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Madonna University Students’ Debate Ends in Style

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**As Mass Comm, Law, Others Qualify for Finals

By Destiny Ugorji

The second stage of the Madonna University (Okija campus) 2017/2018 Inter-departmental students debate has ended, with Mass Communication, Law, Philosophy and Accountancy departments qualifying for the final round of the exercise.

The last of the second stage of the competition ended last Thursday, with Mass Communication department and Law faculty qualifying for the final round of the exercise, leaving behind English and Literary Studies and International Relations.

The first phase of the second round was held two weeks ago, wherein Philosophy and Accountancy departments emerged, also leaving behind two other departments.

Speaking earlier on the essence of the exercise, Coordinator of the Madonna University Debate competition, Dr Tony Nkemakolam, described it as a purely academic exercise, even as he urged the participants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.

Adding his voice, Chaplain and Administrator of Madonna University, Okija campus, Rev. Father Francis Nwachukwu commended the decorum that characterized the exercise, while urging the students to see it as a challenge to develop their skills and intellect.

He however urged all to practice love for one another and imbibe discipline, even as he charged the students to take their studies very seriously to justify the huge investments on them by their parents. He further advised them to always be good ambassadors of the University wherever they find themselves.

In their separate speeches, Chairperson of the Madonna University Debate committee, Dr (Mrs) Uche Oboko and the University Orator, Mr Charles Eze commended the students for what they described as their ‘can-do spirit’ and urged them not to relent.

They further charged the students to see the exercise as a friendly competition aimed at challenging their intellects, warning them not to see it as a do-or die affair.

The 2017/2018 phase of the competition commenced with seventeen (17) departments. At the end of Thursday’s round, only four of the departments qualified for the final stage of the exercise.

The topic of the second round of the debate was: “Taming the menace of corruption in Nigeria: my department, as the best panacea.”

The final round of the debate, with the topic: “Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential election: a candidate from my discipline, the hope of Nigeria’s advancement” shall hold on a date to be announced soon.

The law faculty was represented in the competition by: Tiku Ebam Okorinyen, Udolisa Chibuzor and Deborah Ngonadi; Philosophy department was represented by: Daniel Obi, Maurice Ugochukwu and Justin Obiesika; Accountancy department was represented by: Nancy Ejimole, Joy Anumba and Edmund Iwunze; while the department of Mass Communication was represented by three hot heads: Chinyere Linda Agbasiere, Adaeze Monday and Juliet Ogbozor.

Last Thursday’s event was attended by very important dignitaries, among whom are: Head of Exams and Records of Okija campus of the university, Rev. Father Tobias Ozioko, Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Walter Duru, Head of Department of Economics, Dr. Theophilus Ugwoke and Professor (Mrs) Bernadette Chukwuneke, head of the Panel of Judges.

Other members of the Panel are: Dr. Calistus Ogu and Dr. K.C. Obi. Thousands of undergraduate and graduate students of Okija campus of the university cheered their colleagues up in excitement, as the competition raged.

Highlights of the event were: musical, choral and drama presentations by highly talented students of the university.

Investigations revealed that the final round of the debate may be declared open by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Chuks Ezedum.

It would be recalled that the 2016/2017 winners of the interdepartmental debate of the university were given automatic Scholarship by the University authorities, a development that may be responsible for the keen contest and seriousness shown by the debaters.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Education

Orire School Abduction: Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike

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Orire School Abduction

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Teachers in Oyo State on Monday, June 1, 2026, commenced an indefinite strike to protest the abduction of their colleagues and some pupils about two weeks ago.

The teachers withdraw their services from schools until further notice in compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

In a statement on Sunday, the group said the industrial action affects all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State.

They are aggrieved over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, whose rescue and safe release remain uncertain.

According to the union, the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across communities in the state.

The NUT said the industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay.

It urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.

The association also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, stressing that lawful engagements with relevant government authorities would continue until the victims regain their freedom.

The NUT assured members that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners across the country.

A few weeks ago, some terrorists stormed the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and kidnapped dozens of children and teachers. They have remained in captivity, with the federal government only sending a delegation to the town on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

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KolaDaisi University Hosts Career Fair June 10 in Ibadan

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KolaDaisi University Career Fair

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, KolaDaisi University (KDU), in a bid to strengthen the talent-to-industry pipeline, will hold its inaugural Career Fair at its campus in Ibadan, Oyo State, with over 200 final-year students, alumni, and a diverse range of leading employers across multiple sectors expected to partake in the programme.

The one-day event, organised by the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, will feature participation from top-tier organisations spanning finance, consulting, technology, manufacturing, and other key industries.

Participating companies will engage directly with students, offering opportunities for graduate trainee programmes, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) placements, internships, and entry-level employment.

In addition to recruitment opportunities, the Career Fair will include a series of industry-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking engagements designed to provide students with insights into workplace expectations, emerging career trends, and professional development pathways.

“At KolaDaisi University, we are deliberate about preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. This Career Fair represents a critical platform for fostering meaningful engagement between our students and industry leaders.

“It is not just an event, but a long-term investment in partnerships that will drive innovation, talent development, and economic growth,” the President of the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Mrs Olasumbo Obaseki, stated.

The Career Fair underscores the university’s commitment to equipping its students with not only academic excellence but also the practical skills, professional exposure, and networks required for success in today’s competitive labour market.

It is put together in collaboration with key industry partners, including Chapel Hill Denham, Mobile Screens and Sound Limited, SKOT Communications, LEADWAY Assurance, HighlerLife Properties Consult Ltd, Idea Konsult, New Horizons Nigeria, alongside several other organisations committed to nurturing emerging talent.

These partnerships reflect a shared vision of developing a workforce that is both competent and responsive to evolving industry needs.

This impactful and timely initiative is an essential platform for aligning academic outcomes with industry expectations.

The initiative forms part of KDU’s broader institutional strategy to enhance graduate employability through sustained industry engagement, career readiness programmes, and alumni relations.

By creating structured opportunities for interaction between students and employers, the institution continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution committed to producing globally competitive graduates.

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Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Prof Segun Aina as New JAMB Registrar

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prof segun aina JAMB

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Professor Segun Aina has been appointed to replace Professor Is-haq Oloyede as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The two-term tenure of his successor expires on July 31, 2026.

Mr Aina was chosen for the position by President Bola Tinubu, and he is expected to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor.

According to a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Professor Aina, who will be 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes. These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform. At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.

He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.

Professor Aina is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

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