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
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has said that the institution’s recent accreditation as a Cisco Networking Academy Learning Centre will benefit students, staff, and the host communities, while also enhancing the school’s standing in the global digital space.
Dr Abdul-Hameed, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Protocol and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, described the feat as a major milestone in the polytechnic’s journey towards global academic relevance and digital innovation.
Cisco Systems Inc., a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, is a global leader in networking and information technology solutions.
Speaking on the development, the Rector said, “First and foremost, let me re-emphasise that our commitment to excellence at Federal Polytechnic, Ayede remains unwavering. The accreditation, granted by Cisco Systems, will enable the polytechnic to offer specialised training in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, operating systems, digital literacy, and professional development.
“These programmes align with internationally recognised certifications and are designed to equip students with job-ready skills required in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“This accreditation is a major leap for our institution as it reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a centre of excellence in technology and innovation.”
Highlighting the benefits of the Cisco-accredited centre to the institution, Abdul-Hameed noted that the collaboration would enhance the polytechnic’s credibility and attract more prospective students, given the global recognition associated with Cisco certifications.
“Additionally, the institution can enrich its curriculum with up-to-date, industry-relevant learning materials provided by Cisco. It can also leverage Cisco’s vast resources, including training and support, to improve the overall quality of its academic programmes,” he said.
The Rector further stated that the staff of the institution would also benefit from the initiative through access to Cisco’s professional training opportunities, which would keep them abreast of emerging industry trends and technologies.
“Instructors can develop their skills and gain recognition within the industry, enhancing their career prospects. They can also build networks and collaborate with other professionals and partners through Cisco’s global platforms,” he added.
On the impact on students, Abdul-Hameed described them as the greatest beneficiaries of the new accreditation.
“Our students can now earn industry-recognised certifications that will improve their employability and career growth. They will also have access to career opportunities and networking events through Cisco’s global network,” he said.
He added that the host communities stand to gain from the scheme, particularly in terms of economic development and local partnerships.
“By producing a skilled workforce, the community becomes more attractive to businesses
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
The Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has announced that its 2024/2025 matriculation ceremony will take place on Thursday, 27th March 2025.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Protocols and Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Adepoju, on behalf of the Rector, Engr. Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, the event is scheduled to hold at the polytechnic’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the statement, the academic procession will commence at 9:00 a.m., followed by the main ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
Established in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Federal Polytechnic Ayede admitted its pioneer students in the 2022/2023 academic session. Initially, the institution commenced with four departments: Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, and Statistics.
By the 2023/2024 academic session, the institution expanded its academic offerings with eight additional National Diploma (ND) programmes, increasing the total to 12. The newly introduced courses include Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Agricultural Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Tourism Management Technology, Estate Management and Valuation, Urban and Regional Planning, Accountancy, Business Administration and Management, and Public Administration.
These 12 ND programmes are structured under five academic schools, School of Agricultural Technology,School of Science and Technology, School of Engineering Technology, School of Environmental Technology and School of Management Sciences.
The institution also announced that the orientation programme for fresh students commenced on Tuesday, 25th March, and will continue on Wednesday, 26th March, at the Iresa-Pupa temporary site. The programme will feature addresses from distinguished scholars and professionals, providing guidance to the new students on academic and campus life.
Since its inception, Federal Polytechnic Ayede has recorded remarkable strides in academic excellence, infrastructural development, training and re-training, as well as sports and extracurricular activities.
