Meta has introduced additional features aimed at limiting how teenagers receive messages on Facebook and Instagram. These measures build upon the existing policy that prevents individuals over 19 from messaging teens who aren’t following them. Implemented yesterday, Meta’s policy now disables teens’ capacity to receive direct messages on Instagram from individuals they don’t follow or aren’t connected to by default. Furthermore, Meta enhances parental controls, enabling guardians to approve or reject alterations to default privacy settings made by teens. Previously, guardians received notifications when teens adjusted these settings but had no authority to intervene.
In the announcement of new features aimed at safeguarding teens on its social media platforms, Meta stated that in order to safeguard teens from unwanted contact on Instagram, they have restricted adults aged 19 and above from messaging non-following teens and limited the type and quantity of direct messages (DMs) to one text-only message.
As at yesterday, they’re taking an extra measure to protect teens by default, turning off their ability to receive DMs from those they don’t follow or aren’t connected to on Instagram, including other teens. With the new default setting, teens can solely receive messages or be added to group chats by individuals they already follow or are connected to.
This provides teens and their parents with increased confidence that unfamiliar contacts won’t reach out to them in their DMs. All teens under 16 (or under 18 in specific countries) will have this default setting applied. Existing Instagram users in this age group will receive a notification at the top of their Feed, informing them of the adjustments to their message settings.
Owned by Mark Zuckerberg, Meta has announced changes to default settings for teens on Messenger. Individuals under 16 (or under 18 in specific countries) will now exclusively receive messages on Messenger from Facebook friends or contacts connected through phone contacts, for instance. Meta initially introduced parental supervision on Instagram in March 2022, and since then, it has consistently introduced new features to enhance parental involvement in their teens’ online activities.
These features encompass setting time limits, scheduling breaks, monitoring when teens block or report someone, and receiving notifications when teens modify their settings. The company is now introducing additional features in this regard.
During the previous year, a company introduced the Green Campus Initiative to the University of Ibadan in order to encourage students to be eco-friendly. Unfortunately, many still do not understand this concept. The Earth is facing worse danger than it was in the previous decades. According to a UN report, the consumption of natural resources has tripled. For this reason, it is important for us to understand the importance of being eco-friendly. Some of these include:
Preserving the Environment The main importance of being eco-friendly is to preserve the environment. For years, we’ve been combating our environment. You may wonder how this has been happening. From releasing noxious pollutants into the environment to deforestation, we’ve been eating a self-destructive war against our planet, which can lead to its end. This is why we must lessen deforestation and put our lands to better use by planting trees. These trees provide oxygen which humans need and cleanse the atmosphere of carbon dioxide.
Improving Human Lives Eco-warriors are primarily concerned about creating a better world for the current and future generations. Through dangerous environmental practices, humans expose themselves to harmful chemicals that reduce the quality of life as time goes on. This is why the number of patients with cancer and other other life-threatening diseases have increased.
Reducing Waste Production Water disposal is one of the major challenges facing the world. As the population of human beings has increased, so has the amount of waste produced on a daily basis. The increase in waste production has made room for wrongful disposal, which contaminates natural resources like water. A common example is the disposal of plastics and sewage in water, which makes it unfit for drinking, swimming, bathing and other related activities. This is why it’s advisable to recycle used products and make your own compost.
Saving Energy As mentioned earlier, humans are consuming more energy than the earth can replenish. Still, you can reduce the amount of energy consumed by reducing the use of energy-consuming products and embracing products that require less energy. For instance, products made with plastic require tons of energy.
Saving Money Most people think going green means breaking your bank to save the Earth. In reality, the reverse is the case. Being energy conscious means you won’t use as much gas or electricity as you used to. You’ll also encourage other members of your household to do the same.
Better Coping Mechanisms With Eco Anxiety Even if climate change is not in your control, you can still contribute greatly to saving the planet. A little effort goes a long way so instead of stressing over what you’ve done, prepare to bring about a change. Switching to eco-friendly food, accessories, and activities is the right way to go.
It’s a wrong notion to think green living is just for some particular group of people. Green living is for each and everyone one of us! We need to save our dying planet through carpooling and using ‘green’ products. Get working now! Tomorrow might be too late!
Embarking on my journey as a blogger was not a conscious decision fueled by a burning passion for writing. I stumbled into the blogosphere with a vague desire to express myself, blissfully ignorant of the intricacies that awaited. In my earnest pursuit, I made three crucial mistakes that, in hindsight, serve as valuable lessons for aspiring bloggers.
1. The Niche Conundrum My first misstep was the oblivious neglect of what experts touted as the “niche.” The term sounded foreign, and I fumbled with its pronunciation, let alone grasping its significance. My initial rationale was simple – I wanted to write, to refine my skills, assuming that the world would flock to read my eclectic musings.
Little did I know that without a focused niche, my blog would be lost in the vast expanse of the internet. Audience engagement eluded me, and my site struggled for visibility. It became apparent that, unlike a general pursuit of writing, a defined niche was the compass guiding bloggers through the tumultuous seas of cyberspace.
Lesson learned: As a newbie blogger, identifying a niche is paramount for audience engagement and rapid page visibility.
2. The Keyword Abyss In my writing escapades, I blissfully disregarded the existence of keywords, Google algorithms, and the enigma called SEO. My content resembled an exam paper for an absentminded lecturer rather than a strategically crafted piece meant for digital consumption.
The realization hit hard – writing alone wouldn’t cut it. My lack of keyword research knowledge crippled my blog’s potential for growth. It was a crash course in understanding that starting a blog demanded more than just passion; it required a profound understanding of SEO principles and the art of weaving keywords seamlessly into the narrative.
Lesson learned: Delve into the realm of keyword research; it’s not just a skill; it’s a pivotal course for blog writing success.
3. The Hosting Platform problem To make my blogging mishaps even worse, I selected a hosting platform without thinking about how easily I could use it or whether it would work with Google’s algorithms. It was as though I had voluntarily decided to travel across unknown countries without a map.
Although Blogger’s simplicity is a comfort to me now, my first pick was a confusing maze. If I had chosen WordPress right on, I could have avoided the problems I ran across with Blogger. Investigating hosting sites is more than just a formality—it can make the difference between a simple trip and a difficult one.
Lesson learned: Before settling on a hosting platform, conduct thorough research. Ensure it aligns with Google algorithms, and you can navigate it with ease.
I share the traps as well as the bright spot that surfaced from the darkness of my blogging errors when I narrate these mishaps. Although there were difficulties along the way, the experience gave me a plethora of knowledge that changed the way I approached things.
I would implore you as a starting blogger positioned at the entrance to accept the knowledge I have acquired. Discover your specialty, solve the puzzle of keyword research, and select a hosting company that supports your objectives. With the correct advice, your words can echo far beyond your expectations in the wide terrain that is the blogosphere.
Ultimately, I learned from my blogging journey that striving for growth is a continuous journey. Writing isn’t enough; you also need to craft just about writing; it’s about developing a story that skillfully combines strategy and passion. I hope the lessons I’ve provided can brighten your path and help your messages find the right audience in the always changing digital landscape.
The contemporary world has seen advancements in the area of technology and information. The demands of the labor market have shifted from the requirements of those with degrees only to the combination of degree and practical skills. The focus of employers is now on practical 21st century skills and knowledge. Currently many job roles have changed with the rise in technology and work has become automated. New skills are required to stay relevant and likewise updated. Most job roles have now been replaced by Artificial intelligence.
The degrees acquired by students in universities, polytechnics, colleagues or education and so on, are no longer relevant to emerging job roles in industries. New roles in the labor force keep emerging yet the curriculum and syllabus of these degrees are not changing or restructured to meet new demands. Most courses are theory-based and can’t be applied to real life situations. These courses can’t bridge the gap in the immediate society. This puts degree holders at a disadvantage when applying for job roles.
Students are advised aside their degree to focus on gaining on demand practical skills that allow them to stand out which range from digital marketing, content marketing, graphic design, UiUx, analytical skills, problem solving, leadership skills tp data analysis etc. Leveraging different mediums such as YouTube and online learning platforms such as coursera, edmodo can enable one to learn these skills.
It is also important to demonstrate these skills in solving real world problems by participating in volunteering, freelancing, internship etc. Tertiary institutions of learning should restructure their courses to meet the emerging demands in the labor force. Degree holders should also not limit themselves to their courses and learn practical skills that allow them to stand out in the labor force.
A time where students would be poised to choose their future leaders is almost upon us. It is usually preceded by a blockbuster of posters and quotations of which some of them have no idea about. Some of them begin to claim to be wanting to preside, assisting the president and generally securing the presider. But one question on the mind of students is the question of whether these individuals are ready to work, or are just doing to boost their Curriculum Vitae. Some of these individuals fail to understand what leadership is and what being a leader actually expects of you.
Some of these aspirants have got to be reminded that popularity which may seem as a tool for success does not guarantee success. If you believe you should run for a position so little as being a course representative with the mindset of “I’m popular so I’d win”, can we say such a person is with the mindset of coming to deliver? Some of our current and even past executives have sometimes put their academics, which is supposed to be their first priority on hold, for the sake of various elections. The problem lies not in the supporters but in the aspirant. Many aspirants do not have the charisma to lead and that is always detrimental to the incoming tenure. They have the popularity but are lacking ideas. They intend to put their mind to rest with the idea that their fellow executives will come up with something.
Importantly, students should look beyond popularity and vote for the betterment of the jurisdiction. More often than not, it is always an added advantage to jurisdictions that have outspoken and charismatic leaders, but a double-pronged sword for those that vote for one when they think popularity-wise. You see people being cornered and tricked with various grammars in an effort to swirl the minds of students. Sometimes, most supporters paint a false mirage of aspirants after being “tipped” and you’ll begin to wonder if he had the account of the Federal Government. We’ve had people who would’ve laid the foundation right from the first semester, only for them to not even be able to defend themselves even among stakeholders in a meeting.
A popular scenario of a clueless leader is one who when asked about his plans or his motives begins to start and end with “coming to preside” with nothing innovative and moving in between. Some leaders in a bid to drive home their point begin to falsify records of events which are most times not related to the University. It has shown that most of them will go through unimaginable lengths to “boost” their CV to get into the office. We have had aspirants who are sweet-toothed with words at their manifesto defense but suddenly become dumb in their office. Most leaders enter positions with a motive of “refueling the tank.” Most eventual-leaders get into positions and at the end, show results that are far from what was expected. Their administrations do not reflect success, as executives sometimes fail to remember one of the most important keys to a successful administration- listening to the people.
We have seen departments, faculties and halls-of-residence give packages that leave people questioning why they bother paying their dues. A leader who does not have his house in order seeks to paint an audacious face of disorder. The concept of bad leadership can be described as simple as “bad tree, bad fruits.” A leader who doesn’t understand the basic concept of leadership can be sure to deliver bad fruits, together with their executives. It balls down to voting for popularism rather than charisma.
Fellow students, what makes a leader is beyond wearing suits on Mondays and native attires on Fridays. It is beyond knowing, shaking and hugging every single passer-by. It is putting the needs of your intended jurisdiction above yours. It involves thinking and being innovative. It involves being a shoulder for students to lean up. Sincerity and uprightness of heart paint a clearer picture of who a leader is. Fellow students, it will be wise to engage the wise words of Solomon and not the empty words of Ahab.
In a world of shackles and chains, Where entangles appear free like the Mississippi flows, laying atop the corners up till a high unto Mount Everest. There live a house of old, a space of ancient lives.
Just as the complex of the time count, they were bond, forcefully, by the helm of Slavery. Though pure in heart, their shape deviates reality. Though left unsin, they were the victims of the price and sacrifices.
In the house of old, Tears run with a joint complex of time count. Traces of happiness only heard from the satisfaction of sadness. Unto a death of temporal longevity. To suffering, on a house of old.
Talent being innately a gift bestowed upon an individual can manifest in diverse ways through their relations and social activities. With the inborn of talents, there has been a high level of satisfaction in performance ranging from learning to skillful activities, which are a very gifted aspect of one’s life. It requires a lot to have a discovery of the innate gift embedded in one as an individual which helps with a successful life. The question then looks on how do we know the talent we possess? Going through episodes of regular self discovery which arise through several activities that individuals engage in.
In this mode there are ways to actualize one’s drive and inner desire to perform a particular thing and also there resides the energy and ability to person such in an excellent manner. Humans grow up to discover who they are and several areas of their flexibility, they understand they do something better than another in a more easy manner with huge inner satisfaction. This is called “talent” which is necessarily not learnt through technical subjection but for the perfection of a glossy state of one’s talent – creation of an improvement state can be embraced. There are a number of talents in the world which we possess distinctively owing to the fact that humans have individual differences in every aspect. One’s perfected areas could be another’s weakened area. Some of those talents are dancing, singing, writing, sporting, speaking, culinary art and more.
We could have wondered why do we find an engineer being a popularly loved singer without having to work in the field of the certified profession? There are several people who find themselves becoming successful based on their most loved talents. This shows the height of the importance of talent as it can waive the lane to poverty and brighten the line to a good life backed with satisfaction. A lot of people dwell on what they can do better than their subjects to live a great life. Countries have accommodated talent competition shows to reward talents which serve as encouragement for more people to rest in the tone of discovering their talents. Some of these shows are “America’s Got Talent, Nigeria’s Got Talent”. These avenues showcase various individuals who come up with their talent and as well reward them.
The importance that lies in talent shouldn’t be underestimated and this can be stuck to owing to the fact that schools being primarily focused on academic excellence did not deny the existence of talents and its discovery, the growth of a state relies on the ability to discover talent to promote a creative growth of the state. Schools finds way around creating competition to help people have a more built up talents and improve on themselves. The Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan held the “Eduvibe Show” which consisted of various students with talents and the emerging winners were adequately awarded and motivated. This process leads to self confidence in one’s ability and the need to improve more for growth.
Talent should be accorded a high rate of attention to at any point in one’s life and it heavily lies on parents, teachers and counselors to help students achieve a heightened level of satisfaction in life activities through various steps. This will enhance talent discovery and self improvement. Also, reinforcement should be given to students to encourage them which then increases their self motivation and self confidence at any point in their life.
The joint plan by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to allocate a combined N8.7 billion solely for software expenses this year has stirred varied reactions among stakeholders. This N8.7 billion allocation is outlined in the 2024 budget of government-owned enterprises (GOEs) released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Development. FIRS intends to acquire software with a budget of N3.5 billion to drive its tax reform agenda in 2024, making it the second-largest software budget among GOEs, with NDIC leading at N5.2 billion.
Other GOEs with plans for software acquisition in 2024 include the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) with a budget of N874.5 million, the National Pension Commission (PenCom), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), allocating N384 million and N255 million, respectively. Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, stated in a recent address that the service is undergoing a transformation, emphasizing reliance on technology as one of its pillars alongside people and processes. He highlighted the intention to build a customer-centric organization and enhance tax collections without increasing rates through efficient and contemporary tax administration methodologies.
While concerns have been raised about the routine budgeting of billions for software upgrades by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), some experts, including Professor Godwin Oyedokun and former CITN chairman Benjamin Ogbeide, see the potential benefits. Oyedokun acknowledges the difficulty in commenting without project details but welcomes initiatives that enhance the tax experience for Nigerians. Ogbeide understands the need for FIRS to heavily invest in technology for efficient tax collection, citing the success of Tax Promax in increasing revenue from N8 trillion in 2019 to N12 trillion in 2023.
By: Kreative ACE Imagine, after a hectic day of attending a series of Lectures, exhausted, thirsty and hungry. What would be the first drink you’d grab from a store? Pure water or your favorite soda? Most of us would definitely go for our favorite Soda. After all, we cannot come and kill ourselves.
But on a closer look, health wise and academically, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves when we usually choose your favorite Soda over Pure Water. In the subsequent lines, we would be looking at what you stand to gain when you make the hard choice of always drinking pure water instead of your favorite soda, especially as a student.
Prevents Dehydration: Drinking water helps to maintain the water in your body at normal level. When the water level in your body is lower than normal, it affects your thinking, causes body overheating, infrequent use of the toilet, changes in one’s mood and kidney stones. Intake of your favorite Soda could also hydrate you partially but it would also add calories to your system which causes you to add weight.
Fresh Breath: Yes, drinking water maintains your fresh breath throughout the day as it lubricates your saliva and minimizes the bacteria in the mouth that causes bad breath . The research published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene has shown that drinking or rinsing the mouth with a glass of water helped remove up to 60 per cent of the substances which contribute to bad breath.
Clears Waste Materials: Overtime, the body accumulates waste materials and water is an effective agent of flushing waste materials from the body system. It could be through sweating, urination and excretion.
Soothes joints, spinal cord, and tissues: Have you ever wondered, why as young as most of us are, that we still experience joint pain or back ache? It has been discovered that the cartilage found in your joints and the spine disk has 80 percent of water. So when the water level is short in the body, it causes less shocking ability of the body leading to joint pain.
Regulates the body temperature and Glows the skin: Drinking water cools the body through perspiration and avoids the skin from overheating.it also removes toxin which improves your skin tone and gives you a healthier skin.
Healthy Brain: Pure Water clears out toxins and wastes that impair brain function. IT also transports nutrients to your brain from your brain to keep your brain healthy. Drinking water has been linked to stronger Cognitive functions, improved focus, decreased mental stress amongst others.
In conclusion, Pure Water is accessible and affordable, therefore, no students has an excuse in choosing their Favorite soda instead of Pure water. This is a Wake up call for students to rethink their drink as it could make or mar both health wise and academically.
One of the most anticipated events of the session is about to kick start today, January 30, 2023 at NFLT by 4pm. The event, which is being organized by The Literary and Debating Society (TLDS) of the University of Ibadan, is regarded as the biggest public speaking event in sub-saharan Africa.
Jaw War, a public speaking debate competition where public speakers from each Halls and Faculties slog it out in a knockout phase for the huge prize. The theme for this year’s edition has been tagged “Crossroads of Change: Africa’s Evolution in a Complex World.”
In the Halls category, 10 Halls of Residence are set to compete with a 2-leg preliminary and a one-leg knockout face-off till the final. In the Faculties category, 16 faculties across the University of Ibadan will compete in a one-leg knockout until the finals. The preliminaries are set to hold at NFLT, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan.
The competition is set to roll with the first leg of the halls of residence preliminary stage on January 30, 2024 to March 1, 2024 which will feature the Jaw War Final, National Competition and Award Ceremony. Another day to look out to is the Return of Legends scheduled for February 23, 2024.
In this mad dance of politics, we keep begging to ask a question and we will ask after all, the truth is what we stand for. Why do we re-elect current administration members who pursue re-election without a thorough audit in the first place? This unasked question leaves us grappling with uncertainties about past deeds. It fosters an environment susceptible to the shadows of corruption.
Take, for instance, Senator Former, a leader in the Department of Arts and Social Sciences who is considering running for office again. He might run for the same position. He might also run for president of the National Union of the Education Student Association (Nuesa). How can we evaluate his political legacy thoroughly? We need an audit. How can we be certain that the coffers remain untainted? They should be free from the subtle manipulations that often accompany political ambitions. Do you not know that if reelected, we are not likely to demand transparency because he has a new power to foster his misappropriation hence the need for an audit even before campaigns.
This lack of audits before campaigns creates an environment that is conducive to the growth of dishonest officials. Educational institutions echo this mindset likewise does it permeate the society as a whole. The subject, which at first glance seems simple, actually unravels into a complicated tapestry. Should any administration, no matter what its field, go through a rigorous screening process before its members may run for office?
Do we not know the clear benefits of examining character and finances? These audits could save us from choosing treasurers who mismanage funds. Presidents who view the administration’s finances as a personal inheritance. Just imagine if an audit had been done before some past administration handed over or during campaigns. There are some tales of this and that we may never have told or never have to tell.
Imagine a world in which the threat of ongoing thievery vanishes. In this world, the election of a former treasurer to the presidency does not mean financial wrongdoing will happen. This is a demand for openness and responsibility. It is not an attempt to place blame on specific people. Audits are the clarion, slicing through shadowy areas. They ensure that people who want to head our beloved organizations do so with honour and a spotless record.
“Beyond the Ballot” calls for a paradigm change in how we handle leadership changes. It invites us to look past the election-related moment. It begs us to demand greater accountability. It asks us to expose potential wrongdoing. It insists on a future where leaders must meet strict requirements before assuming power.
The fundamental basis of democracy is the confidence placed in elected officials to represent the people’s interests. But this confidence needs to be gained via accountable and transparent governance. It is imperative that, before the electorate casts their votes, they consider relevant past actions, financial choices, and ethical behaviour.
Pre-election audits are justified. This argument is strong considering the consequences of unbridled power within regimes. Corrupt practices have a cascading impact that can damage an institution’s reputation. It can also undermine the core principles of democracy. Auditing is an aggressive step to protect the integrity of our political systems.
We create a strong disincentive against misconduct by instituting pre-election audits. Student representatives at any level be it SU, Faculty, Departments or Halls of residence must conduct themselves in the greatest ethical standards because they are aware that their activities will be closely scrutinized before they can run for re-election. By doing this, the public’s interests are protected and an accountable culture is promoted inside the halls of power.
More than only preventing corruption, the advantages are numerous. A properly-executed audit functions as a thorough report card, outlining an administration’s achievements as well as its deficiencies. Now, people may argue that these audits are done. Well, I am not going to dispute but when do they carry these audits out? Is it when they have graduated or when they have been re-elected? Voters need to make well-informed decisions based on a complete understanding of a candidate’s record thanks to this invaluable information. Electorates should know that their resources are not being misappropriated.
It may be argued that pre-election audits might be time-consuming and laborious, according to critics, potentially hindering the democratic process. The long-term benefits in terms of open government, decreased corruption, and increased public trust, however, much outweigh the time and resource commitment. In light of the intricacies of contemporary politics, the notion of pre-election audits is in line with the changing demands of a knowledgeable and watchful public. Transparency is demanded more than ever in a time when information is easily available.
To sum up, “Beyond the Ballot” is a clear cry for a revolutionary change in the way we handle leadership transitions rather than just a rhetorical device. The political story ought to be one of enlightenment, in which the deeds of our leaders are revealed to the examination by the general people before gaining positions of power. Let’s set out on this path to a future in which honesty, responsibility, and openness are the driving principles of our democratic society.
As Jaw War 2024 knocks the door once again, it is necessary to take a look at how Team Education is preparing for the biggest public speaking event in sub-saharan Africa. The President of Education Literary and Debating Society (ELDS), Isaac Adeniji, took us through the preparation of the team towards making a positive mark in this year’s outing.
Scribe: Can you introduce yourself?
ELDS President: Alright, My name is Adeniji Isaac, a 400 level student of the department of Science and Technology Education. My teaching course is Mathematics. I am also the President of the Faculty of Education Literary and Debating Society (ELDS).
Scribe: Being the President of the Literary and Debating Society of the Largest Faculty in University of Ibadan, what can you say? How has it been so far?
ELDS President: It has not been easy to be honest but all Glory goes to God for his help so far and for where he is taking us.
I didn’t expect it to be like this but thank God for my fellow executives, we all have been trying our best to further progress the Society. And we believe that by God’s grace, we would have something to show for it.
Scribe: Alright. What can you say has changed in ELDS since the inception of your administration?
ELDS President: For starters, we had a bootcamp where we invited seasoned and experienced public speakers to come around and train our members and also a former President of the Literary and Debating Society was around on the last day in person of Adeleke Taiwo.
We also changed some inside things which might be changed soon though. We wanted to do more but there wasn’t enough time for us to do so. Hopefully, the next administration would raise the bar and uphold the legacy.
Scribe: Great. Coming straight to Jaw War. In the next couple of days, Jaw War is starting. For the past two seasons, Education’s record has not been favorable. The last time we had a nice outing was 3 sessions ago after we got knocked out by Arts at the Semis. How has preparations been to write a new story this time around?
ELDS President: It has not been an easy ride but by God’s grace, we hope to make God, our Faculty and ourselves proud this time. We are not saying we are the best but we want to leave an impact too.
Scribe: Is there a target for ELDS at this year’s Jaw War?
ELDS President: Like every constituency, we hope to return victorious from the competition.
Scribe: If I may ask, how has NUESA been supporting the ELDS on Jaw War ?
ELDS President: The President once asked me about our preparation and I told him we are doing our best. Then he mentioned that we should focus on the speeches while they focus on mobilizing people to come and support us so that they are available for us when we need their help.
So I would say they have been supportive because the basic thing NUESA can practically do for us is to mobilize educators to turn up and support us whenever we are presenting.
Scribe: Nice to hear. So, Educators should raise their hopes high ?
ELDS President: I didn’t say that but we are doing our best to make everyone proud.
Scribe: Do you see the Faculty of Technology as a force that can stop the qualification of Education towards the next round at this year’s Jaw War?
ELDS President: No constituency is to be underrated so all I can say is let us hope for the best and be positive and we charge you and all educators to put ELDS in our prayers.
Scribe: We all at Assesa Press, ASSE in general and Educators are rooting for you. We wish the team a very wonderful outing. Thanks alot for your time. We appreciate it
ELDS President: We say a very big thank you all and we hope that by God’s grace we would have a wonderful and favourable competition.
In a world of sanity, where the traits and tenets of the age are shaped around the attribution of reign that centers on government for all, it is necessary to visualize an image of popular participation. In a setting, cornered by the manifestation of democracy and the runs of societal governments, people who are under the umbrella of this age are much under the guise of making an impact. Meaning, whatever the style of governmental system bestowed upon the affairs of a particular society, there are expectations – which amount from several plays – of multiple players who determine the outcome of such rule.
Let us drive into a more compelling journey. As a conscious owner of heritage which flows in our society of birth, there is a gifted voice bestowed upon our heart to speak when we should speak, to voice when the mic is passed to our camp and to shout atop our voice even when it seems our voice are not heard. This voice is a power inherited that proves we exist. It is a sign that signifies we are part of the process of decision making. It is a power that sends the message that we’ve got the strength in us to participate in the affairs of our society and, it is an authority we can control what is really ours.
Actually, there is a problem. And, it is a very big problem that has eaten so deep to the extent that it has formed a habit. This habit has materialized to the stage of being a big ‘omen’. This omen, as such, has turned every facet of the society to being voiceless. It has made us become one who is powerless with no certain point of authority. We have been shaped to conform to the image of those who have power but seem to possess none. Yet, we seem to complain after being beaten by the realities that befall us owing to our lost treasure.
To another fact, we don’t seem to even know we have such a power, I mean the power to voice when we ought to voice. This cause has been termed ‘unmutted‘ owing to the dignifying account of authority it possesses. It is unmutted due to the fact that no one can shut this voice when one decides to manifest its usage. The voice can travel within centimeters, decimeters, millimeters, kilometers, meters, tones; as long as we possess the realization to use it. It is a voice of our opinion to the affairs of our age. It is a participation in the on-goings of our society. It is the will to be involved in the decision making process of governmental running that concerns us. It is the opportunity used to decide what affects us, what we want, what we need and what we allow.
Owing to the misplacement, displacement and lack of recognition, we seem to have miss the way. We feel it is best to leave our leaders to run it all. We believe it is not a matter that affect our daily well being. We have accept that fate that whatever our political leaders decision, we’ll survive – even when we know it will affect us one way or the other. We seem to have the notion of getting through any tough time. We want to ignore the fact that even though we get harmed by these thoughts, we will end up being fine. We believe we can manifest successful without the positive influence of governmental policies, decisions, moves, plans, implementations, and strategies.
Little did we know, that as an end user of a product, as the final consumer of a production chain of distribution, as the indirect tax payer, as the recipient of all externalities from governmental policy implementations, we will feel the impact. The definition of such an impact then lies on how much we allow ourselves to connect to the process. If we feel participating is not our affairs, then we dare not say or proclaim such governmental administration as being poor. A Yoruba adage says, “O si nibe, o ni bawo ni won se pin” translating to mean “You were not there when it was being shared but you were asking how it was shared”. If you feel good not to get involved when it is being decided, then you have no right to ask questions on how or find a fault in any medium used.
Our proclaimed unmutted voice is going voiceless. On a closer look, it seems to have lost its voice. The power engine seems to have decayed its power. It is like we’ve forsaken the power that is for us. It is like possessing a talent and still feeling like we don’t possess any talent. We have lost value on what is ours, and when value has been lost in a model, it becomes unrecognized. It turns powerless even though there’s unmeasurable power in it. If not realized and made to resuscitate the lost value, it will then conform to a lost prince who lives in a very league far away wilderness. If not located at the very maximum time of survival, he dies. If we don’t locate this value – our unmutted voices – it will perish!
However, even though we don’t care of getting involved in public opinion, political participation, and voting during elections, we shall be affected by the outcome of such. It is an escalating omen that has extended far and near. In school settings, you see vacant positions during elections, you see students being more comfortable seeing movies than getting involved in public participation. When provided with an avenue to voice their heart desires through congress, you find them missing. Yet, they complain everyday, their voices seem voiceless because they’ve lost the power they possess in the shape of an unmutted voice. So sorry to say that they can never be taken seriously, they can never be heard!
During elections, you see a percentage of the population as few as 20% of the total electorate coming forth to vote. A percentage of 20% out of 100% of electorates deciding the fate of the total population. Yet, those who refuse to manifest the power of their unmutted voice will stand to say the government has failed them. My friend, congratulations, you’ve successfully failed yourself! You are the cause of this omen! You are the sway who has lost a God given treasure, a precious gift. It’s high time we wake up to this call. It is high time to begin to manifest our voice.
Because it is an unmutted voice, it can never be shut. Because it can never be shut, it shall travel far and near. Because it can travel far and near, it has power. Because it possesses power, it can make positive changes. Because it can make positive changes, it can affect our lives positively. Because it can affect our lives positively, we can have a better nation. Because we can have a better nation, we are a great people!
In the ongoing Sigma Chief’s League, Female Category, ASSE has defeated CLA in the second round of the league phase at the ongoing competition on January 29, 2024 at the Zik Hall Maracanã pitch.
Another stellar performance from the invincible ladies who are yet to concede a goal in the league phase of the SIGMA Chief’s league defeated their counterparts from Faculty of Arts.
Lola opened the scoring for the ASSE females via a corner kick in the 8th minute as they dominated the CLA females throughout the first half.
Esther further added to the CLA Ladies woes, scoring a brace in the 14th and 28th minutes, including a free kick to make it 3 goals in the first half. CLA females were also dominated in the second half of the encounter.
Although a lot of football fans were not expecting the ridiculous score line as ASSE females seemed to have improved on their goal scoring ability.
This signaled another impressive performance from the current NUESA Dean’s cup champions winning all the matches they have played in the ongoing SIGMA league.
The 12th Assembly, NUESA FLC has on the night of Saturday, January 27, 2024 unveils the adoption of a new NUESA Constitution, Amended 2023. The announcement came through a shared broadcast across several WhatsApp groups of the Faculty.
It should be noted that after the necessary amendment by the Constitutional Review Committee chaired by Hon. Inubile Moyinoluwa and a popular adoption by the Congress on Thursday, January 25, 2024 following several deliberations and changes, the proposed constitution is now adopted and finally enforced.
The opening statement of the shared BC signed by the NUESA FLC 12th Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Isaac Boluwatife and the Council’s Spokesperson, Hon. Akinpelu Christiana, reads;
“The NUESA-UI FLC officially announces the immediate enforcement of the approved Constitution, effective as of today, Saturday, January 27, 2024. This development follows revisions made by the constitution review committee, directed by the Congress to address certain amendments required in the constitution.”
The broadcast also highlighted some changes made at the Congress which are autonomy to all department in manning their administrative affairs, only an advisory from the president and treasurer on the associations financial status can change a budget status after approval by the House, the treasurer having the responsibility to keep the association’s records of withdrawal of funds, and so on.
The House through the medium likewise advised all Educators to get a copy of the new amended constitution and be familiarized with the new operation.
“In light of this, the House advises all educators to possess a copy to understand the dos and don’ts contained within so as to ensure compliance with its provisions going forward.”
At the Faculty of Education event tagged Edu Vibes which was held on Friday, January 26, 2023 at the Faculty LLT and Car Park, Kolawole Shammah, Irinyemi Blossom and Agbobor Bolu has walked away with cash prizes after shining over their counterparts at the Education’s Got Talent Category of the event.
The Education’s Got Talent category has earlier called for entries where Educators were provided the space to showcase their talents ranging from dancing, singing, creative explorations, spoken words and all sorts of flamboyant talent display.
The event, which was reportedly sponsored by the Faculty Dean, Prof. O.A. Adegbesan, fairly sampled 18 contestants out of multiple submissions who displayed yesterday for the top 3 prizes. After the first round, 7 contestants made it to the final stage where the best 3 (after a respective amazing display) were chosen by Judges of whom are Samantha Sekani, Achezy, Jasper (From Mr Nuesa and Mrs UI) and TiOlu (Former UI’SU Presidential Aspirant).
Kolawole Shammah, a 300lv student from ASSE, who displayed by singing, emerged the first position. Irinyemi Blossom, a final year student of EME after exhibiting singing and spoken poetry walked away with the first runners-up position. Also, Aghobor Bolu from STE dept, 300lv, emerged the second runners up having displayed the talent of singing. They all claimed a cash prize of 25,000 naira, 15,000 naira and 10,000 naira respectively.
In another part of the event which witnessed the Bonfire at the Faculty Car Park, Educators as well as Non-Educators were present to vibe with ‘Dj. Don’t Dull’s’ music rhapsodies. There was also the presence of Hype Man ‘Chezz’ and ‘Kubann’ as students present served along with palm wine and peppered pommo.
Notably, both the Education’s Got Talent and Bon fire witnessed the presence of the dean, Prof. O.A. Adegbesan and the Association’s immediate past President, Georgeana Reuben.
ASSE ladies once again proved themselves after defeating the Chemistry ladies in their opening match in the league phase of the Bi-gender tournament at the Zik hall Maracanã on Friday, January 26, 2024.
After their recent victory over Sociology in their knockout match which made them progressed to the league phase, ASSE females has defeated their counterpart from Chemistry in a 1 goal to nil victory after dominating the Chemistry female team.
A first half early goal from Esther in the eight minute gave the Education female giant all the three points for as they were unable to find the back of the net again despite heavily dominating the Chemistry ladies.
So as to win the tournament, the coach needs to drill the forward players more in a way to be clinical in front of goals as scoring goals is very crucial in the second phase of the tournament.
At the NUESA-U congress held on Thursday, 25 January 2024 at the faculty lounge, the congress approved the new constitution after several deliberations, clarifications and changes.
The congress, which was called to discuss changes and amendments of the NUESA constitution, started with a minute of silence in honor of Kaka Adeife, who died earlier the day. It was then followed by a report of the association from the Nuesa President, Sakariyau Ajibola.
Several questions were asked from Educators present, among which was a question from Abdul Sodiq, Educational Management President, where he asked who will fund the election for Department FLC Election?. It was then clarified that the funds will come from the purchase of forms revenue.
Issues such as the changing of the Departmental Consultative Council (DCC) to the Departmental Legislative Council (DLC) were asked. Educators present inquire about the significant and relevance of changing the description’s narrative from DCC to DLC
Several oppositions followed the proposed constitution which gave birth to recommendations and amendments of the constitution. Some of the recommendations were:
1. All departments would be given autonomy to decide the composition of their administrative affairs.
2. Also, article 3 section 1 subsection 2a was clarified and that students would have access to the constitution either a hard copy or soft copy.
3. The treasurer shall also be saddled with the keeping of recommendation of association funds instead of the financial secretary.
4. After final approval of the budget by the FLC, no one shall remove or add to the budget, only at the advice provided to the FLC by the president and treasurer.
The proposed constitution was thereby approved but effective until all the adjustments has been made.
During the Faculty Congress on Thursday, January 25, 2023, the Faculty of Education Dean, Prof. O.A. Adegbesan, who had stopped by, disclosed that among students who submitted Lab/Studio fee receipts, about 73 presented forged ones.
Expressing concern, he emphasized the gravity of risking studentship for a mere 10,000 naira. He added that it is quite surprising that students are so courageous to table a fake or forged receipt to their department and faculty without being concerned of such repercussions.
The Dean issued a stern warning, stating that unless these students rectify their errors, expulsion awaits them. He further directed the NUESA-UI President, Sakariyau Ajibola and student leaders present to alert all educators about the fraud, as the culprits jeopardize their future careers.
Educators who fall into this category are thereby advised to make necessary corrections before facing a great penalty as expressed by the Dean.
The current NUESA Dean’s Cup Female Champions, ASSE, once again proved themselves as they sent Sociology parking from the SIGMA Chief’s League Female Category after defeating them by 2 goals to 1 at the Zik Maracana Stadium on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
ASSE females had a very solid performance in the first half as ‘Lolade’s‘ double in the 11th and 20th minute of the game boosted ASSE females hopes of qualifying for the next phase. The wastefulness of the players almost cost ASSE females winning the match as they were not clinical enough in front of goals.
The ASSE females found the second half difficult after conceding an own goal in the first half as the Sociology female team frustrated and pressured them. ASSE females gave in to the pressure as they failed to increase their tally in the second half. They at the end emerged victorious at the end of the match due the captain’s first half brace and qualified for the league phase of the competition.
At the other end, KHE failed to advance to the next round of the tournament despite Bolu’s brace. The match between KHE and the Statistics Female team ended in a 6-goal thrilling encounter. KHE females conceded 4 ridiculous first half goals as the Statistics females attacked with a couple of shots, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Thereafter, Bolu scored a controversial first half penalty, turning the halftime score line to 4-1.
The second half was not easy for the Statistics ladies as they could not find the back of the net, Bolu again improved the face of the score line once again after a free kick. Her brace wasn’t enough as the match ended 4:2 in favor of the Statistics.
The match between Early Childhood and CLA Female team ended one nil(1-0) in favor of the CLA leaving ASSE team as the only team from ASSE left in the ongoing thrilling tournament.
At the ongoing Sigma Chief’s League, Male Category, Soccer For All (SFA) has defeated NUESA Clippers in a 2 goals to nil encounter. The match which was played at the SUB Pitch on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 saw the inexperienced NUESA Clippers bow before a 10-Man SFA team.
Recall that the SIGMA Chief’s League commenced on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 which involves a football competition of both male and female category. The male category is situated at SUB Pitch while the female at Zik Maracana Pitch.
The match was one of the most attended matches of match day 2 of SIGMA Chief’s league as football lovers wanted to see the star-studded SFA play.
The Clippers played beyond everyone’s expectation against the experienced SFA leading to the team missing a clear-cut chance in the first half. The miss later cost them the game as they were unable to find the back of the net. ‘Agbowo‘, a Clippers’ player, frustrated the SFA players throughout the first half.
SFA’s first goal of the game came in owing to an own goal by the Clippers’ Captain due to a lack of communication between him and the goalkeeper. The goal thereby boosted SFA’s chances of defeating the Clippers having had a first half lead.
The second half was full of drama as ‘Tomide‘, a SFA player, got red carded after the rough handling of ‘Natty Ace‘, which reduced the SFA team to ten men. Nevertheless, the tired Clippers were still unable to find the net against a 10-man SFA. The hungry SFA players added to the inexperienced Clippers woes as ‘Ibrahim‘ converted the SFA’s captain pass into a goal. The match ended 2-0 in the favor of SFA
The Clippers fans would be expecting a ‘Remontada’ against the Soccer For All (SFA) in the second leg of the tie.
In its 3rd plenary session held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 by the 10th Assembly, Students’ Representative Council at the SRC Chamber, the House has fined the House Secretary of the Union, Oluwole Ayomide, an amount of 10,000 naira plus a compulsory community service for directing the Union’s funds into his personal account.
In a previous signed letter by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Omotunde to the House Disciplinary Committee, dated Thursday, November 30, 2023, he expressed that the House Secretary has been illegally charging for use of the SRC Chamber and also diverting the Union’s funds into his personal account.
The decision by the House to take the final disciplinary action was followed by the Disciplinary Committee Report by Hon. Akinola Emmanuel which found the House Secretary guilty of the alleged offense.
When responding to the allegations during the plenary session, the House Secretary, Oluwole Ayomide (also known as Sanjay) apologized to the House for an oversight which resulted in not following appropriate guidelines regarding charging and remittance of funds for usage of the Union’s facilities, especially the SRC Chamber.
The kind of community service to be rendered by the House Secretary was not stated by the Council. Also, the House Secretary, during the plenary session, presented the budget for the upcoming Kunle Adepeju Memorial Day.
Bọ́dẹ bá ríbi ṣe gbàù lára ẹran , A yọ̀ ṣẹ̀ṣẹ̀ , Iyì èjìgbàrà ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ ni kílùú wà ní ìdẹ̀ra, Bí ìyálórìṣà bá ti ń yóhùn padà , Nǹkan tiṣe, Bí afúnṣọ́ bá ti ń ṣe ohun tí kò tọ́,ẹ jẹ́ á taná wádìí aṣokùnfà.
Gbígba ẹ̀mí là lamọ oníṣègùn òyìnbó sí , Bóhun mìíràn bá ti ń ṣẹlẹ̀ , Ó tóhun àyẹ̀wò , Bí afidà pani bá ti dojú idà kọra rẹ̀, Ǹjẹ́ ọ̀rọ̀ kò bẹ́yìn yọ ?
Èrò inú ẹni a máa lani,múni so, Òbí gbogbo ní ń fẹ́ oríire ọmọ , Ohun mìíràn tí ó lòdì sí èyí bá tọwọ́ òbí wá , Ṣé kò yẹ ká kún fádùráà?
Tẹ́jẹ̀ ẹni bá ti ń wá ìṣubú ẹni , Ṣé kò yẹ ká kọ hà? Bọ́rẹ̀ẹ́ minú bá ti digi ẹlẹ́ẹ̀gún, À fi kÓlú gbani !
Ohun gbogbo laní àyípadà dé bá , Ẹ jẹ n bi yín , Irú àyípadà wo ni?
Èrò a máa múni so,lani, Ẹ̀kọ́ lakẹ́kọ̀ọ́ ń kọ́ , Olùkọ́ ,ẹni tí ń kọ́ni Olùtọ́nà lẹ jẹ́,ẹ máà jẹ́ Olùṣìnà.
Máà fipò rẹ́nijẹ, Ipò a máa fini sílẹ̀,ènìyàn a máa fipò sílẹ̀ , Ìwà ẹni ní ń báni rìnrìn àjò , Dígí ni ọ́,ogúnlọ́gọ̀ ní ń fi ọ́ ṣe àwòkọ́ṣe. Àsìkò à ti jẹ́jọ́ ń bẹ , Ìwà ẹni ní ń báni rìnrìn àjò .
Ìfẹ́ làkójá òfin , Ẹ jẹ́ ká fìfẹ́ gbé , Ẹ fi ìfẹ́ hàn sí ẹbí àti ará Adùn a máa jọba ní ilé tí ìfẹ́ wá à, Olú rọ̀wá kí á fi ìfẹ́ lò, Fi ìfẹ́ hàn sí ọmọlàkejì rẹ , Nínú ilé ẹ fi ìfẹ́ lò, Ní àyíká ẹ fi ìfẹ́ lò, Ní Ìpínlẹ̀ kí ìfẹ́ jọba, Ní orílẹ́èdè ẹ fìfẹ́ lò, Ní ibi tí ìfẹ́ bá wà, àlàáfíà á jọba, Bẹ́ẹ̀ irú Ìfẹ́ wo là ń sọ ? Ìfẹ́ òtítọ́ tí kì í ṣẹ̀tàn, Ìfẹ́ inú tí kì í ṣe ojú , Ìfẹ́ tí kì í ṣe nítorí , Yálà ìfẹ́ síbẹ̀síbẹ̀, Ìfẹ́ a máa forí jini, Bẹ́ẹ̀ sì ni ìfẹ́ a máa yáàfíí àṣìṣe Ìfẹ́ kì í bínú bẹ́ẹ̀ kì í faraya, Nínú òjò ẹ fi ìfẹ́ hàn , Nínú ẹ̀ẹ̀rùn ẹ fi ìfẹ́ hàn, Ní ọ̀gbẹlẹ̀ ẹ fi ìfẹ́ hàn, Ìfẹ́ jàre ohun gbogbo.
Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates, has made a claim that African countries will need to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the current shortage of teachers and doctors on the continent. Gates stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the sideline of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where AI is topping discussions. Gates said he is already funding pilot studies in Africa to bring to reality AI tutors and AI doctors. While noting that developing countries are lagging in the utilization of technology, Gates said he is committed to making sure that the usual 20-year gap between the rich and the poor countries in adopting technology does not play out with AI.
“The world will be richer with AI” In his words, Gates announced that the world will become richer with AI, adding that the technology would raise AI productivity across sectors all over the world. According to him, the main driver of AI growth will be the rivalry between Microsoft and Google.
Microsoft is focusing on accelerating AI development in developing countries to address the shortage of teachers and doctors in Africa. The company plans to create new tools like ultrasounds and provide health advice in local African languages. Microsoft has already funded pilot studies in Africa to ensure the technology is available in the same way as in the rich world. The race for success is a race for good.
The other side of AI Certainly the other side of AI is multifaceted and while there have been concerns that several jobs may be lost to AI potentially leading to unemployment and economic disparities, Gates is more worried that the productivity value of the technology can also be used negatively. According to him, AI as a brilliant tool for people to be more productive “means the bad guys will be more productive so they can do more cyber attacks so they can design weapons.”
In addition to what he stated, AI systems face privacy and data security issues due to their vast personal data collection and storage. Algorithmic biases can perpetuate discriminatory outcomes, impacting areas like hiring and criminal justice. Misuse of AI technologies, such as surveillance, raises ethical concerns. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving ethical considerations, transparent practices, robust regulations, and ongoing dialogue.
Within the walks of every administration pledged with the duty to represent in the holistic interest of people, it becomes a matter of utmost credibility to project a flow of display that meets or surpasses the set mark of excellence upon such an arm. This translates that for every administration, most especially when it’s tenure-wise, there’s a need to center the goal of achievement on feats – or say standards – that places the space on the line of potential capacity; perhaps above it. Literally, it means that for every setting, there is a set mark – pass mark – that signifies the percentage of measurement when it comes to achievement rating.
In such light, when it begins to appear that the promising manifestations placed upon the ticking lead of such an arm is digressing and moving inversely with the wavering free ride wing of time, it is then necessary to raise some ‘arms’ upon such an arm. ‘Arms’ here means an act of tendering answerable questions in a reflection format. This can be likened to a form of popular opinion or press conference session where in the former, people stand as the authority to table their concerns and in the latter, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm ignite through their realm of curiosity; standing like people’s representatives.
There are traditions, there are customs. There are principles, there are regulations. There are promises, there are realizations. There are expectations, there are fulfillments. All these are concepts that are expected to play out like drama in a motion upon the vices and activities of an administration. The interplay of their materialization stands to subject the atmospheric explanation when the tenure clock stops ticking. As we won’t leave it all in the hands of the ‘trusted’ – even though they are in the helm of affairs, we shall jointly run the affairs – because it is all ours and not theirs alone.
The MAXIMUM Team in some mannerism style has been at the driving seat of our great association – ASSESA (Arts and Social Sciences Students’ Association) for the past 5 months following their inauguration at such an anticlockwise ride. They’ve made several promises which bathed and stirred our heart to render our dear vote for the stand of their emergence into their various positions. Here we are, for the goodwill of pointing the guns of our sincere reflections to bring the consciousness of the present situation – seen a gap – to the face of our ‘Dear MAXIMUM Team.’
Dear Executives, there’s a need to at first have the constant heart beatings that Assesaties are filled with minds full of diverse expectations. These expectations are not of conscious manifestations, they are a basket of realistic hope that runs in the blood of every Assesaites. Oftentimes, this has been linked to the known elegance that comes with the fact that the department is the largest, not only in the Faculty of Education, but across the University of Ibadan community. Our dear Assesaites are of right will of notion to make a pride of their department and likewise express the need for such hopeful excellent display. If they fail to see this, they’ll say “the executives are not doing anything, they’ve failed us.”
Mr President, it’s high time the executive arm come into the full gear of a rising current that before the eyes of Assesaites, the administration is not close to rendering the betterment promised. The tenure is lacking flavor which is meant to inscribe delicious aroma and taste of what Assesaites stand to benefit this session. So far, it has been in a mask. The promises are laying like a horse drawn in a book which cannot materialize; perhaps a magical line of prophetic incantation will rise to aid. It has come to the period where executives need to pick up their pen and start ticking their accomplished promises in their manifesto, answer questions on why the unticked has not been accomplished and work out a workable plan on how it will come into full play.
Moreover, Assesaites need to feel connected to the association – Assesa. There is an urgency to make every Assesaites see the fact that the association exists because they are in existence. They need to feel the vibe that they are to be served and not make to wander to a loss. Assesa is their home and habitat, make them see this fact in the hospitality they are rendered. Once an Assesaite sees the association as his home, he will also reciprocate – perform his duty – by paying basic dues as at when due and likewise participate actively in the events set up by the association.
Likewise, most students don’t even know why they are paying these basic dues. Some, at most times, feel they are paying because they are ‘mandated’ to pay. They feel it only exists because they must pay for it. There’s a need for an explanation on what the dues stands for and what they stand to gain by rendering such payment. When the answer to the question of why they have to pay has been answered, they won’t feel reluctant to pay – knowing the fee is meant to run the association for their own betterment. In addition, it won’t reach a situation where students have to be given deadlines and academic deadly conditions before they render payment for their dues.
As we wrap up the page of this quick reflection which has directed the minds of Team MAXIMUM to the rising needs and affairs in their dealing with Assesaites, it is also necessary to inform them that their performance of today will be used to predict their acts of tomorrow. As today sets a tune for what we stand to perform tomorrow, it is then expected that we will ensure what we do today does not tamper or undermine our tomorrow target. As life is of building blocks, what we do today becomes a story of permanent reference tomorrow. Such birthed the phrase that “as you lay your bed, so you lie on it”. A word, they say, is enough for a wise person. Nevertheless, we are watching!
Bola learned a lot from her mom who was a renowned fashion designer. She coupled this knowledge with her amazing talent and used it to adjust her brother’s cloth and it suited his body perfectly. On several occasions, Tominwa was advised to maintain this Kungfu panda polo but because he loved it, he refused and wore it every single day. Even when the printing faded, he still insisted on wearing it. We tried cajoling him to wear his ninja top but failed. Then he started crying and complaining that we love Segun more than him because we couldn’t find a solution to the problem he created. This issue almost resulted in an argument between Bola and I since I lost my temper after begging him for minutes. He wasted the precious time I should have spent reading or taking a nap. At last, Bola won his heart with the promise of a gift. Gbemi refused to let go of the camera so we let her use it after she promised its safety under any circumstance.
“Good afternoon, ma’am. Welcome to Mr. Biggs restaurant” the attendant on duty greeted me humbly.
“Thanks”, I told him.
“So kids, what do you wanna eat today?” he asked my siblings unofficially. “Uncle biggy’s here to serve so you’ll be big like me”, said the pot-bellied guy.
“wow!” Segun exclaimed. “Like Superman?”
“Idiot!” Tominwa hit him on the head, laughing. “It’s a big boy, an indomitable one”.
“I’ll tell my mummy for you”, Segun cried with his two big lips apart.
“It’s okay, my boy” Bola consoled him after giving Tominwa a taste of his own medicine. Even at that, Tominwa stuck his tongue out in reply, indicating he was not hurt, which caused Segun more pain.
“Please take this kid out”, a customer complained.
“Stop acting like you’re barren”, Bola insulted the person in question
“How dare you say that to me, mannerless girl”, the customer left his seat aggressively. As he walked towards Bola, I felt the need to stay in front of her and ended up receiving the terrifying slap meant for her on my cheek. Still, I apologized on her behalf until I got satisfying forgiving words from the woman then we left the counter with our orders. Segun eventually kept quiet after Tominwa apologized to him, so I got an extra cone of ice cream for him.
“Gbemi, are you sure you can finish that”, I caught her struggling to consume the full plate of fried rice, chicken, beans pudding, fried fish, and fried plantain she ordered.
“Yes”, she took a sip of cold water from her glass.
“Segun, stop picking the spices in your food!”, I ordered him.
“I can’t eat them”, he didn’t realize he was making the other rich kids in the restaurant stare at us ridiculously.
“Then why did you order it in the first place…” I questioned him.
“Have you forgotten you made him do that, Nifemi?” Bola didn’t let me finish talking. “My poor brother wanted ice cream but you forced him to eat this”, she ate her vegetable salad slowly.
“Why are you never satisfied with everything I do?”, I yelled at her. “I did that because I was concerned about him. How could I watch him eat only ice cream for lunch!”
“It’s none of your business”, she yelled back. “It’s his belly, not yours besides people have allergies”, she wiped her mouth with a napkin. “You’re free to leave if you’re ashamed of us”.
“You two look cute when arguing”, Gbemi took a shot of us. The hangout I thought would be one of a kind turned out to be a nightmare. It became more evident to me that nothing I do would make Bola satisfied with me so I resolved to leave the house for them. On our way home, I had to carry a sleeping Segun on my back yet Bola kept stopping at intervals to greet every school friend she came across for over five minutes. Still, I had to wait for her. Few seconds after unlocking our main gate, a pervert touched her butt while she seemed lost in thought. Furiously, I ran after the criminal. Not even a pen which was regarded as mightier than the sword!
Or fists or charisma or energy or a mouth capable of insulting well enough, but I kept not relenting. In my effort to find the idiot who derived pleasure in picking on vulnerable girls and must be afraid of challenging his fellow guys. “You’re not going anywhere”, I hit him from behind all of a sudden and made him lose stamina. Wow! Did someone just call me a wonder woman? musketeer? Usain Bolt or the girl with legs filled with dark unyielding spots? “Who are you to do that to a young vulnerable girl”, The Criminal revealed his face which turns out to be DJ Freaky’s.
“Oh my God!”, I ignored the fact that he messed with my sis a few minutes ago.” Please forgive me, I must have caught the wrong person”.
“Whatever, fool!”he snarled and wiped the dust on his cloth.” I did it so what’re you gonna do about that?”
“Nothing..” I stuttered.
“I don’t know how that girl’s related to you but she’s more pretty than you, pig. I need her number tomorrow”, he walked away like a free bird. That’s how corruption starts….rich kids bully poor kids and sometimes not necessarily poor, weak people like me, defenseless people. They instill fear in us then use that advantage to steal our money, our hard-earned money. While they cross legs in their offices, we’re out there trekking in the sun yet we have insecurities in our jobs and we still can’t fight for our rights because they’re our superiors, our leaders, our bullies. We’ve succumbed to that mentality but it’s not supposed to be forgotten that we got this people power, fame, popularity, money they have. Then, why is it so hard to take it back?
By Iremide. As the bell rang for the beginning of another school day, the students shuffled into their classrooms, ready to tackle another day of learning. Among them was a young, bright girl named Sarah, who was known for her keen intelligence and love for reading. However, as the day progressed, Sarah noticed a change in the atmosphere of the school. The students seemed less enthusiastic than usual, and the teachers seemed more stressed than ever. Puzzled by this change, Sarah decided to investigate.
She discovered that the school library was closing down due to lack of funding, and students would no longer have access to the books and resources that had been so instrumental in their education. Determined to make a change, Sarah gathered a group of like-minded students to form a student-led initiative to save the library. The group organized a petition, held fundraisers, and even reached out to local businesses for support. Their efforts were met with overwhelming success, as the community rallied behind them to save the beloved library. As the library reopened its doors, the students rejoiced in their success. The sense of accomplishment and unity among the students was palpable and the school was once again filled with energy and excitement for learning.
The story of Sarah and her friends’ triumph was celebrated by the entire school, and their initiative instilled a renewed sense of pride and purpose in the students. It was a testament to the power of determination and collaboration, and a reminder that even the smallest voices can make a big impact.The revival of the school library became a symbol of hope and resilience, and the students were inspired to continue striving for positive change in their school and community. Their story served as a reminder that, with perseverance and teamwork, anything is possible.
The CBN Cup which started on Sunday, 21st of January, 2024 at the SUB Football Pitch witnessed three matches which were largely dominated by departments from the Faculty of Science. The CBN CUP is a football competition among freshmen from departments receiving lectures at CBN lecture theater. Departments from the faculty of Faculty of Science dominated the match day one as they all defeated their opponents at 1 goal to nil each.
The opening match which started between IPE and Physics ended 1-0 in favor of the Physics freshmen after defending their first half via a penalty till the end of the match thereby gaining the maximum three points against the pressuring side from the faculty of tech. The second match of the day was between the defending champions, Veterinary Medicine and Chemistry. The defending champions lost their opening match to the another FASSA representative by 1 goal to nil after a second half goal.
The last match of the day was between the Mathematicians and Petroleum Engineering. ThePet. attackers mounted pressure on Mathematics defense but were unable to find the back of the net. At the end of the day, Mathematics won the match via a second half penalty which they converted into a goal.
Reading is learning. To earn the sage of men, That takes one away from mediocrity; From ignorance to freedom Through knowledge, And illuminates one’s path through life.
Reading is so generous. It gives one a seat and wine among great men Whom one eat and dine with, Talk and listen to without moving an inch away from home.
Reading takes one to Britain. Takes one to Greek. Moves me and you round the world Where we meet different people From diverse walks of life Without paying a dime for a ticket.
Reading still romantic, Put one in love, Through love, Out of love, And to one’s reality.
Reading also entertaining Makes you smile, chuckle, and laugh. Frightens you, Drives tears from you, But makes you stronger, clever and better With its lesson.
Reading is meeting a philosopher Whom one interacts with. To stimulate one’s brain, Activate one’s imagination. It makes one ponder, Widens one’s horizon, And keeps the brain working.
Read! Read! Read! Take book for it is the door To the manual of life and freedom, And reading is the key.
By: Enny Being a UI student is more than just passing JAMB and Post Utme caught off mark. For you to exude the excellence traits of our prestigious university, you need to possess certain qualities. These qualities have assisted several generations of UI students and still remain relevant till today. Some of them include:
Ability To Communicate Effectively
It’s important for you to be able to communicate effectively as a UI student. For starters, you’ll need to express your feelings orally with your coursemates to avoid misunderstandings. In class, you’ll need to voice out to your lecturers if you don’t understand any part of their lesson. Some courses may also require you to give oral presentations and get marks in return. Effective communication is also important for socializing and making the most of your university experience. If you’ve noticed, the most impactful and successful students on campus are those who communicate well.
Ability To Work Hard Don’t deceive yourself. Succeeding in UI requires hard work. If you want to stand out among your pairs, you need extra work. No, you won’t just focus on reading your notebooks and abandon classes. You need to balance all sides to get the expected result. Asides that, you must be ready to help others. The more you do so, the more you grow.
Ability To Think Creatively Most people think being creative is only limited to a special category of people but that’s not true! You can be creative if you’re intentional about it. The first rule of being creative is to think outside the box. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is to think beyond what someone has achieved already. Some other activities that can help improve your creativity include reading, researching, interviewing, brainstorming and observing.
Ability To Withstand Pressure In the university of Ibadan, pressure can come from different angles. Academic pressure is the highest level of pressure a student can face and it’s inevitable. This kind of pressure must be confronted with a calm head and peaceful mind to attain the desired result. Asides that, you may face pressure when trying to perform your official duties but you still mustn’t bow. Your friends can also annoy you through their spoken words and actions. Rather than say anything you’d later regret, it’s better not to say anything until you’re calmer.
Ability To Manage Relationships It’s no news that your primary objective in university is to study. But even at that, along the way, you’ll get involved in different kinds of relationships. Whether it’s a lecturer-student relationship or student-student relationship, you must know how to manage it well. When you do that, you’ll definitely get good results. Otherwise, it has repercussions. Some of the ways to maintain good relationships with people in the university community is to mind how you talk to people, show respect and be concerned about their welfare.
Ability To Manage Time Well You only have 24 hours to achieve your goals daily and there’s no sign that this will change very soon. So it’s quite important to make good use of this ample time you have. It begins with having a schedule and following up diligently. You’re also encouraged to carry out tasks according to their order of importance and avoid tasks that have no relevance. Most importantly, you should avoid procrastination and laziness because they are enemies of time.
Ability To Solve Problems The university is not just a place to come without making any form of impact. Therefore, no matter how little, you must cultivate the habit of showing empathy for others and helping to solve their problems. There are various students going through challenges like financial, academic and social challenges. Sometimes, you may not even need to spend money. You can just organize programmes where these individuals can learn skills that will solve their problems or connect them with those that can help their situation.
Ability To Lead And Take Responsibility Normally, being able to leave home and live on your own without your parents exercising much doubt or worry shows you’re responsible to some extent. Still, you must build upon this skill. When asked to handle more simple tasks like being a course rep or complex ones such as the president of a faculty, you must put your heart, soul and body into it. If you leave all the work to your followers or blame them for your failure, you won’t get anywhere. So when put in a leadership position, you should take responsibility for your actions and others. Never stop pushing your team members until you achieve the desired goal.
Ability To Stay Organized This is a difficult feat for most students to achieve yet it’s not impossible. Some students may be organized during the first few weeks of class then it becomes difficult to keep up as the semester comes to a close. Organization can be different from being neat but each deals with concrete and effective systems. If you want to be an organized student, it’s advisable to keep materials for a certain class in the same place, study in a controlled manner and create separate folders for different courses on your computer. You should also figure out what time of the day is best for you to study.
Ability To Listen Well Most people claim to listen but unfortunately they only hear sounds. Effective listening entails being able to deduce important points from what a speaker has said and react or refer back to it when the situation arises. The most important place you need to employ effective listening is the lecture room. In addition, you should listen patiently when discussing with your course mates or friends. The thought that someone’s opinion matters to you and will benefit you can encourage you to listen more. Remember, no one knows it all.
Ability To Think Critically There are lots of ideologies you’ll come across on campus, either good or bad. Sometimes, some ideologies may be good for someone else yet bad for you. Therefore, if anyone comes to you with any idea, you must take your time to carefully observe them before taking the next action. Critical thinking and drawing conclusions about a decision may not necessarily be achieved on the same day. You should take your time to examine the pros and cons of ideologies or decisions.
In this article, we’ve examined some of the essential qualities that students of the prestigious university of Ibadan must possess. Do you think we’re right or wrong? Whatever your response may be, don’t hesitate to make it known in the comment session. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Each new year comes with a new year goal, resolution, motto, slogan and others. Year in, year out, we have walked with different slogans and this year is no different. The year 2024 started with the slogan, “No gree for anybody” and this has been rampant on the streets of Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and so on. This Slogan has been used by various people in all aspects of life to aid what they are doing.
This slogan, “No gree for anybody” cuts across all aspects of life. Be it academics, business, spiritual, politics and all. So, as a student, you sef no gree for anybody. You can start making money by yourself and do not need to always disturb your parents.
Mark Zuckerberg, you know him as the founder of Facebook. But, did you know that he started Facebook in his dorm room while attending Harvard? The same can be said about Alexis Ohanian and Steve Huffman, the founder of Reddit, who started their website while enrolled at the University of Virginia. There is a long list of the countless other student entrepreneurs who make a bold impact on the world, all while earning their degrees.
Want to know the best part? You too can learn how to become a successful entrepreneur if you believe you have what it takes to be one! With some persistence, skills, knowledge, and devotion, you can start your own business at the same time as you are studying to earn your degree. Everyone’s entrepreneurial path is different. No two journeys are the same. However, there are common keys to be a successful studentpreneur:
1. Having a clear vision and passion for their idea. This drive keeps entrepreneurs persevering despite obstacles. Every business starts with an idea. The idea then gets put into action with a solid plan. This includes considerations like your value proposition (or what your business has to offer/the value it brings to customers), your target market (who your audience will be), and your mode of operation (how you plan to take the business from an idea through its go-to-market plan).
2. Surrounding themselves with mentors and networks that can potentially accelerate growth. As with anything in life, it pays to learn from those who have come before you. Businesses look to place a price on everything so that they can assess expenses and profit. But, when it comes to mentorship – it’s priceless. A mentor is a leader and someone you can trust to provide you with advice, answer questions, and help build your network of connections.
3. Successful entrepreneurs constantly seek new knowledge and skills. Learning never ends so you have to keep adding to your knowledge. Do not stop learning, constantly learn for the successful expansion of your business.
4. Exhibiting tenacity and a strong work ethic, and a willingness to sacrifice to make the business work. It’s crucial to not give up on your student entrepreneurship journey. To be able to do so, it means having the right mindset. Things will undoubtedly get difficult, and you’ll likely find yourself with a lot of questions. Persistence will get you through the tough times so that you can find your way back into the light.
5. Taking calculated risks and moving forward decisively without overanalyzing. Analysis paralysis kills opportunities. Student entrepreneurs have one main thing in common regardless of the businesses that they start – they all take risks! It’s a risk to start a business from the get-go. And, then, once you’re operating, you’ll find yourself facing more risks and taking them on to grow your business. Remember, everything in your entrepreneurship is a journey, so the ability to take on calculated risks often proves to be the spark to reap the results
In conclusion, make a decision to empower yourself as you journey through this year. Be it a digital or vocational skill, endeavour to learn one. Remember a saying that, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. Decide in your mind and follow the five tips above and the rest they say is history. It is just about you starting.
Humans need food to provide their body with nutrients needed for normal body functions and to carry out day to day activities. It’s important that students always eat good food to supply them energy to carry out activities like attending classes, reading , writing etc. Most times students are seen depending on junks and soda which does more harm than good to their body. These junks are mostly high in cholesterol. Although cholesterol is needed by the body for important functions such as aiding the development of healthy cells .
Cholesterol is lipid or fat. It can be produced by the body and found in the food we eat in large quantities. Cholesterol is divided into two: the good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. In an article by Stephen Watson on health line, cholesterol is divided into two, Low density lipoprotein (LDL) bad cholesterol, an unhealthy cholesterol that accumulates in the arteries and forms a plaque.
The good cholesterol is high density lipoprotein (HDL) which is the healthy form of cholesterol. It moves excess cholesterol out of the arteries to the liver which removes it from the body Dangers Of Excess Cholesterol Level In The Body Having excess of the two types of cholesterol can be dangerous to the body as it causes various diseases. It leads to plaque development which disrupts the flow of blood to the heart , muscles and in the long run causes heart attack. Excess cholesterol in the bile forms into crystals then stores in the gallbladder to form gallstones. Disease Caused By High Cholesterol Level In the long run high levels of cholesterol accumulates inside the blood vessels which form plaque, the buildup of plaque is called Atherosclerosis. With this, the body is at the risk of different medical conditions as follows.
Coronary Artery Disease It is the most common type of heart disease and leading cause of death in the United States. It occurs when accumulated plaque blocks the coronary arteries which is the blood vessel that carries blood to the heart . The heart stops getting sufficient oxygenated blood. The heart becomes weaker overtime which leads to heart failure or attack. According to an article reviewed by Cleveland clinic, Coronary artery disease also affects younger people. About one to five people who died from coronary artery disease are under age 65.
Peripheral Artery disease This occurs when the accumulated plaque blocks the arteries in the leg. It prevents blood from reaching the arteries in the leg. The condition doesn’t appear early, one tends to see the symptoms when it is at least 60% blocked.
Carotid artery disease It’s a condition caused by blockage of carotid arteries by the build up plaque that prevents blood from reaching the large front part of the brain. Stroke: The above condition overtime leads to stroke
High blood pressure The presence of plaque and calcium makes the arteries hard, requiring the heart double efforts to pump blood through these arteries. This in turn increases the blood pressure and it becomes high. Causes Of High Level Of Cholesterol Smoking Lots of stress Sitting too much Diet: the type of food we consume determines the level of our cholesterol. People with medical conditions such as diabetes , hypothyroidism, and chronic kidney diseases have a risk of high levels of cholesterol. Genetics: family history also affects cholesterol level. Symptoms Of High Cholesterol: High cholesterol levels have no symptoms. It requires a medical diagnosis.
How To Prevent High Cholesterol Level Maintain A Healthy Diet – Avoid or eat less food rich in saturated, trans fat, e.g fries, fatty meats, ice cream processed food, sodium salt and added sugar. Eat food rich in whole grain fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Such as avocados, Vegetables, and fruits. – Engage in lots of physical anaerobic exercises like walking, hiking, dancing, swimming. – Quit smoking and drinking of Alcohol – Increase fiber intake. – Check cholesterol level regularly by taking a blood test.
The consumption of bitter alcoholic beverages is experiencing a noticeable increase and public health experts attribute this trend to various factors contributing to the growing manufacturing and consumption of such drinks. One key factor to this is the shifting preferences of consumers towards more daring and unique flavors. Studies revealed that consumers prefer the distinctive taste that appeals to their quest for fresh, intriguing, and different experiences from their daily jobs and activities. Also, consumers of these bitter alcoholic drinks claim that it is their ‘go-to’ due to its cheap price, portable size, and some health benefits such as:
1. Digestive Support: The bitters include herbs and roots like bitter kola and aloe vera. These ingredients are traditionally known for alleviating digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. However, further scientific research is required to validate these digestive benefits and understand the underlying mechanisms.
2. Appetite Stimulation: When consumed before meals, bitters are reported to have the ability to stimulate the appetite, increase hunger and enhance food intake. Certain herbal ingredients, like ginger and clove, are believed to possess appetite-stimulating properties.
3. Energy Boost: Bitter alcoholic drinks are known to provide an energy boost since they contain caffeine from kola nuts—a natural stimulant known to increase alertness and temporarily alleviate fatigue.
4. Medicinal Properties: In some traditional African medicine practices, the herbs and roots used in bitters are believed to have medicinal properties. For example, bitter kola has been traditionally used to treat conditions like coughs, colds, and fever.
Following the foregoing, many individuals who have become more health-conscious believe bitter alcoholic drinks are a healthier alternative to sugary or artificially flavored options due to their connections with health benefits. However, regular consumption of these drinks is deadly to the human body. Sadly, the production and consumption of these drinks have been on the rise in Nigeria, available in various sizes, including large and small bottles, as well as sachets.
Despite warnings and bans from regulatory authorities like NAFDAC, some commercial vehicle drivers continue to consume these drinks before, during, and after work. While there are concerns about the health risks associated with bitter alcoholic drinks, sales and usage remain robust. According to Mr. Ebube George Ebisike, the Minister of Trade for The State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), the increased use of bitters is also attributed to its association with perceived medical and aphrodisiac properties that enhance libido and sexual vigor in both men and women. Still, it is essential to acknowledge that the prolonged negative effects of consuming bitter alcoholic drinks should not be overlooked, regardless of their few health benefits. Just like any medicine, when abused, these drinks are harmful. While there may be healthful benefits, the potential disadvantages to health should not be ignored when these drinks are consumed excessively.
Detriments of Bitter Alcoholic Drinks 1. Nausea When bitters are consumed in significant amounts or for a prolonged period, some people may experience nausea and vomiting as notable side effects. The strong taste and potency of bitters contribute to feelings of sickness, as reported by many individuals. Even if taken at recommended doses regularly, there is still a possibility of some individuals experiencing vomiting as a reaction to this supplement.
2. Allergic reactions The severity of allergic reactions varies among individuals though common signs include itching, hives, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or tongue. If someone encounters these symptoms after using bitters, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. People with existing allergies must exercise extra caution when consuming bitters, as even a small amount may trigger a severe allergic reaction.
3. Headache Ingesting large quantities of bitters has been linked to headaches due to its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Elevated serotonin levels can cause physical discomfort and fatigue which will contribute to headaches over time.
4. Stomach cramps Individuals who experience stomach cramps after consuming bitters may attribute it to the alcohol content or specific natural ingredients in the beverage. Bitter orange peel, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can lead to an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities.
As a voluntary action carried out by individual, community service has carved the society to a glorious change marked with growth, a community is formed base on the group of people coming together to share understanding, languages, ideas, culture and way of life. Which eventually foster the sense of belonging and promote a social content. The community built upon this requires a lot of devoted hard work to bring about growth and development that changes the edge and breath of the community.
As a student climbing the academic bridge starting from the foundation of schooling to the firm success of the view. The journey to college has exposed us to various disciplines that have deep coverage of our responsibilities to the society, going through social studies down to civic education, and government. Students have been exposed to citizenship education and service learning which provide a profound knowledge of the essence of engaging in this service.
Even though community service is a voluntary action carried out, it should be noted that it’s not always a voluntary action as people perform it based on distinct requirements ranging from citizenship requirement, criminal sanction, school or class requirement and requisite to obtain benefit. The major focus of this article is to prevail community service as a citizenship requirement and school requirement.
Exploring through the benefit community service firmly upholds, the importance has been rigorously emphasized which gives birth to a long activity to retain the benefit it holds. Due to these benefits which is sternly emphasized, schools including the university of ibadan has allowed organization that facilitate the growth of the community through their delivery of services. Rotaract club in the university of ibadan happens to be one of the great clubs of the prestige university with the aim of delivering services to the community including the university itself. This is to promote community development, as the development of a community can be enhanced based on the services delivered which could cover the range of skill development e.g. vocational training that degenerates into self independence and self development of humans who are the main frame makers of the community.
It is not obvious that this voluntary action is sometimes highly boycotted by students due to several factors which could affect students’ readiness. But a minimal delimiting factor shouldn’t halt a mass participation in community service as this means a direct offering into the society development. And a distort to the society will directly or indirectly affect everyone as the society is conjoined and connected through a fold and there should be commitment to its development to prevent a further disturbance or imbalances.
Being aware of the glaring importance and essence of engaging in community services. Everyone should in one way or the other contribute to the growth their society. An organized association does not necessarily need to exit before an action of giving back to the society and community services is not only restricted to labor work including the cutting of grasses, sweeping, and disposing garbage it covers orientation to the society for awareness about their health, growth and skills which expose them to more opportunity. It also includes orientation that create awareness about the importance of education and sharing of school items to the younger generation. This is a process of ensuring the wellbeing of the society and preventing its downfall from sickness of ignorance. With the importance that lies with community service I hope every student will contribute to anh community they find themselves to promote growth and development.
For a while now, the echoing voice of a distraction has been dragging some feet away from the path of education. You see this distraction keeps echoing “School na scam” – a sentiment that, on the surface, may seem valid to some. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that education, in its truest form, is not a scam, and neither is school merely a confinement within four walls.
Before delving into the core of this discourse, it is crucial to redefine the concept of education. Education extends beyond the conventional subjects taught in classrooms; it encompasses a holistic approach to life, fostering personal development, social understanding, and essential life skills. So, while industrial engineering, chemistry, English, Economics, and Arabic Studies may constitute the formal curriculum, they are just fragments of a more extensive tapestry that education weaves.
Wait, did you all think school is all about what happens in the four walls of a class? Well, to reorientate you, you are in school to learn more than just academic subjects. You are here to grasp the intricacies of relationships, to understand the nuances of human interaction, and to unravel the mysteries of life’s invaluable lessons.
Have you not seen people start their political journeys in school? You should ask Gucci or haven’t you heard of how brands and some well meaning associates were built? Ask AdunAde brand or Scribe on how he has been able to reach places beyond just the confines of an economics class.
In the pursuit of education, one must recognize the symbiotic relationship between formal education and the broader spectrum of learning experiences. The classroom serves as a foundational platform, a space where knowledge is disseminated, theories are explored, and intellectual curiosity is ignited. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this is only the starting point.
Beyond the structured curriculum, education propels us into a realm where we learn resilience in the face of challenges, adaptability in diverse environments, and the art of collaboration. These are the intangible but invaluable lessons that shape individuals into well-rounded, socially adept contributors to society.
Contrary to the notion that “school is a scam,” it is essential to acknowledge the immense role educational institutions play in fostering personal growth. Schools provide an environment where individuals not only acquire academic knowledge but also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.
Moreover, the camaraderie formed within the school community becomes a microcosm of the diverse society we navigate beyond the educational realm. Friendships, conflicts, and collaborative efforts within the school environment mirror the dynamics of the world at large, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the rising wave of skepticism about the traditional education system. While it is true that the system has its flaws, dismissing the entire concept of education as a scam oversimplifies a complex issue. Instead, let us focus on reforming and evolving the educational system to better cater to the evolving needs of the 21st-century learner.
Embracing technology, fostering creativity, and promoting experiential learning are essential components of this evolution. By integrating real-world applications into the curriculum, students can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, thereby enhancing their preparedness for the dynamic challenges of the modern world.
Furthermore, education should not be confined to a specific age group or institution. Lifelong learning should be championed, encouraging individuals to continuously seek knowledge, adapt to new information, and stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape. This mindset shift transforms education into a lifelong journey rather than a finite destination.
In conclusion, the assertion that “school is a scam” is a narrow perspective that fails to recognize the multifaceted nature of education and I must say school is not the scam but you who chose to scam yourself by looking the wrong way with school. While the traditional education system may have its shortcomings, it remains a cornerstone for personal development, social integration, and the acquisition of essential life skills. Education, when approached holistically, extends far beyond the classroom walls, shaping individuals into resilient, adaptable, and socially aware contributors to the global community. It is time to embrace a nuanced understanding of education, one that acknowledges its transformative power and seeks continuous improvement for the benefit of present and future generations.
UI’SU House Secretary Fined 10k with Community Service for Misdirection of Union’s Funds
By: Fagbemi Joshua (The Scribe)
In its 3rd plenary session held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 by the 10th Assembly, Students’ Representative Council at the SRC Chamber, the House has fined the House Secretary of the Union, Oluwole Ayomide, an amount of 10,000 naira plus a compulsory community service for directing the Union’s funds into his personal account.
In a previous signed letter by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Omotunde to the House Disciplinary Committee, dated Thursday, November 30, 2023, he expressed that the House Secretary has been illegally charging for use of the SRC Chamber and also diverting the Union’s funds into his personal account.
The decision by the House to take the final disciplinary action was followed by the Disciplinary Committee Report by Hon. Akinola Emmanuel which found the House Secretary guilty of the alleged offense.
When responding to the allegations during the plenary session, the House Secretary, Oluwole Ayomide (also known as Sanjay) apologized to the House for an oversight which resulted in not following appropriate guidelines regarding charging and remittance of funds for usage of the Union’s facilities, especially the SRC Chamber.
The kind of community service to be rendered by the House Secretary was not stated by the Council. Also, the House Secretary, during the plenary session, presented the budget for the upcoming Kunle Adepeju Memorial Day.
Like a curriculum that guides the affairs of an educational setting thereby influencing the administration and manner of education directions to a style, the constitution of a particular setting likewise serves the same purpose. Also, the curriculum tends to change with time as it is necessary to make adjustments for the new changes that occur in a society. The constitution, in this same light, needs timely changes so that it can reflect the affairs and requirements of the present time.
Following the approval by the Nuesa FLC 12th Assembly on Friday, January 19, 2024 for a revised constitution, the final adoption has now been subjected to the approval of a congress. The congress which is set to hold on Thursday, January 25, 2024 seeks to clarify to Educators any section of the proposed constitution that seems unclear. The proposed constitution has since been shared across various WhatsApp platforms of the association so as to allow Educators to take a critical look at the document.
Owing to the above, it is necessary to point out some key notable changes that have taken effect in the proposed constitution when compared to the existing constitution which was last reviewed in 2018. The following are the eight notable changes;
1a. In Article VII Section II of the proposed constitution which contains the Department Legislative Council (DLC), it should be noted that the legislative arm of each department has been changed from Department Consultative Council (DCC) to DLC.
b. Section II a of that Article also stressed that the Majority Leader of each department in the FLC are not automatic head of such council of their respective department; “The Majority leader – in the FLC, of each Department are automatic members of the Departmental Legislative Council, however he/she shall not be an automatic head of such Council”. This negates the provision in the current constitution which provides for the Majority Leader of a department in the FLC to become an automatic head of the department’s council.
c. Also, the Section II b of the same Article stressed that each department electoral committee is to organize an election into the council. “Elections shall be conducted into the councils by each Department’s Electoral Commission”
2a. In Article XI, Section IV “ELECTORAL LAWS” of the proposed constitution, there are new inclusions. The item ‘d’ expressed that all members of the FLC shall be elected into the council, no member shall come in through nomination or by appointment.
b. The inclusion of item ‘t’ that stressed that no member of the Executive arm has the right to intervene in electoral matters except such is an observer on election day. Item ‘u’ mandated that all Aspirants to Nuesa Executive positions must have paid their dues before collection of forms.
3a. In Article XI, Section V “HANDING OVER, INAUGURATION & SWEARING-IN OF ELECTED OFFICERS”, there are traces of new inclusions. In item ‘b’, it houses the mandatory that the handing over and swearing in must be done a week after dinner. Item ‘d’ likewise mandated that the inaugural sitting of the FLC must be done within a week after the swearing-in.
b. Item ‘f’ of the same Section brings in a new change. The Chief Justice is now to be appointed by the FLC and sworn in by the President which changes the existing constitution that says the Chief Justice being appointed by the Nuesa President.
4. In Article XXII titled “DISCIPLINE/RECALL”, there is an inclusion of Section IV that a punishment given to an official by the FLC can be appealed at the FJC (Faculty Judicial Council) if not satisfied by such judgment.
5. In Article XI Section II titled “COMPOSITION OF THE ELECTORAL COMMITTEE”, there is a change in item ‘a’. The composition of the electoral committee known as ESEC is now13 members (10 of whom shall come from departments) as against the formal of 11 members.
6. In Article X, Section VI , the AUDIT AND BUDGET COMMITTEE (ABC) of FLC is now known as the BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE (BFC).
7. In Article VII, Section I titled STANDING ORDER AND COMPOSITION OF THE FACULTY JUDICIARY COUNCIL, there are new changes. In item ‘f’, three members are now drawn from each department (1 Justice, 2 Barristers) as against the existing constitution which only made provision for 1 member from each department. Item ‘g’ of the same section likewise stated that the Justice referred in Item ‘f’ must be a returning member of the FJC.
8.Removal of FLC Term Tag. This means that the Faculty Legislative Council members can now run more than the two terms stated in the current constitution. The proposed constitution now makes provision for FLC members to run for this office for more than 2 terms.
NOTE: The above is only some of the notable changes the writer of this article subjectively picked from the proposed constitution. Other changes can still be drawn out.
In a broadcast medium circulated through various social media platforms on the night of Sunday, January 21, 2024, Nuesa-UI Faculty Legislative Council (FLC) has announced a call for Congress inviting Educators for major deliberations on a new proposed constitution and state of the association.
According to the broadcast, the Congress will hold on Thursday, January 26, 2024 by 4pm at the Faculty Large Lecture Theater. It likewise encourage Educators across all levels to make themselves available so as to get involve in matters that concern their utmost affairs.
Recall that a 6-manConstitutional Review Committee, chaired by Hon. Moyinoluwa Inubile, has been working on the proposed constitution for some couple of months in a bid to make some amendments to the current constitution which was last reviewed in 2018.
The proposed constitution, which was approved by the Faculty Legislative Council 12th Assembly in its plenary session on Friday, January 19, 2024, is set to flow into operation subject to a congress approval.
The broadcast also noted that the proposed constitution shall be circulated and made available for all Educators to check through in a bid to table concerned sessions before principal officers for clarifications at the Congress.
Below is a copy of the broadcast;
CALL FOR CONGRESS‼️‼️‼️
The NUESA-UI Faculty Legislative Council notifies and equally invites all well-meaning educators to a special Congress aimed at deliberating on and eventually greenlighting the NUESA-UI Constitution, which has been thoroughly reviewed by the constitutional review committee constituted by the House.
Recall that the proposed constitution was approved by the house during its plenary session on Friday, January 19, 2024. However, according to the constitution, it (the proposed constitution) will only become effective and operational with Congress’ approval, hence, the importance of the Congress.
To ensure that everyone is well-prepared for the Congress, the proposed Constitution will be dished out to all and sundry for full inspection, with the hope that you will read it, understand it, and identify any areas that need clarification so that we can address them during the congress.
With that being said, we strongly encourage your presence and active participation at the Congress. Remember that the growth, development, and progress of our dear association rest on our collective shoulders.
MEGADEL AFRICA organised an awareness program on the usage of technology in food production, exportation and smart farming on Saturday, January 20, 2023 at NFLT.
The MEGADEL AFRICA awareness, which was to empower young student entrepreneurs, was convened by Nelson Ushingio. The program was attended by guests including Roseline David who spoke at length on food processing and exportations.
According to her, food exportation was 2,019.99bn in the first quarter of 2023 and was surpassed by 169% which is expected to rise to one trillion by 2030.Bertha Ahamefula further buttressed this and encouraged students to take the niche as organic food processing is on the rise.
Other speakers were Benita Eze, cofounder of PRODUCTVARSITY, Michael Duru a brand designer and strategist, and Joshua Firima JNR of MOONSBU. They all delivered sessions vastly on the usage of technology and artificial intelligence in the promotion of business.
Packages such as gifts such as scholarships, shirts and monetary gifts were given out to some attendees during the program.
In a captivating symposium held on January 19, 2024 at the Mellanby Hall OSR, Teacher Education Christian Fellowship (TECF), Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, had hosted profound insights programs on academics and relationships.
The symposium, organised by the Departmental Fellowship for students in ASSE, STE, and Early Childhood Education, highlighted the commitment of the Teacher Education Christian fellowship to holistic student development. Attendees were treated to a live interview session, where both speakers expounded on their thoughts regarding academics, finances, and relationships.
The unique gathering provided a platform for students to interact with seasoned professionals, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. As the Christian fellowship seeks to foster an environment that nurtures well-rounded individuals, symposiums like these serve as beacons of inspiration for the academic community, propelling students towards a future of comprehensive success.
Dr. Akinsola, an esteemed academician, who is an alumnus of the fellowship and also a past president, discussed the intricacies of academics. Addressing questions from the audience, he shed light on the evolving landscape of educational paradigms, regards being a studentpreneur.
He talked on how time management is key to being a good student as well as setting priorities. He referenced how students in his department say “here is the shege UI is showing them” saying it is lack of preparedness and laziness that cause such remarks.
On the other hand, Mrs. Okunade dealt with relationships, sparking engaging discussion on knowing the will of God in a relationship and when to start a relationship. Her thought-provoking perspectives resonated with attendees, emphasising the importance of fostering a meaningful relationship with God as it helps to know God’s will.
She likewise expressed that if you usually acknowledge God’s will in little things such as choosing partners, knowing God’s will for you will not be difficult amidst the academic journey. She also talked about how no certain level is the level to start a relationship rather maturity in all spheres is determinant.
As a student, you’ve spent hours studying and preparing for your exam or assignment. After finally receiving your grade, you’re shocked to find a low score. You know you studied hard and put in your best effort, so what could have gone wrong? You might wonder if there was a mistake in the grading, but without access to your graded work, it’s hard to know for sure. This is a dilemma that many students face, and it raises an important question: Should students have access to their graded work?
Among the company of one another, students have expressed their dissatisfaction in the policy of hoarding already graded exam scripts and left to wonder where they went wrong after seeing results that do not do justice to their efforts. Many students of the University of Ibadan are of the notion that these lecturers are rather too preoccupied with their activities ranging from research and community service to marking and grading.
This can as well be a problem especially if the lecturer is marking hundreds of scripts and might not have the time or energy to give each one the attention it deserves. It then becomes a matter of debate if there’s a real need for a system that allows students to review their graded work while still protecting the integrity of the such examination grading guidelines.
On the one hand, it’s important for students to have access to their graded work so they can learn from their mistakes and improve. Though, it’s understandable that some lecturers might want to protect the integrity of their exams and assignments by not releasing the scripts. As it styles tough to balance, it’s necessary to find a way to allow students learn from their mistakes without compromising the credibility of the course.
Having access to graded work becomes essential especially in higher education where students are expected to think critically and evaluate their own work. Without access to their graded work, students might not be able to fully understand where they went wrong and line of focus to make adjustments. Notably, with the absence of transparency, there’s a probability that grading could be unfair or inconsiderate.
However, giving students access to their graded work could have some negative effects. For example, if students are able to see the answers to questions they got wrong, they might use this information to cheat on future exams. Likewise, if students know that their work will be returned to them, they might be less likely to put in their best effort, knowing that they can always review their work later. Finally, allowing students to review their graded work could create extra work for instructors, who would have to spend time explaining their grading decisions.
A line of balance that can bring a tip of adjustment to this argument is the creation of review time by lecturers where they meet students for discussion on examination performance and areas to improve on. This might as well require a significant time of commitment from instructors, who would need to be available to meet with students to review their graded work. Additionally, some students might feel intimidated or uncomfortable discussing their work with their instructor, which could make this solution less effective.
There are a few reasons why students might feel uncomfortable discussing their grades with their instructors. For one, many students have a fear of confrontation or failure, and discussing their grades might feel like an admission of failure. Additionally, many students are used to seeing grades in black-and-white as an indicator of success, and may not be comfortable engaging in a discussion about the nuances of their performance. Finally, students may be concerned that the instructor will be critical or judgmental of their work, which could make the conversation confrontational.
Another considerable settlement is the provision of detailed feedback to students on their graded work, without actually returning the graded work itself. This could be done through written comments or a meeting with the instructor. This wil allow students to understand where they went wrong and how to improve, while also respecting the time and privacy of the instructor.
This tends to be a commendable solution as it seems to balance the need for transparency and feedback with the necessity to respect the time and privacy of instructors. However, a potential challenge with this solution might be students failing to fully understand the feedback they receive without being able to review their actual graded work.
Perhaps, the best compromise would be to allow students view their graded work with the lecturer present, so they can ask questions and get feedback without having access to the script itself. That way, the lecturer can still ensure that their exams and assignments are protected, while also helping students to learn and grow.
Conclusively, there is no easy solution to the dilemma of whether or not students should have access to their graded work. On one hand, access to graded work can be valuable for students’ learning and development. At another face, it raises concerns about cheating and the time commitment required from instructors. Ultimately, it is important to strike a balance between the needs of students and the needs of instructors. A hybrid solution, such as the ones we discussed last, could be the best way forward.
During the Arts and Social Sciences Education Department Consultative Council first sitting of the semester on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the department’s secretariat, the President, Agoye Femi, expressed to the council that the for-long awaited department library is set to be open for Assesaites to borrow books.
At the sitting chaired by Hon. Olaniyi Success, the President of the association expressed the fact that the long awaited books kept for the usage of Assesaites will be made available to them for borrowing once all necessary arrangements have been put in place.
Recall that the association during the Toyin Becca’s Administration (2020/2021 Academic Session) secured about 100,000 naira donation for the library set-up where about 70,000 naira was used for book purchase. Ever since then, the chase has been on to secure a physical library at the department’s language lab which has stylishly failed.
According to the explanation provided during the sitting by the Academic and Welfare Director, Aremu Emmanuel, he expressed that the space allocation for the department library at the language lab has been revoked owing to the silence action from the incumbent Assesa administration (Adetoun’s Administration) and the absence of a proof of allocation.
Also, he stated that to resecure the place will require another process that needs to involve credible documentations which can’t start for now as a result of some ongoing reorganizations at the language lab. He again made mention of the proximity and accessibility of students to the library if located at the language lab owing to some departmental official duties that take place at the language lab.
The president, Agoye Femi, further stressed that rules and regulations guiding the borrowing of these books shall be rolled out in due time after necessary arrangement, profiling and deliberations with the department Staff Adviser get completed.
He then added that as soon as the process is laid on track, there will be a call for funds as well as donations of books, all for the sole purpose of improving the library resources as there’s a need to get a shelf where the books will be kept for proper arrangement and documentation.
At the Arts and Social Sciences Education Department Consultative Council Sitting held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the department secretariat, the council ratified the Games Day budget and likewise fixed Thursday, January 25, 2024 for the event.
The sitting which was chaired by Hon. Olaniyi Success, owing to the absence of the Chairman, Hon. Ayoade Oluwatimileyin, hosted the presence of fellow honorable and executive members as well as pressmen.
During the sitting, the Sport Director, Atanda Oladimeji, presented the budget of the Assesa Games Day which will hold at the Youth Friendly Center on Thursday, Jan 25. The games day shall include a series of games like table tennis, ludo game, PlayStation and so on.
Also, the President, Agoye Femi, while presenting the status of the Assesa book and shirt expressed that the shirt designs will be ready by next week for Assesaites to make selection.
The sitting also featured the reading of the statement of account of the association by the Financial Secretary, Oni Olawale.
At the Emeritus Professor S.S Ajayi Seminar room, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, the Biodiversity Conservation Club, University of Ibadan, organized a day workshop for campus leaders on Saturday, January 13, 2024, which centered on environmental protection through conservation.
The workshop, which was delivered by the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, Chair of Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria (PCGN), trained student leaders on the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Uniting for Conservation.”
The workshop, meant for Campus leaders across the University of Ibadan, registered the presence of the UI’SU President – Samuel Tobiloba Samson, UI’SU Gen. Sec. – Olaniyi Sodeeq, UI SRC Deputy Speaker – Hon. Moyinoluwa Inubile, Faculty of Education President – Sakariyau Ajibola and host of others.
Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, the keynote speaker, encouraged trainees to be advocate of conservation in their respective environment and also work towards having a clean and sustainable environment.
By engaging in activities such as educating fellow Uites and participating in community involvement to foster a greater understanding of the importance of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological integrity, they can better foster a clean environment.
Likewise, advocating work towards raising awareness about environmental issues, encouraging responsible behaviors, and influencing policies that contribute to the long-term health and balance of ecosystems are ways campus leaders were encouraged to promote environmental biodiversity.
At the University of Ibadan Students’ Union Press Conference held on Sunday, January 15, 2024 at the SRC Chamber, executive members of the Students’ Union led by the President, Samuel Samson Tobiloba, were at present to entertain questions from press members on the state of the union even though some questions weren’t provided appropriate answers.
At present were quite a number of press men, UI’SU executives such as the President – Samuel Samson Tobiloba, the Vice President – Nafisat Ogusesan, the House Secretary – Oluwole Ayomide Joy, and the Assistant General Secretary – Mojuba.
The president discussed some developments, the achievements and plans of the student union concerning the welfare of the student for the semester. He talked about the scholarship benefits disbursement to indigent students as well as the renovation of the student union reading room and TVs. He also made mention of the procurement of a functional union bus and their efforts in seeking sponsorship and partnership with organizations for the purpose of getting funds.
The president talked about their preparation for the student union week, and their plans of celebrating Kunle Aepeju on the 1st of February, 2024. There were also projects on Digital skills (Graphics Designing, Copywriting, digital marketing) training for Uites and plans of disbursing exam packages to indigent students during exam period.
Questions asked ranges from the technology fee issue, importance of laboratory fee, student bursary and the discrimination in the disbursement of the student bursary, late school fees payment, the state of the SU building, Faith sexual abuse scandal, and halls bed-bug infestations.
There were also questions raised on the use of the recently procured union bus, incorporation of special persons in the administrative body of the union, the dilapidated SRC building and its use, sensitization of Uites about the values and the rights and constitution of the union.
The president explained the union’s efforts on the issues raised. Concerning the Student Bursary, the president informed pressmen and observers of their plans of outsourcing for funds to cater for indigent students’ school fees.
He also pointed that there are plans of scheduling a date for the town hall meeting once the Vice Chancellor is available. On fumigating hostels, especially female hostels, he said plans are ongoing to intensify the fumigation. He likewise added that they will dialogue with ITEMS administration in terms of data rebate for Uites as technology fee is concerned.
Questions like compulsory payment of laboratory/lab fee, the addition of 10,000 naira on late payment of school fees, getting concerned and connected with UI students, the context of food price regulation which remains ineffective and others were issues raised which were left unclear with the answers provided by the executives present.
For the next couple of weeks in this semester, Assesa Press shall be dedicating this section of its weekly publication to celebrating fellow Assesaites who are expanding their width in terms of entrepreneurship.
In this section, we had a chat with Rufus Osunsami who is a Realtor. He took us through his walk and experience so far in this field. He also tried to explain the sides and turns of being a studentpreneur.
Scribe: Introduce yourself Sir
Rufus Osunsami: My name is Rufus Osunsami, I am a Realtor, I sell lands and properties. I am a 300lvl student of Arts and Social Sciences Education, History.
Scribe: What will you say interests you most as an entrepreneur?
Rufus Osunsami: I am a man of many interests actually. I have interest in politics (including governance), business, economics and personal finance but the most important thing to me is value and growth. Regardless of what I do, I am particular about equipping myself with more value and getting better than I was yesterday.
Scribe: Briefly describe your walk to this stage of your business exploration.
Rufus Osunsami: In the past, I have tried to learn quite a number of skills because I was “pressured” by the fact that everyone is now a tech bro. I have also been a victim of a ponzi scheme in the name of finding more streams of income. I have run a mini poultry farm and different things before I finally decided to be a Realtor.
Scribe: As an entrepreneur who seeks to expand the width of his enterprise, what do you think is important for an entrepreneur to grow in their chosen field?
Rufus Osunsami: Increase your body of knowledge, always up-skill! One thing we must all come to accept is the fact that the world is evolving very fast especially in our age and if you are not careful you will be left out of the development. There is always more to learn that can help you in your field, whether you are an entrepreneur or not.
Scribe: Greatest achievement and challenge so far?
Rufus Osunsami: Greatest achievement! Well, I think I pride myself more in my network, the quality of people I know and the amount of information I have been able to gather. Take away everything I have today, you cannot take away the knowledge and that’s my greatest achievement. About challenges, life generally is a challenge on its own and whatever I have faced, I don’t really see it as a challenge but just a part of the learning curve.
Scribe: How has it been juggling both academics and being an entrepreneur?
Rufus Osunsami: Like I do say, there would never really be a balance to life. The most important thing is to prioritize what matters to you at every moment. We all have visions and ambitions and that should determine what we prioritize. There is one destination but many routes.
Scribe: After your undergraduate programme in UI, do you see yourself going full into this chosen field or you’d like to further explore more?
Rufus Osunsami: I will go fully into real estate and at the same time explore more options. For me, I like the investment part of real estate which looks more passive in a way than other areas. That will give me an opportunity to also explore other interests I have, like politics.
Scribe: Your word/advice for fellow educators.
Rufus Osunsami: There seems to be an idea or should I say a wrong perception that people have about being an educator. This has somewhat placed teachers in a box and affected our rating and prestige in the society. Join me as we change this narrative and let’s prove to Africans and the world that beyond the classrooms, we build the nation. Thank you.
The second semester of the University of Ibadan is always an action-packed blockbuster of a semester with various events ranging from the intellectual realm that includes Jaw-War, to the Sporty sector that features various inter-hall, departmental and atimes, faculty level, to the political sector which includes campaigns of sorts at various levels. Of all these, the majority of the students anticipate the latter as it holds various huge stands in their ending and beginning of their semester and session respectively.
The political sector is usually contested by “famous’ students who have excelled in various forms of leadership positions as modest as a class representative. At the same time, can we really say that these student political candidates actually care enough about the welfare of all or are just looking for an avenue to bring to light their face on every mouth and status.
At the beginning of 1st semester and mostly in second semester, we find political figures wishing people back to school graphical contents thereby encouraging students to focus on their books and be serious. In actuality, these candidates will call for campaign movements during periods meant for classes and study at different faculties and departments. Can we say these political candidates value education which is supposed to be their first priority in the university? Certainly not! And what’s more endangering is the fact that students will leave their classrooms and miss important information then walk 3 hours non stop for someone you know little to nothing about personally. Some are even intrigued with every twist of phonetics in his English.
A case study was during the 2018/2019 academic session, a lecture was going on in the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Education and while this lecture was going on in this “tight room”, little was known that a political candidate popularly known as HESSY came in and the entire class was in disarray. He made his speech and his trademark was chorused by a large emphasis on the Ss in HESSY. For a good 10 minutes, the entire class was thrown into distraction as the entire class was divided into 2 factions of Hessy and his then opponent who later defeated him, Akeju. As a political candidate who posted about students being serious with their books, is the supposed leader leading by example.
Few days into the elections, especially at Student Union levels, we’ve seemed to witness various forms of violence. There were the scenarios that happened between Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall and the Independence Hall as both halls had produced candidates going for positions at the student. The occupants of these halls showed various forms of disagreement when campaign movement was done in their halls, ranging from throwing dirty water at passers-by, to throwing water and to an extent, throwing stones! This is what the ideology of elections has thrown students to; creating unnecessary enmity among students, just because “he doesn’t support my guy.” It’s very absurd and laughable.
Violence has also reigned supreme in hall elections and even at faculty elections. We find different departments agreeing to step down different candidates, especially key candidates so they can canvas their different candidates without controversy. And to think we complain about the concept of free and fair election in Nigeria, of what use is such a concept when the supposed leaders of tomorrow can’t even conduct a peaceful, free and fair election today?”
It’s sad when even in the same hall of residence, your brother turns to your enemy when he doesn’t conform with the same candidate as you. It’s really one for thought. We’ve had different dire scenarios at different halls of residence that have made people sleep at 1am and 2am, and funny enough, they happen before the election. What time would a sane person sleep on the day of election? We see people who are supposed to be reading their books running around with other students who have placed their books as a fourth priority.
Politics always has and will always be an element of the university, but one has to wonder which students place first in order of preference; Politics or Academics
ASSESA PRESS ORGANIZATION 