LASU Management shuts LASUCOM hostels as three students test positive for covid-19

Success Damian:

Lagos State University Management has announced the immediate closure of College of Medicine (LASUCOM) hostel facilities as three of their students tested positive for Covid-19.

In a press statement signed by Ademola Adekoya, Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, Lagos State University, “Management of Lagos State University wishes to inform staff, students and the general public that three (3) students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) have tested positive for Covid-19 leading the College to immediately close down all her hostel facilities.” 

Additionally the statement read that the room-mates of the three students who tested positive and their associates are being tested.

The statement went ahead to state that the College has already isolated the affected three (3) students and has commenced contact tracing of all affected students. It disclosed that the hostel facilities were immediately closed for decontamination upon confirmation of the status of the affected students.

It further read “All students of the College have been advised to proceed home to self-isolate for the next fourteen (14) days from where their health status will be monitored by the College. Phone numbers/contacts of all students are already obtained to that effect;

“Any students showing symptoms at home are to contact the College through dedicated lines for necessary assistance/treatment.”

Meanwhile, the College has not only handed treatment packs to all three who tested positive; it is also providing psychological support to the three students who tested positive and their roommates.

Parents, Guardians and the general public are assured that the safety of all staff and students is of top priority and the Lagos State University as a whole will continue to enforce compliance with Covid-19 guidelines and protocols to ensure the safety of all within her campuses.  

Management also enjoins all students, staff and the general public to take personal responsibility and continue to observe Covid-19 guidelines as the virus is real and deadly. 

 

 

Okorocha awards scholarship to boy whose mother is partially blind

Success Damian:

Former Governor of Imo State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has awarded scholarship to an eleven years old boy.

This was part of the amazing miracles which took place at the annual international crusade organized by the Lords Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry at Mgbidi, Imo State.

Okorocha had an encounter with young Chinaraekele Winner Olisakwe when he attended the crusade.

He brought the young boy to the pulpit and announced that he would sponsor him up to university level, even as he also announced N200,000 donation to the boy’s mother whose sight is partially impaired.

Standing on the pulpit, Okorocha told the congregation how he came in contact with Chinaraekele “As I sat there and watching your (Muoka) sermon and prayer, you called on the Bayelsa Governor to come forward for prayers, then my eye contact met with this boy. And I asked him ‘come my son’, he wasn’t too sure if it was himself, I said you. People on that side said ‘am I the one, I said, no, you’.

“There is something about this young boy, so I forgot since I called him he sat with me. The ushers didn’t want him to come to me but I said no, then they brought him and he came up to me. There is something about this boy that magnate me, this is the mother, and unfortunately the mother said she is not seeing very well, she is half blind.

“So here I want to pick this boy, and I want to hand him over to the GO, GO I will take up this boy’s education up to university level.

“And the mother N200,000 to start business,” Okorocha said.

Okorocha was prayed for not just by the Pastor of the Lords Chosen but the entire congregation.

Speaking to the media, Mrs Precious Ndidiamaka Olisakwe the partially impaired mother of the young boy, Chinaraekele Winner Olisakwe disclosed that her sight problem started long ago and to the extent that Doctors told her that there was no solution. “It is this my son that brought me to Mgbidi from Aba. We have been here since January second and today is 6^th. Since I came to this crusade I have not taken my medicine, but I am okay, there is a lot of difference.

On the gesture by the Former Governor, she said she did not expect it “I didn’t expect it. It is the God of Chosen that did it. People were giving testimonies, and I said God of Chosen, locate me, and indeed He located me, I am overwhelmed with joy through this my son.

“What I call this boy is His mother’s eyes” he is the one taking me to anywhere I am going. He would ask me, Mum, am I angry? Just now he said to me, Mum, I am in the front dancing, if you want me tell somebody to come and call me.

“I am dumfounded when he came and said that he was with Governor Okorocha.

“My son would always tell me Mum, I want to start Chosen school, I would tell him shut your mouth up, where will I get the money to send you to chosen school? But with this now, he will attend the chosen school.

“Since yesterday we have not cooked anything, since morning, we have only eaten bread and akara, but we are happy.”

Mrs Olisakwe who became a chosen in December, 2020 said “We started Chosen in November last year. I have four children, two boys, two girls, all of them are at home except this boy, my second son, he is the one taking me to wherever I go.”

 

  

CITN, EggHeads set to host Rivers State First Secondary Schools Tax Quiz Competition

Success Damian: 

Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, in collaboration with a leading human resources and business consultants, EggHeads Management Consultants, is set to host the first Rivers State All Secondary Schools Quiz Competition, under its ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative. 

The ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative through the Rivers State All Secondary Schools Quiz Competition will groom a new generation of Nigerians to see tax payment as both duty and the norm, thereby entrenching tax payment culture amongst the citizens.

The Tax Quiz Competition, which holds January 23 at the EggHeads International School, off Origwe Road, Eligmbu, Port Harcourt was launched to widen the tax net for governments at various levels to improve their revenues and hasten development 

The first stage of the competition which is a Computer Based Test (CBT) kicks off January 7, while the second stage, which is also is a CBT, will hold on January 10 to pick the best nine finalists that will proceed to the final 

The winning schools and students who would be rewarded with prizes and trophies will reign as tax champions, while helping to drive home the initiative.

The Registrar/Chief Executive of CITN, Mrs. Adefisayo Awogbade says the programme is commendable, considering that one of the major drawbacks of tax collection in Nigeria remains enlightenment. 

“People need to know that government needs our taxes to carry out the development plans in education, infrastructure and health amongst others sectors. The new generation of Nigerians, who are the young ones in primary, secondary and tertiary schools need to imbibe this culture, which is why we want to catch them young. We intend to replicate this in other states and even go national in the coming years”, she says.

Managing Partner of EggHeads Management Consultants, Prof Ezekiel Williams, whose company is sponsoring the Rivers State All Secondary Schools Tax Quiz Competition, believes the initiative has the potential of engendering tax knowledge amongst secondary school students as a way of possibly developing a curriculum in that line. According to him, the sponsorship is part of Eggheads Management Consultants’ way of giving back towards the developments of social infrastructure in Rivers State and the country.

 

End of an era: Fagbohun bows out, as LASU Senate elects Prof Oke Acting Vice Chancellor

Success Damian:

Prof Oke
Senate of Lagos State University (LASU), at an emergency session on Monday, 11th January, 2021 elected Professor Oyedamola Oke Acting Vice Chancellor of the University.

According to a press statement signed by Ademola Adekoya, Coordinator, Centre for Information Press and Public Relations, LASU, Prof. Oke, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, polled 61 votes to defeat the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Wahab Elias who polled 51 votes 

He takes over in Acting Capacity from Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, whose tenure ended on Sunday, 10th January, 2021 

Prof. Oke is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Former Dean, Faculty of Science. He joined the Lagos State University as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Botany in 1984, and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2004.

Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM this handed over to the newly elected Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oyedamola Oke at the Vice Chancellor's Office Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Main Campus, Ojo. 

In a brief speech, Prof. Fagbohun said: "Let me first heartily congratulate the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oke. I know your track record and the fact that you have come from way back in the management of this institution. I do know that having you on that seat will not in any way diminish the achievements we have had in the university in the last five years. I congratulate you on your election.

"I also congratulate the DVC academics too that the election went well and it shows the statesmanship that exists among you 

"The two of you were partners in the achievement of our institutional goals, he said.

The former Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun was the 8^th Substantive VC of LASU.

 

LASU says new school fees not for old students, as management makes clarification

Success Damian:

Lagos State University (LASU) has stated that the latest hike in school fees as announced by the institution does not affect old students.

In a statement garnered from the Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations (CIPPR) of the school, the latest information was made available following management’s clarification on the issue relating to the hiked school fees 

It read “The attention of Lagos State University authority has been drawn to a number of issues being raised in respect of the university's new schedule of fees and wishes to clarify as follows that the new schedule of fees is not for old students/staylites; those who are to pay the new school fees are candidates offered admission for the 2020/2021 and as such are prospective students of Lagos State University;

It further noted that all stakeholders including staff and students unions, and the state government were duly carried along before the implementation of the new schedule of fees, adding that it is important that stakeholders are not swayed by emotions in the face of realities that compel the review.

The information read further “It is worthy of note that LASU remains one of the most affordable universities in Nigeria in spite of the steady and rapid development that had taken place in the last few years, which culminated in her ascension as the second best university in the country, a situation that explains the high patronage of the University in the ongoing admission exercise. These developments come at huge financial costs to the university and the state government. 

“The increment is therefore inevitable, and should therefore be seen as a necessary step to further consolidate the quality of education being offered by the University,” it read.

 

LASU VC, Prof Fagbohun bags GUNA 2020 award, as LASU Senate holds special event in his honour

Success Damian:

As the curtain draws on the five year successful tenure of the 8th substantive vice Chancellor of Lagos State University ( LASU), Professor 'Lanre Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, a body known as Global University Network for Innovation Africa( GUNA) has recognised and honoured the professor of Environmental Law for his exemplary leadership, in the West Africa region.

The award was presented to the outgoing Vice Chancellor by Distinguished Prof. Peter Okebukola at the LASU Senate Chamber, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Main Campus, Ojo, on Tuesday, 5th January, 2020 at a special Senate session in honour of a man, who has changed the narrative, story and face of the Second Best University in Nigeria. 

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Damola Oke set the tone for what to come, when he gave a short keynote address, where he described Professor Fagbohun as a well focused leader, who knows the rules and very accommodating.

"He is very firm in taking decisions. The interest of the students and welfare of the staff were very paramount to him. As you leave, may God minister to you as you leave. May He clear your ways. You family will prosper", he stated.

Also, Distinguished Prof. Okebukola, on behalf of LASU Senate presented the man of the moment, Professor Fagbohun, a plaque, in recognition of his achievements during his chequered five year single term as the university's numero uno. "Nigeria has about 173 Federal, State and public universities. And in West Africa, about 147 Universities, altogether, we have 320 Universities in West Africa region. This achievement is no mean feat and not earned on a platter of gold. This is achieved based on hard work, the sterling and leadership qualities of the Vice Chancellor. Congratulations, Professor Fagbohun. This is a well deserved honour", Distinguished Prof. Okebukola said as he handed the portrait of the award to the recipient.

In his response and remarks, an elated Professor Fagbohun, thanked the principal officers, members of the extended University Management Team, Directors, Heads of Departments, non teaching, teaching staff, the LASU world class students, his wife, children, siblings and friends, who thronged the venue of the event, to honour him.

"I am humbled. I am honoured. In the last two weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the show of love by the LASU Community.", he enthused.

Speaking further, "I have worked with amazing colleagues and world class students. It has been a roller coaster of excitements. In the last five years, we had fun. Life is always a mix. In all of this, Lanre Fagbohun is just a tiny spec", the Vice Chancellor  stated with an air of confidence.

On the question put to him by Prof. Oyebola Laguda, if he had any regrets. The celebrant retorted that he had none, but, would feel the regrets if those values and gains he left behind were eroded. "I will begin to have regrets, if we don't follow rules and regulations. If we begin to lose those gains, that is when I will have regrets," he averred in a low tone.

Looking introspect, Professor Fagbohun asserted that he and his team achieved a lot by following the rules, regulations, acting right, with commitment and devotion. He added that the team performed no magic in the last five years, it just played by the laid down rules. He noted that the team was consistent in implementation of policies as well as credibility was the order of the day. He insisted that the consistency in implementation of various policies assisted in elevation of the university and taking it to that enviable height in the comity of higher Institutions 

"The last five years have been amazing, working together. We all did it together. The joy of working together has been amazing. I thank you all for the role played in development of LASU. Finally, to almighty Allah, I say thank you. God's guidance has been with us all through", he ended his remarks.

 

 

LASU named centre of excellence for Sargassum research

Success Damian:

Lagos State Science and Innovation Council (LASRIC) has named Lagos State University (LASU) the Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research.

It has also approved the University's bid for the sponsorship of Research on Harnessing Sargassum Entrepreneurship Development in Coastal Fishing Communities in Lagos State. 

The Research, according to LASRIC, would be championed by Distinguished Prof. Martin Anetekhai, a professor of Fisheries in the University and honourable member of the LASRIC. 

The Research is expected to cover programmes like Community Sensitization, hosting of International Conference by the LASRIC.

It is also expected to ensure submission of report, Development of animal aquaculture, snailery, rabbitry, community training on collection, processing and utilization of Seaweed and by-products and the set-up of Centre of Excellence in Lagos State University.