EDUCATION

“THE CHANGE STARTS FROM TAKING THE RESPONSIBILITY TO BE THE CHANGE” -IBIDAPO FASHINA

By Princess Onisemoh

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Ibidapo Fashina (President of the LASU medical society Association), popularly known as Dapo of lagos spoke during the third webinar series of COSA-SRC which was held on telegram on July 11,2020.

He spoke intelligently on the theme “Good Governance as a pedestal for institutionalizing the SDG’S between the town and the gown.”

Overtime, Good Governance has continued to prove a far shot. These times have however emphasized it’s need even much more. We are in a season where Leaders think of themselves first. A time where transparency seems to be on vacation, a time where majority prove the minority. A time where leaders have proved themselves failures to integrity’s test.

It is therefore imperative and timely at this crucial period to educate on Good Governance even more; as well as equip all for the task.

Ibidapo extensively spoke on a leader and his essential values, as he believes certain values must be present in every leader. He explains that a leader is someone who changes the narrative of things. In furtherance, he notes that everyone can be a leader and influence lives positively. “The value of leadership we get depends on the personal values of the leaders we elect” Dapo points out.

Empathy, transparency, integrity and vision were the few values Mr Fashina considered. Sadly, these values are some of the few that seem missing at the front seats of our present politics.

“Integrity is not a gift conferred on you, it is the result of exposure to series of tests, it’s a decision/choice you make” Ibidapo says. He further adds that you cannot say you have ‘Integrity’ if you have not been in a situation of possible compromise.

Towards the end of his session, Dapo of Lagos emphasized on the need to achieve Global relevance with our local impacts, encouraging youths to have a voice at decision making for Good governance to be feasible.

Known for his meritious service, Ibidapo encourages all to take the responsibility to be the change. “The beauty of our society that is laden with problems is that it gives us the opportunity, as leaders, to proffer solutions” He says on a final note The session was indeed educative and insightful. The Conveners deserve a load of accolades.

ABEOKUTA GRAMMER SCHOOL CLOCKS 112: 16 HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT THIS ANCIENT CITADEL OF EXCELLENCE.

By Afeez Rabiu.

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July 2020

Abeokuta Grammar School is a secondary school in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. It is currently located at Idi-Aba area, of Abeokuta. Often called the first grammar school in Nigeria, it is attended by students from all parts of Nigeria, the West Coast of Africa, South Africa, Europe and even Asia.

Abeokuta grammar school is the first secondary school established outside Lagos, this is a popular school known for its history, academy excellence and producing some of Nigeria’s finest.

Here are some interesting historical facts about this great citadel of learning that might interest you.
1.
On 23rd April, 1908, the
Abeokuta District Church Council resolved to establish the institution that is today known as Abeokuta Grammar School (AGS)

2.
The school became operative at a site in the present day Ijemo Agbadu, Abeokuta on 16th July, 1908.

3.
In December 1908, the Christ Missionary Society moved the school to the Igbein site. The boarders lived at Barrister Moore’s compound in the area between Ilogbo and Ijemo Agbadu.

4.
In those early years, boarding facility was elitist. Nonetheless, it was an integral part of Abeokuta Grammar School since its establishment in 1908.

5.
The foundation stone of the Igbein site was laid by Sir Salter Edgerton, KCMA, the Governor of the Southern Protectorate of Nigeria whilst the then Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo 1(1854 – 1920) humbly carried the first stone for the laying of the foundation on 21st December, 1910.

6.
It was first a ‘boys only’ school but it became a ‘mixed school’ in 1914, having entered its students for their first external examinations (Royal College of Preliminary Local Examinations) three years earlier in 1911.

7.
In1945, AGS had the best overall results in Mathematics in the Cambridge School Certificate Examination in the whole of West Africa.

8.
In that examination, David Omueya Dafinone (1927), a Sapele boy, brought honours to the school when his grade was adjudged to be the best in West Africa. An achievement that won him scholarship to study in the University of Exeter (and later in the University of Hull)

Several years later, Dafinone became the first Blackman to enter the World Guinness Book of Records for having a family of chartered accountants (himself, his wife & five children are all chartered accountants).

9.
In the fifties AGS students unofficially named the Igbein site, the ‘University of Igbein’. The mentality was such that a Form One student of the school perceived himself or herself as superior to a Form Five student of any non-AIONIAN school.

10.
In 1958, AGS acquired the status of HSC school. One of the very few schools in the whole of Nigeria to attain that feat.

11.
AGS was at the Igbein site until 1976 when it finally moved to its new site at Idi Aba. It was to the credit of Igbein that it hosted AGS right from the time the pioneer students started off classes in the first (uncompleted) building there. Abeogramms was in Igbein for over 65 years!

12.
The new site at Idi Aba was acquired shortly after the first Nigerian military coup d’etat in 1966. As at the time, the 1975/80 sets were admitted as students in AGS in 1975/76 academic session, Idi Aba was host to only Forms 1 & 2 students. It had a supervisor (Baba Odusote) reporting to the school principal at Igbein, at the helm of affairs.

13.
Abeogramms was named as one of the model secondary schools in Ogun State in 1996.

14.
In the past AGS has participated and excelled in competitions such as the Principals Cup, Alake Coronation Competition, Grier Cup, Aionian Games, Empire Day Competition etc.

15.
Israel Oludotun Ransome Kuti (1891 – 1955) Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti (1900 – 1978) & Olikoye Ransome Kuti (1927 – 2003) all had links with AGS and the University of Ibadan (UI).

Oludotun was at a time the Principal of AGS and he had Kuti Hall (of residence) named after him in UI, in 1954.

Olufunmilayo attended AGS and ended up getting married to a famous Principal of the school. In 1968, UI bestowed upon her a honorary doctorate degree in law.

Olikoye had his secondary education in AGS, making his mark as a very brilliant student. He had his university education at UI and Trinity College, Dublin.

16.
The old students association of Abeokuta Grammar School is known as AGSOBA. In the formative years of the association, it was known as ‘Igbein Sokediles’

The school has ever since maintained a high standard in both academic and social extra curricular activities which is quite evident in the entertainment industry today with some A list artiste being past students from the school, students like the Popular KIZZ DANIEL, FIRE BOY DML, TUNDE KILANI and many more of them .

ARE YOU STUDYING A COURSE OR A CURSE?

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By Sotubo Ayomide

Euphoria is inevitable and joy simply cannot be held bound when a prospective student becomes a provisionally admitted student. A good number of students can attest to this, whether or not they go through an entire character overhaul largely influenced by their engagements on campus.

There is a common axiom among people which say, “if four years in the four walls of a university is not enough to change you, then you just cannot change.” But change in itself is relative; you either change for the better or for worse.

Since the quest to gain admission into university in your choice course and in your preferred institution has become a face-off, you simply have to settle for whatever you’re given, even if it is seen as less by people. But as a friend of mine says, “less is more, with power comes great responsibility.”

This is very applicable whether or not you get your course or preferred institution of study. While it is confirmable that the perceived “powers that be” always determines the fate of students amid other factors, it is expedient to note that for many people, this is perhaps the only chance they’ve got to bag their first degree.

The journey of four years has become underrated among students. Some see it as a quest to obtain a paper work that will serve as a straight ticket into their dream profession. However, a small minority recognizes this is not far-fetched. The place of skill acquisition, discovery of gifting and potentials and consistency in pruning these potentials seems like an idea from a distant and far away land of the unknown in the mind of an average undergraduate.

The Vice chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Olanrewaju Fagboun reaffirmed the essence of recognizing potentials through the understanding of ones course. Speaking at the Maximum Impact Conference ’19 held at Potters Transformation Christian Centre, he said, “it is not the course that you have read in the university that is going to sustain you. It is what you have in you, what the course has brought out in you, the potentials the course has brought out in you that keeps you going.”

This statement is a really significant one, it makes it crystal clear that you must first have a planned course of action before your course can bring out the best in you. So never engage in stretched reading routines without a clear and unique plan, one that would make you the best and stand out among the rest.

The Vice chancellor also added, “when universities train people, we are not training you in your field to go and just work in your field. That field gets saturated at some point. We are training you to be fit for purpose, that is fit for the world”.

While still coy on the subject of transformative leadership, Professor Fagboun shared an experience at the conference. He said, “I met a gentle man sometimes back, an Indian. When he started talking, at first I thought he must be an engineer, Then in the course of further discussion I felt, No, he must be a lawyer, then in the course of it I said no he must be a medical doctor, I’m telling you, his competencies were multiple.”

“Many students do not realise not everyone is a career person. They also fail to take this multiple competencies with seriousness.” He said. The case remains the same in today’s labour market, you cannot make a good impression just with your certificate alone. You got to practice the knowledge you have in you.

Intentionally, universities try to train people to not just walk into their profession but to actually take their world by storm. You can only do that if you have these multiple competencies.

Failure to make discovery of potentials as prime priority results to unfulfillment and this prompts students to joint the “school na scam” bandwagon.

We are the sum total of the choices that we make everyday of our lives so it’s up to you and I to allow our course set us on course to being the very best or the worst version of ourselves.

LASU WELCOMES FRESHMAN STUDENTS INTO ITS INSTITUTION

EZEANA EMMANUEL

The Lagos State University has recently opened its gate to its newly admitted students. Since the University’s resumption to school activities on the 10th of February, the campus has been loaded with excited new students eager to begin lectures and start off their campus life.
Orientations are held in every faculty to enlighten the novel students on school rules and regulations. The event is also a good opportunity for students to be acquainted with their deans, HODs and several other staff in their respective faculty.

The new students, also known as “freshers” are enjoying their time in the university. Some of them are relating to the experiences they had on their first day. Susan, history and international studies student had this to say about her experience on her first day, “Today was okay, I am finding it easy, I have no disturbances. Classes are crowdy but there are no hooligans.” She goes on to elucidate saying “Everyone has a motive – their drive, that is, what moves them. I think they know what they came to do in school and so they are able to cooperate. Today we were able to make a good impression and the first impression matters a lot between lecturers and students. I think we were able to put forth a good impression of ourselves.”

It is encouraging and truly refreshing to know incoming students are determined to get the best out of LASU, in terms of academics and also soft skill-building. The drive and the desire to learn are also remarkable and they are encouraged to keep up that spirit.
Once again the University welcomes all new students into its prestigious institution and wishes them good fortune on their academic journey.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR INTERNSHIP

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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR INTERNSHIP

BY ONISEMOH PRINCESS,SANYAOLU YEMISI

Are you one of those under-graduates who finds internship another mountain to be subdued or another bucket of mud to be kicked out? Are you one of those students whose only concern is the signature and stamp on your internship letter? Is internship only a compulsion to you just because the institution makes it seem so? Are you one of those who prepares to spend their internship lackadaisically as though idle? Are you one of the many undergraduates who do not see internship as an opportunity to be grasped firmly? Are you one of those who are willing to explore? Are you one of those who sees it as a useful opportunity to learn the practicals of your course? Whatever variants of answer you may profer, this is indeed meant for you. Lets take a look at the opinions of people on this subject.

“My internship is too stressfull” Simisola,an undergraduate of the Lagos State University says.

“IT,is an avenue for me to learn the practical aspects of my course as all one has been taught has been theoritical”,Seyi a public relations student says.

“Well,IT is to train students on the practicals of the theories learnt in school,to equip them and make their minds ready” Adura,journalism Intern.

“Well IT is to train students the practicals of the theories learnt in school, to equip them and set their minds so as to be ready. Internship has been great, though a little stressful” Hannah,broadcast intern.

“A well structured experience relating to a students course of study. I have never seen a newscaster reading news, I never understood the type of programs we have. Now I know all this and if at all I need help with a reference in future I can write the name of a staff I know”. Toyin Johnson

“My internship was a real fulfilment to the internship objective. It was an avenue to physically actualize my dreams in my field of study as it offered opportunities which engaged me for my real practice of banking. A major benefit was my ability to get enough contacts which indeed helped me. My advice to everyone is to please make use of every opportunity that comes your way” Mr Moshood Kolawale, a retired management staff in the banking industry

“My internship was quite interesting . IT offers an opportunity of knowing people, it also gives an opportunity for future achievements. Availability, confidence, humility, commitment, diligence to work and meeting targets are some of the qualities that will help you” Mrs Oluwatoyin Salami, a graduate of Adeniran Ogunsanya College Of Education

Through Research we have compiled the major tips that will help you make the best of your internship.

-ASK QUESTIONS:

Ask Questions! Ask Questions! Ask Questions! A very important key for making the best of your internship. A popular saying goes thus “Anyone who asks questions can never loose his way”. As an intern, never fail to ask questions on anything that may seem unclear to you. Being inquisitive will not give room to be turned into a messenger as reported by some students.

-VOLUNTEER

Make sure you are available for every possible task. Request for responsibilities. Most students fail to understand that if you don’t show interest no one will show you the necessary things. Do not sit, expecting knowledge to come to you , volunteer when necessary. This will help equip with the needed knowledge.

-HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE

Being intelligent, pretty, brilliant, spontaneous, are all considered irrelevant without the right attitude to people and work. Reports from certain organizations show that they do not like taking students interns because of their lack of respect and bad attitude to work. Put up the right attitude and you stand to gain opportunities and recommendations.

-DOCUMENTATION

Make sure you have evidences to show that you served as an intern in the organization. This include letter of recommendations, letter of acceptance, certificate of completion and so on. Such documents will help in future and also help build your CV.

-MAKE CONNECTIONS

Network with people around you, build connections. You never can tell when you will need them. Make new friends. It is not easy to find yourself working among professionals. Do not just keep their contacts but make sure to check up on them once in a while.

-DRESS WELL

Dress professionally and ideally for your chosen field. The way you dress is definitely the way you will be addressed. Give the right impression and you may be surprised at the doors that will open for you.

-HAVE A NICE TIME

Lastly, be sure to enjoy yourself. You may never find yourself in that institution again. With all these in mind your internship is bound to be a successful and fulfilling one.

Please comment if you found this helpful.