Education: A Mirror of Society

17-Year old University Lady Tortured, Poisoned Over Refusal To Join Lesbian Fraternity

<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4br1sBkw1HJHWZLK6g5CsEWpx5modd3wIK0grSEjKaWMd3h0lo860zcrDUUCIASZX6NoGbiD0lXA74lsuZ6s7jcs4CJ5SZvB8GXSZIlrXCK8TTBKsieNkIB6PIIiArJ-wYd0PrC_GzA/s1600/Prostitutes-412-300x185-773322.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6140055925068126306" loading="lazy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4br1sBkw1HJHWZLK6g5CsEWpx5modd3wIK0grSEjKaWMd3h0lo860zcrDUUCIASZX6NoGbiD0lXA74lsuZ6s7jcs4CJ5SZvB8GXSZIlrXCK8TTBKsieNkIB6PIIiArJ-wYd0PrC_GzA/s320/Prostitutes-412-300x185-773322.jpg" /></a></p>Suspected members of a notorious female cult group in the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University(NDU) in Ammassoma community of Southern Ijaw Area of the State weekend attacked a 17- year-old
student after she declined their offer of membership. The suspected cult members, who were reportedly led by one Annabela, a final year student of the Education Department of the institution, allegedly attacked their victim at Hostel "F" of the institution and injected her with a strange substance after subjecting her to severe torture. 
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The victim of the attack is a daughter to a lecturer in the institution and a student of the Economics department. While some students claimed the attack on the victims was due to domestic squabbles among room mates,others claimed the victim ran into trouble waters with the suspected cultists due to her strict Christian ways and refusal to accept advances to belong to the notorious cult group which is notorious for lesbianism and other vices on campus. 
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A friend to the victim who identified herself as Claire said the victim was attacked at about 4am last Tuesday in her hostel room. "She was tied to a chair and severely beaten by four girls. Her hair attachment was forceful removed and she was injected with substances that made her behave in a crazy manner for days.When the attackers saw that the girl had fainted,they brought her out of the room in the early hours of morning, and they were apprehended." 
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It was gathered that investigation into the incident, which was reported to the Students' Senate Disciplinary Committee, had begun and its outcome would be made known to the institution's authorities this week.
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Source : http://leadership.ng/news/426985/cultism-girl-tortured-poisoned-over-refusal-to-join-fraternity

17-Year old University Lady Tortured, Poisoned Over Refusal To Join Lesbian Fraternity

Suspected members of a notorious female cult group in the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University(NDU) in Ammassoma community of Southern...

OndoX, the Gods and a Disease Called Ignorance

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<div style="text-align: justify;"><p>Ignorance kills faster—or sometimes more painfully and slowly—than many known diseases. Ignorance is, in itself, a disease.</p><p>In April 2015, a strange illness broke out in Ode-Irele and nearby communities in Ondo State. At the time, about 18 people had reportedly died, while several others had fallen ill.</p><p>No known pathogen or toxin had yet been confirmed as the cause of what I chose to call <strong>OndoX</strong>. Health workers and epidemiologists were gathering samples and data, trying to identify the cause and prevent further deaths.</p><p>But while science was still searching for answers, ignorance stepped in.</p><p>Suddenly, the gods became relevant.</p><p>Some residents blamed the deaths on the anger of a local deity known as Molokun or Malokun. According to traditional leaders, some young men had entered a restricted part of the shrine and stolen sacred objects, supposedly in search of wealth and supernatural power.</p><p>The deaths, they said, were punishment.</p><p>One chief reportedly insisted that only designated individuals were allowed into the shrine’s inner chamber, and that those who violated it had brought the consequences upon themselves.</p><p>Others called for sacrifices to appease the deity and stop the deaths.</p><p>It all sounded like a familiar Nollywood script.</p><p>What was more troubling, however, was how quickly many people accepted this explanation—an angry god punishing not just the offenders, but members of the wider community.</p><p>People gathered, prayed, performed rituals and begged for forgiveness.</p><p>Then, as if the sacrifices had worked, the deaths stopped. No new cases were immediately reported.</p><p>And just like that, the gods were credited—helped along by coincidence and the absence of clear scientific information.</p><h2>When Coincidence Is Mistaken for Proof</h2><p>The fact that the deaths stopped after rituals does not mean the rituals stopped them.</p><p>An outbreak linked to a contaminated drink can end naturally once the source is no longer consumed. Those exposed fall ill within a window, and once that passes, no new cases appear.</p><p>If this happens shortly after a ritual, it is easy to assume the ritual caused the change.</p><p>This is the danger of confusing correlation with causation.</p><p>Two events can occur together without one causing the other. Establishing cause requires evidence, careful investigation and the elimination of alternatives.</p><p>The people of Ode-Irele were understandably afraid. The illness appeared suddenly, progressed quickly and killed within days. Without immediate answers, people turned to familiar beliefs.</p><p>But fear should not replace investigation.</p><h2>What the Preliminary Investigation Found</h2><p>Early findings pointed not to a supernatural cause, but to poisoning from contaminated locally brewed alcohol.</p><p>Victims had reportedly gathered at drinking spots and consumed herbal alcoholic mixtures shortly before falling ill.</p><p>The Ondo State Commissioner for Health at the time, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, stated that the illness was linked to locally prepared alcohol and did not appear contagious. Further tests were ongoing.</p><p>Symptoms included severe headache, blurred vision or sudden blindness, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness and rapid death.</p><p>These signs were consistent with acute methanol poisoning.</p><h2>Methanol Is Not Ethanol</h2><p>Initial reports mentioned “ethanol poisoning,” but later investigations identified <strong>methanol</strong> as the culprit.</p><p>Ethanol is the alcohol found in beverages. Methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol.</p><p>They may look alike, but their effects are very different.</p><p>Ethanol is processed into less harmful substances in the body. Methanol, however, breaks down into formaldehyde and formic acid—highly toxic compounds that damage the optic nerve, disrupt body chemistry and harm vital organs.</p><p>Symptoms may be delayed, but can include:</p><ul><li><p>headache</p></li><li><p>dizziness</p></li><li><p>nausea and vomiting</p></li><li><p>abdominal pain</p></li><li><p>blurred vision or blindness</p></li><li><p>confusion</p></li><li><p>breathing difficulty</p></li><li><p>seizures</p></li><li><p>coma</p></li><li><p>death</p></li></ul><p>Methanol poisoning is not simply a normal by-product of fermentation. While small amounts can occur naturally, dangerous levels usually result from contamination, adulteration or poor distillation practices.</p><p>This points to the real issue: unsafe production and sale of unregulated alcohol.</p><h2>What Later Investigations Established</h2><p>Further studies clarified the situation.</p><p>One investigation recorded 37 cases and 27 deaths—a fatality rate of about 73%. Those who consumed the local gin were far more likely to fall ill.</p><p>Laboratory tests confirmed methanol poisoning.</p><p>The outbreak was not caused by a virus, bacteria or angry deity, but by contaminated alcohol.</p><p>It was not a “mysterious disease” in the infectious sense, but a <strong>mass poisoning event</strong> from shared exposure.</p><h2>Not the First National Display of Ignorance</h2><p>This was not Nigeria’s first encounter with dangerous misinformation.</p><p>During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, messages spread urging people to drink or bathe in salt water before dawn. Many complied.</p><p>Salt water had no protective effect against Ebola. The outbreak was controlled through proper public-health measures—case identification, isolation, contact tracing and public education.</p><p>The salt-water episode showed how quickly fear can fuel misinformation.</p><p>The same pattern appeared in Ode-Irele: fear created a vacuum, and unsupported explanations filled it.</p><h2>Science and Traditional Belief</h2><p>This is not an argument against culture or tradition.</p><p>Traditional systems provide identity and structure, and community leaders can play vital roles during crises.</p><p>The problem arises when spiritual explanations prevent people from seeking care, reporting symptoms or cooperating with health workers.</p><p>It becomes worse when such beliefs lead to concealment, unsafe practices or misplaced blame.</p><p>Traditional leaders should work alongside health professionals, using their influence to promote safety and evidence-based action.</p><h2>The Lesson for All of Us</h2><p>OndoX highlights the urgent need for better public education.</p><p>Literacy is not just reading and writing—it is the ability to question, evaluate evidence and distinguish fact from rumour.</p><p>Not every unexplained event is supernatural. Sometimes, answers take time.</p><p>Instead of filling gaps with fear, we must learn to wait for evidence.</p><p>The incident also underscores the need to regulate locally produced alcohol. Producers must be trained, products monitored and offenders held accountable.</p><p>Health authorities must communicate clearly and quickly. When information is delayed or unclear, rumours thrive.</p><p>Ultimately, the best defence against misinformation is not just access to information, but the ability to think critically.</p><p>We must ask questions, examine evidence and allow science to do its work.</p><p>Ignorance is a disease.</p></div>
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OndoX, the Gods and a Disease Called Ignorance

Ignorance kills faster—or sometimes more painfully and slowly—than many known diseases. Ignorance is, in itself, a disease. In April 2015...

NECO In Turmoil, Workers Protest President Jonathan's Appointment of Registrar

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The Academic Staff Union of Research and Allied Institute ( ASURI) has faulted the appointment of Prof Monday Tommy Joshua as the new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer for National Examination Council (NECO) .
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The protest of NECO chapter of the union was contained in a letter signed by its chairman, Comrade Agwu Arisa , and addressed to the Minister of Education, a copy which was made available to journalists in Minna .
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The letter reads,
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"For the avoidance of doubt, may we remind you that since the inception of our institution (hereinafter refereed to simply as "NECO"), there has been two Registrars/ Chief Executive Officers to wit: Prof Dibu Ojerinde who was the pioneering Registrar , from the Southwest region of Nigeria , and after serving out full his full term the out - going Registrar, Prof Promise Okpala, from the Southeast region of Nigeria was thereafter appointed, who has now not only served out his term , but enjoyed a period of extension of tenure without due process being complied with.
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"In the present circumstances, and bearing the principle of federal character, it would only be fair and reasonable to expect that the next appointed to the office of registrar should come from the northern zone of the country.
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"The union has been reliably informed that one Prof Monday Tommy Joshua who is now being considered for appointment as the next Registrar, is not only not from the northern zone of Nigeria, he was never recommended by the Honourable Minister to the President for such appointment" .
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Prof. Monday succeeds Prof. Promise Okpala, whose tenure has been marked by series of controversies and protest by members staff of the council. Prof. Promise was accused among other thing for being partial in the appointment of staff, particularly of his (Igbo) ethnic stock and discriminatory transfer (out of the Minna headquarter) of workers perceived to be antagonist of his actions and administrative policies.
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Several protest have been held both in the past and recently against his continue stay in office, Prof. Monday neither doesn't seems to be welcome either, the start of his tenure is being marked with antagonizing protest.</div>
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NECO In Turmoil, Workers Protest President Jonathan's Appointment of Registrar

The Academic Staff Union of Research and Allied Institute ( ASURI) has faulted the appointment of Prof Monday Tommy Joshua as the new R...

UNILORIN Best Medical Graduate Receives Seven Awards

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The best graduating student from the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, has received seven awards during the professional induction ceremony held recently at the institution. </div>
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The recipient, Miss Akera Ganiyat, graduated top of her class of 64 students and bagged the highest award at the event. </div>
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Akera's distinguished awards added to a total of seven, including College Annual Prize award, Best student in Maternal and Child Health and Best Student in Pathology, the Professor Mathew Akinyemi Araoye Annual Prize to Best Student in Medicine. Also, she won the College Book Voucher donated by the University of Ilorin to the two overall best students, the Late Dr. Hamzat Olayinka Braimoh Academic prize award to best student in Medicine, as well as the Olalomi Hospital Annual Prize as donated by Dr. Kola Olafimihan to the best student in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. </div>
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The Provost of the College of Health Sciences UNILORIN, Professor Wahab R.B Johnson, described the graduands as the quintessential class and 64 olive green inductees. He said: "Our robust MBBS programme has continued to turn out, on yearly basis, well-trained medical doctors who have continued to contribute quantitatively and qualitatively to the health-care needs of our beloved Nation. <br /> </div>
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Indeed, with today's induction of 64 additional doctors, our medical school has produced 4,062 in the 38years of existence." </div>
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The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali (OON), said the university was proud of the students for proving themselves worthy in character and learning, the two key variables he said that the university considered in awarding its certificates. He expressed satisfaction with the university's effort to add to the number of healthcare personnel in the country. </div>
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Ambali explained that the hallmarks of professionalism, especially for doctors, include integrity, honesty, trust, responsibility, confidentiality, altruism, excellence, team work and improvement. </div>
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He added: "As today marks your professional initiation, there is need for you to be professional always. Always hold these qualities dearly and do not allow your values to be compromised." Olawale, 300-level History student, University of Ilorin</div>
<a href="http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/education/52184-unilorin-best-medical-graduate-receives-seven-awards">Source</a><br />
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UNILORIN Best Medical Graduate Receives Seven Awards

The best graduating student from the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, has received seven awards during the professional...

US Principal Bags 20 Years Sentences For His Role In Exams Cheating

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Lengthy prison sentences was handed down to eight former school educators and principal by an angry judge for their conviction on racketeering charges. The trial is the biggest test-cheating trial in United State history and such lengthy prison sentences were unusual for teachers, but it was also an emotional trial with the judge describing the teachers actions "like the sickest thing to have ever happen to this town (Atlanta)".
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Among other charges, the educators were found guilty by a jury, of altering test scores and erasing students' wrong answers to favour higher scores in order to meet the test target. The principal and educators in return got cash bonuses and promotions for their 'students outstanding performances'.
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The Superior Court Judge, Jerry Baxter offered the defendant an opportunity of lighter sentences if they apologize to the community, two of the defendant took the offer and apologize in court and the rest eight received harsher judgment after failing to tender an apology.
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The Judge gave three of the educators convicted in the scandal 20-year sentences with seven years to be served in prison and the rest on probation. The rest five teachers, got five-year sentences, with two ordered to serve two years in prison and three to serve one year.
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Investigators say that cheating was so endemic that more than half of the district schools in Atlanta were implicated and some members of staff even held erasure parties where incorrect answers on exams were altered. This revelation prompt schools throughout the United State to enact measures guarding against cheating.  Many have however,claim that the standardised tests common in the US set unrealistic goals in public schools, giving the teachers, the pretense to help students excel.</div>
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US Principal Bags 20 Years Sentences For His Role In Exams Cheating

Lengthy prison sentences was handed down to eight former school educators and principal by an angry judge for their conviction on rack...

Malala's Letter To Chibok Kidnapped School Girls

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<img alt="bring back our girls chibok school girls malala poster" height="225" loading="lazy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNOj_xAbQ6O7ek_YJb2GSgv4MYKPPPANlpuMjhkpO1JKeFAKIpSsSCgx793cMjuqVttCsi1Jh_K2UJuDdDpr0_ySYSch-fsH6isCqraaCHgx-GveTOGpBZP3skouS6g4d2rIVRSnTuXE/s320/140507154527-aman-malala-yousafzai-bring-bac-our-girls-hp-video-725322.jpg" title="Malala " width="400" /></div>
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To my brave sisters, <br /> </div>
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the kidnapped schoolgirls of Chibok, </div>
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On this first anniversary of your captivity, I write to you with a message of solidarity, love and hope. My name is Malala. I am a Pakistani girl your age. I am one of the millions of people around the world who keep you and your families foremost in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot imagine the full extent of the horrors you have endured. But please know this: We.will never forget you. We will always stand with you. Today and every day, we call on the Nigerian authorities and the international community to do more to bring you home. We will not rest until you have been reunited with your families. </div>
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Like you, I was a target of militants who did not want girls to go to school. Gunmen shot me and two of my friends on a school bus. All three of us survived and are back in school. Now we speak out on behalf of all girls about the right to get a proper education. Our campaign will continue until you and all girls and boys around the world are able to access a free, safe and quality secondary education. </div>
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Last July, I spent my 17th birthday in Nigeria with some of your parents and five of your classmates who escaped the kidnapping. Your parents are grief-stricken. They love you, and they miss you. My father and I wept and prayed with your parents -- and they touched our hearts. The escapee schoolgirls my father and I met impressed us with their resolve to overcome their challenges and to complete their high school education. My father and I promised your parents and the girls who had escaped that we would do all we could to help them.</div>
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I met Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and urged him to work harder for your freedom. I also asked President Jonathan to meet your parents and the girls who escaped the kidnapping, which he did a few days later. Still, in my opinion, Nigerian leaders and the international community have not done enough to help you. They must do much more to help secure your release. I am among many people pressuring them to make sure you are freed. </div>
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There are reasons for hope and optimism. Nigerian forces are re-gaining territory and protecting more schools. Nigeria's newly-elected president, Muhammadu Buhari, has vowed to make securing your freedom a top priority and promised his government will not tolerate violence against women and girls. </div>
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"You will have the opportunity to receive the education you want and deserve. The Malala Fund and other organizations offered all your classmates who escaped the kidnapping full scholarships to complete their secondary education. Most of the escapee girls accepted this scholarship and are now continuing their studies at a safe boarding school and with the support they need. We hope to someday extend that same scholarship to all 219 of you, when you return home. </div>
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Remember that one day your tragic ordeal will end, you will be reunited with your families and friends, and you will have the chance to finish the education you courageously sought. I look forward to the day I can hug each one of you, pray with you, and celebrate your freedom with your families. Until then, stay strong, and never lose hope. You are my heroes.</div>
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Your sister, </div>
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Malala</div>
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Malala's Letter To Chibok Kidnapped School Girls

To my brave sisters, the kidnapped schoolgirls of Chibok, On this first anniversary of your captivity, I write to you with a m...

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