Introducing Our Guest Writers

One of the unique features of this yearbook is the contribution of seasoned Nigerians from all works of life in form of articles that are meant to inspire, teach and lead us on the right path to follow after school. Unlike contemporary publications where students that are inexperienced in the matters of life write based on what they feel should obtain, we are having the rare opportunity of learning from the experts. These individuals are introduced below:

NASIR EL-RUFAI is not a stranger in motivation and mentorship. While many, especially those whose illegally built houses were pulled down will not forget his dexterity in contending with issues without fear or favour, many have not enjoyed the inspirational El- Rufai. Thanks to God, some connections and the internet, he has agreed to share with us his experience in life, and show us the steps to take in order to excel in our dealings, and live our dreams despite several opposing forces that abound. He will be writing from Harvard University, USA, where he is rounding off his postgraduate studies.

OBIAGELI EZEKWESILI is another Harvard University alumnus being featured in our yearbook. I could remember when we decided to approach her considering her ever busy status as World Bank Vice President for Africa. In our dialogue, she reiterated her commitment to the cause of the Nigerian and African youths, and will do as much as she can to make the youths enlightened. She made it known to me that she is very busy, shuttling between Washington DC, Ethiopia and several other African countries but promised to get the article written. All we can do now is waiting and praying that God will lead her to write what will inspire us, and for God to guide her on what to write and how to present it in a manner that will be comprehensive enough for us.

TOYOSI AKERELE (RISE NETWORK) is another big fish that our net has caught. For those who don’t know her, she is a University of Jos- trained lawyer who metamorphosed into a youth crusader and activist, which makes me to ask why are lawyers always turning to activism, social crusading? She goes round Nigerian cities and institutions encouraging youths and engaging them to be self reliant and independent with the experience she has gathered on youths, and being a successful one that was nominated for the Future Awards. Riding on the wheels of the success of the various RISE events, Toyosi, an active Christian, is presenting to us her tales and the winning formula in a nation where the old ones seem not ready to allow the youths to have their own share of the national cake.

RUFUS KAYODE OTENIYA is the founder of www.transparencyng.com a website that publishes news, articles and reviews, among other things. The site is reputable for its in-depth analyses. Based in Milan, Italy, Rufus is a Nigerian in the Diaspora who is successful in his chosen field. He will be sharing the challenges Nigerians face abroad. In addition, he will be giving advises to intending emigrants among us on how to legally work outside the nation without having to running from pillar to post hiding from foreign law enforcement agencies. He is also going to inform us on the travails of Nigerian medical practitioners abroad, using Italy as a case study. Did I tell you that he’s also my boss?

DR. NWOSU is a familiar face to us in the department. Apart from being our clinical chemistry lecturer and course adviser, he is a force to reckon with in Nigerian medical laboratory science practice. He’s an accomplished private practitioner, lecturer, pastor and motivational speaker who constantly advice us to look beyond the bench when practicing. His article is focused on the unseen opportunities in medical research, guide to postgraduate studies and how to be a fulfilled medical laboratory scientist who is contributing to the general body of knowledge. He’s also a very busy man shuttling between Aba and Owerri, but he has agreed to do this for us. Thank you sir!

MR. UREME is a force to reckon with especially when it has to do with haematology and blood group serology. He delivered a paper at the last induction on the quality of blood transfusion in Nigeria which sparked a lot of debate through the length and breadth of the profession. We are publishing an article that is adapted from the presentation with the support of (we hope they agree) Nigerian Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS)!

ADEPOJU PAUL was transferred from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, to Imo State University in late 2007. As a member of the graduating class, he has interacted with colleagues, neighbours and other Owerri residents all of which had empowered him to describe a unique experience that has not been written or published in any book. In the article that will be featured in the yearbook, Paul is relaying his experience in Owerri starting from the night he was almost lynched by a band of night girls at old Garden Park who seemed to have an unusually high libido, to life on 1, Akubueze Street, Works Layout, Owerri, his place of residence. Paul is going to attempt to describe the Igbos in the light of his experience in Owerri- their strengths, weaknesses, potentials, gifts and shortcomings. In all, this is a third- eye review of the Igbo nation. And it promises be interesting!

EKWEBELEM SAMPSON promises to keep us all at the edge of our seats in this ‘undroppable’ article written in a way that reminds you of Robin Cook. Unlike Robin Cook whose works are fictional, Sampson’s account is a possibility of what can happen in a health care system that neglects the medical laboratory. I got a sneak preview of what he is up to and believe me, the guy is good.

As the clock ticks bye, it is the prayer of we the committee that ultimate success will be ours in all ways. Let’s unite to make this project a huge success.

That reminds me, submission ends next week. If I were you, I will call Paul (08060887107), Chybyke (08063946394), Sampson (08065766000) or Henry (08038165276) before it gets too late.

Thanks for your time. Log on to www.imsubmlsyearbook.blogspot.com for details and don’t forget to cast your vote online at www.imsubmlsyearbook.blogspot.com

Still Yours,

Adepoju Paul Olusegun

Yearbook Committee Chairman

www.imsubmlsyearbook.blogspot.com

Why We Need A Yearbook?

When the word 'yearbook' is mentioned, many see it as a printed photo album of members of a class, association, committee or organization. As far as these people are concerned, it's not worth the paparazzi. How true or false is their assertion?


The first reason warranting the need for producing a yearbook, as widely believed, is to see our faces in one publication. While much attention is devoted to details by the fashion conscious, people like me who care less about our facial appearance rarely give a damn. Hence, submitting is not all about Nokia Face of Africa beauty pageant. Tufia!


The major reason is to help relive the memories of the happy times spent in school. For instance, I won't like to forget Obama's (Onyeka) facial expression when he was told he will be paying N500 burial levy or Eunice's state of mind when she was described by Mr. Ureme as being 'serologically dead'.


Talking of death, the publication will be a medium for us to honor our departed colleagues- Dozie and Mr. Iwu, who left us mourning their demise. Still on a sober note, the yearbook will open our eyes to the realities of life, the challenges ahead, and opportunities that are yet to be seen.


As the first project that is solely handled by us, our Yearbook also stands as the symbol of our collective abilities, avidity, strength, potentials, connections, resolution, and determination to achieve any dream, and overcome any obstacle.


In essence, how good members of a class are is shown by the quality of their yearbook. For the sake of posterity, it is therefore paramount that the yearbook of my class, our class, be the best because we are the best. If you share that mindset, let's do it!

Adepoju Paul Olusegun
Chairman, Yearbook C'tee