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

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

Published

6 days 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).

Education

LAUTECH Emerges Qualifier at NOA Southwest National Values Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2024

Sahara Weekly

LAUTECH Emerges Qualifier at NOA Southwest National Values Debate

In a thrilling display of intellect and oratory, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has been crowned the Southwest champion at the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate and Capacity Building Conference. The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and held at the Julius Berger Hall of the University of Lagos, aimed to inspire a culture of national values and civic responsibility among Nigerian youth.

The competition culminated in a gripping debate between LAUTECH, represented by Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Olushina, and the University of Ibadan, represented by Oyedijo Olarenwaju and Chineke Ugochukwu. The teams dissected the topic, “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building,” presenting compelling arguments that explored the intricate interplay between governance and civic duty.

LAUTECH’s Adekunle Ayomide impressed with his calm yet authoritative delivery, while Oladeji Olushina’s vivid examples underscored the importance of shared responsibility. Their counterparts from the University of Ibadan countered with historical insights and pragmatic solutions, making the contest a true battle of wits.

After intense deliberations, the judges awarded LAUTECH the southwest championship title, earning them a ₦5,000,000 prize and a ticket to the grand finale, where they will compete for the ultimate ₦20,000,000 prize.

The event was more than a competition. A capacity-building segment led by distinguished facilitators offered invaluable insights to attendees. Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, renowned as “The Oracle” and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, delivered a session on leadership and personal development, encouraging participants to harness their unique strengths for societal impact.

Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, engaged the audience with an exploration of human behavior and its role in national progress. Through practical exercises and anecdotes, he emphasized the need for mental and emotional resilience in achieving personal and societal goals.

Tolu Meduna, the program coordinator, articulated the essence of the initiative: “Our goal is to raise Citizen Values Brigadiers—youths who will champion the ethos of unity, accountability, and resilience. This is how we build a stronger Nigeria.” Meduna also outlined the event’s national scope, noting that the debate series will span all six geopolitical zones of the country, with the ultimate winner determined by online viewers at a live broadcast event.

The conference attracted notable dignitaries, including Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Opeyemi Alabi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Youth Mobilization; and Izehi Semira, Founder of Shape A Child Initiative. Hon. Fatai lauded the initiative, stating, “This aligns perfectly with our collective mission to create a Nigeria where values drive progress.”

As the curtains fell, the 7 for 7 National Values Charter left an indelible mark on participants. Beyond the awards and accolades, the initiative ignited a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, and national development. All attendees received Citizen Values Brigade certificates, symbolizing their role as ambassadors of change. The National Identity Project is championed by the director general of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu.

For LAUTECH, the journey to the national grand finale promises new challenges and opportunities. For the nation, the message was clear: embracing shared values and responsibilities is the path to a brighter future.

The value train continues its journey, uniting hearts and minds in a shared vision of progress and national pride.

Education

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

Published

4 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.

Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.

The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.