AAUA Students Selected for Global Fellowship

By Funmilayo Thomas

The students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, have been selected as fellows for the 2024 Global programme organised by Women Empowering Nations in the United States.

The GLOW Global Cohort brings together emerging leaders of the African diaspora from around the world, ages 17-23, for an immersive three-month virtual leadership development experience.

The fellowship will touch on topics such as culture and identity, public speaking, and personal and professional branding.

According to WEN, 4,900 girls applied for the 2024 Cohort; only 103 girls were selected globally, of which eleven girls were selected from Nigeria.

The selected AAUA students include Joy Oluwatoyin Adeboye from the Department of Philosophy, Precious Toluwani Kosomolate from the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Reina Abigail Lasisi from the Department of Sociology, and Agboola Aliyyah from the Department of Economics.

In an interview with ECHO MEDIA, the students expressed how they felt about being selected and their expectations from the fellowship.

Adeboye showed excitement that she got selected after receiving rejection mail from them twice.

She said her greatest motivation for applying for WEN is to expand her personal growth and become an award-winning social impact maker, which focuses on promoting gender equality and women empowerment.

In terms of self-empowerment and mental liberation for women and girls, self-esteem and leadership mentorship for secondary and university ladies, providing a second chance education for dropout girls in Nigeria and beyond.

"It is a rare life opportunity, and I can't wait to embrace the experience in store for me. I stand to become a global voice for promoting women's rights through advocacy," Adebayo said.

Lasisi, a recent graduate, said she was excited to be selected for the global opportunity and couldn't wait to explore all that is in store for her through this opportunity.

"I hope to gain the necessary skills and network that will help me build and run a successful and impactful social impact leadership journey," Lasisi said.

Similarly, Kosomolate said she felt great, exceptional, global, intrigued, and super grateful for the opportunity.

"What prompted the application was the leadership skills, Public Speaking, and positioning (Branding) training," she said.

Kosomolate, however, said she intends to be a better leader who understands what it takes to put herself out while harnessing her voice for positive change at the end of the program.

Aliyyah, an Economics student, said she felt rewarded because being selected as a GLOW Girl by WENations is like a crown usually given to those who have worked either directly or indirectly hard in their various fields of life.

"Although it still feels like a paradox once in a while, I mean the doubts and anticipation because we still don't know yet how little or huge what's in store for us."

Aliyyah said she intends to learn how to accelerate her career as a girl from this part of the world, gaining experiences and implementing them in her business, as well as meeting industry experts from her field, learning, and working with different types of people. "I also love being able to impact others," she said.

Also, she wants to develop more on her leadership skills and can't wait to network and learn from the amazing ladies in the program.

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Akungba Accident: Police To Apprehend Driver Involved

By Our Reporter

The Ondo State Police Command is on the verge of apprehending the student driver of a muscle Camry car involved in a fatal accident that has claimed the lives of three non-students (indigenes) of Akungba.

The fatal accident happened earlier today in front of Chicken Republic, at Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

According to the Adekunle Ajasin University Students' Union Public Relations Officer, Comr. Olaogbebikan Noble, the police are working to reveal the identity of the student driver, who is currently unknown.

The accident, which occurred when the Camry car collided with a shuttle car and a lady's bike, led to the vandalism and subsequent burning of the Camry car.

While assuring that justice will be served, the Students' Union has urged students to remain calm, avoid unnecessary arguments, and drive responsibly.

The Union also debunked rumours that a student died in the accident, clarifying that no student was involved in the fatalities.

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Ondo 2024: NAUS Urges Parties to Prioritise Student-Centric Candidates

By Funmilayo Thomas

The National Association of Universities Students (NAUS), Ondo State chapter, has issued a clarion call to political parties in the state, urging them to put forward candidates with a strong interest for students in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Speaking at a press conference held at Adekunle Ajasin University's FASA LT, NAUS Secretary General, Comr. Samuel Agbelusi, said candidates who are committed to enhancing the educational sector and addressing the challenges facing students should be considered.

"This is not about endorsing or attacking any particular candidate or party; it's about ensuring that the next governor of Ondo State is someone who recognizes the pivotal role of students in shaping the state's future," Agbelusi remarked.

He emphasized the need for candidates who will prioritize issues such as quality education, affordable tuition, youth empowerment, healthcare, and inclusive representation.

While commending the current state government for its efforts in the education sector, NAUS expressed a desire for further improvements, emphasizing the importance of continuous progress.

"We are not aligned with any specific political party or candidate. Our sole criteria are candidates who genuinely prioritize student interests. Whoever the parties nominate must demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing the well-being and prospects of students," Agbelusi said.

NAUS called upon political parties to actively involve students in the electoral process, incorporate student concerns into their policy agendas, and ensure transparent and fair primary elections.

As the primaries draw near, NAUS, however, encouraged delegates to choose candidates who will champion the cause of education and youth development, steering Ondo State towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.

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'Continue the Good Work': AAUASU Inaugurated Executives Urged

Inaugurated 2023/2024 AAUA Students' Union Executives

By Rasheed Aladejana

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has urged the new AAUA Students Union executives to continue with the good work.

Prof. Ige said this during the inaugural ceremony for the 2023/2024 AAUASU executives at the Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall (OBJ) today.

He congratulated the elected executives, urging them to be focused and "continue the good work which has been placed before you."

The VC also appreciated the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Olusegun Akanbi, the Students’ Union Electoral Committee (SUEC) chairman, Prof. Kolade Afolabi, and others for the success of the election.

Lauding students' compliance with the school rules and regulations, Ige advised the students to pay their school fees and complete their registrations.

"The current student population is not more than 21,000, and over 20,000 have registered as of yesterday. The unregistered students are a few students who don't listen to and obey directives.

"There is no going back to the stop of back-end registration. Students are to complete their registration with the additional two weeks given by the Institutions to avoid carryout or automatic withdrawal as the examination is about to come to an end," he warned.

After introducing the newly elected Students' Union executives, the Students' Representative Council (SRC), and the Students' Judicial Council (SJC), the Registrar, Mr Raphael Arajulu administered the oath of office to these comrades.

The SUEC chairman, Prof. Kolade Afolabi, however, presented the certificates of return to the newly inaugurated Students Union executives.

The new executives include Oyindamola Olamide Boladale (Mandela) as President; Adeboye Mayowa Peace (Mayor) as Vice-President; Oladele Sunday Adeniyi (Sardkiss) as General Secretary; Olaobaju Fikayo Femi (Olapaid) as Social Director; Kayode Ayomide Anthony (Ayomiposi) as Financial Secretary.

Ariyo Atinuke Elizabeth (Lizzie Ella) as Treasurer; Odebola Samson Oluwatimileyin (Samsoniah) as Welfare Director; Akinsulu Praise Oluwatimilehin (Zulu) as Sports Director; Ogunyemi, Deborah Okikiolamiposi (Kiki) as Assistant General Secretary; and Olaogbebikan Noble Emmanuel (Hemmyraid) as Public Relations Officer.

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"Back-end Registration Gone Forever in AAUA" – VC

By Eniola Amadu

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, Professor Olugbenga Ige, has said that the issue of back-end registration is "gone and gone forever" in the institution.

Prof. Ige said this during the inaugural ceremony for the elected 2023/2024 Students Union executives at Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall (OBJ) today.

This was in response to the plea of the newly inaugurated AAUASU president, Boladele Oyindamola Olamide (Mandela), during his inaugural speech.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the only solution is to extend the deadline for the closure of the school's portal.

"The documents of approval for the back-end students are a waste, and the only solution is to extend the closure of the portal, which we have done," VC said.

He emphasized that the current student population is not more than 21,000, and over 20,000 have registered as of yesterday, tagging the unregistered as "few students who don't listen to and obey directives."

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AAUA Management Extends First Semester Registration by Two Weeks

By Samuel Oyolola

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has approved the extension of registration for the 2023/2024 first semester by two weeks.

This was disclosed in a circular by the school's Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, yesterday.

Recall that the management had earlier announced the closure of the school portal for the 2023/2024 first semester, stressing the cancellation of backend registration for latecomers.

The management approved the extension given the recent public holidays observed for the Ramadan celebration.

Students are advised to pay their school fees and complete their registration before midnight on April 28, 2024.

The circular reads: "I write to inform you that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga E. Ige, has graciously approved an extension of two (2) weeks for the closure of the portal for the payment of school fees and registration for the First semester, 2023/2024 academic session.

"The extension is approved in view of the recent numerous public holidays. The portal will now be closed by midnight on April 28, 2024.

"Therefore, all students who are yet to pay their school fees and complete their registration should use the period of extension to complete their registration.

"I am to remind all students that the Senate had directed that with effect from the 2023/2024 academic session, backend registration will no longer be entertained. Students are, therefore, enjoined to follow strictly the 2023/2024 Academic Calendar as approved by the Senate.

"The purpose of this Circular is to bring the above information to the attention of all students for guidance and strict compliance."

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AAUA NUCJ President Wins National Book Essay Competition

By Daniel Akinte

Emmanuel Oluwadola, the current president of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA chapter, has won the Our Punch Years book essay competition for Mass Communication students and campus journalists nationwide.

Oluwadola, out of the 22 campus journalists who participated in the essay, was declared the winner on Monday, 8th April 2024, by the organizers of the competition.

He won with his review of a chapter of the book titled "Undying Flame of Passion," while a student from the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT, Precious Umeh, became the first runner-up with her review titled "Inspiration for the future generations of reporters, editors."

Besides, the second runner-up was shared by John Praise Oluwadarasimi of the Department of Mass Communication at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin (Invaluable media career lessons); Abigail Chioma Mbah, Union of Campus Journalists, Nnamdi Azikwe University, UNIZIK, Akwa (Importance of Training, Internship for Journalists); and John Eriomala, Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (Hypnos and The Soldiers of Good Fortune), who were named as joint second runners-up.

The first prize winner will get N50,000, the second N30,000, and the joint third prize winners N20,000 each.

Also, all the participants will get an e-copy and hard copy of the book for their department or organization, and all the essays will be published as an e-book in acknowledgement of the quality of the insights they contained. Participants will also get data reimbursement for their participation.

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Eid-el-Fitr: FG Announces Tuesday, Wednesday Public Holiday

By Our Reporter

The Nigeria Federal Government has announced Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th of April 2024, as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a statement released today by the ministry's permanent secretary, Aishetu Ndayako.

FG congratulated all Muslims brothers and sisters for the successful completion of the year's holy month Ramadan fasting.

Tunji-Ojo charged Muslims to exemplify good practices of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness and compassion, emulating the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

The statement reads, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 9th and Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulates all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

“Tunji-Ojo calls on Muslim Ummah to imbibe and practise the virtues that entails kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

“He urged Nigerians to continue in the spirit of unity in order to improve and achieve peace and oneness in the country.

“The minister wishes all Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings, and favour of Allah be with everyone and our great nation.”

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Ramadan: "Be Greedy for Good Deeds" – Clergy

By Folawumi Muti'ah

A Muslim clergyman in Akungba Akoko, Sheikh Murtado Rabiu, has encouraged Muslims to always prioritize good deeds during Ramadan, emphasizing that the holy month is more than just fasting.

Rabiu stressed that engaging in daily prayers, reading the Qur'an, and reciting daily reminders are essential during Ramadan.

He emphasized the significance of these deeds, saying that believers' rewards are multiplied during this sacred period.

"During this period, the rewards for these deeds are doubled, which is different from the reward they attract on ordinary days," he said.

Acknowledging the challenges of fasting posed by the economic hardship in the country, Rabiu urged believers to remain steadfast in their faith and seek Allah's favour.

"This year's Ramadan is not different and it is different from the previous ones. Not different because the month is the same. The duties and obligations of Muslims during the period are the same. Allah said in the Qur’an that he made it compulsory for Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan.

"This has been from inception and will not change. However, the country's economy has made this year's Ramadan different. This is because it is not so easy for people to fast. Some of the fasting Muslims engage in rigorous and hard tasks to feed themselves and their families.

"These people would not be able to work efficiently because of the draining strength during a fast. However, Muslims should strengthen their faith in this challenging period," he advised.

The clergy encouraged Muslims to emulate the behaviour of the Prophet Muhammad and refrain from insulting leaders, but pray for the leaders and the nation.

In an interview with ECHO MEDIA, Muslim students at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, expressed challenges faced during the ongoing Ramadan, regretting economic hardship with examination preparation.

They, however, emphasized that proper planning and adequate balance between academic responsibilities and religious duties are very important to students' progress.

The male leaders of the Muslim students in AAUA, Abdultawab Isma'eel,  Abdullah Abass and Abdulwaheed Ahmad all said that this period is a trying time for Muslim students. They stated that proper planning and balance will ease the affairs of the students.

The Ameer implored Muslim brethren to flee from any form of insults or arguments that may lead to fighting but patiently seek Allah's help on their requests.

"We are both grateful to charitable Muslims and the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, AAUA chapter for providing the students with food from Monday to Thursday which in turn has reduced their cost of living," they added.

A female student, Ademola Nimotallah, acknowledged the difficulties of balancing religious worship and studies, encouraging students to prioritize their necessities.

"It might be different at times balancing the two as a student but we must remain hopeful and remember the nearness of Allah's help," she said.

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How AAUA Student Receives Legacy Award In London

By: Eniola Amadu

A graduate of Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Oluwadamilola Akintewe, recently received a prestigious Legacy Award in London for her outstanding contributions to social action and humanitarian efforts.

The 24-year-old changemaker was chosen as one of just twenty recipients of The Legacy Award from around the globe.

Akintewe's outstanding initiatives like "Forbidden Topics," a community of young women using storytelling to combat gender-based violence on college campuses, draw her to this global honour and recognition.

The initiative has grown to include young people from over 30 countries and has influenced policy reviews that have safeguarded over 25,000 students.

Likewise, her "Project Rebirth" initiative, a social enterprise aimed at providing skills and resources to women in rural communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Nigeria also draws global attention.

The Award, presented by the Prince of Wales to Akintewe, marks the 25th anniversary of The Diana Award, a charity established in memory of Diana, the late Princess of Wales, to celebrate young people contributing to positive change in the world.

Reacting to the award, Akintewe expressed her unalloyed gratitude, assuring continuous determination to inspire more young people to make a positive impact.

“Receiving the award validates the assertion that I’ve always made, which says that young people can and will change the world,” she stated.

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