Education

Meet the 50yr old UNILAG Best Graduating Masscomm Student (INTERVIEW)

Published

9 years ago

May 7, 2016 8:35 pm

This piece should inspire someone, even me, this has actually change some certain part of my mentality. Read on, it is now on the record that 50-year-old Elkanah Oghenovo Mowarin was the best graduate of Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos in the 2014/2015 academic session, having finished with 4.75 CGPA.

In an exclusive interview, he tells TUNDE AJAJA how it feels graduating at such age

At 50, why did it take you this long to have a degree?

I have had some degrees before now and as a matter of fact, I have been operating in the media industry for more than 20 years, but I know it is important for us to do what we have to do, regardless of age or the level we find ourselves.

I don’t want the emphasis to be on what I have achieved before going to UNILAG, rather I want to inspire and motivate people to do whatever they have to do, at whatever age or level, playing down on what they have before.

So, why did you go back to school?

I opted for undergraduate study because I wanted to have a comprehensive academic knowledge of an industry that I have been operating in for over 20 years. I wanted to have a substantial grasp of the academic dimension of media marketing.

I wanted to take it from the introductory level, like Introduction to Mass Communication, and then grow along that line. I wanted to have a holistic academic knowledge of Mass Communication from the first degree point of view and that was what I did. I needed the necessary academic certification to support my practice.

When you decided to go back to school, were there people who tried to discourage you?

Well, there were those who felt I did not need it. But as an adult, it was a personal decision. I prayed about it and I got a personal conviction to go ahead. And so I set my mind on my goal of obtaining a degree in Mass Communications.

How were you able to combine family and business with academics?

I am a multi-tasking person. I studied in UNILAG for four years as a full time student and I went to school every day and I was in class every time I should.

I live in Lekki with my family, but I had to secure an apartment close to the school due to my commitment to my study. I relied on the services of lecturers, senior students, and others considered to have superior knowledge.

To answer your question directly, it was about setting my mind on a goal which was to get certified on what I have been practising for years. With that in mind, I was able to blend everything together. It was indeed challenging, but God gave me the grace.

You would have had younger people as your course mates, how did you cope?

This is quite hilarious. I recall getting to class and seeing myself amidst students of 16, 17 years old. However, they (my colleagues) were very respectful. I was not arrogant. I was free with everyone. Though it was a challenging time, the fact that we had a good learning environment coupled with the cooperation of my younger colleagues made it enjoyable.

Were there times your younger course mates made you regret your decision of going back to school?

There was never a time. Though there were moments of disagreements, they were not so bad to make me regret going back to school. We were like a family.

There was never a time I thought of jettisoning the idea. I went to school to build capacity. I was very determined. Even if there were distractions and commitments, I refused to be discouraged. I was environmentally blind to things that might want to distract my attention.

Did you relate with them as a father or as colleagues?

I related with them first as colleagues, but those of them who came closer to me as though I were a father or uncle to them, I related with them in like manner. They called me daddy, uncle, and other names to show that they love and respect me.

Do you think you would have done better in your academics if you were younger and single?

Better? I don’t know. I had a 4.75 CGPA. Maybe I would have got 5.00 CGPA just like the overall best graduating student of my set. I really don’t think it is about age.

It is more of setting a goal for myself, attitude and self application to the course. There were younger ones who didn’t have first class and there may be older ones who couldn’t attain such. I believe it is God that gives to whomever He wills.

As the best in your department, did you plan to have a first class or it was by providence?

I was in school for academic knowledge and not with the purpose of bagging a first class. I think it came by providence, moreover, I don’t even consider myself as the most brilliant in my set. However, I was poised to have a good result and I was focused.

The first class feat is a combination of so many elements; like the enabling environment, wonderful lecturers, who were always ready to put us through anywhere we needed help and the seriousness I applied to it; but we give God all the glory. He is the ultimate. Beyond that, I gave it my all.

Since you had experience in what the course entails, would you say it was easy to have it?

Certainly not! Far from being easy. I used to get to school around 7:30am daily. I never missed a class and I never missed taking notes.

I was diligent in our numerous assignments and tests. It was a real struggle; but because I set my mind on it, it was not much of a problem.

However, I can say that it was indeed a very challenging time for me. Prior to my admission, the last time I drank coffee was in the secondary school, but as a student again, I had to rely on coffee to an extent so as to keep me awake and alive. So, I set aside many things to give my studentship 100 per cent attention. I made up my mind to study and make the best out of it.

One would want to assume that your exposure before going back to school must have contributed to your success How much impact did it have?

My exposure to media marketing was of tremendous advantage. I noticed that there was hardly anything I was taught in class that I had not been exposed to before as a media marketing entrepreneur.

So, my exposure assisted me a great lot in my studies. But beyond that, I studied as many times as it came to me. There were instances I read as early as 5am to 7am. Sometimes, I did all night reading.

By my nature, I read a lot. We had lots of assignments and tests, so I had to read. I also had resource persons who were always around to support me. I also had to visit the library to access certain books. I also did a few exercises to keep my body fit.

What interests you about journalism?

A journalist is an information carrier, opinion moulder and well respected in the society. Journalism positions you in any aspect of life: academics, entrepreneurship, governance, among others. It is a well-rounded profession.

Which area did you specialise in?

I majored in broadcasting, but the certificate reads B.Sc. Mass Communication, I had a rounded exposure to all sequences – broadcasting, print, public relations and advertising.

What informed your decision to major in the broadcast sequence?

I chose to major in the broadcast sequence because it best reflects what I have been practising for many years. I am into media marketing, with focus on television content production. So, I thought it necessary for me to be certified in the area I have been operating for years.

You must have had memorable moments. Can you share some with us?

One of the most memorable moments was when I got to the class one day only to discover that my lecturer was a colleague of mine where I had worked before. We were co-managers, and he is now a PhD holder. It was quite an interesting experience. When he saw me, he asked why I was in class and I told him I was his student.

Then he laughed and said he knew I came to acquire knowledge because I had attended several schools before. Another memorable moment was the day I entered class and students were greeting me thinking I was their lecturer, only to later discover that I was their colleague. There were instances when I went to make photocopies of materials and the people there would ask me the class I was lecturing. I told them I was a student and they were amazed. For me, everything was fun.

Do you still have plans of going back to school again?

Knowledge is inexhaustible. We will continue to learn. I love to study. So, I may still go back to school again. Never say never.

Can you tell us your happiest and the most embarrassing moments?

My happiest moments were after the release of semester results and I saw my results, having many As. I felt fulfilled during these times. On the other hand, my most embarrassing moments were the instances when people were not so friendly. This was from some of my course mates. These were people who would ordinarily be my children. Sometimes, they addressed me in an uncomplimentary manner, but I saw such as a price to pay for the environment I found myself. Another instance was, when in a bid to rejoice with my senior colleagues during their convocation party, I sprayed them money. I was later summoned by the management of my department. It was a very embarrassing moment for me. I never wanted to have any confrontation or bad time with my department. I was summoned and verbally cautioned. It was a depressing time for me, but God intervened as it was just a verbal caution.

What is your advice to students?

I will advise students to understand that their primary reason for being in school is to study. They should remain focused and shun cultism, alcoholism, prostitution and all other things that could make them disappoint their parents.

Education

University Of Oxford Invites Jimoh Ibrahim, Australian PM To Talk On Mega Projects

Published

12 hours ago

November 23, 2024 6:12 pm

BodexNG

Senator representing Ondo Southern Senatorial District, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim has been invited by University of Oxford to the 2024 Oxford Major Programme Management Conference to talk on mega projects.

According to the invitation letter signed by Daniel Armanios, BT Professor and Chair of Major Programme Management, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, the billionaire business mogul and the Australian Prime minister, Julia Gilland were invited to talk on the same subject matter.

It would be recalled that Senator Ibrahim’s PhD programme in the United Kingdom University was based on abandoned mega projects.

The letter sent by the Conference Technical Chair to the senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reads in parts: “We are tremendously humbled and honoured to invite you to speak at the 2024 Oxford Major Programme Conference that will be held on December 7, 2024 at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

“This conference will bring together practitioners, academics, and global leaders striving to get major programmes, large-scale initiatives, done.

“This conference will cover a wide range of sectors from infrastructure, defence, and transportation to health and non-profits, and therefore offer a unique opportunity for partnership, learning, and growth.

“The conference will provide a platform to showcase the global benefits brought by major programmes as well as to identify the leading thought leaders and practitioners in the field.

“The purpose of the conference is to recognize challenges, celebrate successes, and provoke thought in the unique surroundings of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

“Lastly and why we thought of you, the conference will play host to important conversations about the development of major programmes in different regions, including sub-Saharan Africa.

“We would especially welcome you to speak about your experiences in Nigeria including the establishment of the University of Fortune – itself a major programme.”

Education

Sacked UNIZIK VC’s professorship fraudulently obtained, says Zamfara university

Published

23 hours ago

November 23, 2024 7:41 am

BodexNG

The Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara state says Bernard Odoh, former vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra, fraudulently obtained his professorship.

BACKGROUND

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu dissolved UNIZIK’s governing council and sacked the institution’s vice-chancellor and registrar.

Odoh was described as “unqualified” for the role of vice-chancellor of the university, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement reads.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”

However, in an interview with Arise Television on Thursday, Odoh said the president erred by firing him.

He added that since his appointment as vice-chancellor was not made through a press release, he cannot be removed through one.

The embattled don said he was qualified for the position of vice-chancellor of UNIZIK ab initio. He added that his appointment followed due process.

Odoh said the case against his appointment is before a federal high court and industrial courts.

He added that Tinubu and Tunji Alausa, education minister, should have waited for the verdict of the courts before booting him out.

Odoh said by leaving the university without a vice-chancellor, governing council and registrar, Tinubu has fomented crisis in UNIZIK.

The embattled university don added that two of the assessors, and a registrar from FUGUS who deposed to an affidavit on his professorship, are still alive and can back his claims.

‘PRODUCTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE FRAUD’

In a statement on Thursday, Yakubu Anivbassa, FUGUS registrar, said the documents referenced by Odoh were “products of administrative fraud”.

The FUGUS management said Odoh “was never a staff member of the university” and his claims are “tissues of lies and misinformation”.

“The Federal University Gusau hereby states in clear and unambiguous terms that the so called letters of offer of tenure of appointment as Professor and confirmation of promotion to the post of Professor, dated 30th April 2015 and 12th November 2015, being paraded by Dr Bernard Odoh are null and void,” the statement reads.

“The documents being paraded by Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi and purported to be certified true copies hurriedly endorsed by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, former Registrar of the Federal University, dated November 8, 2024, six solid years after the latter left the services of the Federal University Gusau, are products of administrative fraud orchestrated by Dr. Odoh.

“Dr Odoh working in cahoots with the former Vice Chancellor of the University and the Registrar, as there is no official record of Dr. Odoh’s employment in the custody of the University.

“Further proof of the desperation to perpetuate such illegality is the impersonation and usurpation of the duties of the current Registrar of the University by the former Registrar, Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, who procured a fake stamp to certify Dr. Odoh’s equally fake employment documents as true copies on November 8, 2024, six years after his disengagement from the university.

“Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi is not and has never been a tenure staff of the university, let alone being confirmed as a professor by the institution.

“Whatever claim to the contrary by Dr. Odoh is nothing but the antics of a drowning man who is hell-bent on using the good name of the Federal University Gusau, to give vent to his desperate ambition to become the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, through subterfuge.”

The registrar said certification of public documents is guided by the Evidence Act 2011, adding that requirements include payment of fees and a certified true copy.

Anivbassa added that the document must be sealed, dated and signed by the officer responsible for issuing the document with his name and title of his office.

“A careful perusal of the above requirements and their juxtaposition against the certification of Dr. Odoh’s documents by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, clearly shows that the so called certified true copies fell short of the provisions of Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011 and are therefore, not legally tenable,” he said.

Anivbassa said Bawa, having left FUGUS as a registrar in 2018, has “no locus” to certify university documents.

“Therefore, the so-called certified true copies of Dr. Odoh’s documents relating to his alleged employment as endorsed by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura on November 8, 2024, are illegal, criminal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement added.

Education

Sex-for-grade: FUOYE clears female student for graduation, sanctions lecturer

Published

23 hours ago

November 23, 2024 7:20 am

BodexNG

The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.

Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her, and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Wole Balogun, the university confirmed that Olahanloye’s allegations were investigated, and her scripts were re-marked.

“The young lady’s scripts were re-marked, and she performed fairly better than the scores initially awarded by Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia,” the statement read.

According to Balogun, the university management approved Olahanloye’s revised results, which qualified her for graduation.

“The university management has given executive approval for her results to be processed. She has since commenced her final clearance from relevant units of the university,” the statement added.

Balogun also disclosed that Agbegbedia had been sanctioned by the institution for his misconduct.

Olahanloye expressed her joy over the resolution of the case, saying, “I am happy that I have gotten justice, and I really appreciate the university Vice-Chancellor for setting up the committee that investigated the matter.

“I was shown my entire results, including the graduation list with my name on it. I have started my clearance as a graduating student of the university, and I am truly happy.”

Her father, Rasaki Olahanloye, also lauded the university for its commitment to justice.

“I can confirm to the world that FUOYE has served justice to my daughter. I was shown her upgraded results after her scripts were re-marked, and it is clear that she passed.

“The university fulfilled its promise to ensure fairness, and I appreciate the VC, Prof. Sunday Fasina, and the committee members for ensuring my daughter gets justice,” he said.

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others