Tag Archives: ASUU

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Rejoinder: Obafemi Awolowo University, between Wumi Raji and Adediwura Alawode by ‘Kunle Jaiyesimi

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oau-logo It is no longer news that Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria is in crisis, as reported by various platforms. Wumi Raji, an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts of the same University wrote that the University “is in deep crisis” and has a lot to say about it, http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2016/07/crisis-in-obafemi-awolowo-university-ile-ife/”.

On the 15th day of July, 2016, a hitherto Google-unknown character, in person of Adediwura Alawode, brilliantly wrote a rejoinder to Wumi Raji’s piece, http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2016/07/rejoinder-obafemi-awolowo-university-crisis-and-falsifiers-at-work/“. The choice of the tag “hitherto Google-unknown character” in describing Adediwura Alawode was a result of the fact that while Wumi Raji provided his full identity, including his department, designation and a bold picture in the piece he wrote, the rejoinder writer only went as far as stating at the end of his piece, “Adediwura Alawode writes from OAU”.

Inasmuch as no one is to immediately presume that the referenced OAU stands for Organisation of African Unity, Continue reading Rejoinder: Obafemi Awolowo University, between Wumi Raji and Adediwura Alawode by ‘Kunle Jaiyesimi →

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OAU in Focus: The Act of Trekking without complaints by ‘

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The staffers of the Obafemi Awolowo University, like staffers of some other public universities in time past, were in the last few days subjected to the hardship of trekking a substantial distance to get to their respective stations and offices. They are entitled to several years arrears of certain earned allowances. So much back-and
Continue reading OAU in Focus: The Act of Trekking without complaints by ‘ →

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WHAT THE LAST GOVERNMENT FORGOT by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi

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ForgetThe Presidential inauguration has come and gone. The old (if there was any) government had gone and the new is here. Like they say, the dog must hit the ground running. The previous government, it must be noted, had been accused of ‘doing’ so many things wrongfully but I’m afraid before the handing-over, she was not so much accused of what she was supposed to do that she didn’t do.

Of the things that government was accused of, corruption (or stealing, if you mind) was prime; others may be aiding-and-abetting of eli-thieves, institutionalized state-pardon for criminals, widespread employment of rogues and never-do-wells (for them to come-and-chop), iro ojukoroju (blatant falsehoods), political indiscretions and…fill in the gaps. And… Continue reading WHAT THE LAST GOVERNMENT FORGOT by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi →

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As Nigerian Doctors go to rest by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi

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Today, the Nigeria Medical Association commenced her indefinite strike action. It is habitual for the Federal Government of Nigeria to frustrate and pushdownload (10) until an affected trade union, capable of it though, goes for the jugular of the Government. That way, you’ll be prudently stocking up more funds for exigency situations rather than spend on all institutions of Government. No wonder a Minister, supported by other appointed members of Government, once said, during the six-month strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities (ASUU), “The Government Continue reading As Nigerian Doctors go to rest by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi →

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Re: Omojuwa & other arrested Nigerian protesters. Can we chat? by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi

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omoju

It was an evening not anywhere surreal. As usual, everyone went about their daily tasks rather differently; some peacefully, others riotously, irritably, miserably, grumpily or some like billy-o. However, for some of us who were privileged, to say the best, or disadvantaged, to say the obvious, to be members of the academia, we were cocooned within an office space that was dimly lit, ventilated by a small slit called a window. As we sat, marking time, a song that waltzed itself straight to my spine was Fela Anikulapo’s “Suffering and Smiling”. I wondered why but wasn’t it rather apparent?

 

Here in Nigeria, at a time when young Nigerians should be brazenly outspoken at demanding the respect of their long-trodden rights, everyone seems to be sated by the crumbs that fall off “God knows where”. No one talks, no one agitates, no one cares about their trampled rights; everyone simply grumbles and submits “Why should I be the one to lead?” There’s a Yoruba wise-saying thatomo Continue reading Re: Omojuwa & other arrested Nigerian protesters. Can we chat? by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi →

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Pharmacy, why we do what we do? Just musing….

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“I am black; I am in total fusion with the world, in sympathetic affinity with the earth, losing my id in the heart of the cosmos — and the white man, however intelligent he may be, is incapable of understanding Louis Armstrong or songs from the Congo. I am black, not because of a curse, but because my skin has been able to capture all the cosmic effluvia. I am truly a drop of sun under the earth.”
― Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks

 

A few days ago, I was privileged to have a chat with some colleagues, a great people with whom I pretend the possession of the global best knowledge of drugs (I believe the meaning hasn’t already been construed), especially as it pertains to therapeutics; hence, patient-oriented; well, in our own part of the world (hopefully changing), almost diminished merely to dispensing of drugs (not even the best of it, that is). For the moment, and in sync with our acquired (almost inborn) comfort zone, let’s content ourselves with the fact that “we’re Pharmacists and we’re proud to be Men of Honour”.

Our concern this time was the significance of the choices we have made and that we make a living of, just by making. Why do we do Continue reading Pharmacy, why we do what we do? Just musing…. →

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I’m in a mess. ASUU is on strike. Again. For the umpteenth time, that is

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 meess

“I find that the great thing in this

world is not so much where we

stand as in what direction we are

moving: To reach the port of

heaven, we must sail sometimes

with the wind and sometimes

against it – but we must sail, and

not drift, nor lie at the anchor.” –

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

(29 August 1809 – 8 October 1894)

The name, Musa Parad Isiaka, is that of a fictional character that I intend to be the protagonist in a novel. I’d been nursing the idea of this novel for some time now. For lack of ideas at the moment however, I have elected to gloss over a short period in the life of one Nigerian academic, who goes by the same name. Hence, whatever narrative you read below differs greatly from that of my novel protagonist, at least in their conception.

This period, I innocently wish (like a child is wont to) would ultimately become somehow inculcated into the novel, as events that constitute a major telling bulk of the novel. And when it does, it may just come up as a dream that can’t either harm or make (I’m not here referring to a prophetic dream, mind you). I plead, no one should spank me for all I’ve said and will say, especially for having a “head full of cobwebs”, like my mentor would say, if you know what he means.

If you must know, my usual reaction every time he said it was to gently rub Continue reading I’m in a mess. ASUU is on strike. Again. For the umpteenth time, that is →

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My life is in danger too&I need 2 armoured vehicles worth N255 million

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oduahhhh

If you missed the news on the Aviation ministry scandal involving the Minister, Stella Oduah and which lends some disgrace to Nigeria’s Presidency, please catch up here http://google.com.

Reading through whatever comes up, one will find out that the cars were never budgeted for. That’s definitely sad, considering that there are other items budgeted for but that never got procured.

Again, from the information made available by the Presidency, there has never been, even outside of the budget, any agreement, official or otherwise, on the need to purchase those vehicles. Yet, they were purchased while the agreement that was mutually entered into between the FGN and ASUU in 2009 is right there, gathering dust on unknown tables.oduuaaOdduu Continue reading My life is in danger too&I need 2 armoured vehicles worth N255 million →

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One piece: Reviewing people’s comments on ASUU strike

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ASUU-President

Everytime a news piece caught my fancy, I immediately ingested it. Sometimes, and many times, I read through the comments but that must be just to have a feel of what people had to say about the subject matter. Nothing more.

However, in recent times, I have developed much more than a passing interest in the people’s comments. Now, I dwell more on these comments, probably more than the news piece itself. And the reason for this, I take for granted that it’s obvious.

The people’s comments reveal the real thoughts on the streets. Collectively, they showcase the joys, anger, frustrations, happiness, knowledge, ignorance and such other subjects that can be put into words. The internet is all about words, words and more words even if they come in pictures.

For millions of Nigerian students, primary, secondary, tertiary (undergraduates and postgraduates) and even life students (by that, I mean everyone who still sees learning as a lifelong exercise – including ‘peasants’, civil servants, government and private politicians), our major concern at the moment should not be far from issues with the tags of Continue reading One piece: Reviewing people’s comments on ASUU strike →

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ASUU strike: Don’t force youth to react – Bishop warns FG (131013)

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The following is a piece published On the Daily Post by American Comrade Godwin On October 13, 2013 under the same title (I thought it’s a good piece of information that’s worth the attention of my audience:

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Onah, at the weekend,

warned politicians to retrace their steps, as it would not be possible to quench the anger of Nigerian youth who may soon run out of patience over the poor treatment they are getting from government and their leaders at various levels.

The clergyman stated at the funeral mass organized for Lolo Josephine Oyima Abba, mother of the Enugu State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr. Vita Abba at Ede-Oballa, in Nsukka Council Area of Enugu State.

He warned that such neglect could force the youth to Continue reading ASUU strike: Don’t force youth to react – Bishop warns FG (131013) →

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Agagu’s Plane Crash: The gods must be angry

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aggagga

Quickly, I do not have much to say than to record my condolences and much more, my father’s condolences.

“Riro ni t’eniyan. S’ise ni ti Oluwa. Man proposes. God disposes. Sometimes, the loss of one life brings grief to an entire nation of people. Here is such a case, where the loss of more than one life has brought us grief and left us disheartened. Our sympathies, first and foremost, to the families of one of us, a member of our association and his son, Tunji and Olatunji Okusanya. He was until his untimely death the CEO of popular MIC Caskets. We also share our sympathies with the families of every other single person on that plane. Again, may you all experience peace. God be with you and with everyone of us.” – Pa A. A. Jaiyesimi, National PRO, Molusi College Old Students’ Association.

tunji

That is not to sound so much as to mean I have no condolences to offer. No. On the contrary, I do have. May the good old Lord grant you all eternal peace, if truly there is anything like that. And to my late Pa Agagu, Ondo State former governor, you need more prayers. This is supposed to be your second death; what, in maddening environment, the maddeners would refer to as akutunku e l’ona orun. I’m not sure I can translate that. But it must also mean the same as saying RIP (Rest in Peace). To all other survivors and non-survivors, may God be with you. Continue reading Agagu’s Plane Crash: The gods must be angry →

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Of Rogues and Saints. Re: ASUU is on strike again. Who cares? SMH

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ikhide

My attention was recently, precisely at a time when I should be frolicking with friends, drawn to a beautifully written piece by someone I hold in high regard, a father, fighter and lover, Pa Ikhide. I have always loved to read him. This time, his piece focuses on ASUU (a body he refers to as that of thugs. Of course, with an apology against generalisation). This piece is titled “ASUU is on strike again. Who cares? SMH” and can be read here http://xokigbo.wordpress.com/

 

This said piece, you will agree with me is an eye-opener. And I can create a lengthy piece of conjoined words to describe my admiration for the thoughtfulness and intended patriotism that make the crust of Pa Ikhide’s beautiful harangue. However, now and then, as I read through the piece, enjoying the tides, I stumble on some words and my head reflexly enters the shaking mode, as in ‘no, no, no’. I will not be pleased if ASUU sues my Pa Ikhide to court for his patriotism, wins and hence, making my Pa forever bankrupt. This piece can be used as evidence in the court of law.

To the point. Continue reading Of Rogues and Saints. Re: ASUU is on strike again. Who cares? SMH →

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ASUU Strike Update: We are back in the sane country with an insane government

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This is more of a review, so be not dismayed to see footnotes, bracketed explanations and all-what-nots.

asuuu

Following the several ‘negotiation’ (please, don’t tell me a properly elected government has been renegotiating what agreement she willingly arrived at and signed an MoU, for commitment sake. Just don’t tell this guy) meetings between the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria with regard to the lingering strike rocking the country’s public universities, the Federal Government has, according to the news making the rounds, “decided to break off negotiation with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over what it called the infiltration of the union by the opposition to discredit the government.”

What! That’s alarming. That a government (maybe the people currently occupying that position do not in anyway understand the gravity of their office, utterances and actions) would subscribe to cheap blackmail, libel and outright propaganda against the citizens she’s meant to serve. That’s alarming.

Continue reading ASUU Strike Update: We are back in the sane country with an insane government →

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“Strike: Again, FG, ASUU Refuse To Shift Ground” – Nigerian Press

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asuu_strikeThe title, with inverted commas, of this piece is the favoured choice of the Nigerian press just hours after categorically stating “ASUU strike ends soon”. Well, enough for the Nigerian Press. I salute!

In light of past and present inclinations of the Federal Government of Nigeria in tackling the myriad of problems bedeviling the polity of the country, one should never allow the actions, almost inactions, of the government to frustrate one.

How else could one interprete the actions of the players “for” the FGN? They are constantly dressed flamboyantly (especially, the ladies, referred to by some as National witches) while the men host on their bodies expensive cotton, all thanks to the collective treasury from where, dipping their hands at will, they bring out the notes that keep them and family members going, of course at “speed-boat speed”. No thanks to the Continue reading “Strike: Again, FG, ASUU Refuse To Shift Ground” – Nigerian Press →

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“ASUU strike ends soon” – Nigerian Press

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asuuThe ongoing strike action by the Nigeria’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on for weeks and another leg of the meetings between the ASUU’s and Federal Government’s negotiation team has been scheduled for Monday (today. It should be on now). It is our only hope that the resolutions at the meeting will be something worth taking home.

Meanwhile, several news portals have been excited about the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N400b for infrastructural development in 61 universities identified by the NEEDS assessment. lAkUnLeScReWs finds that worrisome to say the least.

The following piece was written by BIMBOLA OYESOLA on the Sun Newspaper online platform and plagiarized by such others without Continue reading “ASUU strike ends soon” – Nigerian Press →