Echo Media's Third Female Editor-in-Chief Promises Amplifying Students’ Stories

Gbonjubola Olanrewaju, the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of Echo Media (a long-surviving media outlet) in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, has promised the medium will amplify students’ stories. In an interview with OLAMIDE AJALA, this third female Editor-in-Chief in the history of Echo Media shared her plans and how she is going to manage the editorial duties.

Briefly tell us about yourself.

I am Gbonjubola Olanrewaju, a 300-level student of Mass communication Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA. I am the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of Echo Media.

How did you feel when you were appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of Echo Media?

I felt overwhelmed with the position as I was earlier appointed as the general secretary of Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ) AAUA. Although at that moment, I was thinking of how I am going to handle the new mantle of leadership.

What do you intend to achieve in your tenure?

As the Editor-in-Chief, I want Echo Media to be a voice for students, highlighting their stories, achievements, and concerns. My focus is on making information accessible to all who need it through the platform while mentoring my team to grow their skills and establish a collaborative ground for us to grow together. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy by building a platform that future teams can build on.

What are the challenges you think you may face and how do you intend to overcome them? 

As the Editor-in-Chief, I may face challenges like managing a team with different types of people and maintaining consistency under tight deadlines. Balancing responsibilities with academics, and handling criticism on sensitive topics are really the tough ones I think. Also, the constant issue of trying to keep people engaged on content will require consistent effort. With consistency and resilience I believe I will overcome such challenges.

The work of an editor seems tasking, with your academics and other activities you may be engaging in, how do you intend to strike a balance?

Balancing the role with academics and other activities might require that I effectively manage my time. I will prioritise tasks by setting clear goals and deadlines for both the blog and my studies. Delegating tasks to my team members will also help lighten the workload, and I will use a structured schedule to allocate time for classes, the media, and personal activities. Staying disciplined and avoiding procrastination of tasks will ensure I do not miss out on anything, while taking short breaks in between.

Your final words to campus reporters and intending writers.

I will just say that I got considered for this role because I first became a member of the association. And so in whatever space we find ourselves as writers, reporters or anything we might be, the first step is to make ourselves available then others can see what we can do and more. The ones that will look up to today are the ones that stepped out and tried even without knowing what was to come out of it.

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“Group Studies Limit Me”– AAUA Overall Best Graduate

Yembi Oluwadara Glory, the 2023/2024 overall best graduating student from the Department of Business Administration at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), with 4.73 CGPA, in an interview with OLAYINKA AIYENERO shared his academic journey, challenges, and secrets to his success.

Briefly introduce yourself.

My Name is Yembi Oluwadara Glory from Lagos State, Eti-Osa Local Government to be precise.

What is your educational background?

I completed my secondary education at Hadex Comprehensive High School in 2014, where I held the position of Head Boy. Following that, I attended Hospitality School to pursue training as a chef. Subsequently, I enrolled at Adekunle Ajasin University to study Business Administration. During my time at the university, I took on various leadership roles, including Class Representative, Financial Secretary of the Association of Business Administration Students, and ultimately, President of the same association.

How do you feel as the overall best-graduating student?

I thought it was a joke until my name was called. It is an honour, and it shows that hard work pays off.

What routine did you follow that led to this academic excellence?

One of the methods I use is this, right from my 100 level, I revise all the lectures I have been taught for one hour each and during my free days I go to the library and just sit there for hours writing and reading. Apart from my lecture notes, I have another note where I learn things related to that course different from what the lecturers have taught in class. I tell my friends what I do, you can not do it, cause I barely sleep at night, mostly for 2-3 hours. Once in a while, I borrow books from the library and I have my timetable. I kept doing it for a while and it became part of me. I do not like reading for exams but I believe you should read to understand your course for yourself, your department and society at large.

Is Education a scam? Yes or No and why?

Very funny question! Education is not a scam because we learn every day. Education equips us with the knowledge and skills to make an impact, it puts us out there. A lot of people think education is a scam because they expect their results to get them to the foot of any organisation but it does not work that way. When you get the needed skills and knowledge, education just gives you the advantage. What you use the knowledge for matters a lot while you develop yourself and put yourself out there. In my department, for instance, we take on real-life situations, and we are given case studies to look at and find solutions for them. They are trying to put us in real-world scenarios and we have learnt to solve those problems and that is what education is all about.

What was your best experience or moment on campus?

That would be when I was elected as the president of the National Association of Business Administration and Management Students (NABAMS). I was extremely excited to lead the association.

How many As, Bs, and Cs?

I have (51) As, (12) Bs, (2) Cs, and (1) D.

Did you ever get into challenging times and how did you overcome them?

Yes, I lost my mum two years ago, I was depressed for a long time and I felt like giving up but by the Grace of God, I was able to pull myself together.

So sorry for your loss but how were you able to overcome the pain?

I used the pain as a motivation, I was down a lot and I did not recover fully. I kept consoling myself with ‘Mummy would have loved to see me succeed’ and the thoughts kept pushing me to do better. I am not fully healed but by the grace of God, I was able to come out of it.

How were you able to balance academics and extracurricular activities if any?

I planned my activities well, I made sure one did not clash with the other. I always know what I am supposed to do and regardless of how tired and weak I may feel, I finish all my daily activities.

Who or What was your biggest motivation?

My mum. She stood by me and I promised to make her proud. I am sure she would be proud of me.

Did you ever struggle with a lecturer or course? How did you overcome it?

I do not think I struggled with a lecturer but a particular 400-level course stressed me a bit. It was an easy course but I found it very strange and I gave it more hours. I was not in a hurry to learn it and it turned out easier than I expected and I understood it better than others that grasped it before me.

What study habits or techniques worked best for you? Did you rely on group studies, personal study sessions, or a mix of both?

Personally, I read alone. Group studies limit my ability to explore.

What is your advice to students who desire this kind of academic excellence?

Keep your head up, learn, develop yourself and immerse yourself in your course of study. Do not give room for distractions and stay to God at all times.

If you had to summarize your journey in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

Success through determination.

Why?

Irrespective of the challenges I faced, I was able to weather the storm which makes this achievement meaningful.

How do you intend to use your degree to make an impact in your field or society?

Business Administration is a very wide area. I have always discussed the use of technology in management, streamlining operation processes to ensure that business procedures are easier to manage than they used to be. The world is moving towards a phase of technology such as AI and Nigeria is one country that we have not fully adopted that use into various organisations processes. One thing I have come up with is to ensure that I can get adequate certification in technological areas related to management and use that area to improve business operations in my country to ensure that we can meet our production capacity as a country and grow in the area of technology.

After graduating, what’s next?

CIPM and NIM certifications and my Master's degree.

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Uphold Journalism Ethics, NUCJ AAUA New Executives Charged

By Daniel Akinte & Boluwatife Kehinde

The 2024/2025 new executives of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) chapter, have been urged to uphold journalism ethics.

The outgoing president, Emmanuel Oluwadola, gave the charge at the handing-over ceremony held at the university's Mass Communication Relaxation Centre (MRC) on Thursday.

Outgoing President NUCJ AAUA, Emmanuel Oluwadola.

Oluwadola stressed that journalism practice relies on three major pillars: truth, accuracy, and objectivity. He urged the upcoming journalists to always represent the public interest.

He encouraged the new executives to create awareness by building audience trust through responsible journalism practices.

He also advised the new executives to foster a cordial relationship with the NUCJ alumni and campus stakeholders.

New President NUCJ AAUA, Eniola Amadu.

The new president of the union, Eniola Amadu, expressed surprise and solicited support from the new executives and alumni to better advance the union.

Other newly elected executives include Vice President Administration, Fanibuyan Ayomide (Legal Kekenke); Vice President Editorial, Moses Oluwadamilare Akinbani (AAUA Conscience); General Secretary, Gbonjubola Olanrewaju (Echo Media); Financial Secretary and Treasurer, Eniola Akinwunmi-Niyi (Echo Media); PRO and Graphics Designer, Daniel Akinte (Echo Media); Welfare and Logistics, Boluwatife Kehinde (Echo Media); Circulation Manager, Funmilayo Thomas (Mass Comm Blog); Production Manager, Sunday Excellent (Echo Media); Social Media Manager, Mercy Musa (Echo Media); Programme Officer, Akinyuwa Dorathy (Legal Kekenke); and Associate Writer, Jegede Anjolaoluwa (Legal Kekenke).

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AAUA Don Advocates Prioritising Entrepreneurship Education

By Funmilayo Thomas

An Educational Management academic,  Professor Comfort Adedoja Akinfolarin at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has urged educational institutions to prioritise entrepreneurship education in their curriculum.

Akinfolarin made this call at the 31st Inaugural Lecture of AAUA, held at the university's Multipurpose Hall on Tuesday.

Delivering the lecture, "Resource Management: A Catalyst for Qualitative and Functional Education," Akinfolarin stressed the importance of parents and guardians being curious about the kind of education provided in schools and improving the standard of education generally.

She added that supervision is a key function of education management, emphasising that supervision should be taken seriously.

"It is the responsibility of the school administrator to develop and maintain staff competence in the school setting. The instructional supervision activities by the head of department (HOD) include checking lesson notes, schemes of work, and monitoring teachers' lesson notes," she said.

Akinfolarin noted that for quality education, the provision of adequate resources such as well-equipped libraries, instructional materials, training of necessary cadres of teachers with adequate knowledge of what to teach and the methodology, enrichment of learners' homes, and a conducive school environment should be provided.

"Other factors include promoting extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, quality control of education through supervision, inspection, continuous assessment, and fiscal resources allocated, as well as other meaningful measures taken by the government towards revitalizing the educational system," she added.

Speaking on challenges in resource utilization, Akinfolarin cited the efficient management of resources, whether natural, human, or economic, as not merely a technical endeavour but a moral imperative.

She said to ensure sustainable development and equitable distribution, navigating intricate landscapes of policy, technology, and human behaviour is required.

"One of the significant challenges in education is the inequitable distribution of resources. Schools in low-income areas often lack adequate funding, experienced teachers, and essential learning materials, leading to disparities in educational outcomes," the professor stated.

Akinfolarin further stressed the benefits of resources in education, noting that they encompass a wide range of materials, personnel, and financial inputs crucial for effective teaching and learning.

To maximize the benefits of these resources, she added that it is essential to align them with educational goals, invest in professional development, integrate technology thoughtfully, and engage the community.

For sustainable development, Akinfolarin recommended that courses showcasing functional education, such as sciences, adult education, vocational and technical education, guidance and counselling, and others, should be prioritised.

“Practically, looking into Post-Basic Education in the NPE (2014), science students are expected to study compulsory subjects such as English, Mathematics, Civic Education, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students with these basic subjects find it easier to apply science knowledge to any area of study in Vocational and Technical Education.”

She concluded that functional and qualitative education make a nation worthy of development; hence, the availability, utilisation, and maintenance of resources are paramount.

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Echo Media’s Folawumi Olaniyan Emerges AAUA Best English Graduate

The Business Editor of Echo Media (a long surviving media outlet in AAUA), Folawumi Mutiyah Olaniyan has earned the Best Graduating Student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. In an interview with GBONJUBOLA OLANREWAJU, she shared her success stories and how the campus journalism has helped her get better.

Can you briefly tell us about yourself?

I am Folawumi Mutiyah Olaniyan, an indigene of Osun State, a recent graduate of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. 

What inspired you to pursue this particular field of study?

Honestly, I did not choose the course. But then, I fell in love with the challenges that come with studying English.

We heard you are the Business Editor of Echo Media. How has the organization contributed to your success on campus? 

I joined the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists NUCJ, AAUA Chapter in my 300-level and I became the Business Editor of Echo Media in my 400-evel. The organization provided me with a platform to do better. I mean, I met with like minds, people who propel me to be better every day.

Do you think education is a scam? If yes or no, why?

Education is what you call it. People call education a scam because they only focus on classroom activities. What about the morals, the networking and other benefits that come with being educated? Trust me, it is very easy to spot an educated person in the midst of millions of illiterate. There is an aura that comes with being educated. So no, education is not a scam.

Did you ever struggle with a particular subject or course? How did you handle it?

No course is easy, and every course has its struggle. So yes, I struggled with several courses. But like I earlier mentioned, attending classes regularly and paying attention to the tutor helps. Besides, I occasionally attend tutorials organized by senior colleagues.

What were the major challenges you faced during your time in school, and how did you tackle them?

I did not have any major challenges. My parents, God bless them, took care of me financially. So I just did my part by facing my studies.

What study habits or techniques worked best for you? Did you rely on group studies, personal study sessions, or a mix of both?

It is a mix of group and personal efforts. My friends and I always go for night classes. We read individually but we come together as a group to explain and examine one another.

If you had to summarize your journey in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), because he saw me through.

Were you involved in extracurricular activities, if yes, how did you balance them with your academics? Do you think those activities contributed to your personal growth or success?

I do not have much of a social life honestly. Aside from NUCJ (Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists) and the MSSN (Muslim Students Society of Nigeria) organization, I do not have any other activities.

Are there mistakes you made that you would advise others to avoid and what advice would you give to current students who aspire to excel academically?

I did not make any mistakes. I believe I did my best when it comes to my studies. I would like every student to remember that every course is important. No course is inferior to the other. These courses that are considered "inferior" help boost students’ GPAs. So they should do what is required of them.

How many As, Bs and Cs?

I cannot remember correctly, but I had only 4 Cs in my entire year in school. A couple of Bs and some As.

How do you intend to use your degree to make an impact in your field or society?

I intend to venture into the media world. With the knowledge gained at NUCJ and my course of study, I hope to make an impact in the Nigerian media.

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Akinfolarin to Deliver AAUA's 31st Inaugural Lecture Tomorrow

By Esther Opakunle

An Educational Management scholar Professor Comfort Adedoja Akinfolarin will deliver the 31st Inaugural Lecture at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), tomorrow 17th December, 2024.

The lecture, titled "Resource Management: A Catalyst for Qualitative and Functional Education," will address the critical role of resource management in enhancing the quality and functionality of education.

The event will take place at the University's Multipurpose Hall, starting at 2:00 p.m., while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

According to the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee, Professor Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event.

Professor Akinfolarin holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and both a Master's and PhD in Educational Management from Ekiti State University. 

She is a respected academic with substantial contributions to research in the field. Her works are widely cited in the area of Educational Management.

Currently, Professor Akinfolarin is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Management at AAUA and has held various academic and administrative positions within the institution. 

Her academic influence extends internationally, having attended numerous conferences and workshops in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ghana.

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AAUA Confers Honorary Doctorates on Gov Aiyedatiwa, Others

By Daniel Akinte

The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has conferred a doctorate in Public Administration (honoris causa) on the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Governor Aiyedatiwa received the doctorate at the 13th Convocation ceremony held at the university's Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ) Multipurpose Hall.

According to the institution, the award is a testament to the Governor's remarkable contributions to the improvement of Ondo State, particularly in governance, human capital development, and public administration.

Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving education and enhancing sustainable development in the state.

"I extend my warmest congratulations to the awardees who have just been conferred with honorary doctorates from Adekunle Ajasin University," the Governor said. "I am highly honoured and delighted to be one of you. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our remarkable contributions and outstanding achievements in our various fields."

He dedicated the award to the people of Ondo State, applauding the institution's successes over the years as a centre of excellence in education and research.

The Governor further assured AAUA management of steadfast support in implementing the newly approved minimum wage and improving the university's infrastructure.

Ayedatiwa, on the other hand, urged the graduates to uphold the values of integrity, diligence, and excellence acquired during their time at the university.

“Education is a powerful tool and with it comes the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society. Whether as entrepreneurs, professionals or academics. Let your actions reflect the training and principles you have received from Adekunle Ajasin University”

Others conferred with honorary degrees included Hon. Adegboyega Adeyemi Adefarati, who received a Doctor of Political Science (Honoris Causa), and Mr. Hazmat Ayodele Subair, who received a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

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FUTA Tigers Tamed as AAUA Luminaries Claim 1-0 Victory in Convocation Clash

By Boluwatife Kehinde

The Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) football team, Luminaries, defeated the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Akure team, Tigers, 1-0 in a convocation/anniversary friendly match yesterday.

The match, held at the AAUA Sports Complex in Akungba-Akoko, was part of the university's 13th convocation and 25th-anniversary celebrations.

The first half ended in a stalemate, with neither team able to score. However, in the second half, AAUA Luminaries took control of the game. 

Favour, a 100-level student, scored the winning goal through a penalty shootout.

In an interview with Echo Media, the AAUA Sports Director, Akinsulu Oluwatimilehin, and the AAUA Luminaries Captain, Fatunwase Damilola David, shared their thoughts on the match.

Akinsulu expressed his happiness with the win but noted that the team's performance was not impressive. "I was happy with the win, but not impressed with my players' performance. Although most of our players were not available, we had to make do with those who were around," he said.

Fatunwase agreed with Akinsulu's assessment, stating, "The result was good, but I'm not impressed with the result because it was just a 1-0 win through a penalty. The match was not challenging, as we were not at our best performance. I believe that when we face them again, we will give them the real AAUA Luminaries," he said.

Notable attendees at the match included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige; the Chairman of the Sports Council, Prof. Ayenigbara; and other university officials, students union executives and sports personalities.

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Groundnut Sellers to Be Conferred Honourary Members AAUA Alumni

By Gbonjubola Olanrewaju

Two popular groundnut sellers, Mrs Nimota Yunusa (Iya Chemistry) and Mrs Mulika Mustapha (Iya Computer), are set to be inducted as honourary members of the Adekunle Ajasin University Alumni Association.

The decision to confer on the duo honourary members of the association is in recognition of their contributions to the university community, particularly their emotional support and encouragement to students over the years.

According to the Alumni Association's National Events and Publicity Officer, O'Seun Ogunsakin, “The award is a testament to the impact that Mrs Yunusa and Mrs Mustapha have had on the lives of students.”

They will be inducted during the Alumni Association's 2024 national convention, scheduled for December 20 and 21, 2024, in Akungba Akoko.

The convention will also feature a convention lecture titled "Revisiting University Sustainability: The Roles of the Alumni Association," to be delivered by Prof. Benson Igboin, as well as the election of new leaders for the Alumni Association.

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