Politics

Senator Ajimobi is missed for his crisis resolution skills – Osinbajo

By Web News 639

The wife of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Dr Florence Ajimobi has restated commitment to sustaining the passion of her husband for peace and good governance.

Dr. Ajimobi stated this after her investiture with highest honour as Fellow of the Society for Peace and Practice, SPSP, University of Ibadan as part of activities for One Year Memorial events for  Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

She expressed appreciation to the SPSP for institutionalizing relationship between the University and Ajimobi family.

The event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan had in attendance progressive politicians including the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Umar Ganduje  of Kano State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, Senators Fatai Buhari and Teslim Folarin as well as members of House of Representatives, members of House of Assembly among other notable politicians.

In a remark, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo represented by Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun noted that Senator Ajimobi is missed for his wisdom in crisis resolution and track records of achievements in governance.

The Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a dependable benefactor, promising to always identify with Ajimobi family.

Kano State governor, Dr Umar Ganduje remarked that Senator Ajimobi was a detribalized and true nationalist who would be remembered for his good works.

Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola described late Senator Ajimobi as a core loyalist and confidant that he missed.

Nasirudeen Sheriffdeen

Politics

Don Advocates Moral Rejuvenation To Reduce Corruption

By Web News 682

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Abdulhafiz Oladosu says the nation needs to embark on moral rejuvenation to reduce the act of corruption.

He made the call in Ibadan at a stakeholders’ summit organised by Political Awareness Group, PAG, an association of Muslim professionals and technocrats for good governance.

Professor Oladosu who is a lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, noted that morally upright ones with God-consciousness would not embark on corrupt activities.

He admonished the political office holders to fulfill their electioneering promises in order to regain the confidence of the people, noting that the current developments in the country have demoralised many Nigerians. 

 In a remark, the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja emphasized on the unity of Nigeria, warning against secession as being clamoured in some quarters. 

Senator Ladoja who was represented by former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli decried the idea of tagging a particular tribe with crimes maintaining that every tribe has bad eggs and criminal elements. 

The former governor posited that true federalism would solve the current series of challenges facing the country. 

The former Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education, who is also the chairman on the occasion, Dr Sulaiman Adediran enjoined Muslims to develop themselves politically and be advocates of good governance.

Earlier, the Chairman, Political Awareness Group, Barrister AbdWaheed Olowonjaye, noted that the organisation stands for good governance and was ready to support those who shared PAG’s agenda.

He explained that resolutions at the summit would be transmitted to appropriate quarters and concerned authorities.

Barrister Olowonjaye condemned the call for secession in some quarters stressing that what should be paramount was the need to join hands with the federal government to find lasting solutions to various challenges bedeviling the country.

Ridwan Fasasi

Lifestyle

Kaduna Military Plane Crash: UI Mourns Death of Post Graduate Student, Brig.General Olayinka

By Web News 846

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola, has commiserated with the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, family, friends, associates and other Nigerians on the death of the Late Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army, Brig. General Olatunji Luqman Olayinka, who died with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other nine gallant officers in the ill-fated military plane crash in Kaduna, on Friday.

Late Brigadier General Olayinka, 51, who hailed from Ikorodu, Lagos State, was a MPhil/PhD student in the Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan.

A statement by the University’s Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, quoted the Acting VC as describing the late Brig. General Olayinka, as a highly cerebral, diligent, disciplined and focused officer, who was interested in using strategic studies to address security challenges in Nigeria.

Prof. Ekanola offered prayers and sympathies to the security family in Nigeria, saying the death of the fallen gallant officers was a huge loss to Nigeria.

“Brig. General Olayinka and others laid their lives for peace, security and unity of Nigeria. They would be remembered for their contributions to making Nigeria better than they met it. Today, this grief has touched us all. We must share the pain together. This loss is just as much ours.”

“It is from dust that we come and to the dust we shall return. His death is a great loss to his family, Nigerian Army, University of Ibadan and the country generally.”

“On behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the University of Ibadan, I condole the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University of Ibadan, family and good people of Nigeria on this unfortunate incident. May God rest their souls in peace. Amen.”,

Meanwhile, the University of Ibadan Flag will complement the National Flag of Nigeria to be flown at half-mast on the campus for three days beginning from Monday, May 24, 2021 till Wednesday to honour the departed souls as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Signed
Olatunji Oladejo
Director of Public Communication
University of Ibadan
Sunday, 23 May, 2021

Education

Profile of New UI Pro-Chancellor, John Odigie-Oyegun

By Web News 3269

Chief John Evboyomwan Kenneth Odigie-Oyegun was born on 12 August, 1939 into the family of Pa Daniel Osagiede Odigie-Oyegun, MBE and Mrs. Shaka Elizabeth Oyegun, nee Amurun.

He was admitted to the University College, Ibadan in 1960 and bagged a Bachelor of Science, (Hons) in Economics in 1963.

He was a resident of Kuti Hall where he served as the Hall Secretary.

Postgraduate institutions attended by this distinguished Nigerian include: United Nations Economic Development and Planning Institute, (IDEP) Dakar, Senegal between 1966 and 1967 where he was the only participant that earned his Postgraduate Diploma at merit level; and the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank, Washington DC, USA in 1970.

He joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963, worked in various capacities and at different levels and was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1975 at the age of 36.

In this capacity, he served Cabinet Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, 1982 -1983; Ministry of Internal Affairs, from February to September 1984; and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, from September 1984 to December 1985.

By retirement in December 1985, he had put in a total of twenty-two years in the Federal Public Service, nine of which was as Permanent Secretary.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun, at various times, served in the Board of many public, private and international entities.

Some of these include the defunct Nigeria Airways, Nigerian National Shipping Line, Nigerian Ports Authority, Regency Paints Ltd, Editorial Board of Guardian Newspapers etc.

He was also a member of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and also represented Nigeria on the Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

With his wealth of planning and management experience, in 1989 he ventured into politics in which he made a significant success against all odds.

In 1991, he contested and won on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and became the first Executive Governor of Edo State in January 1992.

He has since remained a principled yet prime actor on the Nigerian political stage.

A man of steadfast principle, courage and conviction, he sacrificed all to play a key role in the crisis that followed the aborted and now historic June 12 elections of 1992 and the crisis that followed.

A staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Odigie-Oyegun paid a steep price when he was forced into exile where he emerged as the Executive Secretary to the NADECO-Abroad.

Along with the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Professor Wole Soyinka among many others, he waged a relentless struggle for a permanent end to military rule and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun was the Deputy National Chairman, (South) All Nigeria Peoples Party.

He was also the Vice-Presidential candidate of the party and later member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He was a Foundation member of and First National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

An Industrialist and businessman, he is Chairman of many companies including Teletok Nigeria Ltd, Lagos and Imperial Woodwork Industries Limited, Benin City, Edo State.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun belongs to several professional and social clubs including the Metropolitan Club, Lagos.

He was a past President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi.

He is a member of Nigerian Economic Society (MNES); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM); a life Trustee of the Benin Club.

He is a life sustaining member of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association and a very active member of the Benin Branch.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun got married to Mrs. Victoria Nkosenyem Oyegun (nee Ugbode) in 1965 and the marriage is blessed with adorable children.

He succeeds Nde Waklek Joshua Mutka, mni, whose tenure ended on 18 April, 2021.

Directorate of Public Communication, Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.

Religion

Many religious conflicts are less about God – Don

By Web News 795

A lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Afis Oladosu says majority of struggles branded as religious are less about God but for selfish interest.

Professor Oladosu, who is also the Dean Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, stated this at the Trenchard Hall while delivering the 489th Inaugural lecture of the institution. 

He said a lot of conflicts being tagged as religious were actually less about the creed or faith and much more about gaining power and material prosperity. 

“Spaces of conflicts around the world commonly branded as religious are actually less about God and more about the preservation of spaces of power and economic survival”.

Professor Oladosu identified promotion of peaceful relationships by government agencies among various ethnic and religious identities and communities as essential for development of the country.

He called on Ministries, Directorates and Agencies, MDAs of government to remove all policies and regulations that constitute infractions to the nation’s constitution especially those that have to do with freedom of religion.

“Is it because I am a Muslim? is being asked in the town, far away from the quietude of the gown. It is being asked in the Nigerian Immigration Office where Muslim women are constantly being told to remove their hijab as a precondition for the issuance of international passports.

Is it because I am a Muslim? was the question Amasa Firdaws asked when she was initially denied the chance to be called to bar simply because she wore Muslim Hijab “.

The don called for the expansion of African studies programme of  University of Ibadan to include Middle Eastern and North African Studies as this would enhance intra- African relationship.

“Indeed, the establishment of a program in Middle Eastern and North African Studies in this part of the world has become a desideratum. Such a program when established here in Ibadan would strengthen intra- African relations and enhance the status of our University as the primus interpares in the sub-saharan region”.

In a remark on the lecture, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede said some individuals used multiple identities to pretend to be fighting religious cause.

The well attended lecture had in attendance other dignitaries including Oyo State Deputy Governor,  Engr Rauf Olaiyan, his wife, Professor Amdalat, Aare Musulumi  of  Yorubaland,  Edo and Delta, Alhaji Dawud Akinola and Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya. 

The topic of the inaugural lecture is “Arab-Islamism, Afrabism and Contrapuntal Criticism”.

 Ridwan Fasasi

Lifestyle

Colleagues Pay Tribute to Late Prof Ebenezer Soola

By Web News 857

The indelible footprint which late Professor Ebenezer Soola left while in the Communication and Language Arts Department, University of Ibadan came to the fore at a day colloquium organized for him at the Faculty of Arts of the institution.

In a tribute by the colleagues of the late Professor Soola of Applied and Organizational Communication, the Emeritus Professor Festus Adesanoye and former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor Abiola Odejide described Ebnezar Soola as a thorough academic scholar who distinguished himself through the highest record of doctoral graduates he supervised.

Apart from joint excellent academic platforms held, the scholars said late Soola remained devout through their Christian fellowship.

Speaking in the same vein, the former dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Akin Ogundeji admonished participants to be mindful of their actions as they would give account of their sojourn while on earth. 

In an interview, wife of the deceased, Yemisi Soola described her husband as a caring, loving, faithful and devoted to the right upbringing of the family members

The event which was held virtual also featured song rendition, and it continues tomorrow with wake to be held at the cooperative hall of the institution.

Rotimi Famakin

Education

Professor Oladosu Set to Deliver UI Inaugural Lecture Today

By Web News 1160

Today is the D-Day for the much publicized University of Ibadan’s inaugural lecture by an Islamic scholar,  a cultural critic and a public affairs analyst, Professor Afiz Oladosu. 

Professor Oladosu will be speaking on the topic ” Arab-Islamism, Afrabism and Contrapuntal Criticism ” at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan commencing from 5 o’clock in the evening.

According to Professor Oladosu, the lecture will focus on his research works  both in Nigeria and overseas which border on Arab-Islamism, Arab Muslim Modernities as well as Middle Eastern and North African Studies.

Professor Oladosu who is the Dean, Faculty of Arts of the university explained that the inaugural lecture will touch some insights on his contributions to the field of Arabic and Islamic studies, contributions to the field of African Studies and a contrapuntal reading of his work as well as its deployment as a tool of analyses of urgent issues of national importance.

Expected at the lecture under the chairmanship of the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Adebola Ekanola are academics, policy makers, religious leaders, cultural icons,  traditional and community leaders as well as students both undergraduates and postgraduates.

The don, who is from the Department  of Arabic and Islamic Studies, is the fourth Professor in the over 60 year old department to deliver such inaugural lecture, the four hundred and eighty-ninth (489th) edition of University of Ibadan.

The lecture can be joined live through zoom platform: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83225888822?pwd=OHhsek4vWVB0SXZDL0VTdEtOWTRkdz09

Meeting ID: 832 2588 8822

Passcode: 928817

Ridwan Fasasi 

Education

Professor Oladosu To Deliver UI Inaugural Lecture Thursday

By Web News 1164

Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afiz Oladosu will this Thursday, April 15 deliver the University’s 489th Inaugural Lecture.

Professor Oladosu, a cultural critic, public affairs analyst and a renowned public speaker has titled his inaugural lecture ” Arab-Islamism, Afrabism and Contrapuntal Criticism “.

The don explained that Inaugural lecture generally is an account of stewardship and this time would give him the opportunity to present to the world how he merited the professorial chair.

“Professorial Inaugural Lectures, PILs are a_rite_  _de passage_, for a university teacher. It’s  a passage that must not pass without notice, and an occasion the individual is expected to prove to the world that the crossing onto the highest rung of the ladder is deserved and not accidental. It is an occasion for the individual to demonstrate his or her academic excellence built over time through research, teaching and or consultancy processes. The PIL is a dexterous combination of specialist insight and generalist articulation”.

The international scholar in the lecture will dissect his research works  both in Nigeria and overseas which border on Arab-Islamism, Arab Muslim Modernities as well as Middle Eastern and North African Studies.

The inaugural lecture will touch not less than five areas, which include ” some autobiographical notes, some notes on my university education, some insights on my contributions to the field of Arabic and Islamic studies, contributions to the field of African Studies and a contrapuntal reading of my work as well as its deployment as a tool of analyses of urgent  issues of national importance”.

Oladosu is the fourth Professor in the over 60- year old Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies to deliver such Inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan.

“It’s a very rare privilege to stand on the podium which erudite scholars and my teachers, Professor Musa Abdul, Professor SHA Malik and the current Chief Imam of the University,  Professor AbduRahman Oloyede have stood. I have the feeling of gratitude to the Almighty Allah whose plans are inexorable”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Education

Oladosu Delivers 489th UI Inaugural Lecture April 15

By Web News 1256

All is set for the 489th in the series of the University of Ibadan inaugural lecture to be delivered by Afis Ayinde Oladosu, a professor in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan. 

The lecture will be held on Thursday April 15, 2021 under the chairmanship of the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Adebola Ekanola, at the Trenchard Hall of the university.

A cultural critic, Professor Oladosu scholarly horizon and expertise covers Arab-Islamism, Arab-Muslim Modernities and Middle-Eastern and North African Studies. 

He will be speaking on the topic: “Arab-Islamism, Afrabism and Contrapuntal Criticism”.

 Professor Oladosu, a member of the Governing Board, National University Commission (NUC), has also participated in and presented papers in local and international conferences and seminars on Arab-Islamic culture, terrorism, peace-building, gender in Arab societies, law and religion and on globalization.

 He has served and still serves as external examiner for under- graduate programmes and as assessor for professorial promotions for universities in and outside Nigeria including the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM) and University of The Gambia, Banjul. 

Before his promotion to the rank of Professor at the University of Ibadan in 2011, Oladosu had competed for and won the following international fellowships and scholarships: 2006 Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), United States; 2007 Bill Gates Scholarship and Fellowship of African Scholar Program among others. 

He is also a member of many learned societies including American Studies Association (ASA), United States, Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS), Association of Professional Translators of English-Arabic in Universities (APETAU) and so on.

 According to the erudite scholar, Nigeria will realise its destiny and achieve its potentials only when concerted efforts are made by Ministries, Directorates and Agencies (MDAs) of government to remove all policies and regulations that constitute infractions of the nation’s constitution. 

He added that the promotion of peaceful relationships among the various ethnic and religious identities and communities in Nigeria by government agencies is a sine- qua-non for development and advancement. 

According to Professor Oladosu, one of his philosophies in life is to always be committed to the production of human capital without which  no nation can develop.

Ridwan Fasasi

Education

Don Challenges Proprietors to be above Teachers in Knowledge Acquisition

By Web News 782

Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afeez Oladosu says for school proprietors to gain more respect, they should possess qualifications above their teachers.

Professor Oladosu stated this at the formal opening of the annual Conference of Association of Model Islamic Schools, AMIS, Oyo State Chapter held at the Islamic Centre, University of Ibadan Central Mosque.

He said school proprietors from time to time should acquire more knowledge that would place them above their subjects as this would put them in a vantage position to effectively control their schools. 

“Do we have what it takes to run school? We need to increase our capacity. As the head-teacher, you must be better than your teachers, as the proprietor, you must be better than everybody in the school. You as a proprietor, you employ a Masters degree holder who knows you are an NCE holder, there will be crisis”. 

He also called on associations of proprietors to put in place internal quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that certain standards are met before joining the association. 

One of the award recipients and wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Professor Amudalat, who also emphasized on regular updating of knowledge of school proprietors, urged them not to compromise quality as such would affect the image of the school. 

She enjoined parents to complement efforts of schools through regular payment as quality services required good money.

“To get quality education, parents must be ready to pay. There is nothing free even in Freetown”.

 Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who was represented by Deputy Director in the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Afeez, said private schools should report cases of parents withdrawing their children after backlog of debts to public schools. 

In an acceptance speech, the new chairman of AMIS, Oyo State Chapter,  Alhaji Tohir Ahmad, who called for the support of the members, promised to take the Association to an enviable height. 

The 3- day conference with the theme “Vision, Creativity and Transformation: moving our schools from good to great” was attended by 465 delegates comprising of 349 school proprietors, 47 head-teachers and 69 teachers. 

Ridwan Fasasi

Education

Private Schools Call for More Incentives to Cushion Effects of COVID-19

By Web News 1064 Post a comment

Private schools in Oyo State have called on both the State and Federal Governments to put in place more palliatives to mitigate the harsh effects of COVID-19 pandemic on their income.

Chairman’, Association of Model Islamic Schools, AMIS, Oyo State Chapter,  Alhaji Lawal Abass stated this in Ibadan at a news conference to herald the annual conference of the Association holding at Islamic Centre, University of Ibadan Central Mosque. 

He said majority of proprietors of private schools had not benefited from government’s incentives as some schools were yet to come out of the loss incurred during the early days of COVID-19 pandemic, which destroyed the academic activities. 

“We have a lot of requests from government. We lost a term of almost 4 months, many teachers could not get full salaries as some did not get any at all. Expectedly,  government should have come to our aid to alleviate our sufferings”.

Alhaji Abass said the state government needed to extend the 35 percent deduction from the annual payment till next year to enable those who had paid earlier to benefit as majority of schools had effected payments before the announcement.

“The biting effects of COVID-19 started last year March and most schools normally paid between January and February and government asked that the duration of the payment should not exceed November. We are now appealing to the government to look at those that had paid but had not enjoyed the incentives and give them more time to also benefit”.

The AMIS Chairman explained that the quantity of the foodstuffs provided by the State government for teachers as palliative was so small that it would be extremely difficult to go round the teachers .

“A month ago, some foodstuffs were given for distribution to teachers but the quantity was small and if the foods were to be shared among all teachers in private schools, each would not have up to a cup of the foodstuff”.

 Alhaji Abass said schools were looking inwards as directed by the State government to beef up security to enhance safety of teachers and students.

“We are ensuring our schools are enclosed so that we know anyone that comes in and goes out. We also have the phone numbers of security agents in case of emergencies and above all, we are praying that kidnapping and other criminal acts in schools in some part of Northern States will not spread to this part of the country”.

He noted that few schools benefitted from the survival fund of N90,000 for ten teachers introduced by the Federal Government and such gesture should be extended to other schools.

Also speaking, Chairman, Ibadan City  Conference Planning Committee for Oyo AMIS Annual Conference, Barrister Akinwale Akinlabi said the programme which will hold between 2nd and 4th April would have in attendance 465 registered delegates comprising 349 school owners, 47 head teachers and 69 teachers. 

“Highlights of the Ibadan City 2021 Conference include 13 sessions featuring 17 distinguished speakers. Out of the 13 sessions, 12 are plenary and the remaining one is the opening session.

Barrister Akinlabi explained that 17 speakers would do justice to the theme of the Conference “Vision, Creativity and Transformation: Moving our Schools from Good to Great” and they ncluded Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afeez Oladosu, eminent personalities and seasoned professionals.

He said one of the hallmarks of the conference would be the conferment of merit awards of meritorious contributions to Muslim education on the wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Professor Amudalat Olaniyan,  Engr Idris Adeoye of HMF Construction and CEO, Vanguard Pharmacy, Pharmacist Taofeeq Odukoya.

Also, in attendance at the News conference is the incoming Chairman,  AMIS,  Oyo State, Alhaji Tohir Ahmad.

Ridwan Fasasi

Education

Nigerian universities need autonomy to compete with global counterparts – Don

By Web News 929

For Nigerian universities to compete with their counterparts in the world, there is the need for the universities to have academic, administrative and financial autonomy.

The pro-chancellor and chairman of council, Osun State University, Professor Yusuf Ali stated this while delivering a lecture marking the 80th birthday anniversary of Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa held in Ibadan.

Professor Ali, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, explained that the advancement of the Nigerian universities was being constrained by inherent weaknesses in appointment, the nature of Nigerian laws, tribalism and ethnicity, multiplicity of regulators, professionalization of unionism, and lack of academic culture among others.

Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Professor Abba Abubakar, Head of Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan, Professor Kester Ojokheta and former Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education, Professor Rashid Aderinoye described Professor Micheal Omolewa as a seasoned lecturer who had impacted many adult education and literacy experts in Nigeria.

 In an interview, the celebrant, Professor Micheal Omolewa who was a former permanent delegate and ambassador of Nigeria to UNESCO from January 2000 to August 2009, expressed gratitude to God for his achievement attaining 80 years.

Professor Omolewa was a pioneer of adult education and literacy not only in the University of Ibadan but also in Africa.

He was also a deputy chair of the governing board of the Commonwealth of Learning in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Rotimi Famakin

Judiciary

NICN Judge Charge UI Management, Ex-Lecturer On Amicable Dispute Resolution

By Web News 799

Justice John Peter of an Ibadan Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, has expressed disappointment over the attitude of the parties in an eight million naira damage suit filed by an ex-lecturer at the University of Ibadan, UI, Professor Adenike Ogunshe, over alleged unlawful termination of her appointment.

Professor Ogunshe formerly of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, had dragged the institution and its council to the court and demanded for 8 million naira as damage against the institution, saying due process was not followed.

At the last hearing, the parties expressed readiness to settle the case out of court.

However at the resumed hearing of the suit on Wednesday, Counsel to the University of Ibadan, Mr Adebayo Ajayi, informed the court that he had communicated to the institution management on December 14, 2020 directive of the court to settle the matter out of court.

Mr Ajayi, who was in company of retired Professor Oluwole Osunubi and Professor Ishola Fashidi, who were appointed by the institution to oversee the settlement, said he was unable to get the cooperation of the claimant’s counsel.

Justice John Peter later called the two professors to brief the court on what they noticed why trying to settle the matter.

Professors Osunubi and Fashidi informed the court that they discovered that the UI Department of Microbiology where the claimant used to work was not willing to take back the claimant when consulted.

The professors said the department wanted the claimant to apologise and repent before they could take her back.

The claimant’s counsel, Mr Femi Aborisade, told the court that there was an indication that the defendants were not willing to settle the matter amicably but to delay the matter unnecessarily.

Mr Aborisade said the institution being the employer did not need to consult Microbiology Department on their decision on the settlement, if they were serious with it.

He noted that the University of Ibadan ought to take a decision on the settlement and not the Microbiology department and urged the court to allow him move his application for adoption of final written address.

Justice John Peters said it was wrong for Microbiology department to insist on not taking the claimant back, adding that they are all employees and no law allows employees to dictate to the employer.

Justice Peters said there was the need for the parties to tolerate one another, adding that life was about shifting grounds.

He appealed to counsel to find way to resolve this matter amicably, saying “Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act encouraged reconciliation and amicable settlement of matters.”

The judge then adjourned the matter till April 5 for adoption of final addresses.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Education

UI: FG Suspends Meeting of Governing Council

By Web News 558

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has approved the suspension of all meetings of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan.

This was conveyed in a letter to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Mr. Sonny Echono.

The letter which stated that resumption of any further meeting would be communicated by the ministry, empowered the NUC to ensure full compliance on the Minister’s directive to the premier university.

It would be recalled that University of Ibadan had been witnessing leadership selection tussle following multiple allegations of malpractices in the selection process for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.

The process was suspended last November and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Babatunde Ekanola moved in acting capacity for the next six months.

Dayo Adu

Lifestyle

Dignitaries Converge on ICC, UI for Abiola Ajimobi Round Table

By Web News 1131

People from all walks of life have converged on International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, UI, on the occasion of third annual Abiola Ajimobi Round Table and Seventy-First Posthumous birthday of the late governor of Oyo State.

In attendance were eminent Nigerians, notable traditional rulers including Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Kano State Governor, Abdulai Ganduje and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The event is jointly organized by Institute of Peace and Strategic studies, UI, and Senator Abiola Ajimobi foundation.

Earlier, Governor Ganduje had laid the foundation of Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre at University of Ibadan.

The groups equally paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Babatunde Ekaanola

Details later

Adedayo Adelowo

Education

Process of Nominating Acting Vice-Chancellor Commences at University of Ibadan

By Web News 709

The process for the nomination of the Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ibadan for six months has commenced at the International Conference Centre. 

Our correspondent reported that five candidates have been nominated by the Senate members of the institution.

They include professors  Adebola Ekanola , Adeyemo Adenike,  Adigun Agbaje, Gbemisola Oke and Ayo Oluleye .

Radio Nigeria observed that some of the nominees including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Adebola Ekanola, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Professor Adenike  Adeyemo, who was initially presiding over the Senate before she was nominated to contest for the plum job while the Provost of College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, who is next in rank is currently presiding over the Senate meeting 

The ranks in the University of Ibadan begins with the Vice-Chancellor, Abel Idowu Olayinka whose tenure ends today, followed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kayode Adebowale , Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics,  Professor Adebola Ekanola followed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Partnership), Professor Adeyemo Adenike, and the Provost of College of Medicine.

Meanwhile, manual voting has commenced with some of the professors leaving after casting their vote.

Stay put for an update

Rotimi Famakin

Education

Who emerges as new UI VC?

By Web News 1852

The circumstances which caused the National University Commission, NUC, to order a fresh selection process to produce anew Vice Chancellor, VC, for the University of Ibadan may continue to linger as many conflicting stories and information continue to generate concern among stakeholders.

Traditionally the VC of any Nigerian university has a five-year tenure upon which a new one is chosen to occupy the office.

Following this, the request for a successor was made about six months ago as it was known that the outgoing VC of the UI, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka’s tenure would soon run out.

This request produced eighteen applications from within and outside the institution.
Among the applicants were; Professor Kayode Adebowale from the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, the same faculty which produced the outgoing vice chancellor, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Adeyinka Aderinyo from the Faculty of Arts, Professor Bunmi Olapade, former Provost College of Medicine, Professor Raji Oyelade, Former Dean of Arts.

Others are; Professor Olusegun Kolawole, Former Dean of Education, Professor Tunde Salako, Former Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Olusegun Ademowo, Professor Farounbi, Professor T.K. Hamzat, Professor Femi Mimoko, among others.

As part of the selection process for choosing Senate representatives into the election board, a body which is expected to grade and ratify the appointment of the would-be vice chancellor were nine contestants who vied for two seats on the council committee.

Professors Peter Olapegba and Ezekiel Ayoola have already emerged but it was alleged that the outgoing VC played an influencial role in their emergence, a situation which did not go down well with other contestants who faulted the process.

The emergence of Professors Olapegba and Ayoola also generated a number of petitions from individuals within the university community.

The petitions in addition to the one by the members of the Joint Action Committed made up of Non Academic Staff Union, NASU and Senior Staff Association, SSANU U.I. Chapter, which were forwarded to the Federal Minstry of Education compelled the NUC to issue a directive ordering a fresh selection process devoid of the interference of the outgoing VC.

The memo which recommends that the 18 applicants be re-invited, also orders manual voting as against electronic voting earlier used.

Five members of the council committee comprise the governing chairman, two members nominated from the senate of the university, one representative from the federal Ministry of Education and a fifth from the NUC.

Sequel to the NUC memo of 23rd November 2O2O ordering a fresh selection process, a Senate meeting was held between Monday 23rd and Thursday 26th of November, 2020, where Professors Peter Olapegba and Ezekiel Ayoola emerged for the second time as Senate representatives of the governing council.

Some council members who were not pleased with the development walked out of the meeting.

This notwithstanding, a council meeting had been scheduled for Monday 30th November, 2020.

On Wednesday 25th OF November, the presence of security personnel comprising the men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Army were observed on the UI campus.

The heavy presence of security operatives according to findings was to prevent a breakdown of law and order as there have been previous threats of physical attacks within the premises.

Who would be named as the new VC of UI?

What are political antics being deployed?

What are the interests of unions in the selection process?

Is the whole drama and struggle worth it?
Radio Nigeria will follow up and keep you up to speed.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Cleric Advices Christians to Awaken Their Political Consciousness

By Web News 694

Restructuring Nigeria, as well as the need for christians to develope more interest in business, security and politics in order to drive rapid national development formed the bases of Ibadan Varsity Christian Union Alumni Association conference, reunion 2020 held at the chapel of resurrection University of ibadan.

Radio Nigeria was at the venue of the event reports that aside over 500 hundred members who were physically present, the event held through zoom is marking the 60th anniversary of the association.

Addressing newsmen, the President of the Association, Mr Babatunde Ajala lamented the spate of killings, kidnap and perceived imbalance in political appointment and urged christian leaders to mobilized its members to get involved in politics so as to assume position of leadership.

Mr Babatunde urged President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the country for rapid development.

Some members of the association said the reunion has afforded them the opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting thier members and Nigeria

Aside payers for the nation, the event also featured seminars, talks, praise and prayers

The theme of the conference was, The Balanced Christian.

Rotimi Famakin

Education

UI Students Protest Lingering ASUU Strike In Ibadan

By Web News 1268

Students of the University of Ibadan have staged a peaceful protest against the prolonged academic closure occasioned by the lingering face-off between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

Correspondent Rotimi Famakin who was at the Federal Secretariat, Ikolaba where the students converged for the protest reported that the students carried placards with different inscriptions and chanted solidarity songs.

Rotimi Famakin

Education

JAC Calls for Review of VC Appointment Process in UI

By Web News 726

Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising the Non Academic staff Union (NASU), senior staff association of Nigerian universities (SSANU), University of Ibadan chapter has called on the Federal Government to review the processes leading to the appointment of the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI).

The Chairman of the committee, who is also the Chairman SSANU, Mr Wale Akinremi made the plea while briefing news men on the disposition of the union on the process for the new Vice Chancellor of the University. 

The union lamented the indebtedness, infrastructural decay,  mismanagement of human and financial resources of the institution, saying the mismanagement of the funds has put to question, how the incoming VC tend to run the affairs of the University amidst the scarce resources.

The union decried the alleged appointment of unqualified and underperforming personnel to manage the University affairs, Stress the need for paradigm shift and accountability. 

The UI -JAC Chairman said his members would resist the reemergence of divisive management staffs in the University so as to restore the lost glory of the University.

It would be recalled that members of the Non- Academic staff union had last week Wednesday staged protest during the University’s council meeting on the appointment of new Vice Chancellor. 

Rotimi Famakin

Education

UI VC Selection Process Suspended Over Allegations Of Corruption

By Web News 1158

The process of selecting a new Vice Chancellor for the University of Ibadan has been suspended.

The decision followed protest by some staff unions of the institution who alleged that the entire process was not transparent.

Adedayo Adelowo has the rest of the story.

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria universities, SSANU, and Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU, University of Ibadan Chapter had earlier shut down all activities in the institution in protest against the alleged plot to impose a vice chancellor on them.

The members of the associations in their numbers locked up the main entrance of the institution, shut all doors and put out electricity.

Justifying the action, Chairman, SSANU, Mr Wale Akinremi alleged that the vice-chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka and his team were determined to manipulate the process of selecting a new vice-chancellor for personal gains.

He said the unions had written petitions to the university council about two years ago and had not gotten any response till date.

Mr Akinremi said the unions were convinced that the process was corrupt, hence the need for the protest.

On his part, Chairman, College of Medicine, NASU, Mr Akinlade Akinlolu said the protest was to repel oppression and imposition stating that the unions would not sheath its sword until all the election processes were started afresh.

After hours of protest, Chairman of the University’s council, Dr Joshua Waklek who had been in Senate Building for hours announced that the process had been suspended.

Dr Waklek said the council would subsequently meet with the union leaders on the way forward.

Crisis had rocked the institution over the process of electing a new vice-chancellor.

Adedayo Adelowo

Education

SSANU, NASU, Shut Down UI Over Alleged Imposition Of VC

By Web News 1211

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU and Non-Academic Staff of Union, NASU, University of Ibadan Chapter have shut down all activities in the institution in protest against the alleged plot to impose a vice-chancellor on them.

The members of the associations in their numbers locked up the main entrance of the institution, shut all doors and put out electricity.

Justifying the action, Chairman, SSANU, Mr Wale Akinremi alleged that the vice-chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka and his team were determined to manipulate the process of selecting a new vice chancellor for personal gains.

He said the unions had written petitions to the university council since about two years ago and had not gotten any response till date.

Mr Akinremi said the unions were convinced that the process was corrupt, hence the need for the protest.

On his part, Chairman, College of Medicine, NASU, Mr Akinlade Akinlolu said the protest was to repel oppression and imposition.

He said the unions would not sheath its sword until all the election processes were started afresh.

As at the time of filing this report, the senate and council members were still in the Senate Building while the protesters in their numbers besieged the entrance.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the senate had been in the building since around eight am while power supply to the build had been switched off.

Adedayo Adelowo

Education

ENDSARS: killings is crime against humanity – ASUU

By Web News 640

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday condemned the murder of harmless and largely peaceful #ENDSARS protesters in Lekki and other parts of the country.

The Union stated that killings in the ongoing protest is crime against humanity and called on the United Nations to show serious interest in the descent to totalitarianism by the Muhammadu Buhari led federal Government of Nigeria .

The Chairman, ASUU University of Ibadan, Professor Ayo Akinwole stated that the federal government’s repressive attacks on the advocacy and demands for responsible and responsive governance by Nigerian youth shows that Nigeria is tending towards repressive military governance

According to the ASUU Boss, killing youths demanding for justice against brutality and in the process being murdered in cold blood reveals that the security brutality of Nigerians is an agenda of the federal government.

Professor Akinwole stated that it is a taboo for parents to bury their children in Yorubaland and in most cultures adding that the President has committed a taboo.

ASUU stated that peaceful protest and demonstration are forms of political participation to bring about positive changes but regretted that the Buhari administration represses every voice of reason behaving like a military President.

ASUU lamented that Nigerian youths have not enjoyed anything good and are being deprived of funding in education, faced unemployment, and are worse hit by poverty.

Instead of learning how to be responsible and take care of people as shown by the organisational capacity of the #ENDSARS youth, Professor Akinwole lamented that government tyrannically snuffed lives out of promising future leaders.

He then called for justice for all victims of Lekki genocide and others killed in other locations in the country adding that the present crop of Nigerian leaders are low on empathy.

Akinwole stated that those who train their children abroad or who rush their children abroad for falling while riding multimillion naira motorbikes must be wicked to see children of hapless Nigerians murdered in cold blood.

“The Federal government should immediately stop the shooting, maiming, and brutalization of our students and youth. We affirm their inalienable right to live, be alive, and express their aspirations peacefully as guaranteed in the Nigerian constitution and other international protocols on human rights including those of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and the United Nations.
In light of this, we call on members of the Nigerian political class, and government to rein in the thugs being unleashed on our students and the general public. There is documented evidence that this generation of students and youth in the current anti-police brutality protests is demonstrating extreme maturity as has never been seen in recent times. We commend them all, and urge that they do not be provoked into taking steps inimical to their peaceful objectives.”

Prof. Ayo Akinwole

ASUU Chairman, UI

Lifestyle

Reverend Akinfenwa, UI VC, Others Pay Condolence Visit to Oyediran’s Family

By Web News 1624

Eminent Nigerians have started paying condolence visits to the Ibadan residence of the first daughter of the late sage and former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Reverend Omotola Oyediran, who died yesterday. 

Some of the early callers were the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun.

Also, Bishop of Ibadan, Anglican Diocese, The Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa who also paid a visit to the family of the deceased described the late Reverend Oyediran as very humble and kindhearted.

Other personalities equally described the late Reverend Oyediran as a devoted Christian who had left behind legacies worthy of emulation.

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Reverend Omotola Oyediran died on the 16th of this month and she is survived by husband, Professor Bankole Oyediran, children and grandchildren.

Radio Nigeria reports that the residence of the deceased was a beehive of activities as people were thronging the premises to sympathise with the family.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Professor Matthew Kayode served Nigeria meritoriously – Former UI VC

By Web News 1208

Posterity will always remember those who leave memorable prints in the sands of time by their enviable lifestyle.

This was the submission of families, friends and colleagues of Late Professor Matthew Olufemi Kayode at the Service of Songs and Night of Tributes held in honour of the don at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, UCH, Ibadan.

In a message, The Reverend Sunday Wojuade, described the late professor as a man who lived a fulfilled life, a good leader, a disciplined father and a beacon of hope to friends and colleagues.

In a tribute, a former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Baniro, said the Late Professor Kayode served the nation meritoriously in his career as an economics professor.

He noted that the late Professor would be greatly missed in the Department of Economics, at the University of Ibadan.

Two of the children of the deceased, Mrs Olufunlola Afolabi and Mrs Olutomilola Miriki who reminisced on times with their father, said he left indelible marks in their lives.

Highlight of the event was the launch of Femi and Dupe Kayode Foundation, in memory of the late don and his late wife.

The event continues on Wednesday with a commendation service at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

Professor Kayode who died on August 10 this year at the age of 81 is survived by children and grandchildren.

Funmilayo Obagbayegun