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Shun cultism, hooliganism, Babcock varsity VC urges new students

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The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Ademola Tayo, on Thursday, urged newly admitted students of the institution to prioritise humility, academic excellence, and steer clear of hooliganism, cultism, and other immoral acts that could jeopardise their academic journey.

Tayo said that by choosing Babcock University, the students had embraced a holistic education that equips them with both intellect and character, preparing them for local relevance and global influence.

He stated this while speaking at the matriculation ceremony for 3,432 newly admitted undergraduate and postgraduate students held at the university’s amphitheatre.

While congratulating the new intakes, the VC advised them to remain diligent and avoid distractions or activities capable of derailing the bright future ahead of them.

Speaking at the event, Tayo—who bows out of office on December 1 after serving two terms of five years each—said: “Dear matriculants, as you begin this phase of your education, remember that success is never accidental.

“It requires discipline, diligence, humility, and reliance on God. Commit yourselves to regular attendance, timely submission of assignments, and active participation in lectures, quizzes, and examinations.

“Babcock University maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, hooliganism, corruption, and all forms of immorality. We implore our dear parents and guardians to partner with us in ensuring that our campus remains a peaceful and secure environment for learning.”

He urged the new students to respect their lecturers and colleagues, dress decently and modestly, and uphold the values of love, integrity, accountability, and academic excellence for which the Seventh-day Adventist institution is known.

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The VC added: “Take full advantage of the opportunities you will find here—in leadership, learning, research, spiritual growth, and personal development. Become the best version of yourself, and let your lifestyle reflect the honour of being a Babcock University Ambassador.”

Tayo noted that the training students will receive at the university will empower them with the confidence, resilience, and moral clarity needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

He explained that although the global community is dealing with economic instability, moral uncertainty, and rapid technological change, he is confident that with the academic training and character moulding offered by the institution, the newly admitted students will rise as innovators, problem-solvers, reformers, and leaders for a better tomorrow.

He further urged them not to succumb to failure when faced with challenges but to remain resolute and guided by the ambition to fulfil the highest and most truthful expression of God’s purpose for their lives.

Tayo reiterated the university’s commitment to building a world-class academic environment, noting that significant investments continue to be made in infrastructure, technology, and human resources to meet 21st-century demands.

The outgoing VC said, “Our ICT systems are continually upgraded, powered by a modern data centre and resilient energy systems that guarantee a conducive learning environment.

“Our campus IPTV platform, smart classrooms, and digital learning tools ensure that our students are prepared for the fast-evolving digital landscape.”

Common vices in Nigerian universities include cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, and sexual harassment.

These issues pose significant threats to the academic environment and the safety of both students and staff.

See also  National Assembly shifts WAEC’s CBT adoption to 2030

Other vices found on campuses include indecent dressing, cybercrime, and general criminal behaviours such as robbery and thuggery.

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Education

OAU has fulfilled founding fathers’ vision, says TETFund boss

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The executive secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, has said the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has lived to the ideals of its founding fathers, breeding experts in various fields of human endeavors.

Echono, while delivering a lecture to mark the 65th anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, also said investment in research and innovation systems will generate practical solutions suited to local realities.

The TETFUND boss, in the copy of the paper obtained in Osogbo on Friday, paid glowing tributes to the pioneer and successive Vice Chancellors of the university for sustaining the legacies of the university’s founding fathers.

“The Great Ife has remained a symbol of commitment and purposeful leadership. Expectedly, the university has lived to the ideals of its founding fathers as the breeding ground for erudite scholars, legal luminaries, successful businessmen, diplomats, accomplished technocrats and administrators, including its legion of Nigerian National Merit Award Winners, who are contributing to national development, and have continued to uphold the reputation of the university,” he said.

Speaking on the concept of research and innovation, Echono noted that research and innovation remain key drivers of national development, saying nations that have achieved sustained economic growth and technological advancement have done so through deliberate investment in knowledge generation, scientific inquiry, and practical innovation.

He added that in present day global economy, development does not depend on natural resources, but on the capacity to create, apply, and commercialize knowledge.

“Research and innovation remain key drivers of national development. Nations that have achieved sustained economic growth and technological advancement have done so through deliberate investment in knowledge generation, scientific inquiry, and practical innovation.

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“In today’s global economy, development does not depend on natural resources but on the capacity to create, apply, and commercialize knowledge. Nigeria’s developmental challenges, though significant, also present opportunities for innovation-driven transformation.

“Addressing issues such as unemployment, insecurity, hunger, healthcare limitations, industrial underdevelopment, and technological dependence requires sustained investment in research and innovation systems that generate practical solutions suited to local realities,” Echono said.

Commending President Bola Tinubu for focusing on research and innovation that can provide solutions to challenges peculiar to the country and her people, Echono also stressed that building a fully functional and innovation-driven economy requires deliberate efforts to address issues of funding constraints, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate motivation, limited academia-industry collaboration, and challenges in commercialising research outputs.

He emphasised that the role of TETFund in enhancing the capacity of tertiary institutions in the country for research and development through its interventions activities has become increasingly strategic for strengthening Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.

He further said that by supporting research funding, academic capacity development, innovation hubs, commercialisation initiatives, and entrepreneurship programmes, TETFund has been repositioning institutions in the country as active contributors to national development.

He declared that Nigeria’s “Sustainable development largely depends on how effective we are at leveraging knowledge, innovation, and technology to grow national economy, expand opportunities, create jobs and wealth, develop new products and services and improve the well-being of its people. This is essential for national growth, competitiveness, and long-term stability.”

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Simeon Bamire, said the institution has been recording steady growth since it’s establishment about 65 years ago and commanded the sacrifices and commitment of staff members and students towards sustaining legacies of excellence OAU is reputed for.

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The PUNCH reports that Bamire announced plans to unveil the N10bn President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre of Excellence in Intercultural Dialogue and Youth Empowerment on June 8 as part of activities marking the institution’s 65th anniversary.

Bamire said the centre was designed to serve as a platform for research, dialogue, leadership development, innovation and youth empowerment.

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UNIPORT names ex-Rivers health commissioner new vice-chancellor

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The University of Port Harcourt has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill Chike as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Chike was the Rivers State Commissioner for Health during the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.

He will succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, whose tenure will elapse on July 13.

Georgewill, who is the 9th VC of UNIPORT, will preside over his last convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026.

The university, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said Chike’s appointment was approved by the institution’s governing council following a selection process.

The statement titled ‘University of Port Harcourt Appoints Professor Princewill R. Chike as 10th Vice-Chancellor was signed by the Public Relations Officer of UNIPORT,  Dr  Sam Kpenu.

The statement reads, “The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill R. Chike as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University.

“The appointment was made by the 17th Governing Council following the successful conclusion of the selection process.

“The process was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act.

“It involved the constitution of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, which carried out their responsibilities in accordance with the extant laws and regulations governing the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in Nigerian universities.

“The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Professor Chike on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to provide visionary leadership for the continued growth and development of the university.

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“Professor Princewill R. Chike is expected to formally assume office as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt on 13 July 2026.”

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ASUP gives 21-day ultimatum to poly over poor welfare

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The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Ngodo-Isuochi chapter, Abia State, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the institution’s management over alleged non-implementation of staff welfare demands and breach of statutory obligations.

The ultimatum was contained in a letter addressed to the Rector Dr. Pdi Ndubuisi, dated May 26, 2026, which was jointly signed by the ASUP chairman in the institution, Mr Ador Osundu; and secretary, Mr Onyeneke Arrhenius.

In the letter sighted on Monday, the union’s executive stated that repeated efforts through dialogue, congresses, and official correspondence to draw the attention of the institution’s management had failed to yield action, creating “industrial tension, eroding trust, and threatening the stability of the institution”.

ASUP warned that failure to resolve the issues within 21 days would compel it to activate “all lawful trade union mechanisms, including industrial action”.

The body added that the ultimatum, adopted at the union’s congress on May 22, 2026, takes effect from the date of receipt of the letter (May 26).

ASUP listed six unresolved issues, citing violations of Nigerian labour, health, and anti-corruption laws.

The union accused management of failing to invite the National Housing Fund (NHF) officials for staff sensitisation and enrolment in violation of the National Housing Fund Act, which mandates employer cooperation in deductions and remittances.

Management was also faulted for not facilitating the National Health Insurance (NHIA) enrolment for staff, denying access to affordable healthcare guaranteed under the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 and the National Health Act 2014.

ASUP equally raised concerns over alleged diversion of funds approved for a borehole project into a personal account.

See also  National Assembly shifts WAEC’s CBT adoption to 2030

“We call for an independent audit of the project fund, failure to do that will force us to petition the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” the lecturers stated.

The union decried what it called a chronic shortage of essential drugs and medical supplies at the health centre, describing it as a failure of the institution’s duty of care. It demanded immediate restocking and engagement of competent medical personnel.

The union expressed dissatisfaction over management’s failure to remit deducted check-off dues from February 2026 till date, calling it a violation of the Trade Unions Act and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The union remains open to negotiation until the ultimatum expires, should management invite its leadership for talks.

“As we await management’s action, ASUP reaffirms its commitment to industrial peace, staff welfare, and institutional progress,” the letter stated.

When contacted the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic Dr Mrs Anukaenyi Blessing, said she cannot comment on the petition because she is not a member of the management board of Institutions.

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