I Stumbled upon a Ball: written 2012

I was not employed as a coach, I just stumbled upon it. I initially got to be well known through the sport committee by coming in contact with the two coaches employed by the University– and also while playing competitive basketball with the students, I have also submitted some proposal to the registrar concerning the university sports, and it was through such interaction that I was recognized as a capable staff to assist the university in its recreation. In my association with the students, I was quick to realize that many students didn't have this spirit of competition, more so because they are new and knows not who is who in the University, or liaise with concerning Basketball. Knowing who I was and knowing that these students probably needed more support than I needed really gave me more obligations to work as their coach as well. I felt that I had a responsibility to them. I guess my convictions come from my background. Lots of the students I see were like the people I play street basketball with in my neighborhood. My strength comes from seeing these students as my family -- I see lots of parallels in them. Before coming to Bells I have worked at Kaduna State Sports Council. I worked at a social service branch of the state and I learned a lot from it. At Bells I had a conversation with some people in the sport committee and some students, and also with my wife about how it would be more beneficial for me to work with the boys in my university. At first I was not that reluctant, because the other coaches thought that I was usurping their duties, but while I looked at the students the more I am convinced that I am about to do the right thing. It was like having two warring ideals within me and I had to figure out what was really going on with me. I finally figure out that it's because I always thought of their future as a part of mine too. The other coaches have qualifications, but surprisingly none was about basketball. I didn’t know this at first, but when series of excuses kept flowing in on why there was no training for the basketball players, I then realized that there was no coach for the ball sport. A lot of things I saw happening in our daily movement plays a part in my interest toward the university recreation, in trying to help out through the sport committee. I developed awareness about myself that I never had before; I saw how I could be an asset to the university and enhance my personal endeavor through the coaching process. I go to various campuses on weekends in Lagos or here in Ogun State because I enjoy watching and playing basketball; and when I come back to the university I see a real dearth of interested youth. There are few of them and that put a greater responsibility on me to bring something back to the university community. That thing that was given to me, that makes my life interesting was that whenever I call the student out to train, I feel that I am protecting them from a life of idleness and abuse. I knew the goodness in it more so because as a youth I too was pretty much protected mostly by my outsiders; my late mom and my sister were around most of the time and I didn't really hang out by myself on the streets or anything. But this is a University were the students are on their own and if I am not there with them someone else will be, and that someone else influence they will lean upon as they grow out of Bells.

It feels so good at Bells: by Omosun sylvester (a coach story)

It feels so good to know that I am inspiring a lot of young students and that a lot of them look up to me for advice. It makes me feel really good. Every time I am there with them either to play a game, watch or coach, there are these students supporting me and wanting to play a part. They could ask about my plan for them, ask about my family, I in turn return the greetings. When I was young and playing University basketball the coach then had a big impact on me not so much by enhancing the things that my parents have taught me, I learned a lot from him, learned how to deal with being a basketball player, being in the public eye, handling success, and understanding that there is a right way to treat people. That is the same education I hope to give the player I come in contact with. God gave me the chance to be a healthy, contributing individual and if I am not doing that then I feel that I’ve not only failed myself, but that I am not contributing to something that God helped me to do. I encouraged the student to embrace literature, by talking about the sports they love most, this way I have learned a lot from my team, from the way they handle situations on and off the court, I have read some great inspirational stories they have written about themselves and I am about to share them in a book “nuance of Bells” I have players that have been through a lot or that are going through something; like Obaro; the assistant captain of the University team, is right now going through a season-ending injury, and how he is handling the situation by staying upbeat. I always put myself in his situation and ask myself: “Could I stay that positive if I were going through the same thing?” A lot of times without even acknowledging it, you can look at your players; how they deal with their daily struggles and find a way for them to inspire you and fellow student. I see that and I feel good. And as a player you have a lot of responsibility as a role-model for a lot of people. That’s something I personally take very seriously and just trying to make the right decisions because I know I have been led down the right path by a lot of people and one of the biggest things you can do is try to set the right example and hopefully one day people will say Omosun Sylvester was my inspiration. This is what keep me going from day to day, working in the community, even when I am tired or depressed about something: Motivation for me varies from day to day. It depends on the kids’ attitudes and my attitude. I have highs and lows and I think part of my process of development now is trying to leave my personal stuff at home and praying for my family support. Lessons to learn. Books to read Problems to solve Friends to meet.

The Gods Are Not Blame on Bells University Stage

The late Professor Ola Rotimi will once again strut and fret on the dramatic stage, as Bells University, Ota, Ogun State, performs its first convocation play, The Gods Are Not To Blame on Friday, November 6, 2009.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi, told newsmen that the school would feature the play as part of events marking the graduation of its “pioneering ambassadors” on Saturday, November 7, 2009.

To be directed by Dr. Bayo Adebowale, Ebika Anthony, Oyewole Olowomojuore and choreographed by Adebisi Adebayo, the play, which holds in the evening, is to be performed by the Bellstech Performing Troupe (BTPT).

The decision to stage The Gods Are Not to Blame as Bells University of Technology’s first convocation play, the vice chancellor noted, “has been a unanimous one. The play recommends itself highly because of its cultural relevance and the pride of place it gives to the oracle and the gods.” 

It will also showcase “all the dramatic ingredients which the playwright, Ola Rotimi, injected into the writing of the play.”

On how the audience will react to a play as this, which does not reflect the immediate sociopolitical concerns of the nation, Adebowale answered: “The University has its destiny, which they call ‘vision’ and ‘mission’. So, destiny surrounds The Gods Are Not To Blame, the University and Nigeria.” With a promise that watching the institution’s version of the play will put an end to questions about relevance, he added: “You are not going to doubt whether this thing is relevant or not. 

“We are people of destiny. Like it or not, your destiny has been sealed and there is no way you are going to change it.” And as though the Director and Founder of African Heritage Research Library would himself seal the fate of his argument, he pointed to the reporter and retorted: “It has been ordained that you would come here today.”

The performance will be preceded by a convocation lecture, titled: What Is Wrong with Nigeria? It is to be delivered by Ambassador Andrew Young, former United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Other highlights of the convocation will include the installation of the first Chancellor for the University, Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, NNOM, CON.

Honourary degrees will be conferred on eminent personalities such asProfessor Bart Nnaji, Chairman, Geometic Power Limited, the first indigenous power generation company; President John Kuffour, the immediate past President of the Republic of Ghana; Ambassador Young and Professor Mabogunje. 

With 58 pioneer students in 2005/2006 Academic Session, the school has had a smooth calendar since inception and 13 of the pioneer students, whose courses ran for four years, will be graduating while the rest who are running five year courses will graduate in the 2009/2010 Academic Session.

Admission to First Degree and presentation of prizes will be given to 4 students with 1st Class Honours; 6 with 2nd Class honours (Upper Division); and 3 with 2nd Class (Lower Division).

When all eyes are upon me

When all eyes are upon me O God, please helps me to conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively upon a good coaching profession and to refrain from engaging in conduct that misdirect my students

I may not always be aware of any issues that may potentially lead to the misuse of my influence by not recognizing the nature of coaching and the way in which it may affect the lives of others.

So I pray dear God, to help me so that I will at all times strive to recognize personal issues that may impair, conflict or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional relationships in the university. Whenever the facts and circumstances necessitate may I seek your guidance and through the various committee determine the action to be taken, including whether it is appropriate to suspend or terminate my coaching

So that I will not knowingly make any public statements that are untrue or misleading, or make false claims in any written documents relating to a student, no matter what the student does, may I never think or act in other to retaliate

May I learn to respect different approaches to coaching from ideas given to me. And to honour the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own, I will write of an Emeka and tell the world how a youth copper teaches a coach what he is today, I will talk of a coach Peter from a state sport council and what he did achieve for us

As a trainer through the university sport committee or supervisor through the department of works, of a coach to current and potential players, I will conduct myself in accordance with the Code of Ethics in all training and supervisory situations and love them equally irrespective of their religion

"...then when all eyes are upon me, at the end of this Big game; I will turn their eyes to you Lord, and to the Glory of Your Name,  so they will know someone higher guides me, and all triumph are his to claim"

I will talk of his inner work

As they play basketball for fun

by understanding is it made firm

By work and grace coaching becomes holy

It is a judgment with promise

of triumph ever spoken of

of prizes receives at the journey

falling triumphant upon us 

choices of good over the bad I could preach

and my darkness into light to lead a hand

will make them grow and to flourish at bells

opportunity to propel their weakness
into strength, each falls into glory,. 

because our God wants no lazy presumption

but train hard and endure until the end

for his vision is on a goal we seek

when all eyes are upon me

2

When all eyes are upon me

I ask God to help you fairly play,

To help you learn something in the game

And pray once the game is over

Whether you loss or win

When all eyes are upon me

I pray that competition make me strong

I pray that it makes my players strong

but never hostile to me or the opponents

if they are denied victory that should be our

Always Dear God let me help my players up

With dynamism needed to complete the journey

Skill to remind them that sports are just games

And that all the calls are fair

When all eyes are upon them

When a working Staff becomes a sport coach

If you are like most University staff coaches in Nigeria, you have probably been recruited from the ranks of a concerned employee, sport enthusiasts, or community volunteers. Like many first time coaches, you probably have had little formal instruction on how to coach. But like everyone else we were expected to learn from experience

It is this experience I wish to talk about in this write-up, when the call went out to assist with the sports program, I answered because I like the students and enjoy basketball, and perhaps because I wanted to be involved in a worthwhile community activity in the university.

There are thousands of occupations in the world today, and coaches come from virtually all of them. It’s common to see consultants, therapists, trainers, human resource professionals, healing arts professionals and all types of manager’s transition into coaching. And, it’s not uncommon for attorneys, accountants, business owners, engineers and even ministers to enter the field of coaching

The initial coaching assignment was difficult. Like many new volunteers, it is impossible to know everything there is to know about basketball or about how to work with sport committee concerning the coaching. This book ‘when the whistle blows talks of the experience’ apart from being fun it will help young coaches learn the basics of coaching university basketball effectively.

This book came about because I am excited about sharing what I have learned with others, and the willingness to fashion it into something that fits the other person's needs perfectly.

Although coaching may not be the right career for you, learning coaching skills will certainly improve your current work and quality of life as it has done mine, because coaching was an option when I planned my careers, it is not part of what I hoped to be in a university I just stumbled into it.

I have special abilities as a coach and I believe that people are willing to pay for the knowledge through them, so I was willing to take the time to learn and perfect the craft of coaching, and I am hoping my idea could attract people who want my support and input

Also I believe that added coaching to you personal attributes can help you to become more financially successful person, as a staff and a coach you will flourish in an expanded professional network and community.

Success today is largely dependent on the size and strength of your personal and professional network. The more people you get to know – and who get to know you – the better for your long-term financial success and professionalism

POETRY AND BASKETBALL

I seek glue that holds this team together 

And break the game wide open. 

to make things happen out there at bells

with a play bigger than us all

I seek students from all colleges

as an integral part of my offence

I could honor them with my poetry

To add a new dimension to their defence

So that when bells teams get together 

you can not throw out their records

because it’s gonna be a war out there

for love of the game

BELLS BEYOND THE LAB

                                          BELLS BEYOND THE LAB        

                                                                                       

Beyond the lab is an anthology of creative writings by the Bells University community, it centers on life beyond the labs as seen through the eyes of both the students and staff (teaching and non teaching)

It has been three years now since I have been trying to write an anthology with the help of the University in which I work, although I am not an academic staff but I am a poet and has authored three books, and contributed to as many anthologies as I can remember

Being in a science university with no creative writing courses does not make it any easier for me; it was extremely difficult to move poetry and literature into the laboratory in any one of the science colleges

I have spent time in the chemistry lab getting familiar with the environment, in the physic lab knowing the properties, the technical and metal work lab and I have spoken and interacted with the students and officer personnel on my initiative of bringing creative writings such as poetry and stories into their wads, but the response as always is either slow or not forth coming

Being a sport enthusiast and a coach gives me some extra time I needed to discuss the idea with some students, these small groups of students who are willing to cooperate with me and with one another have helped form modules within the science classrooms and have been working together on my ideas

In the initial stage I wrote some poetry about each student in their respective sports, and showed it to them, the narratives in the poetry was written in such a way as to be descriptive with their personal experience here in the university, trying to instill in each of the students that lab implements such as thermometers and so forth , I believe that can be rhymed and also can be made into personal stories each semester

As the basketball coach I have also tried the initiative of assigning students in the same college to play against each other in the sport court, also I assign questions or group study projects to them to use in the lab, areas to research in the web and also give out some initiative to use in bringing the idea to paper.

The response I have gotten is okay, but most of these students seems to prefer writing their sporting experience in either poetry or story form than the lab centered creativity I sought

yet I could not help but acknowledge their efforts, There is a kind of beauty in what they write on sport, it rhymes with the idea I sought for the lab, take a look at this poem for example written by Salem Adejumo

my name is saleem
and I’m dribbling my way through the court
...five seconds and I position myself
and assume the winning stance

and as always I make the throw
and the ball hovers through the air,
spiraling and swirling, then it hits the rim,
and goes round and round
like Michael jackson dancing
until it finally sinks into the hoop.
Yes! My team wins
and there is a standing ovation
the crowd is cheering and Chanting
my name was the whistle
"lord of the rim!","lord of the rim!"
Saleem saleem saleem

Many talented students like saleem, those students with special talents in writing, spelling, calculator and computer literacy, mathematics, logical thinking, and organization if supported will share their expertise with other members of their team/lab colleagues in the process and from there... who knows if there will be a limit to what their writing will achieve for themselves and the university on which they wrote from

I have spoken with small groups of science students who are graduating next year, trying to stir up their interest in my initiative, I have invited them to the e-library so that together we can research topics of interest in the school library, on their computer, and on the Internet whose access is free in our university.

Many of them have presented their works, though it is not yet in the quality to get out right publication, but there is an observed growth in the number of participants and the language used. Here is a poem by a student in natural science department

I studied the ocean to it very dept
Observing by routine of learning and recording,
inquiring and investigating till I reach knowing
Swelling and bulging to bear in the tide
Until I am the ocean, leaping and wide

I have showed this poetry with the permission of the students to teams of other students in other colleges, and have also encouragement others to personally try and make up science unit to create their own poetry,

To the students who have attempted to create something out of the lab ti have seen how excited the become in reading their own work in print, this idea is animated with their new life style as well as productive with their area of interest because their input are controlled from within their own God given talent. 

This initiative can prove to us that cooperative education is really working in a science classroom.