The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako, has advised members of the Student Union Government (SUG) to be good leaders as they carry out their duties in the University. Speaking at the leadership training, organised for the newly-elected Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Student Union (FUNAABSU) executives, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for them to exhibit good leadership qualities like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to be able to lead others aright, while laying a good foundation for those coming behind.
The students were equally charged to avoid disseminating false information that may tarnish the good image of the University, but should rather promote the reputation of the University wherever they find themselves. Prof. Salako, while stressing the importance of historical books, described himself as a lover of books, and encouraged them to be good readers. He urged them to read books on history, be updated on current trends. Giving her lecture on “Promoting and Protecting FUNAAB Image”, the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Onwuka called on the newly-elected executives to exhibit unique qualities that would place FUNAAB above other universities, stressing that FUNAAB has always been the first, and was once adjudged as the Best University of Agriculture in Nigeria.
Dr. Onwuka admonished the students to be responsible and avoid denting the image of the University with their actions, stating that FUNAAB relied on them to promote and protect its image. She enjoined them to work with the Directorate of Public Relations in sustaining the image of the University, while she stressed that the Directorate’s attention should be drawn to any irregularities on campus that may taint its image. The Head, DPR encouraged the union to shun illegal deals, organise periodic sensitisation programmes, engage all Heads of Classes (HOCs), Presidents of academic and regional associations, embrace dialogue in resolving issues, use FUNAAB publications and social media to tell positive stories about the University.
Similarly, one of the facilitators at the training programme, Mr. Ayo Ajasa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guarantee Images Communications, stated that the concern of the leadership training had been about the attitudinal issue of students to every aspects of their call of duty. Mr. Ajasa noted that student leaders had been challenged to showcase themselves as good students while creating a better image for the University. He also called on them to work together to shun violence and embrace development, to make the University great by changing the paradigm of unionism that appear confrontational and negative. Mr. Ajasa charged the SUG President to be humble and be a servant-leader, to achieve his set goals and objectives, while he encouraged him to put the needs of his cabinet members and that of students at the forefront, saying “For any Union leader to succeed, he must be well equipped, and have a very clear-cut vision and mission”, he added.
In his lecture, titled “Security Tips for Student Leaders”, the Assistant Chief Environmental Officer, Mr. Peter Bolarinwa stressed the need for student leaders to be security conscious within FUNAAB community. He advised them to give information on any activity that may threaten their security in their immediate environment, stating that “In the midst of all threats, your personal security is in your hands”. He encouraged them not to engage in any form of crime or harbour criminals, but be conscious of any situation they may find themselves in.
