On Monday 21st March, 2022, Landmark University commemorated this year’s World Poetry Day as part of the programmes slated to celebrate the institution’s founder’s day. The World Poetry Day which was organized by Landmark University Centre for Learning Resources had in attendance students from various secondary schools within Omu-Aran Community and its environs, students of the Mass Communication Programme, Landmark University and some members of faculty and staff.    

Addressing the gathering, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu stated that as a University committed to raising excellent and total graduates, commemorating international days such as World Poetry Day is in tandem with Landmark’s vision of attaining world-class status. “I believe today is one of those clear cut events to prepare you for the world of works in your future,” she said. She, thereafter, appreciated the Centre for Learning Resources for putting up the programme to celebrate Landmark at 11. Professor Aremu added that Landmark at 11 is worth celebrating, going by the University’s achievements which were born out of the institution’s passion to maximize every opportunity at their disposal. She, then, urged the students to go the route of Landmark by maximizing the opportunity of attending the programme. The acting Vice-Chancellor, who made it known that poetry is useful for all students irrespective of their area of study, noted that reading is universal and as long as you are reading to understand you are praising poetry. 

The acting Director Centre for Learning Resources (CLR), Dr Ayooluwa Aregbesola in his welcome speech noted that the centre focused on promoting quality education which is the main focus of sustainable development goals of the United Nations. According to him, the programme is designed to inspire students to exhibit positive character and promote the core value of responsibility. “We, therefore, believe that this programme will further inculcate morals, values and discipline,” he added. 

The programme featured two sessions of poetry review with five panellists each. The first session had the Registrar, Miss Fola Oyinloye; the Dean of Engineering, Professor John Ojediran; the Director UWC, Dr Abimbola Oluyori and Dr Olushola Akanmode and Dr Ayoola Aregbesola as the panellists while the second session featured some literature in English teachers from the secondary schools in attendance.  

Reviewing the poems, “Naked Bride” and “My Valentine”, the Registrar, who led other panellists urged the students especially the girls to avoid every form of immorality, speak up and be of good conduct. The students were also advised to maximize their young age by knowing God and serving in His Kingdom, pursue excellence and be obedient to their parents in order to attain greater heights.

The students at the end of the programme expressed gratitude to the Management of Landmark University and Center for Learning Resources (CLR) for organizing such an inspiring programme. They added that they have been encouraged to improve on their reading abilities.   

In all, close to a hundred students from Landmark University Secondary School, Government Secondary School Omu-Aran, Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Egosi-Ile and Aperan Secondary School attended the 2022 World Poetry Day organized by Landmark University.