The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Olusola Oyewole, has called on the newly-elected Student Union executives of the University (FUNAABSU), to serve with diligence by showing humility, high sense of responsibility and the fear of God. The Vice-Chancellor made this call during the swearing-in ceremony held for the student leaders. Stressing the importance of Student Unionism, Professor Oyewole enjoined both the executive and the legislative arms to work together in love and unity because no tangible achievement could be recorded where there was no unity of purpose. He said unionism could stand the test of time, through shunning unbecoming acts such as rioting and cultism. He, therefore, enjoined the officials of FUNAABSU to operate within the ambits of the law, pursue a clear vision and avoid distractions that may come their way without compromising their academic pursuits. Professor Oyewole, re-iterated the commitment of the AAU to ensuring that African Universities produced graduates with sound skills, competencies and requisite qualities to become future leaders.
The out-gone Student Union President, Mr. Kehinde Awosanya, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Principal Officers, staff and fellow students for their support, as he challenged the newly-elected executives to fasten their belts ahead of the enormous challenges before them. He also charged them to submit to University authorities, attributing the achievements made during his tenure to the existing peace on campus. The newly-elected FUNAABSU President, Comrade Peter Olawale, a 500-level student in the Department of Animal Physiology, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), ascribed his victory to God and assured the students that they would work transparently and be accessible to all. He implored Management to always make the welfare of the students its top priority.
One of the dignitaries present at the swearing-in ceremony was the Olowu of Owu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, who disclosed that the newly-elected Student Union President, Comrade Olawale, was an indigene of Owu Kingdom. The Royal Father said he had observed sterling leadership qualities in Olawale since when he was a child, as he gave his royal blessings for the continued progress of the University.
The University’s Legal Officer, Mrs. Oluyemisi Daramola, administered the oath and presented certificates of office to the student leaders. The names of the newly-elected executive arm of Student Union and their portfolios are: Comrade Peter Olawale, President; Olufunmilayo Olaoye, Vice-President; Samuel Opaleye, General Secretary; Oyedokun Ebunoluwa, Assistant General Secretary; Mr. Habeed Tijani, Welfare Officer; and Ayo Akosile, Public Relations Officer. Others are: Saheed Shoge, Treasurer; Oluwaseun Kayode, Financial Secretary; and Oluwatobi Okaigbua, Social Secretary.
The officers of the legislative arm are: Rt. Hon. Olorunyomi Eyitayo, Speaker; Tomiwa Ayandokun, Tomiwa Ayandokun, Deputy Speaker; Ayodeji Amusa, Clerk; Damilola Olaogun, Deputy Clerk and Abiola Ogunsanya, Sergeant-at-Arms. The out-gone President of FUNAABSU, Comrade Kehinde Awosanya, was full of gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for a successful tenure of office. P. Kenny, as fondly called by admirers, stated that his tenure would not have been eventful if not for the unflinching support of the Vice-Chancellor, whom he said “gave us the enabling environment to serve”.
“Any time we have challenges, you managed it for us, even without a third party knowing about it. You are not just a Vice-Chancellor but a father and of course, we have seen the attributes of a pastor in you”, he stated. The former President, who made a remarkable feat by getting married while in office, said the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons, was also like a father to them. The Dean “scolds us to make us better and we want to assure him that we are better than when we came into office”, he added. He paid glowing tributes to other executives members that served with him as he thanked them for “the support, love and understanding. It is the beginning and all what we have learnt in office, let’s put them to use judiciously for the betterment of our immediate society and the nation in general”.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that FUNAAB had been blessed with excellent student leaders, adding that “I have been personally blessed with two Student Union leaders that have come into office during my tenure”. Apparently referring to P.Kenny, he said “I thank God because he has been blessing us with excellent leaders like you”. The Vice-Chancellor stated that he would never interfere in union elections, stating that that any student leader that served very well, would be given automatic employment in the University. Stating further that “I want you to know that our joy is not only to see you completing your term of office but to also see you tomorrow becoming great persons, getting married, as well as gainfully employed. I want to assure that our interest in you goes beyond this period. Whatever you feel we can do for you, don’t hesitate to come as we will be ready to help you”, as he also commended the out-gone Vice-President, Afusat Ladejobi, for her maturity and cool-headedness.
