The Benefits Of Studying In An Open University By Mary Duff

An Open University is a form of advanced education where students study at their own pace. In Nigeria for example, we have some open universities such as The National Open University of Nigeria which at present has 67study centers. ........................................................................ Gone are the days when people had to pass through 'hell' to gain admission. Open University systems have helped to submerge these problems. ........................................................................ However, it is quite disheartening to know that many individuals are unaware of the many benefits one derives in studying in this varsity. ........................................................................ Open Universities have made education easier. Infact, t it has brought education to students' door post. These universities have made admission which used to appear as a "nightmare" before students less cumbersome . In a situation whereby students will have to follow protocols before becoming a student in any conventional university which could appear very frustrating and time wasting incase of(JAMB and post UME me) is not found in the system. IN THE INSTITUTION, YOU ONLY NEED A SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE LIKE WAEC TO GAIN AN ADMISSION. ........................................................................ Also , Ono cannot be deprived of a course choice. YOU DO NOT NEED CONNECTION OR BRIBE BEFORE YOU CAN ACQUIRE ADMISSION. ........................................................................ Studying in open university give students time for other engagements . A working class person can acquire any certificate if his choice without quitting the job because the system is flexible. . ........................................................................ The course materials /textbooks for open University students are written by qualified professionals and any certificate bagged from the institution is llegitimate. ........................................................................ Mary Duff is a 200L Mass-comm student in NOUN. She writes from Benin.

Youths And The Wardrobe By Brightstar Saviour

The word "wardrobe" stands for a large cupboard where clothes are hanged. It is made of a piece of furniture or built against the wall of a room. ........................................................................... Talking about youths and the wardrobe may mean different things to different people. However, in this context,it does not connote a physical wooden, cemented or metal structure, but the type of clothes you wear as a person. ...................................................... According to the Bible in Gen 3:21, God in his tender kindness provided clothing for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, after their feeble attempt to cover their nakedness and shame. Today, many youngsters especially on campuses dress 'naked' in the name of fashion and to avoid being called 'old school' by some of their colleagues. This is quite a shame. It is wrong for one to dress nude just to please the friends. . ...................................................... From research and observations, youngsters who dress indecently are uncultured, easily traded by the reigning trend of fashion and characterised with gangsterism. Is indecent dressing now the sign of civilisation? . ............................................................................. REPOTA-ATLARGE had an interview with some students on their thoughts about indecent dressing, and this is what they have to say: ........................................................................... "Our Universities are now fashion runways and youths are eager to go down the lane . They cannot concentrate on their studies because they have to update with the latest trends . "I have a brother who cannot go to school until he wears chain around his neck looking like a dog. This was not how we were brought up but he has been influenced by friends". Osaretin, 300level Environmental Science, University of Benin. ............................................................................. Charles Okafor, 400level Applied Mathematics University of Benin, said: "I dress indecently did not just start among Nigerian youths. it's what they see on T.V. Besides, most parents do not help matters. They buy clothes that expose the body foru their kids'. .................................................................. Other students expressed their sorrows on how the youths dress indecently these days and told REPOTA-ATLARGE that they are personally doing their best to dress decently in order to correct the indecency. ............................................................................ DRESSING UP is ONE OF THE NECESSITIES of life WHOSE PURPOSE , FROM BOTH CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL STANDPOINT IS TO COVER NAKEDNESS . Therefore be selective and careful with what you put on, dress the way, you want to be addressed. MODESTY AND SELF-DISCIPLINE SHOULD GUIDE YOUR WEARS. shalom! ............................................................................ BRIGHTSTAR SAVIOUR is a 100L NOUN student and one of Repota Atlarge's reporters. Contact her on Facebook via Brightstar Saviour

WELL DONE : Bishop Commends Mass -comm Exec., Repota Atlarge For a Well Covered Matriculation Ceremony

Says he is proud of them .................................................. ..................... By Emeke Nwaoboli ................................................................ A tutor and CO-ordinator of the Mass-communication department, National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN), Benin-Study Centre , Mr Richie Bishop has commended the Mass-communication Executives and Repota Atlarge for a well covered matriculation ceremony event yesterday . He said : " I want to specially commend the Mass-communication executives and mostly, Repota Atlarge, for a well covered event. Despite the limited resources, the event was still wonderful. I am proud of you all and will always support you at all times". ................................................................ The 14th Matriculation ceremony of NOUN took place yesterday, and Repota Atlarge covered a live online report from Benin-Study Centre on it's facebook page. Interviews and live news broadcast at the NOUN, Benin-Study Centre were also part of the roles played by Repota Atlarge. The Mass-communication executives on the other hand, ensured the matriculating students, their parents, Guardians, and well -wishers enjoyed the event. The event, since yesterday has been the talk of the students as it was only the Mass-communication department that had a stage with a Disc Jockey, (DJ), blaring loud music which drew the attention of the entire school. ................................................................ Some upcoming artistes like Staflow, and the rest displayed their songs. ................................................................... For the online live report, visit our facebook page @ Repota Atlarge To comment on this post, click on the headline, then scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see the comment box.

NOUN Pol Science Dept Election : Hon Lucky beats Pastor David To Win Presidential Seat

Ben, Abumasci, Abumere, Sonia, others Undefeated ........................................................... By Emeke Nwaoboli ....................................... ........................... ..... After the Political Science Students departmental election held at Sunny Group of Schools, adjacent to NOUN, Benin-Study Centre earlier today , Hon Osadiaye Esosa Lucky, has been declared the president of the Political Science Department. With 69 votes, Lucky defeated his opponent, Pastor David Urji, who had 37 votes. Meanwhile, Ejufagha Ben won the post of the Vice-president unopposed. In the same vein, Hon. Arubasci won the sit of the Secretary General unopposed with his assistant, Hon. Joseph Abumere. For the post of the Assistant Secretary General, Aisesa Sonia, 45 votes, defeated her opponent, Obosebhiki Victory who had only 29 votes just like Ebogu Felix won the post of the Director of Social welfare with 45 votes. Hilary Nehemiah, who was his rival lost with 38 votes. On the other hand, Hon. Moses was elected as the provost of the department unopposed, while Hon. Nwosu Stanley won the post of the director of socials on sports. Hon. Richard A. S was also declared winner of the director of Social Duties unopposed. Repota Atlarge's correspondents, Osazee Frank, Mary Duff, Joseph Friday, and Ovie in an interview with some of the students and winners of the various posts, gathered that the result was free and fair.

STUDENTS SPEAK : The Best Tutor in The Mass-comm Dept Is...

By Mary Duff ..................................................................... There is an adage that says, "one man's meat is another man's poison". This was typically illustrated on Repota Atlarge's facebook platform -- Students Speak. ............................................... Students Speak is a forum held every Saturday for students to express their minds and share views with others on the topic of discussion for that day. Occasionally, when it comes to airing views and opinions, minds are deeply spoken , and with this, the audience are made to understand happenings and issues around them. That apart, it also creates a room for agenda setting. Last Saturday, the question : "Who is your best tutor?" in the Mass-communication department, National Open University of Nigeria was thrown to the students. Below are their replies : ........................................... "Mr Bishop and Mr Chucks, but Mr bishop more. When he teaches,there's laughter and seriousness. He gives it all to make sure you understand. Even if it means using pidgin English. Also he knows when you are tired,so he either gives you break or end the class", Osazee Frank, 300L. ................................................. "The both of them are good. I have no choice but to love them (Mr Bishop and Mr Chucks). They know how to add spices to their lectures and that is the quality of a good teacher. Same goes to Mr Emeke Nwaoboli. I really appreciate their good works", Precious Owens, 200L. -.............................................. Wisdom Erhabor, 100L says : "Mr Nicholas is my favourite because, after taking a topic, you as a student don't need to go back to it before scoring good grades". ............................................................ Akingbemi Stephen, 200L: Mr bishop and Mr Prince, the man teaching us Gst 202, Peace and conflict resolution. I love the way they teach". ................................................................ From the students replies, it is clear that all the tutors really teach well. The best is a matter of opinion.

Alert: Management Announces Matriculation Date

News update: The 14th Matriculation Ceremony has been rescheduled for 29th August, 2015 at all Study Centers in the Country. All admitted students are to ensure that they complete the registration process, as a step towards taking part in the ceremony

Akwa-Ibom, The Land Of Promise By Mary Duff

Nigeria is a blessed country with 36 states(plus The FCT)and 774 LGAs with industrious inhabitants. The land is highly productive, and richly blessed with mineral resources. Let's use Akwa-Ibom State as a case study. But wait, before I proceed, let me tell you the meaning of a state. A state is a territory or society which is politically, economically, socially and culturally endowed. Akwa-ibom with the tagged slogan "THE LAND OF PROMISE " is outstanding in all ramification. People have been wanting to know the reason behind the slogan, myself inclusive. Could Akwa-ibom be the promise land God almighty promised the israelites? From research, I have found the reason behind the state being called "The land of promise". As I proceed, you will be marvelled. ................................................ . ... ................ BRIEF HISTORY ............................................................................ Akwa-ibom state was founded on September 23rd,1987 by the federal military government under Ibrahim Babangida, Victor Attah being the father. The state was previously merged with cross river state and a combination of Utopia, Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Abak(division of former calabar province). According to Nairaland "Akwa-Ibom is named after a river: qua Ibom(or kwa Iboe) river. About 20miles to the entrance, the river is a popular offshore terminal and the qua Iboe onshore oilfield. Record indicates the river emptied itself around a settlement in ibeno in aqua obio. But early Europeans explorers corrupted the river's name to be qua Iboe. The origin of this river began from Umuahia hills in Abia state and travels 150km before it flows N-S and empties itself in the Atlantic ocean through Eket, Ibono LGA". The state is made of 31LGAs with four major languages spoken(Ibibio, Annang­,Eket and Ibeno). ................................................ . ... ................... OCCUPATION ................................................ . ... ................... The occupation there is mainly; fishing, farming, production of local gin(kaikai) and milling of palm oil. ................................................ . ... ................... CULTURE AND TOURISM ................................................ . ... ................... The state has a highly respected culture..The cultural dress code is similar to that of the Ibos.And every October to December, cultural display is always carried out for entertainment and festivals. ................................................ . ... ................... DELICACIES ................................................ . ... ................... This has to with the local or traditional meals. Everybody appreciate the "Akwabomites" when it comes to this aspect. The popular one known as the EDIKAIKONG SOUP normally prepared with punkin and water leaf with different meat and fishes. The EKPANG NKUKUO, AFIA, EFERE to mention but a few. With this, I think it will not be out of place to say they have the best delicacies in Negeria. Those who mistake Calabarians(those from Calabar) for Akwa-Ibomites should now be informed. They are two different states and languages. -----------------------------------------------------------------Mary Duff is a 200L First semester NOUN student from Akwa-Ibom

STUDENTS SPEAK: What I Will Do If Am Made The VC Of NOUN

In one of our platforms on facebook, we enquired from students what three major things they will strive to achieve if they are made the Vice -Chancellor of The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for two years and below are some of their replies. ........................................................................... (1.) I'll check and balance the unethical N.O.U.N staff Syndrome by building a legal body to scrutinize their conducts. (2.) Enhance the students' educational quality by equipping the study centres with the necessary learning facilities (3.) Silence the N.O.U.N critics by ensuring (Law) students go for Law school, NYSC, and I will also grant the students the privilege to form an association/union (in other, for them to air their complains...Leviticus Afeme, 200L. .......................... ................ . . ........................... "If am made the VC of NOUN for 2yrs, I will make sure that the Law degree is accredited in other for Law students to go for Law school; I will silence the issue of N.Y.S.C ( in other for NOUN students to go for National Youth service ) and I will provide all the needed equipments for effective learning", Thomas Israel, 200L. ........................................................................... Brightstar Saviour, a 100L student has this to say: "If I was to hold the post of the V.C. (1.) I'll put an end to this every semester admission/matriculation. (2.)There will be an even spread of study materials to all study centers.(3 ) Scrutinise the NOUN staff activities by setting up student bodies and visiting all study centres".

LAWSAN, Benin-Study Centre Set To Inaugurate New Excos

This is to inform you that the inauguration of the new executives of The Law Student's Association(LAWSAN), Benin-Study centre is on Friday 14th of August, 2015. We cordially invite all LAWSANS and students to join us as the mantle of leadership is vested legally upon these great leaders. Arigo .O. Moses is the President-elect of Benin-study centre. Let's join him celebrate his new portfolio. ----------------------------------------------------------- VENUE: NOUN, BENIN -STUDY CENTRE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM LOCATED AT EKEWAN ROAD, BENIN-CITY. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Signed : Tewe Taiwo (Predecessor )

Alert: Management Adds New Course To Portal

by Emeke Nwaoboli ............................................................................ NOUN-- The latest information reaching REPOTA ATLARGE is that a new course, INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT 1(COP 220), has been added to the list of courses to be offered by 200L second semester students from School of Management Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria. COP 220 as indicated in the school website, www.noun.edu.ng, is a 3-unit compulsory course. To register the said course would therefore cost a sum of N2, 500. Students who have already registered their courses prior to this time are advised to register COP220 as it is a course, which one cannot graduate without registering. ........................................................................... What do you have to say about this news? You can send us your news reports/articles for publication via repotaatlarge@yahoo.com, then copy to emekenwaoboli@gmail.com Call us on 07038864995

Random Illusions With Deji: PMB Na Only You Waka Come?

By Adedeji Arijeniwa ... It is no longer news that the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and his entourage paid a state visit to his white house counterpart, President Barrack Obama in The United States of America some weeks ago. It could be recalled that an invitation from The White House was received at the Aso-Villa, which propelled President Muhammadu Buhari and his thirty-man delegate to make a long trip across the Atlantics in honour of the invitation During the meeting between this duo, reports had it that many issues were tabled for critical discussion. Some of the issues tabled by PMB before Obama ranged from security, economy, and corruption, among others. It was reported that PMB had seek the cooperation and assistance of the US government in tackling the security challenges facing the North-Eastern part of Nigeria where the Boko Haram insurgents have been spreading like wildfire. Another important discussion was in the area of recovering looted funds, which PMB estimated to be in the region of N150 billion dollars scattered in foreign accounts all over Europe and America. However, after returning from the states, many Nigerians are of the opinion that the president should endeavor and see to it that his trip to the US is not a waste of time. According to some analysts, the said visit would bring about $13.6 billion investment in the Nigerian economic sector. This, of course, will be the perfect time for PMB to assure Nigerians that this journey to the West will not be another failed expedition as we have had in the past tenures. This should not be another ‘paper policy’. His voyage to the US should be used as a platform to bring about the desired ‘change’ in the economy, security, and other sectors of the Nation. Our economy should not be praised only on the front pages of National dailies, when an average minimum-wage earner cannot afford a two-square meal. This should not be the case again in this tenure. Nigerians are tired of ‘living in the dream’; it is time to actually ‘live the dream’. PMB should do all that is humanly possible to follow-up the goals of his visit to the US. This time around, it would be ‘embarrassing’ to only see figures rising on papers and official documents while in reality, there is nothing to show for it. After all, seeing is believing. Although I know, he is not a wizard of the first order, or a warlock who can do the ‘impossible’, but this should not be an excuse to relent his efforts. Many Nigerians are watching and patiently waiting to see whether ‘na only Buhari waka come, or he carry change come from America’.

Time by Osazee Frank

''Time is what we all need most, but what we spend worst'', William Penn . . They say, living is an act of consumption. To live is to consume. Some people live that they may consume and some consume that they may live. That's why people are used to fighting for resources like oil, minerals and land. But I have realized that there's only one resources worth fighting for, because through it we get it all: MORE TIME. Time is one of the most precious commodities in the universe. It can give and take away a lot from us. As a kid I had nothing, no one, because time took it all from me. Family, friends, no neighbor, no helper, all left with time. I found myself skipping school, hustling to make it through. Because of that, no one wants me for a friend, no one cared about my feelings, when i'm innocent, they say i'm guilty, when I'm right, they say i'm wrong, even when i try to help, they say i'm cursed. Seriously, time once brought me so much agony, pain, tears, and bitterness. But here i'm today with a big smile on my face. Time has really paid for all it took from me; friends, family, care, love, affection, and many more. Time is like a coin with two sides. To some, time is a friend, it gives them all their needs. But to some, time is their secret enemy that takes away their needs. What is it you have lost? What is it you are looking for? Just give it time, only enough time can help you get or regain them. No hurry in life. There's nothing time cannot bring or give. Just "fight" for more of it.

NOUN Law Degree Saga: LAWSAN Seeks For Intervention, Appeals To Concerned Bodies

By Emeke Nwaoboli . . Against the case between NOUN Law students and an Abuja- based lawyer who has sued NOUN for running 'illegal law programmes', the Law Students' Association of National Open University of Nigeria(LAWSAN), in a dinner meeting and public lecture at Abuja has written to concerned bodies to help intervene and resolve the matter. The 2-day meeting which was held within the week brought glimpse of hope to students as concerned bodies such as National Universities Commission(NUC), clarified that NOUN programmes are all legal and fully accredited. To have an upper-hand in the case levelled against them, which was adjourned to October 1, 2015, appeal letters have been written to concerned bodies for intervention. All the appeal-letters as unanimously short-listed were duly delivered with acknowledgements to: 1. The President of the Senate. 2. The Speaker, House of Representatives. Equally, all the following important officers and offices copied were also successfully delivered to with acknowledgements except the Hon. Minister of Education: 1. The President/commander-in-Chief of the Federation. 2. The Vice President, federal Republic of Nigeria. 3. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,GCFR. 4. Chairman, National Judicial Commission. 5. The Executive Secretary, NUC. 6. The Honourable Minister of Education (pending). 7. The Chairman, Council of Legal Education. 8. The Director-General, Nigerian Law School. 9. The National President, Nigerian Bar Association. 10. The Vice Chancellor, NOUN. 11. The Dean, School of Law 12. The Grand Patron, Lawsan NOUN What do you think about this report? You can send us your news reports and articles for publication via repotaatlarge@yahoo.com and copy to emekenwaoboli@gmail.com Call us on 07038864995

Letter From The Editor

Last semester, during the mass-communication executive’s election campaign in April, I promised to create a website for the department. With great joy today, I am glad this promise has been fulfilled.

Everywhere I find myself, I always tell God: ‘’make me an asset in this place so I can help make it better than  I met it’’. The dream for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Benin-Study center  mass-communication department to have an e-zine has been lingering for years now, but glory be to God, the hard nut has been cracked. And by HIS grace too, soon, we will be coming out with the hard copy of this magazine.

Repota Atlarge,(RAL) is a news publication media that will be surveying, correlating, and disseminating pieces of information from NOUN, Benin-Study centre and beyond. Though our specialized audience would be students from NOUN, nonetheless, the  e-zine will be useful to all categories of people—students, lecturers, researchers, etc

On facebook, we have a page where we also report breaking news and developing stories. Kindly search for us via Repota Atlarge, then LIKE the page. It is a lot easier there.

For news reports and articles for publication, e-mail your stories to us on repotaatlarge@yahoo.com or/then copy to emekenwaoboli@gmail.com  You can also send it to us via our facebook personal account @Repota Atlarge. Your stories can range from news reports from NOUN and other institutions to feature articles, sports, weather reports, interviews, etc. For advert placement at cheap rate with attractive discounts, call 07038864995.

To cap this introduction up, I want to thank all those who have been encouraging me as regards to the affairs of RAL. To Mr. Richie Bishop, I say thank you. Osazee Frank, I appreciate all your pieces of advice. And to our reporters, Mary Duff and Brightstar Savior, I owe you a special writing training. To all NOUN students, you are the best. I love you all. God bless.

The professor

Emeke Nwaoboli

07038864995

7 Most Committed Members on Repota Atlarge, January-May, 2015

In most organizations, there are often three categories of people:1. Those who do not know they can make things happen,and therefore, only watch things happen(The spectators),2. Those who can make things happen but are not(The passive members)3. Those who know they can make things happen and always do so(The active/ committed members)The third category of people are those we sincerely wish to honour in this event.NB: ''Make things happen'' in the above context denotes those who contribute to the development of an organization.The following people, in the past fivemonths have been 'making' things happen on Repota Atlarge. They include:(1) Emeke Nwaoboli: He is a tutor, the Secretary-General of the Mass-Comm dept.and Editor-in-Chief, Repota Atlarge(RAL). Apart from his daily News updates, he has written over 20 articles/News reports published on RAL within the past five months. In fulfillment of his campaign promise prior being elected as the secretary-general of the department, he also created this website for Repota Atlarge.(2) Osazee Frank: The 300level first semester student and Public Relations Officer of the Mass-comm department, Osazee, has 'shared' over 50 articles/news reports from other websites to Repota Atlarge. He is always on the search for topical and breaking news to disseminate with the audience of RAL.(3) Richie Immortal Bishop: Fondly called ''The Immortal'', he is the co-ordinator and one of the tutors of the Mass-communication department. Nonetheless, amidst his busy schedule, he always creates time to read, comment and criticize reports published on RAL. This relentless effort of his won him this honounarium.(4) Mary Duff: She is a 200L, 1st Semester student with a handful of news reports/articles published on RAL. Always wanting to learn, Mary Duff is a fast growing student-journalist.(5) Dandy Emmanuel: Motivational writer, Dandy Emmanuel, over the past few months has continually shared his educative, entertaining and motivational articles on RAL. This, we believe, has alleviated the educational and social lives of our audience.(6) Leviticus Afeme: Levi, as he is often called is the 200L, 2nd semester class rep. Hardly does a published story on RAL pass him by without him commenting or ''liking'' the post. We greatly appreciate his commitment and wish all our members could follow his foot print. (7) Brightstar Saviour: With one news reportand many comments/likes on RAL, Brightstar, a 100level second semester student got enlisted on this honounarium. She was the only student-journalist,out of a handful, that was accredited by the editor to cover the last meeting(inaugural) of the senate. Her report wasn't disappointing.What do you think about this honounarium? Do you think some of our other members should have been on the list why some above shouldn't have? Or do you think there could be no list better than this?

About Us

Welcome to Repota Atlarge . Here, we publish educative, motivational, entertaining articles and breaking news from various Nigerian tertiary institutions especially from The National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN), Benin-Study center .

We also survey the environment, correlate and disseminate factual, unbiased, accurate and objective news worthy pieces of information  to our audience. Don't just read, but also share our publications with others.