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Lecture Series, Carrot and Stick Approach: LASU Department of History and International Studies and the students

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  The History department is an embodiment of strategy, which according to Professor Oluwatoki, "is an instrument of policy just as war is a means to achieving political objective." Inarguably, education is expensive everywhere in the world, especially university education. What is common in universities is paying tuition fees, bills and dues. Academic conferences, webinars, seminars, and several orientating programs are important to the development of an institution.   They are important means of creating awareness about the university. Thus, you find universities, like the Lagos State University, holding academic programs, while inviting dignitaries and academic juggernauts. At faculty and department levels, several programs were held at LASU, covering a wide range of topics essential for national development.   One of the foundation departments of the Lagos State University is the department of History and International Studies. The department is inarguably...

The Struggles of Young Chika:

  Chika, a 12-year-old girl from Lagos, is passionate about her education, but climate change is posing a severe threat to her dreams. During the rainy season, her school is often flooded, forcing closures and disrupting her studies. The polluted air in the city exacerbates her asthma, leaving her to wonder about her future health. Chika's story reflects the urgent need for action to protect the well-being and opportunities of Nigeria's youth in the face of climate change. Chika's struggles are not unique but emblematic of the countless young Nigerians facing similar challenges in the wake of climate change. Her determination to receive an education despite the obstacles paints a poignant picture of resilience amid adversity. Every morning, Chika dons her school uniform, packs her bag, and sets off for her school, which is a source of hope and opportunity. However, the climate crisis casts a long shadow over her journey. During the rainy season, the streets become rivers, a...

The Chronicles of Dwindling Resources:

  In the bustling city of Kano, Adebayo, a young father, navigates the daily challenges of providing for his family. He reminisces about a time when the city's water resources were abundant, but climate change has drastically reduced the water supply. Adebayo now spends hours each day waiting in long lines to collect water, leaving him less time to work and be with his family. His story exemplifies the scarcity of resources that many urban Nigerians face as climate change intensifies. Adebayo's daily routine is a heart-wrenching testament to the profound changes that have swept through Kano, one of Nigeria's largest cities. The city, once known for its fertile lands and a reliable water supply from the nearby river, has become a symbol of the challenges urban Nigerians face due to climate change. As Adebayo stands in line, his mind wanders back to his childhood, when the river flowed generously, and water was accessible to all. He reminisces about the laughter of children s...

The Last Stand of the Mangroves:

  In the Niger Delta, the mangrove forests once provided a natural barrier against storm surges and offered sanctuary for diverse marine life. However, oil spills and deforestation, exacerbated by climate change, have pushed these invaluable ecosystems to the brink of extinction. The loss of mangroves leaves coastal communities vulnerable to the devastating impacts of extreme weather, making their struggle for survival all the more challenging. The Niger Delta, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance, has long relied on its lush mangrove forests for protection against the fury of the sea. However, as the climate crisis deepens, the once-vibrant mangroves are facing an existential threat, painting a bleak picture for both the environment and the communities that depend on them. Decades of oil spills and deforestation in the Niger Delta have taken a toll on these vital ecosystems, decimating the mangrove population. In the past, these resilient plants acte...

A Glimpse into Tomorrow

  Meet Adewale, a young Nigerian climate activist who's passionate about protecting his homeland. He believes in the power of education and grassroots movements to combat climate change. Adewale's story is one of optimism and determination. He is working tirelessly to raise awareness about the climate crisis and inspire fellow Nigerians to take action, planting the seeds of hope for a more sustainable and resilient future. Adewale's journey as a climate activist is one of hope and inspiration for the next generation in Nigeria. Growing up in Lagos, he witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change, from the flooding of his neighborhood during the rainy season to the growing scarcity of clean water. These experiences fueled his passion for environmental advocacy. As a young student, Adewale started by organizing tree-planting campaigns in his community, encouraging his peers to take small steps to combat deforestation. He also used social media platforms to share educatio...

The Forgotten Voices: Indigenous Communities and Climate Change

  In the remote forests of southeastern Nigeria, the indigenous Uruan people have long relied on the forest's resources for their way of life. As the climate changes and deforestation continues, their unique culture is under threat. The emotional stories of the Uruan people, who fear losing their connection to the land and traditions passed down through generations, serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of climate change on indigenous communities and their struggle to protect their heritage. One clear morning in the Uruan forest, Nneka, an elder of the Uruan tribe, gathers her grandchildren around a flickering campfire. She looks deep into the flames, her eyes glistening with both pride and sadness. Nneka begins to tell a story—a story of a time when the forest was their haven, the source of their sustenance, and the heart of their identity. Nneka's voice trembles as she speaks of a world where the forest was their guardian, providing them with medicinal plants, a...

The Displaced: Climate-Induced Migration in Nigeria

 In northern Nigeria, Zainab and her family are among the thousands of climate refugees forced to leave their homes due to desertification and extreme heat. Their emotional story reveals the harsh reality of displacement caused by climate change and its devastating impact on communities, tearing them apart from their roots and cultural heritage. Zainab clings to the vivid memories of her childhood—the laughter of children playing under the shade of acacia trees, the songs of her grandmother recounting the tales of her ancestors, and the taste of the vibrant, traditional dishes that only her village could prepare. But those memories are now tinged with a bittersweet longing, for her family's home and way of life have been irrevocably altered by climate change. Once, their village thrived amidst the arid northern landscape of Nigeria, but the relentless advance of desertification and the unrelenting heatwave has transformed their cherished homeland into an unforgiving wasteland. With...

A Fisherman's Struggle: Depleting Fish Stocks and a Vanishing Way of Life

  On the shores of the Niger Delta, Ahmed, a skilled fisherman, has seen his once-thriving fishing community decimated by the effects of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures and pollution have led to the depletion of fish stocks, leaving many fishermen like Ahmed struggling to provide for their families. His emotional journey reflects the broader crisis faced by coastal communities in Nigeria who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. As Ahmed stands on the same shores where he learned to fish as a child, he can't help but be overwhelmed by the stark contrast between his youth and the present. The once-teeming waters are now eerily quiet, devoid of the life they once held. His sun-worn face, etched with the lines of a lifetime at sea, bears the weight of despair and uncertainty. Ahmed's story is one of relentless determination, as he reminisces about the days when he would return home with a boat full of fresh catches, enough to feed his family and sell at the local mark...

A Mother's Fear: Protecting Children from Climate-Induced Flooding

 In Lagos, a bustling city on Nigeria's coastline, Amina is a single mother raising her two young children. She fears the frequent and severe flooding events that have become a terrifying reality due to rising sea levels and more intense storms caused by climate change. Amina's compelling story highlights the emotional toll on parents and families who must protect their children from the immediate dangers and long-term consequences of climate change. Every rainy season, Amina braces herself for the inevitable floods. She watches the waters creep closer and closer to her modest home, her heart heavy with anxiety. Her children, Ali and Nia, have grown accustomed to the loud claps of thunder, the relentless rain, and the feeling of helplessness that envelops their small family. One fateful night, as the rain pounded down and the waters rose, Amina huddled with her children in their small, dimly lit living room. The fear in their eyes was mirrored in hers. They listened to th...

A Farmer's Plight: A Changing Climate Threatens Livelihood

 I n rural Nigeria, Ibrahim, a hardworking farmer, has spent his entire life cultivating crops to provide for his family. Over the years, he has witnessed the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and prolonged droughts caused by climate change. These changes have made it incredibly challenging for him to grow his crops. His emotional story of despair and resilience illustrates the impact of climate change on the livelihood of countless farmers in Nigeria, who face uncertain futures and food insecurity. As Ibrahim tills the arid soil, he reflects on the days when the rains used to come predictably, nurturing his crops and ensuring a bountiful harvest. But now, unpredictable weather patterns mean he can never be sure when the rains will come, or if they'll come at all. His once-fertile land has turned into a dusty wasteland, and he struggles to provide enough food for his family. The emotional toll of these changes is palpable. Ibrahim often watches his children go to b...

Privilege, Oppression, and Mental Health: Recognizing Our Pasts Through Our Testimonies

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  SSOHIS MENTAL HEALTH "The world I inhabit and the world that inhabits me are inseparable parts of the whole that is the 'I' that I am. In this complicated society, mental health is a topic seldom broached. It would be an understatement to suggest that discussions on mental health are off-limits in my culture. We rarely talked about things like depression and anxiety when I was growing up in my traditional Yoruba home on Lagos Island. It wasn't until I sat across the desk from a former professor that I truly grasped what it meant to deal with one's feelings. When I first started having problems with my mental health, it was extremely difficult to convince anyone, including myself, that I needed help. Recognizing mental illness is the first step on a long and winding road that doesn't necessarily lead somewhere. The patriarchal nature of Yoruba society doesn't help. While women are constantly pressured to suppress their true selves for the sake of a societ...

🎙️ Spotlight on our Illuminating Speakers: Guiding the Journey of Discovery! 🎤🌟

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Dear fellow knowledge seekers and history enthusiasts, As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming event, "Charting the Course for the Future," we are thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant minds who will be lighting up the stage and guiding us on this extraordinary journey through history, international studies, professional development, and the legacy of our student union. Each speaker brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to enrich our exploration. 🌟 Meet Our Speakers: 🔍 COMR. KEHINDE DANIEL OLAITAN  [Main Speaker ] 🌐 TUFAYL OLAMILEKAN ADELAKUN [Guest Speaker ] 🚀 AFEEZ TOPE AGUNBIADE [Guest Speaker ) PRINCE AYOBAMI AKINOLA [Guest Speaker] These remarkable individuals are more than speakers; they are trailblazers who have left their mark on the domains of history, international studies, professional growth, and student community impact. With their insights, stories, and expertise, they will be instrumental in shaping the discourse of our event and inspiri...

🎉 Exciting Event Alert: Charting the Course for the Future in History and International Studies! 🌍📜

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  SSOHIS-LASU   Attention all history enthusiasts, Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through time and knowledge at the upcoming event organized by the one and only Com. Omokehinde Akanni Abdullahi, the 22nd SSOHIS-LASU President. 🎓✨It's time to mark your calendars for an event that promises to be both enlightening and enthralling! 📅 Date: Friday, September 1, 2023  🕗 Time: 8:00 PM  📍 Virtual Venue: SSOHIS United WhatsApp Platform 🔍 A Glimpse Back in Time: Reflecting on Our Heritage Join us as we turn the pages of history to uncover the origins and evolution of our illustrious History and International Studies department. As we trace the threads that weave our past, we draw inspiration for the path ahead. Each chapter of our journey has shaped the present, and it's our shared responsibility to author the chapters yet to come. 📚🕰️ 🌐 Embracing Horizons: Illuminating International Studies In a world where boundaries blur and cultures intertwine, un...