The Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Mobolaji Omemu, has charged newly-elected officials of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Students Union (FUNAABSU), to be loyal and honest while discharging their duties in the University. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of elected FUNAABSU officials, the Dean encouraged the new officers to take their oaths of office seriously, stating that an oath symbolises inviting God to bear witness.
She advised them to ensure that they work in harmony with the Student Affairs Division in moving FUNAAB forward, stressing that the Division operates an open-door policy, and they should be free to come around at anytime. According to her, “Let us work in harmony and don’t feel discouraged when you are not attended to immediately, but see it as an appropriate answer to that issue at that particular time”. Prof. Omemu stressed the need for the student leaders to settle issues among themselves before externalising them, stressing that they should only involve outsiders, after exploring all internal mechanisms, and avoid posting false information on social media.
“When there are issues, don’t be so quick to put them on the Internet. Minimise externalising issues that pertain to the University because at the end of the day, you will find out that most of the issues are not true”, she said. The Dean noted that the newly-elected officers were the first Students’ Union Government (SUG) that she would be working with, as she encouraged them to discharge their duties with all transparency. She urged them to come up with new policies that would help improve students’ welfare. The Dean reminded them of their main purpose of being in school, stressing the need for them to take their academics serious. According to her, “As students, your academics is important. You have become role models and being a leader goes beyond mere words. You should know that there are people that desire to be like you”.
Prof. Omemu described the outgone executives as unique, stating that they were the first to produce the first female SUG President. She appreciated them for working selflessly and wished them the best in future. The newly-elected President, Comrade Michael Oloyede expressed appreciation to God for a successful election, noting that “The orderly transfer of authority, as called for in the constitution, routinely takes place before the beginning of every new session”. Comrade Oloyede, who is the first Students’ Union President to emerge from the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), reassured the students that the quality representation that he promised during the electioneering would still be provided, adding that he would be willing to cooperate with the University Management to improve on areas that had been identified as affecting the well-being of students.
He described the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako, as an advocate of peace and good governance, as he appreciated him for being attentive to the needs of the students. While delivering their goodwill messages, the Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (CODAD) of FUNAAB, Prof. Mufutau Atayese, and the Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Adeboye Fafiolu, congratulated the new executives and thanked everyone that had worked in stabilising the union. Certificates of office were presented to the President, members of the Supreme Students’ Ruling Council (SSRC) and other FUNAABSU officers, while the staff of office was also given to the Speaker of the House.
