Navigating Scholarship Stress on Campus: Plights of OAU Students

By Heritage Ayoola

Scholarships are often presented as golden opportunities for students— a reward for academic achievement and a relief from financial stress. The rise in tuition fees and the cost of living make scholarships an essential form of financial support for many students. Besides relieving financial burden, scholarships provide quality education, personal growth, and global networking. 

However, despite their immense benefits, scholarships are also a source of frustration, rejection, and emotional fatigue for many students. Sometimes, scholarships are highly competitive. In some cases, they are only renewable depending on the continued academic excellence of recipients, making them a source of setback to some and an encouragement to others.

To understand the challenges students face regarding scholarships, OAUPEEPS interviewed several random students on campus. Hugo Favour, a 200-level student, expressed his grievances over the pain of rejection after applying for a scholarship. He explained that there are times when the applicant already knows they would be rejected because they did not take the application seriously. However, in cases where the applicant expects a favourable response from the scholarship but instead receives an email that says, 'Thank you for your application. We have many applicants, and we are sorry…' can be very disheartening. 

Dunmininu Precious, a 300-level student, also relayed her frustration about how scholarship applications can sometimes be unfair. However, she complains of having applied for many scholarships with little success. "Sometimes the requirements are just too much," she said. "I expect my results and achievements to be enough to be awarded the scholarship, but I am always expected to write long essays about myself, which is quite difficult for me." Many have given up on pursuing scholarship opportunities because of the challenges students face when applying for scholarships. Besides the academic qualifications, some scholarships require students to express themselves in many words or provide documents that are difficult to obtain. Some scholarships also exclude specific student demographics, either by state of origin or university level, from applying. 

Iyanuoluwa Ajibola, a 200-level student, lamented the exclusion of not always being eligible to apply for some scholarships. These difficulties often discourage many students and cause them to resign from applying for scholarships. 

Esther Adesina, a 200-level student, also explained how she has been applying for scholarships consistently but has yet to receive any. Despite the numerous rejections, she remains optimistic about getting one soon. Most students also complain of not always being aware of these opportunities. Some students either get to see this opportunity when they are almost closing, or some are not well informed on the advantages of scholarships in their journey as a student.

Iyanuoluwa Ajibola, for instance, explains that sometimes, she always seems to receive this scholarship. "I don't see the opportunities on time," she said. 

"Getting a scholarship opportunity will not only boost your finances as a student, but it will also encourage you to do better academically, especially if you hold a scholarship that has to be renewed based on your grade," Hugo Favour mentioned.

Scholarships also often require many documents, which are usually difficult to obtain. Sometimes, uploading these documents is tricky due to technical glitches on some online scholarship portals. 

Priscilla Ayoola, a 200-level student, experienced this when applying for the Federal Scholarship Board program. "While applying for the Federal Government Bursary Program, it took a lot of time and vigilance to upload the required documents we were asked to make in JPEG format and 10 MB, but the uploading issue still persisted," she explained. Due to this difficulty, she almost gave up completing the application. 

However, despite the numerous disappointments, many students are optimistic about not giving up on applying for scholarships. For some students, alongside these disappointments is a silver lining of hope, growth, and perseverance. Speaking with OAUPEEPS, Emmanuel Ajayi expressed his rejection when he applied for the Dallas Scholarship. "Scholarships are a great opportunity for students, especially those who cannot afford the increase in school fees, but you can only give your best in applying; you never know if you will be granted the scholarship or not," he said. "Yes, I have been a beneficiary of a scholarship, but it was not easy, and there will always be rejection."

One, Martha, a 200-level law student, also mentioned that scholarship application and screening processes are always very stressful, rigorous, and demanding, although the stipend being provided is worth it. So, she believes that the stressful process is for the scholarship personnel to ensure that the person receiving the scholarship is worthy, qualified for the scholarship, and can maintain it. 

Olagunju Faith, a 300-level student from the faculty of Arts, responded that he has been rejected before, particularly while applying to attend a summer school as a German language instructor. Still, the rejection was not a discouragement to him but an avenue to do better and wait for the right time.

Hugo Favour also commented on the hope that winning a scholarship brings. "Scholarship opportunities are indeed a lifeline for students, and to me, it has been a source of financial aid and motivation to improve my academics and myself."

Meanwhile, to successfully navigate these challenges, students are encouraged to gather the needed documents early. This will save them time and energy when applying for any scholarship. Students can also visit the Student Affairs office to be updated on recent scholarship offers they can use, and they can also join online groups, communities, and channels that focus on disseminating information on scholarship opportunities for graduates, undergraduates, and postgraduates. Also, having a perfect CGPA would allow the screening process to favour you as a student, which would be a great advantage.

ICJC 2025: Media Professionals, Student Journalists Converge at OAU to Discuss Media’s Role in National Development

By Ogunlana Klistivivi

The 2025 edition of the International Campus Journalists Conference (ICJC) was held on Saturday, May 3rd, at the BOOC Lecture Theatre, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, drawing student journalists, media practitioners, and industry veterans under the theme: “Media for Development: The Media as a Tool for Innovative Drive and Socio-Political Economic Advancement.”

ACJOAU Executives with ICJC Panelists 

Organized by the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU), the conference served as a platform for learning, networking, and critical conversations around the transformative power of media in contemporary society.

Delivering the keynote address, Femi Adesina, OON, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, asserted that media is more than a vehicle for entertainment—it is a pivotal force for social change, innovation, and national growth. He urged journalists to prioritize impact-driven reporting and to resist the lure of sensationalism. “Any media house that forsakes its role in shaping society has lost its essence,” he remarked.

Other speakers at the event included Osarennoma Saba (popularly known as Edo Queen) of Dominion Broadcast Group; Anthony Dimnwaka, OAP with Nigeria Info 99.3FM; Abimbola Abata, investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ); and Afouda Samuel, presenter and CEO of Primus Media City. They offered unique perspectives on ethical journalism, storytelling, and the responsibility of the press in promoting transparency and societal development.

In his welcome address, Olabode Oluwafemi, President of ACJOAU, noted that the conference was aimed at sharpening the vision of young journalists toward national development, while also appreciating the presence of representatives from sister universities and the lineup of seasoned speakers.

The event featured two insightful panel sessions. The first addressed media’s role in development, while the second focused on “The Power of Storytelling in the Media.” During the sessions, panelists like Abata and Dimnwaka described storytelling as journalism’s lifeblood, calling on young reporters to embrace authenticity and reject unethical practices, such as bribery and misinformation.

Highlighting the future of journalism, Akinwunmi Oludiran, a representative of BudgIT and Press Pay NG, introduced participants to BIMI, an artificial intelligence tool designed to assist journalists with data sourcing, fact verification, and content generation. He emphasized that AI should not replace journalists but rather enhance their capacity for credible and efficient reporting.

Professor James Olabisi, the association's staff adviser, reiterated the importance of campus journalism as a microcosm of national media, noting that student reporters have the power to influence both university policy and broader societal discourse. 

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition, named after the distinguished investigative journalist and OAU alumnus. The competition celebrates excellence in campus journalism and critical writing, with Sheriffdeen Muslim, being the overall winner. The first runner-up, and the second runner-up were Dada Oreoluwa and Oso Samuel, respectively.

  Sheriffdeen Muslim recieving Certificate as Overall Winner of Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition 

To cap off the event, award plaques were presented to all speakers in appreciation of their contribution, and a vote of thanks was delivered by both the ACJ President and Deputy, Olatimeyin Esther, who expressed gratitude to attendees and wished them safe journeys back to their campuses.

OAUPeeps Emerges Winner at ACJOAU Inter-News Agency Contest

By Goodness Oluwasusi

In a remarkable demonstration of journalistic excellence, OAUPeeps News Agency emerged as the overall winner at the second edition of the Inter-News Agency Contest organized by the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU). The event was held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the First Bank Lecture Theatre.

Represented by Goodness Oluwasusi, OAUPeeps clinched the top position with an outstanding presentation on the topic, “The Influence of Journalism on Political Polarization.” Her performance, along with those of other contestants, educated the audience and sparked thoughtful engagement on the role of journalism in shaping political narratives.

Goodness Oluwasusi receives award for OAUPeeps' victory, joined by the Editor-in-Chief, a fellow member, the ACJOAU President, and Chairman of the Guild of Editors. 

The contest, which began at 10 a.m., featured representatives from several campus news agencies including OAUPeeps, OAU Kilonshele, InFocus, Great Ife Network, The Lens, ASPOB, ICONS, and NCB. According to ACJOAU President Olabode Oluwafemi, the contest aimed to promote unity, networking, and cooperation among student journalists on campus.

“This event is a continuation of what the previous administration started,” Olabode said. “We are committed to strengthening ties between news agencies, and this contest also serves as a preparatory event for the upcoming International Conference of Campus Journalists (ICCJ) scheduled for May 3rd.”

At the end of the contest, Ifeoluwa Lambe of OAU Kilonshele and Joy Oludele of Icons News Agency emerged as second and third place winners respectively. All three winners were awarded certificates of excellence.

Goodness Oluwasusi, Ifeoluwa Lambe, and Joy Oludele—winners of the contest—pose with the judges and the ACJOAU President

The panel of judges, Samson Akintokun and Memunat Alli, congratulated the winners and encouraged all participants to keep honing their craft. “Winning doesn’t mean you’ve reached the peak,” Akintokun advised. “And for those who didn’t win, don’t let it define you. There’s always another opportunity.”

In his closing remarks, President Olabode applauded the contestants for their efforts and thanked the audience for their presence. He reiterated the association’s commitment to making the Inter-News Agency Contest a continuous tradition to foster collaboration and growth among campus journalists.

Fallen Tree Branches Continue to Obstruct Health Centre–‘As E Dey Hot’ Route Weeks After Heavy Rainfall

By Omotola Lydia

Following the heavy rainfall that befell the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus in the early hours of Thursday, April 17th, 2025, several tree branches felled by strong winds continue to obstruct the route between the Health Centre area and the popular ‘As E Dey Hot’ location.

More than two weeks after the incident, the massive tree debris remains uncleared by school authorities, causing significant inconvenience and forcing many students to reroute or even climb over the obstructing branches to pass through the area.

Fallen Tree Between Health Centre and As E Dey Hot

The blocked path is a major short route for students from halls of residence such as Alumni, Postgraduate, Mozambique, and Angola Halls heading towards the academic area. The route, previously a convenient shortcut for many hostel residents, has now become a source of daily frustration with students expressing concern at the delayed response by the university management. 

Speaking with OAUPeeps, students shared their experiences and dissatisfaction with the delayed response."I went to the chemistry lab for a practical and had to hurry back to Mozambique Hall to get my sneakers," recounted Busayo, a Nursing student. "I had forgotten that the branch had blocked the road and mistakenly passed there. I was so pissed and angry; I had to turn around and take the longer road."

Another student, Phoebe, also from Mozambique Hall, expressed similar frustrations: "It’s not easy to pass there if I'm not wearing trousers. When I wear a tight dress, I have to raise my legs to cross the fallen branch. If you're passing there, you have to make sure you dust your legs afterwards because there are ants on the branch. Otherwise, you have to pass the long road."

An anonymous student added: "The fact that a branch has been there for weeks without action makes the environment look ugly. I have to raise my legs awkwardly when passing. I think the management should urgently do something about it."

It would be recalled that ACJOAU earlier reported how the same heavy rainfall removed roofing sheets at Alumni Hall, with renovation efforts immediately following. However, despite that quick intervention in the Hall of Residence, no visible action has been taken on the blocked pathway.

As of press time, the debris remains uncleared, leaving students to continue to call on the school management to urgently clear the obstruction and restore free movement along the route.

Students Lament Bird Poop and Dilapidation in Oduduwa Lecture Theaters

By Omotola Lydia

The current gory state of the Oduduwa Lecture Theater One and Two (ODLT 1 & 2), where students once comfortably had classes, has now become a mess. Students are forced to take classes in a dilapidated structure characterized by numerous stains of bird poop on the tables meant for seating.

Speaking with OAUPeeps, Oyindamola Adams, a student of Biology Education who had just concluded a class at the lecture theater, said, “The population of the class is more than the number of good chairs. A large number of the seats were broken and a lot of us had to sit on the floor. Most of the seats and tables that are not broken are stained with bird poop and students avoid sitting there.”

Seats at ODLT Lettered with Bird Poop

Sanyaolu Oluwatimileyin, a 200-level student of Family Nutrition and Consumer Science, expressed her displeasure, saying, “The bird poop has stained my cloth once and it makes the whole place smelly and irritating. The fans are not working too.”

This bird infestation and the resulting droppings have become a recent challenge due to the poor state of maintenance of the lecture theater. A glance across the venue reveals several broken windows with no nets, doors that do not close, and exposed nests, making the building porous for birds and contributing to its deteriorated condition.

Broken Windows at ODLT

Students are now left with no option but to take classes in a space defaced by bird droppings, which poses environmental and health hazards. ODLT serves numerous faculties including, but not limited to, the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Technology, and Faculty of Education. This means a large student population is exposed daily to bird poop, thereby increasing the risk of contracting diseases.

According to a report by Bird Barrier, bird droppings pose several transmittable diseases including histoplasmosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, and St. Louis encephalitis. Some of these diseases, like candidiasis, have been linked to fatal outcomes in humans.

Beyond disease transmission, bird droppings also harbor ectoparasites such as bed bugs, chicken mites, mosquitoes, and yellow mealworms. This comes as a significant concern for the school community, which has been increasing fumigation efforts to combat bed bug infestations. In 2017, Channels TV reported a widespread bed bug invasion in the halls of residence at OAU—a reoccurrence that now feels possible with the current state of ODLT.

Although the university recently announced the renovation of the Oduduwa Hall and Amphitheatre, which is already underway, nothing was said about the current state of the lecture theater sitting right beneath.

Fadele Nifemi, a 200-level student of Industrial Chemistry, reacted saying, “I was surprised to see that the amphitheater is being renovated but ODLT which is directly beneath it is neglected. The school management should do better please. We do not deserve to be taking classes in such an environment.”

Amphitheatre Undergoing Renovation

However, students are urgimg the Students’ Union and the university management to listen to their complaints and take swift action to make the lecture theaters convenient for learning.

Ademola Ayomide, a student of the English Department, added, “The bats poop is dried up so scraping it off the table would be good and a bit of soap and water would help too.”

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.