THE ICONS ORGANIZATION — a frontline platform for accurate, timely, and unbiased news coverage.

            Oluwafemi Adetunji  In what can only be described as a masterclass in unpredictability or perhaps improvisation, the ongoing Great Ife Students’ Union election, particularly for the presidential aspirants, has delivered a storyline rich enough to rival prime-time political drama. At the beginning, it was a simple race between three aspirants; Ikuuboy, Emmanuel, and Iseoluwa, who stepped forward, armed with ambition, slogans, and varying degrees of confidence. Campaign posters adorned walls, WhatsApp statuses became campaign billboards, and manifesto promises flowed like free Wi-Fi that never quite connects. Among them, Iseoluwa appeared particularly determined, he was the first to set the tone by launching his campaign with an imposing banner strategically placed at strategic points on  campus. Yet, his campaign style was methodical: quiet mobilization through class representatives, calculated outreach, and a steady build-u...

              Adedoyin Onajobi  Ahead of the Great Ife Students’ Union election, aspirants for the position of Director of Sports unveiled their manifestos and fielded questions from the press on critical issues shaping sports development at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). The press confrontation, held on July 22 at the 1000 Seaters Lecture Theatre, spotlighted key themes including gender inclusivity, publicity, digitalisation, talent discovery, and the structural future of campus sports. Responding to a question on gender inclusivity, Abudu Ayobami Fatai (Bambam) anchored his vision on “continuity and inclusivity,” emphasizing the need to not only encourage participation but also build confidence among athletes, particularly female students. He stressed that his administration would ensure equal visibility for all sports while sustaining initiatives such as the Sports Fiesta and reviving Inter-Hall competitions. In contrast...

          Onajobi Adedoyin The ICONS Organization, a news agency under the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), conducted its 2026/2027 executive elections on Sunday, July 19 at the First Bank Lecture Theatre (FBLT). The election, originally scheduled for 4:00 p.m., commenced at 4:15 p.m., accommodating delays attributed to the inoperability of CNG buses, which affected members’ arrival. The brief delay also allowed members to interact and introduce themselves before voting began. In attendance was the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of the organization, who is currently the Chairman of the Guild of Editors, ACJOAU, Adedoyin Oguntade, who charged members to prioritize the progress, continuity, and institutional development of ICONS. He emphasized that every accomplished media professional begins from modest foundations, urging members to maximize opportunities within the organization to build their careers. A total o...

        Michael Olawuyi At ‎ every second semester on OAU campus, one question quietly emerges: Why do some students passionately participate in student politics while others remain indifferent? While many people blame apathy or poor leadership, the answer often begins much earlier, at home. Even long before students ever step foot on a university campus, they form opinions about power and governance. As a child raised in a home that encourages open debate and civic responsibility is far more likely to view political participation as a duty. In alignment with this Karl Marx, a political socialization scholar, once said 'the family is the first institution where people get to develop their political attitudes, values, and beliefs.'  Conversely, many Nigerian parents raise their children with a deep-seated politicophobia i.e. a fear of campus politics born out of a historical reality of violence, cultism, and academic victimization. Acting out of love,...

          Taiwo Deborah Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has honoured outstanding contributions to research, public service, mentorship, and educational development at the 2026 Academic Research Excellence Awards held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The event recognized eminent Nigerians and corporate partners, including Professor Oladapo Afolabi, CFR, former Head of Service of the Federation, for his distinguished contributions to academia, governance, and national development. The ceremony, which attracted alumni, faculty members, students, and industry leaders, also featured the announcement of key initiatives, including the proposed establishment of the Oladapo Afolabi Center for Good Governance and Professional Etiquette, as well as the expansion of the OPay OP Scholars Programme to 40 universities across Nigeria. Professor Afolabi was honoured for his exceptional capacity to execute responsibilities effectively and his commit...

            John Alabi  “Education is the best legacy,” so they say. But what happens when access to the rewards of one’s academic labour becomes increasingly difficult for a university undergraduate? Who should be held accountable? Delayed result uploads are not a new challenge within the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community. Each semester, students begin with renewed determination to excel and improve their CGPAs. Some remain on campus during breaks, while others spend countless hours studying lecture materials, revising PDFs, and preparing for another academic session. Yet, after all the sacrifices, many are met with disappointment. The experience becomes a recurring cycle of uncertainty, with one unanswered question leading to another. Students enter examination halls without a clear understanding of their performance in previous courses, forced to predict their academic standing without knowing their strengths, weaknesses, areas ...

        Ezekiel Ogunniyi If you walked into Awo Café for the second day of the GreatIFE Students’ Representative Council (SRC) business meeting expecting the usual fireworks that often accompany the constitution of the electoral committee and petition body, you would have left disappointed. Perhaps that disappointment says more about us than it does about the House. On that day, the GreatIFE SRC sat, debated, voted, and swore in a new Electoral Commission and Petition Committee without a single disagreement, without a President storming out, and without security personnel stepping in to separate warring factions. Depending on who you ask, that is either proof that GreatIFE politics has finally matured or proof that its fire has simply burned out. Barely a year ago, the same chamber descended into what could only be described as pandemonium when the Speaker announced a thirteen-member electoral committee instead of the expected fifteen. The Union Presiden...

          Taiwo Deborah  The Bloom Africa OAU Chapter has crowned a new voice for the university as Oyedokun Miracle emerged winner of the 5th Inaugural Poet competition held at Obafemi Awolowo University. The event, themed “Who Shall Be the 5th Inaugural Poet,” showcased young poets competing for the prestigious title of OAU’s next Inaugural Poet. While 18 contestants were expected, 14 poets participated. From these, six finalists were selected before the ultimate winner was chosen. The competition began with powerful performances that drew smiles, applause, and moments of reflection from the audience. Contestants presented thought-provoking pieces addressing societal issues, personal experiences, and national realities. The contestants and the titles of their pieces included: Anjolaoluwa Bankole – “Some Cups Carry Water” Oyedokun Miracle – “Her New Name” Oduowo Olabisi – “A Taste of Then” Okuola Oluwadarasimi – “Before You Leave ...

            Blessed Elemikan On Friday, July 10, the GreatIFE Students' Representative Council (GreatIFE SRC), held its business meeting for the 2024/25 academic session. The meeting, scheduled to commence for 4 p.m. at Ajose Lecture Theatre began at 5:07 p.m. with the rendition of the national anthem led by the Deputy Speaker, Nasir Olajide. Proceedings opened with a roll call of faculties before the Speaker, Awe Ademola, apologised for the delayed commencement. He attributed the delay to several factors, including activities marking the July 10 commemoration of the OAU 5 and transportation challenges on campus, urging members to continue holding student leaders accountable responsibly. Giving an update on the Union's finances, the Speaker disclosed that the Union initially proposed a budget of ₦33 million, which was completed in the eighth week of the first semester and submitted in the eleventh week. However, the university management approve...

        Ijeoma Anele & Phebian Ojewande Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Friday, July 10, concluded its annual July 10 commemoration with a symposium themed “Redefining Student Unionism: Combating Cultism While Strengthening Collective Participation in the Digital Era.” The symposium served as the grand finale of a three-day programme held from July 8 to July 10, 2026, in honour of the five students who lost their lives during the July 10, 1999 cult attack on the university campus. The commemoration featured a series of activities, including an anti-cultism rally, the screening of the July 10 documentary, public engagements, and the concluding symposium. These activities were aimed at preserving the legacy of the fallen students, promoting consciousness, awakening the spirit of activism, and renewing commitment to the fight against cultism within the institution. The event attracted a diverse audience, including serving Students’ Uni...

          Ijeoma Anele The Psychology Students' Association, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (PsychIFE), held an academic summit themed “Beyond Passing” at the SUB TV Room on Monday, July 6. The event focused on positioning Psychology students for excellence and opportunities, where participants were enlightened on different career paths within their field. It also featured a panel session, inter-level debate, question-and-answer session, among others. During his keynote address, Uthman enlightened students on the significance of passion in learning, explaining that passion is the foundation of excellence and what helps individuals build the right systems and remain committed to the sacrifices required for exceptional performance. “Without the right mindset, it’s easy to settle for average,” he said. He also emphasised that excellence requires sacrifice, as achieving one’s goals involves choosing what truly aligns with one’s purp...

            Adedoyin Onajobi The Interblock Competition has long been a cherished tradition across halls of residence within the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community, of which Awolowo Hall is no exception. In this year’s edition of the Awoites Interblock Competition, the spotlight extends beyond football, with events also featuring basketball, volleyball, and table tennis. The competition continues to serve as a unifying platform that promotes togetherness, sportsmanship, and healthy rivalry among the various blocks. It commenced on Friday, June 26, at the Awo Hall football pitch and basketball court, which also doubles as the volleyball court, and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, July 18, 2026. In a conversation with the Awo Hall Sports Secretary, Faleye Ifeoluwa (Falex), he described the opening fixtures as exciting and filled with thrilling moments. He noted that participation among players has been impre...

        Adedeji Fawaz & Abiola Iyelomo In a bid to protect young women from cervical cancer, the Health Equity Initiative Africa (HEIA) Society, in partnership with the Campus Health Rights Initiative (CHRI), OAU, has launched a human papillomavirus (HPV) sensitisation campaign on the Obafemi Awolowo University campus. The initiative aims to improve students’ health outcomes and reduce the burden of cervical cancer. The awareness campaign, held on Friday, June 26, was spearheaded by Fumilayo Shopade. It sought to educate students on the importance of preventive healthcare, particularly regarding HPV and its link to cervical cancer. Fumilayo Shopade, a 400-level medical student and founder of HEIA, stated that the organisation is committed to enlightening students about HPV and promoting preventive measures, including accessible screening at a subsidised fee of ₦500 for consumables. “It was born out of a desire to advance equ...

            Fawaz Adedeji The third edition of the Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture, held on Thursday, July 2, at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), enlightened students on how formal education transforms melody into mastery, passion into profession, and sound into a structured body of knowledge. The event explored how discipline within formal education helps students actualise their dreams, visions, and career aspirations, while equipping them to think critically, act with precision, and contribute meaningfully to society. In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Gbenga Fasiku, commended the guest lecturer, principal officers, and students in attendance. He emphasised the significance of studying music as an integral part of human existence. “Music is one of the oldest expressions of the human spirit. It is the heartbeat of memory, the architect of rhythm, and a bridge betw...