Police Escort AAUA Students on Protest Ground

 

The students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko are currently staging a peaceful protest in the school environment. 

The protest commenced from agitation to put an to the topical issue of insecurity rocking the atmosphere of the student's populace. 

The Dean of the student's affair is currently following the students while a set of police officers is seen in their patrol van trailing the students.

More details are coming later...

WARNING: None of the content in this report should be used or republished without authorization from the Publisher. 

Read More

Victim Bite Dust As Another Accident Occur in Akungba

By Idera Fatimah

Tears flow in Akungba Akoko Community as residents encounter yet another tragic accident along the market alley. 

The Akungba community which is the hosting community of Adekunle Ajasin University experienced another accident after about two weeks and some days ago.

The gloomy incident occurred a sunny afternoon on Saturday 13 November 2021, right in front of the Holy Trinity Church leading along with Okusa market.

A J5 bus that was heading to Ikare road through the market roadway experience a brake failure which made the bus reverse after attempting to climb the small hill along with Chicken rep and Simple road. 

The bus tumbles afterward and crushed an aged man who is also an indigene of the community.

It also bruised out a shop built besides Holy Trinity Anglican Church rumbling goods and properties. 

However, Echo Media visited the scene and gathered from an eyewitness report that the driver survive with a few goods intact.

The victim involved died instantly while the bus also crushed out indigene's shop after crossing to hit the shop at the other side of the road.

As of the time of filing this report, the body of the victim has been moved to the nearby mortuary at Ikare by the members of the Nigeria Police Force. Roads were blocked from tailers while other vehicular movements were allowed.

Read More

No School Fee, No Exam Policy Will Stand- AAUAVC

By Peter Emmanuel

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has called on new students of the Institution to make proper registration and also make payments of their tuition fee as it's a criterion for all students to sit for the upcoming examination.  

Prof Olugbenga Ige, make this clarification during his opening speech at the 2020/2021 Matriculation ceremony which was held at the school multipurpose hall.

In an interview with reporters from Echo Media, the Vice-Chancellor of the 21st Century University revealed that the policy will be implemented faithfully and examination will commence at the appropriate time.

Prof Olugbenga Ige explained that the only reason why students should be in a university is to learn and to also be tested about what they have learned.

"While testing you, how we know you are a student is only if you have registered, and you must be registered so that people will know you are a student of the institution and if you have not registered, that very action implies that you are not a student of the institution and if you are not our student we can not conduct exams for you."

He noted that there are schemes for indigent students, such as work and study which is just 2hours a day.

 He also pointed out another scheme for students where the management pays half of the physically challenged students.

The adept professor however affirmed the stability of the academic programs. 

"By March 2022, the school should have been able to round up this session and start the 2021/2022 academic session."

Read More

4-4-1: A New Policy for Students and Drivers in AAUA

Oluwapelumi Oladipo 

Following the announcement of shuttle assessment by the student union government (SUG) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko under the leadership of Ogunsanmi  Kolade popularly known as "Multiple", the union, shuttle drivers, and others have shared their opinion regarding the abrupt move that has drastically remade a new light in AAUA.  

The information was disseminated to all the AAUITES on the 25th of October, 2021 by the welfare director, Modupe Mojisola Faith, after a meeting held with the school management and shuttle driver's chairman at the institution senate building.

According to him, "Having done proper scrutiny as regards the shuttle bus and some other mediums used in conveying students to their various destinations on campus, the office of the welfare director in conjunction with the office of the president has concluded that henceforth there shall be only one passenger at the front seat of both shuttle buses and tricycle to help enhance comfortability and ease our stay on campus."

She further noted that the office of the welfare director is working towards bringing more shuttles on campus to relieve students from struggling to get shuttle buses.

Modupe also added that the office of the welfare director is making a conscious effort in making students stay on campus stress-free.

Speaking with ECHO media during an interview is the students union general secretary, Comrade Adeyefa Tolulope(Elite) pointed out that the arrangement was initiated by the SUG to stifle student agitation over shuttle difficulty in the campus. 

"When we came on board, the agitation we met was that the buses and the tricycles are always jam-parked and students get clasped to themselves. so, for the fact that students pay the sum of #50, the union felt that they should be more comfortable."

However, he affirmed that after considering the agitation,  the student union body came up with the decision of changing the sitting arrangement to nine passengers per shuttle instead of ten while four passengers per tricycle instead of five.

More so, He asserted that the order has been given and it stands has been executed for the comfortability of students.

 

He said, "On this note, the student union is enmeshed with the challenges as students decried the arrangement to be seven passengers per shuttle and three  per tricycle which cannot be realistic as its stands."

"The challenges we are facing presently is that students want a reduction in the arrangement of the buses, they want the sittings to be seven for buses and three for tricycles but I don’t think this particular arrangement can work, for now, the reason being that the shuttles on campus are not enough to cover the population of student on campus.

"Hence, the effort has been made by the student union to provide more shuttle buses by collaborating with private owners to ease the issue of transportation on campus."

While reacting, the campus drivers under the supervision of Mr. Bintinlaye greeted the arrangement and embraced the order as dished out by the student representative as it will aid the convenience for both the student and the driver.

In his comment, Mr. Adura said the only problem surfacing was the shortage of shuttle in the morning as students would have to struggle with the little available to meet up with the class.

"The pack is always jam-packed with students every morning and for them to meet up for lectures the chairman might ask them(driver) to convey ten passengers if they are rushing and everything will fall into normality immediately the haste for the shuttle is bleak."

Corroborating, Mr. Rotimi disproves that bringing in a private shuttle will not make a better chance as an acceptable arrangement has been made and it has been abided by.

Read More

Nightclubbing and its Effect on Students

By Catherine Odebiyi

Clubbing is an integral part of modern culture and an irreplaceable segment of the entertainment industry. Nightclubbing, as it implies, happens during nighttime when different entertainment activities such as a dance floor, light show, and a stage for a disc jockey (DJ), etc, are being carried out.

Many students visit nightclubs in search of entertainment after the whole stressful day or week, to ease their tensions or probably heal from stress while most students see nightclubs as an avenue to enjoy themselves, meanwhile, they consciously or unconsciously emulate what others do which affects their conducts either positively or negatively.

Students attend nightclubs because it is a form of live interactive entertainment in an environment that maximizes all sense of humor. Imagine when you are out on the dance floor, you feel the melody of sounds flow with vibes and sometimes it is indescribable.

Clubbers like the feeling of blending with others, engaging in excessive drinking of alcohol, smoking, and absorption of hard drugs at the detriment of their health, relationships, and academic work. This is where many social problems arise and at the same time, promising destinies are being destroyed.

Based on research, it was revealed that nightclubbing is one of the reasons for students' poor academic performance and the increase in school dropouts. Also, having late-night parties, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs cause a mental breakdown of students and results in not being able to concentrate on studies, even on their day-to-day activities. 

Night clubs have always been termed places of violence where conflicts and evil activities occur. As a result of students being introduced to alcohol and drugs, various cases of violence are seen among students in schools, most especially higher institutions. Apart from societal issues and criminal activities, students are prone to suffer health diseases from an early age.

However, research revealed that the Ondo State Government under the administration of Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Thursday, 8th of July, had once placed a ban on nightclubbing. The Governor said relevant security agencies have been briefed and directed to carry out this renewed directive. The ban was imperative due to continued rising cases of insecurity in the state, especially in Akure, the state capital.

Governor Akeredolu further said that some cases of insecurity have been traced to unidentified groups and nightclub activities, especially those with locations on the major roads.

Speaking with some students of Adekunle Ajasin University, they relayed their views about nightclubbing and its effects on student academic performance.

Akinbani Jane, a 400-level student from the Department of English Studies, said nightclubbing is an act that does not portray being a good child and that students go to nightclubs to molest themselves and do all manner of things which has grave repercussions on them.

"Nightclubbing is a form of distraction academically. How can we balance academic with social activities? A student coming from a nightclub will not be able to meet up with 7 a.m class and some lecturers make attendance compulsory," she said.

Roland Bayode, a 400-level student from the Department of Mass communication also reacted by saying that nightclubbing is neither a good nor right course in our society today. 

He said, "Nightclubbing should not be a preceptor to measure or judge seriousness and virtues of the students. 

However, he added that nightclubbing now have quite more of a negative influence on students which he mentioned that moral decadence had constituted to this ills.  

People's motives and mentality are different, the majority who go are people with the dirty mindset, they do a lot of crazy things which are beyond what they can proudly do during the day time."

Furthermore, A 200-level student from the Department of Accounting, Adedeji Kayode, said, "Any student going to a nightclub will find it difficult to perform well in the class because he or she will not be able to stay focused on his or her academics. Going to nightclub should not be what we involve in as students."

Another student; Bolawole Oluwole, a 400-level student of Industrial chemistry revealed that nightclubbing is an overstretched element of the social aspect of studentship.

"Social life is not an offense and being in a university, one must be able to socialize and learn from others but overstretching it in the form of nightclubbing is an offense. When used to it, one would become addicted to it and it will affect a lot of academic works. Nighttime is one of the most productive times for everyone, a time when you can sit down to think and assimilate but when one uses that period for clubbing and outing, which are not intellectually productive to oneself, it is an offense not to the society but the individual," he said.

Nevertheless, to reduce the rate at which students are involved in nightclubbing, school authorities consciously need to educate students on the effect of clubbing and caution them by putting out rules against students involving nightclubbing. 

Also, parents should endeavor to monitor their offspring and have a closer relationship with them because when students are ashamed of what wrong they have done, they might not be able to discuss or face their parents and it could further lead to another problem. 

Additionally, Parents in their capacity should ensure to provide the needs of their children and students should as well say no to peer pressure and bad association that can lure them into nightclubbing

Read More

AAUA: Mgmt. Invite Students to Exhibition and Innovation Fair

Esther Oguntuase

The director for the Centre for Research and Development (CRD) in Adekunle Ajasin University has invited students to its forthcoming exhibition and fair.

The announcement was made by Professor O.F. Olotuah, the director of CRD on the 4th of November through an internal memorandum signed by him.

He stated that students who are interested in exhibiting any innovation should contact the center. He added that the program is designed to promote students as well as allow them to showcase their potentials.

The program which would feature students for the first time is slated to commemorate the convocation ceremony scheduled for November 2021.

Registration for interested students is between the 4th and 10th of November and would take place at the center for research and development.

Students are implored to contact these numbers for more information; 08054582550, 08035023796, 08036702502.

Read More

Personality Feature on J.K Rowlings

Fatimah idera

Joanne Rowling was born on 31st July 1965 at Yate General Hospital near Bristol, and grew up in Gloucestershire in England and Chepstow, Gwent, in southeast Wales. Her father, Peter, was an aircraft engineer at the Rolls Royce factory in Bristol, and her mother, Anne, was a science technician in the Chemistry department at Wyedean Comprehensive, where Jo herself went to school. 

Anne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when Jo was a teenager and died in 1990 before the Harry Potter books were published.  Jo also has a younger sister, Dianne.

J.K. Rowling, is a British author and film producer, television producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist. She adopted her pen name, J.K., incorporating her grandmother. Jo wanted to be a writer from an early age. She wrote her first book at the age of six – a story about a rabbit, called ‘Rabbit’. At just eleven, she wrote her first novel – about seven cursed diamonds and the people who owned them.

She studied at Exeter University, where she read so widely outside her French and Classics syllabus that she clocked up a fine of £50 for overdue books at the university library. Her knowledge of Classics would one day come in handy for creating the spells in the Harry Potter series, some of which are based on Latin. After several rejections, Rowling finally sold her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, for the equivalent of about $4,000; it hit shelves in June 1997. The word "Philosopher" in the book’s original title was changed to "Sorcerer" for its publication.

Her course included a year in Paris. “she lived in Paris for a year as a student,” Jo tweeted after the 2015 terrorist attacks there. “It’s one of her favorite places on earth.”After her degree, she moved to London and worked in a series of jobs, including one as a researcher at Amnesty International.  “Therein her little office she read hastily scribbled letters smuggled out of totalitarian regimes by men and women who were risking imprisonment to inform the outside world of what was happening to them.” She said later.  “My small participation in that process was one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences of her life.”

She conceived the idea of Harry Potter in 1990 while sitting on a delayed train from Manchester to London King’s Cross. Over the next five years, she began to map out all seven books of the series. She wrote mostly in longhand and gradually built up a mass of notes, many of which were scribbled on odd scraps of paper. Taking her notes with her, she moved to northern Portugal to teach English as a foreign language, she got married to Jorge Arantes in 1992  a journalist, and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica, in 1993. 

When the marriage ended later that year, she returned to the UK to live in Edinburgh, with  Jessica and a suitcase containing the first three chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone written by her.

J.K. Rowling has been married to Dr. Neil Murray since 2001. They live in Edinburgh with their son, David (born 2003), and daughter, Mackenzie (born 2005).In Edinburgh, Jo trained as a teacher and began teaching in the city’s schools, but she continued to write in every spare moment. Having completed the full manuscript, she sent the first three chapters to several literary agents, one of whom wrote back asking to see the rest of it. She says it was “the best letter I had ever received in my life.”

The book was first published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in June 1997, under the name J.K. Rowling. The “K” stands for Kathleen, her paternal grandmother’s name. It was added at her publisher’s request, who thought a book by a female author might not appeal to the target audience of young boys

The book was published in the US by Scholastic under a different title (again at the publisher’s request), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, in 1998.  Six further titles followed in the Harry Potter series, each achieving record-breaking success. In 2001, the film adaptation of the first book was released by Warner Bros. and was followed by six more book adaptations, concluding with the release of the eighth film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, in 2011.

J.K. Rowling has also written two small companion volumes, which appear as the titles of Harry’s school books within novels. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages were published in March 2001 in aid of Comic Relief.  In December 2008, a third companion volume, The Tales of Beedle the Bard was published in aid of her international children’s charity, Lumos. In 2012, J.K. Rowling’s digital company Pottermore was launched, which became Wizarding World Digital in 2019. Pottermore Publishing continues to be the global digital publisher of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the Wizarding World.

Also in 2012, J.K. Rowling published her first novel for adults, The Casual Vacancy (Little, Brown), which has now been translated into 44 languages and was adapted for TV by the BBC in 2015. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, J.K. Rowling also writes crime novels, featuring private detective Cormoran Strike. 

The first of these, The Cuckoo’s Calling, was published to critical acclaim in 2013, at first without its author’s true identity being known.  The Silkworm followed in 2014, Career of Evil in 2015, and Lethal White in 2018. All four are published by Little, Brown and have been adapted for television by the BBC and HBO. The fifth book, Troubled Blood is now out and was also an instant bestseller. J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard commencement speech was published. In 2014, Rowling published a short story about grown-up Harry Potter and a Hogwarts school reunion on her website Pottermore. 

Rowling has lived a "rags to riches" life in which she progressed from living on benefits to being named the world's first billionaire author by Forbes. Rowling disputed the assertion, saying she was not a billionaire. Forbes reported that she lost her billionaire status.

Largely, extensive research has revealed that J.K is a world-class writer, filmmaker, and philanthropist who also gives charity. She has written more than five books which have been published and she has produced more than two to three movies which have been sold, she also has made contributions to different charity homes and this has made her billionaire reduced.

Read More

AAUA New Librarian: An adept and Leader Par Excellence  

Josephine Adetula

Following the meeting held by the Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Doreen Yemisi Olorunfemi has been appointed as the 4th substantive Librarian of the Institution.

Her appointment followed the recommendation of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board. Dr. Olorunfemi, whose appointment takes effect from November 1, 2021, was found deserving to replace Mr Tunde Ademodi who has been in acting capacity since April 21, 2021.

She obtained Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Ed.) in Christian Studies from University of Ilorin, in 1999; Master in Library and Information Science (M.LS.) from the University of Ibadan, in 2004; and earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Library and Information Science from University of Zululand, South Africa, in 2014.

Before joining the services of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2007 as a Librarian 1, Dr. Olorunfemi had worked as an Assistant Library Officer at the Federal High Court Library, Lagos (1984); Assistant Chief Library Officer, Federal High Court Library, Ilorin (2004); and Chief Library Officer at the Federal High Court Library, Ibadan (2007). She was the pioneer University Librarian of The Gambia University between September, 2018 and October 2021, the position she held until her present appointment.

She began her academic career in Adekunle Ajasin University Library as a Librarian 1 (2007-2010); Senior Librarian (2010-2015); and Principal Librarian (2015-2018). 

During the aforementioned periods, she was the Head of the following Units in the University Library: Serials Unit; Law Library Unit; Readers’ Services Unit; and Coordinator of General Studies.

Dr. Olorunfemi, a highly versatile and experienced Library Administrator, was the pioneer University Librarian of Legacy University Gambia, West Africa from March – July, 2018. It was on record that, she also established the Academic Library for University of The Gambia, West Africa. 

She was a beneficiary of the Year 2009 TETFUND Scholarship for Ph.D. in Library and Information Science. She had taught in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko; University of Zululand, Department of Information Studies, South Africa and an adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

Olorunfemi is a member of several professional organisations and bodies, including membership of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Second Batch (LRCN No: 905); Nigerian Library Association of Nigeria (NLA); Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities and Member of Law Librarian Association of Nigeria. 

Apart from having several publications to her credit, she had attended more than 20 local and international conferences and workshops.

She hails from Ikare, in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State. The management of Adekunle Ajasin University sends Dr. (Mrs.) Doreen Yemisi Olorunfemi their good wishes in her new office as the Librarian of the renowned Institution.

Read More

From Echo To BBC: A Shola Ilesanmi's Story

Roland Bayode

"A lady once told me that she never believes I can make it in life, considering the way I was on campus then. I have one bag and walk around like someone who has no future but within me, I know my life is beyond campus."

Multiple Award-winning journalists; Shola Ilesanmi, who is a research fellow, 2021 Kwame Karikari Research Fellowship works with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Yoruba Service as reporter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) as a researcher. He narrates his success story of how he looked beyond grades after leaving the Department of Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko to become a firebrand journalist who now plies his trade with reputable international media organizations.

One of the funny things about the media is that most of the people who are vets now started little and the majority of them do not even like the course when they began. Shola ilesanmi is just another example of this as he discloses that he wanted to go for law and after three attempts, fate brought him to mass communication where he studied journalism.

When he started his career, resilience according to him has always been one of the principles that helped him to build the needed skills from the onset.

"I started by working with a campus magazine Echo newspaper where I developed my skills. I'm always chasing after the news. One of the things that helped us is that those who started the paper in 2004 left in 2005 with only one or two people left. So, we had the chance to come in at a very early stage mainly to work and this gave us a drive."

Journalism has quite been a risky and threatening job, this legman journalist as at then said he knew every profession has its threat, and journalism is not exempted. So,  as a smart guy, he has decided to be a man by chasing a dream out of a dreamless course he had no choice but to pick after all hope on studying law proved futile.

To him, he believes that it is more advisable to back up on some stories because no one has a backup life when one falls off and becomes food to worms.

"Journalism risk is quite higher but it takes God and wisdom to discern because no story is worth one's life. it is better to back up on a story and live because no one has a backup life."

When questioned to know the paradigm shift that makes him 'someone who does not at first understand or have any desire to study journalism to drastically grow to become a firebrand international journalist.'

The pace-setter reporter responded that he had faced lots of impediments that could have worn him out, but he was not in any way thinking of backing out, instead, he was focused and his passion was fired up.

"There was no phone at that time we could not browse, we could not snap pictures, we have to beg and pay a photographer to come and take pictures for us. It was very difficult. Despite that, I kept going and I have many national newspapers I wrote for while on campus. Immediately when I finished school, I have job opportunities then I chose the one I wanted and that's how I find myself in international media as a product of prayers, resilience, and hard-working."

Apparently, from sight, one can tell that this frontward pen-commander is not the big muscle type of person, as he appears simple and approachable. Until when one is told that yes!  This is the Shola ilesanmi whose name has always been ringing the bell. This implies that success is not by height, not age, not even power as the pen with the big eyeball exemplify.

He divulges that just like every other person, there were times he was down, depressed, and felt things has fallen apart but he did three essential things that keep him back on his track.

"I sit down to question and assess myself to know if I'm still doing the right thing and the answers to those questions got me bounced back. By the time I left school, I was already convinced that this is what I want to do but it is necessary to have the right set of people, have the needed conversation, good contacts list."

For grades, the pen connoisseur has quite not been on a green page his lecturer's red pen as he's of the idea that there is a life beyond grades that students must understand. He didn't dispute that good grades are needed to get access to scholarship opportunities but he emphasized that journalism is far beyond the grade and what he focused his attention earlier on is three things. 

"I didn't come out with one of the best grades you would possibly think. Students need to know that there is life beyond grades. The contest out there is crazy, nobody will ask for good grades, what they will ask you is if you have a degree and skills related to journalism. Then you have the job but there is a need to understand the market language, the market forces, and what is obtainable on the field, then you can fit in"

Busy, sited on a duke club black birchwood frame and soft linen cushions chair in Akure is this star reporter as he takes the next question to share from his experience what media students need to have in them to become a successful member of the fourth estate. As someone who is fully prepared, he adjusted his sitting posture and said three things are needed.

The first he mentioned is that one must be a versatile reader and self-conscious

 journalists to avoid being embarrassed.

"You need to be vast and smart so you won't be embarrassed."

The second he detailed is understanding the environment and having contact with the newsmakers.

"I remember then that I used to go to Mosque, go to church, social events just to cover events or get someone to do that and at the end, I have people who have recommended in that line because I give reports about them and this was because they knew I was doing it while on campus."

The third as he further divulged is that good angel has their enemies, so one must put God in everything to scale through from foes. 

"It is not everyone that likes you. Some people are brilliant and talented, the next thing you hear is that they died mysteriously so there should be a place for God in everything"

The rabble-rouser pen adept reveals that they had no money when they were doing it with all their sweat and blood then unlike now where students have access to the internet on their phone and can easily get things they needed to be done at a button.

"When I was working for The Nation Newspaper, I would have to go to the cyber cafe to type my story, while typing, the system will just go off and I will have to buy more time. If at that time, things were difficult and we did it, then students now do not have an excuse to give." He remarked...

The front-runner stringer also narrates his horrible starting moment of how he had sleepless nights for a week inside mosquitos around an old stadium in Akure just to make a publication of the Echo newspaper.

 

"We will put our stories in a floppy disk, only to get to akure and realize that the floppy disk has been corrupted, so we will go back to Akungba to revert. Some typed stories would have been stale because of the delay. Just like the end of labor, there is always a reward waiting, Shola and his men today now have a remarkable feat in their efforts.

"Some of those who were committed then are now doing well and have big shot in the media. This is not because they all finished at top of their classes but because they understood that it is beyond the grades in class"

He emphasized that journalists must make themselves relevant with times and season as the profession is a no-nonsense one, even a gentle person has to be firm and smart with it to retain their job.

He also reinforced that journalist does not have to be religious in the newsroom. 

 

"I'm a Christian, I had several interns who behave religiously in the newsroom, I do tell that I will slap them if they behave too religious and those who have cared to listen are now firebrands today."

He gives his final remarks stating that there is life beyond grades and students must get that.

"Some people look fine on campus and later turn out to be struggling after they leave school. Just follow up on your  passion, strive to be excellent and even your enemies will praise you because they know that If they want the best, they will go for you."

Read More

JAMB Changed My Course, But not My Dream

Isioma Osadebe 

AAUA Sociology Student Who Wanted Mass Mass Communication Narrate the untold...

Most students in Nigeria are often faced with the issue of having a dream course they would like to study in the university but the joint admissions and matriculation board (jamb) has always been there to draw their career board for them. 

In some cases, it's more like JAMB is right enough to set them in the right places, but for another set of people, the JAMB list has killed the dream and passion in them off. 

Consequently, the majority of the students in this boat tend to give up and just study anything given to them while lesser few people regardless of JAMB decision, still follow their heart by chasing hard to pursue their dream course.

In this exclusive interview, AAUA Sociology student, Fatimah Idera narrates the JAMB experience of how she was given another course to study at the university when she already had a passion for another course. 

Did she obey the JAMB call by following what was given to her or she follows the pursuit of her dream course?

The following interview section provides it all as...

Kindly give a brief introduction of yourself?

Fatimah idea is my name, from the department of sociology, Adekunle Ajasin University, a 200level student who particularly aspire for mass communication, but was given another course. A lover of growth generally, and a lover of God.

What is your dream course?

My dream course was to study mass communication at the university. It has always been my dream course right from secondary school when I fell in love with literature particularly novels. So I read many books about past journalists and some novella biography's which gave me inspiration for writings and being a journalist. So I decided to pursue my dream.

What is your course of study now?

My course of study is sociology; which is stylishly correlating with journalism but not writings, sociology is a good course too but wasn’t my dream course of study.

What do you intend to achieve with your dream course?

I intend to become a writer, journalist, reporter, or newscaster.

Do you still intend to get a degree in your dream course?

Yes, I intend to get a degree on my Dream course but disappointedly schooling in Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) has made me hate schooling further in Nigerian, but if am chance to school outside the country I will be glad to do so.

Do you find your recent course of study interesting?

I never found sociology interesting cos it wasn’t what I wanted to study at the university, but as we have it jamb change the course I wanted to study at the university, and the lecturers are not even making it an interesting course for me to study. Especially trying to cope with a given course you never like.

In trying to pursue your dream course and also trying to have good grades in your course of study, what have been your challenges?

In trying to pursue my dream course and having good grades in the course given to me, I think my main challenge is how to make good grades in my course of study cause I am trying to like the course to make good grades which I don’t even like the course. 

Also making good grades in my course of study aren’t that easy. Cause I see myself studying my dream course instead of what jamb gave me. It’s hard focusing on the course I am given to study here at the university. Because every time my mind keeps wandering to that course I chose, that I desire and it’s not given to me. 

Each time my mind wanders it keeps hurting me I can’t get to study what my heart truly desires. It’s challenging, cause honestly I still attend a few meetings involving media. I joined a group of recent it’s called (Echo media). Echo media it’s a platform that helps people who want to be better in writing and become professional journalism in the future. 

The media has helped me in my writing, and also other parts I want to work on since I can’t study mass communication, I will as well join the media. But the challenge here is that it’s not easy combining the two, attending the meetings and still going for classes, trying to meet up with deadlines of submitting stories and also assignments. But I have no single regret at all. If you want something, it’s best you better go for it.

How were you able to strike a balance between your course of study and chasing your dream?  

Honestly, It’s not easy at all, trying to strike a balance between the two. It takes one who is determined to not lose focus and forget about the dream he/she is chasing and not just settle for less. But I’m strong-willed and determined that no matter what I won’t give up. With the help of God, time management, and nonlaziness as a student, I was able to balance the two. Anyone that knows the dream he/she is chasing would not give up and know how to figure things out.

Do you have a mentor in journalism? 

Yes, I have mentors in journalism first my uncle, Dele Giwa, peter Ojo Emmanuel, and Aishat Adebimpe.

What is your advice to people that also find themselves in your kind of situation?

My advice to them is simply that they should not be discouraged, they should grow the right attitude towards their given course.

And in the Process of studying the given course, they should try and join a reputable organization where they can both learn and actively practice their dream course.

When you show courage in the face of adversity, you change your life and others.

The most provocative people in the world are the ones who won't settle for average and have triumphed through adversity. We are most inspired by people who have experienced difficulty and never, ever give up.

Boldly go in the direction of your dreams.

Stand tall and show the world what you are made of. When the world beats you down, find a reason to get back up again. Never give up on the success. Try, try, try and try again. Feed your mind ideas of success, not failure.

Read More

Dating for Fun, A Policy to Abolish in Tertiary Institutions

Busola Abidakun

The issue of being in short-term relationships has been a significant discourse among students of higher institutions in Nigeria.

Some youths in this present generation venture into relationships to accumulate materialistic possessions from their partners. Most males are interested in females for sex while females are after the males for money and other items like phones, cars, clothes among others.

Consequently, most of the relationships are not established on true love while some people venture into it with the mindset of breaking up soon, thereby causing them not to put enough energy into making the relationship work.

The students of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, Akoko, has however given diverse notions on whether it is right to date for fun and enjoy life. Some also shared their ideas on the concept, on how to build a long-lasting relationship among others while in any relationship. 

A 400-level student from the department of philosophy, Adeboye oladokun opined that building a great understanding and connection to the extent that your partner becomes your best friend and knows much about you sustains a relationship.

"Most people think having a relationship is all about self-esteem. This is common most especially with males, they love to enlarge their ego and boast about how many girlfriends they have. Also, I think Parents to nurture their children about what relationship is all about and make sure they are rightly taught."

Adeboye however advised youths in this generation not to rush to be in a relationship and they must painstakingly take their time in order not to end up in a toxic relationship. "Relationships should be built on love, trust, selflessness, and commitment. Youths should not go into relationships for selfish interests."

Olowolayemo Abisola, a student of 300- level Mass communication department, emphasized that contentment is one of the attributes that should be displayed between two partners to enhance a long-lasting relationship. 

"If you know that someone does not measure up to your standard, let him or her go rather than keeping too many partners. Youths that are tired of their relationships should not hesitate to walk out, the relationship should not be by force"

Oluwadola Emmanuel, a 200 level student of the school also expressed that people venture into relationships for fun, to satisfy their uncontrollable emotions or feelings. 

He advised youths to be patient by waiting for the appropriate time and abstain from any relationship that is not heading to marriage. 

"Any relationship that is not heading towards marriage can end up in regret and shame. We have seen a lot of boyfriends and girlfriends killing themselves and destroying their future. 

"Imagine a student who is involved in premarital sex, cohabitation, he or she will be faced with problems, especially for ladies, problems like unwanted pregnancy, depression as a result of several breakups, and both genders will not be able to focus well on their academics in school.

"Youths should see this as a distraction on their way to success, they should abstain from any relationship that is not leading to marriage and discipline themselves"

Kayode Timileyhin, a 200-level student of the computer science department also advised youths not to enter into a  relationship with the mindset of acquiring frivolities like fashions, money among others.

Odebiyi Catherine, a 100 level student of English Studies said, Ultimately, it's best not to commit to a relationship with someone you don't feel attracted to or someone you don't love. "Unhealthy relationships could lead to academic difficulties, stress, and involvement in delinquent behavior particularly about the early sexual and romantic experiences.

"You should be able to tell if your partner takes your relationship seriously, a person who truly loves you shows up undeniably not just when it's convenient or when there's something to gain but should be able to handle confrontation in a healthy way.

"People should not rush into relationships. They should learn how to make choices and decisions, and they should be able to identify what they want and go for it and put enough energy into their relationship", she educated.

Lovers should always create time and attention for each other. They should also understand that, for a relationship to work out well, communication is important.

Being in a relationship should be a period to know each other well. The foundation should be based on love and not infatuations. If you don't love someone, don’t force it because the relationship will turn bad eventually. Relationships should be treated with a high level of maturity because it is not child's play.

Read More

NASS Election; Does E-Voting System Make Any Difference?

By Oladipo Oluwapelumi

The National Association of science students in Adekunle Ajasin university adopted  an e-voting system as they trooped out in thousands to exercise their franchise on whom to paddle the canoe of the association at the just concluded Nass election today.

The election which was slated to hold by 11:00am kicked off at exactly 11:30pm due to availability of some agent. Security personnel were also present to ensure strict compliance to rules and regulations as well as criteria for voting by students. Only 200 level students alongside the graduating students were eligible to vote. The criteria for voting was either with a valid school I.D card or an updated course form.

According to information gathered by echo media's correspondent, the election ended on a transparent note as the electoral chairman declared D-math as the president elect having polled a total vote of 877 to defeat his opponent VIBRANCY  with a total vote of 552.

The chairman  of the electoral committee, Mr Ajio Omojogun  Gabriel appreciated God for the success of the election as the committe were able to address the agitation of students.

 He said, "We thank God for the success of the election. It has not been easy but we learnt from the previous election as to improve and strategise on how to make the election hitch free and prevent any chaotic situation. 

He also added that the election was free, fair and flexible due to the e-voting system that was embraced. It helped to curb any form of electoral malpractice  that might be instigated by some students during the election.

The total number of 1442 votes was recorded out of the 3148 expected eligible voters.

"We decided not to project the election counts to the public because of the variability it can cost as we understand the agitation of the students."

Mr Ajio further congratulated all aspirants for the brave step they took and encouraged them to see NASS as a family and work together for the greatness of the association.

"The election is a game and in every game there must be a winner and a loser. The process of winning an election is politics and once the election is over, such politics ends and all individuals involved have to work together as one. For the fact that one is a loser does not mean that is idea is inferior. It shows how popular or how one can play his/her politics.

I will advise them to see the NASS as a family, as brothers and sisters working together for the greatness of the association."

In an interview with the outgoing president, Comrade Oloyede Zaccheaus pka zeahkman, he expressed his amazement over the massive turn out of student at the ICT center to cast their vote as well as the E-voting system employed which was the second time of its adoption.

He said, "I am so amazed at the massive turn out of student and it is a great joy to me that students from the faculty of science are now politically conscious."

"Everyone is a winner but some set of people have to emerge due to massive support from students based on personal interest. I hereby urge all aspirants to work hand in hand towards uniting NASS.

While speaking with some students regarding the just concluded election, Tomiwa, a student from the department of Biochemistry said, "the just concluded election was a shout out as the processes were peaceful. The only hindrance was the scorching sun but it did not stop the electorates from casting their votes.

Speaking with the Student Union P.R.O who is also the outgoing PRO for the faculty of science, Comrade Asimbi from the department of Biochemistry, he said, "The election was free and fair as no casualty was recorded".

The caucus leader for the faculty of science, Sen. Edok from the department of Animal and Environmental Biology stated that the election went well and there was no cause for alarm as students were allowed to vote.

Read More

AAUA Accredited As Covid-19 Test Centre

CIRCULAR TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

ACCREDITATION OF UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE AS COVID TESTING CENTRE

I write on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga E. IGE, to inform all members of staff and students of the University that the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Akure has accredited the University Health Centre as a COVID Testing Centre having trained the personnel and deployed testing materials to the Centre.

Please note that the COVID test is free. This circular is for the information of the University community, please.

Thank you.

Olugbenga ARAJULU, FCAI, JP.

Registrar

Read More