Remembering the ‘Mubi 43’

ONE year after, parents, friends and colleagues of the slain 43 students of the Federal Polytechnic in Mubi, Adamawa State, are still mourning. The death of these promising youngsters, they said on Tuesday, is difficult to forget.

Mr John Odewale whose son, James, a National Diploma (ND) II Electrical Electronic Engineering student, was among those killed by the gunmen who invaded the school in the night of October 1, last year, said: “We have tried hard to forget it but my brother, it has not been easy for me and my wife to cope with the reality that a child we reared for 19 years could be killed just like that by people we still don’t know. What is painful is that the identities of the killers cannot be confirmed and in the last one year, nobody has come to tell us the reason why our son should die for no just cause.

“In the last one year, we have not been contacted by the government, whether state or federal, over the death of our son . This is the height of insensitivity. Innocent students were killed because of the inability of the government to manage the security of the country. The only people who visited us were members of the polytechnic management, who brought N30,000 to buy casket to bury our son. Is this a country?” Odeyemi, who has been living in Adamawa State for more than two decades, asked.

The feeling was the same when hundreds of students of the polytechnic gathered in the school’s main auditorium last Tuesday to say prayers for their departed colleagues.

Clad in black attires, the students quietly filed into the hall one after the other. They held an interdenominational session for the deceased students.

They were led by the students’ Union President, Joseph Usiiju.

Deto Etim, a student of Management, who escaped unhurt when his Wuro Patugi hostel was invaded by the gunmen, thanked God for sparing his life.

Reliving the incident, he said: “It was a shocking moment for me because I had said my last prayer. The attackers were knocking on my door but I remained in prayer until they left my room to another. I heard the cry of my fellow students being killed. That scene was a hell.”

At the remembrance service, their colleagues promised to ensure that they did not die in vain.

They said the security around the campus and the community is nothing to write home about, urging the government to find the killers.

They decried what they called insensitivity on part of the government to fish out the killers and bring them to the book.

Usiiji said: “Up till this moment, we don’t know the people that went to Wuro Patugi to kill our colleagues. Even the management does not know. How many students will die if the attackers come back? Government must find the killers and strengthen security around the campus and off-campus hostels.”

After the prayer session, the students planned to embark on a procession in the community but they were stopped by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mr Leo Ekpene, and the polytechnic’s security personnel.

Ekpene said the move was necessary because of the security situation in Mubi town.

Joy Solomon, a Higher National Diploma (HND) II Business Administration and Management, said security in Mubi and the surrounding communities remained fragile. “Up till now, the killers of our colleagues have not been found. We don’t even know if they live around us. Government should ensure adequate security because we cannot afford to witness more bloodshed,” she said.

Rose Nkwang, a ND II Computer Science, said: “Mubi is still not safe for us. The security situation in the community is yet to improve. We want government to deploy more troops to this area. That would be a better way to forestall repeat of the incident. It makes no sense that after the crisis, we cannot beat our chest on security in Mubi.”

But Ahmed Isiaka, a student of Mathematics and Statistics, disagreed with his colleagues, saying security had relatively improved in Mubi town. “There has been an improvement in security after the unfortunate incident. Security personnel have been drafted to keep an eagle eye on the campus and residents of affected areas. I really appreciate the government for its efforts so far but the killers must be found. This will heal our wound and make us put the killing behind us,” Isiaka said.

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ASUU strike: Struggle continues - Faggae •Students protest in Ibadan

 

THE President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr  Nasir Fagge, has stated that no amount of intimidation and insinuation by the Federal Government would make the union cave in, insisting that the struggle continues.

Dr Fagge stated this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue State capital after holding consultation with the union members of the Federal University of Agriculture  and the Benue State University, all in Makurdi.

The union leader said that what the union was fighting for was to salvage university education that had gone into the abyss, stressing that the decision of government to single out the earned allowance as the major issue was unfortunate.

The don described as “laughable” the remark by the president during a media chat that the earned allowance was to be made through the respective universities’ internal revenue, admonishing the president to take a critical view of the Memorandum of Understanding to  see whether the quantum of sources to determine the payment of the allowance was stated.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D South-West, on Tuesday, held a peaceful protest round Ibadan, on the state of education in the country.

The protest, which commenced around 9.00a.m. under the Mokola flyover, took them through UCH road, Total Garden, Gate and terminated at Iwo-road interchange.
With  security operatives on standby to ensure the protest went on peacefully, the students had stopover at major roundabouts and junctions to address the public on their demands and reasons for the protest.

The Coordinator, NANS (South-West),  Monsuru Adeyemo, in a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, said the group agreed to converge on Ibadan for the protest to demand for total resolution of all crises affecting the education sector in the country.

While the protest lasted, vehicular movement along the axis was hindered. Traffic wardens and police officers led by the Mokola and Sango Divisonal Police Officers (DPO) were neck deep in ensuring there was no traffic gridlock.

He said “education in Nigeria is currently embroiled in too many crises. The South-West branch of  NANS scheduled this protest for a proper end to all crises engulfing our education sector of which the ongoing ASUU strike is one. We call on the Federal Government  to honour the agreement signed with ASUU, ASUP, COASU and others.

“We are also demanding for proper funding of the education sector which is the best way to save the sector from collapse.”

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Students decry state of education

Ronke

  As Nigeria celebrates its 53rd Independence anniversary, the continued closure of the public universities attracts criticism from students

These are trying times –Ogunjobi

These are trying times for the nation, I must confess. Nigeria has not faced greater threats and total paralysis in major sectors than this period in its history. The nation’s   journey in the past 53 years was a chequered one replete with many gains and losses in its social, political and economic advancement. Nonetheless, as a Nigerian student  trapped in this crisis, the Independence Day should offer the present administration the opportunity to correct the anomalies in the education al system and other key sectors in the economy.
•Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 400 level Language Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Why celebrate mediocrity? –Irabor

Our educational   system is in a shambles. We call Nigeria the giant of Africa but countries like South Africa, Benin are getting it right and making many of us to seek further education there. With the state of our education and the  high  unemployment rate, rolling out the drums to celebrate Independence will be tantamount to magnifying mediocrity.

•Peter Irabor, Post-graduate student, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife OsunState.

Our political class has failed us –Oladimeji

After 53 years of independence, our educational system is nothing to write home about. The most painful thing is that our political leaders appear not to be bordered about the sorry state of the sector, which should be the bedrock of the nation’s developmental effort.

All they care about is the 2015 general elections. It is also sad that the government reneged on an agreement it signed with ASUU, a development that has forced the shutting of the public universities in the last three months. The political class has failed the future leaders of this country and there is nothing to celebrate about the anniversary.

•Ayotunde Oladimeji, 300 level Accounting Technlogy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

Don’t forget, education is the bedrock –Arthur

That Nigeria is celebrating its 53rd Independence is a good thing. But if you ask me, I see no reason why the celebration should go on, especially as students are idle at home  and the country  faces  problems of insecurity and lack of power supply, among others. The FG should please meet the ASUU’s demands so that we can all go back to the classrooms. With what is happening, it seems that the country’s leadership has forgotten that education is the bedrock of every nation and that an idle mind  is the devil’s workshop.
•Neji Arthur 400 level, Education Administration and Planning, University of Calabar

Let us not cause more damage –Usen

As Nigeria celebrates Independence, the education sector has not made any significant progress. It shows the government’s nonchalant attitude to this all-important sector. I wish that its conflict with ASUU could be resolved soonest before the sector experiences worse damage.

•Tom Usen, 400 level Geology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.

Blame ruling class and ASUU –Oghenovo

I wonder why we celebrate independence when the state of infrastructure, standard of living and education in the country is nothing to cheer. But for education, both ASUU members and our political rulers will be nowhere. So why are they depriving the younger generation from having better education now. I pray that the  ASUU strike will be resolved soon.

•Joy Oghenevo, 400 level, Banking and Finance, University of Benin

Everyone has a hand in the rot –Alex-Ojekunle

After 53years, the education system is in an abysmal state. Rather than pointing fingers at the Federal Government and its agencies, I will rather say that we are all involved in the epileptic state of the sector. To revitalise the sector, all hands must be on the desk. Although we expect much from the government, our  individual contributions will go a long way in helping the government to map out a strategy that will promote and enhance effective education that can stand the test of time and compete globally. Also, this will go a long way in showcasing the strength of Vision 2020:20.

•Oluwaremilekun Alex-Ojekunle,  400 level Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

No good governance, no good nation — Adefalujo
With regard to the anniversary, there is nothing to celebrate. The schools are deserted, lecturers are at home and students are roaming about the streets. There is also insecurity everywhere as issues of bombings and killings have not been resolved. So, what exactly are we celebrating when the events and happenings in the country at the moment do not speak well of good governance or even a great nation? It is sad.
Aderonke Adefalujo, 400 level, Theatre Arts, University of Abuja

These are frustrating times –Loon

This period has been difficult and tough for me because there is nothing to do at home. There are no opportunities out there and this is sad and frustrating. There are no jobs for University graduates not to mention an undergraduate like me. I just wake up, eat, sleep and allow evil thoughts to come to my mind. For me, there is nothing to celebrate, especially now that the singsong everywhere is industrial action. The nation has failed in many ways and celebrating the anniversary is just a mockery of the word ‘independence’.
•Momoh Loon 400 level History, University of Abuja

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Covenant University, Ota lunch free health programme in Atan, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State

Traditional rulers and residents of some rural communities in Atan, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have lauded the free health programme organized by the Covenant University, Ota, in the area.

A team from the school, including its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ayo, was at Egando village, on Friday, to conduct a free health programme for residents. Residents of adjoining communities like Aiyedegun and Alagbo also benefited from the event.

Themed ‘Upholding the legacy of contribution’, the programme was held to commemorate the 59th birthday of the Chancellor of the school and General Overseer of the Winners Chapel, also in Ota, Ogun State, Bishop David Oyedepo.

The traditional ruler of Egando, Chief Julius Dopemu, described the programme as a “good development as the nearest health facility is Atan Health Centre, which is about 2km away.”

He said, “It’s a good thing and it’s impressive that they brought this programme to the people. They say ‘health is wealth’, so once the health of the people is taken care of, the rest is easy. Our people have been going to Atan Health Centre by okada (commercial motorcycles) and without okada, it’s not easy.”

The event witnessed eye checks, dental consultations, dietary counselling, vaccinations for babies and health talk. In addition, residents were screened for blood pressure and blood sugar, while drugs were also dispensed to some of them.

The traditional ruler of Aiyedegun, Chief Biliaminu Salami, called on the government to establish a health centre for his community, urging corporate bodies and privileged individuals to emulate the action of the university.

He said, “We have been lobbying the government to give us a health centre but there has been nothing. Instead of wasting money, Covenant University decided to impact positively on the people; corporate bodies and other influential people should emulate this.”

Also present at the event was the oldest resident in Egando community, Alhaja Sikiratu Sifor, 108, who was brought in a wheelchair.

Sifor also commended the organisers of the programme, stressing the importance of having healthcare close to the people.

“We thank the organisers for this. Look at me, I’m old and it’s not easy for someone like me to be going about again. So this is important to us,” she said.

The Chief Medical Director of the university’s Health Services, Dr. Tunde Togun, said residents would be referred to the school’s health centre for further treatment, where necessary.

He said, “We listen to them and deal with their issues as best as we could. From experience, we know that people in rural areas can have surgical challenges. We can do it for them for free.”

However Ayo, while explaining the programme’s objective, said the school had taken a “cue from the Bishop.”

He added, “Bishop always says that success is not about one’s wealth but rather, about the positive impact a person has on the people around him. So on his birthday, we thought we should do this to appreciate God for his life. We thought we should go out and touch the lives of people in remote communities.”

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YABATECH Students Shut Down Campus After Cult Attack

There was commotion on Thursday morning at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, as academic programmes were grounded, while movements were restricted.


The development was as a  result of a protest by the students of the institution, who were expressing their displeasure at an attack on a student by suspected cult members on Wednesday night.

Some policemen, who attempted entering the campus to quell the unrest, were turned back at the gate by the students, who held everyone within the campus hostage for hours.

It was learnt that a clash between the cultist and some students the previous night had kept everybody awake.

A source in the Department of Mass Communication explained that the clash started after an unnamed student was attacked by some cult members with machetes and was wounded.

Another source who pleaded anonymity said, “The student had ignored the cult member when that one told him to do something for him. He was later beaten, clubbed and cut with matchetes.

“Somebody alerted the victim’s friends and they also came out and faced the cult members.”
It was said that in the Wednesday rampage, security men on the campus were assaulted, while some school facilities were damaged.

On Thursday, the students took over the gates of the school and chased away security men to protest the Wednesday night attack.

One of the students at the gate said that the security men guarding the campus had failed in their duties.

He said,”Two weeks ago, they (the cultists) stormed the Art Block and wreaked havoc while our security men were merely watching. So the students decided to take over the security of the school.”
It was observed that a few of the security men had changed into mufti, while some of the students who tried to record the riot with their camera phones were assaulted.

The school’s major road was also barricaded. The students said they were awaiting the Rector to give an address on the way forward.

Later, the Dean of Students Affairs, Mr. Omobayo Raheem, addressed the warring youths, urging them to calm down.

He said, “Like many of you, I have not been able to sleep as a result of this development. I apologise to every one of us as a result of the injury one of us sustained. There is no doubt that injury to one is injury to all.

“I can assure you that the management has set up a high-powered panel to look into this and none of the culprits will go unpunished be they students or lecturers.”

He said the wounded student was being treated  at the school’s medical centre.

The Rector, Dr. Kudirat Ladipo, later came to address the protesters. She capped her address with a prayer for peace on the campus.

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School matriculates 300

YABATECH

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has matriculated no fewer than 300 students in the School of Technical Education (STE) at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.

The Rector, Dr M. K. Ladipo, represented by Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr Innocent Akhuemonkhan congratulated the students. She charged them to take advantage of the opportunities the school offers.

She said: ‘’It is no doubt that since the inception of the school of Technical Education in this institution, the programme has been successful with the dedication of staff of the collaborating institutions. We have made facilities readily available to you. I urge you to shun cultism and other vices that may hinder your academic pursuit. ’’

UNN Vice Chancellor Prof. Bath Okolo, represented by Prof. F.A. Okwor, said that the institution was dedicated to training leaders for the nation’s future. He urged the students to discover their God-given abilities and pursue their purposes with commitment. You must seek the truth, teach the truth and preserve the truth. You must endeavour to always uphold the philosophy of the university which hinges on human dignity,’’ he stated.

The Dean, School of Technical Education, YABATECH, Mrs H.A. Akanbi, urged the students to utilise the opportunity to build successful careers.

Dean, Faculty of Education, UNN Prof Ike Ifelumi, represented by Prof Z.C. Njoku said the students should work hard and remain focused.

Some of the students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, said they were prepared to learn. Ogunshemi Godwin, a 100-Level student of Business Education, said it was a dream come true.

The event was also attended by the Registrar, Mr A.I. Okonta, who was represented by Mrs C.N. Nnebedum; YABATECH Registrar, Ms B.C. Amapakabo and other principal officers of both institutions.

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Face your studies, freshers told

•A cross section of freshers at the orientation

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) has organised an orientation for freshers of the Federal Polytechnic in Oko, Anambra State. The event took place in the ultra-modern auditorium of the institution.

The Rector, Prof Godwin Onu, congratulated the students, adding that they should be focused, as the management is committed to promoting academic excellence.

“Having been adjudged the fastest growing tertiary institution in the country, the polytechnic management is not resting on its oars towards attaining the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.”

The SIWES Director, Uche Onuegbuche, advised students to take their industrial attachment seriously and not be carried away by money, noting that they may not be allowed to graduate if they fail to complete the training successfully.

He said: “Considering global trends and the present effort by Nigeria in re-orientating her citizens, especially the youths, towards entrepreneurial skills acquisition for self-reliance, this is the time to take the students industrial attachment programme seriously. This programme is designed to expose you to relevant skills necessary to fit into tomorrow’s labour market.’’

The event was attended by Deputy Rector Dr Don Mmuo, Dean of Students Affairs (DSA) Mrs Esther Odigwe, Chief Security Officer, Mr Charles Eze, Manager, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Mrs Linder Egbuonu and students.

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NUC seeks alternative ways to varsity education

The Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, has said the commission is fashioning out alternative ways of ensuring access to university education in Nigeria.

Okojie made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday when he declared open a three-day workshop on e-learning and Education Resource.

He said NUC was worried by the increasing number of students, who failed to gain admission to universities because of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s inability to meet the increasing demand.

“This workshop is, therefore, aimed at bringing together stakeholders in the sector to discuss e-learning.

“New technology has continued to change ways of doing things and there is the need to open ways that those intending to acquire university education can do so without having to go through JAMB,” he said.

Okojie further shed light on the project, saying through e-learning, students could study and acquire degrees “at their convenience.”

He said using Open and Distance Learning, the programmes would be designed according to the approved Academic Minimum Standards.

Okojie also said materials for the courses had been designed for use by students without having to obtain any licences and without fear of violating copyright laws.

He said the introduction of e-learning was to ensure that Nigeria would be on the same page with other ICT advanced countries.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on what the NUC was doing to ensure quality of PhD graduates, Okojie said the commission had continued to enforce the Benchmark Academic Minimum Standard.

He also said the commission also ensured the accreditation of courses offered in the postgraduate schools.

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Anita Omonuwa, bags First Class Law degree in UK

OLUWAYINKA  DADA writes on the achievement of  a 20-year-old Nigerian, Osarieme Anita Omonuwa, who recently bagged a First Class Law degree and was awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Award at the University of Reading, United Kingdom.

Nigerians youths have not stopped performing amazing feats both within and outside the country. With their talents, skills, academics performance and record breaking achievements, they have continued to make the nation proud.

One of such is Osarieme Anita Omonuwa, a 20-year-old Nigerian schooling in the United Kingdom who bagged a First Class Law degree and picked up the prestigious Chancellor’s Award at the University of Reading.

In the history of the 121-year-old university established in England, United Kingdom, in 1892, Omonuwa has become the first black woman to win the Reading University Chancellor’s Award.
She was described by the chancellor as a representative of the institution’s brightest and best students.

Omonuwa hails from Edo State. Her father is Mr. Omoruyi Augustine Omonuwa, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and holder of national honour, Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

She has been an achiever right from a tender age. While in Nigeria in her kindergarten days at Our Lady of Apostles School, Airport Road, Benin-City, Edo State, she finished as the best KG pupil and had a free uniform as a “motivational prize.” She also won the 2003 Bournvita Award for overall primary school performance at the same school.

She never stopped making progress as in the 2008/2009 Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin-City, she received the certificate of merit as the overall best graduating student in Accounting, English, Yoruba, Computer Science, Biology, Literature, Government, Economics and Foods and Nutrition.

She never relented in her academics even though her basic education was in Nigeria, she got to another man’s country and became the best.

In 2010, Omonuwa earned the Reading University Scholarship Award for academic excellence and won recognition as the overall best in the International Foundation Programme.

In 2012, Omonuwa’s many awards included the Clarks Legal Prize for the best performance in Part 2 Equity and Trust, presented by David Rintoul, Managing Partner, Clarks Legal LLP; Keith Wright Memorial Prize for best overall performance in Part 2; and Shoos miths Prize for best overall performance in Part 2.

She did a day’s internship in the Employment Department at Shoos Miths LLP, UK in May 2013 and in June, she stretched her internship drive into Construction Law.

Now, with her experience, she is an expert in hardcore legal issues including the intricacies of construction contracts and the inevitable consequences of breaching agreed terms

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I was so shy in school I couldn’t even woo a girl – Bisi Omidiora

Mr. Bisi Omidiora

Mr. Bisi Omidiora is the current Chairman, Body of Past Presidents, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a former executive director, UAC Plc. He shares interesting stories about himself withBOSEDE OLUSOLA-OBASA

If age were to be measured by strength, you should be younger than 80. What’s the secret?

It is the gift of God through the grace of God. It is also due to my lifestyle. It takes having the gift of God, being lucky to live a good life, having a good home and doing good exercises. I am very lucky that I am still able to play golf. I have been able to overcome so many ailments of aging through playing golf. It exercises your body and your mind. Good food is also important. I am lucky to have somebody that gives me the right food and I don’t play with my health. I do regular checkups so I take care of anything that is likely to go wrong with my health. Generally, I am a happy man, I don’t carry my problems with me, I have no enemy, I don’t envy anybody; all these add up to the good health that I enjoy. God has been kind to me.

Have you been a fan of eating healthy for long?

Yes, somehow I am lucky that my body reacts whenever I eat something that could hurt me. When I left secondary school, as a young man working as a Produce Inspector, I had a tendency to drink. I earned good money. But I discovered that when I drank alcohol then, my body reacted. I stopped drinking beer on the day that I added a little more than usual, and suddenly discovered that the walls of the room where I was appeared to me moving, everywhere seemed like there was an earthquake and it felt like I was going to die. I didn’t know if that experience was normal for people who drink beer. I also used to smoke cigarette when I left college. Those days, people did post-secondary school jobs either with Cocoa Produce Inspection, Railway Corporation or the Customs. I tried for about six months to one year to see if I could get my body to accept smoking and drinking but it wouldn’t. I stopped smoking and drinking since then. In fact, there is a food that my body also reacts to so I stay away from it. Generally, I eat normal food, fruits and vegetables. I eat pounded yam, Amala, rice. But when I go to parties, I don’t get attracted to dishes served at parties because my body doesn’t like it. That’s a sharp contrast to people who really love to enjoy food served at parties.

For most men it’s a three-fold cord– smoking, drinking and womanising. Did you fall for the third one as a young man?

I attended a mixed secondary school – Oduduwa College. I had my girl- friend there and she ultimately became my wife. I didn’t womanise. People thought something was wrong with me because I didn’t go out with so many girls. I believe it is one of the disciplines that a man should have if he wants to live long. I didn’t even sleep with my wife before we got married

How come you never slept with your secondary school girlfriend for years until you got married?

I have always had inner discipline. I was afraid of a woman getting pregnant for me because I was an ambitious fellow. I was doing extremely well in the college and I was very popular. I had witnessed the school taking disciplinary actions against boys who got girl students pregnant and I dreaded that. Once it happens you are gone. We met, we played with ourselves, we did all sorts of things but we never thought of it.

But in today’s world, even the thought of having a girlfriend is distraction …

Yes. As I said, I was very popular and I was shy. Many girls loved to be my girlfriends but I could take that. I didn’t even know how to woo a girl. Somehow, when I saw her, we were very close because we both represented the school in athletics. Before we realised it, people in the school already took us for partners.

Was she brilliant too?

Yes. She was brilliant; though she didn’t have to be brilliant as a child of a king (laughs). It is news when people see me moving with a princess.

Did her royal background influence your closeness to her?

No. I was a very confident young man. I was well respected. I was lucky in many ways. When I was in primary school, I did well and I gained admission to Oduduwa College and two others. I came to the limelight at the secondary school when I was selected to represent the school on a trip to Ghana. It was actually meant for the senior prefect of every school. I went to Ghana for two weeks by air and that was rare in those days. When I came back, I had become a celebrity. People would not let me be. I was giving lectures in all the divisions sharing my experiences on how to travel by air and so on.

How did you eventually get married to her?

When I finished secondary school, the school wanted me to be a teacher so that I could come back and impart knowledge to younger students. That was the practice for brilliant students. But I knew that if I became a teacher I would not be able to marry her. I started work after secondary school but immediately she finished secondary school, her parents sent her to England. We started having doubts about our love dream coming true. I then decided to go abroad. And as luck always follows me, my dad took me to the Oba (my father-in-law to be) to inform him that I would be travelling. I got closer to the Ooni on that trip; we were together for 13 days. When we got to London, she came to meet her father and we saw ourselves and that was how we started again … and we got married. We were  so much in love that I couldn’t finish my course before we got married. I got married when I was taking my A levels. I was about 26 then. I told her that I was taking a risk but we got married because we realised that we could no longer do without living together. Fortunately, we had our first child on the day I was to resume at the London School of Economics. I must say here to young people coming up that your luck begins with your wife. After working for six months in England she insisted it was time to go for my A level and then, the London School. I was also supposed to have studied engineering but I am lucky to have left it for accountancy. We have been married now for 55 years.

Why were you made senior prefect in Form Four ahead of the senior classes?

The Western Region was changing its academic system from Form one to six, to Form one to five. The then class six left six months later because of the change but the school principal refused to make any of the students in Form Five senior prefect. He said he was not impressed by them. Maybe it was still the Ghana trip that worked for me because he insisted that I had to be the senior prefect.

How did you survive the envy that came with the offer?

It was okay. My seniors liked me because I was not arrogant, I was humble. Richard Akinjide was my prefect in the 1940s when I gained admission to the school. He spotted me out and since then, I have been close to him. I met Justice Wale Babalakin there too.

Didn’t you face a conflict of faith when you were given the Balogun of Ife title?

No. I was very lucky in the church. When I became the Balogun, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, was a modern king, who understood. He was very liberal. I even took a Bible to the swearing in ceremony as the Balogun. I was excused from the serious traditional processes. So I didn’t have any conflict with my Christian faith. Whenever there may be one, I try to avoid it and the Kabiyesi will understand. I have been able to combine both successfully.

What is the meaning of the name – Omidiora?

It is a common name in Ife. Omi has to do with Osun. Osun is in Osogbo but the main earlier worshippers of Osun are from Ife. Osun got married to an Ife prince. So the full name is Omi di ohun a nfi owo ra. That is, Osun is so precious people are willing to pay for it. The pronunciation has however been greatly corrupted. When I was posted to a UAC division, I learnt that the people were anticipating that I was an Igbo person because of the name, but they later discovered that I am Yoruba. My son is getting worried now because there are so many Omidioras on the social media.

What do you cherish about your upbringing?

As a child in the village, I always yearned to go to school. But I couldn’t, because my grandfather, with whom I lived would not allow me. He wanted me to follow him to the farm. Our house was located in a place where I could see children going to school. I used to see them when I returned from the farm so I wanted to go to school too. The first landmark in my life was when my grandfather died (laughs). That was what changed my life. I was nine years old before I got to primary school. Having started school late, I found that what I would have needed four years to get, took just two years. Besides, I had always had this inner desire to succeed. My mum and dad loved education, but they were not educated.

Why didn’t your grandfather want you to go to school?

His last son was in a Catholic teachers training college and was doing very well but then he died. My grandfather believed that the school killed him and vowed that he would not allow any of his children or grandchildren to go to school so that they won’t die. Still talking about my upbringing, I cherish my time at Oduduwa College – I was captain of games, I was taking part in inter-college debates, I was very active.

Are you fulfilled in career having risen to become the current Chairman, Body of Past Presidents, ICAN?

O yes and I have also been very lucky because I got things done with ease. When I finished my accountancy course, I could have joined an accounting firm, but like my thoughts towards teaching, I couldn’t see much prospect as the highest I could become was a partner but what next after that. The same question I asked when I was asked to come and be the Bursar of  the then University of Ife. That was why I chose to work at UAC. I faced some challenges there with some unqualified people who thought they could boss me. But because I was proud of my background and qualification, they learnt to respect me. I was one of the few accountants employed at that time. In UAC, I was encouraged to do my best. I got so seriously occupied in UAC that I had little time for any other thing. All along, I had my eyes on the profession. I participated in ICAN activities as examiner and so on until I was on the council; my name was so popular that no one ever wanted to contest a position with me. So as I was rising in UAC, I was doing same in ICAN. I became ripe for the pinnacle of both endeavours at the same time and I had to make a choice. To be chairman of UAC or to be president of ICAN and I chose the latter having thought about it very soundly. I love my profession. Becoming the Chairman, Body of Past Presidents earlier this year is an achievement that I cherish so much. All I can say is that there is a bit of luck in everything I do – I meet the right people, I do things at the right time, I am always at the right place.

What sustained you in UAC for 23 years?

After school, a senior partner asked what I wanted to do and I told him that I had offers from an accounting firm, Cadbury and UAC and he advised me to take UAC. He added that the problem with UAC was that they would not allow me to leave the job early. He said each time I tried to leave, they would dangle the carrots to keep me by making me comfortable and I said that was okay. True to his words, I had other offers and felt greatly tempted to leave but I couldn’t. I believed I would get to the top. It is amazing that today young people don’t consider prospects, they move at every instance of better pay. I was comfortable at UAC; the technical partners won’t let you go. I enjoyed the work. They gave me a house,  cars and so on.

You once had a government appointment, how was it?

I was director, UAC Properties then. I didn’t know anyone, I just received a call from the governor asking me to come and work in Cocoa House which was gutted by fire among others. I didn’t receive salary there because of a policy of UAC which said if you worked anywhere else while in their employment, you would donate the money made to the company. I thought it was better not to get paid for the work. It was a big assignment with Wemabod. I had to seek permission to do it, the company hesitated, but I explained that it was a service to my state. It is interesting that I gave more to those companies than I got from them. That is unlike what obtains today when people are always looking for what to get from a place.

How do you relax?

I love going for church activities, I am the Baba Ijo of my church. I have so many assignments and positions in the church. That is post UAC, I left UAC at age 55 to set up my private firm. I started playing golf, say some 15 years ago.  I play golf once every week. I used to play Badminton; I had a court in my compound when I was in Ikoyi. I played it with friends. I do a lot of reading and writing. ICAN has also taken a chunk of my time, I am still active. I am very active in the Metropolitan Club, I am there every Tuesday. I don’t have any spare time. I love music by Sunny Ade and religious songs especially when I am on a journey. My day right now is very busy.

After 55 years in marriage, would you say you have seen it all?

When one is happy, the years go by without noticing it. I tell young men who want to reach the top in life to have a good marriage. You need someone who is reasonably intelligent that you can discuss with. And the children also make life exciting. UAC people devote good attention to children’s education. As a director of UAC, I was able to position my children in good schools. What we spend our time on now is attending the graduation of our grandchildren.

Are there still surprises in your relationship?

Yes, there must be. We sometimes quarrel, we shout at each other. And thereafter we are back. A lot depends on the man. I don’t know why some men cannot stick to one wife.

Is any of your children embracing your profession?

Yes two of them are accountants.

What are your guiding principles?

First, being guided by my spirit, integrity, justice, humility and loving my neighbour as myself. All these have given me a good life.

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One Thing College Alumni Can Do about Climate Change Right Now

I've respectfully informed my alma mater that, until it divests its holdings in the fossil fuel industry—coal, oil, tar sands, and fracked natural gas—I will not donate another cent.

I sent my annual donation off to my college alma mater the other day. It was not a lot, but I wanted to help keep our class donor percentage up. I gave more last year, our fiftieth reunion. But when I slipped the envelope into the mailbox, the light dawned. This would be my last contribution for a while.

While the financial impact of certain divestment campaigns may be debated, they undeniably make a powerful statement.

It is no longer a matter of serious debate that global warming is real and happening right now. The scientific evidence that we must stop loading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide is clear. The tsunami of manmade climate change is headed our way. But the fossil fuel industry, committed to extract enough oil and gas to overheat the planet several times over, lobbies to continue extracting and burning despite overwhelming proof that doing so will mean the end of life on Earth as we know it.

Inspired and energized by 350.org's "Do the Math" tour, committed young people are demanding that colleges and universities across the country get rid of their investments in the fossil fuel industry. While the financial impact of such South Africa-style divestment campaigns may be debated, they undeniably make a powerful statement, raise awareness, and demonstrate that there is an alternative.

Not surprisingly, small colleges with progressive values and limited portfolios have been the first to divest—Hampshire, Green Mountain, College of the Atlantic—and the movement is rapidly gaining momentum at Williams, Harvard, Stanford, and other prestigious institutions. But why should students be left to make their case alone?

I have grandchildren. They have every right to a secure and hopeful future. Isn't it the responsibility of every generation to care for the next? Yet it is brutally clear that, unless we act very soon, the health, hope, and lives of our children and grandchildren will be significantly diminished. We owe them our love and our protection. We are obliged to "pay it forward."

So I've respectfully informed my alma mater that, until it divests its holdings in the fossil fuel industry—coal, oil, tar sands, and fracked natural gas—I will not donate another cent.

The intellectual communities of colleges should be expected to grasp the implications of climate change, but how any of us respond is ultimately a moral challenge.

This may sound naive. After all, most college endowments are made up of large gifts from wealthy donors. What difference will ordinary folk like me make? But in fact, colleges care a great deal about the percentage of their alumni who give—their public ratings rest, in part, on that criterion. Moreover, a recent report in The Wall Street Journal noted that the cost of renewable energy like wind and solar is plummeting and that the oil-dependent utilities are growing anxious. And a careful Stanford study has demonstrated how New York state could be completely sustainable by 2030 by relying on wind and solar energy. It is quite possible that moving to a more sustainable portfolio now would be wise.

The intellectual communities of colleges should be expected to grasp the implications of climate change, but how any of us respond is ultimately a moral challenge.

In the end, what message do we choose to give the next generation? What will we say to them as the storms grow fiercer, the droughts longer, the waters higher? That "we just didn't know?" Or that we woke up too late? We know what to do right now. There are many actions we can take to make a difference. This is one. Take it now. Tell your alumni organization, your development director, and your college president that you will resume giving when they divest of all holdings in fossil fuel extraction and production.

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Laurent A. Parks Daloz wrote this article for YES! Magazine, a national, nonprofit media organization that fuses powerful ideas and practical actions. He is an alumnus of Williams College '62, Harvard '63 and '72, and is a grandfather of three. He is a senior fellow at the Whidbey Institute, a principal of Leadership for the New Commons, and co-author of Common Fire: Leading Lives of Commitment in a Complex World.

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