The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako has charged students and the newly-elected executives of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Students’ Union (FUNAABSU) to always promote the image of the University and avoid posting fake news online.
Speaking at the Swearing-in ceremony of the new executives, the Vice-Chancellor expressed his happiness towards the successful transition of Students’ Union leadership.
He stated that though it is good to practice journalism, they should endeavour to practice in a positive way and not allow their breaking news to break the university.
According to him, “One thing is very paramount to me and that is the image of the university. It matters a lot and so you must always protect it. Whenever there is negative news online, it will not only affect the image, but it will also affect your certificate and the Management. However, as much as it is good to practice journalism, ensure you do not allow your breaking news to break the university. Do not dent the image of your school”.
He further charged the new executives to play their roles effectively and ensure that they leave a good legacy behind.
While commending the FUNAAB Independent Electoral Committee (FUNIEC) for conducting a violence-free election with the maturity displayed during the election, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the outgone executives led by Com. Michael Oloyede for working together with the Management to ensure peaceful coexistence in the University.
He stated that despite various challenges and misunderstandings they performed well.
“The outgoing Executives have done very well and deserve to be commended. They have done many things for the students with dialogue without threatening us nor did we threaten them, and we are happy to have supported them with part of whatever they have achieved today willingly and happily. However, the issue of unionism is about negotiation and we on our part know when to compromise. They have done very well”, he said.
Also, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Mobolaji Omemu while congratulating the outgone executives for the good work they did during their tenure appreciated them for being worthy ambassadors of the university and being so responsible in discharging their duties.
She disclosed that despite the challenges of COVID-19 at the beginning of their tenure and almost throughout their tenure, they still worked assiduously to project the good image of the University.
Prof. Omemu further commended them for always embracing dialogue before taking any action, stating that despite the disagreement and misunderstandings, they were able to work together as a team for the benefit of the University.
She however admonished the newly-elected executives to always remember that the Student Union is the representative of the entire body of students in the University, stressing that the Union also serves as an effective training ground for true leadership.
According to her, “I want you to know that this is the beginning of a new phase in your lives. You have become leaders and role models to some people and lots of them will look up to you now. Some will copy you and some will aspire to be like you so that means you have to be very careful of what you say or do and always remember that leadership is divine”.
Meanwhile, the newly-elected President, Com. Oluwaseyi Ale while declaring his administration an All-inclusive one, solicited for the contribution of everyone’s input and support, stating that with the cooperation of Funaabites and the staunch support of the Management, no hurdle will be hard to cross.
He reassured the students that his Administration will ensure they keep to their promises, noting that they are aware of their campaign promises and all hands are on deck to deliver.
Com. Ale however appreciated the efforts of the past and immediate leaders in sustaining the image of the Union and the University, saying that the bar has been raised higher and it has made it an interesting challenge for him and his team members to uphold and improve on.
