Campus Square

Students Speak On Pre-Marital Sex

2011-03-09T01:30:00.003-08:00

No doubt, pre-marital sex is always a topical issue around the globe, particularly among youths, and diverse perception about pre-marital sex has crashed many relationships. Some students spoke to Campus Square about how they view the subject.

AFOLAYAN DAVID, OAU, ENGLISH, 400L: I believe that sex has three basic functions; procreation, bond and pleasure. You may have it for any or for all but when it is premarital, only pleasure is attainable. However, pleasure is the shallowest of all human desires, because you can never be satisfied, yet, one day it will all be meaningless. So, why engage in such grave activity for the sake of pleasure only? I believe premarital sex would leave you shallow broken and grieved. So, premarital sex to me is unhealthy.

GEORGE TOYIN, LASU, BANKING & FINANCE, 400L: To me, premarital sex is unholy, and it affects ladies more, especially when it results in unwanted pregnancy which could lead to the girl dropping out of school. I implore ladies out there to desist from this act.

DARE FEMI, MAPOLY MASSCOMM, HND1: In my own opinion, I believe its good to have premarital sex for the benefit of knowing one’s partner's sexual strength and weakness. More so, premarital is not bad as long as you are mature, smart and actually have true feelings for that person.

OLOFIE OLAJUMOKE, LASU, INDUSTRIALRELATION, 300L: As for me, premarital is not a good thing, but people don’t really take it like that. They feel it is normal and a way to flex and express feelings, which is not true. So, to be honest, I don’t really buy the idea of premarital sex.

ABIOLA MARIAM, UNILAG, ENGLISH, 300L: I think in an ideal society, sex should not be had before marriage. Our society is so screwed up that people just jump into sex without thinking twice. Premarital sex should be discouraged.

TEGA FASHE, UNIBEN, MASSCOMM, 200L: As for me, I rely so much on premarital because as a man I would like to know what kind of woman I would be taking into my life. I will want to know her sexual ability and to know if she can reproduce. So, for me, premarital sex is advised.

IDONGESIT NKANG, UNN, 200L: I feel abstinence is the best option because there are consequences you face when you indulge in premarital sex, but e no easy o.

MONSURAT ABIOLA, LASPOTECH, MICROBIOLOGY, HND2: I think sex is worth waiting for but everybody can’t wait, especially the guys. So, if you must do it, use protection.

TOLULOPE SALIU, OOU, PSYCHOLOGY, 300L: Premarital sex should be avoided but on a guy’s level, it’s so interesting.

SHOFOWORA DAPO, OOU, ENGLISH 200L: Premarital sex is not good religiously but as a guy, sex is no ..... I can’t just imagine having a girlfriend that will make my spirit dull.

IDRIS FEMI, LASPOTECH, BUS.STUDIES, ND2: Premarital sex is wrong and it’s one of the things affecting this nation. The right approach to this is to wait for the right time, which is getting married legally before talking about sex in order to make the relationship last longer.

SULAIMAN YASHI, AUN, INFORMATION SYSTEM, 200L: Nobody can tell me that he or she doesn’t have sexual urges, that’s what leads to being lesbians or gays. As for me, I don’t see anything wrong with having sex before marriage with the one you love. Sex is natural and it’s meant to be between people that love each other, so I don’t buy the idea of waiting till after marriage.

FAARI DOLAPO, MAPOLY, ESTATE MGT, HND 1: The fact is when two young people are together alone and hormones are bubbling, it is very difficult to stay in control. However, all the misconceptions that pre-marital sex makes you aware of your sexuality or whether there is chemistry between the couple are the wrong reasons.

ADELEKAN OLABISI, NTA TV COLLEGE, MASS COMM, 2OOL: Premarital sex is an act of fornication. It is very bad, people tend to give flimsy excuses like “body no be wood” but they should be able to hold themselves until after marriage. I believe this act is just like selling one’s dignity, what they lose is actually more than what they get from it. I advise that people should abstain from this unhealthy act.

AGHEDO BLESSING, AUCHI, MASSCOMM, HND1: Premarital sex has no moral grounds, it is against God and it is unsafe physically and emotionally. Although sex is pleasurable but it is designed by God to be enjoyed by two married people so premarital sex is not advisable.

OLATUNJI MOTUNRAYO, UNILORIN, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, 300L: In my own view, premarital sex is not good, it can lead to unwanted pregnancy, STDs and many other diseases. I implore the youths of today to be mindful of what they do so that they do not ruin their lives.

4 NYSC Members, 2 Councillors Docked

2011-01-27T21:47:00.000-08:00

The four members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and a councillor arrested on 15 January, 2010 for diverting registration materials were on Wednesday docked before the Calabar Chief Magistrate’s court.

The corps members along with two former councillors are accused of diverting registration materials to private homes.

The corps members, Makinwa Michael, Musapha Yahaya, Osha Tolulope and Okoye Chinyere, have been in detention since their arrest.

After they were arraigned, the presiding Chief Magistrate Ashu Ewa granted them bail in the sum of N200,000. Besides, they are to be tried in Odukpani and Akpabuyo, the areas where the alleged offences were committed.

The accused persons who looked disheveled and untidy because of the long period they had been in custody, were taken to the bathroom in the court before they left for their places of primary assignment.

The offence, Mr. Michael Igini, the Resident Electoral Commission for the state, said is punishable under section 117 (1) (i) of the Electoral Act Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The charge reads: “On the 15 January 2011, at Idundu village, Akpabuyo in the Akpabuyo Magisterial District you did carry out registration of voters at Victor Etim Ekanem’s residence, a place not designated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, instead of Idundu Primary School and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 117 (1) (i) of the Electoral Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2011”.

—P.M.News

Exams: Ribadu Condemns Mass Failure

2011-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

The Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has asked the federal government “to take the educational sector more seriously and give it the attention it deserves.”

Mr. Ribadu in a statement signed by Ibrahim Modibbo, the director of media and communications of the Nuhu Ribadu campaign organisation, condemned the continous mass failure of secondary school students in the senior school certificate examinations, describing it as “unacceptable.”

“Since the present PDP government assumed office in 2007, less than 30 percent of students who sat for senior secondary examinations conducted by both WAEC and NECO have passed the examinations.

“This is unacceptable to any responsible government and urgent steps must be taken to address it,” Mr. Ribadu stated.

The ACN candidate also identified inadequate funding; lack of adequately trained staff; and inconsistent government policies; as some of the problems plaguing the educational sector particularly public education.

“It is even worse that majority of the students who failed these examinations were students from public schools or government owned institutions. The government must wake up to its responsibility and ensure that the future leaders of this country get the best of education.”

Mr. Ribadu also made recommendations on how to stem the tide of mass failure in secondary schools.

“Government must adequately fund education. My Government will ensure that we achieve the UNESCO recommendation of 26% budgetary funding for education, while ensuring the proper utilization of such funds. We will reverse the brain drain in our educational institutions and ensure that the teaching profession is made attractive to our best brains.

“We will ensure the adequate training and retraining of our teachers.

Apart from guaranteeing- while working with state and local governments- free and compulsory primary and secondary education nationwide, we will also restore the inspectorate system to ensure that all our schools meet international standard.”

-P.M.News

Unilorin Expels 22 Students For Misconduct

2011-01-12T23:06:00.001-08:00

In an effort to sanitise the university environment, the authorities of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, have expelled twenty two students for various acts of misconduct. The students had appeared before the Students Disciplinary Committee (SDC) where they could not defend the allegations of misconduct leveled against them by the panel.

The allegations include examination malpractices, theft, impersonation, belonging to unauthorized/unregistered associations and unruly behaviour, among others.

Some of the expelled students are Olaosebikan Taiwo Victoria (Counsellor Education), Ojo Veronica Bolanle (Law), Ogunleye Adeponle Adejoke (Law), Ogunleye Adeponle Adejoke (Agricultural Science) Sholaitan Olajide Adisa (History) Lawal Tolu Taofeek (Biochemistry) and Ibikunle Muibat Ibilola (Anatomy).

Others are Oguntuwase Oluwaseun Abayomi (Physiology), Akolade Hammed Lanre (History) Ajisafe Tosin (Political Science), Kowontan Abidemi (History), Chibuogwu Oyeka Abraham (Physiology), Adebiyi Adebayo Hammed (Biochemistry), Agbaje Olawole Olugbenga (Biochemistry) and Arowosaye Shukrat Dupe (Biochemistry)

How ASUU Strike Paralysed Academic Activities In 2010

2011-01-12T23:05:00.002-08:00

The year 2010 was a blessing to some people while to others, particularly students, it was a setback for their academics. The protracted strike action paralysed the nation’s education sector and between July and December 2010, academic activities in most Nigerian institutions faced challenges ever than before.

The struggle began on 22 July, 2010 when varsity workers under the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) embarked on an indefinite strike in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Some of the institutions affected are Cross Rivers State University of Technology, Anambra State University, Enugu State University, Abia State University and Eboyin State University among others.

The Unions used the strike to sympathise with their members in state owned institutions which government have refused to implement the agreement signed on the development of the university system in year 2000.

By October 2010, some institutions in South West also joined their counterparts in the struggle to liberate themselves from what they termed “government lackadaisical attitude to education.” For instance, all Lagos State owned institutions; Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State University, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education went on strike over government's failure to meet the workers’ demand.

The Lagos State University’s case was worsened by the National University Commission (NUC)'s disaccreditation of about 10 courses in the school. The situation raised uproar, which later led to calls for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lateef Hussien’s removal.

The strike became worrisome to students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) following the ownership tussle between Governor Adebayo Alao Akala of Oyo State and the ousted Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State.

For several weeks, the school was closed down and academic activities were paralysed.

The Olabisi Onabanjo University’s case was very pathetic one. Their agitation is the same but more complex. The lecturers alleged that Governor Gbenga Daniel owes them 25per cent of total arrears of monetised salaries and 90 per cent of total arrears of CONUASS. They also alleged that the governor owes about 32per cent of July and 37per cent of October 2009 salaries. According to the aggrieved lecturers, the governor failed to pay full salaries of August and September, 2009 and 50per cent of 2010.

The strike has definitely affected the academic calendar. Students who are expected to complete their programmes would now wait for another semester. The outcome of the strike was the declaration made by JAMB disallowing universities in souteast Nigeria from admitting students in the new academic session, having lost six months of the academic calendar to the strike. A question thus arises: what will be the fate of prospective students who have chosen the affected schools?

While many institutions, including Lagos State-owned institutions, have suspended their strike, Campus Square checks revealed that Olabisi Onabanjo University is yet to call-off the strike. The Students’ Union Government of the institution declared last week, 5 January, as resumption date just as Lagos State university did, but resumption date is not certain.

JAMB Sanctions More Varsities

2011-01-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

The axe of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board [JAMB], has descended on more institutions, particularly in the Eastern part of the country.

Though universities like the Imo State University (IMSU) and Abia State University (ABSU) called off their strike before the Christmas break, they didn’t escape the wrath of JAMB as the examination board has exclude their names from its 2011/2012 admission exercise.

They were excluded from the admission exercise due to the six-month strike they embarked upon. As a result of this, the affected universities will not admit students in 2012.

AUN Inducts Jambites

2011-01-12T23:04:00.001-08:00

No fewer than 160 Jambites were inducted at the American University of Nigerian (AUN), Yola, on Monday.

The institutions Public Relations Director, Mr. Abba Tahir, in a statement said the orientation period was dedicated to the new students so as to introduce them to the school’s programmes and facilities.

Tahir said the programme would introduce the students and their parents to the operations of the American system of education, which is different from the Nigerian system.

Anambra Govt Sacks ANSU VC

2011-01-12T23:03:00.001-08:00

The over five month-old Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike in universities in southeast Nigeria has led to the removal of Prof. Chukwuneye Anene, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Anambra State University, ANSU.

Prof. Anene was removed from office by the State Government, while Prof. Fidelis Okafor has been appointed to take charge of the vacant seat.

Prof. Okafor's appointment was announced in a radio/television broadcast by the state governor, Mr. Peter Obi. Okafor was formerly the provost of the state-owned Nwafor Orizu College of Education (NOCAE),Nsugbe Anambra State.

Obi explained that the change of baton was necessary to restore normalcy to the activities in the university, having earlier reconstituted the Governing Council of the university on 15 December 2010.

He added that to ensure that the new governing council effectively carries out its functions, there is need to change the leadership of the university

ABU’s Sculpture Garden

2011-01-12T23:02:00.001-08:00

It’s a beautiful place with different beautiful sculptures made by students of the Faculty of Arts, Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria.

The sculptures in the garden are of different colours, shapes and sizes. As a result of its aesthetic nature, the place has become a haven for students of the institution to relax and have fun.

It’s usually open 24hrs and lots of goodies are sold there.

So, if you feel like relaxing, you can just walk into Sculpture Garden at Zaria. Its indeed a place to be.

IBB Varsity Bans Hugging On Campus

2011-01-06T00:12:00.000-08:00

If you are one of those guys who are fond of hugging ladies on campuses, then the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Niger State, is not a place for you. Authorities of the institution have banned hugging among the opposite sex on the campus and its environs.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, made the declaration recently and warned that any erring student will face disciplinary action.

According to the V.C, “anyone caught embracing or hugging any female student will be dismissed from this school, so I implore all of you to adhere strictly to this directive”. He added that it is immoral for students to indulge in such acts on the campus.

Campus Square gathered that the decision was made when the school authorities realised that the act of hugging between a guy and a lady is not in line with the provision of the Islamic legal code.

Speaking with Campus Square, some of the students who spoke on condition of anonymity described the development as an unfortunate one.

“It sounds so funny and ridiculous. At this computer age, some people are saying that we should not hug ourselves. This is a higher institution for crying out loud, so it is unfortunate that this is happening,” a student told Campus Square.

UNILAG Babe Grabs Lagbaja

2011-01-06T00:11:00.002-08:00

It was during an inaugural lecture held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos in December last year.

With the theme Lighting Beyond Illumination, the lecture was delivered by the Dean Faculty of Arts in UNILAG, Prof Duro Oni.

Many dignitaries like the masked musician, Lagbaja, Stella Damasus and Sola Fosudo, were also present at the event but what amazed the audience most was when a UNILAG babe jumped at Lagbaja and tried to kiss him. She made the move while the musician was busy signing autographs for other students.

Campus Square learnt that the lady was so happy that she told her friends that the day will be the most memorable in her life.

The Unknown Rapist In ABU

2011-01-06T00:11:00.000-08:00

For sometime now, female students at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have been sleeping with one eye open, no thanks to an unknown rapist that has been operating in the female hostels at night.

The fun that usually characterized female hostels like Queen Amina Hall, Ribadu Hall and Alexander Hall has since stopped as a result of the development. Most of the students now sleep early with their doors properly locked, while some have even vacated the hostels.

Some of the students who spoke with Campus Square suggested that the suspected rapist uses charm on his victims because “nobody has ever seen him, and he would have left before the victims will realise what has happened to them.”

However, security has been beefed up in the hostels, as the unknown rapist, who is now being referred to as Bucket Man, continues to perpetrate his act. The fear of Bucket Man, is obviously the beginning of wisdom at the institution now. What amazes most students is that this guy usually disappears immediately after he rapes a female student in their hostels.

Who is this Bucket Man? That is the question on the lips of students of ABU, particularly among the female folk.

Students Speak On Lagos ASUU Strike

2011-01-06T00:09:00.003-08:00

Following the protracted strike embarked upon by the Lagos State chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the affected students, who have found the three-month industrial action unbearable spoke with Campus Square on the issue:

KEMI 300 LEVEL ACCOUNTING (LASU)

The duration of our courses is four to five years, but some of us have spent up to seven years in Lagos State University (LASU) through no fault of ours.

Most employers like banks recruit graduates of 25years, so with the constant strike, it might be difficult for people like me to get jobs after graduation.

MONSURAT HND 2 MICROBIOLOGY (LASPOTECH)

May be the lecturers too should come down a bit and let’s see if the government will appreciate it. I really appreciate the lecturers for doing this but I think they should reconsider us.

AYOOLA 100 LEVEL ACCOUNTANCY (LASU)

I have been praying for admission for a very long time and also been aspiring to go to university, but now I feel discouraged about the way the strike is going. I beg the state government to put a stop to this strike.

DAPO 200 LEVEL ENGLISH (OOU)

This strike is really affecting me and it has really dropped my eagerness to learn. It will give politicians an avenue to use the students that are idle as thugs in the forthcoming election because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. In my school, we are planning a peace rally; maybe the government will listen to us.

FUTA Convocates

2011-01-06T00:09:00.001-08:00

The Federal University of Technology, Ado-Ekiti, FUTA, recently held its 21st and 22nd convocation ceremony.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof, Adebisi Balogun said 2,864 students of the institution graduated with various degrees during the combined convocation.

He said 33 students were awarded first class, 818 second class upper, 1,319 second class lower, 621 had third class while 73 graduated.

6,400 Matriculate In UNILAG

2010-12-02T03:19:00.001-08:00

What would you do if you were among 6,400 students that were matriculated recently at the prestigious University of Lagos out of 62,276 candidates that applied for admission and the 45,369 that eventually sat for the post UTME? Scream, jump, dance or cry?

Well, that’s exactly what some students are still doing. It was a week-long orientation programme for the newly admitted students of the schoool, which started Monday, 22 to Friday, 26 November, 2010.

At the opening the ceremony of the 2010/2011 orientation programme for freshers, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adetokunbo B. Sofoluwe, welcomed the new comers to the university.

He congratulated the ‘chosen few’ who constituted part of the 10 per cent of the applicants registered as worthy Akokites, admonishing them that the journey of three, four, five or six sessions, (depending on the course of study) requires determination, diligence, dedication and focus.

“You must have a vision, a dream. I envisage that your goal should be to acquire academic excellence with good character within the set time. When you exhibit this behaviour, surely you will excel, win accolades and graduate in flying colours,” he told the excited students.

In a fatherly tone, he admonished the jambites to shun all vices such as internet fraud, violence, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cultism, etc. as any form of misconduct or poor performance can abruptly terminate their studies because the university pays premium attention to safety as well as security and has zero tolerance for crimes and criminals

He enthused that his administration, through team work, will ensure that UNILAG remains not just a centre of excellence but ranked among the first one hundred universities in the world.

This was greeted with shouts and applause from the freshers who could not conceal their excitement.

Prof. Sofoluwe encouraged the jambites to avail themselves of the school’s facilities such as the medical centre, the counseling centre, sport centre, libraries, internet connectivity, and the Centre for Information Technology (CITS), where students are encouraged to acquire their personal lap-tops by cash or pay in instalments.

He also noted that students should not hesitate to report personal challenges and all forms of harassment.

Finally, he listed out incentives and motivational packages the university offers students on a cumulative grade point – average (CGPA) of 4.50 and above. These include:

•An annual endowment scholarship of N50,000
•Provision of accommodation in choice halls
•Fifty per cent discount on bed space.
•Nomination for participation in seminars and conferences nationally and internationally
•Nomination for scholarship from external bodies on request by organisations
•Selection as guest speaker at orientation programme to motivate fresh students.

After the vice chancellor’speech, Generational Rescue had a chat with some of the jambites, who expressed joy over their new achievement.

Akangbe Olaolu Olumuyiwa, who is studying Creative Arts, was one of them. “I am very glad because it is a privilege to work hard and get the right result. It has been so interesting, but also stressful. You know we have to go up and down to collect and submit files. But the fact that you are doing it with new friends makes it interesting.

“This is a new experience. Unlike in the secondary school, when we copy notes and teachers take time to explain topics to us, here lecturers will just come around and start talking. If you don't write fast, you will be surprised when he says the lecture is over,” she said.

“No, I have no disappointment but the authorities should please make the registration process easier. I remember I got sick because of the stress.”

Another student, Amarachi from Department of Geology, also expressed delight to be among the ‘chosen few’.

“I m very happy and grateful to God who made it possible for me to be on the merit list. I intend to spend the next five years very well by being hard working and dedicated to my studies. I will also be very prayerful because I intend to get a GPA of 4.5 by the special grace of God,” he said.

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2010-12-01T07:37:00.001-08:00

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ASUU Strike:Youth Leader Advises Fashola

2010-11-09T05:38:00.001-08:00

The chairman of Ijanikin Youth Movement, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, Chief Akeem Modupe Abogun has advised the Lagos State governor, Barrister Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), to come to an agreement with the striking Lagos State University Senior Staff Union (LASU) over non-implementation of the Federal Government ASUU salary agreement.

Abogun stated that, "the negotiation is necessary because the responsibility of the state is to ensure that the interest of our state, our students and well-being of our people is put into consideration".

“I am using this opportunity to appeal to the state government to dialogue with the striking lectures as the strike is affecting the students' academic pursuits.

He rated Fashola 85% performance and urged him not to relent in ensuring more development in the state.

Abogun also pleaded for the upgrade of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Ijanikin into a university.

He implored the youth to shun acts of thuggery and hooliganism, pointing out that youths, being future leaders, should from their prime move closer to God. This, he added, will insulate them from immorality that is presently the bane of many youths.

LASU VC In Trouble, Assemblymen Demand His Sack

2010-10-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly have passed a vote of no confidence on the Vice Chancellor of theLagos State University (LASU), Professor Lateef Hussain.

They have also advised the State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, to immediatley sack him.

The Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who addressed his colleagues on the floor of the House on Tuesday said: “from all that the House gathered at the hearing yesterday (Monday), it became very clear to us that since the present Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hussain took over the mantle of leadership, a lot has happened.”

Continuing, he said: “It is clear to us that after his initial success, the rest of his administration has been characterised by falling academic standard, decaying infrastructure, poor human and material resource management, administrative ineptitude, poor human relations and victimisation in various forms leading to exodus of committed members of staff, especially the academic staff.”

While stressing that the House had constantly intervened on issues relating to the institution, the Speaker added that, “the House at its executive session this morning (yesterday) decided to pass a vote of no confidence on the VC, Prof. Hussain.

“The House also decided to call on the visitor, His Excellency Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Governor of Lagos State, to put in motion necessary machinery for the removal of the Vice Chancellor immediately.

“The House also decided to call on the visitor to please put in place immediately machinery to address the requirement for re-accreditation of the courses that have been denied accreditation and also to ensure no other course is denied accreditation in the future.”

Prof. Hussain had been accused of misappropriation of funds and highhandedness in the running of the institution to the detriment of the students and lecturers.

Meanwhile, there are speculations that the National Universities Commission (NUC) would not accredit 26 more courses in the institution by next month.

The state-owned higher institution had been facing several challenges, part of which led to the NUC wielding the big stick by refusing to accredit 10 courses in the school recently. The 10 courses are Law, Economics, Marketing, Chemical and Polymer Engineering, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Political Science, Sociology, Business Administration and Management Technology. The University used to run the best law faculty in the entire country in the 80s.

Some lawmakers had on Monday called for the sack of Hussain, to sanitise the institution. They took the decision following several accusations against him by lecturers, heads of departments and deans of faculties of the institution.

A lawmaker, Babatunde Ogala, also stunned the House when he alleged that the school appointed retired soldiers and those not qualified to head departments and other sensitive positions.

Part of the accusations is that Hussein misappropriated several billions of naira granted the school by the state government.

Chairman of the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Kabir Akinyemi, also accused the Vice Chancellor of not approving the promotion of lecturers since 2005.

He said that the union had been sending warning signals and calling on interested persons to save the institution before the NUC finally visited. He said the VC had successfully driven away qualified lecturers and had appointed his cronies and made them heads despite the fact that such lecturers were on contract.

For example, he said, the institution’s Director of Academic Planning is not qualified for the job. But he was appointed and made a level 14 staff with just a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and barely six years experience for a job that should be handled by a Professor.

“LASU is the only university where the Director of Academic Planning is a non academic staff and so grossly inexperienced. Due to poor condition of service, many of the qualified lecturers have gone for greener pastures,” he said, adding that the VC appointed non-academic staff as lecturers in the part time arm of the institution.

While the Faculty of Law only has one professor as against the NUC requirement of six, the Accounting Department, Dr. Akinyemi said, had no single PhD holder.

Ayo Omotayo, Acting head of Geography Department, said he was very sure that his department would lose its accreditation next month when the NUC visits. Also to be affected is the College of Medicine which uses only contract staff. Omotayo accused the management of the school of administrative high-handedness and incompetence since 2005.

“Between 2005 and now, LASU has lost all its competent lecturers. Even if the pay was bad, if you are not encouraged or if you are hounded for speaking the truth, then you would move to where you can be encouraged,” he said, adding that this was the reason most lecturers left the institution in droves.

He also accused the House Committee on Education headed by Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King of failing in its duties regarding the school. The decay in the institution is also reflected in the lack of any dedicated library or laboratory.

Denying the VC’s claim that the institution was not well funded, Dr. Olatunji Abanikannda, a lecturer in the institution, said the funds were either misappropriated or not prioritised.

“All the problems of the institution are self-inflicted by the VC. What happened to those who grew with LASU? The rules of the school were never obeyed by the Vice Chancellor,” he said asking what happened to the over N2.5 billion made available to the institution recently. Besides, the government had given the institution N17 billion.

When asked for his reaction, Professor Hussain only blamed the institution’s senate and governing board for its problems. He also blamed external regulators for the delay in the promotion of the lecturers.

But he was quickly reminded by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, that he had the power to influence promotions. The Speaker also said he was disappointed that despite giving the VC a soft landing before, he had refused to adhere to the advice of the lawmakers.

Prof. Hussain should have been sacked long ago in the wake of the crises occasioned by allegations of fraud levelled against him by lecturers, non academic staff and students of the institution.

He had survived till now due to the intervention of some of the stakeholders of the university.

NUC May Axe 36 Courses In LASU

2010-10-26T06:14:00.001-07:00

Except some drastic measures are taken, the Lagos State University, South-West Nigeria, would collapse soon, Lagos lawmakers have said.

This is coming against the backdrop of speculations that the National Universities Commission (NUC) would not accredit 26 more courses in the institution by next month.

The state-owned higher institution had been facing several challenges, part of which led to the NUC wielding the big stick by refusing to accredit 10 courses in the school recently.

The 10 courses are Law, Economics, Marketing, Chemical and Polymer Engineering, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Political Science, Sociology, Business Administration and Management Technology. The University used to run the best law faculty in the entire country in the 80s.

P.M.NEWS learnt from some lawmakers last night that the House might call for the sack of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Lateef Hussein, to sanitise the institution. They may have been forced to take the decision following several accusations against him by lecturers, heads of departments and deans of faculties of the institution.

A lawmaker, Babatunde Ogala, also stunned the House when he alleged that the school appointed retired soldiers and those not qualified to head departments and other sensitive positions.

Part of the accusations is that Hussein misappropriated several billions of naira granted the school by the state government.

Chairman of the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Kabir Akinyemi, also accused the Vice Chancellor of not approving the promotion of lecturers since 2005.

He said that the union had been sending warning signals and calling on interested persons to save the institution before the NUC finally visited. He said the VC had successfully driven away qualified lecturers and had appointed his cronies and made them heads despite the fact that such lecturers were on contract.

For example, he said, the institution’s Director of Academic Planning is not qualified for the job. But he was appointed and made a level 14 staff with just a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and barely six years experience for a job that should be handled by a Professor.

“LASU is the only university where the Director of Academic Planning is a non academic staff and so grossly inexperienced.

“Due to poor condition of service, many of the qualified lecturers have gone for greener pastures,” he said, adding that the VC appointed non-academic staff as lecturers in the part time arm of the institution.

While the Faculty of Law only has one professor as against the NUC requirement of six, the Accounting Department, Dr. Akinyemi said, had no single PhD holder.

Ayo Omotayo, Acting head of Geography department, said he was very sure that his department would lose its accreditation next month when the NUC visits. Also to be affected is the College of Medicine which uses only contract staff. Omotayo accused the management of the school of administrative high-handedness and incompetence since 2005.

“Between 2005 and now, LASU has lost all its competent lecturers. Even if the pay was bad, if you are not encouraged or if you are hounded for speaking the truth, then you would move to where you can be encouraged,” he said, adding that this was the reason most lecturers ran away from the institution.

He also accused the House Committee on Education headed by Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King of failing in its duties regarding the school. The decay in the institution is also reflected in the lack of any dedicated library or laboratory.

Denying the VC’s claim that the institution was not well funded, Dr. Olatunji Abanikannda, a lecturer in the institution, said the funds were either misappropriated or not prioritised.

“All the problems of the institution are self-inflicted by the VC. What happened to those who grew with LASU? The rules of the school were never obeyed by the Vice Chancellor,” he said asking what happened to the over N2.5 billion made available to the institution recently. Besides, the government had given the institution N17 billion.

When asked for his reaction, Professor Hussein only blamed the institution’s senate and governing board for its problems. He also blamed external regulators for the delay in the promotion of the lecturers.

But he was quickly reminded by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, that he had the power to influence promotions. The Speaker also said he was disappointed that despite giving the VC a soft landing before, he had refused to adhere to the advice of the lawmakers.

The lawmaker demanded for the release of the white paper submitted to the Executive by the visitation panel set up to look into the crises faced by the institution several months ago.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers have decided to hire a competent accounting firm to examine the institution’s accounting books before taking the next action.

Prof. Hussein should have been sacked long ago in the wake of the crises occasioned by allegations of fraud levelled against him by lecturers, non academic staff and students of the institution.

He had survived till now due to the intervention of some of the stakeholders of the university.

Governor Amaechi Sues ASUU

2010-10-26T06:13:00.001-07:00

As the state branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities join their counterparts nationwide on strike today,the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi says the state government is preparing to go to court against the state branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for embarking on an unnecessary strike.

Governor Amaechi, who disclosed this Monday in Port Harcourt during an interactive meeting with youths, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, said the lecturers are employees of the state government and should not compare themselves to workers of federal universities. The governor remarked that whatever agreement that may have been reached between the Federal Government and teachers in federal institutions could not be binding on the state government since the state was not part of the discussion.

He explained that lecturers of the State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and the University of Education in Rivers State had a meeting with him where the issues were raised, and he pleaded with them to wait for the Secretary to the Government, who was outside the country, to return to enable them address the issues, but rather they chose to embark on strike.

The State Chief Executive said the incessant industrial dispute embarked upon by the University Lecturers in Rivers State some on sympathy with Federal workers was not in the interest of the students.

According to the governor, “ASUU Rivers State branch has never gone on strike to protest poor funding, research materials or non-availability of working equipment, but the teachers are prepared to shutdown the school on the slightest welfare issue, without considering the effect on their students”.

Governor Amaechi said the state government has decided to go to Court to determine if it was proper for the teachers to go on strike when they worked for the state government, and still see themselves as eligible to benefit from decision with the federal government.

He appealed to the students of the state owned institutions, to bear with the government and await the outcome of the resolution of the issues, to enable them have a stable academic programme rather than the present situation where the lecturers take undue advantage of students and the public.

The governor, who described the lecturers as unpatriotic also hinted that the principle of no work, no pay would be applied, as their salaries would be paid when they return to the classrooms to perform the duties for which salaries are paid to them.

Meanwhile Amaechi says the era when budgets passed by the State House of Assembly were put in the drawer of Governors was over in the state.

Governor Amaechi stated this today while addressing members of the State House of Assembly at the Assembly Complex, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the third year anniversary of his administration.

The governor, who thanked members of the State Legislature for the support he has enjoyed from them, noted that they have passed a lot of laws that have helped in the effective administration of the state.

He promised that he would implement all the laws passed by the state assembly to ensure sanity in the state.

The Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry said the House having passed a vote of confidence on Governor Amaechi earlier, was urging him to declare his intention to run for the 2011 Governorship Election, assuring him of their support.

HOD Stresses Importance Of Broadcast Media

2010-10-26T06:12:00.003-07:00

The Head of Department of Mass Communication, Wolex Polytechnic, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, Mr. Fatai Akinbola, has stressed the importance of the broadcast media in the operation of the country's democracy.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Association of Mass Communication Students of the polytechnic, Mr. Akinbola explained that the media cannot operate in a vacuum, adding: ''the media gives to the society what the society gives to it. The media is meant to educate, inform and entertain the public.''

According to him, the media gets everything that is information from the society and gives it back in a way the society will be very proud of and be willing to know more about the country and every other thing.

A lecturer in the department, Mr. Femi Bamidele, also talked on the importance of broadcast media in Nigeria's democracy, describing it as a means of getting information instantly.

''Broadcast media is an octopus and comprises radio, television and the internet. The media is very important. We communicate to live and live to communicate. The media is the blood that is running in every society or country. The media is transit in nature,'' he stated.

In his remarks, the President of AMCOS, Lawal Olalekan, said the topic: 'The Media and Democracy in Nigeria' was carefully selected as it came at a time ''when our country is about to conduct the vote’s registration exercise and a general election that will lead to the transfer of power from one civilian administration to another.''

Sex For Cash Booms In Varsities, UNILAG Shuts Female Hostels By Midnight

2010-10-24T09:49:00.001-07:00

Sex business is booming on university compuses across the country even as Nigerians continue to lament the poor state of the country’s education.

Some female students in Nigerian universities now prefer to perpetually remain students in order to continue their sex-for-cash ‘runs’.

The students who engage in sex for cash have also devised new means of staying longer on campus to continue their ‘runs’ as the sex-for-cash act is popularly called on campus.

Investigation by P.M.NEWS revealed that the female students deliberately fail examinations in order to remain on campus.

While these students are excited whenever there is industrial action by the lecturers, most of them also misinform their parents that their studies would cause them to spend extra years instead of the normal one granted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for accredited courses.

Part of the strategies applied by the student prostitutes include missing classes and travelling for ‘runs’ instead. They are also known never to do assignments or participate in tests.
They deliberately also write their examinations in such a way that they would carry some courses over.

Before now, these ‘runs girls’ would bribe their lecturers financially or even sleep their way to success in their exams, but these days they prefer to fail examinations because, according to some of them, their hope of getting a job after graduation has long been dashed.

These girls meet their clients through networking. A girl would influence her client to seek a friend for another prospective student prostitute. They also patronise clubs for prospective ‘customers’.

A source who explained the operation of the student prostitutes told P.M.NEWS that on return to their various hostels after the weekend ‘runs’, “they flaunt their goodies- beautiful designer outfit, perfumes, jewelry and shoes to entice other students to join the trade.

“When these students see the flamboyant lifestyles of the aristo babes they also go into the trade.

According to the source, “ladies get involved in the business for reasons ranging from the need for pure pleasure to an insatiable appetite for cash.”

For Oluchi, going for runs has other advantages apart from financial benefit.

“You will get to meet highly placed people in the society who will help you in future. This connection could lead to job offers after graduation, business setup, oversea trips or even marriage,” she said.

Another student, Tolu, said they do not look forward to graduation because of the fear of unemployment after graduation.

When reminded that the students could invest money generated from the allowance paid by the National Youth Service Corps during service year, she maintained that some of the ladies make N20,000 on a trip, while the luckier ones could earn as much as N50,000 or more depending on the status and financial capability of their ‘catch’.

These ladies are classy and most times they become chairpersons for the hall week committees in their hostels.

Investigations revealed further that the hottest hostel in the University of Lagos is New Hall which is the new ‘action spot’ where the ‘runs’ ladies get fresh young girls for induction.

Measures have, however, been taken by the school authorities to curb this scandal and this is by locking up of all hostels and school gates at midnight thereby hindering ‘runs’ after this time.

But the students have also started patronising private hostels around the university. Such hostels include Emerald Hall which is opposite the university gate, American Mola, also known as the home of wild classy girls who do their ‘runs’ at higher levels.

Other private hostels include Hall 9, Blue Haven, Hall 36, and Skyfield.

—Lolade Mustafa

Exam Cheating: Governor Sacks 17 School Principals

2010-10-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

At least 17 school principals in Benue State have been sacked by the Governor Gabriel Suswam-led administration for allegedly aiding and abetting examination malpractice in parts of the state.

The sacked school principals would also be made to face disciplinary action for their alleged complicity in the act.

The State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Benjamin T. Ashaver disclosed this in in Makurdi to mark his one year in office at the education ministry.

He maintained that the action of government would help to check other heads of institutions in the state who were in the habit of encouraging misconduct and cheating during examinations in the state.

Ashaver also revealed that the Benue State government would soon embark on recruitment of over one thousand teachers to boost teaching in both primary and post primary schools.

He informed that the recruitment exercise which has been approved by the state executive council was intended to permanently address the perceived lapses and shortfall in the number of teachers in the state’s service.

He stated that the state government was determined to meet the Millennium Development Goals target in the education sector, stressing that the present administration was ready to go the extra mile to ensure that the sector was properly repositioned for the good of the generality of Benue people.

The commissioner also added that all educational institutions in the state will soon be rehabilitated and well funded to meet the challenges of providing qualitative education to the Benue public.

He declared that education was a social responsibility the government owed the people of the state and warned that due to the high cost of running the sector in the face of dwindling resources, the people would continue to pay a token as tuition in order to share the burden with the state government.

While also reacting to the claims about the alarming fees being charged by the state owned university, he argued that the tuition charged at the Benue State University remains the lowest in the country.

He disclosed that the state government has directed the management of the institution to make a refund of some excess fees charged students of the university.

According him, “education is not cheap and cannot be free in the face of rising cost of running the sector coupled with competing demands and dwindling resources at the disposal of government. We, however, plead with our people to show some understanding and also cooperate with government in its quest to reposition the sector.”

While also lamenting the exorbitant fees being charged by private primary and secondary schools in the state, Mr. Ashaver implored the proprietors of such schools to have a rethink about their policies, stating that the state government was not comfortable with the trend and could be forced to intervene to check the unpleasant practice.

Educationist Laments Fall In Education Standard

2010-10-20T06:25:00.001-07:00

The National President of Union of Unity Schools Association of Nigeria, UUSAN, John Osodi, has called on the government to resuscitate the dying educational sector.

He made this plea at a dinner party held at the Old Students Association of Federal Government Schools.

''The cost of education has gone up due to corruption that has eaten deep into every aspect of the nation's economy. The government should stem the corruption in the educational sector and ensure a high standard like it was in the past," he added.

He described as a bad omen for the future the recent ranking of the country's educational standard as the 43rd in Africa.

Another participant, Olukayode Adelaja, advised the government to resuscitate the educational sector because it plays a dominant role in all aspect of a nation's economy.

UUSAN also lamented the decaying infrastructure in federal government schools and called for urgent intervention of the government.