OAU Students Storm Cyberspace With Resumption Plea

Several posts and hastags have started coming in over the last few hours pleading with the appropriate authorities to intervene in the restoration of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife to normalcy. The posts which are mostly from students of the institution have come majorly with the hashtags; #WewanttoresumeOAU and more recently #ReopenOAU.

It is worthy to note that students of the institution have been at home since April, 2016 when the Academic Staff of the institution demanded an overdue 56-day leave. However, following the protests and controversy that have trailed the process of the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor for the Institution which eventually led to the dissolution of the Governing Council of the University by Federal Government, the school was shut down indefinitely and thus students have continued to remain at home.

However, it appears that the students are tired of the too incessant and unnecessary holidays as they have started taking to the social media to vent their frustrations...

#ReopenOAU

FG, Vice Chancellors Peg Admission Screening Fee At N2,500

The Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sub-sector have agreed on N2,500 as the fee for post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening. This is contained in a statement issued by Prof. Michael Faborode, the Secretary-General, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Faborode said the agreement was reached after a deliberation of officials of the ministry, federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The secretary-general said while it was agreed that the post-UTME screening should be sustained following the scrapping of the Computer Based Test (CBT).

“From the statement made by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan at the meeting, there is no objection to screening by universities as long as it is not another CBT. “She agreed that universities should advertise and the maximum fee that should be charged for the screening should be N2,500 – bank charges inclusive.’’

According to the statement, the association will formally convey its stance to the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu. NAN reports that Adamu’s recent announcement of the ban on post-UTME had raised a lot anxiety among stakeholders.



Source

Compliments Of The Season

As the holy month comes to an end, we pray that the blessings of Ramadan remain with you and your family. Eid Mubarak from all of us at OAU Peeps.

Ojelabi Jesujoba
For The OAU Peeps Team

Right Versus Wrong - Pope Jay

“The Problem in Nigeria is not about the north versus the south, it’s not about Christianity versus Islam, it’s not about APC versus PDP. The Problem in Nigeria is Right versus Wrong”
Ben Murray-Bruce (2016)

When I first saw the theme of the Great Ife Writer essay contest 2016; “What is the Most Challenging Issue in Nigeria and how would you solve it?”, the well applauded words of the “Common Sense” advocate, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, at the Silverbird Man of The Year 2014 were what came to mind. Many friends have asked why I did not submit an entry for the contest and my major reason was that the topic, though greatly depending on objectivity, is too subjective to just write what any judge wants.

The founder of the Silverbird group stated the problem of Nigeria to be “right versus wrong”. Very simple it appears but perhaps this statement is not as simple as it seems after all, especially considering the unending controversy that has trailed the concept of “Right versus wrong” over the centuries. From the early religious definitions of morality to the much revered work of popular philosophers and scientists (Socrates, St Augustine, Westermarck, Hobbes, Hume, Kant and a host of others), the concept of morality has remained one that no one has been able to accurately grasp. I believe the major reason for this is found in the words of the fictional character Micheal Murdock aka Daredevil (Yes, I use Netflix too), “…Sometimes the delineation between right and wrong is a sharp line, sometimes it’s a blur and often it’s like pornography; you just know when you see it…”. However, even with the impalpability of the concept of right and wrong, several human societies have been able, to a reasonable extent, to establish some codes to guide its existence in order for it to thrive. These codes are established upon different foundations depending on the type of society in question and its end goal. The Nigerian society is not excluded.


Assessing the very basis of our formation, it is not totally clear what Lugard’s true intentions were when he and Lady Shaw established the body “Nigeria”. As a matter of fact, very many speculations and opinions have trailed their decision. But still, one certainty may be deduced, especially considering other experiments of the “colonial masters”; Lugard’s actions were definitely not totally selfless. But then again, due to the incomplete determinability of what Lord Lugard’s intentions were, it is difficult to tag his actions right or wrong.

1914 is a long time ago and many decisions have been made in Nigeria and by Nigerians both right and wrong since then. Many would opine that the greatest problem facing the present day Nigeria is Corruption. Indeed! But worse, it is not just the corruption of men; I believe it is the corruption of the very Ethical codes that both make us humane and upon which our society as an institution is established. The origin of this cancerous phenomenon has been traced to a few years after independence, even though some believe it was before this time. However, over the years we have watched it spread to all arms of government and even trickle down to smaller institutions. As it stands now, the condition is so bad in some agencies that we no longer even know what is right and what is not. Any good physician knows that it is never an easy task to treat a cancer, most especially if it has become so intricate with the host. It would require very delicate treatments and care.


On a final note, ask me, “What is the most challenging Issue in Nigeria and how would you solve it?”

I will answer in my extended version of Senator Benedict Murray-Bruce’s words; “…The problem in Nigeria is Right versus Wrong and there is only one solution; we must remind ourselves which is right and which is wrong and we must tilt the balance towards the right side. It’s that simple…or complex”


Pope Jay

Breaking: FG Extends Public Holiday Till Thursday

The Nigerian government has extended public holidays for the celebration of Eid-el Fitr following the announcement of Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, about the continuation of the Ramadan fast.

JAMB Extends Direct Entry Registration Closing Date

This is to inform the public that the deadline for JAMB Direct Entry sales of form has been extended. The new deadline is now July 29th, 2016.

An Exclusive Interview With Some Members of Team GoPoethick

Interviewees- (Mr Adewale Victor (Veekthur), the Founder of GoPoethick, Mr Adigun Abdullah, the Director of Operations, GoPoethick2016, Mr Ogunkoya Samuel Dabar, Director of Publicity of GoPoethick2016

Interviewer- Adeyeye Ifeoluwa Eyitayo (Head of Interviews, OAU Peeps News Agency)

OAU Peeps: From popular talk, we know that Gopoethick is a brainchild of OAU student, Mr Ajakaye Victor Oluwatobi aka "Veekthur". Please can you please help us develop on this?

Adewale Victor: You are not incorrect; I am Ajakaye Victor, planning a name change to Victor Adewale soon. Adewale is my father's name. I am still the same person.

OAU Peeps: Can you please tell us how the idea was conceived and who conceived the idea

Adewale Victor: I conceived the idea after a renowned poet Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, visited us in school and challenged us to start something creative. I also noticed the decline in the growth of Arts here too. How social activities like parties prevailed over Arts. I wanted a platform where Arts would rise to the level of other social activities. Especially poetry, I wanted the world to know that it is not a boring enterprise.

OAU Peeps: Mr Victor, What has been the challenges and successes so far?

Adewale Victor: The successes have been overwhelming. The only challenge has been getting sponsors for the event. We however have the support of a large number of poets in Nigeria and lots of OAU students.

OAU Peeps: Mr Dabar you mentioned in the course of your introduction that you are the director of publicity, we are aware that massive awareness have trailed GoPoethick 2016. From the photo shoots to various social media broadcasts, please tell us about this year's edition of GoPoethick

Ogunkoya Samuel Dabar: Please, can you be clearer about that question?

OAU Peeps: As the director of publicity for the forthcoming edition of GoPoethick, what are the things you have been able to put in place to achieve massive participation?

Ogunkoya Samuel Dabar: Well, we have been active "using" what we have, basically people. They have been seeing convincing reasons to make the dream a reality and hence join in broadcasting the event. The social media (WhatsApp, Facebook et al) has been a useful tool in beating the drums of the event loud. And of course, media outfits have been helpful.

OAU Peeps: Well thank you very much Mr Dabar. Rumour has it that there would be an epic theatrical performance by the dramatic arts of Obafemi Awolowo University, how true is this?

Adewale Victor: There ought to be a performance from.dramatic arts department but they have not been responsive and the school closure did not help matters. We however have a talented thespian who graduated from the department of dramatic arts. He would be thrilling us with an epic dance performance at the event

OAU Peeps: Another rumour also has it that a popular musician would be around for the event

Adigun Abdullah: Aye, rumors and news shaa. It was true, till some weeks after we began making frantic efforts to ensure his attendance. We however were not able to secure his presence due to extremely busy schedule.

OAU Peeps: What is the connection between Gopoethick and the kegites. Are they also performing at the event?

Adigun Abdullah: Not exactly Sir, you see the event is divided into two days, the first for the poetry class and the main event, and the second for mountaineering. Kegites will be around to come gyrate on Day2, the purpose of the event is to promote arts, music and poetry, this their drums, dancing and traditional performances and even palm wine showcase

OAU Peeps: Don’t you think the program should be dependent on school resumption so as to record a greater participation or won't OAU being on strike affect attendance at the programme as well as other plans?

Adewale Victor: The program is for all arts lovers, not limited to the OAU community alone. Our guests would be coming from different parts of the country. We don't want to ruin their schedule by postponing the event.

OAU Peeps: Do you think this year's edition would be better than the last edition? If yes, what makes you think so exactly?

Adewale Victor: This year's edition would be better than last year's because we have a better planning structure, compared to last year. We also have outstanding guest poets and artists. This year also has in package features that were not present last year like Live painting, Book exhibition, arts exhibition and sales, mountaineering and lots more amazing features.

OAU Peeps: Thank you guys for your time, However just before we close the curtains, we must ask for readers and fans who want to learn more about GoPoethick or make further enquiries, is there any way they can reach you guys or find the information they need? Perhaps some contact details or Social media handles

Adewale Victor: You can reach us on Twitter and instagram @GoPoethick, Our facebook page is facebook.com/gopoethick1 and our blog is Gopoethick.blogspot.com

OAU Peeps: Alright Sir, to round off, there have been some pictures of GoPoethick T-shirts and hand bands circulating on the social media, are these related to your event?

Adewale Victor: Yes they are very much related to our event; we made those t-shirts for people who love to support poetry, and would like to represent the art in their environment

OAU Peeps: And how do these people get them?

Adewale Victor: At the event venue, or through courier delivery

OAU Peeps: Alright Thank you for your time. We at OAU Peeps can't wait to GoPoethick already.