UNIJOS NOSA CELEBRATES CULTURAL & AWARD DAY, LAUNCHES MAGAZINE

The University of Jos chapter of the Yoruba Students’ Association, popularly known as the National Odu’a Students’ Association (NOSA), celebrated its cultural and award-giving day on June 3, 2023.

The event, which was held at the university’s Faculty of Law, situated in its permanent site area, saw the assembling of hundreds of Yoruba students and the alumni of the association for the celebration of culture. There were cultural values on display, followed by the presentation of awards to exceptional students and the launch of a new magazine.

Cultural dance rendition by the students.

Cultural dance rendition by the students.

Speaking about the event, the president of the association, Kolawole Paul Adewole, a 400 level student of Medicine and Surgery, expressed huge happiness for the success of the programme and the launch of the association’s new magazine.

NOSA President, Kolawole Adewole (right), Financial Secretary, Olajide Joshua (Left).

“It was a great program and we thank God for its success. The NOSA cultural event was a week-long program that took place from Monday 29th May to Saturday 3rd July, which is today”, he said.

A Set Legacy

The Unijos NOSA has consistently organised culture day programmes for its members for years within the university. However, the participants of this year’s cultural event attested that the event happened to be the best within years of such a programme.

Adedigba Abdulmalik Adeshola, a 300 level student at Educational Foundation who attended the event, classified it as the most glamorous one he has ever witnessed on campus.

He said, “It was colourful and one of its kind. Since I gained admission into this school and started to attend NOSA programmes, this is one of the best.”

Adedigbe Adeshola with an award presented by Dr Mary Aiyeleso.

On the launch of a new magazine and awards giving, Kolawole said that such has never happened within the association for years and referred to it as his biggest achievement being the president of the Yoruba association on campus.

Dr Mary Aiyeleso launching the magazine.

“The Magazine launch was the first of its kind for the last decade. The last magazine was in 2007, and since then, NOSA has never had a new edition. The award was also the first of its kind. If anybody asks what my greatest achievement while watching over the Odu’a association is, I will not hesitate to say it is the launch of the magazine. It is a kind of legacy”, he said.

Adeoye Abayomi Ridwan, who was presented with an award by NOSA as the ‘Most Influential Student on Campus’, also affirmed that the event was unique compared to the previous programmes of the association. He also shared his feelings about being recognised for his influence on campus with an award.

Adeoye Abayomi Ridwan was presented with an award.

“I feel very happy and proud because this award is the first of its kind. It has never happened before. I thank God I was recognised for all I have been doing for the association since the 100 level up to this level”, he said.

Concerning the launch of the association’s new magazine, Adeoye considered it a great achievement of which every member of the association should be proud.

The National Odu’a Student Association University of Jos chapter has been in existence since the 2001/2002 session of the university. However, in this year’s programme, the association has the highest number of participants, with over 250 students in attendance.

In the closing remarks of the president of the association, Kolawole advised the Yoruba students on campus on the importance of togetherness within the campus. He also beseeched the students to genuinely appreciate their origin and culture, as it is their heritage.

“I will advise the students to ensure they continuously appreciate their culture wherever they find themselves”, he said.