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In the wake of the recent lifting of the ban on student union electioneering at our esteemed institution, Obafemi Awolowo University, a wave of excitement and anticipation has swept across campus. As the election draws near, several candidates have come forward to declare their interest in running for the prestigious position of Student Union President. Let's take a closer look at the leading contenders who have already stepped up to the plate. 1. Taofeek Ogunperi Hailing from the Department of English Literature, Taofeek Ogunperi is a dedicated and passionate Part 3 student. Currently serving as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the student union, Taofeek has wasted no time in making his aspirations known. Through a combination of physical posters and a strong online presence, he has effectively communicated his desire to take on the role of President. Will his popularity give him an edge?  2. Aworanti Salvation  Presenting a formidable...

Five Locations at OAU Perfect for Your Next Event Icon Aminat  Rain semester at OAU is always buzzing with conferences and events, making it feel like the time just flies by. With so many distractions on campus, it's no wonder students are constantly on the move. If you're planning an event and need a suitable lecture theatre, look no further. We've rounded up five top choices that will meet all your needs. 1. Oduduwa Lecture Theatre Situated at the heart of OAU's campus, opposite the student union building, Oduduwa Lecture Theatre is an iconic venue primarily used for grand events like graduation ceremonies, matriculation, and inaugural lectures. With its historic charm and central location, it adds a touch of prestige to any occasion. 2. BOOA Lecture Theatre Freshly renovated, the BOOA Lecture Theatre in the Biological Science Building is a hidden gem. Accommodating around 150 attendees, it offers a comfortable and cozy space for ev...

Icon Priscilla  Renowned literary figure, Chimamanda Nzozi Adichie, continues to shine as a stellar icon in the world of literature and feminism. Born on September 15th, 1977, in Anambra state, Nigeria, Adichie has captivated readers with her notable works, including the acclaimed novel "Half of a Yellow Sun." Beyond her literary achievements, Adichie leads an inspiring personal life. She is married to Dr. Ivara Esege, a medical practitioner based in the United States, and together, they share the joys of raising their daughter. Adichie's educational journey took an unconventional path as she veered away from her initial pursuit of Medicine and Pharmacy at UNN, Nsukka. At the age of 19, she made a life-changing decision to move to the United States. Her academic pursuits led her to attain a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and two Master's degrees. Notably, Adichie has been honored with over fifteen honorary degre...

Icon Adedoyin  UK to Restrict International Students from Bringing Relatives for Study Purposes Recent reports have revealed that the United Kingdom is planning to impose limitations on the inclusion of relatives accompanying foreign students, including those from Nigeria, who wish to pursue their studies in the country. The ban is expected to affect undergraduate and master's degree students, while individuals enrolled in PhD programs lasting between three and five years will remain exempt. In January, Suella Braverman, the UK's Home Secretary, unveiled proposals to revamp the graduate visa route by reducing the post-study visa duration to a mere six months. This move faced opposition from the Department of Education, which expressed concerns about its potential negative impact on the UK's ability to attract international students. Notably, in 2022, the number of Nigerian dependents accompanying individuals holding study visas witnessed the highest surge compar...

Icon Adedoyin  Students and faculty members are expressing growing concerns over the inconsistent power supply on campus. Despite OAU reputation for reliable electricity, certain areas of the campus are experiencing frequent light outages. This disruption has had a significant impact on both academic and non-academic spaces, including the sport center, faculty of art, college of health sciences, and other vital areas. The consequences of this situation have been keenly felt by students, whose daily routines have been severely disrupted. Nighttime readers, for instance, have been forced to seek alternative light sources to continue their studies. Even the halls of residence, once guaranteed a stable power supply, are now subject to the same inconsistencies. Immediate action is essential for the school administration to address and rectify this issue, restoring consistent power supply across the campus. The negative consequences of inadequate light...

Icon Lolade  Renowned Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong-Bassey, widely known as Hilda Baci, has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing the previous Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, an event she aptly named her "cook-a-thon." The foodprenuer from Akwa-Ibom state in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, Baci had announced her ambitious goal of surpassing the previous record set by renowned female chef Lata Tondon from Rewa, India. Chef Tondon had managed to surpass the previous record holder by an impressive 20 hours, preparing 250 sandwiches, 400 vada pavs, and various other meals over a grueling four-day period, ultimately setting a record of 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds. On a Monday morning, Hilda Baci not only exceeded Lata Tondon's record but also set a new one by adding an additional nine hours to the previous benchmark. Her determination and unwavering focus have showcased her as a woman who knows precis...

Icon Comfort  As of May 13, 2023, more than 2,000 Nigerian citizens have been evacuated from Sudan due to the ongoing political conflict between two powerful Sudanese military factions. The crisis, which has resulted in the loss of over 500 lives, is said to have started on April 15, 2023, and remains unresolved to date. Many Nigerian citizens have been forced to flee Sudan in search of safety, prompting the Nigerian government to take action. According to reports, the Nigerian government began its evacuation efforts on May 3, 2023, and has so far been able to evacuate Nigerians in 15 separate batches. On May 13, 2023, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission declared that all Nigerians who were seeking refuge from the turmoil in Sudan had been successfully evacuated. The latest batch of refugees, numbering 125, was included in the total number of over 2,500 Nigerians who have left Sudan for safety in Nigeria. The situation remains closely monitored, and the Nig...

Icon Tomi  As a student in Nigeria, life can be tough, especially when it comes to affording homemade meals. With the poor state of the economy and the increasing cost of living, it can be challenging to satisfy your cravings for tasty, home-cooked food. However, there are still some low-budget soups you can make right in your hostel without breaking the bank. 1. Okro Soup One such soup is Okro soup, also known as Ila Alasepo in Yoruba. It is not only easy to cook, but it is also one of the cheapest soups you can find in Nigeria. All you need is a little palm oil, iru, pepper mix, crayfish, smoked fish (panla), and your preferred seasoning. It would cost at least 1000 naira and may be eaten with any swallow of your choice. 2. Egusi Soup  Another budget-friendly soup is Egusi soup. This soup requires Egusi and vegetable (ugwu) as the major ingredients. Egusi costs between N300 and N400 for a cup. You can add pepper, ponmo/meat, palm oil, and ...

Icon Lolade  A WARNING CONCERNING TIGHT BRAIDS: THE DANGERS YOU NEED TO KNOW If you're one of the many people who frequently braids their hair, you may want to sit down and read this carefully. Tight braids may seem like the perfect solution to getting neat, long-lasting hair, but the truth is that they do more harm than good. Not only do they cause pain, but they can also lead to hair loss and other serious problems. First and foremost, it's essential to understand that hair growth is primarily determined by genetics. While certain treatments and hair care products can help promote healthy hair growth, tight braids are not one of them. Instead, they can lead to a range of issues, including tender bumps along the scalp, itchy sores, hair breakage, hair loss, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and even impaired vision and dizziness in severe cases. Tight braids can also cause a form of hair loss called Traction Alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by c...

Icon Layo  Why Crochet is so Expensive Crochet is a fast rising craft in the fashion industry and has become increasingly popular on social media. Recently, brides have been picking up the crochet wedding dress trends. Nigerian celebrity crocheter, Hookedbylade, has gotten recognition in many parts of the world for this unique art, garnering above 100,000 followers on Instagram.  Crochet is a process of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials. Although it is an out-of-the-box fashion trend, it happens to fall a little on the high side in pricing. Most crochet pieces have been said to be too expensive. Here are a few reasons for this: They are time consuming. It takes many long hours to make full garments like sweaters, dresses and long trousers. It takes much of time, energy and creativity from the crocheter. According to Dessert Blossom Craft, for 60% of the crocheters in a survey, it ...

Icon Mofe  The Nigerian Economics Students' Association (NESA), OAU chapter, has announced its highly anticipated 9th Annual Economics Students' Conference, scheduled to take place on May 16th and 17th, 2023. With the overarching theme of "Prospects for Economic Growth: Increasing Youth Employability" the conference aims to provide a platform for insightful discussions and knowledge sharing among students and professionals in the field of economics. Distinguished speakers from various sectors have been invited to share their expertise and insights at the event. Among the notable figures set to grace the conference are Prof. Bamire, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Folorunso, Head of the Economics department at OAU, Senator Ahmad Lawan, and accomplished businesswoman and author Ibukun Awosika. Their presence is expected to contribute to the depth and diversity of discussions on economic growth and youth employability in Nigeria. In addition to ...

Icon Joy  Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is caused by inflammation of the airways, which results in narrowing and swelling of the bronchial tubes, and increased production of sticky secretions inside them. As a result, individuals with asthma experience various symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, pain or pressure. It is crucial to recognize the warning signs of asthma and seek prompt medical attention to avoid further health complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially at night, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider instead of self-medicating or assuming the illness. It is important to note that the symptoms of asthma may vary from person to person and can be easily mistaken for other conditions. Therefore, proper characterization and diagnosis of asthma are essential for appropriate treatment and managem...

Icon Mofe  In a tragic turn of events, the Nigerian movie industry has lost yet another talented actor. Murphy Afolabi, a popular Yoruba actor, director and producer, passed away on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the sudden death of Nollywood actor, Saint Obi. The news was first announced on Facebook by Tunde Ola-Yusuf, a fellow actor, who expressed his grief and extended his condolences to Afolabi's family and close associates. "REST IN PEACE… May God give the family and close associates the fortitude to bear the loss. Good night, Murphy Afolabi," he wrote. Afolabi had an impressive career in the entertainment industry, having starred in several Yoruba movies, directed and produced many more. His sudden demise has left the industry and his fans in shock and disbelief. Details surrounding his death are yet to be disclosed, and it is unclear if he had been ill prior to his passing. The news has caused a stir in the entertainment industry with many taking to s...

A LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF TWITTER'S NEW CEO: LINDA YACCARINO The newly announced Twitter CEO, Linda Yaccarino, was born on November 27, 1963, to Italian parents in New York, United States. She was born into a family of five, having two sisters. Linda had her early education at Deer Park High School and went further to Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a degree in Liberal Arts and Telecommunications in 1985. Linda has gathered a lot of advertising and marketing experience, ranging from being the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the advertising unit of Turner Broadcasting between 1992 and 2011. At the moment, she has just resigned from NBC Universal Media, where she worked from 2011 until 2023. She is presently married to an Italian-American, Claude Peter Madrazo. Their marriage is blessed with two children, a son, and a daughter. The Italian has received many awards and recognitions, ranging from Business Insider's Top 10 Transforming Adverti...

Icon Theophilus  As the academic year draws to a close, it is not uncommon to see final year students engaging in various activities that signify their status as "Final Year Brethren". From wearing customized t-shirts to organizing events and taking extravagant photoshoots, these students are determined to make their final year a memorable one. However, the question remains - is this entire Final Year Brethren pizzazz necessary or worth it? On one hand, we could say that the Final Year Brethren culture is a harmless way for students to celebrate their academic achievements and mark the end of a significant chapter in their lives. For many students, their final year in school is a time of mixed emotions - the excitement of finishing their program, the anxiety of entering the job market, and the nostalgia of leaving behind a life they have become accustomed to. In this light, the Final Year Brethren culture provides an opportunity for students to bond with their pee...

Icon Adedoyin  Every year, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. However, some candidates are left frustrated and demoralized due to issues they encounter during the examination. System malfunctions, ineffective facilities at exam centers, and other factors have left many candidates unable to complete their exams, with some even losing their results entirely. Officials in charge of the centers often claim there is nothing they can do, leaving affected candidates feeling lost and helpless. One such candidate is Akinlade Oluwadunsin, who had prepared for the exam for months, only to have her system malfunction and ultimately lose her chance to complete the exam. Another candidate, Okoro Chukwuemeka Favour, faced a similar situation and was even told that his exam had been submitted despite being unable to complete ...

Icon Lolade  The Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) at Obafemi Awolowo University has kicked off their ICJC week in style with a media literacy outreach program aimed at educating secondary school students on the dangers of fake news. The outreach event held on Wednesday, May 3, coincided with World Press Freedom Day and saw members of ACJ OAU dressed uniformly as they educated students at Urban Day Secondary School in Mayfair Ile-Ife. The interactive session was anchored by Adeyanju Michelle, who introduced the topic of media and the different forms it takes, including social media. The students were attentive throughout the session and were encouraged to participate by answering questions on the topic. Michelle taught the students the importance of being media literate and how social media could be used for both informative and financial advantages. Fake news was also a major topic of discussion during the outreach event, with Michelle elaborating on ...

Meet the stellar icon - Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria. Born in Lagos in 1957, his life journey is nothing short of inspirational. Here are some intriguing facts about this amazing personality: As a young boy, he attended Corona primary school for his elementary education. He pursued his secondary education at Igbobi College, and later obtained an LLB from the prestigious University of Lagos. At the tender age of 23, Yemi Osinbajo started lecturing at the Faculty of Law in Unilag. Notably, he later became the Head of the Department of Public Law from 1999 to 2007. Prior to his appointment as the Vice President of Nigeria, he had served as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Lagos State. Yemi Osinbajo is not only a seasoned lawyer and astute politician, but also a respected spiritual leader. He was appointed as the Pastor of Olive Tree provincial headquarters of the RCCG at Banana Island, Ikoyi. The Vice President is married to the l...

Icon Adedoyin  After several months of closure for renovations, Auditorium 1, (AUD 1) one of the largest lecture theatres on the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus, has been reopened for use. The theatre, which is located in the Faculty of Arts, had been closed down to allow for necessary reconstruction work to be carried out. According to sources within the university, the renovations were necessary due to the poor state of the facilities in the lecture theatre. The chairs were broken and displaced, and other facilities were out of shape, making it difficult for lectures to take place effectively. As a result of the closure, classes that were scheduled to take place in Auditorium 1 were moved to other locations on campus. Students had to adjust their schedules to accommodate the changes and find alternative locations for their classes. However, the reopening of the theatre on Saturday, 29th April, 2023, has come as a relief to students who have had to deal with th...

Icon Comfort  In a time when women were often silenced and kept out of positions of power, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir made history as the first female president in Iceland and the world. Finnbogadóttir won the 1980 presidential elections in Iceland, marking the start of her presidency, which lasted an impressive sixteen years. Her tenure as president made her the longest-serving elected female head of state to date, holding office from 1980 to 1996. Throughout her presidency, Finnbogadóttir was a source of inspiration for women around the world. She lived by the motto "Never Let the Women Down," which became a rallying cry for women seeking to break down barriers and enter into leadership positions. Following her service to Iceland, Finnbogadóttir was succeeded by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. While the number of women in leadership roles has increased since Finnbogadóttir's presidency, there is still a limited number of women who have held such positions of power. Curre...