Posts

How OAU Student's Initiative Provides Lifeline for Over 120 Students Facing Financial Barriers

Image
Ibrahim-Khaleel Oladepo, a fourth-year student of Agricultural Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has spearheaded an initiative that has provided free JAMB e-pins to over 120 students, primarily from the Southwest region of Nigeria.  Khaleel said he launched this initiative after receiving numerous requests from students in need. "Earlier this year, I received numerous requests from students in need and appeals for institutional support for this initiative," he said. Despite economic challenges, his team remained committed to the cause, successfully distributing the free e-pins starting from February 15th.  The recipients expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, which brought relief and joy to their lives. One of the beneficiaries sent a heartfelt message to Khaleel, expressing their appreciation: "Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh. I just want to thank you for the help you rendered in getting the JAMB e-PIN. Yeah, he has got it and has gone for...

Rybeena and Friends Concert in OAU Falls Flat, Promoter Arrested

Image
  Akinade Peter Ayomide The highly anticipated Rybeena and Friends Live in OAU concert failed to deliver, leaving the 5,000-capacity Amphitheatre half-empty and students disappointed. The event, held on Saturday, March 7, was marred by a late start, poor sound quality, and the absence of several advertised artists. The show promoter was later arrested for failing to fulfill the agreed-upon lineup. The concert was promoted for weeks across campus, but the buzz did not translate into a successful event. The show was supposed to start at 4 p.m. but didn't begin until 7 p.m. This delay created a negative atmosphere. The show began with performances by upcoming OAU artists, but attendees reported issues with the sound system, which allegedly amplified the beat over the artists' voices. Many of the expected OAU stars were missing, and the performances were lackluster, with few exceptions. T Famous appeared instead of TML Vibez, who had been advertised. Jo Blaq delivered a notable per...

Zulum Donates ₦50 Million to Support OAU Ramadan Activities

Image
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum donated ₦50 million on behalf of the Borno State government to support Ramadan activities within the OAU Muslim community. Speaking at the Annual Ramadan Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife on Sunday, Zulum called upon Muslim faithful to embrace piety, charity, and moderation, as taught in the Holy Qur’an and by the Prophet. Zulum, the Special Guest of Honour at the event, stressed the importance of Ramadan values in building a resilient, patriotic, and charitable Nigerian citizenry. He urged Muslims to remain prayerful, patriotic, and patient throughout Ramadan. He further encouraged the promotion of religious tolerance, engagement in philanthropic activities, and serving as role models for Islam to foster unity and understanding among different faith communities. The lecture, titled "Navigating Economic Difficulties in Nigeria through Reliance on Allah," was delivered by Professor Badmus Olanrewaju Yusuf. Yusuf ad...

OAU Zoo Safety Concerns Persist One Year After Tragic Incident

Image
  Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel  One year after the tragic death of Olabode Olawuyi, a zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), there is still no official report on the circumstances surrounding the incident. This has raised concerns about workplace safety and the handling of the investigation by the university management. Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist, lost his life on February 19, 2024, after being attacked by a lion he had cared for since its birth nine years ago. The incident occurred while he was feeding the lions, and despite efforts by his colleagues, he succumbed to his injuries. Following the attack, the lion was euthanized, and an investigation was ordered by the university. At a workshop held to mark the first anniversary of Olawuyi’s death, Matthew Oluwaniyi, chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), OAU chapter, expressed disappointment over the delay in releasing the investigation report. He stated, “Regrettably, despite ma...

OAU Emerges 1st Runner-Up at CFA Institute Research Challenge

Image
  Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has achieved an impressive feat by finishing as the first runner-up at the 2024/2025 CFA Institute Research Challenge National Final. Competing against 26 universities, the event took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard Conference Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The competition is a prestigious global platform that tests students’ skills in financial analysis, equity research, and presentation. It provides participants with real-world experience in investment analysis under the guidance of industry professionals. By securing second place, OAU has earned the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Sub-Regional Competition. In addition to this achievement, OAU’s faculty adviser, Dr. Quadri Adebayo Lawal, was honored with the Faculty Adviser of the Year award for his exceptional mentorship and support to the team. His recognition highlights the university’s...

OAU Emerges First in Higher Education AI Policy Award

Image
  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

Image
  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

Image
  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

Image
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

Image
 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...