By: Aduwo Ayodele
The University of Ibadan management, on Tuesday, 4th of July, formally swore in the new leadership of the Students’ Union, University of Ibadan.
The event, which was held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, had in attendance members of the University management staff, outgoing members of the Students’ Union, newly elected officers of the Students’ Union, members of the Students’ Union Electoral Commission, Faculty’s and Hall’s chairpersons, parents, and members of University Alumni association.
The inauguration ceremony, which was slated to commence by 1pm, featured activities like the presentation of certificates of return to members of the new Executive Council, the presentation of awards and plaques to members of the electoral commission, and administering the oath of office to the newly elected officers of the Students’ Union.
In his valedictory speech, the outgoing President of the Students’ Union, University of Ibadan, Adewole Adeyinka, appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, other members of the Management Staff, co-members of the outgoing administration of the Students’ Union and the general students’ populace for entrusting him with the leadership and management of the affairs of Union.
In his inaugural address, the new President of the Students’ Union, Samuel Samson Tobiloba(HOST), appreciated the University management’s efforts towards funding the University activities and handling the daily affairs of the University community.
Recounting his victory at the poll, the new President of the Students’ Union noted that the poll which validated his emergence was “a pointer to the renewed interest of students in Unionism.”
Addressing the present concerns of the Students’ Union, Samuel Samson Tobiloba noted that his leadership would work towards building a stronger Union, empowering and preparing students for the post-university experience, among other plans.
“We will ensure the inclusion of all categories of students in our activities. We will also work with relevant authorities to ensure that there is regulation of prices of services and goods at the Union building and other strategic places while also working with the Hall management towards prompt allocation of accommodation at the beginning of the session to ensure that students settle down to their academic early enough”.
Expressing his concern on the Students’ Loan Act introduced by the President of the country, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Samuel Samson Tobiloba noted that the position of the Students’ Union under his leadership aligns with the stance of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress and other trade unions.
“We join our voice with that of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress and other trade unions to advocate for transparency in our downstream sector, provision of local refineries, salary increments, and other palliatives,” he said.
