Education

Bishop Oyedepo, Covenant University under fire as Alumni, Nigerians tackle them over shaving students’ hair

Published

7 years ago

April 5, 2018

Some ex-students at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, have criticised the institution for shaving the alleged bushy hair of its male students.

Some alumni, as well as some Nigerians, took to the social media to call out the school following a viral video that captured students seated in a hall as a man used a hair clipper to pluck hair off the middle of their heads under the supervision of some staff members.

The school was also criticised for allegedly using a single unsterilised hair clipper on all the students on the grounds that they might contract diseases in the process.

An alumnus, Okoli Offorbuike, said the action was disdainful and undermined the cliché “Kings and Queens” used for students at the university.

In one of his posts on Facebook on the matter, Offorbuike posted the pictures of the General Overseers of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, where the former wore Afro and the other kept hair.

He called on the university alumni to facilitate the inclusion of a law in the students’ handbook that would accord the students honour, dignity and respect.

He wrote, “After seeing this act carried out in my Alma Mater, I began to ask myself that maybe calling students kings and queens in Covenant University is just a mere cliché. The Bible says faith without work is dead. I will say Covenant University, without respect for the dignity of students, is no different from other universities.

“Where did the student affairs get the idea of shaving students’ hair off? This is one (Adeboye) of the leading fathers of faith in Africa, yet he keeps his hair…he is a king and heavily anointed and everyone agrees to that.

“This is one of Bishop Oyedepo’s full-fledged mentors, T.L. Osborn, on full-fledged Afro. He was still a king and a great preacher. Could we call him unkempt? How less bushy is Bishop Oyedepo’s hair in these pictures and was he less a king? If none could shave off his hair disgracefully, then why should it be done to students in his school? This is injustice.”

One Matthias Hungbo, who also claimed to be an alumnus, said there was nothing wrong with the students’ hair.

He said the shaving was in reaction to some students’ failure to take their Bibles for a service held the previous day.

“It’s appalling that people say keep to the rules and regulations, but in all honesty, there’s no rule as to what height of hair should be kept. It just says keep a low cut and the boys always keep their hair well. The management is just passing on its anger as a result of the embarrassment it faced in FT (Faith Tabernacle) the previous day since some students didn’t bring Bible. It is sad and even more sad because I feel nothing will be done about it,” he wrote on his Facebook wall.

A woman, who claimed to have studied Mass Communication at the school, Chimdimma Christiana, said some of its rules and regulations did not justify the vision of the school.

Another ex-student, Daniel Uzor, posted on Facebook that although he was proud of being a graduate of the university, he was disappointed at the shaving of the students’ hair.

“I don’t see how keeping of hair affects religious values or academic performance. No one is saying you shouldn’t uphold your values, but please, at least, accord people respect and dignity,” he added.

One Mo’Miss @Modupeee also tweeted that shaving people’s hair without their consent was an assault.

A Facebook user, Chidiebere Elendu, said the university’s management should be cautioned by the relevant authorities, noting that the school did not factor in health implications of using an “unsterilised” clipper for all the affected students.

He said, “What excuse will the school authorities give should these students contract some transmittable diseases from the barbing exercise? Sometimes, I can’t stop wondering if the same Christianity being practised today was the same as the one Christ and the apostles preached.”

However, some people defended the school’s action, saying the students were to blame for not complying with the rules and regulations.

One of them, Yaks, @Yaksnagu, said the students had no reason to complain as they were aware of the school’s rules.

He said, “A person should not be heard complaining about an injury to him dealt by another person, where that person volunteered himself to the risk of harm and knew that the injury dealt was a likely consequence of their dealings.”

One Kanye Waste,@iKantWaste, in his tweet, also defended the school, saying its action had nothing to do with Christianity.

“Those are their rules and regulations, and it is not by force to attend the institution,” he added.

Efforts to get the reaction of the school proved abortive, as an official, Emmanuel Igban, who used to speak for the institution, said he was not in the position to comment on the matter.

Related Topics:Covenant University coverstory

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Education

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, Girau International School sends heartfelt wishes of peace and prosperity to its students, parents, and staff. The school emphasizes the value of unity and joy during this special time, while encouraging families to prioritize safety and well-being.

In a statement, the School Director highlighted the importance of parental guidance during the holidays, urging families to maintain open communication and ensure children’s activities are monitored responsibly.

“The holidays are a time for creating cherished memories,” the School Director said. “However, they also require vigilance. Parents play a key role in ensuring their children remain safe and make responsible choices during this period.”

Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and character development, Girau International School offers a robust curriculum that equips students with critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills. As the new year nears, the school remains steadfast in its mission to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to excel in a dynamic world.

Girau International School reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe, supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally. The school also encourages families to embrace the spirit of the season while staying mindful of the challenges it may bring.

For more information about Girau International School’s programs and initiatives, please contact the administration.

Education

First Honour Schools: Celebrating a Decade of Academic Milestones

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2024

Sahara Weekly

First Honour Schools: Celebrating a Decade of Academic Milestones

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for First Honour Schools as we proudly celebrate 10 years of transforming lives and shaping a brighter, greater generation for society through quality education.

Founded on October 8, 2014, First Honour Schools embarked on a mission to inspire learners to become passionate lifelong learners. Over the past decade, we have grown to encompass preschool, nursery, primary, and secondary classes, providing a holistic education that challenges, motivates, and inspires our students to aim high and achieve excellence.

A Vision for Transformative Education

At First Honour Schools, we believe in the wise saying that “knowledge is best acquired through sound education.” Education is the foundation upon which great individuals and economies are built, making it a right of every child rather than a privilege.

We are committed to providing every child with qualitative education because today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Without education, hope diminishes—but with it, the possibilities are endless.

We aim to raise a generation of transparent, accountable, and excellent future leaders.

At First Honour Schools, we nurture incorruptible, disciplined, and economically proficient individuals who understand that hard work is the secret to success.

A Decade of Impact and Excellence

Over the past ten years, First Honour Schools has consistently achieved remarkable milestones:

Infrastructure: With over 40 well-structured and conducive classrooms and 5 fully equipped laboratories, we provide an environment that fosters learning and creativity.
Student Body: We are proud to have nurtured over 500 learners, ensuring their holistic development through academic, moral, and social excellence.
Academic Excellence: 93% of our students consistently excel academically, thanks to the dedication of our well-trained teachers and robust curriculum.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Vision: At First Honour Schools, we inspire children to be passionate lifelong learners through a curriculum rooted in pedagogical integrity, enabling them to stand out among their peers.
Mission: We serve as an effective educational resource for parents, assisting families in realizing their children’s full potential through active parent involvement and student-centered learning.
Core Values:
- Fostering healthy relationships with learners.
- Ensuring learners live purpose-driven lives.
- Stimulating self-discovery and excellence in all endeavors.

Why Choose First Honour Schools?

The combined efforts of our management, teachers, parents, and learners have yielded outstanding results, creating a legacy of academic excellence and character building. At First Honour Schools, we focus on raising well-rounded individuals equipped to excel academically and beyond.

If you’re searching for the perfect school for your children in Ifo, Arigbajo, Ewekoro, or surrounding areas, First Honour Schools is the ideal choice. We provide a conducive learning environment, accurate and engaging lectures, and discipline to prepare learners for the future.

Contact Us

Address: Off Sojuolu Road, via Alameda Bus Stop, Ifo, Ogun State.
Phone: +234 903 423 4983, +234 815 917 9150, +234 706 445 7778
Email:[email protected] | [email protected]

At First Honour Schools, we’re not just building a school; we’re building a legacy of excellence—one learner at a time.

Education

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Arch. Sunday Silver Echono, will on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 deliver the 36th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.

The lecture titled “Impact of Leadership Selection on Governance in Public Universities in Nigeria” will hold at Prof. C.O.E. Onwuliri Conference Hall, FUTO main campus, Owerri.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs). Nnenna Oti, will be the Chief Host at the lecture, which is expected to attract participants from within and outside the university community, especially the academia.

FUTO is the oldest university of technology in Nigeria, established in 1980 by Nigeria’s first Executive President, Shehu Shagari. It became the first of three such universities set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sought to establish a University of Technology in each geo-political region, particularly in a state which did not have a conventional university.

Arc.Sunday Sylva Togo Echono OON is a Nigerian diplomat, and architect who serves as the ninth Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund from 2022 till-date. Previously, Echono served as the Secretary of the Admissions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects from 2019 to 2021.

Sonny Echono was nominated by the Board of TETFUND in early 2022 and was subsequently appointed as the substantive 9th Executive Secretary (ES) of TETFUND on March 18, 2022, by former President Muhammad Buhari.
A former permanent secretary in federal ministries, Echono had been honoured by governmental and non-governmental bodies locally and internationally. He is a recipient of Officer of Order of Niger (OON).