By Uthman Samad
Sequential to his appointment as the new Dean of Student Affairs, Professor I.O Aransi has reacted to certain issues concerning the Obafemi Awolowo University in a brief interview with a correspondent of OAU Peeps News Agency.
The head of department of Local Government Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife who also doubles as the Chairman of the muslim community of the university was recently appointed as the new dean of the Division of Students Affairs, succeeding Professor Grace Akinola and becoming the first male to hold the position in recent times.
In the interview, whilst addressing some issues on campus, Professor Olalekan Aransi stated that the welfarism of students would remain paramount in his heart during his tenure, in his words, ‘‘I will discharge my duty and ensure that welfarism of students takes my number one agenda because if the student are in good condition, there won't be break or strike and good products will be produced along the line as supports will be sought for from far and near for the embracement‘’. He also disclosed the support of the Alumni association of the university to give some materials to students.
While taking about the need for cordial relationship between the DSA, the management and the students’ union, the new Dean stated that he has met with the suspended president of the Union and his cabinet and they promised to give support to the administration to foster peace in the university community.
Talking about student security and the frequent attacks, Professor Aransi promised to look into this amidst other issues as reports were filed, cases upon cases, and proper consultation has been indicted with the security unit of the university to put an end to the frequent occurrences.
Whilst talking about the allocation of rooms to finalists and fresh students, he pledged to do justice to it as the university management needed to look into the number of students admitted yearly. As this number was often higher than what the available resources could cater for. The professor promised to approach individuals, various companies and organisations for assistance and aid.
Talking about the senate building extension and the new senate building, the new dean of DSA has said, ‘‘there’s nothing bad in development, we should encourage new innovations, new ideas and there’s nothing bad in that, let the university continue to grow. We are in a dynamic world. Building hostels are very crucial but that does not stop us from having a befitting senate building’’
By Alabi Aderonke and Titus Isreal
The executive governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) graced the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife on Thursday, 6th July, 2017. The governor was hosted by the Faculty of Arts in her annual Distinguished Guest Lecture which was themed "BEYOND RECESSION: RE-INVENTING THE NIGERIAN FEDERATION".
Akeredolu, in delivering his address, stated that although he supported the idea of restructuring, the only way to solve the Nigeria's problems was to ensure that a serious integration programme was established. He reiterated that the proliferation of ethnic based groups is the main cause of the distinction which had found its way into political parties. He further said that it was brash to respond to those who want to break away, that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable.
He also urged students not to hold ethnic affinity rather they should live in unity to help the country's situation. However, the governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, duly represented by permanent secretary on education, Mr Festus Olajide, said in solving Nigeria problems, we needed to practice true federalism, fiscal federalism and restructuring our economy because doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results is the highest height of insanity. Nevertheless, it must be done without shedding blood and the educational system should be functional in order to solve part of our problems.
While giving his address at the lecture, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University confirmed his administration's willingness to work. He said he already had a contract of 8 megawatts gas turbine on electricity which will let OAU community be having 24 hours uninterrupted power supply that will be complete in a year time. He also said the agric farm will be heavily visited with development.
Some of the notable guests at the event include, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, the Orangun of Oke- Ila Oba Dokun Abolarin an alumnus of OAU at the faculty of Law, the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Professor E. Ogunbodede; the Dean of the faculty of arts and facilitator of the programme, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti; Chairman, Committee of Deans and Dean of the faculty of Agriculture, Professor Adeagbo Amusan; Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Popoola; several heads of department in the Faculty of Arts; the Vice-Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun; Former chief of staff in Ondo state, Femi Agagu; former vice Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Femi Mimiko, former vice dean, Dr Mike Olatunji and a lot of other dignitaries.
Some of us (Nigerian youths) have made up our mind and sworn to ourselves to uphold the great values of humanity that are obviously lacking in the country’s leadership today, even while we are yet to lead, when we are privileged to lead and for the rest of our lives. The simple reason is because we clearly understand, feel and suffer what selfish and corrupt governance, incompetency and anarchy have made of Nigeria and her defenseless citizens.
Unfortunately, as I write, the failing Nigerian system is once again bearing so hard on our resolve, our resilience and motivation to remain true to this noble decision of ours. You know it’s quite pathetic and saddening right?
I have been a community member, an ardent follower of events and a critical observer of administrations in Obafemi Awolowo University for a while, especially in the last 6 years or thereabout. I have never witnessed a kind of the leadership brought on board by Professor Anthony Elujoba.
To tell the obvious, it was more than a smooth academic calendar for an institution that usually strikes pretty better than thunder. I mean, that was just one of the many goodies that have since come the way of Nigeria's best university while the Village Chemist lasted at the helm of affairs.
Now, he’s been made to pay for probably going a long extent to ensure normalcy restored to the once tattered system. While I believe no one should truly be above the law, it is a shame that the case for us in Nigeria cannot be described any better than a Yoruba adage has put it; “Ńse ni a fi ètè silè pa làpálàpá” (We are ignoring leprosy for the cure of ringworm).
I feel if Professor Anthony Elujoba is eventually jailed for restoring sanity, pride and peace to #GreatIfe after several years of struggles and apparent maladministration of the institution, then, Nigerians (especially members of OAU community) need to be convinced about the real values of the present central government and where its interest lies.
More importantly, this is the best time for the direct beneficiaries – students, staff, parents, Ile-Ife community, Osun State, Nigerian students and all sincere Nigerians – to raise their unified voice in rejection of the obvious selective corruption fight and victimization of 'distant' Nigerians by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Of course, we know those who ran our system aground and surely, we know they have political immunity from the leprous claws of justice. If not so, now tell me, for how long are we going to reward the real thieves with appointments instead of breaking their heart of crime?
By the way, where is the Great Ife student's Union whose members have benefited the most from the leadership of the Pharmacist? Oh, my bad, I almost forgot a soon-to-be medical doctor, who currently leads the Union is allegedly in the business of doctoring the doctrines of the same Union.
So I learnt, as I was gathering thought for this piece that the Union Executives, in a statement purportedly signed by the Union PRO said “…as Students' Union, we firmly maintain our position not to be used by any Union, organisation and even the University Management to achieve their selfish agenda. Nevertheless, it is essential that students decide on what is right and healthy for our Union and mass of students at this critical point in time.” Applaudise!!
Well, I am not certain about those advising the Union’s CEC to tow the line of denying a man who promised the restoration of its proscribed Union and reinstatement of its rusticated comrades and did not eventually renege on fulfilling those promises on assumption of office, among many other developments that came to OAU during his time.
I have read comments by some campus Leftists and probably that is where the CEC stole this silly idea. One thing is sure, whatever position the Union takes at this time is well capable of changing narratives in the near future. Therefore, there is a need for OAU students to assert a notable and noble stand on the current Magu's danse macabre.
Let me even ask, is anyone still in doubt if selective corruption fight is not what this present government is best known for? Do you not think it is really high time any sincere Nigerian youth reassessed his/her loyalty to this seemingly incompetent government?
Without mincing words, I am strongly of the opinion that Nigeria is at the brink of slaughtering one of its finest administrators on the slab of nepotism. If it does, the martyr’s blood will spill over and clog the intent of doing any good in many. Sadly, Late Major Daniel Bamidele now comes to mind again...
The writer of this piece, Omooba Dafidi is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University. You can reach him via davospeaks@gmail.com
