WhatsApp Autocracy- Pope Jay

Over the past weeks, the number of WhatsApp groups I belong to has increased geometrically. Most of the groups I have had to join recently have been due to an unavoidable necessity. And in some of these groups, I have had to be one of the group administrators for various reasons. I must confess, It has been quite an experience: Good, bad and ugly.


I have come to observe that different people join different groups (WhatsApp groups majorly) for different reasons and most importantly without considering the fundamentals that birth most of these groups. Within permissible limits of presumption, I want to believe that a high percentage of users, especially in the older teenage and early youthful stage, join most groups in search of adventure and amusement without any real connection to the main purpose of the establishment of the group.  The aftereffect of this is not far-fetched; it's loads and loads of irrelevant chats, annoying spam and unnecessary “Send To 7 People or die” messages.


Personally, I try to castigate this rather sad decadence of order whenever I can, especially in groups where I can. I am an advocate of purpose; I believe my actions at every point in time should be tied to a particular purpose. As a matter of fact, this is a basic principle for achieving appreciable productivity. Putting this simply, if I join a WhatsApp group to plan an event, the messages and posts on such group should be centred around this purpose, if I want to listen to the gospel, I know where to go.


I have had to offend many people who do not share this perspective. If I create a group for a particular reason and, knowing fully well this purpose, a person decides to spam the group with very irrelevant information, there is a very high tendency that I may 'unintentionally' remove such person from the group. Many people have often called this autocratic and oppressive and this just leaves me to wonder, “Are WhatsApp groups supposed to be democratic?”.


In as much as I appreciate the dividends of democracy et al, I believe it does have its flaws and it is these flaws that make it relatively unsuitable in some scenarios. For instance, there have been issues of administrators removing persons of antagonistic beliefs from general groups and this is condemnable ONLY if it does not agree with the choice of the majority; which according to basic democratic guidelines, carry the vote. However, if I as a person or corporate body create a group and set rules, I reserve the right to dismiss or sanction you if you break these rules. In simpler terms, it’s just like clicking the “I agree” column in the Terms and Conditions section (which no one ever reads) when signing up on most social network platforms, giving the handlers the right to delete your account whenever you break their rules.


Conclusively, I would also want to advise the “Human Rights Activists” who go around fighting when people are sanctioned for breaking rules or basic ethical codes to try to easen up and be a little more patient when trying to moderate some issues, especially the “WhatsApp Activists”. There is such a thing as WhatsApp Autocracy whether you like it or not; in which case it's probably better to just leave the group.          


Pope Jay

OAU Senate Validates August 7 As Resumption Date

The Senate of Obafemi Awolowo University has today resolved to pick August 7 as the date for resumption of students.

After the over hundred days holiday, the resumption dates for students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife have finally been announced.

Confirming our earlier report, the returning students of the institution have been directed to resume On the 7th August, 2016 while the Fresh students are to resume on the 3rd of August to complete their various registration processes. Lectures commence on the 8th August, 2016.

We wish all students a happy resumption.


Picture Illustration by Pelumi Ponmile

Renovation Commences Barely Two Days After Acting VC's Visit

Barely two days after the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Anthony Elujoba, paid a visit to the various Halls of of Residence on Campus with his entourage, repair works have commenced in several of these halls.

Speaking with our correspondent, some workers who came around claimed they were around for inspection and estimation needed for the renovation as their work would commence anytime from now.

As at the time of filing this report, the repair of doors in Awolowo Hall Block 3 and renovation of toilets has commenced. Electricity supply has also been restored to all Halls of Residence on Campus.

This comes as a surprise to majority of the students who have continued to complained over the years about the de-humanizing state of the University Halls of Residence.

Clearly, this is a strong indication in the positive direction for the Institution considering the current Acting Vice-Chancellor has only spent about three days in office.



Photo Credits - Nairaland

OAU Acting Vice-Chancellor Visits Awo Toilet

Prof. Anthony Elujoba

Earlier today, the newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Anthony Elujoba, was on an inspection tour of all halls of residence on the University's campus.

The Acting VC's check on the state of the halls is believed to be in a bid to assess the current situation of things with a view to proper improvement.

Halls of residence visited include: The Angola Hall, Mozambique Hall,  the Muritala Muhammed Postgraduate Hall and the Obafemi Awolowo Hall, where he was said to have personally observed the sardonic state of the toilets in the Halls.

In the company of Professor Elujoba was the University's Registrar; Mr D.O Awoyemi, the School PRO, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju and the Acting Dean, Division of Student Affairs; Dr(Mrs) L.M Durosinmi.

OAU Acting Vice Chancellor Meets With Ooni Of Ife (Pictures)

On Tuesday, the Ile-Ife born acting Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Anthony Elujoba visited and paid homage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II.

See pictures below

Photo credit: Oriowo Oyeyemi

OAU Students To Resume August 7

Newly Proposed Calendar For 2015/2016 Session

According to the newly proposed calendar for the 2015/2016 Academic session. The resumption date for students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has been put to the 7th of August, 2016. However, the calendar is still up for final ratification by the University Senate on Thursday, 28th July, 2016.

Post-UTME Scrapping; A Panacea Or A Conundrum?

Adeyeye Eyitayo

It is no longer a news that Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination popularly known as PUTME has been scrapped. It took the intervention of the Federal Government through the office of the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to put an end to the system, a development which is not unconnected to the fact that the process has been viewed by many to have lacked merit and has served as a means through which institutions exploit admission seekers to generate huge income. 

Before the Post UTME exercise was scrapped there were universities charging as high as six to seven thousand naira for the admission exercise.  An average tertiary institution records thousands of candidates sitting for Post UTME and perhaps if each candidate pays seven thousand naira for the exercise, is this not too much of our ivory towers?  Even after candidates had gone through thick and thin to cough out the exorbitant charges, candidates are still not guaranteed admission.  As a matter of fact, there are instances where some candidates could not sit for the Post UTME exams owing to financial constraints, hence blocking any chance of being admitted.  It's believed that it was on this basis coupled with other things that formed the reasons why the programme was scrapped.

Even though, the scrapping of the Post UTME exercise as well as the introduction of the newly recommended admission screening exercise has been greeted with contentions, many believed that the decision was praise-worthy thinking that the new admission screening exercise would be the type that would avail the both the rich and poor fair admission opportunities.  The new style of screening is more of a "result grading system" giving much importance to candidate's ordinary level (O’level) results coupled with UTME performance.

Taking a critical look at the newly introduced system, one would be forced to ponder if it is not the case of ‘pouring a new wine into an old bottle’.  The non-extant Post UTME as meritless and exploitative as it was perceived to be by many, some now think it's still better if compared with the new admission screening exercise as the later involves a cumbersome and complex system, in which tertiary institutions would have to grade candidates’ O'level results as well as UTME results.

Another contention is that, the additional weight and importance given to O'level results by the new screening style is unwarranted. Reason being that, the bodies conducting these exams have had their images dented with issues of incompetence and ineffectiveness, making people doubt if there exams are still true tests of knowledge. Another unanswered question is whether the newly introduced system would not lead to a situation where candidates engage in several malpractices with an eye on its influence on their admission chances.   This means that the 0'level result is not just a requirement for admission seekers but now a powerful determinant.

Some institutions, in compliance with the new directives, recently came up with their screening modus-operandi which entails pocket-tearing charges. Then why was post UTME scrapped? Was it not because of its exploitative nature?

A renowned University has the following as screening charges totaling the sum of 6,850 naira:

SCREENING FEE - N1,500
EPORTAL ACCESS CHARGE - N5,000
BANK CHARGE - N350

If candidates would still pay charges as high as this, has there been any change at all? Are these charges really relevant? Is this not tantamount to pouring a new whine into a new bottle? Do you think Post UTME shouldn't have been scrapped at all? Is its scrapping a panacea or a conundrum?

Adeyeye Eyitayo is a student of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife and a member of the OAU Peeps Team

OAUTHC HRORBN Admission Exercise To End In August

The School of Health Information Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital has invited applications from qualified applicants into its Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) programme.

According to a full page Advert on The Punch Newspaper sponsored by the Institution and duly signed by the Director of Administration and Secretary to the Management Board, completed application forms into Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes is scheduled to come to an end by Wednesday 3rd August, 2016 while screening comes up on Wednesday 10th August, 2016.



Photo source: The Punch Newspaper

OAU Pre-degree Students To Start Final Exams Tomorrow

The Pre-degree Students of the Centre for Distant Learning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife would commence their Second contact examinations tomorrow, Monday, 25th July, 2016. We at OAU Peeps hereby use this medium to wish the students all the best in their exams.

Online Screening For OAU Aspirants Extended Indefinitely

The Obafemi Awolowo University has hereby extended her ongoing Screening process indefinitely. According to a post on the portal, the new closing date would be made known on the portal.

We Have Seen 3 Vice Chancellors & Yet To Be Matriculated - OAU Freshmen

Fresh students of Obafemi Awolowo University have started to reflect on their experience of the institution so far.  The students said they have experienced three different Vice Chancellors of the institution and yet, they have not been matriculated as full students.

"I have witnessed Omole, Salami and Elujoba's tenures and i have not even done my matriculation" one fresh student of OAU said.

Assuming the school was on, the academic calendar had scheduled last Thursday for the matriculation ceremony for the fresh students.

The fresh students resumed on the May 28 this year when the much embattled former Vice Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole was there. After spending less than a month, the students were sent home due to the crisis that came with the appointment of Omole's successor.

Recall, on June 6 this year, OAU Peeps News Agency reported that the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ayobami Salami was appointed the substantive 11th Vice Chancellor of OAU. However, his inability to resume due to the troubles of Workers' Unions forced President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the VC appointment processes for the institution and at the same time, dissolve the University's Council.

On Thursday, upon the directive of the President, the Village Chemist, Professor Anthony Elujoba was appointed by the Senate to act as the Vice Chancellor of the institution.

In all, between May and now, Obafemi Awolowo University students have lived through three different Vice Chancellors.

OAU Drops Out Of Nigeria's Top 10 In the Latest University Ranking

In the recently released Webometric University Ranking, the crisis ridden Obafemi Awolowo University dropped from the best ten academic institutions in Nigeria.

The openness ranking of World universities for the second half of 2016, within which less than 50 Nigerian universities were included has Harvard University (USA) coming first in the world as usual.

Nigeria's usual best university however dropped from the third position it occupied before to the 11th spot.

Below is the list of the top 30 Nigerian universities in the Webometrics 2016 Openness ranking for world universities. Their respective world ranks are those enclosed within brackets.

1. University of Nigeria, Nsukka. UNN (1433)

2. University of Ibadan, Ibadan. UI (1613)

3. University of Ilorin, Ilorin. UNILORIN (2114)

4. Covenant University, Ota. CU (2161)

5. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. UNIZIK (2173)

6. University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt. UNIPORT (2190)

7. University of Lagos, Lagos. UNILAG (2243)

8. University of Calabar, Calabar. UNICAL (2333)

9. University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. UNAAB (2364)

10. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. ABU (2372)

11. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. OAU (2473)

12. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. LAUTECH (2585)

13. University of Uyo, Uyo. UNIUYO (2655)

14. Federal University of Technology, Minna. FUTMINNA (2682)

15. University of Benin, Ugbowo. UNIBEN (2703)

16. Federal University of Technology, Akure. FUTA (2835)

17. Bayero University, Kano. BUK (2909)

18. Redeemer’s University, Mowe. RUN (2937)

19. Lagos State University, Ojo. LASU (2939)

20. Osun State University, OSU (3074)

21. University of Jos, Jos. UNIJOS (3173)

22. Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo. FUNAI (3242)

23. Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port Harcourt. RSUT (3295)

24. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. ABUAD (3330)

25. Landmark University, Omu-aran LU (3422)

26. Federal University of Technology, Owerri. FUTO (3423)

27. Enugu State University of Technology, Enugu. ESUT (3433)

28. University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri. UNIMAID (3465)

29. Federal University of Dutsin Ma, Dutsin-Ma (3478)

30. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. MOUA (3515).

Although no Nigerian university was among the first 1000 in the world, University of Nigeria ranked highest of the Nigerian universities on the list, followed by University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin and Covenant University respectively.

Openness refers to the total number of pdf files of a university according to google. It relies on information (statistics) of web publications of a University for a Specific period of time; available on google scholar. It therefore based on volume of research articles published by a university.

The quantity of google scholarly articles a university has reveals how much of research is being conducted by the university; which is what openness ranking is all about – a university’s research output.

Openness rank is a part of the many indicators that make up several university rankings, others being excellence, presence and visibility; for Webometrics. Although it does not exactly specify the impact of the research papers a university has; the openness indicator however reveals the extent to which a school is engaged in research, which is what world class institutions are known for.

My Nomination As OAU Acting Vice-Chancellor Is God’s Will – Prof. Elujoba

Prof. Elujoba kneels to appreciate God at the Freedom Park

Prof. Anthony Elujoba, the newly elected Acting Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, says he is on rescue mission to complete the appointment of the substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Elujoba made this known in his maiden address to staff and students of the institution at NASU, SSANU Freedom Park on Friday in Ile-Ife.

He said that he did not wish to spend a day extra after the expiration of his acting tenure in the office, while expressing hope that there would be solution to the problems before then.

“I will by God’s grace support of all workers within the six months of his tenure, rewrite the story and correct the abnormalities of the past administrations,’’ he promised.

Elujoba pledged not work contrary to the will of God who made it possible for him to witness this day and assured that staff welfare would be given priority.

“My nomination as the acting Vice-Chancellor is the will of God and it is marvelous in my sight.

“It remains just two years for me to retire as a professor and if not because of the crisis on campus, my letter to proceed on sabbatical leave on Aug. 1, would have been signed,’’ he said.

He commended all the workers for their courage and steadfastness during the struggle and promised to be transparent and accountable in his administration.

The acting Vice-Chancellor solicited the cooperation of all and urged them to return to their duty posts without fear of any molestation as a new era had began in the history of OAU.



Source

The Prophecy: Elú Becomes King

He must have come before.
Why else would mother call him 'Tale?
Even now we feel the pains from the sore;
The ones he caused when he came as Wale

Maybe this is what the elders saw
When Odewumi and his comrades were singing.
As they rose to solidarity's call,
Not knowing where the road was leading.

Finally the August Visitor has sent orders
To cancel the sinless Council's wrong.
Tor'àgbà kìí wà lójà,
Kórí omo titún wó.

Now it is the turn of the Village Chemist.
The one who must help us find some order.
This chosen one must justify the Visitor's visit.
As Elú's prophecy comes to pass; I welcome you to Ìjoba Elújoba.

Pope Jay

Cartoon illustration by Pelumi Ponmile

I Will Meet With Students When The University Reopens – OAU Acting VC

The newly voted acting Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Anthony Elujoba, has said he will meet the students, once the University reopens.

According to reports, the acting VC, while addressing the public today in front of the University Senate Building, said he is ready to ensure the problem currently experienced by the institution does not happen again.

Following the decision of the University Senate to present him as the acting VC yesterday, the formerly aggrieved members of the Non Academic Staff of Universities (NASU) and that of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have expressed satisfaction at Elujoba’s candidature.

Elujoba, 68, is the first indigene of Ile-Ife, Osun state – where the school is located – to become the institution’s Vice Chancellor. He was supposed to proceed on a sabbatical starting August before he was voted to take up his current position. Any moment from now, President Buhari is expected to make the official announcement of Elujoba as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Click here to read more on Professor Anthony Elujoba; ‘The Village Chemist’

ACJ OAU Officially Close #ReOpenOAU Campaign With A Thank You Message

The Executive President of Association of Campus Journalists OAU, Oyedeji Olanrewaju, officially beat the drum announcing the end of #ReopenOAU campaign which had lasted for over a week.

This development is not unconnected to the emergence of the newly recommended acting Vice chancellor of the University which  conceivably will bring normalcy back to the ivory tower after 100days of logjam.

Below is the complementary ACJ president's Thank you message;

"As resumption date will be announced anytime from now, it is important to write this thank you message especially as #ReopenOAU Campaign ends today.

We are not winners when we refuse to try the impossible and make it possible, not as a person but as a united body, this may not be the best way to introduce a thank you message but it to some extent summarizes how we have won a struggle via the Social media as OAU Students, an occurrence that has not taken place in recent years especially as Students and in Nigeria.

We have together and collectively achieved a feat we never deemed possible without protesting on the streets and we did that with intellectualism and coordination. Today, we can look back and say it was worth it after all,the prayers, the tweets, the criticisms didn't go in vain.

Definitely, we have had low points during the Campaign, we have had cause to disagree but at the end of it all we have achieved our common goal. The situation we found ourselves was a very tricky one, if not the trickiest in recent times but the power of determination made it one that we can be proud to have raised our voice as a token to the #ReopenOAU agitations.

We have succeeded in breaking another history of recent times without protests, the agitations received attention from His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife,The Presidency, Ministry of Education, Nigerian Senate(Through the Senate President himself),Ministers of Health,Justice(just to mention a Few), House of Representatives members, NUC, Activists, Stakeholders in the Education Sector, Staff Unions, Students from other Federal Universities and got attention even outside the country.

The agitations for #ReopenOAU was reported by well over thirty media houses, some which include: Punch Newspaper, The Nation Newspaper, DailyTimes Newspaper, Nigerian Television Authority,Channels Television, Splash FM, Adaba FM,Radio Nigeria,Orisun FM,Newspic in Ghana, Premium Times Nigeria and so many other top media houses in Nigeria. Media outlets on Campus also reported this issue from time to time.

We have achieved all this through a social media struggle, even as Students, it is worthy of note that we didn't attack any personality during the course of the struggle, which is another feat in Students' Struggle.

Great Ife Students deserve an applaud for their polite agitations.

We have also set a trend for all other schools to follow, we have made it visible to all that we can achieve bigger aims as Students in struggle even when we do not go on the streets, our voice and collectivity is what we need.
Words will not be enough to appreciate all Great Ife Students, Students across all other Nigerian Universities and even beyond Nigeria for the unity of purpose.

Through the #ReopenOAU Open letter, we have succeeded in getting attention of all quarters to the welfare conditions on campus and the unstable calendar disease, as was highlighted even in our Open Letter.

If we believe we can achieve, we believed from Day one till the last and never did a day pass through without people Tweeting and Trending the #ReopenOAU.We had numerous display pictures that we lost count at some point, we also had a Jingle by Charlie Toxin, all this pushed the Campaign further.

A big thank you goes to all other stakeholders that played roles in ensuring that the University is reopened, God will definitely reward us all. We appreciate His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Adeyeye, President Buhari, The Nigerian Senate President and Nigerian Senate, Ministry of Education, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Minister of Health,Mrs Remi Sonaiya,Senate Committee on Education, Members of House of Representatives,Alumni of OAU and other key Stakeholders that helped actualize the #ReopenOAU Agitations.

We also appreciate all National and International media houses that supported the cry of OAU Students.

Special thanks to Press Club University of Lagos, Union of Campus Journalists University of Ibadan, Union of Campus Journalists Utman Danfodiyo University Sokoto,Union of Campus Journalists University of Ilorin,Pressmen from Mapoly,FUNAAB and other institutions we may not have mentioned.

A Great Thank you goes to National Association of Nigerian campus Editors' may God bless our pen.

If words would be right, then we have to type beyond quantification, but the words in our heart appreciates us all bigger than we have expressed.

Accept this little thank You message. God bless Great Ife,God bless us all.

©ACJOAU
©Alliance of OAU Presidents
©ANUNSA"

A Cynical Prescription For An Otherwise Intractable Crises In OAU

Following the directive of the Visitor that the university senate convenes a meeting to nominate an acting vice chancellor, I have found myself in a deep moral quandary as I reflect on the probable evolution of scenarios and their implications for the sanity of an environment otherwise consecrated for learning. It is a dilemma between my idealistic love of democracy and the practicality of deliberate gerontocracy as we rummage through this mud; it is a huge shame that theuniversity finds itself dancing shoki naked in the village square.

The unprecedented nature of this challenge in the annals of university administration in Nigeria and the particularities of Obafemi Awolowo University senate incite fear and anxiety that the whole exercise could turn out to be the beginning of another journey through a labyrinth. It offends one’s republican ideal.

That most of the decisions that have almost brought the university to its knees are democratically taken in avowedly democratic institution constituted by men of highest learning. The senate of the university as I know it takes many of her decisions through a democratic process of nomination and voting, presided over by the chairman(The VC) who has the prerogative to recognize members on the floor as he deems fit. The narratives about how this inevitable democratic prerogative has been deployed by the chairman are preserved in many campus myths and legends. One version believes that he holds a caucus meeting with motley of mediocre academics who seek refuge in a vertical patron- clientelistic relationship with him to settle some narrow agenda. Such academic clients obligingly attend the senate assured of recognition by their sponsor. Permanently, the chairman has his way no matter how reactionary or nasty his agenda. The senate of the university has not demonstrated reliable resilience and sublime courage; it has proven vulnerable to dark machinations by determined reactionary forces and abuse of “administrative powers”. Given that the senate is an institution with such an abysmal record in genuine democratic performance, the responsibility to nominate a vice chancellor democratically in its purest form might be a costly gamble that could over-stretch and otherwise compromised institution.

The crude power and disturbing privileges of the office of the vice chancellor, its many leverages and several incentives to bleed the university treasury unencumbered, the numerous opportunities to dole out patronage to mediocre academics who are ever willing to seek refuge in a vertical patron - clientelistic relationship, and the newly granted power to act like an emperor unchallenged, make the stake really volatile and combustible. Voting to grant anyone such opportunity will be voting like no other. Besides, given the naked ambition of the so organized reactionary forces, the aimlessness and formlessness that has plagued the progressive for so long, the less than idealistic motivations of most academics tainted with aims so sordid and passions so petty ,allowing such process play out purely democratically might be really combustible. I suspect the order that brought us here will make attempt to perpetuate itself democratically. After all, they have been democratically lording their evil machination on the campus community.

More so, coming up with a modality that is carefully shielded from opportunisticmanoeuvring and eventual litigious acrimony might be prohibitively expensive in time. Given that so many precious lives are placed on hold, the senate had better leverage on a solution that relies on fast and frugal heuristic to make this urgently needed adaptive decisions like we all do in real life with a limitation of time, knowledge and permutation. The senate must not at this time be tempted to assume the role of classical demons that are boundless in their rationality. To perfect the collapse of the bankrupt moral order that brought us this low, gerontocracy might be a good option. It will be time effective for the senate to throw their weight behind the most senior academic in their ranks by years of service. This impersonal alternative forecloses the door for any dirty political jockeying in the interim; stabilize the tensed atmosphere on campus. Such a candidate uses his remaining years of service to coordinate a seamless transition. Hopefully, by then the arrow head of the reactionary camp will have politically bled to death, while their ranks are systematically decimated.

It is very likely that the visitor redirected autonomy as a detour from his earlier decision with a probable intention of using the full might of his office should the university proves hopelessly irresponsible and utterly incapable of internal self steering. The senate could go ahead stage a genuinely democratic nomination process, and wake up the following day to realize that she has made a self sabotaging error. This kind of momentary gerontocracy might be our only hope to usher in new administrative order - with a morality that arises from a deeper well than religion, and once again remind the nation who we truly are.

Awoyemi Olumide writes as an Intern from the Faculty of Pharmacy, OAU Ife.
awoyemiolumide@yahoo.com
07065249682

More On Professor Anthony Elujoba; ‘The Village Chemist’

Professor Anthony Elujoba (in grey suit) after the Senate meeting today

Some moments ago, the emergency Senate meeting which was called to elect and recommend an acting Vice-Chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University has presented Professor Anthony Elujoba of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy as its nominee. According to reports, Prof. Elujoba won the in-house election with 201 votes ahead of Prof. Lamikanra, also from the Faculty of Pharmacy, who had 5 votes.

Prof. Anthony Adebolu Elujoba is a professor of Pharmacognosy at the Obafemi Awolowo University, a Royal Society of UK Research Fellow looking into Nigerian Medicinal plants, a Public Analyst (FDA) and recipient of numerous professional awards. He has served as acting head of Dept of Pharmacognosy, Dean; Faculty of Pharmacy, Chairman Committee of Deans, Chairman Faculty PG Committee/ Board of studies, Research and selection committee, member Faculty review panel, Senate Representative on OAU Teaching Hospital Management board, Member Management board of natural history museum and PG board and Dean's representative, Faculty of Technology. He is an external examiner at numerous university examinations.

Elujoba's involvement in research into medicinal plants has brought him into close association with persons living with HIV/AIDS who fondly refer to him as the 'village chemist'. He is also a strong advocate of the incorporation of medicinal herbal therapies into the national health care system. He is the President of the African AIDS Research Network, Nigerian Chapter and a Member, Board of Trustees of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN). Earlier this year, he asserted his will for young people to take interest in exploring the unending benefits of nature. Elujoba chaired the the Seminar of the National Association of Botany Students, a part of events that marked the NABOS Week 2016.

Following the resolve of the school Senate to have Professor Elujoba as the acting Vice Chancellor, students and staff have been showing satisfaction as regards the progress made so far. Any moment from now, President Buhari is expected to make the official announcement of Elujoba as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Breaking: Professor Elujoba Emerges OAU Acting Vice Chancellor

Professor Anthony Elujoba of the Department of Pharmacognosy, has just been voted by the Senate of Obafemi Awolowo University as the acting Vice Chancellor.

Read More On Professor Anthony Elujoba; ‘The Village Chemist’

Celebrating Matriculation At Home: The Tale Of OAU Freshmen

Like every other student who has just gained admission into a University; the joy of the newly admitted freshmen of the Obafemi Awolowo University knew no bounds as they eventually resumed on the 28th of May, 2016.

It was all smiles as they trooped into the campus, with their parents and guardians, with a view to having a ‘smooth’ stay on the Great Ife campus for the next four, five or six years depending on their respective course of study. Only a few of them could have predicted the current situation – an indefinite shutdown of their dream University, perhaps those who are familiar with the OAU stories. With less than a month in school, the freshmen were told to take a chill pill, only after some registration processes completed. So sad!

If we are to follow the original academic Calendar of the University, today – July 21, 2016 – is supposed to be the Matriculation Day for the freshmen. However, as it stands now, instead of the conventional Amphi Theatre ceremony, where they take the matriculation oaths, the freshmen are currently spending the day at various places, other than the spacious auditorium. Only if many knew “unofficial breaks” are not unusual, the shading of today in their calendar, notepad and dairies may not have been necessary.

The current situation continues to generate mixed reactions from the freshmen; while some believe it is their fate to have their first year spent this way, others believed it was a fault on the part of the University management. Whichever way, establishing the guilt on someone remains a difficult one for those OAU Peeps News Agency has spoken with so far.

In her own words, Elizabeth, a freshman, said “… I have kept myself busy that I hardly think about the break. I didn’t even know today was supposed to be our matriculation day.”

John, another freshman, was of a different opinion as he confessed the negative effects the break has had on him. “I keep thinking about it every day. Even when I tried not to, my immediate environment will not let me. Most of my friends are in school, even my siblings leaving only me at home doing nothing.” John opined.

“This could have been avoided, but the University chose not to. They are toying with our future, and it is really sad”, another heartbroken freshman poured.

However, the generality of Great Ife students are hopeful of an imminent reopening of the school, judging from some huge improvements made in recent days on the situation.

Ridwan A. Oyetunji

Who Will Emerge As OAU's Acting Vice Chancellor Today?

Among relevant stakeholders, the question of who emerges as the next top man of Obafemi Awolowo University may be the most popular question lately, and perhaps, a very difficult one for anyone to accurately answer. However, there is no doubt that a Professor will be recommended by the University Senate today to the Education Minister to become the university acting Vice Chancellor.

The University Senate comprises of Professors in the institution. Today's Senate will be chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor O. Ajayi. So many names have been coming up in several media as to who may be the favourable candidate, which ever way, the President has warned that consideration should be restricted from those who initially vied for the Vice Chancellor position of the institution.

In the mean time, OAU Peeps News Agency has been able to gather reports of uneasy calm amidst several camps within the university stakeholders, as to will emerge as the acting Vice Chancellor. After the meeting today, the name and profile of the person chosen will be forwarded to the Minister of Education for onward transfer to President Buhari for approval and consequent announcement to the public.

#ReOpenOAU: Here Is What The Senate Was Briefed With Today

Today, the Upper Chamber of the Nigerian National Assembly finally discussed the continued closure of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Raising a Point of Order on the matter, Senator Babajide Omoworare representing Osun East Senatorial District intimated his colleagues that the institution has been shut for over a 100 days now.

In the lawmaker's submission, he noted that the shut down was owning to three major concerns including:

1. NASU and SSANU strike due to welfare related issues

2. School closed due to issues of hygiene and sanitation caused by workers union.

3. The process of selection of the Vice-Chancellor and the dissolution of the Governing Council

Prior to today's sitting, Omoworare said he had engaged the Senate leadership and Minister of Education to seek for a solution to the crisis.

However, the Senate of the University is expected to sit tomorrow, Thursday, from where the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor will be decided, as earlier directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

OAU Screening Application Deadline Extended To July 30

The deadline for the ongoing online Screening exercise for both UTME and Direct Entry Candidates of the Obafemi Awolowo University has been extended till July, 30th 2016. This announcement was made on the University's e-portal a few moments ago.

ERC Condemns OAU Exorbitant Admission Screening Charges

The 'Education Rights Campaign', Obafemi Awolowo University chapter has condemned the fees charged by the management of the institution for the 2016 admission screening.

In a Press Statement issued and signed by its Coordinator, Olamide Adabale and the Secretary, Omole Ibukun, the group described the charges as exploitative and does not reflect the FG's essence of scrapping Post-UTME. It however urged the students to reject the fee scheme.

"It is also necessary to note that this exorbitant amount defeats the essence of the scrapping of the exploitative Post-UTME exercise, for which OAU charged about N7,700 last year on aspirants. Aside the exploitation shielded with a mysterious ICT development fee and screening exercise fee, the short time frame given for the payment is an outright victimization on the Nigerian working masses. In fact, we could have recommended that students should boycott the payment of such illegal fee, but the economic state of the country already prescribed it for the parents and guardians who happen to be majorly the unpaid, underpaid Nigerian working masses.

"It is on this basis that the Education Rights Campaign is conscientizing conscious students, especially aspirants, to reject this mortgage of a future they have been patiently waiting for. All illegal fees collected must be refunded. We believe that Education is not a business, but a right of every Nigerian and therefore admission for Tertiary Education should not be commercialized." the group stated.

It will be recalled that Obafemi Awolowo University commenced its screening registration for candidates seeking admission into the citadel last Friday. The charges levied on applicants amounted to a total fee of N6,850, which seems to be the highest screening charges by institutions seen so far. Most schools that have announced their Screening exercise, charge between N2,000 - N2,500. According to the information from the Management of OAU, the screening charges include N1,500 for the Screening, N5,000 'e-Portal charges' and bank charges of N350.

OAU Senate To Decide Acting VC On Thursday

Following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that the Senate of the Obafemi Awolowo University recommend an acting Vice-Chancellor for the Institution, the Senate has called for a meeting on Thursday, 21st July 2016 to this end. The meeting, which was announced on the University's website is to be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor O. A Ajayi. Find the release below;

"This is to give Notice of a Special Meeting of Senate scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday 21st July 2016
Venue: Conference Hall, Conference Centre and Guest Houses
Time: 10.00 am

Agendum
1.“To recommend a qualified member of Senate to the Honorable Minister of Education for appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor” as directed by the Visitor to the University.

Kindly note that this meeting has been called and will be chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. O. A. Ajayi, pursuant to the following provisions of the Standing Orders of Senate:

“1b. The Senate shall also meet to transact urgent business at such other times as the Vice-
Chancellor, or in his absence, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor shall require.” and
“4(2)In the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor shall preside at meetings of Senate"

2016 OAU Admissions (DE & UTME): How To Calculate Your Merged Screening Score

There has been much controversy before now, as to how the O'level results will come into play in the screening of candidates for 2016 admission into Obafemi Awolowo University. As reported by OAU Peeps News Agency, the school portal was activated on Friday, signalling the commencement of the admission screening exercise. Following this development, here is what we now know.

For UTME Candidates
1. Both the UTME score and your O'level results' grades are computed to assess you.
2. For the screening, UTME result weighs 70% of your total score and the remaining 30% from your O'level results.
3. Your best 8 subjects are computed; With A1 = 8, B2 = 7, B3 = 6, C4 = 5, C5 = 4, C6 = 3, and so on.
4. Maximum points from your best 8 O'level subjects is 64 ( A1 = 8 X 8 subjects).
5. Your O'level points is then converted to 30% (Assuming y is your O'level points, then, it will now be calculated thus: y/64 X 30).
6. For your UTME points, it will be calculated thus: Your UTME score/400 X 70.
7. Your final merged score, which will be used for admission now = UTME points (maximum of 70) + O' level points (maximum of 30) = 100.
8. You will be allowed to select two courses during the screening registration.
9. OAU charged a huge total of N6,850 for the screening.
10. For UTME candidates, Screening ends 20th July (today).

For Direct Entry(DE) Candidates
1. Only your O'level results' grades will be computed to assess you. (According to the data available to us, there is no preference of Distinction candidates to Upper Credit candidates.)
2. For the screening, UTME result weighs 0% while your O'level results weigh 100%
3. Your best 8 subjects are computed; With A1 = 8, B2 = 7, B3 = 6, C4 = 5, C5 = 4, C6 = 3, and so on.
4. Maximum points from your best 8 O'level subjects is 64 ( A1 = 8 X 8 subjects).
5. Your O'level points is then converted to 100% (Assuming y is your O'level points, then, it will now be calculated thus: y/64 X 100).
6. Your final merged score, which will be used for admission now = UTME points (0%) + O' level points (maximum of 100%) = 100.
7. You will be allowed to select two courses during the screening registration
8. OAU charges a huge total of N6,850 for the screening.
9. For Direct Entry candidates, Screening ends 30th July.

For further enquires, comment below.

Goodluck!

President Buhari Reopens OAU

The members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Community have been directed to resume administrative and academic activities by the Visitor of the University, President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a publication on the University's website (www.oauife.edu.ng) and on some other platforms, circulars stating the compliance of the University Community to the Visitor's directive have been published and with the recommendation of the University Senate after it's Thursday's meeting, there are strong indications that academic activities would also begin in earnest.

The prayer of majority of the students of the institution may be getting desirable answers very soon.

Find the Released Circular Below,

"The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the Obafemi Awolowo University, has noted with concern the report of the crisis at the University on the process leading to the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor.

The President, in line with his powers as the Visitor to the University, has therefore approved that the Senate of the University should convene a meeting to recommend a qualified member to the Honorable Minister of Education for appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor.

Also aware of the level of insecurity occasioned by the actions of some Staff Unions on campus, the Federal Government has directed that all offices and facilities be opened for normal administrative and academic activities to enable a quick resolution of the impasse.

The attention of members of the University community, especially members of Senate of the University and that of the Staff Unions involved, is hereby accordingly drawn to the directive of the Visitor to the University requesting for a recommendation of an Acting Vice-Chancellor and the Government’s directive to the Staff Unions that offices and facilities of the University be opened for normal administrative and academic activities to allow for a quick resolution of the crisis."

Answers To Some Frequently Asked Questions On OAU Screening

UTME CANDIDATES

1. You must have made Obafemi Awolowo University your
*first choice*
2.You Must have scored 200 and Above in the Last UTME
3.If you have not been posted by JAMB,you can go ahead with your screening so far OAU is your first choice and you scored 200 and above..
4.If your passport"s background doesn't change to Red,go ahead with the screening..
5.You are to scan and upload only your Olevel Result(PrintOut or Certificate)
6.In the Olevel,Two sittings is allowed and there is no preference of one sitting to two sittings
7.Candidates who are awaiting results are also eligible to apply. Such Candidates will be allowed to upload their results when they are released only if they applied within
the specified period...
8.Awaiting result candidate should click on "AR' and submit..The date to update your Olevel will be released later..
9.The exercise does not require physical presence of candidates on campus[No Exams]
10.Closing Date for Screening of UTME Candidates is 20th July,2016
11.TOTAL FEE-#6,850
12.After the screening„what is next??
WAIT FOR CUT OFF

DE CANDIDATES
1. You must have made Obafemi Awolowo University your
first choice

2.You Must have had at least an UPPER Credit in your result.

3.You don't need to be posted by JAMB before you apply.

4.If your passport"s background doesn't change to Red,go ahead with the screening..

5.You are to scan and upload only your Olevel Result(PrintOut or Certificate) and Statement of Result [Not Transcript]

6.There is no preference of Distinction Candidates to Upper Credit Candidates in the screening.
Only O'Level results will be graded.

7.In the O'level result,two sittings is allowed and there is no preference of one sittings to two sittings

8.The exercise does not require physical presence of candidates on campus[No Exams]

9.Closing Date for Screening of DE Candidates is 30th July,2016

10.TOTAL FEE-#6,850

11.After the screening„what is next??
WAIT FOR CUT OFF

 To Calculate Your Merged Screening Score, Click here 

OAU Crisis: Buhari Wades In On Appointment Of An Acting VC

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Senate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, to immediately recommend a qualified person for appointment, as an acting Vice Chancellor for the university.

According to Channels Television, the President made this order in a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission. The President directed the Senate not to consider any of the candidates who earlier contested for the position. The letter further says the Senate of the university should take immediate steps to implement the directive of the President and report back to the Federal Ministry of Education.

Workers and students of the institution recently trooped out in jubilation following the dissolution of the school’s governing council and the suspension of the selection of the Vice Chancellor by the Federal government. In the view of many students and staff of the institution, the federal government’s decision was a step towards the redemption and integrity of the institution.

Obafemi Awolowo University students have been stayed at home for over 3 months now with no resumption date in proper view.



Source - Channels TV

2016 OAU Admission Screening Application Ongoing

The deadline for admission screening registration for both UTME and Direct Entry candidates has now been extended to July 30, 2016.

The eportal of the Obafemi Awolowo University has been activated for aspirants screening process. This is following adverts in the National dailies which further states that the closure of UTME and DE applications would close on the 30th of July, 2016.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL OAU UTME/DE CANDIDATES ON THE SCREENING EXERCISE

ELIGIBILITY
✔ You must have made Obafemi Awolowo University your first choice.
✔ You Must have scored 200 and Above in the Last UTME

HOW TO APPLY
Log on to the university Eportal (www.oauife.edu.ng) and click on 2016 ADMISSION SCREENING - UTME/DE APPLICANTS by using your JAMB registration number to generate and download your RRR (Remital Referral Reference) and use it to pay the following dues.

The dues comprise of:

SCREENING FEE - N1,500
EPORTAL ACCESS CHARGE - N5,000
BANK CHARGE - N350
TOTAL FEE - N6,850

Payments can be via branch of any bank or MasterCard

After payments, you are required to do the following on the university Eportal:

1. Update JAMB data
2. Upload Results[WAEC/NECO/JUPEB/NCE etc]
3. Upload Scanned copy of Credentials
4. Print Admission Screening Report

NOTE THE FOLLOWING
Closing Date for application is now 30th July, 2016

Candidates who are awaiting results are also eligible to apply. Such Candidates will be allowed to upload their results when they are released only if they applied within the specified period.

Also note that the exercise does not require physical presence of candidates on campus.

In a bid to serve you better and reach you more readily, OAU Peeps News Agency has decided to create a WhatsApp Group for all aspirants.

The primary aim is to disseminate targeted information to this class of persons faster.

Also note that the present Pre-degree students can also join the group...

To join the WhatsApp group, send a direct message to any of these numbers; 08064189480 or 0806342 9623 on WhatsApp using the format below

'Kindly add me to the OAU Peeps Aspirants' group. My name is Ajanlekoko May, aspirant of the Department of Chemistry.'

You will be added once we receive your request.

Kindly share this information with your friends.

GoPoeThick 2016: Students Defy School Closure

14 Year Old Oyinkansola Making A Painting



A Cross Section Of The Audience

On Friday, 15th July, 2016, Organisers of GoPoeThick, a program organised to promote poetry, music and arts, played host to a large turnout of students, poets, musicians and lovers of arts. It started with a poetry class around 11am facilitated by Mr Shittu Fowora. Later that evening, participants and lovers of arts were treated to inspiring poetry, mind-blowing music and impressive artworks.

The venue, OAU Cooperative Centre was filled to the brim and had audiences from within and outside Osun state. Despite the closure of the university, there was a massive turnout from students, many of which came from outside campus.

It highlighted Open Mic segments from members of the audience and performance from featured poets and musicians from and beyond Obafemi Awolowo University.

The program, organised by Victor Adewale, had notable appearances like Aj Dagga Tolar, Arch Angel, Agarau, Samurai amongst others. Emi, a violinist, mesmerised the audience with his heartrending performances. Banke was live to entertain the crowd to reggae sounds that had the audience on their feet.

A fourteen years old girl, Oyinkansola, thrilled the audience with live paintings. She also performed poetry.

The dominant themes were restoration to true poetry, love, hope and a stand for justice and freedom.

FG Clarifies Ban On Post-UTME, Admission Procedures

The Federal Government on Saturday clarified its ban on the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the general admission procedures, saying it “does not in any way affect the statutory role of the Senate of any university or the academic boards of any tertiary institution conducting its admissions.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, stated this in a statement by the Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben. Bem-Goong.

He said the clarification became necessary following conflicting reports in the media over the roles of universities and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in admission under the new dispensation.

According to him, the role of JAMB is to conduct the UTME, compile the list of candidates whose scores meet the cut-off marks (180 and above) and send same to the universities.

The universities, the minister emphasised, would shortlist the candidates using the agreed guidelines and thereafter return the shortlisted candidates to JAMB for verification of compliance to guidelines and subsequent issuance of JAMB admission letters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any screening charges shall apply only to successful candidates who have been issued admission by the universities of their choice. All universities and JAMB should adhere to this directive,” Adamu stated.

Adamu explained that although he had made the position earlier, the emphasis became necessary in order to ensure that no stakeholder was left in doubt as to government’s position on the matter.



Source

Important Information On OAU Screening Exercise

OAU Peeps News Agency
Friday, July 15,2016.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL OAU  UTME/DE CANDIDATES ON THE SCREENING EXERCISE

ELIGIBILITY
✔You must have made Obafemi Awolowo University your *first choice*
✔You Must have scored 200 and Above in the Last UTME

HOW TO APPLY
Log on to the university Eportal [www.oauife.edu.ng] and click on 2016 ADMISSION SCREENING-UTME/DE APPLICANTS by using your JAMB registration number to download RRR [Remital Referral Reference] and use it to pay dues.
Amount due comprises of
SCREENING FEE-#1,500
EPORTAL ACCESS CHARGE-#5,000
BANK CHARGE-#350
TOTAL FEE-#6,850
Payments can be via branch of any bank or MasterCard

After payments, you are required to do the following on the university Eportal;
1. Update JAMB data
2. Upload Results[WAEC/NECO/JUPEB/NCE etc]
3.Upload Scanned copy of Credentials
4.Print Admission Screening Report

NOTE THE FOLLOWING
- Closing Date for Screening of UTME Candidates is 20th July,2016
- Closing Date for screening of Direct Entry candidates is 30th July, 2016
- Candidates who are awaiting results are also eligible to apply. Such Candidates will be allowed to upload their results when they are released only if they applied within the specified period

Also Note that the exercise does not require physical presence of candidates on campus

In a bid to serve you better and reach you more readily, OAU Peeps News Agency has decided to create a WhatsApp Group for all aspirants.
The primary aim is to disseminate targeted information to this class of persons faster.

Also note that the present Pre-degree students can also join the group...

To join the WhatsApp group, send a direct message to any of these numbers; 08064189480, 0806342 9623  OR 0813827657 on WhatsApp using the format below

'Kindly add me to the OAU Peeps Aspirants' group. My name is Ajanlekoko May, aspirant of the Department of Chemistry.'

You will be added once we receive your request.

Best Regards

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

NASU OAU Members Batter Representatives From National Headquarters

Reports coming in indicate that members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Obafemi Awolowo University chapter were involved in a physical scuffle with some representatives of the Union from its National Headquarters.

The representatives were alleged to have come to confiscate all the vehicles of the OAU branch of NASU. This might not be far from the alleged disagreement between the local body of the union and it's National Headquarters in recent times - over the appointment of the OAU Vice Chancellor.

More Details Later...