Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter Waffles…

Well happy Easter folks! It's the reason for the season, the resurrection of our dearest Christ and his selfless heroics in wiping away all our sins by His blood. Left to me I think this is actually more important than the day He was born, but that's just me anyway.

So, school's empty. And for those who stayed back, well I guess there could still be a lil activity for all y'all. Hostels haven't closed up despite initial rumors, and bukkas are still in full swing. Off-camp seems remarkably quiet, but still has the occasional okada swishing by, especially in Umuchima and Ihiagwa. But that was to be expected, wasn't it? Everyone's expected back by Monday, and not necessarily because school resumes the next day, but because there's a little matter of scores to settle between the giants Barca and the midgets Arsenal, lol. Let's face it, after the shocking results of last week Wednesday, a serious agenda of payback is being put in place in Spain for the Victors turned Visitors. Since they could not bury them in the Emirates, the Catalan Assasins have vowed to strike them down for good at home base. Let's just see if they'll keep true to their word. And moving on to the other competition, for those of you who say it should really be called Man Rooooonited, you may probably be right. After losing to Chelsea over the weekend, their title chances look to have taken a serious beating, and also their ego. Good for em, we're in Easter. The last things we want to be hearing of right now are Devils.

Something for the socialites, especially ladies: I hear there's gonna be a new boutique/salon/recreation center opening soon around the Umuchima area that promises to be much more than anything Owerri town has to offer. Just got the scoop from the supposed owner's brother (He drives a 2010 Prado, serious! And the owner is a lady) and he sounded really excited about it. Something to do with tapping into the vast customer base FUTO has to offer. It promises to be massive, with hair salons, manicure and pedicure sessions, even a spa. There's even talk about expanding to accommodate a gym and a pool. Don't get too excited, nothing's really confirmed yet, but if it sure is good intel then it's possible we'll soon be in for a mega treat, and the choice hangout spot may finally shift from Pioneer Garden. And what's more? They're promising really affordable prices, nothing will be to expensive. Sounds neat, right? Let's see if it's just a smokescreen or something's really gonna give. I'll stay upon that scoop and bring you updates from time to time. Just remember, you heard it here first, even though it's unconfirmed.

Alright, gotta buzz off. There's a little matter of an Easter chicken that requires my attention, and right now, my tummy dictates my every action, lol. Make it a memorable Easter, folks, cos after this break it's gonna be officially a month to exams. So books all the way!

Laterz.

Monday, March 29, 2010

The HIV scare....

Ok apparently we have a serious health crisis on our hands. 47% of first years infected with HIV? Now that’s a serious statistic. Which by my opinion is a bloody lie and a cheap way to instill fear into the minds of students and try to deter them from vices like sexual immorality. Or some concerned politician is scared that his daughter might lose her virginity to some randy folks before she writes her first paper. As if. But before you start jumping into conclusions, let’s review a few things.

First, imagine you were a Jambite, and you walked into the Medical Center for your first ever health check on campus, and they tell you they have to take your blood to check for your blood type and other necessities. Then you hear weeks later that there’s a survey that says that almost one in every two jambites that did the same blood test is HIV positive. Wouldn’t you panic, and feel bruised that your privacy has been invaded? I mean, ain’t that scary enough to get some UNICEF guys on the scene? This is a youth environment; the possibility of such infection spreading if it was actually true is staggering. I don’t know about you, but if it was actually true, I think I’d try n confirm if I am one of the fortunate ones. But to think the university feels it okay to just announce such news and expect it not to incite a sense of uneasiness in everyone is just pure ignorance. I was walking along with some friends yesterday on our way to Sunic, and we passed a young girl just near the FCMB ATM trying her best to run away from some guys who were apparently making fun of her. It was obvious she was a jambite, her shoulders were drooping so low from hoisting Engineering Maths and Anusiem textbooks in her knapsack all day. And yeah, she looked geeky, that always makes things much more obvious. So back to the gist, my friends and I got up close and realized that the boys had already assumed she was HIV positive and were throwing jibes at her because of it. How annoying, I must say. Which brings me to this point: why make a public announcement of something that’s best kept private? I don’t think I’d like my doctors telling the whole world I’m HIV positive, or I have cancer. Let me tell those who I’d want to know. Condemning a whole group of students is just like smearing them with DO NOT TOUCH stickers. Which is not fair at all. Now everyone’s preaching fidelity. It takes a disease as common as HIV to get everyone to behave themselves, right? But trust them FUTO boys, they don’t care. And why should they? They use condoms, don’t they? And besides, disease no dey kill Africa man, abi?

Anyway, on to some more less death inducing gist. Arsenal fans mournfully announce the death of their favorite club, Arsenal FC of England, who, by all accounts, is going to be Messilessly slaughtered by the giant dictator from Spain, Barcelona FC. Burial takes place on Wednesday at its home, Emirates Stadium at Ashburton Grove, England, GB by 7:45pm Nigerian time. She ain’t survived by nobody. Signed, Arsene Wenger, longtime Manager and greatest maga in the footballing world. Ok, so I lied about the death inducing gist part, lol. But it’s a pity, as soon as I heard Arsenal was going to play Barca, it was like someone had driven a 10 inch nail into the heart of every loyal Arsenal fan. Sorry folks, maybe next time. Work on those new junior staff quarters building units has apparently stopped for no real reason at all. Word is that work was so frantic before cos they were trying to get them commissioned during the convocation. When they realized they couldn’t make it, the contractors must’ve gone back to sleep. They had better finish it and hand it over for use before vandals decide to have a field day. And I’m not even going to talk about Futo-Ihiagwa road again. I could actually bet with anyone who wants to that that road will not be repaired in the next 3 years. Any takers?

And that’s about it, folks. Sorry I’ve been really epileptic with my posts. My internet service provider’s almost charging me in millions and I still haven’t found any maga who’s willing to pay, lol.

Laterz.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Table for Two?

Personally, I think black tie dinners are way more glamorous than grooving parties these days. And that, my friends, is a fact that was proved last evening at Jives Exclusive, Umuchima, as the LivingWord Sisters pulled out all stops to celebrate their Sisters' Week. It had everything you'd expect from a semi-formal gathering….oh yeah, except a red carpet, but we can forgive them for that, can't we? Started a bit late, but it was worth the wait. Most came single, but those with couples really did their thing. And did they all dress well! It was like the Oscars right here in Umuchima. And a boutique must've run outta business trying to provide gowns for all the ladies, cos they all stood out magnificently. And leading them and arguably the best dressed was Nnenna, their coordinator. That felt maroon dress she wore looked simply gorgeous, and she does have the grace behind the swag, so in my opinion everything fit perfectly Talk about leading by example, lol. There were the VIPs and the Regulars, but frankly I didn't see any real distinction between them except for the seating arrangement. Food was good, service was kinda poor. Fruit salads in cups came first as appetizers, and then the main course, with juice and…wait for it…sachets of pure water. What da hell? From where did that fall from? Glasses were too expensive? For that hefty ticket price? That was an absolute no-no. And apparently serviettes were in short supply and guests had to beg for them before they were distributed. Oh come on, if you want to create the dinner environment, then there're some things that are basic, like a properly set dinner table. That wasn't the case here. The entertainment was ok, but too much talk, I guess It didn't take guests too long to become more interested in themselves than what was happening on stage. I wouldn't blame them anyway. It's difficult to remain focused when you have really attractive ladies sitting all around you. So as a scorecard,
Organization – 60%
Concept Uniqueness – 90%
Entertainment – 40%
Attendance – 70%
Red Carpet – 0% … lol!

School news….Sunic's got some competition. A new eatery's just opened up right next to it, offering almost the same floor space size and meals. I think the only difference between the two is probably the wall color, or yeah, and that ridiculously funny name the new one has, lol. Marketing strategy, anyone? Well, as it's just opened there're less than 10 seats available, so I think we' should give them a bit of time to get their act together before we start patronizing them. Left to me, a stronger air conditioning system would be the best way to lure people away from the great Sunic. Church programs are springing up everywhere, but I guess none has been able to match the awesomeness of Jabulani 5 that happened last week Friday. I'll still have to cover that event personally in another post, but I'm doing some scouting first and gathering my notes, cos a concert that big would definitely be with its controversies too. Some digging should solve that, lol. The mini garden at the front of SOSC Extension's started taking shape, I wonder if it'd turn into the new "Love Garden". I doubt that, but it's nice to see someone actually thinks about landscaping the area. The tenants at Bus Park have been evicted from there, and most of them have already switched to Plan B, and set up shop just opposite the road. Wonder if they want to build real stalls for them. That's thinking smart.
Alright, gotta bounce. I'll catch all of y'all later after I've finished this knitin'. Painful Stuff.
Laterz.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Too many graduates....

Saturday kinda came and went real fast in my opinion. Of course everyone and everythin' (even the sun) was in top form and in their best element. You cant blame 'em, it aint everyday FUTO holds its convocation, is it? I wasnt surprised to see the convocation ground packed to the teeth; at a point it became difficult walking talk less about finding a place to sit comfortably. And here we were thinking the ground would provide a reprieve for the whole human traffic situation we've always been experiencing during events like this. Let's face it, Senate road is too small. I think it should be dualised (Ohakim, anyone???? lol!) Anyway, it was nice to see everywhere with a new fresh coat of paint. But wait, am I the only one who thinks the senate building looks ridiculous? Bright orange and bright green at the sides? What in God's merciful name are they thinkin? Is it that hard to find a decent designer to consult? Well, food was plenty, with absolutely nobody to eat. I think everyone anticipated how unmerciful the sun was going to be and decided they weren't going to face its wrath. And unfortunately, most of the drinks that arrived cold just couldn't withstand the blazing heat. So if I were to choose between the blazing heat at the Convocation Ground and the pumping graduation parties in the evening, I think I would've preferred a blend; bring the food and drinks to the music, lol.

Well, I'm glad that's over. It's back to school like it's never happened. And the most significant change so far would obviously be Hall Of Mercy. With the philosophy of Arsene Wenger who thinks a player returning from injury is like a new signing, it's almost as if we got a brand new lecture hall. But, ahem...sliding windows? Aren't those kinda dangerous? A frustrated examination candidate could just become suicidal after his paper has been torn and fling himself outta the window. At least iron bars would make the place a bit safer, don't you think? But damn! Did they renovate that place! I mean, the tiles on the stage are a thing of beauty. And though I do not think we'll ever use the airconditioning units around, seeing them there just adds more beauty to the whole place. Let's hope they shift my lectures there, maybe we'd all study harder with that kinda tushed up environment, lol.

Anyway, onto some news...looks like Afrihub really wants to put up a fight with its tentative drive to ensure that it is absolutely compulsory to do its programmes. Arrgh! Serious waste of money and resources. For crying out loud are we not in a technology school? It should already be assumed that everyone is computer literate, and not force the ones that fully are to go back in time to learn wat a USB drive does...sheeeesh! Couldn't they offer some more professional packages? Maybe collaborate with a networking firm and provide Oracle training for those interested. We wouldn't mind paying more. I think it's infinitely better than paying 5K to learn what you already know. And also, the NYSC Batch A 2010 list is out, pasted at your regular venue. Hope none of y'all get posted to Jos, heard they've started killing people like chickens again. And for you Jambites, this is the scholarship season for all y'all, so you gotta stay rooted with your ears open cos opportunities have started flying about. Heard AGIP's is on the roll right now, with a deadline of March 31. So if you're feeling kinda broke but you're kinda smart, it wouldnt hurt to try, would it? And for those of you who think it's too late to register on the NUC database, don't worry it aint. Just meet any of the businessmen round campus to help you out, but be really careful on who you're giving your personal data and documents to! FUTO has its own share of Yahoo boys, so don't be a maga who must pay, lol.

Events-wise, I've just noticed a new poster out....Jabulani 5? Aint that the praise concert series from CASOR? Oh, so it's on Friday? And the publicity's everywhere on facebook. Hmm, that is a must see...wonder how they'd make use of the new upgraded facilities in HOM, dats if they even allow them to use it in the first place....more details on that much later.

Phew! Enough post for you to waddle through today, huh? Well, let's see what more exciting gist this our oh-so-boring school can cook up. Laterz.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Post-Valentine...

Phew! It's good to be back. I know y'all didn't miss me. Well, in case you didn't know, I'm as human as you are, and the last time I checked, bloggers aren't immune to typhoid. Good thing I didn't die though, eh?

So what did I miss? Aah, of course! Valentine Weekend. I didn't think any of you really need me to tell you what went down all around school, do you. Ok, maybe just the ones who travelled. Well, there was the ODE show on Saturday, which was probably okay, but I didn't attend so I cannot possibly pick out all the high points and low points, sorry. But from the publicity (I'm still seeing posters on buses, is there an encore about to happen on a date that has passed?) and eyewitness reports, both shows on Saturday and Val's Day in Eismann were on point. Of course, the rest of Obinze-Ihiagwa road was totally on fire. Pioneer Bar was packed to the teeth, Bombay (still not 100% sure it was him, but I did get the text message…) kept the party alive in Icebox, and even Solutions Bar, yeah the same ultra-dry-on-a-normal-day one, seemed to be busy. I heard there was an accident just after Phagdan Hostel involving an okada and a tipsy student, dunno how true that is. Jives was rocking too, and 24 Suites beside had a party going down too. What's up with them? Did they make a bet to try and lure students away from the more preferable spots? Whoever thought of that idea? Anyway, Eziobodo also had its share of fun, and no doubt the season was infectious. Between 9pm and 12am I think it's relatively safe to assume that 94% of the student community were out of their hostels and on the streets. Not a bad statistic, I just wonder what the remaining 6% were doing 'inside'…or why…

Well it's all over, and as reality settles in, school is back to normal. Well, maybe, except for this scorching heat. Aint there any lasting solution to this? And stupid PHCN's not helping matters. Pathetic. I have to go round with a portable electronic fan just to keep my body temperature in check. Mschew. But if you think the heat is annoying, then what would you call the school authorities? Why do we have to throw our academic details into new supposedly secure databases every other year? Now we're being forwarded to a new site with a ridiculously hard to remember URL. Just a question: whatever happened to a URL as simple as www.futo.com? Instead of annoyingly hard to remember crap like www.admissionhere.futo.doitnowordonotgraduate.yeahright.edu.com/toolong? I can remember filling online forms in my first and second years, waiting in long queues to obtain scratch cards to access those portals. What happened to them? The irony of it all is that none of these projects have actually helped to speed any other student-related process up. Examination results still emerge late, students' names and other personal data are still being messed around with. Pitiful. And stupidly enough, I just found out that the registration process is about as hard as you'd expect a typical Futo registration to be. Just great.

I guess that's enough gist for now. I'm just coming back so I haven't even done my usual newsfeed sweeps. So expect a more detailed post tomorrow, hopefully. Right now I think I'll go do lunch at Ofe's. Heard they've expanded and occupied Lacream Café above its former location. Neat. Wonder if their free meals are still on the table. And before you start jumping into conclusions, I aint that poor, lol.

Laterz.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Is 'love at first sight' real?

 Hey peeps...hope your week's progressing nicely.

I stumbled upon this article during one of my online sweeps of my favorite newsfeeds and decided to share it with y'all, especially in the spirit of the season we find ourselves in. Lemme know what you think about the concept, cos it's really a spot o' bother in these modern times. Enjoy.


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Is 'love at first sight' real, and could it happen to you? If you are hoping to experience this age-old phenomenon while dating, read on to find out more about what it means and how to tell if you might have experienced love at first sight when you first met your dating partner, and whether you should even aim for lightning bolts when dating or simply relax and go with the flow.

Where does the idea of 'love at first sight' come from?

The concept of 'love at first sight' is thought to have originated in the classical world, where it meant an intense, passionate love delivered by the mythological character Cupid and his arrows when a person beheld the object of their affections for the first time. The Greeks described it as 'madness from the gods', and also came up with the idea of 'love sickness', a feeling of overwhelming longing and desire, arising when one of Cupid's arrows pierces the heart.

These days, while we may not imagine Cupid to be so intimately involved in our choice of dating partners, many of us still hold true to romantic ideas of 'the one' - the idea that there is one perfect partner for everyone - and to the notion that for some people it is clear who this one perfect partner is from the moment they set eyes on them. But are these concepts based in reality or are they just wishful thinking, and how helpful are they when it comes to navigating today's dating scene?

What is happening with 'love at first sight'?

According to research, the intoxicating sensation of love at first sight can, in fact, be explained in a scientific way as a response of the ego to social signals. A major aspect of the experience is thought to be that our narcissistic side responds powerfully to the notion that someone is attracted to us.

Along with being attracted to a person's appearance, it is possible to tell almost instantly due to minute changes in body language if they are interested in us and to be affected by that, too. Studies have shown that, on a very basic level, we are attracted to people who are attracted to us, and this is a major factor when choosing dating partners.

'When will waiting for 'the one'... be done?'

As this quote from fictional love and dating expert Carrie in Sex and the City illustrates, for many the concept of 'the one' is unhelpful, and the idea of 'love at first sight' can be, as well. If you are unsatisfied with anything but lightning bolts and absolute certainty from the offset that you and the person you are dating are a perfect match, you may reject endless perfectly good dating partners and never find a life partner at all.

In these circumstances it would, arguably, be better for those who want to share a life with someone to ignore ideas of 'love at first site' and 'the one' when dating, in favour of a more practical approach: 'I can see myself being very happy with this person'. In the end, it's up to the individual to decide.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Valentine Blues....

First of all, welcome to the Love Month. Get ready to spend big, guys….

And I'm serious, because that special day of the month is already upon us, and the whisperings have started. Single girls have begun searching, unsatisfied girls have started looking for replacements. Adverts are going up all over Facebook and SMS inboxes, it looks like they're really serious this period. 13 Days left, ladies. Enough time to make that day worthwhile with some guy, I suppose, so get crackin'. And the guys? Word on the street is that Les Broke Desperates have started cutting out money from their school fees, hoping to put em back later. Now that's a bother. That extreme? Wow! She had better be that special, either that or the returns in investment should be as great, lol! All in all, it's definitely going to be a month (or rather, 13 days) of real frenzy, where a large percent of the student population end up making the wrong decisions. And the stupid thing is that you'd have to live with yourself after that. And what's more? Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday. A non-school day. Was this all planned???

It's been a slow and kinda depressing past week, so I really hope things will pick up. Lectures are supposedly starting this morning, but that's not gonna happen, at least not vigorously, so for all y'all who still haven't entered school yet, maybe you could still do with skipping a day or two. Hostels are finally open, so all you off campus squatters should be off to your residence halls by now. Project Seminars and Defences are all but over by now, and I've already started witnessing streams of graduates on their way out in search of the next adventure I guess the next time we'd be seeing them will be in March for convocation; that is they that make it without any 'extra' academic problem. I thought they'd be noisier than they actually were in terms of after-defense parties, but I guess the stress finally got to them, eyah.

Anyway, there's talk of Year One orientation to be commencing this week, so Hall Of Mercy would be a perfect place to go 'fishing'. I mean, the whole first year student body will be in one venue at the same time; chykers tell me, who's got it better than that? Gotta get up there myself, I'm sure there's some juicy gist I could pick up from a scenery like that.

Enjoy your week, folks. Laterz.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Big Phil makes it happen + Monday chats

The big boys sure know how to throw a party, huh?



It was a little over 5pm on a calm Sunday evening. All was quiet; birds chirping quietly and fishes swimming noiselessly. It was turning out to be a quiet end to another uneventful day, as was the norm, but things were about to change. In the space of seconds, the atmosphere of the otherwise peaceful Oguta Lake Golf Course suddenly came alive as a convoy of cars sped in majestically. A party had begun, just like that. The roll call was impressive too, consisting of the crème de la crème of Futo, mostly Umuchima residents. Trust a slamming party; girls were in abundant supply, and so was the booze. At the center of the stage was Iheoma Ogbonna (PMT 400L) whose boyfriend, the onetime EEE DOS Ejiogu Philip (now graduated) had organized the event as a special birthday surprise for her. It worked, as she was all smiles throughout the day. The party rounded up at Kinky's Bar in Ikenegbu area of town, just beside Timasy. Interesting way to spend the evening, I must say, for the chronic socialites it was definitely an event that shouldn't have been missed. But before you say anything, let's do some ratings:

Organisation: 70% - Twas good generally, but sources say most guests for the 'surprise' were misinformed and got there too early. Imagine sitting and watching absolutely nothing do nothing. Boring! And then it's not everyone that made it to the after party at Kinky's.
Dress sense: 80% - Everyone looked good and ready to party. Some were exceptional, few could've done with a stylist appointment 2 hours to game time, lol. But the swag was definitely there.
Environment: 80% - Not sure how romantic Oguta Lake is, the only thing cute about it is its natural environment just by the lake, but Kinky's made up for it, though the dance area was observed to be quite small.
Drinks: 120% - What wasn't available? Um, soft drinks anyone?
Success Rating: 92% - I'm sure if every attendee was asked if they would love to do it over again, the answer would be a straight yes.

So Phil, big ups, man. I guess you and your crew have set the stage for more parties to spring up. And if you did this all for that honey at your side, she sure is damn lucky to have you.

In other news, it seems registration and fees payment in school's proving to be more hectic than usual. Is it just me or is everybody trying to collect a tip for services rendered? Haven't you been paid salaries? Leave us alone! Seriously, hasn't anyone actually looked into refining the system to make all these payments much easier to handle? To think some people are content to watch students suffer like this, kinda makes me wonder who actually is going to heaven, lol.

Plus, it looks like Eismann is already gearing up for the "love" season that soon will be upon us. Valentine's Day is still about 3 weeks away and there're already neon lights outside with a Val message. You had better have a couples night or something to entertain us oh!

Laterz peeps.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Saturday Blues...

This morning I did something I had never done in ages. Jogging. Trust me, I didn't get very far before I was panting heavily. I think I'll just stick with computers and video games.

With the absence of absolutely nothing else to talk about, lemme mention a new school landmark that got me thinking. Who knows what those observatory-like buildings just beside the new Chemical Engineering building are for? I have absolutely no idea what it is and what it's going to be used for. It's just like that SOHT building with a round section that had high voltage cables sticking out everywhere on the floor. I think the most unbelievable rumor I heard was that it was going to be used for large scale nuclear research and its health implications. I just thought it'd be a video game center, lol. So anyone with info about the observatories, could you let us know? Or you could just take a wild guess and be creative about it. And while you're at it, you could also guess what the new building just beside EVT's building beside Sunic is. So many besides, huh? Well live with it until their names come out.

Finally, I heard the school calendar is out. Havent scoured my usual channels for it because MTN decided I've been doing too much surfing, but I'll post it in my next post. Now find something creative to do today. Word has it there's no school for the next two weeks at least. And please, easy on the flexing. Me I'm going to study, and study hard. How many of you believe that?

Laterz.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

THE GRADUATES IN BLACK....

Help! The suits are everywhere!!!

It's like there's a Bankers' Convention happening all week on campus. Everywhere I look, there's someone in a suit. And we're not just talking off-the-road-aba-made-suits here; we're talking some high classy fashion, glossy, trendy, well tailored, crisply finished suits. All walking over our beloved school. And they just keep getting better the more you look. It's as if everyone's trying to outshine each other in some sort of invisible competition.

Have no fear, we're not being invaded by aliens from Jupiter trying to disguise themselves and deciding that suits are best in concealing their laser zapper weapon thingies….it's just Project Time, that lovely time of the year where fresh graduates submit their "projects" for review and defense. A period that truly brings to an end all academic related activity on campus and heralds the "hustling" final moments, trying to get your result correct and making sure your name does appear in that convocation booklet with the right degree beside it. I love Project Time (as I have aptly coined it) because everybody now looks smart and "responsible", really cool to see. It's like the consciences in everyone just decide to bare itself in the open. Everyone appears good, trustworthy, from the same background bordered on good ethics and human values. Pity it isn't all true, but what can we say? All fingers are not equal. But you know what's really funny? Being approached by a "Clear Bag" (my own cool name for Jambites) and being asked if FUTO has a dress code. Yes folks, one dude I was trying to help give instructions on where to pay his fees at SOSC did ask me that. I almost fell over laughing.

Anyway, some School gist, and it's all about dates. Classes start next month (WHY!!!! I'm bored already!!!) Matric is on the 27th of next month (after Valentine's? WHY!!!) and Convocation's on the 6th of March (dunno why I'm complaining, but WHY!!!). Valentine's on the 14th of next month (the biggest WHYYYY!!!!!!) and the new Petroleum Building beside Workshop 2 currently in construction for about 4years now will be completed this year (blatant lie as always, WHY!!!!!). A proposal that may see Keke Napeps become "the" mode of transportation on campus may be discussed next week (do I have to ask WHYYYY!!!!?) and 400L EEE's outstanding practicals, along with this surprisingly harsh harmattan weather, may never end (WHYYYYYYYY!!!!!!) lol! Ok, maybe I went a wee bit too far on the last ones. But it's good to know campus is slowly shifting into cruise gear. Even fellowships are starting up. I heard LivingWord's already off the block. If their successful Worship Service last semester is anything to go by, this group should be watched out for this year. And I hope the near adds new varieties to already routine stuff. Like praying that HOD finally adds some new electives to his courses besides the usual and all too familiar groundnuts. But he does a great job. I think he should personally be recognized by the SUG and school administration and offered a better vantage area in which to set up shop. Like the podium at love garden. Ok I'm just kidding, but do you know how many relationships he must've helped save? And that glorious scent that could cause a student just off an okada at bike park but already late for a test in SAAT to pause and demand 3 extra units? He should be considered a FUTO legend and a great asset to our community! He's a perfect example of how the real HODs should be running their departments, not sitting in their offices and allowing documents that affect the lives of students remain in the secretary's IN basket for weeks. Maybe Afrihub could stop making us have to cough out 5k for extremely pointless computer classes and come up with an effective computer based solution to that problem. Wouldn't it be nice if an email accompanied any hardcopy correspondence from another department? I don't think they'd be able to ignore those. Bottom line? We love our school, but we acknowledge the fact that there is lots of room for improvement. It's a new year, why don't we try and see how we could start making those dreams possible? Think about it.

On a signoff note, a tweak to this blog has been fixed and you can now leave your comments without needing be registered. So keep the comments coming, let's hear what you have to say. And is it just normal school resumption ginger or did PHCN make a new year resolution they're trying really hard to keep?

Laterz.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday Rains + Lodge Gist

And a very pleasant rainy morning to all of you.

Rain has been the main issue throughout the weekend, but it's not like we're complaining, are we? At least it's a welcome adjustment to the otherwise hot weather as we always know FUTO for. So we're looking at puddles of water and light showers all day, with temperatures still hovering over 45 degrees crazy heat, as usual, lol.

Believe it or not, I still haven't set my foot up school, and I've spent a good five days already. Don't worry, I'll remedy that today, so maybe there'll be an update of what school feels like, or you could just read up on that in tomorrow's post. But obviously, accommodation runs have been the order of the day ever since, and reports are suggesting rent rates are actually going up this time. Bummer, huh? And here we are, not even finished from rejoicing that school fees are stable for once. Doesn't really matter though, the rush is still on, and new lodges are being sapped up like they're fresh girlfriends. So for all y'all still searching, hold your 60k-90k ready just in case. I think the most expensive lodges still remain the same – Parliament in Eziobodo, Executive Suites 2 in Ihiagwa, and Arusi in Umuchima. Why Executive Suites is still that expensive, I honestly do not know Word on the street is that their tenants are unhappy with the services provided while still demanding such a high rent fee, so do not be surprised to see a mass exodus from there this semester. Maybe they could relocate to that new lodge opposite Ofe's Restaurant, Umuchima. I hear the lodge has its own transformer, bigger rooms and metal doors, yet goes for 48k. You have to be careful though, when I checked out the lodge, the finishing was so terrible that it looked like the vibrations from a 2KVA generator could crumble its foundations.

Looks like parties have started springing up. Trust Futoites, never a dull moment. Eismann Fries is set to be on fire this evening and it's an open door event, so that's somewhere you may wanna be. Besides, shayo plenty, but hold cash oh! At least I warned you. Pioneer is always on heat, and I hear there's gonna be a surprise addition to their repertoire this year, so watch out, ladies.
Aite lemme get outta here. Gotta go to school for the first time this year. Maybe grab me an unsuspecting Jambite and help out with accommodation with ulterior motives on my mind, lol. Later folks.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Back to School, Finally!

Well, well, well back to school!
Came in under tight covert security last night, so sorry I couldn't blog yesterday cos I was on the road all day. Anyway it's good to be back, and was greeted most graciously by rain. Wasn't that powerful, and was immensely welcome, cos the weather was so hot before it hit.

So this is where it all really begins. I'm back on campus, so you can expect regular news, gist, gossip and notifications from the four corners of the campus. Nothing worth noting goes unnoticed by me, so always be rest assured that I'm on top of everything you need to know. Check back daily, folks, there's always something new every day!

Right now I gotta raid my kitchen. I'm damn hungry! Laterz…

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

With Love from Saudi Arabia.

Mornin'! Ok, so with this whole Presido uncertainty it's getting quite difficult to ignore the goings on in government. We all know the story, nobody is exactly sure what's really up with our president We've heard so many conflicting stories from different sources that we're not sure of what to believe anymore. And frankly, you cant blame us. Since the FG is apparently being so guarded as regards to information concerning our supposed head, they shouldn't blame us for whatever we think has happened to him. After all, it's been 50 days since he'd been in the country.

So what has really happened to him anyway? The Online American Chronicle which, with one publication, managed to turn the whole country and Facebook Naija upside down, claimed that he died since December 10th, and that his powerful wife is keeping it under wraps. If true, well, bummer. Women! Lol. Anyway, I was quite surprised the way the news spread like wildfire. And it was so powerful and so believable that the FG finally had to move to condemn it. Not surprisingly, the website pulled the article off. But the damage had already been done. But the reaction to that article is what interests me. Pardon me, but it seems like all Nigerians are just waiting to hear he's dead. Not that he's recovering, but dead. It's possible that everyone has resigned to the fact that they don't expect him to make it off that hospital bed. And why would he? He looks frailer than my grandma. And forget, that woman is old, lol. In fact, if he does miraculously make it out, I'd be really surprised. Not that I wish he'd died, but evidence points to the fact that he's simply too ill to meet the demands of the office of the president. Another question is: What does the government stand to gain by keeping his whereabouts and the details of his health secret? I mean, Farouk has dumped us on the terrorist list and we don't have a president to respond on our behalf. And they sit there and they're happy? It's really absurd. And then to add insult to injury, the BBC claims to be in contact with him and they have a telephone interview as proof. Holy Crap! Do they think we're that stupid? Is it that hard to imitate the president that the interview should be viewed as authentic? Even the dude who did the intro skit in MI's Talk About It album sounded more like Yar'Adua. Honestly I don't blame BBC, it obviously came from a supposedly credible source. But that on its own is not enough to quell our fears. What we demand, like the AC said, is a dated video presidential address. That is the best evidence we could receive without any more doubt. Anything other than that is still playing on our intelligence.
Also, has anybody wondered why the "real" news stations like CNN and Sky have not said a single thing about this whole fiasco? I mean, the president of Africa's most populous nation is missing, Nigerians are formulating wild conspiracy theories, and they're not interested? Do we have to strap him into a jet and blow up the white house for them to notice? In my opinion, they are either bloody hypocrites or they've been paid to shut up. I've been told that kinda deal still takes place.

Whatever the case may be, this whole drama has gone on long enough and it's high time an end is put to it. It's either the man and his wife and cohorts admit he cannot keep running the country by remote and transfer power to Goodluck, or FG comes out with it and tell us exactly what's going on so at least we'll be informed. That is what we want.

Monday, January 11, 2010

School Fees Schedule + SUG promises.

Hi y'all

Sorry for the absence of posts for a while. Been in the hospital for quite some time now, and blogging from my phone was pissing the cute nurse off. Nothing like getting on a cute nurse's bad side, lol. You definitely do not get her number. Anyway before you all start worrying, I'm perfectly fine, just having my routine medical checkup. I usually have it at the beginning of the year, get all the trash from last year outta my system and reboot, like a pc, lol.

So what's been going on? Heard school's days away from opening and the fees schedule is already out. Who no like money, eh? Anywayz, it's great to know that Farouk's antics haven't had an adverse effect on our fees, we're gonna pay the same as we did last year. It's either that or the new SUG President and his League of 'Xtraordinary Gentlemen (yeah right) are much tougher than I thought. Hope it's the latter though, maybe some real decisions that affect our everyday lives on campus would start being taken seriously. So anyway, back to the fees. Our dearest Jambites are gonna be coughing out about 40gs (It varies depending on what department you're thrown into, mind…). 200s and 300s are still within the 20gs – 30gs range, while 4s & 5s are parting with about 23gs. Also, hostel fees remain at 8k. For all y'all looking to make a quick buck on hostel sales, you can mail me for some fast "fees inflation" tips, lol. Still not bad compared to the private universities, but then again, private universities don't experience academic disruptions the way we do, so I guess either of them has its advantages depending on which angle you wanna look at it.

Well back to the SUG. Apparently their mouths are open and the usual promises are flowing out. You can interpret the non-increase of school fees in any way, but for the SUG to start taking credit for it may actually be sliding them into a tricky situation. If they expect us to believe they were responsible for that, then they should know it'd be safe for us to assume they are ready to deliver on all the promises they've already made. The question is: Are they ready to deliver?
Let's go over what they're promising. An additional generator for the hostel? Hmm, not bad. That would actually be most welcome, as long as they can keep em running properly. Cos I just cant understand why power was being rationed at the end of semester. Hostel C would have light while Hostel D wouldn't. And vice versa. Is the current generator getting too old? And aren't we a technology institute? Why hasn't anyone invested in finding an alternate power generating source? Or at least troubleshoot and fix the generator. And DSTV in the common rooms? As if we do not have enough distractions already. Why don't they put those funds into better use? Like maybe beautifying the hostel yards and maybe providing extra internet facilities to augment the services provided at Afrihub (is that still working?). I mean, everyone has a laptop now, with enough Desperate Housewives and 24 Seasons to keep us occupied till Christ comes. What would we do with a television, a decoder and one remote that everyone would fight over? Besides, have they thought of the expenses incurred in renewing the subscription everytime?

What else? FUTO – Ihiagwa road. Honestly, we are a bit tired of hearing the road is finally going to be fixed. I've been hearing that since my first year. So frankly I'm not surprised to hear it again. I'm just waiting for the set of excos that would finally match their words with action. That such an important endeavor has taken this long to materialize is totally beyond me. I mean, even the FG acknowledges that good roads are a prerequisite for quick development. We don't need to say it again, STOP POURING SAND AND FIX THAT ROAD!!! At least let's know that our school fees are actually doing somethin'.
Speaking of roads, would you prefer Kekes to take over the Okadas as regards to transportation on campus? Lemme know what you think in your comments. I'll probably dedicate a whole blog post to that topic laterz.

Anyhow, gotta run. She's looking at me again, with a curt smile across her lips. Might be a green light…..hehe.
Laterz.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Boredom is a Killer + Jambite Info

Hey readers. How's your hols coming to an end?

Absolutely nothing going on at my end. Sure I picked a few injuries while trying to bite my nails with my teeth, but other than that, I'm peachy, thank you. Bottom line? It's so boring here, can't wait to get back to school. For real.

On to some FUTO gist. For our brand new "jambites", clearance is expected to start by the 15th, that's like next week Friday, so start getting ready to pay outrageous fees and stand in long queues. All part of the learning process, I guess. I can still remember my first days in school. I was a smart kid, got someone to do my clearance for me. Can't imagine aje butter like me going through all that stress under blinding hot FUTO sun, lol. Aint good for my colour. Anyway, if you're the lucky type, maybe one maga with chyking intentions would be foolish enough to help you out, or that sweet church sister who's just trying to woo you into attending her fellowship. Either way, get ready, for your hustling for the next five years starts NOW!

Gotta go folks, need to determine how long it'll take to drown myself. Anything to get away from this boredom. See you tomorrow, hopefully. Lol!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Homebound + Futo Returnees

Hi y'all.
Sorry bout not leaving a post yesterday, I spent the whole day on the road. Holidays are finally over, and I, along with most of you, did have to "return to base" as they say. So how was the ride? Pretty smooth, although the car's clutch kept misbehaving at irregular intervals, as if it deliberately planned it. Imagine approaching a police checkpoint and having trouble bringing the car to a stop. Embarrassing, really. And speaking of checkpoints, I do believe it's a lot easier to get away from FRSC checkpoints than the normal "egunje collectors" I mean, my drivers' license was a fake photoedited (not to mention laminated, not plastic) color copy, and it passed right under their nose. This effectively means I can choose never to renew the license, just keep extending the expiry dates on subsequent copies. Lol, saves me about 10k, I think. And wats more? I was asked "if" my extinguisher was in the boot, not that he wanted to check. Trust me, I aint no smoker, so why do I need an extinguisher. But the boot was full to the brim with luggage, so I cheekily affirmed that it was there, but it was buried under so much luggage that he may have a hard time finding it. As expected, the young officer was in no mood to help me unpack (lol) so he sent me on my way. Talk about "maneuvering" your way outta a tight spot, lol! After that, though, the journey home was quite uneventful, save for that pesky clutch, so here I am, home base! Now just to clean up my act and get back to school next week.

Ok, some FUTO gist. Students are already coming back (hmm, what happened to my resumption date analysis in the last post, eh?). Not surprising, as final ye…whoops!....graduates are still expected to work on and defend their projects within the coming weeks. Remember the staff quarters estate (lol!) being built just after Futo's back gate? Apparently they are almost completed. With the speed at which they were built my guess is that some lecturers might have been housing their families inside the Senate Building and VC wanted them out as soon as possible. I dunno, but is it only me that feels this man is trying to prove a point? I mean, what about the embezzlement allegations that were rumored during the strike? Did the lecturers eventually get paid or is he pacifying them by building homes for them on campus? Whatever the case, those quarters are really welcome, I heard some lecturers actually share hostels with students, especially in Eziobodo. Figures, right?
OK, that's about it. I got a stinky smelling room to attend to. And laundry. Yes, l said it, LAUNDRY!!!! Lol.

Have a great day folks.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Today’s Saturday? Really???

Ever have this feeling that all consciousness of time flies outta the window when you’re on holidays? It’s really silly, but funnily enough, it happens all the time. Woke up this morning and since my phone was off, I couldn’t confidently guess what day of the week it was. So I took a guess. Tuesday. I mean, it looked like a Tuesday, perfect day for a Workshop 2 Practical, then off to Sunic to chill out and mope at the supposedly ‘HOT’ SEET guys treating them ‘gurls’ good(?). Then off to another boring class up at Automobile Workshop, maybe go hunt for that guy in SMAT and give her another reason to say yes. Oh! I’m at SMAT, quick okada to Diamond Bank to reload my wallet perhaps? Maybe flirt quietly at that male cashier that’s always giving me eye whenever I’m around, lol. Then to confirm, I go downstairs and ask the first person I see.

Me: Mornin’! um, what’s today?
Cousin: Saturday
Me: Get outta here
Cousin: For real, I’m serious.
Me: Dang!

And the whole vision changes, Now I’m reasoning sleeping in, waking up to catch up on the latest gist wiv friends, doing my laundry, sleep, search for food, sleep, go watch Arsenal get smashed again by the Devils (don’t you just love it when that happens?), sleep again, maybe go hunt for that babe in E-Suites 2 and give her another reason to say yes, chill out in Pioneer with my peeps and beer, take my evening ritual of Yummie’s “Shai” with cold Sprite, then maybe a midnyt call just to give her yet another reason, lol.

So yeah, that’s typical FUTO, right? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it’s Saturday, and I still gotta get something to eat. So what y’all propose? Indomie and eggs? Or should I take command of the kitchen and cook up a storm?

Speaking of FUTO, word on the street is we’re opening second week. I’m sure the actual date is different depending on the type of student you really are. For the flexers, it actually means first week, lol. For the less academic, maybe beginning of February; for those hoping to avoid that particular day in February wey girls dey worry (lol) – maybe February’s third week. For those who haven’t realized FUTO is an “academic” environment, maybe March. And finally, for the businessmen…wait for it…after exams, lol! Whatever your case is, it’s obvious by the beginning of February over 60% (I do hope I’m right) of the student population will be back, many with altered residencies. Imagine, you’ll haveta start retracking that your babe who’s moved from D208 to C305, start moving your belongings to new off campus hostels, go roommate hunting and trying to be more careful in order to avoid stab-worthy roomies (lol).

Also, this New Year will witness the return of our “prodigal” IT sons and daughters with their wahala. Shun, I’ve missed most of them (emphasis on “most”) and it’s always real cool in the first semester cos school is always fuller. Makes babe hunting easier, don’t you think? Lol. And besides, enough IT money to go around, eh? Chow them while they’re fresh!!! We’ll also welcome the new “Jambites”, cool guys and babes, most with no university experience whatsoever (wink!!!!). Eismann, Sunic and Ofe’s will undoubtedly be full these opening days, lol.

Wow, it’d be good to be back. After those four months of total academic inactivity where Sam Egwu and ASUU thought they should get to know each other better, it’s almost like I haven’t gotten enough of school yet. I’m looking forward to all the intrigues, hot gist, breakups, makeups, concerts, grooves, freshers (if departments won’t disappoint this time, Petroleum practically did theirs on the last day of last year, wassup with that?), SUG-Senate tantrums, new buildings, stinky hostels….yeah!

Bring it on!!!