FG Dissolves OAU Governing Council

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dissolved the current Governing council of the Obafemi Awolowo University.

The Governing Council has  been asked to hand over to the Registrar of the University till further notice.

This was announced on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel and further
confirmed to OAU Peeps by the NASU OAU Chairman.

The cancellation may not be totally unrelated to the ongoing Protest against emergence of Prof. Salami as new Vice Chancellor of OAU.

The NASU/SSANU members  as at tonight have been seen singing victory songs around the University Campus.

NASU, SSANU Reinforce Claim, Call Principal Officers "Cabal Of Rogues"

The Obafemi Awolowo University Senior Staff Association of Nigeria University and the Non-Academic Staff Union Chairmen (Comrade Ademola Oketunde and Comrade Odewumi respectively) has described all principal officers of the Obafemi Awolowo University as Cabal of Rogues. The duo described the Officers as a cabal of rogues for allegedly following illegal processes in the appointment and adoption of the new Vice Chancellor of the University.

The NASU Chairman Comrade Wole Odewunmi stated emphatically, “We do not
want rogues in power, we want human beings”.

The two unions leaders also claimed that the Outgone Vice Chancellor  Bamitale Omole hijacked the selection of the search team that gave reports on who will
become the institution VC.

In their words,
” During the selection of the Search team, the Vice Chancellor refused to allow the
Registrar conduct the Election process but he did it himself and included his own persons, we are not against Prof Salami but we need due processes to be followed..."

However, it is also worthy to note that the Registrar of the Institution and Secretary to the Governing Council has stated that due process was followed in the selection of Professor Ayo Salami, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Institution.

Contradictory statements from both parties have continued to leave other members of the institution and society at large confused as to what and who to believe.

NASU Chairman Asks For Students Support In Ongoing Struggle

The Chairman of Non-Academic Staff Union,OAU Chapter, Comrade Wole Odewumi has pleaded with the students of Obafemi Awolowo University to be patient with them in this struggle. He made his plea  also during the OAU ACJ press confrontation organised today, Thursday 30th June 2016 at the University Senate Building.

In his words, "I will like to beg all OAU students to be patient with us to clear this rubbish".

He further assured that smooth academic calendar is also their Paramount concern but the "rubbish", has he described the current situation of things on campus, had to be cleared once and for all especially the illegal appointment of Prof.Ayo Salami as the New Vice chancellor. He further explained  if this is not cleared, we all would be blamed and the generations to come would also blame us. He further clamoured for the support of the students so that the ongoing struggle will be fruitful.

"OAU Suspended From NUGA Games"- SSANU Chairman

The Nigeria University Games Association has suspended Obafemi Awolowo University from hosting NUGA Games. This was made known to the public by the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities(SSANU),OAU chapter, Comrade Ademola Oketunde, during the press conference organized by the Association of Campus Journalist, OAU Chapter at the University Senate building today.

He said the suspension was attributed to the misappropriation of funds in the 2014 NUGA games hosted by the last administration. He further explained that this was one of the financial misappropriation claims that trailed the last administration led by Professor Bamitale Omole, the outgone Vice Chancellor.

Public Disclaimer: OAU To Resume On July 10

DISCLAIMER

RE: OAU To Resume July 10

It has just been brought to the notice of the management of OAU Peeps News Agency that a post is being spread with the above headline with an OAU Peeps link underneath the post.

We hereby use this medium to inform the general public that, in as much as we are media patners of GoPoethick 2016 which the link below the headline advertises, the Agency is in no way involved with unfounded resumption claim and we also use this medium to enjoin rumour mongers to desist from this act.

As always, we would convey accurate and precise information on resumption upon announcement.

Thanks and God bless!

Signed
Farombi Oluwaseun [Babafaros]
Public Relations Officer/Social Media Manager
OAU Peeps News Agency

Nigerian Writer, Elechi Amadi Dies At 82

Another of Africa’s finest novelist, poet and dramatist Captain Elechi Amadi is dead. According to reports gathered, Amadi died on Wednesday at the Good Heart hospital in Port Harcourt at the age of 82.

A member of the family , Bar Wabueze Amadi, confirmed the development to the Vanguard newspaper on phone, saying he passed on at about 3: 45pm at the hospital.

The late captain Elechi Amadi was among the first generation of African writers and novelists.

Some of his works  include The Concubine, The Great Ponds, Isiburu, Sunset in Biafra, Dance of Johannesburg, Peppersoup, The Road to Ibadan, The Slave , Estrangement and the Woman of Calaber.

He was born on 12 May, 1934 in Aluu community, Ikwerre local government area.
He attended Government college , Umuahia and went to the University college, Ibadan where he bagged a BSc degree in Physics and Mathematics.

He served in the 3rd Marine Commandos of the Nigerian Army. He was first Commissioner for Education in the old Rivers state and also served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing

He had several honours to his credit. He was Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Education and a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .

He was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt in 2011.

He was abducted by unknown gunmen in 2008 and later released after some days in their custody.

He lived in his community, Aluu until his death.

The Director General, NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside described him as a great Nigerian who will be greatly missed.

His words, “Captain Elechi Amadi, certainly was a man of many parts who touched lives in many ways. And he will be remembered for good by many people who met him physically or through his books. He was a well known author, publisher, soldier and statesman who was concerned about a better society.

“My generation will definitely remember him more for his great books like the Concubine, the Great Ponds, Sunset in Biafra, Estrangement, the Slave and a collection of poems.

“It is regrettable that Amadi passed away at a time when Rivers, our dear state is still far away from the aspirations of its founding fathers like him and most sons and daughters of the state. There is no doubt that Elder Elechi Amadi and other founding fathers will be weeping in their graves at the state of Rivers State. Nigeria and the international literary community has lost a creative giant.

“The departed patriot, no doubt, had a remarkable life and he will surely be remembered for serving humanity with literature and his interventions.

May his soul find eternal rest in the Lord.”


 Source  

Are You Ready To GoPoethick?

Are you a lover of arts, music or Poetry?
Have you heard of the biggest music, poetry and arts exhibition in OAU?
If not then it's time to GoPoethick!

GoPoethick is an annual festival of arts, music and poetry. This year's edition has been slated for 18th July, 2016.

However, you can also purchase the GoPoethick T-shirt. The T-shirt comes in white and black varieties and costs N2,000. To place your order, all you have to do is simply pay into the UBA Bank Account Number:
2061852185
FOLARIN PRECIOUS BUKOLA.

Then send a text including your full name, the size you prefer, and the color preferred, and teller number to 08062812444, or 08067436786.

For those using internet banking, send every other detail apart from teller number to same numbers.

OAU 2016 Admission Screening Exercise Announced

2016 ADMISSION SCREENING EXERCISE

(FOR UTME AND DIRECT ENTRY CANDIDATES)

Candidates who made Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife their first choice in the 2016 UTME/DE and scored 200 and above are hereby inform to log on to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife website (www.oauife.edu.ng) or eportal.oauife.edu.ng for their admission screening.

Candidates are required to log on to University eportal and click on 2016 ADMISSION

SCREENING-UTME/DE APPLICANTS using their JAMB Registration Numbers to download RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference) and use it to pay for Eportal Access Charge on Remita platform which accepts cash payment via bank or master card. Candidates can access the University eportal anywhere to effect payment in any branch of Banks. Candidates who are awaiting results are also eligible to apply for the screening. Only awaiting result candidates who applied within the specified period will be allowed to upload their results when they are released.

Thereafter, candidates will be required to do the following on the EPORTAL after payment has been confirmed by Remita on the EPORTAL:

1. Update JAMB data
2. Upload SSCE result (WAEC or NECO)
3. Scan copy of certificate/online WAEC or NECO result (Statement of result from schools not allowed)
4. Upload picture (if not available)
5. Print Admission Screening Report

Closing Date for screening of UTME candidate is 15th July, 2016 while the Closing date for screening of Direct Entry is 30th July, 2016.

Candidates are required to bring copies of the Admission Screening Report on resumption if admitted.

This exercise do not require physical presence of candidates on OAU campus.

Minister's New Directive Forces UNIBEN To Suspend Ongoing Post-UTME

The management of the University of Benin, Edo State, has announced the suspension of its post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The announcement was made barely 24 hours after the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, instructed the nation’s tertiary institutions to stop the conduct of the exercise.

“If any tertiary institution has conducted the post-UTME, such an exercise stands annulled and money taken from candidates must be returned immediately,” Adamu had said in a statement through the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, in the ministry, Mr. Ben Mem Goong.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, told The PUNCH on Tuesday that the suspension was with immediate effect and in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive.

“We are suspending this exercise now, in compliance with the Federal Government directive. We are suspending forthwith,” Osasuyi said.

The screening was scheduled begin on June 27 and last for two weeks.

It was also learnt that some candidates, whose tests were supposed to take place on Monday and Tuesday showed up for the exercise before they were informed of the suspension.

But the university’s spokesman called for calm, adding that the institution would communicate further information on the suspension to its prospective students.

“They (candidates) should just be calm and rest assured that the University ‎of Benin will not in any way flout the Federal Government’s directive and will not in any way undermine their choice for the university,” he said.



Source

It's 2 Days To The Submission Deadline Of The Great Ife Writer Project

Just incase you are a student or fresh graduate of the great Ife and you have not heard, the 234Project Team would be giving out about N125,000 in the Great Ife Writer Project. All you have to do to win yourself some money is write a 500-700 word essay on what you think the most challenging issue in Nigeria is and how you would solve it.

The 234Project Essay Contest closes on 30th of June

No entry fee.

1st Prize: N75,000 + 1 year paid writing contract.

2nd Prize: N50,000

Submit @ www.the234project.com/writer

For more enquiries: 07039176972

Minister Frowns At Schools Conducting Post-UTME, Orders Refund

Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister Of Education

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu has ordered every tertiary institution that has conducted post-UTME examination to quickly refund cash taken from applicants.

The Minister has likewise announced that post-UTME examinations effectively taken are invalid and void.

The Education Minister made this position known yesterday, in a press proclamation issued by Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong. The solid worded articulation repeated the Ministry's position that post-UTME examinations have been scrapped with prompt impact and no foundation ought to direct such examinations. The Minister cautioned that once the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed an applicant deserving of admission into any of the tertiary institution, such applicant must be esteemed fit by the Institution.

As indicated by the announcement, students who have as of now been offered admission by JAMB might be screened by the tertiary institutions however this must not include the Post-UTME Examinations.


Mallam Adamu, in this way, coordinated the National Universities Commission (NUC) and proper offices in the Ministry to convey the mandate to significant offices and establishments to guarantee strict adherence.

“Clearing in this case (screening) entails only the verification of certificates of the candidates, JAMB scores, and any other physical examination to ensure that such candidates are not cultists. After this, the candidates are qualified for matriculation. Such screening should be at no cost to the parents or students and should be done upon resumption in order to avoid unnecessary travels in search of admission”, the minister said,

The mandate to stop the post-UTME examinations was earlier given by the Minister almost a month back.

He confirmed that the obligation regarding induction into tertiary institutions lies exclusively with JAMB and under no individual institution at all.

For secondary school leavers who are seeking admission into the tertiary institutions, Malam Adamu said that subjecting them to too many examinations all in one year, is traumatic, exploitative and absolutely unnecessary. This is besides the cost of travelling, hotel accommodation and examination fees that parents have to incur in their bid to secure admission for their wards.

Credits- The Guardian

The Bridge Program for Undergraduates at Nigerian Universities (Fully Sponsored)

Deadline: June 30, 2016

Applications for The Bridge Program is currently open. The Bridge program provides  selected Nigerian university students with the winning career and leadership training.

TBP enables fellows by connecting them to the network, skills and resources that will allow them to be globally competitive, business-minded, solution driven, critical-thinkers and most importantly employable. Great emphasis is placed on global peer collaboration, mentoring, networking, career support and internships as the ingredients for success in their leadership, entrepreneurial and intrepreneurial journeys.

An average TBP fellow will spend 2-4 years in the program. The program includes a 4-week intensive summer camp every year. This year the camp will be from July 18 to August 13 in 2016, and we are inviting you to apply.

Eligibility
Open to students (first or second year students) currently enrolled in Nigerian universities.

Funding Support
The program is fully sponsored for all successful applicants.

How to Apply
There are two modes of application

1. Manual Method: Download and complete the application, attach your essays and all required documents and send to us via email at fellowapplications@thebridgeprogramng.org

2. Electronic Online and Mobile Methods: Complete the application online or by using your smart phone. Make sure you include essays and all requested documents.

A complete application includes;

* Download Application form   -   Online Application form

* Academic Records
- Verification from your current university/Secondary School on your status
- Copy of two recent academic transcripts (1st and 2nd term SS3 or Year 11) including mock results
* National Exams Records
A certified copy of senior certificate or diploma/degree or other exams mentioned in the application form.
* Letter of explanation for any disciplinary actions that have been brought against you in an educational institution.
* 2 Letters of Recommendation from your current institution preferably 1 from the principal/ Head Teacher/Dean and class teacher.
* Essay Questions
* Certified Copy Identification Documents – Passport, ID or Birth Certificate

For more information, visit the Bridge Program.

Andela Nigeria Internship Programme 2016

Andela is developing a corps of high-quality technology talent across the African continent that will drive the current and future phases of tech-enabled growth around the world. With the fastest growing population and highest youth population in the world, we believe Africa is one of the greatest untapped markets for talent development.

At Andela, we find the brightest young people in Africa, train them to be world-class developers, and connect them with employers around the world looking for top technical talent. Passion, excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and rejecting the status quo are just a few of the things that Andela team members have in common.

We have a vision to train 100,000 world-class developers in the next 10 years – and we want you to help make it happen.

We are currently recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Andela Internship Programme

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Job Type: Internship Programme

Key Responsibilities
As an intern in Andela, you will be required to:

1.) Work alongside team members on assigned projects.
2.) Become the CEO of your work, project and/or tasks.
3.) Document, collect and consolidate qualitative and quantitative data.
4.) Suggest process improvements within the teams you’re assigned to.
5.) Specific duties may vary depending on which department you are assigned to support.

Requirements
You are a great fit for this programme if you:

1.) Are you a creative thinker with good problem solving skills
2.) Have great attention to detail
3.) Are an aggressive self-learner
4.) Can demonstrate a keen interest in the activities and mandate of the department you are applying to.
5.) Are a strong team player who works well with others
6.) Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
7.) Comfortable with adjusting to changing demands and requirements
Ability to use (or learn to use) Google Apps and Microsoft Office products.
8.) Maintain the highest standards for yourself and those around you.
9.) Are an unconventional thinker with unstoppable initiative, capable of balancing creativity and enthusiasm for change with mission-focus, patience, and prioritization.

You would be able to choose your preferred department  in the application form, as well as your preferred duration for the internship  (3 or 6 months).

Benefits and Compensation
- Light breakfast and lunch provided daily
- Unconventional, dynamic, and passion-rich working environment
- Opportunity to work with the brightest minds on the planet
- Oh, and a chance to change the world!

Note: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Click here to join

All You Need To Know About The New OAU Vice Chancellor

The Governing Council, at its Special meeting held on June 6, 2016, considered the report of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for the University and decided to appoint Professor Ayobami Taofeek Salami as the eleventh Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, for a term of five years with effect from June 24, 2015.

Professor Ayobami Salami, aged 52, hails from Ibadan, specifically from Akinyele Local Government Area in Oyo Central Senatorial District, Oyo State, Nigeria.

He attended the following higher educational institutions:

University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife –  1982 – 1986
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife   1987 – 1989
African Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys –  1989 – 1990
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife –   1992 – 1996

He possesses the following qualifications:

Sc (Geography) 1986
Sc (Land Use and Natural Resources Management) 1989
PGD (Remote Sensing Applications/GIS) 1990
PhD (Space Applications and Land Use/Natural Resources Management) 1996

Professor Salami joined the services of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife as a Research Fellow II in the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies on 1st February, 1991. He rose through the ranks to the grade of Professor on 1st October, 2003.

He had served as the Director, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies of the University (2006 – 2010) and Head, Space Applications and Environmental Science Laboratory (2005 till date). He is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) since 1st August, 2011.

Professor Salami had also served as a Member of the Senate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, from 2003 till date after having served as an Elected Member from 1996 – 2000. In addition, he had served as a Member of the University Governing Council from 2003 – 2007 and had at various times, served on several committees in the University either as Member or Chairman.

Professor Salami has to his credit, several university, national and international fellowships, honours, awards and consultancies. He had also served as a Member of the Accreditation Panel of the National Universities Commission to various universities in Nigeria at different times.

Professor Salami has obtained numerous grants from several organizations such as National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Ecological Fund Office, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, The Presidency, Abuja; National Centre for Remote Sensing, Jos; International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands; International Secretariat of System Analysis for Research and Training- International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), Washington D.C.; UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission; United Nations Development Program (UNDP); United Nations Environment Program (UNEP); International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy; Ramboll Natura AB, Sweden; European Union (EU); International Development  Research Centre (IDRC); and International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM), Japan among others.

An Eisenhower Fellow (USA) since 2009, Professor Salami has supervised the thesis of 7 Ph.D. and 31 M.Sc. degree students in the University and is currently supervising 3 Ph.D. students. He has served as an External Examiner to several foreign and Nigerian Universities.

He delivered the 220th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled “Space Applications and Ecological Haemorrhage: The Nigerian Experience” in 2009. Professor Ayobami Salami has 75 publications to his credit in Books, Journals, Conference Proceedings and Technical Papers.

A renowned Professor of Space Applications and Environmental Studies, Professor Ayobami Salami is married to Professor (Mrs.) Abiodun Olusola Salami and they are blessed with children.




Credit: oauife.edu.ng

My Administration Achieved More Than Set Targets – Bamitale Omole

Professor Bamitale Omole, the outgone Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife, Osun State, has said his administration achieved above set targets.

Omole made the remark at a media parley where he gave account of his stewardship at the OAU Guest House in Lagos.

Professor Omole who was the 10th Vice Chancellor of the institution assumed the post in June 23, 2011, thus, his five-year tenure ended June 23, 2016.

He divided the area of his achievements into Academic and research, ICT, Infrastructural development, Welfare of staff and work ethics and general aesthetic of the university.

“It is my great pleasure to say that my administration has gone beyond the targets that we set for ourselves. Through purposeful and focused research activities, the ranking of OAU improved tremendously, such that the university was for four consecutive years (2011 to 2015), rated the best and number one university in Nigeria and fifth best university in Africa by the Cybermetric Labs in Spain, a leading assessing global ranking of universities moving from Number 6 in Nigeria and Number 79 in Africa.

“This is a reflection of our commitment to sustain the cherished academic heritage of our university,” he added.

Professor Omole further stated that all his achievements were wonderful but most dear to him was the academic and infrastructural development and the great feats he achieved in ICT, which made the institution the leading university in bandwidth in Nigeria.

“In furtherance of the determination of my administration to make ICT the fulcrum of our development process, we increased the bandwidth from 39 Mbps as at October, 2011 to 800Mbps as at April this year.

“This makes OAU the leading university in bandwidth among Nigerian universities. In spite of limitations, we had improved funding for research activities. We are the only university with an installed Telepresence studio with cloud computing environment all first of their kind in Nigeria,” he stated.



Source

Pictures From Yesterday's NASU Members Protest In OAU

Here are some of the captured scenes of the yesterday's protest of non-academic staff of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Photography: Farombi Oluwaseun & Oyedeji Olanrewaju

Full Text Of New OAU Vice Chancellor's Inaugural Speech

The Dawn of a New Era

Dear colleagues, students and other stakeholders in the Great Ife Project, it gives me great joy to welcome you to the dawn of a new era as I assume office today (24th June, 2016) as the new Vice Chancellor of this University. I am not unmindful of the humongous challenges of my new responsibility as the 11th Vice Chancellor of this great institution, especially within the context of our experience of the most recent past. We cannot lose sight of the fact that it is a very trying period of our enviable history. Nonetheless, the work of moving our university to the next level must be done, as I pledged to do prior to my appointment. Let me make a clarion call on all stakeholders, including all staff, our alumni, friends, benefactors as well as all and sundry to join hands with this new administration which has pledged to be firm, just, equitable and independent in running the affairs of our institution. If there are groups or individuals with any concern, this administration is ever ready to engage such constructively in a round-table so as to amicably resolve matters, instead of resorting to any self-help that may lead to disruptions and disturbances to members of the community. Let us all remember that this is our common heritage and whatever we do to promote, nurture, sabotage or destroy it will be documented for posterity.

Our university, as an enviable citadel of learning thrives on hybridization and cross-fertilization of ideas. In Ife, there is always and always will be space to think, express our views both in words and enlightened actions or else, we are not worthy of our name as a university. OAU is therefore, a freedom land where intellectualism must drive our differences and harmonise our energies for the sole purpose of enriching our students- the only reason for the existence of this university community. This is no doubt, a noble time of courage, discipline and daring vision. However, our community cannot sacrifice two dynamics of freedom and academic progress: truth and discipline. It was Plato who said to Aristotle, “You are my friend but truth is my greater friend.” In a time when tertiary institutions like ours are competing with the ever-increasing but much newer universities, we must as a community shun untruth and embrace our opportunities. On the other hand indiscipline is neither a friend of truth nor progress. This is the time we must celebrate our values, uphold our principles and stick to our laws.

I know the time has come for a constant dialogue between the leadership and the community about our common interest and I shall practice that. I wish to assure everyone that yesterday is gone, and a new dawn is here! This is a University with great potentials that we must all agree to properly harness for the good of all.

I once again pledge to work for the greater good of our great citadel of learning, and making the legitimate welfare of all stakeholders a priority. The time-tested committee system of the university shall be upheld and the administration shall adopt an open door policy where anyone with any valuable contribution shall be welcomed.

I hereby appeal to all and sundry to join hands with me in a bid to move this institution to higher grounds. I envision this administration as the bridge between our past that we cherish and the future that we admire. As encapsulated in my Vision Statement, I am aware that history beckons on me as the new Vice-Chancellor not only to be able to sustain the gains of the past, but to also be able to capacitize the system for innovative strides at the onset of a new ‘decade’ in the annals of the governance of the University. It is now my responsibility for the next 5 years to be a catalyst for change by demonstrating a genuine commitment to academic renaissance, re-invigorating the learning environment, staff and students’ welfare, networking and consensus building within the system. I must hasten to add that all these laudable objectives can only be achievable if we all join hands together to move our beloved institution forward. It is my strong desire and hope that this new dawn will be remembered for progress, academic breakthroughs and our citizen’s great welfare. This requires that all hands must be on the deck and I, on my part, hereby extend my hand of friendship and reconciliation to everyone. I am determined to embrace this opportunity for service with singularity of purpose, majesty of the spirit and fidelity of intention. Individually we can make a difference but together we can make an impact.
God bless you.

Professor Ayobami Salami

Stanbic IBTC Internship 2016 For Nigerian Undergraduate Students

Application Deadline: June 30th 2016

Your Future Starts Now….Start an amazing internship with Stannic IBTC Nigeria

Stanbic IBTC, a member of Standard Bank Group is looking for Young and Bright Undergraduates to offer:

1. Hands-on experience in a leading end-to-end financial services organization
2. Exposure to international best practices
3. Direct engagement with cutting edge professionals in the financial services industry

Eligibility Requirements
You Should apply if you:

• Have completed your 2nd year of university with a minimum of 3.5 CGPA
• Are Innovative and capable of diverse thinking
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills

How to Apply:
To Apply Send your CV and transcript to internship@stanbicibtc.com with ‘Internship 2016’ as the subject of your email.

For More Information:
Vsit the Official Webpage of STANBIC IBTC Nigeria

School Closure: JaniCuts Advises OAU Students

As the students of Obafemi Awolowo University continue to exit the University community to their various homes, the CEO of JaniCuts fashion line and alumnus of the institution, Ajani Oluseyi a.k.a JaniCuts has given the affected students some important tips on how to maximize the break period.

Janicuts urged the students not to see the break as a free time to engage in frivolities, rather it should be viewed as a challenge to add more in value to themselves.  The students are also advised to go for engagements outside their course of study; like crafts, trades, volunteer works and related activities.

According to Janicuts, students stand a better chance of securing jobs in the current Nigerian situation if they are able to add extra skills to their educational qualifications.

"Graduating from school doesn't guarantee automatic employment in Nigeria, many before you (the students) are still in the labour market searching for unavailable jobs. When your school goes  on strike, see it as a challenge to improve the education sector in your country and also as a possibility of adding something new to your degree like starting a course online, learning the practical aspects of your course of study, learning a craft/trade, volunteering for an NGO.  Just engage in something, if necessarily for free, to gain experience.

"Keep improving yourself instead of agonizing.  Trust me, this is the best time for you to learn something new. Learning after graduation, when you can't get a job, is always hard because you will have a lot on your mind and definitely be after daily survival. Remember schooling and education are two different things." JaniCuts noted.

The fashion boss who is notable for his disapproval for wastage has successfully championed two editions of 'Project Let Go Africa' where cloths and other relief materials were donated to the less privileged, especially to children at the orphanage homes. Earlier this month, JaniCuts supported 10 start up businesses with a customised jersey each for their brands.

It will be recalled that the management of Obafemi Awolowo University announced the indefinite shutdown of the school on Wednesday owing to persisting protests by the non-academic staff of the institution.

OAU Shutdown: Acting SU CSO Encourages Students To Leave Campus At Their Pace

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Security Committee of the suspended Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union, Comrade Olumighty, who has been handling affairs related to the Union has come out to also speak on the shutdown of the University. In an 8-paragraph Release signed by Olumighty, the Committee condemned the abrupt notice that students should evacuate Halls of Residence latest by 12:00pm today. Students were also advised to travel at their convenience.

The Committee has also decided on behalf of the defunct Students’ Union, to work with other Unions in order to restore peace and normalcy back to campus. Find the full release below;

GREAT IFE STUDENTS UNION
ON THE SHUTDOWN OF THE UNIVERSITY
It is no longer news that the university authority in the usual manner reacted to the recent workers' actions and inactions through an announcement in the radio by the registrar followed by a circular by the division of student affairs by shutting down the school.

This is to a very large extent an unexpected, incorrect and unwelcome approach in settling the issues that have enveloped the appointment of the vice chancellor. Students and the academic calendar shouldn't be at the receiving end of the crisis.

We're against the undemocratic closure of the school which is also another exposure of the Omole led administration which has usually made harmful autocratic decisions mostly injuring the students community.

The directive of having students vacate hostels before 12noon today is largely condemned and at this point, we hereby inform students that all Students who are not yet ready to leave the school should remain in their hostels and live without the fear of any attacks or harassment.

The leadership of the union as a call of necessity and expedience will be meeting with other sister unions especially the aggrieved unions to resolve on how peace could be restored to campus and activities fully restored to normalcy.

Also, there will be meetings with appropriate quarters of the school authority to address a fast track of resumption.

Our priority for now remains the restoration of normalcy on campus and resumption to usher in the commencement of academic activities in the university.

We wish students safe trip to their respective homes and wish you the best of the break.

Signed: Com OluMighty
CSO and leader of the union

NASU Goes Dramatic As Prof Omole Exits Office Today

After spending all night at the University Senate Building, the protesting members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife have started celebrating the exit of Professor Bamitale Omole, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor ends today, in very unusual ways.

Members of the Union were dressed in white attires as they carried an ersatz coffin and danced around the Senate Building with brooms. Some others were also frying bean balls (akara) at the building.

More details to come...

ACJ OAU Speaks On Current NASU-Management Crisis; Recommends Students Interference

The leadership of the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), OAU has also come forth to comment on the recent crisis that has rocked the Obafemi Awolowo University and its effects on students. This was done in a release which was signed by by President, General Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the Association. In the release, the association recommended that, considering the detrimental effects of the closure on the students, the students not take sides in the ongoing brawl between the Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University and the Non-Academic Staff Union, but instead intervene to help resolve the crisis and to this end further recommended that a congress of Great Ife students be called. Find the full release below;

From Executive Council ACJOAU

The Closure of OAU, Matters Arising

Today, 22nd of June,2016, we received with huge sadness and shock the closure of Obafemi Awolowo University till further notice.

The reasons for the closure of Ife Varsity is based on the ongoing workers protest against alleged imposition of the new Vice Chancellor on the University community, we however do not want to dwell on rightness or wrongness of protests but the effect constant disagreement has had on students in the institution.

It has become a norm that OAU is known for unstable Calendar, we go on strike almost every session based on disagreement, however we must note that it is high time we find an alternative conflict resolution mechanism, we should remember that fresh students for instance have been at home for several months before resuming, ASUU were on leave for 56 days and it seems, the grass is suffering without due consideration from quarters.

We are in no way contesting the right to protest nor the powers of the school to declare closure but when this decisions alter future of thousands then we may begin to ask what we are been thought as leaders of tomorrow.

Historically, the last three years have come with strike and coincidentally those strike have been in the month of June, we cannot fold our arms and watch, let's know that other Universities also experience disagreements but if there was unity, things can be sorted out.

Fresh students have been on Campus for close to one month doing almost nothing and after one month they have been asked to return back home, definitely we may say this is a norm in Great Ife but things are becoming overbearing.

We totally want to express our deep concern towards this latest development, we know fully well that Students even have to travel again to long distances and looking at the rate of accidents lately, it is not advisable that students leave the University, remember that they never came for Tourism and shouldn't leave like they are on expedition, safety of life and property which the University has attached this decision to may not be achieved if students are allowed to travel in the Psychological state the Strike action must have left them, we must ensure that we stop repeating same mistakes that we have repeated all along.

OUR RECOMMENDATION.

-That the alternative dispute resolution mechanism of dialogue should be utilized.

- Students should see the present crisis as their concern, from information we have gotten, students may continue to suffer if we don't play a diplomatic role in solving this issue rather than taking sides or using this medium for popularity, a five man committee should work assiduously to ensure that impact of students is felt in efforts to resolve this issue, efforts should be that of Goodwill and not self interest

- The University authorities should consider the safety of students really and psychology of new students who have not been cleared even at Department level, the 56days leave already granted to ASUU, the decision to ask students to proceed on strike may not serve its purpose and should be looked into, Universities exist for students, decisions like this only leaves more to be wanted, it is unsafe to ask students to proceed home and it is unfair to postpone Academic activities after many postponement.

- Even though the case between NASU,SSANU and the Governing council is in Court , we believe that a common ground can be reached, we are recommending that aggrieved parties dialogue extensively

-- We are recommending a Congress of Great Ife students especially at this critical time and moment.

We believe at every point in life of a society disagreement may occur but ability to handle issues is essential.

At ACJOAU, we will continue to assert strength of the pen without fear or favor.

Signed

Olanrewaju Oyedeji
President

Adebayo Faith
General Secretary

Abegunde Cephas
Public Relations Officer
ACJ OAU

Protesting Workers To Remain At Senate Overnight

Following the shut down of the school, the protesting members of the Non-Academic Staff Union have promised to remain at the University Senate Building overnight. As at the time of compiling this report, the workers were still at the Senate Building blaring and enjoying music.

Also consequential to the scuffle that has ensued over the past weeks, many speculations have begin to arise regarding the recent closure of the school and alleged sack of NASU OAU Executives. Some believe the management is finding a way to organise a peaceful swearing-in for the announced candidate for the June 23 handing over by Professor Omole, even despite the said injunction of the Court, which is to have another hearing on the 6th July, 2016.

As different speculations continue to arise following the dramatic turn of events in the last few hours, OAU Peeps News Agency promises to endeavour to continue to adequately keep the general public informed about the eventual happenings as they unfold.

NASU National Sacks NASU OAU Excos

The national leadership of the Non Academic Staff Union of universities (NASU) has dissolved the leadership of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife branch of the union.

The National Executive in a June 21 letter cited continued violation of the union’s constitution in the ongoing crisis over the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor for the institution as the reason for the sack.

It accused the branch leadership of carrying out protest and industrial action without the permission of the national leadership, adding that it acted in disregard to its earlier plea for leniency in a recent meeting with the General Secretary at its Ibadan liaison office.

The letter, signed by the General Secretary, A. Adeyemi, said the dissolution of the Executive takes effect from June 20.
It directed the leadership of the OAU branch to hand over properties in their care to branch financial secretary.

“In accordance with Rule 22 (1 & 5c) of NASU constitution, therefore, the Obafemi Awolowo University Branch Committee is dissolved with effect from 20th June, 2016 for persistent violation of the content of the constitution,” the statement read in part.

The tenure of the outgoing VC, Prof. Ba miracle Omole, ends today (Thursday) while the incoming VC is expected to take over on Friday.

The letter was copied to the VC, Registrar, Commissioner of Police, Osun State and the Secretary of the Osun State Council of the union.



 SOURCE  

OAU Shut Down Indefinitely ‎Over Workers Protest

The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife have shut down the institution indefinitely over continuous protests by some of its workers.

The Registrar of the university, Dotun Awoyemo confirmed this to our correspondent on the telephone on Tuesday.

According to him, the management has decided to shut down the university for the safety of students and staff.

He said, "We have shut down the university indefinitely pending the time that we will resolve issues with our workers - Non-academic Staff of University (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSANU). 

"We have asked our newly admitted students to go home and postponed the resumption of old students indefinitely."

It was gathered that old students of the OAU were expected to resume next week after a two-month break. 

Recall that ‎workers of the OAU under the aegis of NASU and SSANU have intensified their protest against non-payment of allowances and alleged imposition of a Vice-Chancellor despite the 'no work', 'no pay' threat by the university's authorities.

They vowed to stop the newly appointed VC from resuming office on Friday.

Our correspondent gathered that the protest intensified when the University's Governing Council announced Prof. Ayobami Salam as the new VC. 

Though the counsel to the university denied the appointment of a new VC at the Osogbo Federal High Court hearing last Friday afternoon, the Governing Council on Saturday officially announced Salami.

Source: Punch

Beyond Feminism: "Fair-minism" - Pope Jay

I am a huge fan of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Beyond her literary prowess, both oral and written, I respect her in-depth consciousness of the world around her. The ability to notice the so called “little things” in the society and forge them into a story worth listening to is a very rare character, most especially in this part of the world. One of the ideals which I share with Chimamanda is her stance on the equality of the Homo Sapien; the belief that everybody can and should be treated equally at least to a reasonable extent, irrespective of some superficial factors like gender and race.

Feminism is the belief in the political, social, and economic equality between women and men. Feminism as a concept can be traced back centuries. However, there seems to be a rising trend recently, most especially in Africa, a development long overdue. In as much as feminism to a reasonable level is a just cause, I believe that it is perhaps too one sided. The said aim of feminism is to achieve a rational level of equality in the sexes, but this is frequently approached from the female’s perspective and very seldom from the man’s point of view. I once asked a female friend what she thought of paternity leave and she said it was totally unnecessary; I tried to remind her that the man too had just had a child but she felt it was the woman who had done all the work. I further tried to approach the topic from the feminist’s perspective; since the woman wants to be treated equally with the man and the man doesn’t get any holiday for having a child, why should she get a holiday? At this point, my friend just saw me as wicked, lazy, inconsiderate and even further went on to predict that I would be a bad husband in future. The fact that this same friend of mine may be the first to lift the protest placard whenever a case of gender discrimination arose seemed quite unfair to me.

The society gives a form of partial treatment to men, it also demands a lot from them: A man is expected to be one without emotions; “the strong one”, the one who has to be away from his family in order to provide for them, the one whose name should scare the children etc. So far, he has not complained because I have tried to find out if there is such a concept as “masculism”, or “masculinism”, and I have discovered that it defines the very opposite of feminism. But I am sure that there are men who want to attain a level of equality with the women too and currently it seems the average male feminist tends to be either seen as shameless and lazy for competing with a female or ungentlemanly for not standing up for her to sit. This indicates that even in the pursuit of equality that is feminism; the sexes are not treated equally.

As a way out, I would have suggested that the men too start to rise and chase equality from their own end, that they invent the idea “masculinism” in a fair way; however, this would only duplicate the shortcomings of feminism. I thereby want to plead with all those who fight against the discrimination against the female sex in a bid to achieve equity in the treatment of both sexes not to be one sided in this task because beyond feminism, we should try to achieve a state of fairness to both sexes. Simply put, we should all be fair-minists.

Please send your comments and opinions to me via mail at jobaoje@gmail.com
Pope Jay