The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, presided over the formal swearing-in of new set of Student-Leaders: Faculty Presidents and Departmental Students’ Executives, for the 2024/2025 Academic Session of the University.
Addressing the new student-leaders at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, venue of the event, Prof. Ogunsola charged them to be abreast of their role as the bridge between the entire student population and the University leadership at all levels.
She urged the student-leaders to see their respective positions as a call to service and an opportunity to grow in brain power, resilience, strength of character, ability of mind, courage and other qualities which are needed for the world beyond the walls of UNILAG.
While acknowledging the daunting challenges confronting every strata of the country and the world at large, the Vice-Chancellor said the adjustment in the fees charged for utilities and laboratories in the University was unavoidable due to the surge in the cost of public utilities especially electricity and other services which the university management is obligated to provide to its entire student population.
Prof. Ogunsola re-affirmed the University management’s keenness to provide good and quality education despite fast declining resources. She assured of management’s commitment to the good and interest of the generality of students, and charged the student-leaders to embrace constructive engagements, learn and acquire proper understanding of issues and shun vices which could endanger the peaceful, cordial and harmonious relationship between the students’ body and the university management.
Her words, “while you are in UNILAG, we hope to mold you into the type of leaders that will make changes and make Nigeria better, what we hope is that we have a crop of student-leaders who will understand issues and lead aright. I welcome you on board leadership where you have to innovate and take tough and hard decisions for the greater good”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs, University of Lagos, Professor Musa Obalola congratulated the new student-leaders on their electoral victories at their respective faculties and departments. He also charged them to embrace service as their hallmark and lead with purpose.
Prof. Obalola advised the student-leaders to lead by example (i.e. Model the way), mirror the future they desire (i.e. Inspire shared vision), challenge the process (with innovative ideas/solutions), enable others to act (by fostering collaboration) and encourage others (with their accomplishments).
Similarly, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Adelaja Odukoya stressed the need for the student-leaders to consult and collaborate with all constituted authorities for the good of all. He also advised them to use the platform provided by their position to prepare themselves for life beyond the shores of UNILAG.
The ceremony afforded the student-leaders the opportunity to appreciate the university management for the level of engagement and assurances of goodwill. They highlighted issues affecting their welfare and assured of their readiness to be partners in progress in sustaining the peace and tranquillity on campus while also working towards actualizing the FUTURE-READY agenda of the Professor Folasade Ogunsola-led UNILAG management.
Highpoint of the event was the formal administration of the Oath of Office on the Student-Leaders by Mrs. Olugbemi Adisa (Senior Assistant Registrar, Litigation) and presentation of Certificates of Return to mark their formal assumption of office.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayomide Oloyede & Favour Megwara
