It was a month later, Sola sat down alone on the farm, he was thinking as usual. His father was harvesting some tubers of yam at the other end of the farm. The joy and gladness he had been experiencing since checking his result cannot be put into words or spoken.

He had only checked maths result before shouting out and concluding in celebration. It was after few hours when they had started feasting what Sola could describe as the best meal his family had ever had, there were many people around many of whom were baba Sola's friends. That he remembered that he was yet to check the other results but no need for alarm, fear has already lost its power over him. The God that gave him victory in mathematics had taken control of the rest. He patiently finished his meal which included nine pieces of meat before checking the rest of the results. Just as he had believed, God did it, God! Not EXAM LOADED.COM, not stuff, not package, not cheating not human help for vain is the help of man. It was sincerely God. He had four distinctions and five credits, it may not be as good as the others but he knew it was God that gave him the result and God can only give the best.

Ade had called him -though they both maintain regular contact through WhatsApp. Ade had broken the school record, he had nine straight A's in his papers. Ade was overjoyed at his friend's passing maths. He was very happy knowing fully well what they had both passed through. It took Sola no persuasion for Ade to accept the God of Sola. He was of course a Christian, he was christened 'Matthew' but he knew he didn't have any relationship with Jesus. If Sola could pass mathematics then he had to know that God Sola had been talking about and according to Sola there was only one way of knowing that God through Jesus. Ade's parents had also learnt of their son's friend success in his final exams and decided to sponsor him throughout his study in the university. Sola had also written his JAMB and got 256.

But all that had happened in the space of the last month. He had woken up that morning joyful, happy and gay as always for more than a month since he checked his result. No more fears, sorrow and evil thoughts. He had slept for eight hours peacefully and was preparing for the day's work on the farm. He had decided to check the latest admission news, it was his custom as he knew that knowledge is power. Searching jamb news, the first result that displayed shocked him to the earth making him to almost faint.
"What!" He exclaimed. His mother came rushing in but Sola was quick to calm her. After assuring her that all was well, she left. After she had left, Sola jumped at his phone, he clicked on the link to read the news fully. After going through the content of the news, he almost collapsed. He couldn't believe it, he was asking himself if he was dreaming. Am sure we are all wondering what Sola had read, well boldly written in block letters on vanguard news page were a five word sentence:"POST UTME TO BE SCRAPPED"

Sola spent the next minute trying to make out the reasons the honourable minister of education had given for the scrapping but no matter how hard he tried he just couldn't digest it. However, when Sola read that SSCE result would be used as admission criteria in the school he had chosen as most other schools, his mouth which was already wide opened refused to close. Furthermore, he read that some schools had decided to give more preference to the SSCE result, he nearly slumped.

What will happen to his dream of becoming a Mechanical Engineer with four distinctions and five credits, when the poorest result in his school, was that of a guy who was fortunate to be be promoted to SS3 because of his connection. He had six distinctions and four credits.

The sun was beginning to set and it would soon be dark. Sola looked around, the whole of the earth in golden colour and then stared ahead as if he was looking at the future. Despite the news he had read that morning he was not going to be overcome by fear, or disturbed. He knew that He who made him passed mathematics would surely give him admission to study the course of his dreams. No matter what man tried, fear had already lost it's grip, it had been defeated never to rise again.

However, he could not but feel sorry for a country. A country that had created a SYSTEM, a system where the least become the best and the best become the least and everyone is brilliant. He remembered a write up he had come across somewhere and was almost filled with tears as he recollected:
"Many politicians were studious as students but fantastically corrupt today, makes one wonder what the 'leaders of tomorrow' who can't pass waec on their own will be like when it is their turn."

He took his cutlass and hoe, the sun had set and a beautiful twilight emerged, without looking back, he began to go.


The End

"What should I do?" Sola asked himself. Different answers came rushing in: 'Just kill yourself, death is better than shame. You can see the detergent at that corner, all you need do is to swallow it'.

Another thought came into his mind: 'Confess to your parents, you know you don't have to check the result. You know you already failed, just tell them and beg for their forgiveness'. Still another thought: "Run away!! run away to where no one would be able to get you, run from this disgrace, run.....' Sola's thoughts were however, interupted by his father's voice fron the backyard, it came so sudden that he nearly dropped his phone:
"Sola sé ó tí wo ni." (Sola haven't you check it?).
Barely able to find his voice, Sola replied, "Almost sir."

The pressure was becoming more, Sola knew he had to act fast. If he hesitated a bit longer, his father might start being uneasy. He looked at the phone, he could feel the longitudinal waves on his palm, but then from no where, he suddenly remembered the pastor's sermon that sunday. The sermon was about faith, he could still hear the pastor's voice vividly in his head:
"Jesus said if thou wouldst believe and shall not doubt in your heart, thou wouldst see the glory of the lord. Sola looked at the phone again and despite himself said "Jesus I believe."

After this, Sola like the blind Bartholomew walking to Jesus, pressed the unlock button, he then drew his unlock pattern. His mother's picture showed as the homepage wallpaper and then his fears rose again but somehow he still found himself going on. He opened the Apps menu and it was his father's picture he met as the wallpaper, his fear tried to rise again but in a way he couldn't explain he still continued. He had to scroll five screens before reaching where the UC browser app was. After a bit hesitation, he swallowed his saliva and then clicked on the app. His heartbeat by then was surely above100 beats per minute. He fought valiantly against all negative thoughts as the browser booted. He then took a final look upward and that was it, there was no going back, it was either now or never. He entered in 'www.waecdirectonline.org' and in a jiffy the page came loading in, the bright purple and brown colours of the page seemed to be smiling at him. He took a deep breath and then clicked on the 'check result' button. He filled in the details, he needed no consultation as he knew all his particulars off hand.

This time it seemed as if the network was on holiday. While loading, Sola closed his eyes while his heart took a much deep circulation: The right ventricles were quickly sending the de-oxygenated blood through the pulmonary artery into the lungs and the pulmonary vein almost immediately brought the oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left auricle. The bicuspid valve quickly opened and in quick succession, the thickest part: the left ventricle pumped with all its vigour and with great pressure sent the blood into the aorta. Sola's heartbeat was surely more than 120 beats per minute. Sola opened his eyes just in time to meet the result displaying. Like the bullet time in 'Matrix',everything became suspended, he could hear his breathe. In a jiffy he went straight to mathematics, it was number five on the list and then HE SAW IT. As if the suspense had been lifted Sola with all his strength leapt and shouted, he had passed, yes passed not failed, he shouted with all his might. Any body 5km away would surely had heard him. The mother who was fast asleep woke up, his father came running in_

The rest was celebration and jubilations. His parents were very happy. The father was singing and praising his son:
"My son am very proud of you. at last your dream of being a medical Engineer has....."
"Baba Sola, I have told you severely that it is not Medical Engineer. It is Mechanical Doctor."
Sola could not stop laughing at his parents argument,after calming down, he corrected them "Both of you are wrong, it is Mechanical Engineer"
"Anyways, whether mechanical or medical, all I know is that you have passed, congrats my son 'omo ekun ekun ni jo..." Sola's father continued to praise his son.

Sola and his parents were very happy. Mr. Aina, the butcher had arrived just in time and Sola's father went to meet him. Sola's mother rolled and rolled and rolled on the floor thanking and thanking and praising God. Sola stood still, he was still astonished and couldn't believe it, he was checking to see if he had not been asleep. It was still a dream to him, he couldn't have imagined it, if perhaps he had thought of passing mathematics, the best he could have ever imagined was a C6 grade but here he was. Not C6, not C5, but C4. It was indeed a miracle. He then lifted up his eyes as he had done in the zero hour in the examination hall and he began to bless God, to thank him. It was him, there was no doubt, he knew it. He was eternally grateful to God.

*Note: the last sequel would be released by God's grace 8.00pm tomorrow 1st of August.......comments, likes, shares are very much welcomed. Thanks

Am not sure but you can check EDUREGARD.COM.NG

Sola lifted up his head from the table and as if everything and everyone was suspended -the hot sharp headache was still very much there. He looked around; front and back, left and right; that was an option. He could choose to seek their help but their was another option. Sola lifted up his eyes, upwards, up he did, up to the hills, that was another option. He had decided to go for the latter option, with agony and with all his strength he prayed:
"Hey God, hmm...I have a favour of you, you know at least for my mother's sake not mine but her's, HELP ME."

And that was it, Ade who by now had finished answering nine questions of the seven they were expected to answer had seen Sola lifted up his eyes and prayed. He felt sorry and guilty at the same time, guilty because he had always been the one discouraging examination malpractice and influencing him to stay clear of the act. He himself would not indulge in the act despite all the pressure, not because of two things but because he was a moralist. He believed that every student should write what they can by themselves. If, they fail they do so honourably and if the other way round, that means they deserve it. He wasn't the born again type like his friend but still he would not indulge in examination malpractice because of honour.

At another glance Ade saw Sola burying his head to his work, he seemed to be writing hurriedly. Whatever Sola was writting Ade didn't know, but he wished that the looking up of his friend had paid off.

"Time up, your pen above your head, eh that girl if i catch you." And that was it, with shouts of joy the final year students came out of the examination hall, they were through with the 'king of all subjects' exam. Most of them were glad and were full of relief that at last mathematics had come and gone.

Outside the exam hall Sola walked dejectedly looking worn out, tattered, battered and more like a walking corpse. His uniform was soaked in sweats. He stood for a while and then looked around him, many of the students were in groups, many around Tobi. They wanted to confirm how correct they were. In one corner were the big boys and most of the other students. Some were singing, some dancing; laughing, chatting, and playing. Some other students were arguing, Sola couldn't almost hear them:
"No that is not it, after taking the coefficient then, differentiate."
"No, that is not correct, after taking the coefficient you integrate, see, take a look at the question again."

The argument continued but Sola had had enough, he had to escape from 'this' away from the deception, the falseness. He dragged himself away but no one seemed to have taken notice of him they were all engrossed in the post examination scenario.

Inside one of the classes, Sola sat down dejectedly, more like a HIV/Aids patient. He just sat, this time unusually his thoughts seemed to elude him. He stared at the whiteboard before him as if it were responsible for his predicament. Almost five minutes later, Ade walked in, excitedly:
"Hey, I've been looking out the whole school for you, never knew you were here. How was the exam." There was no response. Ade understood and he pulled his friend, hugged him and as if the floodgates of kanji dam were bombed, Sola burst out in uncontrollable tears. Ade heaved and hugged him tightly, he felt the same way and also burst into tears and kept mumbling 'I'm sorry'.

***

It was two months later, lots had happened: The SS3 students of 'Imperial Model College Lagos' had finished their final exams and graduated. Ade had won twelve prizes and awards on that day including: best prefect award, most outstanding student, neatest boy, best in biology, chemistry, further mathematics and of course best overall, and many more. Sola had also won a prize; 'Mr. Adio's honesty prize'. he was not there. He couldn't attend the valedictory service, his father saw little or nothing in it.
"sebi oti pari examu re, kini otu ku?(since you have finished your exams what again?). Sola dad had commented when Sola approached him.

Sola himself would not have loved to go,what did want to do there? he would ask himself. It would only remind him of what he didn't want to remember. Ade had visited him severally and told him how the V.S went. He had collected the prize on the behalf of Sola but had to do a lot of persuasion before Sola could collect the prize from him.

But that was weeks ago, Ade had travelled abroad to London. He had come visiting one day as usual and told Sola the news. Sola received it with mixed feelings; he was happy and glad for his friend, truly happy. He had leapt for joy when Ade broke the news to him but at an impulse, he became quiet. It was as if the full implication of the news had just dawned on him. His friend understood and they spent the rest of that day together in silence. Sola was at the airport to see his friend off. They had both cried at the airport and Ade's parents had to do a lot of pleadings for Ade not to miss his flights. Sola knew very well that if it were possible, his friend would have brought him along.

But all that was in the past, It was now a Friday, Sola sat on his bed. It was a midday, he was bored of course, like every other day. He knew that the boredom would continue for months and that if he was lucky that the institution he had applied to decided not to embark on another strike. The school has a reputation of striking more than a thunder. More importantly if he passed his exams. He was not working on the farm that day: he had been having a serious high fever for some days and his father had decided to give him a day off.

Talking about his exams, the past months since he wrote the mathematics exam had been a very difficult one for him. His fears had tormented him a lot without mercy, fears of failing maths paralysed his mind. Thoughts of the aftermaths of failing maths would not leave him alone: what would happen to his mother; if she survived, if his father would ever find a place in his heart to forgive him. His thoughts tormented him: in the farm, at home, in church; everywhere he went and every time. His thoughts would not spare him even at night, at midnights he sometimes find it difficult to sleep, the thoughts kept on tormenting him.

He had been to the chemist shop opposite their house. He had to do a lot of explanations and descriptions almost in frustration before the middle aged man popularly known as 'Doctor' but who had never been to the four wall of a university; could give him some prescriptions. It had been better when Ade was around but now he was all alone with no other friend around and no place to go other than the farm and church, the thoughts drove harder.

He stood up, walked to the window, looked out of the window, walk back and sat down. Sola had lost count of how many times he had completed the circle that day. But something seemed unusual and striking about that day.

He had heard earlier that week on the news that Waec would be releasing the 2017/2018 WASSCE result that very week. Since then, things had grown worse. He could hardly sleep, he worked lazily and half mindedly in the farm. His father would not cease scolding him, complaining that his going to school had turned him to a lazy bone. Sola knew that the serious fever which made him to stay at home that day could not be unconnected with the announcement he had heard earlier that week. It was Friday and Sola had waited patiently since the beginning of the week; he knew that if truly Waec would release the results as they had said, it could not be later than that day. He didn't sleep_ or couldn't sleep that very night. His mother had noticed his restlessness, anxiety, and apprehensiveness despite his trying hard to appear calm. She of course, didn't know the reason for his son's disposition as both She and her husband knew nothing of the announcement made earlier that week.

Sola's parents had always known their son to be an intelligent student, after all, all the results he had brought home since his JSS 1 had proven him so. He had never taken a position lower than fifth and he always bring the 'best student in agricultural science' prize home at the end of the session. They therefore could never ever think that their son could ever fail Waec. They never suspected their son's emotional conflict and only take his new disposition as a consequence of Ade's departure.

That fateful Friday looked exceptionally bright, gay, and sunny; very unusual of the raining season in July. However, this only tormented Sola more as it reminded him of the day he wrote his mathematics examination. The fateful day had also looked bright and gay. He sat on his rat infested mattress much like a sitting corpse; he had a phone in his hand: a 'Phantom 9' phone. The phone was a gift he had gotten from Ade's parent on his graduation. The phone was probably worth more than every other thing in his room all together.

He was trying to play PES 2016 on his phone when a call came in. It was his neighbor, Bummi; they had both finished from secondary school that same year.
"Hello."
"Hello Bummi, how are you?"
"Fine, I called to ask how far about your result"
"Result!" Those words hit Sola like stones but he still managed to continue speaking "Is it o...u..t?"
"Yes now, 'shey you have not heard ni,' they released it this midnight."
"Oka..y, thanks, I will ch...e..c..k it no..w."
"K, bye."

Fear suddenly gripped Sola, he was scared to the earth, he was too scared to move, he simply sat on the bed and stood still. He had anticipated today and had planned how he would handle it but here he was too scared to move. Sola knew it was not going to be easy; he looked at his phone, he had learnt that all he has to do is to simply enter 'www.waecdirectonline.org' and fill in some details and that would be all. But those few steps seemed to Ade like a huge mountain that is impossible to climb. The thoughts he had battled with for a long time came in rushing with more force almost making his head to blow off.

He thought of his mother, the poor woman was sleeping in the only other room in the house. Sola tried to imagine what would happen to her if he failed mathematics, she might_. The thoughts continued, Sola silently sobbed, he had obviously let her down, he was a bad son and his mother does not deserve him as a son; not his hardworking, poor woman. He recollected how she had struggled to make sure he was graduated: all the wrappers sellable had been sold. The poor woman would do three, four jobs together in the rain and sun, heat and cold. She would risk her life just to ensure that her son didn't drop out of secondary school. The poor woman who also appear far above her age despite having just a surviving child was to Sola: a coach, role model, an advisor, a mentor, a prayer warrior and many more. And Sola would just walk up to her and announce
"Mummy am sorry, I know I have let you down, please forgive me, I failed my..."
"No, no, no, God forbid." Sola muttered,

Unfortunately for him, his thoughts were far from over, it shifted to his father. The poor man had laboured all his life, Sola's thoughts were, however, interrupted by a sound from the back yard. He walked to the window to see what it was and was surprised to see his father.
"Why...? So soon," he mumbled. It was just midday and it was very unusual for Sola's father to return back from the farm that early. It usually would have been 6pm or 7pm. When Sola heard the back door opening he quickly went to greet his father. He met him in the kitchen and greeted him.

His father as if knowing what his son next words would be said:
"Yes I know, I am very early today but you see, I couldn't curtail myself. It calls for celebration and I just have to rush back home, luckily for me, as I was coming I..."
Interrupting, Sola asked "Baba(father), I don't understand. What calls for celebration?"
"Ah ah, it was Saki, you know Saki now?"
"Saki, who is that?"
"Saki, your former classmate in primary school."
"Yes, I remember him but what happened."
"Yes, I met him on the farm and it was him who gave me the good news"
"But baba, you are yet to tell me the good...."
"Well, he told me that the exam you people did, that the result is already out, he said it came out this..."

"So my father ready knows, that means trouble, ah what am I going to do..." Sola began to think while his father continued talking. He was brought back from his thoughts by his over joyous father who kept on talking in loud joyous voice:
"....luckily, as I was coming I met with baba Aina: the butcher and as God is faithful, he just butchered a cow. I have made arrangements for a quarter of it, he will be here any moment...."
"But dad, I have not even checked it"
"Then go and quickly check it, be fast about it so you can join me in peeling the yams. I have harvested the best ones, we are making pounded yam. I have also invited all my friends whose houses are on the way, before evening this whole place will be agog, so be fast and join me and is your mother back...."

Without checking his son's countenance, baba Sola left for the back yard humming his favourite song obviously overwhelmingly over joyous. If he had been a little bit patient, he would have noticed his son's overwhelmingly sorrowful face.

Sola left for his room, he took a glance at his fast asleep mother on the way. He could not summon strength to wake her up. In his room he sat down and laid on the mattress.

*Note: By God's grace part 7 to be released by 8.10pm on monday

just like that!" He heaved. The beards of sweat rolling down his face suddenly increased and also would not stop tormenting him, some entered his eyes as he struggled to clean them off with his hands.
"forty five more minutes' the muttered to himself.

He had had a tough past two hours trying hard to solve what looked like questions written in other languages which he cannot understand. He had thought he had prepared enough for the exam but here he was chewing almost his pen out, sweats covering his face. The questions to him were much difficult than he had expected. Ade's reassuring that he had learnt a lot to teach the subject was to Sola a far far away dream which- as he now realised was only a joke. He was now back to who he really was, the poor guy who scored 20 marks in his mock exam, the student who doesn't know maths. All the confidence Ade had managed to put in him had all disappeared.

''Forty more minutes and stop making noise"

Those words jerked Sola back to reality, -like Cob would do in 'inception'. He looked at the questions again trying to see if he can probably remember anything but the result was all the same,he had no idea about what to write. He had exhausted all his knowledge and things he thought he had learnt, formulas he thought he had crammed all seemed to have developed wings and flown away.
The question paper laid idly on the desk, out of the seven theory questions they were expected to answer, he had barely answered three and those he was not sure about. His objectives questions were no better, the OMR sheet layed besides the theory paper, he had managed to shade just twenty boxes some of which he arrived at, after gambling.

He looked around and saw most of the students busy answering their questions, some with half hidden tiny sheets of papers, everyone seemed to have one stuff of the other, some of the brave ones were with phones. The leaked theory answers were circulating all around him, students in low voices whispered answers to themselves. He looked at his friend: Ade who was three rows away, he seemed very near but very far to him, far beyond his reach, his aid. His friend had always been there for him all this years but now he was almost dying for help but his friend was busy engrossed in his work.

Then thoughts started flying into His head, he remembered his poor parents. He was the only surviving child of his parents, his poor father a farmer who could only manage to get his registration fee after Sola's mum went on four days hunger strike. He could never ever forget the look on his father's face the night he had called him to give him the money. It was the same face an hunter who had just managed to get a tooth from a living lion's mouth would make. His mother, a trader was an encouragement to him, always telling him that his dreams were achievable and that he should not allow their present financial status to limit him. He knew his mother can do anything to see that he achieve his dream. His thoughts then shifted to what would eventually happen if the results come out and he failed maths,
'No God forbid' he muttered. He would just commit suicide but that was too easy, at least if it were only him it would have been better. What of his poor mother? what would become of her, she would probably have stroke or join his son and his father, he would.....

Sola's thought were interrupted by the supervisor loud clear voice which sent cold shivers down his spine:
"Thirty five more minutes and you," referring to Sola "Raise up your head."

Those words tormented Sola and he felt like suicide or something more than that. He felt as if his head was going to explode any moment from then. His face were covered with sweats and tears, he was almost urinating on his trousers. Fever, headache, high temperature; all at the same time seemed to come rushing in. Thirty five more minutes and he had barely answered three theory questions and 20 objective ones. He looked around him, answers were flying all around him:
"Number 16....D.....No not C,D."
"Okay no 47"
"A."
"Number 50."
"B."

At that staged he asked himself a question which he knew most readers would probably be asking themselves:
"Why am I doing this, why can't I just ask for help and engage in examination malpractice, at least for just today and for my mother's sake." Sola knew that just a call for help and many students would almost be fighting to help him.

Different answers sprung up in his head each striving to appear the most cogent. He was not the religious type, far from it, just a simple easy going young man. He of course attended fellowship meetings and was quite devoted. He believed in God and he remembered having given his life to Christ for as many times as he had lost count.

Another reason perhaps was because of the way he was brought up, his parents though poor, were honest and principled. They had brought him up to cherish those ideals. They had told him countless number of times that if he were to choose between cheating and slavery; he should choose the later. Honesty was their family watchword.

Or perhaps it was his conscience, something always seemed to prick him whenever he tried to engage in the act. Or probably fear, fear of being caught, fear of his result being cancelled or withheld, fear of being disgraced publicly on the assembly if caught.

Or maybe he thought he could not bear to live with a false certificate all is life, a certificate he knew he cannot defend.

Or...Many more answers continued to spring up in this head.

"THIRTY MINUTES MORE"
And that was it, that was it, Sola could not just continue like that, thinking was not the solution, he has to take the bull by the horn. He wont just sit there do nothing and then live in regrets and being pitied all through his life but what was he going to do?

*Part 6 to be published by God's grace 8.10pm on sunday

PART FOUR.

Thirty minutes into the exam, Mr. Adeyokunun being the most senior member of staff, among all the five invigilators, sat on a comfortable plastic chair placed at a strategic position in the hall. The other four invigilators: Mr. Adio, Mr. Daniel, Miss Sophie and, Copper Yakubu; were all roaming about the large hall. The invigilators who all looked hardy went on making uncountable rounds in the large hall. A times they would shout on some of the students who seemed to be misbehaving. Mr. Adeyokunun was beaming with smiles at his men's diligence, and he simply relaxed in his comfortable armchair, quite unlike him.

What Mr. Adeyokunun however, did not know was that all the other invigilators had been bribed. Of course, no one could dare try Mr. Adeyokunun, they knew that that means expulsion, final year or not.

Mr. Daniel: a tall, thin; lanky, skinny; young man who from one glance, even someone having conjunctiva would not need cylindrical glasses to know that hardship, had been his next door neighbour. All his veins showed vividly on his fragile frame. He had jumped at the offer when one day, he received an anonymous letter. It seemed more like an answer from heaven. '#3000 for just helping the students in the hall in just one paper,' he had left for home that day with songs in his mouth. He was to invigilate five papers and he sure needed no calculator to tell him that he would be taking home half of his salary. As a young graduate, Mr. Daniel was full of hope. He had graduated with a second class upper in microbiology from the prestigious 'UNIBEN'. His certificate was one he could defend with his life: he had as an undergraduate, been a strict man who would never cheat. But that was then, after three years of searching for job in the labour market which had proved abortive, it seemed to him that life had been unfair. He had gone to almost every interview available, wrote as any CV's as he had lost count of. It was when his father: an elderly aged man who had sweated a lot to see him through university, started indirectly complaining about his status, that young Daniel turned his attention from an industrial or laboratory job to the very last thing on his mind when he was having those sleepless nights as an undergraduate: 'Teaching'. Still, it wasn't easy, in fact, far from being easy. He could not find a teaching job in the public sector and it took him another 6 months, 6 months! before he got his present job as a biology teacher in Imperial Model College and that through the help of one of his uncles and after paying a bribe equivalent to his first salary.

He had met with D loaded and they had finalised the job.

Mr. Adio story was quite different: the middle aged, pot bellied, heavily bearded, dark, stout man; has seven wives. He had spent many years in the teaching service. He was a former employee in the public teaching sector but when the government decided to slash his salary and those of many others into half- which he would never cease to complain about to anyone who cared to listen. He crossed over to the private sector. His new salary was almost same as his previous full salary and he enjoyed many other benefits. Mr Adio was however, a corrupt man who is always after anything that would put naira notes to his pocket. He have seven wives and 26 children to cater for. D loaded had no problem soliciting his help, and as a matter of fact, had approached him directly. Mr. Adio without a blink of eye agreed.

Miss Sophie was a young girl is her twenties: tall, dark, beautiful, and sophisticated. She had graduated as an education student, she however, believes that there is nothing wrong in helping the students. She herself had cheated all her life, she had slept with as many lecturer as possible, bribed those bribable, to graduate with the false certificate s he has. She believed that life is a struggle, an hustle and you give what you have to have what you don't have. She had encouraged the students in their acts and teach some how to perfect the act. D loaded needed not pay her nothing before she accepted to help.

Copper Yussuf, a young business adminstration graduate, it was he who gave D loaded a though time. He had vehemently refused and threatened to report to the authorities. D loaded apologised and remarked he only wanted to know if he was the honest man he always claim to be. However, when he didn't receive his monthly stipends (the third consecutive month) and coupled with other financial problems, he went back on on his own feet to D loaded. After much bargain, they both agreed on a fee.

It was forty minutes into the exam, Mr. Adeyokunun had shouted many times at the young boy sitting directly opposite him. The young boy since the start of the exam, just sat, staring at the English teacher. Anytime Mr. Adeyokunun shouted at him, he would shit his gaze to his work pretending to be occupied but later the young boy would go back to his staring. Mr. Adeyokunun had shouted him down many times and he silently cursed saying:
"Lazy student, staring at me as if the answers are at my face." He occasional stood up and make rounds in the hall, adjusting his spectacles as he moved and sniffling his nose as though he could smell something but each round ended as the previous, the students were clean. He would then shout at any student who seemed not to be concentrating and return to his chair.

Miss Sophie after a while moved close to Tobi: the maths guru, the short sporty guy had won every maths prize since JSS one and had represented the school in many mathematics competition, his nickname was 'the prof'. Miss Sophie careful to ensure that Mr. Adeyokunun was not suspecting anything, shouted at the student next to Tobi, telling him to face his work, Mr. Adeyokunun beamed with satisfaction, his guys were doing a great job, he would mutter. He then turned back to the window, he liked the position as it gave him a wonderful view of the school field and swimming pool. Also, the cool breeze seemed to be his best friend that day. Satisfied. Miss Sophie leaned and whispered to Tobi, the other understood and in a quick flash which even *Flash would not have beaten, Tobi passed a sheet of paper to Miss Sophie. It was professionally done. Looking tough, Miss Sophie made to D loaded and in another quick flash, the paper was passed to him, she then walked away shouting at a student who was making noise. The supervisor had seen what happened but like a dumb folded sheep that was being led to the slaughter house, she said nothing and looked away.

The next series of action went in quick succession, the students who understood what had happened fixed their gaze at D loaded. D loaded for almost two minutes crosschecked 'the prof' answers he had just received with the answers they had gotten online. After a breath, he made a sign, a sign that even 'James Comey' and his team of expertise; would not have interpreted. He made a holy cross sign and the other students understood. It was positive. Forty-six of 'the prof' answers had correlated the answers they got from the internet. Mr. Adeyokunun had seen D loaded who had been his 'best friend' since his very first day in school; made the cross sign but saw it as an harmless fugitive appeal to God
"Those hoodlums, read you wont read, just play. Now, you remember holy Mary, idiot," He muttered.

After the sign, the class suddenly became rowdy, sounds of papers, shading could be heard every where. The students became very engrossed in their work. Mr Adeyokunun had noticed that the young student sitting opposite him who had been staring at him since the start of the exam suddenly became very busy. He however could not connect the sudden change in the student, to the sign his very 'good friend' had made. The students had at the making of the sign in all their invented ways brought out their package. Mr. Adio had gone to Mr. Adeyokunun and blocking his view with his huge frame, engaged him in a conversation, obviously trying to distract him. Mr. Daniel, Copper Yussuf and Miss Sophie all went around ensuring that the students conducted their business smoothly while also serving as watchmen to check on Mr. Adeyokunun. The supervisor looked as if she was oblivious of the ongoing acts, she fixed her gaze on some files she seemed to be preoccupied with. Mr. Adeyokunun was however being distracted by the noise from the students, the calm, quiet, and peaceful hall had suddenly become noisy. He shouted at the students threatening not to hesitate to make a scape goat of any unfortunate student. Mr. Adio scolded after him and the two continued in their conversation.
"So the governor had diverted the Paris club refund"
"Yes so, as a matter of undeniable fact, I was there when....."

"Forty five more minutes." Sola was harshly interrupted out of his thoughts by the four words.
"What!

*Part five to be published by 2pm tomorrow by God's grace

PART THREE.

It was 8.30am the next morning. The final year students were scattered in the front yard of the examination hall. Some in groups talking, some discussing, some reading, some cramming, some revising.

It was the D day, just thirty minutes to the commencement of mathematics exam. It was a beautiful Wednesday with the sky shinning brightly and radiantly, Sola stood alone in the open field, looking upward to the radiant sky, with smiles on his face:
"The sky is gay today, I guess it wont be a bad day after all," Sola thought.

He then turned his attention to a group of students clustered around the big mango tree, at the axial of the yard; they were the students he had seen in the night. They stood in many fractions; they were all busy talking, jesting, giggling, laughing, and discussing among themselves. D loaded stood tall among the rest, a shinning Rolex watch was on his wrist, cool white canvas(banned though) on his feet. He had many students mainly girls around him. The group had far increased, a significant number of the final year students were there. Most of them had come to seek help from the big boys who were in the dinning hall in the in the night and who have the leaked answers. Who dosn't want to pass, some of them could not afford the levy requested, some or most scared of coming out in the middle of the night. Sola watched the students: some prefects, their fellowship coordinators, religious brethren, and the likes; they crowded around the big boys seeking for some of the package. He was contemplating strolling by but quickly wave the thought out.

Sola was soon joined by Ade who with other prefects, had met with one of the vice principals. Ade was the library prefect: he was an extremely brilliant and gifted student who had topped the set from Jss1.
"a 'kobo' for your thought?" Ade asked sneaking behind Sola and beaming his usual, brilliant Mr. Cool smile.

He was a very handsome young man: ebony, tall, cute dimples, and bright beautiful blue eyes. Coupled with his brilliancy, he was the toast and dream of many female students, but for reasons that had eluded Sola no matter how hard he tried, Ade neither have a girlfriend nor is the ladies type. He avoided them even if it seemed impossible.
"Hey Ade,how was the prefect meeting."
"Cool I guess, the old, pompous grammarian, was as you know, trying to give one of her unending sermons," Ade tried to mimic the elderly woman in a funny way that made Sola laughed "You are prefects, it would be unbecoming and....."

Sola watched as his friend continued his funny display, he had often wondered why Ade had always been his friend: a faithful, loyal, kind_ everything a friend could be. That he was a final year student was all thanks to his friend Ade. Ade had turned him to a bookworm that he was, making him have sleepless nights, visit libraries, and read like nobody's business. It had however, paid off. Although, initially not the brilliant type, he had grown to be among the best in this class.

He had known his friend Ade, since he could not remember. They used to live in the same neighbourhood before the Ade's moved to their own building in the G.R.A of the town. However, that did not stop or undermined their friendship, and when they both gained admission into 'Imperial Model College' six years ago, their friendship was cemented. Sola's thought was interrupted by Ade's friendly punch:
''Hey Mr thinker, time to go."

Sola could hear one of the invigilators, Mr. Adeyokunun A.K.A 'vigilante', shouting to the students to form two straight queues, one for boys, the other for girls. The maths exam would start any moment from then, Sola heart beat suddenly increased, as he, Ade, and other students marched forward. Lot of thoughts began to flood his mind. Although, Ade had succeeded in making him one of the best in his class, his weakness remains mathematics. He dread the class like one would dread HIV, his teacher always seemed to be performing magic whenever he taught the subject. He often end up sleeping while the class last, the only thing he liked about his maths teacher was that he allowed him to sleep in the class. Ade and himself had however become alarmed after his woeful performance in the maths mock exam, he managed 20 marks out of 100. Ade had to do a lot to convince him not to panic in the days preceding that day. He had arranged many special tutorials for him. They had both slept for just four hours daily, in the preceding days. They had also read for an average of ten hours each day, just to prepare exclusively for the maths exam. Ade had done everything he knew possible to help his friend prepare, and Sola seemed to have grasped some of the things he was being taught.

The queues had been formed but later dispersed as the supervisor refused to show up. It still, remains few minutes to the start of the paper, and the student went back to their different groups. Ade and Sola decided to go to a nearby flower, and they stayed there in silence. Although, Sola seemed to look calm, Ade knew that inside, his friend was troubled and anxious, He had prayed severally for God to help him. Sola for a time broke out of his thought and called Ade's attention to the group of students they had seen in the night.

"But the guys appear clean, have they learnt all the answers of hand?"
Ade broke into laughter and after calming down said, "Sola are you this naive, they may look clean to you but inside, I mean inside where the most intelligent invigilator cannot see, where even spirits can not reach_ lay scribbled sheets filled with handwriting that even the sharpest magnifying concave or convex lens cannot read. Handwriting that none except the writer can understand."
"But how do you know."
"Stay there, you don't know nothing, they have hidden stuff where invigilators cannot discover. See my friend just forget, even 'vigilante' cannot catch them."
"Hmm, all is..."
"Look!" Ade quickly called Sola's attention to one of the students at the shade of the mango tree, a female student, she was hiding something that look like a folded sheet of paper in her big woven hair.
"You see that?"
"Yes."

Their conversation was broken by a girl, Sola's classmate who walked gingerly towards them. She beamed her set of 32 crystal, white teeth as she came. She then greeted them, she had come to see Ade, it was usual and Sola had become used to it.

Many of the students always wondered why Ade would not partake with them in the examination malpractices. They had expected him like other extremely brilliant students like: Tobi, the math guru, Kabir, Tolu, Kenneth, Samuel; to help the seemingly or apparently less brilliant ones. The work of the bright students like the aforementioned, was simply to proof check that the packages delivered from online were correct. However, Ade had refused them and he was ostracized by the 'big boys'.

The girl walked away after few minutes, she had come to ask Ade to help her solve a maths problem. Ade and Sola knew very well that the question was part of the leaked questions gotten online. They also both knew that she had come for something more than that, probably to show Ade her new hair style.

Ade had solved the problem and now they were back on the queues. The supervisor: a middle aged, short, thick, dark woman with a funny Brazilian hairdo came out of her Toyota Camry and went to address the students.

It was the usual: thou shalt not cheat, bla bla bla. Sola could tell that the students can recite the address off hand.
"She looks strict," Sola whispered to Ade who was at his back.
"Hmm?"

By then, the search began. The supervisor had gone into the hall awaiting the students, while the invigilators(all of whom are Imperial Model College teachers) conducted the search. A funny scene happened which seemed blank to Sola and some other students but definitely not to Ade and the big boys. Mr. Adeyokunun was about conducting the search on the boys, when Mr. Adio, another invigilator walked to him, he whispered something into 'vigilante's ear and the two left together. Mr. Daniel, yet another invigilator then came up and conducted the search. Mr. Adeyokunun and Mr. Adio could be seen having a talk at an adjacent corner and by the time Mr. Adeyokunun was back, the search had been completed. All the students were already seated in the large hall. One hundred and fifty students were to take the mathematics examination that morning, the sitting arrangement were two on a seat and a considerable distance was maintained between two consecutive seats. As they were arranged in alphabetical orders of surnames, Ade surnamed 'Aransiola' was on seat number 12, while Sola surnamed 'Idowu' was on seat number 64.

Question papers and answer scripts had been distributed and then the supervisor in a loud shrill voice that sent cold to Sola spine, announced the commencement of the paper. Ade took a final glance at Sola and then buried his head to his work

*Note: Part four to be published by 9pm.

PART TWO

Inside the large hall, many students crowded in the frontal part of the hall. Sola held his breath as he peeped inside, all of the students were in their final years. Sola could recognize most of them, some of them were in his class, others in Ade class, and others in class 'B'.

"But what are they doing here," Sola asked Ade who quieted him, whispering to him to keep calm and just watch.

Inside, there were about 40 or so students in groups of two, three, four....up to seven, all were in their pyjamas and slippers and were discussing freely among themselves. Some of them were holding phones and most of the students were busy on the phones, Sola wondered why.

After almost ten minutes, a tall, dark, handsome young guy stood up from among them and stood on one of the eating tables. Sola could recognize the guy, He was Daniel popularly known as 'D loaded. He was one of the 'big guys' in school. He was extremely social and popular among girls, he was also the social prefect. After a few appeals for silence, the hall became quiet. He then began to speak:

"Welcome to all of you, and to all those who kept us waiting, it is not funny_ Firstly the issue of our due: today was the day we all agreed on, as the ultimatum for the payment. Up till now, only few people had met me as regards the money. See guys we are mature, we all want this to go as smooth as possible so why the shit now. We have exhausted the fund already on ground and we still have a lot to do: We are yet to settle some of our invigilators; we have not yet completed the supervisor due, and our sources online are becoming impatient also....."

The talk went on for some time after which the student began to deliberate among themselves. The session almost turned rowdy sometimes, as everyone seemed to be speaking at the same time but D.loaded was always quick to restore order. After about fifteen minutes, they reached a compromise, the ultimatum was extended to the weekend and they all agreed that any one still owing by then would sent away. D loaded then continued his speech.

"See guys, we have to be more careful, the shit wey some of you dey cause no do, no do. During economics paper two days ago, two of you were caught almost implicating all of us. Wetin gan self, if you know say you be small pikin wey no fit do the stuff, abeg no be by force". At this the students burst in laughter.

Wale bowed his head in shame. He was one of the two students who had been caught with sheets of paper covered with prepared answers, in the very act.

It was no other person than Mr. Adeyokunun: the rigid, conservative, English language teacher. He was a short, heavily built, light complexioned middle aged man, he was also the H.O.D of arts and languages. He was popularly know among the student as 'vigilante'. He was a man known not to condole any form of rascality, indiscipline, malpractice, hooliganism, indecency, truancy; to say the least. The students dread him... lets say the 'bad boys' dread him. He had seen to the expulsion and suspension of many bad goons in the school history as he also doubles as the school disciplinary committee.

Sola attention later shifted to the two students he had seen earlier- Wale and Tunde. Tunde was holding a phone, and Wale a pen and paper, Sola wondered why? The meeting continued although it was becoming more rowdy and D loaded was having a hard time controlling the students.

However, at an impulse in the midst of the noise, a voice stood out shouting 'Package ti jade' (the package has come out). The students left their discussion and began to cluster in groups, quite hurriedly. Those who have no phones crowded around those that do have. Wale and Tunde were not left out, Tunde had an infinite hot note 2 with him and many other students had crowded him and Wale. Of course phones were banned in the boarding school but the big boys know how to manoeuvre their ways.

The proceedings of the next minutes were a busy one for the students. The noise had gone considerably down, just whispering and rumbling of papers. Sola by then understood why Wale and most of the students were holding pen and paper. All of the students had brought out their pens and papers and had begun to scribble 'things' down.

At that point, Ade signalled to Sola for them to depart. On their way back, Ade mocked Sola by asking him if knew where Wale and Tunde were going.

"So Mr. JJC, do you now know where those boys were going?"

Deliberately ignoring his friend mock Sola said "But Ade it is rather surprising, I mean shocking....."

Interrupting, Ade shocked him further "Hmm? that is just one group, there are other groups."

"You don't mean it."

"Yeah I do, anyway let us be quick before they meet up with us."

"all is well."

The two boys went back to the classroom to continue their reading. Two of the three students they left behind were fast asleep while the other was battling with sleep

*Note, Part three will be published 8.10pm tomorrow by God's grace.......please share and like

PART TWO

Inside the large hall, many students crowded in the frontal part of the hall. Sola held his breath as he peeped inside, all of the students were in their final years. Sola could recognize most of them, some of them were in his class, others in Ade class, and others in class 'B'.

"But what are they doing here," Sola asked Ade who angrily quieted him, whispering to him to keep calm and just watch.

Inside, there were about 40 or so students in groups of two, three, four....up to seven, all were in their pyjamas and slippers and were discussing freely among themselves. Some of them were holding phones and most of the students were busy on the phones, Sola wondered why.

After almost ten minutes, a tall, dark, handsome young guy stood up from among them and stood on one of the eating tables. Sola could recognize the guy, He was Daniel popularly known as 'D loaded. He was one of the 'big guys' in school. He was extremely social and popular among girls, he was also the social prefect. After a few appeals for silence, the hall became quiet. He then began to speak:

"Welcome to all of you, and to all those who kept us waiting, it is not funny_ Firstly the issue of our due: today was the day we all agreed on, as the ultimatum for the payment. Up till now, only few people had met me as regards the money. See guys we are mature, we all want this to go as smooth as possible so why the shit now. We have exhausted the fund already on ground and we still have a lot to do: We are yet to settle some of our invigilators; we have not yet completed the supervisor due, and our sources online are becoming impatient also....."

The talk went on for some time after which the student began to deliberate among themselves. The session almost turned rowdy sometimes, as everyone seemed to be speaking at the same time but D.loaded was always quick to restore order. After about fifteen minutes, they reached a compromise, the ultimatum was extended to the weekend and they all agreed that any one still owing by then would sent away. D loaded then continued his speech.

"See guys, we have to be more careful, the shit wey some of you dey cause no do, no do. During economics paper two days ago, two of you were caught almost implicating all of us. Wetin gan self, if you know say you be small pikin wey no fit do the parole, abeg no be by force". At this the students burst in laughter.

Wale bowed his head in shame. He was one of the two students who had been caught with sheet of paper covered with prepared answers in the very act.

It was no other person than Mr. Adeyokunun: the rigid, conservative, English language teacher. He was a short, heavily built, light complexioned middle aged man, he was also the H.O.D of arts and languages. He was popularly know among the student as 'vigilante'. He was a man known not to condole any form of rascality, indiscipline, malpractice, hooliganism, indecency, truancy; to say the least. The students dread him... lets say the 'bad boys' dread him. He had seen to the expulsion and suspension of many bad goons in the school history as he also doubles as the school disciplinary committee.

Sola attention later shifted to the two students he had seen earlier- Wale and Tunde. Tunde was holding a phone, and Wale a pen and paper, Sola wondered why? The meeting continued although it was becoming more rowdy and D loaded was having a hard time controlling the students.

However, at an impulse in the midst of the noise, a voice stood out shouting 'Package ti jade' (the package has come out). The students left their discussion and began to cluster in groups, quite hurriedly. Those who have no phones crowded around those that do have. Wale and Tunde were not left out, Tunde had an infinite hot note 2 with him and many other students had crowded him and Wale. Of course phones were banned in the boarding school but the big boys know how to manoeuvre their ways.

The proceedings of the next minutes were a busy one for the students. The noise had gone considerably down, just whispering and rumbling of papers. Sola by then understood why Wale and most of the students were holding pen and paper. All of the students had brought out their pens and papers and had begun to scribble 'things' down.

At that point, Ade signalled to Sola for them to depart. On their way back, Ade mocked Sola by asking him if knew where Wale and Tunde were going.

"So Mr. JJC, do you now know where those boys were going?"

Deliberately ignoring his friend mock Sola said "But Ade it is rather surprising, I mean shocking....."

Interrupting, Ade shocked him further "Hmm? that is just one group, there are other groups."

"You don't mean it."

"Yeah I do, anyway let us be quick before they meet up with us."

"all is well."

The two boys went back to the classroom to continue their reading. Two of the three students they left behind were fast asleep while the other was battling with sleep

*Note, Part three will be published 8.10pm tomorrow by God's grace.......please share and like

Author's note: Welcome to you all,this story is carefully writen for our enjoyment, leisure and for us to learn. However, I must state here, that this is not written in any way to insult or ridicule anyone. Constructive criticism are welcome, once again I welcome you on board 'The system'. Happy reading

Part ONE
"Quiet, wake up,"
"Who is that?"
"Quiet, it is me....."
"Segun?"

Careful not to draw attention, Tunde woke Wale who was fast asleep up, the later after few reluctance leapt up on identifying his disturber. The two under the cover of the dark, made towards the door. Snores could be heard from every angle in the room, the room was filled with many students most of whom were their juniors.

The two boys who are final year students of 'Imperial Model College' quietly made out of the room to avoid suspicion. Outside, they counted eight more rooms in their hall before getting to the main gate. They were in no time outside the large green building and under the dark, moonless night the two marched forward. Tunde then opened up a discussion: whispering

"You sleep like a log of wood Wale."
"Sorry I never knew my alarm would disappoint me but it is one o'clock already?"
"Stay there, I was at the venue when I discovered you were not around and then I came to wake you up."
"Thanks a lot, I can't thank you enough, how far, is everyone there?"
"No, a few like you are yet to join but by now everyone should be there. That reminds me have you completed your due."
"No! I have made half payment; what about you?"
"No, it remains just #2000 for me to balance up, but I have made preparations to get the money: I will sell two of my golden more and a chase deer"
"lucky you I..."

Their conversation was interrupted by a beam of light coming from one of the classrooms. It was some students who were reading.
"serious students" Tunde whispered. The two boys passed their comments and marched on.

Inside the classroom, five students: all final year, were reading. They were preparing for their mathematics examination the next day. All of them were in pyjamas: lamps in front already low, their legs were making transverse waves in the buckets of water under the desk, some mounted three, four chairs together all in a bid not to fall asleep. Sola intrigued that two students would dare venture into the main academic blocks at such odd hours asked Ade, the guy next him, if he knew where their possible destination could be.

"Ade did you see those guys."
"Yeah," Chewing his pen and not shifting his gaze.
"But where could they be going?"
"Are you a 'JJC'? don't tell me you are really ignorant."
"There you go again, if you have an answer, simply tell me and not scorn me."
"like seriously you don't know! okay, since we are feeling dizzy do you mind if I take you there."

After a thought, Sola agreed. The two boys in their pyjamas left their books and lamps on the table and left, they had told the other three guys, that they would soon return. Sola had warned Ade that if they were caught he would bare responsibility but Ade had simply waved the idea away saying they needed only to be smart.

Leading Sola deep into the heart of the college, Sola followed quietly behind, like a dog following it's owner. After few minutes, which seemed to Sola as hours they were almost at the dinning hall.

Few meters from the hall, Ade warned Sola to be more careful and just follow him, the two removed their bathroom slippers and quietly tipped toed to one of the windows of the hall and from there, they watched as the activities inside unravelled.

The countdown continues

By God grace, It is 4 hours to go....Are you ready?
8:10pm

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40719743

Humans could become extinct if sperm counts in men continue to fall at current rates, a doctor has warned.

Researchers assessing the results of nearly 200 studies say sperm counts among men from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, seem to have halved in less than 40 years.

Some experts are sceptical of the Human Reproduction Update findings.

But lead researcher Dr Hagai Levine said he was "very worried" about what might happen in the future.

The assessment, one of the largest ever undertaken, brings together the results of 185 studies between 1973 and 2011.

Dr Levine, an epidemiologist, told the BBC that if the trend continued humans would become extinct.

Decline rate 'increasing'

"If we will not change the ways that we are living and the environment and the chemicals that we are exposed to, I am very worried about what will happen in the future," he said.

"Eventually we may have a problem, and with reproduction in general, and it may be the extinction of the human species."

Scientists not involved in the study have praised the quality of the research but say that it may be premature to come to such a conclusion.

Dr Levine, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found a 52.4% decline in sperm concentration, and a 59.3% decline in total sperm count in men from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The study also indicates the rate of decline among men living in these countries is continuing and possibly even increasing.
Previous research 'flawed'

In contrast, no significant decline was seen in South America, Asia and Africa, but the researchers point out that far fewer studies have been conducted on these continents. However, Dr Levine is concerned that eventually sperm counts could fall in these places too.

Many previous studies have indicated similar sharp declines in sperm count in developed economies, but sceptics say that a large proportion of them have been flawed.

Some have investigated a relatively small number of men, or included only men who attend fertility clinics and are, in any case, more likely to have low sperm counts.

There is also concern that studies that claim to show a decline in sperm counts are more likely to get published in scientific journals than those that do not.
Image copyrightSCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Another difficulty is that early methods of counting sperm may have overestimated the true count.

Taken together these factors may have created a false view of falling sperm counts.

But the researchers claim to have accounted for some of these deficiencies, leaving some doubters, such as Prof Allan Pacey of Sheffield University, less sceptical.

He said: "I've never been particularly convinced by the many studies published so far claiming that human sperm counts have declined in the recent past."

"However, the study today by Dr Levine and his colleagues deals head-on with many of the deficiencies of previous studies."
Smoking and obesity

But Prof Pacey believes that although the new study has reduced the possibility of errors it does not entirely remove them. So, he says, the results should be treated with caution.

"The debate has not yet been resolved and there is clearly much work still to be done.

"However, the paper does represent a step forward in the clarity of the data which might ultimately allow us to define better studies to examine this issue."

There is no clear evidence for the reason for this apparent decrease. But it has been linked with exposure to chemicals used in pesticides and plastics, obesity, smoking, stress, diet, and even watching too much TV.

Dr Levine says that there is an urgent need to find out why sperm counts are decreasing and to find ways of reversing the trend.

"We must take action - for example, better regulation of man-made chemicals - and we must continue our efforts on tackling smoking and obesity."

It is 24 hours to go......Are you ready?

It is 24 hours to go! The book "THE SYSTEM" is about to be unveiled, and you surely don't want to miss it.

The story is a captivating recall of a young guy who shares with us events of his final days at secondary school and some events that happened later. I would like to state here that the story is more of our own experiences. If you are or were a student, you should have had a taste of what you would be reading.

This captivating, educating, fascinating, qualitative, and thrilling short story have in it moments of truths, realities, suspense and you are sure to like it.

By God's grace the first two parts of the story would be published by 8.10pm tomorrow 27th July. The sequels would follow at the same time on Friday, 28th July.

Preparations are being made to put finishing touches to the story. The question is ARE YOU READY!!!
Thursday,27th July....8.10pm Thanks.

Remember it is 8:10pm on Thursday......You surely don't want to miss it.

If you are reading this,that means you are probably a student,or a story lover,or a paserby who got his attention arrested by the subject title.Whatever the case may be,this is not a scam or an attempt to waste your time,far from it,what is this then?It is exactly what the subject title says.By God grace in 48 hours,a book;a short story which will be in series will be launched here on this social platform.

.. The story is a captivating recall of a young guy who shares with us accounts of his final days at secondary school and some events that happened later.I would like to state here that the story is more of our own experiences.If you are or were a student,then you should have had a taste of what you would be reading.

Finally,this captivating,educating, fascinating,qualitative and thrilling short story have in it moments of truths,realities,suspense and you are sure to like it.What I would like you to do for me is to get your friends,neighbours,family members all informed,this story is one they don't want to miss.

By God's grace it is 8:10pm on Thursday.Thanks

More than 26,000 people have joined the Pride parade through central London.
The annual march, now in its 45th year, marks 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales.
The colourful parade took a 1.4-mile (2km) route through the city, starting at Portland Place and taking in Oxford Circus, Regent Street and ending at Whitehall.
A rainbow flag has been projected on to the Palace of Westminster for the first time in celebration of the event.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told crowds at Trafalgar Square the event was the "best antidote to sorrow"
The march, now in its 45th year, marks 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales
Tens of thousands of people have turned out for the celebration
The Pride celebration has been running since 24 June
There is expected to be one million people in attendance
He said: "We've had a horrible last few weeks. We've had terror, we've had tragedy.
"You know what the best antidote to sorrow, the best antidote to sadness, to bereavement, to hatred, is Pride In London."


Media captionThousands attend Pride parade in London
A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY WAS ALSO PLAYED IN WHICH SHE SAID THE UK WOULD CHALLENGE "GOVERNMENTS THAT CRIMINALIZE HOMOSEXUALITY OR PRACTICE VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION"AGAINST LGBT PEOPLE.She added: "Here at home too, we must continue to stand up for true equality and respect for everyone, right across our United Kingdom.
"We must stamp out homophobic bullying in schools, and drive down homophobic and transphobic hate crime."
Image copyrightPA
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Hundreds of organisations lined up to join the parade
A number of stores and tube stations in London have been decorated with signs and posters using the colours of the LGBT flag.
The Parliament building will also be lit up at night in the Pride colours as part of the celebrations.
In pictures: Pride through the years
Lord Fowler, Speaker of the House of Lords, said: "Homosexuality is still illegal in over 70 countries around the world, including many in the Commonwealth.
"None of this will be solved by a march, or a display of lights in Westminster.
"But these acts will demonstrate to those who are being persecuted or abused that they are supported.
"The lights are a symbol of our support."
At the scene: Sarah Lee, BBC News
Image copyrightREUTERS
From start to finish, London's streets have been brimming with colour, music, and smiles.
The buzz has been electric, with participants dressing up as their favourite superheroes, fairies, and even the Queen herself.
Thousands of people from hundreds of organisations paraded down Oxford Street in a sea of sparkles and glitter on their way to Trafalgar Square.
The celebratory cheers were contagious - a truly wonderful atmosphere for all involved.
Staff from the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade were nominated to take part in the parade.
They joined flag bearers representing countries around the world, including those where it is still illegal to be LGBT.
The Met said it had been working closely with Pride in London and a detailed policing plan was in place.
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Image caption
The Pride flag flies from Somerset House
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
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Sadiq Khan said the parade was an "antidote to sorrow"
Image copyrightEPA
Image caption
A drag artist dressed as the Queen poses for a picture
Image caption
Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people
Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES
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A number of tube stations have joined in the celebration
The force added: "We know that recent events in London and Manchester will cause people to worry.
"As with any large event the Met's priority is public safety and we are working closely with the organisers."
Media captionLGBT ............sources:http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-40531136

MouthAction is producing dangerous gonorrhoea and a decline in condom use is helping it to spread, the World Health Organization has said.
It warns that if someone contracts gonorrhoea, it is now much harder to treat, and in some cases impossible.
The sexually transmitted infection is rapidly developing resistance to antibiotics.
Experts said the situation was "fairly grim" with few new drugs on the horizon.
About 78 million people pick up the STI each year and it can cause infertility.
The World Health Organization analysed data from 77 countries which showed gonorrhoea's resistance to antibiotics was widespread.
Dr Teodora Wi, from the WHO, said there had even been three cases - in Japan, France and Spain - where the infection was completely untreatable.
She said: "Gonorrhoea is a very smart bug, every time you introduce a new class of antibiotics to treat gonorrhoea, the bug becomes resistant."
Worryingly, the vast majority of gonorrhoea infections are in poor countries where resistance is harder to detect.
"These cases may just be the tip of the iceberg," she added.
Throat infection
Gonorrhoea can infect the genitals, rectum and throat, but it is the last that is most concerning health officials.
Dr Wi said antibiotics could lead to bacteria in the back of the throat, including relatives of gonorrhoea, developing resistance.
She said: "When you use antibiotics to treat infections like a normal sore throat, this mixes with the Neisseria species in your throat and this results in resistance."
Thrusting gonorrhoea bacteria into this environment through MouthAction can lead to super-gonorrhoea.
"In the US, resistance [to an antibiotic] came from men having sex with men because of pharyngeal infection," she added.
A decline in condom use, which had soared because of fears of HIV/Aids, is thought to help the infection spread.
What is gonorrhoea?
Image copyrightCAVALLINI JAMES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
The disease is caused by the bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea.
The infection is spread by unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Symptoms can include a thick green or yellow discharge from sexual organs, pain when urinating and bleeding between periods.
However, of those infected, about one in 10 heterosexual men and more than three-quarters of women, and gay men, have no easily recognisable symptoms.
Untreated infection can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and can be passed on to a child during pregnancy.
The World Health Organization is calling on countries to monitor the spread of resistant gonorrhoea and to invest in new drugs.
BBC Radio 1 - Myth-busting STIs
Pubic hair grooming 'STI risk from cuts'
Dr Manica Balasegaram, from the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, said: "The situation is fairly grim.
"There are only three drug candidates in the entire drug [development] pipeline and no guarantee any will make it out."
But ultimately, the WHO said vaccines would be needed to stop gonorrhoea.
Prof Richard Stabler, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Ever since the introduction of penicillin, hailed as a reliable and quick cure, gonorrhoea has developed resistance to all therapeutic antibiotics.
"In the past 15 years therapy has had to change three times following increasing rates of resistance worldwide.
"We are now at a point where we are using the drugs of last resort, but there are worrying signs as treatment failure due to resistant strains has been documented."
Follow James on Twitter.
Is MouthAction more common now? By BBC World online
It's hard to say if more people around the world are having more MouthAction than they used to, as there isn't much reliable global data available.
Data from the UK and US show it's very common, and has been for years, including among teenagers.
The UK's first National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, carried out in 1990-1991, found 69.7% of men and 65.6% of women had given MouthAction to, or received it from, a partner of the oppossite sex in the previous year.
By the time of the second survey during 1999-2001, this had increased to 77.9% for men and 76.8% for women, but hasn't changed much since.
A national survey in the US, meanwhile, has found about two-thirds of 15-24 year olds have ever had MouthAction.
Dr Mark Lawton from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV said people with gonorrhoea in the throat would be unlikely to realise it and thus be more likely to pass it on via MouthAction.
He recognises that while condoms would reduce the risk of transmission, many people wouldn't want to use them.
"My message would be to get tested so at least if you've got it you know about it," Dr Lawton said.......Sources: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40520125