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OAU Emerges First in Higher Education AI Policy Award

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  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been awarded first place in the Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education Award (Universities Category) at the inaugural 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Awareness Day in Higher Education. The event, held on Monday, February 17, 2025, was co-hosted by the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Okebukola Science Foundation (OSF), and the Association of African Universities (AAU). Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, National Coordinator of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Awareness Day and former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), has described Nigeria’s role in the global revolution in Artificial Intelligence as a significant milestone. The national virtual event brought together 856 participants, including heads of regulatory agencies (...

OAU's Moremi Hall Celebrates New Borehole Donation

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  Esther Olatunji A ceremony was held at Moremi Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, to commission a newly donated borehole. The donation was made by Mrs. Akanni, the Hall Warden, and her household, in honor of her dedication to the hall. Dignitaries present included the Dean of Student Affairs, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Abayomi Damilola, the Registrar, and other university officials. In his opening remarks, DVC (Administration), Professor Abayomi Daramola, who represented the Vice Chancellor and commissioned the project. commended Mrs. Akanni's generosity, stating that providing water brings blessings. He also urged students to remember their alma mater and give back to their community when they become successful. Residents of Moremi Hall expressed their gratitude for the new borehole, citing reduced stress and increased access to clean water. Adeleke Betty, a resident of Block C, said, "It's a good project. When you're in a position to help peop...

OAU Alumnus Donates N11m to Indigent Students

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  Mr. Omotayo Adegboyega, an alumnus and philanthropist, through his Omotayo Adegboyega Foundation, has donated eleven million Naira (₦11m) to 110 deserving students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The donation occurred during a cheque presentation ceremony. Each student received One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000) to support their education and reduce financial strain. The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Adegboyega and the Foundation for their commitment to the students' well-being. He urged other alumni to follow this example and contribute to the university's development. Mr. Adegboyega stressed the importance of helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds, stating that education can change society. He hopes the support will help the students succeed academically and give back to society. Professor Saheed Adekilekun, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation, emphasized the role of alumni in promoting instituti...

OAU Partners with Penn State University to Boost Research and Student Exchange

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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, hosted a delegation from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) on February 8, 2025, to explore a collaborative academic and research partnership. The two-day visit involved discussions aimed at fostering collaboration across various fields. The Penn State delegation included Professor Peter Idowu, Mr. Mel White, and Professor Sylvester Osagie. They were welcomed by OAU's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, along with other principal officers. Professor Bamire stressed OAU’s dedication to strategic partnerships that enhance global academic excellence and saw the visit as a step toward collaborative innovation. He mentioned that this partnership aligns with OAU’s mission to tackle modern challenges through shared expertise, creating a bridge between continents and academic traditions with opportunities for research, faculty development, and student exchange programs. The collaboration aims to combine...

Give Back to Our Great Institution - Dabiri-Erewa

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 Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), is appealing to graduates of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to contribute to the development of their alma mater. She emphasized the importance of alumni giving back to the institution that played a crucial role in their formative years. Dabiri-Erewa made these remarks during a recent meeting in Abuja with the newly elected executive members of the Great Ife Alumni Association, Abuja chapter. In a statement released by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa commended the alumni for their continued dedication to OAU and their efforts to support its growth. "I am proud to support this initiative, and I will work with you to make it possible to give back to our great institution. This is a legacy we will all be proud of,” she stated during the meeting.   Dabiri-Erewa, who graduated from the then Univ...

How Noise Pollution is Affecting Moremi Hall Residents

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  Esther Olatunji  Students in Blocks G and H of Moremi Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) are facing significant noise pollution, disrupting their need for a peaceful living environment. The tranquility of the area is frequently interrupted by loud music from nearby church programs and parties at the Architecture department. Residents report increased stress, distractions from studying, and sleep deprivation.  A frustrated resident stated, "Moremi is supposed to be a place of rest, but the music is usually too loud. I can literally feel the bass in my room. What happened to using the halls or religious grounds for events?" she noted. Another resident expressed similar concerns, saying, "Noise can never be convenient. I'm not okay with it, and there's nothing I can do," she said.  Roselyn shared her perspective on the noise issue. She explained, "It varies with my mood. The noise isn't terrible; it's music, but on days when I have a headac...

I Faced Many Challenges on My Journey to OAU- Joseph

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  Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel   Salako Joseph, a fresh student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), shared his experiences leading up to his matriculation. Joseph expressed his happiness about starting this new chapter but revealed that he faced many challenges while waiting for admission. The process was long and difficult, almost causing him to give up. Joseph chose OAU because he believed it was the right fit for him. He is studying in the Faculty of Law and aims to excel in his studies. While he hopes to graduate with good results, he stated that achieving a perfect score of 5.0 is not his only goal. Since beginning university, Joseph has made new friends and feels they share a strong bond. He emphasized the importance of selecting the right course, noting that he would not have forfeited his admission if offered courses like English Language or Dramatic Art. However, he would reconsider if placed in a program outside these options. Looking ahead, Joseph has high hopes f...

Embracing the Journey at Obafemi Awolowo University: A New Chapter for Matriculants

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  Olanrewaju Lawal Dear Matriculants, allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, renowned as the greatest among the best. You have earned this achievement and deserve to be celebrated for it. You are embarking on a journey toward greater heights and are among the fortunate few who have gained entry into this revered institution where academics and culture are intricately woven together. Since its inception, Obafemi Awolowo University has remained a bastion of academic excellence, nurturing brilliant minds and producing distinguished graduates who contribute significantly across various fields globally. Among its notable alumni are Femi Falana, a renowned legal luminary; Chief Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University; and Adebayo Adelabu, the current Minister of Power and Energy. These individuals exemplify excellence and uphold the university's legacy of producing world-class leaders. As you celebrate this defining mom...

Streetlights Installed on OAU Road Linking Fajuyi Hostel to ETF Hostel and New Market

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  Ifeoluwa Lambe Years of total darkness have ceased for the 5-minute, 400-meter road that leads from Adekunle Fajuyi Hostel to New Market and the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Hostel, as the road has been lit up, bringing much-needed relief to students, staff, and market traders who use the route daily. The road had been a cause of concern for many years since it did not have any kind of lighting, making it difficult and unsafe to utilize at night. The majority of students and traders had to utilize the flashlights of their phones to navigate, which was a very serious cause of concern in terms of visibility and safety. Due to the recent installation of streetlights, the road has undergone a remarkable transformation. Pedestrians can now walk more comfortably and with an added sense of safety. "Walking on this road at night was terrifying. I always had to rush and stay alert, but now with the lights, I feel safer. I can even go for overnight reading without worrying too much," s...

How OAU Hostel Residents Struggle Amidst Water Scarcity

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Emiola Oluwaseun Water scarcity has been a persistent challenge across the halls of residence in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for the past two weeks. The affected halls include the freshmen hostels, Mozambique, and Angola, which have experienced short and inconsistent water supply. As a result, students have had to walk long distances to fetch water from other hostels like Faj, Awo, and Akintola. The scarcity of water has severely impacted the daily lives of students. Many are finding it difficult to maintain their personal hygiene, and cooking has become a luxury. The two primary sources of water in the hostels, the dam and borehole, have either not been functioning or have been operational for only short periods. This has been insufficient to meet the needs of the large student population. "I haven't cooked for two days now because of this water issue," lamented a resident of Alumni.  "My roommate and I went to PG Hall as early as 5 AM to look for water, but it...