BINGHAM UNIVERSITY HOLDS ONE DAY ADVOCACY AND SENSITIZAION PROGRAMME IN COLLABORATION WITH GIRL CHILD FREEDOM AT THE GRASSROOT.
Positive Behavior Committee (POBEC) in partnership with Girl-child freedom at the grass-root recently held a one day workshop for staff and students on the effects of social media on morals and special values among youths.
The Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. William Qurix OFR, who was represented by the Acting Director of ICT, Mr. Kunle Ifawoye, warmly welcomed the attendees. In his opening remarks, Mr. Ifawoye expressed concern over the misuse of social media by students and highlighted the worrying trend of using AI chat applications for academic assignments instead of relying on traditional research methods.

Dr. Hope Cole, Chairman of POBEC, speaking during the sensitization program emphasized the negative impact of social media distractions on students' academic performance.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nwano Chinonzo, Founder and CEO of "Girl Child Freedom at the Grassroot," shared a poignant story of a girl who became a victim of cyberbullying and blackmail. He highlighted the organization's successful intervention, which involved collaborating with the Nigerian Police Force to apprehend the cyberbully.

The representative of the Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rtd. Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (OFR), Mr. Gbenga Owonibi discussed the detrimental effects of social media on drug use. He raised concerns about social media addiction and its potential to lead to decreased work performance and even depression.

Dr. Ikeme Arthur, Deputy Director at the National Institute for Democratic and Legislative Studies, National Assembly, warned about the dangers of sextortion and urged youths to exercise caution when posting on social media. Dr. Arthur also advised female students to be mindful of their attire within their hostels, as pictures taken by hostel mates could be used for blackmail purposes. He commended Bingham University for implementing a ban on Android phones among students and expressed his intention to encourage other vice-chancellors to do the same.
Dr. Ageih S. Dauda, representing the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, delivered a presentation on "Non-Kinetic Approaches to Insecurity in Nigeria." He highlighted the impact of social values on all age groups and discussed the responsible use of social media and the internet. Dr. Dauda acknowledged the incredible advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) but cautioned against excessive reliance on AI at the expense of critical thinking.
The one-day advocacy and sensitization program successfully raised awareness about the responsible use of social media among youths, addressing various concerns related to academic performance, cyberbullying, drug use, and personal security.

In attendance at the one day sensitization programme was the Registrar, Dr. Mrs Esther Dyaji, University Librarian, Assoc. Prof Dan Ajibili, Dean Student Affairs, Dr. John Dauda Ogwuche, and other staff of the University.