The newly elected Central Executives Council (CEC) members of the Great Ife Students’ Union were officially inaugurated on August 7, 2025, at the Ajose Lecture Theatre. The event was attended by university principal officers, representatives from the Division of Student Affairs, and students.
The ceremony commenced with the National Anthem and the Great Ife Anthem, followed by a welcome address from the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor J.A. Odedire.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, was Professor E. O. Akinfala, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who delivered a goodwill message on his behalf. He began by giving thanks to God and acknowledging all dignitaries present. He praised the Electoral Commission for conducting a free and fair election and commended the emergence of a new set of student leaders.
Professor Akinfala urged the new executives to work closely with the university management and stressed the importance of responsible leadership, mutual respect, and collaboration. He reminded them of the union’s progressive slogan, “Forward ever, backwards never,” and encouraged them to live up to that ideal. He also applauded Professor Odedire for his continued commitment to student development.
He then, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, formally inaugurated the Central Executives Council members, officially declaring them leaders of the Students’ Union for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Following this, the Speaker of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Honourable Ademola Awe from the Faculty of Pharmacy, conducted the swearing-in of both the Central Executive Council (CEC) and Hall Executive Council (HEC) members. He announced that the swearing-in of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) members would take place later at 1:00 PM at Awolowo Café.
During the inaugural speech, the new Union President, Oluwatodimu David Adelani (Itabi), delivered his inaugural address titled ‘A New Era: A Legacy of Student Unionism with Purpose and Vision.’ He began by expressing deep gratitude to the Great Ife students for their trust. He pledged to serve diligently and lead alongside his fellow executives with dedication and purpose.
Similarly, Itabi stated, ‘I say to you, a new era is upon us! A dawn that casts away shadows of apathy and ushers in the radiant light of a redefined pursuit, a pursuit of excellent unionism!’ During his speech, he requested that everyone stand for a minute’s silence in memory of a student who died in the Department of Chemistry two days ago. Afterwards, he completed his speech.
Dr. L. O. Olasunkanmi, the Vice Dean of DSA, in his closing remark, also addressed the newly elected members of the Students’ Union, urging them to focus on ensuring that students complete their healthcare registration.