Education
Kogi-born University of Ibadan Scholar, Wins Inaugural American LEADS Conference Award.
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The American Chemical Society, has selected Kogi State-born University of Ibadan (UI) Alumnus, Dr Ekundayo Samuel to participate in the American Chemical Society Lasting Encounters between Aspiring and Distinguished Scientists (LEADS) Conference.
The American Chemical Society, is arguably the world largest scientific society.
Samuel disclosed this while speaking with DAILY ASSET on the feat attained.
He said that he was among the 70 participants including four Nobel Laureates selected from a large pool of scientists across the globe.
According to him, the participants who are mix of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career professionals, spent three days in the company of renowned industry and academic leaders, including Nobel laureates Fraser Stoddart, Jennifer Doudna, David MacMillan, and Roald Hoffmann.
Dr Samuel joined the highly esteemed chemists, scientists, professionals, and Nobel Laureates for networking, self-reflection, career exploration, mentoring, and technical discussions from July 18 to 20, 2022, in Hamilton Hotel, Washington, D.C., United States of America.
The medical doctor was selected based on his passion for the chemical sciences, commitment to using biochemistry to address larger societal challenges, and dedication to continuous personal and professional development.
During the event, his Team that presented a project plan that addresses the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 emerged as one of the best two.
All expenses and incidentals were covered for all attendees.
Dr Ekundayo Samuel is a mentee of Prof. Oyeronke A. Odunola of the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Dr Samuel is the current Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, Nigeria, a one-time University of Ibadan Scholar, and a 2017 Commonwealth Split-site Ph.D. Scholar to the University of Bath, UK.
He was recently awarded the 2020 prestigious leadership program award; Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Future Leaders Program. He is one of 30 elite Ph.D. and Postdoctoral scholars from across the world to win the award.
In addition, he is the first time scholar from any Nigerian University to be selected.
This is a great honour for Kogi State and the University of Ibadan, ‘the first and the best’ .
Also, Dr Samuel was a recipient of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Mentoring Network award that participated in the Coaching for Career Development Program from 2019 to 2020.
Again, Dr Samuel is the first student from any Nigerian university and one of two in any African University to receive this award since its inception in 2016.
This Mentoring Network program was designed to supplement the training that graduate students and postdoctoral trainees receive through their University programme.
Dr Ekundayo Samuel is the Founder and Executive Director of Dove-Haven Foundation, a cancer-focused charity organisation based in Isanlu, Kogi State.
The good people of Kogi State and Nigeria at large jointly congratulated the young erudite scholar, Dr Ekundayo Samuel, for this great feat.
Education
Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.
The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the academic session.
He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.
The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.
Mr Sally Farouk from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.
94, according to Ojediran.He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.
The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students quality education.
“You have joined hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.
Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.
Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.
Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees and services to humanity. (NAN)
Education
Prioritise Teachers’ Welfare, NUT President Urges Governors
President of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, on Tuesday, called on state governors to prioritise the welfare of teachers to enhance quality education at the grassroots.Amba made the call at the Adamawa NUT Delegates’ Conference, with the theme: “Education Challenge in an Economy of Uncertainty: Effect of Teachers,” in Yola.
While appreciating Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for the immediate implementation of N70,000 minimum wage, he called on other governor, who had yet to implement it in their states to do so. The NUT president advised members to be productive and strive to undergo training and retraining to further enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.He called on delegates to elect leaders who would lead well and be bold enough to protect the interests of teachers.Amba also appealed to the governor to implement the minimum wage for primary school teachers and local government workers.In his address, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adamawa chapter, Emmanuel Fashe, decried what he called over-taxation of the civil servants in the state, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.Fashe commended the state government for the recent employment of qualified teachers, calling for employment of more, especially primary school teachers.He urged the delegates to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and vote wisely.The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Education Reform, Prof. Sofema Geoffrey, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state.According to him, NUT has a lot to showcase in term of support to government to ensuring quality education in the state.Fintri urged the delegates to conduct a peaceful conference.He assured that other issues at the forum, especially the ones on over-taxation, would be put into consideration. (NAN)Education
Over 40 Students Bag First Class at FUL
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
No fewer than 41 Students out of the total number of 1,863 bagged first class degree at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this in his speech at the 8th convocation ceremony held at the Felele main Campus of the institution in Lokoja at the weekend.
He said that 461 students were conferred with Second Class Upper and 974 got Second Class Lower while 384 students bagged Third Class and 3 students were awarded Pass Degree.
Professor Olayemi Akinwumi also announced that a total of 117 students were awarded Diploma and 216 with postgraduate degrees: Ph.
D, Master’s and PGD.He said that within his short period in office, the university had embarked on a landmark Collaboration with Rural Electrification Agency to provide reliable power generation via renewal energy solutions such as installation of campus-wide street lighting and establishment of renewable energy training centres.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that Federal University, Lokoja under his administration established the first-ever Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi state to serve not only as a significant hub for research and education but also provide a unique platform for community engagement and environmental conservation.
“It is worth noting that prior to my assumption of office in 2021, only two inaugural lectures were held at our university but now I am proud to share that we have successfully conducted a total of twenty-two inaugural lectures since then.
“In our commitment to fostering engagement with critical societal issues, we have prioritised public lectures as the cornerstone of our mission at FUL. Since our last convocation, we have successfully organized six impactful public lectures that have addressed a variety of important topics” Professor Olayemi Akinwumi further disclosed.