By Ajayi Samiat Oluwatimilehin
In a remarkable event, the first for Lagos State University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello MNI, along with university directors and staff, participated in an interactive media chat with selected students on Tuesday, October 3rd, to commemorate the second anniversary of her administration. This unprecedented event was orchestrated to directly address the concerns and interests of the university's student populace.
Addressing concerns on infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor discussed efforts to improve infrastructure particularly focusing on motorable roads around the students hostel and the international school. Prof. Olatunji-Bello also unveiled plans for the LASU water project, construction of additional toilets and the establishment of a fire service to serve both the university and the broader metropolis.
Turning her attention to the short duration of the academic calendar and the concerns it has gathered, the Vice Chancellor explained the decision to extend the semester by two weeks, which was done to alleviate the pressure on students working to pay their school fees.
She said, "Your president came to us and made us to understand that some students work to pay their school fees, and in this year, they have paid for two sessions. The planned style is that you are graduating very fast and there is no delay. But the negative side is that there's so much pressure on the students on payment of school fees.."
Consequently, course registration, initially slated to conclude on September 30th, has been extended to October 15th, with exams rescheduled from October 30th to November 15th.
In response to concerns raised by student representatives about classroom accommodation, Lagos State University's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, announced that lecturers have been directed to embrace a hybrid mode of teaching to better accommodate students.
Highlighting the global shift towards virtual learning, the vice chancellor stated, "The whole world is going virtual, We cannot continue to build large classes, you cannot really have effective learning and effective teaching in large classes, so hybrid is the way out and that's what everyone is doing. It's fortunate that LASU is going to be the first to start it, that's when every university will eventually embrace it."
Transportation concerns were also a topic of discussion during the media chat. The Vice Chancellor mentioned ongoing efforts to collaborate with LAMATA to enhance transportation services for students, while also adding the possibility of utilizing student buses (macopolos) as a means of providing free transportation.
Seeking the input of the LASUSU President, Abdulrahmon Oreoluwa Agoro, on this transportation alternative, he responded, "We can do that, provided that the management is ready to support us with diesel and oversee the management of the buses. We can do that two times in the morning and two or three times in the evening."
However, it's worth noting that the Dean of Students Affairs (DSA) expressed reservations about the morning arrangements, citing potential fuel wastage due to the fact that not all students have morning lectures. Consequently, the discussion concluded with a decision to implement two evening trips and one morning trip.
Addressing security concerns on and off campus, including the recent introduction of bag searches by marshals, the Chief Security Officer explained the rationale behind these measures. He highlighted how concerns had led to a security parley involving invited Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
The Chief Security Officer further reported tangible results from these efforts, including the arrest of approximately five suspects and the recovery of three firearms. He added, "Majority of the handset that was carted away were equally recovered and returned to the students and ever since then I don't think we've had it so bad"
Expanding on the bag searches, he emphasized, "We know we cannot continue to infringe upon the fundamental right of the students....Let me draw your attention to about few months ago when we checked students bag and we discover dangerous weapons, like dagger some charms."
The Vice chancellor added that stimulants have been found in some bags and for these reasons, bag searches will continue until security risks have been minimized.
During the media chat, the students representative also voiced their worries about the delay in receiving results, difficulties accessing old course forms, and uncertainty about the continuation of the university's scholar opportunity.
To alleviate concerns about result delays, the administration clarified that all pending results would be uploaded by Friday, October 6th, providing relief to students awaiting their academic progress.
It was also explained that the generation of old course forms had been removed from the portal.
However, students in need of old course forms were advised to contact their Heads of Department (HODs) and attach their payment receipts for assistance.
For those eagerly anticipating scholarships, the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee offered reassuring news. He explained that the committee is actively collating the list of next awardees and pledged that scholarships would be awarded promptly upon completion.
The effectiveness of the university's entrepreneurship classes was also raised. According to the Director of the Entrepreneurship Program, these concerns have been placed on the management's agenda for thorough consideration. The conversation also covered work-study opportunities, program cut-offs, and preparations for the Africa University Games.
Also, in a noteworthy announcement, the Vice Chancellor shared plans for the imminent launch of two essential platforms: "The Students Life App" and "LASU Staff Corner." The former will provide students with easy access to vital portals and resources, while the latter will serve as an informative hub for staff, encompassing information on appointment, promotion and many more.
This media chat undoubtedly stands as a pivotal moment in enhancing communication between the administration and students, reinforcing the promise of a more responsive and engaged university environment.
Notable attendees included student journalists from the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) LASU, LASU Conscience, LASU Life, Campus Info, as well as public relations officers from faculties such as Communication and Media Studies, Management Science, Law, and more.
In attendance were also key figures from the school management, including Prof. Funsho Omobitan, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics; Prof. Adenike Boyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration; Mr. Emmanuel Fanu, University Registrar; Mr. Said Olayinka, University Bursar; Dr. Layi Adebayo, University Librarian; Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko, Dean of Students Affairs; and various directors and staffs.
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