As part of its mission to produce globally relevant leaders in the society, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) received Officials from the Public Affairs Section of the U.S Consulate General, Lagos,on January 22, 2013. The purpose of their visit was to train and counsel both final year Students and selected Staff on the effective use of the internet.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor SidiOshoreceived and welcomed the Officials warmly and introduced ABUAD final year Students and Staff to them.

The programme which took place at the Council Chambers of the University and the ICT Laboratory had select Staff and Lecturers from various Colleges in attendance. The students had a separate session in one of the lecture rooms, while staff had their session simultaneously at the ICT Laboratory.

In her speech, the leader of the team, Mrs. Dehab Ghebreab, Public Affairs Officer, U.S Consulate, underscoredthe purpose and importance of the visit, which was to enrich the Staff andStudents of ABUAD with Training on Effective Use of the Internet and Counselingof Final Year Students.

Mrs. Dehab Ghebreab – Public Affairs Officer

During the counseling session, Mrs. Dehab Ghebreab encouraged the students to emulate progressive mentors and develop the passion for excellence in all their endeavours. She maintained that people do not need to stress themselves up before they could develop a strong habit; “You don’t stress habit … its what you do often”said the Team Leader.

She also enlightened the students on how they could get scholarship awards to study any course of their choice in the United States of America.  She went further to exposed them to resources that could helpthem gain admissionsinto various reputable universities in the United States of America.

She explained furtherthat the prospect of Nigerian students gaining admission to study abroad will broaden the scope of their knowledge to understand other people’s cultures and foster exchange of ideas which would equip them with the necessary skills to reform their immediate environment.

Mrs. Ghebreab insisted that the main criterion for admission would be candidates who can exhibit exceptional aptitude in their choses field of study and are able to demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities. Students who merit the support of the U.S Mission will be those who excel in their academics and exhibit leadership qualities.

During the Interactive Session, the Education Adviser to the Mission, Mrs. Margaret Anyigbo, applauded the students of AfeBabalola University for their interests in academic pursuits and for seeking avenues that and avenue that could make them become better leaders for tomorrow.

The Education Adviser, who was part of the visitation team, told the students that there are Graduate and Post-Graduate opportunities in universities in the United States of America.She further intimated them that in deserving cases, scholarships will be given to candidates with outstanding academic qualities and stable character.

The Students asked several questions botheringon opportunities available, courses/programmes and cost implications of studying in universities in the United States of America.

At the parallel session of the training which took place atuniversity’s ICT Laboratory was a tutorial session between the Information Resource Centre Director, Public Affairs Section of the U.S Consulate, Mr. Samuel Eyitayo and members of Staff, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

Aside from the previous knowledge of every internet user on Google Search, Mr. Eyitayo gave insight into some advanced search tips that could give results on contemporary issues rather than outdated results. In the process, he explained further on various Domain Names and Country Domain Codes with their meanings.

At the end of the training, the Public Affairs Officer, Dehab Ghebreab with other team members; Joke Omotunde –Information Specialist (Broadcast), Samuel Eyitayo – Information resource Centre Director, Margaret Anyigbo – Education Adviser, Ayo Durodola – Information Assistant (Audio Visual), gave a raft of incentives to both staff and students.

To conclude the visit, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sidi Osho, on behalf of the Founder and the entire ABUAD community, expressed her profound gratitude to the team for what they were able to impart to the entire ABUAD staff and students within the short time they were able to spend in the university.