Education
Oyo: Royal spices academy gets hostel facility, graduates 87 students
An Ibadan-based government-approved academy dedicated to providing the highest level of culinary and hospitality instruction through world-class programmes, Royal Spices Academy, on Tuesday held its 2022/2023 graduation ceremony, which witnessed no fewer than 87 graduating students being conferred with diplomas and certificates.
A breakdown of the statistics of the graduating students indicated that 27 graduated with a Diploma in Culinary, 38 graduated with a Certificate in Culinary, 3 received Diploma in Cake Making and sugar craft, 16 graduated with a Certificate in Cake making and Sugar Craft, 1 graduated with a certificate in Hotel and Hospitality Management, 1 graduated with Diploma in Pastry and Finger Foods, while 2 got Certificate in Pastry and Finger Foods.
The academy also presented an award of excellence to an eminent Nigerian, Mrs. Titilayomi Ahmadu who has made several outstanding contributions in her field and the country at large.
Similarly, in recognition of their outstanding performances and behaviours, some graduating students were also awarded. This, according to the academy, is expected to encourage them in igniting their entrepreneurial instincts.
In her address at this year’s graduation ceremony, held at Apata, Ibadan, the Rector, and Chief Executive Officer of the Academy, Dr. Olufunmi Adegbile, noted that another progress worthy of mention is the acquisition of a hostel facility for students, adding that intending students from outside Oyo state can now have easy access to accommodation.
Congratulating all the graduates whose dreams of acquiring knowledge and skills at the academy had materialised, the banker turned entrepreneur, Adegbile, further tasked them to make a difference in the hospitality sector and contribute to the realising of the academy’s dream of positively impacting the society and economy.
“We have several reasons to be grateful on this special occasion because we are also celebrating 32 years of existence of the mother company, Royal Spices. We are rejoicing and thanking God for how far He has brought us. Another progress worthy of mention is the acquisition of a hostel facility for students, and intending students from outside Oyo state can now have easy access to accommodation.
“As we turn out a new set of graduates today, we believe that we are sending out great ambassadors who will go out and make a difference in the hospitality sector and contribute to the realising of our dream of positively impacting our society and economy”, she charged.
Also commenting at the event, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Eyiwunmi Olayinka, while delivering her lecture, titled,’ Navigating Entrepreneurial Landscapes,’ emphasised that the future belongs to those who can think like an entrepreneur with the “I can make it happen mindset”.
According to the senior lecturer in the Department of European Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, navigating entrepreneurial landscapes takes courage, passion, resilience, as well as a touch of excellence, noting that building the right relationships, identifying gaps, and filling such gaps, collaborating, being innovative and having the needed skills will make an entrepreneur to stand out and have a positive impact on the society.
The varsity Don urged the graduating students to dream big, have an entrepreneurial mindset, and think about how to inject newness into whatever they do.
“If you want to succeed in life, relationships matter. It is those who you know that will help you to the top. Relationships take 85% out of your success, make sure you find the right relationships to be successful. Competition is stiff out there, but if you have the right relationships, you’ll be successful,” she said.
Speaking further, Olayinka, maintained that information is key to success for an entrepreneur, adding that accessing the appropriate information about the business, environment, and people’s needs and also satisfying their needs is a way to stand out among competitors.
“Africa has the terrain to succeed if you know your way and do the right thing. Identify gaps and fill those gaps adequately. Give whatever you are doing your best and give it a touch of excellence; impact your environment and dream big.
“Obstacles will come your way, but if you develop an entrepreneurial mindset with tenacity and courage, you will overcome. Think of how you can inject newness into what you do. There is nothing you do that is new, but the idea you bring into it is the newness. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, skills, knowledge, understand self emotional learning, problem-solving, time management, identify opportunities and collaborate,” the varsity don 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.
