OAU Political Season: A Mirror of Nigerian Politics?

By Goodness Oluwasusi

Just as the Nigerian Government headed by the President has its tenure of office set at four years—as provided in Section 135 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and subject to Section 143 of the same—the Great Ife Students’ Union also follows a tenure system. Section 61.1 of the Students’ Union Constitution of Obafemi Awolowo University implicitly provides that the tenure of office for all office holders at the Students’ Union level is one academic session. This means that if one academic session spans two or more years due to any reason, the tenure of the elected leaders will last for that duration.

In light of the above, the second semester of every academic session at Obafemi Awolowo University is always characterized by strong political winds. These blow from the Central Executive Council of the Students’ Union to the Hall Executive Councils of various halls of residence, and further down to the Executive Council members of departments, faculties, and even indigenous associations.

It is always an interesting and intense period as students engage in intellectual battles at debates and manifesto sessions. You also begin to notice various feats achieved by students in a bid to gain recognition and distinguish themselves—standing out from others.

Another interesting feature of this period is the sharp display of connection and networking skills among students. Interested candidates become more familiar with fellow students and colleagues in their learning environments, all in a bid to gain acceptance and, ultimately, votes. During this period, student leaders appear more involved in matters that concern the general student body. It is important to note that welfarism is a good virtue that must be embraced by everyone, and this has become a tradition within the OAU community—though it rises during the political season, sometimes exceeding the norm. Regardless, it’s for the common good.

Also notable are the numerous social events organized for students, which may be viewed as a form of propaganda. This is especially true of the social secretaries, who use social activities to ease academic pressure and stress. Through these events, student leaders build their reputation, earn respect, and gain recognition among fellow students. However, not all will be able to sustain their initiatives—whether they eventually win or not, many of them tend to abandon these projects afterward.

You also can’t ignore the volunteering spirit displayed by these student leaders. During this period, you’ll find them volunteering tirelessly—always present at every event. They mostly offer themselves to be seen in positions such as protocol, compere/MC, and welfare. At some point, you might be tempted to ask, “What post are you going for?” On the flip side, these individuals are also building capacity and training themselves to multitask and handle responsibilities—key characteristics of effective leadership, especially responsibility.

In relation to Nigerian politics, we begin to notice certain similarities. From the third year of an officeholder’s tenure, you start receiving unexpected acts of goodwill from our national leaders—ridiculous distribution of foodstuffs, half-baked scholarship schemes, and forced contributions to societal issues. For those seeking continuity, they often rush through quick projects that lack sustainability but win them applause. The press becomes a tool for propaganda, pushing forward narratives that often hide financial misappropriation, a lack of transparency, and weak accountability. Sadly, the weary and uninformed public falls for these ploys, abandoning their duty to hold leaders responsible. Some are just disappointed and thus lose interest, leaving the unborn generation to ask, “What went wrong, and where did it all go wrong?” A question that revebrates across generations throughout our nation.

OAU Community, it’s another political season. A season where we get the chance to shape our immediate future for the next academic session. It is another opportunity to choose leaders who will honorably chart the course of our community toward a greater future. At all levels—the Students’ Union, Indigenous Associations, Faculties, Departments, and Halls of Residence—we are close to selecting those who will preside with honor, vibrantly pioneer our causes, intentionally secure our interests, promote our image, safeguard our finances, steer our social lives, and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.

To ensure a balanced students’ community despite the imbalance in our nation, it is imperative to elect accountable, transparent, and inclusive representatives of our interests. Choose responsibly—not just anyhow. A change in leadership starts with a change in followership. Indeed, the change we desire in Nigeria can begin right here in our OAU Community.

Fresh Coats, Fresh Vibes: OAU’s Faculty of Science Building Undergoes Facelift

By Omotoso GodsDelight

As students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, return to campus for the Rain semester, one thing stands out at the Faculty of Science — a fresher, cleaner, and more vibrant appearance.

The faculty, popularly known as the White House for its longstanding white-themed structure, renowned for its busy lecture halls and long corridors filled with academic hustle, is currently undergoing a repainting exercise. The project, which began shortly before resumption, has brought a wave of visual refreshment to the area. Cream-colored walls, neater finishes, and a cleaner atmosphere replace the once dull and faded appearance.

"It has added to the school's beauty, making it look more like the real White House," said Favour, a 200-level Chemistry student.

Interestingly, the repainting has not disrupted classes, as lecture halls remain open and entirely in use. This has allowed academic activities to continue seamlessly while students and staff enjoy the gradual transformation around them.

Pelumi, a 200-level Engineering Physics student, said, "The repainting makes the building look more attractive and well-maintained. It helps the building regain its original identity — just like the name implies, White House."

Although the repainting is not a full-scale renovation, students still appreciate the effort. For many, it signals an attempt by the university to improve the learning environment — something they believe has been neglected in recent years.

"The facelift is good and nice," but in Biological Sciences, the colour white is a bit too much because it gets dirty easily, especially since students go there to attend classes and read. Even though the original colour of the building was white, I expected them to change it. But all in all, it was good," said Samuel, a 200-level Microbiology student.

Though no official communication has been released regarding the project's scope or how long it will last, there is growing curiosity about whether other faculties will receive a similar facelift.

The Faculty of Science is one of the largest and most active on campus, housing departments such as Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, and others. The repainting, modest as it may seem, adds a splash of colour to the daily lives of students and lecturers within the faculty.

As the semester wears on, students hope the repainting isn't just a one-time touch-up but a sign of consistent maintenance and infrastructural upgrades.

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.