Three OAU Peeps Members Inducted into ACJOAU as Association Welcomes New Recruits

By Heritage Ayoola

Three members of the OAU Peeps News Agency—Ayoola Heritage, Jesuloba Akano, and Odekunle Ayomide—were among 55 students inducted into the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU), in a ceremony held at the SUB TV Room on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The induction followed a series of rigorous screening processes, including a recruitment examination and subsequent evaluation conducted on Saturday, November 23. Each inductee was awarded a certificate of induction, officially recognizing them as full members of the association.

The 2024 induction ceremony, themed “Navigating Challenges, Embracing Growth, and Shaping Stories,” featured keynote speeches by Damilola Olufemi, an experienced journalist with BusinessDay Nigeria, and Peace Oladipo, a renowned investigative journalist.

Speaking on “Overcoming Challenges in Campus Journalism,” Olufemi enumerated the challenges campus journalists often face, such as limited resources, balancing academics and journalism, and handling pressure and criticism from authorities. He also provided solutions to these issues while sharing tips on writing compelling stories to capture and retain an audience’s attention.

“The future of journalism depends on your voice,” Olufemi concluded, encouraging the inductees to overcome obstacles with determination.

Peace, speaking on “Tips to Become a Fluent Campus Journalist,” emphasized skill development, knowledge acquisition, and adherence to journalism ethics. She also highlighted the opportunities journalism presents, urging the new members to embrace continuous learning.

highlighting the importance of developing essential skills, building knowledge, familiarizing oneself with campus events, understanding the constitution, and upholding journalism ethics.

“Journalism improves your writing and opens doors to countless opportunities,” she said, stressing the need for continuous learning.

During the event, Ebenezer Igbinlola, an inductee and spoken word artist, delivered a poetry performance dedicated to journalists. Recognition was also given to the best-performing candidates in the recruitment examination. Ifeoluwa Emmanuel from the Department of Geography emerged as the overall winner, followed by Orisatoye Aminat from the Department of English as the first runner-up, and Olatunji Esther from the Faculty of Law as the second runner-up.

The ceremony concluded with the administration of the oath of membership, after which the new inductees received their certificates and gifts. The newly inducted journalists were urged to uphold the principles of truth and integrity as they embark on their roles within the campus journalism community.

OAU AMPHITHEATRE UNDERGOES PARTIAL RENOVATIONS AHEAD OF CONVOCATION CEREMONY

By Jesuloba Akano

Renovation works have been ongoing at the Obafemi Awolowo University Amphitheatre following its closure in May. The 5,000-capacity amphitheatre, used for lectures and social events, was shut down after part of its roof partially collapsed during a torrential rainfall. The incident occurred during a SER 001 – Use of English lecture, a core special elective course for freshmen, leaving several students with minor injuries and two others with major injuries.

Since its closure last session, most lectures originally held in the amphitheatre have been rescheduled to smaller, less convenient venues. Speaking with a Course Representative for Political Science and a Part 2 student, David, he explained that the collapse significantly affected a course in his department offered across three faculties last session. According to him, lectures had to be shifted to early morning hours, causing logistical challenges in finding adequate space for the large number of students.

"Last semester, when I was still a Part 1 student, the collapsed roof meant we had to resort to 7 am–8 am classes three times a week at the 1,000-seater lecture theatre," he lamented.

OAUPeeps can confirm that most classes usually scheduled for the amphitheatre have been relocated to other venues due to the ongoing renovations. However, David noted that as a Part 2 student, his departmental courses—comprising 5 out of 7 of his current courses—now have smaller class sizes, making alternative venues sufficient.

"I'm not being affected by the renovation now because the highest number of attendees for any of my departmental courses is 250 students. We can easily use other lecture theatres like ODLT 1 & 2, FBLT, EDB 317, or ICAN LT," he added.

When contacted about the timeline for the renovations, the institution's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, declined to provide specific details. "All I can tell you is that you have seen it is being renovated, and you can observe how it progresses," he stated.

However, the OAUPeeps correspondent spoke with the project's engineer, who clarified that the current construction work is not a full-scale renovation. According to her, the goal is to make the amphitheatre fit for use during the upcoming convocation ceremony, with comprehensive renovations set to commence afterwards.

As per the proposed academic calendar, the convocation ceremony is scheduled to occur between December 11 and 14.

Meanwhile, OAUPeeps can confirm that one of the students injured during the roof collapse, Amubieya David, has fully resumed school. According to an anonymous source, the other injured student has also fully recovered but may not be returning to OAU, though reasons for this decision remain undisclosed at the time of this report.

‘Operation Feed OAU Students Daily’: Great Ife Students’ Union Launches Free Meal Initiative

 By Odekunle Ayomide

In a bid to alleviate hunger and ensure academic focus among students, the Great Ife Students’ Union has unveiled the Operation Feed OAU Students Daily initiative. Spearheaded by the union's Welfare Officer, the program launched on Monday, November 25, 2024, aims to provide free meals to students during these challenging times when many struggle to meet basic needs.

The initiative, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), reflects the union’s commitment to student welfare and global standards.

In an interview with an OAUPeeps correspondent, A.Z., one of the contacts listed on the project’s flyer, explained that the initiative was born out of the current economic hardship in the country.
“Our target is Zero Hunger, SDG Goal 2. The major reason for this initiative is the economic situation of Nigeria,” he said.

To ensure the program's smooth implementation, the welfare officer and his team collaborate with campus food vendors. The vendors have agreed to participate by providing meals in exchange for increased publicity and advertising for their businesses.
“We reached out to different food vendors on campus, and most of them responded positively. Each vendor specified how many students they could feed at their convenience. It was a collaborative agreement without any compulsion,” A.Z. explained.

How the Initiative Works

Students interested in benefiting from the program have been directed to register online by providing details such as their name, department, faculty, matriculation number, phone number, and reasons for applying for the initiative.

While registration is ongoing, A.Z. revealed that there is a provisional allocation of 5,000 tickets to be distributed to registered students once registration closes.
“Each ticket is uniquely designed to prevent duplication. Every ticket has a specific number and signature. Once a ticket is signed, the corresponding name will be marked on the list, ensuring individuals cannot collect more than one ticket, even if they use multiple email addresses,” he explained.

To further enhance transparency, face recognition technology and other verification methods are being employed.
“We have a committee divided into teams for publicity, design, confirmation, verification, and slot allocation. This ensures the program is credible and benefits those who truly need it. That’s why we included a section for applicants to state their reasons for applying,” A.Z. added.

Further speaking, he explained that the union has planned a rotational schedule with vendors to avoid overburdening them. A.Z. emphasized that the initiative also benefits vendors by promoting their brands across campus.

“For instance, if a vendor offers five slots per week, we will ensure the schedule does not overwhelm them. The publicity they gain will also boost their businesses, making this a win-win arrangement,” A.Z. explained.

Student Reactions

The initiative has received widespread applause from students. Olamide, a Dramatic Arts student, described the program as “a splendid idea.” “This initiative helps us focus on our studies without worrying about feeding,” she said.

Another student, Tofunmi, highlighted its significance, stating, “Many students face food challenges. This initiative allows us to focus on our studies without worrying about what to eat. It also ensures we stay healthy and energized to carry out daily activities.”

Jesudarasimi, another student, praised the effort behind the initiative. “To a certain extent, this is a good initiative. Considering the economic situation, it will go a long way in solving problems for some individuals,” she said.

Grace, a Law student, commended the union for the thoughtful initiative. “When I saw it, I was impressed. This is great for less-privileged students who struggle to make ends meet. I have a friend whose parents can’t provide for her adequately, and this will help her a lot,” she said. However, Grace expressed scepticism about whether the initiative could cater to every less-privileged student on campus.

Despite her approval, Grace does not plan to register for the program. “I live with my parents and don’t need it because I’m feeding from home,” she explained.

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.