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  • UI suspends announcement of new VC over protest

    UI suspends announcement of new VC over protest

    Following a protest by some members of staff on Wednesday, the University of Ibadan has suspended the announcement of its next vice-chancellor.

    The chairman of the University Council, Dr. Joshua Waklek, announced the suspension of the process on Wednesday.

    While announcing the suspension to the non-academic staff who besieged Council Chambers, Waklek also promised to meet with the protesting staff on Friday to critically look into their demands.

    The process of selecting a new vice-chancellor had almost been completed when some non-academic staff of the university blocked the gates, carrying placards in protest against an alleged plan to impose one of the six candidates selected for the position, Prof. Kayode Adebowale. They alleged that the outgoing VC has skewed the process in Adebowale’s favour.

    The union also rejected Prof. Olusegun Mimiko, describing him as anti-workers judging by his tenure as VC, Ondo State University, Akungba-Akoko between 2010 and 2015.

    The procedure would have been 90 percent completed on Wednesday with the selection of three out of the six by the Council.

    But Waklek said only the entire Council members can decide on the request to delete the name of Prof. Kayode Adebowale from the list.

    Members of the non-teaching staff led by the chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr. Wale Akinremi, and his Non-Teaching Staff Union (NASU) counterpart, Mr. Malachy Etim, have vowed not to suspend their protest until there is a formal letter annulling the process of appointing the next vice-chancellor.

    The new VC will resume in December.

  • ‘The truth about Governor Godwin Obaseki’s UI controversy’

    ‘The truth about Governor Godwin Obaseki’s UI controversy’

    By Professor Eghosa Osaghae

    Let us clear this mess once and for all. I entered the University of Ibadan in 1976, the same year as HE Godwin Obaseki. We were both from Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, where he finished one year ahead of me in 1973 (I left in 1974). Mr Ogbe Oviasu, also from the 1973 set, was the third person to enter UI that year from Eghosa. Chico Omere, also 1973 Eghosa, was the fourth, but he was in the Prelim class.

    I attended Edo College for the H.Sc, and I know that Obaseki was at the Centre for Continuing Education (now Institute for Continuing Education) which was quite popular for Advanced Level tuition those days. Obaseki was admitted to read Classics, Oviasu, History (both in the Faculty of Arts) and I, Political Science (in the Faculty of the Social Sciences).

    In both faculties, all undergraduate courses were three-year courses, as the university offered preliminary courses only in the sciences, agric, technology, and medicine (preliminary or pre-degree courses for arts and social sciences were offered in the Jos campus of UI, which became the University of Jos in 1975).

    Up until 1978 when JAMB was established, Nigerian universities had two modes of entry (applications were made to individual universities, and many of us had multiple admissions). The first was the concessional entrance mode by which students were admitted to preliminary classes, which were in effect, pre-degree classes (at Ibadan, prelim classes were sub-100 level and were taken as qualifiers for entry into degree programmes).

    For this mode of entry a minimum of 5 WASC/O/L credits was required in addition to passing the concessional entrance examination set by individual universities. The second mode was direct entry (direct literally because you were admitted to 100 level unlike prelims which were pre-degree and sub-100 level).

    In the arts and social sciences at UI, direct entry courses were for three years, and unlike the current practice of admitting direct entry students at 200 level, direct entry students were admitted to 100 level of three-year courses. For direct entry admissions, a minimum of 2 H.Sc/A/L passes in Princpal subjects was required, in addition to WASC credits in proper combinations.

    Many of us had 5 WASC credits, but this was not a requirement. Three WASC credits, and two H.Sc principal passes got you admission (admission was based on a points system that was calculated on the basis of WASC and H.Sc papers).

    A credit in English was also required but an H.Sc O pass grade was accepted in lieu of English. A credit in Maths was also not a requirement in the faculty of Arts (in the social sciences, 1976 was the last year students without credit in maths were admitted- this was done apparently to accommodate hundreds of students from the Jos campus who opted to continue with UI rather than the new University of Jos).

    These were the requirements for admission at the time, and are not to be confused with requirements that came with JAMB and now govern admissions. I should add that universities in the north accepted pre-degree and schools of preliminary studies/IJMB passes in lieu of WASC and H.Sc papers. Governor Obaseki was my classmate at Ibadan and we took some mutual courses in History and Philosophy during the 3-year programmes. He was in Nnamdi Azikiwe hall, Oviasu was in Tedder, and Omere and I were in Independence hall.

    Other Eghosa students at Ibadan at the time included Professor Larry Edosomwan (Agric) and Mr Duke Osunbor (Forestry) who both graduated in 1978. We graduated in 1979. I know so much about Obaseki because we grew up in the same neighborhood in New Benin (those ties are for life), attended the same schools, and belonged to the same church (St Peter’s Anglican Church, Lagos Street, Benin City).

    He attended UI and graduated with an Honours degree in Classics in 1979, the same year I graduated in Political Science (and Ogbe Oviasu in History).

    I hope this messy matter can be finally laid to rest.

    Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Ibadan and former Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada.

  • UI, LASU top six Nigerian universities recognised in 2021 World University Ranking

    UI, LASU top six Nigerian universities recognised in 2021 World University Ranking

    The University of Ibadan (UI) and Lagos State University (LASU) are top amongst the only six Nigerian Universities recognized in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking for 2021.

    THE in its latest ranking placed the Lagos State University among World Universities ranked in the 501-600 bracket, second only to the University of Ibadan, which was ranked in the 401-500 bracket.

    Other Nigerian universities, ranked are University of Lagos (601-800), Covenant University (801-1000), the University of Nigeria Nsukka (1000+) and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (1001+).

    The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 includes more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and regions, making it the largest and most diverse university rankings to date.

    The latest ranking of LASU follows a consistent and meteoric rise in the local and international stock of the University in the last five years of the Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun-led administration, thanks to the entrenchment of academic excellence, a culture of cutting edge research and enhanced community service.

    The University was named Africa Centre of Excellence in STEM Education by the World Bank in 2017, and maintains its status as the most sought after state university in Nigeria

  • FG seals off Ibadan factory over UI student’s death

    FG seals off Ibadan factory over UI student’s death

    The Federal Government has sealed an Ibadan-based factory, Expand Global Manufacturing Limited, where a 21-year-old student of University of Ibadan Richard Gbadebo, died on July 28.

    The factory located in Oluyole area of the city was sealed on Wednesday by officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased, who was a worker in the factory, was also a 300-level student of the University of Ibadan

    The deceased was reported to have slipped into a soap making machine and died during production.

    Mr Femi Fatoki, the Federal Controller of Labour in Oyo State, said the factory was sealed based on findings from a preliminary investigation.

    “Immediately we got knowledge of the accident, we came for a report. We came here and we could not do more.

    “But despite that, we were able to put up a preliminary investigation and it was based on the preliminary investigation that we ordered the sealing up of the factory.

    “And this order is in conformity with Section 38 of the Nigeria Factory Act.

    ” It has been identified as a dangerous workplace and the record said we should seal it up,” he said.

    Dr Adaora Obu, a staff of the labour ministry, said the preliminary investigation was inconclusive, adding that investigation was still ongoing.

    She said that some contraventions had been identified and these had been communicated to the company’s manager in writing

    “We are still investigating, looking into the autopsy report and all that. So, when we finish with the investigation, I am sure there would be a statement,” she said.

  • UI mourns emeritus professor, Akinkugbe

    UI mourns emeritus professor, Akinkugbe

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Idowu Olayinka has described the late emeritus professor of Medicine, Oladipo Akinkugbe as a great Nigerian with passion for his country.

    Olayinka stated this in Ibadan on Tuesday in a condolence message issued by Mr Tunji Oladejo, the Director of Communications of the institution.

    He eulogised Akinkugbe, who died at 86 on Monday, as an administrator, international physician, widely respected medical scientist and a man of many preferments.

    “It is with deep sense of loss but with gratitude to God for a life well spent in selfless service to humanity that we, at the University of Ibadan, received the news of the death of Late Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe today, June 15, 2020.

    “May I, therefore on behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, staff and students of the university commiserate with the Akinkugbe family on the death of their illustrious son, uncle, father and elder statesman,” the vice chancellor said.

    He said the death of Akinkugbe would most certainly create gaps, stressing that he only recently bequeathed his entire library to the University of Ibadan.

    “Really, the death of Baba Akinkugbe is not only a loss to his family but the entire academic world who will miss his rich academic and administrative inspiration,” the vice chancellor said.

    He said that in observing the rite of passage for the late professor, “we take solace in the fact that he left behind great legacies which will keep his memory eternally.”

    “It is therefore our prayer that the Good Lord will grant his soul perfect rest,” he added.

  • JUST IN: University of Ibadan wades in Obaseki’s alleged certificate forgery scandal

    JUST IN: University of Ibadan wades in Obaseki’s alleged certificate forgery scandal

    The Management of University of Ibadan (UI) has confirmed that the Edo state governor, Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, graduated from the institution.

    According to a statement by the university’s Registrar, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi, the Governor gained admission to the university in 1976 and graduated in 1979 with a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in Classics.

    “Records of his admission and graduation are intact in the archives of the university.” the statement said.

    Recall that the embattled governor was on May 29 dragged before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja by some people accusing him of certificate forgery and perjury.

    The plaintiffs in the case, according to reports, are Edobor Williams, Ugbesia Abudu Godwin and Amedu Dauda Anakhu.

    Joined as defendants are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inspector- General of Police (IGP).

    Governor Obaseki has however, dismissed the allegations of certificate fraud as baseless, unfounded, and diversionary, calling those raising eyebrows over his academic qualifications, as mischievous.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Obaseki has been in a running battle with his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole over the second term ticket. The latter, who is the National Chairman of the APC, has vowed to ensure the governor does not get a second term in office.

  • Gunmen attack UI female hostel

    Gunmen attack UI female hostel

    The state of insecurity in the country was brought to the fore early today when some gunmen attacked Obafemi Awolowo Hall female hostel at the University of Ibadan, carting away valuables.
    The invasion of the female hostel was said to have occurred around 1:30 a.m.by armed men numbering about 10.
    They were said to have made away with the students’ phones, laptops, cash and other valuables.
    The Director of the Public Communication of the institution, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, who confirmed the unfortunate incident, said two students were injured but were later rushed to the University’s health center for treatment.
    Oladejo further disclosed that Campus Security Service coupled with combined efforts of the policemen from Bodija, Sango and Ojoo and Operation Burst rushed to the scene of the incident but the thieves had escaped.
    Students of the hostel revealed the local security personnel of the institution guarding the hostel were overpowered and praying while the robbery was ongoing.
    Some students, who recounted their ordeals to The Nation, attributed the attack to the lackadaisical attitude of the school management to the security of the students whose hostel is in a ‘porous part of the school’.

  • UTME: Our admission cut-off mark remains 200, UI insists

    UTME: Our admission cut-off mark remains 200, UI insists

    The management of the University of Ibadan has declared the cut-off mark for the premier institution remains 200 as against 160 agreed on by the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) and stakeholders of higher institutions.

    JAMB announced on Tuesday that cut-off mark for admission into federal universities will be 160 for 2019.

    On Tuesday, JAMB and stakeholders at the 19th Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria approved 160 and above as the national minimum benchmark for 2019 admission into public universities.

    But many educationists criticized the cut-off mark, describing it as ridiculously low and a further indication of the falling standard of education.

    UI, on its part, said it will have nothing to do with the national minimum cut-off mark.

    In a statement by the office of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, the institution said: “For the avoidance of doubts in the minds of our prospective admission seekers, their parents and guardians, our alumni and alumnae and the general public, the minimum mark for any course at the University of Ibadan, and all its Affiliated Institutions, remains 200 out of the maximum of 400.

    “This has been the position of the Senate of the University since the matriculation examinations into Nigerian Universities commenced in 1978.”

  • UI clears air on ex-lecturer’s death, dismisses suicide reports

    UI clears air on ex-lecturer’s death, dismisses suicide reports

    The management of the University of Ibadan has dismissed insinuations that a former lecturer, Mr Aminu Zubair, who died in his residence on the institution’s campus, committed suicide.

    The university’s Director of Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday that Zubair died in a fire outbreak that occurred at his residence.

    Oladejo said that if not for the timely intervention of the school’s Fire Service, the whole building would have been razed by the inferno.

    “He was a staff in the Department of Mathematics and had resigned before the ugly incident happened.

    “It wasn’t a suicide attempt as he was caught up in the inferno at Philipson Road, where he resides, and couldn’t escape.

    “If not for our Fire Service men, who got there at the right time the whole building would have been engulfed in fire completely.

    “It was only that particular room that was badly affected, he could not get out and he died out of suffocation from the fumes of the fire.

    “He worked in the department of Mathematics before his exit; he was a lecturer but had resigned and was no more in the service of the University of Ibadan.

    “However, he was given a place on compassionate grounds pending the time he would move out.

    “There are documents that he had resigned; he was no longer in the service of the university before the ugly incident, which is quite unfortunate.

    “The management commiserate with the family on the unfortunate death of Mr Zubair,” Oladejo stated.

    In a telephone interview with NAN, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State command, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, said the police was not aware of the incident.

  • Hijab crisis: UI International school reopens one week after shutting down

    Hijab crisis: UI International school reopens one week after shutting down

    The management of the University of Ibadan International School has ordered the reopening of the school which was shut last week.

    The school, which has witnessed series of crises over the use of hijab by female Muslim students, was shut last week Monday after some Muslim parents insisted that the use of hijab is a constitutional right of their children.

    A visit to the school around 8.am on Monday, however, revealed that the school has been reopened.

    It was observed that security men have been stationed at the entrance that leads to the main gate of the school, to maintain law and order.

    Parents were asked to park their cars and allow their children walk into the school by themselves.

    It was not immediately clear whether academic activities had resumed as non-students were barred from entering the premises.

    The school principal, Phebean Olowe, declined comments when journalists, who were at the gate of the school, called her.

    However, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) University of Ibadan, Yinka Aderinto, in a statement on Monday, maintained that the decision and outcome of the November 14 meeting of the Board of Governors of the School, should be respected by all, in the interest of the students and progress of the school.

    Mr Aderinto added that individuals or groups that may seek a change in the dress code, should follow the due process of requesting for such, adding that the final decision on any such change still lies with the Board of Governors.

    He said, “A meeting of the Expanded Management of the University of Ibadan was held on Friday, November 23, 2018, at 5pm. The meeting was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University and was called to discuss the lingering religious crisis affecting the International School of the University.

    “The meeting was attended by Principal Officers of the University, Deans, Directors of Academic Units and Council members. The Principal of the International School, and her three Vice Principals were also present at the meeting.

    “After consideration of all that had happened since the crisis started on November 12, 2018, including efforts at resolving the crisis, the meeting resolved as follows: There is a need to take a dispassionate look at the rules and regulations governing not only dress code but general conduct of students in the International School, Ibadan. Such perspective will enable a deeper understanding of the principles underlying the establishment of those rules.

    “The International School is a private school and is guided by its own policies, rules and regulations. The meeting also noted that there is a subsisting court judgement that has affirmed the private status of the school.

    “Following from the above, the meeting decided that: The decision and outcome of the November 14, 2018, meeting of the Board of Governors of the School should be respected by all in the interest of the children and progress of the school.

    “The status quo as regards students’ dress code as contained in the school rules and regulations should be maintained. Individuals or groups that may seek a change in the dress code, or any other aspect of the rules of the school should follow the due process of requesting for such but the final decision on any such change still lies with the Board of Governors.

    “Adequate measures should be put in place to forestall breakdown of law and order in the school. The Board of Governors be advised to reopen the school for academic activities on Monday, November 26, 2018”.