Education

Student: Such a Dangerous time to be a Student (Opinion)

Published

3 years ago

June 5, 2021

Sahara Weekly

CUSTOMSGATE: $3 BILLION PROJECT RUNS INTO DISPUTE

Opinion: Such a Dangerous time to be a Student

By Olutayo Irantiola

Growing up in this country some years ago was full of fun and pleasant memories; from your classmates to your teachers, the school authority, and everyone around. It was a grand community wherein all the misdemeanor of children were corrected by neighbors and children still plead not to be reported to their immediate parent; parenting was done by the community.

Reading newspaper reports daily has negatively impacted the mental health of many persons. Howbeit, would one remain perpetually deaf to what is happening in one’s community? Life has got so bad that being a student has become a difficult journey to embark upon.

The happenings in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria have made schooling very dangerous. Well, as said, that is the meaning of Boko Haram from the beginning is Western Education is forbidden and it is depicted with the various killings and abductions. In the last few years, students in that region of the country have been turned into refugees in their homeland. Although, recently, the Borno State Government is making attempts at resettling the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and schools are being built and commissioned all over. This signifies the beginning of Western Education for this set of Nigerians.

Imagine the recent happening in Greenfield University, Kaduna State. Some students were killed for no just cause. The situation is critically alarming that lecturers, workers, and students have become targets of kidnappers. About the same time, a Professor of the University of Jos, Grace Ayanbimpe and her husband were also kidnapped. All of these led the Senior Staff Union of Universities to demand weapons to guard themselves if they cannot be safe on their various campuses.

It is such a challenging time to be a student when you think about the number of auto crashes that claim the lives of students annually while trying to commute to their various institutions of learning and back to their homes. This also brings to the fore the unfortunate death of the students of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, earlier in the year, who were crushed to death by a truck.

When you encounter Nigerian students, you need to pity them specially. They would spend years in a tertiary institution of learning, either state or federal because the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Nigerian Government are always at loggerheads over things they usually claim would benefit the students. It is so saddening that you can only know the year in which you resume school but you can never know the year in which you will graduate. Every day, the heartbeat of parents and the students keep palpitating strongly because nobody knows what would be the next occurrence that would make interrupt learning.

Despite all these, female students are exposed to several ills within few years of maturity. They are trailed by lecturers old enough to be their fathers; some evil students rape and murder them amongst others. The journey of a female student needs special care with all that is heard and seen these days. Kudos to the University of Lagos for firing two randy lecturers.

At the moment, Nigeria is just heading for a more grievous crisis in terms of labour force. As stated by Professor Olayinka Idowu, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. Every Senator wants a University to be sited in his hometown, as such, quality education is fast depreciating in Nigeria. Asides that, all the Polytechnics are being converted to Universities, for instance, Yaba College of Technology and the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

These schools may become Universities but what of the technical know-how that we are losing. The skillset of a graduate of the Polytechnic is very different from that of a University graduate. Although the Senate has removed the dichotomy lately, we still need everyone to understand the differences, if not, polytechnics would becoming ghost tertiary institutions.

Ultimately, if you are fortunate to get through school without any scar or blemish; the hurdle of serving your fatherland is staring at you in the face. With all the various uprisings in the country, where is the safe haven for a one-year period, that reminds me, the NYSC Orientation Camp in Maiduguri, has been turned into an IDP camp. Where exactly is the place that one would want to serve with the current state of the country?

If you are not thinking of all these, it becomes frightening for the Director-General of NYSC saying that Corps Members can be deployed to a war zone if a war breaks out. Can a Corps member defend the integrity of this nation by mere marching when trained soldiers are being killed by terrorists in our nation?

Have you noted the rising spate of the kidnapping of those in search of work lately? The syndicate is getting more organized daily. They would lure victims to a particular location, thereafter abducting such individuals. It is getting sophisticated to a fault. There jokes about the situation about how lucrative the kidnapping business has become. People now notify others to look out for certain addresses as they are the hideout of people perpetrating such heinous crimes.

It is such a challenging time to be a student; it is such a challenging thing to be out of school and it is such a challenging time to be in search of work! May the Lord see us through these trying times.

Olutayo Irantiola is a Public Relations Consultant and Creative Writer based in Lagos, Nigeria, his writings are available on www.peodavies.com

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Education

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

Published

2 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.

Education

Bottomline Media Set To Host Ikorodu School Summit and Awards 2024

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Bottomline Media Set To Host Ikorodu School Summit and Awards 2024

Sahara Weekly Reports That All is now set for the much awaited Ikorodu School Summit and Awards 2024, scheduled to take place on Thursday November 28, 2024 at The Life Theological Seminary Center, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria.

Chief Host:

Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina,

Executive Chairman,

Ikorodu Local Government Area

Speakers:

Keynote Speaker: Pastor Olufemi Adefolarin Oshin

Pastor is charge of RCCG, Jesus Partners Assembly, LP 98 – Eruwen, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Special Guest Speaker: Hon. Folashade Olabanji Oba

Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State.

Guest Speaker: Mrs Owenaze Blessing Ella

Director, Unique Prella School, Ikorodu Lagos

Symposium: Lead Discussants

Princess Mulikat Fehintola Sanni, CEO, Mulifelong Motors

SP Ayuba Tunni Umma, PPRO Zone 2 Police Zonal Command, Onikan Lagos Nigeria

Pastor Prof. Durodola Olujide Ajani, Head of Schools, Dobar Group of Schools

Guests Of Honor:

Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner For Basic and Secondary Education.

Senator Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA. lkorodu East Senatorial District

Hon. Babajimi Benson, Federal House Of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan, member Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu constituency 1

Moshood Aro, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu State Constituency 2

Royal Father Of The Day:

HRM Oba Kebiru Adewale Shotobi

The AYANGBURE Of Ikorodu Kingdom

About The Summit

The Ikorodu School Summit & Awards is aimed at bringing together all stakeholders, including the administrators, school proprietors, community leaders, teachers, students, religious leaders, government officials, parents, security agencies, etc, under the same atmosphere to address the root causes of moral decadence in the society.

Theme: Education Beyond The School

Classroom: Addressing The Root Causes Of Moral Decadence In The Society

According to the convener of the summit, Arthur Igbolaju Richard who doubles as the publisher of Bottomline News Magazine online, the aim of this school summit is to promote education beyond the school classroom, and to help tackle the issue of moral decadence amongst our young population.

The summit will also recognize with awards deserving members of the society who have distinguished themselves by using their positions and resources to advance the development and advancement of education, and also those who have played excellent and exemplary role in building and developing the society.

society

Chrisland University Forges Strategic Partnership with ICSAN

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Chrisland University Forges Strategic Partnership with ICSAN

Sahara Weekly Reports That In a significant step towards fostering collaboration and academic excellence, Chrisland University hosted a formal event marking the signing of a landmark Linkage Agreement with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

The ceremony, which was held at the Senate Chamber of the University, commenced with an inspiring opening address by the Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, who emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between academia and professional bodies to equip students with essential leadership and administrative skills.

While speaking on the opportunities that will accrue through the programs, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the institute, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, assured the University that the students and staff would benefit through the practical insights that will be brought to bear by the Governance experts. The President of ICSAN further highlighted the shared vision and commitment towards advancing governance and professional ethics in Nigeria.

The event culminated in the formal signing of the Linkage Agreement, symbolizing a promising partnership poised to offer students enriched learning experiences and greater access to professional development opportunities.

This collaboration is set to drive innovation and career readiness and contribute to the overall intellectual growth of Chrisland University staff and students.

ICSAN is an offshoot of the International professional body with its headquarters in London and associations in Commonwealth countries. The Institute is a member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA). The Geneva-registered global organization is the global voice of corporate secretaries and governance professionals.

This linkage agreement will allow providing professional training and certification to our undergraduate students in the disciplines of Law, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, and Accounting.

The collaboration may also extend to providing training and certification to staff in the University Community in the areas of Corporate Governance and Administration, Corporate Secretaryship, and Corporate Financial Management.