OAU Loses A Female Lecturer

By Mutiu Saheed Abiodun

Tragedy struck again on Christmas eve; the 24th of December 2020, as Dr.(Mrs) Ajuwon a Doctor of Yoruba at the Department of Linguistics and African Languages,  gave up the ghost. 

It was discovered that she had been battling cancer for a while, which eventually took her life. 

May her soul rest in peace.

ASUU Suspends Strike

On Wednesday, the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU)

 “conditionally” suspended its strike. The 9 month old strike was protracted the longest industrial action that started since March 2020. After meeting severally with FG, the suspension of the strike was reported to take effect from today,Wednesday 23,2020.

The conditions why the suspension may be rendered null has not been released by the association.

However, ASUU National President, Biodun Ogunyemi made the announcement during a briefing of the union in Abuja, explaining that the development followed consultations with its National Executive Council (NEC).

ASUU To Decide On Strike Today

ACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) branches are divided over whether to accept the Federal Government’s offer and call off their eight-month-old strike. 

The union will harmonise the positions of zones and branches at a meeting in Abuja today. With some branches insisting that the government must meet all the demands before the strike is called off, the union may put the decision to a vote. 

 The Ahmadu Bello University branch agreed with the government on the N40 billion Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). The branch, however, called for payment of the allowance before the strike will be called off. 

 Lecturers at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Delta State, said negotiations with the Federal Government must be concluded before the strike is called off. Ezekiel Agbalagba, chairman of ASUU at the university, said the congress on Wednesday accepted the EAA, but rejected the N25 billion for the revitalization of the varsities.

  According to him, the latest concession by the Federal Government is “an offer”, adding: “Let it land in our purse first.” He added: “We are willing to suspend the strike, but some of those contending issues should be thrashed and thrashed once.” 

 ASUU chapters of the University of Maiduguri, Yobe State University and Federal University Gashua resolved to get a serious commitment from the Federal Government before they call off the industrial action. 

 The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM) ASUU voted to continue with the strike action until the Federal Government implements what was offered during the negotiation. ASUU- UAM chapter said both their withheld salaries and sundry allowances must be also paid. 

 A lecturer at UAM, who preferred not to be named, said they voted that the strike should continue until the government fulfills its part of the bargain. ASUU national leadership will receive reports from zonal coordinators, following state congresses. 

 After considering the reports, the leadership is expected to take a position and present it to the Federal Government. A source said some of the congresses voted to call off the strike; others did not. The source said the congresses agreed on the offers presented by the government to the union and with a timeframe to implement some of them. The source added: “All the reports will come in today (yesterday) and we can make a decision on it.” 

Last Friday, the Federal Government agreed with ASUU’s demand for payment of lecturers’ salaries from February to June through the old platform – the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System. 

The government said the exemption of ASUU from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) was temporary pending when the university lecturers will complete the development of its payment platform – the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). 

 After weeks of negotiations, the government offered to raise the EAA from N30billion to N35billion and the revitalization fund from N20billion to N25billion. Cumulatively, the government, through the Accountant-General of the Federation, offered the lecturers N65 billion to call off the strike. 

The government also shifted ground on some issues, including the insistence that all the academic staff of federal universities must be paid through the IPPIS platform. The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN ASUU Chairman, Prof Moyosore Ajao, said the chapter was in alignment with the national body. He said: “Our president will make a pronouncement on our resolution after our meeting tomorrow (today).” 

 A source at the ASUU UNILORIN meeting said the union resolved that “our salaries be paid and must henceforth not be stopped”. “We also resolved that ASUU is not and cannot be on IPPIS,” he added. Chairman of the University of Jos chapter of ASUU, Dr Lazarus Maigoro, said: “We are under a strict directive from the national body not to release our resolutions yet.” 

Sokoto Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr Jamilu Shehu, told our correspondent that the zones are expected to make their positions known at the Abuja meeting. 

 Source: The Nation Newspaper

OAU Beats 18 US Schools, Others To Win 2020 AIChE ChemE-Sports Competition

By Emmanuel Dominic

The students of Obafemi Awolowo University have again displayed their academic excellence.  On the 15th of November, a team of students from the department of Chemical Engineering won the 2020 ChemE-Sports Competition in the Virtual Annual students Conference. The team consisted of 4 members; Akinyemi Ifeoluwa, Bello Peace, Sanni Mariam and Akomolafe David, all of whom are part 4 students of the Chemical Engineering Department. 

The Competition was hosted by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Chem-E-Sports. — (AIChE ChemE Sports). AIChE is one of the world leading organisation for chemical engineering professionals, and have more than 60,000 members from over 110 countries.The competition was about operating a simulator for a distillation plant. Competitors were to maximize production profit, safety and be smart enough to fix things that got broken during production in the shortest time possible. Twenty-two schools participated in the Competition, each school was given the window to have 2-4 members in a team. This Conference is hosted yearly, but it was virtual this year due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. 

In an Interview with one the great minds behind the victory; Akinyemi Ifeoluwa, he mentioned that the team was sponsored by an international body. 

"We registered for the competition and then my coursemate contacted me and two other  of my mates last month and he told me he'd like to work with me. The registration fee was $55 per student, and was paid by the International body. So we went on preparing hard towards the competition. We were the only African University in the Competition. And we did  our best to come out on top amongst other university like, University of Virginia, University of Texas,  New Mexico State University. 22 schools participated in the competition. We were scared at first, but after the first and second round, we became confident."

The team won a cash prize of $700 and certificates, while the 2nd and 3rd got certificates only. The Conference is still being held and the prizes of the winners will be delivered to champions soon. 

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200 Level OAU Student Wins N500,000 In NCDMB's Undergraduate Essay Competition

Oluwafela Oluwadamilola Elizabeth, a 200 level medical student of the Obafemi Awolowo University has emerged as the First Runner-up in this year's edition of the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition. For this, she has been rewarded with a cash prize of N500,000 and a Plaque. 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is an agency of government established by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. Since 2017, NCDMB has been organizing the annual national oil and gas essay competition. The competition started as a project to encourage writing and the research ability of young Nigerian undergraduates in public and private-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The project also continued as a way to encourage the youths to build local capacities and competencies for effective participation in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry.

This year, which is the 4th edition started receiving entries sometime early September. The competition was opened to 100L and 200L students of private and public tertiary institutions. Entrants were required to write on a topic: Research and Development as a Key Lever for Local Content Implementation in Nigeria's’ Oil and Gas Industry.

The participants had to submit a maximum of 1,500 words on or before the 25th of September, 2020. According to the organizers, the contest received over 6000 submissions, which was first cut down to the best 50 and then 10 finalists. The 50-entrant shortlist and the list of the 10 finalists were both published on the competition page. 

The first prize winner, Abasiekeme Edet, a 200 Level Student of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt was awarded a Prize of N1,000,000. The first runner-up being OAU's Elizabeth. The second runner-up prize of N300,000 went to Eze Samson Somtochukwu, a Year 1 Medicine & Surgery Student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. 4th – 10th place finishers received a laptop each.

Shortly after the prize-giving ceremony which held at the ultra-modern NCDMB headquarters in Yenagoa on Wednesday, 4th November 2020, OAU Peeps News Agency spoke with our champion from OAU, Oluwafela Oluwadamilola Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth said she got to know about the essay on September 4th, 2020. 

"My senior colleague in school sent it to me. I was skeptical about it at first because we might resume soon. I considered all the odds but in the end, I gave it a shot. I faced a lot of challenges because it was the first time I was entering a competition like this. So I did a lot of research online, I read how to write essays. I read a lot of materials, I watched YouTube videos. I studied some facts and figures and programs that would enhance the beauty of my essay and at the end of it, I compiled my information and came up with my essay.

Then about the referencing in my essay, I read on how to add references to an essay. When I was done with my compilation, I submitted and to God's glory, I was among the first 50 that was first shortlisted. I am just grateful to God. Only God could have made me go that far although I put in a lot of effort.

I made it to the third stage of the competition which was a blind assessment. I kept praying to God to favour me. The blind assessment means that the judges wouldn't know who that particular writer is. So, two weeks after the blind assessment, I was among the top 10 finalists. So, I proceeded to the final stage which was an interactive defense session. I was calm, confident, I read my essay thoroughly so, I was prepared for any question. During the defense session, I sat in between a panel of judges, professors, and board members. The defense went well, I was confident, although I was a little shaky, I was able to pass my message and today, I emerged the 2nd.

I feel so great, I'm so happy that I was able to participate. It's not by my power or hard work, it's just God's grace. I'm so grateful that I got a push from that senior colleague, God bless him so much. I'm just so happy," Elizabeth told OAU Peeps News Agency in an exclusive interview. 

The other 6 winners who placed 4th - 10th places include: 

4. UKALIZIBE GWEGWE

5.ACHADU JOSHUA

6.CHIAHANAM NWOBODO

7.CHIBUZOR VICTOR OBIORAH

8.OSATOHAMEN SYLVIA

9.KELVIN ERHABOR

10.GERALD ABAAGU

OAU Staff Set To Resume

By Pelumi Hassan 

Prior to the directives of FG, on the 15th of October, 2020, OAU Staff sets to resume for work on Monday. 

The Federal Government directed civil servants who have not been working since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic to return to work on Monday, 19th October 2020. 

This was disclosed by Boss Mustapha; the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Sanni Aiyu; the National Coordinator at a press briefing of the task force on Thursday ,15th October 2020.

However, the resumption of the OAU staff was disseminated through a press release from the Office of the Registrar. All staff are advised to comply with the advisory on COVID-19 prevention. While there is still no news on the resumption of students, they are advised to stay safe and protest peacefully. Stay safe. Na person wey dey alive dey go school. 

#EndSwat #Endsars

#ENDSARS: Youths Reject the Activities of SARS.

Lots of events have transpired over the years, scores of youths killed, families shattered, and hopes dashed. Harassment and brutality are part of the leading issues faced by the youths in the country. Unfortunately, It feels like the social media is the only weapon the youths have. Every single time these events happen, there are hot takes on Twitter, Whatsapp statuses trending the issues as well. Isn’t it time the government address this issue? Or do we assume that government is not aware of this issue?

 We hear many stories about SARS brutality and how many youths have lost their lives due to this intense show of power. SARS; Special Anti-Robbery Squad is a branch of the Nigeria Police Force under the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

For an organization that came into existence with the sole aim of keeping the citizens of the country safe that is now the threat to life of the citizens, results have shown that they are doing the exact opposite. Is the government really going to turn a blind eye to this? 

#ENDSARS and #WarOnSar started some months ago by the youths of the country to show total rejection for the activities of this squad. However, the recent killings including that of a youth in Delta state spurred the protest back to life. Many youths also shared how they have been harassed, cheated and unlawfully detained. Also, a petition signed by 10,195 people was submitted to Nigeria's National Assembly calling for scrapping of SARS.

Students are already scared of travelling back to school for resumption because they might come across this squad. The citizens of a country should not be scared of the unit that is built to protect them, or could this be the definition of "police is your friend"?

OAU: NASELS Loses A Reputable Lecturer

By Mutiu Saheed Abiodun

Professor  Asiyanbola, a lecturer of Stylistics at the department of English, lost his life to the cold hand of death within the last 24 hours. The department was thrown into great shock in the light of this news. Professor Asiyanbola was considered to be a rare gem and he would be missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace. 

OAU Post-UTME Registration Commences on the 5th of October 2020

By  Ganiyu Ayanniyi

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife is set to start Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (PUTME) registration on the 5th of October, 2020 for Jamb candidates who picked the institution as their first as well as for Direct Entry (DE) applicants. The registration form which is obtainable via the school portal (admission.oauife.edu.ng) at the amount of N2,000 is expected to close on the 31st of October, 2020.

After the payment for the registration form which would require generating Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number from the school portal, there will be need to authenticate the payment.

It is to be noted that the Post-UTME screening will be strictly observed under the guidelines as released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) at the following centres: a) JAMB CBT Centre, Bwari b) Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

All Candidates whose screening date would be allotted from the period between 21st of November - 5th December, 2020 are advised to make sure that no error is made during the registration. Though, complaints on the registration could be forwarded to admission@oauife.edu.ng or enquiry.oauife.edu.ng

Another Tragedy Strikes FASA, OAU.

By Ifeoluwa Adegboyega

The Faculty of Arts Students' Association (FASA) had barely recovered from the sad demise of about 3 students when tragedy struck again. 

Adewale Adedolapo; a lecturer in the Department of Dramatic Arts , OAU passed away on the 12th of September 2020.

According to research, Mr. Adewale Adedolapo died in an hospital as a result of an illness. He was an Iconic lecturer. His father was the head of the Awo varsity theatre Company before his demise around 2006. He was a stage and film actor. After the death of his father, he took the place of his father as the head of the theatre Company where he died as the head of the unit.

Mr. Adewale Adedolapo is survived by his wife and three Children.

Condolences to the bereaved family. God rest his soul in peace!.

FASA OAU Mourns the Loss of a Male Student

By Adesina Ayomide Emmanuel

A part 3 male student from the department of  Foreign Languages named Markus Gbenga has being reported dead after a brief illness on Monday September 1, 2020

The news of his death was confirmed by the Faculty of Arts Executives in a formal statement sent out to mourn his death and the other three students that were earlier reported dead.

According to the report gathered, Markus Gbenga  was down with illness, which later resulted into his death.

This is coming as a shock and bad news Faculty of Arts Students' Association (FASA) after recording 4 dead students in which 3 were from Foreign Languages department and 1 from English. Due to the pandemic limitations faced by the faculty, the executive have decided to pay their respect by disseminating a honorary graphics design. They also implore all students of the faculty to take part in sharing and reposting this graphics design.

Condolences to the bereaved family. God rest his soul in peace.

OAU Management Disregards Viral Resumption Circular

By Pelumi Hassan

The students of OAU have been curious about school resumption since the release of a circular. The agency has contacted the right authority and if has been confirmed that the circular is not from the school. Please debunk any resumption news as the Federal Government who gave the order of the lockdown of schools have not addressed reopening it.

The school management also took to twitter to address the falsity of the circular.

Also, the authority has assured us that there is no meeting held by the school council on the 14th of September or any time soon. Students are adviced to remain calm and exercise patience till FG addresses the issue. 

OAU Loses Another Female Student

By Ifeoluwa Adegboyega  

A female student named Esther Akinlapa who was a Part 2 Student of English Department, OAU died on Thursday August 20, 2020.

According to the report gathered, Esther Akinlapa was often sick, she was said to suffer from some disorder. She had recovered from the illness earlier this year. Sadly, the illness reverted and took her life. Esther's death was confirmed by a student who stays in the same town with her.

She will be buried today in her hometown; Ogbaji, Ondo State.  She is survived by Mother, Grandmother, Younger siblings. 

Condolences to the bereaved family. God rest her soul in peace.

COVID-19: School Reopening

By Pelumi Hassan

The Federal Government has proven that the voice and actions of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has not gone unnoticed. FG addressed the issue of the reopening of tertiary institutions on Monday 17th of August, 2020. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Control of COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha disclosed that tertiary institution would only be reopened when it is safe to do so.

 He said;

“Today, the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) examinations commenced all over the country, like in other West African States, and the PTF is happy to note the high level of compliance with the protocols for the re-opening of exit classes. It is in this light that we appreciate the call by the for the reopening of tertiary institutions. As a listening government, we wish to state that education is topmost on the priority list and the reopening of our institutions remain critical, within set safety parameters."

Although there is no official date of resumption, it is possible that students might resume school this year.

OAU-CDL New Learning Methods Amidst COVID-19

By Abidemi Olukanmi Abeeb

Obafemi Awolowo University Centre for Distance Learning (OAU CDL) has launched its very own Customised Learning Management System called the e-Zone. The centre's e-learning programme was designed to admit OAU's four undergraduate ODL programmes, namely; the Bachelor of Science programmes in Nursing, Accounting, Economics, Digital and Agricultural Extension and Community Engineering.

The launch was announced by the spokesperson for the centre, Adeyemi Adedeji on Friday. He also revealed that teaching and learning did not stop for OAU Predegree and JUPEB students at the centre, despite the closure of universities.

“The OAUCDL e-zone images classroom activities online. It facilitates the provision of instructional materials to students in the form of online text, PDF, MS Word, PowerPoint, audio presentations and video recording of lectures. The system also allows instructors to link students to a vast array of free educational resources available on the internet.”

Eid Mubarak!

Eid-Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters

The entire team of OAU Peeps News Agency uses this medium to wish our Muslims merriment, joy, fulfillment and answered prayers NCA . We wish you a fulfilled festival with the mercy, forgiveness and tranquility from God.

Stay safe.

  

Staying Fit At Home

By Olajiga Bolu

So you've been at home for about four months now. And whether you've been finding new avenues to make money, harnessing your skills, or just lazying around, one thing that is common among you all is that you're probably nowhere as fit as you were before going into the lockdown. You may have tried to exercise and it just didn't end well or you never even started. Exercising might look difficult a lot of the time but that's why I'm here to give you a list of quite easy but very effective exercises to get you back into shape. These exercises will be split into levels so you do not exceed your physical ability. Make sure you stretch before you begin any physical activity.

 

LUNGES

For your thigh muscles(quads, hamstrings, glutes)

Keep your upper body straight, with your shoulders back and relaxed and chin up. Step forward with one foot until your leg reaches a 90-degree angle. Your rear knee should remain parallel to the ground and your front knee shouldn’t go beyond your toes. Lift your front lunging leg to return to the starting position and switch to the other leg. Continue to bend and switch the legs after each rep.

Beginners - 2sets of 20reps each

Intermediate - 3sets of 20reps each

Fit - 3sets of 30reps each

PLANK

For your core(abs, shoulders, chest), endurance and good posture

Position your elbows directly under your shoulders and rest your forearms on the ground. Then pop up on your toes, keeping your body in a straight line from head to toe. Keep this posture for some time.

Beginners - 30seconds

Intermediate - 60seconds

Fit - As long as you can hold it

JUMPING JACKS

For cardio and weight-loss

Stand upright with your legs together, arms at your sides. Bend your knees slightly, and jump into the air. As you jump, spread your legs to be about shoulder-width apart. Stretch your arms out and over your head. Jump back to starting position.

Beginner - 2sets of 20reps each

Intermediate - 3sets of 20reps each

Fit - 3sets of 30reps each

DIPS

For arms, chest, and shoulders

Stand facing away from a bench or any platform, grab it with both hands at shoulder-width. Extend your legs out in front of you. Slowly lower your body by flexing at the elbows until your arm and

forearm create a 90-degree angle. Using your triceps lift yourself back to the starting position.

Beginner - 2sets of 10reps each

Intermediate - 2sets of 15reps each

Fit - 2sets of 20reps each

CALF RAISES

For calf muscles, ankle strength and balance

Stand up straight, then push through the balls of your feet and raise your heel until you are standing on your toes. Then lower slowly back to the start.

Beginner - 2sets of 15 reps each

Intermediate - 2sets of 20reps each

Fit- 3sets of 20reps each

Make sure you exercise regularly so you can stay healthy and fit. It is a known fact that being healthy makes you a happier person and it also reduces the risk of you contracting diseases and infections. No need to walk into any gym because you can work out right there at home. Stay safe, get ripped.

Ilé-Ifè

By Emmanuel Dominic 

The word "Ifè" in the Yoruba land commands such supremacy and respect. It is not because with the change of the àmì, it can be transliterated to Love. It is the ancient history behind the great city of Ife. Amidst all other cities in the Yoruba land, Ifè otherwise known as Ilé-Ifè is the base of Supernatural and Spiritual presence. According to Yoruba mythology, the people of Ife were the original creation of the gods.  As deep and much this article could get, I wouldn’t want to bore you with all the long historical context of Ile Ife but let's do a quick lesson.

It was believed that the Supreme God gave the job of the creation of earth to Obàtálá, but got drunk with palm wine on his way, which lead Odùduwà, to handle the creation job with the items of creation; cockerel, snail shell filled with sand. Yoruba myths recognizes Obàtálá as the creator of man from clay, but Odùduwà was the ancestor of the first ever divine king of Yoruba land. The word Ife historically means Expansion, Ile-Ife which means land of expansion. This can explain why people from Ife expand round the globe.

So Odùduwà had many sons and daughters, who went on to establish other kingdoms. Oranmiyan, the last born of Odùduwà established and extend his lineage across the Ife borders developing and creating the biggest cities. First was Benin, were he made out with the princess of Benin kingdom, and had a son Eweka, which later became the king. Since then, his lineage has forever been king and currently. He also found Oyo close to Ife geographically. 

Ifé is known for its strong spiritual presence of the gods, as it has 401 deities, which are called Irumole or Orisha. Quite the number, right? These gods are celebrated each day of the year, but the King only comes out to celebrate one, which is Olojo festival, known as the new dawn. Other vital festivals are the Itapa festivals for Obàtálá and Obarem, the Edi festival, for Moremi Ajasoro, and also the Igare masquerade.

Aside its high presence of the gods, Ife was known as the epic center of brass, bronze sculpture, and was very vast in glass sculpture and these sculptures of basically heads alone. The theory behind this is that the power of the king is on his head, the bigger the powerful. These sculptures have been seen in various museums as far as Berlin and other countries. But these artworks began to decline, as political and economic power shifted to the Benin Kingdom and the Oyo Empire. 

Ife is known to house one of Nigeria’s great universities, Obafemi Awolowo University formerly known as University of Ife. This university has the natural history museum. They also produce agriculture products such as Vegetables, grain cacao, cotton and tobacco.

 

Ife, Ile Awon Orisha , Yoruba for "Ife, Land of the Gods" which is known as the motto of Ife. There are also different titles in the land; Oba Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Olofin Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Obirin of Ile-Ife, Oloye of Ile-Ife, Yeyeluwa of Ile-Ife, Omoba of Ile-Ife, Oloori of Ile-Ife.

These are the historical features of the Great Ile-Ife. The land of expansion, the land of the gods

Wife of OAU Former VC, Omole Dies

Prof. Wale Omole, former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife lost his beloved wife. Mrs Afolasade Adenola Omole (nee Onakoya), aged 66, passed on July 15 after a illness.

Mrs Omole, was a former deputy registrar and an assistant lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile -Ife. She was also the Secretary of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (I.A.R.& T), Ibadan. 

Bagging the reputation of a devout Christian, Mrs Omole was a two-term President of Christian Morning Star Society of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja.

She is survived by her husband, three children, grandchildren and three brothers.

Lazy Nigerian Youths?

By Ganiyu Ayanniyi M.

Nigeria and other nations of the world are battling with the life-claiming virus known to be Coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus has quickly become a pandemic disease that is keeping even the World Health Organization on its toes. Every health organization is working tirelessly for a cure. Coronavirus which originated from China has brought all sectors of the globe down from running smoothly. Almost all nations of the world got locked down and restricted movement of people by all means.

These nations’ confinements brought many economies to devastation but it has been able to control the spread of the virus. Nigeria is not left out in experiencing the ill effects of the lockdown which affected the economy, social-cultural lives, education sector, and even the health sector which is getting populated daily with infected patients. 

It is to be recalled that the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in April 2018 said more than 60% of the Nigerian population are youths and he labeled them as "Lazy youths" who want freebies. Since then, there have been controversies to date questioning the statement whether the youths are truly lazy "willing not to step up" or maybe they've been failed by the government or maybe their parents.

Many youths and notable people disagreed with the statement of the president that: "The Nigerian government has failed the younger generation which has been consistently raped of quality education, jobs, favorable environment, and other primary societal rights. Amidst many challenges, some youths still succeed all through, especially in the global scenes.

Some people are opined that both the government and the parents have failed the youths, mostly the parents who have failed to bear the responsibility of the children and fail to curtail the negativity in the children and give them the right upbringing. 

But, are the youths also lazy? 

The Nigerian government opened almost all sectors in the nation; economy (businesses), markets, interstate movement lifted, religious centers, and so on. But failed to reopen schools where most youths find ways to be busy with their studies even if it's partial opening for final classes. Though, the FG promised to reopen schools very soon but still made a U-turn through the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, by saying schools won't reopen again even for the WAEC students to take their exams and that he doesn't mind if they lose an academic year than exposing them to danger. Nigerians still wonder why they can't have their exams done when most sectors are finely opened. Guidelines are released from time to time; are they applying them for the safe reopening of the learning institutions? 

Excluding the youths mostly from schools according to some will have many effects on the nation's coming economy and it might spike the criminality rate nationwide for it is said that "Devil finds work for idle hands". The Nigerian government can safely and partially reopen schools for students, especially for those in final classes if determined.

More so, according to ASUU in a news trending early 19th of July, saying schools should remain closed till 2021 but be partially opened except when all safety guidelines against the pandemic are observed so that the Nigerian students' lives won't be used for the experiment. In a telephone conversation with the PREMIUM TIMES, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi who is the president of ASUU said:

''Talking of universities, it should be noted that the crises are beyond COVID-19. There are fundamental crises that will make universities reopening longer and impossible for now. We had long told the government our position and until they meet necessary conditions, universities are not resuming even after COVID".

Furthermore, it is no longer new that Tolulope Arotile, Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot, was killed in a car accident by some guys believed to be her ex-classmates last week in the "exciting course of greeting her". According to investigations the culprits that hit her with a car had no driver's license. Who is failing who?

It is on record that Tolulope Arotile, a 25-year-old lady, emerged as Nigeria's first female combat helicopter pilot while Kafayat Sanni, another lady younger than 28 years, bagged the recognition of "Nigeria first-ever female fighter jet pilot". Are these too lazy? Does that mean that they represent the youths that have stepped up? 

In an interview with Babalope Moyin, an OAU student, she said,

"Actually, many Nigerians youths are very hardworking. What they just need are conducing environments, quality education, long term jobs, support from their government in many ways, adequate subventions, scholarships, youth development programs, etc. With the right things done from the governments, federal, and state, it is believed that the expectations from youths would be met while not excluding proper parenting from each family."

How to Treat Alopecia

By Pelumi Hassan

Everyone wants a good skin, full hair, and a “perfect” body.  When we don’t get our desired look, we tend to blame it on “If no be for this school stress, I for don fresh” or lack of time and money. Sounds familiar right? Well, the good news is there will be no school stress for a while, so you have all the time in the world to take good care of yourself.

Taking good care of yourself goes beyond eating everything at home and adding weight. You can decide to make that skin glow, make that scanty scalp grow hair, and work that body into that wallpaper you wished you looked like. Today, let’s start talking about taking care of your hair. No matter your gender, your hair does a lot to change your look. So, it is essential that you pay great attention to it. While some people are on the way to hair loss, some already have serious conditions, like alopecia from the lack of care and attention to the hair.

Alopecia is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows. It is also known as alopecia areata (AA). It is when the hair shifts away from your original hairline. This condition is real and can affect any gender at any age. Yes, even kids can be affected by alopecia. While tight hairdos and the continuous styling of ponytails can be the cause of alopecia in women, a dry and brittle scalp can be the cause in men.

So, is there a treatment? Yes but it takes a lot of time and patience. The first step to treating alopecia is acknowledging the signs. Most of the time, people just choose to believe that the new hairline was their hairline all along. This is dangerous because they will not give the hair the attention needed.

Stop Manipulative hairstyles.

 The front hair is also known as the baby hair is naturally weaker than the normal hair. If you notice hair loss, you should stop making that Ghana weaving or ponytail. In fact, do not add any hair extension to it for a while. Let it rest if you need to go out, use wigs. As a guy, do not let the barber touch your hairline AT ALL.

Use hair growth oil and products.

As I said, the treatment takes a lot of time and patience. You can buy some hair growth oil like coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and the likes. For better results, you can combine the use of other homemade products with any of these oils.

Homemade products are less expensive and very effective too. You can pick from rice water, onions juice, lemon juice and so on. The only disadvantage is that the smell is not nice. In some cases, people get impatient when the result they are getting is either slow or there is none at all then they start using multiple hair products at once in a bid to get fast actions. No! The hair needs to breath too, often times when people do this, the hair ends up being more damaged. For example, the hair becomes so light and looses its weight making it unhealthy, the hair starts looking scanty and so on.  So in as much as we all want to flaunt a healthy-looking hair, we have to exercise patience and stop using all the ” I heard this works” product hereby causing excessive damage to our hair.

Eat Good Food

This method works for the hair as much as it does for the skin. There is simply no excuse, just eat mum’s sweet food and be happy.

Lastly, trust the process. Believe in the treatment and be consistent, you will get your result soon. However, always put your hair down try not to pack too tight or comb it in any harsh way. Just leave it and let it rest. Stay home, safe stay, and let your hair grow.

Open Marriage - Yay or Nay?

By Moyinoluwa Babalola

In Nigeria, there is a lot of respect for culture and tradition. The institution of marriage is very much respected. 

Will the idea of open marriage be celebrated or criticized in a country like Nigeria?

For those wondering what an open marriage is, let's look at the Wikipedia definition "Open Marriage is a form of non-monogamy in which the parties of a dyadic marriage agree that each may engage in extramarital sexual relationships, without being regarded by them as infidelity, and consider or establish an open relationship despite the implied monogamy of marriage."

Forget the big language, what they are saying is that an Open Marriage is a marriage where there is an agreement to have affairs outside of the marriage.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett are said to be practicing open marriage. Of recent, the issue of Open Marriage became a subject of discussion in Nigeria when Cynthia Obi-Uchendu, wife of Ebuka Uchendu- the popular media personality, tweeted that:

"I've always said that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having an open marriage."

These caused a lot of controversy among Nigerians and the popular Instablog also put it up on its Instagram page and it got a lot of exciting comments.

Trust Nigerians not to disappoint with their comments:

Nigerians have talked their talk. What is your own opinion on Open Marriage?

Source: Instablog.

OAU Professor Confirmed Dead

By Emmanuel Dominic

Obafemi Awolowo University has again lost another great Professor to the cold hands of death this year. Dr. Gabriel Egharevha who was a Professor of Chemistry in Obafemi Awolowo University.

He died on July 15th 2020. It was said that, he was involved in an accident. Professor Egharevha Celebrated his birthday on Sunday, 12th of July 2020. In which he clocked age 66 before death came knocking.

May God console his families and friends.