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Tag: OAU

  • OAU reacts as lecturer is accused of phone theft in exam hall

    OAU reacts as lecturer is accused of phone theft in exam hall

    Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have debunked the rumour making the rounds that a University lecturer stole some phones belonging to some students who were writing their examinations.

    This is contained in a Press Release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, on Wednesday at Ile-Ife.

    “The attention of the management of OAU, Ile-Ife, has been drawn to a viral video where a male young adult was allegedly involved in stealing phones of some students who were in the examination hall.

    “While some alleged that he was a lecturer, others said that he was an invigilator.

    “Putting the record straight, the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju, stated that the culprit was neither a lecturer in any of our Departments nor a student of our University,” he stated.

    Olanrewaju maintained that a well-dressed man in suit came to campus and was eventually seen stealing phones from the bags of students who were sitting for their examinations.

    He stressed that his mode of dressing made those who caught him stealing the phones think that he was a lecturer assigned to invigilate the examination.

    “We, therefore, want the general public to disregard, in its entirety, the  insinuation that the culprit has any link with the University,” Olanrewaji added.

  • BREAKING: Hilton Hotel owner, Raman Adedoyin sentenced to death by hanging

    BREAKING: Hilton Hotel owner, Raman Adedoyin sentenced to death by hanging

    The owner of Hilton Hotel, Ile-Ife, Raman Adedoyin has been sentenced to death by hanging.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Adedoyin was sentenced to death by hanging over the murder of a postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Timothy Adegoke.

    Adegoke was allegedly murdered at the Hilton Hotel and Honours on November 6, 2021.

    Adegoke went to Ile-Ife to sit an exam at the OAU Distance Learning Centre, Moro campus, when he was declared missing on November 7.

    Adegoke’s body was discovered after some suspects, including workers at the hotel, were arrested by the police.

    It was learnt that Adegoke had lodged in Hilton hotel located in Ile-Ife, Osun State between October 22 and November 5, 2021, before he was later declared missing.

    TNG reports Adedoyin was sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Ojo.

    Earlier, Justice Ojo declared that Adedoyin was culpable of murder.

    The Chief Judge in her judgement said the owner of the hotel and two of his workers, based on the circumstances of the case established by the prosecuting counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, are found culpable of conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful killing of the deceased.

  • BREAKING: Ex-OAU VC, Prof Cyril Onwumechili is dead

    BREAKING: Ex-OAU VC, Prof Cyril Onwumechili is dead

    The Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, say they received, with a heavy heart and deep sadness, the news of the passing of the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Cyril Onwumechili, at 91.

    This is contained in a release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Friday in Ile-Ife.

    Olarenwaju stated that the esteemed former Vice-Chancellor was a visionary leader, an exceptional academic, and a compassionate individual, who made invaluable contributions to the growth and success of institution.

    According to him, Onwumechili was Vice Chancellor of the University from 1979 to 1982.

    The PRO said that the renowned Physicist, Prof Onwumechili, played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s trajectory, steering it towards excellence and upholding its commitment to academic rigor, innovation, and societal impact.

    Olarenwaju described the late University helmsman as a detribalised Nigerian and a renowned academic of high repute.

    The current Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said that Onwumechili championed progressive policies, fostered a vibrant academic community, and favoured inclusivity.

    He said that late Onwumechili left an indelible mark on the 62-year-old University and the countless lives he touched.

    “Under Prof. Onwumechili’s leadership, the University experienced remarkable growth and advancement in various fields of study, research, and outreach.

    “As he spearheaded strategic initiatives that fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, established partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide, and ensured the university’s relevance in an ever-evolving global landscape,” he stated.

    Prof Bamire further explained that beyond his administrative duties, ”Professor Onwumechili was an exceptional scholar, renowned for his groundbreaking research as a Physicist.”

    He said Onwumechili inspired generations of students and faculty members through his profound knowledge, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting pursuit of academic excellence.

    The Vice-Chancellor added: “In fact, Professor Onwumechili was a compassionate mentor, a trusted confidant whose genuine concern for the well-being of staff, students and faculty resonated deeply within the University community, fostering an environment of support, growth and collaboration.”

    Prof Bamire, therefore, “extends OAU’s deepest condolences to Professor Cyril Agodi Onwumechili’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

    Bamire affirmed that the late former VC’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Obafemi Awolowo University, serving as a guiding light for future generations. The university will be forever grateful for his unwavering commitment and profound impact.

  • Alleged theft: OAU hands over murder suspects to police

    Alleged theft: OAU hands over murder suspects to police

    The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun, says it has handed over suspects accused for the murder of a final-year student, Okoli Aishe, of the institution.

    The Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju stated this in an interview with NAN on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife.

    He said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simeon Bamire, and the entire community were saddened over the murder of the student.

    “Nobody knows that students can go to that level of indiscipline to cost the life of their mate,” he said.

    The spokesman stressed that the suspects should have adhered to the constitutional provisions and the university’s regulations rather than taking the law into their hands.

    Olarewaju said the University had set up a committee to unravel the circumstances leading to the gruesome murder of the student.

    Aishe, a final-year student of Civil Engineering Department of was clobbered to death in a mob action after some students accused her of cell phone theft.

  • Adopt friendly policies on pig production for poverty eradication, don urges FG

    Adopt friendly policies on pig production for poverty eradication, don urges FG

    A don, Prof. Akinyele Adesehinwa, has called on the Federal Government to adopt friendly policies on pig industry toward eradicating poverty and contributing to the attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Adesehinwa made the call on Wednesday at the 370th Inaugural Lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in collaboration with Institute of Agricultural Research a Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.

    The title of the inaugural lecture was: “The Fox and the Piglet: A Paradox for Untapped Resources.”

    The event was the first inaugural lecture on Livestock improvement and the eighth from IAR&T.

    According to the professor of Animal Science and Production Systems, the pig industry is a means of job creation, a sustainable source of income, and poverty reduction.

    He noted that Nigeria had the largest pig farm in the world, located in Kano and established in ’50s and ’60s by United African Company (UAC).

    He said that UAC used to transport the meat by rail to Lagos at that time.

    “Unfortunately, that pig farm eventually folded up in the late ’70s due to religious prejudice and traditional taboos.

    “If this farm had been allowed to continue, Nigeria would probably have become one of the leading pig-producing countries in the whole world,” he stated.

    The don called for the cooperation of relevant agencies of government at all levels toward developing a framework for importation, preservation, and use of imported genetic materials to improve the existing stock.

    “Appropriate policies should be put in place to favour the establishment of private pig meat processing companies/plants,” he said.

    According to him, the pig industry also serves as nutrition and food security arising from pork and its consumable by-products as well as source of organic manure for crop production.

    “Therefore, it could be said that Nigeria has all it takes for self-reliance in animal protein, but yet to utilise the opportunities to increase pigs contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “The federal government needs to change from its unfriendly attitude toward the pig production sub-sector and by-product from what we generate from the industry, which is pig meat and its by-product.

    “Pig is compared to palm tree, where every part is useful to man; skin for soft leather, hair for brush, fat (lard) for cooking and for cosmetics.

    “The blood and bones are also useful for animal feed, intestine for surgical suture material and for sausage casing, heart as organ transplant for humans, manure for maggot production for fish feeding and cooking gas production,” he said.

    Adesehinwa stated that the global trend in world meat production (2016-2020) indicated that pig meat (pork) was a very important source of animal protein in human diets.

    He noted that investment in pork production had proven to be one of the most profitable livestock businesses because of its relatively low cost of production, compared with other major livestock farming businesses.

    According to him, pork is the world’s most widely eaten meat, accounting for 36 per cent of the total meat production, surpassing  poultry (29 per cent), beef and buffalo (27 per cent) and goat and sheep (five per cent).

    According to him, pig has the highest percentage in terms of consumption in the entire world.

    The don stated further that the world’s pork industry had been on the rise since the 1970s, adding that by 2022, global production had surpassed 110 million metric tonnes per year.

    Adesehinwa said that the pork industry included all forms of pig meat, including flesh and processed meats.

    “The value of trade in pig products around the world runs into billions of dollars every year.

    “However, Africa enjoys less than five per cent of the “economic fat” generated in the pig-farming sector.

    “Pig production is so valuable that it is described as an ‘assist for wealth’ or ‘safety net’ in times of crises,” Adesehinwa said.

    He noted that China, with a fifth of the world’s population, was both the largest producer and net importer of pig products globally, using pork to feed its largest population.

    NAN

  • Alleged theft: OAU reacts to death of final year student on campus

    Alleged theft: OAU reacts to death of final year student on campus

    The administration of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has condemned, in strong terms, the incident that led to the death of a part 5 student of the institution.

    This is contained in a release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, sent to journalists on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.

    Olanrewaju did not name the student, but stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the student died of a mob action on the allegation that he stole a phone.

    The incident was said to have happened in the Awo Hall of the institution.

    “Saddened by this ugly development which he described as unfortunate, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has set up a committee to unravel the circumstances that led to this incident.

    “The action of the mob, being a violation of the law of the country and of the University regulations, has been reported to the police who have commenced investigations.

    “The University administration hereby commiserates with the parents of the deceased, staff and students, and prays that God will grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement added.

    He admonished students to desist from taking laws into their hands and to report any criminal activities to the University authorities for immediate actions.

  • ASUU: OAU fixes October 20 for resumption

    ASUU: OAU fixes October 20 for resumption

    The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced that the School will reopen  for academic activities on Thursday, 20th of October, 2022.

    This announcement was made public by the Registrar and Secretary to Council of the university.

    The citadel of learning has directed the students to return to Halls of Residence on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s re-opening.

    The statement reads in part, “The students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have been directed to return to Halls of Residence on Wednesday, 19th October, 2022, while full academic activities will commence on Thursday, 20th October, 2022 for the continuation of the 2021/2022 session.

    “The decision was taken at a special meeting of the University Senate, which held in Oduduwa Hall on Tuesday, 18th October, 2022.

    “On behalf of the Council and Senate of the University, we wish our students an uninterrupted academic session and a safe trip from their respective locations.”

  • FEC approves N11.8bn for aviation equipment, N592m for MRI for OAU teaching hospital

    FEC approves N11.8bn for aviation equipment, N592m for MRI for OAU teaching hospital

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N11.8 billion for the procurement of equipment and setting up of a fire fighting trucks maintenance centre in Katsina State and an aircraft maintenance centre in Abuja.

    Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika revealed this when he briefed State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said: “we got approval for the award of contracts for the establishment of a fire truck maintenance and refurbishment centre in Katsina State and this is a very critical procurement for us.

    ”It is to attend to all the issues we are having with fire tenders all over the country.

    “Past governments used to shift these firefighting equipment back to Europe where they were manufactured, just to get them refurbished and brought back at a cost and time; thus exporting our labour and foreign exchange.

    ”But the Buhari government decided that we should establish one of such centres.

    ”The approval was for N7, 913, 949, 964, inclusive of 6.5 percent Value Added Tax .”

    The Minister said when fully established, the centre would cater for aviation firefighting trucks as well as other heavy duty vehicles.

    ”That centre will cater for aviation firefighting equipment including all other firefighting equipment around the country.

    ”In fact it is not going to be limited to firefighting but it will be for heavy duty vehicles that could be maintained,” the minister maintained.

    According to him, with time, as the workers in the centre gain experience, the centre will go into assembly of such trucks in Nigeria and eventually begin to manufacture such vehicles locally.

    He added that N3, 985, 432, 685 was approved for the construction of the building that would house the maintenance centre.

    Sirika also disclosed that the ministry got approval for the full business case for the establishment of a maintenance and overhaul facility in the country, where aircrafts would be maintained in Nigeria.

    “In this particular case, we will be doing the maintenance of aircrafts here, once the facility is established.

    ”This business case is for 30 years and a consortium will carry out the work and they will be paying a fixed fee of 30, 000 dollars in the first year with annual escalation rate of three percent payable annually and in advance,” he explained.

    Council also approved N592m for procurement of MRI diagnostic machine at OAU Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife.

    The Minister of State, Health, Ekumankama Joseph, who also briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, said the Council approved N592million for procurement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostic machine for OAU Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife.

    He stated that the procurement had become necessary following poor services to patients suffering from ailments requiring thorough diagnosis.

    According to him, the Council in its magnanimity approved the purchase of the single unit 1.5 MRI equipment to replace the obsolete one of 0.2 which is no longer up to standard.

    Joseph expressed optimism that upon delivery and installation of the equipment, patients who go through pains traveling to access better health services would stay back and access them at their leisure.

    He said: “The memo that we presented from the Federal Ministry of Health is for the procurement of MRI equipment for the Obafemi Awolowo University Hospital, that is Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment.

    ”You may not be aware that the University hospital has only one 0.2 Tesla MRI equipment, which is no longer up to standard when you compare it with the advanced technology.

    ”That has made the availability of 1.5 MRI equipment for diagnostic services in most hospitals, both within and outside the country.

    ”So, we have been having challenges of giving the very best of health services to people, patients who come to the hospital for diagnostic services and treatment.

    “So, today FEC in its wisdom approved for procurement and supply of one unit A 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, and other accessories for the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife in the sum of N592,271,792.48.

    ”This is inclusive of 7.5% VAT with a delivery period of six months.

    “With the procurement of this equipment, it is strongly believed that most patients that usually travel to Lagos or other surrounding environment close to Ile-Ife, to seek for better medical services, will now be able to have the comfort and leisure of staying back in Ife to get the medical services they need in terms of diagnosis and treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.

    “So we thank the Council for the privilege of receiving this kind of approval which will go a long way to strengthen the health services at the University Teaching Hospital”.

  • Ife Institute of Advanced Studies announces 6th summer programme

    Ife Institute of Advanced Studies announces 6th summer programme

    The Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), Ile-Ife has announced the 6th edition of its Summer Institute Programme, scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 6, 2022.

    According to a statement by the Convener of IAS, Prof Jacob Olupona, the institute has put a comprehensive intellectual agenda for the 2022 Summer Institute Programme.

    Prof Olupona further stated that the Ife Summer Institute Programme for 2022 will take on an exciting hybrid format.

    “It is scheduled to take place both Online (Zoom) and physically at the Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

    “The programme is expected to kick off at 1.00 pm on July 25th, 2022, under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Adebayo Bamire

    “The theme for the year’s Summer Institute is: “The Future of the Academy: Skills for Transformative Pedagogy, Theory, and Practice,” the statement reads.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the objective of the Summer Institute programme is to facilitate and foster innovative research among young scholars in the academy, particularly those in the humanities, social sciences, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) by exposing them to relevant theoretical and methodological tools in their respective disciplines.

    The gathering will allow Fellows to deepen their knowledge and capacities through workshops, lectures, field trips, peer-sharing, and networking sessions.  They will also be trained on how to creatively respond to challenges posed by global needs, issues, and events.

    “This year’s IIAS’s summer programme will be anchored by an impressive number of senior scholars from Nigeria and abroad engaging a wide range of themes and issues that are designed to deepen the understanding of research and teaching mission in the academy.

    “This year’s Keynote Address will be delivered by Professor Olufemi O. Vaughan, the Alfred Sargent Lee’ 41 and Mary Farley Ames Lee Professor of Black Studies at Amherst College, United States of America. Participants are expected this year from Nigeria, USA, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Pakistan, Angola, Algeria, Ghana, Belgium, and, Switzerland,” Olupona added in the statement.

  • Arrest of Agidigbo FM owner Oriyomi Hamzat sparks protest in Ibadan

    The arrest of Agidigbo FM owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, has sparked a protest in Ibadan, Oyo State.

     

    The police arrested Hamzat on Thursday, May 26 following his call for justice for the late Timothy Adegoke, a postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

     

    Adegoke died in Hilton Hotel in Ile-Ife, Osun State last year.

     

    The owner of the hotel Ramon Adedoyin and some of his employees are facing trial over Adegoke’s death.

     

    The broadcaster’s arrest followed complaint by Adedoyin’s lawyer, Ahmed Aderoju, accusing Hamzat and others, including one Babagbade Imo, Woibile and IJKFMB Music Yard, of criminal defamation, false alarm, incitement, false publication, cyberstalking and criminal threat.

     

    Protesters took to the streets of Ibadan to express their disapproval of the arrest, lamenting that Hamzat provides for them.

     

    Hamzat is alleged to have been handed to the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and moved to Abuja.

     

    Agidigbo FM spoke on his arrest in a statement, saying Hamzat had in the past few days been subjected to regular invites and questioning by several security operatives, including but not limited to the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB); all of which he honoured.

     

    The statement stated that “it would be realized that Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat’s constant call for justice for the deceased has been a source of concern for the accused.

     

    “However, the entire situation began to escalate when the SIB started plans to hand over Mr. Hamzat to the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and in the early hours of today, Thursday, 26′ of May 2022, he was arrested and as we speak has been whisked away to Abuja.”

    Hamzat
    Late Timothy Adegoke

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Osun University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Osogbo, conducted an autopsy on the late post-graduate student, in which the family of the deceased presented a pathologist to be part of the autopsy process.

     

    Professor of Consultant Pathologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, (OAUTHC),Ile-Ife, Osun State Olusegun Sylvester Ojo, had told an Osun State High Court that the cause of the death of Adegoke may be natural.