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www.unilorin.edu.ng A Weekly Publication of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor
ISSN 0331
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VOL 7 NO. 20
Encomiums, as Ambali bags Newswatch CEO-of-the-Year award By Kunle Akogun
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The Special Guest of Honour, Hajia Maryam Emeje (right), presenting the Award plaque to the Vice-Chancellor's representative, Prof. G. Olatunji, while the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. H. T. Ambali looks on
Unilorin to host National Youth Games in August By Temitope Omoniyi
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he University of Ilorin has been offered the hosting rights of the 2016 edition of the National Youth Games holding between August 24 and September 11. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), disclosed this last Tuesday (February 23, 2016) at a dinner in honour of Kwara athletes who excelled in various sporting events at the national and
international levels last year. Represented by the Deputy Vice–Chancellor (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) Nike Ijaiya, the ViceChancellor said, ''The University of Ilorin has been offered the hosting right of the 2016 National Youth Games and we have graciously accepted. So we're looking forward to seeing all of you converging on the University of Ilorin very soon.'' (Contd. on page 7)
he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), was on Sunday (February 21, 2016) conferred with the prestigious award of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year (Public Sector) by Newswatch Times magazine, Nigeria's oldest and most authoritative newsmagazine. The award presentation ceremony, which took place at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, is in recognition of the sterling leadership qualities of Prof. Ambali, who, the organisers admitted, has taken the University of Ilorin to greater heights since he mounted the leadership saddle a little over three years ago. (Contd. on page 3)
Highlights Unilorin ASUU gets new exco p.3 Resource Managers Coop Society elects new officers p.4 Optometrists Registration Board commends Unilorin p.5 American Chemical Society honours Ambali, Ahmed, others p.5 Olaoye seeks UADC, Library synergy p.6 Town & Gown: Unilorin and the antics of enemies of success p.12
Air pollution kills 7 million yearly — Olukanmi By Fatima Abubakre
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Ambassador Olukanni presenting his keynote address EDITORIAL BOARD
former Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, Ayo Olukanmi, has said that a quarter of the global health challenges is caused by environmental factors, with about 7 million people dying annually as a result of air pollution. Ambassador Olukanmi, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the
Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), disclosed this last Monday (February 22, 2015) in his keynote address at a symposium organised by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, held at the University of Ilorin. ( Contd. on page 4)
Dr. L. A. Azeez (Chairman), Dr. S. B. Olajide, Dr. M. A. Adedimeji, Dr. (Mrs.) F. R. Aliyu -Ibrahim, Dr. (Mrs.) R. A. Adimula, K. I. Akogun (Secretary)
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February 29, 2016
A guest, Mr. Dan Richards; the Managing Director, NICON Properties Ltd, Mr. Lanre Alonge; the son of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Abdul-Fatihi Ayodele Ambali; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji; the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Hassanat T. Ambali; the Managing Director, Newswatch Times Magazine, Mr. Demola Abimboye; the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun; and the Master of Ceremony during the presentation of the CEO of the Year Award to the Unilorin Vice-Chancellor in Abuja penultimate Sunday
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji (right), exchanging pleasantries with the Managing Director, Newswatch Times Magazine, Mr. Demola Abimboye during the presentation of the CEO of the Year Award to the Unilorin Vice-Chancellor in Abuja penultimate Sunday
The Managing Director, NICON Properties Ltd, Mr. Lanre Alonge, delivering the address of the Publisher of Newswatch Times Magazine,Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, during the presentation of the CEO of the Year Award to the Unilorin Vice-Chancellor in Abuja penultimate Sunday
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. N. Y. S. Ijaiya (right), receiving the American Chemical Society award on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor from Ambassador Ayo Olukanmi
The University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi (left), welcoming the Director of Archives and Documentation Centre (UADC), Prof. R. A. Olaoye and members of his entourage during their visit to the University Library recently
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NEWS February 29, 2016
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Unilorin VC, 2 others bag Newswatch Persons of the Year Awards Other awardees at the event were the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, who got the Best Returned Governor Award and the immediate past Director General of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof. Sulaiman Bogoro, who was given the Overall CEO of the Year Award. Presenting the award to Prof. Ambali, who was represented on the occasion by the Deputy ViceChancellor (Research, Technology and Innovations), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji, the Publisher of Newswatch Times magazine, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, said, "in the academic world today, nobody can write off the stellar performance of Prof. Ambali, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin." Dr. Ibrahim, who was represented by the Managing Director of NICON Properties Ltd, Mr Lanre Alonge, added that "Today, the University, which he superintends, is first among equals in Nigeria." T h e a w a r d o rg a n i s e r s pointed out that “the essence of these awards is to thank these distinguished Nigerians for excelling where others have failed; for leaving legacies where many of their colleagues left sorrow, blood and tears and for impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians”. Dr. Ibrahim then challenged the awardees “not to rest on their oars” but continue with their “tradition of excellence because success is a journey and never a destination.”
The Newswatch Publisher told Prof. Ambali and his coawardees, “You can still do more. You could have embezzled the funds you deployed on the projects that won you the awards rather than deploying them for developmental purpose”. Dr. Ibrahim, however, warned the awardees to be wary of mischief makers whose stock-intrade is to plot the downfall of highflyers like them. He said, “Distinguished Awardees, let me warn you that people will try to pull you down when you are on top like this. It should not discourage you to continue to do your best, because, as someone once said, when you are on top, you are the topic”. In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Times magazine, Mr. Demola Abimboye, explained that the Newswatch Person of the Year Award series debuted in 2015 when six governors, three local government chairmen, a university Vice-Chancellor and a former Managing Director of a Corporation got the awards in the public sector category, while a bank Managing Director emerged the CEO of the Year in the private sector. Mr. Abimboye, however, disclosed that the Award Panel pruned down the categories of award to six this year, “and yet, only three men – the Governor of Borno State, the immediate past DirectorGeneral of TETFund and the ViceChancellor of the University of
Ilorin - scaled through the hurdles of voters on the website specifically created for the exercise”. The Managing Director then congratulated this year's winners “on the outstanding projects and programmes they have executed for the good of the people”, pointing out that “their efforts are lasting legacies and would need higher levels of professionalism to surpass”. In his remarks, while receiving the award on behalf of Prof. Ambali, the Deputy ViceChancellor (RTI), Prof. Olatunji, thanked the management of Newswatch and the readers of the magazine for finding the Unilorin Vice-Chancellor worthy of the award. Saying that “Prof. Ambali heads an institution that stands out among its peers”, the Deputy ViceChancellor appreciated Newswatch for the award, which he described as “a due recognition of excellence”. Prof. Olatunji said that with the award, the magazine has also demonstrated the excellent stuff it is made of, as according to him, “it takes excellence to recognise excellence in others”. Also with the Deputy ViceChancellor at the award presentation ceremony were the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Hassanat Taiye Ambali; his son, Dr. Abdul-Fatihi Ayodeji Ambali; and the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun.
Unilorin ASUU gets new exco
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Dr. U.A. Raheem of the Department of Geography became the new Chairman while Dr. A.S. Assu is the new Vice Chairman
At the election, which held last Friday (February 26, 2016) at the Auditorium Basement, all the contestants were returned unopposed.
Other officers elected are Dr. (Mrs.) M. Y. Lewu, Secretary; Dr. Alex Akanmu, Assistant Secretary; Dr. R. Jimoh, Treasurer; Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Owolabi, Financial Secretary; and Dr. (Mrs.) Binta
he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin Chapter, has elected new officers to run its affairs.
Ibraheem, Auditor. Earlier in his address, the immediate past Chairman of the Union, Dr. AbdulRasheed Adeoye, recommended that the incoming regime should build on existing legacies in moving the union forward. He added that the welfare of members should never be toyed with.
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Global health challenges linked to environmental factors (Contd. from front page ) The diplomat, who underscored the alarming degradation and damage caused by hazardous chemicals to the environment and the planet, lamented the inability of developing countries, including Nigeria, to properly handle issues of hazardous chemicals and pesticides as well as the disposal of unwanted stocks of pesticides and other chemicals. Ambassador Olukanmi said, “There is the African stockpile programme of pesticides which were stored all over the country and were used while we were growing cocoa and other cash crops; they were all over the place and as I speak to you, they have soaked into the ground affecting the entire area where they are”. He added that all these have implications on human health with about 500,000 people dying as a result of exposure to dangerous chemicals. He lamented what he called the “pervasive and cavalier approach to the use of chemicals” in the country, adding, “Closed chemical factories are spread all over Nigeria and the African Stockpile project identifies Nigeria as one of the countries with the greatest expired abandoned chemicals stockpile consisting of pesticides and agro-chemicals.” According to the diplomat, the scourge of cancer being experienced in Nigeria is partly a result of the misuse of chemicals and chemical products and hazardous and electronic wastes.
He cited the ubiquitous chemicals market across the country “where they are sold and dispensed without due regard to safety, instruction or direction for use and their application”. On how to curb the scourge, the former envoy called for a collaborative relationship between the Chemical Society of Nigeria and the Chemicals Division of the Federal Ministry of Environment, “in addition to identifying abandoned factories and chemical dump sites across the countries for possible remediational work possibly within the framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)”. While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), pointed out that having an Association of this type on the shores of Nigeria is very important both for research and academic work. Prof. Ambali, who was represented at the event by the D e p u t y Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) N.Y. S. Ijaiya, stated that in this age of globalization, it was very important for “our scientists to collaborate with people abroad so as to share experiences that can also bring development to our dear nation.” T h e Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r explained that collaboration and partnership will bring about a lot of
benefits, which include research collaboration and linkages, staff and students' exchange and sharing of knowledge and materials which will boost academic performance and Nigeria's development. He then enjoined the younger scientists to avail themselves of the opportunity of benefiting from the wealth of experience of senior members of the Association, who have traversed the world before they retire. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Association, Prof. Joshua Obaleye, stressed the importance of academic c o l l a b o r a t i o n , w h i l e u rg i n g scientists to always domesticate their ideas garnered abroad for the benefit of the nation. Among the dignitaries at the event were the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr. Emmanuel Obafemi, represented by Mr. M. Adegoke; the University Librarian, Dr Joseph Omoniyi and a representative of the Bursar, Mr. Isaac Ogunbiyi. Participants were drawn from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; the University of Uyo, Cross River State, the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, the University of Ibadan and the host institution, the University of Ilorin.
Resource Managers Coop Society elects new officers
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he University of Ilorin Resource Managers Cooperative Society has elected new officers to pilot its affairs for the next one year.
Abdulrazak of Stores Unit was returned unopposed as the new President while Mrs. Lateefat Shittu was elected the new Vice-President. Also elected were Mr. Murtala Oyinloye, Secretary; Mr At the election held last Ibrahim Ajadi, Assistant Secretary Wednesday (February 24, 2016) and supervised by officials from the and Mr. Olaitan Oyedepo, Treasurer. Kwara State Ministry of Commerce Mr. Moses Makanjuola was and Cooperatives, Mr. Bello elected Chairman of Loan and Credit
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Committee; Mr. Samson Ademola, Secretary; and Mr. Ochenika Ibrahim, member. Also, Mrs. Faith Agbeye was elected Supervisory Committee C h a i r m a n , w i t h M r Yu s u f Abdulwahab as Secretary and Mr. Alabi Raphael as member.
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Unilorin Bulletin
NEWS February 22, 2016
Optometrists Registration Board commends Unilorin By Olusegun Mokuolu
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he Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) has commended the University of Ilorin for establishing the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. The commendation was made last Wednesday (February 24, 2016) by the leader of the Board's Resource Verification Team to the University, Prof. Frank Iwuagwu, while briefing the University management. Prof. Iwuagwu said, “It is commendable that within the short time of starting the Optometry programme, you have housed the Department in its permanent structure”. The Resource Verification Team leader pointed out that “the verification visit is not to destroy the department but to help build and redirect it”. Prof. Iwuagwu noted that the admission of students to the programme is in line with the
Board's requirements while describing the environmental sanitation in the Department as adequate. He called for adequate equipment of the new Department, saying that it would generate income for the University when it is fully equipped. Prof. Iwaugwu, however, identified few areas that need to be looked into to make the Department meet all expected standards. In his response, the ViceChancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), stated that the University is lucky to have the programme and commended the Head of the Department, Prof. M. O. Oriowo, for his enthusiasm. Speaking through the D e p u t y Vi c e - C h a n c e l l o r (Academic), Prof. (Mrs.) N. Y. S. Ijaiya, the Vice-Chancellor said that the University is open to constructive criticism, stressing that the problems noted in the
Department are teething problems that would soon be overcome. He disclosed that necessary equipment for the Department have been purchased and are awaiting clearance at the sea port. Prof. Ambali thanked the Resource Verification Team for what he described as its “painstaking assessment and effort”. Other members of the Resource Verification team were the Registrar of ODORBN, Prof. (Mrs.) Ebele Ihodike; and Prof. (Mrs.) Okechi U. Amaechi. The Vice-Chancellor was joined by the Deputy ViceChancellor (RTI), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi; the University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi; the Deputy Bursar, Mr. I. O. Ogunbiyi; the Dean of Life Sciences, Prof. Alhassan Sani; and the Principal Assistant Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office; Mr. A. Sayuti.
American Chemical Society honours Ambali, Ahmed, others By Fatima Abubakre
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he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), was among the personalities honoured by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, at its maiden symposium last Tuesday (February 23, 2016). Also honoured at the grand ceremony which took place at the University Auditorium were the Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed; a former Nigerian Ambassador to Australia, Ayoola Olukanmi, who was the Guest Speaker at the symposium; Prof. Omotayo Bamidele Awojoyegbe, Prof. Olalekan Fatoki of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town; Dr Olatunde Adekola of the World Bank; the immediate past National
President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Dr Shettima Abdulkadir Saidu; Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale of the University of Ibadan; the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the National Directorate of Employment, Alhaja Alawiyya Fatima Kuliya-Umar and the Managing Director of LUBCON Limited, Mr. Taiye Ohiozokhai Williams. The Chairman of the Association, Prof. Joshua Obaleye, explained that these individuals were honoured because of their contributions and commitment to the progress of the Society. According to Prof. Obaleye, “The Governor is a Chemist and many of the activities that we have been doing here, he has been supporting us with resources.
Similarly, our Vice-Chancellor, we told him about this programme and he welcomed it immediately. He gave us the venue we are using and three buses free of charge…” The don also stressed the need to evolve a synergy and strengthen collaboration between the academia and the industry in order to improve and have innovative products coming out from the industry through research conducted by scientists. He said, “In the United States and China, the industries are helping their academia by giving them loans to do research for them, in Nigeria we are lacking that”, adding that, “we want to remove the veil that is not allowing them to see us so that we can benefit mutually from collaboration between the industry and the universities.”
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Unilorin Bulletin
February 29, 2016
Olaoye seeks UADC, Library synergy By Fatimah Abubakre
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he Director of the University of Ilorin Archives and Documentation Centre (UADC), Prof. R. A. Olaoye, has called for a sustained synergy between the UADC and the University Library in a bid to promote the development of both units for better efficiency and integrated public access to their collections. Prof. Olaoye, who made this call when he led a delegation of the UADC on a collaborative visit to the University Library recently, highlighted the roles of the Archives Unit to include survey, assessing, collecting, preserving and making available, processed records to members of the academia, the University community and the larger public. The UADC Director commended the efforts of the University Librarian, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi, and his team for the
successes recorded so far. He urged them not to rest on their oars until the University Library attains its fullest potentials as a 'better by far' library that can compare favourably with any institution around the world. In his response, the University Librarian, Dr. Omoniyi, concurred with the submissions of Prof. Olaoye, noting that the two units were similar in the methods adopted in the collection and preservation of materials for the use of the researchers. While advocating proper preservation of records and books for posterity, Dr. Omoniyi pointed out that some private and public universities such as Babcock University and the University of Ibadan had their Library and Archives units situated within the same building, which allows for easier accessibility of materials. He stressed further that working together will greatly benefit the University.
The University Librarian, who assured the UADC Director of adequate security and maintenance of its collections, also disclosed that some library materials have been digitized and can thus be accessed online. He added that graduates trained in the fields of Libraryrelated courses as well as Archives perform related activities wherever they find themselves across the globe. The Sectional Head of Documentation at the University Library, Mr. Dare Eseyan, thereafter took the UADC staff members on a tour of the Documentation Section. Accompanying the UADC Director on the visit were the Chief Archivist, Dr. A. S. Afolabi, and a Senior Archivist, Mr. M. O. Oragwa. Others include Messrs L. A. Olowookere, A. K. Olaoye, A. K. AbdulKareem, Dauda Abdulfatai and Miss M. A. Ismail.
Kwara govt salutes Unilorin By Idris Alooma and Tajudeen Babamale
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he Kwara State Government has saluted the management of the University of Ilorin for the honour and reputation the institution is bringing to the state through its uninterrupted academic calendar. The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya, gave the commendation last Tuesday (February 23, 2016) when he featured on “Oro t'on lo”, a p o p u l a r Yo r u b a p e r s o n a l i t y programme on Unilorin 89.3 FM. The Commissioner, who noted that the University of Ilorin has become the pride of the state through its stable academic calendar and the quality of education it is giving to its
students, pledged that the state government would always open its doors to the citadel of learning. Alhaji Aro pointed out that the state Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is an alumnus of the University, is very happy with the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, and his team. While commenting on the projects that the Ministry of Works and Transportation is embarking upon, the Commissioner unfolded plans to erect fly-overs at Gari-Alimi and Offa Garage to control the traffic congestions being currently experienced in the areas of Ilorin metropolis. He also disclosed the
Ministry's plans to open up and reconstruct more roads to ease public transportation in the state. Alhaji Aro noted that easy movement of life and properties should be paramount to any government that means well for its people, adding that roads' rehabilitation and construction is one of the top priorities of Governor Ahmed's administration. The Commissioner said that the state government had started the construction of the road that links Asa Dam area to Egbejila and Airport, as well as Sango to Kulende with a pledge that a lot more should be expected very soon.
Adeleye thanks Unilorin staff for support
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he Alumni Relations Officer, University of Ilorin, Mrs. M.O. Adeleye, has expressed appreciation to members of the University community for sympathizing with her on the death o f h e r h u s b a n d , M r. A l i y u Olanrewaju Adeleye.
In a statement made available to Unilorin Bulletin, Mrs. Adeleye expressed her family's appreciation for the “love, prayers, support and contributions” given her during and after the burial of her late husband. She said, “We equally
appreciate your physical presence both at Ilorin and Ayere-Ijumu. May the Lord in His infinite mercy give you long life with good health to reap the fruit of your labour and may He replenish all what you have spent towards the success of the burial programmes in folds.”
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Unilorin Bulletin
NEWS February 29, 2016
Olajide tasks alumni associations on development of Alma maters By Is'haq Babatunde
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n Associate Professor in the Department of Arts Education, University of Ilorin, Dr. Stephen Billy Olajide, has described the intervention of alumni associations towards the progress and development of their Alma maters as a call to duty that must be given topmost priority by every alumnus. Dr. Olajide made this observation penultimate Saturday (February 20, 2016) in his lecture at th the 47 Founders' Day of Oke-Ode Grammar School, Oke-Ode, Kwara State. The event was organised by the school's Old Students Association (OOGSOSA). The Guest Lecturer, who is also an alumnus of the school, described the role of alumni associations in the development of alma maters as very germane and essential, pointing out that the reality on ground, in most cases, is that the alma mater is at the mercy of its exstudents. Dr. Olajide, who spoke on the theme "The relevance of alumni in ensuring quality education in a globalizing economy", called on old students associations to always develop positive attitude towards
assisting their Alma maters in cash and kind. He noted that for schools to thrive significantly, governments, the host communities and the alumni need to play collaborative roles with a view to giving their institutions a facelift. The former Head of the Department of Arts and Social Science Education, University of Ilorin, said, "In a globalizing economy, where development and progress are slow and bedeviled, all stakeholders must pay serious attention to education in order to make it functional. The alumni as stakeholders must stand out in the struggle to make their Alma mater a model". While enumerating the ways former students can come to the rescue of their Alma matters, Dr. Olajide advised alumni associations to develop better relations strategies, such as creating a Hall of Fame, to showcase the schools' products that have made it in different spheres of life. Dr. Olajide, who is a member of the Unilorin Bulletin Editorial Board, also suggested that old
students should be made to make individual pledges to the school, adding that they could donate resources to the schools and institute prizes for students to promote academic excellence and good conducts. In his address at the wellattended event, the Elesa of Oke-Ode, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulkadir Adelodun, expressed joy over the large turnout of the school's exstudents for the event. The monarch commended the old students for their commitment, dedication as well as meaningful contributions to the development of the school that produced them. Also speaking, the school's Principal, Alhaji Muhammed Bashir Bakare, who is also an alumnus of the school, gave kudos to all and sundry including the Elesa of Oke-Ode, Oba Adelodun, for providing constant support and assistance for the school. The occasion attracted a large number of ex-students from across the country and beyond. A major highlight of the occasion was a fund-raising in aid of some development projects of the school.
Unilorin to host National Youth Games
(Contd. from front page) Athletes under the age of 16 years from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will participate in 22 sports, with cricket featuring as demonstration sports, at the2016 National Youth Games. In his remarks at the dinner, the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who represented the state Governor, disclosed that the state government had approved the revival of the state
sport festival, which last edition held in 2007. In his own address, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Kale Ayo, appealed to all sport philanthropists, Local Government Councils and wellmeaning individuals to assist the government in the area of sports promotion and development in the state. Among the dignitaries that
attended the dinner that was sponsored by Engr. Lanre Sagaya, the Zanna of Ilorin, were the Registrar, University of Ilorin, Mr. Emmanuel Obafemi; the Chairman, Unilorin Sports Council, Prof. Bassey Eke; the Director of the Sport Unit, University of Ilorin, Prof. Olawole Obiyemi; the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad; and the Emir of Shonga, Dr. HaliruYahaya.
RCF reaches out to hearing-impaired students
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he Redeemed Christian Fellowship (RCF), University of Ilorin Chapter, has donated a refrigerator and some writing materials to the hearingimpaired students of the Centre for Supportive Services for the Deaf (CSSD), University of Ilorin.
The Director of the Centre, Prof. Irene A. Durosaro, who received the gifts on behalf of the Centre, expressed appreciation to members of the RCF, who are students of the University, for the gesture to their fellow students who have hearing challenges.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Association of the Deaf Students, University of Ilorin Chapter, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the members of the RCF for their love and the gifts.
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Unilorin Bulletin
February 29, 2016
Expert warns against indiscriminate sinking of boreholes By Fatima Abubakre
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he Coordinator of the National Water Resources Capacity Building Network, North Central Regional Centre (NWRCBNet-NC), domiciled at the University of Ilorin, Dr Adeniyi Aremu, has expressed concerns on the dangers of indiscriminate drilling of boreholes in Nigeria and the likely effect this could have on the environment if the practice is not checked. Dr. Aremu, who made this observation in an interview with Unilorin Bulletin, explained that indiscriminate drilling of boreholes could "cause earthquake and over abstraction of ground water with attendant negative consequences", even as he admitted that the West African sub-region was not ordinarily prone to earthquakes. The Coordinator, who is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Water Resources Engineering, University of Ilorin, said that residents were drilling their own boreholes because of the inadequacy of public infrastructure. He then called for an improved funding of the public water supply, which, he said, is the best form of potable water. While pointing out that there were regulations to check indiscriminate borehole drilling in
the country, which were not being enforced, Dr. Aremu noted, “People do not follow rules regarding the sinking of boreholes; there are guiding principles concerning sinking of boreholes, now you have to take a permit before sinking boreholes.” The NWRCBNet-NC Coordinator said, “There is a limit to the number of boreholes you can have within a locality, you have to obtain a permit before you sink borehole and sinking boreholes here and there has too many negative effects just like sachet water; you can see nylon polluting the environment”. Dr Aremu, who also lamented that most states in Nigeria were unable to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) target of providing adequate drinking water to half of the population by 2015, further stated that there was a capacity building challenge within the water industry, which is being addressed by the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) through the setting up of the National Water Resources Capacity Building Network (NWRCBNet) in six Federal universities across the six geo-political zones of the country. While the University of
Ilorin represents the North Central zone which covers Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Nassarawa, Plateau and the FCT; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, represents the South East zone; the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, represents the South West zone; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, North West zone; the University of Maiduguri, North East zone and the University of Calabar represents the South South zone. Dr. Aremu added that of all the six capacity building institutions, the University of Ilorin was far ahead and taking the lead in sustaining itself as well as commencing a Masters Degree programme in I n t e g r a t e d Wa t e r R e s o u r c e s Management during the 2014/2015 academic session. While noting that funding remains a challenge, he stated that plans are on to organise a workshop during the year and the intention to commence short term courses on some aspects as contained in the operation manual for the capacity building institutions. “The University has been giving us funds for the day to day running of the centre", he said.
2015/2016 Staff Development Award Recipient Mr. A. Abdulhameed Mrs. A. R. Ahmed Mr. I.K. Ayinla Mrs. W.O. Oloyede
Programme M.Sc. degree Ph.D degree Ph.D degree M.Sc. degree
Mr. O.M. Abdulrazaq Mrs. I. F. Usamot Mr. W.I.Abdulmajeed Mr. B.K. Okesina
MLIS. degree Ph.D. degree Ph.D. degree Ph.D. degree
Mr. Y.O. Abdulraheem
Ph.D. degree
Mrs. A.M. Elias
Ph.D. degree
Department Social Work Science Education Industrial Chemistry Agric. Economics and Farm Management University Library Mathematics Physiology Optometry and Vision Science Human Kinetics Education Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education
Institution where tenable University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin University of Ilorin, Ilorin Swansea University, United Kingdom
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MONEY M ATTERS
UNIVERSITY of ILORIN
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UNILORIN WEEKLY FINANCIAL DIGEST SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT FOR THE PERIOD 19TH FEBRUARY TO 25TH FEBRUARY, 2016 RECEIPTS Undergraduate Add & Drop Undergraduate Bandwidth and Students Union Charges Undergraduate Hostel Accommodation Undergraduate School Charges Postgraduate School Charges Postgraduate Acceptance Payment
AMOUNT 115,665.00 35,000.00 98,000.00 77,900.00 33,410,600.00 640,000.00
Postgraduate Students Union Charges
2,752,000.00
Ilorin Business School Application fees
2,325,000.00
Ilorin Business School Charges
8,918,150.00
Ilorin Business School Union Charges
720,000.00
Total Receipts for the period
? 49,092,315.00
PAYMENTS: PAYMENT TO CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS: Degbane Engineering Ltd Nanet Hotel Ltd
Construction of Faculty of Vet. Medicine Hotel Bill for the Month of February, 2016
CVC/ Elshevier Science Direct Ibadan Electricity Distr. Company Ibadan Electricity Company Open Ph.DDistr. Thesis Kwara Inland Revenue Services
10,002,845.68 1,430,337.66
Subscriptions (El servier Agreement (NPR) 2014 Agreement) Electricity Bill for February, 2016
1,200,000.00 20,712,320.21
Electricity Bill for February, 2016 Water Rate for February,2016
171,827.02 1,500,000.00
OTHER PAYMENTS: Purchase Advances
Various
Various
599,000.00
DTA, Imprest, Refund E.T.C
Unilorin Staff
Housing Loan
Lemuel Odeh
Workshop in South Africa
Aisha Y A
Staff Development and Training
Total TSA Charges
8,590,325.00 400,000.00 1,200,000.00 253,000.00 15,960.00
TOTAL PAYMENTS FOR THE PERIOD
? 46,075,615.57
Signed A.S. YUSUF, FCA Bursar
New Appointments Name Prof. (Mrs.) A.T. Oladiji
Department Biochemistry
Dr. S.B. Alabi
Otorhinolaryngology
Dr. M.S. Abdullahi Idiagbon Dr. A.C. Tella
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Effective Date With immediate effect
English
Appointment Director, Central Research Laboratory Ag. Director, Centre for Research Development and InHouse Training (CREDIT) Ag. Head
Chemistry
Ag. Head
With retrospective effect from 25th January, 2016
With immediate effect
With immediate effect
UNIVERSITY of ILORIN
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TO YOU! S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Name Emeribe, Fidelis O. Sallee, Kikelomo W. Oyejola, Benjamin A. Salako, Lydia B. Ogunlaye, Abigeal O. Omipidan, Bashiru A. Ayanniyi, Rashidat O. Bariki, Isaiah O. Adekola, Folahan A. Gbadeyan, Rotimi A. Oyedepo, Adeola M. Ameen, Hafsat A. Balogun, Elizabeth A. Olorunoje, Ramota A. Ojo, Racheal F. Baba, Abdullahi A . Kolo, Philip M. Are, Kolawole E. Raji, Abdulkabir Ayodeji, Medinat O . Ajaiyeoba, Edith O. Falade, Samuel
Office/Unit/Department/Faculty Performing Arts Student Affairs Statistics Registry Library Private & Property Law Pharmacology French Chemistry Marketing Computer Based Test Epidemiology & Community Health Bio Chemistry Registry Dean's Office (Arts) Chemistry Medicine Biomedical Engineering Materials & Metallurgical Engineering Procurement & Maintenance Support Pharmacognosy & Drug Development Registry
Date of Birth 28th February 28th February 29th February 1st March 1st March 1st March 1st March 2nd March 2nd March 2nd March 2nd March 2nd March 2nd March 3rd March 3rd March 3rd March 3rd March 3rd March 3rd March 4th March 4th March 5th March
GOOD GRAMMAR Don't say/write: TheVice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin was present at the occasion. Say/ write: The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin was present on the occasion. Don't say/ write: I live in a city where primary school children disvirgin themselves on Valentine’s Day. Say/write:I live in a city where primary school children deflower one another on Valentine’s Day. Don't say/ write: Locusts wreck havoc on our cassava plantation every year. Say/write: Locusts wreak havoc on our cassava plantation every year. Don't say/ write: It is your lose if your dress is not loose and you loose out. Say/write:It is your loss if your dress is not loose and you lose out.
LAUGH
LINES
"All over the world, people continue to say technology impresses them. But I will not be impressed with technology until I can download food and beautiful girls LIVE from the Internet."~Akpors complaining from Warri
& WATER Drink 8 glasses of water per day-Experts advised Drink water – you need to stay hydrated. Not only is it good for your internal organs, it also keeps your skin healthy and lessens acne.
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Ø The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyuAmbali, has received an award as the best Chief Executive Officer in the public sector for the year 2015 (“Gov. Shettima, others honoured by Newswatch Times Magazine”, Newswatch Times Magazine, Monday, February 22, 2016, front page) Ø The Chief Security Officer of the Kwara State Polytechnic has called on staff of his institution and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital to join road special marshal to ease traffic congestion (“Gridlock : Kwara Poly, UITH tasked on special marshal roles, Blueprint, Monday, February 23, 2016, p.16) Ø Dr. Billy Olajide of the Department of Arts Education, University of Ilorin, has said that for any education institution to thrive optimally, it must have a robust alumni association (“Unilorin don tasks old students on giving back to Alma-mater”, National Pilot, Monday, February 22, 2016,p.4) Ø A Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulaiman Salami, has identified inconsistent government policy as a factor responsible for falling education standards. (“Baraje commends Buhari over teachers training college”, National Pilot, Monday, February 22, 2016,p.5) Ø The University of Ilorin has invited applicants for its sandwich programme for the 2016 contact session. (“University of Ilorin, Ilorin, ”, National Pilot, Monday, February 22, 2016,p.9; See also,“University of Ilorin, Ilorin, ”, The Nation, Monday, February22, 2016, p.14) Ø The Deputy Chairman of Education and Training at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Dr.Aishat Saka, has called for the overhaul of health record keeping in Nigeria (“Expert calls for e-health records”, National Pilot, Monday, February 22, 2016,p.18) Ø Prof. Joshua Obaleye of the Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, has charged scholars to domesticate their experiences abroad for the benefit of Nigeria (“Air pollution kills 7m globally, says ex-envoy” Blueprint , Tuesday, February 23, 2016,p.8) Ø A multi-disciplinary research team of the University of Ilorin has discovered a new approach for diagnosing hepatitis C virus
February 29, 2016
(“Unilorin discovers new hepatitis C diagnostic method”, Daily Trust, Tuesday, February 23, 2016, p.28) Ø In his weekly “EDUPEACE” column, the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has countered the notion that religion is responsible for violence arguing that politics bears the responsibility. (“Does religion poison everything?”, New Telegraph, Tuesday, February 23, 2016, p. 36) Ø The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has charged Nigerian chemists to address the challenge of environmental pollution in Nigeria during the symposium of the Nigerian Chapter of the American Chemical Society. (“ Ahmed tasks chemists on Industrialisation of Nigeria”, The Herald, Wednesday, February 24, 2016, front page; See also, “Ahmed to chemists, intensify research into agro processing”, National Pilot, Thursday, November 28, 2016, p.4; “Ambali urges professional chemists to be more vibrant on environmental conditions, Thisday, Thursday, February 25,2016,p.37) Ø A photograph of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. N.Y.S. ijaiya receiving an award on Behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali from Ambassador Ayo Olakanmi during the American Chemical Society has been published. (“ The Herald, Wednesday, February 24, 2016, p.5) Ø The corpse of a student of the Kwara State Polytechnic killed by suspected cultists has been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (“Gunmen kill Kwara Poly Student”, The Punch, Thursday, February 25, 2016,p.5, “Gunmen kill Kwara Poly student”, The Nation, February, 25, 2016, p.9) Ø The University of Ilorin has been rated as the sixth best University in Nigeria according to an NUC ranking (“UI best varsity in Nigeria”, Nigerian Tribune, Friday, February 26, 2016, p.36) Ø In his weekly column, “RENNAISSANCE” , the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji has called for religious studies for improved inter religious understanding. ( “Religion to the Rescue”, Newswatch Times, Friday, February 26, 2016, back page “)
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www.unilorin.edu.ng
February 29, 2016
by Kunle Akogun
Unilorin and the antics of enemies of success
F
or the University of Ilorin, penultimate Sunday (February 21, 2016) was another day to remember, a day when the University's sustained pursuit of excellence was again celebrated by an organisation that is equally known for the quest for excellence. On that day, at the cosy Conference Hall of NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, our hardworking Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), once again mounted the dais to receive the rosette of honour as he was conferred with the prestigious award of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year (Public Sector). The award, a brainchild of Nigeria's oldest and most authoritative newsmagazine, The Newswatch, was in recognition of the sterling leadership qualities and stellar achievements of Prof. Ambali, who, the organisers admitted, has taken the University of Ilorin to greater heights these past three years. But Town & Gown will not dwell so much on the award story today, as this has been lavishly reported in the news section of this edition of Unilorin Bulletin. Our attention here will be focussed on two important fall-outs from the occasion and their implications for the University of Ilorin. These were: the analogy of the burden of success by the Publisher of Newswatch Times Magazine, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, and the candid observation of Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, the immediate past Director General of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), one of the awardees on the occasion, on the magical winning streaks of the University of Ilorin. While congratulating the three awardees, among whom was also the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, the Publisher warned them to be wary of mischief makers whose stock-in-trade is to plot the downfall of high-flyers like them. He said, “Distinguished Awardees, let me warn you that people will try to pull you down when you are on top like this. It should not discourage you to continue to do your best, because, as someone once said, when you are on top, you are the topic”. Yours sincerely was particularly struck by this analogy of being “at the top” and being “the topic”, especially as our University has often experienced its practical demonstration from mischief makers and enemies of success. The latest of this mischievous “war against success” was the malicious misrepresentation of what transpired at the House of Representatives when Vice-Chancellors of all Federal Universities in the country recently faced the House Committee on Tertiary Education during the budget defence sessions. Following the wind of change currently blowing across all sectors in the country, it is not surprising that even the Legislature has now adopted the “business unusual” mantra and its members are now more thorough in their budget scrutiny sessions. This probably prompted the members of the Hon. Aminu Suleiman-led Committee to direct ALL (deliberate emphasis)
university Vice-Chancellors that appeared before it for the defence of their 2016 budget proposals to provide further details on their 2015 expenditure. And ever known for his prudence and accountability, the Unilorin Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ambali, immediately directed the University's Bursary Department to provide the required details, which was promptly submitted to the lawmakers. But even though the House Committee's directive applied to almost all the Vice-Chancellors that appeared before it, Prof. Ambali was singled out the following day by a section of the press, as being spurned by the lawmakers over some alleged budgetary discrepancies! This is an evidence of the desperate extent to which mischief makers could go. But as the Publisher advised, and as the Vice-Chancellor has often noted, the University of Ilorin would not be deterred from its pursuit of excellence by mischief of this nature. Indeed, the University could never be discouraged from doing its best. It is, however, heart-warming that the legislators have disclaimed the publication. And in an apparent corroboration of the Newswatch magazine's well thought-out choice of Prof. Ambali for the award of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year (Public Sector), a fellow awardee, Prof. Bogoro attested to the well-known excellence of the University of Ilorin and its helmsman. The immediate past Director General of TETFund took members of the audience by surprise when, in his post-award response, he digressed and launched into a copious encomium session on the Better by far University. Of course, the erudite Professor of Animal Science should know: he has been keeping tab on the sterling performance of the University of Ilorin in the area of research endeavours and especially the prudent deployment of TETFund grants. Prof. Bogoro, who is an exponent of Research and Development as a national policy direction, pointed out that “it is research that defines teaching and if research is weak, the quality of teaching goes down.” He could, therefore, not hide his happiness over the giant strides the University of Ilorin is making in this area. He affirmed that the University of Ilorin “has blazed the trail” as the first public university in the country to have a Deputy Vice-Chancellor specifically assigned the Research portfolio. He also disclosed that “in research proposal, the University of Ilorin has beaten all other universities in the country”. And for all these feats by the University of Ilorin, Prof. Bogoro told the audience in that cosy hall, “That is why I feel very proud to stand on the same dais with the Unilorin VC to receive this award”! Indeed, the Newswatch Award and the Bogoro Testament have once again confirmed the University of Ilorin's “betterness” and no amount of badmouthing can change the taste of honey. End of discussion!
· Meteorites
were very important to ancient Egyptians, they created jewelry from meteorites by hammering it into shape making beads and other designs. The jewelry was often buried with loved ones.
· The
worlds largest yacht is 590 feet (approximately 197 yards) long and 94,000 horsepower.
To download a copy of UNILORIN BULLETIN weekly, visit: www.unilorin.edu.ng. For all correspondences, send your e-mail to info@unilorin.edu.ng Editor: Kunle Akogun
UNILORIN PRESS