WHO Declares Nigeria Polio Free

The World Health Organization has announced that polio is no longer endemic in Nigeria. This is the first time that Nigeria has interrupted transmission of wild poliovirus, bringing the country and the African region closer than ever to being certified polio-free.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the public-private partnership leading the effort to eradicate polio, called this a ‘historic achievement’ in global health. Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus since 24 July 2014, and all laboratory data have confirmed a full 12 months have passed without any new cases.

As recently as 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide. This success is the result of a concerted effort by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and tens of thousands of dedicated health workers. More than 200,000 volunteers across the country repeatedly immunized more than 45 million children under the age of five years, to ensure that no child would suffer from this paralysing disease. Innovative approaches, such as increased community involvement and the establishment of Emergency Operations Centres at the national and state level, have also been pivotal to Nigeria’s success.

The interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in Nigeria would have been impossible without the support and commitment of donors and development partners. Their continued support, along with continued domestic funding from Nigeria, will be essential to keep Nigeria and the entire region polio-free.

Polio, which can cause lifelong paralysis, has now been stopped nearly everywhere in the world following a 25-year concerted international effort. Polio remains endemic in only two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan. The eradication of polio globally now depends primarily on stopping the disease in these countries. As long as preat to children everywhere.

Nigeria has made remarkable progress against polio, but continued vigilance is needed to protect these gains and ensure that polio does not return. Immunization and surveillance activities must continue to rapidly detect a potential re-introduction or re-emergence of the virus. After three years have passed without a case of wild polio virus on the continent, official ‘certification’ of polio eradication will be conducted at the regional level in Africa.

Eradicating polio will be one of the greatest achievements in human history, and have a positive impact on global health for generations to come. Nigeria has brought the world one major step closer to achieving this goal and it’s critical that we seize this opportunity to end polio for good and ensure future generations of children are free from this devastating disease.

“The outstanding commitment and efforts that got Nigeria off the endemic list must continue, to keep Africa polio-free. We must now support the efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan so they soon join the polio-free world.” – Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General, World Health Organization.

“We Nigerians are proud today. With local innovation and national persistence, we have beaten polio. We know our vigilance and efforts must continue in order to keep Nigeria polio-free.” –  Dr Ado Muhammad, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nigeria

“Stopping polio in Nigeria has been a clear example that political engagement, strong partnerships and community engagement are the engines that drive the momentum of public health programmes, enabling them to achieve great things. I would like to congratulate everyone, particularly political, religious and community leaders in Nigeria and across Africa, for reaching a year without cases of wild polio.” – Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa




“This is a clear example of success under very difficult circumstances. It shows we can eradicate polio if proven strategies are fully implemented. Combined with the news of the eradication of type 2 wild polio virus last week, we are moving decisively toward ending a disease that has paralyzed tens of millions of children. In this final mile, we must remain committed to providing the resources and the support to the front lines to make this worthy goal a reality.” – Dr Tom Frieden, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board

“Rotary congratulates Nigeria on its tremendous accomplishment in stopping polio. On behalf of the entire Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we thank volunteers, health workers and parents in communities across Nigeria for their tireless commitment to ensuring every last child is protected against this devastating disease. In the months ahead, their dedication will remain as important as ever, as we work to keep Nigeria polio-free and to eliminate polio from its final strongholds in Pakistan and Afghanistan.” – K.R. Ravindran, President, Rotary International

“This is a significant milestone for the global polio eradication effort and the health workers, government and religious leaders and partners should be proud of this accomplishment. While the progress in Nigeria should be celebrated, it is also fragile. It is critical that Nigeria goes two more years without a case of polio which will require the support of partners, increased accountability at all levels of the program led by President Buhari, and increased domestic funding commitments.” – Chris Elias, President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“The removal of Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries is a major victory for Nigeria’s children.  It is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Government of Nigeria, local leaders, and front line workers. And it is proof positive that if we work together in partnership to reach every community and immunize every child, we can finish the job of eradicating this evil disease everywhere, once and for all.” – Anthony Lake, Executive Director, UNICEF


Source: http://healthnewsng.com/polio-is-no-longer-endemic-in-nigeria-who/

Ondo Students Beg Mimiko To Pay Bursary Allowance

The National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), has called on the state government to pay their arrears of bursary allowances and scholarship fees.

The students made the call, on Sunday, in a statement made available to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

The statement, jointly issued by its President, Charles Iwakun and Assistant General-Secretary, Olufemi Sanni, said the urgent payment of their bursary allowances would help in a way to lessening financial burden on their parents.




It said that the students were not finding life easy due to the non-payment of their allowances.

“Our cry now is that the government should commence the continuation of the payment and open the portal for registration for the 2015 bursary and scholarship,” NAOSS said.


Source: Daily Times

ACJ & Students' Union Leadership Meet To Address Controversies

The executives of the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) and the Students' Union leadership of Obafemi Awolowo University have met and charted a way forward to ensuring a smooth and better working mechanisms between the two bodies.

The Students' Union team led by the President, Akande Omotayo received the executives of the campus journalists led by the ACJ President, Adebayo Benjamin at the Students' Union Building at about 7:30pm yesterday. The meeting which lasted about two hours addressed several controversies bordering on allegations and speculations from both quarters.

The Union president in his opening talk gave a prologue to the reason why the meeting was called which was for the members of ACJ to constantly, checkmate the Union and convey activities in a two-fold way: bringing the activities of the Union to the students and generating feedback. He emphasized the need for a good rapport with ACJ, not to compromise their stance whatsoever. He, however, maintained the need for a close rapport between the two agencies.

Issues addressed in the meeting range from the N1.8m phone call budget, scholarship scheme alleged discrepancy to perceived ACJ's anti-Union activities.

THE 1.8 MILLION NAIRA UNRATIFIED BUDGET
While the President, Omotayo Akande lamented the issue of media constraint, he complained how the media aspect of the union fumbled but every other thing pertaining to the union, functioning well in the right position.

He took time to justify his reasons for his own budget on phone calls, citing the fact that he had called past union leaders and verified from the records what past union leaders have used as their daily airtime recharge in their various tenures. He also admitted not having the right to decide for every union leader what must feature in their respective proposed budget while clearing the air that the budget was "proposed" and not yet ratified. He said the union run is fragile and promised to fix the issue.

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
The President stated that he presented this(Scholarship scheme) idea to every organization, personnel and cooperation they met but all their efforts resulted in disappointments. All this led to meeting Dr Fola Akinosun, a politician cum philanthropist who wanted some favors which were too extreme for the Union leaders to grant in exchange for the scholarship sponsorship. The CEC vehemently refused to do so, stating their position. Due to all the disappointments and Dr Fola Akinosun asking "too much favors" of wanting the details of students who failed P-UTME be redirected to Foreign Links for re-admission and Omotayo Akande's suspension; the CEC decided to pay for the 85 indigent students and helped over 20 students who couldn't afford the late registration N2,000 fee, register courses without paying the defaulting fine. He also said the Management supported the course and the recorded conversation at the Dr Fola Akinosun's residence didn't state any money was paid or collected.

RAPE




The Union President, Omotayo Akande validated that a rape case was actually underground involving Dr Fola Akinosun's son and a fresh female student of OAU and that if money had been collected from Dr Fola Akinosun then they won't be able to accuse his son and moderate the rape incident.

The President revealed how controversial the case appeared since both individuals(boy and girl) knew each other very well.

"Even after spending two days with the guy that raped her, she took the 5 alive drink that was used to entertain her," the President concurred.

The President said that Dr Fola Akinosun didn't want his son paraded due to the cordial relationship with himself and the president but they agreed the case needed to be moderated properly without any form of victimization from any quarter. The Union President, fondly called TY, made bold the assertion that Dr Fola Akinosun was approached but he did not render any help whatsoever, he just promised to help which forced the CEC to swing into action. Hence, their reply to the ACJ's recent release which they ascribed much kudos to.

REACTIONS
After speaking at length, explaining his actions, the Student Union President, Omotayo Akande gave  ACJOAU Executives a chance to react to the new insights to the revelations.

The ACJ President, in person of Adebayo Benjamin appreciated the gesture but he stood behind his fact, which all Executive members of the ACJ acceded to that the "Thank-You message" sent on the behalf of the Association to Dr Fola as appreciation with the response of "much thanks" is enough proof that the man sponsored the Scholarship scheme. Since no sane person receives glory for what isn't done. The ACJ President said he must have read the text before replying, since it was his direct contact. All these, the members of the ACJ Executive Council agreed to and expatiated further.

Room was also given for reactions from both sides and the ACJ Executives stood to their facts, words and objectivity which was well admired at the meeting. In concluding the section, Omole Isaac, ACJ's PRO made bold the assertion that "the onus of clarification lies on Dr. Fola Akinosun to clear the union of the allegations against them."

TRIP TO IKENNE, OGUN STATE
The SU President notified the ACJ of its condolence visit to the Awolowo family, to sympathize the death of the late Hannah Awolowo but later postponed the trip to the following week to aid adequate preparation and dissemination of the news to the right quarters. He told the ACJ to come with three representatives.

STUDENT UNION PAPER
The SU President also notified the ACJ of its ambition to own a newspaper publication that will feature news editions every two weeks for the forthcoming semester.

ICT TRAINING
The Union announced their collaboration with NIIT to provide ICT training at affordable rates to students with certificates available. The Union President, thereon explained that he was no fan of capital projects or structures, which he termed necessary but that he prefers developmental programmes with certification which are capable of  adding value to  Great Ife Students in order to  improve their lives. He cited that the NIIT training seminar  will take place in the coming semester, a program that is said to last for  3 weeks.

FEE HIKE CAMPAIGN
The Union president restated their commitment to the fee hike, making a recourse to their involvement in the last protest at the Osun State Capital. He also stated other ways that are being worked upon to revisit the hike and making the figures right.

WORKING RELATIONSHIP
The Union, under the aegis of the President, urged for a good working relationship between the SU and the ACJ. The President spoke on how both bodies could be synergised to achieve laudable dreams and initiative which met nodding approvals of all individuals present.

In attendance during the meeting are the presidents of the Students' Union and ACJ OAU, Akande Omotayo and Adebayo Benjamin respectively; the chief image maker of the Union, Ojedokun Emmanuel a.k.a Immanuel Kant; SU Sports Director, a.k.a Binzu, ACJ OAU Chairman Guild of Editors, Oyedeji Olanrewaju; ACJ OAU General Secretary, Olaoluwa Joseph, the Public Relations Officer of ACJ OAU, Omole Issac and a member of the SU Press Committee, Emmanuel.

The meeting ended at about 9:30pm.

Saraki vs CCT: Former SU President, Ibikunle Posits

The former president of the Obafemi Awolowo University Students' Union and a law graduate, Ibikunle Motunrayo Issac has stated and posited what he regarded as the true position of the law despite diverging opinions from astute legal luminaries on the war between the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Code of Conduct Bereau (CCB) over his assets declaration.

On Friday, the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) issued a bench warrant against Saraki mandatting the Police and other security apparatus to produce him in the Tribunal on Monday. Saraki had gone to the Federal High Court in Abuja to question his trial in the CCT. The Senate President has also reportedly filed an appeal against the bench warrant issued against him.

Ibikunle throws light on the matter and states his own position on the issue.




SARAKI'S ARREST ORDER, CCB, CCT, FHC and THE LAW

(As at 19/09/2015)

So far the public, the media and even lawyers have been divided on the battle between the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunals (CCB and CCB) along political and fraternal affiliations and sentiments. Beyond these judgments which are based on mere affiliations and sentiments, I found it more pressing the need to inform and guide the public, especially the masses on the real issues and probable reasonings involved to save us from being naively caught up in the current struggle of superiority between members of our political class.

From all the melodramatic displays and exchanges however, the following three (3) issues can be formulated. The first two can be issues of determination before the court of law and which I shall deal with hereafter; the third before the court of public opinion and as such I shall omit in my discussion because of the sentiments both sides have generated.

The issues include:

1. Whether the CCT is inferior to the FHC and/or subject to the judicial review power of the Federal High Court (FHC)?

2. Whether the charges against Saraki brought by the CCB through the Director of Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice without an existing Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) are competent in law?

3. Whether with certain past and unfolding events about the CCT, CCB and Saraki, the whole actions amount to witch-hunt or rather an attempt to evade corruption charges?

ISSUE ONE
Despite the seemingly lack or scarcity of Supreme Court decisions that expressly rule on the question of inferiority of CCT to FHC or coordinate jurisdictions of the duo, same question can be settled by resort to the unambiguous provisions of the highest law of the land, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2011 as amended ( to be hereinafter referred to as the 1999 CFRN).
Sections 4 and 5 of the 1999 CFRN deal with legislative and executive powers while section 6 deals with judicial powers. The latter section is the basis of all other provisions of the Constitution or all other Acts in relation to the judiciary. By virtue of the combined provisions of section 6(3) & (5)(a)-(i), a FHC is EXPRESSLY mentioned to be part of "the only superior courts of records in Nigeria". It is trite law that expressio unius est exclusio alterius, an express mention of one thing is the exclusion of others, as such, CCT is not part of superior courts and accordingly it's an inferior court.

This conclusion is also supported on the following grounds:

(1) paragraphs (j) & (k) of the same section 6(5) go further to provide for "such other courts as may be authorized by law" and this by virtue of express exclusion above invariably include courts like the CCT, Magistrate courts, etc;

(2) by the fact that the officers of the CCT are not judicial officers by virtue of the exclusion of the officers of the CCT in the list of judicial officers under interpretation section 318 of same 1999 CFRN. As such the officers of the CCT just as those of the Magistrate courts and of tribunals or committees acting in quasi-juducial committees are inferior to the officers of courts of superior records in terms of judicial hierarchy and powers.

It follows from the above premises therefore, that the CCT is not merely a court of inferior records, its proceedings and powers are also subject to the judicial review powers of the FHC such as order of prohibition or injunctions, restraining a lower court like CCT, either in the interim or perpetuity, from proceeding with a trial such as in this instant case of Saraki.

Meanwhile, it, needs be added that judicial review is not the same thing as an appeal, accordingly, the High Court or the FHC only has power to consider the manner (question of compliance with due process such as issue of jurisdiction as in this case) in which the decision is or is to be reached by the lower court and not the correctness of the decision is or is to be reached by the lower court and not the correctness of the decision itself- Governor of Oyo State v. Folayan (1995) 9 SCNJ 50 at 83, per Ogundare JSC.

ISSUE TWO
On the authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Osahon (2006) 5NWLR (Part 973)361 at pg 411 para C-G, per Kutigi JSC, it is settled that by virtue of the provision of section 174(1) & (2), the absence of AGF does not prevent an officer in the office of the AGF or a private prosecutor from instituting a charge against an accused person.

However, it must be noted that the Counsel to Saraki are not basing their argument on the construction of section 174 of the 1999 CFRN, rather, smartly though, on the construction of section 24(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 2004 (Decree 1989 No. 1, to be hereinafter referred to as CCBT Act 2004) which makes use of the word ''shall'' and EXPRESSLY requires authorization by the AGF unlike section 174(2) of the 1999 CFRN which uses the word "may" and DO NOT EXPRESSLY require authorization.
For the FHC to determine this issue, the court would have to consider inter alia:

(1) whether the use of the word "shall" and the express requirement of authorization are mere rules of procedure which can be dispensed with in the interest of Justice ( see the Court of Appeal in Oladele Ogunsakin v. Rotimi S. Ajidara (2008) 6 NWLR Pt 1082 1 @ 12) and as such do not amount to a condition precedent which denies the CCT the jurisdiction to hear the case?

(2) whether the interpretation given to section 174 of the 1999 CFRN overrides the apparently-differently-couched express provision of section 24(2) of the CCBT Act 2004, on the ground that

(a) the former is a grundnorm? or

(b) to hold otherwise would mean the court is given to legal technicalities and not substantial justice? A position the Supreme Court has frowned at In plethora of cases such as Nishizawa Ltd v. Jethwani (1984) 12 SC 234 Per Oputa JSC.

CONCLUSION
Which ever way the decisions of the courts would go, the events in court as from Monday 21st till God-knows-when are going to be of great essence that will either strengthen or weaken our democracy.

ISAAC M. IBIKUNLE

H.I.D Awolowo Dies At 99

It has just been confirmed that the wife of one of Nigeria's foremost leader, Obafemi Awolowo has passed on at age 99. Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo was to clock 100 years on the 15th November, 2015.

May mama's soul rest in peace.

ACJ OAU Set To Hold Maiden Campus Editors' Summit

The first ever Campus Editors' Summit (CES) is set to hold on October 31st 2015 under the aegis of the Guild of Editors, Association of Campus Journalists OAU.

The Guild of Editors consists of all editors of news agencies on OAU campus. The summit is aimed at training and developing objective editors who will assert the strength of the pen without fear, favour or bias.




For the month of October, two resource persons will he invited to mentor editors about the nitty gritty of writing. Editors from other institutions within Osun State will also participate in this first ever Editor's Summit. The summit promises to be educative and enlightening.

For partnership and support, contact The Guild via the following  numbers:
08162318975
08164847752
Or via email;
Ifeolutayo@gmail.com

Cc: All news agencies on OAU campus.

Calls In Millions: Hall Executives Confess, Blame CEC For Budget

Obafemi Awolowo University sudden rise to media prominence in an examination period is not unconnected to the mega budget meant for phone calls of the Students' Union leaders.

Interestingly, as the Central Executive Council (CEC) led by the President and the Student Representative Council (SRC) led by the much embattled Speaker continue to deny the report, the Hall Executive Councils of the eight (8) halls of residence under the aegis of Hall's Committee have come out to confess and also blame the CEC for the 'skyrocketed budget'.

Below is the press statement from the committee:




HALL’S COMMITTEE SPEAKS

RE: STUDENT UNION LEADERS BUDGET N1.8M FOR PHONE CALLS.

“Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly” - Mahatma Gandhi

While perusing the news released by Punch newspaper dated 15 September, 2015, one is poised to see the ‘antithetical’ clamour for change in status quo of student’s unionism and outright chant for paradigm shift in the youths’ orientation on politics and good governance.

However, Great Ife Students’ Union is known for its ‘ever-tatan’ attitude against oppression, exploitation and other forms of anti-masses concepts. It is thus a seminal importance for the Hall’s committee to voice out at this point so that the noble name of the Student’s union most especially Hall Executives Council will not be brought into mud. Contrary to the news that HEC has joined the bandwagon of exploiters, the Hall’s committee make bold to assert that we share no spoil or glory with the bloated proposed budget as the amounts proposed for phone calls by the eight (8) Hall Executive Council total N292, 400 and the supposedly ratified total N45, 800 by Budget and Finance Committee.

Admittedly, it is glaringly saddening to see the skyrocketed amounts slated for phone calls in the proposed budget of the other arms of the Student’s Union. The analysis of HEC proposed and ratified budget for phone calls for the parliamentary year is stated below:

HALLS       PROPOSED   RATIFIED
ANGOLA.          65,000           3,800
AKINTOLA.       35,000            7,600
ALUMNI            30,000           2,800
AWOLOWO     11,400            4,800    
ETF                   18,000            6,800
FAJUYI              71,200           4,300
MOREMI            39,800           6,900      MOZAMBIQUE  22,000           8,800
        
TOTAL:     292,400        45,800 

It is pertinent to note that the pitiable and condemnable state of the eight Halls of residence prompted the HEC to map out project that are germane to the welfare of the students residing in the Halls when the management and Federal government have failed in their prerogatives. The question of where the fund to implement the proposed projects that amount to a total of 4million ranging from project to solve water scarcity, provision of more chairs and tables at Faj café, renovation of reading rooms and common rooms in the Halls, provision of more spreading lines, renovation of sporting facilities in the Halls etc. when the HEC major income comes from Hall dues and at least 15% of CEC budget. Hence, HEC traditionally source for funds to implement their projects and the means to get this done is through communication and transportation to reach out for sponsors.

According to John F. Kennedy, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’’, based on this veracity, the Hall Executive Council of the Students’ Union since its inception has always striven for better welfare for the students hostels as the Halls accommodate over 9000 students of the university rather than being a partaker of corruption and exploitation. It is important to end this release with a call on federal government and the University management to do the needful as poor funding of education and condemnable state of structures obtainable on OAU campus is quite becoming a routine.

Signed:
Hall’s Committee


It will be recalled that some days ago, news media reported that the OAU Students' Union budget for phone calls with the Speaker of the SRC leading the chat with a proposed phone call budget of N232,500 and N144,000 eventually ratified.

Apply For The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2016

The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is a continental development program that recruits and works with youth volunteers, to work in all 54 countries across the African Union.

Deciding to become an AU-YV is a life changing decision opening opportunities to serve in a community other than your own and assisting in the local development efforts. Africa needs countless skilled labor each year in all fields and professional sectors. Youth Volunteerism has contributed significantly to the development of most advanced economies and contributes a substantively to annual GDP. In Africa, Youth Volunteerism would not only contribute directly to the development of the continent, but is also a means of direct and meaningful youth participation and empowerment.

As a volunteer, apart from applying your skills and knowledge to solve everyday challenges, you would gain crucial international work experience and acquire a great deal of leadership and soft skills, develop your self reliance and acquire new professional skills.

Most of all however, you would gain a life changing experience of learning a new culture, experience a new lifestyle, and get to know a new African country and its people outside your own. This experience would guaranteed shape your life and remain in your memory for the rest of your life.

Title: African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2016

Are You Ready For The Challenge




Main Commitment

Your duties and responsibilities would mainly be to serve the community, organization or institution where you will be deployed. This will be in relation with your field of study or past experience. At present the main areas of focus for AU-YVC are: Education; Health and HIV/ AIDS; Peace and Security; Information and Communications Technology; Business and Youth Entrepreneurship; Agriculture and Environment.

During your deployment your overall objective shall remain to bring a lasting and sustainable impact and benefits to your host community/ organization and promote the spirit of volunteerism and values of service.

This would require you to demonstrate leadership, discipline and dedication throughout your service and especially during challenging and difficult times.

Young African Professionals are recruited to serve for a period of 12 months as AU Volunteers in an AU Member States other than their own.

Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants have to meet the following criteria:

1) Citizen of African Union Member State (All African countries except Morocco) or African Diaspora;
2) Aged between 18 and 33 years;
3) Have at least a post-secondary education certified training and qualifications, from the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree
4) Available to dedicate 12 (twelve) months for volunteer work;
5) Willing to live and work in another AU Member State;
6) Be proficient in at least one official AU language (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese);
7) Have at least one year verifiable experience as a volunteer and or one year of regular work experience

Eligible Fields of Qualification For the next intake of AU Youth Volunteers, the following fields of qualification and experience are required:

    Accounting > Agricultural > Communication Studies > Computer Science > Conflict studies > Diverse Natural Science Fields > Economics > Education > Environmental Management > Gender Studies > Human Resources Management > Human rights – International Law > International relations > Journalism > Law > Political Science > Space Science > Statistics

Benefits:
    For the successful candidates, the African Union Commission will cover the full costs of their pre-deployment training, at a venue to be communicated.
    On deployment, the African Union Youth Volunteers receive the following:
    1) Economy return air ticket from home town to place of deployment
    2) A modest monthly stipend
    3) Health insurance cover
    4) Separation allowance on successful completion of twelve months


Method of application:
Applicants are requested to submit the following

1. Filled out application form
2. Scanned copy of University degree certificate
3. Letter of recommendation from place of volunteer/work experience
4. Scanned copy of identity page on your passport
5. Curriculum Vitae

The listed documents should be sent before 25th September 2015 to : youth@africa-union.org .
*Late applications and applications that do not contain all requested documents will not be considered.
*THOSE WHO HAD APPLIED BEFORE ARE REQUESTED TO RE-APPLY

Recruitment Timeline
1) 30th September: Shortlisting ;
2) 15th October: Successful applicants will be notified ;
3) 7th – 21st November: Successful candidates will undergo pre-deployment training;
4) 2016: Successful applicants will be deployed to relevant organizations.


For more info:
http://www.jobsdraft.blogspot.com/2015/09/african-union-youth-volunteer-corps-2016-recruitment.html

Budget: TY, 8 Other CEC Members To Spend N.41m on Phone Calls

The Central Executive Council (CEC) of Obafemi Awolowo University has submitted to the Student Representative Council (SRC) for approval a budget amounting to N414,000 which will be used on making phone calls alone.

Leading other CEC members on the budget for phone calls is the President, Omotayo Akande a.k.a TY with a request of N108,000. Followed closely on the chat are the Welfare Officer and Vice President with N90,000 and N54,000 respectively.




Others include;
Office of the Secretary General - N36,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary General - N18,000
Office of the Sports Director - N18,000
Office of the Public Relations Officer - N36,000
Office of the Social Director - N18,000 and
Office of the Financial Secretary - N36,000.

The same document revealed the Speaker of the parliament, Adebari Aare wanting N144,000 for his phone calls making his office the highest. The Deputy Speaker also requested for N60,000.

Far lesser than what the CEC and House leadership are requesting for as phone call budgets, none of the Hall Executive Council of the eight (8) halls budgeted above N3,300 for phone calls. The budgets of office of the chairperson of various halls are as follow:

Fajuyi Hall - N2,800
Awolowo Hall - N2,800
Alumni Hall - N2,800
Moremi Hall - N2,800
ETF Hall - N2,000
Akintola Hall - N3,300
Mozambique Hall - N2,000
Angola Hall: nil

We Have No Plan To Increase Hostel Clearance Fee - OAU PRO

The Public Relations Officer of Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr Olanrewaju Abiodun has frowned at the rumour making the rounds that the school management has concluded plans to increase bed space clearance fee as from next session.




Mr Olanrewaju said the school management has no plans to increase the hostel fee.  "Have you seen any circular stating that we want to increase the hostel fee, let people keep circulating rumours. As far as the management is concerned, we have not stated or discussed plans to increase accommodation fee, please ignore the rumours." Mr Olanrewaju said.

The information that the OAU management plans to increase hostel fee has caused lots of controversy since it went viral and it remains to be seen if really the rumor will be mere rumor even after denial of such plans by the school PRO. (ACJ OAU)

As We Go Into The Examination Period

The Entire OAU Peeps News Agency hereby uses this medium to wish every student a good success as we go into the examination periods. We pray for everybody good health and a retentive memory.

Management

Campus Journalists To Snub SU Osogbo Press Conference

Campus journalists in Obafemi Awolowo University under the aegis of the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) have vowed to snub the Students’ Union press conference billed for Monday, 14th September, 2015 at the state capital, Osogbo.

The decision to snub the planned press conference is coming after the announcement made today at various Halls of residence of the institution inviting students who wish to follow the Union to Osogbo for the press conference. Campus journalists have complained of the continued disregard of the internal media by the Union especially the Central Executive Council when it comes to her functions and meetings outside the campus community.

Directing all campus journalists to boycott the Press Conference, the Chairman, Guild of Editors, Mr Olanrewaju Oyedeji in a Statement released late Saturday evening called on campus journalists to snub the supposed ‘press conference’ and that any consequence that emerges from attendance as campus journalists will not be a burden of ACJ OAU.




“A man is of high value only when he values himself. It came to the notice of the Guild that Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union plans to hold a press conference at Osogbo on Monday 14th of September. While this is a welcome development, the ACJ OAU Guild of Editors feel this is the best time to set some records straight.

“In every normal setting, charity begins from home, it is crystal clear that the OAU SU has taken ACJ OAU with her deserved respect, such press conferences without a letter inviting journalists on OAU campus, OAU SU has now degraded journalists to a level which is unacceptable. We hereby call on all campus journalists to snub the supposed ‘press conference’ as any consequence that emerges from attendance of any campus journalist will not be a burden of ACJ OAU.”

During the previous press conference held at SUB, campus journalists opined that the Union leadership should try to inform them of press conferences outside the walls of the university which the Union President acknowledged. However, the Osogbo press conference which is meant to be attended basically by journalists is yet to be communicated to ACJ OAU as at the time of filing this report which is about a day to the press briefing.

Foursquare GO, Rev. Felix Meduoye Storms OAU

The General Overseer of Foursquare Church, Rev. Felix Meduoye will be ministering in Obafemi Awolowo University come Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September, 2015.

The Christian Mobilization Committee facilitated program will be coming up in Amphi theartre by 4:00pm and 6:00am during the two days respectively. The theme of the program is 'Power in the name of Jesus'.




Rev. Felix and his amiable wife, Olubisi Meduoye were appointed pioneer Pastors of a branch of the Foursquare Church in Lagos Nigeria in March 1987. Under God’s grace and leading, they steadily progressed to become Zonal Superintendent and District Overseer over a period of twenty three (23) years. In the year 2010, Rev. Felix Meduoye was elected and installed as the fourth (4th) indigenous General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria.

'We Are No Longer Foolish', NYSC Tells OAU Students

By David Adetula



The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has told students of Obafemi Awolowo University that the body is no longer foolish like before in its dealings.

In a program powered by the Division of Student Affairs, OAU in conjuction with NYSC, the later has educated the final year students and prospective corps members on  what the Youth Service entails and what to expect during the period.

Addressing a cross section of OAU students at the Chemical Engineering lecture theatre in the institution on Wednesday, Mr Aremu Kehinde who is the Assistant Director, Man Power Planning, NYSC said most nowadays graduates enter the youth service with a wrong mindset.

"Most people enter the NYSC with the wrong mindset and I don't want you to have that. I want you to enter into the youth service with the mind that it is for your benefit and not as time wastage as many of the corps members see it.

"The youth service allows you to give service. Service is actually things for people without expecting gratification."




While answering questions as regards the current payment threshold for corps members, Aremu said  NYSC understands the plight of the youths and hence engaging and lobbying the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)  from time to time to see to the improvement in the stipends paid to corps members. He however advised that much more beyond the pay, diligence is key and can pay off beyond the stipends that can be paid.

The guest speaker also informed the prospective corps members that the registration for Batch B corps members has commenced and graduates need to log on to the NYSC portal (www.nysc.gov.ng) to register. He further revealed that the new system operated by NYSC affords prospective corps members to choose their most preferred states of service.

Mr Aremu also warned those that will be registering not to play pranks or try to be smart to give wrong details during registration as NYSC is no longer foolish like before.

The new Vice Dean, Division of Student Affairs led the delegation of the University team to the seminar.

OAU SUB TV Room Set To Wear A New Look

By David Adetula



The Students' Union Building TV room of Obafemi Awolowo University is set to wear a new look as massive renovation work is ongoing there.

The indelible impacts as promised by the Union president, Omotayo Akande a.k.a TY may not have spared the SUB as he opined that it should be a befitting structure.

Barely 130 days in office, TY and other Union officers have defied norms and practices of previous Union executives as they have denied themselves the privileges of collecting tickets for meal and other material things from the occupants of the Students' Union Building for the sake of obvious development that will add value to the Union's most lucrative property.




Remarkably, TY while addressing the press commemorating the tenure's 120 days in office stated that he has ordered that no Union officer should approach the Union building occupants like Forks & Fingers, 5vers and others for food or other things but rather those occupying the building come together to contribute their quota to put the building in good shape as it will not be business as usual.

The above may have yielded its desired result as one of our correspondents who visited the building recently reported the ongoing massive reconstruction. All the old and bad chairs have been removed and the floor has been tiled.

Efforts to reach the Students' Union Secretary General, Oketooto Oluwaseun a.k.a Hon. Seun for him to tell the current state of the project proved abortive.

Ever since the Students' Union proscription in 2009 until now, the SUB TV room has been in a bad state with no attention given to it even though the Union uses it for some of her activities.

Ex OAU SU President, Ibikunle Honoured As 2015 Remo Child

By Deborah Dosunmu



Recently, a Remo-Sagamu youth initiative, THE REMO CHILD PROJECT, honoured the ex OAU Students’ Union President, Ibikunke Isaac as the ‘2015 Remo Child’.

This is an acknowledgement accorded distinguished youths, indigenes of Remo, who have made impacts and are still making impacts in the society; youths that are flag bearers of the Remo community.  In the introduction of ‘The Remo Child Project 2015’, it was stated, “the Remo child project was born in the wake of 2014 by some young passionate Remo youths who believe in economic, social, and cultural development of the people. The purpose of the initiative is to celebrate and encourage Remo youths to becoming one of (if not the best) of their kinds.”(Sic)




Ibikunle who was born more than two decades ago into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Olusanya Ibikunle of Ogunfero compound, Sagamu, Ogun state was named the 2015 Remo Child not only because of his political achievements but also his academic achievements and service to humanity. He is a graduate of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University. Apart from being the OAU Students’ Union President for a session, some of his achievements are; he led and participated in the 23rd Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (Africa Regional round), Abuja 2014, where team OAU won which qualified them for the world round in Canada. He has led his team to victory in various competitions in the field of law especially the Moot and Mock competitions nationally and internationally.

Ibikunle Isaac who is also a member of the Nigerian Red Cross society, has was nominated for and also won some awards for distinction. Among are; 2014 nominee as the Most Influential Student of the Year by Oscar-ACJ Awards, OAU; 2015 Award for Outstanding Leadership by the Students’ Union, OAU.

OAU Releases 2015/2016 Admission Merit List

We have confirmed the release of the Obafemi Awolowo University merit list which is the list of the first batch of admitted students.




To know if you are in the list, simply check your admission status with your UTME no on JAMB website.

Goodluck peeps!

Judicial Council Mandates OAU Students To Pay N30,000

By David Adetula

The Judiciary of Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union has mandated two students of the institution; Mr Azeez Quadri A. and Mr Adeoye Fidel to pay a sum of N15,000 each to one Mr Adewale Adeolu M., a student of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering within thirty (30) days over a contract sealed by both parties.

The plaintiff, Adewale Adeolu dragged the two students to the Judicial Council for trying to breach the contract they had after he took them SAT examination tutorial and according to him, he had a contract with them to pay a sum of N15,000 each before the end of two weeks after the tutorial ended which they failed to honour.

Deciding on the matter, the presiding justice, Justice Dayo Saliu Mustapha and other Justices who heard the case at the level of Security Room of the Students’ Union Building (SUB) discovered that the two defendants were not really evading justice as alleged by the plaintiff but their lack of financial buoyancy during the time has caused the delay.




The impetus to pay Mr Adewale Adeolu according to the sued, Mr Azeez and Mr Adeoye, did not grow following the failure of the SAT examination to hold for which they have been tutored even as they are cash trapped.

On Friday, September 4, the presiding justice in his ruling however mandated the two defendants to look for all possible means to pay up the cumulative N30,000 to the plaintiff within one month which is expected to lapse on October 4, else face a penalty.

Justices that sat on the case include Justice Dayo Saliu Mustapha, Justice Jumoke Ashimolowo, Justice Ahmed Abidoye, Justice Ayo and Justice Segun.

2015/2016 OAU Predegree Application Deadline Extended

The Centre for Distance Learning (CDL), Obafemi Awolowo University has announced the extension of the deadline for application for the 2015/2016 predegree programme.

Read details on application:




www.oaupeeps.com/2015/07/application-for-20152016-oau-predegree.html 

BEACONS Donates Waste Bins To OAU Community

Members of Beacons Organisation on Saturday, September 5, moved from one spot on campus to another as the group donated swing-top waste bins to the OAU community.

Speaking about the project, the President, Oluwaferanmi Adedeji said: “These swing-top waste bins represent our first statement of intent as an organisation. We felt that there were some crucial spots on campus where we thought waste bins were needed. It’s important for us to keep our campus clean and take this culture with us everywhere we go; cleanliness they say is next to godliness.”

The Vice-President, Adekanye Opeyemi chipped in with some words: “Leadership begins with responsibility in little things. We can all moan about how dirty our environment is, even how dirty Nigeria is but it all begins with the individuals. If everybody imbibes the culture of throwing trash into the trash cans, we will have a neat environment. It is only an aberrant person that will see a clean environment and intentionally mess it up.”




The President also solicited for the support of the authorities, “We plead for the support of the authorities and the general OAU community in our bid to encourage members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Community to make use of all the waste bins that have been made available.”

B.E.A.C.O.N.S is an acronym meaning Builders, Enlightened Advocates of Change of Nigerian Society. According to the President of the group;

"We are driven by our dream of a new generation that will be willing and able to impact their community, the country and the world at large positively.

“Our main objective is to through community service, solve problems faced by members of our immediate community (O.A.U) thereby imbibing a sense of responsibility that seems to be missing in many of the outgoing generation’s leaders. One could say we are trying to 'kill two birds with a single stone', solve community problems and build true leaders."

He assertively concluded by saying, “This is our passion, our vision and we will continue to embark on projects like this one. We will continue to push in this direction and will appreciate the support of the University management and the Students’ Union on our way.”

Life On Campus With Mizdee- Male Porters In Female Hostels

                            

I know many people would disagree with me but I think male porters working in female hostels, is totally uncalled for and improper. Some people might say ‘what about the security of lives and properties?’ Why then do we have security guards? I know what is on your mind! Who says females cannot be security guards? Less I divert from my subject, what in Pete’s sake are male porters doing in female hostels. Male porters go around pulling off posters and bills early in the morning. I did not know that pulling off posters requires energy. Even if it requires energy, who says females cannot do that? I did not know when cleaning and keeping the environment became a man’s job. Yet, these same set of people believe in patriarchy.

I remember a certain episode I witnessed in one of the female hostels. A male porter claimed he was going around pulling off posters and then peeped through an open window; he then knocked when someone complained. Tell me, what was he looking for? Some months ago, it was reported that a male porter caught a girl bathing in the wee hours of a particular day. Imagine! Do not get me wrong, I do not encourage nor support wrong attitudes but at the same time, that is preposterous. Common! Who does that? I did not know there was a law that says a female porter should not move round a female hostel. 

Interestingly, the last time I checked, the Advanced English Dictionary describes ‘a porter’ as someone who is employed to carry supplies or people’s luggage or someone that guards an entrance. In our own case, the hall entrance. I do not know any of the porters who got their job description right. (Laughs loudly) I do not see pulling off posters, walking round female halls, peeping through windows to instruct etc. in the description.  They do not carry our bags when we return to school from break neither do they help us with anything. They guard our hall entrances. Is that supposed to be a joke? This people sleep off their time at work especially at night. Hey! That is an understatement. I can still remember a situation that occurred in one of the hostels many months ago. A male figure came into that female hall, masked, to steal in the midnight. He jumped in through the fence, to be fair. The girl, who saw him, screamed and called some others who were awake. Through it all, our dear porter ‘dutifully and faithfully’ slept on. Sometimes, a female wakes up to the voice of a male porter in the middle of the night. Tell me, is he her husband? What is he doing at such hours that a female porter cannot do?

Who is fooling whom?

Public Service Announcement To OAU Students From Idanre

 This is to bring to the notice of all students from Idanre that the National Association of Idanre Students (NAIS), OAU Chapter has been created. The purpose of the association is to sensitize the generality of Students from Idanre of Events, Occurences, Programs etc. that most have been oblivious of in times past, examples being the Local government Scholarship Schemes, Club66 Scholarship Schemes, Local government Bursaries amidst others. For this reasons, we hereby seek the effective performance of the indigenous people of Idanre as members in moving the association forward. For interested natives interested in joining the association, Please Contact 07066578315 or 08162470892 

IDANRE A GBE KETE WA OO!!

Olaniyi Oluwaseun                                                                              Adeusi Gbolagade

President                                                                                               Public Relations Officer

Cut-off Mark For 2015/2016 Direct Entry Admission

We have been able to gather that the processes for admitting Direct Entry students will remain for the 2015/2016 admissions but a minimum Post-UTME score of 50 is required to be scored by the applicant to qualify for admission.

Goodluck!

Faculty Of EDM Releases 2015/2016 Admission Cut-off Marks

OAU Peeps News Agency can confirm to you that the Faculty Of EDM has released their 2015/2016 admission cut-off marks as detailed below.

ARCHITECTURE
Merit – 237.5
Ekiti – 227
Lagos – 206.5
Ogun – 236.5
Ondo – 219
Osun – 230.5
Oyo – 242
ELDS – 210.5

BUILDING
Merit – 241
Ekiti – 200
Lagos – 200
Ogun – 200
Ondo – 200
Osun – 200
Oyo – 200
ELDS – 200

URBAN & REGIONAL PLANNING
Merit – 204
Ekiti – 200
Lagos – 200
Ogun – 200
Ondo – 200
Osun – 200
Oyo – 200
ELDS – 200

QUANTITY SURVEYING
Merit – 205.5
Ekiti – 200
Lagos – 200
Ogun – 200
Ondo – 200
Osun – 200
Oyo – 200
ELDS – 200

FINE ARTS
Merit – 249.5
Ekiti – 225.5
Lagos – 228
Ogun – 235
Ondo – 220.5
Osun – 242.5
Oyo – 230
ELDS – 209.5

ESTATE MANAGEMENT
Merit – 201
Ekiti – 200
Lagos – 200
Ogun – 200
Ondo – 208.5
Osun – 214.5
Oyo – 210
ELDS – 200

Future Impact Conference (FIC) 2015 Holds September 5

The Future Impact Conference – a very germane part of the Reflector vision – is a platform of connection between the experiences of the older generation and the expectation of the younger generation. As the name implies, it’s aimed at bridging the gap between historical trends and futuristic tendencies, hence, giving the youth intellectual ingredients needed to build and secure a desired future.

The maiden edition of The Reflector’s Future Impact Conference was launched on the 25th of October, 2014. The event hosted great guests like PROF. REMI RAJI (President, Association of Nigerian Authors), ENGR. ABIODUN FIJABI (President, Life Africa Foundation), PROF. GBEMISOLA ADEOTI (Pan-African Writer and author, “Naked Soles”) and BARR. SOLA ADEGBITE. Hundreds of students (including delegates from four secondary schools) converged in Obafemi Awolowo University to engage the topic: “AWAKENING THE FUTURE: A Focus on Media, Education and Youth Development”.

The theme for this year’s edition of the FUTURE IMPACT CONFERENCE slated for 5th of September, 2015 is: “RESHAPING NIGERIA: What Can We The Youths Do?“. We hope to have you join several other young thought-leaders at Obafemi Awolowo University’s prestigious Awovarsity Hall.

The event will also feature the Prize-giving ceremony of the 1ST PROFESSOR REMI RAJI WRITING CONTEST and WORD WAR II.

Guest Speakers:

GBENGA SESAN
[Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria]

Gbenga Sesan is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), a social enterprise that connects underserved people-groups with ICT-enabled opportunities. Gbenga Sesan was appointed Nigeria’s first Information Technology Youth Ambassador in October 2001. His interest and work is built around the use of ICTs in socio-economic transformation. Gbenga is a graduate of Electronic & Electrical Engineering of Obafemi Awolowo University and completed Executive Education programs at Lagos Business School, New York Group for Technology Transfer, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford and Santa Clara Universities.

REMI SONAIYA
[KOWA Party 2015 Presidential Candidate]

Prof. Remi Sonaiya was KOWA party’s candidate for the 2015 presidential election. She is very interested in public affairs and is passionate about issues of justice, equity, and African development. She has a soft spot for young people of Nigeria and concerned that they have to bear the brunt of the prevailing culture of corruption. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), a Masters in French Literature from Cornell University, USA, another Masters in Linguistics, and a PhD in Linguistics from Cornell University.

TUNDE KELANI
[Founder, Mainframe Productions]

Tunde Kelani is a Nigerian Filmmaker, Storyteller, Director, Photographer, Cinematographer and producer. In a career spanning more than four decades, he specializes in producing movies that promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and have a root in documentation, Archiving, Education, Entertainment and promotion of moral values. Some of the great works of mainframe Film and Television Productions founder include: Saworoide, Thunderbolt, The Narrow Path, Maami, Dazzling Mirage etc.

ISIME ESENE
[Managing Editor, Red Media Africa]

Isime Esene is the Managing Editor of of the Y! Media franchise, where he oversees a bouquet of public facing brands across print, online, television, radio and events, all focused on the news and pop culture needs of a buzzing community. Over the past three years with RED, Isime has built and grown relationships with global brands including Microsoft, Google, Nigerian Breweries, Guinness, Etisalat, Airtel, Samsung, Uber and BlackBerry. He was in 2013 appointed a member of the high profile brain trust of The Future Awards Africa, which has been called Africa’s biggest youth event. He was later appointed a member of the expanded Advisory Council of the project. Isime is also a mentor on the Microsoft jobs platform, Aiki.ng.

BUKKY SHONIBARE
[Founder, 555 Consulting and Frontliner, #BringBackOurGirls Campaign]

She is the group CEO for “The 555 Group” owners of 555 Consulting Limited, 555 Foods, 555 Impact Centre, 555 Foundation. She has years of experience in HR consulting field, and possesses a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management, and Social Sector Management from the Pan African University in Nigeria. Bukky as an unwavering determination towards the “Bring Back Our Girls” movement, which began in an effort to find the missing Chibok girls.


Entrance Fee: PAID.
Venue: Awovarsity Hall

Note that the event begins by 10:00am but Registration starts by 8:00am.

Here’s a life-changing experience you can’t afford to miss!