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​By  Israel Bakare New things come with new challenges. That is the reality of campus transportation: we pay, and perhaps, with persistence and patience, all odds can be overcome. We thank you for the donation that renewed hope for students’ welfare. A donation like this is highly appreciated, but its real value should be measured by how much it reinforces student welfare. The old system had its challenges, which gave students and their union headaches. There were no queues and enough buses, but fares fluctuated alongside fuel prices, and the buses had no rare, distinctive qualities or standards for student transport. For safety, and to make campus more official and in keeping with its beauty; as people say, the most beautiful campus, we were told tricycles would be available for emergencies. Now, however, the renewed hope of getting a tricycle for emergencies and safety has become a scarce commodity. The old system had its flaws, but at least the transportation conversation was la...

By Israel Bakare  It is wonderful to know how many institutions change their appearance while retaining the questions that have followed them for years. In most cases, all it takes is a new outlook, a remoulded platform and a shift to advanced technology to convince the masses that a new chapter has begun. On the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, the arrival of a new portal is thought to have offered a renewed opportunity: new growth, a renewed reality, a better experience and a new definition of progress. OAU’s new portal came with a new digital identity, but students are still left with an old concern: new portal or new union? Who has contributed to the reasons why students are constantly concerned, or has the experience of being a student truly improved? Should a new portal be an entrance into unwanted frustration? Yet, beyond the technical conversations surrounding the new portal, one issue has taken centre stage: the increase in school fees. This is the point at which the ...

​ By Oyinlade Adeyemi  The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has suspended sporting activities involving the university’s training pitches and Main Bowl following a proposed increase in the fees charged for their use. The Great Ife Students’ Union announced the suspension in a statement issued on Sunday, 18 October 2026, stating that sporting activities would remain suspended until further notice, pending the outcome of ongoing engagements with the relevant authorities. The statement, issued through the Office of the Director of Sports, confirmed reports of the proposed increase and said a counter-motion had been initiated to challenge the School Sports Council's decision.   The Great Ife Students’ Union expressed concern over the implications of the proposed increase for sports development and student participation, noting that the facilities were initially provided free of charge for students’ benefit. It maintained that the facilities w...

By Kehinde Ayodele   The Icons Organization on Saturday, October 17, 2026, held its Journalism Webinar 4.0, urging aspiring journalists to prioritise the impact of their stories and uphold accuracy, evidence, and integrity in their reporting. The webinar, themed “Journalism That Matters: How to Discover Stories, Build Credibility, and Stand Out Beyond Campus,” began at 11:00 a.m. with the moderator, Kehinde Ayodele, welcoming participants before introducing the session and its guest speaker, Ndidiamaka Ede, popularly known as Impeccable. She is a journalist with Premium Times and the local coordinator of Students for Liberty Nigeria. Speaking during the session, Ndidiamaka explained that journalism goes beyond reporting events to investigating societal problems, examining their effects on people, and seeking solutions in the public interest. She encouraged participants to pay attention to their surroundings, identify issues affecting people, and investigate them to uncover meanin...

​ By Blessed Elemikan In a Senate meeting held on Tuesday, 29th September, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University approved the academic calendar for the 2026/2027 session. The schedule will see fresh students resuming in two batches: those from the faculties of Administration, Design and Management, Law, and Social Sciences will resume on 31st October, while students from the faculties of Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Computing Science and Engineering, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Science and Technology will resume on 1st November. Online course registration will begin on 2nd November and conclude on 20th November. Late registration with a penalty will be available from 14th to 18th December. Orientation programmes for freshers will run from 2nd to 6th November, followed by ICT training from 9th to 13th November. However, returning undergraduate students, also called stalites, are scheduled to resume on 15...

By Kehinde Ayodele The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has approved a special extension allowing students involved in statutory academic activities to remain in the university's halls of residence beyond the previously set vacation deadline of September 15. This development was announced in an internal memorandum dated September 10, 2026, signed by the Vice-Dean of the Division of Student Affairs, Dr Lukman O. Olasunkanmi. Earlier, on September 4, the university had instructed all undergraduate students in the halls of residence to vacate their assigned bed spaces and remove their personal belongings by Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Under the new arrangement, students engaged in extended academic activities like the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)/Student Work Experience Program (SWEP), Teaching Practice, College Examinations, and Farm Internships are eligible to apply for an extension of their stay in the halls. The D...

By Taiwo Adelusi The Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU) held its dinner and award night on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to celebrate the achievements of the 2025/2026 session. The event, themed “Gbàgede Oníròyìn,” recognized the outstanding accomplishments made during this period, particularly highlighting the significant contributions during the "members era." On Sunday, August 23, 2026, ACJ released the list of award nominees, which featured 23 categories. The Icons Organisation was nominated for the Overall Best News Agency, and its members received nominations across various categories. During the dinner and awards ceremony, Icons and its members excelled, winning 13 out of the 23 awards announced by the Association of Campus Journalists. The awarded categories included: https://theiconsorg.blogspot.com/2026/09/acj-dinner-and-award-night-featuring.html - Best News Agency: Icons Organisation - Overall Best Campus Journalist: Ezekiel Ogunniyi - Best Campus Editor: Ad...

​ By Taiwo Adelusi On Tuesday, 1st September 2026, the Association of Campus Journalists at OAU (ACJOAU) held its Annual Dinner and Award Night themed “Gbàgede Oníròyìn.” The event celebrated the organisation's achievements over the session and recognised outstanding journalists, at the Faculty of Agricultural Foyer. As guests arrived, the MC invited ACJ President Esther Olatimehin to the stage to deliver the welcome speech. She opened by welcoming all members to the event and reminded them that the organisation serves as a training ground for aspiring journalists. She emphasised that ACJOAU remains committed to the growth and development of its members, stating, “ Leadership is not just about ownership but service. ” Esther expressed that the event was an opportunity to appreciate individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to the community. She added that it provides a chance for members to socialise, relax, and have fun. After the president's speech, the MC called f...

     Kehinde Ayodele On Sunday, August 30, the Icons  Organisation inducted its newly elected executives while celebrating the achievements of its outgoing administration during its annual picnic, themed " Flavours and Friendship."  The event brought together members, executives, and outgoing finalists and included the induction of the new executives, recognition of outstanding members, and a review of the organisation's activities and accomplishments, along with a series of games and interactive activities. The programme commenced at 3:18 p.m. with an opening prayer, followed by the national and GreatIFE anthems led by  Ijeoma Anele. The event was moderated by Joy Oludele and Michael Olawuyi, after which the Editor-in-Chief, Oluwafemi Adetunji, delivered the welcome address.  In his address, Oluwafemi expressed gratitude to the previous Editor-in-Chief, Adedoyin Oguntade, other executives and members, for their contributions to the organisation's grow...

          Fawas Adedeji In anticipation of the celebration and recognition of outstanding campus journalists excelling in news reporting and article writing, the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), has publicly announced the nominees for its award categories. The event is scheduled to feature dinner, handing-over, and awards presentation, acknowledging excellence and significant contributions to campus journalism. Towards the end of July, Adedoyin Oguntade, Chairman of the Guild of Editors, delivered a public announcement about the upcoming Dinner and Awards Night, encouraging members to prepare for a joyous atmosphere filled with celebration as the Association wraps up the current session. "Get ready for the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU) Dinner, Awards, and Handover Ceremony, tagged 'Gbagede Oniroyin.' Join us for an exciting evening filled with fun, great food, and music, while networking as we end t...

          Israel Bakare & Michael Olawuyi  Long before the morning sun cuts through the mist over the Obafemi Awolowo University campus, a lone female figure is usually already down on the dirt. For Lucas Victoria, a Part 3 Political Science student, 6:30 a.m. is not just an early hour, it’s the threshold where sweat, ambition, and discipline meet. Known across campus simply as “Impressive,” Victoria is a quarter-miler, a 400-meter runner, and one of the standout athletes of the OAU Spartans. However, on a campus where female student-athletes routinely face steep uphill battles, her story isn't just about times on a stopwatch. It’s about breaking administrative glass ceilings, dodging potholes on makeshift practice grounds, and proving that speed and leadership can share the same lane.   The Spark and the Track Victoria’s journey as a runner began long before she gained admission to Great Ife. In secondary school, she competed without b...

          Taiwo Deborah On August 8, 2026, the Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, officially launched its website, https://www.greatifesu.com, marking a major step toward strengthening communication, transparency, and engagement within and beyond the campus. The initiative has been aptly described as a “Home of Expression.” The announcement was made in a press release signed by the Union’s outgoing Secretary General, Habeeb Oke, ISA (Opeyemi), on behalf of the leadership. According to the statement, the website is designed as a central hub for Union announcements, news, events, and key resources. It also provides students, alumni, and stakeholders worldwide with a seamless way to stay connected to developments within the Great Ife community. The Union described the platform as one of the defining achievements of the outgoing administration, noting that it represents a significant milestone in projecting the voice, activ...

            Israel Bakare  “For learning and culture… sports and struggle.” Beyond its place in the GreatIFE anthem, this phrase continues to reflect the lived reality of many students who are juggling academic demands with active participation in sports. As examination pressure intensifies across campus, lecture halls, libraries, and reading rooms are filled with students preparing for their examination. Yet, in a striking contrast, football pitches, basketball courts, and other sporting arenas remain active, occupied by student-athletes determined to keep both their academic and sporting ambitions alive. Speaking with the ICONS correspondent, Emmanuel Ahononvi, who featured in a church football match between FYB and Household Brethren on Sunday, August 2, explained that his commitment to football remains unwavering despite the demands of exams. According to him, his approach to academics is strategic rather than time-consuming. “Once I h...

By Adedoyin Oguntade Adetunji Oluwafemi (Àyànféelédùmarè), a prominent member serving as the Production Manager of the Icons Organization, received the "Lekan Otufodunrin Campus Journalism Best Fellowship 2024 Award" on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Additionally, he was honored with the Overall Best Fellow award across all categories by the African Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AFYMP) during the 3rd edition of the Africa Media Come Alive Forum 2024, which took place today at the Center for Management and Development in Magodo, Lagos. The African Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AFYMP) is a Nigerian media outlet and the founder of a news website called "Nigeria Grassroot News." It was established to strengthen and promote a vibrant, independent African media landscape that supports professionals who advocate for an open, inclusive, and sustainable society. READ ALSO: Great Ife Students' Union Announces Regulated POS Charges The AF...