VC receives NIFST Executive

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu, has advised Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), to be innovative and avoid the mistakes of older associations. He recognized the essence of this and related associations saying “this Institute and similar associations are necessary because they help to forge healthy professional development in our higher institutions” The Vice chancellor said this while receiving a 10-man delegation from the Western Chapter of the NIFST. He expressed happiness at their coming, saying “I appreciate meetings like yours because they are not political but aimed at discussing progress. Groups like yours are necessary to help forge healthy professional development.” 

Earlier in her speech, the immediate past chairperson of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Western Chapter, Mrs. Lola Ajala, had revealed that it was the chapter's usual practice to hold annual conferences where they seek to bring members up to date with recent research developments in Food Technology through seminars, workshops and trainings.

She further disclosed that the aim of their visit was to inaugurate FUOYE's Food Science and Technology Department before this year's annual conference which would hold at Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti or “at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti if the Vice Chancellor will permit us,” she jocularly added.

In his response, the Vice Chancellor noted that an advantage of being new rested in the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of older entities. He then declared unequivocally, “I will give my support to the FUOYE Chapter of NIFST.”

The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Olusegun Oladimeji, thanked the Vice Chancellor for making out time to receive the group. Also present at the meeting was Dean Faculty of Sciences, Professor S. V. A. Uzochukwu as well as Dr. (Mrs.) E. M. Ogunbusola, Zonal Coordinator, Ondo/Ekiti of NIFST. Also at the meeting were Ruth Gabriel-Ajobiewe, Dr. A.A. Satimehin, Dr. T. A. Sanni, and Dr (Mrs.) Adubuaro.

SSANU HOLDS INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH FUOYE STAFF

A national delegation of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on Friday, February 6, 2015 paid a courtesy call on senior non-teaching staff members of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The delegates said they came to discuss readiness of FUOYE senior staff to join the national association.

The leader of the delegation was National Vice-President of the South-West Zone of the Union, Mr. Alfred Jimoh, who in his opening address, thanked the senior staff members who had gathered for the interactive session and appreciated their attendance given the short notice that preceded the forum. He reminded the staff present that freedom of association as entrenched in the Nigerian constitution gave them the power to choose which association to belong to.

Mr. Jimoh pointed out that SSANU existed to create a work environment that is harmonious, peaceful and productive for members. He further stated that SSANU, as a union represented authority, integrity, and comprised of a group that shaped and molded the activities of the university. In his words, “There is a need for both staff and management to work for peaceful co-existence if any meaningful progress is to take place. We adopt a dialogue and collective bargaining approach to address the welfare of our members”.

On qualifications for membership, the Vice-President stated that the constitution guiding the establishment of the union and its operations in any university provides for a minimum number of fifty (50) senior non-academic staff members, who must constantly meet up with their financial obligation to the union. According to him, this financial obligation amounted to 2% of the basic monthly salary of any interested member, which must be deducted from source. 

Mr Jimoh said that the union would intensify efforts in engaging in dialogue and discussions with management of FUOYE with a view to bringing about a lasting solution to the recent staff faceoff.

He finally urged the senior members of staff to use their best efforts to ensure that they contributed to the development of the young university.

Other members in the delegation included SSANU Chairman of Ladoke Akintola University Ogbomosho, Comrade Sukapi Anam, SSANU South-West Zonal Treasurer, Comrade Fashola from Obafemi Awolowo University, SSANU Vice Chairman, University of Ibadan, Comrade Barrister Akinremi, SSANU Vice-

Chairman, Ekiti State University, Comrade Asiwaju Falade, SSANU Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State University, Comrade Olusola Obatikun and SSANU Scribe, Ekiti State University, Comrade Afolabi Olukola.

INITIATION PROCESS FOR FRESH STUDENTS IS JUST MAKE BELIEF

The Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, has lifted the veil on the initiation ceremony normally held to induct freshmen into the department of Theatre Arts globally. Speaking at this year's initiation of 100 level students of Theatre Arts held at the Main Auditorium of FUOYE on March 6, 2015, Prof Bakare, who also doubles as HOD Theatre and Media Arts, described the process as “mere make belief”. He said it's a replica of what they do as dramatists. He

congratulated the new students and charged them to make the most of the opportunity they have as students of Theatre and Media Arts, charging them to be the best as the calibre of staff present in the

University is the best compared to what obtains in other universities offering similar course in Nigeria. He pointed out that the initiation process is a global tradition not only in the department but also in other disciplines. However, FUOYE has adopted the word ‘induction’ as against the usual word ‘initiation’ which carries a negative connotation, because the university is new and as such a good image should be projected at all times. 

The two-hour ceremony had in attendance some academic staff of the department such as Mrs. Lilian Bakare, Messrs Christopher Unegbu, Bassey Asuquo and Uzodimma Umenyilorah. Also in attendance were Nollywood movie star, Saheed Balogun, popularly known as Walata and Princess Lawal Yeside-Dosunmu a guest lecturer and artist from Lagos State University. The duo of Saheed Balogun and Princess Lawal Dosunmu conducted the induction process by reading the initiation creed to inductees and also wished them a fulfilling academic life and career afterwards. The event also featured a playlet titled Honesty written by Femi Ogundiyi, a final year student of Theatre and Media Arts, who also doubled as the director of productions for the performance. It was dancing and jubilations galore thereafter.

VC CHARGES UNION LEADERS ON GOOD CONDUCT.

“As Union leaders do your homework very well. Do not feed your people with wrong information to achieve inordinate ambitions.” With this charge the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu, received the recently-inaugurated executive members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), FUOYE Chapter to his office last Thursday.

Continuing, he said, “As leaders you occupy very responsible positions. When people approach you, think twice. Be guided by your rules and regulations.” “You will not have problems with my administration,” he promised as he rounded off his speech. He however advised them to avoid rumour-mongering and to be accountable at all times.

Responding on behalf of the new NASU executive, FUOYE Chapter, the Chairman, Dada Adebayo, pledged their support to the management of FUOYE and promised to mobilize and educate their members towards the forth-coming accreditation exercises.

It would be recalled that NASU FUOYE Chapter was inaugurated on February 19, 2015 where three statutory principal officers and five Exco members were elected and sworn in to run the affairs of the new chapter. Afolabi Ganiyu emerged as secretary while Mrs. Christiana Ogbiye is the Treasurer.

2015/2016 UTME COMMENCES

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced its Computer-Based Test (CBT) nationwide for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian institutions of higher learning for the 2015/2016 academic session.

The 2015/2016 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME) which commenced on the 10th of March across the country has Ikechukwu Iheanacho ICT Centre (IIIC) of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti as one of the designated exam centres.

A brief chat with a JAMB supervisor revealed that no fewer than 1.4 million candidates registered for the UTME nationwide in more than 400 centres while about 4,480 candidates are sitting for the examination at FUOYE's IIIC. The supervisor also disclosed that the exam is also taking place in seven overseas countries including the UK. “The beauty of the CBT” he enthused, “is that candidates receive their results via the short message service less than 24 hours after the examination.”

Candidates spoken to at the venue admitted that “the new examination method has forced them to be computer literate.” According to one of the candidates, “Many of us were not computer- literate before now but with the CBT, we have no option than to learn it as fast as possible since there is no other means of writing the exam.” The examination started on Tuesday March 10, 2015 and is to last for 10 days.

YOU ARE A PRIVILEGED SET
-VC tells Mechatronics students

“You are a privileged set because many engineering graduates today do not have this singular practical training you have just had. We have a dream and the dream has worked so far. Next year we will send you out as first engineering graduates of FUOYE. With the kind of training, exposure and the way the Faculty is driving you, I am sure you will make usproud.” The above is an excerpt from a speech delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu, at the presentation of certificates to FUOYE
Mechatronics Engineering students who attended an Autotronics course at the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN).

Drawing from an existing Memorandum of Understanding with PAN, 4th year students of Mechatronics Engineering in the Department of Mechanical /Mechatronics, undertook a week-long practical training trip to Peugeot Assembly Plant, Kaduna, for this Autotronics course. The programme ran from 26-30 January 2015.
The Vice Chancellor said achievement is made of vision and the ability to pursue that vision conclusively and successfully. “You are trained to become excellent engineers who will combine both classroom and practical experiences to become the complete person that can fit into the factory on graduation.” He therefore hoped the students would build on the trainings they had just received.

The VC could not hide his admiration for Faculty of Engineering, saying, “I am really impressed with Faculty of Engineering.” He lauded their dynamism and described the Faculty and its approach to learning as consistent with the “way things are done in the university.” He announced that their Autotronics laboratory was about to be equipped by TETFUND, promising to support any department or faculty that makes useful efforts.
Earlier, Dean Faculty of Engineering, Professor Christian Bolu, had explained the gains of the practical training sessions both to the university and ultimately to the students and thanked the VC for his support. He showed some slides that highlighted activities of the students at the assembly plant. The highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of certificates from Peugeot Automobile Nigeria to each of the students by the Vice Chancellor.

TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SOCIAL HEALTH
INSURANCE PROGRAMME

The FUOYE NHIS Unit Desk, in accordance with NUC directives, wishes to bring to the notice of students that FUOYE is currently putting everything in place for the commencement of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health
Insurance Programme.

Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) is a social security system whereby the
health care of students in tertiary institutions is being paid for from funds created by pooling the contributions of students. The programme is committed to ensuring access to qualitative healthcare service for students of tertiary institutions thereby promoting the health of students with a view to providing an enabling environment
for learning. Extensive evidence is now available to demonstrate the link between health, as well as school
health programmes to academic achievement.

FUOYE Medical Centre has been chosen as the primary health care provider for students while a referral
centre for out-patients has also been put in place. To access this scheme, students must fill the TISHIP registration form provided by the HMO after which data will be processed and ID cards provided them. Students MUST therefore go to the Medical Centre with their ID cards to access the scheme. Benefits of the program are road accident insurance cover-up to N50, 000, medical expenses and out- of - station emergency care, among other benefits. Meanwhile, students can report unsatisfactory service delivery to the TISHIP Arbitration Panel headed by the Ag. Dean, Student Affairs Division.

PROCUREMENT UNIT HOLDS BIDDING

The Procurement Unit of Federal University Oye –Ekiti, on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at the Mini Campus, opened the 2015 TETFUND pre-qualification bids for the proposed procurement of 400 units of 5- sitter
class room chairs. Four companies that had earlier sent in their bids had their documents opened and their quotations read in the presence of their representatives. None was disqualified.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Asuzu, was represented at the occasion by the SAR Legal Unit, Barr. Amaechi Eni. At the end of the exercise, the University Bursar, represented by Mr Olukoju B. A., promised the contractors transparency and timeliness in the university's dealings with them.

FUOYE BRANCH OF NIFST INAUGURATED

The FUOYE chapter of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has been inaugurated. NIFST is an umbrella body that supervises and regulates the activities of staff, students and professionals of Food Science and Technology.

The chairman, NIFST Western Chapter, Dr. Taofeek Shittu, observed that Food Science and Technology was both a discipline and a profession which stood to benefit students, academics and professional members. He assured that the inauguration would grant FUOYE Food and Science Technology Department recognition, not only in the western region, but also at the national level. The chairman also pointed out that there were two main categories of membership which included professional membership and licentiate. According to him, the
foremost criterion for membership is that one must be a trained Food Science and Technologist or come from similar disciplines or professions. Having officially declared FUOYE NIFST Chapter a bona fide branch of the national body, Dr. Shittu charged the members of the new chapter to network with other professionals locally and internationally to develop themselves and the profession.

HOD DONATES JOURNALS TO ENGINEERING LIBRARY.

The Head of Department, Material and Metallurgical Engineering, Professor Abayomi Oni, on Thursday, 12 March, donated twenty copies of International Journal to the department's library. He said the aim of the donation is to boost the faculty’s library towards the forthcoming accreditation exercise.

VICE CHANCELLOR VISITS FACULTY OF AGRIC

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, on Tuesday 17 March,2015 visited the Faculty of Agriculture. He was conducted round the facility by the Dean of the Faculty, the Faculty Officer and staff of Physical Planning Unit to inspect the conversion of the farm office to a central laboratory in preparation for the
forthcoming accreditation exercise. After thorough inspection, the Vice Chancellor instructed the Physical Planning Unit to commence work immediately, promising a befitting building for the Faculty of Agriculture.

NAFSTS INDUCTS FRESHMEN

A departmental induction exercise into the National Association of Food Science and Technology Students (NAFSTS) was held on Thursday March 12 for the new students of Food Science and Technology.

Delivering his welcome address, President of the association, Comrade Falabake Michael, enjoined the inductees to be up and doing in their academic work. He also stated that the sole aim of the association was to ensure excellent performance
among the members through tutorials and other academic








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FUOYE PLANS WORLD-CLASS ENTREPRENEURAL CENTRE.

The FUOYE Centre for Entrepreneurial Development and Support Services, (CEDSS), is primed to be a world-class skills-acquisition centre. This was the consensus reached at a brainstorming session on how to take CEDSS from where it is presently to the level it is expected to be not long from now. Speaking at a special forum conveyed by the Centre with the theme, Promoting Positive Synergy for ntrepreneurship Programme in FUOYE, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu, told the audience made up of Principal Officers, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Units and programmes and members of the management committee of CEDSS, that if the Centre is handled differently and very well too, CEDSS has the potential to be the best skills-acquisition centre in the nation. “I know that in some universities.it is only theoretical learning they do, but here we combine teaching with practical skills acquisition. We have even added farming as part of our skills acquisition in FUOYE.” He mentioned piggery, goatery,

snailery and poultry as options to students.

He therefore employed all Faculties, Units and Centres to synergize and harmonize all “our activities so that students can benefit from what we have to offer. “The think-tank was challenged to come up with useful ideas and creative ways to move CEDSS forward. Among the speakers was anAdjunct Professor and member of CEDSS, Prof. Olu Makinde who saluted the VC for his 'courage to establish and fund a first-class entrepreneurial centre.' He noted that the programme is ours, “not their programme; it is our baby that should ignite our creativity.”

Director of CEDSS, Professor Olu Atere enumerated some of the skill options available to tudents at the Centre to include screen printing, electrical installation, fashion designing, catering & confectionery, welding, photography, soap-making, carpentry and some support services. “We have gone beyond teaching to skills learning. Our target is to expand idea base of the Centre and that is why we are here today” he said.

Acting Registrar, D. A. Adeyemo said relevant funding expected to move the Centre to the next level should come from proposal writing. According to him, “Such funds expectations can even motivate and excite both staff and students to buy into the programme.” In his contribution, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Rasaki O. Bakare canvassed the need for the Faculties to keyinto the whole essence of skills development and advised that all be mobilized and made to understand the principles of the university's skills development programme. Prof Atere was full of appreciation for the VC and the entire university management for obliging the Centre their commitment to the attainment of its goals, promising that “in one year from now the Centre would be able to stand and count their contributions to the overall growth and development of Federal University Oye-Ekiti.”

VC LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR A 500-CAPACITY LECTURE THEATRE

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Isaac U. Asuzu, has laid the foundation for a 500-capacity lecture theatre sponsored by the Implementation Committee of Federal Ministry of Education. The exercise took place on Monday March 23, 2015.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor tasked contractor handling the project on quality work, charging him to keep tocontract completion-time schedule. “If you do it according to schedule, you will not have problems with us,” he cautioned, stating reassuringly his belief that for the contractor to have successfully scaled through the bidding process, he would deliver qualitatively and timeously, too. He therefore proceeded to perform the foundation-laying ceremony to the glory of God.

In the creative and innovative spirit of FUOYE, acting Registrar D. A. Adeyemo, acting Bursar Obadiah Dyiltu, Dean Faculty of Humanities & Social Science, Prof Rasaki O. Bakare and Dean Faculty of Science, Prof Sylvia Uzochukwu, were also called upon to support the VC in the exercise by adding a block each to the foundation. Other officers of the university present were DOP Ikechukwu Areh, acting Director, PPU, Engr. Sade Adebayo, Head Legal Unit, Bar. Amaechi Eni as well as the project team leader, Ojo Ademola.

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SEE YOUR APPOINTMENT AS CALL

-          Minister charges Governing Council Members.

History was made on May 5 2015, at the main Auditorium of National University Commission, (NUC) Abuja, when the maiden Governing Council of Federal University Oye-Ekiti alongside other universities, polytechnics as well as that of National Library Board was inaugurated.

The special guest of honour at the ceremony was no less a personality than the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Executive Secretary NUC Professor Julius Okojie was the chief host.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mallam Shekarau congratulated the privileged members of the respective university and polytechnic governing councils, charging them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their present assignment. He reminded them that their main responsibilities were to govern, grow and develop their respective institutions. To do this they should be conversant with extant laws, government policies and gazettes. They should not interfere with the management of their institutions but be concerned more with attracting more funding and infrastructure to enhance effective and result-oriented teaching and learning. 'Ensure that effective strategies are employed to maintain peace and progress in your institutions', he added.

On funding, they are to guarantee that funds allocated to their institutions are judiciously utilized, look forward to enlist support of individuals and NGOs to raise funds as well as establish endowments. They were also to address issues of streamlining educational programmes in their institutions in line with approved courses by government. Governing Council members must adopt the doctrines of transparency, probity and accountability in the appointment of officers in their institutions. They should also avoid activities that could disrupt teaching and learning while recognizing effective strategies that would be adopted to identify and eradicate vices in our educational institutions.

'See your appointment as call to national service. You must raise the standard of operation in your institutions.' the Honourable Minister concluded.

Thereafter, the Chairmen and members of Councils rose to receive their Letters of Appointment from the Hon. Minister.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Julius Okojie described the Governing Council members as men and women who have distinguished themselves in the public service. He therefore admonished them to go to their respective institutions of posting to strengthen their activities and perform the proper oversight functions.

FUOYE has six (6) members, namely: Engr. James Bawa Magaji (Chairman), Alhaji Bello Bakori, Muhammad Hamza Nafada, Dr. Yusuf Onojo, Chief Eliot Osomu, Mrs I.C Mbanefo as members

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu was present to witness the ceremony. Acting Registrar Daniel Adeyemo and acting Bursar, Obadiah Dyiltu, were also present.

FUOYE DEDICATES ENGINEERING LABORATORY AND LIBRARY

Federal University Oye-Ekiti has recorded another milestone in its quest for quality academic development.

On Thursday May 5, 2015, its Metrology Laboratory named after Engineer Otis Anyaeji and the Faculty of Engineering Library named after Lanre Adesuyi were dedicated.

According to Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac Asuzu, the launch  as in fulfillment of promises made by Engineer Otis Anyaeji and Lanre Adesuyi during an infrastructure development drive and fund-raising dinner held at Abuja on October 23, 2013.

Professor Asuzu revealed that at that occasion, Otis Anyaeji made initial pledge of N4,188,971 for the completion of the University's Metrology laboratory which was redeemed within 24 hours. He later made a further donation of N655,000 for the laboratory furniture.

Engineer Otis, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, is the chairman and chief executive officer of O.T. Otis Engineering Limited. Lanre Adesuyi, chairman and managing director, MD Havilah Merchants Ltd, pledged engineering books worth N5 million at the same event and redeemed same within 90days by donating engineering and technology books worth over N5 million.

Applauding their efforts, the vice chancellor said what is striking about these donators was that they came at a most appropriate period: “They gave us the much needed hope and energy to pursue the establishment of the Faculty of Engineering,” he said. He announced to the delight of the eminent personalities present that all the seven programmes of the Faculty of Engineering were pre-accredited by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in July 2014. ”This August the faculty programmes will also be undergoing NUC accreditation exercise.'

Professor Asuzu further said that in order to 'provide the necessary environment for high quality training and research in engineering disciplines and to promote the development of excellent entrepreneurial skills and innovation, the university strives relentlessly to equip and upgrade the R&D workshop, laboratory and library facilities.

“The efforts of the university notwithstanding, considerable support of partners is very much needed to be able to acquire most of the workshop equipment, scientific measuring instruments and books required for qualitative training and research that produce graduates that fit into the global marketplace,' the vice chancellor said. He therefore deeply appreciated Engr. Otis Anyaeji and Lanre Adesuyi in whose honour the ceremony was held while calling on other publicspirited

individuals and organisations to render invaluable support to the university.

Engr. Otis thanked the University for the honour bestowed on them by naming the facilities after them, while Lanre Adesuyi disclosed that he has commenced the process of reaching out to his friends both local and international to facilitate the early realization of a new commitment to the university.

Present at the occasion were representatives of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE), Automotive Council of Nigeria, Standards

CLINIC EXPANDS

The University Medical Centre, at its inception, started with three major services namely: out-patient services, environmental health care and minor laboratory tests.

All these services occurred between 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. But with the unparalleled dedication and contribution of the vice chancellor since his assumption of office, the scope of services has been expanded remarkably and as it stands today, the university medical centre now renders seven major services including in-patient care, out-patient care, emergency services, HIV testing and counseling. Other services are adolescent/reproductive health, environmental healthcare and immunization services. Three evolving services are basic laboratory service, radiological service and family planning. The Centre is also poised to render round-the-clock services, with doctors on call.

Members of the university community are advised to avail themselves of these services. It is also delightful to note that students in a few weeks from now will cease to experience limited/restricted health-care from referral centres- FMC Ido-Ekiti and EKSUTH- as a result of financial constraint usually faced when they are referred from the University Medical Centre to any of these teaching hospitals. The university, through the University Medical Centre, is fine-tuning an insurance scheme for students that will enable their parents to pay only 10% of their total hospital bill upon discharge from these referral centres.

JOSTLING FOR COUNCIL SLOT INTENSIFIES

With the just-concluded inauguration of the Governing Council of the 12 newly-established universities by the Honorable Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau on may 5, 2015 and the consequent provision that academic and non-academic members of staff should nominate a member each via the Congregation to the Council, the political atmosphere in the university has been unusually animated.

Contestants from both the academic and non-academic staff are already knocking every door in the university seeking endorsement by colleagues. Some aspirants have even resorted to printing of fliers to highlight their profile, experience and eligibility while others are adopting the face-to-face solicitation approach to win the endorsement of their respective constituencies. The University Management policy makes provisions for one representative each from the two arms of the university.

Meanwhile, a recent memo from Office of the Registrar seems to have taken the sail out of the campaign activities of some contestants as there is a gale of withdrawals from the race by previously prominent contenders. The said memo clearly defined and streamlined eligibility for membership into the Governing Council. According to the memo “membership of congregation shall consist of every member of the administrative staff who holds a degree other than an honorary degree, of any university recognized for the purposes of this statute by the Vice Chancellor”. This implies that only degree holders are eligible to vie for membership.

Last week, one contestant from the academic staff withdrew from the contest, thereby simplifying the nomination process. This action has paved the way for easy passage of another popular choice. Furthermore, in a Memo REF: FUOYE/REG/UGC/247/VOL.1/012 dated May 12, 2015, it was gathered that only officers on the post of Senior Lecturer and above or its equivalent, not retiring within the next four (4) years, will be eligible for nomination as Congregation representatives.

However, the political landscape was broadened when another memo: FUOYE: /REG/UGC/247/VOL.1/013 dated May 15, 2015, stated inter-alia: 'I wish to inform all members of Congregation that, following a review of the conditions for eligibility as Representative of Congregation on the University Governing Council, members of staff on the post of Lecturer 1 and above or its equivalent not retiring within the next four (4) years, will be eligible

IN DEFENCE OF THE TRADITIONAL LIBRARY

Man's desire and effort to document his life and preserve his culture and knowledge predates civilization. Pictorial representations of early human culture etched and engraved on rocks, stones  and caves as discovered by archeologists show man's early efforts to document history.

The hunger to preserve and pass on knowledge further gave birth to the papyrus, the parchments, the scroll, the codex and other early media of documentation.

These had their shortcomings as the materials tore and disintegrated with time, while the ink faded and the writing became illegible. The few reading materials that existed were hand-copied as there were no means of mass-production and even these ended up in the hands of a privileged few.

However, the invention of movable-type printing in the 15th century by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized record-keeping and began to turn out huge copies and volumes of books. The printing and distribution of the Bible gained much from this impetus as it became the most widely-circulated book in the world.

Scholarly and scientific activities also gained momentum as scholars and scientists found an easier and faster medium to express their thoughts and publish their findings. Libraries assumed greater dimensions, housing the great number of books written on all subjects of life - books produced with longer lasting material and printed with indelible ink.

Coming on the heels of mass printing were faster and easier means of transport and communication which served as dispersal agents across the globe for the huge number of volumes and copies of books, touching on all aspects of life.

With the advent of the internet and e-library, many feared that the era of the traditional library was coming to an end. They argued that the virtual library has rendered the traditional library obsolete. But recently, The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu, in a library launch, made a strong case for the traditional library. A guru in his field

of learning, Professor Asuzu has extensively and intensively made use of both types of libraries in the course of his numerous research efforts and therefore can speak authoritatively on the relevance of each.

According to him, one major source of relevance for the traditional library is that not every book we need to consult on any subject is found on the internet. This is due to regulations that prohibit free access to books on the internet. Already there is a prohibition on full access of copyrighted books through Google Book search.

Another thing going for the traditional library as elucidated by the vice chancellor is the fact that digital libraries are not on the internet. One might be on the internet but the restrictions placed on access to published books might prevent him from using the books.

One more merit of the traditional library is that while internet service is seemingly free, registration and subscription requirements place a restriction to a deeper access to books, journals and other research materials; whereas one would only need to present a valid identity card and a whole catalogue of research materials is at one's disposal.

There is also the problem of technical glitches on the computer, which can be quite frustrating when you desperately need to work. Hear Prof. Asuzu: “Often, when I need to use the dictionary on my computer and cannot get in for any reason, I will just reach up the shelf and a dictionary is in my hands for use.” The usefulness and convenience of the conventional books library cannot be traded for the technological fad that has seized the society in our modern times.

The two can at best complement each other. In defense of the conventional library, Professor

Asuzu has this to say: 'Society is not ready to abandon the library, and it probably won't ever because libraries can adapt to social technological changes but they can't be replaced.’

UNVEILING ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL BODY IN FUOYE.

A member of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators, (ANUPA), Mrs. Rachael Apuabi has stressed the need for regular improvement of staff professionalism and competence. She made the call at a pre-inauguration meeting of the association which took place at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti main auditorium recently.

In her maiden seminar, 'The Role of Aministrators in Service Delivery,' Mrs. Apuabi stated that the major task before administrators is to ensure the smooth implementation of plans and policies of management. According to her, 'administrators are key in facilitating an environment for academic excellence where staff and students can flourish and compete favourably in the knowledge market'.

Furthermore, in order for administrators to achieve this good quality service delivery, there is need for them to acquire adequate training and skills. The personnel department is expected to identify training needs for members of staff and at the same time management of the university should sponsor members of staff to conferences both local and international. She added that the aim of the forum was to create a robust interactive session in other to generate and intimate staff with new trends in the discharge of their responsibilities as quality education providers.

High point of the occassion was unveiling of the professional body, Association of Nigerian Professional administrators (ANUPA) Federal University Oye-Ekiti Chapter and appointment of interim leaders. Head, Pre-degree Unit, Mr. D.A. Fatuase, emerged as chairman, Mrs. Apuabi, Secretary, Mr. Femi Adeboye, Tresurer, Mrs. Tessy Eze, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Ndidi Ibenyenwa, Training Officer and Mr. Lumuagun, PRO.

In attendance were the acting Registrar, Daniel Adeyemo, Heads of departments and units and a majority of administrative officers in the university.

IRE BURNT-BRICK FACTORY SEEKS TO BRAND FUOYE

The management of Ire burnt-brick industry paid a courtesy visit to the Vice chancellor on Friday May 22, 2015 to present samples of the products to the university community. It was disclosed by the management team of the factory that the company has just been resuscitated after a long lay-off. The presentation event which took place in the Vice chancellor's conference room had in attendance the representative of the vice chancellor Engr. Adebayo who is also the head of physical planning unit of the

university, the university's acting registrar, Mr D Adeyamo, the special assistant to the Vice Chancellor Mr G.A Mbakama and a team from Ire clay led by Mr. Biodun Adedeji.

In his opening speech, Mr. Adedeji reminded his audience that the company was founded in 1981 to produce burnt bricks that can be used to build houses from the foundation up to the roof but in 1998 it was shut down. In 1991, the government sought the collaboration of private sector investors and this led to the involvement of Oodua investment group that came on board to revamp the company. It later went down again in 1998. The moribund company has just been revived once again and the first batch of its products is what was brought to showcase at the university. Consequently, the management of Ire clay factory decided to propose the branding of future buildings of the university with the burnt bricks. He described the bricks as being stronger than the regular blocks used in construction and equally cost effective. He proposed to the university the use of the factory as a Research & Development centre in the nearest future.

The acting Registrar while reacting to the opening speech from Mr. Adedeji reminded him about the cooperate brand of the university which is lemon green and gold color. (the bricks are predominantly red). He expressed fears that the colour of the burnt bricks would conflict with the corporate profile of the university.

He also talked about the due process that the university operates by via the directorate of procurement, promising that management of the university would look into their proposal. Engr. Adebayo also wanted to know whether the bricks can be painted into the university's colors. She also asked about the strength of the bricks.

Responding, Mr. Adedeji said the bricks were burnt at a high temperature (9500c) hence, they are very strong. He also said the bricks can be painted on the threading where the cement joins two bricks together with the university's colors.

FUOYE GETS A SUBSTANTIVE REGISTRAR

The administrative axe-head of a university is the registrar. In other words, the registrar is the person in charge of the day to day administration of the university, providing assistance to the vice chancellor on day-today administration of academic and administrative matters of the university.

The office of the registrar, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, since inception, had been filled in an acting capacity until May 4, 2015 when a substantive registrar was appointed. It was a keenly contested post, with many qualified candidates applying, from whom only one among the best would emerge.

When the dust settled, the best emerged. And who is this chosen one? He is none other than Daniel Abiodun Adeyemo, (DAA). As acting Registrar, Mr. Adeyemo had demonstrated that he was cut out for this job, a round peg in a round hole; a man with an acute mind and a sharp mental capacity who can think while standing.

An administrator par excellence, Mr. Adeyemo, until his appointment, rose through the ranks of administrative service and has proved that whether in acting or substantive capacity, he can deliver. After all, the two nomenclatures only represent the indices of administrative convenience as the job itself remains the same.

For the next five years, Mr. Adeyemo will continue to steer the administrative ship of the university, only this time with a different designation. The environment and the administrative circumstances will remain pretty the same, except that the appointment of a substantive registrar coincided with the institution of the University Governing Council which hitherto was non-existent.

Will this co-incidence change anything? Whatever changes one expects would be positive and geared towards achieving the overall goal of the university since the Registrar is the Secretary of the Governing Council thereby shouldering the responsibility of the Council in its oversight functions of local administrative issues of the university.

DAA, a former Geography tutor, a graduate of University of Ibadan, whose career in university

administration began at Federal University of Technology Akure, is a sturdy-looking, quick-stepped man with a square head that is full of wisdom and a capacity for sharp, incisive thought. Mr Adeyemo hails from Aramoko-Ekiti and while his modest upbringing sharpened his survival instinct, his determination to shake off the enervating shackles of poverty spurred him from one higher step to another in his chosen career until he reached this very peak.

We all desire to attain the peak of our various careers and professions in life. Only few actually achieve it – for the space tapers as the position rises. To attain the apex of one's career is an uncommon grace bestowed on man by God from above. We, therefore, thank God for Mr.

Adeyemo and wish him a memorable tenure as the pioneer Registrar of Federal University Oye-Ekiti. Oye Amo ri oo!

CONGREGATION REPS IN GOVERNING COUNCIL EMERGE

Recently, staff of Federal University Oye Ekiti trooped out to elect their representatives in the university governing council.

This was necessary following the appointment and inauguration of members of governing council for the 12 newly established universities by the immediate past government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. Contestants were: Prof. A.A. Aganga, Head Ikole campus and Director, Academic Planning, Dr. Adesola Satimehin University's SIWES Coordinator, Barr. Amaechi Eni, Legal Officer, Dr. Ken Egbo, Deputy Director, ICT, Mrs.B.O. Obabire acting Director Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Ogunjobi, Coordinator CEDSS and Dr Mojisola Oyavure. Prior to the Election Day, contestants were seen all over

the campuses of the university with their supporters canvassing and soliciting for votes from members of the congregation. At the auditorium, the venue of the election, there was a unique approach adopted to prevent double voting. Before a staff could gain access to the auditorium, there was proper accreditation, he or she is presented with a ballot paper that qualified them to vote.

The voter identification number on each card was unique to the card holder to avoid double voting, just like every other election in Nigeria and the world at large. The election covered all the processes which included accreditation of voters, casting of votes and counting of results. Similarly, voting was guided by seven electoral officials nominated by the congregation to avoid manipulations and ensure smooth conduct of the exercise. The electoral body was chaired by Prof. Bakare. Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu, in his remarks before the election had reminded voters that the election was being held in an academic environment hence, the need for proper conduct. He further urged them to shun rigging and abide by the electoral rules. After the casting of ballots, the electoral committee counted the votes while the vice chancellor announced the results.

Number of voided votes was 28 while there was one valid proxy ballot. Prof. Aganga polled 258 votes while Mrs. Obabire got 173 votes.Prof.Aganga and Mrs Obabire therefore emerged as the Congregation representatives on the Governing Council.

Meanwhile, at the Senate meeting held on Wednesday May 29 2015, Prof. Olusegun Oladimeji, Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, Prof. Olugbenga O. Amu and Prof. Sola Atere also emerged at the election conducted to nominate Senate representatives on the Governing Council.

ASUU ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) FUOYE chapter elected its maiden executive into office to administer the affairs of the union for the next two years. The election process which took place on the floor of the ASUU congress at FUOYE was presided over by chairman of a four-man electoral committee headed by Dr Adeyemi, Associate Professor and acting Head, Department of Demography and Social Statistics. Chairman, Ekiti State University (EKSU) chapter of ASUU, Prof Olu Olu, attended the congress as an observer and adviser. The congress had in attendance all categories of academic staff - professors, associate professors, senior lecturers, lecturers 1& 2, assistant lecturers and graduate assistants. Library staff and research officers were also present.

All members present participated in the election which took place on Monday, May 25, 2015.

At the end of the voting exercise, the following members emerged as members of the new executive: Dr Dosu Malomo, Chairman (Chemistry Department); Dr Ogunjimi, Vice Chairman (Department of Agric Economics and Extension); Dr Mrs Chinyelu Agwu, Secretary (Department of English and Literary Studies); Mr Chuka Okoli, Assistant Secretary (General Studies Unit); Dr Abiodun Lawal, Financial Secretary (Department of Psychology); Dr S. K Ojo, Treasurer (Department of Microbiology) Dr Apata, Investment Secretary (Department of Agric Economics and Extension), Dr Fajinmi, Welfare Officer (Department of Crop Science and Horticulture), Dr Loretta Ntoimo, Auditor (Department of Demography and Social Statistics).

Our investigation revealed that the new executive has since commenced work on urgent matters affecting academic staff welfare in FUOYE.

NASU PROMISES TO REVIEW MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS.

The Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) FUOYE Chapter, Engr. Dada Adebayo, has promised members of the union that the monthly dues deducted from their salaries would be looked into and corrected to be in uniformity with other neighbouring universities. This came on the heels of a general outcry from members of staff over the

recent deductions NASU made from their salary last month.

While answering questions from aggrieved members of staff during the Second Congress of the Union held on May 12, 2015, Engr. Adebayo explained that the deduction on consolidated salary as against basic salary arose after due consultations which the executive had with some other universities. The deductions he said were not unilateral but based on information derived from those consultations.

He also reiterated that the union in FUOYE was nascent and not inherited, and so implored members to give them the encouragement and support needed for the achievement of the union's goals. He furthermore implored members to always respond promptly to the congress' calls as it was the only avenue for members to voice their views on staff welfare and other matters pertaining to the union. He told them that the national body had also pledged their unflinching support to the local chapter, which was premised on the financial participation of the chapter.

FUOYE GOVERNING COUNCIL HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING

The FUOYE Governing Council held its inaugural meeting on June 3, 2015. The meeting took place in the vice chancellor's Conference Room with the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Engr. Bawa Magaji Kufana at the head of the meeting.Other external members of the Governing Council present were Chief Hon. Augustus Elliot Osomu, Mohammed Hamza, Mrs. Irene Chinwe Mbanefo and Dr. Yusuf Michael Omojo.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu led the Council members from within the university which included Secretary to Council and Registrar, Mr. Daniel Abiodun Adeyemo, acting Bursar, Mr. Obadiah Dyiltu, representatives of Senate in Council, Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu and Prof. Olugbenga Amu. Prof Wole Atere was absent on the first day on permission duly acknowledged by the chairman but joined the team the second day. Representatives of Congregation in Council, Prof. Adeolu Aganga and Mrs. B. O. Obabire were in attendance.

The Chairman and Pro-chancellor, Engr. Bawa Magaji, assured the house that the Council would guarantee stability in the university, disclosing however that “not everything done in Council is for the market place.” He emphasized the need for Council members to engage the host communities, more importantly, the state government, and let them know that the university is here for them. He however cautioned against partisanship, reminding members that they were not politicians but people who have been called to serve the country in this capacity.

After the opening remarks, the Council members retired behind closed doors for business of the day.

They were later to emerge to undertake exhaustive tour of projects and facilities within the main campus as well as Ikole campus. All on-going project sites were visited and some contractors on site had a one-on-one with the Council members. Dean Faculty of Engineering and Director of ICT, Professor Christian Bolu had his hands full explaining lots about the projects and facilities at Ikole especially on the novel

Universal Testing Machine which was reputed to be the largest UTM in Nigeria at present. Acting Director, PPU, Engr. F. O. Adebayo, was also on hand to guide the visitors to the projects and offer explanations where sought.

The second day of the meeting saw the Council members pay a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose. Later they were at the Palaces of the Oloye of Oye-Kingdom, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju and the Elekole of Ikole Kingdom Oba James Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku. At both palaces the visitors were received with pomp and pageantry. Prayers were offered for the success of the Council and the university at each palace.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING COLLABORATES WITH PROTOTYPE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (PEDI).

In pursuance of its mandate to provide state of the art training and quality education to students, the Faculty of Engineering on Tuesday June 2, 2015 had a project collaboration meeting with representative committee of Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI). Prof. Christian Bolu initiated the discussion by stating how far PEDI had gone particularly in the area of Autotronics and 3D Printing. This he said was the motivation for seeking understanding with them. Prof. Bolu further spoke about the need and importance of educating and developing the students through PEDI to bring out the best in students. The don pointed out three areas the faculty intended to focus on in the proposed relationship with PEDI. These areas include developing training tools for teaching and research as well as commercializing them, investing in Autotronics and 3D printing and collaborating with them in training students.

Managing Director Prototype Engineering Development Institute, Engr. Adetunji Adelana applauded FUOYE management for their interest in PEDI and welcomed the prospect of collaborating with the nascent university. He disclosed that the institute wants to encourage students in higher institutions in the production of 3D printing and Autotronics, stressing that 3D printing is used to produce spoons, phone cases and souvenirs, among other products. He said that General Electric (GE) has already started an outfit on 3D printing in Lagos, admitting that the institute was favoured to have partnered with FUOYE in the area of sponsorship. He reiterated the effort of the institute at developing both 3D printing and Autotronics software which he promised would be tested in FUOYE. Engr. Adetunji also said that

the software and training modules being produced at the institute would be useful and easy to understand for even road side mechanics. He thereafter suggested proper advocacy in this area, summarizing the major advantages of 3D printing and Autotronics as basically creation of jobs and generation of income.

HOD Mechanical/Mechatronics, Professor S.B. Adejuyigbe offered that since the aims of FUOYE and PEDI are alike (i.e. training and income generation), there was need to produce and package effective and efficient software with full understanding so that both sides would benefit adequately. Responding to Professor Adejuyigbe, Prof Bolu said that it was a miracle to have come up with this kind of collaboration with PEDI, describing the relationship as a win-win situation.

The highpoint of the interaction was a resolution that both FUOYE and PEDI be involved in regular interchange of ideas in the area of 3D printing and Autotronics for capacity building and manpower development. A committee was selected to work on a project proposal to be forwarded to TETFUND.

SSANU INAUGURATES FUOYE INTERIM MANAGEMENT TEAM.

It was yet another day of colourful union activities at the FUOYE main auditorium as the national delegation of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), South-West zone, inaugurated a five-man provisional executive that would coordinate the course of SSANU activities in the young institution.

According to leader of the delegation, Mr. Alfred Jimoh, the pro tem officers were going to occupy five executive positions that would last for the remaining part of 2015, until the Union (FUOYE Chapter) established a well-defined structure that would enable it eventually run a full-fledged election in the coming year. These executive positions included offices of the chairman, executive secretary, financial secretary, treasurer and public relations officer.

Under a very animated atmosphere, nominations for the executive positions were zoned to the two campuses of Oye and Ikole to ensure proper representation and coordination. Offices of the executive secretary and financial secretary went to Ikole Campus while chairman, treasurer and PRO were zoned to the main campus.

At the end of nominations which was quite keen, the following persons emerged: Mr. Ayodele Olayiwola, Protem Chairman, Mr. Ademola Mutui, Executive Secretary, Mrs. Esan Oyemomi, Financial Secretary, Mr. Kolawole Samuel, Treasurer and Mr. Babafunso Awe, Public Relations Officer.

National Vice President, SSANU South-West Zone, Mr Jimoh charged the new executive to be ready to serve and to always create an open platform to listen to the needs and aspirations of its members rather than merely celebrate their victory. He further urged them to work harmoniously

with management of the university and never to see the union as an instrument of war and open confrontation against the young institution. After this charge, he conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Addressing the newly sworn-in executive, then acting Registrar, FUOYE, Mr. Daniel A. Adeyemo, expressed satisfaction at the process that produced the new executive, which he described as free and fair. He stressed that any association that hoped to achieve its objectives should press home its needs legitimately, urging them to see the union as an instrument of dialogue and not as a mechanism for power.

Speaking on behalf of the new executive, the Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Olayiwola, expressed his profound gratitude to God for giving him such a huge platform to serve his colleagues and the union. He also thanked the organizers and leadership of SSANU at the national level as well as senior non-teaching members of staff for exhibiting high level of maturity during the process. In his words, “We, members of the executive, are not going to confront management but will display competence and consistency in getting whatever we deserve from management.” He finally promised to make the welfare of his members, his other members of the delegation include: Comrade A Salami, Zonal Secretary, Comrade K. T. Fashola, Zonal Treasurer, Comrade Taiwo Egberongbe, Chairman, OOU, Alhaji S. Shuaib, Chairman, Tai-Solarin University of Education, Comrade Mrs. O. BAdebayo, Treasurer Ekiti State University, Comrade I. K. Falade, Chairman EKSU, Comrade S. O. Afolabi, SSANU Scribe, EKSU, Comrade B. E. Adeoye, Financial Secretary, EKSU, Comrade Oluranil, S. A., Chairman, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART), Comrade Wale Akinremi, Chairman, University of Ibadan and Comrade Aleshinloye, Chairman LAUTECH. The event took place on Thursday, May 21, 2015.

VICE CHANCELLOR VISITS CHANCELLOR

His Royal Majesty, the Attah of Igala, Dr. Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni, who was recently appointed Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, on Friday June 12, 2015, received the vice chancellor, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu in his palace.

In his opening remarks, the vice chancellor informed his host that the team which included the Registrar, D. A. Adeyemo and Obadiah Dyiltu had specifically come to present his appointment letter to him personally and to also use opportunity of the presentation to familiarize with the Chancellor. He further explained the make-up of the Governing Council to his Highness and extended the highest regard of the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Engr. Bawa Magaji to the Chancellor.

Receiving his guests in company of his royal chiefs and aides, the visibly impressed host revealed his pleasure at the visit, admiring the prospect of people of diverse background coming together to consolidate and build the nascent institution. He further emphasized that the entire members in council should be seen as one family.. “I will put in my knowledge, resources and experience in ensuring that the young university grows”, the Chancellor promised.

Speaking on the general profile of the institution, the vice chancellor reiterated the fact that FUOYE is amongst the 12 newly-established universities in 2011 and it is the only one that has a full-fledged faculty of Engineering. He then presented copies of previous editions of the university's official news magazine, the Innovate! to the Chancellor. He disclosed that the university would be graduating its first batch of students this year and possibly hold the maiden Convocation before the end of the year. He also spoke on the forthcoming

accreditation exercise by NUC. While recognizing the patronage of TETFUND who he disclosed has sponsored buildings and structures in the university, the vice chancellor enumerated some of the challenges facing the university, prominent among which is funding. 'But we need buildings too', he added.

Responding, the Chancellor promised that they will maximize TETFUND and other funding options such that it would be obvious to all that creative minds were at work at FUOYE, stating that his target was to see the university move from its 16th position among all universities in Nigeria to 4th in a very short while. He expressed the council's readiness to assist in the key areas that would foster the development of the university.

FUOYE's NEW BURSAR REPORTS FOR WORK

Thursday June 11, 2015 marked the beginning of a new era in the Bursary Department of Federal University Oye-Ekiti as the first substantive Bursar of the institution assumed duty. He is Barrister Badmus Bashir Oyeniyi. Until his appointment, Badmus Oyeniyi was a Deputy Bursar at University of Ilorin.

Speaking during a hand-over ceremony at the University's Mini Campus, Oye-Ekiti, the outgoing acting bursar of the university since its inception in 2011, Mr Obadiah Dyiltu, thanked God for His mercies during his acting tenure and appreciated his subordinates for their commendable support that facilitated his work and successes recorded.

He enjoined Bursary staff to also give the new head the same encouraging support as he received, saying that the transition reflected the common dictum that 'the only constant thing in life is change' and expressed implicit hope that his successor would build upon his achievements in the department in particular and the university at large.

Mr. Dyiltu, however, acceded that since the only room that is always open is room for improvement, he trusted that the new Bursar would significantly improve upon his accomplishments.

He noted that owing to Mr. Badmus' impressive experience in accounting and financial management, there was no doubt that he would excel in this new challenge. He then advised his successor to inure himself to rumours and speculations that are oftentimes directed towards the bursary department.

Responding, Mr. Badmus thanked his predecessor and promised to do all in his power to justify his appointment. He said that Mr Dyiltu was able to excel because of his team of willing and progressive-minded workforce and promised to conduct inhouse training for those that would work under him. Mr Badmus said he would be publishing a monthly bulletin called Financial Digest from the stable of the Bursary Department to keep the university community abreast of relevant financial matters. This, according to him, would curb unfounded speculations and keep the environment calm. He finally pledged his commitment to his work, praying for God's help.

VC INTERACTS WITH FUOYE UNION LEADERS.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, has held an interactive session with leaders of major unions in the university. The main subject of the meeting, according to the VC, was tax and how to enlist the union leaders in resolving the tax liability on the university at present. To

lay a foundation for the discussions, he took time to explain some basic facts about tax and presumptions that surrounded charging of tax payable by staff on the gross emolument and not on the so-called basic salary, as many would prefer. It was revealed that basic salary used to be

separated from allowances paid staff before now. Then tax deduction used to be based on basic salary which was very distinct from allowances. Along the line and deriving from government responses to various agitations by various unions, government harmonized/collapsed all payments into what is today known and referred to as consolidated salary structure.

Added to the foregoing, the tax law expressly provided that tax deductions must be based on the consolidated salary which is the gross emolument. He went further to inform his audience about the university tax liability which the Ekiti state government initially put at N265m and later

scaled down to N160m by the Executive Governor of the State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. The union leaders were also informed of the efforts management had made to reduce this tax liability, (which is purely a staff responsibility to offset), by making initial payment of N60m.

It was also disclosed that management contracted the services of a tax consultant to actually determine the institution's actual outstanding tax liability to the state government. The consultants have further been directed to liaise with government tax consultants in other to reconcile the outstanding default figure. The meeting with union leaders would reconvene at the instance of the vice chancellor on getting feedback from the tax consultants.

The VC therefore said the union leaders, whom he had earlier described as leaders of the workforce, were invited to know the facts, adding, “It is unions that can negotiate with government and bring the tax rate to the barest minimum on how it will favour staff. There is need for you to find out how other universities are doing it”.

The Registrar, D. A. Adeyemo, observed that any university where there appears to be no tax problems, it can only be because the unions in such a university have negotiated with their host government. He was not oblivious, however, of the implications of negotiated or waived tax liabilities. The new Bursar, Bashir Oyeniyi Badmus, canvassed a formal correspondence that would capture the key ingredients of such possible waivers, for record purposes. Charges, existing and current, should also be included as items in the negotiations with government.

The unions were therefore advised to sensitize their members of these developments and possible implications if the efforts being proposed at negotiating with government fell through bearing in mind that at present staff are only being charged 50% of their expected tax deductions. The unions applauded management initiative especially with regard to the initial lump payment of N60m on staff behalf and appreciated the invitation to sit and reason together for the good of the institution. They were unanimous in admitting the inevitability of tax issue, promising to reach out to their respective executive or even congress to come up with a common front on the most acceptable approach to resolving the matter.

Present at the meeting held at the vice chancellor's conference room on Wednesday June 10, 2015 were Chairman and Financial Secretary of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Dosu Malomo and Dr. Abiodun Lawal; Chairman and Secretary of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Olayiwola Ayodele and Ademola Adekunle; Chairman and Secretary Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU, Adebayo Dada and Ganiyu Afolabi, respectively.

FUOYE RETAINS SERVICES OF FRCN.

The management of Federal University Oye-Ekiti has retained the services of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Progress. FM Ado-Ekiti in its bid to give wider publicity to the giant strides in the university. This followed the acceptance of a proposal on retainership earlier sent to the university from the radio station. The highlights of the understanding will ensure that Radio Nigeria Progress FM will assign a reporter that will be monitoring and reporting activities of the university and that major activities of the university will enjoy prominence in the bulletins of Progress FM. However, the agreement does not include personal paid advertisements (PPA) or jingles as well as live broadcasts.

Even though the agreement did not extend to Network News in Abuja, issues of national or international importance emanating from the university would be sent to the Network

and “South-West Today”, on non–contractual basis.

In his remark, General Manager of Progress FM, Pastor Kayode Akinsola said the working relationship with FUOYE was cordial even without a formalized understanding as the media outfit had already been giving news stories from the university air-time but admitted that the retainership will serve as an added impetus to go the extra mile in projecting major activities, events and engagements of the university to the outside audience.

Presenting the letter of appointment to the GM, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu challenged the organization to continue to project whatever the university is doing to their listening audience which is the basic essence of the retainer-ship. He reassured that the university would continue to embrace such mutually beneficial relationships in its bid to advance the fortunes of the young institution.

The brief ceremony which held in the office of the vice chancellor had in attendance the Public Relations Officer of the university, Ukaegbu Chris as well as Femi Ogunlimoro Head of Marketing Department and other officers from the radio station.

DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

The above headline is the exact title of a lecture delivered by theRegistrar, Mr. D. A. Adeyemo, on the occasion of the 2nd FUOYEANUPA meeting/seminar held on June 19, 2015, at the university'smain auditorium, Oye-Ekiti.

Mr. Adeyemo likened the Administrative Officer (AO) to a prostituteand explained that the AO ought to be able to develop suchinterpersonal skills as would enable him work with all personsirrespective of their temperament group. It, therefore, amused himwhen some staff would come to him to seek redeployment on thereason that they couldn't get along with one person or another. TheRegistrar went ahead to disclose that communication fails when thereceiver is unable to understand the message in its intended form, advising that people should seek clarification where they do notunderstand the task given to them.

Identifying four temperament types of choleric, sanguine, melancholy and phlegmatic, he posited that a person's temperamentor personality, inherited along with other physical and physiologicalqualities that are carried by the genes, plays a key role in determininghis character traits. He, therefore, declared that knowledge of this fact would help staff to understand and manage one another for theultimate realization of the university's goals.

The Registrar was, however, quick to point out that people shouldmoderate their conducts and utterances and not hide under thetemperament concept to engage in unruly behaviour.

The event earlier had an interactive session where participant’s sharedtheir work experiences. Contributors were unanimous in decryingshortage of workspace, resource materials, as well as limited internetaccess. Participants were however advised to make personalsacrifices when required to achieve result in their assigned tasks.

Such sacrifice, according to the Registrar, would not go unnoticed asit would, at the appropriate time, give one an edge over one'scontemporaries in the work place.

CSSAN INAUGURATES EXCO

The newly elected executive of Crop Science Students Association of Nigeria, (CSSAN), FUOYE chapter solemnly pledged to approach their duty with every sense of responsibility. This vow was made as they took the oath of office following their inauguration which took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Theatre Hall, Ikole Campus on Wednesday March 17, 2015.

In his opening speech, Dr S. O. Adigbo who represented the Head of Department urged the students to commit themselves fully to the profession and be proud of their course of study. He stressed that Crop Science as both a discipline and profession is capable of assisting in feeding the nation as well checking economic dependency particularly in the area of food security. He reassured the students that they would not have any cause to regret that they took up the profession because there are plenty of opportunities for graduates and professionals of Crop Science.

Dr O. T. Adeniji, who administered the oath of office, also encouraged the pioneer executive of the association to work together as a team in favour of the students they represent. He admonished them to be proud of the profession and work to bring about innovative ideas and performances that will show-case the profession to the university community in particular and Ekiti State in general.

In his speech, Head of the Department, Professor S. A. Adebitan, who joined the ceremony later from an official engagement, assured the executive and all the students of his personal support and that of the department to ensure the association was sustained.

Delivering a goodwill message from the Programme Officer, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. T. O. Oyewumi, promised to collaborate with the university and students’ groups such as CSSAN in promoting the laudable profession. He assured the executive and students that the Programme Officer would welcome students that are ready to undertake Industrial Training (IT) programme in Ekiti State ADP. According to him, job opportunities abound for graduates of Agricultural Science in agricultural companies, commercial farms and government institutions, adding that the profession will give the students the privilege to double as self-employed and employers of labour.

Members of the CSSAN executive are Osadebey Philip Joseph, President, Bamiteko Monjolaoluwa, Vice President, Ahunanya Ezekiel Eberechukwu, General Secretary and AsonibareIteolorun Blessing, Treasurer. Others are ToluwalopeSaliuSuleman, P. R. O., AdaraTaiwo Mary, Welfare Director, Oyelowo Deborah, Financial Secretary and Fagbuaro Stephen Adegboyega Assistant General Secrtary.     

FUOYE MEDICAL CENTRE ELABORATES ON BLOOD DONATION AND DRUG ABUSE

The Medical Centre of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti recently sensitized the university community on blood donation. In a one-day seminar entitledThanks for Saving My Life, the Head, University Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD), disclosed that a US report says that “every two seconds, someone will need blood to survive.” He encouraged people to donate blood as many persons who would still be alive had died from blood shortage in their body system.

Doctor Ige explained the connectivity of blood functions in the body which include transportation and distribution of oxygen, fighting against infection and transportation of food nutrients. He also emphasized on the benefits of blood donation to the donor because it reduces the risk of cancer, burns calories, allows free health check-up, helps to reduce excess levels of iron in the blood and above all, producing in the donor the joy of saving a life.

He revealed that the eligible age for blood donation is between 18 and 65 years while the donor must weigh not less than 50kg. He strictly warned that a person must not donate blood more than twice a year for health purposes. He, however, advised that before donation, one must undergo screening to ensure he does not display the high risk behaviours associated with certain infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hypertension, syphilis, sleeping sickness, cancer, and diarrhoea, among others.

An officer from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Peter Nnamani, spoke on drug abuse and related vices.

He mentioned some illegal drugs such as cannabis, marijuana, heroin and cocaine as distinct from the legal types which include off-counter drugs such as pain relievers. He classified drugs into therapeutic drugs and recreational drugs. According to him, therapeutic drugs are for curative purposes. Examples of therapeutic drugs are aspirin and

paracetamol for pains, antibiotics for infection, while recreational drugs are drugs used for fun. Their effects are often neglected.

Examples of this type are cigarettes and alcohol in beer. Mr. Nnamani warned that even the drugs designated as legal can be abused when taken without the doctor's prescription or by taking an overdose of prescribed drugs. These attitudes are also logged under drug abuse together with the use of the prohibited types. He disclosed that penalty for drug abuse is 15 years in jail with hard labour. In view of this, he advised strongly that students should stay away from drugs and be law abiding.

Mr. Nnamani stated that drug abuse starts from experimental stage to occasional stage, from where it moves to regular stage and finally to addicted stage and then develops into a societal problem. He identified some factors that lead to drug abuse as environmental factors, frustration, desire to succeed and economic depression. He also mentioned ways to identify an addict through arrogant attitude, physical appearance, red and puffy eyes, inability to concentrate, dishonesty, unreliablity, among other indicators. “If you are not concerned about it, you are yet to be a victim, that's why we must stand and fight against it in our society,” he said.

FUOYE officers present were the Registrar, Mr. Daniel Abiodun Adeyemo, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, Mrs. Olowokere who represented the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. O. O. Fasoranti, and Head of Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD). Other members of staff of the university were also in attendance.

ICT, PLEASE MAKE THE INTERNET WORK

In our 21st century, the internet has become a sine qua non in corporate business and communications. In the university system, it has overtaken the conventional book library as a medium for research and other related academic practices.

Recognizing therefore that no corporate entity can thrive without the services that the internet offers, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) places high premium on internet availability within the campuses. Still very young and grappling with many onset challenges, the university has made it clear that internet availability is of fundamental importance to its operations. For this reason, the Vice Chancellor and management of the institution vote huge amounts of money every month to ensure that both students and staff have access to the internet for faster and better work output. It is also on record that FUOYE's positive response to the internet stimulus is a strong factor in the university's 16th position in the recent Webometric ranking.

Much as we commend the university's authority in this regard, it is noteworthy that access to the internet on campus is not widespread.

This means that while some buildings have no internet access at all, others enjoy only varying degrees of fluctuating coverage. We are convinced that full internet access will add greater impetus to productivity on the campuses. We therefore implore the ICT to evolve a longer lasting solution to the challenges of weak internet signal in the campuses.

VC COMMENDS STAFF

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Professor Isaac .U. Asuzu, is full of praise for staff of the university for their invaluable and unquantifiable contributions, support and cooperation with management in the period leading to, and during the just concluded, National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise last week.

The vice chancellor is particularly touched by the dedication and devotion by the entire staff to the collective goal of the university towards achieving full accreditation for all our programmes. This show of support he has observed was actually evident right from the weekend preceding the arrival of the NUC Accreditation teams. That staff were seen putting finishing touches to our arrangements and procedures even on Saturday and Sunday prior to the commencement of the exercise on Monday, without much prompting and at no personal benefits, did not escape the vice chancellor’s keen observation. And he is quite appreciative.

Feelers from our faculties and departments have also supported the fact that we were all on one page towards a successful accreditation exercise. This entrepreneurial disposition and personalization of the whole process is quite commendable. The vice chancellor is therefore not oblivious of the fact that all hands were on deck to ensure a hitch-free accreditation exercise and he has promised that if we continue to work like we did during the accreditation exercise; the sky would not be our limit, in all we undertake to achieve as a university.

He equally urged staff to continue to accord the same spirit to other on-going activities of the university, assuring management’s determination to continue to provide suitable work environment for all.

IN DEFENCE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR’S CUP

Host team, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences handed out an enthralling victory at the finals against defending champions, Faculty of Agriculture in the just concluded second edition of the Federal University Oye Ekiti Vice Chancellor’s cup tournament held August 14, 2015 at St. Augustine playground arena. Both teams had entered the final contest having accrued five points each in the preliminaries.

The defending champions having put up a quality style of play at the preliminaries were clear favorites at the final. They wasted no time as they swung the pendulum in their own direction by finding back of the net in just fifteen minutes of play. The trailing team, faculty of humanities and social sciences staged a wonderful comeback through a stunning equalizer without much ado and thus setting the stage for an exciting soccer show-piece.

It became a nail-biting scenario for spectators who had watched on at the arena as both teams approached the closing stages of ninety minutes on level terms before the host team handed out a bitter pill to its opponent by sealing off the game with an additional goal. Two goals to one it ended in favour of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac U. Asuzu represented by the Registrar, Mr. D.A. Adeyemo expressed appreciation to the organisers of the tournament and commended the Sports Unit immensely for not only keying into the corporate vision of building a university that would be known for its academic excellence but also in sports development thereby creating a virile and energetic workforce. He also reaffirmed that management is committed to supporting sporting activities in whatever capacity it could adding that the vice chancellor is not relenting on his earlier promise of ensuring the speedy completion of the on-going sports playground at Oye as well as construction of  football pitch at Ikole campus. “We will ensure that the next edition of this tournament would be held in our own pitch and not somewhere else”, affirmed promised.

 In a brief chat with FUOYE News Bulletin, some spectators expressed delight at the successful outing and wished that more of this competition should be encouraged. According to them, this platform would help discover budding soccer stars that would form a formidable team that could represent the institution in Nigerian Universities Games in future.

STANBIC-IBTC UNVEILS NEW WINDOW FOR MORTGAGE.

The IBTC Pension Fund Administrators has hinted that contributors under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) can now use part of their contributions to access mortgage facilities.

Mr. Adebiyi Rashidat, the South-West (Region) Relationship Manager of the firm dropped this hint at the multipurpose auditorium of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)during an interactive session with the staff of the institution recently. He said this development would enable contributors to access part of their fund as equity contribution for residential mortgage.

According to him, this initiative forms part of the Pension Reform Act which allows contributors to have access to their savings before retirement. “For the first time you are able as a contributor to utilize part of your balance to secure your own private house.” The relationship manager further revealed that this development was not restricted to IBTC alone, but also applies to the other seventeen existing PFAs as well.

Answering questions on whether the National Pension Commission has started implementing the 18% increment with effect from July 2014 as contained in the Pension Act, 2004, Mr. Adebiyi said the commission was yet to effect the increment, but assured that whenever it takes off the arrears would surely be taken care of.

He revealed that some of problems associated with contributors’ savings account update mostly emanates from improper documentation. He charged married or brides to-be to always update their newly adopted names with their respective Pension Fund Administrators to enable their existing profiles to be updated accordingly. He also counseled contributors who joined the federal civil or public service from other organizations where they had commenced the contributions to forward necessary account details to their respective Pension Fund Administrators who will pursue and ensure its merger with the on-going contributions. He added that for those who joined the public service from the private sector, they should forward their National Insurance Trust Fund certificates to their preferred PFA for appropriate actions.

On change of a PFA, he disclosed that contributors are at liberty to change at most once in a year. The Stanbic-IBTC/Contributors’ parley, according to the bank representative was a routine exercise designed by the company  to acquaint contributors with on-going developments in the industry as well as to get feedbacks from contributors  so as to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. He said the doors of the organization were widely open to contributors and gave a code through which contributors could check their pension account balances instantly:

bal- pen-303088 using your gsm phone.

The Registrar of the university, was represented by an Assistant Registrar and Head of Personnel Unit, Mr. Sunday Akinkunmi

SECURITY ALERT

Security unit of Federal University Oye - Ekiti has recently observed that members of staff have taken to some form of reckless driving especially when approaching the university main gate security post.

In view of this, the unit has appealed to car owners to please drive carefully while approaching the University gate to guard against avoidable accident and to ensure safety of lives of both students and staff.

 INEC APPRECIATES FUOYE

The Independent National Electoral Commission Ekiti State Nigeria has written to formally appreciate the collaboration/synergy of the Management, staff and students of Federal University Oye -Ekiti towards the successful conduct of 2015 General Elections in Ekiti State. This was conveyed in a statement signed by INEC’S Administrative Secretary, Omoleke, M.D on behalf of Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner.

It noted the exemplary performances, commitments and resilience displayed by FUOYE in the elections are worthy of note and highly commendable. It further acknowledged that the facilities and infrastructure made available for use by FUOYE for training sessions added much positive impacts to the overall success. INEC further expressed high optimism that Federal University Oye Ekiti would replicate similar patriotic acts in the Commission’s future electoral duties while extending their highest regards to the university.

FUOYE MANAGEMENT PAYS HAZARD TO ALL STAFF

Against the practice hazard allowance was only paid to a particular category of staff in the university, the Professor Kayode Soremekun administration has effected the payment of the hazard to all categories covering both senior and junior. Th i s magnanimity came in spite of the mounting responsibilities of the administration owing to the unprecedented increase in student population pursuant to the introduction of nineteen new academic programs by the administration.

VC SPURS FRESH STUDENTS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Friday March 3, 2017 witnessed the 6 th Matriculation Ceremony of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. The students, adorned in their flowing academic gowns, expectantly awaited the solemn and formal induction into their various fields of study.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun, clearly elated at conducting the first matriculation as vice chancellor, advised the new students against social activities that were capable of endangering their academic career.

In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor hinted that it had been the highest number of admission since the inception of the University, and disclosed that the University was making all efforts to increase and improve the academic facilities in the University. He urged the students to face their studies promptly and begin at this level to build up their grade.

The ebullient don advised the students not to disappoint their parents who had laboured to bring them thus far in life. The highlight of the occasion was the formal induction, by the Registrar of the University, Mr. D. A. Adeyemo, of the students in order of their faculties. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor R. A. Omolehin, deans of faculties, and other principal officers were also present. Parents, guardians, and friends and well-wishers of the matriculating students were on ground to observe the induction and rejoice with their loved ones.

A cross section of the new students, in an interview, expressed delight at seeing their dream of becoming undergraduates come true. Jegede Oluwatobi, a student of Civil Engineering, affirmed that the matriculation had been the first step of a journey of a thousand miles and prayed for strength to pull through. On her part, Omoola Joy- Goodness, a student of Mechatronic Engineering, said she was proud to be a bona fide student of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

About three thousand students admitted across the eight faculties of the university matriculated.

PRE-DEGREE STUDENTS ADVISED TO WORK HARD

The Pre-degree students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti have been given conditions for securing admission into the University. The admitted Pre- degree students for the 2017/2018 academic session had their orientation programme at Ikechukwu Ifeanacho ICT Centre, on Wednesday, 22 February, 2017.

The Chairman Board of Pre-degree, Dr. R. B. Akindola, advised the students to take their academic work seriously, set goals for themselves and pursue these goals to completion.

He urged the students to be assiduous in order to get a reasonable mark that could fetch them admission, reminding them that their enrolment in the Pre-degree programme did not guarantee them automatic admission into the university.

The students were also advised to ensure that their subject combination was proper to avoid frustrations that might arise from improper combinations. They were, therefore, urged to approach staff of Pre-pegree for clarification on questions of subject combination.

A total of three hundred and sixty students had been admitted into various faculties making it the highest number of admission since inception. Highlight of the exercise were lectures delivered by members of the Board of Pre-degree.

FUOYE TO COMMENCE MICRO-FINANCE BANK

Arrangements have reached advanced stage to establish a micro- finance bank at Federal University Oye-Ekiti. According to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun, this Management decision to create the bank amongst other things, is to restructure and reposition the inherited heavy workforce. Professor Soremekun said one of the ways to tackle the problem was to create more academic programmes, create a micro finance bank, start a post- graduate, and other ancillaries to absorb the already existing workforce.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed this while responding to questions from journalists recently at his lodge. Corroborating the Vice Chancellor's position, the Bursar of the institution, Mr. Bashir Badmus, dropped the same hint during an expanded management meeting held recently. According to Mr. Badmus, plans have been concluded by the university management to establish a micro-finance bank which would offer financial services to the FUOYE community as well as serve as a source of internally generated revenue for the young university.

 TUITION-FREE VARSITY EDUCATION UNREALISTIC- Vcs

The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities has said it was no longer realistic to have tuition-free university education in the country and wants the policy changed. The committee stated this in a communiqué that a change in policy would enable parents, guardians and government equitably share the financial burden of education.

According to Committee's Secretary General, Mr. Michael Faborode, he stated that such policy would enable students pay revised fees commensurate with the true value of university education. “The current inclination towards free tuition or free university education is unrealistic to the national vision for practical and qualitative education and perceived as not been sustainable. In his words, “To account and provide for poor and indigent students, government is encouraged to set up and re-establish an Education Bank to provide loans and access to finance.”

The committee, however, urged university managements to “think out of the box” to exploit all alternative and additional means of funding universities, including payment of tuition fees. The communiqué also called for a holistic overhaul of the education sector to tackle the decay reflected from the primary to the tertiary levels. It also urged universities to work out fresh strategies to build linkages with industries and partnerships with the private sector.

The committee equally urged the Federal Government to ensure sustainable funding of universities and other tertiary institutions to make them relevant, globally competitive and be properly positioned to spearhead sustainable development. The committee also advised government to increase scholarships, bursaries and other aids for students desirous of pursuing tertiary and postgraduate education. It called on the government to ensure that full university autonomy was attained and sustained in Nigerian universities. “In this regard, and as captured in the laws of the various universities, Councils should be given unfettered leeway to deal with all matters in their respective universities. “Such that the task of university governance should be wholesomely formulated by the Governing Council, on paper and in practice, including determining its future direction and fostering an environment in which the institutional mission is achieved. “As independent arbiters, Councils are central to industrial harmony, peace and stability on campuses and indeed the entire Nigerian university system,” it said. The communiqué further said that proprietors of private universities should adhere strictly to guidelines and templates for appointing chairmen and members of the councils.

Vanguardnewsonline. 14/03/2017.

FUOYENews Publication January 2020 Edition →→ DOWNLOAD

 Be wary of disrupting campus peace, VC tells Union Leaders

 By Adeyinka Ademuyiwa

Following threats to the peace on campus and stable academic calendar occasioned by the Congress of Monday January 13, 2020 by some non-academic staff unions of the university, the management of Federal University Oye Ekiti has cautioned union leaders to be wary of actions that can jeopardise the smooth operations of the school in 2019/2020 academic session.

Speaking on behalf of the management, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who represented the Vice Chancellor in a responsive meeting between the management and the union leaders held hours after the Congress of Monday January 13, 2020, told the union leaders that: “Patience and understanding are two required variables to sort out things unless some of us have made up their minds to foment troubles”.

This summed up the management’s response to the four-point resolution of the Joint Action Committee 2 (JAC2) Congress of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE branch and its counterpart, the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU).

At the Congress, held on the very first day of resumption of academic calendar for 2019/2020 session, Staff had tabled the following complaints: (a) 2019 Promotion Exercise, (b) Balance of 2016 Promotion Arrears, (c) 2019 Hazard Allowance Arrears and (d) Over time claims, before the management.

According to the resolutions which were presented in a letter dated Monday January 13, 2020, and distributed at the meeting, the union gave a 7 day ultimatum to attend to these demands, and threatened that: “we will not be able to guarantee the industrial peace currently enjoyed on campus”.

The ultimatum, according to the Union`s letter, which was co-signed by Comrade Oyelude Yekeen (SSANU Chairman), Comrade Ojumoola Ayodele (NASU Chairman), Comrade Faleye Benjamin (SSANU Secretary) and Comrade Ayeni Abraham (NASU Secretary), is to lapse on Tuesday January 21, 2020.

In a swift response however, management replied through a letter dated January 15, 2020, signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr Mufutau Ibrahim, expressing displeasure at the timing and location of the Unions’ Congress saying it does not portray the university’s good image to resuming students and parents and does not speak well of the Unions itself.

Management then addressed the four issues saying “the 2019 Promotion exercise was all inclusive as the management engaged the Union Leaders throughout the processes involved”.

“Extant practice in public service does not give room for mass promotion without recourse to individual’s performance on the job and available vacancies”, the management pointed out in response to Unions demand that all those recommended for promotion be promoted even after Council had met and concluded the matter.

Management also challenged the Unions to bring out concrete errors of the exercise promising to correct same quickly and advised individuals to write through appropriate channels, any of their grievances.

Secondly, on 2016 Promotion Arrears, “management wishes to state categorically that the Federal Government and University Governing Council have stopped payment of promotion arrears. What was paid earlier was a concession to buy peace which is not appreciated.

On the hazard allowances arrears, management noted that hazard allowances are components of Earned Allowances agreed to by the Unions and the Federal Government in 2009. Government in 2019 released funds for the payment of academic earned allowance in ratio 80:20 to ASUU and other Unions respectively. So payment of these allowances is solely the responsibility of Federal Government.

And on the fourth point, the Overtime Allowances, management rejected the idea of payment of overtime allowances for all staff, stressing that it is not practicable.

However, management had earlier constituted a Committee to look into it and come up with appropriate recommendations in line with Federal Government Regulations.

In addition, management is planning to see how those staff whose schedules warrant working late will be motivated and encouraged, adding that the Vice-Chancellor has resolved to meet with the unions on Friday January 17, 2020.

At the end, Union leaders promised to go back to the unions at the expiry of the ultimatum on Tuesday January 21, 2020 and convey management explanations to the Congress.

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Abioye James and Babafemi Oluwasola respectively joined the meeting before it closes.

Civil Society Groups honour Soremekun.

By Godfrey  Bakji.

An Abuja based Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON)  has bestowed Good Governance Excellence Award on the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Kayode Soremekun on Thursday January 9, 2020 in the institution.

The Award, which is in recognition of his track records in public service and selfless service to humanity was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina.

Speaking on behalf the delegation, the National Chairman of the Coalition, Comrade Olanrewaju Peter said many Civil Societies within his coalition have kept track of the achievements of Professor Kayode Soremekun since his days in the journalism industry through to his current responsibility as Vice Chancellor where he has recorded unequaled strides.

“We know when Prof Soremekun was at The Compass Newspapers, The Guardian, The Sun. We know what he achieved. We know what he can do. We appreciate his efforts at National Open University (NOUN), at Unilag, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), at Covenant University (CU) and now at Federal University Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE). We want to showcase him as a role model”, he further said

COCSON is coalition of over 60 Non Governmental Organisations including Centre for Sustenance of Civil Rule in Africa; Nigeria Progressive Women and Youths Development Initiative, Centre for Transparency Advocacy; Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation; Citizen Rights for Peace and Good Leadership Initiative; Patriotic Women Foundation and many more.

According to Mr. Peter, the responsibility of Civil Societies is not only to recognize diligence and hard work or even to criticize bad leadership, but to also encourage and appreciate high performing leaders in public sphere hence the decision to single out Professor Kayode Soremekun for this distinguished Good Governance Excellence Award.

Continuing, he added that, “the unprecedented achievements of the Vice Chancellor remain a reference to other public servants and we need to encourage him not to relent even after his stewardship as Vice Chancellor at FUOYE expired

Responding, the Deputy  Vice Chancellor expressed delight over this award, stressing that he is not surprise that people are recognizing the Vice-Chancellor because “our Captain has really done much for FUOYE, for academic, for education for youths of this nation and for Nigeria at large adding    that all that Prof Soremekun  had been able to achieve in life and as a Vice Chancellor in particular are products of prudence, hard work, team work and the courage to take the right decision against all odds.

Prof Fasina, who received the delegates in the company of the Bursar, Mrs Bolatito Rosaline Akande, the Director of Administration, Mr Olatunbosun Odusanya, the Director of Top Up and Conversion Centre, Dr A.A. Adekunle and the Deputy Director Information and Corporate Services, Mr Adeyinka Ademuyiwa    further noted that, it is not often easy for civil society organizations being watch dogs of the society, to recognize diligence and hard work especially in the public service.

The VC representative was overwhelmed by the decision to honour his boss and expressed the belief that the gesture will spur Prof Soremekun to work harder saying during the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, the university, FUOYE, has moved to 13^th position out of 160 universities in Nigeria in the current universities ranking in Nigeria

Prof Fasina also said, FUOYE now have eight functional faculties and a Post Graduate School and that very soon, two additional faculties will become operational while efforts to make the university a Centre of Excellence in food Security is being intensified.

 FUOYE ranked 13th best University in Nigeria

Kareemah Badmus-Lawal

 The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has been ranked the 13^th best University in Nigeria for the year 2020-2021.

According to the National Universities Commissions (NUC) ranking list which was released in December 2019, FUOYE, as the 13^th best out of 160 universities in the country outshined all universities established about the same time.

Not only that, FUOYE outshined many older universities like University of Calabar (Unical, 56^th) , University of Jos, (UniJos, 16^th) University of Port Harcourt, (UniPort, 20^th) University of Maiduguri (UniMaid , 34^th)and several States owned universities like Lagos State University (LASU, 18th) Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH, 17^th), Ekiti State University (EKSU, 26^th) and so on.

Also, FUOYE outshined several private universities like Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD, 38^th), Lead City University, Ibadan (81^st), Bowen University Iwo, (47^th); Al Hikmah University, Ilorin, (30^th) , Babcock University, Ilisan Remo (15^th) etc.

FUOYE, which was established in 2011, also performed best among its peers like Federal University Otueke, (59^th), Federal University Lokoja (74th), Federal University Kashere (99^th), and others.   

University of Lagos, University of Ilorin and Ahmadu Bello University were ranked 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd respectively and Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology was ranked 160^th position.

Universities are always been ranked every year after the assessment of each University. The criteria for selection includes: being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate Nigerian higher education related organization, offering at least four-year undergraduate degrees  or post graduate degrees, delivering courses predominantly a traditional, face to face, non-distance education format, infrastructures and conducive environment.

Reacting, many University leaders have been congratulating the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun for this wonderful achievement noting that, this is a result of years of coordinated efforts to improve and develop the University.

For instance, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof A.S Fasina said, “great news for us in FUOYE. I am excited to put in more efforts so that FUOYE can come first. Thank you sir,  for this”.

The DVC (Academic) in his own reaction said, “WOW! Starting the New Year and new session on a positive note and with good news. Glory be to God. Congratulations sir and I celebrate with the entire FUOYE family”.

The Ag Registrar, Mr Mufutau Ibrahim, was brief and direct, “Glory be to God for this great achievement” while the Medical Director, Dr Musbau Olawale was even more brief but equally joyous, “Wow! Thank God sir”, he said.

Responding to this, the Vice Chancellor expressed delight over this achievement.  He also, appreciated the management team and the entire University for their unflinching support which has hallmarked this achievement and promised to ensure FUOYE keeps growing.

Oyarekua replaces Bakare as Dean PG School

By Chris Ukaegbu

A new Dean has been appointed to manage the School of Postgraduate Studies of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).  She is Prof Mojisola Adenike Oyarekua from the faculty of Agriculture in the university, following the appointment of Prof Rasak Bakare as a Commissioner in the cabinet of Governor Kayode Fayemi

In a letter dated January 14, 2020, conveying the approval of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Soremekun, to the new Dean, Prof Oyarekua will be “responsible to the Vice Chancellor in supervising all postgraduate programmes of the University and providing effective academic and administrative leadership in the Postgraduate School”.

“You are also expected to be a team builder and therefore a rallying force for both academic and administrative staff and all initiatives to be undertaken by you, by ensuring their full participation”, the letter, from the Ag Registrar, Mr Mufutau Ibrahim stressed adding that she is expected to show “quality leadership, lead by example and serve as mentor” to all staff of the postgraduate school.

Similarly, another Deputy Dean for the Post Graduate School has been appointed. He is Dr Olaide S. Hammed of the Department of Physics.

According to his appointment letter, also dated January 14, 2020, from the Ag Registrar, a copy of which was made available to FUOYENews, Dr Hammed will “be responsible to the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies in supervising all postgraduate programmes of the University and providing effective academic and administrative leadership in the Postgraduate School.”

Professor Oyarekua is a graduate of University of Ibadan and a distinguished Professor of Food Science and Technology in the Faculty of Agriculture. Until recently, she was Provost, Ekiti State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti. She is a proven administrator and a consummate writer. She has won many academic laurels and Fellow of many institutes and bodies, both locally and internationally.

On his part, the new Deputy Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Hammed,  is a Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science in this university. He is a graduate of the University of Ibadan and had been in the employment of FUOYE since 2015. He is member of many academic and professional bodies and has served in many administrative positions in FUOYE.

FUOYEJET invites articles for coming editions

The Editorial Board of Federal University Oye Ekiti Journal of Engineering and Technology (FUOYEJET) has written to request for manuscripts for publication in the coming editions of the Journal in March and September 2020.

According to a memo from the Managing Editor of the journal Dr I.A Adeyanju, dated December 20, 2019, a copy of which was made available to FUOYENews, academia in the field of Engineering and Technology across the country, West Africa, Africa and beyond are encouraged to send in articles.

“Kindly encourage your friends home and especially abroad (West Africa, Africa and beyond) to submit their manuscripts for review towards the next two issues to be published at the end of March and September 2020 respectively” he said. He also referred readers to current articles in the September 2019 edition which he said is available at http://engineering.fuoye.edu.ng/journal.

The Managing Editor further expressed gratitude to partners of the Journal who, in the past, had in one way or the other assisted, adding that: “We are grateful to God, the University Management, the ICT unit, the Faculty of Engineering Board, Advisory Board members, reviewers, authors with affiliations across 26 institutions/agencies in Nigeria and 3 other countries – United Kingdom, South Africa and Ivory coast”.

Dr. Adeyanju also invites feedback on published articles from the current or previous editions of the journal which according to him, are available at http://engineering.fuoye.edu.ng/journal

Fasina makes wearing of ID card compulsory in Ikole.

 By Bunmi Dada

 The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor A. S.   Fasina, has directed all staff and students of Ikole Campus of the university to always put on their identity cards while on campus.

In a memo from his office addressed to all staff, a copy of which is available to FUOYENews, it is now an offence for any staff or student to be seen on Ikole campus without the official University identity card, effective Monday, January 13, 2020.

Prof Fasina gave this directive at a stakeholders meeting of all heads of departments and units in the Ikole Campus of the University. The meeting, which was held in his Conference Room recently resolved that every staff and student must wear their Identify card while on campus.

Enforcement of this order after the commencement date will attract severe sanctions against any who would violate it.

Though the memo was silent on the reason behind the resuscitation of this policy, informed observers saw this policy as being consistent with the common corporate practices and the need to be sensitive to security matters.

For the records, there are presently two faculties in Ikole Campus; Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Engineering. Other Faculties are in view. There are some other departments and Units there also like Medical Centre, Research Farm, Bursary, Audit, etc.

It should be that this is not the first time this issue of wearing of ID card is attracting management attention. At the height of insecurity and threats of attacks by hoodlums on our high institutions some years back, the need for proper identification gave rise to the directive that all staff and students must wear their official means of identification while on Campus. However, improved security situation relaxed continued enforcement of the order.

DLI’s staff for Commonwealth sponsored meeting in Abuja

Three members of staff of the Federal University Oye Ekiti’s Distant Learning Institute (FUOYE-DLI) were at a meeting of Regional Training and Research for Open and Distant Learning (RETRIDOL), an organ of Commonwealth of Learning, at Abuja on Thursday January 16 to Friday January 17, 2020

According to a memo dated January 14, 2020, written to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun, a copy of which is available to FUOYENews,all the three went on Commonwealth of Learning sponsorship.

The Vice-Chancellor has approved their travelling plans and report of their activities at the meeting will be published when they arrive

Follow due process to access imprest, Usman counsels unit heads

By Kareemah Badmus-Lawal

The Deputy Director for Internal Audit at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Mr S.O. Usman has stressed the need to observe prescribed procedures in accessing imprest fund for proper record and financial control.

Mr Usman, in a memo dated December 20, 2019 to all departmental heads, added that failure to retire initial imprest appropriately by end of a financial year, that is December 31^st, may mean denial from getting another one in the new year until the proper retirement is done.

He listed the conditions thus: (a) All imprest holders should endeavour  to procure Imprest Register for the recording of their imprest transactions saying it has been observed that people are confused about use of the term Retirement as Reimbursement; (b) All memos requesting for Imprest in January of every year should be titled "Initial Imprest Request" subsequently and every Imprest during the year should read Imprest Reimbursement till December when it will read Imprest Retirement.

The Auditor further said that, “Henceforth, Imprest Retirement is only for December which is the end of financial year” and that “Any Faculty, Department or Unit that fails to retire their initial imprest by the end of financial year i.e. December 31st will not be able to access new Imprest until initial imprest is retired”.

“All concerned parties’ cooperation in this regard is highly necessary”, he added.

FUOYE releases new academic calendar

By Kareemah Badmus-Lawal

 The 2019/2020 provisional academic calendar has been released.

According to the release, from the Office of the Registrar, the first Semester which commences from Monday January 13, 2020 will last for 19 weeks to end on Saturday June 13, 2020.

Similarly, the second Semester which will start on Monday June 29, 2020 following about two weeks break, will last for seventeen weeks to end on Thursday November 26, 2020.

Details of the event show that resumption, screening and registration of fresh student will last for Two weeks Monday 13 – Friday January 24, 2020. While, late registration of fresh students will be between Monday, January 27 and Monday, February 3, 2020, First Semester lectures will start on February 10 for returning Students. Late payment of school fees will attract additional #5,000 from February 17 -24, 2020.

Matriculation of new students is on Friday March 20, 2020 and by May 25, 2020 all students will start first semester examinations.

Furthermore, second Semester lectures begin for all students on Monday June 29, 2020 and registration will last for one week (Monday June 29 – Monday July 26, 2020) while Students Union Week will be between Monday August 10  and Friday 14, August 2020. Also, lectures end on Friday October 2, 2020 and revision starts on Monday October 5, through Friday October, 2020.

Finally, the second semester examination begins on Monday October 12 and ends on Saturday October 31, 2020. While the 2019/2020 academic session ends on Thursday November 26,2020 the 2020/2021 academic session will start January4, 2021.

Ojokheta delivers 483^rd Inaugural Lecture at U.I

The Dean faculty of Education, Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) Prof Kester Osegha Ojokheta in slated to deliver the 483^rd Inaugural Lecture of the University of  Ibadan on Thursday 6, February 2020 at the Trenched Hall by 5:00pm.

According to the invitation card for the occasion a copy of which was made available to FUOYENews, Prof Ojokheta will speak to the topic, “promote it and the dividends shall manifest”

Friends of the Dean and other association are encouraged to be there. 

FUOYE signs MoU with Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

  By Godfrey Bakji

The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Federal Polytechnic Ilaro for the adoption of the former’s Top Up and Conversion Programme, on Thursday January 16, 2020 in the Vice-Chancellor Conference Room. The programme aims at helping Higher National Diploma holders undergo more training to get a degree.

While welcoming his guests, the Vice chancellor of FUOYE Professor Kayode Soremekun described the collaboration as very important. He said the institution derive for such collaborations was part of its community service to bridge the gap between University and Polytechnic education in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor also said he was particularly delighted with the visiting team with what he described as a positive chemistry going in the administration of the Polytechnic where a former Rector of the institution Dr. R.A Oloyo operates as Director of Linkages and Collaboration. A circumstance he described as very rare which if emulated across the country will surely bring positive change in the education sector. Adding his institution strives to be in charge assuring FUOYE will never fail the collaborating institution, asserting the program will be a win-win for the two institutions.

Speaking further, the Vice- Chancellor revealed that FUOYE has witnessed exponential growth under his stewardship which earned the institution 13^th position out of 160 public and private Universities operating in the country. “This growth the Vice-Chancellor can also be replicated in the Polytechnic through collaborations such as this”, he stressed.

Leading the delegates from Federal Polytechnic Ilaro is the Institution`s Rector, Dr. Olusegun Aluko who also expressed delight with the collaboration assuring also that his institution is ready to play its part to ensure the success of the progamme.

Other dignitaries who spoke at event include FUOYE Director of Top Up and Conversion Programme, Dr A.A Adekunle who hinted that the collaboration has already taken off on a sound ground because 200 candidates already have purchased forms for the programme with more hoping to enroll.

He appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun for creating an enabling environment for the successes recorded on the programme since commencement.

The signing of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro MoU brings to six the numbers of institutions in partnership with FUOYE for its Top Up and Conversion Programme. Others who have already signed are the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Best Solutions Polytechnic, Akure,  Lagos Polytechnic, Ikorodu and the Polytechnic, Ibadan and two others.

Nearly 500 students jostle for admission into FUOYE Law programme

   By Godfrey Bakji and Bunmi Dada

Four hundred and ninety eight (498) candidates have subscribed for admission into the newly approved law programme of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) for the year 2019/2020 academic session.

This was disclosed to FUOYENews by Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the university, Mr Adeboyejo Moses Adeyinka in a message on Wednesday January 8, 2020.

Responding to questions from FUOYENews, Mr Adeboyejo said, “Thank you sir….We received 498 applications…”

In his own reaction, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Andrew Adetokunbo Borokini, whose faculty is the beneficiary of the screening,  noted that:  these 500 students would have been denied admissions but for the doggedness of the management who offered this opportunity. 

Prof Borokini, was at the Prometric Centre, the venue for computer based test (CBT) organized for the candidates to supervise proceedings, said about fifty (50) of the candidates will be offered admission.

The Dean further said that only candidates who sat for the last Joint Admission Matriculation Board Examination and scored a minimum of 230 points were eligible to seek for the admission.

On the modalities for selecting the fifty (50) candidates, the Dean assured that merit will strictly be adhered to by the admission committee. He also revealed that candidates’ JAMB’s  score, Ordinary level results from West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or National Examinations Council (NECO) and the score of the computer based test will be used to select qualified candidates.

It would be recalled that the National University Commission (NUC) had earlier approved the law programme for the university since last year after a thorough resource verification exercise.  

Akande is FUOYE’s new Bursar

This is to announce the appointment of Mrs. Bolatito Roseline Akande as the Second Substantive Bursar of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) following the University Governing Council’s decision of December 19, 2019 at its 18th Statutory Meeting.

According to a letter dated December 31, 2019 to the new financial czar, by the Acting Registrar who took minutes of the Council, Mr Muftau Ibrahim, “the appointment is for a single term of five (5) years with effect from January 6, 2020”.

The letter of appointment reads in part: “The terms and conditions of service, including remunerations and fringe benefits shall be as approved for the Bursar of Federal Universities in Nigeria”. It also reminded her that she will be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day administration of all financial activities of the University.

It will be recalled that Mrs Akande, who is a member of fourteen (14) professional and accounting bodies including Association of Forensic Accountants of Nigeria (AFAR), Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), International Professional Managers Association (IPMA) (UK), International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professional (IICFIP) among others was employed as Deputy Bursar of this University sometimes in June 2016.

She became Acting Bursar in September 2017 when the then Bursar Alhaji Bashir Oyeniyi Badmus passed on in office.

By this appointment, Mrs Akande, who holds two Masters of Science degrees in Accounting from Afe Babalola University (2017-2019) and European American University, Commonwealth Dominica in 2011-2013, edged out twenty six (26) other candidates including Substantive Bursars of Federal Universities in Nigeria.

Born on July 2, 1970 in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and married with three children, the new Bursar began her education at Saint Mary Catholic School and Sacred Heart Convent School both at Ibadan for Primary School Education before proceeding to Federal Government College, Ogbomosho for her Secondary Education, where she made credits in 8 subjects including English and Mathematics.

The financial guru of today cut her teeth in accounting at Lagos State Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology for foundational Diplomas in Accounting and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) for Masters in Business Administration before M.Sc. Accounting in two Prestigious Schools earlier mentioned. She speaks English and Yoruba very fluently and has authored three academic papers apart from exposures to thirty one (31) local and overseas seminars and workshops.

Mrs Akande has served within twenty one (21) committees of this University prior to her appointment and received University commendation “on diligence and professionalism in the discharge of her responsibilities and ensuring adequate accountability and for display of high level of competence and commitment in the service of the University. She had earlier bagged similar commendation at National Open University (NOUN) twice.

It is this varied experience and wide exposure of the new Bursar that FUOYE hopes to enjoy in the years ahead. Congrats to all.

FUOYENews Publication February 2020 Edition →→DOWNLOAD

FOUYE’S Council commends VC, plans project inspection visit Feb 11^th

By Adeyinka Ademuyiwa

The Governing Council of Federal University, Oye- Ekiti (FUOYE), led by its Chairman and Pro Chancellor, Prof Tunde Samuel rose from its 18^th Statutory Meeting of Thursday December 19, 2019 commending the Vice-Chancellor and his lieutenants over the rate of infrastructural development at the institution.

Receiving the report of project development activities, the excited Council Members recalled the starting point and slated Tuesday February 11, 2020 for a comprehensive inspection visit of the campus housing several building facilities and other educational infrastructure which have been erected under the tenure of the Council which coincidental falls largely under the tenure of the Vice Chancellor too.

According to Council Decision Extract made available to FUOYENews, “Council took note of giant strides that the university is making in providing adequate infrastructure and want to formally commend the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun, his management team and the Director of Physical Planning Unit, Mr Adebowale Ayodele for delivering on the mandate giving to them, for their selfless service and for their meritorious services the development of the university”.

The Pro Chancellor, who is particularly delighted after receiving the progress report on university projects that he his leading so committed team of professionals, has directed that proper documentations of the projects be done since they are all executed during his stewardship.

Some of the projects listed for inspection are: Twin Lecture Theatre for Faculty of Management; The Administrative Building, The University Library; Extension of the main university road to lead to new faculty of Pharmacy and Hostels; New  Faculty of Agriculture Building; Faculty of Pharmacy buildings and laboratories; 500 capacity Faculty of Science Large Lecture Theatre; The new road opening the university to Oye-Ikole Road; And stunning feats of Directorates of Top Up and Conversion and the Distance Learning Programme

The Council, comprising Prof Babatunde Samuel (Chairman and Pro Chancellor); Prof Kayode Soremekun, Vice-Chancellor; Prof Abayomi Sunday Fasina (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration); Prof Olusola Johnson Ojo, (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic); Mr Abdullahi Salihu Jibrin (Member); Alhaji Alkali Aji Kolo (Member); Engr. Sabo Inuwa (Member); Prof O.Omotola (Member); Prof O.S. Lawal (Member); Prof S. Adejuyigbe (Member), Mrs Bolatito Roseline Akande (Member) and the Ag Registrar, Mr Mufutau Ibrahim which had been tireless in advancing the course of growth of the university also mandated the management to commence preparatory process for reviewing the university master plan.

Our members did not attack Journalists, says FUOYE Union Leaders

            ….commends management on conversion

By Chris  Ukaegbu and Godfrey Bakji.

The leadership of the Joint Action Committee 2- Comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has denied an allegation that journalists who come to cover its university wide Congress held on January 22, 2020 were attacked by some members of the Unions even as they commended the university management on the last conversion exercise.

The duo, Comrade Oyelude Yekeen Oyelowo (SSANU Chairman) and Comrade Ojumola Ayodele (NASU Chairman) debunked the allegations published by an obscure online media that journalists were physically attacked or that their cameras were damaged.  They made the clarifications while fielding questions from reporters of FUOYENews and a visiting journalist from Ekiti Standard newspaper, Mr. Emmanuel Onwusoro, on January 27, 2020 at the Directorate of Corporate Services office.

In the words of Comrade Ojumola: “We read the report too, but it is far from the truth. No member of our unions attacked any journalist. The public should note that. There was an argument. Some people complained that a car nearly hit them while reversing. There was no assault. We went and pacified them and they left. There was no assault on any journalist that day. None of our members used anything against any journalists”, he stressed.

Echoing his NASU counterpart, Mr. Oyelude said: “A car nearly hit some people while reversing and the affected staff reacted naturally. We stepped in and order was restored immediately and the Congress continued. There was no incidence of threats or assault on anybody”.

The Union Leaders also commended the University management on the recent Conversion exercise: “You know because we are responsible Unions, we don’t have personal issues against the management. When they do it right, we commend them. We want to give it to them on Conversion last year. They attended to that case last year though not enough”.  “But at least they have opened the door that if one has an additional qualification in the institution, you hope that one day you would be considered”, they contended.

Explaining labour’s stand on the lingering agitations, on which management had met with the labour more than five times, the Union leaders submitted that the summary of their demand is to ensure dignity of labour, “pushing management to do the right thing, correcting irregularities we observed in the system, taking care of the welfare of our members etc”, warranted the agitations.

On the specific areas of agitations, the Union Leaders averred that the 2018/2019 Staff Promotions exercise was characterized by abnormalities, accusing the management of reneging on agreements early reached with the Unions.

They debunked the claim in the public domain that the unions were demanding for 2019 Christmas Bonus. This described as far from the truth: “It is a lie. We are not asking for Christmas Bonus. We are responsible leaders, leading responsible unions. We know our limit. We know our boundary. We know what is statutory. We know what is legitimate. Christmas Bonus is discretional. They can pay or not. It did not form basis for our agitation”.

Another reason for the agitation is the non-payment of over time allowance to deserving staff. These according to them, these include members of staff who work with Principal Officers and often close very late as well as drivers, who apart from not having closing time, sometimes work at weekends.

Shift duty allowance should be available for members of staff of the University who run shift duty schedules like those in the Medical Centre, Security, Information and Protocols, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Library and hostels.  

FUOYE will excite Mr. President, says NYCN Vice President.

The Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr Olamide Odumosu has declared that Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) is a brand that will excite the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Bukari (GCFR), describing the university as the “fastest growing” in the country.

Odumosu, who led seven others including two from Ekiti State Executives of the organisation, made this declaration on Thursday January 30, 2020 at the Vice Chancellor’s office after completing Public Projects inspection visit.

Thanking the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun, Odumosu said, “I want to really appreciate you formally. We have come to see for ourselves, what you are doing. We have heard a lot about your activities from our Branch Executives in Ekiti State. What I see today is exactly what Mr President wants from all public office holders”

We want to commend you and appreciate your tireless efforts in mounting several academic programmes in this university within so short a time. Some universities created about the same time with FUOYE have only 12 academic programmes whereas you already have ten faculties, each of which has more than six academic programmes, meaning that you have already about sixty academic programmes. Wonderful! 

“We also want to congratulate your Theatre and Media Arts Department for winning the National Arts and Media Contest. All that we have seen, we will document sir”, he further said.

Responding the Vice Chancellor thanked the visiting youths. “You have been able to break the mould of the cantankerous and destructive nature of Nigerian youths”, he said pointing out that the youths recognised value and that means they are people of value too. “Only the deep can call to the deep”, he stressed quoting the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“We we started, and my visiting associate pointed my attention to the enormity of the work that has to be done, I was very frightened” he recalled thanking GOD for the marvelous work HE has done at FUOYE.

As we stand here, Prof Soremekun continued, there is still a lot to be done. We already have 20,000 students. We need to build more capacity and put in place facilities to match our growth and expansion”, he stressed adding that it is possible to retrieve Nigeria from the dark inglorious past and put it on the path of glory.

FUOYE, with a rally, joins others to observe NTDs day

By Ukaegbu Chris

The Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), joined the rest of the world to observe the World Neglected Diseases (NTDs) Day with a road show on Wednesday January 29, 2020.  The theme of the day is: “Raising Awareness to fight Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)”. 

The awareness rally, which was part of a two-day programme of events started from the University gate with a three minute stopover at Ifaki Junction. It then moved on to Adebayo road/First Bank area and then to Ijigbo roundabout. Another team, which covered the State Secretariat and ABUAD joined the FUOYE team at Ijigbo where all the teams converged before  embarking on a road walk to Oke Iyinmi.

Earlier in the awareness Campaign, the team led by Dr. Mogaji Hammed and other co-organisers like Dr. S. I. Oyedeji, Dr. H. I.  Okoh, Dr. M. I. Odoh, had live Radio Programme at Radio Nigeria, Progress FM, 100.5 where they interacted with live audience who participated actively in question and answer session on the essence of the Day.

It would be recalled that Dr. Mogaji Hammed of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology in the Faculty of Science won a micro-grant of two thousand five hundred ($2,500) USD provided by the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi through the Global Health Strategies to host the first World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day event in FUOYE.

Speaking on the importance of this grant, the Dean, Faculty of Science of the university, Professor Olaide Samuel Lawal said, “In the Faculty of Science, we have always equipped our staff intellectually and prepared them sufficiently to compete for grants.  You will recall that few months ago we had a Grantsmanship Workshop and we invited distinguished scholars from many universities. Some eminent scholars were here. The Workshop was to equip our staff, to train them, on how to write grant-winning proposals. This one that was won by one of our staff, Dr. Hammed Mogaji, was as a result of his ability to key into the Workshop.”

The Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi micro grant is meant to raise awareness to fight all neglected diseases in the tropics. In doing this the Dean said, “We need to know what these neglected tropical diseases are. You will agree with me that there are some tropical diseases that are already in the limelight of World Health Organizations such as malaria, Tuberculosis, etc, Those ones are already attracting a lot of attention globally, whereas there are other diseases in the tropics that are peculiar to us and they are killing people and people are suffering a lot from them.”

So the grant is to raise awareness about the neglected diseases in the tropics, identify the things can be done for prevention and even if somebody is affected, specify where they can get treatment.  We also want to work out strategies on how to prevent continuous infection.

Some of the NTDs identified in the grant-winning proposal were diseases like Guinea worm (Sobia in Yoruba), Human African trypanosomiasis, Leprosy, Elephantiasis, River blindness, Schistosomiasis, Soil-transmitted helminthiases (worms transmitted diseases), Onochocerciasis, Scabies and other ectoparasites. However, wareness would be focused specifically on the diseases that are affecting Ekiti State like Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), Onochocerciasis or River blindness, Schistosomiasis or Atosi aja and Soil-transmitted helminthiases or worms infection. These are the ones affecting Ekiti State as captured in the award-winning proposal.

FRSC officials were on hand to direct traffic on all the routes where the awareness campaign took place.

Radiographers excited about FUOYE programme

By  Chinedu Okafor.

The National President, Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Dr. Joseph D. Zira  has expressed joy and satisfaction with the plans of Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE),  to mount radiography degree programme in the university.

The Professor of Radiography from Bayero University Kano, who led a delegation of his professionals on a courtesy call to the FUOYE Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun on Monday January 20, 2020, said “One of the mandate of this Association is to promote the establishment of Radiography schools all over Nigeria”.

The Ace Radiographer expressed readiness to collaborate with the University for the purpose of facilitating the establishment of Radiography program stressing that as Radiographers representing Radiography profession, they had come specifically to key into the university's developmental policies most especially in the latter's efforts at establishing Basic Medical disciplines.

He described the difference between Radiology and Radiography indicating that the former deals with Medical doctors that are specialists in the practice of medicine using radiation technology while Radiography simply meant the profession itself. He corroborated the statement by adding that both bodies work as a team to ensure efficient health care services delivery to patients.

Stressing the importance of establishing the Radiography program into the young university, Dr. Zira noted that the introduction would have a future positive impact on the health care delivery system of the people in Ekiti State and South West region at large.

According to him, “based on statistics available, only the University of Lagos(UNILAG), amongst the Universities domiciled in South West states, offers Radiography program.“In the whole of Ekiti State, no General Hospital aside from EKSUTH and FETHI has a single radiographer”.

“The risk behind it, is that if the real Radiographers who have the license to dispense radiation are not allowed to practice due to paucity of professionals, it will pose health challenges when quacks dabble into the practice without the adequate training”, he added.

The Radiographer President further reiterated the Association's willingness to support the University in ensuring the smooth take off of the program. “We also have some able Radiographers within the South West region so that the selection of workforce will not be much a problem. We are going to advice properly so that the right things will be put in place. So we are here to key into the vision and also encourage the university to adopt the policy of starting Radiography program”, he further said.

Responding, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun, expressed delight with the Association adding that the visit could not come at no better time other than now that the university had just began its process of launching various Medical programs.

“At the moment, we are actively establishing synergy with Federal Teaching Hospital IdoEkiti (FETHI), which has offered us a platform for our clinical activities even before starting”, he further disclosed.

The University Administrator further decried the paucity of funds made available to Universities by the Federal Government adding that his administration would look into the cost implication involved in floating the Radiography program more so that a few other programs like Anatomy and Physiology were also in the offing.

In his words, “we are looking at some sources of funds with which to prosecute Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences with a view to providing more laboratories, classrooms and teachers. That is the lesson because when you are thinking of establishing a program, you also have to think of corresponding facilities”.

He commended the regulatory body governing Radiography practice, for maintaining peace since its formation stating that the Association had prevented what he referred to as perennial conflicts. “I have never heard about problems between Radiographers on one hand and Radiologists on other hand. The struggle for hegemony and privileges which characterises most struggles in a profession often times removes the focus of efficient health care service which is primarily the well being of patients”.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Academic Planning Unit, Prof. Cecilia Akintayo, disclosed that the Management of the University had already approved the commencement of five disciplines under the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, thus; Anatomy, Medical laboratory Science, Physiology, Radiography and Nursing while reiterating the need to expedite action in inviting the National Universities Commission (NUC) at the Resource Verification level for the approval of the programs.

“We hope that moving forward, we will begin to put concrete plans in place so as to consummate our collective and individual aspirations between FUOYE and your Association”, Professor Akintayo said.

FUOYE, Ekiti State Government collaborate on yellow fever vaccination.

By Godfrey Barji

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ESPHCD) recently collaborated to vaccinate students and staff of the university against the yellow fever virus.

The mobile vaccination campaign which takes officials of the University Health Centre led by the Acting Director, Dr. Musbau O. Olawale to faculties, administrative buildings and other centers lasted from January 24^th to February 2^nd 2020.

Speaking with FUOYENews on Tuesday, January 27, 2020, Dr, Olawale described the turn out as very impressive saying many of those expected,  that is the staff and students between the ages of 9months to 44years, turned up. It was done between 8am -4pm daily.

In separate memos to mobilize workers and students, Mrs Bukola Faluyi of the ESPHCDA wrote on November 14, last year that “yellow fever is a viral infection spread by a particular species of mosquitoes and it is completely vaccine preventive disease”.

“Since September, 2017 till date, Nigeria has recorded suspected cases of yellow fever in all states of the Federation”, she said and added that “in July 2019 alone, 78 cases have been laboratory confirmed in Nigeria. This therefore calls for concern to keep the populace protected against this disease which could cause death,” she further explained.

“In view of the above, I am directed to inform you that the health workers will be visiting your educational and religious institutions to vaccinate people within the target age group,” she further said and begged that “with your good office, kindly ensure that the campaign is given wide publicity as a key stakeholder in the making of the programme a success”.

FUOYE, on the directive of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun through memos of January 15, 2020 and January 21, 2020 from the University Health Centre and the Registry moblised target participants for the campaign.

Mandatory wearing of University Identity Cards

This is to inform the entire of members of staff that the university management has directed the mandatory wearing of the university identity card while on campuses.

Consequently, all members of staff are expected to comply with this directive.

Thank you.

Wuraola R. AYEDERO

For: Ag. Registrar

The Registry is in the process of compiling the names of Non-Teaching Staff who have not been enrolled into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Consequently, all affected Non-Teaching Staff should visit the Personnel Affairs Division to put down their names with reasons for their inability to enroll in December, 2019 on or before the close of work on Friday, 31^st  January 2020.

This memo supersedes the earlier one dated 27^th January, 2020, on this subject.

Thank you.

Signed

Omolara R. Abe (Mrs)

For: Ag Registrar.

University’s Assets Inscription Committee (UAIC)

This is to inform the entire members of staff of the University that a Committee has been constituted by the University Management to identify and label all University assets within the time frame of six weeks.

Accordingly, for this to be carried out effectively, the Committee hereby requests that all the Head of Departments/Units of the University should list out all University Assets in their care in accordance with the template attached therein.

It will be appreciated if the lists of items are submitted to the Secretary of the University Assets Inscription Committee (UAIC), Bursar’s Office On or Before Friday, 10^th January, 2020.

Thank you.

Olanrewaju T. Ojo

For: Chairman, UAIC

 University Health Centre

What you should know about lassa fever

1.      MODE OF TRANSMISSION

·         Food contaminated with rat urine and feces

·         Contact with body fluid of infected person

2.      SYMPTOMS

·         Fever

·         Headache

·         Muscle pain

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Diarrhea

·         Sore throat

·         Cough

·         Chest pain

·         Bleeding for orifices

3.      PREVENTION

·         Protect food from rat contamination, using strong container with cover

·         Keep house and surroundings clean to discourage rat access

·         Avoid contact with secretions from infected person by means of protective clothing: mask, gloves, gowns, goggles.

·         Let a sick person go to health facility if

-          Fever is not responding to anti malaria

-          Fever is taking too long to subside or

-          Bleeding is noticed

 Locating the Mid-point.

By Ademuyiwa Adeyinka

For weeks now the Joint Action Committee (JAC2) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) FUOYE Branch and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of the same University had been at logger heads with the University Management over allowances, overtime claims and last year promotion exercise. Even after five meetings, all invited by the Management and running to hours there is no mid-point or resolution of the disagreements. Already the labour had given a seven day ultimatum that had lapsed and another one lapsed last Friday January 31, 2020.

While, the labour leaders remain adamant on their four point demand, pretending to negotiate but not yielding an inch even in the face of contradictory financial regulations that makes their demands very difficult to accede to, the management had been offering the olive branch, initiating moves that could lead to resolution of the crisis. 

In Physics, a mid point is a fulcrum on which can rest a pole to balance forces either to the right or to the left. It is a fault line to crystallographers which holds an object in shape. To economics, mid point is a form of equilibrium point that equates aggregate demand and aggregate supplies. It describes a state of complete agreement between sellers and buyers of a commodity. It is that agreement point in negotiation that we are seeking for after several hours and five meetings. It should not be elusive. 

In a recent interview with FUOYENews duo of Godfrey Bakji and Chris Ukaegbu, the Union leaders talked with so much heat and passion that one wonders if meetings of all these weeks and explanations at various meetings had any effect.

While labour wants all staff recommended for promotion, promoted, Management is saying promotion is an individual thing and those who did not make the cut will not be promoted. Looking for a mid-point, the Vice-chancellor, who had repeatedly asked for what is wrong in the last exercise and promising his readiness to revisit genuine errors, again formed a Committee comprising the Ag Registrar, the Director of Administration and the two Chairmen of JAC 2 to look into the matter.  That committee, according to Prof Soremekun, will even be a standing committee to accommodate genuine concerns of Union Leaders at every promotion exercise. To me, for now, that appears the best. However, statements of Union Leaders are after that meeting and their body language do not suggest they appreciate this gesture.

Again on balance of 2016 Promotion Arrears, Management’s statement of January 15, 2020 explained the starting position. “The management wishes to state emphatically that the Federal Government and the University Governing Council have stopped payment of promotion Arrears,” the Ag Registrar said, adding that what management did by paying previously was a concession to buy peace which has not been reciprocated.

However, in the meeting following that release, the Vice-Chancellor again directed the Bursar , Mrs B.R Akande,  to look into the cost implication of this request and the financial regulations. This is another sign of readiness of the management to take a second look at the issue. Unfortunately, again, the Unions just won’t bulge.

As you read this, the second ultimatum would have lapsed. Perhaps another Congress will come today or tomorrow. And the threats to our academic calendar remain.

Comrade Yekeen Oyelude and Comrade Ojumola Ayodele carry on their shoulders heavy duties to navigate the University from crisis and the still get the demands of their members.

As leaders, they need to appreciate the olive branch of management in that last meeting and the plea that with some patience and understanding, things will get better.

More importantly, our labour leaders need to show commitment to academic peace and deploy alternative approaches to resolving issues. They need to come to the table to negotiate and be prepared to trade off some things.  Our Comrades needs to trust their members in information dissemination business and refrain from hobnobbing with renowned people of questionable character within Correspondent Corps. May God guide your path.

FUOYE VC never authorised changes in school fees

The attention of the management of Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) has been drawn to a published story on an online news media www.opr.news titled, "FUOYE’s VC orders a substantial decrease in School fees"

The story, to say the least is very "unprofessional". No byline, no attribution of any sort. The writer did a very poor job because the story has no source of any kind. No interview with any university official, no authority from any university document, nothing.

As if that is not poor enough, the website has no visible contact, no vision, no mission statement.

As the webpage is fictitious, so is the news. It's just a fabrication, a figment of writer's imagination and a tissue of lies.

For instance, Prof Soremekun is 67 years old this year and not 59 as the story fictitiously imagined.

Again the fees rates quoted had no official backing and does not represent the official school fees in the Federal University, Oye Ekiti.

No serious organisation takes fictitious online media seriously, www.opr.news inclusive.

However, when such shadowy outfit tries to mislead the public, one will have no choice but to correct such lies, hence this rebuttal.

If operators of www.opr.news are interested in news about FUOYE, they should do it professionally by asking for relevant information from the right sources. It is a disservice to the university, and the students to do otherwise.

Thank you.

CSSAN INAUGURATES EXCO

The newly elected executive of Crop Science Students Association of Nigeria, (CSSAN), FUOYE chapter solemnly pledged to approach their duty with every sense of responsibility. This vow was made as they took the oath of office following their inauguration which took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Theatre Hall, Ikole Campus on Wednesday March 17, 2015.

In his opening speech, Dr S. O. Adigbo who represented the Head of Department urged the students to commit themselves fully to the profession and be proud of their course of study. He stressed that Crop Science as both a discipline and profession is capable of assisting in feeding the nation as well checking economic dependency particularly in the area of food security. He reassured the students that they would not have any cause to regret that they took up the profession because there are plenty of opportunities for graduates and professionals of Crop Science.

Dr O. T. Adeniji, who administered the oath of office, also encouraged the pioneer executive of the association to work together as a team in favour of the students they represent. He admonished them to be proud of the profession and work to bring about innovative ideas and performances that will show-case the profession to the university community in particular and Ekiti State in general.

In his speech, Head of the Department, Professor S. A. Adebitan, who joined the ceremony later from an official engagement, assured the executive and all the students of his personal support and that of the department to ensure the association was sustained.

Delivering a goodwill message from the Programme Officer, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. T. O. Oyewumi, promised to collaborate with the university and students’ groups such as CSSAN in promoting the laudable profession. He assured the executive and students that the Programme Officer would welcome students that are ready to undertake Industrial Training (IT) programme in Ekiti State ADP. According to him, job opportunities abound for graduates of Agricultural Science in agricultural companies, commercial farms and government institutions, adding that the profession will give the students the privilege to double as self-employed and employers of labour.

Members of the CSSAN executive are Osadebey Philip Joseph, President, Bamiteko Monjolaoluwa, Vice President, Ahunanya Ezekiel Eberechukwu, General Secretary and AsonibareIteolorun Blessing, Treasurer. Others are ToluwalopeSaliuSuleman, P. R. O., AdaraTaiwo Mary, Welfare Director, Oyelowo Deborah, Financial Secretary and Fagbuaro Stephen Adegboyega Assistant General Secrtary.     

FUOYE MEDICAL CENTRE ELABORATES ON BLOOD DONATION AND DRUG ABUSE

The Medical Centre of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti recently sensitized the university community on blood donation. In a one-day seminar entitledThanks for Saving My Life, the Head, University Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD), disclosed that a US report says that “every two seconds, someone will need blood to survive.” He encouraged people to donate blood as many persons who would still be alive had died from blood shortage in their body system.

Doctor Ige explained the connectivity of blood functions in the body which include transportation and distribution of oxygen, fighting against infection and transportation of food nutrients. He also emphasized on the benefits of blood donation to the donor because it reduces the risk of cancer, burns calories, allows free health check-up, helps to reduce excess levels of iron in the blood and above all, producing in the donor the joy of saving a life.

He revealed that the eligible age for blood donation is between 18 and 65 years while the donor must weigh not less than 50kg. He strictly warned that a person must not donate blood more than twice a year for health purposes. He, however, advised that before donation, one must undergo screening to ensure he does not display the high risk behaviours associated with certain infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hypertension, syphilis, sleeping sickness, cancer, and diarrhoea, among others.

An officer from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Peter Nnamani, spoke on drug abuse and related vices.

He mentioned some illegal drugs such as cannabis, marijuana, heroin and cocaine as distinct from the legal types which include off-counter drugs such as pain relievers. He classified drugs into therapeutic drugs and recreational drugs. According to him, therapeutic drugs are for curative purposes. Examples of therapeutic drugs are aspirin and

paracetamol for pains, antibiotics for infection, while recreational drugs are drugs used for fun. Their effects are often neglected.

Examples of this type are cigarettes and alcohol in beer. Mr. Nnamani warned that even the drugs designated as legal can be abused when taken without the doctor's prescription or by taking an overdose of prescribed drugs. These attitudes are also logged under drug abuse together with the use of the prohibited types. He disclosed that penalty for drug abuse is 15 years in jail with hard labour. In view of this, he advised strongly that students should stay away from drugs and be law abiding.

Mr. Nnamani stated that drug abuse starts from experimental stage to occasional stage, from where it moves to regular stage and finally to addicted stage and then develops into a societal problem. He identified some factors that lead to drug abuse as environmental factors, frustration, desire to succeed and economic depression. He also mentioned ways to identify an addict through arrogant attitude, physical appearance, red and puffy eyes, inability to concentrate, dishonesty, unreliablity, among other indicators. “If you are not concerned about it, you are yet to be a victim, that's why we must stand and fight against it in our society,” he said.

FUOYE officers present were the Registrar, Mr. Daniel Abiodun Adeyemo, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, Mrs. Olowokere who represented the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. O. O. Fasoranti, and Head of Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD). Other members of staff of the university were also in attendance.

ICT, PLEASE MAKE THE INTERNET WORK

In our 21st century, the internet has become a sine qua non in corporate business and communications. In the university system, it has overtaken the conventional book library as a medium for research and other related academic practices.

Recognizing therefore that no corporate entity can thrive without the services that the internet offers, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) places high premium on internet availability within the campuses. Still very young and grappling with many onset challenges, the university has made it clear that internet availability is of fundamental importance to its operations. For this reason, the Vice Chancellor and management of the institution vote huge amounts of money every month to ensure that both students and staff have access to the internet for faster and better work output. It is also on record that FUOYE's positive response to the internet stimulus is a strong factor in the university's 16th position in the recent Webometric ranking.

Much as we commend the university's authority in this regard, it is noteworthy that access to the internet on campus is not widespread.

This means that while some buildings have no internet access at all, others enjoy only varying degrees of fluctuating coverage. We are convinced that full internet access will add greater impetus to productivity on the campuses. We therefore implore the ICT to evolve a longer lasting solution to the challenges of weak internet signal in the campuses.

POLICE PROMISES CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH FUOYE

The Ekiti State Police command has assured the Federal University Oye-Ekiti community of a cordial and harmonious working relationship. Led by the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Etop John James, the command visited the university while on their familiarization tour of police formations and traditional institutions across the state. The police boss in company of some of his other commanding officers such as the officer -in-charge of the Mobile Police and the OC CIB, among others, was received by the Vice Chancellor Professor, Isaac Asuzu, in his office.

The police boss said he came and inherited a harmonious working relationship between the institution and the command and reiterated that his officers and men are always willing to offer necessary services to the university community. He promised that no effort will be spared towards providing an enabling environment for a peaceful co-existence between town and gown. As a specialist in police-community relations, he said that the doors of his administration were wide open for complaints or suggestions on how to relate best with staff and students of the university community.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu applauded the police for ensuring peace in FUOYE. He appreciated the OC Mopol and his men especially for their unrelenting efforts and support during the staff unrest of December 2014. He assured his guests and the police command at large that the institution would continue to relate with the police not only in times of

trouble but as partners in progress. He hinted that FUOYE in due course might introduce courses such as law, criminology and ICT that would involve officers and men of the police. This he said is what obtains in advanced societies and which deepens police-university relations.

No institution, he said, can do without the police. “ We should be relating, not only when we have challenges” he suggested.

The university principal officers were all present during the courtesy call by the police commissioner.

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES HOLDS SEMINAR.

As part of their routine lectures, members of the academic staff of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences held the 6th edition of their lecture series on Tuesday June 23, 2015 at the faculty hall.

The three presentations which were tagged; Towards a Viable Local Government System in Nigeria, Youth Participation in Rural Development Programme and Influence of Women Literacy & Quality of Basic Education on Antenatal Care Utilisation were delivered by Mr. Felix Chukwu (GST Unit), Rev. Fr. Anthony Adebayo (Sociology Department) and Mr. Blessing I. Babalola respectively.

Mr. Felix, who spoke on the relevance of local government as a tier of government, emphasized the need to bring governance closer to the people which, according to him, would foster rapid rural development. He described the overall objective of the paper as one that sought ways of repositioning local government systems at the grass root level.

He identified undue interference by both the federal and state governments, challenges associated with allocation and equi t abl e di s t r ibut ion of r evenue and misrepresentation of local government interests as some of the factors that have bedeviled and hindered sustainable

local government system in Nigeria. He, however, submitted that constitutional provisions guiding the operations of local governments in Nigeria could be strengthened through vigorous amendment to reflect their functions, powers and management.

He recommended that INEC should take over the election of local government functionaries from the state electoral bodies as a panacea to the problems bedeviling this arm of government.

The second paper delivered by Rev. Anthony Adebayo pointed out the increasing need of youth participation in agriculture which he described as catalyst for national development. The clergy, who doubles as a lecturer, further described agriculture as a financially rewarding venture which could also serve as one of the remedies for the ever–growing youth unemployment. He stated that agriculture could help reduce wide-spread poverty, and stressed the need for agricultural practices to be made lucrative so as to elicit active youth participation in helping to meet the world food need. Rev. Adebayo made recommendations that government should embark on educational and campaign awareness in agriculture, provide adequate training, ensure timely fertilizer availability, improved seedlings, land security as well as sustained budgetary provisions for mechanized agricultural practices. He also suggested that government should mandate banks and other corporate organizations, through legislation, to set aside a percentage of their profit for agriculture and rural development. Imbibing these recommendations according to Rev. Adebayo would help foster a virile national cum rural development.

Mr. Blessing Babalola spoke on the essence of antenatal care services utilization through women’s repeated exposure to quality basic education practices. He disclosed that his findings had revealed that women only made use of antenatal care based on their recognition of its importance.

He stressed the need for more sensitization, adding that improvement in education on current sexual related health issues would impart largely on antenatal care utilization.

Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof. R. O. Bakare, in rounding off the event appreciated all faculty members who had availed themselves of the opportunity of attending the seminar. Some prominent faculty members present included Chairman of Seminar series, Dr. B.O Adeseye (representing the Chairman of Faculty Seminar Committee, Dr. Alexander Eze), Associate Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Omolayo, Head, GST Unit, Dr. Rufus Akindola and Dr. W. A. Oyedokun who moderated activities.

 LIVE AN EXEMPLARY LIFE- VC CHARGES IGBO STUDENTS

Ahead of the inauguration of the Igbo Students' Association FUOYE Chapter, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Asuzu, has charged members of the young association to live an exemplary life in the university. Speaking while executive members of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office last Thursday, the vice chancellor implored the students to be of good conduct, adding that they should live an exemplary life worthy of emulation since they are like strangers in the midst of people with varying cultural heritages.

Continuing, he said, “Avoid things that would tarnish your image or put you into trouble; always ensure people don't have negative things to say about you. Don't break the rules nor get involved in any group that causes menace to the society. Above all, shun cultism and study hard”. He promised his unflinching support to law-abiding associations in the university and assured that his door would remain open to such for interface towards ensuring growth and development.

The vice chancellor reaffirmed the fact that the university, being a federal institution, confers on all students equal opportunities and benefits without discrimination.

Earlier on, president of the association, Mr. Ebere Ahunanya had expressed delight at the vice chancellor for honoring them with his audience. He stated that the Igbo Students Association came with the purpose of acquainting themselves with the vice chancellor whom he described as 'our father'. “We want to use this medium to get a fatherly advice from you, to get support morally, socially, financially and otherwise since it is a young association”, the president further said.

He also promised on behalf of his executive, to work in line with other established associations on campus with the aim of upholding the motto of the institution which is 'Innovation and Character for National Transformation.' The student body had their academic adviser, Mr. Chikelue Umenyilorah in attendance.

2014/2015 Pre-Degree 2nd semester exam concluded

The Pre-degree Unit of Federal University Oye-Ekiti has just conducted the second semester examination for its students for the 2014/2015 academic session. The examination which started with mock or demo exercises on Tuesday 30th June, 2015 commenced fully on 2nd July, 2015 and lasted two days.

The students, numbering one hundred and seventy three (173), were split into two batches according to their faculties. According to the Administrative Secretary of Pre-Degree, Mr. Ayodele Fatuase, faculties of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences had a total number of ninety nine (99) students who sat for the exam on 2^nd July while Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences had seventy four (74).

Mr. Fatuase further disclosed that a prerequisite for admission is that a student would have scored 180 and above in JAMB and must have sat for first and second semester exams. Besides, candidates that went through the pre-degree programme must possess necessary entry requirements into the university as required by Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination (JAMB).

However, such candidates would have advantage over 'external' candidates that would apply for admission into the university. He restated that admission into Federal University Oye-Ekiti is strictly based on merit.

The examinations which were supervised by Pre-degree staff and some staff of the ICT commenced at 10:00am

SERVICOM GOLDEN RULES

Here are nuggets of information from the SERVICOM Unit of the Federal University Oye Ekiti.

Cultivate habit of proper waste disposal in waste-bins placed at strategic points in the University to ensure clean environment.

SWITCH OFF all electrical gadgets in the office at closing time.

Non-teaching staff are expected to be at their various points of duty between 8am and 4pm. There may be overtime depending on schedule of work at various units.

It is UNETHICAL for nursing mothers to come to office with their babies.

Buying and selling of personal goods and services by staff in the office is PROHIBITED.

Engaging in any activities different from specified job description during official hours is UNETHICAL.

All forms of wining and dining should be done during break time.

 FUOYE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMITTEE: TERMS OF REFERENCE

The FUOYE Anti-Corruption Committee has made known its terms of reference. The term of reference are:

i.                    To receive and investigate any report of the conspiracy to commit, attempt to commit or the commission of any offence against the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and any other laws prohibiting corruption.

ii.                  To examine the practices, system and procedures of the University and where, in the opinion of the committee, such practices, system or procedures aid or facilitate fraud or corruption, to direct and supervise a review of them.

iii.                To instruct advice and assist Management on ways by which fraud or corruption may be eliminated or minimized within the University system.

iv.                To advise Management of any changes in practices, system or procedures compatible with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.

v.                  To develop and facilitate anti-corruption training courses/workshop for university staff and students in the war against corruption.

The committee can be reached via this e-mail

address: corruption@fuoye.edu.ng

FUOYE PROCURES 175 COMPUTERS, OTHERS.

Federal University Oye-Ekiti has just acquired more computers for use in the institution. A total of one hundred and seventy five (175) desktop computers, one hundred and seventy five uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units and ten scanners were procured.

Inspecting the computer sets, the visibly impressed Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, expressed satisfaction at the supply and noted that the university was moving gradually to its full potentials.

Acting Director ICT, Dr. Ken Egbo received the vice chancellor at the newly completed ultra-modern University ICT centre, phase II.

Also present was representative of the Director of Procurement, Ikechukwu Areh, Mr. Efuntade and Seun Ojedeji of the ICT .

The vice chancellor urged all staff to always display sense of ownership with regards to university property. He was obviously unimpressed with the bushy surroundings of the new complex and admonished those present to always see every property of FUOYE as theirs and therefore take every necessary precaution to ensure it is taken good of. He also directed that any breach in the security protocol of the university should be reported to appropriate quarter for prompt actions.

FRSC certifies FUOYE fleet

Owing to the certification and verification exercise carried out by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recently on the university's fleet of vehicles, the FRSC will, in a public exercise, present the certificate to the university.

The exercise is slated to hold on 9th July, 2015 in the university premises of the main campus, Oye-Ekiti.

All principal officers support the vice chancellor as he receives the certificate.

FUOYENews Publication March 2020 Edition →→DOWNLOAD

Soremekun explains why FUOYE is establishing Law Faculty

By Godfred Bakji and Adedeji Badejo

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is establishing the Faculty of Law to further deepen access to the legal profession and remove any danger of exclusiveness people may erroneously have about the programme.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kayode Soremekun made this revelation while receiving the accreditation team for the programme from Council of Legal Education (CLE) led by its Director General Professor Isa HayatuCiroma SAN on Tuesday February 25, 2020.

Some prominent legal icons have asked me why we want to start law again in Ekiti knowing that Ekiti State University (EKSU) and AfeBabalola University (ABUAD) are already established center of training in the state.

“We want to serve that poor village boy and girl who cannot access such training in those place and deepen the penetration of legal training not only for Ekiti people but across the federation and increase accessibility to the finest legal training that Nigeria can provide”, the Vice-Chancellor said noting that we must remove any air exclusivity in Nigerian society.

”I don’t take this moment lightly at all.

We are meeting with people who will help us midwife the Faculty of law in this University. The gods and goodness of legal training in Nigeria”

Noting that since Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) had visited the campus and gave its nod for the University to start its law programmes, many people advised him to start but  Professor Soremekun say he still decided to tarry.

“My main concern is that you bring in students and there is an air of uncertainty. NUC has approved, yes, but CLE has not, that why we have been waiting, praying earnestly for this day”, he said.

Many of us don’t have the privileges being offered by private universities. The older generations went through trying times along with their parents to nurse, nurture and train us. Many people are still where we were for five decades ago and need society’s help and opportunities that older generation had.

Earlier the Director General had recalled previous efforts to bring him to the campus saying for more than a year now people from FUOYE and the law school had been putting pressures on him to visit the institution and see ongoing preparation for the takeoff of the law programme.

“Now is the right time” the professor of law said describing the job during the visit basically resource verification. “We will go round, interact, observe and advise as required” he stressed. “We want the best for our profession. I have seen these faces {referring to lecturers at the Faculty) somewhere. At the end of the visit, we will tell you our findings. We will look at the offices, the classrooms the libraries etc”. There are almost 50 faculties of law in Nigeria each with its own peculiarities. We won’t compromise our standards because we want the best for our profession, he stressed again.

The Director General came in with Mr. Ibrahim Sanni Mohammed (SAN) who is the President of Council of Attorney Generals in Nigeria and Attorney General of Ekiti State; Mr. Aminu Gadanya who is the representative of Nigerian Bar Association {NBA} who is representing Learned Authors; Mrs. Elizabeth Max-Uba who is a Director at Council of Legal Education (CLE); Mrs. Olayinka Tuyo who is a Librarian at the Law School and Mr. Beripsiri Yohanna who is the Secretary of the team.  

FUOYE admits 7,500 students, set for matriculation March 20th

By Okafor Chinedu and Eleniola Bamidele

No fewer than seven thousand five hundred (7500) new students has been admitted by Federal University Oye Ekiti for the 2019/2020 academic session even as the school plans matriculation of these new students for Friday March 20, 2020

This was disclosed by the Vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Soremekun while declaring open a three day Orientation Programme organised for the newly admitted students on Wednesday February 19, 2020 at the Faculty of Science New Lecture Hall.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina expressed joy at the huge turnout of students for the orientation programme promising that the university administration would ensure that the students are exposed to the best facilities and learning practices available.

“I can assure you that  we are going to give you the best in terms of facility, teaching and every other thing that facilitates learning”. I want to tell you that, as a University, we are just nine years old and we have achieved so much within a space of nine years. We are the fastest growing university among the eleven Federal Universities established by the Federal Government in 2011” he said.

“When you compare us with other Universities that has just been established, we have the largest faculties, which is about nine(9) in number, we have Postgraduate School and we are set to take off with the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of  Pharmacy. Not only that we are preparing as well to add Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Faculty of  Environmental Sciences soon”, he further disclosed.

Professor Soremekun lieutenant also stressed on the need for the newly admitted students to promptly pay their school fees noting that failure to comply within the stipulated time may rob them off of their studentship.

 In his words, “Matriculation is coming up on the March 20, 2020 and the date is sacrosanct. If you have not paid your school fees, you cannot matriculate and you cannot defer your admission. If you have not completed your registration, I want to appeal to you to pay your school fees”.

“As a student of this university, we don’t want problems, if there are issues that are confronting you, you can channel it to the Dean of Student Affairs or through the Students Union Government and we can also discuss with a view to reaching an agreement. I pray that the Lord will be with you during your stay in this university” the DVC said.

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Johnson Olusola Ojo, congratulated the newly admitted students into the university. “ You are very lucky and fortunate to be part of today’s celebration, if you know the statistical number of candidates who put in for admission into FUOYE, Over 43,000 applied to study here and only 7,500 made it, so you are extremely lucky to be here” he said.

The DVC noted that orientation programme is a university tradition where new students get oriented on the dos and don’ts of the university rules and regulations. He further emphasised that the university has zero tolerance for misconducts such as exam malpractices, cultism, and the likes.

The Chairman, Committee of Deans who is also the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Patrick Olajide Oladele in his own message to the new students, differentiated the difference between being a student of FUOYE and being a student at FUOYE.

In his words, “Not everybody you see on campus roaming about are students of FUOYE, we have students who have failed to meet their obligations in terms of meeting up with their registration requirements and payment of school fees and they are roaming about the campus, even their parents might not know and they will be wandering about from 100 to 400 level. When it is time to go for National Youth Service (NYSC), it becomes a problem for them”.

He noted that Faculties strive to integrate students into writing professional examination such that they would have become professionals by the time of their graduation from the university.  “We have three students in Accounting department now who are in 300Level and also at the final lap of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Examination. The meaning is that before they graduate next year, we will be producing chartered accountants that will be going for National Youth Service Corps”, Oladele said.

Also speaking at the 9^th Orientation programme, the University Acting Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim who was represented by the Principal Assistant Registrar (Academic Affair Office), Mr. Tope Ademiloye charged the students to set personal goals that build on their already achieved goal of gaining admission.

Reading from a paper entitled, “Vision and Mission of the University”, Mr Ademiloye  stressed that students must key into the ultimate corporate vision of the university if they are to make anything good during their academic sojourn in the university.

The University Bursar, Mrs. Bolatito Akande in her message to the students, admonished them to remain focused. “You are privileged to be here and God will see you through. I want to urge you all to choose a path that will make the journey of four or five years faster and not like a journey of the Israelites in the wilderness”, she said.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Dosu Malomo urged the students to make their stay in the university a worthwhile experience adding that they were privileged to have gained admission into one of the Nigerian best Universities.

Dr. Malomo also disclosed that this year’s orientation programme is a slight deviation from the norm in the sense that it bordered more on Students Support Services. According to him, the Student Support Services are those units which may not have direct impact in instilling knowledge, but however, play important roles in the facilitation of the learning process.

These Units according to him include; Security, Medical Services, Student Union Government, Sports, Counselling etc. He stressed that when those units played their complementary roles efficiently, the students would be better off while learning.

“Recently, the university sent Director, Guidance and Counseling, Dr Kemi Omole and I to London to attend an International Student Support Services Tour to five British Universities. The importance of this tour is to enable the university improve on its student support services and just a few months back, the National Universities Commission (NUC) were on campus to accredit Student Support Services in the University”, he said.

FUOYE Engineers don’t owe licensing fees, says Accreditation Team Leader

By Chinedu Okafor and Bamidele Eleniola

Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) Engineers are 99% compliant in payment of professional fees, dues and licensing fees.

This was disclosed by the Leader of Accreditation Team of Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr Baba Alkali on Wednesday February 26, 2020 while presenting his team’s findings after a thorough inspection facilities and interactions with staff and students of the Faculty of Engineering at the university.

Engr Alkali who is a Council Member of COREN led another ten professionals and professors to identify the strength of the FUOYE Engineering programmes and listed them as: Staffing, Staff Development, Compliance with payment of professional fees, libraries, books, etc.

“We noticed the highly committed and competent lecturers and technical staff, he stated and added that “we observed that the staff development scheme particularly in sponsorship to acquire higher degree is in place”.

Speaking further, he said “Compliance with payment of COREN annual licensing fees was rated 99% as at our last visit and you also now have university, faculty and departmental libraries that are adequate in number, spread and of good quality”.

The COREN Official also said the staff student ratio is excellent and the number of laboratories available to students commendable. He however wants the university to purchase more modern teaching aids like smart boards, public address systems and improve sanitation of students’ conveniences and ask for more technologists to handle the laboratories.

He decried the general outcry by employers of labour on persistent skills shortage where academically sound engineering graduates are unable to express practical functionality on their jobs. "There is a large disconnect between what is taught and that which is expected of engineering graduates on the field", he said disclosing that COREN, in response, has adopted the Outcome Based Education (OBE) Engineering program.

OBE, according to him, is a necessary benchmark for minimum academic standards and accreditation scoring criteria for undergraduate Engineering programs in Nigeria. He encouraged the university to key into OBE.

In his words, "The adoption of the OBE will make  Nigerian engineering qualifications internationally acceptable and improve the quality, efficiency and global mobility of our engineers" noting that COREN is also interested in creating conducive platforms to enhance the collaboration between academia and industry through Train the Trainer programmes, course curriculum review, Internship for students, technology updates and research projects under the auspices of the Committee of Deans' of Engineering and Technology (CODET) of Nigerian Universities.

Responding, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Soremekun expressed profound appreciation to the visiting officials while reiterating the peculiarity associated with the growing University as the only one among its contemporaries which now offers engineering courses.

He also appreciated the doggedness of his predecessor, Professor. Chinedu Nebo for his unflinching resolve in starting off the Faculty of Engineering at a time the university was just starting to find its bearing.

The university administrator noted that the challenges of running an Engineering faculty has its cost implication which was predominantly a gigantic venture decrying the major constraint of funding encountered by Universities in Nigeria.

 "Despite our young age, the students from the Faculty of Engineering of our university clinched top position in the last competition organised by Committee of Deans' of Engineering and Technology (CODET) of Nigerian Universities". 

He pointed that there is a bridge between the theoretical aspect of engineering and the policy world such that engineering has no visible impact in the quality of our indigenous production.

 FUOYE admits 880 students for pre-degree, says Akindola

By Sesan Adeleke and Olaiya Arise

About 880 Students have been admitted into Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Pre- Degree programme.

This was disclosed on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 by the Ag. Director Pre-Degree, Dr. Rufus Akindola while conducting the students 2019/2020 orientation programme at Faculty of Science Lecture Theatre.

Dr. Akindola said, “This time 4 years ago, we were very small, but this session, we have admitted 880 students into this programme and many more are coming.”

He added that “pre-degree is prerequisite for you to gain admission into the university but not automatic if you failed to study hard to get the required score to secure your admission”

The Royal Father of the day, His Royal Highness Oba David Makanjuola Ajaja (Ph.D), The Owatapa of Itapa in His goodwill message appreciates the university management for the establishment of Pre-Degree Centre in his community.

 He showered encomium on the Ag. Director Pre-Degree, Dr. Rufus Akindola for his generosity, kindness and his humane character referring to him as “this Man of God”.

The Royal Father however charged the new Pre-Degree students to read as if there is no tomorrow in order to being among the best.

Also at the event, the Chief Security Officer of the University, Mr. Paul Ogidi said. Cultism activities involve frequent violence, regular loss of lives and armed robbery. Due to these malpractices, anywhere cultists are, there are always fear, anxiety and instability”

            Mr Ogidi further said that factors attracting students to secret society are quest for power, poor parental training, revenge, emotional instability, loneliness, political pressure from outside and low esteem”

The Security Chief also emphasized on the consequences of cultism. In his words; “Cultism can lead to untimely death and it can also lead to armed robbery and once you are caught in the act, automatically, your studentship would be withdrawn”

The Principal Assistant Registrar assigned to Pre-Degree Programme, Mr. Sunday Akinkunmi speaks extensively on the need to know about Pre-Degree Programme. “This is very essential and foundational. It’s obvious that today we have about 2 million students seeking for admission just within an academic session. Our core duties are to train, to coach students who are aspiring to gain admission into higher institution to perform excellently well”,  he said.

” Pre-degree is not a license for you to secure automatic admission into the university. There are basic requirements you must meet before you can gain admission into 100 level.

Basically, you must register for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams before you could be admitted. Even if you pass JAMB, you must also pass our Internal Examinations both for first and for second semester because the accumulation of your results would determine your admission into the university” he further stressed.

The Principal Assistant Registrar (Academic Affairs Office) Mr. Tope Ademiloye said, “Cut off marks released by JAMB last years are not all you need to gain admission into any university. Each course and programme has other cut off marks and requirements that admission seekers must have”.

 He urged the students not to rely on the national benchmarks alone “because that might deny you of your desire course then you have to apply for change of course to gain admission”.

 Foundation Awards Tuition Scholarship to Seven FUOYE students

By Adedeji Badejo and Bunmi Dada

An American based foundation, SEYEM08 foundation, led by a Nigerian Philanthropist, Mr Oluwaseyi Adedoja has awarded tuition scholarship worth various sums between N30,000-48,000 each to seven students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

Mr Oluwaseyi Adedoja, who was represented by his brother, Mr Olayemi Adedoja made the cash presentation in a short ceremony at Bursar’s Office on Thursday February 20, 2020.

Delivering the cash to the University Bursar, Mrs Bolatito Roseline Akande, Mr Olayemi Adedoja explained that the scholarship, which is a yearly exercise, is an initiative of  a Computer Engineer, his brother,  Mr. Oluwaseyi Adedoja and is opened to every 200Level student in FUOYE.The selection process involve the Office of Students Affairs and it cut across all faculties of the institution. 

                In her remark, the Bursar Mrs. Bolatito R Akande commended the foundation for this efforts towards the assisting the indigent students in the university. She also enjoined benefiting students to put in their best in their studies urging the foundation not to relent in its efforts to create equal opportunities for indigent students irrespective of gender or creed.

             The Acting Dean, Student Affairs Division, Dr. Dosu Malomo in his words commended the foundation for the scholarship and that the selection process of the 7 indigent students was thorough. He also charged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture of the foundation by concentrating on their studies.

          The total sum of N294, 000 (two hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand naira only) in cash representing the tuition fees for the selected students was presented at the occasion.

PG School matriculation, now on Friday March 6^th

The Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) Post Graduate matriculation ceremony will now hold on Friday March 6, 2020 instead of Friday February 28, 2020 earlier announced.

    According to a memo from the Secretary of the Post Graduate School, Mr Dairo Fatuase, the shift in date is unavoidable “ All other information as contained in the earlier invitation remains valid” he said.

NOTICE

Registry

CONDUCT OF YEAR 2020 NATIONAL SECRETARIAL EXAMINATION

This is to inform all staff on Confidential Secretary Cadre of the University Community that the Staff Development Centre, Office of Capacity Development and Reforms, Office of Head of Service, Ekiti State, will be conducting the June 2020 edition of the National Secretarial Examination.

The Examination will be conducted as follows:

i.                    Advanced National Diploma (ANDSS), HND Equivalent

ii.                  Intermediate National Diploma (INDSS) ND Equivalent

iii.                Basic National Diploma (BNDSS).

Interested staff should contact the Principal, Staff Development Centre, Office of Capacity Development and Reforms, opposite Ekiti House of Assembly Service Commission, Ado-Ekiti, for further enquiries.

 Signed

Mr A. Oloniniyi

Assistant Registrar

 Elabor buries father March 27^th

The father of a staff at Bursary department, who is also the head of Central Store of Federal University Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE), Mr.Godwin Odalo Elabor has passed on. The burial is slated for Friday March 27, 2020.

According to an invitation card made available to FUOYENews, the service of songs will be held on Thursday March 26 2020, at his family compound at 47 Central Road Eguare Ubiaja, Edo State.

This will be followed by an interdenominational burial service on Friday March 27, 2020 at 7:00am at the same venue. Reception follows immediately.

Interested members of staff who want to be part of this occasion are advised to reach out to Mrs. Adedokun Adefunke of Revenue Unit, Bursary Department on Phone Number 08035247470.

A staff bus that will convey staff to the occasion will take off by 7:00 am on March 27, 2020 at Fajuyi Park, Ado Ekiti.

FUOYE: Giant strides of a man with culture of excellence

By WOLE BALOGUN

Recently, members of the Governing Council of our great University, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) embarked on an inspection of the various enviable projects that now dotted the landscape of the twin campuses of Oye and Ikole respectively.

            The distinguished gentlemen and ladies comprised the representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Council and the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education in the persons of Mr. Sabo Inuwa, and Mr. Abdullahi Jibrin respectively, among many others. There were also top management functionaries of the University, Principal Officers, Deans and Directors as well as some senior lecturers and newsmen.

           The Vice-Chancellor, (VC) Professor Kayode Soremekun and his deputies in charge of Administration and Academic, i.e Professor Abayomi Fasina and Ekiti born Prof.  Sola Ojo respectively, led the inspection team that went round the twin campuses to assess the level of infrastructural development.

        FUOYE's Director of Physical Planning Unit (PPU) served as the projects inspection tour guide and introduced the various projects to these assessors one after the other, revealing when construction or rehabilitation began, when they were completed or projected to be completed as well as what purposes they are to serve among others.

          Indeed, without mincing words, it was an exciting tour for the team who expressed deep appreciation and satisfaction over the level of infrastructural development the current Soremekun led Management of the University has achieved in the past four years.

          As the Vice Chancellor recalled, there were 47 projects already completed, of which some were inherited as abandoned projects from his predecessors, while many others were started and already completed by the current administration. Some others are currently on going, and yet others are still being proposed for construction!

          The inspection teams were awed with such outstanding projects as the new roads network which now serve as links for places hitherto inaccessible for students on the twin campuses. Such roads include the central road linking the phases one, two and three parts of the Oye campus which was tarred recently.

          The abandoned projects now completed by the Soremekun administration include the Central Administration Building, the Library and some others.

           Those started by the current administration and already completed included the utra-modern faculty of Pharmacy building, ultra-modern faculty of Agriculture, the well equipped media studio facility for students of Mass Communication, the ultra-modern faculty of Basic Medical sciences, faculty of Management sciences complex and academic building for the faculty of sciences among others.

Determined to do more, the VC listed some other projects he would be embarking on and which would be completed before the end of his five-year tenure on February, 2021. They include the on going road construction scheduled to be completed by end of February, 2020, and a new Faculty of Arts complex among others.

           Flashback to four years ago, FUOYE didn't have the number of students' population, (almost 20,000) she now has. The University could not boast of having the peaceful academic environment, smooth running and stable academic calendar she now enjoys as it was almost a one-week, one trouble saga where angry staff unions used to stage weekly protests and disrupt academic and business activities on the twin campuses. It could not also boast of having up to seven faculties which it now has with the recent addition of faculties of Pharmacy, Management sciences, Basic sciences, Law and Environmental studies, all of which were made possible by the current administration.

         Over fours ago, FUOYE could not boast of having 50 percent of the infrastructural and learning facilities she now enjoys in terms of well constructed classrooms, offices, faculty buildings, sports complex, power supply, hostel accommodation and other social amenities. The University didn't have her own independent Information and Technology (ICT) unit and could not operate an independent website until Soremekun came on board, neither was the University connected to the national grid for adequate supply of electricity on the twin campuses until the current administration came on board.

What is more? , there have been tremendous records of academic successes on the part of both FUOYE students and many members of the academic and administrative staff courtesy of the current tenure of Prof. Soremekun.

           For the records, FUOYE has won several national and international awards on academic feats.  These included the recent African Drum festival of 2019 where the University's Department of Theatre and Media Arts clinched the third position within their maiden participation in the contest, and other contests in

Engineering, Food technology, agriculture, soil science, Mechatronics and others.

          The staff welfare have been well taken care of by the current administration such that staff members no longer have cause to grumble and resolve to incessant militant unionism while performing their duties; a recent subtle move in payment of some token as special allowances testify to this assertion.

The University Management has opened up several windows for academic activities which have further provided huge economic benefits, these included the just commenced Distance Learning programmes, On line educational programmes, and Top Up programmes for the Polytechnics in some parts of the country among others.

          Just last week Tuesday, February 25, 2020, a high powered team of the Nigeria Council for legal Education were in FUOYE for resource verification exercise that will give birth to accreditation of the Law programme of the University.

          FUOYE has emerged the first of its peers to start a Post Graduate School as well as annual inaugural lectures and these were achieved when Prof. Soremekun mounted the saddle of leadership! .

          Erudite Professor of Bio-Chemistry, Prof. Akintayo Cecelia gave the first FUOYE inuagural lecture on her ground breaking research work, while another distinguished Professor of Dance and Performance Aesthetics, and Nigeria's first Professor of Dance, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare gave the second inuagural lecture and Prof. Omotola, current Dean of the faculty of Social Sciences, has been scheduled to give the forthcoming inaugural lecture of our great University.

          Having noticed the University Management's giant strides in the aforementioned areas, the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education poured encomiums on the Prof. Soremekun led Management team and the University Governing Council recently.

          Hear what they said: Mr. Sabo Inuwa, a representative of the Federal Government in FUOYE's Council said. "I am satisfied with the level of development in FUOYE. I am very happy with the administration of Prof. Kayode Soremekun. Already, FUOYE has been ranked first among its peers in infrastructural development and academic performance. It is the best. So, ignore all the bad elements spreading bad rumours to spoil the school.".

         Mr. Abdullahi Saliu Jibrin, a representative of the Ministry of Education who stood in for the Minister of Education said. "It is an excellent performance that the Prof. Kayode Soremekun team has done in FUOYE. As for the criticism against the management, we have taken that positively. It is natural, no matter how good you are, you will get criticism but we are not distracted."

        Asked what makes him an astute administrator who has been able to achieve so much, Prof. Soremekun told newsmen: "What drives me is the culture of Excellence. If you know about my background, you can call me an authentic part of the Floria's tradition, that tradition has been responsible for my motivation. Above all, God is involved because with Christ in the vessel, we have smiles at the storm.

         “I want to tell you with deep sense of sincerity that most of the facilities we have in FUOYE today were started and completed by our team. We met some abandoned projects such as the central administration building and the library, but all have been completed. But like Achebe said, it is still Morning yet on creation day. We are hoping that before the end of the year, we will have more projects, because by the end of the current admission exercise, the students' population would hit 20,000. That means we will need more facilities, but certainly, we are much better now than what we met four years ago," he said.

            The VC while advising FUOYE students, staff and the FG, said: "Government should not relent on its efforts at funding FUOYE and other Federal institutions because the bedrock of development is education. For the past few years that this institution has been in this part of Nigeria, there has been substantial change socially and economically.

           “Students are urged to make judicious use of the facilities because they are the future of the nation.    The staff should cooperate with the authorities and be more patient. Rome was not built in a day so FUOYE would not be built in a day, but surely, what the horizon looks like is that we will be looking more like the Obafemi Awolowo University in the next five years," he assured.

FUOYENews Publication March 2020 Edition Vol.2 →→DOWNLOAD

Post Graduate studies should be timely, with best academic qualities-VC

By Chinedu Okafor

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Kayode Soremekun has canvassed for timely completion of Post Graduate studies without compromising the quality of training.

The Vice Chancellor made this call on Friday, March 6, 2020 during the 2nd Matriculation Ceremony of the School of Post Graduate Studies held at

 the Faculty of Science New Lecture Theatre, Federal University Oye Ekiti.

While addressing the matriculating students, Professor Kayode Soremekun charged them to seize every opportunity available in the university to advance their knowledge, scholarship and innovative abilities adding that the evident increase in the number of enrollment into the Post Graduate programmes is a further proof that the university, while not compromising the quality of admission processes, is also on the solid pedestal of innovation and character building for national transformation.

The Academic-Administrator noted that Postgraduate Studies are veritable tool for the production of knowledge on the platform of independent study aided by competent supervision and an adequate feed-back interaction between the supervisor and the student.

“Postgraduate students are expected to identify research problems worthy of interrogation and investigation from a chosen field. The identified problem is expected to meet the tripartite conditions of significance, originality and supervision".

Prof Soremekun also commended his management team for their unalloyed support towards the growth of PG School and particularly for sustaining the vision of meeting the changing trends and challenges associated with postgraduate education in Nigeria.

FUOYE to begin admission of students into Pharmacy programme this year

By Abiodun  Fanoro

The Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) will admit students into the Faculty of Pharmacy in the coming 2020/2021 Academic Year.

This followed the final approval to the university early this year from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the consequent listing of FUOYE by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on its website as one of the universities in the country eligible to admit students into the Pharmacy Faculty.

The Director of Academic Planning FUOYE, Professor Funke Akintayo broke this news to FUOYENews on Wednesday March 4, 2020 during a brief chat.

"The NUC carried out resource visitation to the new faculty from Wednesday December 18 to Thursday December 19, 2019 and we received the NUC express approval to commence the program in a letter dated January 20, 2020.", she said.

Prof. Akintayo who confirmed that FUOYE has everything needed ready for the faculty to commence during the on-going 2019/2020 Session, explained that the delay was due to the fact that when NUC approval came, it was too late for JAMB to allocate students to FUOYE.

According to her, "By the time the university secured NUC approval to commence the programme, it was too late for JAMB to accommodate us in their schedule  for 2019/2020 session. However we informed JAMB of the NUC approval and JAMB has now officially enlisted FUOYE as one of Nigerian universities that offer Pharmacy starting from 2020/2021 session. Candidates intending to sit for JAMB exams in March 2020 now have opportunity to apply to the Faculty of Pharmacy in FUOYE. Successful ones would be able to start their studies later this year when our 2020/2021 session begins."

The Director listed some of the programmes approved by the NUC for the take-off of the new faculty. They are: Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy Administration, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Phytochemistry. She said the university had concluded plan to engage no fewer than 20 academic staff from different pharmaceutical fields to kick-start these programmes.

She further gave insight into the depth of both the manpower and infrastructure on ground for the take-off. "We have a new Faculty of Pharmacy building in place. The laboratories and offices are well equipped with modern equipment that are necessary for effective running of the program. The University interviewed many staff and has appointed over twenty competent academic staff in different cadres for the programme"

The director said, in line with FUOYE's tradition of giving emphasis to quality, the university had struck a strong collaboration with some sister universities to assist the new faculty in such areas that may be required when consolidating. According to her, some these universities are; the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido, Ekiti State.

She said the university would soon announce a new dean for the faculty from among the over 20 academic staff that have been penciled down for the take-off of the faculty adding that the former Dean, Professor Adebayo Lamikanra who came on Sabbatical to midwife efforts leading to NUC's approval for the new faculty, had completed his leave and in addition had attained the retirement age of 70 years and had left.

The new faculty is expected to admit about 50 as pioneering students when it takes off later this year.

 VC to address 16^th Fulbright Conference

By Adeyinka Ademuyiwa.

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE), Prof. Kayode Soremekun is scheduled to address the 16^th Annual Conference of Fulbright Alumni Association of Nigeria, (FAAN).

The Conference, with the theme, “Addressing Societal Menace and Social Disorders: Sexual Harassment and Substance Abuse in Tertiary Institutions”, is slated to hold between Tuesday April 14-17, 2020 at Bowen University, Iwo,  State of Osun.

Some of the subtopics of the Conference are: Sex for Grades, Sexual harassment and productivity in tertiary institutions, Sexual harassment awareness and preventive measures in tertiary institutions, Realities of Sexual assaults on campus, Sexual harassments on campus and students’ rights and Government policy on combating sexual harassment on campus.

Other subtopics include: Advocacy models on Drug abuse, Prevention and Control on campus, Cultural Matrix and the Subtlety of illicit drug usage and abuse, Conceptual understanding of drugs and substance abuse, Medical and Scientific dimensions of drugs and substance abuse, Social Consequences of Drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria, The politics of Drugs and substance abuse in Nigeria and Government Policy in the regulation and combating of Drug abuse in Nigeria.

The Fulbright Alumni Association is a collection of Scholars who have participated in Fulbright scholarly programmes of the United States. It is a Cultural Exchange programme whose goal is to improve intellectual relations, cultural diplomacy and intellectual competences between United States and people of other countries through exchange of personnel, knowledge and skills.

 “Our digital language laboratory has 59m resources”, says Opoola

Adedeji  Badejo and Bunmi Dada

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Dr. Tajudeen Opoola has said that the Digital Language Laboratory of his faculty has over 59 million e-books and e-journal.

Dr Opoola disclosed this in a recent interview with FUOYENews on Monday, February 24, 2020.

He commended the university management under the leadership of Professor Kayode Soremekun for the

generous assistance towards the upliftment of the faculty noting that, “Today the Faculty has one of the best and certainly the latest Digital Language Laboratory available anywhere in Africa for university education. Our language laboratory server is linked to the university’s network backbone”, he further revealed.

Dr Opoola who became the Dean on August 1, 2018 first in an acting capacity is also the Head of Department of Linguistic and Languages. He expresses immense gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun and his management team for the huge and numerous assistances to the faculty in academic program development, human resource development and infrastructural development.

 In academic program development, two new departments were recently accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The departments include, the department of Linguistic and Languages and History and International Studies. These two new departments are in addition to those departments that were established in 2016/2017 Academic session.

He said further that the Senate has approved two more departments for the faculty; they are departments of Religious Studies and Philosophy.

While the Curriculum and Business Committees of Senate have been working on the new department’s curriculum, the faculty is also waiting anxiously for National University Commission resource verification visitation.

According to the Dean, new lecturers and 4 adjuncts staffs were recruited into various departments in the faculty now that more admission seekers are choosing FUOYE ahead of many other universities probably because of the recently released NUC rating placing FUOYE 13^th in Nigeria.

In the area of infrastructural development of the faculty, the Dean disclosed that he personally provided a motorized borehole for the faculty at a time. The project was taken over by the university management who graciously and generously completed the project.  

The faculty, according to him, can now boost of 12 brand new lecture theatres, 4 each for the departments of History, Theatre and Media Arts, English and Literary Studies.

In additions to these lecture theatres, the Dean further revealed that the faculty can boost of 8 lecture rooms and over 32 toilets for both staffs and students. With the exit of the faculty of management staff, there are more offices for academic and non-academic staff. 

Research, being the fulcrum of the university, Dr. Opoola says the faculty with the support of academic staffs has produced volumes of faculty academic journal called TOJA, The Oye Journal of Arts (volume 1 and 2).

At the departmental level, he continued, the Theatre and Media Arts has published a journal named ALARINJO (volumes 1, 2 and 3)and the department of Linguistics and Literary has also published its own journal.

He informed FUOYENews that the faculty is in the process public presentation of a book in honour of Professor Ajibola Matthew Abiodun, the pioneer Head of Department of Linguistics and Literary Studies.

The faculty will also be hosting an event in honour of the former Dean of the faculty and presently Ekiti State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Professor R. Bakare. Again,  hosted a national conference on professional theatre practitioners and will also be hosting another national conference of all faculties of arts and humanities in Nigerian universities in May, 2020.

Whilst thanking the university management, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun for the generous efforts towards the development of the faculty, the Dean like the typical Oliver Twist is requesting for more attention from the university.

Specifically, the Dean requested for more human capital and infrastructures. He noted that the faculty needs more clerical officers and required more office and lecture rooms. He prays for the movement of the faculty to its permanent site.

FUOYE Student wins German Fellowship

A 400 Level Student of History and International Studies of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Mr. Samuel Akindele Ajala has been selected for a media fellowship trip to Berlin, Germany beating 569 others from across the globe.

The trip will afford him opportunity to participate in 2020 “Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue” (BETD) holding from March 20-29, 2020.

According to a document, on BETD signed by Cornelia Hortner, the Project Team Leader, which was made available to FUOYENews, “Mr. Ajala’s application has been truly inspiring and seeing the creativity and commitment with which you and your fellow candidates contribute to finding solutions to Climate Change and promoting the global energy transition”

“We are delighted to inform you that your application has stood out from the 570 applications we received, Cornelia Hortner, further disclosed and added that “we would hereby like to offer you a fellowship position and invite you to come to Berlin from March 22-26, 2020 as one of the 17 BETD Media Fellows 2020”.

The BETD 2020 will focus on global green deal and will discuss subtopics like: Geopolitics, Green Finance, Market Designs for renewable, Carbon Pricing and Multilateral Cooperation and Action

The dialogue allows young journalists from around the world to gather in the German popular City of Berlin in order to gain access to this exclusive conference talk to high level stakeholders from Science, Politics, industry and civil society;  connect with other BETD Media Fellows and experience the energy transition hands-on with exclusively guided tours and side events during the Berlin Energy Weeks (March 23-27, 2020).

Two FUOYE students bag campus journalism awards

Two members of the Union of Campus Journalists, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, (UCJ-FUOYE), have been shortlisted for the Campus Journalism Awards for year 2020.

In a chat with FUOYENews recently, Ajala Samuel, disclosed that the cheery news was broken to them via email from award organisers, Youth Digest an offshoot of Readers' Digest. “I got to know through the email they sent to me. I actually feel very excited”.

According to him, “This is recognition for our good works and we will keep doing more to promote campus journalism in every part of Nigeria”, Ajala pledged.

Screening for the award involved over 266 entries from over 50 institutions in Nigeria. Some of the categories competed for are Upcoming Writer, Entertainment Writer, Sports Writer, Reporter, Gender-Equality Writer, Broadcaster, and Photojournalist among others.

The other awardee, Daniel Whyte, also expressed joy at the award when he said, “I am delighted to hear the news that I have been shortlisted for the prestigious award that recognizes and honours the works of campus journalists. It is great to be among the selected finalists”.

While Daniel is a recent graduate of FUOYE from the English and Literary Studies Department and a former Editor-in-Chief of the FUOYE Campus Journal, FCJ,  Ajala Samuel is a 400 level student of the Department of History and International Relations and a key member of the union. He is also the Public Relations Officer of the National Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ).

Awards presentation is slated for 28th of March, 2020 at the Bolton White Hotel, Area 11, Abuja. 

 Librarian’s daughter weds, March 28^th

The daughter of the University Librarian, Mr. Gboyega Adio, Miss Praise Toluwanimi Adio is set to tie the nuptial knots with her sweet heart, Mr. Peter Kayoed Kola Olalere.

The marriage ceremony is slated for House to House Prayer Ministries. (also called Praise Chapel) Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Saturday March 28, 2020 at 10:00am.

According to an invitation card sent out by the families of the wedding couples, a copy of which was made available to FUOYENews, the traditional wedding ceremony will precede the church service on Friday March 27,2020 at Bethel Event Center, Olomi Area,  Ogbomoso by 12noon.

Members of staff are encouraged to attend and celebrate with the celebrants.

 FUOYE to commence post graduate programmes in Mgt Sc., says Oladele

By Abiodun Fanoro

The Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), has indicated intention to start Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and doctoral degree programmes in Banking and Finance as well as Accounting in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the end of the current 2019/2020 academic year.

The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Patrick Olajide Oladele disclosed this in an interview with FUOYENews on Monday, March 2, 2020, as the faculty began moves to re-locate to its permanent building from the Faculty of Science building it had been conducting its affairs over time.

Professor Oladele also disclosed that the faculty would soon begin M.B.A Medical and Health Services to enhance up-ward career mobility for graduates of B.Sc. Nursing and B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Science. To successfully pursue the execution of these post-graduate medical administrative programmes, he said the faculty would go into collaboration with the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy.

Apart from the planned post-graduate programmes, the Dean hinted that the faculty was planning to introduce new departments at the under-graduate level. These new under-graduate programmes according to Oladele would include B.Sc. Marketing, B.Sc. Entrepreneurship and Management.

He explained that the conception and the introduction of some of these up-coming programmes was part of the university’s way of responding to the environmental yearnings of the people, especially in the area of management and entrepreneurship skills.

The Management Sciences Faculty boss however added that the post-graduate programmes would only take off after the graduation of the current first set of the faculty's under-graduates later this year.

The Don further hinted that for a smooth take-off of these programmes, the faculty had begun collaboration with relevant professional bodies for technical assistance, especially in the areas of curriculum, instructional material assistance and general supports. Among these professional bodies according to the dean, are the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NiMark).

These collaborations he noted had begun to yield substantial results when he announced that for instance, ICAN, recently donated books worth over N500,000.00 to the faculty as part of assistance for a hitch-free take-off of these new programmes.

While exuding confidence in the capacity and ability of the university to successfully commence these programmes, the Dean said though the Faculty was aware of some futile efforts by some competing sister schools to frustrate this noble and lofty goal, he however boasted that no effort could abort the good plan and asserted that FUOYE had come to take over the leadership in this area.

He said these programmes were designed with the people in mind to reduce the cost of logistics and financial pain they had been going through in the past in their quest to acquire degrees in some of these fields.

Prof. Oladele, who is the pioneer dean of the faculty, said his confidence that FUOYE has come to assume the leadership in this field is further bolstered and boosted by the passion of the university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Soremekun in the development of the faculty, pointing to the magnificent, inspiring building he just built for the faculty.

He described the high quality manpower assembled for the faculty, as one other evidence of  the Vice Chancellor's passion for the development of the faculty.

 Samuel Akindele Ajala: An inspiration to campus journalists

The story of Samuel Akindele Ajala, a 400 Level student of this university from History and International Studies department is not only inspiring to the organisers of the 2020 Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD), who have singled him out along with 16 others from 570 people for special roles at the coming Conference, it is a huge excitement  to many of us who believed in campus journalism, established and nurtured it since 1988 at the University of Ibadan.

Ajala is currently the Public Relations Officer of the National Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), a body that came into being for the first time in universities campus media landscape in 1989 at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), when it was then known as National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ).

UCJ started in Nigeria campuses when the likes of Bayo Ajala, (now Dr Bayo Ajala at the Nigeria Social and Economic Research Institute and member of Governing Council of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC); Bode Ojomu ( who later joined students union and now practices politics); Laolu Akande (Special Adviser to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo); Yours truly, Yinka Ademuyiwa (FUOYE’s Deputy Director, Corporate Services); Festus Owete, Abuja based journalist; Sefiu Kayode Olaniyan (Nigeria Deputy Ambassador to Cameroon) Bayo Oladejo, (Abuja based management consultant ) and many more,  came together in 1988 to form a club that will  be “a club for journalists clubs” .

Few months later, journalists at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) started their own UCJ and when they discovered that UI had gone ahead, formed National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) which was embraced by very few universities then, because you cannot function at National level without a virile UCJ at campus level. NACJ has now turned to NUCJ and the subject of this discourse is its current PRO, Mr Samuel Akindele Ajala who has seized the opportunity of the platform of campus journalism in FUOYE to actualize one of his personal goal and aspiration.

The German government will few weeks from now host some very influential world leaders to its annual inspiring dialogue, BETD, which has become the leading international forum on green energy transformation. Every year, high level participants from politics, industry, science, and civil society gather in the popular German city of Berlin to discuss the shift to sustainable energy system. That is the high profile meeting that hitherto little known Ajala has been invited, all expenses paid!

What’s more, he will join the discussions on Geopolitics, Green Finance, Market Designs for renewable, Carbon Pricing etc and will be expected during the Conference and immediately after, as a journalist from Nigeria, report on the Conference sessions through social media channels especially Twitter videos clips, interviews and report on energy related stories from Nigeria to a global audience. What an opportunity for a growing mind!

As if these are not enough, Samuel’s work along with the other 16 campus journalists selected globally, and his contributions to the Dialogue are of high value to meeting the Paris Climate Agreement targets.

Samuel has no one pulling any string for him in Germany. He simply responded to a public invitation from Germany officials requesting for his CV, essays on any topic of his choice of about 250-300 words in length and writing samples. 570 people responded and he came tops, presenting an inspiring FUOYE story from the clan of campus journalists, and of course his department, the Department of History and International Studies.

The founding fathers of UCJ which built of the platform of several independent Press Clubs on Nigerian campuses will be grateful to the type to Samuel for living the vision. Daniel Whyte, FUOYE’s immediate past UCJ President, who got similar fellowship to United Kingdom last year will look back from his National Youth Corp Service (NYSC) base, satisfied that people exist to carry on the flag.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun, himself a literary giant in the nation’s landscape, could not hide his joy. FUOYE is working, no matter what detractors are singing.

That is why the likes of Folakemi Olaniyan, Adeyeye Ayomide, Olumodeji Samson, Opeyemi Fakorode, Comfort and Busayo who used the same UCJ platform of FUOYE in collaboration with an obscure online news medium www.operanewsapp.com to publish embarrassing, untrue, disgusting and indecent story about this university need to be careful.

That story is not only unprofessional, it is skewed. It is an advocacy story from a group of disgruntled elements on this campus. Discredited union leaders who have a course to fight, some of whom are already going out of the system should not drag innocent children just coming up to give their academic career a good foundation with them.  A word is enough……..

CSSAN INAUGURATES EXCO

The newly elected executive of Crop Science Students Association of Nigeria, (CSSAN), FUOYE chapter solemnly pledged to approach their duty with every sense of responsibility. This vow was made as they took the oath of office following their inauguration which took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Theatre Hall, Ikole Campus on Wednesday March 17, 2015.

In his opening speech, Dr S. O. Adigbo who represented the Head of Department urged the students to commit themselves fully to the profession and be proud of their course of study. He stressed that Crop Science as both a discipline and profession is capable of assisting in feeding the nation as well checking economic dependency particularly in the area of food security. He reassured the students that they would not have any cause to regret that they took up the profession because there are plenty of opportunities for graduates and professionals of Crop Science.

Dr O. T. Adeniji, who administered the oath of office, also encouraged the pioneer executive of the association to work together as a team in favour of the students they represent. He admonished them to be proud of the profession and work to bring about innovative ideas and performances that will show-case the profession to the university community in particular and Ekiti State in general.

In his speech, Head of the Department, Professor S. A. Adebitan, who joined the ceremony later from an official engagement, assured the executive and all the students of his personal support and that of the department to ensure the association was sustained.

Delivering a goodwill message from the Programme Officer, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. T. O. Oyewumi, promised to collaborate with the university and students’ groups such as CSSAN in promoting the laudable profession. He assured the executive and students that the Programme Officer would welcome students that are ready to undertake Industrial Training (IT) programme in Ekiti State ADP. According to him, job opportunities abound for graduates of Agricultural Science in agricultural companies, commercial farms and government institutions, adding that the profession will give the students the privilege to double as self-employed and employers of labour.

Members of the CSSAN executive are Osadebey Philip Joseph, President, Bamiteko Monjolaoluwa, Vice President, Ahunanya Ezekiel Eberechukwu, General Secretary and AsonibareIteolorun Blessing, Treasurer. Others are ToluwalopeSaliuSuleman, P. R. O., AdaraTaiwo Mary, Welfare Director, Oyelowo Deborah, Financial Secretary and Fagbuaro Stephen Adegboyega Assistant General Secrtary.     

FUOYE MEDICAL CENTRE ELABORATES ON BLOOD DONATION AND DRUG ABUSE

The Medical Centre of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti recently sensitized the university community on blood donation. In a one-day seminar entitledThanks for Saving My Life, the Head, University Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD), disclosed that a US report says that “every two seconds, someone will need blood to survive.” He encouraged people to donate blood as many persons who would still be alive had died from blood shortage in their body system.

Doctor Ige explained the connectivity of blood functions in the body which include transportation and distribution of oxygen, fighting against infection and transportation of food nutrients. He also emphasized on the benefits of blood donation to the donor because it reduces the risk of cancer, burns calories, allows free health check-up, helps to reduce excess levels of iron in the blood and above all, producing in the donor the joy of saving a life.

He revealed that the eligible age for blood donation is between 18 and 65 years while the donor must weigh not less than 50kg. He strictly warned that a person must not donate blood more than twice a year for health purposes. He, however, advised that before donation, one must undergo screening to ensure he does not display the high risk behaviours associated with certain infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hypertension, syphilis, sleeping sickness, cancer, and diarrhoea, among others.

An officer from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Peter Nnamani, spoke on drug abuse and related vices.

He mentioned some illegal drugs such as cannabis, marijuana, heroin and cocaine as distinct from the legal types which include off-counter drugs such as pain relievers. He classified drugs into therapeutic drugs and recreational drugs. According to him, therapeutic drugs are for curative purposes. Examples of therapeutic drugs are aspirin and

paracetamol for pains, antibiotics for infection, while recreational drugs are drugs used for fun. Their effects are often neglected.

Examples of this type are cigarettes and alcohol in beer. Mr. Nnamani warned that even the drugs designated as legal can be abused when taken without the doctor's prescription or by taking an overdose of prescribed drugs. These attitudes are also logged under drug abuse together with the use of the prohibited types. He disclosed that penalty for drug abuse is 15 years in jail with hard labour. In view of this, he advised strongly that students should stay away from drugs and be law abiding.

Mr. Nnamani stated that drug abuse starts from experimental stage to occasional stage, from where it moves to regular stage and finally to addicted stage and then develops into a societal problem. He identified some factors that lead to drug abuse as environmental factors, frustration, desire to succeed and economic depression. He also mentioned ways to identify an addict through arrogant attitude, physical appearance, red and puffy eyes, inability to concentrate, dishonesty, unreliablity, among other indicators. “If you are not concerned about it, you are yet to be a victim, that's why we must stand and fight against it in our society,” he said.

FUOYE officers present were the Registrar, Mr. Daniel Abiodun Adeyemo, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, Mrs. Olowokere who represented the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. O. O. Fasoranti, and Head of Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD). Other members of staff of the university were also in attendance.

ICT, PLEASE MAKE THE INTERNET WORK

In our 21st century, the internet has become a sine qua non in corporate business and communications. In the university system, it has overtaken the conventional book library as a medium for research and other related academic practices.

Recognizing therefore that no corporate entity can thrive without the services that the internet offers, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) places high premium on internet availability within the campuses. Still very young and grappling with many onset challenges, the university has made it clear that internet availability is of fundamental importance to its operations. For this reason, the Vice Chancellor and management of the institution vote huge amounts of money every month to ensure that both students and staff have access to the internet for faster and better work output. It is also on record that FUOYE's positive response to the internet stimulus is a strong factor in the university's 16th position in the recent Webometric ranking.

Much as we commend the university's authority in this regard, it is noteworthy that access to the internet on campus is not widespread.

This means that while some buildings have no internet access at all, others enjoy only varying degrees of fluctuating coverage. We are convinced that full internet access will add greater impetus to productivity on the campuses. We therefore implore the ICT to evolve a longer lasting solution to the challenges of weak internet signal in the campuses.

DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

The above headline is the exact title of a lecture delivered by theRegistrar, Mr. D. A. Adeyemo, on the occasion of the 2nd FUOYEANUPA meeting/seminar held on June 19, 2015, at the university'smain auditorium, Oye-Ekiti.

Mr. Adeyemo likened the Administrative Officer (AO) to a prostituteand explained that the AO ought to be able to develop suchinterpersonal skills as would enable him work with all personsirrespective of their temperament group. It, therefore, amused himwhen some staff would come to him to seek redeployment on thereason that they couldn't get along with one person or another. TheRegistrar went ahead to disclose that communication fails when thereceiver is unable to understand the message in its intended form, advising that people should seek clarification where they do notunderstand the task given to them.

Identifying four temperament types of choleric, sanguine, melancholy and phlegmatic, he posited that a person's temperamentor personality, inherited along with other physical and physiologicalqualities that are carried by the genes, plays a key role in determininghis character traits. He, therefore, declared that knowledge of this fact would help staff to understand and manage one another for theultimate realization of the university's goals.

The Registrar was, however, quick to point out that people shouldmoderate their conducts and utterances and not hide under thetemperament concept to engage in unruly behaviour.

The event earlier had an interactive session where participant’s sharedtheir work experiences. Contributors were unanimous in decryingshortage of workspace, resource materials, as well as limited internetaccess. Participants were however advised to make personalsacrifices when required to achieve result in their assigned tasks.

Such sacrifice, according to the Registrar, would not go unnoticed asit would, at the appropriate time, give one an edge over one'scontemporaries in the work place.

CSSAN INAUGURATES EXCO

The newly elected executive of Crop Science Students Association of Nigeria, (CSSAN), FUOYE chapter solemnly pledged to approach their duty with every sense of responsibility. This vow was made as they took the oath of office following their inauguration which took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Theatre Hall, Ikole Campus on Wednesday March 17, 2015.

In his opening speech, Dr S. O. Adigbo who represented the Head of Department urged the students to commit themselves fully to the profession and be proud of their course of study. He stressed that Crop Science as both a discipline and profession is capable of assisting in feeding the nation as well checking economic dependency particularly in the area of food security. He reassured the students that they would not have any cause to regret that they took up the profession because there are plenty of opportunities for graduates and professionals of Crop Science.

Dr O. T. Adeniji, who administered the oath of office, also encouraged the pioneer executive of the association to work together as a team in favour of the students they represent. He admonished them to be proud of the profession and work to bring about innovative ideas and performances that will show-case the profession to the university community in particular and Ekiti State in general.

In his speech, Head of the Department, Professor S. A. Adebitan, who joined the ceremony later from an official engagement, assured the executive and all the students of his personal support and that of the department to ensure the association was sustained.

Delivering a goodwill message from the Programme Officer, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Ekiti State Chapter, Mr. T. O. Oyewumi, promised to collaborate with the university and students’ groups such as CSSAN in promoting the laudable profession. He assured the executive and students that the Programme Officer would welcome students that are ready to undertake Industrial Training (IT) programme in Ekiti State ADP. According to him, job opportunities abound for graduates of Agricultural Science in agricultural companies, commercial farms and government institutions, adding that the profession will give the students the privilege to double as self-employed and employers of labour.

Members of the CSSAN executive are Osadebey Philip Joseph, President, Bamiteko Monjolaoluwa, Vice President, Ahunanya Ezekiel Eberechukwu, General Secretary and AsonibareIteolorun Blessing, Treasurer. Others are ToluwalopeSaliuSuleman, P. R. O., AdaraTaiwo Mary, Welfare Director, Oyelowo Deborah, Financial Secretary and Fagbuaro Stephen Adegboyega Assistant General Secrtary.     

FUOYE MEDICAL CENTRE ELABORATES ON BLOOD DONATION AND DRUG ABUSE

The Medical Centre of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti recently sensitized the university community on blood donation. In a one-day seminar entitledThanks for Saving My Life, the Head, University Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD), disclosed that a US report says that “every two seconds, someone will need blood to survive.” He encouraged people to donate blood as many persons who would still be alive had died from blood shortage in their body system.

Doctor Ige explained the connectivity of blood functions in the body which include transportation and distribution of oxygen, fighting against infection and transportation of food nutrients. He also emphasized on the benefits of blood donation to the donor because it reduces the risk of cancer, burns calories, allows free health check-up, helps to reduce excess levels of iron in the blood and above all, producing in the donor the joy of saving a life.

He revealed that the eligible age for blood donation is between 18 and 65 years while the donor must weigh not less than 50kg. He strictly warned that a person must not donate blood more than twice a year for health purposes. He, however, advised that before donation, one must undergo screening to ensure he does not display the high risk behaviours associated with certain infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hypertension, syphilis, sleeping sickness, cancer, and diarrhoea, among others.

An officer from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Peter Nnamani, spoke on drug abuse and related vices.

He mentioned some illegal drugs such as cannabis, marijuana, heroin and cocaine as distinct from the legal types which include off-counter drugs such as pain relievers. He classified drugs into therapeutic drugs and recreational drugs. According to him, therapeutic drugs are for curative purposes. Examples of therapeutic drugs are aspirin and

paracetamol for pains, antibiotics for infection, while recreational drugs are drugs used for fun. Their effects are often neglected.

Examples of this type are cigarettes and alcohol in beer. Mr. Nnamani warned that even the drugs designated as legal can be abused when taken without the doctor's prescription or by taking an overdose of prescribed drugs. These attitudes are also logged under drug abuse together with the use of the prohibited types. He disclosed that penalty for drug abuse is 15 years in jail with hard labour. In view of this, he advised strongly that students should stay away from drugs and be law abiding.

Mr. Nnamani stated that drug abuse starts from experimental stage to occasional stage, from where it moves to regular stage and finally to addicted stage and then develops into a societal problem. He identified some factors that lead to drug abuse as environmental factors, frustration, desire to succeed and economic depression. He also mentioned ways to identify an addict through arrogant attitude, physical appearance, red and puffy eyes, inability to concentrate, dishonesty, unreliablity, among other indicators. “If you are not concerned about it, you are yet to be a victim, that's why we must stand and fight against it in our society,” he said.

FUOYE officers present were the Registrar, Mr. Daniel Abiodun Adeyemo, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Asuzu, Mrs. Olowokere who represented the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. O. O. Fasoranti, and Head of Medical Centre, V. A. Ige (MD). Other members of staff of the university were also in attendance.

ICT, PLEASE MAKE THE INTERNET WORK

In our 21st century, the internet has become a sine qua non in corporate business and communications. In the university system, it has overtaken the conventional book library as a medium for research and other related academic practices.

Recognizing therefore that no corporate entity can thrive without the services that the internet offers, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) places high premium on internet availability within the campuses. Still very young and grappling with many onset challenges, the university has made it clear that internet availability is of fundamental importance to its operations. For this reason, the Vice Chancellor and management of the institution vote huge amounts of money every month to ensure that both students and staff have access to the internet for faster and better work output. It is also on record that FUOYE's positive response to the internet stimulus is a strong factor in the university's 16th position in the recent Webometric ranking.

Much as we commend the university's authority in this regard, it is noteworthy that access to the internet on campus is not widespread.

This means that while some buildings have no internet access at all, others enjoy only varying degrees of fluctuating coverage. We are convinced that full internet access will add greater impetus to productivity on the campuses. We therefore implore the ICT to evolve a longer lasting solution to the challenges of weak internet signal in the campuses.