New NAMACOS AAUA President Pledges Accountability

By Daniel Akinte

The newly elected president of the National Association of Mass Communication Students (NAMACOS), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) chapter, Ayomide Ajayi has pledged accountability and transparency in his administration.

While speaking at the handing-over ceremony on yesterday at the Mass Communication Relaxation Centre (MRC), Ajayi reiterated his commitment to enhancing student welfare and support services, developing academic infrastructure, and other initiatives.

Highlighting the unique mode of cooperation, he urged all NAMACOS members to work together with his administration to achieve a brighter future.

"As outlined in my manifesto, my administration will focus on several key areas, including improving student welfare and support services, enhancing academic resources and facilities, fostering a sense of inclusivity within our department, and promoting student engagement and participation in departmental activities.

"Dear NAMACOS members, I am committed to working closely with our departmental staff, my executives, and other stakeholders to achieve these goals and make our department an even better place for all students.

"I ask that you hold me accountable for my promises and commitments. I am committed to transparency, inclusivity, and open communication throughout my tenure.

"Let us work together to build a brighter future for our department and for ourselves," he remarked.

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NUCJ AAUA's Reporters Win Alfred Opubor Fact-Check Awards

By Eniola Amadu

Two student journalists of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Chapter have clinched awards for the Alfred Opubor Next-Gen Awards 2024 organised by the Campus Reporter project of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The awards were presented during CJID’s Dinner and Awards Night, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, in recognition of exceptional contributions to journalism excellence in Nigeria and West Africa.

Emmanuel Oluwadola

Emmanuel Oluwadola, the incumbent president of the union won the Best Fact-Check Award in the Alfred Opubor Next Gen Award 2024, a category celebrating outstanding campus journalism across Nigeria. His fact-check was on “Incorrect: MTN, AIRTEL Are Not Giving Free Data, Airtime to Celebrate Hilda Baci's Guinness World Record.”

The Production Manager, Fatima Idera emerged as the Runner-Up for the Best Fact-Check Award in the Alfred Opubor Next Gen Award 2024. Also, her fact-check report was on “Are Asbestos Ceilings Cancerous, Banned in Several Countries?”

Reacting to the awards, Oluwadola attributed the success to passion to always seeking the truth as one of the pillars of responsible journalism practice.

He said: “I feel so elated to have won this category among different entries from student journalists across tertiary institutions in the country. Standing for truth has a reward and truth is one of the pillars of excellent journalism.”

“It serves as an encouragement for me as an upcoming fact-checker to continue to join in the fight against misinformation and disinformation plaguing our world today. My advice to others is that they should keep writing for impact,” he remarked.

Fatima Idera

Similarly, Idera expressed her joy for the award, stating that her story was fueled by inspiration to write for change and sanitize the society of misinformation.

“I was inspired to write for change and the passion to investigate fake news. My advice to campus journalists is that they should be focused and passionate on building themselves at all times because the rewards will come,” she said.

The Alfred Opubor Next-Gen Awards is in honor of the late Alfred Opubor celebrating his pioneering contribution to journalism as the first Nigerian Professor of Mass Communication.

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Don Urges FG to Prioritise Counselling Education in Curriculum

By Our Reporter

A professor of Counselling Psychology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, Prof. Clement Adebisi Daramola has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise counselling education in the educational curriculum.

Daramola, who also doubles as the Duty Vice-Chancellor Administration stressed this at the 30th Inaugural Lecture of AAUA held at the University's OBJ Multi-Purpose Hall on Tuesday.

Delivering the lecture, “Crossing the Crossroads of Life: The Counselling Pathways,” he emphasised the importance of crossroads counselling, highlighting that it empowers, educates, restores and re-builds people who are feeling discouraged, confused and frustrated.

He added that counselling services should be promoted at all levels of our society, suggesting the establishment of counselling centres in all 774 local governments of Nigeria to facilitate adequate resolutions of psychological problems.

“Since crossroads counselling is concerned with offering hope, optimism and opportunity, governments at all levels must be concerned with addressing poverty, oppression, abuse, and inequality and locating problems within these societal contexts that are capable of escalating psychological stress and tensions.

“To stand at the crossroads requires more strength than what an individual possesses. Therefore, all human beings need a higher perspective in the form of assistance from all members of the society to empower and restore hope and provide directions,” he said.

He reiterated that Universities must substantially address issues of training, research and service activities of Counselling Education to accommodate the new global and social realities of this age.

Professor Daramola advised counsellors to be psychologically well-prepared as well as technically ready to deal with clients’ personal and other social life adjustment issues.

He emphasised the essence of counsellors at crossroads saying, “Reaching out for help is a sign of courage and strength and this first step is often the most difficult one to take. If we find ourselves at a crossroads in life, Counseling and Psychotherapy can assist in finding the direction that is right for us.

“Facing a crossroad can be very overwhelming and can cause anxiety. One of the most complicated tasks any of us will face in life is the concept of making the right decision. Speaking with a professionally trained Counsellor gives us the chance to therapeutically explore issues and discover opportunities to grow and change.”

He concluded that Crossroads Counselling and Psychotherapy offers a compassionate and confidential environment in which people can find the necessary support to cope with the stress of life, echoing that, “When we are at the crossroads of life, apart from God, Counsellors are the next!”

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AAUA Set for 13th Convocation, 25th Founders' Day Anniversary

By Daniel Akinte & Funmilayo Agbi

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), is set to mark the 13th Convocation Ceremony and 25th Founders' Day Anniversary.

The week-long celebration is scheduled from December 6th to 15th, 2024, to celebrate the institution's milestones and contributions to education in Nigeria.

The ceremony will be held at the University’s Multipurpose Hall (OBJ).

According to the programme highlight, the Conferment of First Degrees on Students will run through Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of December 2024, at 10 a.m. with awards for Postgraduate Diplomas, Higher Degrees, Honorary Degrees, and the presentation of prizes.

The grand celebration will conclude on Sunday, December 15, with an interdenominational service. The university has described the occasion as a moment of reflection on its journey and achievements over the past 25 years.

The Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and other esteemed dignitaries are expected to grace the ceremonies.

In a statement, the university management urged all stakeholders, including graduating students, parents, guardians, alumni, and the public, to make adequate preparations to attend the events.

The program promises to be a remarkable occasion, bringing together the university community, alumni, and notable figures to celebrate the institution’s legacy and academic excellence.

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