UNN Merit Departmental Cut-Off Marks 2015/2016 Announced

This is to inform aspirants of University of Nigeria, Nsukka that the institution has released the merit departmental cut-off marks for 2015/2016 session.

Click link BELOW to see the cut off marks:
http://myschool.com.ng/news/files/23078340672_UNN%20Merit%20Cut%20Off_2k152k16.pdf

FUTA Change of Course Form is Out – 2015/16

Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA change of course form for candidates that scored 50% and above in the just concluded post UTME screening exercise is now on sale.
Following the release of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA merit admission list, authorities of the institution call for application from candidates that scored 50% and above in the post UTME screening exercise but not offered admission.
Applications are hereby invited for admission into the following Departments. Applicants should be qualified candidates who made FUTA their Most Preferred Choice Institution during the 2015 UTME. Such candidates must have scored not less than 180 in the UTME and not less than 50% in the P-UTME of the University. In addition, candidates must have taken the relevant UTME subjects and posses a minimum of five (5) relevant Ordinary Level/SSCE credit passes. The credit passes must have been obtained at not be more than two (2) sittings. Candidates who have been offered provisional admission need not apply. The Departments, relevant UTME subjects and the minimum required Ordinary Level/ SSCE subjects are as follows:
S/N
DEPARTMENT
DEPT
UTME SUBJECTS
SSCE SUBJECTS
1
Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology
AEC
English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science and Mathematics or Physics.
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science and one of Economics, Geography and Physics. At least a pass in Physics is required.
2
Animal
Production and Health
APH
English Language, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics and Biology or Agricultural Science
English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Agricultural Science.
3
Agricultural and
Resource
Economics
ARE
English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science and Mathematics or Physics.
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Economics or Geography. At least a Pass in Physics is required.
4
Crop, Soil and Pest Management
CSP
English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and any of Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science
At least five credits at a maximum of two sittings to include the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology or Agricultural Science. At least a Pass in Physics is required.
5
Ecotourism and Wild Life Management
EWM
English Language, Biology or Agricultural Science and any two of Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Mathematics and Physics
English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, and any two from Chemistry, Geography or Economics and at least a pass in Physics is required.
6
Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology
FAT
English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Mathematics or Physics.
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science and Economics or Geography. At least a Pass in Physics is required.
7
Food Science and Technology
FST
English Language, Chemistry, Physics and any of Mathematics and Biology or Agricultural Science.
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Biology or Agricultural Science.
8
Forestry and Wood Technology
FWT
English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science and Mathematics or Physics
English Language, Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science, Mathematics and Physics.
9
Agricultural
Engineering
AGE
English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
English Language, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and one of Biology, Agricultural Science and Technical Drawing.
10
Mining
Engineering
MNE
English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and one of Biology, Agricultural Science and Technical Drawing.
11
Applied
Geophysics
AGP
English Language, Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry
At least five credits passes in subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at NOT more than two sittings.
12
Marine Science and Technology
MST
English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Agricultural Science.
13
Remote Sensing & Geosciences Information System
RSG
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and any one of Geography, Biology and Physics.
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Geography or Biology or Agricultural Science.
14
Industrial Design
IDD
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and any one of Fine Art, Economics, Biology, Physics, Geography and Technical Drawing.
English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry and any two of Economics, Physics, Technical Drawing, Fine Arts and Geography. Credit or pass in Fine Art will be an added advantage, while a pass grade in Physics is acceptable.
FUTA Change of Course Application Procedure.
Interested candidates are requested to:
Pay the sum of Ten Thousand Naira (N10, 000.00) only using e-Transact platform at any of the following Banks:
*.Wema Bank
*.Diamond Bank Plc
*.First City Monument Bank
*.Mainstreet Bank
*.Fidelity Bank Plc
*.Stanbic IBTC
*.Unity Bank
*.Skye Bank
*.Standard Chartered Bank
*.Citi Bank
Note the CONFIRMATION CODE that is generated on the e-transact receipt you receive from the bank.
Thereafter, use the UTME Registration Number and the Confirmation Code on the e-Transact receipt obtained from the bank to log on to the FUTA website and complete the Change of Course Form online appropriately.
Each candidate is expected to make three (3) choices: Most Preferred, More Preferred and Preferred. The UTME subjects and SSCE/Ordinary Level results must be relevant to the three choices.
Submit and print the Change of Course Form online.
Note: Candidates should fill in their Ordinary Level/SSCE results in the space provided in the Form. They should be careful in the choice of courses by ensuring that the Ordinary Level/SSCE subjects fulfill the minimum requirements for the courses chosen.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE PAYMENT, COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION OF THE CHANGE OF COURSE FORM ONLINE IS MONDAY, 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2015.

BUK Direct Entry Screening Form is Out – 2015/16

Bayero University Kano, BUK direct entry screening exercise registration has commenced.
This is to inform all the candidates that applied for the Bayero University Kano (BUK) 2015/2016 academic session admission through Direct Entry, that the management of the institution has announced that they can now commence registration online. Follow the steps outlined below to perfectBayero University Direct EntryScreening exercise application.

Bayero University Direct Entry Screening Method of Application
Step 1: Visit www.buk.edu.ngand click Direct Entry Online Screening at the home page. Login using your DE Number, Phone Number and email address.
Step 2: Personalised payment invoice will be sent immediately into your email inbox. Print it and go to any branch of the under -listed banks, nationwide to make a non-refundable payment of N2, 500, 00 (Two Thousand Five Hundred Naira Only) being the cost of screening as well as Bank and Administrative charges.
*.UBA
*.SKYE Bank
*.Guarantee Trust Bank
*.First Bank
*.Fidelity Bank
Step 3: Return to www.buk.edu.ngand login to complete the screening. Note that applicants cannot complete the screening until their payment is processed and verified. Fill in the Personal Data (including a clear and recent passport photograph) and Results Verification forms and click ‘submit’. NOTE that the photograph uploaded will be the only Valid ID for all admitted candidates throughout their stay in the University.
Step 4: An auto-generated Online Screening Acknowledgment Slip will be sent immediately into your email inbox. Print the Slip and keep it safe. The slip will be needed during the collection of admission letter and during registration.
If you have any inquiry or encountering any difficulty, write toscreening.de@ buk.edu.ng
NB:
*.S Payment at all Banks will be closed on Friday, 9th October, 2015
*.S The Portal for the ONLINE SCREENING will be closed by mid night on Sunday, 11thOctober, 2015
Any candidate who fails to do the ON-LINE SCREENING will not be considered.

UNIJOS 27th/28th Convocation Ceremonies Schedule of Events

University of Jos, UNIJOS 4oth anniversary and 27th/28th convocation ceremonies important details and schedule of events.

The University of Jos wishes to inform the general public, invited guests and students of the institution that activities marking the 40th Anniversary of the University and 27th/ 28th combined convocation ceremonies will take place as from Monday 14th to Saturday, 26th September, 2015.

Invitation cards for graduands and their guests, and academic robes will be issued on arrival at their respective Faculty Offices as from Monday 21st September, 2015.

Graduands are expected to pay at the Cash Office of the Bursary charges for academic robes, University scrolls and Convocation booklets as indicated below:
*.First Degree Graduands – N5,000.00
*.Masters & Postgraduate Diploma – N7,500.00
*.Ph.D – N10,000.00
SN DATES ACTIVITIES GUESTS TIME VENUE Mon. 14th Sept. 2015Vice-Chancellor’s Press Conference
VC 11amSenate Chambers
1.Fri. 18th Sept. 2015Jumat PrayersChief Imam2.00pmUnijos Mosque Bauchi Road Campus
2.Sun. 20th Sept. 2015Combined Thanksgiving ServiceBro Gbile Akani9.00amChapel of Faith Unijos, Naraguta Campus
3.Mon. 21st Sept. 2015a.Exhibition
b. Novelty Football Match 12noon
3.00pmMPA, Basement
University Staff School Football Field, Bauchi Road Campus
4.Tue. 22nd Sept. 2015a. Founders’ Day
b. Book Launch – Chairman (Prince Nduka Obaigbena) – Chairperson (Hajiya Zainab Ahmed – SSG Nasarawa State) -Chief Launcher – Barr. Ngozi Ekeoma (CEO – Nepal Oil & Gas)
c. Exhibition
d. Drama
e. Alumni DinnerFather of the Day – Canon Selchan Miner
Mother of the Day – Justice Yargata Nimpar10am
12noon
3:00pm
4.00pmMPA, Bauchi Road Campus
MPA, Basement , Bauchi Road Campus
Open Air Theatre, Bauchi Rd Campus.
Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Rayfield Jos
5. Wed. 23rd Sept. 2015a. Convocation Lecture – Lecturer (Prof. Tam David West) -Chairman of Convocation Lecture – Chief Jonathan A. Adeka –Former Commissioner of Finance, Defunct Benue-Plateau State -Guest of Honour – His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, the Governor of Plateau State
b. Exhibition c. Drama10am 12:00noon 3:00pmMPA, Bauchi Road Campus
MPA, Basement, Bauchi Road Campus
Open Air Theatre, Bauchi Rd Campus.
6.Thurs 24th Sept. 2015 SALLAH HOLIDAY
7.Fri. 25th Sept. 2015SALLAH HOLIDAY – RehearsalAll Deans, ICT, Media and Publicity4.00pmJeremiah Useni Stadium, Naraguta Campus
8.Sat. 26th Sept. 2015a. Commissioning Projects
b. The Investiture of New Chancellor
c. Convocation for the conferment of Diplomas/Degrees/Masters/PhD/Honorary
d. Luncheon-Visitor to the University
-Chancellor
-Pro-Chancellor
-University Community8am
9am
1.00pmNaraguta Campus (Project Sites)
Jeremiah Useni Stadium, Naraguta Campus
Former Council Guest House, Naraguta Campus

DELSU Publishes List of Dismissed Staff & Expelled Students

Delta State University, DELSU published the names of dismissed staff and expelled students from the university since 2010/2011 to 2014/2015 academic session.
Authorities of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, have published the list of students expelled over various cases of examination malpractice and cultism and the list of staff members dismissed for cases of gross misconduct, collection of money from students, alteration of students scores, sexual harassment, issuing of fake school fess printout, amongst others.
A total of 86 undergraduate students were expelled with 13 staff also dismissed.
The list was published on the following links; http://delsu.edu.ng/expelled-students.aspxand http://delsu.edu.ng/Dismissed-Staff.aspxrespectively.

DELSU Publishes List of Dismissed Staff & Expelled Students

Delta State University, DELSU published the names of dismissed staff and expelled students from the university since 2010/2011 to 2014/2015 academic session.
Authorities of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, have published the list of students expelled over various cases of examination malpractice and cultism and the list of staff members dismissed for cases of gross misconduct, collection of money from students, alteration of students scores, sexual harassment, issuing of fake school fess printout, amongst others.
A total of 86 undergraduate students were expelled with 13 staff also dismissed.
The list was published on the following links; http://delsu.edu.ng/expelled-students.aspxand http://delsu.edu.ng/Dismissed-Staff.aspxrespectively.

Unilorin best graduating student in search of a good job 6 years after graduation

University of Ilorin's best graduating student from the Faculty of Education in 2009, Ruth Idi Okpoto now Mrs Ruth Omopariola-Bolarinwa, a deaf lady, has cried out for help after searching for a good and well paying job six years after she graduated from school.

In an email she sent to Education Review & obtained by The Sun, Ruth who is now a married mother of one, narrated her fruitless efforts in searching for a well paying job. She shared on how tribalism, nepotism and her deafness have militated against her getting a job that will tally with her educational qualification. She says she currently works at a school in Ogun state where she coordinates the PTA group. She called on her alma mata, Exxon Mobil and others to help her with a job. Excerpts of the email after the cut...


“To set the record straight I am not a deaf-mute. Not all deaf people are dummies. I am a bilingual deaf person with a mild hearing loss.  I became deaf in 1997 at the age of 15 while in SS 1 at Dairy Farm Secondary School, Lagos. I have already acquired language proficiency before the sickness that caused my hearing loss started then. After the illness, I discovered I couldn’t hear very well whenever people talk to me unless I read their lips. Despite this hearing difficulty, I continued my education at the school.
“At a point, I confided in the Vice Principal (Academic) Deaconess Afolabi but she didn’t believe me because according to her I could speak and hear her. She decided to check my academic records but was surprised to realize how brilliant I was as a deaf person. From there, she showed interest in me and adopted me. She later introduced me to her husband – Pastor Toye Afolabi. They supported me to further my education at Kwara State College of Education, Oro, in 1999, after the completion of my SSCE. I lived and grew up under their loving care for more than 15 years till I got married in 2011.
“When I got admissions into University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), they encouraged and supported me. I did not even know sign language then but I excelled at the College where I studied Agriculture. I did my IT at the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority without the help of any interpreter. I have a good rapport with people. Some people think I am pretending to be deaf whenever I tell them about it because of the way I relate with them. I didn’t attend any special school but I learnt the skill of sign language while teaching at Christian Mission School for the Deaf at Ibadan in 2003.
“I am physically, mentally, emotionally and morally sound, and very assertive. I love interacting with people but I don’t like to be taken for granted. Intellectually, I like reading and researching. I also love playing football. Mind you, I am still playing football even now as a nursing mother. My friend used to call me Tomboy in those days because I like doing what boys do. I love tasks that challenge my intellect. My husband and I have similar condition. He is deaf but he can speak English fluently. We are both qualified graduates from University of Ilorin. He is, at present, working with Ogun State Teachers Service Commission.
“I scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.45. That was the score I saw on the result sheet in the first semester of my final year. After the completion of my study I graduated with a second class honour (Upper Division).
“On the efforts made so far to get a good job, I had wanted to work with the University of Ilorin. There is a lecturer at the Faculty of Educa

and hear her. She decided to check my academic records but was surprised to realize how brilliant I was as a deaf person. From there, she showed interest in me and adopted me. She later introduced me to her husband – Pastor Toye Afolabi. They supported me to further my education at Kwara State College of Education, Oro, in 1999, after the completion of my SSCE. I lived and grew up under their loving care for more than 15 years till I got married in 2011.
“When I got admissions into University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), they encouraged and supported me. I did not even know sign language then but I excelled at the College where I studied Agriculture. I did my IT at the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority without the help of any interpreter. I have a good rapport with people. Some people think I am pretending to be deaf whenever I tell them about it because of the way I relate with them. I didn’t attend any special school but I learnt the skill of sign language while teaching at Christian Mission School for the Deaf at Ibadan in 2003.
“I am physically, mentally, emotionally and morally sound, and very assertive. I love interacting with people but I don’t like to be taken for granted. Intellectually, I like reading and researching. I also love playing football. Mind you, I am still playing football even now as a nursing mother. My friend used to call me Tomboy in those days because I like doing what boys do. I love tasks that challenge my intellect. My husband and I have similar condition. He is deaf but he can speak English fluently. We are both qualified graduates from University of Ilorin. He is, at present, working with Ogun State Teachers Service Commission.

“I scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.45. That was the score I saw on the result sheet in the first semester of my final year. After the completion of my study I graduated with a second class honour (Upper Division).
“On the efforts made so far to get a good job, I had wanted to work with the University of Ilorin. There is a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, I was so fond of her even till today. Leaving her was, indeed, a difficult challenge for me. The affection I have for her made my desire to work in the university stronger and that was what motivated me to do my NYSC in the institution. The lecturer is now a professor. I was then lucky to serve at the newly established Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) headed by her (Prof. Olasehinde Williams). Before the completion of my NYSC, I wrote a letter requesting to be retained but got no response then.
“After the completion of my one mandatory youth service, I continued to apply for job whenever the university released vacancies. I think I have done so thrice. The former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, was making attempt to employ me based on my application which was submitted to him in 2012/2013. I later learnt that he was about to do that before his tenure expired. I wrote a letter explaining the situation to the new Vice Chancellor (Prof. Ambali)   in 2013 and, in fact, re-applied last year but the vacancy was put on hold.
“Another opportunity came when eX-president Goodluck Jonathan gave disabled people employment opportunity in 2013. I joined others to apply and traveled with my husband to Abuja for the interview in November. My daughter was just seven months old when I embarked on the journey with her. The selection process was based on our qualification and I had the faith that I would be selected since I was the only applicant with second class honour (Upper Division) among the deaf applicants from Ondo State. I was disappointed when my name did not appear on the list of those shortlisted due to what I will call “connection, godfatherism and tribalism syndrome” which has become a social norm in Nigeria as far as employment is concerned. If the Ondo Commissioner had selected us based on merit, there is no way I would not be qualified since there was no written test or oral interview.
“My surname, Okpoto, must have affected me because that was the name on my credentials but having married a man from that state the Commissioner should have considered me qualified. I regretted not applying through the Delta State Commission as I would have been given the job then. The most painful aspect of this experience was the refusal by the Commissioner to give my husband, an indigene of the state, his posting/appointment letter. Initially, his name was on the list but was later short-changed with someone else known to the Commissioner.

“Another instance where tribalism and connection really affected me was at the Lagos State Scholarship Board exam in 2004/2005. The then governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had forwarded my application for oversea scholarship to the board for immediate action. The Director of the board (Mr. Badmus) told me that I was not born in Lagos because of my surname (Okpoto). I told him I was born and bred in Lagos but he refused to treat the letter. The institution abroad (Rochester Institute of Technology), had awarded me scholarship for only tuition fee but I could not raise funds to cover other expenses. Life is indeed full of experiences but I will never give up.

“As noted above, a situation where political connection, godfatherism and tribalism are used as yardsticks for recruitment is psychologically and emotionally disturbing. Imagine the stress I passed through traveling to Abuja from Ibadan with a seven-month old baby for the civil service interview. This is too bad! But I believe that life goes on! Things will change for the better now that President Muhammad Buhari is making effort to sanitize the system. The Disability Rights Bill is long overdue. The President should, please, assent to the bill to protect the employment and fundamental rights of persons with disabilities.

“At the moment I am living with my husband and managing to work as employee of Parent Teachers Association in a school in Ogun State. The monthly take-home pay is meagre. But what more can I do? I have tried so many places without any result.  Everywhere I go, some people would ask some funny questions like “you are from where?” “You do not look like a Yoruba”, “Your father’s name is an Igbo name.”  Deafness is another barrier as the society does not want to employ deaf and disabled people. They usually experience employment discriminations due to their disability. But disability is not inability! There is nothing the deaf cannot do. The only difference between us and our hearing counterparts is our inability to hear which in my own case is partial. The society especially employers of labour should know that deafness is not an insurmountable barrier to success. I can teach. I can lead. I can do mathematical calculations etc. What is more? Let the society try us first and see what we can do.

“I can work in government ministries, agencies and parastatals as well as private companies in administrative capacity. My computer skill is also an added advantage. As a holder of first degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling, I can provide counseling service for young people. Apart from the university job, I can work in oil companies like ExxonMobil or in telecommunication companies like GLO, MTN, Etisalat or Airtel, in the area of computer operation, data processing and network or in any other administrative duty that may be assigned to me.

“I am still searching for a good job and I am pleading with the University of Ilorin management to help me. I don’t think the University has abandoned me. I guess the new Vice Chancellor is not aware of the fact that I served at the university and I am not sure if he received my appeal letter. The former Vice Chancellor was working on my application before his tenure ended in 2013, so I think the new Vice Chancellor in the person of Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali should reopen my case as regarding employment. I appreciate my parent/pastor Deacon Toye Afolabi, Prof Alasehinde Williams, Prof. Omotosho, Prof Adegoke, Dr. Esere etc for their efforts in assisting me.

“To be honest with you, having good job will make it possible for me to achieve my goals and give back to society. It is my dream to become a lecturer so with good job I will be able to save money to further my education. I need to go back to school for my masters and PHD. I also want to set up an NGO that will empower disabled people especially young ones that are not educable to acquire vocational skills that will make them self-reliant and to contribute meaningfully to the growth of their fatherland rather than roaming the streets and begging for money. An adage says: “if you give a child a fish, you feed him for a day. But if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. I want to assist young people to have the financial muscles to feed themselves for a lifetime. I also have a business plan in mind but there is no money to get started. I believe with good job I can achieve all these.”

Unilorin best graduating student in search of a good job 6 years after graduation

University of Ilorin's best graduating student from the Faculty of Education in 2009, Ruth Idi Okpoto now Mrs Ruth Omopariola-Bolarinwa, a deaf lady, has cried out for help after searching for a good and well paying job six years after she graduated from school.

In an email she sent to Education Review & obtained by The Sun, Ruth who is now a married mother of one, narrated her fruitless efforts in searching for a well paying job. She shared on how tribalism, nepotism and her deafness have militated against her getting a job that will tally with her educational qualification. She says she currently works at a school in Ogun state where she coordinates the PTA group. She called on her alma mata, Exxon Mobil and others to help her with a job. Excerpts of the email after the cut...


“To set the record straight I am not a deaf-mute. Not all deaf people are dummies. I am a bilingual deaf person with a mild hearing loss.  I became deaf in 1997 at the age of 15 while in SS 1 at Dairy Farm Secondary School, Lagos. I have already acquired language proficiency before the sickness that caused my hearing loss started then. After the illness, I discovered I couldn’t hear very well whenever people talk to me unless I read their lips. Despite this hearing difficulty, I continued my education at the school.
“At a point, I confided in the Vice Principal (Academic) Deaconess Afolabi but she didn’t believe me because according to her I could speak and hear her. She decided to check my academic records but was surprised to realize how brilliant I was as a deaf person. From there, she showed interest in me and adopted me. She later introduced me to her husband – Pastor Toye Afolabi. They supported me to further my education at Kwara State College of Education, Oro, in 1999, after the completion of my SSCE. I lived and grew up under their loving care for more than 15 years till I got married in 2011.
“When I got admissions into University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), they encouraged and supported me. I did not even know sign language then but I excelled at the College where I studied Agriculture. I did my IT at the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority without the help of any interpreter. I have a good rapport with people. Some people think I am pretending to be deaf whenever I tell them about it because of the way I relate with them. I didn’t attend any special school but I learnt the skill of sign language while teaching at Christian Mission School for the Deaf at Ibadan in 2003.
“I am physically, mentally, emotionally and morally sound, and very assertive. I love interacting with people but I don’t like to be taken for granted. Intellectually, I like reading and researching. I also love playing football. Mind you, I am still playing football even now as a nursing mother. My friend used to call me Tomboy in those days because I like doing what boys do. I love tasks that challenge my intellect. My husband and I have similar condition. He is deaf but he can speak English fluently. We are both qualified graduates from University of Ilorin. He is, at present, working with Ogun State Teachers Service Commission.
“I scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.45. That was the score I saw on the result sheet in the first semester of my final year. After the completion of my study I graduated with a second class honour (Upper Division).
“On the efforts made so far to get a good job, I had wanted to work with the University of Ilorin. There is a lecturer at the Faculty of Educa

and hear her. She decided to check my academic records but was surprised to realize how brilliant I was as a deaf person. From there, she showed interest in me and adopted me. She later introduced me to her husband – Pastor Toye Afolabi. They supported me to further my education at Kwara State College of Education, Oro, in 1999, after the completion of my SSCE. I lived and grew up under their loving care for more than 15 years till I got married in 2011.
“When I got admissions into University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), they encouraged and supported me. I did not even know sign language then but I excelled at the College where I studied Agriculture. I did my IT at the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority without the help of any interpreter. I have a good rapport with people. Some people think I am pretending to be deaf whenever I tell them about it because of the way I relate with them. I didn’t attend any special school but I learnt the skill of sign language while teaching at Christian Mission School for the Deaf at Ibadan in 2003.
“I am physically, mentally, emotionally and morally sound, and very assertive. I love interacting with people but I don’t like to be taken for granted. Intellectually, I like reading and researching. I also love playing football. Mind you, I am still playing football even now as a nursing mother. My friend used to call me Tomboy in those days because I like doing what boys do. I love tasks that challenge my intellect. My husband and I have similar condition. He is deaf but he can speak English fluently. We are both qualified graduates from University of Ilorin. He is, at present, working with Ogun State Teachers Service Commission.

“I scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.45. That was the score I saw on the result sheet in the first semester of my final year. After the completion of my study I graduated with a second class honour (Upper Division).
“On the efforts made so far to get a good job, I had wanted to work with the University of Ilorin. There is a lecturer at the Faculty of Education, I was so fond of her even till today. Leaving her was, indeed, a difficult challenge for me. The affection I have for her made my desire to work in the university stronger and that was what motivated me to do my NYSC in the institution. The lecturer is now a professor. I was then lucky to serve at the newly established Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) headed by her (Prof. Olasehinde Williams). Before the completion of my NYSC, I wrote a letter requesting to be retained but got no response then.
“After the completion of my one mandatory youth service, I continued to apply for job whenever the university released vacancies. I think I have done so thrice. The former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, was making attempt to employ me based on my application which was submitted to him in 2012/2013. I later learnt that he was about to do that before his tenure expired. I wrote a letter explaining the situation to the new Vice Chancellor (Prof. Ambali)   in 2013 and, in fact, re-applied last year but the vacancy was put on hold.
“Another opportunity came when eX-president Goodluck Jonathan gave disabled people employment opportunity in 2013. I joined others to apply and traveled with my husband to Abuja for the interview in November. My daughter was just seven months old when I embarked on the journey with her. The selection process was based on our qualification and I had the faith that I would be selected since I was the only applicant with second class honour (Upper Division) among the deaf applicants from Ondo State. I was disappointed when my name did not appear on the list of those shortlisted due to what I will call “connection, godfatherism and tribalism syndrome” which has become a social norm in Nigeria as far as employment is concerned. If the Ondo Commissioner had selected us based on merit, there is no way I would not be qualified since there was no written test or oral interview.
“My surname, Okpoto, must have affected me because that was the name on my credentials but having married a man from that state the Commissioner should have considered me qualified. I regretted not applying through the Delta State Commission as I would have been given the job then. The most painful aspect of this experience was the refusal by the Commissioner to give my husband, an indigene of the state, his posting/appointment letter. Initially, his name was on the list but was later short-changed with someone else known to the Commissioner.

“Another instance where tribalism and connection really affected me was at the Lagos State Scholarship Board exam in 2004/2005. The then governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had forwarded my application for oversea scholarship to the board for immediate action. The Director of the board (Mr. Badmus) told me that I was not born in Lagos because of my surname (Okpoto). I told him I was born and bred in Lagos but he refused to treat the letter. The institution abroad (Rochester Institute of Technology), had awarded me scholarship for only tuition fee but I could not raise funds to cover other expenses. Life is indeed full of experiences but I will never give up.

“As noted above, a situation where political connection, godfatherism and tribalism are used as yardsticks for recruitment is psychologically and emotionally disturbing. Imagine the stress I passed through traveling to Abuja from Ibadan with a seven-month old baby for the civil service interview. This is too bad! But I believe that life goes on! Things will change for the better now that President Muhammad Buhari is making effort to sanitize the system. The Disability Rights Bill is long overdue. The President should, please, assent to the bill to protect the employment and fundamental rights of persons with disabilities.

“At the moment I am living with my husband and managing to work as employee of Parent Teachers Association in a school in Ogun State. The monthly take-home pay is meagre. But what more can I do? I have tried so many places without any result.  Everywhere I go, some people would ask some funny questions like “you are from where?” “You do not look like a Yoruba”, “Your father’s name is an Igbo name.”  Deafness is another barrier as the society does not want to employ deaf and disabled people. They usually experience employment discriminations due to their disability. But disability is not inability! There is nothing the deaf cannot do. The only difference between us and our hearing counterparts is our inability to hear which in my own case is partial. The society especially employers of labour should know that deafness is not an insurmountable barrier to success. I can teach. I can lead. I can do mathematical calculations etc. What is more? Let the society try us first and see what we can do.

“I can work in government ministries, agencies and parastatals as well as private companies in administrative capacity. My computer skill is also an added advantage. As a holder of first degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling, I can provide counseling service for young people. Apart from the university job, I can work in oil companies like ExxonMobil or in telecommunication companies like GLO, MTN, Etisalat or Airtel, in the area of computer operation, data processing and network or in any other administrative duty that may be assigned to me.

“I am still searching for a good job and I am pleading with the University of Ilorin management to help me. I don’t think the University has abandoned me. I guess the new Vice Chancellor is not aware of the fact that I served at the university and I am not sure if he received my appeal letter. The former Vice Chancellor was working on my application before his tenure ended in 2013, so I think the new Vice Chancellor in the person of Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali should reopen my case as regarding employment. I appreciate my parent/pastor Deacon Toye Afolabi, Prof Alasehinde Williams, Prof. Omotosho, Prof Adegoke, Dr. Esere etc for their efforts in assisting me.

“To be honest with you, having good job will make it possible for me to achieve my goals and give back to society. It is my dream to become a lecturer so with good job I will be able to save money to further my education. I need to go back to school for my masters and PHD. I also want to set up an NGO that will empower disabled people especially young ones that are not educable to acquire vocational skills that will make them self-reliant and to contribute meaningfully to the growth of their fatherland rather than roaming the streets and begging for money. An adage says: “if you give a child a fish, you feed him for a day. But if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. I want to assist young people to have the financial muscles to feed themselves for a lifetime. I also have a business plan in mind but there is no money to get started. I believe with good job I can achieve all these.”