The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Sam Guobadia has disclosed that over 50 percent of Nigerians are miserable because of the nation’s economic downturn.

Prof. Guobadia made this known while delivering an inaugural lecture titled “It’s the Environment.” The ceremony, which was held in the university main auditorium, marked the 7th inaugural lecture in the University.

The University don, cited a research program carried out by the World Economic Forums Misery Index which supported his position. The index, he mentioned, is a combined measurement of unemployment and the average rate of inflation in prices of goods and services in the country.

“The combined employment and underemployment rates in Nigeria’s recession prone economy pulled the unemployment rate in the country to well over 50 percent, fueling the risk of insecurity and youth restiveness,” he said.

He mentioned that the failure to develop the economy after five decades of independence is a result of deficiencies in the environment particularly in the area of infrastructure, energy, education, macroeconomic policies, agriculture, international trade and suffocating corruption.

The Professor of Economics who boasts of innovative ideas in economic development added that the alteration of the existing economic and political disequilibrium would lead to more efficient allocation of resources and the development of sustainable economic growth path.

He highlighted negligence, corruption, policy inconsistencies, government inimical policies, and harsh operating environment as factors responsible for Nigeria’s poor economic performance.

He added: “Until the environment in Nigeria is sanitized it will be difficult to apply any form of sensible, modern economic framework. This is because conventional economic models no longer work in Nigeria due to environmental factors. This means that without fixing the environment, achieving inclusive growth, reducing unemployment and underemployment, eradicating poverty and the ability to diversify the economy and compete globally will remain elusive.”

The astute scholar lamented that Nigeria invests just 3percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education compared to South Korea that invests close to 60 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education and vocational trainings.

“Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore invest up 80 percent of its annual budget on capital projects; while Nigeria invests below the average of 24 percent of its annual budget on capital projects. Unarguably, Nigeria spends over 70 percent of its annual budget on recurrent expenditure, “he said.

On restructuring, he said: “If we do not restructure, if we did not revamp, if we do not change our institutions there would be difficulty in making economic progress because resources are not everything but the management of these resources and institutions establish the society.

“If we restructure, the strength and the resourcefulness of the people of the country will come out. Right now, many regions in the country are not pulling their weight because you have not unleashed them. If you unleash them then they will offer their best.

“Restructuring is not bad. What has produced the bad leaders is because we have weak institutions. Strong institutions will make good leaders come and go. Many of our leaders are good. President Buhari is not able to perform because we are faced with a deficient structure both politically and economically. The minute we revamp those structures, Nigerians will be unleashed and we will become one of the greatest economics of the world. Change the basic structure and Nigeria will grow.

The inaugural lecturer further recommended that improving governance, education,  manpower development, eliminating corruption, modernizing of agricultural production, providing adequate soft and hard infrastructure in terms of policy and institutional reforms, judiciary, education as well as modern port facilities, railways and energy as the way forward for Nigeria

He said: “If we can fix the environment, then Nigeria will achieve economic emancipation.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, represented by a Professor of Accounting and  former Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Prof Richard Anao, congratulated the inaugural lecturer, noting that inaugural lectures were avenues through which scholars educate the public about their various achievements in research and learning.

He thanked Prof. Guobadia for delivering the seventh inaugural lecture of the University which he described as important and thoughtful.

The lecture was well attended by lecturers and students within and outside the country.

Happy 15th wedding anniversary to the President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop F.E.B Idahosa and his lovely wife, the Director, Campus life Division, Rev. Laurie Idahosa.

We pray that  the bond of love between you gets stronger every day and may your every anniversary be more exciting as ever.

Happy anniversary to both of you.

We love you.

Everistus Onwuzurike

Strategic Leadership Academy, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in conjunction with Scripture Communication Network recently organised a leadership summit for staff and students of Benson Idahosa University, administrative staff and youth leaders.

The event with the theme: Communicating Leadership had industry top-rated leadership experts and academics as keynote speakers.

In his welcome address, the convener of the leadership summit, Dr. Mark Ighile, said the event was held to equip students with leadership skills and qualities of progressive leadership for success in various aspects of life.

According to him, if you can speak to a leader, you have spoken to hundreds of people. Leaders must learn to speak right in other to lead right.

Dr. Ighile said the summit would challenge students to strive for excellence and relevance, especially in this age of moral relativity.

Explaining the theme of the summit, Dr. Ighile, who also doubles as the Director of Academic Planning, Benson Idahosa University explained that many leaders are not productive because they lack the ability to communicate. It is effective presentation of ideas and vision that precipitates followership and fulfillment

Speaking on “work ethics and leadership branding,” one of the plenary session speakers, Dr. Isaac Awotanmi said: “ethical life helps your spiritual life and makes the evil depart from you.” He added that not all values are ethical values.

He told the participants that for them to become good leaders; they must first be good followers.

The former Provost of Apostolic Church Theological Seminary noted that there are many books on leadership but few books on followership.

Awotanmi advised youth leaders and scholars to treat people with dignity and be fair in all their dealings.

The Director, HR, Friesland Campina WAMCO, Tominiyi Oni, who spoke on “Raising talents through coaching and mentoring,” said that coaching and mentoring help to nurture young people for all they need in life to be successful.

Oni added that the world is changing, and because of this, the people of the world are changing too.As a result, he urged the students to find their purpose while they are still young.

“You can be good but with your purpose you will be great,” he said.

He advised leaders across the country to mentor and coach young people so that the future can be bright for all Nigerians.

On his part, the resident Pastor, Church of God Mission International, Rev. Dickson Ogbahon mentioned that leadership is an influence and is not being imposed.

He said a lot of people attend leadership summit but fail to exhibit the characteristics inherent in a leader.

“There are people with various leadership certificates but are not really leaders,” he said.

He reminded them that even though they are not leading anybody, they are leading themselves to a destination.

Present at the summit, were the former Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Oyedeji, Dean College of Agriculture, Prof. Williams Molindo, Senior Pastor of Unique Christian Assembly, Pastor Joseph Abraham, staff and students leaders of Benson Idahosa University.

7th Moot Court Competition: Benson Idahosa University Set to Defend Title

Benson Idahosa University, winner of the 6^th edition of the International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition which was held at Lagos State University, is set to defend their title as champions at the ongoing 7^th edition of the Moot court competition taking place in Port Harcourt.

The coach and lecturer who is supervising the team from Benson Idahosa University, Dr. (Mrs.) T.U Akpoghome said that the expectations are very high; though  they are ready to defend their title.

“The expectations are high, we believe that having won the title last year, God is going to take us there again and give us victory as it is neither by power nor by might.”

Every other school is preparing, they all want to go to Tanzania, and there is no crime if we go to Arusha twice.

The students are ready and are in high spirit and I strongly believe that what God has started he will be faithful to finish.

On preparations, she said they have being practicing since the beginning of the year and the memorials which are the arguments both for the applicants and the prosecution are well arranged.

“Our earnest prayer is that when we ballot , we should pick applicants because the applicant’s case is usually very stronger and it helps to build a good foundation for the students. Benson Idahosa University has always shown to be one of the best universities with the knowledge of International Humanitarian Law,” she said.

One of the representatives, Abbey Ngwiate said it is a great opportunity for her to represent her school in such a big competition.

“Since we resumed we have being preparing for this competition and i believe God will crown our efforts with success.”

It will be recalled that last year Benson Idahosa University was represented by, Iheaturu Jane (500L Law student), Osike Edward (500L Law student) and Babajide Love (500L Law student), who proved their superiority over their counterparts during the intellectual scuffle.

Benson Idahosa University emerged victorious amidst stiff competition from nine other universities, which included, Lagos State University (LASU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Bayero University Kano (BUK), University of Benin (UNIBEN), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), River State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), and University of Jos (UNIJOS).

The Moot Court competition helps to introduce students and budding lawyers to the practical aspect of the study of law, as well as create a healthy rivalry amongst sister Faculties of Law from several institutions.

PROF. GUOBADIA TO DELIVER 7TH INAUGURAL LECTURE

Everistus Onwuzurike

Benson Idahosa University is set to hold its 7th Inaugural Lecture. The title of the lecture is, “It’s the environment” and will be delivered by an erudite scholar, Prof. Sam Guobadia from the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.

The event would hold on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the University Auditorium by 1pm. The Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie is to chair and preside over the occasion.

Prof. Guobadia, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa of University, is a top research scholar, teacher, editor and facilitator.

The Professor of Economics boasts of innovative ideas in economic development, corporate governance and organizational management. He received his undergraduate and postgraduate training in Nigeria and the United States of America.

The astute scholar’s academic qualifications include baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Economics with emphasis on economic forecasting, economic development and financial economics. His academic and professional affiliations have included the American Economic Association, Nigerian Economic Society and the Nigerian Statistical Association.

He played instrumental role in the new Federal Government’s Youth-with-Innovation programme; coordinating Edo and Delta States – receiving commendations from the National Coordinators of these programmes.

The 7^th inaugural lecturer is actively engaged in capacity building for the enhancement and development of various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin City, Mr. Abubakar Adamu Mohammed, has commended Benson Idahosa University for the peace enjoyed in the University. He gave the commendation when the University Management paid a courtesy visit to him at the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 5 headquarters, Benin City.

He said he is pleased with the way the University is handling its security matters as there hasn’t been any major case of armed robbery, unrest, kidnapping or cultism in the institution.

He noted that the police was doing its best to prevent crimes in the State and mentioned that crimes have drastically reduced to the barest minimum. However, he advised the Management to keep doing the good work, adding that his command will continue to support and cooperate with the University to further ensure peace and tranquility. “Cultism is a phenomenon attached with tertiary institutions and we try to make sure such is not perpetrated in universities.

This is one of the major reasons we partner with various universities in the country.” Mr. Mohammed emphasized the need for academics to come up with ideas that can assist the police in combatting crime; stating that policing has evolved over the years due to technological innovations.

He said the zone looked forward to the continued support of the University towards the operations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie lauded the police boss for ensuring that there was peace and security in the state.

He described the visit as a landmark because of the cordial relationship between the Police Force and the University.

Prof. Izevbigie mentioned that the University is making plans to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in terms of Forensic Science. Commenting on crime waves, he said the University has a robust security system that has helped curb the spate of crime in the state.

He prayed the AIG to use his office to keep the tempo high. The Vice Chancellor expressed his appreciation to the AIG and wished him success in discharging his duties to the State.

The educational sector has received a major boost as Benson Idahosa University and the Royal Exchange Prudential Life recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

This is to help bona fide students of Benson Idahosa University who are unable to complete their fees as a result of demise of their sponsors. The University Management took this step further to ensure that student who gain admission into the University, graduate without any financial hindrance.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie said it is a welcome development as the University had continued to demonstrate capacity in learning.

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and exchange of documents between the leaderships of Benson Idahosa University and Royal Exchange Prudential Life, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, attributed that the collaboration features the University’s core areas, which are Research, Teaching and Service.

He further expressed his excitement at the opportunities which the product will primarily accord the affected students with hope that greater things will come from the collaboration.

On his part, the Head of Technical Operations, Royal Exchange Prudential Life, Wale Akinrotimi said the collaboration is one of their company’s product called the Royal Tuition Plan.

This product/plan he explained will ensure that every student remains in school uninterrupted as long as the partnership with Benson Idahosa University exists. Akinrotimi said, “We are faced with a lot of contingencies in life; contingency of death and permanent disability, and we are here to partner with Benson Idahosa University to help students whenever such occurs.

For instance, if a parent dies while the child is still in this school, we would pay the school fees till he/she graduates.” He commended the University saying it’s a laudable effort because very few institutions have keyed into this.

He reiterated that the partnership is in a bid to ensure that the studentship of any child is not jeopardized as a result of the death of his/ her parents” he said.

Royal Exchange Prudential Life is the life arm of the Royal Exchange Plc. The company is licensed to underwrite life insurance and related risks.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Sam Guobadia has advised final year students to develop a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship as it is one of the major ways of attaining self-fulfillment.

The don who gave the advice while speaking at the Life Success Centre programme said being an entrepreneur would help them meet their financial
goals and increase their self-confidence.

Speaking on ‘why start a business’ he told the students that it will enable them become job creators rather than job seekers after their graduation. “Starting a business helps you to make money and do well for society.

He reminded them that successful businesses are not always about the money as some of the biggest businesses today started with little or nothing. “Before you start a business, you must develop pre-requisite skills” he said.

He urged them to also develop a globalised mindset which entails being creative and spending on assets rather than on liabilities as the former will help increase cash flow.

The Professor of Economics urged the students to acquire more knowledge by attending workshops and conferences organized for startups.

Speaking on “Home training” the Director, Campus life Division, Rev. Laurie Idahosa said that effective time management is the major key in home training. “Time management is the key in home training. A good host prepares ahead of time and anticipates the needs of his/her guest,” she said.

“As a lady, you should know the kind of man you are going to marry. Remember that men like surprises, therefore don’t expose your body just to entice them.” She added.

The Life Success Centre (LSC) is a career training centre that helps to train, equip and challenge Benson Idahosa University final year students.