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The elder statesman and founder of the famous Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, is a man, who means different things to different people – be it in Law, Education, Agriculture, Arbitration, Entrepreneurship, philanthropy, hard work, determination, writing and publication of law books as well as turning hopeless impossibilities into enviable possibilities among many of his other pastimes.

His primary constituency is humanity. His manifesto is service to mankind. He is not political but nationalistic. He is not of royal blood, but noble in deeds and character. He is not arrogant, but dignifiedly proud of his nation and profession. He is not violent, but fearsome because of his towering, intimidating and impeccable professional profile which he has painstakingly built for over six decades.

It is, therefore, not surprising that his ovation reverberates from Ewi’s palace in his root in Ado-Ekiti to the Alaafin’s palace in the ancient city of Oyo, where he was awarded the frontline chieftaincy title of Aare Baamofin of Yoruba Empire. His personality equally rings bells in Aso Rock, where his name echoes as Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and ‘Mr. Legal Fix It’.

From local beginnings to prestigious global stage

On the international scene, the name Afe Babalola resonates far away in England on the Roll of Honour of the European Business Assembly in Oxford as the 2007 Winner of the prestigious Queen Victoria’s Commemorative Award and in King’s College, London, where he is a Fellow and where in partnership with the college, he established Afe Babalola African Centre for Transnational Education and donated £10 million in 2023 to lift indigent African students from the pangs of ignorance, lack, want and poverty through quality education.

Through this partnership, Babalola is replicating what the University of London did in the past through its External Degree Programme which enabled the underprivileged in the Commonwealth to study at home.

It was this External Degree Programme that enabled this former Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1959, LL. B (Hons.) in 1963 from the University of London and a Honourary LL. D of the same university in March 2015, his bucolic beginnings notwithstanding.

According to him, his financial contribution to this programme is a way of reciprocating what he benefitted from the laudable and unique External Degree Programme of the University of London in the 60’s without which he certainly would have ended up an unsung farmer or at best the Secretary of the Local Motor Union (courtesy of Bishop Mathew Kukkah).

A season of awards for Babalola

The undeniable and enviable happenings in the life of this enigma whose formal education ended in Standard VI at Emmanuel Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, but rose from zero to hero, reminds one of the ever-green words of the Preacher in the Book of Ecclesiastes 3, to wit: ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven’.

Deriving from that scripture, one could say with an air of finality and credibility that this is a season of awards for Babalola, the Founder of ABUAD, recently ranked by the highly respected U.S.-based Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the Best 100 Universities in the world, and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Apart from the warren of awards that has been Babalola’s lot over the years in appreciation of his sundry contributions to humanity, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, on behalf of all the sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti, last year set aside October 18 of every year as a day to honour this legal colossus for what was described as his ‘unalloyed commitment to public service with regard to Law, Education, Health, Community Development, Agriculture and display of generosity to those that might be fortunate to come across him in life’.

A beacon of hope for many low-income earners

At the most successful maiden edition on October 18, last year during which Ado-Ekiti was shut down in celebration and jubilation, the altruistic Babalola, whose happiest moment is when people around him are happy, established two Cooperative Societies with N200 million to provide loans for 2,000 people at a minimum of N100,000 each. He insisted that members will pay only five per cent interest to the cooperatives, compared to over 20 per cent charged by banks.

In the last one year, the Cooperative Societies have become a beacon of hope for many low-income earners across Ekiti State with several beneficiaries now having their own small businesses, improving their farms and expanding existing trades thereby corroborating Babalola’s age-long belief that empowerment, not charity or distribution of palliatives, remains the most sustainable route to economic freedom.

The second edition of Aare Afe Babalola Day, held at the Ewi’s Palace, Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, built upon that foundation established the previous year. The epoch-making event attracted the crème-de-la-crème of the society made up of members of the Bar and Bench, Royalty, the Clergy, Captains of Industry, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Academia as well Community Leaders to celebrate the man widely acclaimed as one of the founding fathers of Ekiti State.

At the event, Babalola frowned at the rising bank interest rates in Nigeria, describing it as one of the obstacles to economic independence, national development and citizen empowerment. He lamented that the prevailing 20 per cent interest rate charged by commercial banks has inhibited access to credit facilities for small business owners and farmers, thereby fanning the embers of spiral unemployment and grinding poverty.

Babalola, the giver, also announced an additional N100 million donation to the Cooperative Societies, raising their total capital base to N300 million. The extra funds, he explained, would expand the reach of the scheme, allowing more beneficiaries to access affordable loans and grow sustainable businesses.

He urged members to adhere strictly to the co-operative’s repayment structure and guidelines, stressing that with discipline and accountability, the success and continuity of the scheme are guaranteed.

A compassion for tradition, community service

Babalola also donated another N100 million towards completion of the Ewi’s Palace Pavilion, a gesture which apart from underscoring his enduring dedication to community development also drew applause and spontaneous dancing from the audience.

A man of uncommon humility, he demonstrates philanthropy beyond borders, engraving his footprints with multi-billion Naira worth projects across the landscape of Nigeria and beyond.

Happily, Babalola’s efforts at making society better than he met more than nine decades ago are not in vain. Society, locally and internationally, has not failed to acknowledge his unusual and immense contributions to make the world a better place to live in.

Deluge of titles, awards

With over 50 titles and awards across the globe, including Honourary Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Letters from 10 universities, including University of London, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and the elite Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, 12 Fellowships from institutions of Higher Education and professional bodies as well as many traditional titles, humanity has unequivocally and loudly demonstrated that Babalola, a man of commendable candour, who has consistently redefined patriotism and reworked nationalism, is a rare gem with all-time and all-round relevance to the world around him.

Babalola’s good naturedness and generosity of spirit is incomparable and unparalleled while his love and contributions to humanity are immeasurable and indescribable. He remains the man who relishes in lighting other people’s candles. No wonder, his own candle keeps glowing brighter and brighter.

While congratulating this citizen of the world of African descent, a man with insatiable appetite for hard work and excellence, one is compelled to assure this most altruistic man who is writing his name in indelible ink while others are writing theirs invisible ink that better days are ahead.

The Zamfara Government says projects worth over N140 billion are currently being executed in the 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Mahmud Dantawasa, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Gusau, on Thursday.

Dantawasa said that while some of the projects had been completed, others were still ongoing, ‘demonstrating the administration’s serious commitment to rebuilding Zamfara.

‘The administration of Lawal has embarked on massive developmental projects across all the 14 LGAs.

‘Each local government is witnessing over N10 billion worth of projects, covering key sectors, such as health, education, roads, agriculture, water supply, and commerce.

‘This reflects the governor’s vision for total transformation and inclusive development.

‘The projects are executed in continuation of the governor’s commitment to rebuilding Zamfara and improving the lives of its citizens.

‘Across the state, these projects stand as clear evidence of the governor’s dedication to delivering good governance, accountability, and visible results that directly impact communities,’ the commissioner said.

He said that five-kilometer township road projects were being executed in each of the 13 LGAs, excluding Gusau, where more extensive projects were ongoing.

He also said that the roads were easing traffic, connecting communities, and stimulating rural and urban commerce.

The commissioner said that renovation and upgrading of general hospitals across all zones were also underway.

He listed the projects to include the construction of a new General Hospital at Nasarawa Burkullu, Bukkuyum LGA, fully equipped with modern medical facilities and upgrading of Primary Health Centres in various rural communities to improve access to quality healthcare.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned political parties participating in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State to steer clear of violence and vote buying.

The council emphasised that the will of the electorate remains supreme and sacrosanct, urging voters to reject any form of inducement or violence that could undermine the credibility of the poll.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Hilton Leisure Hotel in Awka yesterday, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, said the council was in the state to deepen awareness and monitor developments ahead of the election.

Dantalle, who was represented by IPAC’s National Woman Leader, Chinyere Kalu, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as satisfactory preparations for a peaceful and hitch-free governorship election.

He also urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial, noting that elections should not be treated as warfare but a democratic contest of ideas.

‘We should avoid name-calling that breeds violence,’ Dantalle said. ‘Parents must caution their children and wards, especially the youths, who are often used by politicians to cause chaos during elections. Let’s make the Anambra election a beacon of peace.’

However, major political party candidates and state chairmen were noticeably absent from the IPAC engagement.

In attendance was the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) governorship candidate, Ugwoji Martin, who also serves as IPAC Chairman in Anambra State.

Also present was Chioma Ifemeludike, the only female governorship candidate in the election, representing the Action Alliance Congress (AAC).

An erstwhile Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has sought a complete overhaul of the education system, saying the basic function of government is primary school education, innovation, technical education for a better country.

While praising President Bola Tinubu for the Student Loan Scheme, he advocated a better welfare package for university teachers, adding that the loan scheme should be complemented with better infrastructure and welfare.

He spoke in Lagos on the sidelines of the commemoration of Dr Akinola Ogunlewe’s 90th birthday.

The celebrator is the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lamont Oil and Chemical, he is also the founder of the company.

He stressed the need for a sound basic education.

‘ Anything we learnt in our life, the foundation was our primary school education. But nowadays who is going to teach at primary school level? What is the salary? It’s a problem. The highest paid Nigerian worker should be a primary school teacher. Because that is the foundation of any civilization, of any society. Any money you have, spend it on primary school education.

‘ All our children now go to private primary school. All of us above 40 years old attended public primary school. Our children cannot attend the same primary school we attended. That’s a problem. Where your child cannot even pass by the primary school you attended. Is that progress or retardation? It’s a big problem which we are not addressing.

‘And that is none of the principal officers in any ministry, in any institution, in Nigeria can ever send their children to the primary school they attended. What is our problem? So we are just scourging this snake. We are not killing it. We still have a very long way to go. All these things I’m saying, everybody knows.

‘So the system needs complete overhaul and understanding the role of research; we must understand the deficiency in our system.

It is too deficient.

‘When we were younger, the best brains in the community would go to government college. And up to today, our best brains went to government colleges. The same government colleges, their own children cannot go there. It’s a big problem, which we must sit down to address. Before, if you went to King’s College, you were the star of the community. You are the star, the best in Nigeria. But that is no more. It is now about private schools. Private universities competing with University of Ibadan, and others,’ he said.

‘So we have to look back and invest in the education of every child in Nigeria. It’s so basic. An untrained child is worse than a goat. If you have a goat in your house, it’s better than a child you have not trained. That is the dilemma of Nigeria. And we have to address this thing once and for all. We can never continue like this. Our problem is research,’ he added.

Director of the Akinola Ogunlewe STEM Education Centre,Oduntan Baoku Kudus hailed the celebrator for his commitment to education and capacity development of youths.

He said the centre, established by the celebrator, has continued to support students financially -by the payment of school fees and provision of scholarships.

Zamfara State First Lady, Huriyya Lawal, has reiterated the commitment to continue to raise public awareness, promote early detection, show solidarity and support to victims of the deadly disease as well as survivors.

Mrs Lawal made this commitment while leading the walk away cancer awareness in major streets of Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, to drive the message to residents in the state.

The First Lady led other women, including the deputy governor’s wife, civil society groups, medical professionals, associations and youth, on a walk away from cancer public awareness geared toward enlightening the people about the issues of cancer and how to prevent themselves from the disease.

The Walk Away Cancer awareness started at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital through Sani Abacha way to Central, Bello Barau street to Government House, Gusau, where she addressed the participants, informing them of the need to spread the message of early detection and awareness as key to preventing cancer.

Medical Professionals stressed the need for sustained Public awareness that early detection and regular screening are important in preventing cancer.

Cancer which one of the leading causes of death, especially women, is real and can be prevented, if one has the knowledge about issues. That is why it is imperative to continue public awareness in cities and the grassroots about the disease.

Lasaco Assurance Plc has launched the Safe Start Initiative, a maternal health support programme aimed at promoting safer motherhood and reducing infant health risks in underserved communities.

The initiative debuted at Ogba Primary Health Care Centre, Ikeja, where Lasaco Assurance Plc distributed maternity kits to new and expectant mothers. Each kit contained essential hygiene and childcare items, such as underlays, antiseptics, maternity pads, and baby diapers, to support proper care and hygiene after childbirth.

The company also held an interactive session on insurance-backed education plans, encouraging mothers to secure their children’s future through early financial planning and practical savings strategies.

Mojibola Sonibare, head of Underwriting, said the initiative goes beyond providing materials, as it is about empowering women with knowledge, care and foresight.

‘Every item was selected to ease the journey of motherhood. And through the session on insurance education plans, we help families see that securing their children’s future starts with simple, practical steps,’ she said.

She added that maternal and infant health are central to well-being, stressing that the initiative is part of Lasaco’s broader commitment to safer births and healthier beginnings for mothers and their babies.

Adedayo Adetokun, head of Strategy, Research and Communications, described the initiative as a reflection of Lasaco’s long-standing philosophy of giving back to society through impactful social investments and community partnerships.

The event drew participation from community health officials and mothers who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support. The event drew participation from community health officials and mothers who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support. While many have described the initiative as a welcome relief amid rising healthcare and childcare costs, Oluseye Smart, Head, Corporate Communications, views it as a meaningful way of giving back to families, supporting the nurturing of newborns and promoting healthier homes.

The Safe Start Initiative underscores Lasaco Assurance’s ongoing commitment to nurturing healthier families and communities as part of the ways the company demonstrates that its purpose extends beyond insurance.

To conclude the programme, Mr. Adesoji Onaadepo, Head of Internal Audit, encouraged all mothers to care diligently for their children, describing them not only as the leaders of tomorrow but also as the enduring hope for the future.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is sinking deeeper and deeper into the mud by the day. As it were, it is without a clear-cut strategy for freeing itself. Instead of devising one, some of its leaders are trying to use the playbook that paved the way for the June 12, 1993 quagmire, which almost consumed the country. They went to a court in Ibadan, Oyo State, to obtain an order to hold the party’s November 15 convention in the ancient city, four days after a court of concurrent jurisdiction in Abuja stopped the exercise.

The Abuja court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from upholding the convention’s outcome, if it held. It was delivering judgment in a case brought by three chieftains of the party who claimed that due process was not followed in fixing the convention date.

Rather than appeal, another party member, apparently being teleguided, ran to Ibadan – where else? – to obtain orders which are in variance with those of the Abuja court. The issues in contention are not different. The plaintiffs in the Abuja court are praying that the convention should not hold until the party does the right things. Some of these things, they contend, are the holding of congresses at the ward, local government and state levels to precede the convention, in line with the party’s constitution and INEC guidelines.

Were the congresses held? If they did not hold, what prevented them from holding, and what are the remedies available to the party? Were these remedies pursued? In the Ibadan case, which has a sole plaintiff, who claims that he is contesting for deputy national organising sectetary at the forthcoming convention, the picture being painted is that everything is good to go. This may well be true, at least to the plaintiff and his sponsors, who sought and got an interim injunction to hold the convention.

They are to return to court on Monday to argue the motion for interlocutory injunction in the presence of the defendants who were not there when the exparte motion for interim injunction was heard. The court may be packed full that day as many interested and necessary parties will show up. For sure, the plaintiffs in the Abuja case and their backers will be there as they would not want their heads shaved behind their backs. Nobody needs a soothsayer to know that PDP is haemorhaging. The party has been suffering losses left, right and centre.

It has lost four governors in quick succession and a host of national and state lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Even the run up to its convention was and is still being dogged by infighting within the national working committee (NWC). This crisis prompted the Abuja suit in which Justice James Omotosho delivered judgment on October 31 after listening to all the parties. Based on legal authorities, the court acknowledged the conditions for conducting the convention, and emphasised the need for the party to follow its own rules and INEC guidelines before going ahead with the exercise.

The court held that until the party did what is expected of it, the convention cannot hold. Now, the Ibadan court has given a conflicting ruling, without hearing the other side, on the strength of an exparte motion, setting the stage for another round of battle for PDP’s soul. Exparte motions can be heard in open court or in chambers, with only the applicant(s) in attendance. The applicant(s) is/are expected to give an undertaking to indemnify the other side in case it turned out that the interim order should not have been granted.

The Ibadan court cleared the convention to hold and ordered INEC to monitor it. With this ruling, INEC now has two court orders to contend with. Which should the commission obey? Mercifully, Prof Joash Amupitan, the INEC Chairman is not only a lawyer, but also a Professor of Law of Evidence and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Perhaps, Justice Laditan Akintola of the Ibadan High Court was unaware of his learned brother, Justice Omotosho’s judgment, which came before his interim injunction. Politicians are sly and cunny. They have their own ways of doing things as long as the end justifies the means. If you ask me, I would say there was no longer the need for the Ibadan suit, following the Abuja court verdict. Both cases are the same in terms of the reliefs sought. The only thing is that one wants the convention suspended and the other is saying no, it should go on.

With a party obtaining judgment in Abuja stopping the convention as well as INEC from upholding its outcome, if it held, should another party have gone to Ibadan to obtain what amounts to conflicting orders, as the plaintiff before Justice Akintola did? The orders by Justice Akintola reversed all the orders of his brother judge, Justice Omotosho. I am sure that Justice Akintola would not have made those contradictory orders if his attention had been drawn to Justice Omotosho’s judgment. It is in the nature of politicians to hide such facts, especially when they are in desperate situations.

But it is for the judges to be a step ahead of these politicians always by asking the right questions to ferret answers that will stop the litigants in their tracks and ensure that the courts are not misled. The filing of the Ibadan suit was deliberate and it was instigated by those dissatisfied with the Abuja verdict, who want the PDP cinvention to hold at all costs, and without regards for due process. This resort to multiplicity of suits which the Supreme Court has condemned on many occasions will not help the cause of the PDP governors who are behind the Ibadan case.

In cases of this type, the first in time prevails. I have no doubt that INEC will comply with the Abuja verdict barring it from upholding the outcome of the convention, if it holds. Those who ran to another judge for an order to hold a convention already stopped by a fellow judge should not take the nation down this road again. The wound of the June 12 debacle is still fresh in the people’s memory, 32 years after the bitter enterprise,

May I remind them that the Federal High Court where Justice Omotosho sits and the State High Court where Justice Akintola sits are of coordinate jurisdiction – that is one is not higher than the other. As such, one cannot reverse the orders made by the other. Only the appeal court can do that.

Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday sealed five warehouses in Kano for alleged measurement violations.

The agency said the warehouses were used for keeping undermeasured fabrics before they were sold to unsuspecting consumers.

The agency’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, explained that the operation was part of the commission’s broader effort to enforce compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, safeguard consumer rights, and ensure fair competition in Nigeria’s marketplace.

The affected warehouses are located at Gandu Albasa Layout (numbers 238, 249, 313, 315, 413, and 428); 38 and 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; 87 Boar Rice Mill Street, Ajasa Inwua Wada Road; and 287 Gandu Albasa New Layout, all in Kano.

LGR products, UME products, NANATEX products, VLEVENTIS products, MAMA AFRICA products, ITEX products, UE products, SUVELT products, and JISIKI products are among the warehouses and brands under investigation.

At the Sharada Industrial Layout, a commodious warehouse occupying the size of a stadium was filled to the brim with millions of fabric bundles, including fashion Kampala.

The officials said the business scale was enormous, with billions of naira reportedly circulating monthly through deceptive transactions.

The FCCPC has summoned the man in charge of the facility, Alhaji Habibu Ismail, to appear tomorrow at its headquarters in Abuja.

The warehouses and retail outlets were shut down following verified intelligence reports of deceptive trade practices involving the sale of undermeasured fabric materials to consumers, the commission said.

Adeyinka described the practice as ‘obnoxious and exploitative,’ noting that millions of Nigerian consumers have unknowingly been shortchanged.

‘Many of the complaints received by the commission stemmed from tailors and consumers arguing over fabric shortages after purchase – disputes often wrongly attributed to the tailors themselves.

‘But it is not the tailors’ fault. When a consumer buys what is labeled as six yards and discovers it’s actually five, that’s outright deception. This must stop,’ the director said.

She reiterated that violators would face prosecution under the FCCPA.

Under Section 155, individuals found guilty of contravening consumer rights risk imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of ?10 million, or both.

Corporate bodies face penalties of not less than ?100 million or 10 per cent of their annual turnover, whichever is higher.

Directors of such companies may also be personally liable, the commission said.

‘This operation reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to consumer protection and market fairness,’ Adeyinka stated.

‘We will not relent in ensuring that Nigerian consumers get value for their money and are protected from deceptive and fraudulent business practices.’

A total of 600 young athletes across Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area will battle for laurels as the grassroots sports festival tagged Amuwo’ Games 2025 kicked off.

The 5th edition with the theme: ‘Cancel Scam Culture’, will run throughout November with the closing ceremony slated for Saturday, November 23.

The youths will be engaged in 16 sporting events including football, basketball, athletics, swimming, chess, tennis, and volleyball among others.

The biennial Games aim to identify sporting talents, promote community unity and nurture leadership qualities among participants.

The founder and chairman of the Amuwo Games Local Organising Committee, Seun Ayeni, said the Amuwo Games were borne out of a need to channel youthful energy positively.

‘Amuwo Games was like a solution to something. We used sports as a tool to curb negative energy in the community. And since inception, Amuwo Games have become bigger and better every event and it has become a household name in Amuwo Odofin,’ Ayeni said.

He added: ”This year, we’re taking it a step further by introducing prize rewards to recognize and motivate our athletes who have shown dedication over the years.’

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sports Commission has pledged the state’s continued support to the program, stressing that the Amuwo Games perfectly aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s themes’ agenda of inclusivity and ensuring every Lagosian is engaged in one form of sport or the other.

The Director of Sports, Nunayon Travih, representing the Director-General of the Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said talents discover at the event would be integrated into the State’s team that will be part of the contingent to the 2026 National Sports Festival at Enugu State.

‘The Sports Commission has supported the Amuwo Games from day one, and we’ll keep supporting it. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring every Lagosian has the opportunity to participate in sports and discover their potential,’ Travih stated.

‘We have coaches and scouts across various sports disciplines identifying young talents within the age grades. These are the future stars who will represent Lagos and Nigeria on national and global stages.’

Dignitaries at the event include member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Amuwo Odofin 1, Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile, who performed ceremonial Kickoff, President Amuwo Odofin landlord resident association, Mile 2, Jakande Estate, Prince Adeyemi Ayilara, top coaches, scouts among others.

Life as a student is a blend of excitement, pressure, and discovery – a truth reflected in the experiences of students at Lagos State University (LASU).

For Badiru Neemah, life on campus is ‘interesting, adventurous, and draining.’ She describes it as ‘a mixture of excitement and sadness,’ capturing the emotional highs and lows of student life. Despite the challenges, she says her learning experience has been rewarding.

‘It’s going well, it’s good, eye-opening, and quite informative,’ she said.

Alder Dolapo, another LASU student, agrees that student life is both demanding and fulfilling.

‘Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life can be overwhelming at times,’ she said, ‘but it’s also a great opportunity to learn time management and prioritisation skills.’

Dolapo praised the school’s learning environment, noting that engaging discussions and practical projects have helped her connect theory to real-life situations.

‘I’ve had opportunities to explore various subjects and discover my strengths and weaknesses,’ she added.

However, both students admit that the pressure can affect mental health.

Neemah explained that her experience has been ‘both positive and negative.’

She’s learned patience and understanding but finds the workload ‘draining’ and mentally exhausting.

Dolapo emphasised the importance of self-care. ‘Managing stress and anxiety can be tough, but taking breaks, exercising, and staying connected with friends really help,’ she said.

For many LASU students, the journey through higher education is more than academics – it’s about building resilience, finding balance, and growing into the best version of themselves.