The University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, matriculated a total of 10, 018 students for the 2019/2020 academic session, CAMPUS GIST reports.
CAMPUS GIST reports that the matriculation ceremony held virtually, with a student representative from the various faculties/schools/colleges/institutes physically present.
The event took place at the University of Benin 'Akin Deko' main auditorium, with only the principal officers and few designated officials of the institution present.
Our correspondent, who monitored the event, reports that the matriculation oath was administered on the students by Acting Registrar of the school, Mr. C. I. Ehigiator.
Addressing the new students of the University, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lillian Salami, told the students to see their admittance into the institution as an opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the country.
“The motto that we proud of this university, the University of Benin is knowledge for service. You are therefore expected to bear constantly in mind and to exhibit high sense of discipline while you are in the University and outside the walls of the University.
“The University of Benin would not award its degrees to students who are found wanting in character and in learning,” she warned.
The vice chancellor also urged the new students to shun all vices capable of truncating their educational pursuits.
“You need to constantly remind yourselves that the distance between today's ceremony and your convocation is quite wide. And it is important that the journey ends successfully.
“For this to happen, you need to be regular in attendance at lectures; at least a minimum of 75 per cent is required of you to be allowed into examination halls, as well as carrying out all assignments, shunning deviant behaviours and other vices including cultism that can expose you and others to danger.”
Some of the matriculating students, who spoke to CAMPUS GIST off-camera, expressed confidence in making the institution proud.
The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Prof Edward Olanipekun, has allegedly abandoned two critically injured victims of the auto crash said to have been caused by his convoy in August this year.
CAMPUS GIST had reported how the accident, which occurred along the Ado Ekiti-Iworoko road on May 18, got Miss Ruqayat Mohammed, a 2018 law graduate of EKSU and her friend, Mr Abdulateef Oluwasegun, critically injured.
Both Ruqayat and her friend were in a Mitsubishi Lancer, one of the vehicles collided with by a vehicle in the VC’s convoy. They sustained multiple fractures in both legs and are yet to be able to walk.
To get Ruqayat on her feet, CAMPUS GIST gathered that over N1.5 million had already been spent by her parents, with no help from the VC, whose convoy allegedly caused the accident.
The VC had in a statement forwarded to CAMPUS GIST in August, said he was not directly involved in the accident. Prof. Olanipekun insisted his back up vehicle was involved in the accident after he had already passed by the scene.
The VC also disclosed that “those involved in the accident are already receiving treatment at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and they are in stable conditions.”
However, at the weekend, CAMPUS GIST gathered that all efforts made by families of the victims to get assistance from either the EKSU VC or the University had been futile.
“Even when my dad wrote a letter to the VC, seeking his assistance, we did not get any response,” Ruqayat, who has been confined to the wheelchair told reporters.
A copy of the letter by Ruqayat’s dad, Mohammed Subar, dated July 9, 2020, is reproduced below by CAMPUS GIST;
“Sir, my name is Mohammed Subar, it is with utmost humility that I write through your good and high office to notify you of the auto crash which occurred on the 18th of May 2020, involving my daughter, Miss Ruqayat Mohammed, a 2018 graduate of Ekiti State University, faculty of Law and her friend, Mr Abdulateef Oluwasegun, both Alumni of the above mentioned institution that led to multiple fractures in both legs of my daughter and her friend.
“Sir, this accident has caused my family so much and as a result we have spent over N1.4 million at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and still spending, because on the 6th of July, 2020, she was referred to National Orthopedic Centre, Igbobi, Lagos for a hip surgery.
“Attached to this letter are the copies of her pictures and the referral letter.
“Sir, this is to bring to your notice the untold hardship this unfortunate accident has caused my family and I believe strongly that by the reason of this letter, you will play a fatherly role in other to save both Ruqayat and Abdulateef’s career.
“Thanks in anticipation of your prompt response.”
It is, however, not clear if the letter got to the vice chancellor. When contacted by CAMPUS GIST, a spokesperson for the University, declined comment. He said he was not allowed to speak on the matter.
The Kogi State Government has announced the reopening of schools on September 14, 2020, inclusive of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones made the announcement at a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday.
He said government arrived at this decision after series of interaction with relevant stakeholders and assessment of both private and public schools in the state to ascertain their level of preparedness and safety for reopening of schools from COVID-19 break.
“You will recall that His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, had directed the closure of all schools from primary to tertiary institutions in the state from March 23rd, 2020, because of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“Subsequently, upon the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education, exit classes were opened for Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3 in Kogi on August 10, 2020, to particularly allow the SS3 classes to prepare and write the WAEC examination.
“Therefore, upon further review having had several meetings with relevant stakeholders, His Excellency has directed that all schools in Kogi State should fully reopen on September 14, 2020, that is two weeks from today.”
The Commissioner stressed that the state government arrived at this decision after assessing the situations of schools especially for the exit classes that had resumed, saying “we have not recorded any negative report as far as COVID-19 pandemic is concerned.”
“Hence, His Excellency(Governor Yahaya Bello) deemed it fit for every school to open for full academic activities.”
He, however, advised and encouraged all heads of every school to ensure full compliance with the COVID-19 protocols which he said had been clearly set out by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.
He noted that all these details and guidelines on COVID-19 protocols by the PTF were available and in public space.
“The ministry will review the state's Academic Calendar accordingly to reflect on the new development, and the details would be worked out and released to the relevant stakeholders in due course before resumption.
“However, we encourage that all relevant educational stakeholders like ANCOPSS, ASSUS, SUBEB, NAPPS, Heads of Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State, NUT, STETSCOM and every other stakeholders are very free to liaise with us at the ministry for further clarification.
“We are equally informing the general public, parents, guardians, schools heads that we are very particular about the health and safety of our learners in Kogi State.
“So, the State Government will not stop at anything to ensure that our learners are kept in good condition as far as Covid-19 pandemic and indeed other diseases or health issues are concerned”, he said.
He, therefore encouraged everybody to play their roles to ensure personal hygiene reiterating that personal hygiene remained the personal responsibility of everybody.
“For the higher institutions, I have personally placed direct telephone calls to the heads of all state's tertiary institutions and I had discussions with them to ascertain their level of preparedness. It appears that all of them are fully ready for schools' reopening.
“We have equally asked them to get in touch with the ministry should there be any further requirements in order for them to make their institutions safe for the benefit of students and staff,” the Commissioner said.
Mr. Danielson Bamidele Akpan, embattled president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has engaged his girlfriend, Miss Etini Etukudo.
CAMPUS GIST gathered that the event took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja on Sunday, at the birthday occasion of Mr. Akpan who has been nicknamed ‘Mugabe’.
Akpan bagged the infamous title ‘Mugabe’ following his refusal to conduct fresh elections or handover power despite the expiration of his one-year non-renewable tenure since 2019.
Though he claims elections cannot hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, Akpan is however seen in political gatherings including allegedly endorsing the re-election bids of Southern governors.
“The same coronavirus did not stop him from throwing a birthday party and flouting the existing COVID-19 protocols with his guests”, a friend of the NANS president wrote on social media.
Critics have, on so many occasion, called on Akpan to stop parading himself as NANS president, while several of his appointees have equally resigned their positions following the development.
Announcing the engagement via his social media handle, the NANS president wrote; “I rounded up (sic) my special day by proposing to my beautiful queen. Guess what, she said YES!.”
On her part, Lady Etukudo wrote; “So yesterday I said YES to our forever, I am excited to start this journey with you my darling, Danielson Bamidele Akpan. Cheers to us!!! To love, no question.”
Winterfell2: What is that law school even doing in Bayelsa sef? There's one in Abuja for the North, Enugu for the East and Lagos for the West. These are melting pots of the regions only South that will have its own in Yenagoa which is the least developed city in the region. Calabar, Warri, Port Harcourt would have been better. Most people don't even know there's a law school there. You can't keep it in PH and have it hidden. The vibe of the city will elaborate it's presence. Now it's Rivers State that wants to build hostel for them.
The Rivers State Government is to construct two new hostels that will accommodate nine hundred students each at the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The State Government, in a statement forwarded to CAMPUS GIST over the weekend, said it plans to also build a 1, 500 capacity Multi-Purpose Hall at the school.
According to the statement, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike announced this Saturday when he visited the school in company of the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma.
He said the gesture was part of the state government's contribution to the development of legal education in the country.
"Rivers State also belongs to the South-South, so we think that we should also make our own contribution. Accordingly, our State will construct two new hostels to accommodate nine hundred students each and also build a multipurpose hall that will accommodate 1,500 students.
"Ordinarily, this school was supposed to be located in Port Harcourt, but the former administration rejected the offer made to them,” he was quoted as saying.
Governor Wike noted that despite the economic challenges faced by the state, it will source funds from its scarce resources to execute the project.
He said the present economic challenges would not stop his administration from solving problems.
"This project will be executed immediately because we do not make promises without fulfilling them. I have directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to write to the Director General to forward the design, so we can commence work immediately, "he added.
The candidate of the APC in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has tasked the Police to commence the swift prosecution of the suspected killers of Uwaila Vera Omozuwa and ensure justice.
Miss Omzuwa, a 100-level microbiology student of the University of Benin, was raped and murdered in a church in Benin City where she had gone to study. Her death sparked national outrage and refocused attention on the prevalence of sexual assault and abuse of women in the country.
On Wednesday, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, paraded six suspects involved in the murder following what he described as "united efforts" of the Police, including homicide experts and State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
In a statement forwarded to CAMPUS GIST by Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of Edo APC Campaign Council, Ize-Iyamu commended the Police for the arrest but insisted that it was only the beginning of the process toward ensuring justice for the family and friends of the late Uwa.
Condemning the rape and murder of Uwa as a heinous crime, he says the perpetrators must be made to face the full weight of the law without delay, and sensitization and legal efforts to prevent and protect women from sexual assault and other forms of abuse are intensified.
The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has approved the reduction of the tuition fees payable at the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
This was contained in a circular on Thursday made available to CAMPUS GIST issued by Opeoluwa Akinfemiwa, Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council of the Institution.
He said the approval followed an earlier appeal by students, and in view of the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country on parents and students.
According to the curricular, Akeredolu directed that AAUA should consider a reduction in tuition fees in a way that quality education can still be sustained in the University.
“As a follow up to the above (directive), a meeting between the Governor, the University and the student leaders was convened,” Akinfemiwa said.
“Consequently, the Visitor has approved the underlisted reduction of tuition fees with effect from the 2019/2020 academic session, as recommended by Council.”
With the latest reduction, Science students paying N150,000 will now pay N120,000, while Social and Management Sciences are to pay N120,000 instead of N150,000.
Fee for Agricultural students was reduced from the current N150,000 to N100,000, while Arts was reduced to N80,000 from N100,000.
Education faculty students are to now pay N80,000 instead of N100,000. *Fee payable by Law students was however retained at N150,000.*
“All students are therefore advised to take advantage of the reduced fees by paying their school fees and registering for their courses without further delay,” the statement added.
CAMPUS GIST recalls that the Ondo state government had, in 2017, increased the AAUA school fees by about 200 per cent (N70,000 to N250,000), saying “the initial rates operated under the previous administration were unsustainable”.
Both the AAUA and the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa were subsequently shut following students’ agitation for fees reduction.
The reduction in tuition fee of the Adejunke Ajasin University is coming barely six weeks to the October 10 Ondo State Governorship election where incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is seeking re-election.
Samuel is CAMPUS GIST’s AAUA correspondent. ajayi.samuel@campusgist.com.ng
Director of Quality Assurance in Edo and Ondo States
He is the current Commissioner for Works-At-Large, Ondo State
The first NANS president to be appointed as commissioner during his time as NANS 01
Inspector-General of Roads Construction
Inspecting roads for Nigerian students ahead of the planned reopening of the nation's higher institutions
He is also known as Mugabe of NANS, and Paul Biya II having failed to leave office, conduct fresh election or handover upon the expiration of his one-year single tenure over a year ago.
...appreciates Edo central for massive turnout at APC rallies
The APC candidate in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has condemned the cut in funds allocated to the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma by the Obaseki-led Edo State Government.
He says the underfunding of the institution has had disastrous effects on its ability to meet its financial obligation to staff, fund research, and raise the standard of learning at the institution.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu was speaking at Emaudo, Ekpoma, at a campaign rally to round off his tour of the district following previous stops at Igueben, Ubiaja, Uromi, and Irrua where he was met by large crowds, some of whom hung on trees and climbed roofs to get a glimpse of the candidate.
He said, "The subvention to Ambrose Alli University when Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was Governor was N250million. But the Governor who pretends to love Esanland reduced it to N96million per month"
According to Ize-Iyamu, the deliberate underfunding of the institution, which led to its obtaining a bank loan to pay July salaries, and the lack of recorded achievements in Edo Central by Governor Godwin Obaseki, expose the falsehood of his 'Esan Agenda' campaign gimmick which he says he has no intention of fulfilling.
"If someone is promising you something you need to look at their actions, as action speaks louder than words. The Governor who claims to love Esan has had numerous opportunities to demonstrate that love but he repeatedly overlooked the Esan people. When his Chief of Staff resigned, they asked him to appoint an Esan person, he refused; when it was time to appoint a campaign DG, he was also requested to consider the Esan people but once again, he refused."
Pastor Ize-Iyamu said the level of turn-out at the rallies in has strengthened his confidence that his party, the APC, will win the Senatorial District contrary to the predictions of some.
"People said Edo South will be won by APC, Edo North will be won by APC but Edo Central, they are not sure. I asked, why are you not sure? They said they are not sure. But I can tell them now that I am very very sure."
"One of the reasons why they were not sure of Esanland is because the people said they have an Esan Agenda, which says that in four years' time, Obaseki will hand over to an Esan Governor. But he has not been able to say this publicly just as he cannot write his promises down."
"The very obvious fact that Governor has not made this promise publicly is all the evidence needed that he does not mean it and has no intention of fulfilling it. He merely wants to obtain the votes and support of the people through deceit, just as he did four years ago."
Staff of the Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, are currently protesting the prolonged closure of the Institution by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
CAMPUS GIST reports that the College of Agriculture staff, in their numbers, on Thursday, took to major streets in Benin City under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of the Institution.
They accused the Governor Obaseki-led Edo State Government of being insensitive to their plight. Spokesperson for the protesters, said the College had been shut for over 3 years now.
He said Governor Obaseki had shut the college under the guise that it was due for renovation and revamping, yet, three years later, the School had remained closed.
The Iguoriakhi staff lamented that high-hopes of resumption by their students have been hanging for three years now, with those who had few weeks to graduate or serve currently stranded.
Today's protest makes it about three times the College staff would be protesting in the last 30 days. A similar protest by staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor - over salary arrears - held last week.
Even though an Industrial Court sitting in Ondo had declared the closure of Iguoriakhi college as unlawful, ordering immediate reopening and payment of outstanding salaries to staff, CAMPUS GIST gathered that the state government is yet to honour the court order since last year.
Efforts to obtain comment from Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, were unsuccessful. He had, however, dismissed previous protests by the Institutions’ staff as being “politically-motivated.”
[quote author=MurderX post=92256591]Obaseki must have been facing hell if all theae people were imposed on him by Oshiomole and Tinubu. How did Taiwo Akerele, an ondo state indigene become Chief of Staff in Edo state....APC power. No wonder Obaseki couldn't breathe.[/quote]
Young man, Akerele is from Akoko Edo in Edo North senatorial district of Edo State
The Abia State Government has expressed readiness to reopen schools only for students in graduating classes (primary 6, JS3, SS3), including those in higher institutions, CAMPUS GIST reports.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the Federal Government, Monday, announced that exit classes for Nigerian secondary schools are to resume on August 4th, 2020.
The reopening of exit classes, CAMPUS GIST reported, will enable the students to have 2 weeks to prepare for their West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination which is scheduled to start on August 17, 2020.
In a statement made available to CAMPUS GIST, Tuesday, the Abia state government announced the “convocation” of a “special summit” on education to deliberate on modalities for reopening of both private and public schools in the state.
Signed by Chief John Okiyi Kalu, state Commissioner for Information, he said the approval was given by the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to enable the exit class students write their relevant local and international examinations.
“Based on the foregoing, the following stakeholders are hereby invited to attend the summit holding at the Michael Okpara Auditorium of Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday, 30th July, 2020 at 11am prompt...
“The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chairman, Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Education; The Honorable Commissioners for Education, Finance, Health, Justice, Works, Local Government and Information; The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; The Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and his Deputies.”
Others are, “The Vice Chancellor, Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu; Rectors of all Colleges and Polytechnics in Abia State, The Registrar, Examination Development Commission; Acting Chairman, Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB); Acting Executive Secretary, Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) and the Deputy Executive Secretaries; The Executive Secretary, Hospitals Management Board (HMB); and The Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency.”
Also included are, the “State Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA); Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State Chapter; Presidents of Students Union Government of State owned tertiary institutions, State Chairmen of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Three representatives of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Abia Chapter, drawn from the 3 senatorial zones of the state; and Three representatives of National Association of Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) drawn from the 3 senatorial zones of the state.”
“All the invitees must be seated before the arrival of the Governor as well as ensure strict compliance to all relevant COVID-19 protocols,” the statement added.
Dr. Stella Okotie, a staff of the University of Benin, was on Tuesday sent to early grave when a commercial bus driver running away from police extortion rammed into her.
CAMPUS GIST reports that the incident happened in Benin City at about 6:30pm along the ever-busy Benin-Lagos expressway, close to the UNIBEN main gate.
The deceased was until her demise, a lecturer at the UNIBEN faculty of Education. Aside Okotie, one person was said to have also been killed with another sustaining some injuries.
The victims were killed while a commercial bus driver was running away from the police officers who had earlier flagged his vehicle down, demanding N100 bribe.
One of the officers was said to have jumped into the moving bus and engaged in a physical struggle with the bus driver, dragging the steering wheel in the process.
According to an eyewitness, the late UNIBEN staff was standing at the walkway alongside her husband, Dr. Williams Okotie, also a staff of UNIBEN and her son when the bus hit her and their stationery UNIBEN water supply van.
“The police officers were pursuing a commercial bus in quest for money leading to a physical struggle between one of the officers and driver of the vehicle,” he told CAMPUS GIST.
“While the police was struggling the steering wheel with the driver, the bus ram into Dr. Okotie who was standing on the walk way just by the side of her vehicle killing her on the spot.”
Following the incident, the police officers fled the scene leaving behind one of their colleague who was beaten to pulp and almost left for dead by angry mob but for the quick intervention of a woman believed to be his wife.
Consequently, residents and passersby barricaded the ever-busy new Lagos road right in front of the UNIBEN Ugbowo main gate, causing heavy traffic gridlock for hours.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor could not be reached for comments. The university management is yet to issue a statement as at the time of filing this report.
In response to incident, the UNIBEN medical students are embarking on a solidarity protest on Wednesday (today) against the killing of the mother of their former colleague.
A statement issued by Comr. Goodluck Eghosa Osemwenkhae, Director of Information, Media and Publicity, on behalf of the union, said the protest would cover the police headquarters and the Edo state government house.
The Oyo State Government on Tuesday approved the release of academic calendar to guide resumption of schools and other associated educational activities in the State amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement was contained in a statement obtained by CAMPUS GIST signed by Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology. He said the approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting held today.
According to the approved calendar, Third Term 2019/2020 session has been cancelled and promotion of students, for all affected classes, will now be determined by First and Second Term Continuous Assessment.
Pry 6, JSS 3 and SSS 3 will proceed on holiday from 30th of July and resume for their Examination as follows;
*Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)- 10th to 18th August 2020
*Competitive Entrance Examination into the Schools of Science- 19th August 2020
*Placement/Screening Test to JSS1- 20th August 2020
*Placement Test into Technical Colleges- 28th August 2020
*The SSS 3 will resume for their Examination as soon as WAEC announce the date.
*The 2020/21 academic session, according to the calendar approved by the State Council is as follows;
*First Term- 21th September to 18th December 2020
*Second Term- 11th January to 9th April 2021
*Third Term- 3rd May to 30th July 2021
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology enjoins all stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the details of the academic calendar.
Education › Re: University Of Benin Matriculates 10,018 Students For 2019/2020 Session (Photos) by State001(op): 8:02pm On Sep 16, 2020
