Education
Lead City varsity to commence open distance learning programme soon – VC hints
The first privately-owned university in Oyo state, Lead City University, Ibadan, on Thursday, disclosed that its Open and Distance Learning Programme is expected to commence very soon.
Professor Kabiru Adeyemo , the Vice Chancellor of the institution, who disclosed this during a ‘breakfast media chat’ organised by the Southwest Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, also noted that the programme would assuage the yearnings of Nigerians, especially those who are outside the country, by providing quality education and skills they need, no matter their status or circumstances.
“All our programmes are domiciled on the campus, we don’t have any programme outside the campus; but we are highly effective on online teaching. For now we are trying to apply NUC for distance learning so that people that are outside Nigeria will be able to have access to us in terms of quality education that will develop students’ competencies and skills that they needed for a successful life and satisfying employment”, Adeyemo said.
As part of its commitment to ensure uninterrupted academic activities capable of disrupting the university’s calendar for 2019/2020 academic session, the school administrator explained that Lead City University was the first institution in the state to commence online lectures during the period of COVID-19 lockdown in the country.
Speaking further, the university don ascribed quality teaching and learning to the rhythmic success stories recorded by Lead City University, adding that the citadel of learning has continued to attract highly qualified academic staff to all departments in addition to the pioneer staff who have been working tirelessly to lay a solid foundation of excellence that has enhanced the status of the institution among its peers.
“The University has also attracted a number of experienced senior academic staff from various Universities to take up lectureship position”.
He added, “many of our dedicated and resourceful academic staff carried out various cutting edge research that enhance life changing and value-based service in the year under review which resulted into notable inventions and innovations.
“There is a Quality Assurance Unit that monitors teaching to ensure that lectures and tutorials hold as at when due. Co-teaching is also encouraged, at least two lecturers are assigned to teach a course to ensure quality. The University has a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training. Students also graduate with at least two vocational skills based on their individual interests and choices”.
Professor Adeyemo informed that the institution has continued to explore partnerships and collaborations from across the world, stressing that the “ linkages and international collaborations foster global competency and the sharing of experiences towards the attainment of global academic best practices”.
This, he said, has provided opportunity for the staff and students to work with the best of their peers and to gain access to complementary resources, equipment and knowledge.
His words, “This is because of our belief that it is only through such partnerships and collaborations that the university can project itself within emerging global systems of higher education. It is instructive to note that the University has several active Memoranda of Understanding with other Institutions both locally and internationally.
“The Lead City University, Ibadan has become a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Association of Commonwealth Universities provides and administers scholarships, academic research and leadership on issues in the sector, and promotes inter-university cooperation and the sharing of good practice, helping universities serve their communities”, the Vice Chancellor said
He hinted that the institution owns an effective system that forbids excuse or excuses, adding that the employees; both academic and non academic staff are expected to deliver.
“There is an effective system whereby there is no room for any excuse or excuses, and if anybody fails to perform his or her own duty it will affect the system. At Lead City University, we don’t take excuse, everybody must be on the same page because you’re expected to do what you’re being employed for.
“We want to make sure that we maximize and give our students the best, in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. When the students write the exams , lecturers will go and collect the exams and in two weeks, the result is ready”, Professor Adeyemo submitted.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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