Education
UI Robbery Attacks: ‘VC Has Lost Control Of Security’ – NANS
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo state chapter, has said the series of successful armed robbery attacks at the University of Ibadan (UI), showed that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka has lost control of security and lack coherent strategy to counter the menace that has continued to threaten the lives of innocent students.
NANS, also called on security agencies in the state to rise up to the occasion and put in place a security architecture that can guarantee the safety of all in the citadel of learning. It further encouraged the students to come to terms with reality and rise peacefully in unity to reject the skyrocketing insecurity.
The leadership of NANS, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Asubiojo Olujuwon Marshal on Monday, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital and made available to Mega Icon Magazine, however, called on the Federal Ministry of Education to as matter of urgency review the credibility of Prof. Idowu Olayinka to continue as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, alleging that he has failed by the standard of Nigerian students, parents, global observers and sympathisers.
It would be recalled that sequel to the robbery incident at the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of the University of Ibadan (UI), the female block of Abdusalami Abubakar Postgraduate hall of the same university was attacked on Sunday by armed men.
The security man on patrol, as learnt, was tied up by the armed men and the invaders attacked two male students who got in their way.
According to NANS, “going by the unremitting attacks in the university, it is not out of place to conclude that the Prof. Olayinka led administration and his praise singers have lost control of the security situation of the institution. His administration, aside lacking capacity to keep the lives and properties of our students safe has been openly exhibiting an intolerable level of nonchalance to the welfare of Nigerian students placed in his care”.
“It is now beyond reasonable doubt that all the present administration of the university can do perfectly is the suspension of the Students’ Union, which should serve as her partner in enhancing safety and despotic rustication of student leaders.
“This attack is coming after series of successful armed robbery attacks within the vicinity of University of Ibadan in barely two months. This is an institution that should serve as pace setter for other sister universities, being the first and ‘the best’, – the university is now a target and practice center for armed robbers, coming in at will, to injure, molest and threaten students while carting away their valuables.
“We maintain that trying to combat insecurity in the University without active involvement of students is just a hoax. We therefore call for immediate reinstatement of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union and our rusticated comrades”, the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the management of the University through its Chairman, Council Committee on Security, Prof Ademola Aremu said the university is reviewing its security architecture to forestall future attacks.
Prof. Aremu, who visited the female hostel attacked by gunmen on Sunday in the company of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, also disclosed that the police were working hard to track the invaders.
He noted that the invaders have shown a pattern in their operation by attacking female students during holidays when halls are sparsely populated.
The Oyo State Government has announced the appointment of Mr. Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi as the Acting Registrar and Mr. David Olukola Taiwo as the Acting Bursar of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
According to a statement released by Soladoye Adewole, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, the appointment letters were issued on behalf of the State Government by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, and were dated 8th April. These appointments were endorsed by the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi.
Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi, the newly appointed Acting Registrar, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Registrar of the Directorate of Academic Affairs at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Ogunjimi holds a B.Sc degree in Psychology from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an MSc in Industrial Psychology from the University of Ibadan.
His journey in academia began at Prospect High School, Aba Nla, where he completed his secondary education between 1973 and 1978. Ogunjimi’s tenure at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, spans several years, during which he held various administrative positions, showcasing his prowess as an administrative wizard.
David Olukola Taiwo, the newly appointed Acting Bursar, comes with extensive experience in financial management. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Chief Accountant at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Taiwo began his career at the institution in March 1994, joining as an Accountant II. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become the Chief Accountant in 2015. Taiwo holds multiple qualifications in accounting and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCE).
His contributions within the Bursary Department, including roles such as Head of the Treasury Unit and Head of the Final Accounts Unit, underscore his proficiency in financial matters.
Both Ogunjimi and Taiwo are described as family-oriented individuals, happily married and blessed with responsible children.
The appointments of Mr. Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi and Mr. David Olukola Taiwo signify a new chapter in the administrative landscape of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as they assume their respective roles with dedication and expertise.
Education
UI’s 545th inaugural lecture: Pogoson urges Tinubu to review foreign policy amid global shifts
Professor Aituaje Irene Pogoson, a scholar at the University of Ibadan (UI), has emphasised the pressing need for a more coherent elucidation of President Bola Tinubu’s 4-D renewed foreign policy doctrine.
This assertion was made during her delivery of the university’s 545th inaugural lecture entitled “The World in Transition: Understanding Power in the International System.”
Addressing a diverse audience including prominent academics and former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Pogoson underscored the imperative for Nigeria to confront a myriad of socio-economic and political challenges to assert its position in the evolving global landscape.
The lecture, marking the 14th in the series for the 2022/2023 academic session and the 11th inaugural lecture from the Department of Political Science, highlighted the urgency for Nigeria to recalibrate its foreign policy strategy.
Speaking passionately, Professor Pogoson, the first female lecturer and Head of the Department of Political Science at the university, lamented Nigeria’s current positioning within the global order, stressing the need for the country to maintain respect and relevance internationally.
She emphasised the necessity for Nigeria to re-strategize and re-formulate its foreign policy framework to effectively address both internal and external dynamics.
In analysing President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts towards repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, Professor Pogoson acknowledged the unveiling of ‘Nigeria’s 4-D Renewed Foreign Policy Doctrine,’ comprising Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora.
However, she urged for a clearer articulation of this doctrine, advocating for concrete policies and actions to be outlined.
This marked Professor Pogoson’s third public lecture at the university, following her previous engagements addressing issues ranging from terrorism and national security to global power shifts.
President Bola Tinubu marked a significant milestone on Wednesday as he officially signed the National Students Loan Amendment bill into law during a brief ceremony held at the State House.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Ministers Hannatu Musawa and Ayodele Olawande, as well as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, alongside other government officials and presidential aides.
The bill, initially endorsed by Tinubu in June 2023, aims to provide crucial financial assistance to Nigerian students pursuing tertiary education. Despite its previous signing, the implementation of the bill encountered delays attributed to various challenges hindering its rollout.
In his remarks following the signing, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift handling of the bill, emphasising the pivotal role of education in combating poverty.
He stated, “First of all, I must thank members of the National Assembly for their expeditious handling of this bill considering the children of Nigeria, that education is the tool to fight against poverty effectively.”
Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritising education and fostering skills development programmes to ensure equitable access to quality education for all Nigerian citizens, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
He underscored the importance of eliminating barriers to education, stating, “We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country including skills development programmes. This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future.”
Highlighting the significance of the bill, Tinubu emphasised the transformative impact it will have on addressing the issue of college dropout rates among Nigerian students.
He affirmed, “We are here because we are all educated and were helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children drop out of college and give up the opportunity. That is no more, the standard and the control is there for you to apply no matter who you are as long as you are a Nigerian citizen.”
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