Lemu Triangle

Halal Humour

2016-05-09T01:06:00.001-07:00

A potential terrorist plot was thankfully averted yesterday in America, when a very obtuse lady - clearly taking her cue from Führer Trump - observed in an American Airlines flight a gentlemen of lesser than acceptable white complexion, writing out strange symbols and complex numbers next to her. Worried that he might be a terrorist, she passed a secret note to a flight attendant and ingeniously made an excuse to alert the authorities.

Thankfully, the authorities quickly intervened and and determined that the said gentleman, while not carrying weapons of maths instruction, was in fact a member of a terrifying gang: the al-Gebra Movement. The al-Gebra group was founded by the Arab mathematician al-Khawarizmi, who wrote a book entitled Ilm al-Jabr, from which the group derived its name. This gentleman, upon further investigation, was revealed to be a full-fledged, senior ranking member of the cult, and had been conferred the title 'Professor' - the highest ranking title in the movement. He was charged with actively recruiting students to employ al-Gebra's techniques in their daily lives, and pleaded guilty to the more serious charge of advocating members to sign up to al-Gebra training.

Al-Gebra is a fearsome cult, and many high-schoolers who are exposed to it are immediately terrified at the cruelty of the techniques it employs. Members of the cult seek to find average solutions to complex equations; they create differences and derive functions at will, terrifying innocent bystanders. Many a young lady (and even men) have been known to wake up in the middle of the night, sweating and screaming with fear, the night before facing al-Gebra's tests.

It is well-known that they refer to themselves with obscure terms such as 'x' and 'y', hiding behind standard deviations and making their points, drawing their lines, and dissecting complex square roots with imaginary numbers.

People who follow such extreme views typically believe they can have have their pi and eat it too.

Although the authorities were not quite sure of the angle of this 'professor', and could not calculate the unknown variable found in his collection of radii-active materials, they were at least able to multiply their theorems and demonstrate that they were diagonally opposed to prime concepts such as common sense.

The Attorney General remarked, "If I've said it n times, I've said it n+1 times: the al-Gebra movement thinks itself acute, but in reality it has an infinite number of problems, and we shall continue to sin and co-sin away at them until we get to the root of their solution. You can count on me!"

To which the Al-Jazeera Reporter asked, "Which numeral system does your agency employ in counting out against radical al-Gebra?"

"Well, obviously, Arabic numerals of course. What else works?!" he replied.

Source: Yasir Qadhi

3rd term

2012-06-19T03:26:00.002-07:00

This term has been a struggle for me to be honest. I expected i was going to have taught modules because i am a person that really needs a kind of push to study and focus. In my Msc program this term was left for us to start work on our dissertation but i was unable to make much progress in it.

Something that kept me going was an online program called SAP i registered for in a school in Germany. Aston business school students had the opportunity to offer this course at a discounted rate so i jumped on this opportunity. Even though this isn't part of my normal school curriculum it actually helps to improve my chances in the job market. We were given 12 case studies that must be completed before a certificate can be awarded and also i will be writing the certification examination sometime around september. This was hectic but i enjoyed it since i didnt have the motivation to work on my dissertation but somehow had the motivation to work on these case studies. weird right?. The good news is that i am done with these case studies and i can focus fully on my dissertation.

My undergraduate lecturer once told me, it isnt about graduating with a first class but employers also look at additional activities you engaged in during the course of your study and how you managed your time. I never forgot these words because in my undergraduate i was more of a 'geek' but now i have tried to involve myself in different activities which doesnt always involve academics.

Insecurity

2012-04-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's always sad waking up to bad news and events. I woke up this morning and the first thing i saw headlining the Nigerian news was that, there were explosions in different part of the country. This has been the latest trend in Nigeria where we now have sects taking innocent lives and destroying properties of their fellow citizens.

This made me sad and to reflect about issues, growing up in Nigeria used to be so much fun, we had no issues of suicide bombers or any form of sectarian violence as i remember while growing up, Now its entirely a different story.

I worry everyday for my family, friends and the innocent citizens who are at the risk of being attacked everyday. This wasn't the Nigeria i envisioned ten years ago. It was the greatest place to live with lovely friends and neighbors you can go visit anytime. I was discussing with a friend recently and she traveled to the UK, but she was out late at night and usually her parents don't accept her staying out late in Nigeria. So i asked her, how come you are out this late? and her response was that "I am not in Nigeria". Her response made me sad for my country, people now feel unsafe in their country and safe in other people's country which reverse should be the case.

This so called sect have brought insecurity and fear to the Nigerian people and the corrupt government hasn't been able to do anything about it.

I pray for the lives and properties of every Nigerian citizen and pray this violence stops soon.

Dissertation

2012-04-25T17:25:00.001-07:00

I plan on focusing my dissertation on Information technology and how it has impacted on education in Nigeria. Nigeria is a developing country and isn't as advanced technologically compared to the developed countries. So focusing my dissertation on such a topic will be beneficial for me as i plan to return to my home country and help in developing it in any little way i can. It's quite an interesting topic for me as i have been involved with the educational system in Nigeria even though my undergraduate and presently my masters program has been outside Nigeria, I still have brothers, friends who study or have studied in Nigerian schools.

I came across a research some days back which states that according to the Nigerian education policy, a computer class should have 8 computers, that's assuming there 40 students in a class. This means 5 students per computer. After reading this i was surprised. At this computer age where a four year old in China is already playing with computers in Nigerian schools five students are required to share a computer. This is just what the policy states which doesn't mean it's being implemented by schools.

This made me decided to focus my dissertation on this topic as i will be looking at the current use of technology in Nigerian schools and also analyzing the problems and providing recommendations that i hope will be beneficial and will affect lives in the country.

SIFE

2012-04-25T17:03:00.002-07:00

I decided to join SIFE(student in free Enterprise), a non-profit organization which aims to promote entrepreneurship within students to develop community outreach projects. I and other students came together to set up a limited company called ASTON COMMUNITY CONSULTING which offers a free of charge business consultancy services to local business around Birmingham. Our aim is to work along side with local businesses that are struggling or having other difficulties to improve their performance and make them more sustainable.
If successful, this is something that would look attractive to an employer,that we were able to find local businesses and actually provide them consulting services which helped the business positively. I was really excited at first when i heard about such opportunity to improve my employability status, but as time went we encountered some difficulties.

It was difficult to get clients to work with, even those we found weren't ready to release some documents we requested for, so this was the main challenge. Other challenges were organizing meetings and only few people turning up for it.

We were able to cross all the obstacles by contacting the school to assist us in searching for struggling businesses or clients we can work with. We now have a page on the Aston website which helps in promoting our services, so hopefully we should get working soon.
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/business/links-to-business/aston-students-launch-consultancy/

Certificate

2012-01-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

Today we had an event organized by the school for the presentation of scholarship certificates. It was a joyful event as I got to network with students and lecturers from different departments. I hope I get more of this in the future. Little recognitions like this helps in motivating students to perform better in the future.

I know i am going to make everyone proud by Graduating with an excellent result and getting a good job most importantly.

I forget her name but i know she is from Jamaica. Really pretty girl..lol

Uncertainty

2012-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

As we all know, those that follow world events, Nigeria has been experiencing trying times, from the barbaric act of the sect group causing Mayhem in the country to the economy problems.

Recently the Government of my country decided to remove fuel subsidy and that led to a nationwide protest and strike.

I have been really disturbed about my family and friends..Their safety is of utmost importance to me. The country is no longer safe, we now live in fear which was never the case when i was growing up. When i needed money from home, the banks were on strike so i had to look for other means of getting money.

The strike has been called off but the effect of the governments decision can still be felt as what i hear from home. The price of fuel has increased which has led to the increase in transportation and other products. This is a country were we have corrupt leaders and a high percentage of the population cannot afford 3square meals.

There's nothing like having peace of mind, but now i pray and worry all day about the safety of my family and friends in the country.

I pray that God continues to guide and protect them.

Holidaze

2012-01-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

First term was really fun.. Met so many nice and wonderful people, made lots of friends and the best part of it all, i partied hard..lol.. I didn't make myself geek, i had my fair share of everything. I read my books when i was supposed to and i when out for parties when i needed to.

The term came to an end really fast.. So i decided to travel to dartford to visit a family friend. I spent all the holiday there. It was really exciting i must say.

I got to visit the 02 Arena where i had a date with this really nice girl..lol. We watched a movie "The girl with the dragon tattoo". I also visited Westfield and blue-water, they were really beautiful shopping malls, now i regret not taking pictures to display here.

I like the rush in london. So many people everywhere minding their own business. It's is a nice holiday destination.

One Place i regret not visiting was the Emirate stadium as i am an Arsenal fan, but i still plan on visiting soon.

JOBS

2012-01-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

I have been making few Job applications for graduate schemes but to be honest i am really discouraged because of the new UK laws regarding international students getting jobs after completing the Masters program.

Some days back i received an email saying that post study work visa would be stopped from April this year that means we can no longer extend our visas for two years to work after our programs which was the case initially.

To be able to work you will need to get an organization that agrees to be your sponsor in the tier 2 visa with a minimum salary of 20 thousand pounds. I know all these new laws is to make it difficult for we the international students to get jobs because as they say 'we are taking their jobs away'.

I am still not giving up though, would still keep on trying to see what comes out of it. Hopefully i would get an offer but if i don't then i would have to return to my country to get a Job.

Consultancy

2011-12-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

Aston university is rated high in employability and the compulsory CAREER AND DEVELOPMENT module that each student must offer helps in enhancing those skills needed for employment.

I have been thinking of late what the future holds and how i would go about my career choice. We had Career lectures that prepared us on how to prepare CV's and cover letters and also how to practice for the interviews and psychometric test. This has been very beneficial to me because i am presently considering applying to IBM, Jaguar Land Rover and some other organizations. So i had to do some research on their requirements.

I discovered things that these organization require. Prior to this i didnt have an idea of the selection process and key competencies they were looking for. This made me really reflect and to make proper research on activities before i actually go ahead to engage in them.

This is my detailed finding on Business and Technology role at IBM.

Role: Business & Technology Consultant

The people who are most successful at IBM share a distinct set of characteristics. These begin with energy and creativity, along with a clear focus on delivering exceptional customer service. We've defined and refined these to set out our foundational competencies, which you can see listed below.

1) Adaptability: We look for people who are flexible when things change. How do you cope with changing demands, uncertainty and stress? Do you remain calm and composed? Can you demonstrate that you have successfully completed several projects or assignments with competing deadlines?

2) Teamwork & Collaboration: How do you work with others to achieve shared goals? Do you respect and value others' differences? Do you easily build and maintain relationships with others? Do you offer support and help others and share your expertise with them to enhance the effectiveness of the team?

3) Communication: This competency focuses on how you communicate with others. Do you present oral and written information clearly, precisely and succinctly? Do you match the way you communicate with the requirements of the situation and your audience? Do you listen carefully to others, asking questions when necessary to ensure understanding?

4) Drive to achieve: You need to be committed to success and accomplishing challenging goals. Do you take the initiative to learn new skills that will be useful for your future career? Do you learn about things beyond the scope of your current job or assignment? Are you prepared to put in as much additional time or effort as is necessary to ensure high quality results?

5) Creative problem solving: This is all about using ingenuity, supported by logical methods and appropriate analysis, to propose solutions to problems. Do you conduct thorough fact-finding and analysis, anticipating any potential problems and then plan accordingly? Do you think 'outside the box' when proposing solutions to problems? Do you put forward new ideas for activities at university or work and offer innovative ideas to overcome challenges?

6) Client focus: We're a client-focused organization so we need people working with us who share this focus and can anticipate their needs and respond appropriately. Don't think about 'clients' just in the sense of 'customers' - clients' can also be colleagues, study groups, maybe even lecturers. Do you build rapport quickly and easily and think about a situation from their point of view? Do you recommend solutions that meet their needs? Do you act with their satisfaction as top priority?

7) Passion for the business: This is all about being able to demonstrate a passion for our company and the industry in which we operate. Do you know what IBM does, and what recent achievements we have had? Can you demonstrate knowledge of recent trends within the IT & Consulting industry? Do you understand the message behind our current 'Smarter Planet' TV advertising campaign?

8) Taking ownership: This is all about identifying and taking responsibility proactively for tasks and decisions in a timely manner. Can you demonstrate when you've accepted responsibility for mistakes and worked to correct them? Do you focus on resolving difficult situations rather than finding someone to blame? Do you anticipate potential problems with a project and then plan accordingly, implementing decisions with speed and urgency?

Selection Process

STEP 1 - Submit your application:

1) Online application form and asks for personal details as well as information about your education and work experience.

2) The second part is the IBM CV template (DOC, 67KB): lists all the skills that we look for and asks you to give examples to demonstrate when you have used these.

STEP 2 - Online Test: If your application is successful through the screening phase then we will invite you to take an online aptitude test - the IBM IPAT test.

1) Test logical reasoning.

2) Test the ability to process information quickly.

STEP 3 - First Round Selection Day

1) Group activity: No matter which role you are applying for, you will take part in at least one group activity on a first round day. This could be logical problem solving or it could be discussion based. We will be looking for you to work well in a team and demonstrate the IBM foundational competencies during these exercises.

2) Confirmatory IPATO test: You will take a short confirmatory test for the online test you have already taken.

3) Written test: You may be required to take a further numerical and verbal reasoning test or further aptitude tests depending on the role you have applied to.

4) Interview: For some roles, you will be given an interview at the first round selection day. You may only be given an interview if you have passed the other exercises on the day.

STEP 4 - Assessment Centre: Interviews and Case studies. If you need to do any preparation before the assessment centre, we will give you plenty of warning! In some cases, we may ask you to attend a business interview after the assessment centre; this will allow us to understand your suitability for the specific role you have applied to.

Source: http://www-05.ibm.com/employment/uk/graduates/

A Leadership Role

2011-10-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Today I was nominated to act as a student representative for the staff/student consultative committee for the Msc. Information systems and business analysis course.

Part of my role will be
1) Ensuring that the views of the student body are expressed and heard
2) To discuss/consult with the relevant student body before meetings
3) To give feedback to the relevant student body after a meeting.

This was something i decided randomly but after some careful thoughts i realized it would help improve my skills on being able to give ideas in public, my leadership skills and also help in my future career.

Also the benefit of being a student representative as i read and was told is that it would help enhance my CV and at the end of the program i would also be awarded a certificate that would confirm that i have acted in the capacity of student representative for the committee.

I just completed reading the guidelines for the student representatives and the minute of the last meeting.. Quite interesting stuff I must say..

I hope i am able to do my best and take in account the interest of my fellow students in the MSc. ISBA program. May God help me as i take on this LEADERSHIP ROLE

Home sick

2011-10-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Never thought it was going to set in so soon but yes i am human. I miss so many people back in Nigeria. They mean so much to me.

MUM
I miss her so much, Just thinking of all she has done for me and her resilience in life makes me miss her so much. I pray she still remains strong for us.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS
I mss them so much especially my little angel Amina. I love her so much.

KEMZY
My best friend kazeem, He has been the best friend anyone could ask for. He is more like a brother. I wish him well as he struggles in law school. I hope he makes a good lawyer.

MANA
Words couldn't describe what i feel for her. She has been so supportive, caring and loving. As she prepares for her NYSC program i wish her the best in life. I really appreciate what we have.

I was given a class activity to write a personal statement in a course called skills career and development, and just when i was about to start writing i was lost in my thoughts of home. So i decided to write something on my blog before i continue.

hehehe i need to focus now..

From Abuja to Birmingham

2011-10-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

After a stressful flight from my country Nigeria.. I landed in Birmingham international airport. I took a taxi to the university. I was really excited to see what the school looked like. immediately i got down from the taxi the reception i got was amazing. There was a school representative that came to assist me with my luggages and to show me around the campus. After settling down for some time in my room i went to the main building to do my enrollment and other necessary things.

The next day we had a compulsory class on presentation skills. To say the truth i don't like presentations, for some reason i am always nervous when i have to present. A former student of Aston gave the lecture on presentation skills. He was also very friendly and had quite an unorthodox way of giving lectures because at first i was wondering if i was at a comedy show. The lecture ended well, i got to make some new friends afterwards.

we had other really interesting stuff during the orientation week.. Another memorable one was when we had to work in groups to solve a task.. It was really complicated but we learnt how to work efficiently in teams.

The orientation week went by quite fast i must say..

We have started lectures and they have all been so interesting.. I know there is going to be so much hard work to do for that i have already started going to the library..

May God help me as i begin another phase in my life..

Pre-Masters

2011-09-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

It was on a normal day when i received an email saying i got the scholarship, I was really excited i must say, i ran to my lovely mum to tell her the good news. we were all excited about it. Receiving the scholarship enabled me to pay for my accommodation in full without paying in installment which i wanted to do initially.

The admission processes was really easy because of the online services and the admission staff who are always helpful anytime i call to make enquiries because as an international student i needed to know so many things about the school since i would be leaving my country to study in a totally different environment. I also asked my friends already studying in the UK and to my surprise they all gave positive responses about the university.

When i decided to apply for the visa i had little hurdles on the way because after making my bank transfer it took about a week for the transfer to reflect in the school account, for this reason i kept rescheduling my appointment date with the embassy. So because of this i will be arriving the school about two days late,I am not feeling bad about it because i called the school staff and they said i shouldn't worry, immediately i arrive i would be attended to without much stress.

I look forward to the student and academic life at the city of Birmingham.

INTRO

2011-08-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

I graduated from Eastern Mediterranean University in 2010 and since then I have been engaging in the National Youth service which is a compulsory one year service to my country Nigeria. When the end of my service was approaching I decided to apply to different schools for my masters’ degree. I applied to universities in the United Kingdom and Canada which are the University of Waterloo, Nottingham and Aston. I was given admission to the two of them except the University of Waterloo. I decided to settle for Aston because I was given the course of my choice which is MSc. BUSINESS ANALYTICS AND INFORMATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT. Applying to Aston was very easy because of the online application system which makes it easier for international students like me to apply to various departments. I got constant emails about the progress of my application from my admission coordinator. The Aston University staffs were always helpful anytime I called to make enquiries. I am really excited I will be going to Aston by September by the grace of God. I look forward to the school life and new experiences in the city if Birmingham.