Student unionism in the University of
Lagos (UNILAG) has been restored
with the swearing in of the University
of Lagos Student Union (ULSU)
executives by the school
management.
This comes after 10 years of a postscript
on student union activities in the school,
after a protest by the union led to
destruction of properties and disruption of
the academic calendar.
In his speech, Rahamon Ade Bello, the vice
chancellor, UNILAG, charged the students
to avoid all forms of violence, saying that
consultation was better.
“I want to plead with the students to
protect this. It has taken 10 years to get
here today. This is the time for
consultative engagement as we have an
open-door policy on all issues before it
develops into crisis,” he said.
“The electoral system may have not been
perfect, but once it is fair, it should be
accepted. There is zero tolerance for
hooliganism. Nobody must infringe on
another person’s rights. We forbid all form
of external influence.
“The management of UNILAG has fulfilled
its own side of the bargain. We are
allowing a level playing ground for student
unionism. We have approved a take-off
grant for the union, and have rehabilitated
the student union building to enhance a
smooth take-over of your office.”
The vice-chancellor then announced that
permission had been granted for cross-
gender visitations in the student hostels.
“I had promised to look into the issue of
cross-gender visitation in the hostels. Let
me announce that cross-gender visitation
will be allowed from May 1st 2015. All hall
masters and mistresses have been
informed”.
This elicited a loud noise of celebration,
ovation and cheers by the students who
were overjoyed with the news.
Tunde Babawale, a professor and dean of
students’ affairs, UNILAG, also called on
ULSU to become a role model for all other
universities in the country.
“It is our hope that ULSU will become a
model for all other universities in Nigeria.
You must serve as models to other
students in your daily conduct. You must
take it as your first assignment to know
more than those you are serving,” he said.
“We have learnt from our past mistakes.
Your leadership and defence of other
students you lead should take account of
their character and learning.”
Martins Abiodun, ULSU president and
student of the department of science and
technology education, promised to
maintain the peace of the institution.
“Ours will be a union which encourages
academic excellence, peaceful
coexistence and uninterrupted academic
calendar,” he said.
“We will embrace an atmosphere of
respect for constituted authority while
engaging in dialogue to drive home our
grievance. Today, I am asking every one of
you to help me give you the government
you deserve”.

Congrats to them. I hope they use the union for better purpose than fighting the management. The union should use their office in promoting student welfare and not through confrontations as they have been used to.

word!!!

I seriously hope this works

GOOD one