The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), today, November 18, 2021, held its plenary session heralding its 66th Western Zonal Executive Council Meeting at the Promise Adewusi SSANU Secretariat Complex in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Felix Kolawole Salako stated that people who make things work in the University are well known, adding that it is expected that one cannot get 100% cooperation and productivity from everyone.
Professor Salako who stressed that he is very strict with rules and regulations, noted that the University should never allow crisis to cripple FUNAAB again.
Acknowledging accolades from the Union, the Vice-Chancellor said that he was not usually carried away with eulogies but would always recognise good works in people too.
On the Union’s requests, the Vice-Chancellor said he would discuss with the Executives to find a common ground.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Chairman, SSANU-FUNAAB Branch, Comrade Oluwarotimi Fasunwon said that the Union was enjoying a symbiotic relationship with the University Management aimed at taking the university to an enviable height.
He noted that the University Management led by the Vice-Chancellor has been supportive, understanding and cooperative with SSANU members. Comrade Fasunwon appreciated the efforts of the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. (Barr.) Aboki Zhawa and the former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin who initiated the peace process the University is currently enjoying, stressedthat Professor Salako has tremendously sustained the legacy and the entire system is reaping the good fruits of peace and love.
He, therefore, prayed that the Vice-Chancellor and his Management team continue to improve on all successes they have achieved and in particular maintain their partnership and collaboration with SSANU for the sustenance of the enduring peace and development of the system.
In his Address, the SSANU National Vice President, Comrade Abdussobur Salaam commended the Vice-Chancellor for a job well done in the last four years, adding that Professor Salako started from a position of disadvantage as the Vice-Chancellor and yet still made an appreciable impact in placing the University’s name among the leading universities in Nigeria.
Comrade Salaam who is also the Chairman of the Western Zone of SSANU stated that Professor Salako brought peace and stability to FUNAAB, adding that the University was back on course. According to him, Professor Salako has carved a niche for himself and posterity and history will judge him favourably.
Congratulating the Vice-Chancellor on his fourth anniversary in office, Comrade Salaam said that “your best is yet to come”, praying that the University would also continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
He appreciated the Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola for the role he has been playing in the affairs of the University, noting that having an understanding Vice-Chancellor is evident in the progress, FUNAAB is experiencing presently.
In his Goodwill Message, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for all he has achieved in FUNAAB in the last four years, praying for a successful end of tenure.
Comrade Bankole, however, advised all SSANU members that they should continue to settle all issues maturely and work together for the overall benefits of the union and the University at large, while calling on other sister unions to work together not only for the growth of FUNAAB, but also for the future of unborn generations.
In his Solidarity Message, the Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), FUNAAB Chapter, Comrade Joseph Olurinde commended the leadership of SSANU for hosting the Zonal meeting in FUNAAB.
Highpoint of the plenary were the presentation of award plaques to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and the Ogun State NLC Chairman. Also, SSANU National Vice President was presented with a roll-up banner by SSANU Western Zonal Executive committee members.
Present at the meeting were members from 22 Universities constituting the Western Zone, notable among them were the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Lagos State University (LASU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ladoke University of Techology (LAUTECH), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), among others.
