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By Precious Oyeniyi and Abimbola Olamiriki
The Education Students’ Association of Nigeria (ESAN), Federal University Oye-Ekiti chapter has held its first Oye Education Conference on Thursday, 15th of July, 2021.
The conference, which was held at the Faculty of Management Sciences Twin Lecture Theatre and themed “21st Century Education: Ideas for Emerging Educrats” also included an intrafaculty debate on the topic: “The use of smartphones should be banned in the university community”.
The motion was supported by Library and Information Science and Science Education departments while Educational Foundation, Educational Management and Business Studies Students Association (EMBSSA) and the newly established departments (NEDs) opposed the motion.
The judges for the debate included Dr. Olubiodun, Amodu Yusuf and Miss Dele-Yusuf Iretomiwa.
The conference had in attendance, Professor M.G. Olujide, the Dean of the Faculty of Education; Engineer Micheal Ale who is popularly called Okun Inu; the Students Union President, Alabi Johnson; the Director of Student Affairs Dr. Malomo; and other lecturers and staff from the faculty.
The conference also had in attendance, various dignitaries who served as panelists. They included Mr. Adara Tosin, CEO of GlimpseNg; Dr. Oluwatoyin Obateru, HOD of Educational Foundation, FUOYE; and Mr. Tosin Durodola who represented Mr Moses Ademiloye, the special assistant to the Ekiti state governor on youth and student matters.
In the panel discussion, questions concerning life, business and education were talked about. Awards were also given to every dignities in the event.
According to Olagunju Olarewaju, the president of the Faculty of Education, the conference was the first in the history of the faculty and it aimed at promoting academic excellence, exposure to employable skills and societal values as emerging educrats.
He also stated how the conference had helped the students saying that “many students, in one way or the other have learnt one or two things which will help them in the nearest future”.
In the first round of the debate, the newly established departments emerged the fifth position, Library and Information Science emerged the fourth position, Educational Management and Business Studies Students Association (EMBSSA) emerged the third position, Educational Foundation emerged the second position and Science Education emerged the first position.
However, they were given a new topic to debate on which was titled: “Should students under the age of 16 be admitted into the university”.
While delivering his speech, Olanrewaju mentioned his plan to immortalize the image of Late Okonofua Joseph AKA Joseph Icon in the school to make sure he is being remembered forever in the history of Federal University Oye Ekiti. He mentioned that the plan to have a relaxation centre in Joseph’s name would soon be a reality as foundation to the building will be launched on Saturday, 17th of July, 2021.
He also pleaded for the support of Engineer Micheal Ale who promised to do all he can within his power to support.
In conclusion to the second round debate, Educational Management and Business Studies Students Association (EMBSSA) emerged third position, Education Foundation emerged second position and Science Education emerged the first position.
One of the members of the winning team, Oyebamiji Elizabeth Bamise said she was happy and glad that the hours of preparation didn’t get wasted and that it is an encouragement for her to do better.
She asserted that the debate has helped in enhancing unity and socialization in the faculty as she had to debate alongside with a member from a different department.
She also commended the President of the Faculty who she described as being “relentless and energetic”.
“He was up yesterday, just to make sure the whole event was well and okay,” she said.
Olarewaju now assured that such conference would be a continuous one in the faculty.
“This is the maiden edition and new set of executives that will emerge should definitely understand the programme is great to the students and the entirety of the union. Nevertheless, we will equally keep working to see the progress of the union wherever we find ourselves,” he said.
