To prevent the teaching profession from going into extinction in Nigeria, the management of the University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State has declared its undergraduate Education programmes tuition-free to boost enrollment.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, disclosed that enrollment into Education courses has been very poor, stressing the need to revive the critical sector from total collapse.

He also revealed how the authority is striving to ensure that students of the institution make a difference in the larger society by driving expected changes and contributing to feeding the populace.

Asaolu disclosed that the University commissioned the Model Integrated Teaching and Research Farm where students are equipped and trained on livestock management and other agricultural programmes, stressing that no student of the institution would graduate without participating in the entrepreneurship development for the better good of themselves and their extended societies.

He made this known on Monday during a media engagement on how far the school has fared in the last 18 months of its official take-off on the campus.

The VC who reeled out the giant strides of the state-owned institution, disclosed that the National University Commission (NUC) has so far approved a total of 67 courses for the university including Law, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Anatomy among others.

With over 2,000 current students, the pioneer VC said the institution has experienced industrial peace and harmony since its establishment and commencement, commending the state governor, Ademola Adeleke for funding the university and prioritising the welfare of staff.

Asaolu disclosed that Governor Adeleke has approved the engagement of 230 temporary staff inherited from the defunct College of Education on permanent basis in the University.

He explained that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) credited the University’s account with a sum of Ninety-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N98,871,500:00) only as loan disbursement to 247 students of the University and lauded the state governor for encouraging tertiary institutions in Osun State to key into the programme.

“The University, on its part, has also approved tuition scholarship for students studying programmes in the Faculty of Education in the University to encourage increase in enrolment of candidates for the different programmes in education and to prevent the teaching profession from going into extinction. This decision is in conformity with Governor Adeleke’s integral action plan.

“The University doesn’t want the teaching profession to go into extinction. Mind you, this University has offshoot from a College of Education, it is disheartening if courses like Nursing will be recording 150 enrollments, Public Health, 200, and a course like Adult Education will have zero or one.

Not so impressive outing for education and we have the chore of our lecturers in the Faculty of Education and we do not have students for them to teach. So, if you do the cost benefit analysis, it is even better for us to make education tuition free so that the teaching profession will not go into extinction. And at any rate, it goes a long with the vision of Mr Governor.

However, it is just the tuition aspect of the regime of fees which students are expected to pay that is free. When you say free tuition and the student wants to stay in hostel, will the student not pay accomodation, he will pay for sports facilities, and things like that. But tuition from part one to four is free.

While identifying funding as major challenge confronting the institution, Asaolu stated, “Our challenges include lack of perimeter fencing, encroachment by herdsmen, mining on the school land, but the most serious among them is the issue of funding. The governor has been trying, has it not been for the governor, the university would not have made any serious progress.”

He announced that fresh students for the 2024/2025 academic session will resume on 4th November, 2024 while returning students will resume on 11th November, 2024.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has bemoaned the poor maintenance culture prevalent in Nigerian institutions, urging authorities to adopt sustainable practices that will ensure the longevity of infrastructures.

She made this known on Thursday while commissioning a 2.7-kilometre road with solar street lamps at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where she also donated N1 billion for infrastructure development of the institution.

Having graduated from OAU 41 years ago, Mrs. Tinubu lamented the deteriorating condition of the institution, emphasising that universities globally maintain their facilities despite being centuries old.

Expressing displeasure at the apparent neglect of some structures at OAU, Tinubu remarked, “Most institutions around the world, built over 200 years ago, still look good because of a robust maintenance culture, something that is sadly lacking in some Nigerian universities.”

During the event held at the university auditorium, the First Lady fondly recalled her time at OAU, when environmental cleanliness was a priority. She urged the institution’s management to ensure the preservation of its infrastructure.

“What I saw upon my arrival was not pleasant. In our time, we used to clean the environment ourselves. I urge the authorities to maintain existing infrastructures while continuing to develop new ones,” she said.

Mrs. Tinubu commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for his efforts in supporting the university and congratulated him on his 50th birthday celebration.

She noted that many global universities thrive due to the continuous upkeep of their infrastructure, calling for a similar approach in Nigeria.

Commending the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, for naming the newly constructed road and pavilion situated within the university after her, Mrs Tinubu said, “Roads have always been a symbol of progress which opens up pathways to safety and economic growth. It is my hope that this road will become a valuable asset for the University and facilitate easy access for the students and the entire University community.”

The Ooni of Ife lauded Mrs. Tinubu for her advocacy in education and for upholding the values of resilience and progress, saying that the structures were named after the First Lady in recognition of her contributions to societal development.

According to the frontline monarch, “Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s advocacy for the rights and education of women and youth has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Nigerian politics and governance. Her commitment to building a better future for our young people and improving access to quality education has earned her the respect and admiration of many. She stands as a beacon of hope for the next generation, showing that through dedication and perseverance, one can achieve great things and leave a legacy of service.

“In recognition of her contributions, a golden statue is erected to immortalize her virtuous person and to showcase the strength of a teacher, a mother and wife in her at the very heart of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Further more, built, is a state of the art hostel whose dynamic pavilion reflects her progressive nature.”

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire, assured Mrs. Tinubu of the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and infrastructure preservation.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, praised the First Lady for her dedication to education and her philanthropic efforts.

He noted that his administration remains committed to supporting educational development in the state.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme has announced a fresh opportunity for graduates from developing and emerging economies to pursue fully funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

DAAD Scholarships said the initiative aims to prepare scholars for leadership roles through a comprehensive program that comes with financial support.

According to the organizers, the program is designed to empower talented individuals from around the world, enabling them to develop skills and knowledge essential for their futures.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme provides a pathway for graduates from developing countries to gain education and leadership skills at the University of Oxford.

As the application process opens, eligible candidates are encouraged to seize the opportunity to advance their careers and contribute to society.

Launched in 2015 to honour Lord Weidenfeld’s 95th birthday, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Programme has expanded its impact since receiving a significant donation from André Hoffmann in 2017. It is part of the Oxford Graduate Scholarships initiative, which combines university funding with contributions from various donors.

The scholarship covers all course fees and provides a living grant of at least £19,237 annually for the duration of the program. Scholars also gain access to a leadership program that includes discussions on philosophy, training in business skills, communication development, and mentorship.

This environment fosters a supportive community for both personal and professional growth.

The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust collaborates with several organizations, including the Hualan Education Group and Chevening, to offer additional awards and support to its scholars.

Eligibility

To apply for the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships, candidates must meet specific criteria:

New Graduate Course Admission: Applicants must be applying for a full-time graduate program at Oxford, which includes MSc, MSt, MBA, and MPP programs in various fields such as law, public policy, and economics.

Eligible Countries: Candidates should be ordinarily resident in one of the listed eligible countries from regions such as Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Intention to Return: Applicants must plan to return to their home country after completing their studies to contribute positively to public life.

Field of Study and Career Alignment: Candidates need to show a connection between their chosen field of study and long-term professional goals. They should also explain how their work will contribute to public life at regional or global levels.
It is important to note that applicants currently studying at Oxford are not eligible unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars. Deferred offers for the 2025-26 intake are also not eligible.

How to Apply

The application process involves several steps:

1. Graduate Application Form: Interested candidates must complete the graduate application form available on the Oxford website.

2. Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the relevant course deadline, which falls in December 2024 or January 2025.

3. Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement: Applicants must complete and upload this statement along with their graduate application form by the deadline.

4. Nationality and Residency Details: It is crucial to accurately complete the nationality and ordinary residence section of the application, as this information determines eligibility.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview, which typically takes place in April 2025.