OAU Students Advocate Participation In Appointment Of Vice Chancellor

Some students of Obafemi Awolowo University under the aegis of a platform called OAU Wikileak have advocated that students be allowed to participate in the ongoing selection process of the Vice Chancellor.

In a social media discussion monitored by Oye Ola Oladimeji, majority of the contributors feel the students be afforded a voice in the very crucial process since they will be affected by the decision of whoever emerges at the end of the day.

Leading the debate, Moshood Odunayo Olajide, the Convener of OAU Wikileaks frown at the way students are completely excluded in the choosing of the university's Vice Chancellor. He argued that students exclusion from such prominent appointment is part of the reason why the university authority takes students for granted. He however urged students to rise up and change this trend.

In his own opinion, Honourable Epitome, a parliamentarian from the faculty of EDM stated that students must participate in providing criteria for the appointment of Vice Chancellor. Hear him, in a typical democratic setting,  students can participate in form of public debate whereby every sapient will be allowed to ask questions.

Contributing, Honourable Omole Ibukun from the faculty of Tech advocated a thoroughly transparent public  debate that will simultaneously feature the outgoing Vice Chancellor coming to give account of his regime while students are allowed to question both the outgoing and the incoming freely.

Also speaking, Fatoyinbo Gafar, a social critic, aver that students have always constitute the major stakeholder in the education sector. He further stated that students should be allowed to partake in the decision making process as the appointment of a new vice-chancellor will either make or mar students, hence the need to have the input of the students. He further asserted that the imposition of anointed candidate on the university by powerful forces may be too hazardous for Great Ife students to bear. Speaking in the same vein, Matthew Edache urged the university authority and the National University Commission (NUC) to provide a platform for students to air their views on the appointment of VC's. He also condemned the increment of tuition fees which has not led to improved welfarism on campus.

In his own contribution, Bamidele Williams, suggested that a Congress of Great Ife students be convened by the Security committee of the students union to dispassionately discuss the modalties of the appointment of Vice Chancellor while a seven man committee should be set up to meet with ASUU, and SSANU while the committee should also spearhead media campaign tagging it #OAUSAYSNOTOANNOINTEDVC. Aligning with the position of Williams, Solomon Abiodun popularly known as Spiritdrunk suggested that the Security committee should convene a Congress and make students' demands known to the university management.

Opposing the debate, Emeka Mbah, a student from the faculty of medicine however feels that students stand no chance in participating in the appointment of the Vice Chancellor stating that the race is purely political and beyond the participation of students.

OAU VC Race: Governing Council Shortlists 6, Obiyan Heads ASUU Screening Committee

In a bid to ensure that the best emerges Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has finalised plans to screen candidates for the position.

It was learnt that the action was to facilitate and organize interaction with the shortlisted aspirants.

The tenure of the current occupant, Professor Bamitale Omole, who became VC almost five years ago, expires on June 24th, 2016.

About 12 professors had applied for the position following an advertorial in the newspapers in December 2015 but the Governing Council has shortlisted 6.

With the setting up of a committee to interact with the shortlisted candidates for the position, the union has endorsed the decisions of the University Governing Council.

It was gathered that the union, after its congress meeting which took place on March 15, 2016, received reports from some of its members in the Governing Council, and concluded that the University Council acted within its powers in shortlisting candidates for the post of Vice-chancellor of the university.

The union afterward appointed Professor Sat Obiyan, who heads the institution’s Department of Political Science, to head the 5-man screening committee to organize and drive the interaction process.

Confirming the development, Obiyan explained that it was true that a committee was set up by ASUU-OAU, adding that the committee was already finalizing arrangements for the event which is likely to hold in early April.

Credit: The Nation

''English Department Is A Deviation From A Real Department'' - Emeritus

A student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University has blasted his department, describing it as a deviation from real department.

In an article obtained by our correspondent, Emeritus agreed with the position of his colleague popularly called FM who is of the opinion that the department is a den if empty barrel filled with ignorance.

Read the full article below:

"English department: A den of empty barrels filled  with ignorance." - FM, Part 4

"We are conscious of the fact that the emissaries of the devils above dwell and dine with us, however, the truth must be said, despite the sayer and hearer. This is to enhance the perfect reign of justice and the dethronement of oppression." EMERITUS

A Critical Discourse Analysis of the above witty and factual quote by FM, a part 4 student, paying attention to ideology, identity and power.

This CDA might be a deviation from the norm, this is because English department is a deviation from a real department.

POWER
The voice in the text above is filled with power. This may be as a result of the writer's tremendous knowledge of the department cum his experiences in the department. Going from the writer's voice to the social context of the piece, one will discover that in this social setting, some "powerful and unquestionable people" deal with students' destinies anyhow, as if students worth no existence. These persons are oblivious of the fact that posterity exists. They tend to forget that we can still come for them in the future to also enhance the reign of justice. They are ignorant of the fact that they can only do their worst to all, but cannot kill the never-die greatness in some of us. In fact, aside their "fields"most of them are starved and bereft of intellect and knowledge of  other fields and history. Even in our midst we have abusers of power. Those who forget their manifestoes after been sworn in. They forget those sweet-sounding manifestoes, and use the office to fix well their pockets, utilize their offices to worship the mighty element of man between their legs. Of course, I am not a moralist but the use of office positions to satisfy these endless desires of human at the expense of selfless service is my "palava."

IDEOLOGY
The prevailing ideology in this department is that of "you must belong to a caucus, we are of higher standard, we cannot associate with all." With this malignant ideology in the above and within, disunity, false self impression and academic suicide, collectively and freely reign. Oppressors above release deadly bombs of academic failure, yet most of these persons below will never want to revolt/ interrogate, just to avoid unity. They easily accept unnecessary fates that they have the right to turn to their favour. Their ignorance manifested in their actions portray that some of them leave tomorrow to think for them. How suicidal it is!

Another ideology is the celebration of frivolities and apathy for reality. Once you do well in frivolities, you are a celebrity. However, they fail to participate in real and progressive actions and movements. In fact, they hate anyone that attempts progressiveness. It is a situational irony that the largest department in West Africa and one of the largest in the continent cannot produce good number of student leaders. I am not preaching political oppression with numbers but the numerical strength is an advantage. You cannot tell me that in class of 450 we cannot see good leaders! We are in Arts, we engage humanity. Consequently, we should do better than those in technology, science, edm and so on. People celebrate failure in this den.

Statements like "Over 30 years we have not seen any first class in my department. Out of over 400 graduating students, we do not always produce above 10 second-class  upper awards." These words are empirical,but they are proudly said as if they symbolize achievement.
Most of them from the above get feared , respected and worshipped by deliberately failing students, but not by what they know.
Identity.

Many People give themselves unnecessary and illusionary "hyping" or status. By this very fact, ignorance is proudly portrayed.

Pure lexico- semantics
"A den of empty barrels," FM was painstaking in his selection of words. A den is a place for lions. These are the implications. Lions are know to be "quintessentials" in strength. Ironically, the social setting of this piece portrays that of a place that is known for the perfect examples of the manifestations of ignorance.
A den is avoided by many because of what the "greatness" therein can "catastrophize." It is factual that many people avoid the place setting portrayed by the writer. Unfortunately, people by ill fate or the deliberate, corrupt and normal actions of the  "Proppresors" in Abuja and the University Sin-net (senate as they falsely call it) find themselves here. Of course, some persons voluntarily find themselves here, maybe as a result of passion. However, before the end of the day this burning passion is  frozen by the prevailing realities in that place.

Conclusively, I am quite sure that oppressive missiles of oppression and envy shall be triggered towards me, but the "odieshi" or bullet proof of truth will never allow them to kill the desire, vigor and in fact the passion to fearlessly and "favourlessly" assert the truth when necessary. If you are not a servant of justice, you are surely on your own as the end will always leave you with "had I know tears." Hence, as a Critical discourse analyst, I sing of an English department where unity; fair grading of marks; celebration of progressiveness reign. I sing of that department where people will always thirst to dwell in. Most importantly, the song of a department where interrogative/ critical  and versatile minds and brains reign. The status quo must be changed!

EMERITUS.
Member of the Parliament representing the faculty of Arts & a Comrade of PSA

Constitutional Provisions For The Selection Of Vice Chancellor

One of the hottest gists on the soil of Obafemi Awolowo University campus is the ongoing jostling for the soon-to-be vacant seat of the Vice Chancellor of the institution. Professor Bamitale Omole is expected to bow out of office on June 23, 2016.

In a bid to educate the OAU community especially the student population, OAU Peeps News Agency finds it imperative to state the position of the constitution as regards selection of the Vice Chancellor.

The principal law governing the selection and appointment of Vice Chancellors in Nigerian Universities is the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, No 11 of 1993. This Law was amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2003. The cumulative effect of these laws on the appointment of Vice-Chancellors is summarized as follows.

VICE CHANCELLORS
1. There shall be a Vice- Chancellor of a University who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the provisions of this section.

2. Where a Vacancy occurs in the post of a Vice- Chancellor, the Council shall –
(a) advertise the vacancy in a reputable journal or a widely read newspaper in Nigeria, specifying –
(i) the qualities of the persons who may apply for the post; and
(H) the terms and conditions of service applicable to the post, thereafter drawn up a short list of suitable candidates for the post for consideration;

(b) constitute a Search Team consisting of –
(ii) a member of the Council, who is not a member of the Senate, as chairman:
(ii) two members of the Senate who are not members of the Council, one of whom shall be a professor;
(iii) two members of Congregation who are not members of the Council, one of whom shall be a professor.

To identify and nominate for consideration, suitable persons who are not likely to apply for the post of their own volition because they feel that it is not proper to do so.

(3) A joint Council and Senate selection board consisting of –
(a) the Pro-Chancellor as chairman;
(b) two members of the Council, not being members of the Senate;
(c) two members of the Senate who are professors, but who were not members of the Search Team, shall consider the candidates and persons on the short list drawn up under section (2) of this section through an examination of their curriculum vitae and interaction with them; and recommend to the Council suitable candidates for further consideration.

(4) The Council shall select one candidate from among the three candidates recommended to it under sub section (3) of this section and forward the name to the President. (This section has now been amended. See below)

Prior to 1993, the appointment of Vice- Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, with particular reference to Federal Universities, was done by the Federal government without recourse to the Councils and Senates of the Universities.

The Present law is a complete departure from the previous arbitrary manner of appointing Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. The present law allows for participation by all segments of the University community, i.e Council, Senate and Congregation.

The present law has circumscribed and curtailed the wide powers which the Federal government previously had in appointing Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

Under section 4(b) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2003.

“The Council shall select and appoint as Vice Chancellor one candidate from among the three candidates recommended to it ... and thereafter inform the visitor.

The appointment of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities is now within the powers of University Councils. It is now an internal matter in, which members of the University community participate either directly or indirectly. This development must be welcomed. It allows for participatory democracy by all segments of the University Community.

Despite the enormous powers which Councils of Universities now have in appointing Vice Chancellors, they are not laws unto themselves. They are subject to control by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has the power to remove any member or dissolve the Council.

They are also subject to the control of Courts of Law in the exercise of their powers. Let us assume that a selection board has recommended three candidates (A, B, and C) to a Council. The candidates are listed in order of performance and preference, with candidate ‘A’ as the first and candidate ‘C’ as the third. Council has now chosen candidate C and has informed the president as required by Law.

Is the decision by the Council absolute and unquestionable? I do not think so. Their decision can be called into question in a Court of Law. A University Council cannot by its own decision finally determine or decide on the question of the exercise of its powers. Such question is always subject to review by the Courts.

A University Council that allows itself to be guided by political and ethnic considerations in the appointment of a Vice Chancellors, can be challenged in a Court of Law




Credit: Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 Imperial Vice Chancellors
By PROF. LAWRENCE ATSEGBUA

NAOSS OAU Decides: Ondo Students Head To Poll Today

Ondo state students in Obafemi Awolowo University will today head to the poll to vote for their choice persons as the next set of Executives of her association - National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS).

The election holds today at the Anglo-Moz car park. In order for the Ondo students to exercise their franchise, they are expected to come with;
1. School Identity Card (or anything that will convince the Electoral Commission that you are a GREAT IFE student).
2. Your Certificate of Origin (or any means of state identification that that will enable you to vote).

"Remember, you cannot chase out darkness with darkness, come today and light the voting list with your preferred candidates" the commission persuades.

12 Professors Jostle For OAU’s VC Job

No fewer than 12 professors are currently jostling for the position of vice-chancellorship of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Investigation conducted revealed that the struggle for the number one position in the university began in earnest involving underground moves and persuasions for the contestants of their choice.

Ten of the contestants are from within the university while only two are eyeing the position from outside the university.

As at the time of filling this report, details of the contestants are yet to be made public but investigation revealed that secret meetings were held by various unions, both academic and non-academic, in the university.

Some unions were said to have raised a committee to shop for credible candidates within the university to replace Professor Bamitale Omole whose five-year single tenure would end on June 23, 2016.

It was gathered that the committee would feed the unions back on their findings within two weeks during which it would have assessed the candidates before making its choice public.

It will be recalled that some days ago, some staff unions including Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) in OAU have accused the incumbent governing council of the university of imposing a candidate to fill the most prestigious seat on them. These unions have prayed the president to dissolve the institution's governing council.

The student population as at this time who are obviously not in the scheme of choice have been left to watch development with no obvious position from the student union so far, though the student union's activities have been recently suspended by the university authorities.



Source

2015/2016 OAU Freshers Registration: List Of Documents Needed

This is to inform all newly admitted students of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife that OAU Freshers Registration exercise is about to start. The following are list of documents needed for a successful screening and registration as a Fresher.

List of Documents
Original and four (4) photocopies of the following documents:-

(1) WAEC/NECO/GCE O’level result(s)
(2) Birth Certificate/Sworn Declaration of Age
(3) Admission letter (printed with N1,000 JAMB E-facility card)
(4) UTME Original result slip (also be printed with
another N1,000 JAMB E-facility card)
(5) Post UTME result/Pre-degree final result

Upon successful access to the E-portal with your JAMB reg. no. Print out the following documents and also provide the original and 4 photocopies of each:-

(6) Notification of Admission
(7) Bio-data form (Course registration form
(9) Hostel Slip (optional)
(10) State of Origin/Local Government Area Certificate

All new students of the Obafemi Awolowo University are to get these documents ready as the registration exercise is set to start anytime soon.

AFCON Qualifier: CAF Deducts 3 Points From Nigeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has deducted points from Nigeria, Egypt and Tanzania, all members of Group G, following the withdrawal of Chad from the ongoing qualification race for the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon 2017.

Chad were due to travel to Tanzania for the fourth match in the group, but instead made the announcement of a shocking withdrawal, citing financial constraints.

CAF swiftly applied its rules in conformity with Article 61 of the regulations of the competition which states: “If a team withdraws from the qualifying phase organised in groups, all its results shall be annulled (points, scored and conceded goals)”.
”Consequently, the three matches of Chad of Group G are cancelled and the results will not be taken into consideration”, CAF said.

Egypt still lead the group with four points,, while Nigeria have two. Tanzania have a point.
CAF further said that in accordance, with the rule set by CAF Executive Committee on 15 January 2015, any group reduced to three teams following the withdrawal of a team will have only the group winner qualifying for the final tournament.

Furthermore, the Chadian Football Federation has been fined 20,000 US Dollars and also barred from participating in the next edition of the AFCON in conformity with Article 59 of the regulations of the Competition which states “any association declaring forfeit after the start of the matches is liable to a fine of twenty thousand (20,000) U.S. dollars. It will also not be allowed to participate in the next edition of the AFCON”.

Meanwhile, Egypt will face Nigeria on Tuesday, 29 March 2016 in Alexandria.



Source: Vanguard

Breaking News: Ojo Bright Admits Impeachment, Apologizes To Ondo Students

The impeached President of the National Association of Ondo State Students, Obafemi Awolowo University chapter, Ojo Bright I. has apologized for his misconduct which led to his impeachment.

Details later...

My Suspension And Reinstatement – Omotayo Akande

As I recuperate from the ordeal of my suspension, it is incumbent to keep the generality of Great Ife students and the Nigerian students, who stood fervently and offered all forms of support, informed of recent development as regards our reinstatement and the state of our union.

My suspension, a parody of justice and fairness, is a development which consistently keeps me perturbed of what the future holds for our dear country and the institutions which should inculcate the value of patriotism, spirit of social responsibility and virtue of political consciousness but have decided to breed men who are coerced to strictly adhere to the status quo even in the face of high moral and institutional decadence.
I’m more curious of this institutional and social decadence than my suspension, as the suspension itself is one of the by-products of oppression and instrumentalities used to silence any voice of progressiveness and activism.

OUR REINSTATEMENT
Sequel to numerous interventions and appeals from well-meaning Nigerians, Great Nigerian Students, progressive arms of our community, and the media, the university has decided to reduce the 6 and 4 respective semesters’ suspension of the 3 leaders of the Students’ Union to one semester each and directed us to resume academic activities by Harmattan semester of the 2015/2016 session.

Putting issues in the right perspective, November 2015, Great Ife Students started a campaign against inimical welfare condition on campus, an agitation which erupted after several diplomatic approaches had yielded no result. The Students and the Union have consistently expressed their abhorrence on the collapsing structures, moribund municipal facilities and outdated learning infrastructure through releases, in meetings and even the media before embarking on a one day peaceful lecture boycott which lasted for less than 12hrs. The protest got a wide media coverage and the world was aghast at the living condition of students on OAU campus.

The Congress of students after the boycott directed that further diplomatic approach be used. This negates the notion of students wanted to disrupt coronation and convocation.
The management issued a mid-semester break notification and subsequently suspended the activities of the Students’ Union days after.

Union leaders were invited to a panel on the acclaimed assault of a University Professor and the aftermath was the suspension of the President, Secretary General and PRO of the Students’ Union.
After the suspension, consultations and diplomacy being the first approach to all struggles were still employed to ensure our reinstatement was achieved. This is also in view of ensuring that a stable academic calendar is not jettisoned as we recognize this as another germane interest of students.

MONUMENTAL APPRECIATION
The list will be too long but it is important to salute the doggedness of Great Ife students who consistently showed support and whose interests remain a number one priority.

I must recognize the astute intervention of our most revered Royal Father, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, The Ooni of Ife.

I am grateful to Professor YK Yusuf and The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) OAU branch for their consistent guidance and intervention whose role in our reinstatement cannot be over-emphasized.
To our comrade and lawyer, Barrister Mohammad Fawehinmi, what more can explain a selfless service to humanity?

Our reinstatement has produced another historic feat by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Much appreciation goes to the National and Zone D leadership comrades for their selfless intervention and priceless support. All JCC Chairpersons and Students’ Union Presidents most especially the south-west union leaders for their overwhelming solidarity. I have not enjoyed such spirit of brotherhood in a Students political ambient. I don’t know how to thank the comrades who were at the verge of losing their lives, the Ekiti axis of the JCC, who encountered an auto accident while returning from the intervention that brought about our reinstatement. While I can never quantify such sacrifices, I remain indebted.

Kudos to my fellow students in the University of Suspension, Hon. Seun and Emmanuel Kant for their unflinching fighting spirit, and great valour, officer of the students’ Union and a special gratitude to the indefatigable men of the Students’ Union security/welfare committee for keeping the Union alive.

I must not fail to appreciate the prudence of all security operatives, especially the Nigerian Police and SSS who worked with us during the welfare and reinstatement struggle even at the verge of being arrested.

Leaders of religious and departmental organizations have shown unprecedented concern and have in their respective capacity never stopped offering their support and encouragement.

AS THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES…I REMAIN UNDAUNTED
No amount of victimization or criminalization can deter me from my conviction of the essence of affordable qualitative education and a politically conscious students’ body. This will continue to spur me to continually register my abhorrence at all level to government anti-students and anti-education policies and constructively champion a moral course for better welfare condition and human capital development.

The struggle continues, the restoration of the Students’ Union activities is a collective responsibility as students’ freedom of association must not be infringed upon. Students must unionize; we should not think of carrying on without that collective platform. We should demand for the restoration of an independent students’ union through an immediate Student Union election.

RESTOREOURUNION!!!
ALUTA CONTINUA!!! VICTORIA ASCERTA!!!

Omotayo Akande (TY)
@Tayo_Akande, akande.omotayo.dare@gmail.com, 08027728756
500L Chemical Engineering Department
President, Great Ife Students’ union.

Junior Chamber International OAU Begins Recruitment

The Junior Chamber International OAU has started its recruitment process for this quarter thereby calling on interested Undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University who wish to join the organization to apply.

"Be a member of an organization that invests in lives.

"Join the band of young under 40s that believe that service to humanity is the best work of life.

"Be part of the these OAU undergraduates that are better cos they connect, motivate, invest, collaborate and impact.

"Be part of JCI OAU today and become an active citizen of your society.

"Show your interest by filling the form in the link below.

http://goo.gl/forms/m1pdluutQm

"You can visit the JCI Secretariat: Fajuyi hall, block 5, topmost floor.
Or better stilll, call Tolu: 07063704281, 08153393211".

Recently, JCI OAU donated a modernized well to Agbogbo community out of her strides to make the world a better place.

OAU Staff Unions Protest Selection Process For New VC

The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State and the staff unions are at loggerheads over the selection of a candidate for the position of the Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Staging a protest in the university campus, members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) in OAU called on President Muhammadu Buhari to dissolve the school’s governing council.

Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of SSANU, Ademola Oketunde, alleged that the selection process of a new Vice Chancellor to replace Professor Bamitale Omole, whose five-year tenure would end by June 2015, was not transparent and fair.

Passing a vote of no confidence on OAU’s governing council, the spokesman of the union appealed that the council be dissolved and another panel set up for due process to prevail.

In their reaction, the Public Relations Officer of OAU, Ile-Ife, Abiodun Olanrewaju, who spoke for the Vice Chancellor, debunked the allegation.

He said that the present governing council has so far been very transparent in the selection process.

According to him, all allegations need to be substantiated with proof and it should be directed to the appropriate authorities.



Source: Channels TV

OAU, UI, UNILAG, CU Battle For NiRA Award

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG) and eight other universities are in contest for the .NG domain awards slated for April 2, 2016.

The awards, which is to be hosted by Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), are in celebration of the organisation’s 10th year anniversary and for promoting the .ng brand.

NiRA, founded on March 28, 2006, is charged with the management of Nigeria’s country code Top Level Domain Name (ccTLD), dot ng (.ng).

NiRA is the registry for .ng internet domain names, and maintains the database of names registered in the .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) name space in the interest of Nigerians and the global Internet community.

The .ng web award and gala night, which aims to recognize the excellent achievements of members, stakeholders of the NiRA and the general public, who have contributed towards building a sustainable economy using technology relevant to the DNS Industry.

The award ceremony, which is to hold at Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos by 5pm,

In a statement signed by Shina Badaru, a member of NiRA board of trustees, the organisation said in addition to stimulating the development of innovative and creative ICT solutions which would uplift the image of .ng locally and internationally.

AWARD CATEGORIES AND NOMINEES:
The following award categories and nominees have been shortlisted. Winners for each category will be determined through online voting and decisions of a Competent Award Jury selected based on their relevance and expertise.

The public is asked to vote for their preferred choice by logging to NiRA website.

BEST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION WEBSITE/PORTAL
The nominees

futa.edu.ng (FUTO, Akure)
futo.edu.ng (FUTO, Owerri)
unn.edu.ng (University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
futminna.edu.ng (Federal University of Technology, Minna)
unilag.edu.ng (University of Lagos)
covenantuniversity.edu.ng (Covenant University)
ui.edu.ng (University of Ibadan)
oauife.edu.ng (Obafemi Awolowo University)
abu.edu.ng (Ahmadu Bello University)
unilorin.edu.ng (University of Ilorin)

.NG MEDIA AWARD
.ng media Award recognises excellence in journalism and other media-related activities. This category is open to all media houses in Nigeria: print, online and television. This award is judged based on the level of local and original content promoted by such website.

The nominees

nta.ng (National Television Authority)
guardian.ng (The Guardian)
leadership.ng (Leadership)
dailypost.ng (Dailypost)
thecable.ng (The Cable)
dailytimes.ng (Daily Times)
nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng (Nigeria Communications Week)
techsmart.ng (Techsmart.ng)
tailytrust.com.ng (Daily Trust by Media Trust Limited)
techpoint.ng (Techpoint)
tori.ng (Tori.ng)
pulse.ng (Pulse.ng)
thenet.ng (Thenet.ng)

TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The nominees:

etisalat.com.ng (Etisalat)
google.com.ng (Google)
mtnbusiness.com.ng (MTN)
spectranet.com.ng (Spectranet)

MOST INNOVATIVE WEB COMPANY/ORGANIZATION
This award recognises organizations with the highest investment in their online presence that promotes innovation and marketing.

The nominees:

slot.ng (Slot)
jumia.com.ng (Jumia)
cheki.com.ng (Cheki)
privateproperty.com.ng (Private Property)
hotels.ng (Hotels.ng)
gloo.ng (Gloo.ng)
olx.com.ng (OLX)

BEST BANKING WEBSITE/PORTAL
The nominees:

fidelitybank.ng (Fidelity Bank)
cbn.gov.ng (Central Bank of Nigeria)

TECHNOLOGY STARTUP COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The nominees:

jiji.ng (Jiji)
area.ng (The Area Show)
showroom.ng (Showroom.ng)
eazyhire.com.ng (Eazyhire)
jara.ng (Jara)
lands.ng (Lands.ng)
pass.ng (Pass.ng)
tolet.com.ng (Tolet.com.ng)

BEST HOSTING COMPANY
This award aims to continuously encourage the growth of local website hosting companies in Nigeria. To qualify for this category, content must be hosted in Nigeria.

The nominees:

upperlink.ng (Upperlink Limited)
galaxybackbone.com.ng (Galaxy backbone Limited)
spectranet.com.ng
mtnbusiness.com.ng (MTN)

MOST VALUABLE YOUTH ORGANIZATION
Youth organization that advocates for the development of the Nigerian Youth. To qualify for this category the organization must have an online presence with .ng domain name.

The nominees:

youthempowerment.org.ng (Jim Ovia Foundation)
yedi.ng (Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative)
nacoss.org.ng (Nigeria Association of Computer Science Students)
nysc.org.ng (National Youth Service Corps)

BEST STATE GOVERNMENT
This award recognizes the state government that have invested in technology to promote local content development.

The nominees:

lagosstate.gov.ng (Lagos State)
ondostate.gov.ng (Ondo State)
osun.gov.ng (Osun State)
deltastate.gov.ng (Delta State)
riversstate.gov.ng (Rivers State)
imostate.gov.ng (Imo State)
enugustate.gov.ng (Enugu State)
kano.gov.ng (Kano State)
kadunastate.gov.ng (Kaduna State)

PUBLIC SECTOR: STAR WEBSITE AWARD
This award recognises the website/portal of the government agency that provides the best user experience.

The nominees:

jamb.org.ng (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board)
waeconline.org.ng (West African Examinations Council)
cac.gov.ng (Corporate Affairs Commission)
nimc.gov.ng (National Identity Management Commission)
firs.gov.ng (Federal Inland Revenue Service)
immigration.gov.ng (Nigeria Immigration Service)
galaxybackbone.com.ng (Galaxy Backbone)
nigeriatradehub.gov.ng (Nigeria Customs Service)
frsc.gov.ng (Federal Road Safety Commission)

NiRA PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
These are special awards to be presented by the President of NiRA. The categories are:

BEST .NG CCTLD REGISTRAR
This award recognizes the best Registrar at Platinum, Silver, Gold and Standard levels. This award is based on number of transactions, amount transacted and investment in the DNS industry.

.NG MOST SUPPORTING SPONSOR
This award category recognizes and give credence to our supporting sponsors. The award is a special award to be presented by the President of NiRA.

NiRA PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
This award category recognizes and encourages the development of Youth in Nigeria. It is a NiRA Presidential award given to the Youth that have a combination of the best .ng website, best online local content and best use of ICT. This award is a special award to be presented by the President of NiRA.

NiRA PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT
This award aims to promote the participation and advancement of women in the ICT industry in Nigeria. It will encourage and stimulate the interest of young females to engage in ICT-related studies and subsequently, careers. This award will recognize the very best female in the ICT industry, celebrating her achievements, talents and reward her professional accomplishments. The award is a special award to be presented by the President of NiRA.

NiRA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
This is a Special Recognition Award Category presented by the President of NiRA.

AWARD ICONS

The winners in each category will gain access to the .ng Web Award Icon, which is available in various sizes and formats for inclusion on websites and marketing collateral.
noun.edu.ng (National Open University)


Source

Part 2 Law Students Protest Inability To Register Course

Part two students of the faculty of law, Obafemi Awolowo University yesterday displayed frustration as they have not been able to register for one of their courses; Islamic Law since the beginning of this semester.

JPL 204 is a law restricted elective which is available for part two students. It was a sandwich of anger and frustration when hordes of law part two students just after their Law of Contract examination at about noon yesterday, marched down to the computer centre to express their botheration and dissatisfaction as the inability to register for the course since the beginning of the semester continues even as the session winds up in about a week time.

According to their class governor, Adeniyi Falade, several efforts have been made to ensure that the problem is resolved but all to no avail. In an interview with him, he stated that letters have been written to appropriate quarters in respect of the challenge. He further stated that the officials at the computer center had a meeting with the class representatives today. The authorities of the computer center had however assured them of a solution to the challenge as soon as possible.

The students had written the examination for the course in question about a week ago.

NWAG Scholarships For Female Undergraduate Nigerian Students 2016

Course(s) Offered: Any field
Course Level: Undergraduate
Provider: NWAG
Country to Study in: Nigeria

Scholarship Description
Every year, the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) awards scholarships to female Nigerian undergraduate students in Nigerian universities.

These NWAG scholarships are offered one per state of origin as well as one for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in the amount of fifty thousand Naira per applicant.

Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG)

Eligibility
All applicants must be Nigerian females.

All applicants must be undergraduate students of a recognized Nigerian University.

Eligible groups
Citizens of Nigeria

Participating Institutions
Any recognized Nigerian University / Institution of higher learning

Fields of study
All courses offered by the participating institution / school

Number of awards
Thirty-seven (37) scholarships - one per state of origin as well as one for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Sponsorship duration
Awards are one-time scholarships

Scholarship benefits
The value of the awards is fifty thousand Naira (N50000.00) given to each successful applicant

Method of Application
Application process is free! Do not send money to anyone nor include money in your application. To apply to this scholarship, you should download, print out, complete and submit the 'NWAG Application Form' under 2016 NWAG Scholarships In Nigeria as found on the official web site (link to it is below). This completed form should be submitted together with the materials and documents specified below under Requirements.

Requirements:
An applicant must be a Nigerian female undergraduate student in a Nigerian University. All applications must include the following:

- Proof of State of Origin - Letter of Origination from the university or a letter from your local government office.
- Two Letters of Recommendation from any two of the following: Church Pastor/Mosque Imam, Village Head, Local Government Chairperson or one of your Lecturers.
- One Letter of Recommendation from either the Dean of your Faculty/School or your Head of Department.
- Photocopy of your current university student identification card
- A current photograph of yourself
- An explanation of why you need and should receive the scholarship (not more than one-half typed page).
- A type-written, double –spaced, two-page essay on:
“How has the current inflation and its resultant high cost of living in Nigeria, affected the quality of education in Nigeria?”

PREVIOUS ESSAY TOPICS
2015:
“What is the one system in Nigeria, such as educational, political, health care, financial..., that you feel if changed would have the most beneficial impact on Nigerians, and why?”
2014:
“What are the effects of the frequent Nigerian teachers' strikes on student academic performance and learning?”
2013:
“How could we improve the health system in Nigeria especially for women, youth and children?”
2012:
“The education of our youth is compromised by frequent strikes and school closings. If you were the first female president of Nigeria, how would you handle things differently from President Jonathan or all the past presidents?”

All application entries must be typewritten and double-spaced.

SUBMISSION:
Completed applications may be submitted to NWAG either by regular mail to:
NWAG
P.O. Box 14542,
Atlanta, GA 30324, USA

OR, electronically via email at nwagscholarship[@]yahoo.com.
SUBJECT LINE OF EMAIL: NAME OF APPLICANT & STATE OF ORIGIN.

It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information.

DEADLINES:
All applications must be POST-MARKED or EMAILED by MAY 31, 2016

PLEASE NOTE:
Late applications will not be accepted. Applications may not be faxed or hand-delivered.

Incomplete applications or applications that show evidence of plagiarism will be disqualified. All incomplete applications will be rejected.

ALL ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS MUST BE IN PDF OR WORD FORMAT.

NWAG is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization funded by generous donations from sponsors and partners who appreciate the associations' Special Projects.

Application Deadline: 31 May 2016
Open to International Applicants: No(ONLY Nigerians)

Ondo Students Set For Elections Following President's Sack

Ondo state students in Obafemi Awolowo University under the auspices of the National Association of Ondo State Students, NAOSS will once again go to the polls soon following the impeachment of her president, Ojo Bright I. few minutes to his tenure end on issues bordering on gross misconduct, abuse of office and allegations of fund embezzlement.

In a Press Statement by the Electoral Commission, the sale of nomination forms to various offices has commenced.

"The Electoral Commission wishes to inform all members of the association that the ban has been lifted for electioneering process for the year 2015/2016 academic session.

"The election process is as scheduled below:

Collection of forms starts: Tuesday 22/03/2016.

Congress: Saturday, 26/03/2016. Time - 6pm, Venue - SSLT

Manifestoes: Sunday, 27/03/2016. Time- 5pm, Venue: SSLT

Voting: Monday, 28/03/2016. Venue - Anglomoz carpark    

Prices of forms for various offices goes thus:

(1) PRESIDENT - N1,500           
(2) VICE PRESIDENT - N1,200
(3) GEN. SEC. - N1,200
(4) PRO - N1,200
(5) FIN. SEC. - N1,200
(6) DIRECTOR OF SOCIALS - N1,200
(7) A.G.S. - N1,000

For collection of forms or more enquiry call the following no:

HON HAKUNA (CHAIRMAN):    08166832061                          
HON FUNSHO (SECRETARY): 08133355832
ALUTA PASTOR (PRO): 08130276905".

JAMB 2016 Direct Entry Registration Portal Enabled

This is to inform the public and interested candidates that the 2016 Direct Entry e-Registration portal is now open ror registration.

Method Of Application: Interested candidates are to obtain the Direct Entry e-registration scratch card from any of the following places; Zenith Bank, Skye Bank, Union Bank, First Bank and NIPOST at the cost of N5,000 (Five thousand naira) only.

The registration can only be done in accredited JAMB CBT Registration Centres. To view the list of accredited centres, visit http://www.jamb.org.ng/DirectEntry3/RegistrationCentres.aspx

Application Deadline: No deadline has been announced.

FG Declares March 25 & 28 As Public Holidays To Mark Easter

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 25 and Monday, March 28 as public holidays to mark the Good Friday and Easter celebrations respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration in a statement issued by the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister urged Christians and Nigerians in general to support and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation. He further urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity across the nation.

While wishing Nigerians and Christians the world over happy celebrations, Dambazau also reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to the change agenda in the country.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has earlier announced in view of the envisaged public holidays that examinations earlier scheduled for March 25 and 28 have been shifted to April 1 and 4 respectively.

OAU SU Leaders Get Reduced Suspension Period

The suspended union leaders of Obafemi Awolowo University have been told to resume after this session following several external interventions in the matter.

The SU President, Akande Omotayo a.k.a TY, Secretary
General, Oketooto Oluwaseun a.k.a Hon. Seun and Ojedokun Emmanuel a.k.a Immanuel Kant faced an inquiry panel set up by the university authority looked into and investigated the alleged disruption of Prof. Y. K. Yusuf's class late last year and were later suspended for 6, 4 and 4  semesters each respectively on January 8, 2016.

Following their written appeal to the university management and letters of apology especially to Prof.Y.K Yusuf as well as the intervention of the Academic Staff Union of Universities Universities (ASUU) OAU branch, national body and the south west zone of National Association of Nigerian students (NANS) and that of His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, the Vice Chancellor reviewed their punishment and have decided to comminute their suspension to one Semester.

In a release from the Office of the Registrar and letters of notification given to the suspended officers, it was stated that they are to resume academic activities in the University at the beginning of Harmattan semester of 2015/2016 session.

Application For 2015/2016 Final Year Accommodation Begins Tuesday

APPLICATION FOR 2015/2016 FINAL YEAR ACCOMMODATION

Application will commence on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 8.00pm, OAU Management has announced.

How Ojo Bright Was Impeached As NAOSS OAU President

The Congress of Ondo state students that held on Sunday at Social Sciences LT 2 has impeached the President of its association – National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS), Obafemi Awolowo University chapter on issues bordering on gross misconduct, abuse of office and allegations of money embezzlement.

In a congress monitored by our correspondents which lasted over six (6) hours with members of the association constantly expressing their displeasure and disappointment at the conduct of the Executive Council especially the president, the president used foul languages at members and acted unquestionable until the last minutes of his ‘reign’ when he began to realize the impending loom.

Ojo Bright Idemudia, a part 4 student of the department of psychology emerged as the president of Ondo state students unopposed in April 2015 after elections into the Executive Council of the association. He contested for this position after he gallantly lost a bid to become the President of the Great0 Ife Student Union.

The General Secretary of NAOSS OAU, Ekundayo Olajide Samuel a.k.a Prof. Jide set the ball of the day rolling after accusing the president of calling the congress without his fore-knowledge after he was invited by Mr Bright to step forward. He continued by alleging that Ojo Bright has embezzled and mismanaged NAOSS funds.

"Ojo Bright is a mere political noisemaker that lacks administrative skills. In fact, he did not achieve any good thing throughout his tenure.

"He(Ojo Bright) singlehandedly collected money from the Staff Advisers and some philanthropists without informing the other Executive members.

"He (Ojo Bright) collected N100,000 for NAOSS national election and he cannot account for the money." The General Secretary revealed.

Upon the revelation of this development, Ojo Bright engaged the General Secretary in a war of words accusing him of failure to carry out his constitutional duties by not attending a meeting the president called for which held in the president's house in town.

Following perceived rift between the two leaders, observing congressmen requested that the two officers step forward and someone with no interest in the matter moderate the case. The president refused the request and repeatedly mocked the request for the quests by congressmen to resolve the issue amicably stating that he remains the presiding officer and the president. Some congressmen who refused to adhere to the ruling of the president were commanded to leave the venue by the president including presidents of local government associations within the state which they obliged. According to them, for the sake of peace and progress since there was a case at hand that needed to be attended to.

Aggrieved but patient members of the association present allowed the president to proceed with the agenda of the congress while the matter was shifted to A.O.B of the day. The Audit, Electoral and Election Petition Committees were later constituted after which NAOSSites (congressmen) moved a motion upon the recognition of the embattled President that he (Ojo Bright) step aside as the presiding officer and the chairman of the newly constituted Electoral Commission takes over to hear the case of alleged gross misconduct exhibited by the President and the General Secretary. The motion which passed was seconded by another congressman without any objection from the congress.

Failure of the President to abide by the stipulated proceedings of the Congress at that particular period and attempt to hit a congress man who challenged the president's jurisdiction with a metal rod prompted another congressman to raise a motion after recognition that the President be Impeached for his abuse of office and gross misconduct cum allegations of fund embezzlement. With a seconder and absence of any counter motion, Ojo Bright was Impeached just few minutes to the end of his tenure.

I remain NAOSS OAU President - Ojo Bright
Reacting to the development after the Congress, Ojo Bright insisted that be remains the President of NAOSS OAU despite his impeachment by the Congress. In his words;

"I am not the president of unscrupulous elements but president of intellectuals, the President of over 5,001 Ondo students in OAU. The congress did not decide, let me state it loud and clear that the presiding officer who is first among equals is expected to recognize all parties involved and follow due process.

"However, there were some thugs who barged into the administration because we do not have a strong security committee to withstand them and came on board to disrupt the congress.

"As the presiding officer, I have not even given room for the Electoral chairman to officially lift the ban."

Also addressing his attempt to use a metal rod to stab a congressman when told to step aside for the Electoral chairman to preside, Ojo Bright who did not deny picking up the metal rod however said it was in self-defense as he perceived the congressman was coming to attack him.

The Electoral Commission has however lifted the ban for all electoral campaigns to begin as they await further information on the sales of nomination form and schedule for elections.

No Action From Us Today In OAU Until After University Meeting - NANS

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said her members will not begin any action as promised today in Obafemi Awolowo University until the end of the University stakeholders' meeting billed for 11am.

Confirming the development to OAU Peeps News Agency this morning, Comrade Okikiola Ogunsola, the NANS Zone D Coordinator said the new development was necessary as ASUU, NASU and other Unions have continued to put call across to them requesting that they wait for the outcome of today's meeting.

"The new development of things now, we have been receiving several calls both from ASUU, NASU and other stakeholders from that campus advising our people that we should not come that they are going to have a meeting with the management this morning by 11am that our presence can truncate the process of that meeting that the Vice Chancellor has said he cannot hold meeting under duress.

"Our position now is that we will not enter campus until they finish their meeting so that the school will not give us an excuse for not having their meeting.

"But students (NANS delegates) have started arriving and they will converge somewhere close to the school till the outcome of the meeting with the University management. Immediately the outcome of the meeting is not favourable, we will spring into action".

The coordinator who also rubbished the rumour making rounds that students of Obafemi Awolowo University are not in support of their intervention, he said students and even the Union leaders can be asked to confirm their stand on the matter.

Breaking News: Ojo Bright, NAOSS OAU President Impeached Minutes To Tenure End

The president of the the National Association of Ondo State Students, Ojo Bright Idemudia has just been impeached by the Congress on issues bordering on gross misconduct, abuse of office and allegations of fund embezzlement.

Details later...

‘Be Transparent In VC Appointment’

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of University and Allied institutions (NASU) in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have sought a level playing ground in the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking at a joint congress yesterday, the SSANU Chairman, Ademola Oketunde, said the unions want the appointment process put on hold because “the process is fraudulent”.

According to him, the governing council did not follow due process, adding that they are not sincere and fair to all the candidates.

He added that the council has usurped the power and responsibilities of the selection committee.

He said the prayers of the unions are that all qualified candidates be granted a level playing ground.

He prayed the Federal Government to dissolve the governing council as “it has outlived its usefulness”.

Source: The Nation

Fajuyi Hall Residents Stop Construction Work In Hall

Some residents of Block 3 of Adekunle Fajuyi Hall in Obafemi Awolowo University have stopped the construction of a buttery beside their block describing it as illegal and unacceptable.

Fajuyi Hall residents woke up this morning to see the construction of an extra structure suspected to be a buttery at the end of block 3. One of the recharge card sellers in the Hall was recently granted the permission to erect the structure, it was learnt.

Aggrieved by the development, the residents complained that the structure was illegal and cannot be allowed. In their outpour, they challenged the jurisdiction that allocated the space saying some fellowships use the same space to keep their equipments and properties during week days. They asked what their fate will be if the buttery is constructed.

Reacting to the students’ stoppage of the construction work, the person who was allegedly given the space said he has been granted an official permission by the Hall Warden and hall management to erect the structure. The man who could not produce any document to substantiate his claim said he stays in town and the paper he was given for the permission is in town.

These aggrieved students have however threatened to remove any further construction made until the Warden wades in on Monday. The residents of the block vow to mobilize to the hall warden on Monday to express their disapproval and rejection of the proposed structure.

LSS Orientation Committee Screening: Adetunji Oluwatobi Asked To Take A Bow & Go

The Part three (3) class representative of the students of the Faculty of Law, OAU, Adetunji Oluwatobi has gotten an exceptional embryonic approval of the student lawmakers of the faculty to be the secretary of the Orientation Committee for the 2015/2016 administration.

During the plenary session of the LSRC yesterday, one of the agenda of the sitting was the presentation of the chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the Orientation Committee by the Executive Council. The committee is expected to be in charge of the orientation programme that will welcome the freshmen for next session.

The president named Adekanye Adeola from the Part 4 class as the proposed Chairperson and Oyewole Omolola as the Vice Chairperson. The two nominees were thoroughly screened as the honourables took time to ask them questions as regards their preparedness to take up the responsibilities before them. The nominees had served in the same committee during the just concluded administration.

Upon the request of the Speaker that the President present the proposed secretary of the committee, Adetunji Oluwatobi was named and told to step forward. In an exceptional style, Honourable Awosusi Kehinde who was the first honourable to speak following the announcement of the name reeled out how the nominee has dedicated himself to serving the society selflessly over time. He argued that his nomination is one that cannot be contested as he has proven exceptionally excellent and thus qualified to take up the task of the Orientation Committee’s secretary. Awosusi however craved the indulgence of the house that the nominee be allowed to take a bow without further screening and go.

In a seemingly related manner, another lawmaker, Honourable Ezejide Augustus moved a motion that Oluwatobi should only take a bow and go which was seconded by Honourable Oyelade Muhammed. A counter motion was however raised by Honourable Uzoma Felix arguing that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, hence, Adetunji Oluwatobi be taken through the due process of screening. The counter motion was eventually seconded by the Clerk of the house, Honourable Adeagbo Toheeb. The motions were subjected to voting where majority supported that the nominee only take a bow and go.

The Speaker of the house however ruled after the voting that the proposed secretary of the committee takes a bow and go. As at the time of filing this report, the honourables were having a closed door session to assess the nominations and consider approving them.

In a related development, the nominee for the Audit Committee for the LLB 4, Aderibigbe Abass was successfully screened while the proposed nominees for other classes were rejected following a notification that the proposed nominees were not constitutionally selected from their respective classes. The nominees are expected to have passed through an electioneering exercise in their class where they would emerge as nominees before being presented at the floor of the house.

Mixed Reactions Greet Proposed NANS Protest In OAU

Several reactions have continued to pour in since the news of the proposed intervention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Obafemi Awolowo University over the suspension of some Union leaders filtered in.

NANS has vowed to hold OAU to a standstill come Monday, March 21, 2016 should the University management fail to accede to their demand for reinstatement of the suspended trio of Akande Omotayo a.k.a TY, Oketooto Oluwaseun a.k.a Hon. Seun and Ojedokun Emmanuel a.k.a Immanuel Kant.

Many students have asked why NANS has chosen a delicate time like this examination period to embark on the 'intervention'. Asides that, some students doubt the sincerity of NANS intervention and ability to sustain the intervention in the face of possible financial enticement considering the corrupt history of NANS. If this should be the case, students of OAU are scared that they may be sold out to the authority after OAU students must have pledged their allegiance to the struggle.

Another question that some students have continued to also ask is the refusal of NANS to know the mind of OAU students concerning their offer of intervention. ANSA, a group on campus has been at the fore-front of demanding for a student Congress in OAU so that students can say if they are in support or against the envisaged protest. Even if in support of it, ANSA believes there is need for the students to draft a modality for the action so that they can be properly mobilized.

As many students continue to express disapproval to the NANS intervention, some other persons have thrown their weight behind NANS on a basis that the University management has exhibited non-understanding and frustrated diplomatic approaches, hence the need for a practical action.

In the mean time, there are reports that the suspended leaders were seen in their departments participating in the ongoing examinations. This, to some persons raises questions as per the genuineness of the suspension of these leaders or there is something they do not want OAU students to know.

LSRC OAU Mandates Former President To Transfer Account Before Tuesday

The legislative arm of the Law Students’ Society (LSS), Obafemi Awolowo University; the Law Students’ Representative Council (LSRC) has ruled that the former president of the society, Olaniran Quadri and the other affected persons should transfer signatories of the association’s account to the new leadership on or before next week Tuesday.

In a plenary session of the honourables that held at the Mock and Moot chamber of the faculty on Friday’s evening, the new president,  Ekpa Stanley highlighted the state of the association among which he talked about the handing over of the society’s account, the endorsement of the Orientation Committee leadership, the creation of the Audit Committee for this administrative tenure.

The LSS OAU President in his words complained that the bulk of examinations before members of the society has not afforded them the time to change the signatories. He also read to the read to the house a text message sent to him by the former president requesting that the change of signatories be done after his exams next week Tuesday.

Following several deliberations cum voice vote by the honourables, the legislative chamber reached a resolution and mandated the former president to follow the new executives to bank on Tuesday next week to change the signatories.

Osun State Will Not Pay State Workers March Salaries

The Osun State government has announced that it will be unable to pay State workers their March salaries.

Osun State received only N6.23m in funding for the month of March. According to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the government will not be able to pay the State Secretariat’s electricity bills, let alone its N2.6bn wage bill.

March’s federal allocation represents a significant decline from February’s allocation of N1.677bn. Additionally, Osun State received N19.418m and N726.1m from the exchange rate gain and value added tax, bringing the total February allocation to N2.423bn.

The reason for Osun State’s insufficient funding comes from debt obligations amounting to over N2bn. The debt payments included external debt and an irrevocable standing payment order (ISPO).

Every other state was granted a March allocation of at least N1bn, with Akwa Ibom, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers States topping the list with N8.557bn, N6.062 bn, N6.612 bn and N5.427bn, respectively.

Source: Sahara Reporters

University Of Ibadan Expels 80 Students

Eighty students were expelled from the University of Ibadan at the end of the last academic session for poor academic performance.

Vice Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier University, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, disclosed this today at the matriculation of 4008 students for the 2015/ 2016 session. The event which was postponed last week held at the university’s International Conference Centre.

Twenty-eight of the expelled students came from the sciences, while 20 came from Agriculture and Forestry department. Arts produced 13 of them, Basic Medical Sciences 1, Public Health 1, Social Sciences 6, Education 4, Technology 5, and Veterinary Medicine 2.

Olayinka told the freshmen that other reasons students could lose their studentship include: examination misconduct, unruly behavior, indecent behavior, vandalism, miscellaneous hall offences, unauthorized use/displacement/damage to university property, pilfering, insubordination, direct sale of bed space/squatting in halls of residence, membership of secret cult(s) on campus, illegal participation in the National Youth Service Programme, illegal registration as full-time student, and infringement of other university regulations.

“Any of the under-listed is a criminal offence which must be referred to the Police: fraud, theft, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, murder, membership of a secret cult inside or outside campus, possession of fire-arms, arson, rape, possession and/or use of hard drug and drug trafficking and other criminal offences”.

Olayinka advised the new students tasting freedom for the first time that freedom is not absolute.

“Those of you who are leaving home for the first time would realize that you are now exposed to enjoy a measure of freedom, which you may not have enjoyed before, as you are no longer under the watchful eyes of your parents. This freedom, however, has its limitations. In other words, your freedom ends at the point where you trample on the fundamental human right of others, or when you infringe on the rules and regulations of the University”.

He urged the new students to be studious.

“Let me inform you that at the University of Ibadan, we do not tell students what to think. You have to learn to think for yourselves. Our teaching is designed to produce intellectual self-reliance-to teach you how to learn and how to take charge of your thinking. We encourage you to be independent in your judgment and critical in your analysis. We work to help you develop these skills here at UI, and we hope you will retain them for life. They will continue to serve you as you experience a world that is constantly and rapidly changing. I, therefore, want to charge you not to restrict yourselves to your field of study alone so as to profit maximally from the numerous activities that will be presented to you throughout the duration of your course in the university”.

He warned the students to comport themselves in a manner that is befitting of an undergraduate student and or new postgraduate student of this premier institution, as the university would not tolerate any act of hooliganism and wanton destruction of properties – all in the name of students’ demonstration, indecent dressing, prostitution and or any other social vices”.

Olayinka also warned students against cultism and sexual harassment.

“Cultism by all estimation is evil and those who associate themselves with it are also evil. For this reason, you should not go into any relationship without thorough investigation. The approach employed is that the cultists camouflage in different colors to recruit members. You should live a modest life and avoid flaunting your financial disposition in public, as this is a veritable attraction to the hoodlums who engage in cultism”.

The 4008 students admitted by the university this year rank the highest in recent times as admission was pegged at 3000.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that out of 23,219 students that made 200 and above that were invited for Post-UTME, 19,292 sat for the exam out of which 3,225 were given admissions adding additional 783 admitted were from 2,512 applicants received from Direct entry.

“Those that make the institution first and second choice with score 180 and above were 32,587. Those that make it first and second choice with score 200 and above invited for Post-UTME were 23,219. Candidates who sat for the Post-UTME were 19,292 and candidates that were cleared for admission were 3,225. 2,512 applied through Direct entry and those offered admission were 783”.

“A breakdown of the undergraduate admission on a faculty-by-faculty basis are: Agriculture and Forestry 408, Arts 618, Medicine 550, Education 784, Law 147, Pharmacy 90, Science 571, Technology 369, The Social Sciences 351, and Veterinary Medicine 120, totalling, 4,008”.