Unionism, an essential platform for building future leaders — AAUA VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Professor Olugbenga Ige, has said student unionism is an essential platform for building future leaders and strengthening the nation’s young democracy. 

Ige maintained that AAUA regards responsible and responsive student unionism as an essential part of the platform for instituting a peaceful and stable academic calendar.    

The Vice-Chancellor stated this at the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected 20th Students Union Executive (AAUASU) of the institution held at Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall (OBJ) of the school. 

“It is in the realization of these objectives that the University has evolved and entrenched staunch mechanisms for engendering a virile student political participation,” Ige added.

He noted that the management organized leadership summits for elected student leaders on a yearly basis to properly induct them into the workings of democracy. 

He said: “At these summits, experts in relevant areas within and outside the university are invited to present papers and mentor student leaders.”

Ige noted that the institution management consistently encourages the student body to participate actively in union activities as well as giving students the leeway to elect their leaders without any interference.

“All this and more have defined the success story that student unionism has become at AAUA. Permit me to pay tribute to the previous leaderships of the University’s student union for demonstrating patriotism, political maturity and sagacity, responsible and responsive governance”.

“Without a doubt, responsible and purposeful student unionism has become a culture at Adekunle Ajasin University. I, therefore, enjoin the new student leaders we are inaugurating today to imbibe the kernels of responsibility, transparency, responsiveness, patriotism and care for the student body that makes AAUA student unionism tick. 

“Courage and love for the good of all are the factors that drive and distinguish leaders in the face of pressure, especially during periods of crisis and uncertainty. As people who hold power in trust, the new leaders must realize that what they make of the stable and peaceful academic stability and life entrenched by their predecessors will determine what and where their place will be in the history of this University now and in the years to come.”

The VC advised the newly sworn-in executives to be on the excellent and desirable side of history by helping to build structures that will make the University attain the much-desired world-class university status.

“This administration is desirous and determined to continue to address student welfare with vigour while there is also the need for students to complement these efforts by continuing to be peaceful, law-abiding and engaging in acts capable of putting the University on a good pedestal,” he maintained.

He further counselled the new leaders to abide by the oaths of their offices and engage in positive services to the University Community.