Balancing the Blockchain: How Students Are Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency

By Akano Jesuloba

In a world shaped by digital innovation, many students in Nigeria are turning their eyes toward cryptocurrency for financial empowerment, personal growth, and exploration of the future of money. Cryptocurrency is a decentralised digital currency built on blockchain technology that can be used to buy goods and services. Unlike traditional currencies, they are not controlled by financial institutions.

For many young undergraduates grappling with rising costs, limited job opportunities, and an evolving global economy, cryptocurrency presents a new frontier where they can invest in and trade digital currencies to make a profit.

However, despite its popularity, there remains a lot of misunderstanding about what cryptocurrency truly is. To understand its intricacies, OAU Peeps spoke with crypto trader Daniel Olarenwaju, a Health Education/Human Kinetics graduate from the University of Ibadan, and Opeyemi, a Chemical Engineering student at Obafemi Awolowo University.

A Curious Start: The Students' Entry into Crypto

Daniel’s journey into cryptocurrency began with an ordinary YouTube ad that unexpectedly stirred a passion for learning.

“What motivated me was the passion for learning new things and researching. I stumbled on an ad on YouTube about trading charts, which stirred up hunger in me,” he shared.

Opeyemi also found herself drawn into the crypto world through curiosity and a desire for financial literacy.

“It was something new and interesting. I was learning more about financial literacy and independence. I was also looking for different ways to earn,” Opeyemi said.

What Students Should Know Before Diving In

Venturing into the cryptocurrency world can be both exciting and overwhelming. For Daniel, the first lesson is to drop the fantasy of overnight success.

“Students must know that cryptocurrency is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Eradicate that mentality from your mindset. Don’t expect millions in your first six months of trading or even two years after,” he warned.

He emphasised the importance of patience—something he believes students must pray for.

“Be ready to lose money—a whole lot of it. Be open-minded to make mistakes because it’s normal since you are just trying out a new adventure. Good things require prayer, and so also, cryptocurrency,” he said with conviction.

Opeyemi, however, brought a practical angle to the discussion, breaking down the cryptocurrency ecosystem and its opportunities.

“There are different aspects to earning and even trading in Web3. Cryptocurrency has different types, so you can trade coins, tokens, NFTS, etc. Good knowledge of the space and cryptocurrency is essential,” she explained.

However, she advised beginners to learn how to trade in-depth before starting. “Learn how to trade, like before going into the wild. Choose which type of trading and what you would like to trade in. Learn it well and venture out.”

Why Some Students Fail in the Crypto World

With every opportunity comes a potential pitfall, and both students were candid about the challenges in the crypto journey.

Opeyemi highlighted the technical and emotional vulnerabilities that can lead to failure.

“Why you would lose so much is either you do not understand the market enough, your analysis isn't complete or correct, or just the market moving unpredictably, and maybe greed,” she said.

Daniel echoed this sentiment but added a spiritual layer. “Greed, lack of discipline, slow decision-making, lack of patience, and the God factor are major reasons why students fail,” he stated.

Advice for Crypto Newbies

For students aspiring to enter the crypto space, Daniel and Opeyemi advise them to learn first.

“Learn a lot and have basic financial literacy,” Opeyemi advised, emphasising that education is the key to navigating the risks of digital currency.

Daniel recommended keeping a personal record of progress. “Have a diary to track your wins and losses. It would serve as a source of motivation later,” he said. 

He also stressed the importance of identifying what fuels one’s motivation. “The very thing that motivates you should be kept focused,” he added.

Juggling Trading with Campus Life

Being a student-trader requires technical skill, time management, and strong discipline.

“What helped me the most was sticking strictly to the allocated time for my trading, and as it is time, I leave it,” Daniel explained.

“No matter how enticing and profit-looking the market is, I would leave it because I need to adhere to the discipline principle.”

However, despite his trading activities, Daniel maintained a vibrant campus life in school.

“From my first to final year, I was an active executive in the fellowship, sports director for my department in my final year, and a four-time award-winning best defender in my set. In between all, I still represented my school in outdoor competitions,” he recounted proudly.

Great Ife Alumni Inducts 68 New Beneficiaries into Scholarship Programme

By Ogunlana Klistivivi

Fifty-two new students have been inducted as beneficiaries of the Great Ife Alumni Association DFW
Scholarship Programme at an event the Dallas Branch, USA, organised yesterday at the Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including the Vice-Chancellor, represented by Prof. Yomi Daramola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Dolapo Ajayi, President of the Great Ife Alumni Dallas Branch; Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, Scholarship Chairman of the Dallas Branch, and other notable members of the alumni body and university management.

At the ceremony, Prof. Yomi Daramola, representing the Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to the Alumni Committee, Dallas Branch, for their continuous contributions to the university, particularly in supporting indigent students through the scholarship initiative. He noted that with the induction of the new beneficiaries, referred to as the ‘Dallas Scholars,’ the total number of students supported under the programme now stands at 104, though 16 of the previous beneficiaries have since graduated. He further emphasized that the scholarship is performance-based and urged recipients to focus on academics.

Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, the Scholarship Chairman, highlighted the importance of the initiative and the newly introduced cohort mentoring programme, which aims to provide holistic support for the beneficiaries. "The questions you ask reflect your thinking. It's a tough world; we want to be there for you. When you look back, we want you to see Dallas," he said.

Mr Dolapo Ajayi elaborated on the intricacies of the application process, revealing that the committee received over 1,350 applications, including submissions from students in other tertiary institutions beyond OAU. He said this underscores the alumni body's impact in fostering educational support. However, he lamented the unseriousness of some applicants, citing instances where students took selfie-style passport photographs on trees and sent inquiries about details already available on the scholarship platform. He advised future applicants to seek guidance from past beneficiaries to improve their chances of selection.

As a token of appreciation, the school management presented gifts to scholarship committee members to recognise their efforts.

Each newly inducted beneficiary will receive ₦200,000 per session throughout their academic stay, provided they maintain good academic standing. Additionally, they will be integrated into the mentorship scheme of the Dallas Scholars Cohort.

Balancing Business and Studies: The Hustle of OAU Student Entrepreneurs

By Jesuloba Akano

At Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), academics remain the primary focus, but business is just as important for some students. Whether as a means of financial support or a pursuit of passion, many students are venturing into entrepreneurship despite the rigorous demands of their studies. Balancing both commitments is no easy feat, yet some students have found a way to thrive in both. OAU Peeps News spoke with two student entrepreneurs, Esther Olatunji, and Grace Oluwanifemi, about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

The Entrepreneurs: A Passion for Business

Esther Olatunji restocks in one corner of her wardrobe in Moremi Hall, where she manages her business, carefully arranging bottles of perfumes and body sprays. Suddenly, one slips from her grasp, shattering on the floor. She sighs but quickly continues her work—losses like this have become part of the business journey.

Esther, a second-year Law student, founded Flora Scents, a brand specializing in perfumes, body sprays, and scent consultation services. Beyond selling fragrances, her brand also advises customers on how to combine scents effectively.

Reflecting on her journey, Esther shares, “It never started as a business; it was a means to an end. I needed to augment the money I had at the time. But as God would have it, it grew beyond my expectations. I became intentional about branding in 2023.”

For Grace Oluwanifemi, business is second nature. Now in her second year, the Sociology and Anthropology student started her venture, Shop With Pemi, as early as Junior Secondary School (JSS3). Her brand offers comfortable footwear and stylish accessories for both men and women.

Grace’s motivation for starting a business was clear from the outset. “The sense of owning my money and being independent made me start a business. Even though my parents provide for me, I love the idea of financial independence. The societal belief that women must depend on men for survival also pushes me to be self-sufficient.” Beyond financial gain, she enjoys buying, selling, and meeting customers’ needs.

The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Balancing business with academics, however, comes with its struggles. “It’s tough,” Esther admits. “There are times customers call while I’m studying. I constantly have to be online to attend to orders. Sometimes, I want to take a break, but customers are waiting. The stress is both mental and physical. There are days I sleep late and miss out on social activities to pack goods for customers.”

As her business grows, so do the challenges. She notes that keeping up with demand, frequent restocking, and effective advertising have become increasingly demanding. One of her significant difficulties is handling deliveries. While she manages deliveries within campus, she relies on third-party services for off-campus orders. Though she has encountered some losses, none have been overwhelming. “Sometimes, I had to skip classes in Part One just to make deliveries. Bus drivers sometimes mishandle orders, and perfumes are fragile. Some drop off packages without meeting me—it’s a lot to deal with.”

Like Esther, Grace also struggles with balancing her academics and business. She acknowledges that the school environment is supposed to be an advantage. Still, as she struggles to navigate it effectively, she focuses more on her business at home and prioritizes academics while on campus. However, she believes it is possible to excel in both and has a mentor she looks up to for guidance.

That’s not all, however. Brimming with enthusiasm as she speaks about her business, she also explains that challenges exist. “Every business, big or small, faces difficulties. Getting a reliable supplier, dealing with logistics issues, and handling difficult customers are major challenges for me. Interstate deliveries can also be stressful,” she explains.

Grace primarily relies on logistics companies for deliveries but handles some orders personally when convenient. However, relying on logistics companies is not always loss-proof. Recalling one particular incident, she said, “I had an order on Friday and was expecting a call from the logistics company the next day. But I didn’t hear from them until Monday morning, informing me that my order had just arrived in Ife. I believe logistics challenges often arise due to unforeseen circumstances rather than negligence on the company’s part.”

Yet, amidst these challenges, Grace has built resilience and learned to cope with losses. One of her most significant setbacks was a robbery incident that led to the loss of unsold goods she had transported to Lagos. “That was a tough blow, but thanks to God, I’m back on my feet.” Despite the hurdles, she remains passionate about entrepreneurship and has never considered quitting.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

Esther’s hard work has not gone unnoticed despite the numerous challenges, as Flora Scents was recently recognized as Brand of the Year by Ife Law. Looking ahead, Esther aims to expand her business while maintaining academic excellence. She believes OAU provides the right environment to build a solid customer base.

For Grace, school is not a threat but an opportunity to approach business differently—with a more informed and professional outlook. Even in tough times, she remains steadfast in her passion. When asked if she has ever thought of quitting, she replied, “Never. This is my passion. I love doing this.”

These student entrepreneurs at OAU exemplify resilience, determination, and adaptability. While managing a business alongside rigorous academic schedules is no small feat, their passion and commitment keep them going. Their experiences prove that students can excel in academics and entrepreneurship with the right mindset and perseverance.

 

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.