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OAU Spends N195 Million Monthly on Electricity, Reveals 25-Year Strategic Plan to Become Global Academic Powerhouse

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 Abdulkareem Basit Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has launched a groundbreaking Strategic Plan for 2025-2050, aiming to transform the institution into a world-class center of academic excellence and research innovation, while simultaneously grappling with substantial electricity costs that drain nearly N195 million from its monthly budget. The plan was unveiled during a management conference titled 'Envisioning a Great Future: OAU Strategic Plan (2025-2050)', which brought together leading academics, experts, and university stakeholders to chart a bold new path for the institution. "We spend over N195 million monthly on electricity," Prof. Abayomi Daramola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), candidly stated, "and we urgently need to invest in alternative energy solutions to mitigate this cost." Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simeon Adebayo Banire emphasized the plan's inclusive approach, which involved input from all faculties and departments. The strateg...

First Lady Criticizes Numerous Okada Riders, Boosts OAU with N200M Endowment

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 Abdulkareem Basit  First Lady Oluremi Tinubu challenged graduating students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to make Nigeria their top priority during the institution's 48th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday. Speaking at the event where she received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration, Tinubu emphasized national unity and encouraged students to dream big. She announced a significant N200 million endowment to the university, demonstrating her commitment to education. "Nigeria should be first on your agenda," Tinubu told the graduates. "We must be united and committed to nurturing our nation for current and future generations." The endowment will be distributed across multiple initiatives, including N50 million for the Faculty of Education, N50 million for the best female graduating student in Biology Education, N50 million for the best female graduating student in Mathematics Education, and N50 million for the Obafemi Awolowo University Found...

Meet the OAU Graduate Who Achieved a 4.95 CGPA

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 Esther Olatunji Oluwaseun Praise Adefusi, a recent accounting graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, has achieved a remarkable 4.95 CGPA. Her success reflects her hard work, dedication, and God's grace. Adefusi developed an interest in management sciences during secondary school and initially considered economics. After taking the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) exams, she found her passion for accounting. She actively participated in extracurricular activities, including serving as Director of Research 2 in the Tax Club at OAU, gaining skills in taxation and leadership. Adefusi excelled in competitions like the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Annual Tax Quiz 2024. Her achievements come from her diligence and commitment to excellence Her work experience includes internships at SIAO Partners in Lagos, ARM, and Bank of America in London. She also served as Head of Finance at Fort Institute and as a Cowrywise ambassador. Looking ahead, Adefus...

How Waste Management Issues Affect OAU's Environment

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Olatunji Esther  Moremi Dump House The Moremi Dump House, located in front of Moremi Hall, was established last session to promote environmental sustainability and proper waste management. However, a recent visit to the dump house reveals significant problems. It is overflowing with trash, and the surrounding area is littered with waste. The unpleasant smell coming from the dump house is overwhelming. The condition of the dump house contrasts sharply with its intended purpose. It is meant to be a facility for environmentally friendly waste disposal on campus, but it has turned into an eyesore. The issue raises questions about whether the problem lies with the dump house itself or its users. Observations indicate that user behavior plays a major role in the dump house's poor condition. Cleaners are not disposing of their waste properly and are instead leaving trash in front of the dump house, which includes food waste, plastic bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials. Is this ...

OAU Music Department Hosts Festive Christmas Carol

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel  On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the Department of Music held a Christmas carol at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, themed "Come Let Us Adore Him." The occasion was attended by prominent personalities from the institution, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Simeon Adebayo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University Registrar, the Librarian, Committee of Deans, and many others. The event was also graced by students from within the department and other faculties, making it colorful and impactful. The students of the music department enhanced the occasion with their various music presentations, including contemporary songs, traditional songs, and even foreign songs. There was a traditional dance presentation by the Traditional Dance Arr. Additionally, Dr. Bams performed a Christmas medley on saxophone, prompting everyone to praise God through dance. The Vice Chancellor delivered a speech appreciating everyone present who took time out of t...

How Students Were Robbed Due to Electrical Issues, Non-Functional Doors, and Poor Lighting in Akintola Hall

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 Emiola Oluwaseun A few weeks into the general resumption of students, both freshers and staylites, a report of robbery has surfaced in one of the female halls of residence. Akintola Hall, located behind Fajuyi Hall and closer to the sports complex. The unfortunate incident took place around 2-3 a.m., according to eyewitnesses. Helen, a Part 1 Microbiology student who resides in one of the rooms, was robbed and had a physical confrontation with the intruder. According to Helen, "We were four in the room, including a student who came to sleep in our room from the top floor, owing to the fact that she was the only one yet to resume in her room." When asked how they discovered their property was stolen, Helen described the circumstances surrounding the robbery, revealing systemic infrastructure challenges in the dormitory that may have facilitated the crime. "When we resumed, a lot of things were amiss, including electricity issues in our room. In fact, it wasn't just o...

HUMANS OF OAU: How Classroom Change Caused Confusion for Student

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Oreoluwa Esther On a recent morning, Gloria, a student in the Adult Education and Lifelong Learning department, encountered an unexpected challenge when she arrived for her class. As she recounted, "I went to the same office I had used last semester, but when I kept knocking on the door for about 15 minutes, a lady beside me started yelling at me, asking who I was looking for." The lady, unaware of the classroom change, questioned Gloria's actions. "She said, 'Are you sure? Who are you looking for exactly?' I told her the professor's name, and she asked, 'Are you okay? Don't you know that's not his office? Why would you knock on another person's door without opening your mouth and asking questions?'" Gloria explained that she was unsure of the change, as the office had been the professor's location the previous semester. "I told her, 'This is the man's office I knew of last semester. You don't expect me to jus...

OAU Kilonshele Shines As ACJ Inducts New Members

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  Ifeoluwa Lambe, Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel  The Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU) at Obafemi Awolowo University held its induction ceremony on December 7, 2024, at the Students' Union Building TV room, welcoming new members into the association. In his opening remarks, the ACJOAU President, Oluwafemi Olabode, emphasized the vital role of campus journalism in promoting responsible storytelling and holding leadership accountable. "As we navigate the challenges of this field, we must remain committed to the principles of truth, integrity and objectivity" he said. The event featured engaging activities, including keynote speeches from two experienced journalists. One of the guest speakers, Damilola Olufemi, a developmental journalist, enlightened inductees on balancing academics with journalism and emphasized the importance of reporting the truth despite challenges. Similarly, Peace Oladipo, an investigative journalist, discussed strategies for speaking the trut...

OAU's 48th Convocation: 215 Graduates Earn First-Class Honors, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to Receive Honorary Doctorate

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Abdulkareem Basit  At the upcoming 48th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 7,368 students are set to graduate with diverse academic achievements. Out of this total, 215 students will receive first-class honors, while 2,197 will graduate with second-class upper division, 2,691 will earn second-class lower degrees, and 755 will complete their studies with third-class honors. The university will also award 708 Master's degrees, 176 PhD degrees, and 74 postgraduate diplomas. Amid these academic celebrations, the university will confer an honorary doctorate on Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a recognition that goes beyond her current political position. Vice Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire clarified during a press conference that the award is primarily for her long-standing humanitarian efforts that predate her role as First Lady. Tinubu has been acknowledged for her significant contributions to society through two non-profit organizations: th...

Mozambique Hall Management Reverses Nighttime Locking Policy

Obayemi Oluwatomisin In a move that has brought an end to a prolonged period of inconvenience and risk to the safety and well-being of the female students at the Mozambique Hall of Residence, the authorities have reversed the nighttime locking policy at the hall. Prior to the reversal, the residents of the Hall had repeatedly expressed concerns and complaints regarding the sudden and unannounced locking of the door. This policy forced many students to seek alternatives and often uncomfortable accommodations, such as sleeping in lecture theatres and other unconventional locations, despite having assigned bedspace within the university premises. The locking policy blatantly disregarded the students' right to safety, leaving them vulnerable and locked out of their residences. During an interview with residents of the Mozambique Hall of Residence, several instances of inconvenience and risk caused by the nighttime locking policy came to light. One resident reported being unaware of the...