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Few Weeks to Examinations, Part 1 Pharmacy Students Caught Off Guard by Late PHY 103 Requirement

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Ifeoluwa Lambe With examinations just weeks away, Part 1 Pharmacy students were met with an unexpected development. PHY 103 has been confirmed as a compulsory course they must register for or risk carrying it over to Part 2. The announcement, made few weeks ago, came as a surprise to many students who had not been attending the class throughout the semester, believing it was not part of their confirmed course list. "I only found out that PHY 103 is compulsory a few days ago when I was about to register," one student said. "It came as a shock because I wasn't expecting it, and I haven't attended any of the previous classes." Another student confirmed that clarity on the course's status only emerged recently. "We were able to confirm just a few days ago that it is compulsory, and no, we haven't been attending the class before now," the student said. The late confirmation has forced many students to quickly restructure academic pla...

How OAU's 12,000 student increase strains lecture halls, hostels and tests

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Agbele Oluwatofolafun For months now, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has grappled with overcrowding as its record student intake, reportedly nearing 12,000 new admits, pushes lecture halls, hostels and testing facilities to breaking point. While expanded access brings more students to campus, many say the growing population is eroding learning conditions and welfare. Lecture venues across faculties overflow daily, forcing students to stand by windows, sit on floors, or listen from outside. Classes often get postponed, merged, or shifted to inadequate spaces when halls fill up. Ola, a Part 3 Mass Communication student, described the chaos in Agric LT, their main venue. "There are over two hundred students in our programme. People squeeze themselves beside others, they sit on the staircase, and even at that you'll still see some people standing. But na because say we no get choice sha. Other lecture halls are either being used or maybe they are even small...

How OAU students master time management amid packed schedules

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel For many Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) students, juggling classes, projects, tests, and personal life demands creative strategies. While some thrive through strict routines and priorities, others admit the balance comes at a steep cost or feels outright impossible. Inioluwa, a Part 3 Broadcast Journalism student, described effective time management at OAU as not an easy task, especially with heavy workloads. "Being a Part 3 Communication and Language Arts student who has a lot of class projects, assignments, tests and yet still needs to attend classes, it has not been easy," she said. Her solution: building a personal structure. She attends classes diligently, completes campus tasks on time, and reserves home time for personal activities. "To manage time from my own perspective is to study and know oneself and also build structure according to priority," Inioluwa explained. Jeremiah, another student, insisted effective ti...

Why OAU buses are overwhelmed by 12,000-student enrollment surge

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Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi For the past few weeks, there has been a scarcity of buses on the town-gboro and campus routes at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where students have had to queue long distances before entering a bus. The chairman of the Transport Management Commission, Adebisi Adeyinka Samuel, has attributed the crisis to a sharp rise in student population that has stretched the campus bus service beyond its capacity. Mr Samuel, a student of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences who is popularly known on campus as Icon, said the situation should not be described simply as bus scarcity but as a crisis caused by sudden overpopulation and poor dispersion of lecture times. “I don't want us to take it as bus scarcity. Being for the fact I think what the major problem is over population,” he said. He explained that in recent years, OAU typically admitted between 3,000 and 5,000 students per session, but this academic year the figure reportedly rose to between 10,00...

CampusDec: Buy Smart, Save Big, Sell Fast

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CampusDec is the go-to campus marketplace transforming student life across Nigerian universities, delivering budget-friendly alternatives to overpriced retail shopping through premium second-hand items, deeply discounted goods, and exclusive student-priced services tailored precisely for freshers, stallites, and final-year hustlers. Freshers arriving with empty pockets? CampusDec hooks you up with affordable starters like textbooks, gadgets, laptops, beds, kitchenware, phone chargers, backpacks, and dorm essentials to launch your journey debt-free, no begging parents or skipping meals. Stallites grinding through programs?  Find reliable replacements for worn-out clothes, electronics, furniture, study tools, sneakers, headphones, irons, and lamps—like-new quality at prices that keep your wallet happy and campus life smooth. Final-year students racing to graduate? Offload unused treasures like printers, wardrobes, party outfits, gym gear, kitchen sets, and more—turn cl...

"My Journey Was Pure Determination" —OAU’s Best Graduating Female Student

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Adetunji Sade Adeleke Sherifah Bolaji, a graduate of Computer Science with Mathematics who emerged as the Best Graduating Female Student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), completed her journey with an outstanding CGPA of 4.89. Her academic excellence has made her a source of inspiration for her peers. In an interview with Kilonshele News Agency, Sherifah described her journey as a roller-coaster. Originally set to be a five-year course, her degree extended to nearly seven years due to ASUU strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Early struggles and adaptation Her early years were marked by confusion and adjustment challenges as she navigated a new environment and faced various distractions, she said. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically, finishing her first year with a CGPA of 4.75. “By my second year, I adapted to the system, discovering strategies to improve academically,” she said. She consistently earned top grades in numerous math-intensive co...

How I Spent 9 Years in OAU — Graduand Shares His Journey of Struggle and Hope

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  Adetunji Sade  Okajare Olayiwola James, popularly known as Ajobiewe, is a graduating student from the Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Management at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In an interview with Kilonshele News Agency, he recounted the challenges and lessons of his nine-year journey on campus, which tested his resilience and shaped his future. Mr. James gained admission in 2016 into the Department of Arts and Social Science Education (ASE) under Economics Education. After three years, he realized he was struggling academically and, following discussions with his parents and lecturers, decided to switch courses. He transferred to Educational Management in the 2019/2020 academic session to study Social Studies. His prolonged stay at OAU was due to several factors including the 8-month ASUU strike, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a departmental error that delayed his graduation. “When I transferred from Economics Education, I asked whether I needed to retake ...

OAU Toughened Me – Graduands Share Resilience Stories Ahead of 49th Convocation

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  Adetunji Sade As Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) prepares for its 49th Convocation Ceremony set to take place from the 11th to 13th of December 2025, graduating students are reflecting on journeys marked by resilience, leadership, academic struggles, and personal growth. Erinoso Abolaji Opeyemi from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology described his OAU experience as rough and tough, shaped by moments of growth, responsibility, and service. Mr Abolaji recalled learning to navigate campus as a new student, switching departments, and serving first as Public Relations Officer, later as President of his department. His most memorable moments were spent with friends and mentees. “It can be very challenging doing extracurricular activities with academics, church, and friends. But I managed to balance everything through time management,” he said. He advised new students, “Do not mistake freedom for liberty but responsibility. They shouldn't be afraid of failure but ready to pic...

How Accommodation Challenges Continue to Affect OAU Students

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Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel  The issue of accommodation has long been a pressing problem for students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Every academic session, many students, both freshers and senior students face difficulties securing on-campus housing. Some are forced to sleep in lecture theatres, while others rely on friends’ hostels, buy expensive bedspaces, or pay exorbitant fees for on/off-campus private hostels. There are only around 7,200 bedspaces currently available on campus to cater for a large student population, leading to overcrowding. Many students living in private hostels express concerns over security and high rent. A first-year student from the Department of Information Science narrated the ordeal of his early days on campus. “I had to be sleeping around on campus when I first resumed because I was unable to secure accommodation due to late admission which prevented me from balloting for bedspace. When I resumed, I first slept in the SUB TV room before I we...

ACJOAU Holds Induction Ceremony for New Members

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Ademola Boluwatife Eriife-Oluwasimi The Association of Campus Journalists at Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU) held its induction ceremony on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at AUD II. The event started at 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer led by the General Secretary and a rendition of the Great Ife Anthem. The General Secretary introduced the keynote speakers: Mr Boluwatife Akinyemi, Senior Reporter at Nigerian Tribune; Mr Enoch Oyedibo, Investigative Journalist; and Miss Busola Ayodele, On Air Personality at Great 94.5 FM. Mr Akinyemi spoke about the key principles journalists must follow. He advised against sensationalism and unnecessary adjectives. He emphasized the importance of accuracy, objectivity, honesty, and hard work to build trust with the public. He also encouraged journalists to verify information, understand their interviewees well, protect their independence, and focus on a particular journalistic beat. Mr Oyedibo talked about building a strong byline. He ex...

OAU Commissions New Bus for Faculty of Social Sciences

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  Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) commissioned a new bus for the Faculty of Social Sciences on November 4, 2025. The new vehicle will help improve transportation for students and staff, supporting academic and welfare activities. The bus was donated by the Prince Adedeji Adelabu Memorial Foundation and presented by Dr. Mrs. Dolapo Fasawe. This gift fulfilled a promise made during the university’s 2025 Bi-annual Conference. Professor Modupe Adelabu, representing the Adelabu family, said the donation shows their gratitude to the university. “Supporting OAU is a commitment of gratitude. Our family’s success started here, and this donation will help future students build their own legacies,” she said. Vice Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire praised the alumni network for their continued support. “This kind gesture proves that our university’s strength comes from its alumni. Their support is important for keeping the university excellent and well-resourced,” he said. The Facult...

OAU Commissions 6.2 kW Solar-Hybrid Inverter System

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  Obafemi Awolowo University’s Department of Estate Management in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management commissioned a new 6.2 kW solar-hybrid inverter project on November 6, 2025. The project aims to enhance power supply reliability and improve the working and learning environment for both staff and students. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Head of Department’s office, attended by key university officials including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simeon Bamire; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Adesola Aderounmu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Development) Prof. Akanni Akinyemi; the Faculty Dean Prof. Ademuleya; and the Head of Department, Prof. Oyedele. Directors, faculty members, and staff were also present. Prof. Oyedele welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to both the university leadership for their ongoing support and the alumni whose generosity funded the project. The Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellors delivered goodwill messages ur...

OAU Students Gain Global Recognition for Research and Leadership

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Two students from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have recently been honored internationally for their outstanding achievements in research and leadership, highlighting their dedication to academic excellence and global collaboration. Mr. Ayodeji Arobo, a second-year Dentistry student, was appointed Student Ambassador for the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH). In this role, he advocates for global health issues, leading initiatives that promote awareness of tropical medicine and the health challenges faced by underserved populations. In addition, Mr. Arobo contributed to international research by working with a cardio-thoracic surgery team made up of experts from Germany, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. He co-authored three abstracts accepted for presentation at the 39th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EACTS 2025) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Notably, he is the only African member of this group and served as first aut...

OAU Kilonshele, Seven Reporters Nominated for 2025 ACJOAU Awards

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Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi OAU Kilonshele News Agency, a leading campus media platform at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), along with seven of its reporters, has earned several nominations in the upcoming 2025 Association of Campus Journalists, OAU (ACJOAU) Awards. The reporters nominated include Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel for Best News Reporter; Edun Precious and Lawal Usman Olanrewaju for Best Article Writer; and Esther Olatunji, who earned multiple nominations for Best Upcoming Writer, Best Female Campus Journalist, Most Promising Campus Journalist, and Overall Best Campus Journalist. Other nominees from OAU Kilonshele include Lawal Usman Olanrewaju for Best Politics Reporter, Emiola Oluwaseun for Best Feature Writer, and Abdulkareem Abdulbasit, the Editor-in-Chief of OAU Kilonshele, for Best Campus Editor. The agency itself is also nominated for Best News Agency. The winners of the 2025 ACJOAU Awards will be announced at the Pen and Plate Affairs award and handing over c...

Canadian Educational Council Director Urges OAU Students to Prioritise Skills and Mindset

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Adebimpe Oluwatofunmi Obafemi Awolowo University recently hosted the Mindset Conference titled “The Blueprint: Mastering Academics, Hustles and The Future You”, held on Monday, June 30th, 2025, at the ICT Conference Hall. The event was organised by the Education Economics Students Association of Nigeria (EESAN), OAU chapter, with Dr. M.O. Ajibade also playing a key role in hosting the program. The conference featured keynote speeches from Dr. Adeniyi John, Country Director of the Canadian Educational Council, alongside panelists including Abayomi Awosika, Ganiyu Yusuf, and Llo Fathia. Dr. John began his speech by engaging the audience with questions about their mindset towards life, encouraging participants to reflect on their personal outlooks. He emphasized that having a clear mindset is crucial for students, noting that every academic journey should start with a statement of purpose. “Why am I in school? Why am I in the university? That is your driving force,” he said. H...

Behind the Curtain: The Untold Psychological Toll on Actors After the Cameras Stop Rolling

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Edun Precious What happens when the camera stops rolling? Have we ever thought about the psychological repercussions a role has on its actors? This is the story behind the script, the mental, emotional, and physical crash actors experience after being so deeply immersed in a character. Walk with me as we unveil the untold experience of these characters and their mental hangovers. The psychology of man can't easily distinguish between real trauma and performed trauma once an actor is fully immersed in a role. Actors often spend up to a year in intense rehearsals for productions, which frequently makes it difficult for them to detach from their characters. Imagine looking into the mirror and seeing two sides to yourself: the real you, and the character you have lived as. They have lived a life filled with emotions that are not their own, sharing the character’s pain, trauma, joy, and tears. This is where the character ends and the actor begins. Viola Davis, acclaimed for ...

“Stories Win Over Facts” – Aproko Doctor Urges Better Health Storytelling at OAU Summit

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Akinade Peter On May 31, 2025, the Ace Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, was filled with excitement as students and health professionals gathered for the Health Storytellers Summit. The event, themed “The Content Cure: Storytelling as a Tool for Elevating Health Awareness for a Healthier Tomorrow,” brought together medical and non-medical participants to learn how storytelling can improve health education. The summit featured a strong lineup of panelists, including Dr. Racheal Babayomi (The Jovial Dentist), Dr. Abraham Akinbami (The African Dentist), Dr. Isaac Adeyemi, and Dr. Ifeoluwa Adetula. The keynote speaker was Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, a medical doctor and health storyteller with 2.4 million followers on X (formerly Twitter). Aproko Doctor captivated the audience with his relatable and inspiring talk. He explained how he uses storytelling to make complex health topics easy to understand, especially in Nigeria where myths...

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...