MAYEGUN, LANRE LEGACY CHALLENGE STUDENTS TO REVIVE ACTIVISM AT OAU 27TH JULY 10 SYMPOSIUM

MAYEGUN, LANRE LEGACY CHALLENGE STUDENTS TO REVIVE ACTIVISM AT OAU 27TH JULY 10 SYMPOSIUM 

By Matilda Iyamu-Osas

The 27th July 10 Commemoration organized by the Great Ife Students' Union continued on its final day with a symposium themed "Redefining Student Unionism: Combating Cultism While Strengthening Collective Participation in the Digital Era," held at the Amphitheatre.

The programme commenced shortly before 11:00 a.m. with an opening prayer, the rendition of the Nigerian and Great Ife anthems, and a welcome address by the Great Ife Students' Union Vice President, Iyanuoluwa Falade.

The symposium featured former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leader, Segun Mayegun, and former Great Ife Students' Union President and July 10, 1999 massacre survivor, Lanre Legacy, as guest speakers. 

Other dignitaries in attendance included NAOS Ogun State President, Gbenga Oloniniran, Omolola Pedro, Comfort Idika, and Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, who was represented during the panel session by Kazeem Olalekan, popularly known as Gani.

Speaking at the symposium, Lanre Legacy said he was not discouraged by the turnout, maintaining that the struggle for justice and students' rights would continue regardless of the number of participants.

In his presentation, Mayegun described activists as "universalistic" and "holistic," while insisting that justice has yet to be served over the July 10, 1999 massacre. He urged students' unions to actively combat cultism, arguing that confronting cult activities remains one of their fundamental responsibilities.

Lanre Legacy began his presentation with a minute's silence in honour of those who lost their lives during the July 10, 1999 massacre. Recounting his experiences before and during his tenure as Students' Union President, he reflected on the challenges faced under the military era and encouraged students to overcome fear and "break the shackles of oppression in the mind."

He also recounted the events surrounding the July 10 massacre, stressing that the struggle for justice extends beyond the university community.

The symposium later transitioned into a panel session moderated by the Students' Union Vice President, Iyanuoluwa Falade.

Panelists discussed strategies for strengthening student unionism, combating cultism, promoting ideological education, encouraging greater student participation beyond social media activism, and increasing the involvement of competent and principled women in union leadership.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to winners of the July 10 commemorative essay competition, bringing the 27th July 10 commemoration to a close.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OAU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, 2025.

Image
OAU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, 2025.   By Grace Olaniyi Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced Sunday Amuke, a 23-year-old graduate of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, as the institution’s best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.90. Amuke, who hails from Enugu State and also bears the Igbo name Chukwudi, described his academic journey as “interesting,” noting that it began with unexpected challenges. Despite scoring 99/100 in MTH101 and 91/100 in CHM101, his first-semester GPA stood at 4.44 short of a first-class grade. However, he said the strong performance in the university’s difficult “yellow and white house” courses strengthened his belief that he could excel. That belief, coupled with consistent hard work and what he described as God’s grace, led him to achieve six 5.0 GPAs in the remaining nine semesters of his programme.  Reflecting on the habits that drove his academic excellence, Amuke said he prioritized thorough preparation...
Read more

‎REPORTED CULT-LIKE ATTACKS RAISE SECURITY CONCERNS ON OAU CAMPUS

Image
 THE AWO TIMES ‎Campus News | January 8, 2026 ‎REPORTED CULT-LIKE ATTACKS RAISE SECURITY CONCERNS ON OAU CAMPUS By Goodness Olope  ‎Some students of Obafemi Awolowo University, have been reportedly assaulted in robbery and cult related attacks across the campus on Thursday, January 8, 2026, sparking widespread concern over student safety. ‎One of the most disturbing incidents reportedly occurred around the Alex Duduyemi Lecture Theatre at about 5:00 p.m., where five students from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development were said to have been engaged in an academic field exercise involving insect collection. ‎A statement issued by the Agricultural Extension Student Society of Nigeria (AESSON OAU) alleged that the students were accosted by an individual who accused them of wearing “cult-like beads.” Despite the students’ clarification, the situation reportedly escalated. ‎According to the statement, the assailant allegedly forced the students to kneel unde...
Read more

FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE: BIYI PRAISE JOURNEY

Image
FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE: BIYI PRAISE JOURNEY   By Victoria Ilori As Obafemi Awolowo University prepares for convocation, one of the standout student entertainers leaving the institution is Biyi Adesida Praise Oluwademilade, widely known as Biyi Praise. A French student from the 2021 admission set, Biyi is recognised as one of OAU’s finest young comedians. Academic Path and Early Passion Originally aspiring to study Dramatic Arts, Biyi was instead offered French—a decision he accepted to begin his academic journey without delay. Despite the unexpected switch, he is set to graduate with a Second Class Upper, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. Biyi’s passion for entertainment began at home, where he enjoyed making people laugh. His official career started in 2021, inspired by comedian Kenny Blaq. Although he never planned to work as an MC, he embraced it for financial support, earning ₦10,000 at his first gig. Campus Career and Memorable Highlights Throughout his t...
Read more