By Bukola Hameed
The Provost, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Dr. Rasak Adetunji Adefabi has lauded the College student body over the peaceful conduct of the election that ushered in the newly sworn-in Students’ Union Executive.
The College Chief Executive made this comment at the Swearing-in ceremony of the Students’ Union President and new crop of leaders recently elected by the student body.
Speaking at the event that was witnessed by cream of students, the College helmsman stated, “Let me put on record that this election was the first of its kinds devoid of any rancour or litigation. If I’m not mistaken, the election that ushered in this set of student union executives is one of the most peaceful election that I have ever witnessed. It was violent-free and superb as the students in their various schools demonstrated a high level of maturity.”
According to Wale Adeoye, Special Assistant on Media Matters to the Provost, the college number one person said, “It is not enough however that you emerged victorious in the election, but you need to know what your victory means in terms of service to your fellow students”, he stated.
While appreciating the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde for his tremendous support to the College, the Iseyin-born technocrat stated that “the Management is highly committed to improving the welfare of students as a major stakeholder in the education industry. What the Management is averse to is politics of divide and rule, polarization, bitterness being orchestrated by some misguided students or outsiders who are bent on profiting from crisis.”
Calling for cooperation from the new student leaders, Dr. Adefabi maintained that, “for Student Union leaders to establish rapport with management is not a sign of sell-out or weakness on the part of Union leaders. Rather, it is a ploy towards improving the welfare of the entire student body. As accredited representatives of the entire student body, much is expected from you. The Management would only be able to accede to your requests and strive to improve learning environment through provision of the state of – the – art equipment for teaching/learning process if and only if peace is guaranteed and the student leaders are able to channel their grievances in a civil and polite manner”.
He finally singled out the Chairman, Students’ Union Electoral Committee (SUECO), Mr. Malik Ademola for his outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties before, during and after the election. The College Management is to formally send a letter of commendation to you in appreciation and recognition of your selfless service as SUECO Chairman during the year 2020 student union election ‘ the Provost stated.
Earlier, the Dean Student Affairs, Mr. I. O. Ogundare in his welcome address thanked the Provost and the College Management for the support his unit is enjoying since he assumed duty four (4) years ago. According to him, “this is the 4th uninterrupted transition of democratically elected Students’ Union Government. The credit goes to the Provost whom I describe as a lover of democracy especially among students”. He finally used the occasion to solicit the support of the College Management towards having an e_voting from the next election.
The immediate past President, Mr. Salahudeen Sofiyulahi Adeola in his farewell address thanked the College Management and his colleagues for creating an enabling environment for his team to partake in what democracy entails.In his words to his successor, “this is just the beginning of life, political office is an opportunity, try to utilize this honour and privilege positively . There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power. Never see yourself as a master, that’s the only way to control life. What you give out is what you take back “. He finally wished him well as he takes over the mantle of leadership.
The new Students’ Union President, Mr. Adedeji Kowiyu Ayandeji in his acceptance speech promised to carry the student body along in his policies while assuring that efforts shall be made to project the good image of the College.
The swearing-in ceremony had in attendance members of the College Management Team, Deans of Schools and Directors of Programmes, Sub-Deans of Students, Student Affairs Officers, NANS Representatives, Students’ Union Executive from the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, College Student body among others.
