LASU denies allegation of delayed graduation of HND Conversion Students

The management of the Lagos State University (LASU) has stated as false and malicious, the report in an online platform titled "Despite paying more than half a million, LASU HND Conversion students have not graduated since 2020".

In a strongly worded press statement issued on behalf of the institution by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, the university disclosed that the report was not only fraught with lies and half-truths, it appeared like a calculated attempt to smear the image of the university. 

The statement read in part, “The attention of Authority of the Lagos State University has been drawn to a recently published report on an online platform titled "Despite paying more than half a million, LASU HND Conversion students have not graduated since 2020".

“From keen observation, the said report is not only fraught with lies and half-truths, it appears like a calculated attempt to smear the image of the university. 

“As a responsible institution, we consider it incumbent, therefore, to provide the true position of the story so that falsehood may not prevail over the truth,” the statement read.  

The university then presented the true picture saying, “The HND/B.Sc Conversion programme which is a programme designed for two academic sessions, commenced at the University in 2020, therefore, it ‘COULD NOT’ have been possible for the University to graduate the newly admitted students in the same year of entry - 2020, as reflected in the headline. 

“Students who have met the graduation requirements have all been presented and cleared by the University Senate for graduation, an assertion that can be confirmed in the 26th Convocation brochure of the university. A total of Forty-Eight (48) duly registered students graduated at the 26th Convocation of the University, Twelve (12) students' results are awaiting the approval of the Senate while others have pending issues.

‘The University, like other academic institutions, has a time frame for the opening and closing of its portal (be it for payment, registration, examination, or other academic purposes). *ANY* student who *DOES NOT* utilise this time frame as expected would automatically be shut out. This might have accounted for some of them not being able to register. However, students who registered within the given time frame and sat for their examinations are able to access their results on the portal once it is released by the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

“Our findings further revealed that some of the students who were yet to be cleared, and probably sponsored the so-called report *DID NOT* go through the right channel for registration of courses, and might have engaged the services of surrogates to do the registration on their behalf which is always to their disadvantage.

“Some of the students who *DID NOT* comply with the rules and regulations guiding the process wanted the University to waive courses that they *DID NOT* pass, and those concerned were requested to take all their failed courses as carry-over, but, they were *NOT* willing.

“The University Authority hereby informs the stakeholders and the general public to discountenance the malicious report and seek valid information concerning all the academic programmes of the institution on the official platforms of the university.

“Additionally, it is imperative to state that the university will continue to work in line with the best global practices.

“Students with pending issues are therefore requested to visit the Director, Directorate of School of Part Time Studies (DSPTS), for legitimate guides towards resolving their issues,” the statement revealed.

 

Evelyn Joshua: God's battle axe in changing narratives of Kenya

By Dare Adejumo:

In Kenya today, there is a renewed hope and better understanding of appreciating human existence and values in Creation with  more ardent desire and propulsive yearning for  a better and true humanity. 

Kenya is a famous and unique African country as a forerunner in democracy and economics. This has  made Nairobi the nation's capital a hallmark for great business opportunities and international recognition.

Notwithstanding its giant strides in human capital developments, hitherto, there has been a gross aberration in the conceptual framework of religious practices particularly in Christianity when juxtaposed with the standard laid by Jesus Christ himself and built upon by his anointed early apostles in one hand and the essence of consanguinity and social responsibilities as homo sapiens in respect of the underprivileged and wretched folks who are also part of the society. Attention to this segment of the society has been at the lowest ebb. A number of critical factors are actually responsible for this that cannot be addressed now.

But things are gradually changing in Kenya. The cloud has been lifted. The veil of insensitivity to the agony and trauma of the disadvantaged has been torn! 

Like a bolt out of the blue, the people have seen the light and love in action in their domains. 

The joyful activities embarked upon by Pastor Evelyn Joshua of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN and EmmanuelTV partners who with the good news of Jesus Christ in action and practice, touching the foundation and heart of Kenyans are really changing the narratives.

What exactly were the pivots of this transformation?

Three significant events successively took place recently in the nation of Kenya and it's obvious that a new impetus, the little acorn from which the great oak grows  for collective development and happiness of the people is taking root in that famous east African country known for the great rift valley and the world's best Safari destination with over 50 epic national parks. 

These are not just ordinary events; they are a significant turning point in the lives of the people!

One, the 2023 Kenya Crusade; second, the revolutionary tree planting designed to stem the tide of desert encroachment and climatic menace that was gradually ravaging the country; and three, the charity programme to the neglected over 60'000 inhabitants at Piliwa village, Kajiado County the abode of the "wretched of the earth" in the heart of Massai people of Kenya.

The Piliwa people could be described as people with tragic existence. Theirs is a misfortune of birth and settlement. It's the most neglected part of Kenya just a stone throw from Tanzania. "We are mainly pastoralists. No roads, no water, no health care, no schools, poor shelters, no light just leaving hopelessly as if we were not human beings, having been deprived over the years the basic necessities of life" said the assistant chief officer of the village administration Mr. Yeldon Sonto. "We are mainly pastoralists rearing cattle, sheep and goats which have all been swept away by the ravaging drought that besieged our land", he added.

"There's no water to drink" lamented Mr.Lematian Julius, a security operative. "We use donkeys to go and fetch water in a distance of about 10kilometers where there's a dam. We are living in hunger, sickness and diseases, stress due to long trekking, no livestocks which people mostly depend on, life is hard under the scorching sun, no rainfall, no schools around, we can't even pay for school fees, no money, suffocating famine, darkness and occasional disturbances of wildlife which eat away our remaining animals", Lamentian painted a gory picture of living conditions in the area.

This is the grovelling hardship at Piliwa village.  You can imagine the presence of Pastor Evelyn Joshua and her team in the rickety and dusty road to these people with a big truck loaded with food and household items and hundreds of cartons of table water along with 500'000 Kenyan shillings! 

It was an electrifying moment. The village was agog. Everyone came out to see the miracle of God in their midst. They were all transmogrified in an ecstasy of rejoicing and celebrating, beating drums, singing and dancing with all the paraphernalia of their cultural aesthetics. It was a combination of dream and disbelieve because such a thing had never happened with convoy of vehicles in their community. 

"You are all God's children. God loves you. We are because you are. God has brought us here to remind you that He loves you and you are His people and He would never forsake you. We love you and you have become a part of us as God has beamed His light upon you" said Evelyn Joshua as she was thronged by the mammoth crowd!

"We have never seen this kind of donations to a neglected people in Kenya before, more so by a foreigner. This is unprecedented and you can see how joyful the people are as If God Himself has descended from heaven to bless them. God bless Pastor Evelyn Joshua for this great donation" enthused Elsie Matilong the village administrator.

"We are exceedingly glad with these plenty gifts for these downtrodden, neglected suffering people. It's beyond our imaginations. God bless Mama Evelyn Joshua and SCOAN for this great heart for the poor" stated by Naomi Parinkoi, the Chief public officer for social services Mrs Edna Lenku the first lady of the County expressed profound appreciation to Evelyn Joshua, SCOAN and EmmanuelTV team coming to the extreme rural area with all the inconveniences of the roads to lift up the lives of the poor community. "Only God can reward you for these great gifts to these people. We are very grateful. May God continue to bless you and SCOAN" she said.

The tree planting was another epic event. Pastor Evelyn Joshua led by the minister of the environment, Honourable Ibrahim Ouma along with other government officials to Uhuru Park where the official kicked off planting of 20'000 trees in Kenya by Evelyn Joshua started. She did the first planting and supported the effort with $25'000. Pastor Evelyn Joshua had earlier been engaged at the Nairobi House of Parliament led by its speaker, RT. Honourable Kennedy O. Ngondi who expressed the gratitude of Kenyans for the blessings and joyful activities of Pastor Evelyn Joshua in Kenya. That the Kenyans were ready to support Evelyn Joshua in all her God given dreams for the uplifting of Kenya as a nation for the glory of God with peace and prosperity of Kenya.

The Kenya Crusade 2023 was a different ball game entirely. The Kenyans could not imagine a Minister of God holding a crusade without taxing people or asking for donations or offering! "We are on God's instruction to hold this crusade for God's glory and blessings for the nation of Kenya. It's not my assignment but God's. We are here for the breaking of shackles that fetter lives and destinies down. We are here to give what God has given to us to bless people", the woman of God stated.

This was unprecedented. Kenya is about seventy five percent Christians. But Christianity in Kenya in the Apostolic fire sense is just burgeoning. It is more of the orthodox. The existing Pentecostal genre is growing and yearning for the true Pentecost as seen in the Acts of Apostles. 

Evelyn Joshua brought in a new dimension of understanding in healing and deliverance praying and commanding in the name of Jesus Christ. The Kasarani stadium became a huge furnace of commotion by the spiritual cacophonies of bewildered  and arrested demonic spirits by the Holy Spirit with several people yelling, falling and manifesting violently at the voice Evelyn Joshua reminiscent of the Gadara experience during the time of Jesus. The memory of Kenya Crusade in 2023 would continue to linger on with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as many were receiving healing from different afflictions including those on the wheel chairs to the amazement of over 50'000 people in attendance. Mr. Kabau Muruatetu, a chartered auditor who witnessed it all described it as "a real revival in the land of Kenya, glory to God".

From this Kenya Crusade 2023, one thing is obvious: Pastor Evelyn Joshua with her team of Evangelists in the legacy of Senior Prophet TBJOSHUA has raised the bar of pure Christianity and the joy of humanity as the beauty of Creation.

 

Oborevwori to deliver Keynote at UNFCCC Cop 28 in Dubai, supports action on climate change

From left: Honourable Commissioner for Environment: Jamani Tommy Ejiro, Chairman Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission: Chief John Nani Obukohwo, Deputy Director FUPRE Centre for Sustainable Development: Deacon Odugala Okezi, His Excellency, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, President Nurses Across the Borders: Pastor Peters Omoragbon and Managing Director: Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission: Mr Festus Ochonogor. 

The Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has accepted to deliver a Keynote Address at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 28 in Dubai this year.

The Governor is expected to deliver the keynote at the Side Event organized by Nurses Across The Borders International, and slated for November 11, 2023, at the Blue Zone SE Room with the theme: “Building Partnership in Promoting Public Health through Ecological Restoration. What is at Stake?” 

The Governor’s position was made public during a courtesy visit to the State House, Asaba over the weekend by the Executive President and Chief Executive Officer of Nurses Across the Borders International, Pastor Peters Omoragbon.

Pastor Omoragbon enumerated some of the existing collaboration between it and the Delta State Government especially on the issue of Climate Change and public health.

According to Omoragbon, in 2022, the Organization entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to partner with the Centre for Sustainable Development of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE-CSD) Effurum, Delta State on research and training activities on human and sustainable development. “The MOU was intended to bring to the fore the burning issue of Climate Change that is confronting sustainable development in the Niger Delta region as a result of oil exploration activities and human mismanagement of natural resources. As a research and training centre, the collaboration is to proffer mitigation and adaptation mechanism with other stakeholders towards enthroning sustainable livelihood and the ecosystem of Delta State,

“The negative impacts of climate change on the health of our environment from flooding, gas flaring, deforestation, waste mismanagement, erosion, loss of biodiversity, resources conflicts, migration, poverty and insecurity amongst others are also areas of intervention while seeking international partnership,” Omoragbon said.

In his Response, His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori, appreciated the visit and expressed the state’s desire to partner with major stakeholders both local, national and international, in the development of the state.

According to the Governor, Delta State by virtue of being one of the major oil producing states of Nigeria suffers from the devastating effects of the climate change crisis, from flooding to gas flaring and increased pollution of farmlands and waters by oil pollution through exploration.

He gave account of the first action he took as Governor to mitigate the impact of flooding to vulnerable areas within the state earlier in the year which included the clearing of water ways and drainage system in the state, and the provision of camps to people displaced from their habitat as a result of the increased flooding in the state.

The Governor further expressed the interest and desire of the Delta State Government to mitigate climate change, mitigation and adaptation; he said the state is ready to partner Nurses Across the Borders and Federal University of Petroleum Resources-Centre for Sustainable Development in the areas of environmental sustainability

Governor Oborevwori also tasked multilateral organizations mostly the United Nations and her agencies to partner Delta State to mitigate her environmental challenges as a result of decades of unfriendly oil and gas exploration activities and human mismanagement of natural resources. He commended Desopadec for her interventions across communities in the state and the recent desitation of canals across the state to mitigate flooding while tasking Deltans and resident not to build on waterways as the state will not tolerate those who pollute the environment in anyway as it is environmental unfriendly to mismanage waste and frown at those who disposed waste indiscriminately on drainages and unauthorized places

The Governor also accepted invitation extended by Nurses Across the Border to attend the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai.

To underscore the importance the state government placed on the issue of climate change mitigation and adaptation, he announced the approval of the attendance to the UNFCCC COP 28 event by the State full compliments delegation to be made up of the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and its Permanent Secretary (Dr Mrs Oseji Mininim Ibiere, Chief (Barr) John Nani Obukohwo Chairman of DESOPADEC its Managing Director, Mr Festus Ochonogor and the State Director on climate change Ms Briggs Vivian Doye.

In company of Pastor Omoragbon was Deacon Odugala Okezi, the Deputy Director of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Centre for Sustainable Development.

Also at the meeting was the Honourable Commissioner for Environment Jamani Tommy Ejiro.

 

 

LASU named Best Institution for actualisation of SDG in West Africa

The West Africa Youth Summit, on Wednesday, 25th October 2023, presented the Lagos State University with the Choice Institution Award as West Africa's Best University for the Actualisation of Sustainable Development Goals. 

The award was presented at the Youth Summit held at the University's main campus in recognition of the University's stride towards the actualisation of the 17-point plan to radically improve the lives of people and the planet by 2030. 

In attendance at the event were two Honourable Ministers of the Federal Republic - the Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman and the Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation, H.E Bello Goronyo.  

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, was also recognised as the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence in recognition of her creative contributions to Nigeria's Entertainment Industry at the Summit. 

Presenting the awards, the Chairman, West Africa Youth Fellowship and ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, Amb. Emmanuel Agida, praised the University for being the first institution to Establish a Centre for SDG and also the first to create a SDG Youth Club as a way to mobilise youth participation in the drive for the actualisation of the SDGs. He further urged other institutions to emulate LASU by getting students involved in the advocacy. 

The Youth Summit, which held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU main campus, Ojo, Lagos, attracted a rich assemblage of eminent Nigerians with members of the management, staff and students of the University in attendance to add color to the programme. The event also had students from various secondary schools in the state as delegates.

 

Prof. Olatunji-Bello marks Second Year in office with unveiling of special edition of Lasu Info Magazine

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, on Friday, 27th October 2023, unveiled the latest edition of LASU-INFO Magazine - the 2nd Anniversary Edition, published in commemoration of her second year in office as Vice Chancellor. 

Joined by other members of the University Management, the 2nd female Vice Chancellor of the university was in a jubilant mood as she gave glory to God for the modest achievements that her administration has made in the last two years, the records of which are contained in the magazine. 

"We decided that there would be no elaborate ceremony this year in the face of the economic realities. But we produced this magazine to put on record some of the things we have been able to achieve as an administration with the support of all our stakeholders", she said while flipping through the 44-page, full-colored magazine, published by the Centre for Information and Public Relations (CIPR).

Other members of the Management and functionaries of the university who were at the Vice Chancellor's office during the unveiling showered congratulatory messages on the Vice Chancellor for her impactful leadership that has raised the profile of the university in the period.  They prayed for the continued success of the administration.

Recall that the Governor of Lagos State and Visitor to the University, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, appointed Prof. Olatunji-Bello as the ninth (9th) substantive and second (2nd) female Vice Chancellor of the 40-year university on the 21st, September 2021.

 

Dr Onunkwo celebrates as his son, Ifeanyichukwu, is inducted into Hall of Pharmacists

Sir (Dr) Callistus Chukwuemeka Onunkwo is from Osina in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, he is proudly christened Aka n'azo ndu while Nigerians as a whole expanded the meaning of the name by calling him Ozo uwa ndu.

According to Dr Onunkwo Aka n'azo ndu means the one who saves life while Ozo uwa ndu on the other hand means the one who saves life the world over. He said both nomenclatures are as a result of the fact that he impacts life along the line of his professional calling. He said “These names are as a result of the fact that I am a medical doctor, so I can say, it is due to the life-saving role I play in the society, that is what people see and came up with these names, but the whole names mean the same, in a sense. When I was in Port Harcourt I was called Ugo ndu, my Osina people came together and named me aka n'azondu, but in Lagos, other people, church, other tribes said it would not be ozo Igbo ndu, it would be ozo uwa ndu, so it is due to my profession and the life-saving role I play wherever I go as a medical doctor.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, October 27, 2023, his son, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Callistus Onunkwo was inducted into the Hall of Pharmacists which took place at the University of Lagos (Unilag) Auditorium. After the event in which over 142 brilliant young men and women were inducted into the exulted membership of Pharmacists in Nigeria, the Onunkwos hosted their highly esteemed friends and well-wishers under a serene atmosphere and ambiance of tranquility at the Garden, Chapel of St Luke’s the Physician, Idi-Araba, Lagos State.

Indeed the reception which was mot actually prepared for, so to say, turned out to be a grand party of sort as there was more than enough to eat and drink at the occasion. The crème de la crème in Osina town graced the august occasion. they include the workaholic innovative digital President General of Osina Town Union (OTU) Ide (Chief) Kelechi Ejeagwu; Engr. Declan Onunkwo; the Chairman of OTU Lagos Branch, Chief Chukwudi Emeh (Okadigbo), Chairman Emeritus OTU Lagos Branch, Ide (Chief) Sir Ernest Eze, among other illustrious sons of Osina town in Lagos, were at the occasion live while the supply of food and drink was inexhaustible.

Speaking on the induction of his son into the Hall of Pharmacists, Dr Onunkwo who could not hide his joy and excitement gave all the thanks and glory to the almighty God, insisting that he and his wife never chose career for their children. He said “I thank God and give him all the glory for the success that made us to gather here today. I have four children, I am a Medical Doctor, my wife is a Pharmacist, we never talked to any of our children as to what they want to do, they made their choices, so before we knew it we ended up today with two Pharmacists and a Medical Doctor and another one in final year in Medicine. It is only God that can take all the glory; it is only God that made it possible.

“There was no day I sat down to say, my son, I want you to do this, my daughter I want you to do that. They made up their minds. But looking at the way I have conducted myself as a medical doctor and how their mother conducted herself as a pharmacist, they decided to toe those lines, and God gave them that special opportunity, that special blessings and they all went to the University of Lagos, they all got through with LUTH, the last one that is about a year to go also in LUTH, so we give God all the glory for this special opportunity,” Dr. Onunkwo stated. 

A recipient of St Thomas Mores’ Award, Dr Onunkwo could not hide his appreciation to his friends, well-wishers and kinsmen who thronged the venue to honour their brother in his moment of joy even at a very short notice. "I am so shocked because I didn't issue any invitation, it was actually when they were telling me that they were already heading to LUTH or heading to Unilag that I now started to place a direction for them this morning for them to come to LUTH, Idiaraba here, I feel highly honoured, I am indebted permanently and sincerely to my community, to the medical profession and to the church, because people from the church, they are heading to this place as we speak, even from the archdiocese, they will soon be here. They have been calling me for direction, so I thank God for this special privilege, and to be alive to see most of these things materialize, because I know one or two parents, that we were all coming together to see our kids in school but they are no more, but God has given me opportunity to be alive to see them today in good health, it is only Him that take the glory, and I am specially indebted to God for all He has done for me.”

Setting agenda for his children, the renowned Medical doctor stated “My own is to guide them; I believe that God that made them Doctors and Pharmacists will find a way for them, because he has a purpose to make them who they have become and who they will still become. But the essential thing is that we leave everything to God, let Him point the way and we follow according to the Bible. My first daughter is a Pharmacist, and works with NAFDAC, it wasn't as a result of our influence or plan; she was just invited and taken. The second one is trying to specialize, the third one, this one just finished, we don't know what he plans to do, so we allow them to come out with their plans, ours as parents is counselling and advice, and hope for what God has in stock for them, that is how we have been doing it.”

Dr Onunkwo summarised his mood by saying “I just want to thank all the journalists and all the people that have been here today from morning till this evening to be part of this programme, and I say whoever that wishes somebody good would always have good before him, those that have wished this boy success, came to celebrate with us, prayed with us, God will grand them their own heart desires through Christ our Lord, Amen. And I have to wish everybody that will be going back now safe journey to their different destinations and I believe our next meeting will be something to celebrate again, this is my own prayer.”

 

Medical outreach: Rotary clubs screen Obalande residents, administer drugs... As DG attends programme

The people of Obalende in Etiosa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria and its environs, in the last three days have played host to four clubs under District 9110 of Rotary Club International which carried out medical screenings on the residents in the area and administered drugs to those who need them, even as the District Governor attended the programme.

The three-day medical outreach which took place at the Ikoyi Recreational Centre between October 24 and 26, 2023 saw over 1000 members of the public screened for cervical, breast and prostate cancers; tested for malaria, High Blood Pressure, HIV, Sugar level, among other tests run on the people.

The residents including children, adolescents, the youth, the aged, men and women all trooped in to the venue of the screening exercise to be screened, tested and received drugs with all of them beaming with smiles.

Speaking to Journalists, Ify Rita Ejezie, President, Rotary International, District 9110 which covers the whole of Lagos and Ogun states, spoke on the reason for the choice of Obalande, “We chose the area because it is over-populated and we have a lot of the masses living in this area. A lot of them go about without knowing their BP level, they slump and die and say it is something else that killed them, they need to come and take free drugs, bring their children for vaccination. We also screen a lot of things, cancer screening, prostate cancer screening, breast cancer screening, we also screened people with ear problem, those that can't hear well, so there are a lot. And so when you do this kind of thing, you look for densely populated areas and that is why we are here in Obalende.”

Speaking on other activities of Rotary Ejezie said “Rotary has seven areas of focus, we do things on economic empowerment, vocational training, we send indigent students for scholarships, train them up to university level. We even send people abroad, and Rotarians abroad would take them into their homes, house them for a period of  18 months of the period of their education till they come back. We do peace and conflict resolution, we do health, maternal and child health, and we have been giving lectures on mental health, so there are a lot that Rotary does.”

Funsho Omolara Gbogboade, President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi, 2023/2024, while speaking on the occasion said that the outreach is an annual programme, saying “Annually we have this programme called Rotary Family Health Days, and it is for three days, we would appreciate community people, we would have sensitised them even before the three days. On these days there are doctors, nurses, health workers; they would take their BP, blood sugar level. Two days ago we had screening for breast and cervical cancer. They also attended to children for deworming, polio, just to make the society a better place. With all these we create awareness of the existence of Rotary and what we do. We always give back to the society.”

Gbogboade commended the attendance describing it as massive “It has been massive, the first day, the whole place was jam-packed, the second day, the same thing, right now we have about 100 and this is morning time and as you can see, they are still trooping in, and I am sure before 2pm, which is the closing time, they will keep coming, we are sure of having nothing less than 200 people today.”

On how much was budgeted for the medical outreach Gbogboade disclosed that the sponsorship of the programme came from Rotary International, even though clubs under District 9110 still made their financial input. The clubs were Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Rotary Club of Lagos, Rotary Club of Dolphin and Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro. “Four of us are collaborating together, so it all depends on what we are given. We realized we still need to put more, For this particular outing each club has spent nothing less than about N300,000 aside what the Rotary has given us.”

She commended Etiosa Local Government Area for providing the clubs with the venue. “Government has given us the venue for free which is good, this is Etiosa Local Government that has approved this place for us for free. We thank them,” Gbogboade disclosed.

Rotarian Augustine Unwaba, Fleet Manager for Huawei, and current President, Rotary Club of Dolphin Estate speaking on the choice of Dolphin Estate said “From the understanding of what Rotary means, it is giving back, we are trying to collaborate with other clubs to see how we would be able to give back to the society, those who cannot afford to have basic medical need to themselves, so we feel it is necessary that we can give to the society.”

Speaking on the role of government in healthcare delivery he said “Basically government is doing a lot, but we on our own we have a role to play, we can't leave everything for government, so we give back to the society and also even find a way to support the government because we can't leave it all alone for government.”

Rotarian Douglas Jombo, a Doctor from Rotary Club of Ikoyi said the program is organized every year for families and indigent people in the society. “We organize this every year for indigent people in our midst, in our communities, so that we reach out to them with basic and preventive drugs, and we chose this area because it is our community, this is Ijeh Estate in Ikoyi, we are Rotary Club of Ikoyi, today we have four clubs here that are participating in this outreach.”

Adekemi Ololade Folorunsho, President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro while speaking to journalists, disclosed that the medical outreach coincided with the world polio day. “Today we are having the Rotary Family Health Days. This started on 24th which incidentally coincided with the polio day that is celebrated worldwide even in Nigeria, and this particular health outreach is from District 9110 that covers Lagos and Abeokuta, simply to immunize children, which is the major reason the program was actually instituted for October 24th which is the polio day.

“We immunize the children, run test on people for Malaria, hepatitis; check their sugar level, and all other health matters. So presently that is what we have been doing since 24th till today and as you can see today is the last day.

“We have a lot of people already. In a day we have been doing 200, 210 people and the turnout has been very impressive. This is part of the Rotary theme for this year, which says we should create hope in the world. We have come in contact with people with health issues but they are poor people, and they are so happy that they are able to be attended to and some of them said for sometimes now they have been doing self- medication. They were happy when they heard that Rotary has come here to do this program and give them opportunity to have access to medical doctors whom they can explain themselves to,” Folorunsho stated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rotary Club of Ikoyi visits GSSGS, motherless babies’ home, distributes items …As Funsho Gbogboade, club President marks birthday

It was double outing on Thursday, October 18, 2023 as Funsho Gbogboade, President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi marked her 61^st birthday with visits to a school and motherless babies’ home.

First was her visit to Girls’ Senior Secondary Grammar School (GSSGS) Keffi, Ikoyi, and then another to the Motherless Babies’ Home at Lekki, all in Lagos State.

The club’s visit to the school divinely coincided with the celebration of the International Girl Child Day and with the ‘Create Hope in the World’ mantra of Rotary Club globally, Mrs Funsho Gbogboade and her team simply tapped into the theme to bring succor to the young girls, and the motherless in society.

Some of the items distributed to students of GSSGS include sanitary pads, exercise books, pencils, motivational textbooks and other writing materials. While at the motherless home, the club presented many items including bags of rice, cartons of Indomie, snacks, biscuits, motivational books, educational materials including crayons, pencils, biro, mathematical sets, waste bins, among other items.

Speaking on why she chose to mark her 61st birthday with GSSGS girls, Mrs Gbogboade said “We are celebrating Girls Child’s Day; our club is associating with girls, we want to give them courage; we want to create hope in them; that they can make it. They don’t have to look down on themselves; that is why we have come. We have come to talk to them, we have come to encourage them, we have come to tell them that they can become wonderful members of the society, and then we have also given them materials to encourage them, we have given them sanitary pads because they are all girls, we have told them that hygiene is very very important, we have given them books to encourage them, textbooks, biro and ruler, and they are happy.”

Speaking on whether the girl-child has been given her rightful place in Nigeria she maintained that the government is trying a lot. “The government is encouraging women to come on board for politics and so many other programmes to encourage women, to get loans to improve their businesses, and to look up to the fact that they can make it. So there is a lot of encouragement even through the government. They can do more but they are trying.

“Our First Lady, Remi Tinubu, she has a lot of passion for women, and our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has a lot of passion for women, and he is also making sure we are happy. So we want to associate and celebrate with the girl-child today.

“Without education there is nothing anybody can do, we want to liberate their mind, that education is very very important,” Gbogboade stated.

The Principal of Girl’s Senior Secondary Grammar School, Isibo Omolaja, on his part, stated that the importance and value of the girl-child cannot be over-emphasized, adding “The government is trying but there is still more to be done, we thank God for the present administration, at least they have given the females more space in ministerial and other appointments, that is a great way to start from. Today they have become ministers, they can become commissioners. At a time we were even thinking we are going to have the first female governor, but I am sure, sooner than later we are going to have the first female governor. So I think there is great hope for them; there is enlightenment, and they too, they are becoming aware of the fact that, yes, they can attain any position in life”

Ibrahim Aisha the Senior Prefect of GSSGS said, “I feel very excited and I will like to say a very big thank you to Rotary Club of Ikoyi because there are students that come from very poor background, many parents give tissue papers to their children, for their menstrual cycle which is not good, but through the distribution of the pad they will be able to use it, it is more hygienic, so we are very grateful to the club.” 

Meanwhile the club also visited the Motherless Babies’ Home in Lekki, Lagos State where the president donated several items including bags of rice, cartons of Indomie, snacks, biscuits, educational materials, and other items.

The president of the club, Mrs. Gbogboade before her presentation of the items to the Home, commended the management of the Motherless Babies’ Home saying “I just want you to know that you are not alone. You are working hard to put smiles on the faces of these children, we appreciate you, we are proud of you.”

One of the hosts who chose to speak on condition of anonymity thanked Rotary Club of Ikoyi for their wonderful gesture. “What you brought is never a token, we want to say thank you to you people, because there are a lot of big people in the society who do not care about the less-privileged; they only care about what goes into their stomach. Now when you give someone sound education, you have given them everything, I thank you. If you care for the less-privileged, you are protecting your own children in future, because those your children that you are protecting and you are leaving some behind, you are creating a problem to yourself.”

He pleaded with the club for more assistance especially in the area of power. “And I am going to say, like Oliver Twist, we need a particular thing, our agency would not mind, because government alone cannot do it. We have a big challenge of electricity; we will be very happy if Rotary Club of Ikoyi will support us with solar panel to power the cinema donated to the Home by another organisation.”

In the end, Rotarian Winifred Imbasi, the image maker of the club called on Rotarian (Dr) Aigbe Davis, a Former President of the club; the immediate Past President of the club, Rotn Augustine Irabor and Lurlyn Osunkoya, Chairperson, committee that oversaw the donation to the motherless babies’ home, to appreciate and commend the good work being done by the management of the Home in taking care of the children and keeping the premises clean.

According to Rotarian Augustine Irabor, the club would consider the request made by the management of the Motherless Babies’ Home “We will continue to provide the little we have going forward particularly now that you have given us heads up on your needs, definitely we will come back to fine-tune these your requirements and then pass it on the next president.”

 

At LASU, we train students to be competent, innovators, job creators & employers of Labour - LASU VC …As NCC trains students at campus innovation, entrepreneurship programme

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has taken pride in the strides the University is making, as the institution not only turn out graduates, but, those who are competent, innovators, job creators and employers of labour.

She made this comment at a one (1) day training put together by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) tagged "Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP)".

The programme took place on Thursday, 19 October 2023, at the Executive Wing, 3-in-1 Lecture Hall, Facutly of Education, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, while delivering her address, expressed her profound gratitude to the Vice Chairman and the entire NCC Team for finding Lagos State University worthy, being the only institution from the South-West Region to be part of the Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Enlightenment Programme.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic),  Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, who represented the Vice Chancellor, urged the selected students to give their utmost attention to the training and make it count.

In her words, "it is my expectation that the positive impact of this programme will trickle down to your colleagues and make the knowledge beneficial to all."

Speaking further, she asserted that at the Lagos State University, the management takes pride in training students, not just be competent in their fields of study, but also to be innovators and job-creators. Also,  through the Directorate of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (DSDE), students were mandated to acquire practical skills in their preferred vocation by taking an ENT course.

The professor of Physiology affirmed that it is her belief that the Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP) would not only further give impetus to the digitalisation drive at the university, but also be a catalyst to unleash the potentials of the 50 world-class students selected for the  training in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship through ICT.

Representative of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs Oluwatosin Omogbemi from Digital Economy Department, in her opening remarks, extended her appreciation to the University Management, DSDE and all participants at the event.

Mrs Omogbemi averred that in fulfilling its mandate under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy

(NDEPS), the Nigerian Communications Commission initiated the Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (CIEP), which aims to develop a digital ecosystem of students and campuses across Nigeria and encourage Nigerian digital citizens to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that abound in the digital space and drive the growth in the number of digital jobs and entrepreneurs in the country. 

She stated that the major goal of the programme was to have as many students and campuses as possible across Nigeria that would become digital entrepreneurs and hubs for innovation that would power the nation's digital economy.

Mrs Omogbemi thereafter implored all the students and other participants at the programme to take advantage of the opportunity and platform to become creative and participate in transforming the country into a regional and global digital powerhouse.

The facilitators at the event include the Programme Coordinator, Mrs Omowunmi Otegbade who spoke on *"Campus Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme Overview, Digital Entrepreneurship Versus Traditional Entrepreneurship"* and a Consultant, Mr. Emmanuel Essien presented a paper on *"The Evolution of Society and The Digital Economy"*.

Part of the training includes an ice breaker session with a focus on commitment, ability to think, spot opportunities, smartness, and being proactive.

Also, the participants were divided into five groups and given tasks to work on and also find solutions to problems. At the end, each team leader presented their findings and solutions on behalf of their teams.

The Director, DSDE, Dr. Habeeb Sanni, in his closing remarks, thanked the NCC for choosing LASU as one of the six (6) institutions across Nigeria to benefit from the training.

He urged the participants to put into practice all they were taught at the programme. 

The event ended with a vote of thanks, from Ayomide Oladoja, a 300-level student, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts.

"This programme is filled with a lot of values. We are going back to our classes, richer in knowledge and better. We thank the NCC for this opportunity. On behalf of other participants, we thank DSDE for this rare opportunity and deeming it fit to select us. " 

In attendance at the event were representative of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Academic Staff Establishment, Mr. Samuel Otesanya; Representative of the Bursar, Deputy Bursar, Accounting Services, Mr. Taiwo Omoyin; Deputy Registrar, Vice Chancellor's Office, Dr. Lateef Shekoni; Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lateef Salami, Ag. Director, DSDE, Dr. Habeeb Sanni and Principal Assistant Registrar, DSDE, Ms Temitope Ladipo-Scott.

Others from the NCC are Research Analysts, Abigail Bassey and Grace Eyo

 

Olatunji-Bello: The Amazon blazing the trail of innovation, growth, development in LASU

By Cyriacus Nnaji:

Professor Ibiyemi  Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the 9^th Substantive Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU) is one woman who has lived up to the axiom that what a man can do, a woman can do it even better.

With National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award conferred on her by the Federal Government of Nigeria, an award for exceptional public administrators and captains of the industry driving excellence and pushing the limits to advance the frontiers of national productivity, and a recipient of The Feminine Nigerian Achievement Award in the category of The Most Outstanding in Tertiary Education; and listed among "The Nigerian Woman Annual: 100 Leading Woman" for the year 2022, she has indeed brought growth and development to the university which today is proudly ranked number one as Best University in Nigeria and in the West Africa sub-region in the 2022 UI Green Metrics Global Ranking. The UI Green Metrics World University Ranking is a ranking on green campus and environmental sustainability initiated by University of Indonesia in 2010.

A graduate of University of Ibadan, where she bagged a first degree in Physiology in 1985, the prominent Professor of Physiology, was appointed Vice Chancellor of LASU in September 2021, from that moment she has been working tirelessly to advance the vision and mission of the institution thereby propelling it to lofty, transformational and period of epoch-making where it is today to the envy of its contemporaries.

The very day she assumed office, she was received by jubilant students and workers with colourful banners and songs as she arrived at the Senate building, and from that very moment, it downed on her that she was in an environment where both the Academic, non-academic staff, students and management team have decided that a transformer has arrived and they must work in cooperation and unison to achieving many laudable goals in all fronts.

Of course from that moment, no one was left in doubt as to where she was going; she immediately hit the ground running and said “We have six strategic goals but the main vision is to take LASU to the top of all the citadels of learning in Nigeria. It is not only being in Nigeria but West Africa and not only in West Africa and the world at large. And to achieve this vision, we have set out six strategic goals. Number one goal is to make all our academic programmes and professional programmes accredited and those that have been accredited will sustain it. And the second one is to make sure that we make LASU a scientific research hub.  When we are talking about research, we are talking about innovation, we are talking about technology. Cutting-edge research would be done also, we want to ensure that infrastructural facilities are improved upon and are made readily available for seamless performance of administrative and academic duties. The fourth strategic goal is also to improve our internal generation of revenue with the aim of achieving financial sustainability of the university.  We have done that by resuscitating the school of part-time studies. We are making sure that our LASU venture is empowered to do more.  And also the creation of three new faculties will ensure that we have more intakes of students, which will improve our income generation,” she revealed.

Indeed she has ensured the creation of the Faculties of Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, and Allied Health Sciences for programmes such as Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Building, Architecture, Radiology and Radiation Science, among others.

Of course with ultimate agenda to prioritise the workers’ and students’ welfare, she has also ensured inclusivity in her administration as she makes sure every voice counts in all decision-making in the university.

Prof Olatunji-Bello’s administration no doubt is driven by a vision to make the Lagos State University the best in West Africa and that tall agenda was accomplished in less than two years and academic and professional programmes have been accredited by the relevant bodies.

She also ensured maintaining and securing collaboration with top institutions within and outside Nigeria, including Cornell University, USA, Delta State University, Delta and Gombe State University, among others.

Under Olatunji-Bello’s Administration, there has been massive infrastructural facilities and unprecedented upgrade of the University in all fronts. She revamped the LASU printing press; renovated the offices of academic and non-academic staff; renovated the Epe Campus; and facilitated the deployment of internet across the campuses.

It is no longer news that Lagos State Government is already constructing 8,272 units of hostel accommodation at the university and of course it is being given more impetus under the able workaholic Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olatunji-Bello. At the same time what could be described as the biggest University Library in Nigeria is currently being constructed and nearing completion. Today students who have the knack for extra income has the opportunity to do so, as the Vice Chancellor and her wonderful management team have provided fertile ground for such while pursuing their degrees. This has helped to lesson financial pressure on the benefitting students. They work in such area as the ICT, International academic engagement, LASU Bakery, and health center in exchange for stipends. As a management, it responds to students inquiries and solicits direct feedback as a responsive and attentive management. The management headed by Professor Olatunji Bello also introduced interactive sessions with students through media chats.

Her greatest asset is accessibility; she receives visitors no matter who you are unless she is not in the office, she responds to calls and text messages. Added to that is her media friendliness. This is the hallmark of a great leader who has nothing to hide.

With her management team, she has fully equipped lecture classrooms, laboratories and libraries; provision of office furniture, among others.

Prof Olatunji-Bello ensured that there is access to proper welfare packages, including payment of salaries on or before 23rd of each month; introduction of free medical checkup for every staff on their birthdays; activated the Lagos State Health Scheme in the university; prompt payment of 30% of basic salary as end of year 2021 bonus amongst others.

Another innovative landmark achievement for LASU was that certificates issued to the graduating students now bears an embedded instant verification feature which will enable individuals, organizations to verify the authenticity of the certificates from anywhere in the world.

Many say Prof. Olatunji Bello must have been created on Sunday by the all mighty God, as she is imbued with beauty, elegance, height, intelligence, administrative prowess, among other natural endowments. What is even more unique about Prof. Bello is her unassuming nature, humility and calmness that is devoid of controversies, she is just doing ‘her thing’ with sagacity of mind that has resulted in verifiable growth and developmental strides.

In those days, LASU was always in the news for the wrong reasons, but today, the dynamics, structure; everything is turning around for good. The security architecture, staff and students are winning research grants, students are representing the school very well and coming back with laurels and accolades. Indeed Lagos State University under Professor Olatunji-Bello is undergoing and witnessing a renaissance of sort, a great transformation never witnessed in the annals of the university. There is also zero tolerance for indecent dressing and cult activity is a no go area for her and the management.

Most gladdening is the fact that the erudite professor ensured that she continued with the legacies of her predecessor, which recently, at the 5^th Research and Innovation Fair of the institution attracted the commendation of the former Visitor to the University and former Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola.