Why I resigned as the President-elect of FASSA - Eben Speaks

The former faculty of science President-elect, Mr. Bodunde Ebenezer Olayemi, (popularly known as Speaking Eben), in an interview with ZHPO, talks about the reasons, the intrigues, and drama that surrounded his resignation from his elected post.

Talk us through the election process?
The election took place around October 2021, towards the end of the second semester, last year. It was the first time elections will be conducted electronically, which means that you could vote from anywhere with your gadget. A lot of things came up, the election initially held around October 11 and it got to a point where people could not log in or something, because of that, the election was nullified and they had to prepare ahead for another election. When another election came up, there were still a lot of things that went wrong; like the fact that not all details were imputed into the database, because of that, some people did not get the password to vote. To avoid disenfranchisement, they had to create an alternative for people to vote through google form, and that was when the problem started because it was open to a specific category of people alone, who had not voted.

When you say a specific category of people, what do you mean?
Some students’ information were not imputed into the database, and it was that of 200level and 400level students of chemistry who were 82 in number. Therefore, they couldn’t vote through the link provided like other students. So, they had to create a special google form for them. However, a lot of non-Chemistry students also voted through the google form. After the voting process, it was discovered that about 200 plus students voted through the Google Form, which was more than the expected 82. The information of those who voted was filtered by looking crosschecking it with their details and eventually only about 45 out of the over 200 that voted were eligible to use the google form. So, they didn’t even get up to the number of students they were supposed to get but 45 plus. So after the election, some people were now saying the google form was not supposed to be used, even the people that supported it in the first place were saying the same.

So even after the Google form, you won the election again, and now they brought up this issue. Between that time and before your resignation, were there still any official complaints lodged against you?
I wouldn’t have known if anyone was doing anything behind, there were no official complaints. After the election, we went to the tribunals and I still won the elections.

After winning the election in spite of the multiple process you still decided to resign, what could have led to that?
A lot of things happened.

Do you think it is your political opponents that are behind this?
No! I don’t think so, the management got to know that I did not submit all the required documents when I was contesting so they said I was not supposed to contest at all and I know within myself that it is more honorable to resign than be disqualified.

In your letter of resignation, you said due to the incomplete document, what is that document?
My school fees receipt.

Haven’t you paid your school fees then?
As of the time of the election, I had not paid.

Did the electoral commission know about it?
Yes, I explained to the representative from chemistry, that I wrote a letter to the V.C., for the reopening of the portal, and since the letter was not opened until the deadline of submission, so I could not get the receipt, but the representative from Chemistry promised to tell the electoral chairman about it and he did. And they decided that I could go on to contest without submitting the school fees receipt.

Is it the electoral commission that laid down the requirement for school fee receipt as part of the qualification credentials, or is it constitutionally required?
Yes, it was the electoral commission.

Did your opponents know you did not submit the school receipt at the time of contesting?
No, they didn’t.

Do you think they got to know later on?
I don’t know.

But if they did not know and didn’t challenge it, why did you resign?
The management got to know about it.

Did the management have a problem with your uncompleted documents at the time of the election?
The management did not know anything about our student politics in the first place but it was until recently they decided to intervene.

Were you called to an inquiry sitting before the management, and were your opponents around?
Yes, one of them was around, they later called the others to come around.

Which one of them was around at first?
Adesina Seun, the first-runner up at the elections.

Now that you’ve resigned what is the next process to fill up the post of President?
Since it was a resignation, it is supposed to be the Vice President elect that will take over as Acting President

Is it not possible that because the Vice-President-elect has not been sworn in yet, the first runner-up at the elections will be the next in line?
That one is not an option at all.

So, what is the next step now?
We will wait the report of the management panel, I don’t know what they want to do.Sialor

Sailor

"WE WILL WIN JAW WAR", Omotayo, New L and D President Resounds

It’s no doubt that the role of leadership in any given organization is of utmost importance, on which the future of the concerned organization is dependent. However, leadership like most things is subject to change. The Nnamdi Azikwe Literary and Debating Society (NALDS) witnessed a change of leadership on the 8th of February, 2022. A new executive for the L & D was formed with Omotayo Ajibola appointed as the President of the society, Ugbumiekon Emmanuel as Vice president, Tijani Kabeer as General secretary, Oyedijo Olarenwaju as Public relations officer, and Akinkuolie Emmanuel as Speech reviser.

Omotayo takes over from Chiziterem Ogbonna who had led the society to the quarterfinal round of Jaw War last year, the biggest public speaking event in UI. Omotayo has also proved his mettle in public speaking and had represented Zik hall twice at Jaw War. He was the winner of the Best Rookie award in the 2019 edition of Jaw War. He also represented Zik hall during Awo hall’s L & D day last year and clinched the top prize. Omotayo also has multiple awards under his belt from public speaking competitions in his faculty.

The new L & D President receives award as winner of inter-hall oratory competition during Awo Hall’s L &D day last year

In a brief interview session with him, Omotayo speaks on his plans for the society. He says, “I’m committed to strengthening the plans and structures that have been put in place from previous administrations. We are also on the train of actuating the spirit of excellent literary spirit amongst our members. In previous years, the focus had always tilted towards debating. We are about changing the narrative and sharpening the literary side of the society. We already started with the Writing challenge. Expect more of this from this administration. And of course, our eyes are on the Jaw War. I’m using ‘we’ and ‘our’ because I’m not the only one involved”.

Although the L & D has had some impressive performances at public speaking competitions in UI, there has been lesser prominence at Jaw War as the society has been knocked out at the quarterfinal stage four times in a row since 2017. The new President however assures, “Nothing should stop us from winning any competition that comes our way. Evidently, last year, we won all the competitions we attended, except that we crashed out at the quarter finals of Jaw War. And speaking of Jaw War, there are a number of issues that could affect any constituencies’ performance. Judging, sound system, one-sidedness of topics, are issues to grapple with. Regardless, we should win the Jaw War. In fact, we will win the Jaw War”.

Martial Pen

Zik Hall's L & D Resumes Mini-essay Writing Exercise, Ship 20 for 20.

In a move to set things rolling in the new administration, the leadership of the Zik hall Literary and Debating society on Friday, February 11, 2022 resumed its mini-essay writing exercise tagged Ship 20 for 20. The exercise requires all members of the society to write short ‘atomic’ essays of not more than 250-300 words everyday for twenty days. The exercise is intended to build consistency and harness creativity in writing. This very much puts back the ‘L’ (literary) in Literary and Debating.

The Ship 20 for 20 is a brainchild of the immediate past administration of the L and D, spearheaded by Chiziterem Ogbonna, the erstwhile President, who introduced the exercise. The essays are published on the society’s twitter page and also on individual members’ WhatsApp status.

One of the ‘atomic’ essays

The new President of the society, Omotayo Ajibola while speaking to a ZHPO correpondent commented on the exercise. “It started during the immediate past administration. We believe that good writing leads to good thinking, and good thinking leads to good public speaking. The three are parts of one whole. And we believe that writing short “atomic” essays for 20 days will kick start, push, and activate the members’ creativity and mental faculties to levels you would never have expected. I genuinely believe that each of us has amazing ideas in our minds and we want to use the power of writing to further ignite our genius”.

Speaking on the impact of the exercise on the participants, Omotayo reiterates, “I joined the society in my first year with little knowledge about public speaking. The society refined me. I won the best rookie speaker at jaw war that same year and went ahead to win other competitions in the school. I feel the impact of the society everyday. And I plan to make everyone else feel it”.

Martial pen

Zik Hall Holds First Tank Washing Exercise for the Session

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall held her first traditional tank washing exercise for the 2021/2022 session, as Zikites led by the hall chairman, Moriselade and the health minister, Osuji John Paul, came out in their large numbers to lend their support to the exercise which took place on Saturday 12th of February 2022.

In a quick chat with the hall chairman, Mr Moriselade, he had this to say “As the popular saying goes, health is wealth, if we don’t take care of our health and the water that we take in there is nobody that it will affect but us, so we have to take care of ourselves. While washing the tank we noticed that the water in some tanks had turned greenish, so we can’t sit back in our rooms and be drinking this kind of water”.

Zikites washing the drinkable tanks in front A Block

In another chat with the health minister, Mr John Paul, he said that they plan to make the washing exercise a frequent one, by making it three (3) times per semester, which equals six (6) times in a session. He further stated the difficulty that he encounters on the issue of safe water which his predecessor tried to address as he noted that the use of sanitizing chemicals cannot be trusted, so they are just going to concentrate more on the washing of tanks regularly.

The health minister also talked about the issue of broken pipes and tanks, as he said he has been talking to the hall management for steps to be taken on the repairs. He further touched on the health committee, as there are only six (6) members on the board and they are planning on recruiting more members who will assist the health minister in the dispensation of his duties. On the issue of recruitment, he made it known that there is no specific criteria put down for the recruitment process, as Zikites are encouraged to come out as volunteers to join the committee.

The Hall chairman, Moriselade and the Health minister, Johnpaul during the exercise

The exercise was quite participatory as Zikites came out in their numbers to support the exercise, with a few of them going to the neighboring Queens hall, to help out in the washing of their own tanks as a sign of goodwill between the two halls.

Sailor

Sports Ministry Reintroduces 'The Zik Hall League'

The world of football in the premier university is about to get resonated as the Baluba kingdom is ready to set an uncommon form of football competition.
The current sports administration is putting in beads of sweat to ensure this competition gets the positive signature of reality.

According to the Sports Minister, Jamiu Kareem, popularly known as Jamo, the following facts about the competition were explained. He said, “it is going to be a league with 10 teams in total. Each team will comprise 10 players with a minimum of 6 zikites and maximum of 4 uites from other hostels. Player transfers between teams can be made before and after the end of the first half of the season”.
He also stressed that the teams ranked first, second and third positions on the table will be rewarded, while there will be only one individual award for the sport man of the year.

However, Mr. Jamie admitted that other individual award categories like highest goal scorer of the year or goal keeper of the year will not be given. His explanation was, “I can’t assure whether I will be around all the time because records like this need rapt attention. Also, I can’t even control the number of people that will be playing every Saturday”.

Other questions asked were whether the league will affect the normal Saturday morning match and other match days. He said, “It will and it won’t. Most matches will be played on weekends as few will be played in the evening during the week days”. He further explained that the duration of each match is yet to be decided and Zikites will surely be sensitized soon on it. When asked if there are sponsors for the competition, he said “currently, we have none “.

This competition is going to be the survival of the fittest as the standings of each team will be made known so as to know teams with good performance and the maladroit ones. Also, the date when the league will start will be made known soonest. Get your boots ready with that skillful mindset of yours, play with zikism and showcase excellence to the brim. Maracana, the mother of sport excellence can’t wait to drill you the hard way so that you can be hard to crack. It is surely going to be fun and super exciting.
A big thanks to Jamiu Kareem, the Sport Minister of this great kingdom and his committee for making this come through.

Thunder Balogun.

BOOK REVIEW: Elechi Amadi's "The Great Ponds"

Title: The Great Ponds
Reviewer: Ibn Yahweh
Publication date: May 1, 1973
Genre: Prose Fiction (African)

If there is a book that tells the story of African life in ancient times in such lucid and fluid prose, it will be Elechi Amadi’s “The Great Ponds.” The rustic charm that pervades his fictional prose sparks a brilliant imagination in the mind of the reader about life in Africa in ancient times. With intelligence, the author scripted a story that remains central in the discourse on ancient African life.
Amadi weaves the tale of two tribal villages, Chiolu and Aliakoro, in ancient Eastern Nigeria, which dragged its feet into the colonial and imperial interests of the so-called “Christian” British Empire. Both villages are embroiled in a feud over the ponds of Wagaba which seem to hold economic benefits as in these ponds are housed fishes which served as a source of livelihood for the people for Chiolu. The people of Aliakoro came encroaching on the pond claiming rights to fish in the ponds as it belonged to their ancestors, but the claims, based on oral history, could not be proven.

The villages engaged in armed and bloody fisticuffs which led to the exile of men from both sides to the world beyond. In the center of the plot is Olumba, a warrior of no ordinary repute from Chiolu, who was appointed to halt the poaching activities of the men of Aliakoro upon the pond and Wago, the Leopard killer, who would not retire from laying claims to the ownership of the pond. The war becomes so severe that other villages had to wade in and a conclusion was reached. Olumba is to swear an oath and if the oath is against him, he dies. Olumba shakily survives the terrible influenza disease that invades the land which the villagers attributed to the judgment of the god by which he swore.

Amadi, through his pen, has presented to us the communal African life in ancient times coupled with its beliefs and practices. As proof to the pontificating hypocritical “Christian” missionaries who mauled Africans in false narratives, he deftly shows us how ancient democratic government was organized in the ancient Igbo society and this is evidenced in the way the villagers would gather to discuss issues affecting the land. In such gatherings, everyone had a say. No one was gagged. Beliefs are also exposed in the book.

Cleverly, Amadi points out the ignorance of ancient Africans in the way the great influenza disease 1918 which invaded the earth was attributed to the gods. Herbs were used in treating sicknesses, incantations, and sacrifices were made to propitiate the gods.
The pond, which became a bone of contention became useless when the disease invaded earth as everyone fell ill. The author points out an important message in crisis management_that little crises if not properly managed can descend into a Hobbesian state of harmony.

In the book, the author further teaches that leadership without wisdom, is a call for disaster. Wago, the Leopard killer, led the men of Aliakoro into the senseless battle over a pond. He died and the pond was of no benefit to him. This reveals a salient truth; that mankind shouldn’t be tight_fisted over the things we met here as it is worthless. A philosoher_king from the Middle East of ancient times put it succinctly; “vanity over vanity, all is vanity.”
The author can be placed in the league of Chinua Achebe and this is due to his use of simple diction to pass a powerful message about Africa and Africans in ancient times. In conclusion, the book remains a classic of African Literature for lovers of African writing.

Ibn Yahweh

Is Zik Hall's Defence Team Overreacting to Personal Security Lapses?

Without being sycophantic there are numerous indications attesting to the activeness of the incumbent executive council. The exceptional zeal of the Information and Propaganda Minister, a seemingly reverberating gyration amplified by the minister of socials, the tank-washing exercise on Saturday led by the health minister, and the quite dramatic night patrols by the defence team. However, on a more than cursory observation, the latter instance is quite perturbing.

From the days of Otueke, and perhaps earlier on, the Zik hall defence team has prided itself as an exemplary outfit, providing reliable security support within and outside the four walls of Zik hall. This has earned them the respect of the students and management alike within the hall. For instance, the Hall Warden, Dr. Adebiyi, has been known to voice with much feeling that the defence committee members are top priority when it comes to accommodation. Rightly so! To remain functional and serve the security of the hall, members of the defence team have to be available within the hall, and what better way to ensure this than guaranteeing their accommodation.

But this is not to address the accommodation preferences enjoyed by the defence team. The defence team’s flair for service is notable and was recently well showcased. On Thursday, the 10th of February, 2022, group members on the “Issues Affecting Zik Hall” group chat, a WhatsApp platform dedicated to discussing Zikites’ plights, woke to messages on the group with pictures of numerous gadgets seized from Zikites by the defence team. The message sends out a warning for security consciousness. To clarify, what had a happened was that the defence team had conducted their patrols on that morning, at around 4:00am. They checked for security lapses by challenging occupants of rooms with unlocked doors.

The seized gadgets

As a penalty for not taking security precautions, sleeping off with the doors unlocked, the gadgets of defualters were seized and could only be retrieved upon payment of a fine. This mode of operation by the defence team is not strange though. In previous administrations, the defence team has adopted this measure, seizing the gadgets of Zikites who negligently make themselves prone to theft by sleeping off without properly locking up. When this happens the defaulters have to claim their devices by paying a fine.

This modus operandi has been met with mixed feelings. On one hand the practice is justifiable on the grounds that it teaches the defaulter to be security conscious. It simulates the reality of theft and the bitter experience victims undergo, especially when they had contributed negligently to the theft occurrence. Again, this measure shows that the defence of the hall against theft or insecurity requires the cooperation of everyone. In addition one can throw in the fact that enough online and offline awareness has been made on the need to take simple personal security measures, including the locking of doors before sleeping.

On the other hand, this measure is perceived as needless and inappropriate. Some go to the point of arguing that it’s an infringement of privacy for anyone to remove another’s property without permission whether in theft cases or in the course of duty as a defence team member. This view glorifies individual responsibility against the involvement of administrative authorities in matters of personal security. Notwithstanding these differing views, the recent move of the defence team has received acclamation by Zikites, physically and virtually. Still, there is more to the story that could induce a rethink of the defence team’s methods.

An occupant of C 66, whose gadget was seized tells his story.
“At around 4:30 am, I went out to wash my plates. My door was opened and my roommate was inside reading his books. Coming back I saw them carrying my system. I started to drag it with them that they should give me my system so far they had met someone awake in the room who was reading. They refused to listen to me and I kept telling them that they saw someone awake and they still carried my system. The door was only opened because I had gone out to wash my plates in the kitchenette and the fact that my roommate was awake reading means that he had secured the room for us. I could not get my phone back throughout the day in spite of numerous pleas. A member of the defence team called ‘hall warden’ was the one with the gadgets. He asked me to meet Mr. Seyi, one of the porters, who said I should come around 9:00pm and that I had to bail my system with N500.”

Another Zikite staying in C 69 shares his experience. He pleads anonymity.
“I was sitting on my bed when they came in. The time was around 4:30am, it was almost morning when some people even go out to get water. I was like boss how far? They said, you didn’t lock your door. I explained that I had gone out to ease myself and they came after I got back to my room. Still, they insisted on taking my gadgets. I decided to take it cool with them and even calmed my friend who was becoming confrontational. They told me that they had the Hall Warden’s (Dr. Femi Adebiyi) approval to seize gadgets and I respected that. When it was day, I still could not get my gadgets back. I was asked to meet Mr. Seyi who, after narrating the incidence to, asked me if I really wasn’t asleep when they came. He was evidently surprised that they would take the gadgets of someone awake. I was really stressed by the ordeal and was lucky to have some change with me which I used to eat because I usually make payments through transfer. I had an uncompleted group work to submit that day and was only lucky that the submission was postponed”.

A similar ordeal was narrated by a finalist who claimed that he was conscious when the defence team came into his room. He says, “my phone has not been with me since morning and it’s already 8:00pm now. I have not eaten all day and I have ulcer. I’m not saying they shouldn’t do their work but people were conscious and they still took their phones. A thief can’t enter my room and take my property while I am awake”.

Another unsettling issue with the defence team’s methods is the fishy way the mandated N500 fine was remitted. The occupant in C 69 made it known to ZHPO that to recover his gadgets, he paid the fine by transfer to an account in the name of Matthew Owoh, who is a member of the defence team. Begrudged by the situation he bemoans, “At first I was asked to pay N1000 for my laptop and phone but I refused and paid only N500 for both. I wasn’t given any receipt as proof of payment. I was told by Matthew that the money is going to the Hall Warden, but it doesn’t happen that way. Any money paid as fine in the hall is not paid to the Hall Warden but to an account in the hall’s name. Whether he delivers the money or not nobody knows. It was evening before I got my phone back, and I already had 22 missed calls, one from my mum who has been hospitalized. Now where I know that there is a contradiction was when one of us whose phone was also seized was able to call the Hall Warden. The Hall Warden instructed Matthew to return that person’s phone and I’m sure if the rest of us had contacted the Hall Warden too we would have gotten our gadgets back, instead we had to wait for over 12 hours”.

These accounts raise questions of indiscretion in the defence team’s methods. How much should the defence team regulate personal security – is it a must for doors to be locked at night whether or not the room occupants are awake? Secondly, in cases where the room occupants are awake but fail to lock their doors, should their gadgets be seized? Thirdly, should such occupants have to pay fine before recovering their gadgets? To give clarifications to these posers, the Defence Minister, Aribisala Christopher (alias CK), was contacted by a ZHPO correspondent. However, at the time of making this report, the Defence Minister remains mum on the issue.

Perhaps the defence team’s methods are justifiable regardless of the voiced discontents. However, as the Hall Warden instructed that all gadgets should be restored to their owners and all paid fines refunded one might think of the defence team’s methods as underhanded.

Saint

FOR THOSE WHO WENT AND CAME AS TEARS

Tonight, a mother sits in the living room, her child’s photo hanging on the wall and her hopes high. “He will soon arrive”, she says.

Tonight, an old man, his hair greyed by the years sits in the verandah awaiting
the voice of his son as saunters in

Tonight, a grandmother will gather tears in her eyes. “It should have been me,” she’ll scream.

Tonight, the ground weeps as it hears the wailing of the funeral procession

Tonight, we shall gather, grief sitting arms akimbo for those who went and became
tears coursing down our cheeks

We gather for those who slept and crossed the Bridge

Suddenly! There was a full stop. To their stories.

Suddenly! Their suns went down and darkness sucked them in.

As we gather to cast wreaths of griefs and farewells upon their graves,

Let’s be reminded that our breath is dust

That our flesh is meal for earth

That Jerusalem in the sky is our residence.

And our souls not be tied to earth.
from our hearts.
Selah

Written in honour of Unibadan students who lost their lives in Agbowo.

Ibn Yahweh

BAMSSA Finalists Face Bleak Accommodation Prospects

At the height of this session’s accommodation hustle, Zikites invariably have intriguing tales to tell. From freshers realising the drastic difference between Zik hall’s bed spaces and their comfy bedrooms back at home, to stalites playing every trick in the book to get on the accommodation list, still, the highly competitive process is one to beat. However, when the accommodation game is technically rigged there is greater cause for worry.

On the evening of Tuesday, 8th of February, the online portal was opened for finalists to make payments for accommodation. Paying in time creates the opportunity of selecting the best bed space, and possibly fulfilling the Block D dream of every finalist. However, for finalists in the faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS), securing a room in Zik hall might be out of option.

It came to the attention of ZHPO that while other finalists have made payments and have cleared their rooms, the online portal was never opened for finalists from BMS and has remained so till the time of making this report. David, a finalist in BMS disclosed to ZHPO that his portal is not yet opened for payment. He stated that instead of reflecting the option for ‘accommodation levy’, what shows instead is an option to pay ‘additional fee’. Jude, a final year student of Biochemistry makes the same claim about his portal. David also vented to ZHPO about his ordeal with ITEMS, operators of UI’s electronic platform. He explained that he had gone there to complain and they had promised to rectify the error but without more.

He further made it known that the BMS’ faculty President, Mr. Azeez Ibrahim, is aware of the situation. In a conversation with Mr. Azeez, he elaborates that the situation is a general one and a complaint has been lodged to the school authorities. He says, “It’s a general problem of all the finalists in the faculty. I have complained to the Dean of Students’ Affairs and he told me that the matter is being looked into”

Mr Azeez also provided records of his chat with the Dean of Students, who in his reply to the issue is quoted to have stated, “It’s been addressed. I have been to MIS personally this morning”. The Dean made this known on the morning of Tuesday, 15th February. However, as at the evening of the same day, finalists in BMS are yet to see any changes on their portal.

The looming implication if this issue remains unresolved in time is that the affected finalists may lose their automatic accommodation slots as they would remain unable to pay. This is probable given that the payment portal for finalists has now been officially closed and that of stalites expected to be opened anytime soon. If the ordinarily large number of selected stalites fill up the available spaces nothing will be left for these finalists even if their portal is opened afterwards for payment. For David, Jude and others in their shoes, accommodation prospects in their final year remains bleak.

Saint

Mascot's Open Letter to Mr. Governor and Lessons on Leadership

Agbowo, a clumsy neighborhood, occupied mostly by students of the University of Ibadan, has been the target of attacks by criminals, and other children of darkness. In the dead of the night, these never_do_wells would invade the neighborhood, strip people, mostly students, of their possessions and sometimes snuff out their lives. This became a daily reality due to the dysfunctional approach to the menace of these outlaws by the stakeholders involved. Let’s not forget the crummy road opposite the university gate which led three souls of students to the world beyond.

These circumstances became the herculean burden borne by the newly elected SU executives headed by Adeyinka Adewole, a.k.a Mascot. As a leader, whose welfare of students is his concern, he began clicking on avenues via which the Agbowo crises can be nipped in bud. According to him, he had consulted the stakeholders involved; landlord association, heads of Police divisions around the University, and representatives of the state government. The state government representatives, in the usual manner of the Nigerian government, paid lip service to the crises and went lax over the loss of student lives.
Again, more souls were divorced from their bodies by these wolves in human skin. They seem to have been emboldened by the lackadaisical attitude of those involved in securing lives and properties in the Agbowo/Barika neighborhoods.

Being at their wit’s end, an open, terse, and impertinent letter was written to the state Governor by the Student Union leaders. The letter was greeted with torrents of criticisms from students and some alumni whose minds are devoid of the gravity of the situation in these crime-infested areas. The letter got the reactionary attention of the state government and they acted, performing their duties. The state government met with the student representatives and discussed with them, ways to solve the problems.

This piece is not scripted to dwell on the morality of the letter. I leave the content of the letter to the pontificating moralists to debate upon. What intrigues me is the letter of apology written by the executives, seeking the pardon of the Governor over the previous letter written out of anger and frustration. This points to a vital lesson in leadership. At times, as a leader, one gets so frustrated and one lashes out against perceived lackadaisical people but one must be lowly enough to acknowledge one’s frailties and make amends. And such is the case of the letter of apology written to Governor Seyi Makinde dubbed GSM.
Fingers have been pointed, criticisms have been made and a resolve has been reached.

However, to be constructive, what lessons can be learnt for the better leadership we desire in the SU and the nation at large.
Firstly, though the letter seems harsh the writers are forgiven as the letter had its desired effect. However, there are some reservations. We should note here that no matter what happens in the school of leadership, sanity should still be maintained. The mark of a true leader is the ability to use words effectively without sounding rude or uncultured. The bane of many leaders today who became despised by the people they lead stems from their careless use of words. Effective communication is key to the doors of transformational leadership. A leader must be able to put a leash on his emotions.

Leadership is proactive. The SU would not have needed to resort to the use of unpolished words if the state government had been proactive enough over the security anomaly in the neighborhoods of Agbowo/Barika. Proactivity prevents the escalation of crises. The SU President, Adeyinka Adewole, claimed to have written several letters to the office of the Governor but received no reply and the condition of Agbowo/Barika areas kept worsening. Lives are at stake. The youth came to Unibadan to learn and not have their lives, destinies, dreams, dreams, and visions truncated by anti-society elements masquerading as humans. The previous executives, chaired by Akeju confronted these problems but had no lasting solution. A seat in leadership is not to answer to a label and be knighted with formalities but a seat of servanthood. Here, the government of the state should and must heed the voice of those they lead. Proactivity comes to the fore here.
One thing that should be learned and implemented is the investigation of these attacks. There is a plethora of questions that have been left unanswered. Who are the criminals engaged in these maladies? How do they operate and how can security operatives get them behind bars? The criminals are not ghosts, demons, and neither are they spirits. They are humans. Blood courses through them and I believe they can be captured. And the law, in its sense of justice, can deal with them. An investigative committee should be created to look into this matter and proffer cogent solutions. Collaboration with local vigilante groups will also help in effectively addressing the problem.

As a leader, one must exhaust all avenues before setting out to do the last thing. Even in the face of that, one must still be calm and collected. Critics, in their usual manner, will wag their tongues but they, most times, are not worthy of attention. It is hoped that the SU President has learned this lessons.
Lastly, the University authorities also have a role to play in securing the lives of students. Most students indeed live off-campus but it should be noted that they are students of the University of Ibadan. And that is enough reason why the authorities should be concerned.

IBN YAHWEH

Hailing Zikites in the NUGA front

The University of Ibadan has recently qualified from the preliminary round of the NUGA games and will be represented in a variety of sports in March when qualified institutions will compete at the games. Among numerous representatives of UI, Zik hall, undisputed UI sports king has sons who have earned prominence In their sports of interest within the university. In this piece we showcase Zikites who will be participating in different sports at NUGA.

VOLLEY BALL

Owoh Matthew
Here is a muscular adroit and sharp-minded UI volleyball legend. He is also known as “Hall Warden”. His moves are legendary with hands programmed for thunderous hits. He is a zikite from the department of Aquaculture and will be representing the University in volleyball.

HAND BALL

Morriz

Dafe

Moriselade Farouq and Dafe David
Moriselade (Morriz) is the Hall Chairman of the Baluba kingdom and a student of the faculty of Education. Morris is a Pierian spring in the field of hand ball. Dafe is from the department of Mechanical Engineering whose dexterity has earned him a place on the handball team. When Zikism is on display, excellence must shine out. Dafe and Morriz will be representing UI at the NUGA games.

SWIMMING

John

Dolapo

Olukanni John Rehoboth and Oyeyebi Dolapo Qudus
John is the aquaman of the Baluba kingdom. He is the definition of a magical swimmer. A true legend with unfaulted roots in the department of Aquaculture. Dolapo, popularly known as “Terra Quota” is a Zikite from the department of Veterinary Medicine, his swimming skills are magical and unmatched. They will both be representing the University in the swimming competition.

SQUASH

Nadal

Adegunju Adewale Emmanuel (Nadal)
He is our own version of Nadal Parera. He is a zikite with an uncommon passion for zikism. He hails from the department of Microbiology. He is a presiding figure in UI’s squash and will be representing UI in squash at the NUGA games.

CHESS

Abraham

Oguntona Abraham Opoola
Abraham is an upcoming grandmaster in the world of chess on the trail of Garry Kasparov. He is a player with killer moves combined with top notch winning seals. He is from the faculty of Medicine and Surgery and is undoubtedly gunning for gold with the UI chess team representing the university.

FOOTBALL

Afolabi

Emmanuel

Jamiu

Michael

Akangbe Afolabi Oluwasegun, Olabamiwo Emmanuel, Jamiu Kareem and Michael Ilori. These formidable four have etched themselves into prominence in UI’s football space. As Zikites, they make up a class of accomplished players whose presence on the maracana pitch set Zikites agog. Afolabi, the magic-footed midfielder cum winger, Emmanuel with his instinctive midfield role, Jamiu the stocky right back/winger with his powerful shots, and horse-powered Michael preeminent in multiple roles. These fantastic four are on the football squad representing UI at the NUGA games.

THUNDER BALOGUN

A new AG and the promises of a better judicial system

Among the Legislative Council’s resolutions from its sitting on Sunday was the ratification of Mr Otumala Emmanuel’s appointment as Attorney General of Zik hall. Apart from being a 400 level law student, Mr Otumala currently serves as a judge in the Judicial Council of the Law Students’ Society (LSS), Faculty of Law. Prior to his judicial appointment, Mr Otumala had also served as a bailiff for LSS’ Judicial Council.

Put concisely, Mr Otumala is well acquainted with the workings of the law and his recent appointment as the AG of Zik hall makes him a suitable refining tool of the hall’s dormant judicial system. In fact, nothing could be clearer than the Legislative Council’s explicit charge, “to work hard and revive the hall’s judicial system”.

Otumala Emmanuel, Zik hall’s new AG

Considering the AG’s pivotal role in steering the judicial wheels of Zik hall perhaps a quick rundown of the antecedents of Zik hall’s judicial system will be insightful. In the 2017/2018 session, a six man constitutional review committee of law students was empanelled. The outcome of the committee’s review was the establishment of a Judicial Council (JC) and the office of the Attorney General in Zik hall. These institutions were duly entrenched in the constitution through an amendment process. By 2019, Zik hall had an active JC. However, while this initiative was thought to enhance administrative process in Zik hall, a different outcome is observed.

Since its establishment in 2019, the JC has heard only a single case presided over by the then Chief Judge Ayodele Isaac. Unfortunately while only legal skirmishes were addressed in the case, the hearing did not proceed into its substance. Ever since, the JC has been simply dormant.

A simple reason for this has been the inoperativeness of the office of the AG and the ethics and litigation committee subsumed under it, since procedurally, the JC cannot be expected to solicit for its own cases. In fact, back in 2019, the only case entertained in the JC was instituted against the office of the AG which was at the time occupied by Mr. Akeju Olusegun, former SU President.

A session after (2018/2019), the only noticeable change in the AG’s office and the JC is the yearly change of office holders, while the most we know of these offices and their occupiers are the gleaming pictures on the back cover of the Zik hall books as part of the hall package.

To clarify, the office of the AG is not being undermined neither is the AG’s function as the chief legal adviser to the executive council discountenanced. However, a substantive part of the functions of the office which is in connection to the activities of the JC has been found wanting ever since its creation. Thus, the JC itself invariably suffers inactivity as a result.

Succeeding Mr Olayiwola David, Mr Otumala Emmanuel’s recent appointment resurfaces the question of the functionality of the AG’s office and the JC. In an interview with the new AG, he demonstrates an appreciation of this bugging issue.

He says, “the issue you raised is the major reason why I accepted the appointment to serve as the AG in the first place. I have always been concerned about the unrecognized nature of the Judicial arm in Zik hall due to its inactivity. We all know that the JC cannot go out to solicit for cases all by itself. Rather, parties are to bring issues before the council for resolution. However, in a place like Zik Hall which is not such a litigious society, many may be oblivious of the existence, practices and procedures of the Court. That is where the office of the AG comes in and that explains the reason why the drafters of the Zik Hall Constitution introduced the JC and the office of the AG together into the Constitution.”

As these expectations from the AG’s office are desired, prompt and effective implementation will go a long way in reestablishing the essence of Zik hall’s judicial system. In his final statement the AG confidently affirms, “I will say emphatically that plans are already on ground on how to get the office of the AG fully functional (and by extension, the Judicial Council )”. The reliability of the AG’s expressed confidence will be assured only by performance.

SAINT

UI vs LAUTECH Match: an on and off pitch contest, and a 'coffin-nailed' victory

After defeating First Technical University and Lead City University 2-0 apiece, the final match against LAUTECH in the Pre-NUGA football competition was by far UI’s biggest test. UI Pioneers would have to defeat LAUTECH convincingly with three points clear to qualify for the NUGA games. There were reasons to be worried, the least of which was not the fact that LAUTECH had flexed bigger muscles, beating Lead city University 3 goals to nil while First Technical University had suffered a far worse drubbing – 7 goals to a not so consoling 1. UI Pioneers could not afford a loss or a draw, only one team could qualify, the first and best university or the visiting neighbours from Ogbomosho.

UI Pioneers before match started.

UI, LAUTECH: Fiercely tied foes

The last fixture in the NUGA qualifying rounds began after midday on Friday, 28th, one of those long January afternoons that typically stretched into weeks. At the blast of the whistle to kickoff, no one was left in doubt that the brown weather-beaten Awo stadium grasses were about to suffer a fate far beyond natural causes. Nonetheless, supporters from both sides filled the stands with enthusiastic singing and chanting to fuel the already fired up atmosphere.

Early in the contest, Emmanuel, one of UI’s formidable attacking midfielders and a notable son of Zik hall, clayed up with the red soils of maracana saw a clearing, took the chance and released a powerful shot towards goal but UI would be denied an early lead by LAUTECH’s goalie who kept up the streak till the end of the first half.

Coach Allen addressing the UI team at half time.

An August Visitor in January

The second half had barely begun when Awo stadium was honoured by the presence of UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, and other NUGA officials to observe the Pre-NUGA games in UI. Given the brevity of his visit, Prof. Ogundipe addressed the welcoming crowd on the essence of the NUGA games. He stressed that the games was a way of proving that Nigeria is not known only for corruption. He also pointed out that it was an avenue to expose sport potentials in Nigeria to the world. He took his leave shortly after leaving a swayed crowd to watch the rest of a match that would not be interrupted, or so everyone thought

More than just a football game

While the VC made his address, the match progressed with both sides finding no chink in the other’s armour. However, midway into the second half, the action shifted from the grassy pitch to the farther spectators’ stands. It appeared that a group of individuals, who turned out to be LAUTECH supporters were venting angrily and were gradually approaching the pitch, forcing the referee to pause the match until calmness was restored which was not until sometime.

As the vituperations increased, it was not long before numerous UI supporters joined in the action. Although the unrest persisted for about 20 minutes, the cause remained unclear. It was first thought that the LAUTECH supporters were triggered by the jives and jests of the home side supporters and decided that they’ve had enough. A second opinion was that the LAUTECH supporters were discontented by the fact that a UIte, who was assisting as a ball boy was permitted to stay around the pitch, claiming that it could lead to foul play. In the midst of the building chaos, players on both sides retreated to the centre of the pitch to avoid being mobbed

Whether it was the case that the relentless teases from the UI side was frustratingly unbearable or the visiting side should have an equal right to retrieve balls before fairness was regarded, there could be no doubting the fact that the tensed match contest was quite overwhelming for both sides. Eventually, order was restored after some officials had dutifully intervened and the game was restarted.

A Zikite finds the net

It was not long before both sides returned to worrying over the fate of their respective teams. While LAUTECH could settle for a draw to qualify, UI desperately needed a win. The latter’s fate was almost sealed in defeat when UI’s goalie ventured towards the edge of the box to make a save but miscalculated his aim, an opponent got the ball, faced an empty net but still managed to miss the target.

Michael Ilori (center) celebrating his winning goal for UI.

The match climaxed in the final quarter when Michael Ilori, reputed for his outstanding performance for Zik hall in the last inter-hall competition, came off the bench to provide support in the attack. Michael gave UI something to yell about after he connected well with a left cross from Ibrahim, the left back, driving the ball certainly into the net. The ululation that followed was only equalled by a latter call for the final whistle, which came soon after. The celebrations that followed was rightly inspired by Zik hall’s signature move – a borne coffin indicating the opponent’s irreversible defeat.

SAINT

Team Collectivity takes up office, Team Vision bows out

The Sebastian led 2020/2021 Executive Council has handed over to the newly elected excos on the 25th of January, 2022. Present at the handover ceremony were members of the new executive council, the outgone Hall Chairman, Mr. Ejemeka Ogechi (Sebastian), the new Speaker of the Legislative Council Rt. Hon. Igbaoreto Samuel, and his predecessor, Mr. Otumala Emmanuel.

The event which started around 8:00pm was held at the JCR with the Hall Warden, Dr. Femi Adebiyi, presiding over the proceedings. In his admonition to the new executive council, the Hall Warden emphasized the importance of prioritizing the interest of the hall in all matters. He further charged the new excos to comply with the rules and regulations of the hall as well as ensure cooperation within the council.

Sebastian, the erstwhile Chairman, contributed to the Hall Warden’s message by first appreciating the personal development of the new excos and also lauded their strive to serve Zik hall. He pointed out the immediate past administration’s persistence against the impacts of the pandemic which he ascribed to the hall’s spirit of resilience in the face of difficulties. The immediate past Speaker of the Zik Hall Legislative Council, Mr. Otumala Emmanuel also shared his thoughts. He spoke on the need for both the legislature and the executive to work hand in hand, and with other authorities of the hall. The Hall Warden thereafter led the new executive council in taking the oath of office, which was documented, signed and copies submitted to the him. A photography session took place shortly.

Mr. Ejemeka Ogechi, former Hall Chairman handing over to his successor, Mr. Moriselade Farouk

The new Hall Chairman, Mr. Moriselade Farouk (Morriz), also aired his message to Zikites. He impressed that the Team Collectivity agenda enjoins the participation of all Zikites in successfully running the hall’s administration. He said, “the Collectivity agenda is not something we can do without Zikites. Every single person has a part to contribute in moving Zik hall forward.” Speaking on the commitment of the executive council members and the promotion of collaborative effort, he said, “the unusually long break between the election of the last administration and assumption of office affected their commitment level, but I can assure you as the Hall Chairman of Zik hall I will do my best to work hand in hand with my fellow excos and ensure they are all dedicated to their duties”.

Dr. Adebiyi with members of the executive council, immediate past and present.

SAINT

ZIK HALL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVES EIGHT THOUSAND NAIRA FOR HALL DUES

The Nnamdi Azikiwe hall’s newly inaugurated legislative council on Sunday 30th of January 2022, approved the sum of eight thousand naira as the official fee for the hall dues and packages for the 2021/2022 school session.

The sitting which was held at the hall’s JCR, is the first of the session for the council, since their inauguration, and had some drags as the new house members try to adjust to the legislative process. Notable was the fact that some of the floor representatives were not inappropriately dressed and some absentees were observed also.

The sitting had in attendance the Hall Chairman, Mr Moriselade, who presented and defended the hall dues budget. He apologized for his lateness with the excuse that the executives were dealing with the influx of new students who were making their way into the hall for the first time.
The hall dues is broken down into five areas, which includes; basic dues; 3000, hall shirt; 3000, hall magazine; 1000, hall constitution; 500, and fresher’s welcome; 500.

The basic due of 3000 is the only compulsory sum to be paid by the hall’s residents for the session. It must be noted that, this is the highest amount slated for basic dues paid in the hall since its inception, which raises the question of its expensiveness. The hall chairman however argued that with the current economic situation in the country and ever increasing prices of goods, there is a need to increase the hall dues to meet the administrative demands If the hall in terms of finances as well as to provide quality items as packages.

It is worthy of note, that the last administration gave out a T-shirt and book as souvenir which was not well accepted by some part of the hall residence. And in fact, an honourable member of the new house, voiced out his disappointment and displeasure at the quality of the last package. So, it is expected that the new administration will improve on the past administrations record given the increase in the hall dues.

~SAILOR~

[FEATURES] Weaving your Way through to a Successful Session

The die is cast and the ball has been set rolling for a new academic calendar in the University of Ibadan. It is arguably the busiest time for any student as there is the mad rush to quickly settle into the semester and face one’s studies squarely.
While all of these are happening on the side ,mental calculations are being made as to how to improve on performances from the past session.

As if on cue , ” The Book of Life” which seemed to have been on a long sabbatical , returned without warning and in its traditional barefaced fashion , brutally revealed to Uites the reality of their current academic standing. Students who were hitherto, sitting on the fence regarding when to begin serious studying are now being reawakened to the need to put their houses in order before their “houses” are swallowed whole by the dreaded ” Tsunami” or its variant , “Erosion”.

This is the time opinions are being formed, in categorizing those who are termed, “serious” or “unserious”, atleast based on the results that have been made conspicuous by UI ‘s most dreaded document. It is true that we need to heed the clarion call of going back to the drawing board to get better results but it should never open the gates to undue pressure as it could reduce to ruins one’s efforts. Without doubt, everyone must have put in efforts , but what counts more is the evidence of it. Below are time-tested tips to bring out the best from the semester/ session.

Burn your Bridges Behind

“You are a good soldier, choosing your battles, pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and back in the saddle. You are on the front line everyone’s watching,you know its serious we’re getting closer ,this isn’t over..”
The aforementioned are lyrics to “Waka Waka” , theme song of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first on an African soil, sung by celebrated Colombian songstress, Shakira Isabel Mebarak popularly known as “Shakira” .Beyond the melody and nostalgic memories the song brings, its message is clear. There is no better time to bounce back from that devastating drama created by the “Book of Life”, your morale may be low but your sobriety should be your strongest weapon as it is the first step towards setting the scene for your big hit.

To those who are in the good graces of the “Book of Life “, this is your “prime time”, you are the cynosure of all eyes ,you are most likely to attract more attention now, but you don’t want to celebrate your conquest so much that you lose sight of your desired destination. Is it not often said, that the most dangerous time for a person is after an achievement? You don’t believe me? Ask the current Super Eagles’ squad in the ongoing AFCON tourney. The “Super Chickens” have since returned home to roost after a flash in the pan performance at the competition.
This, in essence means that being at the receiving end of both stages can both serve as help or an hindrance to recreating a new success.

Conduct your checks on those courses

You don’t want to make the same mistake of being blank about the course you choose to do for each of the semester. Do your research, consult seniors on what to expect. Who are the lecturers? What do the lecturers want? What book(s) do you need to buy?

Get yourself goal-oriented friends

The agelong aphorism , “show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are” still holds sway. Make up your mind to surround yourself with people who will not only motivate you but also support you in being a better version of yourself. Isolating yourself can also have horrible repercussions as no one is an island of knowledge. Build well-meaning relationships. Imagine missing an all important exam because you weren’t aware of an abrupt change of time or venue not because you couldn’t have known but because you didn’t position yourself to be in the know from colleagues and friends.

Work Wisely

I have never been a fan of the “work hard” statement. The image the statement creates already makes life seem like a strenuous struggle. Moreover I have seen people work so hard, and never really break free from the curse of sweating for everything with nothing spectacular to show for it or have you not seen students who read so hard, trying to treat all the topics for an extensive course and fail to study properly that topic that turned out to matter the most? Instead, I enjoy the ease of working with a purposeful plan, hitting the nail on the head and yielding maximum results. Achieving the latter requires being armed with knowledge, careful observation and a well thought-out plan rather than a blind enthusiasm.

In all, know yourself , understand yourself, discover yourself, develop yourself and deploy yourself in the finest form. You’ve not come this far in the premier university to give up or cower before any challenge, expunge all excuses for failure and determine to finish the semester and session strong. Welcome back!!!

Seven the Scribbler

[EDITORIAL] A new session, a new resolve

The fresh start of a new beginning is most likely the recurring thought in the minds of any Zikite at the moment; for the freshmen, who are not hesitating to get started with campus life, or the ‘seen it all’ returning students, many of who think the drafters of the academic calendar are rather overzealous. In any case, we all think up unique ways of resuming in style. UI’s ‘BOL’ welcome back to her students gives the idea.

Either way, what runs common in planning the resumption of a new session is most probably the drafting of resolutions. Whether to restate academic goals, outline plans for that eyed political office, or your lofty CTY ideas on securing the choicest fresh female students. For some, however, their resolution sheets are getting crossed out, least among the reasons is not the fact that UI served a hot, chilled breakfast in this harmattan which might have dampened gingered spirits and high hopes. In other cases, some care less about setting goals (even as your new year resolution sheet is already whittling away under the bed of God knows where).

However, the importance of deliberate conscientious planning at the start of a new session cannot be undermined. For freshmen, there is no better to build a strong academic foundation than now. Finishing strong is in many occasion a derivative of starting strong. For stalites who have been rudely awakened to the stark reality of published results, it is not a time to be complacent because your GP wears a broad smile, or to quit your strive for excellence if the reverse is the case. There is nothing to lose in pushing harder or starting again.

Something else resolutions bring to mind are manifestoes. A new administration has been inaugurated and the pontificated promises of scrupulous service to the hall rendered in the frenzy of campaigns are still laid up in the minds of Zikites. While expectations are high on the Morriz led executive council, there are salient lessons to be gleaned from the immediate past administration.

With all sense of candor, the pandemic did a number on the plans of Team Vision, especially as the last session’s first semester was virtually virtual (no pun intended). However, we can still draw lessons from outstanding events; the tardiness of the past executive council and its predecessors concerning the timely change of signatories and its effects on the hall’s finance; the negligence of the erstwhile finance minister; the sins of Saka, instances of disunity within the executive council etc.

Notwithstanding, the present executive council has a lot to live up to from the enviable legacies of their immediate predecessors. It seems redundant to begin a sermon on the need for effective leadership, embracing the virtues of commitment and dedication, and prioritizing the hall’s interest uncompromisingly. Still, the continuous hammering of the blacksmith serves a purpose. Furthermore, resolving for the new session touches on the fledgling legislative house whose peculiar circumstances require a serious learning-on-the-job posture. The judicial arm is not left out in whom there is also considerable interest. With finger-crossed hands and the rapt thoughtfulness of sabinus, Zikites are watching. Welcome back to school!