OAU Kilonshele News Outfit

 Abdulkareem Basit, Esther Olatunji Students from the Department of Local Government and Development Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, joyfully welcomed back their lecturer, Dr. JM Etebom, after his two-year postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Alabama, USA. The welcoming event took place in the Local Government and Development Studies Department on December 10, where students expressed their excitement to have Dr. Etebom back, especially as many others were leaving for opportunities abroad. Dr. Etebom left Nigeria in October 2022 for his fellowship and returned with valuable experiences to share. In his speech, Dr. Etebom thanked the students for their warm reception. He recounted his time at the University of Alabama, where he worked under Professor Albert on comparative policies and civil-military relations. He highlighted the focus of their research on issues affecting developing nations in the Global South. Dr. Etebom expressed his commitment to ...

 Abdulkareem Basit The Nigerian government has allocated ₦23.18 billion to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in its 2025 budget, presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 18, 2024. The total budget proposal for 2025 is ₦47.9 trillion, with the education sector receiving ₦3.52 trillion, which is approximately 7.3% of the overall budget. This marks a slight increase from the 6.5% allocated in 2020, 5.6% in 2021, and 5.5% in 2023 but still falls short of the 15-20% recommended by UNESCO for developing nations. OAU's allocation of ₦23.18 billion represents about 0.048% of the total budget and about 0.66% of the education sector's funding. In comparison, OAU received ₦17.1 billion in the previous year, indicating an increase but still lower than allocations for other federal universities like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which received ₦44.38 billion, and Ahmadu ...

 Abdulkareem Basit Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has been identified as one of the institutions that failed to meet ethical standards in the 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) released by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on December 19, 2024. The EICS is an annual assessment tool designed to evaluate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria for their adherence to ethical standards, policies, and anti-corruption measures. The scorecard aims to identify organizational gaps, provide actionable insights, and promote self-evaluation within MDAs to enhance compliance with integrity requirements. In this year's assessment of 330 MDAs, OAU received a score of 0%, indicating a complete failure to meet the required ethical standards. This poor performance places OAU among 15 MDAs that did not comply with the EICS criteria. The report highlighted several reasons for this non-compliance. According to ICPC C...

 Esther Olatunji  The Renovation Needs Assessment Building, known as 1k sitters, is in dire need of salvation. Once a convenient lecture room for one thousand students, it has deteriorated into a space with collapsed, dusty, rusty, and uncomfortable chairs. Many are broken; others have fallen, and tables are damaged, creating a chaotic atmosphere. Olusanmi Blessing, a concerned student, shared: "It's a cool lecture theatre with a public address system, we can hear the lecturers clearly. The only issue are the seats. What was barely sufficient is now reducing in numbers. The authorities should please address this," she said. Esther Ibukunoluwa Adesina expressed disappointment: "I had classes there in my first year, so I've seen how it was. Now, in my second year, I no longer use the lecture theatre. However, I recently visited with a friend to study, and we were shocked and disappointed by its deteriorated state. We had to leave and find another study space,"...

 Adeyemi Michael The Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) held its annual initiation ceremony for new students on Thursday, December 18, 2024. This event marks an important rite of passage into the world of theatre and is a well-known tradition within the department of dramatic arts, often referred to by students as "Introduction to Ritual Madness." The initiation serves as the peak of a rigorous six-week training program designed to prepare the inductees for the demanding life of a thespian (actor). During this period, students undergo intensive training in stage acting and management, African dance, drumming, voice and song training, acting, and speech. They also participate in endurance exercises such as jogging, jumping, squatting, and overnight rehearsals to develop flexibility and adaptability. The three-day initiation ceremony began with a two-day play staging on Tuesday and Thursday, showcasing the inductees’ theatrical skills. The finale on...

 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...

 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...

 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...

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 ...

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...

 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...

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...

  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...

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...

Abdulkareem Basit Part 4 students in the Department of Building at Obafemi Awolowo University have reportedly been mandated to pay #3,000 naira each as a prerequisite for submitting their Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) reports and conducting their defense. According to multiple anonymous student sources, the class representative announced that students who fail to pay the fee will not have their SIWES reports collected and will be barred from conducting their defense presentation. A voice note made by the class representative revealed that students lamented the mandatory payment.  The class representative claimed the money was intended to purchase food and drinks for lecturers during last week's oral presentation, describing it as a form of appreciation for faculty members. In an interview, one anonymous student confirmed the mandatory payment, stating that non-payment would result in being unable to submit their report or participate in the SIWES defense. Anoth...