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 the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede (FEDPA), Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has been honoured with the Leadership Excellence and Education Icon Award in recognition of his contributions to the education sector and national development.
The award was presented by Bollyjoe Media Communications Ltd, a media and communications firm based in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Wednesday.
Presenting the award, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Joseph Uzuakpundu Bollyjoe, said Abdul-Hameed was recognised for his selfless service and transformative leadership within Nigeria’s polytechnic education system.
He noted that under the Rector’s stewardship, the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, had witnessed strategic reforms aimed at strengthening academic standards and promoting institutional stability.
According to him, the Rector’s policies have repositioned the institution for sustainable growth and aligned its technical education programmes with global best practices.
Since assuming office, the Rector has prioritised infrastructural development, administrative discipline and innovation-driven governance, earning commendations from stakeholders.
Reacting to the honour, Abdul-Hameed, described the award as a motivation to further deepen reforms and consolidate on existing achievements.
“This recognition is not just personal; it reflects the dedication of our management, staff and students who share the vision of building a globally competitive institution,” the Rector said.
He added that the polytechnic would remain committed to excellence, integrity and continuous development in line with national educational aspirations.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described the Federal Polytechnic Ayede as the best-performing among federal polytechnics established in 2021, commending its infrastructural expansion and academic stability as the institution graduated 325 students at its maiden convocation ceremony.
Tinubu, who is the Visitor to the institution, was represented by the Director, Polytechnics and Allied Institutions, Dr. Usman Ejeh. He said the polytechnic’s achievements within five years were “remarkable and strategic,” adding that its growth aligns with the Federal Government’s reform agenda for technical and vocational education.
“The Federal Polytechnic Ayede has distinguished itself among its peers established in 2021. Its commitment to infrastructure, skills acquisition, and academic stability clearly positions it as a model institution,” he said.
The President noted that his administration had introduced key reforms, including the students’ loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, curriculum modernisation, infrastructural renewal, and digital skills expansion to reposition the education sector.
“We are determined to build institutions that will produce innovators, entrepreneurs, and solution providers for our economy,” he added, urging the management to consolidate on existing gains.
Earlier, the Rector, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, described the combined convocation for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions as a defining milestone in the institution’s history.
“We gather here today to officially present to the world the first set of graduates produced by the Federal Polytechnic Ayede. This indeed calls for celebration,” he said.
The rector expressed appreciation to Tinubu for policies aimed at strengthening technical education and acknowledged the support of regulatory and funding agencies, including the National Board for Technical Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for accreditation and infrastructural interventions that accelerated the institution’s development.
He disclosed that 138 students graduated in the 2023/2024 session and 187 in the 2024/2025 session, bringing the total number of graduands to 325.
According to him, Miss Taiwo Ibukunoluwa Arinola of Science Laboratory Technology and Mr. Olapese Quadri Ayofe of Agricultural Technology emerged as the overall best graduating students for their respective sessions with a cumulative grade point average of 3.96.
Beyond the award of National Diploma certificates, Abdul-Hameed said each graduand obtained at least two additional vocational certifications through the Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development.
“Our graduates are not just job seekers but employers of labour. We have deliberately equipped them with relevant entrepreneurial and technical competencies,” he said, adding that 68 major projects had been executed across the temporary and permanent sites through TETFund interventions, Federal Government appropriations, and donor support.
The projects, he said, include a main administrative building, ICT centre, health centre, engineering workshops, and improved power infrastructure, while the institution also recorded over 64 research projects and nine TETFund-supported fabrication innovations. He also reaffirmed the polytechnic’s resolve to relocate fully to its permanent site in Ayede, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, and appealed for improved access roads and hostel accommodation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, described the ceremony as a celebration of vision and collective commitment, urging government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the institution with critical infrastructure, particularly road networks and student hostels, through direct intervention or Public-Private Partnership arrangements. He commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and the host community for sustaining a peaceful environment, and appreciated the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, who was also the guest lecturer, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, for supporting the construction of an access road to the institution.
Fellowship awards were conferred on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji; and Dr Abubakar Isa.
The event attracted traditional rulers, including the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; the Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal; and the Aresa of Iresapupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye, as well as Senators Ayo Adeseun, Abdulfatai Buhari, prominent Ogbomoso leaders, rectors of sister polytechnics, scholars, and other dignitaries.
Education
Oyo: Speaker Abbas, NRS Chair, Adedeji to Attend Ayede Polytechnic’s Maiden Convocation as 325 Set to Graduate
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, and the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, will on Thursday grace the maiden combined convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, where no fewer than 325 students will be awarded National Diploma certificates.
The Pioneer Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, disclosed this on Monday during a pre-convocation press conference at the institution’s Permanent Site in Ayede, describing the event as “a defining milestone” in the history of the young federal institution.
“This is the first convocation of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, since its establishment on January 19, 2021, and it marks our transition from take-off to consolidation,” the Rector said.
Abdul-Hameed said the speaker would chair the convocation lecture, while the NRS boss, Adedeji would deliver the lecture titled, ‘The Role of Technology in Implementing Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Challenges and Prospects’, noting that the calibre of invited dignitaries reflected the institution’s rising national profile.
“The presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service underscores the growing relevance of the Polytechnic in national development discourse,” he said.
According to the Rector, the combined convocation covers the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions and will span six days, featuring a novelty football match, convocation lecture, award of National Diploma certificates, and the conferment of fellowship honours.
He disclosed that 138 students completed their programmes in the 2023/2024 academic session, while 187 students graduated in the 2024/2025 session, bringing the total number of graduands to 325.
On academic expansion, Abdul-Hameed said the Polytechnic commenced academic activities in 2023 with four National Diploma programmes but has grown to run 13 fully accredited ND programmes across five schools.
“We currently operate across the Schools of Engineering, Environmental Technology, Management Sciences, Science and Technology, and Agricultural Technology, all with full NBTE accreditation,” he stated.
The Rector attributed the institution’s rapid growth to sustained support from the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside interventions from the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Board for Technical Education, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
“These interventions have strengthened our capacity in programme accreditation, staff development, and infrastructure delivery,” he said.
Abdul-Hameed further revealed that the Polytechnic had executed 68 major infrastructural, ICT, and utility projects across its Permanent and Temporary campuses, adding that work was ongoing on the access road linking the Permanent Site from Idi-Araba.
“While we have made significant progress, we still require support in access roads, student hostels, power supply, water facilities, and digital infrastructure to sustain our growth,” the Rector appealed.
-
Politics1 week agoOyo Assembly Hopeful, Ramon congratulates Beelolari on his emergence as Ibarapa East APC chairman
-
Politics2 days agoIbarapa East Assembly Hopeful, Ramon Congratulates Ajiboye, Says Emergence Good for Oyo APC
-
Politics6 days agoMakinde: My Successor Must Be Loyal to Oyo, Not Me
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Former Oyo Deputy Governor Adeyemo Emerges APC Chairman (See Full List)