“Squatting” is no stranger to the majority of Great Ife students. Though it has different definitions according to individual perspectives, it could be simply explained as “an act of illegally occupying a building, space or land”. In the OAU context, the squatting picture can be painted as a situation where there are other students apart from the legally allocated occupants inhabiting a particular room. These extra students are called “squatters”. Squatting as an act has always been in constant condemnation by the University’s management as strictly illegal and hence not allowed.
The newly admitted freshmen has found themselves in a rather unusual situation of exceeding the usual quota admitted every year. Statistics has it that over 7,000 freshmen (against the usual of about 5,000) were admitted for the current academic session. The unusual increase in population sure comes with different challenges for the management, one of which is majorly fixing the 2,000 (extra) fresh students into the already over-populated halls of residence.
Though some freshmen have been successfully accommodated by the Division of Students Affairs (DSA) and some financially-buoyant ones have been able to secure accommodation outside the school vicinity after being let down by the management, but there are many who are still “homeless” and as such are having a very hard time settling down. Even after several complaints at the DSA by students who fall into this category, only few of them were lucky enough to be given accommodation. It was also reported that the DSA, at some point, allegedly advised the affected students to “go and rent”.
This leaves the students with very limited options of either squatting or renting apartments as advised by the DSA. While the later requires a substantial financial capability, which currently looks unachievable judging from the state of the Nigerian economy, the former seems easy, though “illegal”.
For some of these new students, their arrival on campus is the first time they would be leaving their parents’ care in the real sense. Non-availability of bed-spaces for these ones in halls of residence, as you’ll agree with me, is a serious problem. To think that the affected freshmen will be in this tough situation for the next eight months or thereabouts is even more worrisome.
These students have been forced to put up with their acquaintances who were lucky enough to secure accommodation, or even moving from one room to another without a base. They have resulted into “full squatting” (the widely-acclaimed illegal act), without minding the grave consequences as threatened by the management. As much as squatting seems to be the only realistic solution, it comes with a great deal of inconvenience cum insecurity. These students stand the chances of receiving different forms of disturbing abuse from roommates who will see them as unwelcomed guests and also security threats to their properties.
While some may be able to cope with the situation, it might be too much for others to handle. This, on the long run, will definitely affect their academic pursuits (their primary assignment on campus). A student who can is not sure of a proper abode to return into after the usual stress-fill day on OAU campus will surely not be in the right mood to study.
Though there is little or nothing they can do about this rather unforeseen and undeserving circumstances, I’ll like to wish them good luck in their quest to survive this “baptism of fire” without getting burnt.
Ridwan A. Oyetunji writes from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife.
You can reach him via ridwanoyetunji_18@yahoo.com
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Friday, 17 June 2016
Court Adjourns OAU VC Appointment Case Again
The Federal High Court, Osogbo has again adjourned the case of the alleged Illegitimate Appointment of Professor Ayo Salami as the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University as filed the Non- Academic Staff Union of the Institution some weeks back till Wednesday, 6th July, 2016. The legality of the appointment of Professor Ayobami Salami as Obafemi Awolowo University Vice Chancellor which was made public some weeks back has continued to remain a bone of contention within the University Community. The Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of the Institution has then filed a court case based on an earlier injunction on the appointment of a Vice Chancellor earlier filed by the same court.
Following arguments from the Counsel of both parties , the Judge then adjourned the case till July 6th, 2016, to rule on whether allegations of contempt of court will be attended to before cases bordering on jurisdiction.
Speaking to Campus Reporters of The Insider News Network after the court ruling, The cousel to NASU, Barr. S.T.A Raji said, "The University Management have committed a big offence and with their denial, they cannot go ahead to appoint a new VC till the court decides the case on July 6, 2016″
However, the Counsel of the OAU Management, Barr. Anu Ogunro, maintained an earlier stance that no Vice Chancellor had been appointed by the council.
Consequentially, the University would most likely be without a Vice Chancellor upon the expiration of the tenure of current Vice Chancellor, Professor Bamitale Omole, on 23rd June, 2016.
Other reports gathered state that NASU has resulted to continue its strike till the new date. This was stated by the Union's Chairman, Comrade Wole Odewunmi, who said, “We are contented with an acting Vice Chancellor. We will continue to protest till July 6, 2016”.
Credits- The Insider News Network
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Happy Birthday To Our Editor-in-Chief (Pope Jay)
Join me to celebrate the existence of a distinguished human of life, my friend, pen mate and confidant - Ojelabi Jesujoba.
Your humility wows me.
Your loyalty is second to known.
Your promptness to delivery is outstanding.
Your bravery inspires.
Your pen pierces deep.
Your articles dumb-found and instigate.
When we started out the Agency that brought us together, you were the last man standing when no one saw our vision; perhaps, there were no obvious gains then.
I know for sure that you are limitless in your influence in this generation and that which is to come.
You are someone I can never forget and I believe there are much more we can achieve together.
On behalf of all of us at OAU Peeps News Agency, we celebrate our ever dexterous Editor-in-Chief.
As you add another year today, I pray God will continue to enlarge your coast and bless you in all measures. Sound health and more accomplishments I wish you.
Igba odun, just one year for you fine boy!!!
- Prince David Adetula
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
Have You Entered For The Great Ife Writer Project?
It's less than 20 days to go Great Ife...
Wouldn't you rather write and win some money?
Submit an essay between 500-700 words on the topic:
What is the most challenging issue in Nigeria and how would you solve it
1st Prize: #75,000 + 1 year paid writing contract.
2nd Prize: #50,000 only.
Only for OAU undergraduate students. This includes Freshers, Returning Students & just Graduated Students.
The 234Project Essay Contest closes on the 30th of June!
Submit @ www.the234project.com/writer
Prize Award Day: July 9th @ Aud 1 by 9am.
For enquiries: 07039176972
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
Osun State Students Attend Classes Wearing Church Garments (Pictures)
Our correspondent, who visited the school observed that the students came late to the school around 8:35 on Tuesday and headed to their various classes as their colleagues hailed them for their courage.
Many female Muslim students of the school wore hijab on their uniforms and some members of the Christian Association of Nigeria are in the school to monitor the reaction of the teachers to the mode of dressing of their children.
No student was chased out of the classes for appearing in different clothes and all the students irrespective of their chosen uniforms are being taught by their teachers.
Earlier, Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court had on June 3 given a verdict that Muslim students should be allowed to wear hijab in all public schools in the state because it was part of their fundamental rights.
The CAN had held an emergency meeting following the judgment and threatened that it would direct Christian pupils to start wearing choir robes and other religious garments to schools should the state government implement the judgment.
Source
Monday, 13 June 2016
“We Are Extremely Fortunate To Be Educationists” - Faculty of Education (OAU) Students Speak
When contacted, a cross section of Faculty of Education students have given various reasons why they chose to be educationists and how they are faring at what they do:
The simple question was;
"Why are you in Education?"
-“Unarguably we modify life, helping other people in achieving their well stated and highlighted goals and objective. This is where destiny brought me, and am so determined, passionate about it. As an educationist, am a light to the world and a blessing to my generation”
FOLORUNSO AKANNI (Economics Education)
-“I don't know o, I was given ni o... but I'm planning to get the best out of it n make an impact”
OLAIDE (English Language Education)
-“Being an educationist brings me joy. I am a craftsman, a negotiator of learning experience, a facilitator. I choose this profession because it's something am destined to do. It's a part of me, to impart knowledge, values and attitude for a better society.”
OBA (Mathematics and Integrated Science Education)
-“Just like the old saying ‘our destiny is on our palm’, I remember when I was a child, being an educationist never came across my mind but on the long run. I discovered it was a calling, my destiny, my passion.”
OLAMUMMY GHYDYON (Guidance and Counselling)
-“I am into this faculty to bring up and develop the next generation that will continue the Glorious change God have for this country by teaching the next generation”
AYOOLA (Social Studies Education)
-“Unquestionable, I choose the course. Choosing is about accepting something totally, I feel it in the body that generation coming are already aware of education but to make it more simplicity through ART.”
BLAZING TRAIL (Fine and Applied Arts )
-“Hmmm, education is a career with one thousand and one haters yet it has been keeping the society in place and that's why I'm in it so that the society will continue to be in place.”
D-BOY (Mathematics Education)
-“I chose to be an educator because I like to impact knowledge... It’s a dream that is gradually coming into reality”
IDRIS (Economics Education)
-“I choose to be an educator because I love kids and love to share what I know. For me to understand dis world started from school compound including all the activities of life. Why not start there to develop our beloved nation?”
RAJI (Economics Education)
-“Anyway... Am happy to be an educationist.”
TIMI (Economics Education)
-“Hmm, I accepted to be an educationist because I am needed to impact lives out there, make a difference, and help them live rightly in the society.”
IYANUOLUWA (Social Studies Education)
-“I chose to be an Educationist because it’s the best way to serve humanity. Meaningful impacts are felt only through Education.”
BEULAH (Social Studies Education)
-“I'm happy, I'm an educationist, committed to developing the nation through teaching of scientific values.”
DEMMY (Physics Education)
-“A reader is a leader and a leader is someone who leads and instructs a group of people (followers). So if you are an addicted reader and being acquainted with knowledge without transmitting it to another set of people (learners), the mission is not yet complete. So a teacher is a practical example of a successful leader. Learning is a chain that bonded a superior personnel (teacher) and the inferior ones (learners) together and through a medium (classroom), where the instruction will be effective and which will brings about change in behaviours for learners. Teachers build life not blocks. We are God's sent workers that perfect the work of that has to do with destiny. Teaching is a God-mandated profession and most blessed one but not visualize with cash alone. Therefore, you may not have discovered the misery behind teaching until you let your vocation to be your vacation and your vacation be your vocation. Any society or nation that lacks quality teachers, the future of such society or nation is clouded. I cherish my profession as an endowed and confident teacher. We impact knowledge to restructure future infrastructure.”
OJO EBENEZER OMOTAYO (Biology Education)
-“I chose to study education and I got it on merit, I am proud to be a trained teacher proud to have learnt to be a leader amongst leaders. I am happy to make impact as an educationist.”
MAKINDE JAMES MCO.JAY (Geography Education)
-“Education is the process of inculcating norms, values, morals, etc. from one generation to another generation so that they can be meaningful and useful to the society. I am a TEACHER, a GENERATION and a LEADER.”
DR (MISS) OLAMIDE
-“I'm happy am an educationist, God bless my Faculty and my department!”
DANIEL (Religious Studies Education)
-“An educationist I found myself of which I saw that things are working together for good, I'm determined to "professionalize" teaching just like law, medicine, pharmacy etc. So help me God.”
OLIVER (Social Studies Education)
-“I feel great. I am in education to teach; to pass across what I know, period. No philosophical statements, no ideological sentiments and no exaggerations.”
ISOTOPE (Chemistry Education)
-“I am in education to develop minds, instruct and change the educational system for better.”
NZUBEX.
-“At first I felt I was given a wrong course but later realize I was committed with the work of rebranding and remolding lives.”
WHYZGEL (Economics Education)
-“I studied and graduated as an Educationist. I chose to study it and I enjoyed it. Anywhere I send my CV to, I always receive a special treatment because I studied two courses at a time. Even here in Ogun State, as a serving Corp member, am always respected. So, please there are many opportunities waiting for you after you graduate. You may not even venture into teaching if you like. God bless all Educationists...Proudly Educand
CHAMPION
-“When I was given, I was sad but when I recognize opportunities in it I know am great.”
TAIWO TIMILEYIN (Political Science Education)
-“In Education we mould lives in all facet, it’s more interesting when you see a noticeable change which actually defines it. Affecting lives positively will help achieve some of the goals of education. As a teacher with experience and a teacher in training I say this - Education is the best way to take Nigeria to its pinnacle of breakthrough, free of corruption, embezzlement, biases and amassing unnecessary wealth etc. Education is the solution. Empower education and sensitize young heart from the cradle, it will make Nigeria a better place. The vision that I see. It pays to be an educator, I speak from my heart.”
FM
-“I spent two years teaching before I gained admission, my boss loves me and calls me a BORN TEACHER because of what he saw, I really love those great moments of teaching and I enjoyed teaching.”
SPIRITDRUNK
-“Education is indeed a great profession for people who are hardworking. Because, teaching is easy but marking of notes, exam scripts and lesson note is a big deal.”
WINLADE (Arts and Humanities – French)
-“Smiles. Being an Educationist has never been an alternative but the only option for me. I’m born to impart lives, be a problem solver, put smiles on faces, and secure the future of our dear nation Nigeria and that is what I do as a teacher in training and will never stop doing.”
VENUS BEAUTYG (Economics Education)
-“I believe if a country is to be corruption free, there are three societal values that will make that possible: the father, mother and the teacher. Am proud to be a disciplinarian”
SOPHIAT
-“I am in education to impart knowledge, value, and attitude for better generations to know the degree of variations among learners. Their differences such as differences in value, competence, achievement, attitude, interest, aspirations, beliefs, skills, creativity, emotions, socio-economic background and the ability of the students to cope with specific and nonspecific forces of life within a particular culture”
CHIDINMA (Social Studies Education)
-“I had never thought I'd move into this but I've always loved teaching. God's plan is preferable so if this is his plan for me then I know it's the best. I'm happy that I'm going to become an educationist. I hope to enjoy the course.
TOHLUH (English Education)
Timetable For Fresher's ICT Training
Group A (Monday 13th - Friday 17th June 2016)
Venue: ICT hall A and B
Faculties: Arts/social sciences, Administration, Law and Education
Sessions: Batch A - 8:00am-10pm, Batch B - 10:30-12:30pm, Batch C - 01:00-3:00pm, Batch D - 3:30-5:30pm
Group B (Monday 20th - Friday 24th June 2016)
Venue: ICT HALL A and B
Faculties: Technology, basic medical/Clinical Sciences/Dentistry/Agriculture, Sciences, EDM, Pharmacy.
Session: Batch A - 8:00am-10pm, Batch B - 10:30-12:30pm, Batch C - 01:00-3:00pm, Batch D - 3:30-5:30pm.
