By: Blessing I. Opeyemi

According to the National Cancer Institute, Cancer is a disease in which some of the bodys cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldnt.

These cells may form tumours, which are lumps of tissue. Tumours can be cancerous or not cancerous (benign).Also, according to the NCI, there are more than 100 types of cancer. And they are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form.In Nigeria, cancer is one of the poorly addressed cases of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria which affect both sexes irrespective of age. The country has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the world, with approximately four out of five cases resulting in death, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.In countries in Sub Saharan Africa, where religious and traditional beliefs/superstitions are on the high, cancer patients with undiagnosed cancer cases often think cancers are spiritual attacks and therefore visit traditional healers, or religious centres in search of solution and when the cancer are already advanced, they resort to medical treatment; with no access to adequate and/or advanced and affordable treatment, it leads to an inevitable death.

The five most common cancer in Nigeria according to the international agency for research on cancer (IARC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) data on cancer in 2020 is breast cancer, prostrate, cervix, colorectal, non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer respectively.According to the study done by Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) in Nigeria in 2020 published in 2021, there were 233,911 cancer cases with 124, 815 new cases and 78,899 deaths which is about 34% mortality rate of the known and registered cases.

The issue of late diagnosis and inadequate access to good treatment leads to the higher mortality rate in developing countries like Nigeria.Breast cancer is the most common cancer in (the world and) Nigeria and it mostly affects women. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths currently, representing about 23% of all cancer cases and approximately 18% percent of deaths are attributed to it in the country (IARC/WHO 2020). Major modifiable risk factors linked to breast cancer are alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activities, overweight and obesity. Other factors that are not under the patients control which makes her prone to breast cancer are genetic factors, family history of breast cancer, age(older women have been recorded to have more cases of breast cancer than younger women), gender ( although breast cancer affect men too, a larger percentage are women).Prostrate cancer is the leading cancer case in men. It reportedly accounts for 12% of all cancer cases with 11% of death in registered cases in Nigeria. The American Cancer Society defined the prostate as a gland found only in males that makes some of the fluid that is part of semen. The prostate is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum, it is about the size of a walnut and can be much larger in older men. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancer can sometimes cause problems during urination, blood in the urine or semen, trouble getting an erection, pain in the hips, back(spine), chest(ribs), weakness or numbness in the legs or feet or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord. Cervix cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria aged 15 to 44 years in Nigeria but it is also one of the most preventable.According to the HPV Centre, about 70% of all known cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) serotypes 16 and 18, which are most commonly transmitted through sex. HPV can also be transmitted through the use of contaminated hospital equipment and from mother to child during pregnancy.

A 2021 report from the HPV Centre estimates that every year more than 12,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 8,000 of them die from the disease.The main cause of cervical cancer, according to the World Health Organisations (WHO) Africa office, is persistent or chronic infection with one or more of the high-risk types of human papillomavirus.

The WHO also says HPV is the most common sexually acquired infection and often impacts young adults who become sexually active early on in their lives.The colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon, bowel and rectum. These are parts of the digestive system that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer type globally with around 1.80 million cases and it caused 862,000 deaths at the end of 2018, the second-highest of all cancer deaths. While previously thought to be uncommon in Africa and Nigeria, colorectal cancer cases have been steadily rising in the past few years.There are some conditions (called risk factors) that can increase the odds of developing colorectal cancer which include age, alcohol consumption, smoking, race(black and African Americans have been reported to be at high risk of developing the cancer). On the other side of the coin, eating a balanced diet with less meat and more fibre, quitting smoking, exercising often, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting screened for colorectal cancer for adults could be preventive measures.The non-Hodgkin is the third most common cancer affecting Nigerian women. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in your lymphatic system, which is part of the bodys germ-fighting immune system. In non-Hodgkins lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumours) throughout the body. In most instances, doctors dont know what causes non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It begins when your body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.Normally, lymphocytes go through a predictable life cycle. Old lymphocytes die, and your body creates new ones to replace them. In non-Hodgkins lymphoma, your lymphocytes dont die, and your body keeps creating new ones. This oversupply of lymphocytes crowds into your lymph nodes, causing them to swell.Although there is a prevalent rise in the cases of cancer in the country, the disease itself is only one part of the story.

Health care in Nigeria has become of the most underfunded and least robust systems in the world.On one hand, there is a shortage of personnel with an ongoing brain drain in the health sector. Nigeria averaged fewer than 1 doctor per 1,000 people and had fewer than 90 oncologists (doctors trained specifically in cancer treatment) as of 2021. On the other hand, there is also the issue of underfunding. Since 2001, successive Nigerian governments have consistently allocated less than 10% of the national budget to health care, despite a 2001 declaration by African heads of state known as the Abuja Declaration to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets to health care.All of this means that millions of Nigerians do not have access to quality health and are at greater risk of death if they develop any of these common cancers if adequate care is not quickly taken.

By: Ojediran Temitayo (Herald)

MENTOR OF THE WEEK: SAMUEL BOLUWATIFE (TEEFEH`S BITE)

Can we meet you?

My name is Boluwatife Samuel, a student of the prestigious University of Ibadan, from the department of Health Education, Faculty of Education, 300level. I am an entrepreneur, I bake all types of cakes and pastries

You bake cake while away from school or what?

I bake cake while in school.

How do you cope with classes and baking?

That`s a big question. Well, I go to class in the morning/ afternoon, then bake at night and weekends. It has not been easy though.

Does your brand supply outside of UI or just within the confines of UI?

Yeah, I supply outside of UI and not just within UI, sometimes outside the state.

How do you thrive these days where we have many people into baking, catering and the likes, how do you make your sales?

Hmmmmm, this is like saying having many people selling the same thing at the market. well, we all have different customers and also, the quality of your product will speak for you. Back to the question, I sell cupcakes around school in which I also employ students that help sell at different faculties. So, I make sales daily, no matter how little it is.

This is really inspiring, you are making money and as well creating job opportunities for students who can as well earn by helping to sell cupcakes

Yeah, Exactly.That`s the goal, to create job opportunities for students.

How can students reach you, in case they want to buy or work?

They can always reach me via the followings: Whatsapp- 08138538209, Instagram- Teefehs_bite Facebook: Teefehs Bites. Email: teefehsbites@gmail.com.

Do you offer training services for students in case they want to learn?

Yes, I do offer training and at a discounted price for students.

Is it advisable for freshers to go into entrepreneurship, if yes, how can they do it without it affecting their primary objective on campus?

Well, a fresher can go into entrepreneurship, but it depends on the type of entrepreneurship they are going into. I won`t personally advice a fresher to go into baking, because it`s time consuming. But works like, hair dressing, make-up, wears sales and the likes can be easily merged with academics. In short, freshers should just find a work that won`t be time consuming so it won`t affect their primary assignment here on campus.

What Challenges do you face as a student entrepreneur?

One major challenge I`m having is finding time for myself. You know, thinking about business and education at the same time is a lot already, now finding time to take care of one self is like an additional burden.

What actually keeps you going despite all odds?

Well, where I`m coming from my family, keeps me going.

Give us your parting shot/advice for Freshers and student entrepreneur

Well, to the fresher`s , that idea that`s coming to your head, embrace it, that might be the golden ticket that will take you to good places you never imagined yourself to be. And to student entrepreneurs, it is important to keep going even when you feel like quitting the business, just think of what made you start at first, think about the effort and plan you have put into that business, every business has a time of storm, but it will surely pass, please don`t quit.

Thank you very much

Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

By Seilat Olaide

School could be an instrument of neglecting a good health because of the stress, and workloads that comes with being a student. In the process of striving for good grades and meeting up with school expectations, many students tends to neglect their health by skipping meals, taking unhealthy meals and keeping up with poor hygiene. However, students can prevent these negligence by creating a balance between academics and sound health.Health is wealth and this wealth shouldn’t be taken with levity to avoid deterioration that will directly affect academic performance. In order to maintain good health the following should be followed in school to promote good healthy state.Eat variety of nutritionSticking to a particular nutrition will mainly cause problem to the health, there are varieties of nutrition which human must consume to foster a balanced diet, and from a balance diet the body will acquire necessary nutrient to keep it healthy and nourished. Taking little nutrition due to academic stress causes more stress to the body and the brain, ones daily meal selection should include protein, carbohydrates, minerals and salt, fruits and vegetables.Avoid Skipping MealsThe temptation to skip meals comes from various circumstances ranging from economizing ones financial asset to fulfill other preferences to rushing to meet up with classes, these can lead to hunger and results in a break down. To prevent this, one need to ensure each daily meals are met even if times only allow snacking.Drink waterGetting hydrated to prevent stress promotes good blood circulation and also prevents one from shock. Maintenance of good health is beyond taking good and varieties of nutrition, it also requires staying hydrated so that necessary food taken will be broken down easily and blood circulation will be properly enhanced in the body. Student should ensure they drink water always truthfully stress is not their likes.Avoidance of too much caffeineStudents tends to use caffeine to hold their sleep so as to cover reading and other academic preparation, this turn out to be a reliance and addictive act when they are unable to prepare for test during the day. The usage of caffeine causes damages to the body which seems like putting ones health in detriment of being successful academically, these could later seek for more financial and physical attention than what’s expected. Furthermore, it can affect ones sleeping pattern and ability to focus. It also affects cleansing of bodily waste products RelaxAfter a stressful day there should be room for relaxation which refreshes the body back to normal functional state, too much work without rest will distort the whole body system and lead to frustration, anxiety, lack of organization and confusion, the body needs some rest to function well again this gives it the ability to restore lost energy, strength and focusIt could be a little uneasy fulfilling these tips on how to maintain a good health in school following inadequate time meeting up with necessary expectations. The primary aim of being in school is to study this primary aim might not be acquired efficiently if ones health is neglected, buying to the word ” health is wealth” should give a sense of priority to ones health during the course of academic pursue.

By: The scribe

The new members of the Arts and Social Science Education Press Organization were orientated on Friday, 4th November, 2022. The orientation which was held on the Google Meet platform.

The facilitator of the program, Ìbùkúnolúwa Dada (UCJ UI PRESIDENT) spoke about the qualities of a Campus Journalist, he said a campus Journalist must be impartial and fair.

He laid emphasis on the fact that a campus Journalist must be aware of happenings in his/her environment as the sole aim of Journalism is to disseminate meaningful information to members of the public society.

A question was asked on how campus journalist can relate with student politicians. Mr Ìbùkúnolúwa Dada answered by referring to the UCJ constitution that campus journalist should relate with student politicians in a way in which there won’t be any conflict of interest, any involvement that will bring about conflict of interest should be avoided.

Another question was asked on how to balance campus journalism with academic. The UCJ president responded by saying the ability to organize oneself and embracing the core of time management is the way out, as journalism is very demanding and tasking. He made reference to the 2018/2019 UCJ UI President, Mr. Martins Isaac who graduated with a first class alongside his vice president.

In attendance during the orientation program were the new members, the Assesa Press Editor – In – Chief, Ojediran Temitayo John, the UCJ UI President, Ìbùkúnolúwa Dada, Assesa Press members.

By: Blessing Opeyemi

The Gender Mainstreaming Office of the University of Ibadan, represented by Dr. Stella Odiaka sensitized the freshmen of the faculty of education during the 2021/2022 academic session faculty orientation program held on the 4th of November, 2022.

The office is headed by Professor. Olapeju Aiyelagbe is saddled with duty of handling issues of gender and sexual harassment in the university environment. It has a goal to prepare a gender policy for the University of Ibadan. The Gender Policy shall apply to, all staff of the University, all students of the University, all contractors of and service providers, all visitors to the University and other groups of persons in the University, including but not limited to children, wards, and other dependants of staff.

The freshmen were instructed not to overlook any acts or instances of sexual harassment whether it be from fellow students or lecturers. Sexual harassment affects the psyche of the person that is being harassed and it causes distractions because such student would not be able to get the illicit thoughts out of his or her mind and thus can not concentrate on studies.

The Sexual Harassment policy of the University and the sexual harassment penalties set up by the school was read. Students were encouraged to always report every case of sexual Harassment and they should not be afraid to talk because they would be protected and not implicated. According to Dr Stella, “When you report any case to the gender mainstreaming office, we report the case to the Dean of students who in turn reports the case to the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC)”.

Students have a big role to play in reporting cases of sexual harassment. This is why there are morally upright and responsible student who are spies in every department and level in the university environment who reports any traces or cases of sexual harassment to the Gender Mainstreaming Office.

The Gender Mainstreaming Office is located in Room 5, Student Affairs Complex; other members of the department include Dr. Yinka Egbokhare, Prof. Bola Adelore, Dr. Tolulope Gbadamosi – the Undergraduate Sub Dean of the faculty of Education -, Prof. Olapeju Aiyelagbe.

On a closing note, students are advised to be informed, speak out, and seek help. Numbers to reach out to in case of any sexual harassment are 08023415316, 08023387139, 08034891880.

The gender mainstreaming initiative of the University of Ibadan derives from the focus on gender equity which is strongly embedded within the framework of fundamental human rights and gender justice.

By: Herald

In a meeting summoned by the Head of Department, Prof. Fakeye, on the 3rd of November, 2022 at the language lab, the meeting which had in attendance the Association president and other excos, the members of the Departmental Consultative council and other parties involved.

You will recall that the past administration aborted the old constitution of ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES EDUCATION STUDENT ASSOCIATION, a new constitution was proposed but has not been fully enacted due to some reasons relating to acceptance of the constitution by the Congress.
The new constitution has been on hold and has not been fully effective.
The H.O.D opined that the association should reverse to status quo ante, i.e the usage of the former constitution while a due process of passing a constitution will be observed, the H.O.D advised that a new constitution review committee be set up to attend to all issues rising from the enactment of the new constitution.
He gave seven days for the nomination of members of the Review committee and another seven days for the parliament ( DCC) to screen the nominees and another 14 days for the total review of the constitution.
Paul Adenipekun(Secretary of the Constitution Review Committee) said everybody involved should see it as a work to the department and not a personal business.
Hon. Goodness also said love should be embraced among all stakeholders.
The meeting ended at exactly 2:11 pm.

THE REINSTALLMENT OF THE DCC

The reversal to the former constitution has given room for the Departmental Consultative Council to act. Prior to this time, the DCC has been scrapped on the basis of the new constitution which gave room for a larger body The Assesa Senate.However, on this note the Departmental Consultative Council will be in action in order to attend to the issues relating to the Constitution.The DCC will now be acting as the parliament pending the enactment of the new constitution which gave room for the ASSESA senate.

By: Temitayo OJEDIRAN

The Arts and Social Sciences Education, Departmental Consultative Council suspended Miss Promise Oshimyemi(Assesa Vice President) from attending any meeting that involves the DCC and the executives.

This suspension was triggered by an unparliamentary actions displayed by madam Vice President in a meeting which took place on the 9th March, 2022 at the faculty premises.

Prior to the suspension, Madam Vice President and DCC chairperson (Hon. Ijaiya Romola) had an intensed exchange of words on the subject (if the DCC should approve her own budget or should involve the Executives)
DCC chairperson (Hon Romola) opined that the DCC should be able to present and approved her budget while Madam Vice President (Miss Promise) disagreed and said there should be a form of check and balance, the DCC can’t present their budget and still be the one to approve it.

Hon Romola reacted by saying madam Vice President could only show her rudeness because she has been granted permission to speak in the sitting , she further said Madam Vice President would be suspended from every other Departmental Consultative Council Sitting till the DCC is dissolved..

However, Honourable Timi (300l Constituency) appeased to Madam Vice President (Miss Promise) to please respect the Constitution and the power vested on the DCC chairperson.

Madam Vice President said the DCC chairperson should as well respect her as the Vp because she also has powers vested in her, “I will like to take my leave because I can’t be in a meeting where I would not be allowed to speak moreso I’m not supposed to be in this meeting, President only sent me to represent her in the meeting with the staff adviser and not this”
After seeking for permission to leave the meeting , madam Vice President was not granted permission to leave, she then walked out of the meeting.

While reacting, Honourable Ogunmefun Samuel( 200l Constituency) Said Madam Vice President should not go unpunished, he suggested various punishments such as letter of apology, suspension because she was rude not just to the DCC chairperson but to the legislative arm of the department( DCC) he therefore described her actions as unparliamentary.

Honourable Timi( 300l Constituency)also said it is unparliamentary and he believed what happened between the chairperson and Madam Vice President is beyond what was displayed here and that there may be some personal issues attached to the exchange of words that happened between the DCC chairperson and Vice President.

The DCC therefore suspends Madam Vice President from attending any meeting between the DCC and Assesa Executives, and Madam Vice President must also submit an apology letter to both the DCC and the DCC chairperson.

In attendance include: Hon Success (100l constituency) Hon Samuel Ogunmefun (200l Constituency) Hon Timi ( 300l Constituency), Hon Abimbola(400l constituency) and Hon Romola Ijaya(DCC chairperson).

DEAR NEW INTAKES, NOW THAT YOU ARE HERE…

The journey you embarked on two, three, four years ago has at last brought you to a deserving bus-stop; for series of others whom you set out on this same journey, they were left out and eaten up by the ravages of the road. Indeed, many were called but few were at last chosen which brings out the fact that having your dear letters engraved in the admission books of the premier university is all down to being privileged. Take note that I indeed recognize all kinds of effort you did put together to have made it all the way, but you will concur that GRACE is what crowns it all.

The 15th day of February, 2022 marked your official initiation to the “First and Best” University of the countryand to have made it all the way here is a clear mark that you truly deserve to be on this soil. The university which your heart has fell in love with which got you beautifully dragged here is at full arms to accept you – its new occupants and shower you with every beauty you mostly deserve. Rejoice, for what you truly seek, you shall claim it in numerous gifts. I mean, the knowledge and in-depth of it you look out for, here is the perfect environment to inhale it all across your dear mind.

Now that you are here, having experience series of delays amidst your route, the wait and buried moments surely worth the sacrifice. You’ve been gifted with a university which is widely known for a base that produces intellectuals, I hope you are prepared to learn, unlearn and relearn during the transformation process because by the end of this new journey, you will never remain the same again. Seeing your smiley faces wrapped under the cloaks of “at last” expressions, it sends down assurance down my spine that you are indeed ready for this new task.

Shall we begin? Sure. Take this not as an orientation but as just a piece of words to reshape your thoughts concerning the new world you’ve find yourself in. I won’t want to create a room of fright in the corners of your heart by saying this is an institution where the mighty falls. Yeah, it is a very different ground here where you need all you can (legit means) to battle it out. You are not in competition with anyone nor in a race with your course mates, the only mission you have here is surpassing your best each and every moment. There is the necessity of you to be wise and smart coupled with your intellects. Your dear God is there for you to cry unto, never you forget your Creator in this journey.

A very challenging situation for new intakes has always being the ability to adapt to the university’s environment and understand how activities run here. A mind that flows 100% actively is needed for you to learn how to understand the flow of the new atmosphere, try not to assume you know it all enough, make sure you induce calmness, take time to espy a view of what the university’s customs and traditions are and try to ask questions. Walk up to people who have felt the hot and cold of these environs for proper directions once the need arises. Even when it’s something you are aware of, you can still ask questions about it, perhaps you might learn a different and better way to approach it.

Finding you feet in the University of Ibadan proves that you surely deserve it and possess the merit of such, what the university prepare to add therein is just development. Don’t act too smart, I know you are the best in your respective secondary schools, I am aware you scored the highest in your JAMB across your region, I surely attest that you defeated the mighty Post-UTME; WELL DONE, but as from now on it’s all a new system. Don’t be deceived by the thought that you can bank on your personal knowledge to fight it all. See yourself as a new being who has nothing to show, create a new folder in your mind for the new lessons you are set to learn, trust me, they are entirely new.

Across the country, the only institution where you still have to read to fail is the University of Ibadan. There is a huge difference between reading and reading. The two ‘reading’ might look alike, sound as the same or even project same dictionary meaning but they are relatively different. Some people read blindly forgetting to take note of important areas while we have ones who read smartly enough to take note of the essentials and key concepts of the course they are studying. You need to crave for the indulgence of intelligence which helps you to read and take note of key areas, it will also enhance a mind that understands how the course lecturer model and style is.

More emphases have been placed on the ability of being smart. It’s not meant to be an overstatement but the University of Ibadan is a world created for those who are smart enough and that acts as careful as possible. It has been found that people who scale high academically in the university are those who are genuinely filled yet act as though they know nothing. What this implies is that you don’t see yourself as being aware of it all or you’ve acquire all you need to get an ‘A’ in a course, always seek for more and ask for more, therein lies the key to ‘A’s. Nothing is guaranteed, you work for the results, be it a green or red result. Also, fill yourself with the companion of the wise and those who know more than you do, you learn to be proactive and productive in such manner.

Set your goals as of now so that you know what’s at stake; learn the ways and approach to achieving it and be aware of the efforts to inject in. It is necessary you build a solid foundation for yourself, it’s easy to mount on that way than making a run on a weak buildup. Welcome to the world of intellectuals, welcome to the best ranked university of the country, I hope you make a wise use of this wonderful opportunity fate has placed in your hands.

The previous administration of the Arts and Social Sciences Education Student Association University of Ibadan; the Vitality Team has handed over to new executives elected in the last departmental election. The handing over ceremony was held on Friday, 21st January 2022 at A204/A205, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.

The handing over ceremony started a few minutes past three o’clock in the afternoon. After the opening prayer, the outgoing President, Rebecca Amoko did a review of the last administration, it’s activities and achievements which includes the acquiring of a new patron, getting a signpost for the department, opening a departmental library and most importantly, winning the Dean’s Cup in the last football competition.

The Staff Adviser Dr. Samuel Babalola was in attendance and he commented on the achievements and tenacity of the Vitality Team; and essentially praised their abilities in seeking counsels before making decisions. Appreciating the outgoing administration, he advised the succeeding administration to build upon the greatness that has been laid down by the preceding administration.
The Staff Adviser directed the newly elected executives in taking the Oath of Office and welcomed the Adetoun-led administration into their new executive offices.

The outgoing President in admonishing the newly sworn-in executives said it is not easy to stir the affairs of the department but the newly sworn-in executives should always remember the promises and plans they made in their manifestoes and make efforts in turning them into actions.

Furthermore, she said that it is not possible to fulfill all plans in the manifestoes because even she herself was only able to fulfill about 70% of her manifestoes. Most importantly, the ability to strike a balance between administration and personal life is paramount. Commenting on the administration as regards her gender, she said it was a bit perplexing for her to administer the members of the cabinet excellently but she hopes the new president would be able to steer new waters.

Williams Sekinat, the erstwhile Vice president of the department reinforced the importance of unity among the executives. Also, in having a good relationship with the Departmental Consultative Council (DCC), she suggested that the executives should make sure their expenses never exceed the budgets of the department.

Other people in attendance were other members of the previous and new administration, Press persons and some students of the department as observers.

By: The Scribe & Josephine Awomodu

“The most important responsibility we have as journalists is to question those who are in power. I honestly believe that.” – Jorge Ramos

Background

Within the shores of the political activities that were displayed few weeks ago, it was recorded that the fill of series of positions been unopposed represents the apathetic behavior that has now settled its claws into the atmosphere of the university. Owing to this, individuals have been searching for clarifications on why things have  turn out this way and why the political contest is decorated by series of sole aspirant vying for a post. Notably, there have been recent talks that the Press promotes apathy through the manner it strictly wield aspirants during the course of Press nights, that the dramas and displays of such is enough to chase the thought of vying for a post off one’s mind. Is this actually a fact or just an attempt to black fade Press nights?

Vox Pop

To better have a clear picture of what majority of student feel, a short question was administered. The replies to the question – ‘There are talks that the press influences political apathy through press nights. What is your take on this?’ are as follows;

“Yes I know of a Sociologist who when he was asked to run for a post, he humbly declined…why? ”No be me go do press night”. So to answer your question, yes it induces apathy in those students who might want to contest for political posts. But for voters during election I don’t think press night counts much anymore because they see press night as where an association that has been dormant and irrelevant for most of the session comes out to bare their fangs at their political candidates.” ­- Seun Olurin, Political science 200l

“I am neutral. It depends largely on the support you have. No pressman can shift the support you have because you couldn’t answer questions or something. The press night is just for them to go over your plans and stuff. It’s just for them to come and criticize your plans and tell you the things that they think cannot be achieved. The press influences the people’s decision when the support for the candidate is not strong and they don’t influence when the support is strong. It all depends on the support of the candidate.” – Favour Olugbade, Educational Management

“If their activities are professionally carried out, then I feel students shouldn’t be discouraged to engage in politics, but if otherwise it would bring in political apathy.” – Anonymous, Educational Management, 200l

“Dislike for the press – because they have a poor impression of the press, some people do not seek elective positions, they believe that the press night will be used by journalists to criticize them, making them appear unqualified for the office they seek. Fear of the press – some who are striving but without viable strategies, on the other hand, would prefer to stay back because the press would reveal their ineptitude.” ­– Isaac Boluwatife, Arts and Social Science Edu, 200l

“I feel the press night is meant to just access the candidate to test their performance and readiness, and if this is still in practice I don’t think press nights or press is not making people run for post, I don’t think its making sense. If there were to be no press night, we’ll only be seeing people coming with an agenda sweet to hearing but not achievable.” – Ayinde Toheeb, Sociology, 100l

Overtime, the political scenario has always being a top-notch battle between individuals who either thirst to acclaim the power it featured or to the core sense of humanity (to serve). Either way, individuals have always put in all efforts to surpass their counterparts in the race to emerge victorious. Activities of this shape have been accustomed with the need and right to contest for any political position of choice which connotes the engagement in politics thereby removing any trace of political apathy. Of recent, we’ve experience a situation whereby key positions are been battled out for unopposed or even seeing no one coming to contest for a particular post in some cases.

It was revealed that members of the public are of the opinion that Press night is a major contributor to political apathy. Some boldly claim that to contest for a position, the first thing that comes to the mind of aspirants is how to face and handle press night. We have the other party that feels the press night is just an avenue to put aspirants into pressure and make them suffer for just aspiring for a position. Actually, to every fact stated therein there will be reasons which are very evident – that; ASPIRANTS ARE SCARED OF FACING JOURNALISTS or simply put THEY ARE AFRAID TO DEFEND THEIR PLANS.

Let’s set aside confusions so as to put misconception off the books and set the facts right. Firstly, the role of Journalists is to serve as the mouth piece of the people by voicing out opinions and stating the public interests in matters that concerns them. These clearly defines the notion that the Press is all into efforts of ensuring the betterment of the public and making sure their rights are not being swept off. The public needs to note that the Press possesses a very powerful tool of putting the political holders into action when they refuse to or neglect such duty. The Press is simply the people’s popular voice.

Secondly, as a watchdog, the Press put a close watch on the activities of political holders so as to make them aware that their daily moves are under surveillance and also to place the sense and reminder of accountability in their minds. This way, the Press gets to remind them of their duties and promises, then make a warning to anyone who seems to have neglected, set aside or consciously and unconsciously forgot his plans. The presence and existence of the Fourth Estate has brought about the need to ensure these political office holders are well accountable of their positions. This is a stance that exists both at the center stage and in the student world.

Thirdly, the Fourth Estate or Press or Journalists serve the people to disseminate timely and essential information. These information as stated are ones that the public need to be aware of, these are done through news, features and the likes. Also, they affect people to think rational on matters arising in the society by bringing to them some fallouts and trending issues and then foreshadow what might occur later on. This is a notion that set to prepare the minds of the people towards any change. The press is also entrusted with the notion of uncovering the truth by revealing the hiding skeleton through a well citied investigative journalism. These are significantly paramount to the wellbeing of the entire society.

So, saying the Press body promotes political apathy through exercising its role of uncovering facts and ensuring the entire public is well represented by a responsible and capable individual (through scrutinizing plans of such candidate) is something that connotes misconception. Primarily, press nights are laid to achieve key objectives of exposing the ineptitude of the candidates, ensuring the plans of such are feasible and trying to know whether the individual is capable and knowledgeable of handling such position. Having a responsible candidate is not just about the individual being famous or good-looking; it goes beyond such personal fragmentations.

The press body is categorically known to be a friend and messenger of the entire public. The press is even a mutual friend to aspirants and political holders only when they know of what they claim to hold, once they fail in their duties or aren’t aware of their duties, troubles will surely rise, there will be the clash of words, and because the lines of the Press are always direct and instrumental, they (aspirants) feel intimidated. Actually, to enhance and ensure the right ownership of political positions by those who are qualified and responsible, there will be clash between the Press and aspirants. All these are centered upon to ensure we have a well-to-act and responsive tenant of political roles.

On Press night promoting political apathy, the misconception perceived here is sadden. It must be noted that press night exists so as to scrutinize the plans of aspirants and mark out the feasible and unfeasible plans. Also meant to ensure the aspirant is contesting for the post for a reasonable reason as about 80% of them aspire for post all in the name of recognition. Imagine having an aspirant who doesn’t even know his constitutional duties and can’t even defend his plans and clearly explain how he will achieve such. By criticizing someone of this, problem rises, then misconception arises that the Press is injecting pressures.

Aspirants should note that Press night is never a ground to battle words. You tend to see someone frowning faces or refusing to answer questions pushed to him, just imagine. As stated earlier, everyone is all in the motion to ensure proper and responsible representation. Press night is never a battle ground or tug of words between Pressmen and aspirants. The idea of coming to Press nights to throw a faceoff with Press men should not be encouraged. Aspirants should also ensure they are contesting for a good reason, posses a feasible plan and just appear friendly before the Press to boldly defend what they claim to achieve. So simple as A B C.

The Fourth Estate is a friend to all and enemy to none. The Press is shouldered with the need to ensure accountability and right representation, when these are not in place, fight surfaces. The Press do not in any way promote political apathy.

“A key purpose of journalism is to provide an adversarial check on those who wield the greatest power by shining a light on what they do in the dark, and informing the public about those acts.” – Glean Greenwald

By: OJEDIRAN TEMITAYO(HERALD)&BLESSING OPEYEMI

Good afternoon Miss Adetoun and Congratulations on your victory in the recent ASSESA election as the president elect.

 Good afternoon. Thank you very much

How did you feel when you were declared winner of the election?

 It felt surreal. It took me time to actually grasp what had just happened. I mean it was a tough one. Although I know so much about leadership and the problem wasn’t about leadership, it was that I’ve never been involved in the politics of the department. It was always like I’m a novice- talking to people, they’ll ask what experience do I have because they can’t give me the department to test run. Although I don’t have political experience, I put myself out there and talk about the things I’ve done for the department. It took me some days to come to the realization that I’ve actually won the election and so far, it’s been a good experience. It’s like the confirmation I was seeking. If someone had asked if I would go for any political post when I was in my first year, I would have said no because I was more of the bookie, career kind.

So, what led to the aspiration?

 It was after I realized my reason of being in the department and  how much I loved my course. It was more or less like I was the only one seeing things they way I was seeing it(even in my small group). Most of us have this thinking that we would end up being teachers because we’re in the Faculty of education, it was a cycle and I was already exposed to something else and I felt the gap between Assesaites and opportunities. We don’t know the values we have as educators. As Assesaites we are here and we need to make the most of what we have. I joined Campus Labs as an intern and I’ve networked and learnt a lot. I know people who have a degree in education and are doing very well. I saw the need to expose people to things-those that are willing to catch up with these things. This is what birthed my idea; the need to be in a political post, work with like minds to redefine why we are here. It’s not something we can exhaust in an administration; it’s something we continue in exposing people to opportunities and how to really make things happen.

On the day of the election, did you see the winning coming?

 Before I had an opponent, I knew it was an unopposed win. When I later had an opponent I knew it was a 50-50 for me while keeping an open mind. I’ve come to realize that politics in UI isn’t about having great content or being the best candidate. On the election day, something kept telling me the first set of people who voted didn’t vote for me but I had peace that day. I’m a writer and I had  jobs to do that day, so I had to leave the faculty, then back again. People kept coming to me to tell me I would win and I tried to keep smiling knowing fully well that it was a 50-50 for me.

What did you think made you win the election?

I don’t even know because at first, I thought it was the press night and screening results but later I realized it was not everybody that saw it. I really do not know but I had a small committee and I tried to reach as many 200 and 100 level students as possible. I knew the 400 levels are not always around to vote and even the 300 level votes was divided. I was not fully able to penetrate the 200 level but I was able to penetrate the 100 level -from tutorials, I knew most of them and I already told them I’ll be going for a political post before the ban was lifted- and that helped.

 Election has come and gone; now the work is here. We’ll like to know what your fear is as regards the cabinet you’ll be presiding. We believe after the results of the election, you would have sat and thought through how you would preside and what might be a challenge.

 The fear that keeps coming to my mind every time I think about it is how to preside over the cabinet. I like working in a team over working alone. The other executives have their own plans and how I would successfully merge everything and make sure every single person is working maximally without clash of power/position. We’ve had a meeting and it’s one thing to talk at the student level and it’s another to be a supervisor. If there’s any glitch or lack, it will reflect and bounce back on the president. The best way I’ve come up with is having a formal physical meeting where I get to know each persons and their temperaments. One thing i noticed in the previous administration is that not every executive worked maximally and it reflected. I believe in short term plans and task delegation. Also, building good relationships with them and not allowing that interfere with the administration.

Okay. Asides having physical meetings with them, hypothetically,  if there’s an executive who isn’t doing what he/she is supposed to do, how will you handle it? Knowing full well that some of the executives might perform below par which might affect the administration.

 The first thing I’ll do in this inevitable situation is address the situation by talking to them. If this persists, maybe I’ll talk to their friends to talk to them. Some of them might still be adamant. Calling a formal meeting, addressing it directly in the presence of other executives or doing it backstage to make them buckle up and come back on track. Talking to the DCC is the best and last option after all options have been exhausted because some take issues serious only when external forces interfere. Talking to the appropriate body is like the best option because it will tell in a way on the administration and it would be said that the president can’t handle her team.

Well, we pray God gives you the wisdom to handle such situations whenever they arise. Two sessions ago, the DCC then suspended some executives because of some issues while no executive was suspended in the last administration. Critically examining both administrations, do you have any comments about their efficiency, in all honesty?

 From what I can remember although I’m not 100% sure, the previous administration did more than this current one. Taking a lot into consideration although I didn’t know some of the previous administration executives were suspended.

The previous administration was on its toes and they had a number of achievements in the department (the press board, the secretariat) and even in the midst of the suspension, they still function. What People want is the ability to deliver, to serve after their votes has been given. The next question therefore is between the interest of the executives and Assesaites, which do you prioritize?

 The interest of Assesaites.

Let’s rephrase this. If Assesaites wants a thing and the executives are saying the departmental  purse can’t afford it, what will you do?

 The first thing is as much as we want to prioritize the interest of Assesaites, we cannot ignore the fact that it has to be in line with what we can afford. We can probably make options, we need feedback from them and also carry them along. In that situation, except we source for funding which is not always guaranteed, we actually have to go with what we have on ground and also inform them. We don’t want a situation where they want A and get B without any explanation. Keeping them updated. Although you can’t please everybody, we will try to consult Assesaites before carrying out decisions.

 Do you think the current administration consults Assesaites before carrying out most of their decisions?

No

Alright. One of the things we hope new executives understand are that  issues that were not addressed in the previous administration being addressed and implemented in theirs.  Let’s quickly wrap this up. You said you want to expose Assesaites to career opportunities and altering their mentality towards their courses.  You have this idea, how do you want to actualize this?

Yes. The main channel I’ll be using is leveraging on where I work. We organise different events. I plan on organizing two events – physical and virtual- taking all things into consideration to talk to Assesaites about career opportunities. I’ll be inviting CampusLabs and other companies through the work relationship I have with my company’s CEO. These companies will be coming to expose us by bringing professionals, successful people who have degrees in education to facilitate the events. The virtual event setting is to help us embrace the future of work and also network with the facilitators. One thing I’ve learnt about graduates of education, especially teacher education, is that they give mentorship and this is because they know most people don’t know what they know.  Also, there are skills we need in the outside world which we won’t be taught in the classroom, these organisations would give you the training grounds and push you out. Making you know nothing is impossible. Also, surveys will be taken before and after the events, follow ups which would be done online to know how well Assesaites are fairing and know whenever help is needed. These things might seem impossible but I know they are possible, with consistency.

 That’s well said. If you assume office today, what is the first thing you’ll tackle?

 Now, we’re in the exam period and based on now, the first thing would be to provide past questions.

Let’s assume it’s the beginning of the session and people are resuming. In your plans, what is the first thing to achieve?

The first thing on my mind is to launch the GP calculator. You know I can’t just start with events, you have to set the pace first. The CGPA/ incorrect transcript is  an issue in the department. Even I have errors in my transcript, there are scholarships I should have applied for which I couldn’t meet the deadline.  Although academics is not the only reason why we are in UI, we need to know where we’re on, where we’re going to and how to work towards it.

You said a vital thing now about errors in transcripts. What do you intend to do about it now that you’re in the position of power?

I think I indicated it on my manifesto that although I’m not in total control of it, I intend on meeting that current HOD, Prof.Amosun and make enquiries if there’s anything students can do to speed the process. Let’s identify the problem. I’m not saying I’ll personally fund it but let’s know what the problem is. Is it a thing we would need volunteers to handle because I know they can’t allow students to handle it?  I intend to have this discussion with him because the CGPA issue has really affected Assesaites, including me. I really hope that would help.

Thank you.  As beautiful as these things are, we understand that you’re entering your final year and there would be school works with administrative works. How do you intend to manage your time knowing fully well that as students, academics comes before politics but also, you’ve made a commitment to Assesaites and you have to deliver optimally?

I understand that. One thing that has helped me so far in having school works and extra curricular activities is the use of To-do list. Prior to now, I only have my school works and  no pressure but joining CampusLabs had made me ruthless with my time. I try as much as possible to have a to do list, separating what’s important from what is urgent.  Making this administration work is important. Working with companies has really helped me and now that I’m assuming a big role, I’ve been relieved of some duties at work so as to help in my delivery. I pray God would help me.

Give us your parting words, what you would like to tell all Assesaites.

 I just want to tell Assesaites that irrespective of the level, I really hope we all come to the realisation of what we really want to do and the importance of the course we’re doing. My prayer is that this administration helps them and  moves them  closer in their career journey. Their coming to the UI, this department is not a mistake and whenever they remember this administration, they know it played a role and they made the best of their time in UI.

Thank you very much

 Thank you

By: Ojediran Temitayo

The handing over ceremony which took place yesterday 5th November 2021 at Room A313 faculty of Education had the presence of veteran Campus Journalists like Wale Olaogun, an award winning campus Journalist also Alawonde Theophilus and Kareem Shamsudeen.

At the handing over ceremony of the Arts and Social Sciences Education University of Ibadan Press, the new Editor-In-Chief, Ojediran Temitayo emphasized that the new Editorial board will try to sustain the legacy laid down by the past Editorial boards.

While giving a brief speech on how to become a successful Campus Journalist, the outgoing IndyHall press Editor-In-Chief Alawonde Theophilus said a Journalist must be consistent in writing as a Journalist is different from a writer, a writer depends on muse to write while a Journalist must write as it’s the duty of the Journalist. He also said the ethics of Journalism must be uphold, a Journalist should not allow personal issues had with someone affect/reflect in how he or she writes.

Mr Wale Olaogun, the current Nuesa Ui press Editor-In-Chief also gave a brief speech on the basics of Investigative Journalism, he highlighted few points on how the basics, he said a Journalist must hear from all the parties involved in an investigation and must not be bias, he also opined that a Journalist must provide evidences to whatever he or she has written.

Questions were asked by the members of Assesa Ui press and which the veteran Campus Journalists answered without stress.

The outgoing Editor-In-Chief of Assesa Press then called on the new Editorial board with Folarin Peace FPO as the News Editor 2, Blessing Opeyemi as News Editor 1, Fagbemi Joshua as Features Editor and Ojediran Temitayo as Editor in Chief.

The handing over ceremony ended in a grand style with taking of pictures and sharing of Item7.

Josephine Awomodu

EndSARS- Another Extension Of The Lagos State Judicial Panel Of Inquiry And Restitution: for victims of SARS related abuses and Lekki Toll Gate incidence

The tenure of the Lagos State Judicial Panel Of Inquiry And Restitution: for victims of SARS related abuses and Lekki toll gate incidence, has been extended by three months for the second time.
The chairman of the Panel and retired judge, Justice Doris Okuwobi, announced that the tenure of the Panel will now run until October 19 2021. The tenure was extended by three months as it was initially on April 27.
The Lagos State Judicial Panel Of Inquiry for #EndSARS related issues and Lekki toll gate incidence was established by the governor of Lagos state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on October 27 2020, seven days after the Lekki massacre.
The panel was set up to assent to the Five-For-Five demands of the #EndSARS protesters for a period of six months. Alongside this, the panel was set up to look into abuses of security agencies, most especially the now disbanded SARS unit of the Nigeria police force.
The initial six months granted the panel to hear petitions was insufficient for the panel and subsequently, the panel was given an extension of three months. The initial six-month tenure expired on April 27, while the first 3-month extension was supposed to expire on July 19 but went on until June 29 when this new extension was announced.
In a bid to hear as many as petitions as possible before October 19, the panel says it will begin a prices called, “front-loading”. According to Justice Doris Okuwobi, “It is important that every petition or petitioner be given an equal duty of being heard and to achieve that task we have put in place amendment of front loading of the processes which will be more time-saving in terms of sitting and in terms of working outside the panel, Mrs Okuwobi, a retired judge, said. So, this will now take effect from the 2nd of August. It will determine the listing of fresh petitions which have not been opened.”
“The earlier you comply with the rules by front-loading, …we will then have cause to list fresh matters that can then come up before the panel. It is our appeal that petitioners in particular, who do not understand the process, seek advice on the front-loading. The rules are very clear, just. We want your evidence on the affidavit, evidence of your cases on affidavit.”
“What you have in petition just have to be put in place of an affidavit and sworn to the court, so the evidence of the witnesses. I’m sure petitioners are not going to have any difficulty with complying with the front-loading process. And all documents you want to present to the panel should come in ahead of the hearing of the petition and properly served on the respondents.”
The front-loading process means that the petitioners will state their petitions in writing and the panel will adopt it and begin cross-examination. Front-loading is a deviation from the usual panel session where petitioners orally recount their ordeals in the hands of security operatives before cross-examination from the state lawyers.

Burna Boy, Davido, Funke Akindele, Wizkid make Forbes Africa icons’ list.

Nigerian celebrities have been listed on Forbes ‘100 Icons from Africa.’ Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Omotola Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele-Bello, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mr Eazi, among other Nigerians made the list.
Also, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala featured on the list. According to Forbes, the list was curated from Hollywood exports and Grammy artists to award-winning ideas that can save the world. It also stated that the list is a way of “celebrating those whose ideas, inventions, and influential role models have aided Africa’s growth over the last decade.”
Forbes on its official Twitter handle, @Forbesafrica, alongside the list wrote, “This is a way of celebrating those also with the award-winning ideas that had defined the African continent and influential role models that have spelt Africa’s growth over the last decade.”
Forbes described Burna Boy in the publication as one of the biggest and most successful African artists on this continent, While Genevieve was described as the trailblazer of Nollywood.

“My swag dey make girls fall for me” – BBNaija star, Laycon brags.

Big Brother Naija Season 5 winner, Olamilekan Agbeleshe popularly known as Laycon took to his social media page to brag about the effects of his swag on ladies. The rapper who released two singles, “Wagwan” and “Fall for me” took to his verified Twitter page to boast about how girls trip for him because of his badass style of dressing.
He further urged his fans to join him and brag about the high rate at which ladies fall for him because of his swag.

“Bob cut soap for us” – Singer, PSquare and others react as Bobrisky flaunts his billion naira account balance.

Nigerian musician Peter Okoye and some other social media users have reacted to Bobrisky’s bank account balance of almost N1 billion. This is coming after the popular controversial Crossdresser took to his Instagram account to flaunt the credit balance worth N500,000 he has received and the sum of the total money in his account was in nine zeros.
Bobrisky who’s grateful to God still claims to have more money in his other 3 accounts minus his other assets in his name. Well, this has caused the internet to break on his behalf as celebrities such as Peter of the defunct PSquare are gushing over his account balance.

@peterpsquare wrote “BoB is very Risky! Too much money”
@hoodboiquote wrote “Too much talk can make you lose it all”
@chiboy360dmw_ wrote “Stop all this now chill on a low ahhhh”
@eddy_is_king wrote “Stop tensioning us”
@t_a_n_t_a_n wrote “Bob cut soap for me”

Procrastination and your health
By Opeyemi Blessing

In the past few weeks, I’ve come to realize that the only thing the University of Ibadan emits is school work, work, work and more work. Personally, in the last few days, I’ve had workloads that could last me weeks doing them and of course I just have to find time in my very tight schedule to fix them right and most of the time, I don’t do them until the deadline horn comes blaring. I’m a whole lot of a procrastinator and so are you. Well, maybe not you you but you and this means hoarding school works till the deadline monster comes roaring. You either do them haphazardly, not do them at all or do give your possible best in the main time while it takes a toll on your health later. Well, health, they say, is wealth, so you have to be cautious; also, knowledge is power, means you have to be double cautious (school works are important) and what’s worth doing at all is worth doing well, which ultimately implies you have to be triple cautious.
Procrastination is a condition that has consequences on one’s mental and physical health and performance at school and in the workplace. In a 2007 study published in the Psychology Bulletin, psychologist Piers Steel defines procrastination as “a self-regulatory failure leading to poor performance and reduced wellbeing.” Notably, Steel further emphasizes that procrastination is common (80% to 90% of college-age students suffer from it at least some of the time) and something most people (95%) wish to overcome. In his recent book, The Procrastination Equation, Steel even argues that procrastination may now be on the rise as people increasingly turn to the immediate gratification made possible by information technologies and specifically, social media platforms.
While age and heightened responsibilities (e.g., the need to care for a family) do help most people eventually keep their procrastinating tendencies in check, for a small percentage of people, procrastination isn’t just a temporary or occasional problem but rather something that comes to structure their lives and ultimately limit their potential.
So, how dire is procrastination? Below are a few of the many negative impacts procrastination has been shown to have on our mental, physical wellbeing.
Mental Health: A 2010 study, appropriately titled, “I’ll Go to Therapy, Eventually,” found that procrastination and stress are connected. Indeed, the study found that high procrastination is linked to poorer mental health and fewer “mental health behaviours” (e.g., regularly taking time out to relax and recover from stress).
Physical Health: In addition to the well-documented link between procrastination and mental health, there is growing evidence that procrastination can impact one’s physical health. In a 2003 study, Fushia M. Sirois and colleagues found that procrastination was “related to poorer health, treatment delay, perceived stress, and fewer wellness behaviours.” While a range of health conditions are impacted by procrastination, Sirois and colleagues have discovered that some conditions may be especially impacted by the behaviour. In a 2015 study, she concluded that procrastination is a factor that can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (HT/CVD) and further concluded that the “maladaptive coping” associated with procrastination also appears to exasperate the symptoms of HT/CVD.

Procrastination is like a deadly poison that’s tasty. The idea of it scares you but once you have a drink of it, to take a bow and drop it seem like a hard but not impossible task. Take responsibility today and shun procrastination. Keep your health safe and your head sane.

Home is no Home

By Karshams
You woke up. It had dawned fully. Surprised by the failure of alarm to wake you, you almost shouted ‘mummy’. You wanted to call your mum and accost her on why she didn’t wake you up for school. She knew you were the head prefect and occupying such position shouldn’t be greeted with late-coming. Then you remembered. Like a flash of lightning, reality mixed with dawn came on you. You were no longer home. You are away from home.
You stayed in a cubicle with other two students who had flung their beds across the room in disarray before you were awake. What is the name of this hall? You asked yourself. At that moment, you find it difficult to provide an answer. And this is not the right time to start racking your brain. You wanted to cry. You remembered how your mum would prepare your breakfast, how your dad would take you to school. But things were not the same any longer. You were away from home.
Suddenly, you remembered you had a lecture to attend. Your first lecture as it were. You cannot sit it out, you thought. You picked up a bucket and fetch some water. You rushed into the bathroom and almost rushed out instantly. The bathroom stinks of ammonia. Somehow, you managed to take your bath. You checked your wrist watch; it’s 20 minutes to the lecture. You didn’t bother to take breakfast. You then remembered when you had once boasted to your friends that you cannot miss breakfast for anything during your secondary school days. But you were no longer in secondary school, you were now a university fresher.
Reluctantly, you went for the lecture. You were surprised at the huge number of students in attendance. You cannot get a seat at the front, so you sat at the back despite suffering from myopia. You were unhappy. The lecturer came in and he started the lecture but you could hardly pick his words. He was old and you felt he should have retired. Those devils of academia! The students too were not helping matters. Those behind you, in front of you and at your back were murmuring. You almost laughed when a male student said he had asked a lady out, but her reply was that he should go and learn proper English and try again later.
The lecture ended. You were the first to leave the lecture theatre. You met a few of your course mates. They greeted you. With your countenance, they asked what was wrong. But you couldn’t tell them, so you said all’s well. You headed back to your hostel. Now you can remember the name, it’s KENNETH MELLANBY HALL. You began to get angry when you remembered your room mates had scattered the room before they left for lecture. They were unserious elements and you swore never to relate with them.
It was evening time. It was your mum’s call that woke you up from your day dream. Twilight had slowly descended. You picked the call. Your mum asked about the situation of things. You wanted to tell her so many things. But you stopped. You don’t want her to cry. ‘All’s well mum’, you said. She seemed happy. She told you to face your studies and call home if you need anything. You acquiesced.
The power supply was restored. The room had been neatly arranged. Your room mates had done the needful. Your eyes fell on an inscription pasted on the wall. Your room mates had written their academic targets for the semester. Those you thought were unserious elements. But you hadn’t written yours. You want to become a creative writer. You would need to set your targets. ‘The journey begins now’, you thundered. So many things would be learned away from home. You would read. You would make your parents proud, away from home.

^{FEMINISM AND ITS OPPOSITIONS}

By: Josmat Jerry

Overtime, we’ve witnessed some societal wrongs which were once thought to be norms of a well organized environment, talk about the killing of twins, the act of war like and so on. Actually, these ‘one time doctrines’ have in one way or the other projected more harm than good to the course of nature. As we live on in this 21st century, the ills of the society in aspect of inequality that exist between the male and female category (both young and old) still lives on. A lot still have the strong belief that the male category are of ‘more superior’ than the female category. But, isn’t this the origin of our societal problem?

A wide range of scenario plays on out there which are against the motion of feminism, why feel sad when you give birth to a baby girl? Why reason that a girl child brings forth no goodies to you just because she will be married off? Why treat a boy child better than a girl child? When you engage in some acts that against the image of gender equality, then you are opposing the stand of feminism. The presence of anti feminism is an unnoticed issue that lingers on within our environment which results in killing the potentials of females. These acts are wholly against the normalcy of a society that focuses on holistically development.

There exist countries where females aren’t considered to be leaders of a society, countries like Yemen, Pakistan, Chad, Syria, Mali, est., indirectly support the claim of inequality through the way they run their governance administration. As a matter of honor and respect, females are very much up to the task to lead and bring forth the required positive result in their own creativity. We all are greatly gifted, endowed and talented by the Creator; shouldn’t we all have equal chance to manifest these great potentials? Have females in one time or the other failed when called upon to take the lead role? Or is there any kind of proof or experiments that has been practicalised to act against the context of feminism?

A husband who is of negative attitude towards his wife’s success, one that thinks the role of a wife should be confined within the walls of the kitchen, a mind that proclaims the name ‘woman’ as one that deserves to be of second ‘always’, a man who sees himself as a boss in the domestic family thereby discarding the ideas and talks of his woman; all these various set of individuals are anti feminist. The role of the female gender to the drives and development of nature and the society is very much essential. With the presence of equality in place, there will be room to grab opportunities and manifest it all well.

Top unforgettable women like Marie Curie – the founder of the new science of radioactivity, Rosa Parks – a civil right activists, Emmeline Pankhurst – founded the Women’s Social and Political Union to campaign for the parliamentary vote for women, Ada Lovelace – a gifted mathematician and the first computer programmer, Margaret Thatcher – Britain’s first female prime minister, Mary Wollstonecraft – an English writer and philosopher who championed education and liberation for women, Eleanor of Aquitaine – one of the wealthiest women of the middle ages, Queen Victoria – one of UK’s most iconic monarchs and others.

Gender equality should be cordially addressed and approached with some in depth consideration as some folks practice anti feminism without consciously knowing they are all against its context and that of gender equality. Females are born the same manner males are, and the fact still remains that without a gender, another gender cannot live or succeed alone, that was why the Lord Almighty created a ‘partner’ for Adam and not a ‘servant’.