Sound can be said to be that offensive sound that causes disturbances to the ear and distraction to human being psychologically, emotionally and socially. Over time when rhythmic sound is appreciated, we refer to it as music but when it is not it may be referred to Noise. Noise does not only distract, it is also very harmful to human existence. Karl Marx opines that religion is the opium of the masses; little wonder why University of Lagos has introduced the “No Noise Policy”, which has triggered several comments.
The Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs 2, Dr. Karo Ogbinaka, dispelled the insinuation that the school placed a ban on religious activities. Instead, he argued that they redirected religious activities to the place sanctioned by God; the designated places, namely chapel and mosque. Ogbinaka was of the view that this policy is not targeted at any religion but as a result of NUC and Government Visitation Panel that rated the school as ” noisy” in their recommendation, and advised the school to reduce the level of noise in line with global best standard.
A University must be devoid of noise in order to promote Learning and Research which is its major priority .The University is not a chaplaincy; the mosque and chapel are strategically located to sought out the needs of students. Ogbinaka maintains that the multiplication of different folds has remained the reason why students upon graduation stay on campus calling that they have a ministry. He debunked the rumour that the “No Noise” policy is targeted at Christians. Although the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Ade Bello is a Muslim, there are more Christian Management Members. He added that in no distant time there will be posters in faculties and halls of residence, educating students on the policy.
Ogbinaka agrees that the management will be willing to provide and approve specific venues for Muslim /Christian public lectures, because these will instill discipline and spirituality in Students, especially when they have programs.
In reaction to this issue, the Amir University of Lagos, Abdura –Rasheed Adeoye, a 400 level student of Integrated Science Education, and the leader of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN Unilag Chapter), believes that this policy requires the involvement of stakeholders from the various religious bodies. According to him, this Law may encourage cultism because faculties and halls of residence are strategic points. However, he agreed that the policy is a good one; as this is an academic environment. Adeoye appeals to the school management to ameliorate the impact of this policy by calling stakeholders to a strategic meeting.
Reacting to the insinuation that Muslim community is not affected, Adeoye argues that there are Muslim Students’ Associations in faculties and halls of residence. Islam, according to him, is a peaceful religion, which necessitates peaceful measures to communicate and make ammends. He reveals that the Muslim community enjoys cordial relationship with the management.
On the other hand, the Unilag Joint Campus Fellowship (UJCF) President, Michael Liyansan, a 500 Level Industrial Chemistry student, who presides over the Joint Christian body, promised to abide with the school’s decision; as plans are underway to work out modalities to accommodate all fellowships in the Chapel.
In a chat with Mustapha Victor Dayo, the president of Redeemed Campus fellowship, he agreed that God is helping them to trust in Him. He hopes it will be for just a while, and also believes that all will soon be well.
The University of Lagos Students’ Union Public Relation Officer, Charles Adegunoye, maintains this policy was made independent of ULSU, contrary of the public opinion that ULSU was involved in the formulation of this policy. “There are two bodies that can make law, senate at the management level and parliament at the students level, this policy is just implemented at this time”, he said.
He continues that the policy was received with mixed feelings because it is apparent that those affected are students. He stated that logically speaking there was nothing wrong with the policy, bearing in mind that this is an academic environment . ” One can fight for one’s right but simply beg for privileges” . Adegunoye points out that there are means of making management reconsider this policy in order to bring respite to majority. ULSU, according to him, will continue to apply the first 2 c’s- Consultation and Consolidation. He believes there would be no need to use Confrontation, as it does not pay. “Our mission is to support management, and fight anti students policies” He concluded.
It is indeed obvious that the “No Noise” policy affects the two main religions on campus, Christianity and Islam. It is a known fact that Christianity allows for polarization of folds: the Catholic Chaplaincy and the protestants, in protestants there exists Pentecostal sect which gives rise to different church doctrines. Although polarization is not very evident in Islam but there are Groups popular among them like Nasfat and so many others. There are faculty Muslim Associations Like FAMSA ,Faculty of Arts Muslim Students’ Association, and many others. In some halls of residence and in a major Faculty, there is a ‘minor’ Mosque that caters for quick spiritual needs of students and staff. Apparently, they will be affected . This investigation will erode the earlier impression that this policy is targeted at Christians, because of their number of activities in academic environment.
The school management must do every thing within its power to sensitize the religious leaders, cutting across to Student Religious Leaders not just the Imam, and the Chaplain. University of Lagos, has remained a school with zero level of religious intolerance . Management must not seize in providing enabling environment that will sustain this peace that we have had so far. It is important to note that the efficacy of religion to social construction can not be over emphasized as it has been a stabilizing factor in the maintenance of peace through üimpactful, inspiring sermons. However, it will be unwise to condone disturbances within and around the classes; especially when it is in the best interest of students and Management.
Source: fssgist.wordpress.com
No comments:
Post a Comment