Education
Book Review: Varsity Don Endorses Bola Olusanya’s ‘Nocturnal Notes’
Professor Sheriff Folarin from the Covenant University, Ota in Ogun State, Nigeria has recently endorsed the first public collection of poems by Bola Olusanya which he titled ‘Nocturnal Notes’.
Prof Folarin’s endorsement came via his review of the book during the week and has thus, suggested that the literary work should be purchased by all discerning minds.
The author, Bola Olusanya has spent the last 20 years in the financial services sector, mostly managing investments for endowments, foundations and pension plans. ‘Nocturnal Notes’ is his first published collection of poems, written between 1993 and 1996 during his college years at the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria.
At UI, he was the Vice President/Editor-in-Chief of the Union of Campus Journalists as well as the Editor-in-Chief for both the Zik Hall Press and the Computer Science Dept. Press.
He holds an MBA in Finance from Emory University, an MS in Computer Science from the University of Lagos and a BS (First Class) in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan. He attended Mayflower School, Ikenne and currently resides with his wife and two sons in McLean, Virginia, the United States of America.
Find below, the details of the university don’s submissions:
Book Review By Sheriff F. Folarin
Book Title: Nocturnal Notes
Author: Bola Olusanya
Book Site: www.nocturnal-notes.com
Number of Pages: 112
Number of Chapters: 8
Publisher: Barnes & Noble, USA
Bolajoko Olusanya presents and shares his youthful situations, thoughts, anxieties, fears, hopes, expectations, fantasies and joys in this captivating collection of poems, Nocturnal Notes. Like the title suggests, these were late-night inflections, reflections and ruminations of a young adult, whose prevailing conditions and circumstances brought out the philosopher in him. Like his forebears in the theatrics or artistry of poetry, life’s vagaries and prospects are captured in creative pieces of short philosophies exponentially posited in a few lines.
There is no doubt that growing up must have been a mixed bag for the author, who divided the world and the different cosmologies he encountered into eight chapters of poetry. The first chapter, Culture and Values, shares fun memories of cultural elements learned from the home, extended family context and among peers. For instance, “The Delinquent” foretells the future peace parents will enjoy if they train up their children in the way they should go.“New Year Ritual” tells of the traditional African way of praying into a new year to beacon unto peace and plenty, and “Saint Nicotine” warns of the allures and traps of addictive tobacco smoking. “When the Eagles Line Up” celebrates the conquests of the Nigerian senior national soccer team, which was dominant in Africa and impressive in world engagements in the mid-1990s, the era of the author’s sojourn as a Computer Science student at the premier university in Nigeria. The fun fades away in Chapter Two, Hardship, in the poems “Molue,” “NEPA” and “Is it Christmas at all?”In these pieces, the author vividly presents the ludicrously difficult lifestyle encountered daily by the common people in Lagos, Nigeria.
One sometimes tends to erroneously imagine, through the artistic manner of philosophizing Death and Heartbreak as gleaned from Chapter Three, whether the author in his youthful days, was not a little too obsessed with these two trajectories. Indeed, a deeper look at “Anticlimax,” “Crocodile Tears,” “Adam’s Dues” and “Lamentation” tend to betray the wailing of a love-struck heart, broken, not once, not twice, but perhaps several times. “Crocodile Tears” and “Lamentation” suggest the heartbroken lover’s eventual realization of the treachery and deceit of fake love. On the other hand, “Ultimate Specky,” describes the bravery and killing in his prime of Akin Sowoolu (Ultimate Specky), a student leader, during the senseless violent clashes between students of two neighboring academic campuses.“Death Be Not Proud – A Song for Adoroh” eulogizes Augustin Adoroh, a student who died of kidney failure, while challenging the myth surrounding demises of beloved ones, and “Ageless Gadfly,”is a touching tribute to Tai Solarin, the foremost educationist and human rights activist. Together, these poems demonstrate not an obsession per se, but a contempt for the pains caused by sudden exits of good people.
Reviewed Nocturnal Notes
In Chapter Four however, Love trumps heartbreaks and disappointments as the narrative changes to heartwarming (could also be heartbreaking) issues of life. In “Empty Room,” the musing of loneliness by a freshly love-struck heart somewhat suggests a lover that may never return because she has left for good, or who is sorely missed and earnestly yearned for to return. “Beauty by the Lakeside” depicts the lustful fantasies of a hopeful lover, and “Till Death Do Us Part”is a parody of what the wedding day vow has become – divorce, separation, etc., and not death, now “do” couples apart.
The poet’s student activism days come to play in his thoughts on democratic struggle in Chapter Five, Politics and Human Rights. “At the Gallows” laments the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa andeight other Ogoni environmental activists in Nigeria in 1995; “Endless Transition” and “Pantomime on the Throne” lampoon the manipulation of the political system to perpetuate the dictatorship of a military ruler.“Wake Me Up in September” captures the wishes of the author to have the throes of the political times pass over; while “Kashimawo” and “Aluta” represent a self-charge to keep hope alive on realization of the June 12 presidential election mandate won by MKO Abiola, and to sustain the struggle to kick out military dictatorship from Nigeria.
In Chapter Six, Religion,the author celebrates the idea of religious harmony and condemns the increasing show of crass materialism in the church. Chapter Seven is perhaps the icing on the cake in Nocturnal Notes, with Campus Life being reminisced. Of the beautiful collections on campus hood, “Idia Market” and “Akara Burger” truly capture the bitter-sweetness of university life – the booming night ‘runs’ of the female students who get the female hall serenaded from 7pm in their quest to trade off their bodies for moneybags seeking fun, and the other side of nightlife for the male students, who use the last Naira bills in their pockets to spice their evenings with bread and fresh hot bean-cakes, without which their evening was not complete.
The author reflects on the immediate past up to the present in Chapter Eight, in a series of Musings. In “Tonight, I Will Weep,” he shares his agonies and frustrations about an illness that buffeted him over two decades ago and nearly robbed him of a promising future. And in the concluding part of the chapter, “Reflections II,” he presents a nationalist gaze, lamenting the plight of his native country, Nigeria, which at 57, still has not realized its full potential or been able to overcome the same old, albeit complex, problems of national development. He then recalls the promise (and contradictions) of an America that gives hope and opportunities to the hopeless. He registers eternal gratitude for the allure of the beauty and virtues of an adorable wife and life’s fulfillment of a happy family. The essence of this epic conclusion is that despite all the odds and challenges of growing up, all is well that ends well.
Nocturnal Notes is a creative narration, by lucid poetry, of stages and encounters of life. The author is well known to me. He was my bosom friend and Vice-President/Editor-in-Chief of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) at the University of Ibadan between 1993 and early 1995. I was the President. We were partners in the struggle for nationhood between 1993 and 1997 when we graduated, and to this end, I can relate clearly to parts of the narratives in this book. I also consider him to be creative, dynamic, highly intelligent and, in fact, cerebral. With a First Class honors degree from Nigeria’s best university, what more is to be expected? However, I noticed back then that he was sometimes moody, yet could always be counted on to charm with a disarming smile when probed about his state of mind. That he has poured out everything in this book, over two decades after writing stopped, is a big gift from him to mankind. This way, whoever encounters the situations described in the poems and can relate to the circumstances depicted herein should find the book as a palliative and be emboldened that tears may endure in the night, but joy comes in the morning. Put differently, every such person can console themselves with the following – all is well that ends well!
Sheriff F. Folarin, PhD.
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
No fewer than 2,243,816 candidates on Thursday commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board across accredited Computer-Based Test centres nationwide.
The figure represents a 10.5 per cent increase from the 2.03 million candidates recorded in 2025.
The examination, which began on April 16, is being conducted in about 1,000 CBT centres nationwide, with candidates scheduled in four daily sessions to reduce congestion and improve verification processes.
The board said it had deployed biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems to safeguard the integrity of the exercise, noting that candidates whose biometric details could not be authenticated would be rescheduled.
Candidates were advised to print their examination slips from the JAMB portal to confirm their schedules and arrive at least one hour before their examination time.
Under the revised timetable, first-session candidates are expected at 7:00 a.m., followed by 9:00 a.m. for the second session, 11:00 a.m. for the third session, and 2:00 p.m. for the final session.
JAMB disclosed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with 381,814, followed by Ogun with 137,156 and Oyo with 122,662. Kaduna recorded 103,498 candidates, while the Federal Capital Territory had 102,961.
Other states include Rivers with 105,584 candidates and Kano with 83,167, while Borno and Zamfara recorded the lowest figures with 13,483 and 14,861 candidates respectively.
Outside Nigeria, participation remained low, with Côte d’Ivoire recording 32 candidates, followed by Equatorial Guinea with 16, Burkina Faso with 14, and the United Kingdom with 12 candidates.
As part of efforts to enhance efficiency, the board increased the number of CBT centres but delisted 23 centres across several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, over technical deficiencies observed during the mock examination.
The board said the action was necessary to maintain operational standards and ensure the credibility of the examination process.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed reports of insecurity at some centres, describing such claims as unfounded.
The police said it had deployed additional personnel, including patrol teams, perimeter surveillance units and rapid response squads, to ensure the safety of candidates nationwide.
The force added that it was collaborating with other security agencies to monitor the exercise and respond swiftly to any threats.
It assured parents and candidates of adequate security, urging candidates to comply with examination guidelines, arrive early and report suspicious activities.
The police also advised the public to disregard unverified information on social media and rely on official communication channels.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to transparency, warning candidates against accepting admissions outside its Central Admissions Processing System.
It stressed that any admission conducted outside CAPS would be considered illegal and would not be recognised.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test centres nationwide following technical deficiencies recorded during the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The Board disclosed this in a bulletin issued on Friday and signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, as preparations intensify for the 2026 UTME scheduled to hold across the country from April 16 to April 25.
According to JAMB, the mock examination was designed to assess operational readiness and identify centres that failed to meet the required technical standards.
“Following the conduct of the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, the Board has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test centres for technical deficiencies,” the statement read.
The Board added that several centres with minor issues had been placed on notice, warning that continued non-compliance could lead to further sanctions. It also stated that one centre would no longer be used for any of its examinations.
JAMB disclosed that a total of 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, with Lagos recording 321,814 candidates, Kaduna 303,498, the Federal Capital Territory 302,963, and Ogun 137,156.
To improve accessibility and logistics, the Board said it increased the number of approved examination centres to 1,000 nationwide, up from fewer than 800 in 2025.
However, an internal review conducted after the mock exercise revealed that some centres failed to meet operational and technical benchmarks, prompting their removal from the approved list.
The delisting followed reports of widespread technical glitches during the mock examination, including network failures, system malfunctions and delayed commencement of tests in several locations. Some candidates and parents also complained about hours-long waiting periods at affected centres.
The affected centres are located in Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Plateau states.
Among the delisted centres are Micben Seat of Wisdom Academy, Ukwa West, Abia; Bishop Crowther Seminary CBT Centre, Awka, and The Oracle Lens, Nnokwa, Anambra; Derby’s Young ICT Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa; Avid ICT Solutions CBT Centre, Asaba, Delta; and Daniet Global Resources CBT Centre, Benin City, Edo.
Others include De-Lite CBT Centre, Maitama, Abuja; Florin High School CBT Centre, Ejigbo; Folbob CBT Centre, Lakowe; Great Kezino College CBT Centre, Ikorodu; Obans CBT Centre, Ikorodu; and Teesas Learning and CBT Centre, Lekki, all in Lagos.
Also affected are Braingate Model Schools CBT Centre, Arepo, and Greenhills Academy CBT Centre, Itele, Ogun State; Oduduwa University CBT Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State; Lasting Glory Schools CBT Centre, Ibadan; Nesam International School CBT Centre, Ibadan; SAF Polytechnic CBT Centre, Iseyin, Oyo State; and Rabjib Computer Academy, Jos, Plateau State.
JAMB stated that the decision formed part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of its examination process and ensure that only centres that meet its operational requirements are used for the main UTME.
The Board assured candidates that necessary measures had been put in place to ensure a smooth conduct of the examination nationwide.
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede on Thursday matriculated no fewer than 705 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the management warning the newly admitted candidates against cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices capable of truncating their academic pursuits.
The Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo, disclosed this during the Polytechnic’s fourth matriculation ceremony held at its temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Oyo State.
Ojo described the ceremony as a historic milestone for both the institution and the new students, noting that the matriculation marked their formal admission into an academic community built on knowledge, innovation and character.
“It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to this fourth matriculation ceremony. This event signifies your formal admission into a community committed to knowledge, innovation, character and excellence,” he said.
The acting rector urged the students to remain focused and take advantage of the opportunities available to them, stressing that discipline and dedication were critical to their success.
He added, “You must take your academic work seriously and uphold the values of learning, dexterity and sound moral conduct. Avoid cultism, examination malpractice and drug abuse, as these vices can jeopardise your future and cut short your dreams.”
Representing the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the South-West Zonal Director, Elder Ayo Aroge, commended the management of the Polytechnic for its steady growth.
He charged the newly admitted students to embrace the Federal Government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training initiative to acquire practical skills and become job creators.
“Technical and vocational education remains a viable pathway to self-reliance. I urge you to exploit this opportunity and equip yourselves with relevant skills that will make you employers of labour,” Aroge said.
Ojo also paid tribute to the pioneer Rector, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and development.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved a 20-kilometre road project to improve access to the Polytechnic’s permanent site in Ayede, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area.
According to him, the road will run from Idi Araba Junction to the institution’s permanent site and extend to the Oolo community in Oriire Local Government Area, including internal access roads within the campus. The don lauded the federal government for what he described as timely intervention.
“Addressing access challenges will significantly enhance our relocation efforts and accelerate infrastructural and academic development,” he said.
The acting rector appealed to stakeholders, corporate organisations, alumni and philanthropists to partner with the institution to achieve sustainable growth.
He also appreciated parents and guardians for entrusting their wards to the Polytechnic, assuring them that the students would be groomed into responsible and productive members of society.
“Dear matriculating students, this is your beginning. Stay focused, work diligently and strive for excellence. The future is yours to shape,” he added.
Dignitaries at the event included the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola; the Registrar, Mrs. Bukola Elizabeth Dairo; the Bursar, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abiola Afolabi, represented by Deputy Bursar, Mr. Lukman Buari; and Acting Polytechnic Librarian, Mr. Dare Samuel Adeleke, among other principal officers, staff and students.
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