Education
OYSCATECH matriculates 2,005 students, reads riot act on cultism, indecent dressing, others
The Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, (OYSCATECH), Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, on Wednesday warned the newly matriculated Students of the institution to shun all acts of indiscipline and social vices, such as indecent dressings, cultism, drug abuse, hooliganism, gangsterism, examination misconducts, cyber-crimes and a host of others.
Prof. Akinlabi gave this charge during the 14th matriculation ceremony of fresh students, held at the main hall of the institution.
The Rector noted that social vices usually undermine the integrity of the academic community and pose a threat to students’ safety and future.
He implored the students to resist any form of temptation and make wise choices that will positively impact their academics and personal life, stressing that the institution has zero tolerance for unruly behaviour.
He stressed the need for students to adhere to the institution’s dress code while calling for religious tolerance among students.
In his words, “Today’s event marks the formal recognition of your studentship, a gateway into your academic pursuit. It is a challenge for you to engage productively in your studies, imbibing hard work, determination, dedication, and discipline to ensure success in the end.
“Out of thousands of applicants that qualified and applied for admission into various National Diploma Programmes, 1,021 applicants have been offered admissions into full-time ND programmes, and 335 others were admitted by the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for part-time National Diploma Programmes. The second categories are 644 applicants admitted into full-time Higher National Diploma Programmes (HND) and 5 others admitted through the Directorate of Part-Time and Preliminary Studies (DPPPS) for Higher National Diploma Programmes. The total number of students admitted for both ND and HND progammes including full-time and Part-time students is 2,005 students for the 2022/2023 academic session.
“I wish to reiterate that OYSCATECH will not renege in fulfilling its vision of becoming a leading center for excellence in Agriculture, Technology, and Management through the training of the youths for innovation, food sufficiency, and job creation.
“I must emphasise that OYSCATECH as a Polytechnic is well positioned as an institution that places a high premium on practical, entrepreneurship training, research, and community services due to her status as a full-fledged polytechnic since April 2019 coupled with the qualified manpower for effective general administration, teaching, and research.”
Akinlabi added that students have been admitted into an institution that has an excellent curriculum with special attention to programmes of instruction, programmes of activities, and programmes of guidance in line with global best practices and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) policy directives.
“Apart from the existing programmes for the ND and the HND, three new programmes have been graciously approved by the NBTE at the National Diploma level, namely Food Technology, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering,” he said.
The Rector further hinted that the management is working tirelessly towards providing a more enabling environment for teaching and research in the institution, assuring that very soon, various infrastructural projects would be embarked upon by TETFUND, the State, Federal Government, NEYI, NCC, Galaxy Backbone, individuals and a host of others.
The rector lauded the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for prompt payment of full salaries to staff, and effort at resuscitating the farm settlements in Oyo State.
Akinlabi also commended the Prof. Sanni-led Governing Council for their contributions to the development of the institution, just as he appreciated all management staff, union leaders, and all staff of the institution for their support in moving the Polytechnic forward.
The Registrar, Mr. Rasheed Fasasi Adeniji while administering the matriculation oath on fresh students noted that students must abide by the rules and regulations governing their studentship on this campus.
He maintained that having taken the matriculation oath, students were duty-bounded to ensure strict compliance with the matriculation oath as administered.
In his goodwill message, the JAMB representative, Mr. Bamidele Daramola explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will sustain its partnership with tertiary institutions in the areas of admissions and Computer-Based Test (CBT).
While congratulating them, he advised the students to normalise their admission with JAMB before it was too late.
Some of the matriculating students who could not hide their joy assured that they would be good ambassadors of the institution.
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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