When the gates of Hades closed for the 2017/18 Unilorin SU administration, hope was birthed in the hearts of over 35,000 students of the University of Ilorin. Like Celine Dion sang, a new day has come. With this new day however comes fears and worries. What if the incumbent will spend the session blaming their predecessor? What if they altogether just don't care? What if in trying  not to fail, they fail?

The University of Ilorin Community spent parts of the 2017/18  mourning, From maladministration, to missing colleagues (attempts inclusive), and the deaths that have casted a gloomy shadow over our hearts. Moving forward is certain, but we must also remember to look at this very recent past of ours. We need to pay homage to our comrades who couldn't make it to the end. If prayer shall give peace to our individual hearts, then pray we shall do. But in looking back, we must also look forward. Because the future is now.

In looking forward, we must take small steps on the moon of collective responsibilities. To with, we must operate in togetherness. The IIP administration has shown a sign of intelligent life in the aspect of communication. They've, for the first time, activated Social Media in order to hasten communication channels, and it is not just WhatsApp this time around. With immediate, instant, fast and prompt access to information, there will be reduced casualties in times of dire needs and emergencies. There was a bee invasion sometimes last session, with an honestly moderate casualty rate because of propmt information by other students,  to the SU's basket of achievements, there were also cases of missed exams, late information on Add and Drop, because the SU was more focused on "heated arguments with the University" than immediate information dissemination. But let's not take the light away from what is important at this moment. The past is a lesson that should either be avoided or improved on. Thus, the IIP administration should not be the Hare that starts a race against a Tortoise, but decides to sleep midway because it feels it will recover. There is no time to relax. Let the fire of information burn throughout the session.

In moving forward, we must also establish easier communication channels with important directorates, departments, and organs that make the University. The Press Conference gives an avenue for actualizing this, but also in progressing, they should be room for assessments. The VC may not know what the wards at the Clinic are like, because he may never even enter those white walls unless say, on courtesy visits. But the students do. Assessments should not be done only by the warm hearted Director of the Unilorin Health Services, but should include a means for students to access the staff; Having visible name tags (because we can't tell a staff to drop their ID cards) for important departments and units, should be considered. This would have made a good suggestion at the Press Conference, but the world moves fast, and another asteroid could hit earth before then. Simply put, we need to be able to hold staff accountable too and also be able to report staff misconduct without discrimination. I believe that the ever understanding Prof. Ajibade, Dean of Students Affairs, will be willing to listen and consider this.


The IIP administration must however not fall prey to constitutional name tags that separates them. While the AGS might be deputy to the GS, they have individual and collective responsibilities. And this should be the conduct of all members of the council. To work together. In the most ironic and least expected fashion, lack of cohesion was a primary bane of the Reedof led "Together we can" administration. Learn. As a quick flashback to recent timeline of events, it would come as suggestion to the Welfare Secretary and the rest of the cabinet to look into recent misfortunes, investigate them and proffer ways to avoid future casualties. Remember always, it's a collective duty.

In the grand scheme of things, it is important to remind the IIP administration that the press never forgets; Therefore, it would be desirable that the constitutional expectations and manifesto promises are treated with religiosity. We (the Union) hope for brighter days; learning from the errors of the past, and working together towards a better union.
In being busy with progress dearest colleagues, remember also that life is transient, but not existence. Fail or succeed, the stories will be told.


Long live the good people of University of Ilorin,
Long live the Union,
Long live our existences.


Akinyemi "Princely X" Adedeji is an award winning creative writer, journalist, and social media commentator. You can reach him via theprincelyx@gmail.com.

Unilorin warriors have qualified for the semi-finals of the Higher Institutions Football League (HIFL)

This was following their 1-nil victory over the Sultans of Usman Dan Fodio University, UDU Sultans on Wednesday, September 19th 2018.

Come Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018 at 4:00pm, the Unilorin will host the first leg of the fixture at the University Main bowl, the team will play against the Federal University of Agriculture (UAM).

Another fixture is also scheduled to hold on October 17th, 2018 against the University of Calabar, Unical Malabites.

The Higher institutions football league is an annual football competition designed for higher institutions in Nigeria to showcase campus football talents, stimulate healthy rivalry and engage the students across Nigeria in the unifying spirit of sportsmanship while enlisting the most professional practices and management board of renowned competence for coordination.



Adeyemi Deborah
UCJ Unilorin

A member of the University of Ilorin transportation workers, popularly called Korope drivers, was, on Monday 17th of September, reported dead.

The deceased whose identity was undisclosed was reported dead after the day's work; the cause of his death was however not disclosed.

The incident was confirmed in an interview with some members of the University's transport workers who pleaded anonymity.

Sub-dean of the Students' Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu, in a chat with our correspondent, further confirmed the story and the date of the incident as 17th September, 2018.

In the mean time, as part of their condolences to the deceased, the university campus shuttle drivers took the following day, Tuesday, September 18th, 2018 off to mourn their late colleague.

Meanwhile, Gross complaints on immobility were made by the students on campus as the vehicles meant to ply them to-and-fro the school were on a mourning break.

The fourth National Youth games held at  University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria, was concluded today 16th September and saw the emergence of defending champions of  Delta state as winners

The 10-day event featured 32 States and the Federal Capital Territory in the vie for the national honors.

Delta emerged champions with 27 Gold, 24 Silver and 16 bronze medals,  Lagos state followed with  23 gold 15 silver and 22 bronze medals  and Bayelsa clinched the third position with 11 gold 7 silver and  16 bronze medals.

The 10-day event was wrapped up with a closing ceremony at the University main bowl.

Photo Credit: Unilorin FM

Fadlullah Azeez.
UCJ Unilorin

Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOS), University of Ilorin launches her logo on the 12th of September, 2018.

The new logo is characterized with a MICROPHONE replacing the "O" in AMCOS. "It is a message that everything done in the department- Print, Broadcast, Public Relations and Advertising is directed to COMMUNICATION. Hence, with a logo that speak communication and the association Motto-Moving the World; AMCOS has a new voice- We are communicating to MOVE THE WORLD" Mr Opeyemi, AMCOS President said during the presentation in the house.

According to the President of the Association, Mr. Adesina Opeyemi,  "Branding deals with the overall message of a particular product, hence, we are trying to com-modify AMCOS PRODUCTIONS". He also made mention of AMCOS CREATIVITIES, a new online platform where we infuse the three segment of mass communication to build students potentials with real media experiences, which they can add to their CV while graduating."

The Logo was presented to the House on 11th September, 2018, which consist of Three Honorables- Hon. Faruq, Hon. Alice, Hon. Damilola, out of Four Honorables, excluding Hon. Samuel. The three honorables present gave their YES to the motion to change the association logo. Five of the association central executives were also present in the house - Vice President, Imisi Adeoye; General Secretary, Sulyman Onide, PRO, Jegede Bukola, Treasurer, and Hameedat Raji.

UCJ UNILORIN.

Rising Child Foundation hereby announce  maiden edition of her annual  essay competition.  The aim of the competition is to encourage and bring to fore  writing and creative tendencies of children in Nigeria.

Topic:

The New Nigeria of My Dreams

Guidelines

 Eligibility: Participant must be within the age range of 10 to 15  and should be based or enrolled in a school in Kwara state

 All entries should be typed and written in English.

 All entries should contain participant details such as: Name, School, Class, Age, Address, contact phone number and email address.

 A scan copy of any means of identification such as: School ID Card, Birth Certificate or International Passport should be attached to the email.

 The format should be 12 point sized Times New Roman, double line spacing and justified.

 The word count is minimum of 350 words and maximum of 500 words excluding personal details.

 Plagiarism would not be allowed. Sources if any, should be duly acknowledged and referenced

Deadline

Completed entries should be forwarded via email to risingchildfoundation17@gmail.com on or before 17th September 2018

Prizes

Top 3 entries to win cash prizes, publication of their entries and lots of other gifts.

For more information and enquiries contact 07051514043, 09094075216, 07083112239
#RCF #ReadingEnrichmentProject #TheNewNigeriaOfMyDreams #Kwara #Essay #Competition

UCJ, UNILORIN

Economic Community of West African States Youth Council Special Adviser on Education, Ambassador Tosin Sanusi, has launched the ECOWAS Youth Council Leadership Series, endorsed by Vice President of Liberia, H.E Jewel Howard, a platform where African leaders, business men and influencers across the globe can impact knowledge to teeming African youths across the world.

According to him, people around the world are striving to improve their quality of life with few people who know exactly how to do that which is right, and have no access to role models and influencers. "This platform helps to bring them closer to youth with an opportunity to interact such that can improve the society and the world at large.

According to him, the organization's vision is to; To inspire and build a generation of world changers who would help in transforming the society, with a mission to be a force in the world of leadership and Nation’s building by creating superior value to the people, abiding by professional and ethical standards to facilitate a strong institution of world leaders. 

"Our objective is to bring world leaders/changers closer to the people, to create a platform where youths and the population at large could be inspired by other’s success stories, to help build a generation of world leaders, to build a platform where leaders can reach out to the people in one voice, to be an agent of change," he said.




Tomori Uriel,

UCJ UNILORIN.

Exams have ended; Final-year theses have, for many 400 and 500 Level students of the University of Ilorin, been approved and submitted. The only thing left is to get cleared by the various departments and divisions stipulated by the university in its clearance form which is to be obtained from respective faculties. However, the rigorous and somewhat over-procedural nature of the clearance process has spurred mixed interests from various quarters and stakeholders in the university system.

Students have expressed their concerns about the fact that they are made to expend the entire day queuing; squatting; leaning; while waiting to get signatures and stamps on their clearance forms and, sometimes, under unfriendly weathers at one clearance division or the other. Some others noted that they were made to trek long distances in a bid to get “badges and approvals on their ruffled up papers”. For many of the students, the daily timebound nature of the exercise seems to have made it a lot more stressful, in which case many have had to spend days completing the clearance process. While it is, to some, a process to which they’ve gotten accustomed, many others think that a lot can still be done to ease the process.

A handful of students were interviewed by a correspondent of the UCJ and their perspectives as regards the 2018 final-year clearance exercise were obtained.
---------------------------------------------------------
Fatogboye Richard Gboyede, a final-year student of the Department of History and International Studies, was verbally engage by the UCJ correspondent. Below is the conversation that followed.

UCJ: What do you think of the strategy adopted for use by the university in fast-tracking the 2018 final-year clearance process?

Student: Hmm… Well, the strategy I can say, has been a bit stressful for us students. Ever since we were admitted into the university, everything has been stressful but we’ve gotten used to it. The clearance process is no exception. The authorities should try to device an alternative way of carrying out the process to suppress the stress being undergone by the students to that effect.

UCJ: How do you suggest the university authority improves? – What strategy do you propose would be a better fit for carrying out the process?

Student: Technology is not a culture typical of or restricted to any country. I suggest they work on making the process an online thing as against having students walk all nook and cranny of the entire campus to get signatures.

Oyerinde Samuel, a 400 Level student of the Department of Linguistics, was interviewed. The following conversation ensued.

UCJ: What is your perspective on the modus operandi adopted for use in the 2018 final-year clearance process that has been going on for quite a while now?

Student: Looking at the way the clearance went, it has relatively been a success. But I wouldn’t give a hundred percent because we were made to go through some unnecessary and stressful processes. The clearance done at sports, works, stores, among others, would be considered more successful. But I think more improvements can be done with respect to that of the clinic and library. More personnel should be made available and adequate provisions should also be made for the logistic aspect with respect to the former. As for that of the library which gave us a tough time, I’ve gotten mine but there are many others who have given up and gone home on merely looking at the rowdy and stressful procedure with which they are to be faced. Irrespective of this situation, we’ve been enduring it and would have to keep doing so since it’s a one-time thing.

UCJ: What idea would you like to propose to the authorities to see to it that the said stress is mellowed?

Student: Well, making the clearance a faculty thing would do. Representatives from each division can be deployed to each faculty, especially those divisions that are usually more rowdy. Even if the resources to do so are largely unavailable, we can still have them in three; four faculties or thereabout. This would reduce the number of people that would have to queue up, hasten the entire process, and make it far easier for the students. So, it’s either that the number of centres for the clearance is increased or that the number of officials available be raised. Any of those would do.

UCJ: Many have suggested that making the clearance process an automated one would be much more ideal. What do you think about this idea?

Student: Personally, I doubt the feasibility of the idea and whether it can actually be adopted by the school because a lot of manually-performed record checking processes is involved. To me, it’s more of a paper work than an online thing. The heterogeneous nature of the divisions to give their assent has made it almost impossible. You can imagine having the HODs go online to check the students’ records before giving their assent (he shrugs indifferently).

Similarly, Ifedọlapọ Osalusi, a final-year student of the department of Psychology was interviewed.

UCJ: What do you think of the strategy adopted by our esteemed university for fast tracking the ongoing clearance exercise?

Student: I think it’s not that bad. It’s just that it can be quite rowdy because we have a lot of students and limited staffs. The daily time constraint is quite small too. Imagine how such a large number of university students can submit their clearance forms just between 8am to 10 am. It fair at some point but if you’re to rethink it, it could be better than this.

UCJ: What strategy do you suggest should be put in place to make better the situation?

Student: (Scoffs) Maybe there shouldn’t be daily time constraint. Students are supposed to be able to go to any unit at any time to get cleared.

UCJ: Many are of the idea that making the clearance an online process would be ideal. What do you think about this suggestion?

Student: I haven’t really thought about it. But that would be far better.

UCJ: …And you think the idea is feasible?
Student: Am certain of it. Besides, in UNILORIN, if we are determined to do something, we can.

A number of clearance officials and respected authorities in the university system were verbally engaged by a correspondent of the UCJ. Mrs. Kuranga, a health worker at the University of Ilorin Clinic and a clearance official at the Health Services Division was one of them. She noted that the clearance process since its commencement has indeed been a great success. According to her, the health services division used to cover about 400 students per day but the number has gradually increased to about 700 with the adoption of more effective strategies and procedures. Students who were yet to register were made to pay a token to that effect and those who have lost their clinic IDs, which they are supposed to return to the custody of the clinic, had their ID numbers traced in the clinic database by virtue of the date during which they registered. She expressed her doubts as regards the practicability of automating the process considering operational difficulties like power outage and the diversity of the divisions from which the said clearance are to obtained. “Maybe in the nearest future when appropriate provisions are made, the idea might be implemented but not now”, she explained. She however noted that the clearance process has not been without challenges. According to her, the population of the students increases on a daily basis, yet, there are neither offices nor specific places set aside for the process. She suggested that an expansion of the clinic in order that it might be able to hold such a population or allotting specific halls to the health services division would go a long way in ensuring the smooth ensuing of the process in subsequent sessions.

Another highly esteemed figure engaged by the UCJ correspondent is the circulation librarian of the University of Ilorin Main Campus Library, Mr. U.A. Saliu. The following conversation ensued between the duo.

UCJ: What do you think of the final-year clearance process that has been going on for quite a while now? –Can you undoubtedly say that it has greatly been a success?

Mr. Saliu: The clearance process has of course been a successful one so far. This is the case owing to the fact that we’ve modified our mode of operation therein. In the previous sessions, the modus operandi had been to assemble the students in front of the library after which the clearance process commences. This, we noted, often led to there being a very massive crowd waiting in front of the library to get cleared and a lot of students complaining and being in hurry to leave for home. However, this wasn’t the case this session as the students were made submit their respective forms for signing and come back to get it the following day. So many processes are involved in clearing students of which the public is often not aware. Records need to looked up to figure out if certain students have borrowed books which they didn’t return. In such cases, these books have to be retrieved. Similar issues like this exist all of which must be resolved before the students are “cut loose”. All these take time but we’ve so far managed to be time-conserving and it has been indeed been successful.

UCJ: From the forgoing, have there been notable challenges?

Mr. Saliu: Not really. The initial challenge, which was with students who were yet to register with the library, has been resolved with the intervention of the university librarian. During the clearance, you’d find that those who have failed to register with the library are asked to pay a token of #200 for registration before their final-year clearance is effected while those who lost their cards are asked to pay #100 for a replacement. This resulted in a lot of confusion since some students claimed that they were unaware. The issue was resolved though, and the students in question have been complying to that effect.

UCJ: How do you think the university can improve with respect to the operational approach used to carry out the clearance process?

Mr. Saliu: Speaking for the library, there are already plans to start carrying out the clearance online. With that, we would only have to print out their registration slips and check therefrom whether they are in good standing enough to be cleared. That way, the process would be made a lot easier.

UCJ: Most students have indeed noted that the making the entire clearance process an online affair would ideal. What do you think of this suggestion sir?

Mr. Saliu: Indeed, since 2016/2017 academic session, the library registration which is an integral aspect of the clearance process has started being done online. The reason why problems are being faced with respect to doing same with the current clearance process is that most of the current final-year students are yet to have their names captured in the database for the online clearance. By next year, such would not be the case and there wouldn’t be problems with clearing students online. If the library can accomplish that, then I think other divisions should be able to do same in due time.

Mr. Saliu further implored the students and, in extension, the Student Union to cooperate with the authorities through the current clearance process while further assuring the students on behalf of the library that there are already laid down plans to fast-track subsequent clearance process by means of online procedures. He noted that delays to that effect are only as a result of the usual logistic problems faced when innovative ideas are come up with.




Stephen Charles Kenechukwu,
UCJ UNILORIN.

Stephen C. Kenechukwu is a linguist, a writer, an editor, a media enthusiast with keen interest in Public Relation and empowerment. He loves writing to educate, and unravel unwholesome trends in the public sphere. He is also interested in volunteering and is open to mentorship. He can be reached on +2347012312285 or StephenCharlesKenechukwu@gmail.com

By Abdulsamod Balogun

Abideen Olasupo, the Executive Director, Brain Builders International, has ranked as one of the top 100 most influential individuals in Africa.


Just months ago, the Brain Builders boss was nominated amongst a pool of professionals who were making impact and spearheading change in the society. Considering the calibre of people that got the nomination, his phenomenal influence base was the only rudiment that defyed all odds and rose him to the ranks of the 8th most influential individual in Nigeria - a country with over 180 million people where 160 million (70 percent) of this population are youths.


This recognition follows the myriads of recognitions from both national and international organizations after keenly contested applications where he stood out to become a One Champion and a Watching the Vote State Focal point (a flagship programme by YIAGA).


His exploits making tasty and sumptuous soups for residents of Kwara state via Soup for Me, and the KwaraPedia Initiative (Profiling Gubernatorial aspirant manifestoes) - The First of its Kind have also contributed immensely to this recognition.


He also founded Fast Ride, a start-ups basically domesticating the model of UBER in kwara state and tranforming the transportation sector. We need not also forget that he was also recently named one of the mentors under VC4A (Venture Capital For Africa) - A world platform of over 3000 Investors,  Venture  Capitalist and Innovative Start up and also becoming a global leader with Restless Development (a UK based organization) amidst honouring several public speaking event nationally and internationally.






Obviously, this recognition wouldn't have surfaced if not for the dogged volunteers who selflessly ensured projects and programmes were executed amidst negative odds and those who believed so much in his potentials and were ready to ride with him, his parent for their encouragement and prayers, and God for his renewed blessings.


From an objective perspective, this recognition, is just a tip of the iceberg in his edgy adventure. We can only wait for more exploits as they unveil.



UCJ UNILORIN.

A former Nigerian Senate President, Senator David Mark has declared his intentions to run for the President of Nigeria under PDP in the 2019 general elections.

He made this known on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja where he picked his presidential nomination form and disclosed some of his reasons for joining the race.

David Mark was the Senate President between 2007 and 2015 and a retired Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army which he felt was an edge for his position as president.

He promised to address issues like poverty, insecurity and bring about restructuring and unity if opportune.



Tomi Ojebode,
UCJ UNILORIN