EFCC Summons OAU VC, Bursar Over Alleged Misappropriation

The Vice-Chancellor (In the white jacket) With Some Other Principal Officers On An Inspection Visit

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned the acting Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, and Bursar, Mrs. Aderonke Akeredolu, over the payment of an ‘unapproved’ hazard allowances to the institution’s workers.

The allowances paid to the academic and non-academic staff, our correspondents gathered, were over N1bn.

It was learnt that the allowances were sourced from the university’s endowment funds account, which is usually dedicated for projects.

It should be noted that it was largely the non-payment of these allowances that caused most of the major issues on campus with the last administration.

But the spokesperson for the university, Mr. Biodun Olarewaju, argued that the specific fund used in paying the allowances was not attached to any project in the account.

It was also gathered that certain allowances earmarked for the office of the VC were also being investigated by the federal agency.

The letter, signed by Mr. Oseni Kazeem of the Southwest Zonal Office of the commission in Ibadan, Oyo State, advised the invited officers to come along with necessary documents.

The letter reads in part, “The office is currently investigating a case in which there is the need to obtain clarification from you. In view of the foregoing, you and your bursar are requested to report to our office for an interview.

“You are also to come along with the following documents: the salary payment schedule/any other payment made to senior staff and junior staff in August and September, 2016; payment vouchers relating to furniture allowances paid to the VC from the day he assumed office to date; certified true copies of the monthly salary pay slips of the VC from the day he assumed office to date.”

When contacted on the telephone on Monday, Olarewaju said the payment of the allowances should not be tagged as misappropriation.

He said, “The acting VC has been invited by the EFCC to come and make some clarification and as a law abiding citizen, he will attend. Afterwards, we will know what to do.

“The fund used to pay the allowances cannot amount to misappropriation. The said money was not attached to any project or anything. It was just in the account.  And, of course, when the life of a member of the staff of the university was threatened by those who are agitating for the payment, the acting VC had to save the situation by paying the allowances to douse the tension.

“You will agree with me that, since then, there have been peace on campus. It was not that the money was in that account for a particular project and was diverted. The issue of misappropriation does not arise here.”


It would be recalled that the hazard allowances were a major reason why members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities at the institution protested against the former administration headed by Prof. Bamitale Omole.

 Source 

Part One Student Of Dramatic Arts Allegedly Dies From Liver Complications

Oladimeji Abayomi

Reports reaching us now is that a part one student of the Department of Dramatic Arts has given up the ghost.

Oladimeji Abayomi who was to be a part one student of Dramatic Arts was said to have lost his life yesterday after battling with a liver problem for a while. Abayomi was also said to have participated in the Obafemi Awolowo University convocation play that was performed on 7th of December, 2016. When reached, some of his colleagues in the Dramatic Arts his untimely demise.

We pray that his soul rest in peace and God grants his family the fortitude to bear this sad loss.

Meet Babajide Oni, The Best Graduating Student At 42nd Convocation Of The Obafemi Awolowo University

Oni Babajide David

An interview of Mr Oni Babajide, best graduating student at the 42nd Annual Convocation ceremony of the Obafemi Awolowo University carried out by OAU Peeps News Agency.

OAU Peeps: Good day Mr Oni, please do introduce yourself.

Babajide Oni: My name is Oni Babajide David, a graduate of the Department of Agricultural Economics of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

OAU Peeps: Alright, thank you very much Mr Oni but I think you were quite modest with the introduction, considering the fact that you were the best graduating student at the recently concluded 42nd Convocation of the Obafemi Awolowo University. Perhaps you could shed more light on this and also on your educational background in general.

Babajide Oni: Yes, I love modesty in everything I do. Being the best graduating student for the 2014/2015 session in OAU is not by my power but a function of team work and of God who made it happen.
As regards my educational background, I was just a normal average student all throughout my secondary school days, but everything changed when I decided to beat the best and be the best.

OAU Peeps: Interesting, and when exactly did you make this life-changing decision sir?

Babajide Oni: I made that decision in the year 2011 after listening to a message by the General overseer of my church in person of Dr. D.K Olukoya on 'Beating the best and being the best.'

OAU Peeps: Interesting. You are a graduate of Agricultural Economics. We would like to ask Sir, was this your original choice when you came into the Obafemi Awolowo University and if not, when exactly did it change?

Babajide Oni: No, it wasn't. I chose medicine and surgery as first choice but I picked OAU as my second choice of institution. I actually asked for a stethoscope and I was given a hoe like my teacher said. Upon discovering that I would not be offered medicine due to the fact that I picked OAU as my second choice, I decided to study Agricultural Economics in 2010/11 academic session.

OAU Peeps: And looking back now Sir, would you say making that decision was good?

Babajide Oni: I am very sure I made the right decision. This became clear in my second year when I had the chance to apply for a change of course to study medicine. But then, my sole purpose to solve unemployment problem in Nigeria through agriculture was discovered hence I had to just answer the call to do agriculture.

OAU Peeps: Hmmm. Inspiring. We would also love to know, outside academics, were you involved in any other thing?

Babajide Oni: Yes, I was. I hoped to be a versatile graduate hence I participated in politics by serving as a parliamentarian for two sessions and served as the public relations officer of the Great Ife Students Union Elections Petitions Committee. Also, I served as an executive in my fellowship as the ICT/Business unit head. Lastly, I was involved in my personal businesses too.

OAU Peeps: Versatile indeed sir. And just how did you balance out these activities with school work?

Babajide Oni: Basically, it was about doing the right thing at the right time. Likewise sacrificing sleeping hours too. Also, seizing every free time and moment.

OAU Peeps: And apparently that paid off well. Also, having gone through the system zealously, what can you say about the quality of education in Nigeria?

Babajide Oni: Hmm... Truthfully, the education system in Nigeria is somewhat archaic and outlandish. You just take courses that you don't need in your discipline. But then there is a lot to be done in the educational sector of this country. And I believe that there is still hope for this country considering the outstanding performance of Nigerians in diaspora.

OAU Peeps: Okay sir. Considering your earlier comment on agriculture as a way out of unemployment, is this to say that you have plans to go into agriculture sometime in the future?

Babajide Oni: Yes, I do have plans to go into agriculture in the future. But then, I plan to redefine the image of agriculture in Nigeria and that was why I started a concept known as Agrocapitalism Initiatives.
One of the eminent professors in my faculty gave an inaugural lecture titled "Who will bring back the farm children?". It was a brilliant lecture, but I think the question ought be "Who will welcome the farm children?". Hence, there arises a need to create a platform that will be homely for the farm children. This and many more I look forward to doing in the nearest future.

OAU Peeps: Interesting sir. As we round off, we would like to know of the challenges you faced as an undergraduate?

Babajide Oni: The challenges faced as an undergraduate are numerous than I can remember but all I can say is that in spite of them all, God made me more than a conqueror.

OAU Peeps: Alright sir, finally what is your advice to other students looking forward to achieving a feat like yours?

Babajide Oni: Well, I can only advice them to believe in themselves and trust God with all their hearts and He will make every crooked way straight. Lastly, be focused and determined to beat the best and be the best in anything you find yourself doing.

OAU Peeps: Nice words of advice, Mr Oni. Thank you for your time.

Babajide Oni: You are welcome.

OAU Peeps: And congratulations on your feat.

Babajide Oni: Thanks a lot.

OAU Peeps: On behalf of the OAU Peeps News Agency, I wish you the best in your future endeavours.

Babajide Oni: Amen and thank you. See you at the top

As OAU Resumes...- Akinfenwa Olaitan

By Akinfenwa Olaitan

It is quite surprising to many OAU students that school has truly resumed after a two weeks break. Although we have been aware of the resumption date on the calendar, many still doubted it. Many have found it simply unbelievable, because judging from previous experiences, we've come to know OAU to be very generous in giving prolonged holidays. But despite all the doubts and speculations, OAU has truly resumed for second semester. Perhaps, it is truly the era of Change for the OAU community.

For some of us who had to stay back in school during the break for one reason or the other, we've been able to witness the return of some students back into the hostels. These category of students have high hopes that lectures will commence on Tuesday. Apparently these are the students expectant and eager to start work immediately. Afterall, the timetable for  lectures in some departments have been released and there is no other reason to delay resumption.

The other category of OAU students however still remain Doubting Thomases as to whether or not lectures will really commence. Their doubts are understandable, judging by our past experiences, and considering the fact that we'll eventually go on Christmas break in about two weeks. Some of them have decided to shift their resumption to January. This is only realistic considering the risk of traveling and the high cost of transportation.

As a result, the bubbling atmosphere that accompanies resumption is not really noticeable, because many students are just starting to enjoy their holiday and are not ready for school at all.

In any case, school has resumed. And whether you're at home or in school, it would be wise to keep your ears to the ground, and stay informed of any new development, if there would be any. I wish you all a successful semester ahead.

Introducing Success Links Biology Past Questions For OAU Pre-Degree Students

This is to introduce to students of the Obafemi Awolowo University Predegree Programme the Success Links Pre-Degree Past Question series. The book has been designed to help students, specifically students with the combination Biology, Chemistry, Physics in their work. The book features a number of other extras including;
- First Contact syllabus
- All first contact biology lecture notes
- Past questions with detailed answers
- OAU Admission cut off marks for UTME and Pre-degree
- How to Calculate OAU Screening Score
- Some tips on how to scale through the hurdles of pre-degree

Predegree students can obtain the book from various shops around the Moro campus. For more enquiries and details, contact 08064189480

Endorsed by OAU Peeps News Agency

OAU To Resume Rain Semester 2015/2016 Session Today

According to the 2015/2016 academic calendar, students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife are expected to resume back to the University campus for the commencement of the Rain semester of the 2015/2016 Academic Session.

However, the rate of students resuming back to school may not be as expected as many students, especially the students residing far away from the campus, have lamented that the resumption is highly unfavourable as the school would be going on another break in the next two weeks. Thus, considering the risk and cost of traveling, most students may not resume on time.

However, it is worthy to recall that a few weeks ago, when interacting with our correspondent, the registrar of University, Mr Dotun Awoyemi, urged students to resume to help facilitate the timely completion of the 2015/2016 academic session.

The decision of many students to resume may depend on the level of academic activities noted in the course of the week.

OAU Graduates Over 6,000 Students, Oni Babajide David Emerges Best

L-R Professor A. Elujoba(Acting Vice-Chancellor), Akinbowa Adeolu (Awardee with highest number of Awards), Mr Dotun Awoyemi(Registrar)

Oni Babajide David (Best Graduating Student)

The Atmosphere of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife was undoubtedly ceremonious between Wednesday, 7th December 2016 and Friday, 9th December 2016 as the University conducted her 42nd Convocation ceremony.

  The programme began with the conferment of Diplomas in the early hours of Wednesday and ended on Friday with the conferment of Postgraduate diplomas and degrees. In total, 6827 students were graduated from the University with only 66 of them graduating with a first class degree.

Several dignitaries were invited for the annual ceremony, amongst whom was the Visitor of the University, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the the Nigerian Universities Commission, Professor Adamu Rasheed. In his speech, Professor Adamu encouraged the graduates to endeavour to develop entrepreneurial skills as the problem of unemployment seemed to be getting worse by the day. He also reassured the audience that the current administration was doing its best to provide enough jobs. However, its efforts needed to be complemented by the Private sector.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor also in his speech admonished the graduates to continue to be agents of change carrying their integrity and honour and help tackle the current challenges of the Nation.

As was expected, several students who had outstanding academic performances were awarded at the ceremony with the best graduating student being Oni Babajide David, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.86 out of 5.00 from the Faculty of Agriculture. However, the awardee with the highest number of awards was Akinbowa Adeolu, who graduated from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and received 12 awards.

Also things got somewhat dampened when Elebuibon Bibilari, a would-have-been first class student of the Faculty of Arts was invited for an award as an unusual silence announced his death. The Public Relations Officer of the School, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, then called for a minute silence in honour of his memory.

Several other events also occurred in the course of the 3-day ceremony: The Convocation play; Ijaye, which was directed by Wale Ogunyemi, The Convocation lecture delivered by Professor Aina amongst other events.