I followed closely the complaints made by people on several social media platforms about the change in the traditional binding style of academic projects in our alma mater. In fact, going by the binding samples I saw on social media and the attendant bedlam it generated, it would have been safe for me to conclude that the so-called innovation was a complete scam. But then, I restrained myself from the temptation and decided to see it with my own eyes before taking a position on the matter.

Surprisingly, I was wowed when I eventually saw it. However, I speak for myself alone but I strongly believe they're several others who not only share a similar opinion but also expressed similar joy upon seeing their works captured in the new form. I haven't verified yet to see if the initiative also applies to postgraduate theses but with what I saw, felt and assessed, I was pleased with the university management for taking the initiative and giving Unilorin products yet another edge over their contemporaries.

The new binding system is colourful, redefined, and more user-friendly. It is classy and prestigious, and in my opinion, far better than the traditional style. In fact, I can proudly describe myself as an author. Of course, yes. This is simply because, my diligent supervisor made sure we worked ourselves out and ultimately ensured our works were subjected to a plagiarism test. And haven gone through the rigour of academic research, I was gratified to see the standardised packaging of my intellectual property through the new project binding style. I then asked myself, why was there so much noise about it? Even those that hadn't set their eyes on the new project binding were among the fiercest critics of an object they're yet to see firsthand. Then I concluded, much ado about nothing. Agreed, we see things differently but then, the issue in contention will definitely pass the popularity test.

Some even likened it to the regular GNS textbooks, and by implication, toned down the highpoints of the new initiative. Well, agreed. It somewhat looks like GNS textbook but the question rarely is, what's wrong with the regular GNS textbook? I believe absolutely nothing. Maybe the system of adopting the official faculty colours didn't go down well with many, the orange colour for instance. But then, colours only serve aesthetic purposes in terms of academic publications. Personally, I detest red but as a law student, I had to embrace it wholeheartedly.

Eventually, I realised the reason most people were apprehensive and reprehensive of the new initiative — the comfort zone syndrome and to an extent, fear of the unknown. It's only natural for people to resist change not because they don't like it but because it's human nature. After all, the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know. Hence, the expected negative reactions. But upon a closer look and experience with a positive reform, they soon realise that the fear they so dreaded, never existed.

On this, I give kudos to the new Unilorin Vice-Chancellor and his team for a job well done. There is no doubt our V.C. is visionary, experienced, humbly sophisticated and gifted. From my interaction with Mr. Vice-Chancellor, I discovered he is a man of purpose, strong will and a technocrat obsessed with proffering long-term solutions. I particularly laud his action by proscribing the production of PC tablets for undergraduates along with the attendant reason he adduced.

However, I have just a piece of advice to the father of Unilorin varsity community - "preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once". Those are the words of Robert Greene, the author of 'The 48 Laws of Power". According to him, humans are "creatures of habit" and that "too much innovation is traumatic and will lead to revolt...". He concluded by saying, "...if change is necessary, make it feel like a gentle improvement on the past". 

OSUJI, Chima Francis
Unilorin Alumnus
Class of 2018.
Email: osujichima47@gmail.com
Tel: 08036543643

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

The sensational 8th most influential young Nigerian, Mr. Abideen Olasupo has walked the path of greats once again as he was selected as one of the 17 mentors — the youngest in fact — for Venture  Capital For Africa mentoring camp.

The Venture Capital For Africa VC4A is a multinational organisation that supports entrepreneurs; building, bridging, and connecting them with mentors on the field that will allow for key partnerships to develop the African marketplace with the ability to raise capital from more than 2,000 Africa focused early stage investors. More than 1,000 program partners engage members with their entrepreneurship programs, competitions, and services.

The VC4A in partnership with MAKE-IT in Africa is holding a two month long camp that rotates routinely, allowing for connections and partnerships with African investors and the market makers, towards repositioning Africa. The seventeen mentors selected for the mentoring programme include:

1. Chimaobi Agwu
2. Abubakar Abdullahi
3. Segun Samuel
4. Chike Asiodu
5. Ivana Osagie
6. Charles Uche Emembolu
7. Olajumoke Oduwole
8. Jude Atebe
9. Laurens Kreuze
10. Achenyo Asimegbe
11. Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola
12. Dipo Adebo
13. Yemi Lawal
14. Yemi Keri
15. Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi
16. Victor Obioma
17. Tonna Ezumba

Mr. Abideen, who has ememplified himself in youth advocacy, entrepreneurial support, and growth for other youths appears surprisingly on the list, as the youngest person to be a participatory mentor on the list.

The project is billed to end in September 2018, with mentors and their wards bonding and learning over the course of two months.



Akinyemi Princely X Adedeji

_by Ukor Jonathan_
27-07-2018


Folks, let us go through a lifetime of dedication and innovation in the systematic study of what was before-time known as the most complex cognitive system, Language.


It might have been that N. Chomsky played a fool of us all when the concept of 'generative grammar' began, or didn't. But if after empirical evidences supported his claims of: a Universal Grammar (UG), the innate 'Language Faculty', an unordered bundle of features in phoneme, an infinite number of sentences derivable from a finite set of rules, and the various interactions between the seven 'golden' modules of grammar, we would readily accept being fools under the arms of N. Chomsky.


Perhaps, it was this fame and, of course, the ingenuity of N. Chomsky that caused modern linguist to digest whatever theories propounded by Chomsky as the gospel truth. Chomsky fame was sporadic, in fact, his own students (cf. James McCauley, George Lakoff, Paul Posta, John Ross, etc.) initially doubted his qualities of being an 'accurate' teacher. It was reported that the students of F. de Saussure published a book posthumously from lecture notes given by F. de Saussure. Now imagine the world-wide shame of being questioned by those you intend to advance your teachings, it's quite pitiable but even geniuses can be corrected. Chomsky, after some cain-and-carrot techniques, refined the perceived inaccuracy in his 1965 theory and in so doing resolved the protracted academic dispute, alias the 'Linguistics War'.


If 'colourless green ideas sleep furiously', I doubt N. Chomsky had any of such ideas. His presence in almost all nooks and crannies in the field of linguistic is of somewhat 'disturbing' to students and potential linguists. Fanatics of Chomsky's theories would argue that the word 'disturbing' is made up of scattered distinctive features; or is contextually ambiguous; or needs to be derived from a 'deeper' deep structure; or is a structural verbal phrase, etc. their arguments can be expressed ad-infinitum. Navigate through an up-to-date dictionary, you are most likely to find terms like Chomskyan, Chomskyanism, Chomskyite, and all other (x-)chomsky(-x) related terms. To students and potential linguists, N. Chomsky's ubiquitous preeminence in the field of linguistics is filled with mixed feelings. Some are somewhat amazed and intrigued by this and would nickname themselves as 'academic wives' of Chomsky (forgetting that facts such as age and experience qualifies him of being their great-grandfather); others and most would throw stones at him (their reason? I have no idea). Whatever mixed feelings, the inevitable truth remains that N. Chomsky is one of the giant authorities in the world of research.


But even the brightest of minds make mistakes. The most recent work of N. Chomsky has been criticized as been a 'structure of unscientific revolution'. His 1993 program, alias Minimalism, although widely accepted by a great number of linguists (which remains puzzling), is empirically baseless. N. Chomsky, again, played a fool of us all, and this time majority of us trusted without questions his claims. "Just so. Given the lack of any obvious content in the basic question that the MP takes as its starting point, it is particularly surprising that so many linguists have chosen to adopt its assumption without demanding additional clarification or empirical motivation." (Lappin et al. 2000)


N. Chomsky's ingenuity, however, still remains second to none. Here is what he did: he said 'Hey! I believe grammar is perfect and derivations should be economical'. And we replied 'Wow! Nothing is truer'. Then he chipped in that 'It's only a program though, open to your criticisms', and we reply 'Whatever! '. Other things being human, the Minimalist Program (MP) calls out for another chomsky or anti-chomsky who will lead and take linguistics analysis to height beyond N. Chomsky intuition. A question begs - 'will such a person emerge?'.


© Ukor Jonathan (2018)

ukorjonathan.uj@gmail.com
+234 803 778 7666

By: SOL. Adisa Ridwan

The word “criticism” varies from one observer to another and from ones’ perception to another. While some generally believe criticism should be based on some set of citizens’ interest, others disagree believing it to be based on general welfare of a particular Nation. According to research, criticism is derived from the French critique, which dates back to at least 14 century, the words “critic” and “critical” exists in the English language from the mid-16th century and the word “criticism” first made its appearance in English in the early 17th century.

The French expression critique has root in Latin (“criticus”- a judger, decider or critics) and even earlier classical Greek language (“krites” means judge, and “kritikos” means able to make judgment) (Wikipedia). Some people describe criticism as tools used in correcting government mistakes while others took it as a game to pass their time at leisure.

Generally, criticism can be categorically recognized as a vector. Criticism as described as “vector” is the direction of a judgmental speech in directly proportional to the amount of reaction that warrant the criticism. Criticism can be oral or verbal depending on the critics’ discretion and the nature of the environment to receive the criticism.

CRITICISM IN A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

Nigeria as a case study

Nigeria, where democracy is ardently practiced adhering to the provisions of the Nation’s constitution, the original sight of criticism has been lost due to the ignorance of many citizens of the country. However, the elites amidst them are still unable to differentiate between positive criticism and political threat. Nigerians have suffered great delusion from the true criticism since they have allowed their thoughts to exercise the thinking and action while neglecting the chain of brotherhood for politics.

In a democratic system of government, right to freedom of expression and freedom to hold opinions are constitutionally presumed for the citizens unless been invalidated by any reasonable law or actions. The concept of criticism in a democratic system of government should be aimed at the people, by the people and for the people. But here in Nigeria, the situation is otherwise as it is carried out by the elites to dispute facts, defame others and slander the people of higher positions/degrees and the government with neither adequate knowledge of the present situations nor the past. A great many times here in Nigeria, Criticism has been used by many to hide their weakness by blaming the system neglecting her trials and abilities to strive for better governance. Until we realize the right concept of criticism, our economy, political affair, love for each other and all that could trigger development, shall be jeopardized, because not few but many Nigerians today preferred dogmatic criticism to solidarity yielded by the efforts of every industrious citizens.

The Nation’s Fault and Criticism

We are always welcome to Nigeria where all faults are well cooked and literally gathered to threaten the integrity of any system. The Nigerian government is not in exclusion of the operation as many have lost hope in Nigeria due to the incessant gathered faults attributed to the government even when it is obvious that the problem is facilitated by the people of the same system.

According to our research methodology, we realize the Nation’s fault by examining the system, our government and her citizens. Lots of Nigerians are realized to be weak and not able to lift up their personal downtrodden not to make mention of setting out periods to provide solution to natural challenges. Many could not look up to the lowest arm of government closer to them to make some corrections or contributions while others can but believe they lack the appropriate position and enough money to claim what is right.

In lieu of battling with those challenges and attributes of ours, Nigerians defame the government who does not meet up the expected standard by criticizing negatively and gathering some slanderous information portraying more weakness of theirs. Today we realize instead of portraying a shameful conditions, we could suggest for ourselves some convincing questions like; why, why can we not ask? , why are we afraid of them? , do they really have feelings? , do they also possess some fears? Or they receive an irrefutable order from some superiors? and so on.

These are questions we Nigerian should ask always within our inner self rather than portraying our weakness. The fact is the government also have fear, they have feelings also, they would prefer answering our questions and do the needful but they have superiors. They also have those who give them orders which they cannot defy, we have elected them but those superiors have selected them. Have you ever wondered why those who promise our citizens the right things failed to fulfill their promise?, or Do you think from inception, not even a single Nigerian would have preferred solving the Nation’s problem?, No, there are lots and still, there will always be more but they are afraid also. The fear that obstruct Nigerians from challenging the status quo even as at when necessary also deprive her government the strength and courage to defy their superiors. Nigeria should be aware of the fact that justifications for their fear are justifications for our government weakness.

Nigerians are required to stand firmly to fulfill the promise of our weak representatives. Who are the cabals? , who are the superiors?, who are the government?, compare to the strength derived and love from defending our fatherland. If Nigerians can hide under the fear of attack by the government, the governments are also wise to hide under the fear of their superiors. Let us respond to the National call by lifting up the downtrodden together, supporting just call, standing for what is right and also condemning what is wrong instead of portraying unfavorable conditions. Doing this would not only make the Nation bright or mend the Nation’s fault but will allow for generations to come live in a serene environment.

Our Preferred Solutions to Criticism

Our elucidation above proved criticism not to necessarily imply “finding faults”, but the word is often taken to mean the expression of an object against ignorance no matter positive or negative. Criticism often involves active disagreement, but it may only mean “taking sides” (Wikipedia). It could just be an exploration of the different sides of an issue.

Since research has reveal that criticism in Nigeria is likely to result to more harm than good, why can we not just watch if not capable of preventing people from creating problems. However, as egalitarians, rather than criticizing dogmatically, provide solutions to the problem created in solidarity. Our solutions one day, we believe will take us to a position where we all will be left with only two powers, yes we mean two, just two powers. First, is the power to create more problems like corruptions, burgling, violations of human right, egoism, gerontocracy etc. and secondly, the power to curb the act of all the above listed problems and crime, providing everlasting and positively dynamic solutions to the existing problems.

Our choice of the above listed powers will portray to the people of the same soil as us the true who we all are, yes we mean the true us because some days back, those we are criticizing today have also criticized people once in power.

(Copyright 2018, SOLACERS-LIBERTARIAN UNION OF NIGERIA.)

Chima Osuji





It takes a critical mind to determine whether a leader is leading in line with the expectation of the masses. The sense of duty to keep the leader on his toes has been eroded by the harsh realities of poverty, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, among others. Therefore, no one rarely cares about the goings-on in government. The mantra is simple; every man to himself, God for us all.

~~~  Abdulsamod Balogun

As fliers with motivational quotes and nicknames continue to bombard our walkway boards and spam our whatsapp groups, it reminds a critical observer that the political atmosphere of the university environment is becoming tense.

Political aspirants are emerging with varying interest in particular positions and a lot of lobbying is ongoing behind the scenes. In other words, the time for transition in is almost here.

Obviously, this is the time for seekers of public office to sway people to identify with their cause and mobilize the needed support to actualize their political ambition.

In view of this, I would like to share a few thoughts on how to effectively actualize your political aspiration without destabilizing the polity.

First, it's important to note that lobbying has got its own ethics.
If you want to lobby people to support your political aspiration,  do so by telling them about your vision and what you hope to actualize realistically when you get to the office. It is offensive and immoral to malign or speak ill of your opponent all in the name of emerging victorious.

In addition, resist the temptation of employing unfair and dirty means of getting your main contender screened out of the race. It simply shows a lack of self confidence to lead. It typifies a "ruler" with a "do or die" attitude to win by all means possible.

Remember, political sins/crimes are not easily forgotten. The person whom you have maligned wrongly, can serve you hot strokes of cane in your administration. The person may pay you back by giving you taste of your own medicine. Leadership isn't intended at severing ties; it's aimed at cementing them.

The second issue is the need for the electorates to beware. This is because, one of the things that have ruined Nigeria is nepotism. Nepotism is a false gospel that preaches this; "this person belongs to my religious group and therefore, he must win. This person is Hausa, therefore he must win regardless of what he has to offer".

The ones common to the university system are, "this person is from my department, I don't even need to know if he's capable or not"; "He is a member of my indigenous association, I'm less concerned about his capability and capacity"; "He has tutored me in a course before, therefore he should be assured of my vote and support".

If that were to be a concrete yardstick for measuring leadership, then the right people will never emerge as leaders — rather people without character, competence and capacity will take over power.

There's need to ask some pertinent questions at this juncture: what if an individual doesn't know how to tutor but knows exactly how to perform effectively in administrative roles? What if the person has garnered experience from a series of trainings but not related to you in anyway?

The point is, be open-minded to any candidate that deserves your attention. Ask them what they have to offer because, not all the people that take you tutorials and/or are in your department, faculty, indigenous association automatically qualify to hold a leadership position. Don't be fooled!

The rationale behind my position is simple: having gotten involved in student politics since my first year, I have participated at departmental, faculty, union and indigenous levels. I took tutorials two years consecutively without the intention to use it as a tool to campaign to the electorates. Every time I get to my fellow students and try to introduce myself, they say, "we already know you,  you took us tutorials, we'll vote for you".

Despite this already welcoming gesture,  I spare some time to discuss the results I want to deliver with the office and programmes I intend executing, and the experience and skills that I want to put to great use.

This step goes ahead to clear every iota of doubt in their minds (if it exists in the first place). I have successfully won three elections in my four years in school serving in both executive and legislative positions.

Of course, the journey hasn't been devoid of people who wanted to play hanky-panky. Those that wrote petitions on falsehood. Those that tried to malign my character, and others who weren't just interested in meritocracy - they all bowed to the sovereign power of the people.

Remember, lobby ethically! Don't blackmail, malign or dig out your contender's secrets. I hope this helps and enlightens you to be a good sportsman as a political aspirant, and being wise as an electorate.

Lobbying is a game of foresight. It's about thinking three times ahead of your opponent. It's about anticipating moves from your competition such that when your opposition thinks they have played their trump card, you play yours to bury the competition.

Abdulsamod Balogun is a parliamentarian at University of Ilorin Student Union, a Content Writer and media strategist, Youth advocate and active volunteer.
+234 817 189 1099

N.B: The opinion expressed in this piece is solely that of the author, and not the official position of UCJ UNILORIN.

Every parent derives joy in the success of their ward. The existing order to achieve this globally, is by investing in the young. This investment comes in various forms; first, parents engage the mechanism of imbibing moral standard in their wards. Afterwards, they employ various agents of socialisation (School, etc) for their development. This is termed psychological asset.

–– Stephen Charles 

Stephencharles77@yahoo.com

The popular cliché of the media being the fourth estate of the realm is today, not such an uncommon one in any society where a democratically elected government is orthodox. It is one which bestows a considerable magnitude of importance and recognition on the mass media as being a highly dignified and politically neutral body, a watchdog that looks out for the excesses and lapses of the government with regards to the discharge of its constitutional obligations.

As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is one which is considered to be the fourth platform of authority in succession with the legislative, executive, and judicial arms and ensures that the latter discharge their constitutional duties in a manner fully representative of the interests of the people.

In the face of this highly-placed obligation, the Nigerian media is no exception. It is in fact charged with the constitutional responsibility and given the liberty with regards to informing, educating and enlightening Nigerians on the policies, deeds and misdeeds of the government and by this means, ensure that the virtues of good governance and true federalism are upheld.

In fact, the section 22 of the Nigerian constitution fully acknowledges this highly valued and indispensable obligation, stating that “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people”.

By virtue of this constitutional provision, the Nigerian media is given the freedom and charged with the civic duty of upholding the “the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy” contained in chapter two of the Nigerian constitution as well as making sure, through its daily functions that the government performs its duties and is fully accountable to the people. It is meant to keep an eye out for situations or areas in which the government seems to be functioning outside the code of conduct set by the constitution and points the attention of both the government and the governed in the direction of such with the ultimate goal of having them corrected and ensuring that the more orthodox and constitution-abiding path of governance is threaded.

In the light of these, one is then forced to ask: Is the Nigerian media performing these highly place duties and of course without prejudice, unscrupulousness, and subjectivity? Is the government truly and fully held accountable to the people in tandem with the demands of the constitution? Has the media fully been allowed and given the mandate, liberty, and protection needed to carry out its obligations without any hindrance whatsoever?

Considering the magnitude of contempt, harassment, and mortal danger frequently dealt on media workers; considering the seeming covert nature of the of the so-called accountability of governmental persons with regards to certain key and sensitive issues in governance; considering the depth of corruption into which a handful of Nigerian media houses are terribly rooted, being active partisans simultaneously in both politics and media business; considering the manner in which the same constitution which empowers the media has simultaneously come to limit same and provides them with no protection in the face of their daunting responsibilities, one cannot but leave out a moment of considerable trepidation and doubt when asked to provide answers to these questions.

However, and a few issues must be rectified if the media is to function objectivity and execute its constitutional obligations without fear or favour.

First, ethical and objective practices which are the true virtues of the profession must be frequently upheld in the media and offenders in that regards should be promptly sanctioned in accordance with predetermine penalties.

Public officers should equally be made to understand the powers and duties of the media and that they are accountable to the people through them. True press freedom and independence should also at all times be upheld and politicians should be refrained from owning media houses if possible.

In a nutshell, the Nigerian media should be given a certain degree of constitutionally recognized immunity to certain laws that are more of a hindrance to the effective execution of its functions if it is to be expected to function to the best of its capacity without fear or subjectivity. The freedom of information should also at all times be guaranteed. If all these are ensured, then the answers to the afore-raised questions should definitely turn out to be positive ones.

By OSUJI, Chima Francis

April 3rd, 2018.

I have monitored the activities of the SU PRO for some time now, and after a painstaking assessment, I've come to the conclusion that the office holder is an accident of history in our Union.

I speak of MYT, the Unilorin SU Public Relations Officer. He seems to be more interested in his personal PR niche —MTY PR — than addressing the core of his duties as the image maker of the Student Union. I thought it was a question of accepting or taking people for what they are, but as it stands, MYT's case, for an objective observer and critical mind, is capable of undermining the Union's image.

First, it is appalling to note that no single memo was issued by the Student Union felicitating with the Christian faithfuls among the student populace on the just concluded Easter celebrations. Rather, social media platforms were awash with his personal business posts and his usual watery announcements unrelated to Easter.

Like seriously, is this the promise he made to always put the Union first during his Oath taking ceremony? Is this what he truly meant by putting the interest of members of the Union first, over and above his? Is that his own definition of public service?

I consider such action irresponsible, negligent, and insensitive, especially coming from the kind of office MYT occupies. I believe nothing should prevent a public officer from pursuing personal projects while occupying public office. However, such business project should not take centre stage in the public eye or in the scheme of things. That's exactly what many have noticed with the SU PRO. The earlier he strikes a balance between his official duty and personal business, the better for the Union.

Recently, some members of our Union did us proud by winning laurels at different national summits in Nigeria. Upon their return to school, no mention of that was made by the Union. And guess what? When MYT was contacted about it, all he had to say was, the winners in question did not "officially" inform the Union about it, and as such, there was nothing he could do in that respect. You can imagine such response from a public servant.

He was quick to compare a certain student organization on campus, who, according to him, carries the Union along on its activity. And that, whenever they win any trophy, the Union would do the needful by announcing same to members of the university community.

Unfortunately, MYT seems to have forgotten the antecedence of the group in question in terms of their relationship with the Student Union. For the purpose of record, the Student Union have been known, in recent times, to be the benefactor to some student bodies in terms of sponsorship. This answers the clueless response of the SU PRO in his failure to discharge his duty without bias and prejudice.

My question to MYT: do members of the Union need to observe 'protocol' in order to have their achievements communicated to the university community? Is that the kind of PR you promised during your electioneering campaign when you were rallying support for your ambition? Oh, now that you've achieved your ambition, members of the Union must 'officially' inform you of their achievements that you're privy to ab initio? Your action simply connotes the corruptibility of power and its potency to self-destruct if left unchecked.

In fact, how did we get to this level of red-tape styled administration championed by a bureaucratic Central Executive Council of the Student Union? How did we get to this level of mediocrity and loose oversight to checkmate public servants like MYT?

The feats in question are not ordinary; these Unilorin students had to outperform their counterparts in other schools to win the awards. Well, whether you recognize them or not, they don't need your approval or officious attitude to lift the banner of their alma mater high.

MYT is busy observing protocol, yet the Senate President has personally congratulated some of these distinguished Unilorites via phone calls and on social media. MYT is busy observing protocol, yet the SU President has personally extended a kind gesture to these Unilorites who are making our alma mater proud. In fact, it clearly shows how disunited the CEC structure is. Why? Because the SU President is doing a thing, while MYT seems to be doing another that seems incongruent to the overall goal of the President. Or, do Christian students need inform him "officially" before issuing a press release to felicitate with them? Was the same thing applicable during the Eid festivity?

MYT's recent activity simply makes nonsense of the so-called 'Together-We-Can" administration. In fact, an objective observer can easily distil the harsh tone usually deployed in the Union's posts on social media as issued by the SU PRO. Asides the usual legion of grammatical errors, the voice is almost always suggestive of a sovereign passing instruction to his subordinates.

Mr MYT, please change the tone of your posts. Address Unilorites with respect because they are the true sovereign and the ephemeral power you're wielding right now, actually belongs to them. Rather than conducting investigation on those allegedly impersonating the Union, you may as well channel that energy to something more productive. Under your watch, members of the Union have seen so many disclaimers. The question is, why?

Stop chasing shadows. Without the Union, most of you won't find yourselves occupying public office. Address students with an air of humility and respect, and cut out the arrogance. Stop the blame game and take responsibility. Politics and politicking is not everything.

And as for MYT PR, it's a good initiative. However, it's important for Union leaders to always put the Union first!

( A response to: http://www.nairaland.com/4417206/unilorin-7-months-semester-fall)

In response to the lament over the delay in the academic activities in the Unilorin, it's pertinent to remove the dents ignorantly melted on the school's lush garment which was ostensibly carried out by one of her egocentric under processing product. It's obvious the painter's brush have been starved of some inks lately and this slight misdeed by his victim has dewed some inks to his brush ball; well Mr writer, it may interest you to know that you ain't the only one with keen observation acumen, just some minutes ago such thought ruminated but it has to be shelved for more proper and clarified thoughts. This actually say much of your background and what man or woman you are growing to be - a type that with a slight inconsistence within the four wall of the house, it has to be spread across the skyview for all who have eyes to see and devour!

Well, since you've decided to wash your dirty linens in the glare of your unwilling audience, coming out to paint same in another colour to the same audience should not, I harbour a feeling of contempt but of honour to people like me; after all, we may be living in the same room, but our area of sight and comfort cannot at all time be same. Extolling the beauties of my academy is what I have come out to do, there's no misunderstanding!

A couple of weeks ago, with empathy I listened to a friend of mine's complain about the incessant destructive delay in overall activities of his school - Administrative and academic- this was a friend who got admitted ahead of me, I'm in my 200Level 1st semester while he's on vacation for the 1st year's 2nd semester.

The unreasonable part is that they just saw the 1st semester results - not all are out yet! Will this ever happen in my school, well, to be objective here, I'll maintain that such is not yet in sight and may likely never! I remember our results started popping up merely a week or two after our exams. Isn't it BETTR BY FAR, compare to that of my friend's?

I've authority to say these, reason being that I had been to another school, but when compared to what it is here, there is wider dissimilarity! Take out the general outlook of the school, I expect anyone with fact to come out and refute the fact that Unilorin is a foremost student-oriented school in Nigeria. Probita doctrina is not just for gain saying, it has been blended with every modus operandi of the school, you never can tell where you learn and when your manners will be altered for good! Unilorin is morally inclined and religiously imbibed.

About the administration, no doubts, fraction and cracks do occur within the most united family, however, when compare with other households, one may be left with a deep breath of relief or a deep sigh of depression. I remember in one of our usual convos, this my friend once told me how it was likely that some members of academic staff 'ganged up' against the decision of the governing body to thwart the emergence of some particular principal officers.

This led to total disruption of both bodies. Can such ever happen here, well, I won't say no, but that would be when staff (both academic and Administrative) are no more disciplined either by self virtues or imposed; and when well laid schemes of events are no longer honored and follow through. In Unilorin, "No distractions, is our attractions".

With the proliferation of modern technologies and their applications via the engagement of experts with such valour, you can brush aside the enquiry on how possible examination results of over 20, 000 students could come out just a week after seating. Unilorin do not leave all this in the hand of technologies alone, human capacities are also harnessed and diligence is their watchword!

Further discussions with my friend reveals that even when a supposed inconsequential entity cough in his school, fever catches even the most prominent authority, little wonder the recent non academic staff industrial action also affected not only the academic staff but also the commuters, the best people like me can do for such darling friend is to pray for his school's quick recovery and may we never experienced such here, Amin.

Have you been to a school before where the mere sight of the student's ID card rope tells you what faculty, department or possibly the course he studies? Unilorin perfects such ingenuity. Of all about 15 faculties in the school, the colour of tag's rope distinguishes one from other. You may be asking to what purpose, don't forget I say Unilorin is student-oriented, there is a tip-of for the Security agency operating in school and of course, inculcating work ethics in the students before releasing them to outside world because your ID card is mandatory to be on you at all time within the school premises.

Polemics in reference to how tedious and competitive gaining admission in Unilorin could be have been on for only God knows how long, but the truth is that being a first-choice-school. Fine admission is strict however it's worth noting that it devoids ambiguity when eventually gained - you can be in the comfort zone of your room and fulfil all the righteousness via Internet, and when date for assumption is announced, enter class.

In the same light, and of course as the bane of all arguments, academically, Unilorin, amongst her peers, is not lagging behind. There are mechanisms put in place to aid learning and teaching; as part of the school's futuristic advancement goals, moving along with the tides of technological advancement that is fast becoming inseparable with the society, infrastructure are being put in place to enable the students and staffers dive along smoothly. Worthy materials in terms of texts might not be available in their hardcopies yet, hence the need to furbish every qualified member of the university community with unhindered access to Internet at every point in time within the school environs. Ask me if such initiative is applicable else where, I'll tell it can definitely, but within inconsistency in their modus operandi.

The University do not want to entertain excuse for failure from her students, hence provides an all-round access to Internet and E-library for easy access to conforming updated academic materials. This shows that Unilorin is at the forefront when it come to students' welfarism.

What has happened, real students had just had their normal communion and in this kind, blood and anguish as bread and wine. For where? In Unilorin, you remain that tamed students until the last day of your studentship. No! That's not to tame the students ingenuity, their intellectualism and their confidence, no. That's just to tame that unnecessary vengeance, to imbibe the quality of self-restrainedness and ability to see things from other peaceful point views and applying less conflicting resolutions.

Security of life is guaranteed, cultism-free, fear-free; No arbitrary fighting, do it and be shown the way out - no matter whose idiotic animal's breed is flogged! And talking about students Unionism, well, Unilorin has fundamentally taken care of that. There's a students' Union, and not students' Union Government. If you understand what that simple term 'government' could be interpreted to, you would understand why every wordcraft needed to be holistically looked into before letting a legal pronouncement back up.

Some schools in their tartered regalia perhaps could not look beyond the surface meanings of this word, hence their incessant scoring of own's goals. Unilorin is not building rascals as students Unionists, no! With conceptual framework of Unionism, Unilorin is experimenting and industrializing  what ideal politics should look like by ploughing avenue for students to engage in ideal political game in the school - such game that devoids of rancor, bitterness, vengeance and unwarranted names calling.

After all, Unilorin believes her politically breeding intelligentsia and intellectualists (those who are ready to revolutionised our lacuna political space) would soon take over the real arena and that utopian society everyone is craving for would be achieved. Let's me drop some hints on how the game is played here: the candidates must first be digitalized; campaign is digital, presentation of manifestos is digitalized, debates are digitalized and the D-day is also digitalized. Students seat at their comfort zone to exercise their franchise. Except Unilorin, which other school does this in Nigeria, none.

So, all these said and known of, it's unexpected of anyone (not to even talk of someone who should know better) to come out and jettison what we should all gather around and protect.

What happen is not a result of internal undoing, it's obviously external! Majority of Federal schools as I type are being faced with same challenge. Thank God we have people here who are working round the clock to ensure things fall back to normal and in earnest. Coming out to sharpen or get some undue encomiums over what should be discouraged. When one sees his father's third leg enjoying strange breeze, do you son gather villagers to come and see it?

The best that is expected of such a cultured son who believes in the pristine blessings of his father is to first cover him up and then later tell him of what he is not being conscious; and all in hermitage.

Abdullahi, Ridhwan A. Adetutu.