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Education / Re: Sanwo-Olu's Attempts at imposing Tunji Bello's Wife as LASU VC by Passion2009: 3:22pm On Jan 18, 2021
edoairways:
Passion2009 do you work with the press?

Yeah. I do as a freelance journalist.

Cc Lalasticlala Richiez
Education / Re: Sanwo-Olu's Attempts at imposing Tunji Bello's Wife as LASU VC by Passion2009: 7:02am On Jan 18, 2021
Cc Richiez, olawalebabs, Fynestboi Lalasticlala Seun

Education / Re: Sanwo-Olu's Attempts at imposing Tunji Bello's Wife as LASU VC by Passion2009: 3:34pm On Jan 17, 2021
Cc Richiez, olawalebabs, Fynestboi Lalasticlala Seun

Let's have this on the front page. ....

Education / Sanwo-Olu's Attempts at imposing Tunji Bello's Wife as LASU VC by Passion2009: 3:22pm On Jan 17, 2021
*Subverting Institutional Goals for Personal Selfish Interest : Sanwo Olu and LASU*

About two weeks ago, I published an article(see here: https://www.nairaland.com/6341426/lasu-what-problem-nigeria) on why Nigerians need to pay attention to the events unraveling at the Lagos State University; particularly as they relate to the appointment of a new substantive vice-chancellor. A few days after my publication went viral, the Lagos State Government announced the cancellation of the screening exercise that produced Muyiwa Odusanya (as 1st), Sena Bakre (as 2nd) and Kabir Akinyemi ( as 3rd). To many discerning minds, this exercise was canceled because Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello(the wife of a three-time commissioner of Lagos State) was not one of the 3 professors who were shortlisted for Governor Sanwo-Olu to appoint as LASU’s 9th substantive vice-chancellor. It will be naive to think otherwise - considering the circumstances that surrounded the decision. Think about it. Some days ago at the Federal University, Gashua, a screening exercise for the position of vice-chancellor was completed on the 16th of January, 2021 and the appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor was made on the 17th of January, 2021. On the other hand, LASU’s screening exercise was completed on the 21st of December, 2020, but the announcement of the cancellation was made on the 5th of January, 2021 (15 clear days after).
As seen during the EndSARS protest and now in the appointment of a 9th substantive vice chancellor for LASU, Governor Sanwo-Olu is beginning to show a steady track record of a politician who prefers to support personal selfish agenda over Institutional and public good.

Mr. Governor claimed that there was a petition. If this petition was by Ibiyemi Bello, what can be the grouse of a candidate who scored 68% against her superiors who scored 68.8%, 70% and 90%? With the calibre of persons on the selection committee, will they not have their reasons for the decisions taken? Pray, Mr Governor, if petitions are written against many of your decisions, how many of them can stand the test of anything near perfection. The assessment of your administration's performance is a subject for another day. As relevant to this discourse, Ibiyemi Bello fully participated in the process knowing all the "alleged flaws" later raised by her and her sponsored agent petitioners without complaint at the time. Only for her to suddenly shout foul after the results were released. It is pertinent to note here that these petitions came from sponsored faceless groups who are masquerading themselves as concerned academics. These so-called petitioners claim to be members of the LASU Community. It will be nice to know what investigations Mr Governor conducted to ascertain that the names reflected as representing the concerned academics exist in the records of the university? If this was not done by Mr Governor, then, what is his business dealing with sponsored anonymous petitions ? In any event, if Mr. Governor had treated the issue with despatch as he ought to after the screening result was sent to him last December, will LASU be in the unending dilemma of petitions ?

Governor Sanwo-Olu should know that the whole world is watching. News have it that the Sanwo Olu-backed Ibiyemi Bello and her sponsored agent petitioners in their latest petitions are aggressively pushing for the removal of the Pro-Chancellor of the University; the disbandment of the Selection Committee; and the disqualification of the candidates who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the canceled exercise. Their whole charade is laughable! Let us ask ourselves this question: Why is this Sanwo Olu-backed Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello running away from a healthy scholarly competition? This is a woman whose students complain has not taken her lectures in the last 5years! Her classes are always taken by Dr. Olumide at LASUCOM. Talk of porous leadership by example!!!
Mr. Governor sir, kindly do your anonymous interaction with students to confirm this dereliction of duty by your favored candidate. If Ibiyemi Bello, out of desperation; is crookedly and relentlessly throwing dirt at many prominent professors and the major organs of the same university she so desperately wants to be its vice-chancellor, how then can she effectively lead a volatile community like LASU and maintain the precious peace on that campus?

If Governor Sanwo-Olu should continue to toe this path of his preference for personal selfish agenda over public good, he has 2 options to fully achieve his goal: the first is to outrightly appoint Ibiyemi Bello as LASU’s Acting VC for the next 5years (since LASU is now their family asset) or in the alternative: he should ask Ibiyemi Bello to guide him on who should be appointed as Pro-Chancellor and give him a list of those who will serve on the Selection Committee. This approach will allow for "healthy competition" - at least; by Ibiyemi Bello’s standards.

Mr Governor sir, with very great respect, you are ridiculously bold. The world is watching you. It is time to put Institutional and public good over personal selfish interest!


*Ibrahim Balogun, a consultant and a social commentator writes from Chevron Estate, Lekki.*


https://punchng.com/breaking-sanwo-olu-cancels-lasu-vc-appointment-process/

Education / Re: LASU: What is the problem with Nigeria? by Passion2009: 9:45pm On Jan 02, 2021
Dayoebe:
Long epistles

I stop reading when you said LASU was the 2nd best university in Nigeria

And that's correct. Check the latest world university rankings. LASU is the second best university in Nigeria. U.I is the number one.
Maybe you are still using "old eyes" to look at LASU. The school is having one of the highest number of research outputs and patents as we speak. In 2020, their professors won millions of dollars in research grants from international bodies. That's the major reason why they ranked them second in the Nigeria - there are doing the most research in the country as we speak. Google Times Higher Education university ranking and see the stats for yourself.


https://guardian.ng/news/lasu-makes-times-ranking/
Education / Re: LASU: What is the problem with Nigeria? by Passion2009: 4:23pm On Jan 02, 2021
EmmyG012:
You wrote this shit and still tagging the mods sad sad sad . What for ??


How is it sh*t when it is relevant to the Nigerian university system? Many people don't even know about the procedure for the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor.


Cc Richiez, olawalebabs, Fynestboi Lalasticlala Seun Ishilove

Let's have this on the front page abeg.

2 Likes

Education / Re: LASU: What is the problem with Nigeria? by Passion2009: 2:22am On Jan 02, 2021
Cc Richiez, olawalebabs, Fynestboi Lalasticlala Seun
Education / LASU: What is the problem with Nigeria? by Passion2009: 2:16am On Jan 02, 2021
*LASU: What is the problem with Nigeria?*

For decades, LASU was a major liability to the Lagos State Government. During my time at the University of Ilorin, LASU gained notoriety as a battleground for cultism, killings and all sorts of fetish confrontations. There was a time in LASU’s history that you dared not walk in front of the gate once it's 6pm. My late father, being a Lagosian; wanted me to study at LASU in the early 2000s but my mother vehemently opposed his choice. To my mom, studying at LASU then was synonymous with walking in the valley and shadow of death. I eventually studied at the University of Ilorin after which I proceeded to London for my master's degree. Upon my return to Nigeria in late 2016, I began to read about different positive developments in LASU. These positive news have been consistent since then - from being selected as a World Bank Africa Center of Excellence to emerging as the second best university in Nigeria. With no major strike, closure or crisis in years, LASU is the rising star of world-class university education in a country that needs cutting-edge innovations and high-level scholarship for impactful development: a mandate that only a rising star like LASU can effectively deliver.

Nevertheless, recent news emanating from the university is disturbing. A few days ago, I stumbled on a newspaper report on the appointment of a 9th substantive vice-chancellor for LASU. Since then, i have read several contradictory reports and counter- claims of performance of candidates who are contesting to succeed the incumbent. One of the reports mischievously posited that a medical doctor cannot become a vice chancellor without a Ph.D. This is not the goal of my write-up, but, based on my knowledge of the Nigerian university system, I am aware that a Joint Selection Committee(made up of representatives of the Governing Council and Senate members) oversees the screening and recommendation of candidates to the Governor ( for State Universities) or President ( for Federal Universities) for appointment as a substantive vice-chancellor. In the case of LASU, my investigation revealed the calibre of people involved in the selection process: Prof. Ninalowo, the same Pro Chancellor who managed the process of appointment of the incumbent who has been adjudged by all as having served excellently well ; Mr Karl Toriola, the Vice President West & Central Africa of MTN ; Anu Eso, a seasoned Legal Practitioner; Dr. Fasehun, a Partner at KPMG; Prof. Owolabi, the incumbent Dean of LASU’s Faculty of Education; Prof. Yusuff, the incumbent Dean of LASU’s Faculty of Management Sciences; and Prof. Animashaun, the Director of CESSED at LASU. There is no way these calibre of people drawn from different walks of life can all be compromised at the same time. Issues like that of Ph.D / Fellowship requirements must have been assessed by the Selection Committee. I read in one of the publications that LASU in its history has produced vice-chancellors who were also medical doctors without a Ph.D. Professor Olumide FMCS surgeon was the foundation VC of LASU. Professor Akesode FMCPaed was LASU’s VC between 1997-2001. Professor Obafunwa FMPath was LASU VC between 2011-2015. Outside of LASU, at the Univesity of Ibadan: Prof. Adeoye Lambo, Prof. Falase, and Prof. Adewole who are all medical doctors were noted to have served as vice chancellors without a Ph.D. At the University of Lagos: Prof. Adadevoh & Prof. Odugbemi who are also medical doctors were also noted to have served as substantive vice-chancellors without a Ph.D. Why are we now making so much issue of this?


It is equally troubling that erstwhile LASU staff who were dismissed for various acts of misconduct have now suddenly turned into government advisers. The decision of the Lagos State Government(LASG) to dilly-dally on the announcement of a 9th substantive vice-chancellor for LASU has given room for mischievous elements to spin baseless stories with a view to misleading members of the general public. This delay may give the impression that the state government is doubting the credibility of its nominees on the LASU Governing Council. The appointment of the 8th substantive vice-chancellor on merit has helped to transform LASU in the last 5years. LASU must continue to toe this same path if we are truly desirous of the sustainability of excellence in LASU. Recently, the LASG made the right decision with the timely appointment of a Rector for LASPOTECH - why can't LASU be the same? The LASG should not continue to give the impression that it does not respect its own structures. The government must believe in the credibility of its nominees to do things right - unless if the LASG is actually desirous of manipulation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's rating is currently very high on respect for merit . He must apply wisdom and ensure that the rising star of LASU is not buried on the altar of politics, lies and desperation. The LASG must not allow personal selfish interests to throw LASU into an avoidable state of crisis. LASU must not return to its infamous history where it was a liability to the government, the people of Lagos State and Nigeria. On a final note, I join other Nigerians in congratulating the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN. It is refreshing to note that we still have individuals who can prove to all that good leadership can make all the difference in the life of institutions.


*Ibrahim Balogun, a Consultant and Social Commentator; writes from Lekki Phase 1.*

1 Like 2 Shares

Politics / Re: Ahmed Taiwo At Lekki Panel: 'I Wish I Brought A Rifle To Try It On You' - Jokes by Passion2009: 1:19am On Nov 23, 2020
AMINDA:


Okay, how about the leader that has been busted to be a morbid Tinubu hater? Clearly, the EndSars key players were not as non-partisan as they would have us all believe. Virtually all of them have been found to be either pro-Atiku or anti-Tinubu. Little wonder why they quickly changed from EndSars to EndBadGovernance, thereby politicizing the protest.

FK Abudu, a leader?

You all are just mixing your stories up. FK Abudu like Moe, are not leaders. They are just normal protesters like every other person - they are only more visible because of their large Twitter followers.
Politics / Re: Ahmed Taiwo At Lekki Panel: 'I Wish I Brought A Rifle To Try It On You' - Jokes by Passion2009: 1:17am On Nov 23, 2020
Unik3030:
I guess Atiku was in APC in 2019 n at d same time contesting presidential election with Buhari in d same APC.

u these people are just too dull that it's easy to defeat u in a reasonable argument

See this pseudo intellectual. The tweet you shared was posted in 2014 - when ATiku and APC were all on the same page.
Politics / Re: Ahmed Taiwo At Lekki Panel: 'I Wish I Brought A Rifle To Try It On You' - Jokes by Passion2009: 5:27pm On Nov 14, 2020
Unik3030:
All I can say about d Lekki shooting is that both parties aren't sincere so they are covering lies with lies.

it's obvious DJ switch lied n other endsars activist n also the government isn't sincere so both parties aren't telling us what happened.

questions d government needs to answer
*d Fashola camera
*who called d soldiers n what were they called for?
*y didn't they calm protesters in other places but prefer where Tinubu is making his money?


questions d soldiers need to answer
*were u there that night?
*who called u n what did he call u to come n do?
*u agree shooting occurred,who fired it?
*u agree u used blank bullet but we say a 2005 Nigeria navy bullet,did it come from d sky?


questions for DJ switch to answer
*how many were killed?
*we agreed your phone went off at a time so u couldn't capture d scenes,are u d only one with phone there or only your phone can capture d scenerio?
*u admitted to speaking with the soldiers shooting,did he paused the shooting so he can speak with u or u have bullet proof?

questions for endsars protesters
*u once had an affiliation with Atiku during campaign n now u are leading a protest against a government that defeated your preferred candidate,can u prove beyond reasonable doubt that u aren't sponsored to cause chaos?

*u received a certain amount during the protest, please can u clearly tell us what it was meant for n d services u rendered?

*u posted some pictures online about d protest,can u prove to us that they were real n not fake news to incite violence

Another Zombie spotted. Moe is not the leader of the protest - she only offered legal services and as at the time when she tweeted about Atiku's team, Atiku was still with APC and Buhari then.

1 Like

Politics / Re: Ahmed Taiwo At Lekki Panel: 'I Wish I Brought A Rifle To Try It On You' - Jokes by Passion2009: 5:25pm On Nov 14, 2020
OZOnNengiTheory:
DJ Switch should be arrested and thoroughly investigated. I believe she is working with the opposition or the albino coward to destabilise this country.

The gullible ones will say families of killed Protesters are afraid to speak up. Laughable! E be like say Una never lose a loved one before..and I don't pray you experience it in ya lives. A woman that loses a child isnt scared of anything else in this world..and I can tell you with all I have that she would speak up in this circumstance!

The truth, DJ Switch and all those behind the just concluded drama called endSARS must be thoroughly investigated and those found culpable should be ruthlessly dealt with

Zombie. Have you met the families of even the ones that Sanwo-Olu confirmed to have died ?

1 Like

Education / Why Sanwo-Olu must be Commended for LASU’s Governing Council Appointments by Passion2009: 10:45am On Aug 02, 2020
*Why Governor Sanwo-Olu Must Be Commended for LASU’s Governing Council Appointments*

Exactly five years ago, I remember walking around the LASU Ojo campus with a heart filled with regrets and hopelessness as a LASU student. LASU for years had a history plagued by different forms of crisis, cultism and mediocrity. Yet, due to the competitive and difficult nature of university admission processes in Nigeria, I decided to apply to study in LASU in 2013. A decision that haunted and nearly forced me into depression during my formative years in the Ojo campus. ”I regret coming to LASU”, I constantly reminded myself during my classes at the faculty of science.

As fate would have it, just like the story of Jabez in the Bible, my story as a LASU student began to change dramatically during my 300-level days in 2016. A new governing council was constituted and a new vice-chancellor had just resumed office. Until this period of my life, I never thought that fast and real-time radical changes are possible in Nigeria. From the university’s road network to accreditation of programs, faculty research, student innovations, the annihilation of cultism and a revamp in the university’s infrastructural landscape: the LASU I knew as a 200level student in 2015 transformed in a few months like a dream. It was a surreal experience!
Today, whenever I read discouraging news about Nigeria as a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, the story of LASU gives me hope that Nigeria can still solve its leadership conundrum.

Over the last five years, LASU has redefined itself from a university known for crisis to a reputable institution leading the way in meaningful research, innovations, and all-round excellence. The LASU narrative and buzz words on the pages of newspapers used to be ”strike, closed down, riot, shot, decaying, union crisis, sent out”. Searching the name of LASU on Google then generated disheartening results that were capable of inciting suicidal thoughts. While typing this article, I googled the word ”LASU” and the results that came up made me proud of my alma mater; the most recent news being a report about a team of LASU students defeating over 200 applicants across Nigeria in a competition organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization. So, what changed? Leadership! Two life experiences have taught me the importance of leadership to humanity. First, my experience in LASU before and after 2016; and my experience living in Nigeria and Europe. Leadership matters and LASU got it right a few years ago with the emergence of Professor Adebayo Ninalowo Governing Council and the Professor Lanre Fagbohun led management team. As a LASU student and now Alumnus, I watched how this duo and their colleagues meandered LASU to greatness even in the midst of herculean challenges and historical odds. My program in the faculty of science was struggling to get accredited in 2015 but it became fully accredited before I graduated. Perhaps, the most important achievement of the current university administrators is industrial harmony. A plethora of industrial crisis held back LASU for many years. Yet, this crop of leaders has been able to earn the unwavering support and trust of overwhelming members of the LASU Community.

Regardless, a few days ago, I was on the Twitter page of one of the Lagos state government officials when the announcement of the constitution of a new LASU governing council was made. Professor Ninalowo and Emeritus Professor Shafiudeen Amuwo were among those named as the newly constituted members of the LASU Governing Council. Disturbingly, some commentators, out of misleading information or ignorance of the LASU dynamics, bemoaned the Governor’s reappointment of Professor Ninalowo as the Chairman of the LASU Governing Council. The growth of LASU while admirable is still fragile. It is currently at a stage where a complete overhaul of its top echelon would be counterproductive. The tenure of the current VC will end in a few months and he will not be returning. Consequently, having an entirely new management leadership and a completely new governing council membership will hamper LASU’s transition to sustainable excellence. Progress is always gradual and it most times requires planned changes. It will be an unwise gamble to field only new faces on the Council considering how volatile LASU can be.


A new VC with a totally new Council will not augur well for the continuous growth of the University; bearing in mind the several mischief and misconduct that the administration of Prof. Lanre Fagbohun has been bold enough to confront. What Governor Sanwo-Olu has succeeded in doing by bringing back Prof. Ninalowo and Emeritus Prof. Amuwo is to entrench a continuity of the excellence that has now become a regular trademark of the new LASU. To avoid derailing LASU from its present path of growth and pride, we must not suddenly overhaul a team that has not failed us.


*Ayobamidele Yusuf is a LASU graduate and he writes from the United Kingdom where he works as a laboratory scientist.*

1 Like

Sports / Re: Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 4:19pm On Oct 01, 2019
gaetano:
How come it's not on their page? undecided

Check their Instagram stories.
Sports / Re: Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 3:36pm On Oct 01, 2019
Troost Ekong, Iwobi, Wilfred Indidi, Omeruo and others have also taken to their Instagram accounts to celebrate Nigeria's independence day.

1 Like

Sports / Re: Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 3:34pm On Oct 01, 2019
Manchester City star of Nigerian descent Tosin Adarabioyo celebrates Nigeria at 59 years.

He wrote on Twitter:


" The 1st of October marks Nigerian Independence Day as well as the start of #BlackHistoryMonth.

It was only right that I pulled out the most iconic Nigeria shirt from the 2018 World Cup!

��⚽�� https:///hcHfCyH6W0 "

Credit: Tosin Adarabioyo Twitter����

22 Likes

Sports / Re: Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 3:31pm On Oct 01, 2019
DEXTROVERT:
Saka too
Nigeria is blessed

Can you kindly share the screenshots on this page? Let's celebrate our brothers who associate with us.

2 Likes

Sports / Re: Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 3:30pm On Oct 01, 2019
Remimadrid:
Tammy wan use style talk say him ready to dump England for Nigeria. Tomori should come play for us sharpaly, the guy good.

He is a very good and solid defender. I love his pace, composure and passing skills. He is also very strong and matured as well. I hope he continues to improve - he has always expressed his readiness to play for Nigeria - I hope NFF makes the move before the English F.A.

In reality, they do prefer to play for Nigeria(its their roots) but they usually do fear the uncertainty around making such a choice.

48 Likes 8 Shares

Sports / Re: Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 3:21pm On Oct 01, 2019
The Nigerian brothers������. They are both still eligible to play for the Super Eagles. Excellent players!


Cc Lalasticlala honeric01 semid4lyfe Seun

8 Likes 2 Shares

Sports / Fikayo Tomori And Tammy Abraham Celebrate Nigeria's 59th Independence Day by Passion2009: 3:20pm On Oct 01, 2019
Born to Nigerian parents abroad, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham are both of Nigerian ancestry and they proudly associate with their Nigerian heritage. Although, their international allegiance is still in doubt, the Chelsea duo took to their Instagram story this morning to celebrate the Nigerian independence day - fuelling rumours of their readiness to pick the Nigerian Super Eagles over the English Three Lions.

Screenshots below

2 Likes

Education / Re: American Billionaire Donates $750m for Research At California University by Passion2009: 2:34pm On Sep 28, 2019
CaveAdullam:
And naija is still struggling with 1999 academic curriculum.

What is wrong with being black?


We are not ready for development. When we do, we will take decisive actions. When Big Brother Naija and Tacha generate far more interest than national issues among the citizens of a country, then you know the country is going nowhere.

Americans also love reality TV shows but these complement their national life. They don't place TV shows and entertainment as higher priorities to national issues. And before you say Americans already have a great country, remember they fought tooth and nail to build the country they have today - they are also working hard to keep America at the top. But in Nigeria, most people are not ready to struggle - they think they will just wake up one day and find themselves in a great Nigerian state. Life does not work that way! They have to rise up and fight, work, strive, build and sustain the great Nigeria they deserve. See what is going on in Hong Kong!



Cc

Lalasticlala Fynestboi olawalebabs Richiez Ishilove

............................................................
Let's have this on the front page.

1 Like

Education / Re: American Billionaire Donates $750m for Research At California University by Passion2009: 5:58pm On Sep 27, 2019
This is one of the major reasons why American universities will remain the best in the world for years to come. Just one 'department' in a university received 750million dollars(more than 271billion naira) to carry out research on environmental issues. Annual endowments of American universities like Harvard University(about 34billion dollars - which is roughly 12trillion naira) is more than the entire Nigerian educational budget from 1960 to this day.

If Nigerian universities really want to be world class - they need to overhaul and restrategize.

1 Like

Education / Re: American Billionaire Donates $750m for Research At California University by Passion2009: 5:50pm On Sep 27, 2019
Cc

Lalasticlala Fynestboi Ishilove olawalebabs Richiez Seun.......

The $750m donation will be invested in environmental research at the Resnick Sustainability Institute in California Institute of Technology, United States.

  This will permit Caltech to tackle issues of water, energy, food, and waste in a world confronting rapid climate change.[b]

“The Resnick Sustainability Institute will now be able to mount efforts at scale, letting researchers across campus follow their imaginations and translate fundamental discovery into technologies that dramatically advance solutions to society’s most pressing problems.”


https://punchng.com/billionaire-couple-pledges-750m-to-american-school/

Education / American Billionaire Donates $750m for Research At California University by Passion2009: 5:46pm On Sep 27, 2019
Billionaire couple pledges $750m(272billion naira) to American school



Philanthropists and entrepreneurs Stewart and Lynda Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company, announced Thursday an unprecedented $750m pledge to California Institute of Technology, Caltech, to support the school’s cutting-edge research into the most pressing challenges in environmental sustainability.

“The commitment is the largest ever for sustainability research, the largest in Caltech’s history, and the second-largest to a U.S. academic institution,” the press release announcing the pledge has stated.

Explaining the reasons for the commitment, Stewart, 82, and Lynda, 77, owners of The Wonderful Company, the $750m pledge was made “In order to comprehensively manage the climate crisis.”

“We need breakthrough innovations, the kind that will only be possible through significant investment in university research,” said Stewart Resnick.

“Science and bold creativity must unite to address the most pressing challenges facing energy, water and sustainability,” he added.


The transformative pledge will support Caltech’s investigators as they pursue research in solar science, climate science, energy, biofuels, decomposable plastics, water and environmental resources, and ecology and biosphere engineering.

Ultimately, the initiative will bring together experts from across the physical, life, and engineering sciences, the release noted

In response, Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, said, “Sustainability is the challenge of our times. Stewart and Lynda Resnick’s generosity and vision will permit Caltech to tackle issues of water, energy, food, and waste in a world confronting rapid climate change.

“The Resnick Sustainability Institute will now be able to mount efforts at scale, letting researchers across campus follow their imaginations and translate fundamental discovery into technologies that dramatically advance solutions to society’s most pressing problems.”

“This research will no doubt change the world,” noted Dr. M. Sanjayan, chief executive officer of Conservation International. “It may even save the world. It’s that profound.”


https://punchng.com/billionaire-couple-pledges-750m-to-american-school/

1 Like

Travel / Re: Air Peace Airlift 105 Students Sponsored By Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso(photos) by Passion2009: 9:50pm On Sep 25, 2019
sammirano:


For the records a Chinese firm is the first to launch a 5g network globally. That's originality.


Lol. That's not originality - most of the components of the 5G are from American technology - this explains why there is still controversy about it. When I say originality, I mean 100% pioneering innovations like Google, Microsoft and numerous softwares, Tesla, Block Chain and other A.I stuff. Chinese are only better in commerce. Many of the so called Chinese innovations are theft of American ideas or building up on them. Google how much the Chinese pay to U.S companies yearly as royalties for patents and the likes. Even Japan and South Korea are more original when it comes to technological innovations.

Mind you, if you visit most American universities - you will realize that a large number of international students there are Chinese. They go there to learn how to best do it.
Travel / Re: Air Peace Airlift 105 Students Sponsored By Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso(photos) by Passion2009: 6:45pm On Sep 25, 2019
sammirano:


And who says the US has the latest to offer? You should take a trip to China

China lacks originality. They mostly steal patents/ideas. How many of their start-ups have revolutionized the technological space? You can never compare China to the United States in terms of originality.

1 Like

Education / Comparing Graduate School In The USA and UK by Passion2009: 10:46pm On Sep 20, 2019
I obtained my Bachelor's degree from a Nigerian university. Upon graduation, I proceeded to the U.S for my first Master's degree and later to the United Kingdom for my second Master's degree.

I have equally traveled across the world - I've had the honor to meet graduates from over 70 countries. Today, at a workshop in Canada - we discussed about graduate school opportunities all across the world and I've decided to share my thoughts with readers here on Nairaland. My opinions are drawn from my experience studying and living in both the United States and United Kingdom as an international student.

I will be writing about the Pros and Cons of obtaining a Master's degree in both the United States and the United Kingdom - the dream destinations for Nigerian students.


Graduate School in The United States of America

The United States is the most preferred destination for international students all across the world. They boast of the best and of course - the most expensive universities in the world. Among the top 20 Universities in the world, more than 10 are in the United States and among the top 200 universities in the world - at least 60 are in the United States as well. American universities are passionate about research, study, innovative ideas and critical thinking - especially if you attend a R1 university(e.g Harvard, Princeton, the University of Chicago, the University of Pittsburgh, CMU, etc) in the United States(Google the list of R1 universities). American universities have proven to be the epicentres of transformative discoveries and innovations in the past 50years and they still lead the world in the fourth industrial revolution.



PROS (Advantages of Schooling in the United States).

(1). YOU ARE MOST LIKELY A STRONGER CANDIDATE IN THE JOB MARKET DUE TO YOUR FLEXIBITY

For graduate students who are hardworking, talented and smart thinkers - American R1 universities provide you with a great opportunity to live your biggest dreams in different fields.
As a Master's student in the U.S, you can obtain a Major, a Minor and Certificates in different fields in the course of your two years of study. For instance, I have a mentee who bagged a Master of Public Policy from an American university and he was able to obtain a Major in Energy Policy, a Minor in Governance Development, a Certificate in Cyber Security and Law as well as another Certificate in Africana Studies. He amassed all of these qualifications in his two years of study in the United States. With these qualifications, he is flexible enough to apply to different jobs in different sectors and you can probably guess where he works now. It is also easier to do joint degrees as a grad student in American universities. In other words, you can be running a M.B.A/J.D program at the same time with your initial Master of Science in Psychology - you graduate with two top notch degrees that will give you a big advantage in the job market.
Although, it takes longer(2years) to bag a Master's degree in the U.S but it's mostly worth it for students who know their onions. More so, many grad school programs in the United States make it mandatory for you to go on internship abroad or within the U.S for about 3months. My mentee that I talked about earlier on had his internship in Vienna with one of the international organizations there - his entire internship expenses were fully funded by his American university. Opportunities like interning abroad as a grad student strengthen your profile and make you more formidable in the job market. The U.K grad schools largely do not give the room for this kind of flexibility offered by American universities.

2. THERE ARE MORE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
If you are a strong candidate applying to an American university, you are very likely to secure scholarships and fellowships that will help cover most(if not all) expenses of your grad school education. Schools in the U.K are not as generous as American schools when it comes to funding/scholarships. A very significant percentage of the grad students in American universities study on full-scholarships. You can Google and read about the KNIGHT HENNESSEY SCHOLARSHIP initiative for grad students at Stanford University - this is just one American university.

3. DIVERSE LEARNING COMMUNITY.

American universities attract the highest number of foreign students in the world. They are the first choice of most international students globally.


4. WORLD CLASS FACULTY AND TOP CLASS FACILITIES.


5. A HIGH CHANCE OF BEING RETAINED TO PURSUE THE AMERICAN DREAM.

Particularly for those who have made the best use of their two years.

•CONS( Disadvantages of Studying in the United States)•


1. IT IS SUPER EXPENSIVE.

American universities are by far the most expensive in the world. For most programs in US R1 Universities, your tuition/school fees alone will cost you around $40,000(roughly 15million naira/per year) a year as an international student. Some programs in universities like UCHICAGO and Stanford even cost as high as $60,000 - $73,000 in tuition/per year. Most Master's programs in the United States also take two years to complete. Thus, tuition for a two-year Master's degree program(at the rate of $45,000/year may gulp over 30million naira from you).

2. THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESSES ARE MORE STRINGENT AND COMPETITIVE COMPARED TO THE U.K

Many grad school programs in the United States - particularly in R1 universities require you take standardized tests like G.R.E and even TOEFL in some instances. This means more funds are injected into the application process and more candidates to compete with their test scores. While some programs in different American universities now waive the G.R.E test - many have begged to differ and I've instead stuck to their gun.

3. IT TAKES LONGER

In the United Kingdom, you are most likely to bag your Master's degree in the course of just one academic year in a similar program(as a grad student in the U.S) but this is not the case in the United States. The American educational system will keep you in the libraries and classrooms for at least one more year - buried in research works, readings and paper writing.


4. American ENGLISH
If you ever get to visit the United States, you will realize that their pronunciations are to an extent different from the British(Water is pronounced as
"WADAR" in the United States). If you grew up in Nigeria and your parents could not afford to send you to secondary schools like B.I.S, LEKKI British School, GRANGE and the likes - you may struggle to communicate with Americans on your first few days on campus.

5. EXPOSURE TO WHAT MAY SEEM TO BE NEGATIVE CULTURAL INFLUENCES.

Particularly for those who are conservatives - you may find it inconvenient and shocking.



•GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE U.K•

British universities are no doubt some of the best in the world. They exude class, history and culture. From the classrooms to the libraries, you see students and faculty members making efforts to build on legacies that have defined their excellence and greatness for decades.

PROS(Advantages)

(1). CHEAPER OPTION

Compared to American universities, the U.K offers a similar world-class education for cheaper tuition fees. A Master's degree program that will cost you $40,000(just school fees/tuition) a year in a R1 American University will cost you less than $25,000 in the United Kingdom. It is also pertinent to remember that you are paying the $25,000 just for a year in the U.K but in the U.S.A - you are paying the $40,000 twice. To put things in perspective, the school fees for a Master's degree in the U.K will cost you less than $30,000(less than 10million naira) while a similar program in the United States will cost you at least $80,000(about 30million naira).


(2). EASIER TRANSITION TO NIGERIAN SYSTEM

(3). MORE RESERVED AND PEACEFUL

This is the major reason why some Nigerian politicians pick U.K schools over American universities. Many people see the extreme social/cultural exposure in the United States as destructive. Although, there are still a lot of Nigerian elites whose children study and live in the United States - particularly those in the National Assembly. In fact, Nigerian business men and investors still pick the United States(Canada taking over now) over the U.K as the most preferred destination for their children.

(4). WORLD CLASS FACULTY AND FACILITIES

(5). EASIER TO SECURE STUDENT VISA COMPARED TO THE CURRENT TRUMP USA - PARTICULARLY FOR APPLICANTS BASED IN NIGERIA

The United States now extremely scrutinize their student visa application process. In the past, once you secure admission into an American university, you are almost 100% assured of a U.S F1 visa. These days, the rate of F1 visa denials is shocking; even candidates with scholarships and good immigration history are being denied visas. Some even struggle to secure visa interview appointments in Lagos and Abuja. Currently, compared to Trump's America, the U.K is more relaxed when it comes to student visa issuance.



CONS(Disadvantages).

(1). Less Funding/Scholarships
Although U.K schools do offer decent scholarships to impressive applicants, they are way less generous compared to American universities.
Apart from scholarship initiatives like CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP and Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for U.K universities - there are no many funding opportunities for prospective grad students - compared to the United States - where even a research fellowship or a G.S.A/T.A with a professor can cover all your tuition and living expenses for two years. American universities by far have bigger endowments and funding when compared to U.K schools.

(2). Grad School Admissions are largely hinged on CGPA

American universities tend to look at a candidate's entire profile(leadership, research, volunteer experiences etc) when making admission decisions but U.K schools are more particular about CGPA.


(3). DESPITE BORIS JOHNSON'S FRESH 2-YEAR OFFER TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS; THE U.K IS YET TO RE-AFFIRM ITSELF AS THE PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR A POTENTIAL FOREIGN WORKER/IMMIGRANT.


Best of luck.



Ayobami Olorundare writes from Canada; 20th of September, 2019. He can be reached on Twitter.

94 Likes 19 Shares

Education / Re: Nigerian Universities Break Into Top 500 World University Ranking by Passion2009: 4:38pm On Sep 13, 2019
frog12:
i hear dem dey bribe teachers for LASU



This is not true. It used to happen some years ago but the university under the current VC has flushed out many of the bad eggs. Make a research on recent happenings in LASU over the past 3years - LASU is now a World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence.
Education / Re: Nigerian Universities Break Into Top 500 World University Ranking by Passion2009: 12:47pm On Sep 12, 2019
Teejayphillip:
Abeg Shey Lagos’s state University (LASU) nor dey the list? grin grin grin...


That school nearly kill man destiny....

Thank God for Lagos Business School


LASU is a very good school. Many LASU products end up at Harvard and Oxford - you can Google out recent LASU graduates that emerged as the best graduating students(Master's level) from schools like Oxford and Harvard. I am a LASU product and I'm saying this based on experience.
Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 15 by Passion2009: 8:58pm On Aug 02, 2019
MyCaseIsDiffere:


Joke or not, there is a big lesson to learn from this. My Professor would always say, " woe to those who think experience is the best teacher because it is actually the worst. Precept is the best teacher. Precept is the experience of others."

It saddens me to share my experience as relating to the young man's comedy post of a proposed transcript to study in Harvard. I am also not so saddened cos I am sure this will help someone. The post caught my attention, cos I was initially like, " Oh, wow! Someone going to my school? We can certainly link up". But my bubble bursted when I realized that it was only a satire. For those who can remember, I shared earlier how I got denied a student visa, 4 times. Even though; I carried an I-20 from Harvard, with full tuition waiver plus stipends; I had a bank statement from an account in Atlanta with over $40k genuinely set aside for my studies; Plus a GA position. Chai! The pride that followed me to my first interview no make me see road pass. I answered all the questions arrogantly, who born their father? Chai! Pride is a demon oooo. I was so proud that I didn't alter a single sir/ma. I held my Harvard folder with so much air of importance. And with the same pride, the VOs gave me the blue slip 4 solid times.

LESSONS TO BE LEARNT: You are not superior to any VO as long as long as your visa interview is concerned. IVY school I-20 holders, get rejected too. No one cares, even if you were the best overall graduating student in your alma-mater; as long as you cannot answer the questions thrown at you to the satisfaction of the VO, rejection is sure. Be confident but DON'T BE PROUD! IVY league school is no substitute to preparation. Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! I read Shawarma's appreciation script and the wise counsel texrem gave her. If only someone had said that to me before my previous interviews. If only I was even humble enough to read Nairaland like my dear friend pleaded with me to. As long as you are reading this, I am sure you wouldn't make the same mistakes that I made.

There is safety in multitudes of counsel. God bless Nairaland and God bless you all. Happy Weekend. angry��

Good evening.
Have you been able to sort out your visa challenges?

2 Likes

Travel / Re: General USA Student Visa Enquiries-part 15 by Passion2009: 9:55pm On Jul 20, 2019
Justabama:
please I need advice on flights from Lagos to New York, I have been using skyscanner and student universe and so aft av seen 309k to New York through Ethiopian Airlines, my friend I the US however said it isn't a good idea considering the safety... please what are your views?.....and if you have any other recommendation cos am very cost effective

Safety as how? You mean your friend has safety concerns around Ethiopian Airline?

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