Flee Anti-Social Behaviours– AAUA Counselling Unit Advises Students

By Peter Emmanuel 

The Counselling and Human Development Unit of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, on behalf of the University's Vice Chancellor, Prof Olugbenga Ebenezer Ige has charged the new and returning students to abstain from all social vices.

The message was disclosed in a broadcast message directed to the university's students. 

While welcoming the students to new academic session, the Unit beseeched them to be security conscious at all times and report all suspicious movements.

The Unit further urged the students to visit their department as counsellors are always ready to attend to issues affecting their academic and well-being.

It reads: "The Counselling and Human Development Unit of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olugbenga Ige. Happily welcome all fresher and returning students to the beautiful and conducive campus of this award-winning institution.

"As responsible members of the University community, we encourage you to inculcate a healthy mental and physical lifestyle, cultivate time management skills, build up the confidence to prevent anxiety and get prepared for academic exegesis.

"Attend class punctually, set clear and achievable goals, and maintain cordial relationships with the staff and fellow students. Be security conscious at all times and report all suspicious movements.

"AAUA students must never forget that this university does not tolerate anti-social behaviours and vices. Therefore, you must flee examination misconduct, cultism, indecent dressing, sexual harassment, drug abuse, Internet fraud, prostitution and physical assault among others. You must never forget that you are in AAUA to acquire skills to make you responsible members of society.

"Should you need someone to talk to on issues affecting your studies and well-being, come to the Counselling and human development unit, room 28 and 29, Students' Affairs Unit beside the university main gate.

"You may reach out to us on 08033846971 or 08054422338 and 07039404351. Our counsellors are always available to help you and make your stay on campus memorable."

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New NAMACOS Excos Assure Students All-Inclusive Administration

By: Abraham Isaac

The newly inaugurated Executives of the National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMACOS), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko chapter, for the 2021/2022 academic session have assured students of the department an all-inclusive administration.

The new president, Akinlonu Tobiloba gave the assurance after the handing over and swearing ceremony held at the Mass Communication Relaxation Centre (MRC) on Monday. 

Akinlonu reiterated his led administration's commitment towards good governance, fairness, and equity. He further said he is optimistic about the bright future of the department.

His words: "We are working on making the TV/Radio studio more active, providing better facilities for all students and better skill development, including Content Creation, Video Editing, Podcasts and others."

Other new executives are Iremitide Ogunlawe, Vice President; Ebimini Tamarauemi, Treasurer; Olayiwola Olaoluwa, Welfare Director; Ogunfuyi Anthony, Social Director; Emmanuel Olowe, Sports Director; Oyinlola Apoeso, General Secretary; and Adebisi Johnson, the Assistant General Secretary.

As of the press time, the following positions are yet to be filled: Public Relations Officer(PRO), Financial Secretary, Librarian, Chief Whip one and Whip two. 

In his speech, the Head of the Department (HOD), Dr. Gbenga Abimbola, charged the new executives with effective representation. 

Abimbola welcomed the new 100-Level students of the department while he tasked the executives on constant organizing of tutorials for the new intakes.

He further urged the new students to prioritise their academics on campus.

"You (Executives) must listen to them — fresh and returning students — as far as it is legitimate, you must champion their challenges. It is when you do this that the confidence reposed in you will be justified regardless of if they are your mates, junior or senior. Representing them well involves caring for them."

A 100-Level student of the department, Keita Ibrahim shared his expectations with ECHO Media and called on the new executives for an intimate understanding of students' plights. 

He said: "My expectations from them are stable and independent leadership, understanding and fulfilling their duties."

Similarly, a 300-Level student, Goodness Olukayode called for an improved relationship between the executives and members of the department.

"I will urge the new executives to perform better than the previous administration," he said.

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Group Takes AAUA New Students On Tour

By Kemisola Owonikoko

A non-governmental organization, Helping Hands Foundation on Saturday took the newly admitted students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) on a guided tour to ensure they get familiar with the university environment.

The tour which started from the school's Relaxation Centre (RC) covered important landmarks of the institution, including the library, science laboratories, sports complex, and others. 

Speaking with ECHO MEDIA, the founder of the Foundation, Oladipupo Oluwaseun popularly known as Tahnitee said the purpose of the tour was to ensure new intakes feel comfortable in the new surroundings they found themselves in. 

Oladipupo added that the Foundation aims at creating an environment where the fresher can feel welcome and confident due to the difficulty of adjusting to new terrain.

A student of the Mass Communication department, Owaleye Tejumola said, "I feel more confident about navigating through the school premises."

Olawaye further stated that the tour allowed him to explore the school and get to know some lecture theaters.

Another student, Muhydeen Oyinkansola from the Criminology department, appreciated the organizers of the tour. 

She said: "I am really happy that the school organized the tour for us. It helped me to know the school better and I am looking forward to starting my classes."

More so, Ogunsuyi Juliet from the department of Chemical Science said the tour helped in calming her nerves. 

"I was nervous before coming here but the tour helped me feel more settled," she added. 

ECHO MEDIA: 

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AAUA Students Contribute To Poor Electricity Supply – BEDC Manager

By Emmanuel Oluwadola

As the experiences of writing examinations in darkness are still much fresh in the brain of students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), the Senior Commercial Officer/Service Manager of Akungba, Isua and Oka-Akoko Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mr. Adesola Samuel, has cleared the air on the reason for poor electricity supply in Akungba-Akoko — a host community of AAUA. 

In some reports before the recent ugly experience, students of AAUA, most especially those residing off-campus have made their grievances known, saying the failure of the Akungba BEDC officials in providing stable electricity when students are in academic sessions is questionable.

Speaking with ECHO MEDIA, Akungba BEDC Manager said students play a major role in the epileptic power supply by tapping from the Megawatts illegally. 

"We have seen situations where we disconnect cables of debtors. Then once supply is restored, 70-75 percent of them would hang their wires back on poles. These actions have a direct effect on our DSS (Transformers). It leads to Fuse cuts, G&P cuts, and so on."

According to him, the company generates electricity from Okene, Kogi State, a neighboring state, and the electricity is distributed based on the Megawatts received.

His words: "We are supposed to have 12 Megawatts from the direct feeders, but it has dropped between five and four Megawatts, and the more the Megawatts, the more stable the electricity would be, and vice versa.

"The student population has nothing to do with the Megawatts. In our context, energy is what we produce. We buy energy from generation through transmission and we sell to our customers. Once the production drops, we won't be able to get our 12 Megawatts and that's when population comes into play."

Mr. Samuel further said he had met with the AAUA Students' Union executives and some concerned student bodies on several occasions to notify them about the illegal generation of electricity. 

"My office is wide open if students have any issues. Since I resumed office in November 2022, I have been working very hard to make sure the community gets an adequate electricity supply. The Student Union executives and some concerned students have been here on several occasions and I have explained things to them.

"It would be a thing of joy for me to see that everyone gets a power supply during my tenure. That's what I have in mind to achieve here. So, AAUA students should note that if they do not get a power supply, it means that our officials are not getting power from Okene– the transmission company which we get supplies from."

"If our company here in Akungba doesn't have 12 Megawatts or more, we would be having difficulties because of the shortage of Megawatts and the illegal setting up of cables among people," he narrated.

What Is AAUASU Saying About It?

In a few months to come, AAUA students will be electing new Students' Union executives to pilot their affairs for another academic session. 

Reacting to the epileptic electricity power supply, the outgoing Welfare Director of the AAUASU, Odole Mojisola, known as Voice on behalf of the Union said that several meetings had been held with Akungba BEDC on the issue but the only response from the officials was "poor electricity supply in Akungba is not a deliberate action."

She confirmed that the Students' Union leaders are not happy with the situation, adding that it was not fair for students to be paying for the services they aren't enjoying. 

"During the few meetings we've had with the BEDC, they said the circumstances are beyond their power and control," she added. 

"As the welfare director, I am not happy with the situation. It is wrong. It's in our society that things like this happen. It is not supposed to be like that. I hope they will do better."

School Management Reacts

ECHO MEDIA put a call through to the Dean of Students' Affairs (DSA), Prof. Olusegun Akanbi to clarify if there are steps taken to ensure there is a stable supply for students as they resume a new academic session. He said, "write a letter to the Vice Chancellor through the Dean. The VC will be ready to answer any questions from the students."

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Our Expectations From Next AAUASU Executives — Students

By: Boluwatife Adedokun 

As Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko Students Union (AAUASU) 2020/2021 executives led by Ogunsanmi Kolade popularly known as Multiple leaves office in a few months, students of the institution clamor for a better AAUASU administration for the 2021/2022 academics session. 

Stating their expectations in an interview with ECHO MEDIA, the students appreciated the outgoing executives for their agitations for a better system and for making life easier for the students.

Highlighting the key areas the next administration can contribute to the betterment of the students, they urged them to improve in these areas where the outgoing executives have done wrong. 

A 400-level student of Political Science, Samuel Agbelusi said the incoming executives should work with the management for the full implementation of the online learning system module, easy access to internet services on campus, and constant electricity supply. 

Agbelusi added that they [the incoming administration] should also consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing executives and have strategic plans towards the implementation of realistic goals.

"My expectation is for them to ensure that AAUA lives up to the standard of a 21st-century University," he added. 

"This current administration has tried in many ways and I can only say that the incoming administration should just leverage and improve or do better with the one they can. Human wants are unlimited but then a feasible framework and realistic targets will set the groundwork rolling."

Another student, Mohammed Zainudeen Tosin, 400-level Business Administration stated that the incoming executives should address the epileptic power supply in the school environment.

Mohammed maintained that the incoming administration should ensure students do not pay for the electricity they did not use. 

According to him, they should collaborate with the institution's shuttle drivers to lessen the transportation fare. 

His words, "They should help us to talk to the school management about the CBT Center because most of the computers in CBT Center are not functioning properly."

Similarly, Ezeamaka Amarachi, a 200-level student of Criminology and Security Studies, the students should elect mature leaders with intellectual engagement in the forthcoming election. 

"In terms of synergy between students and the management, I feel the current administration lacks in that aspect and it's very important for the next SU leaders to work on it."

In the same vein, Joy Akinlosotu, a 400-level student of Mass Communication, beseeched the next administration to be more concerned about the students; ensure they render pleasant services before leaving office. 

Akinlosotu said, "At least students should feel their impact not them achieving their selfish interest. They are the leaders — should lead and represent us well not vandalize what all students should enjoy."

On her part, Clarion Oyeronke, a 400-level student of Mass Communication urged the next administration to liaise with the school management to open the big gate.

"They should continue with the better administration of multiple. They can do better than them. 

Moreso, a student who pleaded anonymity said his expectations from the next executives are "they should negotiate with the management and make the payment of school fees easier for the students."

"They should agitate for the students in terms of payments because students are suffering a lot but the management doesn't care. I could remember last semester when a friend didn't register for his course early, he was forced to pay backend registration before he could do his course registration, whereas he was not owing the school because he does pay his school fees once every session."

Speaking further, the student said "students' welfarism should be their utmost priority after their education. I know everyone came here to learn but choose humanity in the process of learning, therefore student humanity should also be their priority."

The student further stated that the incoming executives should cultivate the habit of responding to students' requests and the Campus Journalists for the benefit of all. 

According to the student, the Students Union Building should be made accessible to all students, not only the executives.

Ast at press time, the timetable for the Students Union election is yet to be released by the school management.

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Election: AAUA announces new resumption date

By: Peter Emmanuel 

Following the rescheduling of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to 18th March 2023 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, has postponed its resumption date to 20th March 2023.

Recall that the management had earlier announced 15th of March, 2023 as the resumption date for both new and returning students.

The postponement was announced in a circular signed by the institution's Registrar and Secretary to the Senate, Olugbenga Arajulu.

The circular further directed students to visit the University portal, eduportal.aaua.edu.ng for their registration procedure. 

The circular read: "Following the rescheduling of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to 18th March, 2023 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the University Management has postponed resumption of students from 15th March, 2023 to 20th March, 2023.

"All staff and students are requested to take note of the above information and ensure strict compliance. Students should continue to visit the University portal, eduportal.aaua.edu.ng, for the procedure for registration.

"On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, I welcome all Fresh and Returning students to the Campus and wish them success in their academic endeavors. 

"By copies of this Circular, all Deans, Heads of Department and members of staff are requested to take note of the contents of this Circular for information and renewal of their determination for effective and efficient service delivery."

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AAUA Management yet to decide on resumption postponement

By: Boluwatife Adedokun

Following the postponement of the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly Elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Management of Ondo-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, has said the resumption date for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions still unchanged. 

Speaking with ECHO MEDIA, the Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), Professor Olusegun Akanbi disclosed that the management is yet to decide whether the resumption date earlier scheduled will be postponed or not.

Recall that the school management had earlier announced March 15 as the commencement of academic activities for both new and returning students after the February 25 and March 11 elections break announced by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Dean stated: "As it stands now, the school authority is yet to disclose another resumption date. 

"As I am  speaking with you, I don't know what the school management will do, the resumption date was fixed for March 15 and that's what we are aware of, if there are changes, the students will be updated later but for now, that is the date we know."

Also, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. Victor Akinpelu affirmed that the school authority is yet to state another resumption date. 

His words, "The resumption date is still unknown to us right now, since INEC has postponed the election and the scheduled date is March 15 according to the school management, we don't know if it will change or not."

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AAUA First SCASSON's Female President Appreciates Department For Successful Tenure

.                 Jimoh Simbiat Anthonia

By: Emmanuel Oluwadola

The first female and 19th president of the Students Counseling Association of Nigeria, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko chapter, Jimoh Simbiat Anthonia has lauded the support for her 2020/2021 led administration.

Anthonia, popularly known on campus as Toniabrity, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to her to pilot the affairs of the noble department.

She acknowledged that as a female president, her administration was able to achieve success due to the commitment and mentorship received from the departmental heads and the support of executives.

"I am so gracious and blessed to have been elected as the first female and 19th President and I also thank God for the privilege given to me to pilot the affairs of the great association [SCASSON], AAUA Chapter for the 2020/2021 academic session.

"At this point, I want to especially appreciate the H.O.D of the Guidance and Counseling Department, Professor J. M. Akomolafe for his commitment to the growth of this association and his fatherly mentoring. 

"My appreciation also goes to the Staff Adviser of this association, Dr. T. E. Akindayo, for his regular and persistent supervision to assure the smooth running of my administration. And to my lecturers and others, too numerous to mention, thanks for always standing by me," she remarked.

While applauding the executives that served with her, she commented that their strong and unshakable passion has helped them to record unimaginable success. 

"Togetherness is the key to every successful administration.

                      2020/2021 Executives

"To all my Executives who gathered around me with oneness, I couldn’t have had anyone better than you guys, you are the best. I'm so grateful for your support and commitment throughout this tenure. Thanks for always standing your ground for the cause. 

"Failure is never a setback but a moment to re-strategize. We fell and we were able to restore ourselves to a better person with a strong and unshakable passion which helped us record unimaginable success," Anthonia said.

She however advised that unity should be allowed to gain a foothold in the association because it makes a team strong amidst all obstacles.

Meanwhile, Eniola Ayokunmilola Israel, a 300-Level student of Guidance and counseling attested to the outgoing president's leadership role.

"She is a good leader that carries the followers along, a mother and she gives room for the followers to give their suggestions before she takes action. She's accommodative, a role model," he noted. 

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Our Experiences Writing Examinations In Darkness — AAUA Students

The interviewees Photo credit: Sophia Adinlewa 

By:  Sophia Motunrayo Adinlewa 

Paul Dawodu, a final year student of History and International Relations, expected the Benin Electricity Company (BEDC) to supply adequate electricity to read for his Monday paper, "Feminism (His 418)", little did he know his only source of light would come from a faintly glowing phone flash and torch. 

He held the mobile phone and torch desperately, trying to make sense of his forthcoming examination. Despite the odds, he endured, and was determined to succeed, against the system that seemed to have failed him. 

For Paul, the moment was an eerie experience and a grim reminder of the harsh reality students faced everyday in the hands of Akungba BEDC after paying a whopping amount of money for electricity supply.

The second semester 2020/2021 examinations of Adekunle Ajasin University started on the 15th of January and ended on the 15th of February, 2023.

Meanwhile, every month, each hostel pays Akungba BEDC not less than N4,000 and N6,500 respectively. 

In Paul's words: "It was the darkest moment in the history of Adekunle Ajasin University  (AAUA), when students would stay in complete darkness during examinations. 

"This is the story of AAUA students and their unwavering spirit to overcome the darkness that is shrouding their education struggle." 

Also recounting his experience, the former President of the department of Sociology, Theophilus Adelekun, described the moment as painful.  

"To charge my torchlight and cellphone, I had to walk a long distance to school only for the school to switch on the generator for an hour and it was annoying because I expected more."

Theophilus further expressed displeasure towards the unorganized timetable by his department. 

Lamenting, he said he felt the pain more because he had to write two examinations a day. 

"I remember a lot of people murmuring about this, imagine a 100 level of this same department, offering 3-core courses on the same day, not fair!". He said. 

For Daniel Oluwatobiloba Adebayo, a 100-level student of Guidance and Counseling department said, "the issue of no power supply throughout the examination period was frustrating."

Also, he  stated that the cashless policy made it frustrating as most charging centers where he charges his gadgets only accept cash.

"Aside from the stress of getting food due to no cash in circulation, to charge my torchlight to read for examinations was tough because I had to give cash to operators of commercial charge centers."

Similarly, Samuel Oyolola, a 200-level student of Mass Communication said "one thing that vexed me was the fact that students were not allowed to use the 2 hours allocated to each paper."

"Upon the frustrations faced before getting a place or gadgets  to read, lecturers do not give us the two hours before asking us to submit. A lot of us were unable to finish the tackles of revising.

"To add fuel to the fire, the cashless policy too affected me a lot, having to queue way earlier in the morning, so, I can at least get money for transportation because I live far from school, and sometimes, I have to trek for about 20 minutes to get to school and if I was unable to get shuttle on time, that is another stress entirely.

"Moreover, finding a place to charge too is a problem due to fuel scarcity as most people could not make use of their Generator and I had to move from my house to school to charge my phone and torch, even though it is not completely safe, to prepare for night class."

However, John Olamide Atansuyi, from the department of Religion Studies, who said it was the first time experiencing the wickedness from the side of BEDC, opined that 'what doesn't kill makes someone stronger.'

AAUASU keeps mum

As at press time the Students Union General Secretary, Adeyefa Tolulope, popularly known as Elite could not provide this reporter the steps the Union took in addressing the epileptic power supply during the examinations.

Four questions were sent to the General Secretary with the electricity supply topping the list but he answered the other three and failed to attend to the first one.

Further text and calls to get Elite to react to the issue proved abortive and the WhatsApp receipt of the messages sent to him as at the time of filing this report marked blue which indicate the message was read by him. 

Echo Media also reached out to the Students Union Welfare Director, Odole Mojisola, known as Voice but failed to reply to the messages sent to her. 

After acknowledging the message sent to her, she assured our Reporter  of attending to her questions with a voice note but as at press time, she is yet to reply and failed to pick the calls out across to her. 

Her reply: "Can I send a VN tomorrow cuz it's late already and I wouldn't want to disturb those resting?"

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Reactions As AAUA Merges Two Academic Sessions

By: Fatimah Idera

Several reactions have trailed the merging of two academic sessions of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko Ondo state (AAUA) due to the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

Recall that the management of the institution had announced Wednesday 15th of March, 2023 as the resumption date for the new and returning students of the institution.

The University senate had revealed that it will be merging the academic activities for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions due to the 8-month prolonged strike that began in February and ended in October, 2022.

Freshers and returning students react to the institution's development

Olatunji Gift Olamide, an aspiring microbiology student of the 2021/2022 said merging of the two sessions wasn't a good idea in terms of sharing the resources meant for one set with two.

He added that classes would be uncomfortable due to overcrowding and there would be a shortage of hostels as it won't be enough to cater for students of both sessions. 

For Olabode Precious Abigael, an aspiring History and International Relations student of the 2022/2023 academic session, said it seemed unusual to merge two sessions which might be too challenging.

"I feel considerate about it as we have all been stranded for a long time. It's fine to merge us provided that the school authority has made available enough resources to aid effective learning for the two sessions," he added. 

Ayorinde Olugade, a 200 Level Banking and Finance student said the idea of merging sessions would make classrooms congested and overcrowded as there won't be space for learning.

"I feel it might bother the students as lecture theatres and laboratories where there aren't enough facilities will be stuffy due to reduced ventilation which might result in low comprehension."

Speaking of the CBT examination, she/he said the collection of tally and the examinations system should be expanded to cope with the population of the entire students. 

Shittu Abbas, a 300-level political science student, maintained that merging two sessions would be inconvenient for the freshers as a result of class overpopulation.

He added that the available hostels might not suffice for the student populace and the science facilities as well as lab equipment would not be sufficient for the new science freshers because the heavy population will exceed the equipment.

Similarly, Igbekele Olabisi Temidayo a 400 Public Administration student opined that merging two academic sessions was a good idea, especially for the new students due to the academic calendar of higher institutions that have been disrupted as a result of the industrial strike by ASUU. 

"Some of the effects are that prices of things will change within the school environment, aside from that the new intakes will also be affected in one way or another like students standing in classes to attend lectures because of overpopulation.

"There will also be a hike in the price of renting an apartment because the population of the general students will be much more than the available houses. However, it will become the survival of the fittest for the freshers to cope.

Lecturer react

In an interview with a Mass communication lecturer, Mr. Lamidi Ishola said the recent development was the outcome of the last ASUU strike which lasted for 8 months.

Lamidi added that the ASUU strike and government are the undiplomatic ones to Nigeria's tertiary education, saying the government keeps showing an indolent attitude to educational growth in the country which makes the institution merge.

He said: it will be a burden on the part of the academic staff as there would be more students to teach using the same facilities which is an abnormality.

"It will be a tough one for both the teaching and non-teaching staff, as we have lost a whole year to the strike, and if the government can be proactive as we hope the new government might do that by preventing the annual strike."

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