OPINION: Reporting Live From SIWES!

 

As an undergraduate in Nigeria, participating in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is really necessary. Shortly after the second semester examination, Agric Tech students of Yabatech were placed at various farms so they could participate in the SIWES program which would help broaden their knowledge about their course of study. However, half way into the program there have been mixed reactions as touching SIWES; different students with different opinions. Check them out bellow. 

“It is nice participating in SIWES because I have learnt so much about feed formulation, poultry and catfish production. By the way; living in the same house with people exhibiting different characters have enabled me to learn about understanding one another and being conscious of the human psychology before taking any action. The whole scenario reminds me of Big Brother Africa if I may add. These days I tend to be more inquisitive; considering the fact that the manager at the farm where I was placed asks questions before signing my log book every week, and he expects I and my colleagues to reciprocate the gesture. There have been ups and downs, but all the same we thank God. I have also been privileged to meet the former Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture. SIWES has been revealing. There are some things I know about some people now, which I never knew before.” – Ibegbunam Ifeanyi

“I enjoy working at the big pen because I have learnt so many things pertaining to diseases that affect chickens. Now I know the procedures involved when picking eggs. I have learnt what cause mortalities and how to prevent it.” – Azeezat Sakarayau

“SIWES has been tough since the first day we started. We have not really enjoyed a lot” – Bukola Shodeinde

“SIWES has been interesting and my best moment has been packing of poultry waste. I have no regrets going for the program.” – Halimat Adeyemi. 

“SIWES has been like enslavement to me, but I have learnt a bit. If I had packed poultry wastes and droppings, I wouldn’t want it to happen again, but thank God I did not pack it.” – Biola Majaro

“SIWES has been great to me and for some reason I have been keeping to myself. And my loneliness tends to make some people angry. My best moment here is when me and my colleagues atend churches to sing. And my worst moments are the times when there is no food.” – Henry Momoh

“I recall when I was asked to assist in carrying chicks from the deep litter to the battery cage system. I had to carry two chicks by their leg on each hand. With time, it increased to 6, then 8. At a time it was 10. For 3 solid hours we carried chicks to the pen. My hands ached throughout the night. SIWES has been stressful but good. There was a day I kept chasing a chicken around the farm. Hilarious!” - Chima Nkiru

“My best moment here in SIWES was when I spoke to a friend I have been keeping malice with. Actually I have been longing to talk to him in a long while. I have learnt a lot. Most especially, I have learnt to speak my mind and what I feel exactly. There was a time a chicken laid an egg on my palm. The egg was hot and I love eating it raw.” – Bidemi Ogunmuyiwa.

“SIWES has been so challenging and to be candid it has not been easy. The most hilarious moment in the house was when one of our colleagues (Adedotun Awe) was wearing his pant/shorts as though it were a G-String and pacing up and down in the room.” – Aboluwade T.J

 

“SIWES has been fun to me but sometimes I feel down-heartened because of lack of co-operation between me and my colleagues a times, including me. I know I mess up sometimes, notwithstanding we are still good. I regret packing poultry dung. And I have had something that can be likened to a crush on a female colleague. Apart from the agricultural knowledge which I have acquired, I have learned other things like how to cook. My happiest moment is when I was at the beach, swimming.” – Adedotun Awe

“I have been able to live with people from different backgrounds, tribes and come together as one big family. I have learnt a lot about poultry management. I now know the differences between layers and broilers. I have learnt a lot about their Feed Formulation. I have learnt about hatching in Catfish production.” - Elijah Affiah. 

“SIWES has been awful because it looks stressful than it was said to be. My happiest moment here is when we are eating egg. I have learnt a lot such as debeaking and vaccination.” – Tomisin Oke. 

“SIWES has been fun. My best moment is when I participated in debeaking and my worst moment is when I packed poultry manure.” – Maorufat

“I have not really enjoyed SIWES. However, I have learnt about the diseases that affect the birds and fishes. I won’t forget when my face was almost burnt during an environmental sanitation. Some part of my beard and teddy disappeared immediately after the incident.” – Michael Dickson.

“I have learnt a lot since I have been here, but the worst experience is the food aspect. I cannot eat what I feel like eating. I had to succumb to the opinion of majority. I have learnt a lot. I have learnt how to take care of the chicks. I have learnt how to rear fish from start to finish.” – Balikis Badmus

Agric Tech's H.O.D 'Limbs for Life' Foundation Walk.

The H.O.D walk started around 8:30am. It was spearheaded by the Head of Department, Agric Tech, Engr. Amosu. People present at the event include students of Food Technology, lecturers, the bursar, the managing director of FUNMAN. The Rector of the college should have been there but for some reason she couldn’t make it. The HOD’s daughter and son-in-law were also present. All Agric Tech students were invited but the turnout was really low because most students were tied up with their SIWES programme. However, some past Agric Tech students were there to support the movement.

The walk started from Yabatech to Maryland. The walk ended around 10:30AM and after that every participant moved down to Protea Hotel in Ikeja. There was a brief seminar and lunch that lasted for at least 3hours. Media partners include Channels, TVC and Nigerian News Agency. 

The theme of the walk was ‘Limbs for Life’ foundation, some amputees were also present. For the records, the HOD of Agric Tech has been an amputee for over 11 years, notwithstanding she is very vibrant. Also, a professor/doctor from Ibadan delivered a lecture that made most people realize that being an amputee is not the end of the world. He further stated that, amputees from the age of 40 don’t have limbs again and they are mostly men.

'I Saw A Lot of Creativity and Unity in AATS This Session' - Remarks From A Graduating Student.

Timade

Check out this brief interview with Timade Julius, an ND2 student in Yabatech Epe campus who just passed out from the college. He is originally from Lesotho in Southern Africa but he grew up in Nigeria. He kept it blunt in this chit-chat with the Vice President, Ifeanyi Ibegbunam.

Has YCT Epe made any impact to your life?

Hmmm!!!! Sure, it has in a couple of ways. The college really impacted educationally and agriculturally, also, emotionally. That is talking about anger control and raising a family. And am really going to miss my family

Anger control? Are u hot tempered? And how did YCT help you manage that?

Yeah, been around a lot of younger colleague, with a lot of annoying behaviors wasn't easy. At first, it was really difficult for me, but when I got close to Enitan, Sarat and some other peeps, I mingled. So I just thought of everyone who makes me mad as my lil bro, that way I'd just look away, as though nothing happened. Though I almost lost it on Friday night. Also raising a football team with difficult breads of students, always playful. Most times I forget they are students, I'd be expecting more from them, but I managed to blend into their style and a balance was created. Am really proud of them and I'd miss the round leather family

What do you think about the school soccer team as the squad’s captain? Do you see them going places?

Wonderful team. Surely, all they need is disciple, commitment and a little bit of luck. I see them as a real contender for next year's Dean's and Rector's cup

Great! So assuming you had the power to change one thing in YCT what would that be?

Lecturers manner of addressing students. It is so inappropriate.

Hmm. Why is it so?

From my perspective, the department’s population is still very small. Plus most students are kids, so it’s an advantage for some lecturers to act up. because I noticed the lecturers don’t really do it to all students. And am sure it’s going to stop soon.

Real talk. So how would you rate the performance of AATS this session?

AATS was awesome this session. I saw a lot of creativity and unity. Amazing. They won my heart which is always something difficult to win. Thumbs up.

Cool. Apart from your round leather family what will u miss about YCT?

I'd miss my family, my room, all the students, lecturers and what have you. But most importantly, I'd miss my family ( Enitan, Sarat ), Vivian and Tomisin and my homies at Lamba.

'I Broke My Teeth When I Started Skating' - YCT Female Skater Pours Her Heart Out!

Balikis Akodu

You don't find a female skating everyday. So it is only appropriate to acknowledge one when you bump into her. Check out this interview with Balikis Akodu, a passionate skater schooling in Yabatech Epe campus.

Hello Balikis

Hi

I noticed you love skating a lot so what made you take interest in that?

Actually I think it is fun like every other game but it can be hectic in the beginning. I broke my teeth when I started, but I did not give up. It is said that if you are trying to get something and it is very hard, don’t stop. Just make sure you get it. So that’s just it. I love it very much because it makes me smart. I don’t think I have much fat like other girls. This is due to the fact that I skate a lot. And it is fun.

Do you intend taking it up professionally after school?

Yes, I would like to have my own skating group, so as to bring up some set of people because people think it is something hard but I do tell them that it is something they can do. Don’t think because this thing is hard. I don’t see any difference between skating and riding a car or bicycle. When driving one may encounter dangers or accidents but that doesn’t stop you from driving your car. 

So as a female who enjoys skating, how do you feel? Do people look perceive you as being awkward? 

With this I think I have come across many people. They will see me and be like “Wooww!!”. I believe there is nothing a guy can do that a woman can’t do better. So I think in this society I have achieved a lot of friends. It’s because I am a female and I skate. I think I am the only female in this neighborhood doing so. I love it.

 

 

YCT FASHION ZONE: 'If You Want To Dress, Think of Comfort First' - Tomisin Speaks!

Tomisin Oke

In Nigerian universities, fashion has taken a different form. So how would describe today’s fashion in Nigerian higher institutions? What is in vogue and what’s not?

In some school, they kill the dressing 

Like which schools?

Schools like Unilag, Yabatech, Uniben. You know some top schools like that, they are always on point in terms of dress sense. The only thing is that everybody can’t be the same. There are some people that would want to go extra miles, dressing indecently and all that. You mustn’t expose everything for you to be smashing. When people want to dress, don’t do it because you see someone else doing it. Do it because you feel comfortable in your clothe. Most time when I dress I make sure I am comfortable. That is the first thing on my mind. I don’t want to go somewhere looking for what to use in covering my leg, I don’t want to hop a motor-bike with the thoughts of my pants showing. I dress so cool without having to expose anything. So if you want to dress, think of comfort first. Do something different, you don’t have to follow the trend. 

In Epe campus, how would you rate fashion? And besides do you think we should dress very well considering the location of the school. It’s almost like we are in the forest. Imagine Tarzan wearing blazers/suit in the jungle, does it make sense?

Laughs. Well, basically I think it is just because of the activities in the school. In Epe we are used to going to farm, doing dirty things such as farm practice and having to touch the earth most of the time, having to touch goats and rabbits. You don’t think it makes sense wearing a blazer jacket and sneakers before washing the pens at the piggery. Also, another factor is the little time you have. You are like ‘who am I dressing for?’. I always want to look cool. Every opportunity I have, I make sure I look good.

So as somebody that dresses elegantly, it is obvious that heads turn

[Laughs and blushes]

The heads turning is mostly that of the guys. People would admire.

Definitely. 

So how many guys approach you in a day? Give us an estimate.

[Laughs]. In Yabatech I wouldn’t even know how many heads are turning. First I dress to feel good. When I am walking I notice some people looking, some whispering

Like how many?

I don’t know. Quite a number. [Laughs]. You don’t expect me to count how many guys approach me in a day. 

Just give us a rough estimate.

Are you saying for the whole week or the whole semester? I don’t keep records. [Laughs].

You were among the nominees for Miss Agric. And Azeezat said assuming she didn’t win you would have emerged as the winner. Do you have any grudge against her winning? Do you think she deserves it? 

She is a very good friend of mine. We are very close. I do not have any grudge with her. I did not even expect I was going to be nominated because I did not even know it was going to occur. Abiola Majaro was my escort for the dinner; he said he was going to mention my name. And I told him I was not interested and that I don't want to be in the spotlight.

So you don’t like the spotlight?

Not like I don’t like the spotlight, but it wasn’t on mind basically. My intention was to come to the dinner and have fun. When she was nominated as Miss Agric I did not have any grudge. Firstly, she is a pretty lady in her own way and she deserves to have it. Some people thought I would be miss agric because I was looking hot during the dinner party. Nevertheless, it was fun.

' There Is More To Football Than Playing To Show Off' - Soccer Gist With A YCT Player!

Gideon Akinyele

Hello Gideon

Hello Fecko

So I was at the main campus during the match which took place at the sports centre and you participated in the football match. So how would you describe the outing?

First of all I never expected us to be at the main campus for that kind of tournament. Kudos to the sports director in the person of Onyekachi . He did a very good job. Thanks to God almighty that made it possible for us to play there. During the tournament we wanted our voices to be heard that there is somewhere in Epe people don’t know of. There are excellent people that are yet to be seen. We were driven by that passion and we had a lot of fans.

Sorry to cut you short. You said you have a lot of fans. When you say that, are you referring specifically to the female fans?

Yeah, I was referring to the female fans. [Smiles].

So during the match were you playing to entertain the female fans or were you playing to score goals?

You know we are human beings and we have Morales. Females are good cheer leaders. And when most guys see the females they would do the unbelievable.

I couldn’t agree more with that last sentence.

You can testify to that. [Laughs]. By the way, we had some setbacks.

What kind?

Like my favourite number 2 in the person of Adedotun Adedamola aka Dotman aka Agbaowo sustained an injury a night before the match. It was so painful because he could not participate despite the fact he bought a new boot and jersey.

I can imagine how sad that is.

[Laughs]. It was so painful. He even called his parents to come watch him play, and unfortunately everything turned out to be bad. But we never know what would have happened assuming he played.

You know it doesn’t answer the question. Did you play to entertain the female audience or you played to win?

Well, we played as a team. I was not even fit because I sustained an injury in the course of the match. Before I played for the crowd, but as you grow up you realize that there is more to football than playing to show off. In football, the spirit falls together and everybody rides together. We would have won the match if not for our keeper. It was very painful.

Who is your favorite footballer and football club?

I am a Manchester United fan

Same here.

Man U for life. And my favorite player is Merci. The guy was borne with football. I’d like to ask you a question.

Oh, ok.

What was your anticipation when you watched us play?

YCT Football Squad

To start with, I will be very blunt with you. I am not really a football person. My favorite game is Basketball.

Wow.

However I love watching soccer. So when we were at the main campus, I was expectant. I wished we won the match. Meanwhile, I was happy that we played our first match ever at the main campus. So regardless of the outcome, I would have still gone home happy. I wasn’t really interested in the score line, I was interested in the game and you guys did a great job. So final question, how do feel when you get positive remarks from people?

I feel motivated. Everyone has the talent to play football, so it now depends on how you put your talent to use.

Meet The Self-acclaimed 'Strongest Man' In YCT Epe

Good day Joseph Okonji aka Banky

Hey my Vice President, Feckman

So why are you called Banky? Prior to now, the only Banky I know is EME’s Bankole Wellington

Banky started as far back as last year when I gained admission. There was this Kangol hat I used to wear, coupled with my teddy style. When people saw me they were like this boy looks like Banky, and coupled with my music. Then they started calling me Banky and the name just stuck like that.

Oh, interesting. So rumours filtered in that a certain student claimed he is the strongest man in school. And I think you know who the person is?

Laughs. Yeah.

Yeah, the person happens to be you. So what prompted you to say that?

Actually I wouldn’t say I said that because it all went back to when we did our freshers week party, when we were contesting in a arm wrestle. So we competed and I actually came out the strongest in that contest. So ever since they gave been like ‘this guy e be like na him strong pass’. Even among the students, when it comes to physique, I think I am the most muscular. So the P.R.O was like ‘na him strong pass’. And when it comes to physical combat coupled with the respect people give me.

Physical combat? So did you go to any Taekwando or Taichi school?

[Laughs]. No, when it comes to my physique people get scared. When it comes to fighting with me, they tend to see me as one strong gentle guy. 

Definitely if you have that kind of physique the ladies will always be there, So how have you been treating your female fans? I believe you have female fans.

[Exhales] Ahhhhh. My female fans. [Laughs]. That is a strong one. Actually, you know one man’s food is another man’s poison.

Okay

Just as some ladies are liking it, some others are also scared of me. When I meet some of them, they are like ‘I can’t even believe I will be able to talk to you because of the way you look and walk’. Most of the ladies say Banky is a nice guy. Actually I tend not to hurt anybody. I think I have been treating all of them in a way that I will leave a landmark. They will remember me for being that Big and Nice Guy.

So out of the numerous ladies, has anyone tickled your fancy? Is there that special one?

[Laughs uncontrollably]. The special one?

Yeah.

[Laughs again]. You wan kill me. Actually all of them are special.

So in other words all of them are your girlfriends?

[Laughs]. No, no, no! Well, actually everybody knows that I have actually been dating a particular one.

You mean everybody but me. I don’t know. So who is the particular one?

[Laughs timidly]. It is Uche Okwara.

Wow. So thank you very much for your time.

You are welcome.

'Some Ladies Have Approached Me Personally' - Mr. Agric 2013 Opens Up!

Henry Momoh

What’s good Henry Momoh?

I’m good. All good!

You are Mr. Agric of the department of Agricultural Technology. So ever since you were bestowed with that title, how do you feel?

First of all, I feel happy and surprised. It wasn’t easy despite all ups and downs. 

Okay, when you say ups and downs, what were they?

Well when I was nominated I never knew I would be picked. I was surprised.

Why?

Because they could have picked anybody. I don’t know why I was picked. 

So in other words, are you saying you don’t think you were up to par to become Mr. Agric?

No, not that, I knew I would be one of the contestants, but I never knew I would emerge as a winner.

So you said you have been very happy?

Yeah.

Hmm, I think you have been happy because the ladies have been coming around. It’s not easy to be Mr. Agric. So how do handle your female fans?

Well, to me my female fans….

So you even have female fans? 

Laughs. I have them, because they are like my friends. I like them the same way I like my male friends. Although some ladies have approached me personally. 

Hmm, PERSONALLY? That reminds me of P-Square’s song. So when you say so, it is in what sense?

They tell me that they want to date me. 

Wow, like seriously?

Yeah, forreal! 

So do you want to give us names?

No it is personal. 

I see. So apart from you who do you think would have won the Mr. Agric title? 

Well, I thought of three people

Okay, who are they?

It’s probably Shina, Tolu or Biola. 

So apart from schooling, what else do you engage yourself in?

Yeah. I am a music lead vocalist. I do music full time. I am a member of a musical group in Lagos called Anointed Voices. We do acapellas and also individual group singing. I also belong to the choir of Foundation of Church Assembly, which happens to be my church. We perform at various concerts, occasions and events. 

'I’m Miss Agric Because People Love Me, Not That Am Beautiful' – Miss Agric 2013

                                              

"I feel happy...I feel like a celeb now." - That was an honest remark from Azeezat Olushola Saka, the current Miss Agric in Yabatech Epe Campus. The beautiful and elegant young lady did not hesitate to express her joy when she was asked about how she felt holding such a noble title. "I think I was crowned Ms. Agric because of the love people have for me, not that am that pretty," she further stated. The decision was made on several criteria such as; dress sense, character and looks. Apparently it was not biased since she was chosen by majority of students that attended the dinner/award night during the Agric week via casting of votes. Azeezat thinks Tomisin Oke would have emerged as Ms Agric assuming her votes were dwarfed by other nominees.

                                            

For the recs, Zeezee, as she is fondly called, hails from Ogun state. She speaks English, Yoruba and Palestinian Arabic. She is jovial, although quite reserved. Surprisingly she is a party rocker who loves dancing to any up-tempo song like Khona and Skelewu. "The best changes in life often start with simple thoughts. Continue to think BIG and research on how you can make your dreams real," that happens to be her favourite quote.

                                                

                                                

F.Y.I, Mister Agric is the easy going Henry Momoh; born to both Ghanaian and Nigerian parents. He is a great vocalist, model, fashion freak and an army cadet in Yabatech.

Discipline, an Essential for Successful Endings

By Chima ‘Cinkeay’ Nkiru

Discipline is a fundamental element in obtaining goals, dreams and desires. “Being disciplined means being very structured,” (Adriana Girdler).

Why talk about discipline?

A lot of us have found ourselves at a particular place in life due to choices we made, the ones made for us or by mistake. A saying goes that whatever you find to do, do it well, and wherever you find yourself leave an impact. For one to get far in life, one has to have dreams, priorities, a set pace to follow and discipline. Not just discipline which can be from parents, guardians, friends, in the way of advice, scolding and sometimes punishment. Self discipline is personal, it’s you (self), it’s the voice of you speaking to you, cautioning you and no one would be best to change you except you.

Discipline in a chosen profession or course of study is the only thing after God that would make one excel in that field. The dictionary defines discipline as, “The training of people to obey rules or code of behavior, it could also be called controlled behavior”. As students, our top priority is studying, but far beyond or before that, there is obedience to the institution where one is schooling, compliance to rules and regulation, attendance to lectures, obedience to everything pertaining to the course of study etc.

 Let us get to the crux of the matter; as an Agricultural Technology student, first thing would be to fall in love and stay in love with the course, or else as a course mate would say, “u don barsh!”. No one, I mean no sane person jokes about with something he/she is in love with. The issue will be taken as serious as a heart attack. You learn to take crap from so many people because you love something they do not understand. 

It is said that whoever watches the sky will not plant, because he will definitely find something that would put a damper on his plans. For example, we (Yabatech, Agric tech students) are all carrying out various entrepreneurial projects. The group planting water melon is our case study. Let us get to the purposed end of their project, which will be DOH i.e Day of Harvesting. If other students get to be privy to this DOH, they would go, “Ohh, ah, these water melons are fine, they are fresh”, (another course mate swag talk), “Can I have some? How did you do it?” No one would know that the land had to be cleared, which I might add is strenuous, back braking, hand bending, brow sweating labour (I coined that word, mind you). Then there is making of seed beds, I wonder if there is a bigger word for weakening and tiresome other than strenuous?

Well you get my drift, now the beds are in total, twenty two, those bed also have to be manured, and wet regularly in preparation for planting. The seeds are planted, now there is continuous watering, lest I forget, weeding too, stubborn carpet grass if I may say so myself. I am even tired of listing all the stages and processes involved. But it goes without saying; a lot of work was put into making the DOH possible. All this would not happen without discipline. 

Discipline is the foundation of every successful venture. To borrow from Adrianna Girdler, four elements needed to ensure discipline in the business environment, I guess for now school is our business; are:

1.       Purpose: Be clear with where you want to go and the outcome you want.

2.       Plan: Write down the plan of how to get there.

3.       Mini rewards: Give yourself for good work and be a good self motivator.

4.       Trust: You must trust your purpose and plan.

Discipline sets apart those who just dream and those who dream and do. The bible which is my number one source of motivation says in Ecclesiastes, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning.” No one would know what troubles or travails you have, you are going through. But every one will have an opinion  about the end product, so be prayerful, persistent, disciplined and never give up, the sky is just the starting point and stepping stone to greatness.   

Why the Phobia for Lecturers?

By Ifeanyi ‘Fecko’ Ibegbunam 

Is it just me or are most students in Nigerian higher institutions somewhat scared of their lecturers? In the U.K for example (where I would have been studying if not for certain circumstances), it is difficult to differentiate a student from an academic staff due to the way they relate with one another. What do you expect when these folks pay over 3,000 pounds per session? Over there, it seem as though the lecturers work for the students. Same can be said of some private universities in Nigeria. 

Our case study is Yabatech, Epe campus. In my school it is a taboo for some lecturers to get to the class before the students. More so, only a couple of them entertain questions during lectures. The other day I could not help but laugh out loud when I saw a female student with a baby bump trying to outrun a lecturer. Thank God the pregnant lady did not miss the class after all. 

I decided to conduct a public poll as touching the topic and I asked my fellow students who their favourite lecturers were. Only two students answered me boldly while the rest chickened out. Hey, I would have done the same if I were in their shoes. Well, check out some of the responses bellow.

"I like the way Olayemi lectures. He has a nice smile too. I feel if you know what to do, you can get in his good books and stay there. Because of him, i held my first rabbit. Adebayo likes to think optimistically, he has a nice dress sense and he encourages everyone. He is like a father to me and i like the fact that he finishes his lectures on time. Both of them are almost alike." - Uchechukwu Okwara.

"I like Mr Balogun, because he's straight forward and transparent. Rosulu and Doctor Akinfemi also make my list" - Balikis Akodu.

"I'll tell you after my final exam, I don't want to come back for farm practice. YCT Epe campus is an advanced secondary school and the teachers and not lecturers this time use invisible cane on us." - Anonymous

"I don't have any favourite lecturer...I don't know why" - Tolani Banire

Seriously I miss my former Citizenship Education lecturer. He is the only academic staff I know in Yabatech that chops knuckle. Confam guy! Lol. As far as I am concerned, fear is a prison and the moment we stop perceiving our lecturers as deities or Greek gods, the closer we will get to them, and the more we would learn from these knowledgeable people. Just a thought!

Agric Week Review

Agric Week was a blast, no bombs! This year’s theme is ‘"Agriculture...the frontiers of possibilities"’. It started off with series of lectures and seminars. 

Our first guest speaker, Mrs Ofidile, is a remarkable woman with over 27 publications to her credit. She schooled in East Africa and she is also a mushroom expert. The Head of Department, Agricultural Technology, Engr. Amosu graced the occasion.

Then the topic ‘'Readers are Leaders'’ was later discussed by another guest speaker named Abdul'Fatai Okanlawon, whose speech really enlightened the students. An inter gender quiz was conducted later that same day. After which, there was a film show. Students were glued to the projector screen as soon as the award-winning African movie ‘Mirror Boy’ was being played. 

The following day agric tech students went insane and invaded the streets of Lagos. It was Rag Day...…madness at its peak. The theme suggested by the vice president was Greener Pastures.

The good people and staff of Airtel were present later that evening to celebrate with the students. On Thursday, there was an excursion. Every student visited Animal Care in Ogun State.

Then Friday marked the grand finale...…the dinner night party! Before the party, there was a football match in the morning. ND1 won ND2 in the female soccer match. And as for the guys, penalty kicks were the course of the day which ended in favour of ND2 5-2. It was fun from start to finish.

To God be the glory!

'We Had To Fight For Food Without Salt' - Farmer's Quest Last Lady Standing Speaks!

Tolani (Last Lady Standing) and Ifeanyi (V.P)

 A.A.T.S Vice President did not only interview the winner of Farmer's Quest, he also had a chit-chat with the last lady standing. Enjoy the interview bellow.

Hello Tolani

Hello

Okay, so the Farmer’s Quest is over. The stress is over. Life in the jungle is over. You are back to civilization. I bet you are enjoying now. So what was the experience like when you were in the jungle?

The experience was terrible. (laughs). Like big time terrible. We had to fight for food, as in, food without salt. We did not have our bath. It was crazy. Rain fell. We were under the rain, trying to fetch fire. It was really crazy.

So what made you participate in the contest?

Actually I didn’t want to participate

Why?

I was like I can’t go for it. I knew it was going to be stressful for me. Someone purchased the form for me actually. The person encouraged me to go, and told me that I was strong.

So in other words, someone motivated you to go for it?

Yeah

And who is this person if I may ask?

Actually it is Toheeb that paid for me.

So how do you feel being the last lady standing?

It wasn’t easy. I had many competitors such as Balikis and Tosin. Actually Balikis really discouraged me. It got to a point she was behaving so weird. Even when she got evicted, she told me I couldn’t win.

Did you feel like punching her in the face?

It got to a point when I felt like that sha

And you think you would have beaten her?

She would have beaten me, but atleast I would have tried my best.

So how do feel being the last lady standing?

It is okay, in terms of popularity. People walk up to me and are like ‘you are the last lady standing’.

I have known you to be the reserved type, but you startled me on the day of the last task. When you guys were asked to climb the rope, where did the strength come from? Have you been undergoing some form of military training prior to the competition?

Actually I am this type of athletic person. Before I came to Yabatech, my church took us to a sea school. That is where they do their training for Ultimate Search too. We went through all these kind of training there. Being flexible again helped me. I am the kind of person that doesn’t eat much. So it was easy for me to climb the rope. And I like climbing things, naturally.

So what is next for Tolani being the last lady standing? What are your expectations basically?

Well I expect big from the association. Anything they bring, fine!  I will take it like that. 

Exclusive Interview With Farmer's Quest Winner - Gafaar!

What made you participate in the Farmer’s Quest contest?

I just think that I have the capacity to win this Farmer’s Quest. I tried my best and I am lucky. It made it easy for me.

What do you think about the Quest?

The Quest is really interesting and the association really tried. Also the cadets really tried. It is good.

Ok, this is the interesting part – when five of you entered into the bush to search for the quintessential hoe what was going through your mind? Did you think you would come last or be the first person to find it?

I did not think so. Ah, it is not easy. The time we were searching for the quintessential hoe, I went in with a cutlass while others used their legs to clear the pathway. I prayed to God and I was like ‘Allah please help me to see this thing’. Allah made it easy for me sha.

So the moment you found the Quintessential Hoe how did you feel?

I was really happy. (laughs). I was really happy. It is good. It is not easy to find that thing. So I was really happy when I found it.

So what are you expecting from the association now that the farmer’s quest is over? As in what are your expectations?

My expectations include; awards and other gifts. If the association can award me with something that is customized, with my name written on it, and telling everyone that I am the first person to win Farmer’s Quest Season One, I will really be happy. Some people even called me asking if I won 50,000 or 100,000. (Laughs).

The association will definitely reward you. Alright, thanks for your time Gafaar.

Thank you very much. 

Diary of a College Kid: Working Behind The Scene

(Wriiten by Ifeanyi Ibegbunam)

I am an adventure seeker like Indiana Jones. So it was a fun filled experience for me when I had to assist the production crew that filmed the Farmer's Quest reality competition in my school. As part of the organizers and planning committee, I was not just a mere spectator wandering about in the forest who took delight in watching my fellow students search for a missing farm tool. I also participated in a demonstration exercise so as to ensure that the obstacles and physical tasks being set by the army cadets were somewhat civilian friendly. So I inevitably ended up jumping tires, crossing over bamboo sticks and climbing trees with the aid of a rope. At some point I felt like Vin Diesel pulling dangerous stunts on the set of XXX. "These guys that participate in Ultimate Search dey try o" I said to myself.

 

 

When it was time to shoot, I and my colleagues had to hide in the bush like Vietnamese soldiers laying ambush, so that we won't be captured on camera. I recall during a late night shoot, the social director who is also a member of my association, stepped on a nail accidentally and it resulted to severe bleeding. Thank God we had a first-aid box. Unfortunately, the key to open the lock was kept somewhere else. So I was accompanied by an army cadet, and immediately we dashed off in search for it. Some minutes later, we arrived and made sure the victim was properly treated.

  

The burning torch at the place of the talking drum kept us warm. It was a cold night. The contestants were drenched in the rain before arriving at the location. I really admired their endurance. The anchor whom we referred to as Uncle Steve would give Chidi Mokeme a good run for his money. Honestly, he wore a very stern look on his face that succeeded in instilling fear in the mind of all the contestants. His diction could have been better though. Nobody is perfect.

  

We are in the post production phase of the project and I am most likely going to handle the narration. Our vision is to premiere the final cut in various higher institutions across the country, Farmer's Quest Season I’ may not be a high budget production as most critiques would expect. We started small. A lot of improvisation was done. However, we did not compromise standards. It can only get bigger and better.

Introducing...Farmer's Quest

Who said farmers can’t think outside the box? Innovation and creativity is power. First it was an idea conceived by an A.A.T.S executive, and now this dream is gradually unfolding into a reality.

Farmer’s Quest is a unique project spearheaded, organized and planned by the Association of Agricultural Technology Students of Yabatech (2012/2013 tenure) in association with the lecturers and army cadet of the institution. Over 30 students of the department showed interest, and only 15 students made it through to the competition.

The contestants spent 3 days in the jungle, making nature their companion, as they all embarked on a quest to find the quintessential hoe. The army cadets of the institution assisted in setting various obstacles for the contestants. A.A.T.S was behind the scene supervising the competition which was filmed. It was not a smooth journey at all.

Check out pictures bellow. 

  

 

 

 

Agric Tech Football Squad

 

Blow your vuvuzelas!! Agric Tech Football team played their debut match at this year’s Deans Cup which was held at Yabatech’s sports complex. And they also participated in the Rector’s Cup. Agric Tech vs Food Tech was a tough match. The boys brought their A-game, but penalty kicks didn’t favor us. All in all, it was a great outing.