OAU Hostels Exhausted, Freshers Decry Accommodation Crisis

By Heritage Ayoola

Newly admitted students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have raised concerns over the difficulty of securing accommodation on campus. On Monday, November 11, 2024, the university opened its online portal for students to ballot for bed spaces in the hostels. However, within minutes, all spaces were filled, leaving many freshmen without a place to stay. This incident follows a similar occurrence on Monday, November 4, when the portal was opened for balloting, yet most freshmen who tried to ballot were unable to secure accommodation.

Accommodation Crisis: A Recurring Challenge

Accommodation issues on campus are not new. For years, the university has struggled to increase its accommodation capacity. However, with the growing number of admitted students and rising housing and transportation costs in Ile-Ife, the demand for limited on-campus spaces has intensified

The Great Ife Students’ Union recently tried to ease the burden by releasing a review of transport fares within the campus. Despite this, students staying off-campus still spend a significant amount on daily transportation. For instance, those in Lagere spend ₦600 daily, while students in Mayfair spend ₦500. Over a week, transport costs can add up to ₦3,000, which is a major expense for many students.

Current Transportation Fares By Bus on OAU Campus

In August, the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU), reported a hike in accommodation fees for hostels in the Maintenance area near the school. While the university has also increased on-campus accommodation fees from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, the revised fees are still significantly lower than off-campus alternatives, with many students preferring on-campus accommodation to save on housing, transportation, and security costs.

Freshmen Share Their Ordeal

Speaking with one of the affected freshmen, Ibukunola, she lamented her unsuccessful attempts at securing accommodation despite trying twice. “I tried to ballot in the first week of November when the portal was opened, but it was displaying ‘hostel exhausted.’ The second time, I was on the portal around 9:57 a.m., but it was already showing ‘accommodation exhausted’ and logged me out a few minutes after 10:00 a.m.,” she said.

This unpleasant situation has made attending classes challenging for her. She further lamented, “Lectures have started in my department, and I am currently managing in PG Hall. An ultimatum was given that we should vacate the hostel by Friday, November 15. I am tired. They are supposed to make everything easier for freshers, but this is not good at all. Imagine someone coming from a far place and not having a place to stay.”

Jeremiah, another freshman, decried the stress of the entire balloting process. He described it as “an entire waste of time.” According to him, “I missed the first balloting, but during the second, the portal showed ‘accommodation exhausted’ by 10:01 a.m.” Unable to secure on-campus accommodation, Jeremiah now stays at Road 7, spending up to ₦900 daily on transportation. He also highlighted the unproductive hours spent in shuttle queues after lectures. “If there is no car and I have to trek, it affects my academics. The first time I had to trek the distance, I got to school very late. But when you don’t find a hostel on campus, what will you do?”

The plight of Emmanuel, another freshman, is slightly different. She was unable to pay her full school fees, which disqualified her from balloting for accommodation. “When I went to the hostel to meet the porters, they told me I cannot use half payment to ballot for a hostel,” she said. Having already resumed to school, Emmanuel is now forced to rent accommodation in town, which costs her ₦500 daily on transportation. “I will continue to manage the situation. I cannot participate in any other ballot process since I have not paid in full,” she added.

Samuel, a freshman in Surveying and Geoinformatics, described the balloting process as “tougher than he thought.” Despite paying his school fees in full and logging into the portal promptly at 10:00 a.m., he was met with the message, “male hostel exhausted.” Currently, Samuel stays in Mayfair with a friend and lamented how transportation expenses drain his finances. “Of the money they give me, transport fare takes everything away,” he said.

What Next for Freshers?

This ongoing accommodation problem is making life difficult for freshers who are trying to adjust to university life and attend classes. As the semester continues, students are hoping the school management will come up with a better solution to reduce their struggles.

OAU Communication Students Question Compulsory Mathematics Requirement

By Akano Jesuloba

Communication students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have voiced concerns over the mandatory inclusion of mathematics in their curriculum, arguing that the subject is irrelevant to their humanities-oriented studies.

OAU offers four communication-related programs: Mass Communication, Film Production, Broadcast Journalism, and Information Science and Media Studies. Though traditionally aligned with the arts and humanities, these programs are housed under the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Unlike many other universities, where communication students are not required to take mathematics courses, OAU mandates them. For example, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Lagos—pioneering institutions in Nigeria’s mass communication education—students do not take mathematics throughout their four-year program. However, OAU’s Faculty of Social Sciences enforces compulsory mathematics courses for all students, leaving communication students with little choice.

A 200-level communication student, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed surprise and frustration at the requirement. "I never thought I’d have to take mathematics in university, especially since it was such a difficult subject for me in secondary school," she said. She only discovered that mathematics was mandatory a few weeks before resumption. "Since we’re in a department and faculty we’re not supposed to be in, we’re offering courses we shouldn’t have to take. Personally, I believe Mass Communication belongs under the Faculty of Arts."

Interestingly, at other institutions where mass communication falls under social sciences—such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Ahmadu Bello University—students are not required to take mathematics. This inconsistency raises questions about the appropriateness of OAU’s program structure.

Another student, who also wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration with the mathematics courses. "These courses are affecting my CGPA, and I’m not happy that I’ll still have to take them for two more semesters," he said. Despite raising the issue during a departmental meeting, he noted that management dismissed their concerns, advising students to "bear with it." He hopes the remaining mathematics courses will be less challenging.

Class representative Bakare Victor views the mathematics requirement as an obstacle to overcome. "I’m not thrilled about it, but at the end of the day, it’s a challenge I’ve accepted," he said. When asked about handling complaints from his classmates, he responded, "No one has complained to me directly, and even if they do, I’ll direct them to the appropriate authorities. By now, I believe no one should still be complaining about this."

During a departmental colloquium last semester, the former Dean of the Faculty, Professor Idowu Aina, justified the inclusion of mathematics by explaining that students would graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree, which traditionally includes mathematics. However, as the debate continues, many students remain hopeful that the management will reconsider the curriculum to better reflect the humanities focus of their program.

Obafemi Awolowo University Releases Cut-Off Marks for 2023/2024 Admissions

By Ogunlana Klistivivi 

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has officially released the cut-off marks for admission into various faculties for the 2023/2024 academic session. This announcement follows the conclusion of the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise, which commenced on September 9th, 2024.

The cut-off marks have been released for all faculties: Science, Technology, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Administration, Arts, Environmental Design and Management, Education, Law, Pharmacy, Basic Medical Sciences, Dentistry, and Clincal Sciences. 

Faculty of Science

Faculty of Technology

Faculty of Social Sciences

Faculty of Agriculture

Photo Credit: Senator

Faculty of Administration

Photo Credit: AOJ

Faculty of Arts

Photo Credit: AOJ

Faculty of Environmental Design and Management

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Pharmacy

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Dentistry, and Clinical Sciences 

Following the release of these cut-off marks, candidates are advised to await the uploading of admission lists on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) portal. Those who meet the cut-off for their chosen course should accept their admission offer via JAMB CAPS and proceed to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) center to print their admission letter. As the academic session draws near, successful candidates should stay informed by regularly checking the university's official platforms, JAMB CAPS, and this site for the latest updates.

OAU Peeps News Agency Welcomes New Editor-in-Chief

By Adegboyega Ifeoluwa

In a significant development for OAU Peeps News Agency, Ogunlana Klistivivi has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief for the 2023/2024 academic session. This change follows a successful tenure by Adegboyega Ifeoluwa, also known in the community as IfelawPR, a Part 4 student of the English Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Klistivivi, also a Part 4 student in the Department of Medicine & Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, fetches a wealth of experience to this pivotal role. His journey in campus journalism has been marked by significant contributions to OAU Peeps, and the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU). 

His efforts have not gone unnoticed; he was recognized with three prestigious awards at the recent ACJOAU Dinner and Award Night, 2024. (ACJOAU Awards night, 2024) These accolades reflect his commitment to excellence and his passion for journalism, both of which will undoubtedly serve him

well in his new position.

In a heartfelt statement regarding this transition, Mr. David Adetula; the founder of OAUPeeps, expressed deep appreciation for Ifeoluwa's leadership. “Thank you so much for your time leading OAU Peeps, Ifeoluwa. I wish you the very best in your endeavours.” He also took a moment to extend his warm wishes to Klistivivi, acknowledging the significant responsibilities that accompany the role of Editor-in-Chief. This transition marks not just a change in leadership but also an opportunity for growth and innovation within the agency.

As Klistivivi steps into this essential position, expectations are high. He is anticipated to infuse renewed ideas and vision into OAU Peeps, ensuring that the agency continues to serve as a vital source of information for the OAU community. His leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as he seeks to uphold the agency's mission of delivering timely and relevant news.

For any inquiries or communications related to OAU Peeps, Klistivivi can be reached directly at editor@oaupeeps.com.

With this new appointment, OAU Peeps News Agency reaffirms its commitment to fostering an informed and engaged community at Obafemi Awolowo University, continuing its legacy of journalistic integrity and excellence.

The Great Ife Students’ Union Electoral Committee Plans Hostel-to-hostel Engagement to Increase Voter Turnout

 

By Ogunlana Klistivivi 

On Wednesday, June 19, Ogúnperí Taofeek Olálékan, the Electoral Chairman of the Great Ife Students’ Union Electoral Commission, revealed a range of innovative strategies to enhance the transparency, fairness, and efficiency of the forthcoming elections. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Student Union Building TV room, intended to update students on election preparations, guidelines, voter education, and address critical questions.

Among the new strategies is the introducing of a hostel-to-hostel campaign to encourage more students to vote. Additionally, notices on faculty boards will serve to remind and motivate students to participate, thereby increasing voters turnout. 

The committee also pledges implementation of faculty-specific oversight, involving agents, security personnel, and the press to ensure thorough monitoring and transparency during the electoral process.

Olálékan stressed the significance of transparency and credibility, noting that the Central Executives Council (CEC) election will be conducted over 48 hours, with results to be announced on Thursday, June 27, at the SUB TV room.

The commission is dedicated to strictly following the election schedule. Electoral commissioners will arrive at polling units early to ensure the election starts and ends as planned. The Chairman also assured ongoing engagement with the press throughout the electoral process.

To prevent electoral violence and misconduct, the commission plans to increase the number of ad-hoc members and security personnel. 

Furthermore, to ensure proper logistics and adequate ballot boxes, the commission will use a tutorial list compilation to determine the distribution of electoral materials based on the total number of students per faculty.

After the election, a review of the electoral process will be conducted to identify issues and make recommendations for future committees, ensuring continuous improvement in the electoral system.

OAU Medical Students Shine Brightly at 2024 Mega Designathon Event

By Ogunlana Klistivivi 

In a remarkable showcase of innovation and excellence, medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University have emerged as one of the winners of the 2024 Mega Designathon, held at the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Yaba, Lagos.

Organized by researchers from Washington State University, the University of Northern Carolina, and with support from the Lagos State Government, the four-day event aimed to harness the creative potential of youth in developing innovative, self-devised, and well-researched solutions to increasing vaccination uptake and promoting early screening for cervical cancer and HPV-related cancers, as well as Hepatitis B.

Out of over 140 Nigerian youths aged 19 to 24 participating in the event, the medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University distinguished themselves as second runners-up in the 4Communities and 4Mothers and Babies categories. Initially, each team, comprising of over 1000 applicants, submitted their ideas, after which the top 10 teams, comprising 140 participants were selected.

Subsequently, they engaged in a three-day workshop, which included training on human-centered design thinking approaches, panel sessions, mentorship sessions to assess feasibility and innovation of ideas, and the final day where they pitched their ideas to judges from diverse backgrounds.

The teams competed against nine others, pitching innovative solutions to promote HPV vaccination among girls and birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in Nigeria.

Team Shield, comprising Akinmoladun Precious, Eshemokhai Okhesomi, Ibironke Bright, Akanni Shukrah, and Elufiloye Victoria, pitched on “How might we promote HPV vaccination among girls in Nigeria?” under the 4Communities Category. Meanwhile, Team Hexa, consisting of Olowoyeye Aishat, Akindele Boluwatife, Obaniyi Oluwatotele, and Ikotun Taofikat, pithched on “How might we promote birth-dose hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in Nigeria?” under the 4Mothers and Babies Category.

Their outstanding pitches earned them a cash prize of 300,000 Naira and an opportunity for a one-month boot camp later in the year, where they will collaborate with renowned medical researchers, policymakers, and others to refine their ideas.

Ibironke Bright, expressing her delight as being part of the winning team said “The Designathon was life changing for me. It gave me an opportunity to brainstorm and do something outside the typical school work. I also got the opportunity to network with a lot of great people. It was my first time doing such, and being part of the winners is landmark for me. In summary,  It was phenomenal.”

Olowoyeye Aishat, a member of Team Hexa, expressed enthusiasm for their project, highlighting its potential to make a meaningful impact in local communities. 

This achievement underscores the promising future of Nigerian youth in addressing critical healthcare challenges through innovation and collaboration.

African Liberty Writing Fellowship calls for applications for 2024/2025.

 

“The African Liberty Writing Fellowship program is a year-long program designed to train young Africans with career interests in academia, media, public policy, or any other critical-and-analytical-writing-related career in opinion article writing. We have helped our fellows get featured in leading African and non-Africa media outlets. You may visit our Media Hits page to see what fellows published in the last four cohorts. 

Accepted applicants will complete a five-week mandatory online training. The top candidates from the five-week training will be admitted as African Liberty writing fellows. The five-week training starts on May 21, 2024 and ends on June 18, 2024. The writing fellowship starts on July 8, 2024 and ends on July 8, 2025.  

BENEFITS: 

• Access to expert instructors.

• 12-month writing fellowship.

• Get published in Africa’s top newspapers.

• Monthly stipend for top contributors.

• Opportunity for TV and radio features. 

ELIGIBILITY: 

An applicant has to be enrolled in, or must have graduated from, an African institution of higher learning. Or, be an African pursuing higher education outside the continent”

APPLICATION: 

Visit the application page and complete the application form here. 

Applications should be submitted on or before April 30, 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered”

For more information, visit the African Liberty website.