Members of Rotaract club of University of ILORIN, the Student Affairs Unit, University of Ilorin, ably represented by the Sub-Dean—Dr. Yusuf, and representatives of Unilorin Student Union converged to celebrate the laudable project of RAC UNILORIN on Thursday, June 1.

The project which was a renovation of Rotaract Club’s “Paul Harris Park” started in the early hours of yesterday. The project had been proposed over a few Rotaract administrations before finally being executed under the administration of ASP, Oke Ridwan Olayemi.

The park is a relaxation spot for members of the university community to have fun, make fellowship and friendship. Paul Harris Parks are built across Rotaract club jurisdictions to raise awareness about the existence of the club in such locales. The park which is adjacent the main entrance of the University Auditorium had been there for quite sometime, decrepit and begging for attention.

The project which was co-sponsored by some alumni of the club would be giving a new face to the environment which it is situated. Activities started shortly after the Sub-Dean Student Affairs Unit took a first dig into the soil.

The club intends to finish the work in less than a week. The club President expressed his joy and gratitude and promised that Rotaractors in the University will always be of good conduct and will continue to make impact.

Akinyemi Muhammed
UCJ UNILORIN.

Sequel to the visitation made to Radio Kwara, UCJ UNILORIN moved to the Press Centre, along offa Road, as its next point of call. The UCJ crew was received by the Chairman and the Financial Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara state chapter.

UCJ UNILORIN had a nice reception from the NUJ Chairman who appreciated the invitation extended to the organisation to the formal opening of the 2017 Annual Press Week of which he lauded.

He gave delegates the opportunity to introduce themselves after which the UCJ President, Muhammad Basheer Ishola, addressed the gathering and thanked the Chairman for gracing the formal opening of the ongoing UCJ Press Week.

The Editor-in-Chief, explained further by stating the needs of the Union of which the Chairman assured that Council will look into for proper intervention.

The Financial Secretary of the Press Center, Mr. Tope Sunday, encouraged the UCJ crew to remain passionate about the profession. He assured that the chairman and the Council will look into the challenges besetting UCJ UNILORIN. He stated that journalism is not a profession you get into because of money. He concluded by imploring delegates who are not students of journalism to get a certificate in journalism in order to be accorded the status of a professional journalist.

The chairman gave a closing remark stressing on the need to strengthen the synergy between the student body and the mother body. Just like the Financial Secretary said, the Chairman further encouraged members of UCJ UNILORIN to get certificates in journalism.

The courtesy visit ended with a group photo in front of the building of the Press Center.

Shittu Aisha
UCJ, UNILORIN.

As part of the programmes slated for the 2017 Annual Press Week, members of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ilorin Chapter, embarked on an excursion to Radio Kwara on Thursday 1st June, 2017 in order to have a first hand experience of journalistic profession.

The UCJ delegates were received by Mr AbdulAmeen—a worker in the corporation—who gave the opening prayer and asked the delegates to introduce themselves. He made it known that the corporate name of the corporation is Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation while the radio identity is Radio Kwara with frequency 99.0. He introduced the General Secretary who represented the General manager, and the Director of Administration, Alhaji Sikiru.

Thereafter, the UCJ President, Ishola Muhammad Basheer, addressed the gathering and informed them about the ongoing Press Week programme. He explained that the excursion is an integral part of the week.

The General Secretary then welcomed the delegates to the corporation. He explained that journalism is not just about studying Mass Communication but passion or interest. He also made it known that journalism is a very wide field. He said the corporation is ever ready to partner with UCJ and ready to help.

They gave room for more comments and the Editor-in-Chief, Osuji Chima Francis, while buttressing the UCJ President's points, informed them that the Union would appreciate internship opportunities and it was acknowledged.

Afterwards, the group met with the Director of Programmes, Mrs. Tina Olaoye, who revealed that Unilorin is her Alma mater. She admonished the UCJ entourage to endeavour coming around the corporation regularly as a follow up initiative on the job.

The next point of call was the desk of Mrs. Silifat Adeyemi, the Deputy Director of News. She reiterated that the profession requires flare and the command and mastery of language.
According to her, in order to practice journalism as a bona fide professional, one must have at least a diploma in Journalism. She went further to explain the importance of the profession by saying, "...this is the only profession that continues after death because on the day of resurrection, we will all give account which is reporting."

The team was then taken to the live studio, where we were introduced to Mr Abdulwaheed Lagbe, the Producer for morning shift and Oyedun Abisoye, who showed us all the equipment and where all broadcasting activity is done, while stressing that the transmitter of the corporation is situated at Budo Efo.

UCJ UNILORIN was also introduced to other members of the corporation and ended the visit with photo sessions at the station.

Shittu Aisha
UCJ, UNILORIN.

Team UNILORIN are at it again. They have been on a winning streak since God knows when. Once again, the University of Ilorin has re-echoed its dominance in public speaking and external competitions on the African continent.

About Accra Open
Accra Open is the first of the three West African sub-regional tournament named 'Tale of Three Cities' currently ongoing in Ghana.

The Tale of Three Cities is a West African debate festival with the aim of preparing West Africa for upcoming competitions in the year through sub regional competition. It combines three tournaments at a stretch which starts with Accra Open in University of Ghana, Legon and ends with Chancellors Cup at Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology, Kumasi.

Accra Open recorded tremendous success for the debate team as Adekunbi Ademola in partnership with a debater from another West African institution emerged overall champions for the tournament

The President of the team, Tobi Agbede was Overall Best Speaker for the tournament.

The team of 7 recorded perfect break to the out-rounds—3 teams in the Semi finals, and two teams in the finals.

UCJ UNILORIN can confirm that the team members are now at Kumasi for the second tournament named the TRANS CITY CUP.

We wish them all the best.

Osuji Chima Francis
UCJ, UNILORIN.

A young, female undergraduate student in the university of Ilorin, faculty of life sciences, has survived what could have been a fatal asthmatic attack at about 1:30pm, June 1st, 2017. The whose identity could not be as ascertained as of press time was said to be in the Department of Microbiology, UNILORIN.

The incident which happened during a PHY142 class at the New Science Lecture Theater 1 (NSLT 1) was said to have occurred as a result of poor ventilation at the venue.

UCJ UNILORIN gathered from an eyewitness, who claimed to have sat by the victim, that shortly after the commencement of the lecture, she (the victim) started coughing. However, the eyewitness added that she thought her cough was just ordinary, so she just told the victim "sorry."

The eyewitness testimony does thus: "She just started coughing as soon as the man (lecturer) started. Initially, it was _small small_ but it became serious afterwards. She was able to bring out her inhaler (by) herself before I helped it to her mouth."

Another eyewitness, simply identified as Wale said that she "knows" the victim, and that she had had such attacks in classes before. However, she was unable to provide her identity.

UCJ UNILORIN also gathered that the victim was already in a stable condition before the lecturer (taking PHY142) transported her to the school clinic for further medical attention.

She had yet to be discharged to be discharged as at the time of filing this report.

Bello Hussein Adoto
UCJ, UNILORIN.

The just concluded Call to the Bar ceremony witnessed some new additions as regards standardizing the procedure for legal practice in the Student Union court. The event was organised by the SU Judicial Council in conjunction with the Student Union Bar.

During the auspicious event, new wigs were inducted into the Bar and four distinguished law students were conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of the Union (S.A.U).

However, before the induction proper, a call for application was made along with the criteria prescribed by the panel constituted by the Chief Justice to screen candidates for the said rank. One of the interested applicants who applied for the post was not considered by the Panel, and claims the panel is yet to any reason for his exclusion despite the fact that he met the requirements of the law.

In this exclusive interview with UCJ UNILORIN, Mr. Omotosho shares his thoughts and feelings about the whole issue. Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------

UCJ: Can we meet you, sir?

Omotosho: I am Omotosho Muhammad, sir.

UCJ: What's your take on the just concluded Call to the Bar Ceremony?

Omotosho: I can't really say much about it because I wasn't present at the event. But I'm using this medium to congratulate the new wigs and the newly inducted members of the Inner Bar.

UCJ: We learnt you applied to be shortlisted for the rank of Senior Advocate of the Union, why weren't you considered?

Omotosho: I have no clue as to why not. I mean, I submitted my application, and I was punctual to the screening conducted afterwards. I met the requirements listed. It was puzzling when I wasn't considered.

No reason was made known to me by the members of the panel or the Chief Justice of the Union. Even in the conventional world, if a person applies for the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and he isn't shortlisted, the panel makes known to him the reason(s) why he wasn't considered.

This gives the person the chance to appeal the decision. Courtesy demands it.

UCJ: Are you saying the SU Bar did not communicate this to you, sir?

Omotosho: Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. However, the panel wasn't created by the Bar, but by the Chief Justice of the Union. The C.J. is required by law to constitute a panel as regards the conferment of the title of S.A.U. No one communicated anything to me. It's a curious case I must admit.

UCJ: What's your view about the profile of those shortlisted for the rank of SAU?

Omotosho: Distinguished persons. They are experienced members of the Bar. Knowledgeable as well.

UCJ: So, you don't have any issue with their being selected?

Omotosho: No, I don't.

UCJ: So, do you have any bone of contention with the selection process?

Omotosho: That I do. It seems like I was witch-hunted. There was a reason why there were requirements which had to be met. Those requirements were conditions precedent. I met the requirements and exceeded it. I was punctual to the screening as requested. There hasn't been any explanation whatsoever afterwards. I believe they owe it to me. This is disrespectful to say the least. I've been dedicated to the legal practice ever since I was called to the Bar.

UCJ: We learnt it was boldly stressed that the panel has exclusive right of interpreting the requirements as they apply to each situation?

Omotosho: Of course it was stated. This raises certain questions. What does that even mean? What situation? There were specific requirements. Why would that be further included? Seems to have been engineered as an excuse to not confer some persons.

UCJ: Could you shed more light on that, please?

Omotosho: A specific provision is sufficient enough. The requirements were specific enough. But the additional note made it discretionary. Why then were those previous requirements stated? When you state that certain requirements have to be met for something, after those requirements have been satisfied, the next thing is to do the needful.

I wouldn't question the integrity of the members of the panel, but it seems suspicious. Right from the moment some of us saw the additional note, we knew something wasn't right. The fact that no reason was given to me makes it more suspicious.

UCJ: Will you seek redress in court?

Omotosho: No, I won't. It's like them being judges in their own case. 4 of the 5 members of the panel are Justices. And also, our law here doesn't provide for an appeal like the conventional practice.

Nevertheless, I respect their decision. Though it raises lots of eyebrows.

UCJ: What implication does it have for the future of legal practice in Unilorin?

Omotosho: I believe it'll be like what happens in the conventional world. Those who are in the Inner Bar get privileges. They're also at an advantage when it comes to getting high profile cases and appointments in to top positions. For example, a person who is a S.A.U. has a better chance of being the Attorney General, or being the President of the Bar ahead of persons like me. It seems unfair, but that's just the way it is.

UCJ: What message do you have for our readers as regards this issue?

Omotosho: To the student legal practitioners, they shouldn't be discouraged. It's easy to be discouraged when you hear the story of someone who gives his all and is dedicated to the practice of law, and yet, is denied such a recognition for efforts. They should continue to practice, and be their best at what they do. *What will be will be.

And to the Chief Justice of the Union, I believe the Court Rules that is being amended at present should provide for an appeal in instances like this i.e. being able to seek redress.

Osuji Chima Francis
UCJ, UNILORIN.

Finally, the long awaited 2017 annual Press Week by the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ilorin chapter, commenced yesterday 30th May, 2017 at the Social Science Lecture Theatre (SSLT), Unilorin.

This week-long program will run from Tuesday 30th May, to Friday 2nd June, 2017; with each day loaded with educating, motivating and encouraging events specially packaged not only for UCJ members, but also for all students of the University of Ilorin.

The theme of this year's public lecture is, 'Socio-journalism: the future of journalism.'

Among the dignitaries present were; Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji—Director, Center for Peace and Strategic Studies, Dr. Mrs Abdulbaqi—HoD of the department of Mass Communication (Unilorin), Dr Azeez Lukman—Sub Dean, Faculty of Communication and Information Science (Unilorin), and Mr. Abdulkareem Abiodun—Chairman, National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara state chapter.

Others include; the immediate past President of UCJ UNILORIN—Alfa Fineboy, current UCJ President—Mr. Basheer Muhammad Ishola, members of the Press Council, and a host of others.

The event proper started with Miss Aisha Shittu delivering the Press Prayer, followed by the singing of the school anthem, and the welcome address by the UCJ President.

Dr. Mrs. Abdulbaqi spoke immensely on the topic, 'Socio-journalism: the future of journalism. She stressed on the difference between citizen journalism and socio-journalism citing examples of socio-journalism platforms like The Medium etc.

According to her, socio-journalism has some characteristics which makes it outstanding and preferable to citizen journalism in the sense that it goes through the process of screening, publishers reside in cyber space coupled with the fact that it is professionally edited. Reverse is the case for the latter.

As regards the functions of journalists, she quoted Harold Lasswel to the effect that journalists engage in surveillance of the environment, serve as watchdogs, and protect part of society's heritage for transition to generations.

Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji expatiated on the topic by making reference to two books: 'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler, and 'Lost in the Himalayas' by James Scott. Making allusion to the former, he stated that 'in order to avoid future shock you must have multiple competencies.' He further stated that society has evolved from a stage of superstition to industrial revolution to science and to the period of information.

He therefore urged the audience to strive for journalism no matter their course giving instance of Wale Adediran, the former president of authors in Nigeria, who is a doctor.

In his words, 'competition these days is very stiff, for you to stand out, you must be outstanding.'
He ended his remark saying, 'if you don't have a strategy, you are part of somebody else's strategy.'

The NUJ Chairman, Kwara state chapter, Mr. Abdul Kareem Abiodun also had some words of admonishment for members of UCJ UNILORIN. He commended, and advised UCJ members to continue with what they do even though it's on a selfless basis. He urged members to go into journalism with a sense of patriotism, passion and humanity, not for money.

The questions asked during the interactive session were effectively answered by Dr. L.A. Azeez and other members on high table.

There were hints from the guests as to how students can become  professional journalists. The august event ended with a group photograph of the guests and members of UCJ, UNILORIN.

Iwayemi Zainab
UCJ, UNILORIN.

What do you really know about the current President of Unilorin Student Union popularly known as Eminent?

To most people, this phenomenal leader is Godfearing, diplomatic, friendly, visionary, people-centred, and result-oriented.

While to others, he's Machiavellian, sensitive, cunning, partial, and deceitful.

That's because, Eminent means different things to different people!

Here are 15 things you probably didn't know about the current President of Unilorin Student Union, Eminent:

1. His full name is Shobowale Lukman Olawale David. However, some people dem still believe say the Lukman part of his name is political. No be we talk am o...

2. This sensational leader hails from Lagos. However, his roots can be traced to Ewekoro/Abeokuta in present day Ogun state. Politicians dem eh....

3. He is the 3rd child out of 4 in his lovely family.

4. Eminent is not just a student leader doing aluta and aloha things o, he also runs a business outfit named Educational consult.

5. He is a Godfearing Christian who does not joke with weekly church services. Did you even know that he attended a church service today being his birthday?

6. Now, this one is suspect but then, what can we say? Eminent says he's Single! Hmmm...Eminent, single? Diariz God in everything that we do o...(in Mama Peace voice).

7. His philosophy of life is, 'Nothing is impossible with God.' Wait a minute o, what about his famous 'posterity will judge' remark?

8. His favourite quote is, "give your best while you can." To this end, many believe he's indeed giving his best to the student populace.

9. Brother Eminent's role model is Jesu Christi (Jesus Christ). His mentors are the like of Fela Durotoye, Kunle Soriyan, Toyosi Akerele etc...

10. His favourite writer is the author of Best-Selling novel, Rich Dad, Poor Dad—Robert Kiyosaki.

11. Now this is what we call real ambition. Eminent aspires to become the President of Nigeria in future. Obviously, he's got the charisma and vision to realise this big dream.

12. The most memorable day of his life so far was his first day in a plane. But then, what about the day he was pronounced the winner of the last SU presidential election that was keenly contested?

13. Did you know Mr. President attended Royal Comprehensive College, Baruwa, Lagos? Well, now you do...

14. Despite his free meals at Item 7, Beans (ewa) and lightly fried plantain (dodo) remains his favourite combo.

15. His favourite colour is White which is a symbol of purity. Did you know that the nick of Eminent's Vice President (PS) is Purity? Watching out for the next news headline that will read, 'Purity weds...' Abeg, fill in the gap.

We at UCJ UNILORIN congratulate Mr. Shobowale Lukman Olawale as he adds another golden feather to his age.

Happy birthday Eminent!

Osuji Chima Francis
UCJ, UNILORIN.

What do you really know about the current SU Financial Secretary popularly known as Mario?

To some, she's hard working, a role model, a caring heart, a black beauty and an authentic African Queen.

To others however, she's a snub, proud and and stylishly sarcastic.

That's because, Mario means different things to different people!

Here are 13 things you probably didn't know about Mario:

1. Every time, you'll be saying Mario, Mario, Mario. Abeg, her full name is Mashood Bolajoko Maryam. Caveat emptor, Gbam!!!

2. This hot damsel hails from Ilorin West, Kwara state. This one na original daughter of the soil o!

3. She is the only female, and last child of three children.

4. Her business brand is Policies of our Economy.

5. She is a devout Muslim.

6. Now here's the most interesting part for the dudes: she's SINGLE, but not searching o! She's in a serious relationship. Eyah, bad market for some people o!

7. Mario's philosophy of life is: 'money and power are temporary, it's the life of people you have impacted that matters.'

8. Here's her favourite quote: 'kindness is an investment, the higher the risk, the higher the return.'

9. Guess what? Her role model is Aruma Oteh. Can you beat that?

10. Wow! Now we know one of the secrets behind the thickness of this super-lady; her favourite author is Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie. Good thinking good product, right? No wonder!

11. That's not all people! Mario's future ambition is to be a great investment analyst.

12. The most memorable day of her life was the day she got inducted as a Chartered Accountant. No wonder she got the job as SU Financial Secretary. A big kudos to you, babe!

13. Well, the most embarrassing of her life so far was the day she was slandered publicly. Chai! Who could do such a thing to this African goddess. Diariz God oooo.

At UCJ, UNILORIN, we celebrate this jewel of inestimable value and shining example to the womenfolk as she adds another year to her lifespan on earth.

Happy birthday, Mario.

Osuji Chima Francis.
UCJ, UNILORIN.

Just last week, news broke of the release of the CBT timetable for continous assessment Test.In this guest post by Bello Rasheed, he tilts our hearts to preparedness towards the upcoming assessment tests. Read on... 

_________________
I was showing a friend the recently uploaded provisional CBT Timetable for this semester's tests and the uneasiness on her face shocked me, prompting me to ask her two similar questions:Are you scared because you haven't been studying well, or, are you just nervous realising that you'd soon return to that place called CBT centre??

Alas! Her response was as mystifying as seeing an educated being behaving like a rascal. The main point I got from my brief confab with her is that she is not ready for the assessment. Oops, my mind was filled up with different questions:

Do students ever get ready for exams?? Why have we designed our minds to only wake up when we hear the slogan 'timetable is out'?? If we keep on having this mindset, how then do we want to tackle life's extemporaneous challenges?? Perturbable, I say.

Sadly, but true, the majority of the 21st century students are guilty of this-  whether partially or completely. It's high time we got rid of this poison killing us slowly, if we want to excel. We all must have heard of the saying that "He who fails to plan; plans to fail" Nothing can be more true, because even the smallest of jobs requires a proper preparation!

I agree, to a certain extent, that a lot of unwanted factors could get in the way of our preparation for something, but I strongly frown at the notion that students have or may have excuses for a flawed preparation, or in some common cases, zero preparation. Determination,Commitment, Time-management skill, and Prayers are believed to be some of the recipes for success. A student that possesses these attributes is guaranteed to succeed in whatever he/she does, particularly in examinations.

If your last semester's results were good, be motivated to do better; if otherwise, be equally motivated to study harder and perform better in order to avoid an ugly repetition. Heaven, they say, help those who help themselves. I do not know how real that is, but I do believe that if you follow shortcut to greatness, you will be cut short in the process.

The good news, however, is that it is not too late to get things right. Pick up that book now and do the needful(read). You can surely do better than last semester. Never say never and always believe in yourself.

I want to sincerely wish us all success as we prepare for the challenges ahead. I say gracias for reading to the end.

___________________________

This piece was written by Enitan. A 100l student of the department of Mathematics, better by far University. He can be reached on
E-mail: bellorasheed154@gmail.com
Phone number: 07030711152.

28/05/2017

23:18

The call to bar initiation started with the convening of the Student Union Judicial Council inductees by 2:00pm, where the President of the Bar, Mr I.O Apalando, started by calling the names of inductees.

There was the introduction of guests who graced the ceremony by the compere, Abdul-Aziz Muhammed Bashir, who also introduced Judges from different faculties and the Press. He said in his own words that "today is going to be a special day because people are not just being called to the bar but to the Inner bar." He said, for the past 365 days, it has just been Oke Ridwan as the only Senior Advocate of the Union but today more people will be joining in. He gave a quote from someone which says, "the houses of lawyers are roofed with the skins of litigants." Justices and the Registrar of the Student Union Judicial Council were also present.

The august event started with an opening prayer by the Secretary of the Bar, then the singing of the University of Ilorin anthem. Then the introduction of dignitaries of the likes of Mr Habeeb Whyte Ibidapo Esq., Mr Kazeem Ilias Abiodun Esq., Mr Adam  Ndakudu Esq., the Chief Justice of the SU Judicial Council— Kolo-Mamah Joanna, the President of the Bar—Ishaq Obashola Apalando, the SU President Shobowale Lukman Olawale, the Dean of the Faculty of Law duly represented by Dr. Morgan, the SU Senate President—Sen. Imam Abdulquadri, among other Union officials and faculty presidents.

In her welcome address, the Chief Justice of the SU Judicial Council, said, "it is not automatic that everyone who starts a race gets to the finish line." She admonished the inductees by saying that it is not about being called to the bar but making your membership count.

The opening remark was delivered by the President of the Bar where he said that the aim of the Union is to simulate what goes on in the conventional legal practice in the law school. He said there were three (3) pre-call classes for the inductees on criminal litigation, civil litigation, and on Law of evidence, ethics and court mannerisms. They had both the electrical and manual registration processes which the inductees went through and some were disqualified along the line. He ended by saying that the essence of all this is that the Bar is never resting and will never rest.

There was a citation of the guest lecturer by Kwajafa Soyeya, after which, the lecture proper by Mr Habeeb Whyte, commenced. The lecture was on "Little Beginnings" where he said he would be speaking from the bar. He said in his words that, "any big thing in life must start from a particular place." He said, "ask yourselves if you die today what would you be remembered for?" He said he happened to be the first President of the Bar. He gave a story on the "Mango tree." 

According to him, when the mango is green or unripe no one wants it. At that point in life they are not attractive to anyone. That is when no one believes in you and your own believe in yourself and persistency is what is needed.  Now, when the mango is ripe, people climb on themselves just to pluck the ripe mangoes. At this time, they are growing, success is setting in and everybody wants to be friends with them. So they should be careful. He said,  "your dreams will bring you towards persons that you will make it in life with."

At this juncture, the initiation proper of new wigs into the Bar was facilitated by the President of the Bar and the Chief Justice, where 49 inductees were officially called to the Bar. There were also remarks from Mr Kazeem Ilias Abiodun Esq. where he gave a quote from his favourite actor, Harvey Specter, in the movie "Suits" which says that for an advocate, "don't raise your voice, improve on your arguments."  He admonished the inductees to always accept challenges, exchange ideas and have good conversations with people. He submitted at the end of his remark that being in the Student Union Bar is not just a distraction as some persons might say but a necessary distraction.

Conferment of the prestigious title of "Senior Advocate of the Union" was conducted by the Attorney General and the Chief Justice on four persons—Ishaq Apalando, Omotunde John, Olasupo H. Morakinyo, Jimoh Omotayo—who will be joining the Inner Bar.  There werremarks from Mr Adam Ndakudu Esq. where he urged the inductees to be focused (using himself as an example), always have a goal and set their minds towards achieving that goal.

Furthermore, there were a review of court rules by Justice Hibatullahi Khanzullahi, and the unveiling of Court Rules 2017 by Dr. Morgan representing the Dean of the Faculty of Law. He said he was asked by the Dean to congratulate everyone. He then asked the students in Law to be serious and ended by saying that "if you will make it, you will make it."

There were goodwill messages. First by the SU President, where he said, "...of course I'm not a law student but I'm thankful to God for making this event successful." He also said that "Unionism is not limited to the executives alone but to everyone." The next remark was made by the Sub Dean, Student Affairs Unit who said that " When any student is in danger, the Student Union is in danger." He said that this is the only Union with a vibrant judiciary and that those being called to the bar should be role models. The Senate President, Student Union followed suit. He said that they as members of the Senate Union will try as much as possible to work with the other arms of the Union.

The presentation of awards and certificate was anchored by the Chief Justice and the Secretary of the Bar. Certificates of excellence for outstanding performances at the Call to Bar exams were presented to Adeniji Bibiana Adenike and to Olaoba Oluwamayowa by the Student Union Judicial Council in conjunction with the Student Union Bar Association. An award was presented to Mr Kazeem Ilias Esq. for his contributions so far, to Mr Adam Ndakudu Esq., and also to Mr Habeeb Whyte Esq., who dedicated the award to his lovely wife present at the event. He informed the audience about how special the award is to him because he tied the knot with his lovely wife on the 20th of May, 2017.

The vote of thanks was given by the Registrar of the SU Judicial Council. The closing prayer and benediction by the Bailiff, Student Union and the occasion ended with the prestigious University of Ilorin anthem.

Finally, everyone moved outside for the taking of pictures of the inductees, the dignitaries present and friends. With this, the Call to Bar Initiation and Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of The Union 2017, which held on the 27th of May 2017 at the Moot Court, University of Ilorin came to a close.

Eze Glory Chikadibia
UCJ, UNILORIN.

28/05/2017

23:18

The call to bar initiation started with the convening of the Student Union Judicial Council inductees by 2:00pm, where the President of the Bar, Mr I.O Apalando, started by calling the names of inductees.

There was the introduction of guests who graced the ceremony by the compere, Abdul-Aziz Muhammed Bashir, who also introduced Judges from different faculties and the Press. He said in his own words that "today is going to be a special day because people are not just being called to the bar but to the Inner bar." He said, for the past 365 days, it has just been Oke Ridwan as the only Senior Advocate of the Union but today more people will be joining in. He gave a quote from someone which says, "the houses of lawyers are roofed with the skins of litigants." Justices and the Registrar of the Student Union Judicial Council were also present.

The august event started with an opening prayer by the Secretary of the Bar, then the singing of the University of Ilorin anthem. Then the introduction of dignitaries of the likes of Mr Habeeb Whyte Ibidapo Esq., Mr Kazeem Ilias Abiodun Esq., Mr Adam  Ndakudu Esq., the Chief Justice of the SU Judicial Council— Kolo-Mamah Joanna, the President of the Bar—Ishaq Obashola Apalando, the SU President Shobowale Lukman Olawale, the Dean of the Faculty of Law duly represented by Dr. Morgan, the SU Senate President—Sen. Imam Abdulquadri, among other Union officials and faculty presidents.

In her welcome address, the Chief Justice of the SU Judicial Council, said, "it is not automatic that everyone who starts a race gets to the finish line." She admonished the inductees by saying that it is not about being called to the bar but making your membership count.

The opening remark was delivered by the President of the Bar where he said that the aim of the Union is to simulate what goes on in the conventional legal practice in the law school. He said there were three (3) pre-call classes for the inductees on criminal litigation, civil litigation, and on Law of evidence, ethics and court mannerisms. They had both the electrical and manual registration processes which the inductees went through and some were disqualified along the line. He ended by saying that the essence of all this is that the Bar is never resting and will never rest.

There was a citation of the guest lecturer by Kwajafa Soyeya, after which, the lecture proper by Mr Habeeb Whyte, commenced. The lecture was on "Little Beginnings" where he said he would be speaking from the bar. He said in his words that, "any big thing in life must start from a particular place." He said, "ask yourselves if you die today what would you be remembered for?" He said he happened to be the first President of the Bar. He gave a story on the "Mango tree." 

According to him, when the mango is green or unripe no one wants it. At that point in life they are not attractive to anyone. That is when no one believes in you and your own believe in yourself and persistency is what is needed.  Now, when the mango is ripe, people climb on themselves just to pluck the ripe mangoes. At this time, they are growing, success is setting in and everybody wants to be friends with them. So they should be careful. He said,  "your dreams will bring you towards persons that you will make it in life with."

At this juncture, the initiation proper of new wigs into the Bar was facilitated by the President of the Bar and the Chief Justice, where 49 inductees were officially called to the Bar. There were also remarks from Mr Kazeem Ilias Abiodun Esq. where he gave a quote from his favourite actor, Harvey Specter, in the movie "Suits" which says that for an advocate, "don't raise your voice, improve on your arguments."  He admonished the inductees to always accept challenges, exchange ideas and have good conversations with people. He submitted at the end of his remark that being in the Student Union Bar is not just a distraction as some persons might say but a necessary distraction.

Conferment of the prestigious title of "Senior Advocate of the Union" was conducted by the Attorney General and the Chief Justice on four persons—Ishaq Apalando, Omotunde John, Olasupo H. Morakinyo, Jimoh Omotayo—who will be joining the Inner Bar.  There werremarks from Mr Adam Ndakudu Esq. where he urged the inductees to be focused (using himself as an example), always have a goal and set their minds towards achieving that goal.

Furthermore, there were a review of court rules by Justice Hibatullahi Khanzullahi, and the unveiling of Court Rules 2017 by Dr. Morgan representing the Dean of the Faculty of Law. He said he was asked by the Dean to congratulate everyone. He then asked the students in Law to be serious and ended by saying that "if you will make it, you will make it."

There were goodwill messages. First by the SU President, where he said, "...of course I'm not a law student but I'm thankful to God for making this event successful." He also said that "Unionism is not limited to the executives alone but to everyone." The next remark was made by the Sub Dean, Student Affairs Unit who said that " When any student is in danger, the Student Union is in danger." He said that this is the only Union with a vibrant judiciary and that those being called to the bar should be role models. The Senate President, Student Union followed suit. He said that they as members of the Senate Union will try as much as possible to work with the other arms of the Union.

The presentation of awards and certificate was anchored by the Chief Justice and the Secretary of the Bar. Certificates of excellence for outstanding performances at the Call to Bar exams were presented to Adeniji Bibiana Adenike and to Olaoba Oluwamayowa by the Student Union Judicial Council in conjunction with the Student Union Bar Association. An award was presented to Mr Kazeem Ilias Esq. for his contributions so far, to Mr Adam Ndakudu Esq., and also to Mr Habeeb Whyte Esq., who dedicated the award to his lovely wife present at the event. He informed the audience about how special the award is to him because he tied the knot with his lovely wife on the 20th of May, 2017.

The vote of thanks was given by the Registrar of the SU Judicial Council. The closing prayer and benediction by the Bailiff, Student Union and the occasion ended with the prestigious University of Ilorin anthem.

Finally, everyone moved outside for the taking of pictures of the inductees, the dignitaries present and friends. With this, the Call to Bar Initiation and Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of The Union 2017, which held on the 27th of May 2017 at the Moot Court, University of Ilorin came to a close.

Eze Glory Chikadibia
UCJ, UNILORIN.