Meet Mary Olayinka Oladokun, The Best Graduating Student At 46th Convocation Of The Obafemi Awolowo University

By Ayomide Emmanuel

Mary Olayinka Oladokun, is the overall best graduating student of the Obafemi Awolowo University in the 2019/2020 academic session, having finished with a CGPA of 4.92 from the Department of Microbiology. She tells OAU Peeps News Agency in an exclusive interview about what it took her to come on top.

Can we meet you ma?

I am Mary Olayinka Oladokun

You were pronounced the overall best graduating student during this year's convocation. What CGPA did you graduate with

I graduated with a CGPA of 4.92

Wow... That's awesome. When you wanted to enter the university, did you choose Microbiology?

I was devastated. I never really thought about the course microbiology.

What was the course that you chose initially?

Medicine

Oooh, were there plan to change to your preferred course?

I wanted to but you know most of these things deal with connection. I had no connections.

And looking back now ma, would you say making that decision was good?

Yes, I would say so.

We would also love to know, outside academics, were you involved in any other thing?

I was in technical subgroup in BSF

Meaning you have to be available in every of the fellowship meeting?

I attended majority of the fellowship meetings not every

Was there a time you held any leadership position while on campus as a student either in your class, department, faculty or fellowship?

During my final year, I was the project group leader

Did you take any decision as a fresh student then that helped you in the course of your study?

Not really. I was just determined to do the best I could.

That’s impressive. One would naturally think you are a genius or that it runs in the family?

😂

I believe leading of your mates in classes didn't start in OAU

It started kind of in OAU. In primary school and secondary school I was not always the best. It fluctuated.

Wow, that's encouraging.. Did you hear stories about Obafemi Awolowo University that could be discouraging when you resumed school?

Yes o. There are always stories you hear from your mates and seniors about some courses that would make you feel like this is the end. I can't pass this particular subject.

So what was your reaction to this?

At first I always got scared but later on I decided to place it on God's hand and just do my best

Was it in your plan to be the best graduating student when you got admission?

Not at all

What was your CGPA in Part 1?

I did JUPEB so I entered part 2

Okay! What was your lowest grade?

B

Shana

😂. It was just God's grace

Exactly the answer i was expecting😂

How did you feel when you got to know you graduated as the best student?

I was very surprised and happy because it was very unexpected.

Apart from being the Best Graduating Student, you won other prizes, what are they?

I won 4 best graduating student in the faculty o science prize, two from my department

Can you name them?

No, I can't

Okay

What is your advice to the current crop of undergraduates especially the fresh ones among them?

They should trust in God, understand themselves especially their strengths and weaknesses.

Have you received any job offer since you graduated as a result of your sterling performance?

Not yet o.

Congratulations once again Mary and we appreciate you for your time, what is your words to the OAU Peeps crew?

Thank you all for giving me an audience.

On behalf of the OAU Peeps News Agency, I wish you the best in your future endeavours.

Thank you very much

Commissioning of Ken Saro-Wiwa Students' Union Building

 By Ife Lawence

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. On Saturday; November 12, 2022, commissioned the newly remodelled Students' Union Building. According to the record, it was tagged "Ken Saro-Wiwa Building" after the demise of Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa: A Nigerian writer, television producer, and environmental activist...

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University led by Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire was privileged to receive numerous dignitaries at the occasion. Among the dignitaries are the Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Students' Affairs, Vice Dean, General Leo Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff) and his associates, among other University Officials.

The programme which was anchored by the University's Public Relations Officer (P.R.O); Abiodun Olarewaju commenced the occasion with the national anthem, followed by the Great Ife anthem. 

As the programme progressed, the distinguished guests were invited to the tables, starting with Vice-Chancellor: Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, followed by the Chief of Defence Staff; General Leo Irabor who occurs to be a prominent alumnus of Great Ife. Also, the dean of Students' Affairs; Professor Isiaka Aransi, followed by the Great Ife Students' Union President; Olayiwola Folahan, popularly and politically known as Reform. The Anchor: Mr Abiodun Olarewaju the University's Public Relations Officer, acknowledged the presence of Great Ife F.M, C.S.O, Correspondents of Tribune, the associates of General Leo Irabor, the Students' Union and other dignitaries that were at the occasion. After many introductions by dignitaries, the University's P.R.O, inferred the programme as the first of its kind.

The Students' Union P.R.O, in the person of Taofeek Olalekan Ogunperi, popularly and politically known as TAO, after being invited recognized the Vice-Chancellor of the University in person of Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, General Leo Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff), Dean of Students' Affairs Prof. Isiaka Aransi, among other dignitaries. 

Great Ife is known for its catchphrase "Viva Aluta" The Students' Union P.R.O began with the recognition of comrades, starting with past union leaders: Adeleke Olorunwa "Goddey"; Kazeem Olalekan Israel "Gani"; Farombi Oluwaseun "Babafaros"; Ajayi Oluwafemi "F.M Castro"; Adebiyi Fashoyin "Frizzy"; Agbogunleri Oluwaseun " Ghandi" etc

The University's P.R.O invited the Chief of Imam (OAU Central Mosque) for the Opening prayer before the welcome address by the Vice-Chancellor.

The Vice-Chancellor; Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, in his speech acknowledged all dignitaries, beginning with General Leo Irabor, He exhorted him for being out of his busy schedule to make immense services to the University. And, for choosing from Abuja to attend this very special occasion. He further facilitated him in doing such a tremendous history.

He, however, encouraged the students to constantly look back to the University for development.

"On behalf of the council, Senate, staff and the entire students of Obafemi Awolowo University hereby appreciates those who have contributed financially, and materially to the general renovation of the students' Union Building ( Ken Saro-Wiwa Building), thereby making it a word class. May the Lord God Almighty continue to enrich the purse of the contributors. We wish all those who have come to grace this occasion a journey of mercy back to their different destinations" Says the Vice-Chancellor; Prof Simeon Adebayo Bamire.

General Leo Irabor (Chief of Defence Staff) was, however, invited for his speech. After observing all protocols, "The leadership of the students' Union must equally have the capacity to be able to do well in duty"

We must understand that as you and we are looking to build a nation, You have a role to play in ensuring that things work..." Says Gen. Leo Irabor. He encourages the students to be serious in their studies, and also, to make good use of the students' Union building. He further stated in his address, "The future is dependent on those who have skills" 

The Vice-Chancellor, General Leo Irabor and students union Executives were invited for the presentation of gifts

The closing prayer by the Chaplain ended with the national anthem.

Apply To Join OAU Peeps News Agency

Are you interested in being a part of OAU News Agency? Do you have what it takes to stand out as a campus journalist? Would you like to improve your journalism skills?

OAU Peeps News Agency is happy to announce to all Great Ife students that our recruitment exercise has finally started. This massive recruitment will birth the Pen Pushers that will anchor this lovely Blog.



ELIGIBILITY:

1.) -You must be a student of Obafemi Awolowo University
2.) - Ready and willing to work with other members (Team Spirit possession)

-3.) - Passionate to practice journalism

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Free

BENEFITS:

1.) Opportunity to build up your writing skills and gather experience in the field of Journalism.
2.) You will be a certified and registered Campus Journalist under the ages of Association of Campus Journalist, Obafemi Awolowo University.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

 January 21,  2022 by 11:59pm


Complete your Application Form by clicking the link below

https://forms.gle/cVuW3apwSN7hoFQf6

Thank you! 

OAU Students To Know Resumption Date After Senate Meeting

Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University can now hope to know the exact date academic activities would resume after the University Senate meeting on Tuesday, 19th January 2021. 

Since the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its 9-month old strike on the 23rd December 2020, students have continued to expect that they would be recalled back to school soon. But no news has come since then for students of OAU. 

In a telephone conversation between OAU Peeps News Agency correspondent and the university Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju earlier today (Thursday), we were able to gather that it is unlikely that students would be asked to resume back to school before the speculated date of 18th January.  

According to the university PRO, the Senate of the University has a sitting already scheduled for the 19th of this month and the resumption of academic activities is expected to be one of the top issues that would be up for discussion. He further urged students of the institution to exercise patience and ignore any rumour flying around until the school management releases date for resumption. 

Meanwhile, OAU students have continued to urge the university management to announce resumption as soon as possible so that they can continue with their studies. 

OAU, we are waiting for resumption circular please 😌, e fun wa ni update ⚠.

— Opemidimeji Ọmọlúwàbí Ekiti 🗽 (@opemidimeji_xo) January 7, 2021

 

I don't think OAU is ready for resumption yet, as it stands now it's over 24 hours of power outage and I got to know it's because the management is owing. (Either true or not, I can't confirm) but I heard.

Shey there is still hope for resumption like this?

— Oluwakemi💡✊ (@Oluwakemistrie) January 6, 2021

 

If one of OAU or UI should announce resumption, everyone will follow suit. I'm certain

— Ọ̀gágun Akinlolú ❁ (@LoluAkinteye) January 6, 2021

As at the time of filing this report, some universities, including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), and Lagos State University (LASU) have already announced the resumption of academic activities in line with the directives of the National University Commission (NUC) asking schools to reopen by 18th January, 2021. For some of these schools, learning will be virtual and online for the meantime while the possible impacts of the second wave of the COVID19 infection on physical gathering for learning are being assessed.

OAU Graduates To Check NYSC List Ahead of Mobilization

OAU Graduates awaiting mobilization are advised to check the link below for their names ahead of mobilization next month in case of any correction or ommission.

 Click Here To View List

Possible Bed Space For Final Year Students As DSA Makes New Release

The Division of Student Affairs in its latest special release informs the final year students of a possible but “slim chance” of accommodation. DSA affirms that it is a tradition for freshmen and final year students to benefit from the bed spaces provided by the school.

 However, as a result of the reaction to last release that only freshmen would be provided accommodation on campus, the management states that “It would be unfair to ignore the reality of insufficient bed spaces for the students in this category and go ahead to make students unprepared against the possibilities of not getting bed spaces because of the limited bed spaces on campus.”

It was also stated that the last release was to get students prepared as the possibilities to get accommodation on campus is very slim. 

The management plead with students to be patient as efforts are made to secure the immediate usage of the newly constructed hostels at Parakin Area. 

Graduating English Students Mourn Loss Of Class Member

Adekilekun Fatiu who was reported dead on 31, December 2019 was an English student (a member of the class of Candor 2019 graduating set). He wrote his final exams on 21st December 2019 with his classmates and went home on the same day. He had gone home for the holiday with the intention of going back to complete his project in school. There is no information on the state of his health before his demise, it was however reported that he was not active online for 2 days. He was also the project leader of his group. 

His class, the Class of Candor was shaken and saddened by the news and some class members had a lot to say about him;

"Adekilekun Fatiu, my friend was awesome. Amongst my friends in the department, he was the most jovial and humorous. He was also very reserved, I will always go to his room in Awo to snap note. He was very generous as he gave me food to eat whenever I visited. He was the group leader of his project work which they  have written to chapter 4.He actually went home  after our  last exam being the 21st of December 2019. I pray Allah forgive him and count him among the pious one."

Arogundade AbdulGhalib Dami

" Adekilekun Fatiu was a cool guy.". Another classmate said.

We wish all family and friends the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Female OAU Student Assaulted At Maintenance Gate, Security Reacts

At 10:50pm on Sunday 8, December, a female student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was assaulted directly opposite Maintenance, the popular female residential area around the campus gate. 

It was reported that the female student (who pleaded anonymity) was out to buy food when three unidentifiable guys who alighted from a car behind her allegedly harassed her. In reaction, she was then said to exclaim,"Are you normal?" This is when the situation got out of hand as things got violent.

These unidentified individuals, reportedly three in number pounced on this female student slapping and hitting her vigorously. The food seller who tried to help was also said to get some part of the beating. The onlookers who sells by the scene tried to help but these individuals kept slapping and hitting her.

It was also reported that the case was reported immediately to the security at Maintenance gate but they turned their deaf ears to the report. The identity of these individuals remains unknown. 

However, details of the event have been reported to the security department of the institution and the department reacted to the incident via a twitter handle @OAUSecurityDep claiming that the event was already being handled and the department was already on the lookout for the alleged culprits. 

Olanrewaju Bello To Steer LSS OAU Through Next Academic Session

The OAU chapter of the Law Students' Society announced the emergence of the new elected Executives.

The Electoral Commission officers of the Law student body, corporately known as the Law Students' Society (LSS) conducted the election at the Old Law MOOT and MOCK court, located at the Faculty building.

After two preceding presidential debates and Manifesto nights, Voting started at the early hours of yesterday, December 2nd, at about 9:45am due to some delays as against the intended 9:00am and the process spanned till 5pm.

Sequel to this, the collation of votes began 30 minutes later at 5:30pm and the new executives were announced soon after.

Of the 10 LSS positions, only 6 positions had more than one aspirant involved.

The office of the Public Liaison Officer (P. L. O), the Public Relations Officer (PRO), the director of Sports and the office of the Director of Socials were contested unopposed.

Despite the absence of part one students from the faculty, participation took a high turn as over 800 students came to the polling centre to vote.

In an interview with the Vice-President-elect, Miss Ibukun Akinkuotu (IBK) on the conduction of the election, she commented, "For what is spectacular about this election, majority were interested. Not only in voting, but in supporting and pushing for their candidates.".

At the end of the polls, Olanrewaju Bello emerged as winner of the Presidential elections beating Komolafe David (Khomzie) and Adebayo Elizabeth (La Queen) to the position.

Find the full list of winners below;

PRESIDENT
Olarewaju Bello(Olah da poet) - winner
Komolafe David (Khomzie)
Adebayo Elizabeth (La queen)

VICE PRESIDENT
Akinkuotu Ibukun (IBK) - winner 
Omoseibi Gideon

GEN SEC
Jolaoso Moses (Jolaoso) - winner
Okonkwo Jemima (Jemima)

FIN SEC
Kolade (kolex)
Adebambo Mariam (Ryha) - winner

D.O.SOCIALS
Ishola Daniel (Dannykeys)

AGS
Shado Olayinka &
Salami Adegboye Adeyinka (Aristotle) - winner

TREASURER
Ishola Damilola (HIGHDEE) - winner
Maximus