Author: Oladipo Grace

Wellbeing
By Oluwakemi Oladipo
Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The management of University of Lagos has reaffirmed commitment to the wellbeing of the students of the institution.
The Head, Communication Unit of the institution, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, who stated this in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos, also urged the students to take advantage of the available academic and social support programmes within the university.
Alaga-Ibraheem said that the students’ wellbeing had always been the priority of the university.
“This statement is to give an update on the viral social media report depicting the sub-par home condition of a 300-level student of the institution.
“The management wishes to appreciate members of the university community and other stakeholders for the outpour of concern and support, following the release of the report.
“We have concluded investigations into the report as well as held interactions with the student and producer of the video.
“The student, who has since relocated from the flooded building into the home of one of her guardians, has accepted the university’s offer of accommodation on campus for the rest of her academic sojourn in Unilag,” she said.
Alaga-Ibraheem said that the student had also expressed gratitude to the donors who had credited her account and that of the video producer with donations running into millions of naira.
According to her, the university management understands the desire of individuals and organisations to offer assistance to indigent students.
“We wish to advise that appeals on the basis of being a student of Unilag should be verified through our Students’ Affairs Division through phone call: +234 818 537 0948 or email: dsa@unilag.edu.ng before donations are made,” she said.
The official noted that the university had various programmes for registered indigent students and was accessible through the students’ affairs division.
These, according to her, include: “Indigent Students’ Scheme (provision of funds, meal tickets and raw food items), Triple A: Adopt-An-Akokite Project, Unilag Scholars’ Award Scheme, Work-Study Programme and Pay for Mentors Project.
“We, therefore, implore those who wish to support any indigent student(s) to contact our Students’ Affairs Division through phone call: +234 818 537 0948 or email: dsa @unilag.edu.ng, to key into any of these programmes,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that earlier in the month, a video clip of a 300-level female student studying Biology Education in the university had gone viral over her poor living condition.
NAN also reports that the institution’s management had stepped in to help the student. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Advocacy

By Oluwakemi Oladipo

Lagos, June 27,2024 (NAN) Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN),  a former Vice-Chancellor of  Lagos State University, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association to collaborate with the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to advance  public interest advocacy.

He said that judiciary systems, including NBA, were critical to social change.

Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law, made the appeal at the 2024 Alao Aka-Bashorun Public Lecture organised by NBA, Ikeja Branch, on Thursday in Lagos.

The  lecture had the theme: “Public Governance in Troubled Times: Safeguarding the Rule of Law in Nigeria”.

The professor said that NBA could amplify its efforts through strategic collaboration with CSOs and the media, particularly by spearheading public interest  advocacy and litigation.

“Currently, the NBA and its members are part of what I term the Rescue Nigeria Project.

“The time has come to elevate our engagement from mere involvement to unwavering commitment.

“Together, we can create a future where justice, integrity and accountability are not just ideals but realities. All hands must be on deck.

“I must laud CSOs and  the media for their pivotal roles as catalysts for change because vigilant oversight is crucial in elevating public sector performance and steering Nigeria towards good governance,” Fagbohun said.

He added that judiciary must live up to its potential to sanction actions driven by narrow political and economic self-interest, thereby ensuring realisation of the promise of equal justice under the law.

“It is common for members of the political class to flip-flop either along party lines or to sustain dominance, privileges and advantages.

“It is for the court to remain steadfast in checking system abusers.

“Our courts cannot continue to be held back from effective service delivery by poor pay,  facilities and infrastructure,” Fagbohun said.

He noted that there were efforts to improve judicial remuneration through the Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria.

“This must be accompanied by effective strategies to hold judicial officers accountable. Only then will the rule of law become meaningful.

“Aka-Bashorun’s impact and leadership were not just about holding a position; they were about inspiring a movement and uniting a community towards a common goal.

“He demonstrated that true leadership requires not only vision but also the courage to act decisively in the face of injustice,” Fagbohun said.

He said that there was every reason for the NBA to be concerned about safeguarding the rule of law amidst crisis confronting public governance.

“It is through public governance that governments seek to enhance the social welfare of their citizens,” Faghoun said.

Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court said that discipline was important in the legal profession.

“The ones coming behind us should see  values and morals in the judicial system.”

Soladoye said that the essence of the lecture was to encourage players in the judicial sector to  do the right thing at  all  times.

“I appeal to us to move this profession forward,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr Segun Alao Aka-Bashorun thanked NBA for  celebrating his father’s legacy for the past 40 years.

Aka-Bashorun said that he would  want lawyers and judicial officers and workers   to advocate local government autonomy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKG/IGO 

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

ASUU

By Oluwakemi Oladipo

Lagos, June 25,2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Lagos State University of Education  (ASUU-LASUED)  Chapter, has called on Lagos State Government and the university’s management to address its demands without delay. 

The union had planned a peaceful rally for Tuesday but it did not hold. It eventually had a congress instead.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that security operatives, which comprised military personnel and policemen were seen on Tuesday at the main gate of LASUED, Otto/Ijanikin over the planned peaceful rally.

The Chairman of ASUU-LASUED,  Mr Akolade Lapite, told journalists after the congress that the union took a far-reaching decision about numerous internal demands.

Lapite said  that the  ASUU was committed to ensuring  justice and fairness in the university. 

“We gathered here in unity and determination to address critical issues that affect the welfare and rights of our members at LASUED.

“Among the internal demands agitating members is non-payment of 72 months arrears of hazard and transport allowances (for the past six years) which is put at N1.2 billion,” he said.

The chairman added that the union was unhappy  at non-remittance of pensions arrears of its members in spite of their commitment to duties under challenging conditions. 

He listed other demands to include  rightful placement of lecturer II  and incremental steps payment.

Lapite said that it was imperative that the issues should be resolved promptly to  ensure continued dedication of the union’s members.

“We trust that the Lagos State Government and the university’s management will give these matters the attention they deserve and take decisive actions to alleviate the hardship faced by our members.

“Today, we stand united not just for ourselves but for the integrity and future of education in Lagos State,” he said.

Lapite said that ASUU-LASUED members deserved fair treatment, respect and  payment of their entitlements.

“We will not rest until justice prevails and our university community thrives once again.

“There is also countless number of unresolved demands between the Federal Government and ASUU at the national level,” he said. 

Reacting, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, confirmed that the peaceful protest did not hold.

Bidemi-Lafiaji expressed confidence that most of the demands of ASUU-LASUED would be addressed by the state government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKG/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Training

By Oluwakemi Oladipo

Lagos, June 19,2024 (NAN) Two technology organisations, SIID Africa  and Tech4Dev, in collaboration with America Corner, on Wednesday  trained students of Lagos State University of Science and Technology on Artificial Intelligence.

The Dean of Students Affairs of the institution, Dr Ademola Aderogba, said at  the training in Lagos that Artificial Intelligence would equip the students to compete favourably with their peers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

“I appreciate the organisers of the programme for staging a technological advancement programme in the university.

“This training will make the students to achieve  proper knowledge about Artificial Intelligence which is evolving globally.

“I admonish the students to always attend a programme like this to make them more knowledgeable,” he said.

One of the resource persons, Mr Samuel Odusanya from SIID Africa, said that Artificial Intelligence was relevant in all aspects of human endeavours.

Odusanya urged the students to leverage the training and develop Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions to human problems.

He, however, advised that the students should  not totally displace the functionalities of the human brain by relying on Artificial Intelligence.

Another resource person, Mr Muiz Chika, said that Artificial Intelligence would be the future and  had come to stay.

Chika advised the students to take advantage of the training to explore the future without any form of ambiguity.

“AI can be useful in areas such as research, book writing, medical field and any other fields you will find yourselves  as the future unfolds.

“Embrace AI with curiosity, creativity and courage as it will help you to carry out various tasks,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKG/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Accreditation

By Oluwakemi Oladipo

Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State University (LASU) has secured National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation for 44 courses following an exercise conducted by the body in October and November 2023.

The Vice -Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, made this announcement in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, in Lagos.

Olatunji-Bello said that the result showed that 43 of the 44 courses assessed secured full accreditation, with only one course, ‘Computer Science Education’ getting interim accreditation.

“The result translates to about 99 per cent pass mark, which is another unprecedented record in the university’s recent history.

“It also marks another milestone in the achievements of six strategic goals of the current administration, the first of which is the accreditation of courses,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello listed the accredited courses to include MSc. Banking and Finance, MSc. Insurance, MSc. Marketing, MSc. Transport Management, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management Insurance.

Also listed are Management Technology, Marketing, Public Administration, Transport Management, Agriculture, Fisheries, French, History and International Studies, Philosophy and Portuguese.

Others include Theatre and Media Arts, Mass Communication, Computer Science, Business Education, Education Arabic, Education Economics, Education Management, Education Mathematics, Education Technology and Health Education.

On the list are also Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, Chemical and Polymer Engineering ,Electronics and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Common and Islamic Law, Dentistry, Medicine and Surgery.

The rest are Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Microbiology, Zoology, Economics, Geography and Planning, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.

Olatunji-Bello appreciated the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, members of the governing council and all stakeholders in the LASU Project for the success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OKG/OIF/SOA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Oluwole Sogunle

Award

By Oluwakemi Oladipo and Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State University (LASU) has awarded honorary doctorates to Prince Tajudeen Olusi (OON), Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Lagos and Prince Samuel Adedoyin, an Industrialist.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, announced this at the 27th convocation award of academic and professional doctorate degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and rank of Emeritus Professor on Thursday in Lagos.

Olatunji-Bello said that Olusi was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature (History, Education and Community Development) Honoris Causa).

“While Adedoyin received the award of Honorary Doctor, Humane Letters (Commerce,  Industry and National Development).

“I congratulate these illustrious personalities on being found worthy of these awards by the Senate of this university for their contributions to the growth and development of the institution and society in general,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello added that two professors were also awarded; Prof. Martins Anetekhai as an Emeritus Professor and Prof. Amidu Sanni awarded as a distinguished professor.

“Today’s ceremony, therefore, marks the concluding event of this convocation and a symbolic moment of fulfilment and pride for 89 Doctors of Philosophy.

“Sixty-six Professional Doctoral Degrees graduands who have demonstrated exemplary character and academic prowess to earn the highest degree of our esteemed university.

“The convocations have been held annually without fail, a pointer to the stability and consistency that have sustained the finest academic tradition for which the university is renowned,” she said.

The vice-chancellor said that in the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution admitted the first set of students into 20 approved programmes in five new faculties and schools.

She said: “the faculties are the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, School of Library, Archival and Information Science, the first in West Africa and second in Africa.

“The last faculty being the School of Tourism, Films, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies.

“We also secured approval to mount nine additional courses for the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative STEM Education (ACEITSE) under the B.Sc Degree programme.”

She assured that her administration was committed to positioning LASU as a preferred research and learning hub for thousands of prospective students yearning for the most up-to-date knowledge.

“I call on other philanthropists and well-wishers, men and women of goodwill, to emulate this generous spirit by instituting an endowment, or donating projects to LASU.

“To the graduands of today, I congratulate you once again and wish you the best in your future endeavours,” Olatunji-Bello said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKG/OAF/COF

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

NUC

By Oluwakemi Oladipo and Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN)  Mr Chris Maiyaki,  Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC),  has charged graduating students of Lagos State University  (LASU) to remain vibrant and relevant.

Maiyaki gave the charge  at the 27th Convocation Ceremonies  of LASU on Thursday, during which he also urged that education approach must be adaptive, innovative forward-thinking – NUC

Thursday’s ceremony was for award of academic and professional doctorate degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and emeritus professorship.

He said that Nigeria’s  future would depend on the commitment and competence of the younger generation who would soon take over.

“By redirecting our focus towards modern processes, we lay the foundation for a vibrant, relevant and globally-competitive educational system.

“Let us remain steadfast in our dedication to producing competent and dedicated professionals  who will shape the future of our great nation.

“It is, therefore, with great enthusiasm and optimism that I join you in this significant event that brings together the pillars of our nation’s educational landscape.

“Our approach to education must be adaptive, innovative and forward-thinking,” he said.

According to Maiyaki,  education is a dynamic and evolving field.

He said that  the role of universities in the transformative process could not be overstated, given emerging issues in the 21st Century.

“We need to equip our universities with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare students for the demands of this century.

“As the flagship regulatory agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the NUC has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of tertiary education in our nation.

“The NUC has made significant strides in advancing information and communication technology penetration within the Nigerian education system,” he said.

Maiyaki added that since 2009, the NUC had led in implementing various programmes  aimed at integrating Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodologies, in line with global best practices.

He said that through the initiatives, university staff had been empowered to harness technology for enhanced student engagement.

“Additionally, the establishment of ODL centres by universities has expanded access to education, making it more inclusive,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews)

OKG/OAF/IGO 

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Convocation
By Oluwakemi Oladipo
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN)  Lagos State University (LASU) on Wednesday conferred Bachelor’s  Degree on 8,477 students and postgraduate degrees and Postgraduate Diploma on  2164.

The university made the conferment at its 27^th Convocation Ceremonies (2022/2023 academic session).

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who gave the figures, said that 153 students made First Class Bachelor’s Degree.

According to Olatunji-Bello, students who secured Bachelor’s Degree include 3,029 with second class  (upper division), 4,350, who  made second class  (lower division) and 715, with third class.

The vice-chancellor added that 33 graduated with pass.

“We have 178 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) pass, and 17  Bachelor of  Dental Surgery (BDS) pass,’’ she said.

She said that, of the 2,164 postgraduate students, 375 secured Postgraduate Diploma and 962, Academic Master’s Degree.

According to the vice-chancellor, 672 got Professional Master’s Degree, while 89 got Doctor of Philosophy, and 66, Professional Doctoral Degree.

“Olaniyi Olawale of Accounting Education programme, with a CGPA of 4.98 (First Class Honours ) is our best graduating student for the 2022/2023 academic session,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello urged the graduating students to stand out anywhere they would find themselves.

“Do not be swayed by the appeal of immediate gratification; be resolute in saying no to invitations from friends  to join the bandwagon of those who take pleasure in shortchanging the system for immediate or pecuniary gains.

“Instead, train your mind to embrace diligence and honest labour.

“Remember, as they say, that honesty is the best policy, and there is a greater reward for diligence.

“Measure your success by how much you evolve, not necessarily by how much you win,” she said.

Olatunji-Bello thanked Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for support in the development of the university.

“LASU takes seriously its mandate to train quality manpower equipped with the requisite skill sets to meet the needs of the industries in Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OKG/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Future

By Oluwakemi Oladipo/Oluwatope  Lawanson

Lagos, June 4 ,2024 (NAN) A former Minister of Works and Housing, Dr Babatunde Fashola, has charged fresh graduates  and other youths to  embrace the future with skills, technology and self-discipline.

Fashola said on Tuesday that the youth would need to prepare for enormous possibilities of prosperity that  would elevate the human race.

The former Governor of Lagos State gave the charge at the 27th Convocation Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU).

The Convocation Lecture had the theme: “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity”.

“After all the celebrations, you need to reflect and remember this part; self-discipline. It will show you the way away from drugs, crime, belief in wealth without work, and search for miracles of wealth.

“Only hard work provides sustainable wealth; not rituals, not fake pastors or imams, and not trafficking in illicit drugs.

“Self-discipline will be the element that completes all the work your parents and guardians have done and what your lecturers have done.

“It will concretise your character and define your reputation. It will be the compass for your integrity and determine whether you are worthy of trust,” Fashola said.

 The former minister added that the students were graduating into a world of technology at a time when talent was been rewarded at an unprecedented level.

“One generation ago, there was no internet as we know it today. Google Maps today was a story I read in the Newsweek or Time Magazine… in 1985 to 1986, of a plan to digitally map the surface of the earth.

“Today, I use the platform to find locations and it is now helping to predict travel time because something new has been added to it – artificial intelligence – based on extensive supercomputing powers.

“The world that awaits you is a world where human beings have developed enormous machine learning capacities,” Fashola said.

He told the graduating students that education they received at LASU would take them somewhere in their journey of life but would not be enough.

“You will require many more things, including continuing education in the formal and informal way. Life becomes meaningless the day we stop learning.

“Some things, as you know it today, will not exist in a few years’ time. Some jobs that you aspire to, may be gone before you know it.

“Whatever the losses, the gains will surpass them. Your world and the future it promises will be more exciting and more prosperous.

“The early foretaste of the impact of artificial intelligence is that it is positive for mankind,” Fashola said.

He added that determination and hard work, collective belief in new and innovative ideas would lead to  greater success and innovation.

“Let this serve as a reminder that fostering and investing in the potential of the next generation can lead to extraordinary achievements,” Fashola said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OKG/LAW/IGO 

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola