy, Oyo in 3013. I applied to NDA, a military school, to join the Nigerian Army. As fate would have it, I was shortlisted for interview but denied admission on physical exercise ground. My JAMB score then was 250 marks.

Again, I took JAMB in 2014, and also reapplied for the same course the second time in NDA. I was shortlisted second time yet dropped again for another reason.

This is how I came to Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to write their post-UTME examination to study Computer Education/Mathematics. When the college’s post-UTME result was released, I had the best score. I was highly elated by the result and I thank God for it as I appreciate the college’s gesture for the scholarship.

However, as much a I appreciate the college and promise that I would not disappoint the management and my parents, in my studies, my dream to become a military man is still in my heart. I love military profession and one day I will be there.

Asked why he chose the college of education, he said “All the while I did not apply to any secular tertiary institution except the NDA.

“After all my efforts to join NDA this year failed, people advised me to sit for Emmanuel Alayande College of Education’s post-UTME. Here I am. I have not lost my focus, I am just 16 years old, so I am not complacent with my academic status. By hard work and prayer, I will be there one day.”

STUDENTS from all tertiary institutions in Lagos State on Monday February 9, 2015 stormed the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja to protest against the postponement of the February 14 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The students included those from the Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG); Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH); Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH); Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED); Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka; Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED); Lagos State School of Health Technology and the Federal College of Fishery and Marine Technology.

They were led by Olayinka Jubril, a 400-Level student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, LASU; the acting Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (JCC ), Lagos axis.

They submitted a protest letter for onward transmission to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The protest letter, which was made available to Campusbeats, reads in part: “We decry the unjust shift in election date. We describe it as baseless, needless rapacious and a plate of pranks on the intelligence of well-meaning Nigerians. It is also a frightening scenario that constitutes clear and present danger. It is also failure and a huge embarrassment on INEC, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the armed forces, the Nigeria Police and the Federal Government at large.

“We regard it as an attempt to re-strategise the rigging plans of the Federal Government.”

Addressing pressmen, Jubril said: “NANS/JCC Lagos is the ideological platform and the only intellectual base of NANS in Nigeria. It is a body comprising the largest concentration of students in the entire sub-Sahara Africa.”

Speaking further, he said the students had resolved to to do everything to defend their votes and would resist further postponement with the last drop of our blood.

“Professor Jega should write a separate letter to Nigerians apologising for his failure to resign after he promised to resign rather than postpone election, encourage members (of the public) to roll out in their numbers to get their PVCs, as that is the only passport to contribute to the development of Nigeria.”