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Showing posts from May, 2025

OAU Law Students Camp Out to Raise Funds for Colleague’s Kidney Transplant

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Esther Olatunji Second-year Law students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) recently held a camping awareness campaign to support their classmate, Mutmainah Oladosu, who is critically ill with chronic kidney disease. Mutmainah is receiving treatment at ABUAD Multi-System Hospital and urgently needs a kidney transplant. The total cost for the transplant and follow-up care is estimated at ₦40 million ($25,000 USD), an amount beyond what her family can afford. The students organized the campout to raise awareness and funds to help cover these medical expenses. The Class Governor expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by the students and encouraged everyone to help spread the word and support Mutmainah. Two other students shared their feelings about Mutmainah’s condition. Ayorinde Gideon said, “Mutmainah is one of us. If not for her health, she’d be in Part Two. It’s heartbreaking to see her unable to continue her studies. We appeal to the student community to help in an...

I Stand for Students’ Rights — OAU Faculty of Education Rep

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Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi Bello AbdulHameed Bolaji is a Part 4 student of Religious Studies and Education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He currently serves as an honourable representing the Faculty of Education in the GreatIfe Student Representative Council (SRC). In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on campus politics, student challenges, and his role as a student leader. When asked about the recent student ID card controversy on campus, Ridwan expressed full support for the student union’s protests. He explained that many students have been harassed outside the university because they lack proper identification. Even during CBT exams on campus, students are required to show ID, yet obtaining this ID is a stressful process. Students must print their course forms and get signatures from their heads of department, which Ridwan describes as “ stressful and uncalled for. Despite raising these concerns repeatedly with school management, no effective action was taken...

OAU Alumni Launch Smart Chemistry Project to Drive Innovation

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The Department of Chemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has launched the Smart Chemistry Project, an initiative designed to improve scientific education, research, and real-life problem-solving. The project was unveiled during the department’s first alumni meeting and fundraising event, attended by alumni, guests, and faculty members. The Smart Chemistry Project aims to turn the department into a centre for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. According to the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Adeyinka Adesina, the project will provide modern laboratory equipment, hands-on training, and encourage students to think critically and creatively. He said this will help students tackle real-world problems and support national development through science and innovation. Professor Adesina explained that the project is not just about infrastructure, but about helping students learn, innovate, and lead. The goal is to give students the skills and tools needed for mode...

How My Farm Cutlass Was Used to Injure My Neighbour During Moremi Estate Hostel Robbery — Students Share Ordeal

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Akinade Peter Ayomide On the night of May 18 to 19, 2025, thieves attacked a hostel in Moremi Estate, Ile-Ife, Osun State. The robbers broke into seven of the twenty rooms, injured one student with a cutlass, and stole phones, laptops, and PlayStations. The attack left students scared and worried about their safety. Two students, Yakub and Samuel, spoke about their experience. Samuel said he was sleeping when he heard loud noises outside. “I heard people trying to break a door. Someone said they were armed robbers,” he said. Yakub said the robbers only got into seven rooms because the students quickly warned each other. “I woke up because it was hot, and I heard noise getting louder. We sent messages on our WhatsApp group to call for help,” he said. The robbers climbed over barbed wires and cut the electric fence to enter the hostel. They did not speak to the students directly, but Yakub said they used his farm cutlass to hurt his neighbor. The neighbor has been treated and...

OAU Architecture Students Urged to Embrace Mentorship, Innovation

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA) at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, held its annual summit, tagged Summit 2.0, on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Ajose Lecture Theatre. The event, themed “Beyond Build,” brought together students from all levels in the Department of Architecture, including postgraduate students, as well as lecturers and professors from the department. The summit opened with a welcome address by Professor A.D. Ajiboye, Head of the Department of Architecture, who greeted guests and introduced members of staff present, including Professor Osasona, Professor Dolapo Amole, and Professor Ilesanmi, the Deputy Provost of the Postgraduate College, among others. Favor Oyekan, President of IFASA, also welcomed everyone and highlighted some activities that took place before the summit, such as a campus cleaning exercise in partnership with Plug in Nigeria on May 10 and a marathon race and sports fiesta on May 17. A panel ses...

ESAN OAU Empowers Students to Unlock Potential with Brandthrive 2.0 Program

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Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi  The Education Students Association of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University (ESAN OAU), through the Office of the General Secretary, recently hosted Brandthrive 2.0-an empowerment program themed "Unlocking Your Potential: Navigating Identity, Purpose, and Impact in a Dynamic World." The event, held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Faculty of Technology Lecture Theatre, OAU, Ile-Ife, aimed to inspire students to discover and maximize their personal and professional potential. The event began on a lively note as the master of ceremonies engaged attendees with games and introduced key guests, protocol officials, and members of the media. This interactive start helped set a positive and welcoming tone for the day. One of the speakers, Arch. Adeleke Adedayo (CEO, Weforte MultiChoice) , opened his session by challenging students with a thought-provoking question: “What do you want people to know you for?” He advised participants not to start a brand they canno...

How OAU Students Struggle with Rising Data Costs Amid NCC Tariff Hike

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Emiola Oluwaseun Following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) increase in tariffs for calls, SMS, and data earlier this year, many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the added financial burden. Students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are feeling the impact deeply, as rising data costs threaten their academic work and daily lives.   Joy Abioye, a final-year student in the Faculty of Education, shared how the data hike has slowed her research progress. “I can’t access the internet anytime I need, which delays my work,” she said. To cope, Joy switched to a cheaper network, but this has increased her monthly expenses. “I now have to take money from my feeding and transportation allowances to pay for data,” she explained. Joy believes more can be done by both network providers and the school management to ease the burden on students. She recalled her days in Akintola Hall of Residence last session, where they had access to free internet thro...

AI, Medicine Take Centre Stage as OAU Medical Students Hold Doctors’ Summit

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel The Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association (IFUMSA) held its sixth Doctors’ Plus Summit on Monday, May 12, 2025, at NACETEM Hall, OAU, Ile-Ife. The event, themed "The Future of Medicine: Artificial Intelligence and Beyond," brought together students and experts to discuss how technology is changing healthcare. The summit started at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony led by Professor Salako, Dean of Clinical Sciences. He welcomed participants and encouraged students to embrace new skills. Ayobami Miracle Olajuyigbe, president of IFUMSA, also gave an opening speech, highlighting the importance of the summit for future doctors. The event featured an abstract session with three student presenters. Toluwase Ogundipe spoke on "Artificial Intelligence Vaccination," Abdulbasit Opeyemi discussed "AI Chatbots vs YouTube Learning: Which Medium is More Effective for Medical Education?" and Kabiawu Yetunde prese...

Landlord Reportedly Slaps Female Student at Oduduwa Estate, Student Demand Action

A landlord at Oduduwa Estate has been reported for allegedly slapping Awe Mercy Ikeoluwa, a female student and Speaker of the Department of Public Administration, during a dispute over utility payments and living conditions on the property. According to student who witnessed the incident, the altercation occurred around 11:30 a.m. during a meeting between the landlord and tenants. The meeting was called after electricity to the compound, which houses over 15 students, was disconnected due to unpaid bills. Students say they had already paid their rent and were upset about being asked to contribute additional money to restore power. A witness said that during the meeting, Mercy Ikeoluwa spoke up against the landlord’s demand for more money and also raised concerns about the poor condition of the building, including a leaking roof that the landlord had ignored. It was at this moment that the landlord reportedly slapped her. The same witness also reported a history of similar issues with t...

Nassor Students Visit Osun-Osogbo River to Explore History and Culture

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Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi A group of Religion Studies students from the Department of Religious Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, known as NASSOR recently visited the Osun-Osogbo River in Osogbo, Osun State, as part of an educational excursion organized by their department’s management. The trip aimed to deepen students’ understanding of local history, culture, and religious practices associated with the Osun Sacred Grove. Upon arrival at the grove, students observed a variety of monkeys and fed them bananas. A tour guide welcomed the group at the entrance and led them through the site, sharing historical and cultural insights about the Osun River, which is believed to have existed for over 600 years. According to the guide, the grove covers 70 hectares and is surrounded by 25 buffer zones. Visitors were advised not to harm the animals, as the animals are not expected to harm humans. The guide recounted the story of a hunter named Oguntimeyin, who is said t...

ACJOAU Hosts ICJC 2025, Announces Winner of Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition

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Orisatomi Aminat The Association of Campus Journalists at Obafemi Awolowo University held its 2025 International Campus Journalism Conference on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the BOOC Lecture Theatre, Ile-Ife. The event, themed "Media for Development: The Media as a Tool for Innovative Drive and Socio-Political Economic Transformation," brought together students and media professionals to discuss the role of the media in society. The conference featured keynote speaker Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Adesina spoke about how the media can drive innovation and foster social and economic change. He explained that media for development means using platforms like radio and television to promote positive change in communities. He highlighted the importance of sharing information, empowering people, and holding leaders accountable. Adesina also gave examples, such as community radio and digital platforms, as tools...

OAU Students Demand Urgent Reforms Amid Declining Standards

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel Members of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community have raised concerns about a decline in the university’s standards in academics, infrastructure, and student welfare. Recent reports and student feedback indicate that the university’s current state does not match its previous reputation. OAU, once regarded as one of Nigeria’s top universities, has seen changes in its rankings. For example, OAU is currently ranked 4th in Nigeria and 1658th globally, according to EduRank. In some recent rankings, the university placed 10th in Nigeria and 1501 globally, while the University of Ibadan and University of Lagos remain higher in the list. However, OAU’s Real Estate programme was recently ranked the best in Africa. Students have expressed dissatisfaction with the academic experience. A second-year sociology student said the quality of teaching is not as high as expected, with many lecturers sending PDF materials instead of providing detailed exp...

OAU Kilonshele Emerges First Runner-Up in ACJOAU Oratory Contest

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Ifeoluwa Lambe  OAU Kilonshele News Agency emerged as the first runner-up at the second Inter-News Agencies Oratory Contest, organized by the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the First Bank Lecture Theatre. The contest started at 11 a.m. and featured participants from seven campus news agencies: OAUPeeps, OAU Kilonshele, InFocus, Great Ife Network, The Lens, ASPOB, and NCB. Each speaker addressed the topic, “The Influence of Journalism on Political Polarization.” Ifeoluwa Lambe represented OAU Kilonshele. His strong and clear presentation earned him second place. His presentation, along with others, addressed how journalism affects political discussions. The ACJOAU Public Relations Officer served as the Master of Ceremony. Other association executives were also present. In his opening remarks, ACJOAU President Olabode Oluwafemi said the contest started under the previous leadership in 2024. It now serve...

How OAU Student Used the Medical School Strike Break to Publish His First Book

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel During the recent strike that halted academic activities at the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), one student turned the challenge into an opportunity for success. In an exclusive interview with an OAU Kilonshele News Agency correspondent, Osuntoye Sunday Damilare, a 600-level medical student, shared how he made the most of the two-month industrial action to write and publish his first book, An Epistle to Medical Students: Making the Most of the Long Years. The strike began in early February 2025 and lasted over two months. It was caused by a dispute between the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the university management regarding the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers. While many students expressed frustration over the disruption to their academic calendar, Osuntoye saw the strike as an unexpected window to focus on a long-held...