Education
Photos: Oseni, Lagos council chair Olusi, others bag Lariken College awards
• as Oseni restates commitment to fix Olounde-Harmony estate road
Vice Chancellor of the Osun State University, Prof Odunayo Clement Adebooye; a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni and the Chairman of the Lagos Island Local Government, Hon. Tijani Adetoyese Olusi over the weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State capital bagged the meritorious awards of the Lariken International College for their contributions to the society.
Oseni awards came a few days after his team of engineers stormed the college’s campus area located on Olounde-Harmony Estate, Ologuneru Ibadan in readiness for the fulfillment of the campaign promise of the lawmaker to rehabilitate and tar the 3km Olounde-Harmony Estate road.
Oseni, a notable man of God and philanthropist before his election into the National Assembly owns a construction company, Step Development Limited.
Presently, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Oseni is renowned for his legendary contributions to humanity and his constituency in Ido and Ibarapa local government areas of the State, in particular.
The lawmaker was represented at the event by his team led by Hon. Niyi Yusu.
A source in Olounde-Harmony Estate said, “The FERMA officials have come to inspect the road leading to the Lariken International College, a day or two before the graduation ceremony of the college where Oseni was awarded for his contributions to humanity.
“Recall also that he (Oseni) had said that fixing the road leading to Lariken would be his contribution to the educational development of that area.”
Both Oseni and Olusi who was also the special guest of Honour donated N500,000 each to the College during their separate remarks at the Class of 2023 of Lariken International College.
The students held their valedictory service and prize-giving ceremony on Friday, August 25, 2023, which coincided with the 13th graduation programme of the college.
While appreciating Rep Oseni; Hon. Olusi; Prof Adebooye; and the Chairman, Governing Council of the Lariken International College, Prof Olusola Kehinde (Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta), the Director of the school, Engr Idowu Jiboku prayed God to repay all their good deeds for the College.
On this year’s graduands, Jiboku, who holds a B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, M.Sc in Petroleum Engineering, and MMP in Psychology, said: “Lariken International College is an exceptional institution, where dreams are nurtured, aspirations take flight, and lifelong bonds are forged. Last year, there was a national outcry about low scores in UTME. Still, our very own Agbedetse Omagbitse was able to pull in 320 as the highest score for the school. She was closely trailed with some who scored 300 plus, and lots of 290s.
“This year, however, we have an exceptional and unprecedented scenario. Unlike before when only one student had the highest score per set, three of our graduating students had an impressive 337 out of 400. They are Josiah Destiny Samuel, Lawal Olamide Esther, and Iyin Olumide. Many others followed suit, with scores in the 300s, 290s, and upper quadrant 200s. These achievements not only reflect the dedication and diligence of our students but also the unwavering commitment of our dedicated educators and the unwavering support of our parents.
“Our students’ success was equally evident in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination
(WASSCE), with outstanding results across various subjects. These accomplishments are a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and integrity, without resorting to examination malpractice.
“Here is the breakdown. English Language 100%; Mathematics 94%; Further Mathematics 87%; Chemistry 100%; Physics 100%: Biology 100%; Agricultural Science 100%; Civic Education 100%; Economics 92%;
Geography 100%; CRS 100%; Government 100%; Literature 100%; Financial Accounting 100%; Commerce 63%; Technical Drawing 100%; Yoruba 100%; GSM 83%; French 38%; Catering 56%; Data Processing 100%; Cosmetology 95%; Computer Studies 100%; Photography 92%; Visual Art 100%. If you ask me, not many schools can pull off this amazing feat in the absence of examination malpractice.”
The graduation ceremony which was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof Odunayo Adebooye, also had in attendance, the Vice Chancellor, of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Kehinde, who is the Chairman, Governing Board of Lariken International College. They both charged the graduates of the college to key into the advancement in technologies and leverage the same to solve challenges of the world.
The Chairman of NUJ in the state, Chief Ademola Babalola, also remarked: “This is a very good school. I recommend it to all and sundry. I can confirm that the school does not condone indiscipline and examination malpractice, yet its students have the best results in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and UTME.
“We need more schools like this. Those schools out there like Lariken International College, should keep up the good work. All of us need to raise the next generations of honest, brilliant, idealistic, hardworking, and God-fearing leaders.”
The best-graduating student in the 2023 Set, Josiah Destiny Samuel, received 16 different awards at the college. He emerged as the best student in Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Agricultural Science, and even JAMB.
He scored 337 in UTME. Among the 66 students presented for the 2023 UTME by the college, 12 scored above 300, making the college one of the topmost and best schools in the state to post such results this year and as usual of its graduating students.
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.
How ATUPA Conference in Senegal ‘ll Impact Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Development
“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.
Education: TETFund approves N130m zonal intervention fund for each polytechnic
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.
Oyo: Akala, Oke, Folarin, others hail Senator Buhari’s performance
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
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.
