Ab initio, I have done my best to ensure that my pen is not
a casualty in the Professor Y.K Yusuf matter but as it stands now I can no
longer prevent the bloodshed of my thoughtful pen. I would like to firstly mention
that I do not have any firsthand information as regards the issue and so some
of the assertions I would be making in the course of this article may not be as
precise but I believe some of the aftereffects of the rather unfortunate
incident is apparent enough to reach some basic inferences.
Almost every living
soul in the walls of the Obafemi Awolowo University is familiar with the motto
of the University. In fact you could almost hear the bats on campus sing it if
you listen closely sometimes and now courtesy of the Professor Effiong Eyo Okon
Golden Jubilee Garden, even an observant first time visitor should be able to
correctly state the institution’s motto. I recall that as a fresh student of
the University, a high number of lecturers emphasized the importance of both
parts of the motto; Learning and Culture. However, I want to believe that there
is a third part of the motto that is not entirely obvious. Merriam Webster
defines it as the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way and make good
decisions, it is more commonly referred to as ‘Common Sense’ and it is indeed a
trait so needed in the optimal functioning of a person both as an individual
and as a part of society.
The earlier part of
this semester was quite eventful, apart from the school work, which in my own
case was as tedious as usual, there were quite a number of occurrences that
trended on the OAU campus. One of these events was that of the Language Scholar
and our Student’s Union’s PRO. From reports, it was said that Prof Yusuf was
teaching a class and the PRO, Immanuel Kant tried to make an announcement in
the same class and was denied permission. Some of the decisions that followed
evolved into a funnily serious brawl between the Students of the English
department and the involved Union executives, the suspension of the Student’s
Union and some very recent scary rumours. I don’t like to point accusing
fingers but I strongly believe there is no need to in this case. You would also
be tempted to again ask where the concept of “Common Sense” comes in to this topic;
it is true that Common Sense is not as directly involved but the unfavouring
effects of its unuse even for just a few moments can be deduced from this
incident.
I hereby use this medium to preach once again the message of
“Common Sense”. In as much as academic and moral instructions are primary to
the education we so pursue, there is also the need to develop initiative and
discretion: The ability to make the least parlous decisions at different points
in time. I would also plead with the appropriate quarters that whilst they
defend the sanity of the society with justice, they also tamper justice with
mercy. Hopefully, more would come to appreciate the nonobvious part of our
Institution’s motto because eventually it’s not just learning and culture, it’s
For Learning, Culture and Common Sense
Pope Jay
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