Education
OYSCATECH gets first female deputy rector as council ratifies appointment
The Governing Council at its meeting held last Friday, ratified the appointment of a new Deputy Rector for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
The new Deputy Rector is the first female deputy rector in the history of the institution.
She is Dr. Taiwo Adekemi Akinyemi of Home and Rural Economics Department, Faculty of Agricultural Extension and Home and Rural Economics.
Dr. Akinyemi was elected by the Board of Studies on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, following the retirement of the former Deputy Rector from active service.
Dr. Akinyemi was born in Ibadan North Local Government area of Oyo State about 57 years ago.
She attended Ebenezer African Primary School, Ekotedo, Ibadan between 1972 and 1978 for her Primary School Leaving Certificate.
Taiwo Akinyemi had her secondary education at Isabatudeen Girls Grammar School, Ibadan between 1978 and 1983 where she obtained West African School Certificate.
Dr. Akinyemi proceeded to Divisional Teacher’s College, Ipetumodu in 1983 and Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa between 1985 and 1988 where she obtained Grade II Teacher’s Certificate and National Certificate of Education respectively.
Dr. Taiwo Akinyemi is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics in 1996.
She was awarded a Federal Government Scholarship on Teacher Training Programme (TTP) between 2001 and 2003 to pursue a Masters Degree Programme also at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she bagged Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Home Economics in 2005.
In her quest to further advance knowledge, Taiwo Akinyemi returned to the University of Nigeria Nsukka and obtained Doctor of Philosophy in Home Economics in 2016.
Her working experience spans through primary, secondary and tertiary education.
Dr. Akinyemi served the Oyo State Primary School Management Board as a class teacher at A.D.C. Primary School Apomu between 1988 and 1991 and Community Primary School Ogbere, Ibadan from 1991 to 1992.
She equally worked with the Oyo State Teaching Service, as a class teacher at Queen of Apostle Secondary School, Oluyoro between 1992 to 2002 and Army Barrack Grammar School, Iwo Road, Ibadan between 2002 to 2009.
Dr. Akinyemi has served as Part-Time Lecturer in Home Economics Courses at the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo between 2000 to 2007, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti and Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo Centre.
The Deputy Rector joined the services of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, as Lecturer II and she was appointed as Coordinator, Home and Rural Economics Department in 2009. The position she occupied till 2011. In 2011, she was promoted to the position of Lecturer I, which gave her the opportunity to become the acting Head of Department, Home and Rural Economics and the Sub-Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Extension, Home and Rural Economics in 2013.
In 2014 she was appointed as Senior Lecturer and Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Extension, Home and Rural Economics, the position she held till 2017.
She later rose to the position of a Principal Lecturer and in October, 2020, she was promoted to the postion of a Chief Lecturer.
Dr Akinyemi served in various capacities in the College and has contributed significantly to the development of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
Dr. Akinyemi was member, College Welfare Committee, Member, College Commissioning Committee between 2009-2011.
Also, she was Member, College Canteen Committee between 2009 and 2012, Member, Accreditation and Resource Inspection Committee 2011 – 2012 and Member, Laboratory Equipment Committee 2011-2012 .
The hard working Taiwo Akinyemi served as Member, OYSCATECH Resource Inspection Committee for the visitation of the National Board for Technical Education in January, 2015.
Dr. Akinyemi at different capacities served as Member, Board of Studies, Member, Promotion and Appointment Committee from 2011 till date, Member, Faculty Board, 2013 till date and Member, Internally Generated Revenue and Allocation Committee.
The new Deputy Rector as a go-getter, chaired so many committee, some of which include ; Chairman, Faculty Board, 2014 to 2017, Chairman, Committee of Deans 2016 and 2017.
She equally served as Director, Academic Planning Unit in 2017, the position she held before taking another appointment as Director, OYSCATECH Global Consult. The position she held for two years.
The Deputy Rector is up to date in her chosen career, as she belongs to the following professional bodies; Home Economics Research Association of Nigeria, Home Economics Teachers Association of Nigeria, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Hospitality and Tourism Management Association and National Association of Teachers of Technology.
Outside the shore of the Polytechnic, Dr. Akinyemi served as Assistant Examiner in Home Management, West African Examination Council (WAEC) since 1998 and National Examination Council (NECO) since 2000 respectively.
She also served as a Proctor, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) since 2017 and as Board Member, Biokin Farms and Agro Allied Services, 2010 till date.
During her Post graduate Studies, Dr. Taiwo Akinyemi was the Assistant Secretary General, Post Graduate Hall of University of Nigeria, Nsukka between 2003 to 2008.
Dr. Akinyemi remains the Vice President, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (Ibadan Branch) till date and Women President, Flame Gospel Ministry Anifalaje, Akobo from 2001 till date.
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The new Deputy Rector is a Member, Ibadan Descendant Union, Igboora Branch.
Dr. Akinyemi is a regular Public speaker and Guest Lecturer at different forum.
Dr. Akinyemi had participated in several Conferences and Seminars.
She has supervised over forty students’ projects, while she has several books and journal articles published to her credit.
Education
WAEC: Computer-Based WASSCE Starts This Friday
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.
Education
Oyo Central Senator, Akintunde Pledges Support for Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Growth
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.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
Education
Mass Exodus: 30 PhD Holders Flee Bauchi Varsity Amid ASUU’s Alarm on Poor Conditions
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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