Mr Precious Iluku, works as a financial controller in a Merchant Bank in Lagos Nigeria.
He is a certified chartered accountant who graduated from the University of Ado Ekiti about some 10 years ago. His days in campus were filled with intrigues and excitement worth reliving. On MY CAMPUS DAYS, he bares them all and says he’s proud to recommend fresh school leavers to attend his former school. Here are excerpts from his chat with our correspondent:
You were a student of The University of Ado Ekiti, what year did you graduate? 2007………can you remember any of your school mate or course mate who is now prominent in any industry?
Ooh sure, a few of them are finance and tax executives in Nigerian banks while others are doing very good abroad.
Generally, how will you describe you stay and studies while in that school?
It was a rough time going through school. This was as a result of lack of finance which made life a bit hard. Coupled with this is the activities of lecturers who were hell-bent on making life difficult for students
May I know what department and course you were?
Department of Economics
What’s your HOD’s name and what do you think about him then? Dr. Abel Ariyo Awe. Is he still in that school?
Yes he is. He is now a Prof.
Where you involved in any sport while in school?
Not at all. I was involved in academic and social activities though
Rate your school, in a scale of 1-10, 10 being the max.
6/10
When you think about your school, what comes to your mind?
The name of the school is UNAD. So, I simply call it University of HARD
What’s your thought or knowledge about Cultism while in school?
Oh sure, cultism was rampant and we knew a lot of the boys back then.
Did you know anyone who was involved? yes, a lot. Did you encounter any major clash between rival confraternity?
Yes, in 2006, there was a major clash that claimed the lives of a lot of students. It was between some cult groups and the militia group on campus popularly called Cadet Corps back then.
Do you think Cultism still exist in that school now?
Cultism cannot be totally eradicated. This is because some of the students who were cultists back then are now lecturers. They therefore will provide cover and protection to their own group members thereby encouraging them to do more.
How did your school tackle it?
The school set up a cadet corps whose mandate then was to fish out suspected cultists. This paid off until the cultists infiltrated the cadet corps itself.
Do you attend alumni events?
*No, I don’t.
Reasons for your answer please.
This is because feedback from the people who attend shows that the alumni is not well set up and organized
Who do you consider your best lecturer when you were in school? Who was your worse and why?
Dr. Awe, currently professor Awe. This is because of his approach and selflessness. He would make sure you get his methodology. Also, his commitment to the welfare of his students was second to none
Did you invent or produce anything or do anything outstanding while in school?
Yes, I was part of the team that started a group called “Integrated Student Economists”. The aim of the group is to take economics out of the classroom and teach its practical as it impacts the life of All.*
Did you get any award?
Yes I was the most outstanding student in a number of courses
Did you have any entrepreneurial skill while in Campus? If yes, Please tell us about it.
Yes, I was into fabric business, sold shirts, ties, shoes and everything that could bring money
What was entertainment and sports like while in school? Did you participate in any?
Entertainment and sports were very prominent in the lives of students. I worked with a team that produced journals, organized events and awards shows
As a younger man, what was your greatest challenge or pressure while in school?
Money
What was the worst policy or rule your school brought out that angered you? What did the student union do?
Increment in school fees. The SUG resisted at first but later compromised. The government of that day was said to have induced them with cash. This didn’t make sense at first until we saw the union members fighting publicly over the said largesse*.
Do you have any photo of you in school show any landmark?
I wasn’t a picture person back then. The pictures that I have are group pictures
Can you recommend any school leaver now to go to our Alma Mata?
Yes.
Why?
That’s because, regardless of the challenges, you grow to be a better adult as you face and conquer the pressure what’s your pride about the school? You get out of UNAD and no challenge of life becomes a big deal because you would have seen it all
Anything you’d like to add – advice to young undergraduate?
Shun cultism, shun thuggery, shun scam (internet fraud, drug peddling, etc.). The world out their holds a lot of opportunities in its hands; dying before your time isn’t worth it.
