International Society Elections in EMU is upon us once again and the Nigerian Student Society election campaigning, arguably the most hotly contested student body election in EMU, is in full swing. Several groups have emerged seeking the top position to manage the affairs of the largest black students body in Cyprus, NIGERIANS.

It is never an easy task seeking out elective positions. It definitely involves a lot of organization, strong will, openness of mind and dedication to duty.

In view of that, we implore all Nigerians, Africans, Students, etc to come out en masse on November 6th to vote for their candidate of choice. PLEASE DO NOT VOTE ON SENTIMENT. VOTE WITH A CLEAR MIND.

Your welfare and well-being, both academically and otherwise, as a student in EMU and Northern Cyprus is at stake. DO NOT SELL it for peanuts or a bunch of kebabs and cola :P

ASK QUESTIONS, BE CURIOUS. GET TO KNOW THE CONTESTANTS PERSONALLY. Learn and re-learn their manifestos. Engage them in constructive discussions. Find time to do all these because once the elections come and go, there will be no time to cry foul or mutter '...had i known'

READ UP:

Six Qualities That Can Make A Student Leader Great!. [OPINION]
13 questions to ask yourself to figure out if you're a leader or a follower!
Exposé: Characteristic Traits of a Student Leader Part 1 [OPINION]

**Follow NSS-EMU on Facebook for Updates

**Scanty Gela Blog will keep you updated as the election unfolds.

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Leadership cannot be measured in a poll or even in the result of an election. It can only be truly seen with the benefit of time. One of the reasons people hate politics is that truth is rarely a politician's objective. Election and power are.

In view of that, you are hereby cordially invited to the MANIFESTO DAY of the NSS - EMU Election 2014/2015 happening today, to be followed couple of days later by the Main NSS Election, to decide who is going to steer the rudder of NSS - EMU for the next tenure.

More details below:

MANIFESTO DAY| 

Date: TODAY  Wednesday 12th November 2014

Time: 4:30pm

Venue: CL RED HALL.

ELECTION DAY|

Date: Friday, 14th November 2014

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Venue: BLUE HALL, RD

Do not forget! Your vote is your right. Do not vote based on sentiment. Vote because you believe the person has the right qualities needed to circumnavigate the bumpy duties associated with being in a leadership position.

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To be a LEADER is not just a title but a responsibility. God gave me an opportunity to serve Nigerian students in EMU and in the last one year, that has been my journey, my purpose, my burden and my focus. I have been there, I am here and I am willing to carry on this purpose. Thanks to everyone that made it possible. We can do it again. Vote Project CARE, vote for continuity, positivity and stability. Thank you and God bless you. ‪#‎LetTheCareContinue‬

Watch video presentation below: [Let The CARE Continue...]

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Jubril Arogundade, Madaki Zachariah and Adedolapo Elizabeth Oguntayo are three members of the Nigerian Students Society based at Eastern Mediterranean University in Gazimağusa. Jubril explains that the Society is a support system for many African students living in North Cyprus. From welcoming newcomers as they land at Ercan airport, to holding special tutorials for students to air their problems; the Society is a lifesaver in the sea of life! Jubril is currently running for the presidency of the Society when the elections come up on November 14th, 2014. The annual elections are taken very seriously and there are many important committee positions to fill.

North Cyprus has become a multi-cultural nation thanks to the increasing number of foreign students coming to study at any one of our prestigious local universities. Young men and women from around the world are choosing to gain an education in a country that offers a warm and friendly welcome to everyone that steps foot on its soil. There is, in particular, a strong presence of African students in the TRNC and I recently had the pleasure of meeting the above three very strong minded individuals.

Madaki can be seen as Jubril’s right hand man and he hopes to become vice-president if his group the "1LoveNSS" is elected. A very patriotic African from the northern region of Nigeria in West Africa, Madaki says that here in North Cyprus all Africans are brothers, regardless of where they are originally from in Africa. He is proud to promote the culture of his people abroad.

Adedolapo, a bright young woman, is also determined to help her fellow Africans. She received guidance from the Society when she first arrived on the island and so she hopes to offer the same care she was given to others; Care that has seen her excel in all areas of her life.

All three students speak confidently and are happy to be living and studying in North Cyprus. Aside from the serious work the Society also stages social events. Jubril also reminds me that towards the end of the year there will be the traditional “African Awards Ceremony,” where African students will be given prizes for achievements in various categories, ranging from music and dance to comedy and stand-up. This year academic successes will also be rewarded in an effort to encourage students in their studies.

The Nigerian Students Society is open to all African students studying at any university in North Cyprus. Apparently there are over four thousand students from Africa currently enrolled at a university in the TRNC, this is a very significant number. Whilst the students here represent their home countries, and work hard to make their parents proud of their achievements, we here in the TRNC must also make a good impression on our foreign guests.

Jubril and his team are campaigning for the elections under the slogan of “One Love”: Moving the force towards creativity, motivation and innovation! 

To reach the Group and to find out more take a look at their pages on:

Facebook and Instagram;
" 1lovenssemu "

Can Gazi
Kibkom Times
a TRNC Publication

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Who is Samuel Oluks?
I am Samuel Omale  [AKA Olukwu[Oluks], a student of Eastern Mediterranean University[EMU] and in the department of Human Resource Management and presently the Nigerian Students Society president. I'm from Kogi State in Nigeria but was born in Kaduna. Well i like making things happen. I love football which was my field before i became the NSS president. I'm also easy going, just for the records.

What is NSS (Nigerian Students Society)  all about and who are it's members?
NSS (Nigerian Students Society) which was previously known as NSA (Nigerian Students Association) is a body or let's say an organisation that reaches out to Nigerian students in EMU with respect to having a common unified approach on various salient issues. It's basically set up to unite all Nigerians as one family. Of course it's member are all Nigerian students in the school both presently and our Alumnae.

You are the President of NSS (Nigeria Students Society) , what would you say are the biggest achievements and challenges you faced during your present tenure?
I will say that our greatest achievement is the ability to unite all Nigerians by creating more awareness through organisation of student-orientated programs like the National Cinema for all Nigerian students and also tutorial lessons for all courses to help our members. Moreover, we are engaged in social media sensitization and enlightenment campaigns through social media and also reaching out to our alumnae. You can reach us on IG with nss-emu and likewise on Facebook.

Coming to the challenges, I'll like to say that the society is a learning field for everyone. One of our greatest challenge lies on dissemination of information and the most effective means to do that. Another also is the assumption and high expectation of people towards the society not knowing that the society has their limits, especially in terms of financial help and assistance. I want to say that most of this is really a self service and humanitarian gestures by NSS. You end up being in a position everyone tells you their problem and expects you to magically make all the problems go away. It is ridiculous, no scratch that.., preposterous but we try to be accommodating when we can. EMU also offers some financial assistance with regards to students that needs aid.

Would you say that the current leadership of NSS (Nigerian Students Society) have lived up to expectation?
I will be saying a big YES to this. Most of our expectations were reached and even in some cases over-exceeded, irrespective of the usual pitfalls associated with such hopes.

What are the challenges NSS (Nigerian Students Society)  faces this semester and ways to tackle it?
Well, this has been an unusual semester so far, with the ebola reports, rector crises, explosion of students population, new departments, new schools, tragic event(death of Mr. Abrak)God bless his soul, and others. Nevertheless, life must go on. Presently, there is the issue of Accommodation. Most new students are unable to get where to stay. Some due to miss-information and others funds issues as houses and apartments outside the university premises cost an arm and leg. The prices range from $4000 for a 1+1 apartment and $6,000 for a 1+2 or 1+3. To curb this problem, we have embarked on an enlightenment campaign to inform Nigerians wishing to study on the Island on what to expect and how to prepare for it.

with Omotola Jalenda Ekeinde in N Cyprus - Nigerian movie star

Moreover, lack of job opportunities for students that want  to work is a big issue. To curb this , we have decided in meeting with the CEO's of the most functioning firms on the Island and creating a flexible work time for our students so as not to interfere with their studies.

The last but not the least is Starvation. Some of our students here are going hungry without anyone to help them and because of this, we set up what is known as PANTRY PROGRAM. This is a program where the society gather and send food stuffs to students that are unable to feed themselves. As of now, 35 students have benefited from it.

What will be the NSS (Nigerian Students Society)  of tomorrow in your opinion?
NSS of  tomorrow looks promising. It's going to be brighter and more creative, because many talented students are now coming and putting interest and their idea into it. It will be an organised version of our future Nigeria.

In conclusion, what are your final words to members of the Nigerian community in North Cyprus as regards to Students Unionism and their commitment to the NSS (Nigerian Students Society) Dream?

Finally i want to say that now is the right time for all of us to unite. Irrespective of our tribes and social affiliations, we are all one, we need to eradicate the spirit of polarization and embrace constructive active participation. Everyone should come and be part of the society. I urge all Nigerian students to come and contribute their talent, ideas, suggestions, dreams, whatevs. If we enhance and increase our commitment towards this organisation, it's benefits cannot be overemphasized.

On that note, on the 31st of October at EMU BEACH CLUB will be the official Nigerian Night cum 54th Independence Day Celebration with the theme "Education Key to Nation Building" Learn more

I remain, yours truly
Samuel OLUKS.

Thanks to you and remain blessed.

Oluks IG Click here
NSS Facebook Click here
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PS: have something to share or contribute? email scantygela@gmail.com

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Dr Bala Adamu Azare [Rector Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi State, Nigeria], the Special Guest of Honour for the Nigerian Night [54th Independence Event] arrived Cyprus on Wednesday night and was received by the Nigerian Students Students-EMU representatives, lead by Mr. Omale Samuel [President, NSS-EMU 2014/2015]. Mr Azare paid a courtesy visit to EMU and had a chat with the International Office on various topics of interest.

Mr Azare will be speaking on the THEME: EDUCATION: The Key to Nation Building at the 

NIGERIAN NIGHT: 54th Independence Celebration [maiden edition]
DATE: TODAY OCT 31st 2014,
VENUE: EMU Cultural Center, Famagusta, TIME: 8PM

*Buses will leave from DAU 2 and Main Gate at 19:30.
Please collect your invitations from EMU International Office.

Pictures:

Biography:

Dr Bala Adamu Azare was born at Azare, in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

He started his early education at the Nasarawa West Primary School, Azare in 1973. He attended Government Science Secondary School and later proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria where he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B. Sc) Degree, in Zoology in 1988. He had his Master in Applied Parasitology from Abubakar Tafawa University, Bauchi and later bagged his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D), also in Applied Parasitology in 2005 at the University of Abuja.

His working career which spans over 24years now started in 1989 first, as a Youth Corps member at Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero-Ekiti, where he distinguished himself as the Acting Head of Biology Department and a very sound Biology teacher. He had barely settled down in the School when he started to demonstrate serious work-habits of resilience, hardwork, commitment, team spirit, loyalty and patriotism which culminated in the success recorded by majority of the students who sat for WASCE in Biology.

His intellectual prowess and exceptional brilliance in all Science subjects, particularly Biology, encouraged many students of the School to develop uncommon interest in Science subjects at that time. Dr Bala singled himself out from his other colleaguesposted to the school and the entire Ijero Local Government as a hardworking and resourceful corps member to the admiration of the then Principal, Mr Akinfesola.

As an amiable and humble personality, he mixed freely with staff and students. He also integrated himself well with the people outside the School Community in a very short time such that it becamedifficult to observe that he hails from the Northern part of the Country.

Dr Bala’s career as a Civil Servant started immediately after the National Youth Service in 1990 when he was employed as an Education Officer by the Bauchi State Government. He was later employed as an Assistant Lecturer at the Abubakar Tatari-Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi from 1992-1994 and in 1995, the University of Abuja engaged him as a Graduate Assistant. By dint of hardwork, he rose to become a Senior Lecturer in 2006 and was appointed the Head of Department of Biological Sciences in 2007. Due to his intelligence and experience, he was appointed Rector, Abubakar Tatari-Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi in 2008; a position he holds till date.

Dr Bala is a renowned author who has written so many books in the field of Biological Sciences and has several of his academic research works published in both National and International Journals. He has attended various Seminars and Workshops within and outside Nigeria. He has equally sat on many special Committees and Panels and in the course of service received various awards and commendations. He is a member of various professional bodies and currently the Representative of the Committee of Rectors of Polytechnics on the NYSC National Governing Board.Dr Bala is known for his forthrightness, frankness, objectivity and very positive contributions.

Dr Azare is a trusted nationalist and a completelydetribalized Nigerian whose patriotic attitude and way of life are worthy of emulation by all Nigerians across ethnic divide. This he demonstrated again recently when he came to the Southwest on official assignment and took the pain outside the call of duty to travel down to Ijero Ekiti where he had earlier laid the foundation for a meritorious and rewarding Public Service career.

A man who could still remember and call the people he related with by name after twenty-five years of contact; a man, who could be identified easily by indigenes of Ijero Ekiti when he visited two months ago; is indeed a man of the people. Such a man of peace and progress, an ardent believer and promoter of national unity and integration, which the NYSC preaches; deserves to be remembered, honoured and celebrated by the Community he once assisted and still holds dearly in his heart.

It is on account of these numerous attributes that His Royal Majesty, Owa-Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, the Chiefs, Princes and Princesses and the good people ofIjero Land; considered Dr Bala Adamu Azare worthy of honour and conferment of the prestigious Chieftaincy title as the OTUNBA ILUFEMILOYE OF IJEROLAND.

More INFO? Full Event Program

Credit: NSS-EMU

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Eastern Mediterranean University in Collaboration with Nigerian Students Society [NSS-EMU] present...

NIGERIAN NIGHT: 54th Independence Celebration [maiden edition]

DATE: OCT 31st 2014
VENUE: EMU Cultural Center, Famagusta
TIME: 5-9PM

MC: JERRY
HOST: Modajesty & OBAMA

THEME: "EDUCATION: Key to Nation Building"

ALSO, Presentation of Academic Award of Excellence to the Best Nigerian Students in each Faculty and Outstanding Service.

*Inauguration of National Associaltion of Nigerian Students [Cyprus Chapter NANS]

Guest Speaker: Dr. Bala Adamu Azare [Rector Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi State, Nigeria]...and a host of invited guests, including

*EMU Rector: Prof. Dr. Necdet OSAM
*Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey: Ambass. Ahmed A. M Madori

NIGERIAN NIGHT: 54th Independence Celebration [maiden edition]

DATE: FRIDAY, OCT 31st 2014
VENUE: EMU  Cultural Center, Famagusta
TIME: 5-9PM

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