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Student Commits Suicide Hours After Posting Cryptic Messages On WhatsApp

by admin on November 25, 2020

A student of the University of Osun, Juba Babatunde Phillips, has allegedly committed suicide hours after posting some cryptic messages on popular social media platform, WhatsApp.

CAMPUS GIST gathered that Philips was, until his death, a first-year student in Theatre Arts department, Ikire campus of the University.

According to reports gathered, the late student was found dead in his hostel room by a friend on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

Prior to his death, he had shared messages on his WhatsApp status, commenting on hardship and suicide.

CAMPUS GIST gathered that the posts prompted his friend to rush to his hostel to check on him, only to find him already dead with a bottle allegedly containing a poisonous substance next to him.

Friends of the deceased have taken to Facebook to mourn him.

News

LAUTECH ownership: We can now restore varsity’s lost glory – Makinde

by admin on November 21, 2020

…says Oyo fully ready to fund varsity to excellence

…commends Osun govt’s cooperation

Following the termination of the joint ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, between the Oyo and Osun State Governments, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has declared that the state now has the opportunity to restore the lost glory of the university.

The governor also maintained that the real work to reposition the university and take it back to the glorious days when it was adjudged the best state-run university has now begun.

A statement forwarded to CAMPUS GIST by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor stated these while speaking on Ibadan-based Fresh FM’s Political Circuit, on Saturday.

The statement added that Governor Makinde appreciated his Osun State counterpart, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, for his cooperation all through the discussions.

He also stated that with the amicable ending of the joint ownership, a situation that has bogged down the university for years, he was ready to reposition the institution in line with his campaign promise.

He added that Oyo State under his watch will readily reposition the school for excellence, noting that his administration’s drive to industrialise the state will get the much needed boost with an effectively run technology university like LAUTECH.

He said: “So, we give God all the glory. Now, the real work starts because we have to ensure that the university is properly funded so that it will be contributing to the economy of Ogbomoso in particular and Oyo State in general.

“If we are saying we want to industrialise the state and we have a university of technology adding value in Ogbomoso, the industrialisation effort can proceed very quickly.”

The governor further maintained that Oyo State is ready to fully shoulder the financial responsibilities of LAUTECH, as it has been doing since the beginning of year 2020.

He said that the state government has appropriated enough funds to the institution in the 2021 budget, adding that his administration will continue to discharge its responsibilities on the institution.

According to him, his administration is renowned for putting its money where its mouth is.

He added: “The arrangement that we met when we came in May, 2019, was that Oyo State usually will fund the University from January to June and then Osun state will fund it from July to December. We had to intervene a couple of times last year, and between May and December, we had to intervene to get the university running.

“I, already, indicated that we wanted to take it over and because of that, Osun felt why should they be putting their money and negotiation was still on?

“So, for this year 2020, Oyo State has been funding LAUTECH alone. After our January to June, from July, we have been funding LAUTECH alone basically and we appropriated enough money in the 2021 budget to continue doing that. So, we anticipated that we were going to get to this position and we are putting our money where our mouth is.”

Makinde, who described Oyetola as a statesman, equally said there is no victor nor vanquished in the arrangement that has seen the National Universities Commission (NUC) transfer LAUTECH ownership solely to Oyo State.

He added that the situation is a win-win for both states, even as he urged staff of the university never to discriminate against members of the workforce who are of Osun State extraction, saying: “Now, there is no Oyo Forum or Osun Forum anymore, it is LAUTECH Forum and it should be focused on the output and growth of the university.”

The governor added that the winners in the latest development are students of the institution and its stakeholders who can now have a stable environment that is conducive for learning and research, stating that he would visit Ogbomoso soon to meet with the stakeholders.

“Well, the only victor now are the students and the stakeholders of the university because they can now get a stable university environment that is conducive for learning and research. So, they can go ahead and do it but between Governor Oyetola and I, there is no victor, no vanquished. We just want our children to be able to go to school and also contribute their own quota to the development of the state and our country.

“It is a win-win for everybody; for the students, lecturers and stakeholders. Now, the major issue has been removed. So, they do not have any reason not to excel anymore.

“I will also use this opportunity to thank my brother, Governor of Osun State, for his cooperation and for being a statesman. When we were campaigning, I remember that my opponent then said that higher education should not be something you won’t pay for and that it should be commercialised. It was a major point of disagreement between us then and we maintained – and we are still of the view to date – that higher education should be affordable.

“So, when we came in on May 29, 2019, we found out that LAUTECH students, instead of spending 4 or 5 years for a programme, they had spent almost double of that and it was not the students’ fault but because of some people who benefit from a bad system.

“I appealed to my brother [Governor Oyetola] and told him that we need to resolve this problem. Let us keep our egos aside.

University is from the name universal; I told him that we need to let the institution live up to its name. He saw reasons with me and we were able to come together and resolve it.”

News

400l Female Student Kidnapped In Edo, N7m Ransom Demanded

by admin on November 20, 2020

A fourth year medical student of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in Edo State, Miss Oghogho Christiana, has allegedly been kidnapped.

CAMPUS GIST gathered that Christiana was kidnapped along the Benin-Auchi road, Thursday evening.

President of the AAU Student Union Government, Osamagbe, confirmed the development in his post on social media.

A family member of the kidnap victim, who craved anonymity, also collaborated the report.

The source claimed the kidnappers have made contact and presently demanding N7 million ransom.

Checks by CAMPUS GIST on Christiana’s WhatsApp status shows that she was kidnapped on her way to Ekpoma.

The post, which reads 4:12pm(yesterday), revealed she was to deliver starch and banga – which she deals on – to some customers.

Our AAU correspondent, who spoke to Christina’s mother, reports that the victim’s mother confirmed the report.

The mother confirmed that the kidnappers are demanding the sum of N7 million, adding that today(Friday) is the “last day” for payment.

Efforts to reach the AAU management via the Public Relations Officer, proved abortive. It was however gathered that course mates of the kidnap victim are trying to raise some funds.

News

We Won’t Call Off Strike Until FG Meets Our Demands — ASUU

by admin on November 19, 2020

…Says UTAS Evaluation ’ll Take One Week, Not Eight

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has again vowed not to call of its over seven-month old strike until the federal government meets their demands.

President of the Union, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, made this known in an interview monitored by CAMPUS GIST on Arise Television, Thursday morning.

Speaking on reasons for the industrial action, the ASUU boss insisted the Union will remain adamant until their demands are met by the Buhari government.

He said: “The FG has only made promises to us, they’ve not taken any step. And UTAS, on the other hand, would only take a week for evaluation as against the acclaimed 8 weeks by the government.”

Prof. Ogunyemi, therefore, urged all ASUU members to look for alternative means of survival until the government is ready to take them serious.

News

Raped UNIBEN Student, Uwaila Omozuwa, Laid To Rest (Photos)

by admin on November 14, 2020

The remains of Miss Uwaila Omozuwa, the first-year student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who was gang-raped and murdered in a church, have been laid to rest.

CAMPUS GIST reports that Omozuwa’s remains were interred at Third Cemetery, in Benin City, Edo State, amid tears from family, friends and colleagues.

The deceased final moments began with a funeral service on Friday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Edo Province 10, Aduwawa, Benin City.

CAMPUS GIST recalls that the 22-year-old was raped and injured in the head in a church, RCCG, where she went to study on May 27. She died from the injuries three days later in a hospital.

Her murder provoked public anger in the streets of Benin with different groups – including the students community – demanding that her killers be brought to justice.

Although, the Edo Police Command paraded six suspects: Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Mrs. Tina Samuel, Mrs. Mary Ade, Nosa Osabohien and Collins Ulegbe in connection with the incident.

Nothing has been heard since then with the key-suspect, a woman, said to have been discharged and acquainted, while others allegedly escaped from detention.

At the service of songs in honour of the deceased, on Friday, the cleric-in-charge of RCCG Peace Sanctuary, Benin, Pastor Dele Balogun, described Omozuwa as a very devout Christian, “who did not joke with the things of God.”

Balogun also noted that although the incident was painful, the murdered undergraduate was committed to God’s work to the end.

Members of Omozuwa’s family, in a statement, described her as a very hardworking and committed daughter, who would be greatly missed.

They said she lived her life as a dedicated Christian, who took the things of God very seriously.

A member of the family, who spoke to newsmen in a tending clip obtained by CAMPUS GIST, lamented that the family was yet to get justice months later.

She alleged that the police had swept the case under the carpet “because my family is not rich enough to pursue the case.” “I wish we are richer than this,” she lamented.

News

‘Kidnapped’ AAU Student Exposed For Allegedly Faking Her Kidnap For N100m

by admin on November 1, 2020

Nigerians have taken to Twitter to drag one Miss Adebayo Oyiza, the 18-year-old student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who was allegedly kidnapped last week.

CAMPUS GIST recalls how the alleged kidnapping of Oyiza made headlines, with her abductors said to be demanding N100 million ransom.

According to reports, Oyiza, a 200 level medical student of AAU was kidnapped on transit near Kogi state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

A voice note said to be the conversation between her abductors and lover in Hausa made the rounds where Oyiza could be heard in a weak, broken voice supposedly traumatized.

Four days after what seemed like a staged kidnap, Oyiza reportedly escaped the claws of her kidnappers claiming she “trekked” all the way from Kogi to Edo.

Shortly after her ‘dramatic’ escape, Oyiza took to Facebook to make an announcement that apparently didn’t go well with people who have been worked up over her alleged kidnap.

She simply wrote: “Wagwan”, on her wall, a Bini language CAMPUS GIST understands is translated into “What’s going on” in English language.

The statement raised eyebrows as many said anyone who just left captivity would be too traumatized to post on social media immediately after her release.

In another post, agent ‘Flash’ Oyiza debunked her kidnapping rumours, saying she has been sick and never sent any distress message to anyone.

“I can’t write essay I no fit till further notice. I’m very unwell. Cruise? So did I come online to post I was kidnapped or I called one person to please reach out and help me that I got kidnapped?,” she wrote.

Oyiza went ahead to tackle all claims that she staged her kidnap saying she has been in school and her parents are aware of her whereabouts.

“I had an health issue and I was going to fix and I got napped’ on the road, if you stay in Okene or know anyone there, stroll go parks or police station and ask them what happened I haven’t been in Lagos since protest started.

“I’ve been in school and my parents are aware of that, I didn’t run from home, didn’t plan anything.

“The TV noise in the recording, release it let’s hear.
“Let me type this one in peace.
“Then you can now do as you like.
“Wagwan was wrong!

“Me trying to create threads but people kept dragging and my evil spirit is controlling me.

“You need to understand that I can’t type the long essay on a go, it’s bits by bits.

“First off
I’m sorry, I don’t know how to behave.

“Secondly
I’m sorry if I made you loose anything or make people come at you.

“Thirdly
I’m beyond grateful for help and prayers.
So grateful!

“No money is with me, the voice note going around, God bless the person for adding fuel to fire, people bringing old conversations and remixing storyline, special shout out, people claiming what they’re not to me and putting me in more trouble, hugs and kisses.

“If I wanted to chase clout, I for post or I for call many people, I only called three people on the first day, and I started receiving many calls checking on me and I know someone I called put out the nappers’ number which was a good thing, to an extent, the people that kept asking for me where much and made the nappers’ think I had lots of people to gimme so why not bill her.”

CAMPUS GIST, however, observed that Oyiza’s statements did not go down well with her friends, as many insisted she was chasing clouts.

Some have joined the call for Oyiza to be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others who may want to pull similar kidnapping drama.

A social media user alleged that Oyiza intended to use the N100 million to travel to the United Kingdom with her lover assuming she succeeded.

A Facebook user, identified as Boda GigGle narrated how he noticed something “fishy” when he reached out to the family of Oyiza.

The user in a bid to use his platform to help out, contacted Oyiza’s alleged brother who referred him to her ‘dad’ and the story took a different turn from there.

News

BREAKING: NYSC Camps Reopen Nationwide Nov 10

by admin on October 15, 2020

The Federal Government has announced November 10 as date for the reopening of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps across the country.

CAMPUS GIST reports that the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare, made the announcement, on Thursday, October 15.

“The resumption of the NYSC Orientation Camp for prospective Youth Corpers has been approved and opens on November 10th, 2020”, he said.

According to the minister, full COVID-19 protocols will be enforced as the nation reopens her NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

Details later…

News

BREAKING: ‘Mugabe’ Bamidele Finally Impeached As NANS President

by admin on October 13, 2020

The embattled President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Danielson Bamidele Akpan has been impeached by the Senate Arm of the Association at an emergency Senate meeting which held on Tuesday, bringing an end to his ‘Mugabecious’ two-and-a-half-year reign.

CAMPUS GIST reports that Akpan was impeached at the meeting which had in attendance current senators (i.e Students’ Union presidents), past and serving NANS leaders and stakeholders.

Our NANS correspondent reports that the meeting held on the popular videoconferencing App, Zoom due to the COVID-19 protocols. It was hosted by the Senate President, Gambo Abubakar Mohammed.

Akpan was impeached over alleged incompetence, misappropriation of fund, corruption, elongation of one-year tenure, disregard for NANS Charter of Demand and insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian Students, amongst others.

CAMPUS GIST gathered that his Vice President (National Affairs), Mr. Chidi Ilogebe was immediately announced and sworn in as Acting National President pending the conduct of fresh elections.

Although Ilogebe is Special Assistant (SA) on Students’ Affairs to the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, against the NANS Charter Demand which forbids excos from holding political positions.

Meanwhile, the impeached NANS president, who recently got married while in Office, has been enmeshed in $200,000 fraud scandal. He has been accused of embezzling the fund said to have been released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) as palliative to Nigerian students.

Akpan was said to have negotiated the amount with the nation’s oil body as a way of shutting the mouth of students’ from protesting or kicking against the recent hike in pump price.

Although he has denied the allegation, but originating documents and eyewitnesses have come out to collaborate the report, including his consultant who claim to have strike the deal with the NNPC for a percentage.

Also, a former aspirant for the position of NANS president, Amb. SA Lukman, has petitioned the erstwhile president Akpan before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Abuja over the alleged $200k NNPC largesse.

Details later…

News

BREAKING: Auchi Polytechnic Rector, Jimah, Is Dead

by admin on October 2, 2020

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi in Edo State, Dr. Momodu Sanusi Jimah, is dead.

CAMPUS GIST reliably gathered that Jimah passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020.

His death came a day after management of the polytechnic debunked social media rumours that he had passed.

Our correspondent gathered that Jimah, who has been sick with stroke, died at a hospital in the State.

The late Auchi polytechnic rector was married and blessed with children. He was aged 60.

Multiple sources within the institution confirmed to CAMPUS GIST that the remains of the deceased has been brought to Auchi for burial on Saturday, according to Islamic rites.

Until his appointment as the substantive Rector, the late Jimah was in acting capacity as Rector of Auchi Polytechnic.

He was a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning.

Students have since taken to social media to mourn the late Auchi poly rector.

Many received the news with mixed feelings; with some celebrating over alleged increments of tuition fee, which they credited to Jimah.

Also confirming the report, the Institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mustapha Oshiobuge, told our correspondent on phone that the rector was no more.

“He (Jimah) passed on this evening (Friday). He was 60-year-old. He will be buried tomorrow (Saturday)”, the school spokesman added.

News

Enugu Govt Okays Reopening Of Primary, Secondary Schools

by admin on September 23, 2020

The Enugu State Government has announced Monday, Sept. 28 as date for the re-opening of all primary and secondary schools in the state, for 3rd term academic activities.

This was contained in a statement made available to CAMPUS GIST issued by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze.

He said the decision was reached “following the Enugu State Education sector stakeholders’ consensus and gracious approval of His Excellency the Governor”.

Prof. Eze pointed out that “it is important to note that necessary measures have been put in place in our schools for safe re-opening”.

“Teachers/students/pupils are therefore requested to ensure that they abide by the approved guidelines on COVID-19”, he added, stressing that “no person will be allowed into any school without appropriate facemask/shield”.

According to the commissioner, “strong monitoring teams at state and Local Government Areas have been constituted to monitor compliance with the approved guidelines for the safety of all that operate in our schools”.

He therefore noted that “Primary six and Junior Secondary three students have completed their examinations and are not expected to be back to school”.