Full Text Of Inaugural Speech By OAU Students’ Union President, Abbas Akinremi Ojo ‘LoRdFeM’

SPEECH DELIVERED BY ABBAS AKINREMI OJO ‘LoRdFeM’, THE PRESIDENT, STUDENTS’ UNION, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, AT THE INUAGURATION/SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE ELECTED STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICERS ON WEDNESDAY, 12 July 2023, AT AMPHITHEATRE, OAU, ILE-IFE

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, fellow students, and distinguished guests, I stand before you today with great humility, immense pride, and a profound sense of responsibility as we embark on a new era at Obafemi Awolowo University. I am deeply honored to address you as the newly elected president of the student’s union. This moment marks not only the beginning of my tenure but also a collective journey towards progress, unity, and empowerment.

Together, we have the power to shape the destiny of our beloved university, and it is with unwavering dedication that I commit myself to serving as a voice for each and every one of you. As we stand at the threshold of immense possibilities, I am inspired by the resilience and determination that resonates within our vibrant community.

Today, I invite you to join me on a transformative path, where we will navigate challenges, celebrate achievements, and ensure that our voices are heard, valued, and amplified. Together, we shall lead with purpose, compassion, and a resolute spirit, forging a future that reflects our shared dreams and aspirations.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, the university authorities, and the entire electoral commission for providing us with an enabling environment that facilitated a successful and peaceful election. Your commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring a fair electoral process is commendable. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every student who exercised their right to vote, regardless of their choice. Your participation in this democratic process is a testament to the vibrant and engaged student body that thrives within our university.

As I assume this esteemed position, I pledge my unwavering resolve to work collaboratively with each and every one of you. Now is the time for us to set aside political dierences and embrace the spirit of true governance and leadership. To all the candidates who contested alongside me but were not successful, I congratulate you on your spirited campaigns and dedication to the welfare of our student community. I implore you to join me in transcending the boundaries of rivalry and uniting for the greater good of the students of Obafemi Awolowo University. Let us prioritize the interests of our fellow students above all else, for it is their collective progress that must guide our actions and decisions.

I would be remiss if I didn’t express my profound gratitude to my mentor and brother, Ikedichi Egwu, whose unwavering belief in my potential and continuous support have been instrumental in shaping my journey thus far. I humbly request that you keep your phone lines open, as your wisdom and guidance will undoubtedly be sought throughout my tenure. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the lecturers and students from my faculty who provided me with a platform to run as their candidate. Your endorsement and confidence in my abilities have been invaluable. Furthermore, I extend my sincere appreciation to the school security unit, particularly the Chief Security O cer and all other parastatals involved, for their cooperation and dedication during the entire election process. Their commitment to maintaining a secure and peaceful environment deserves our commendation. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the outgoing administration, particularly the president, for their tireless eorts and the achievements they have accomplished during their tenure. I congratulate my fellow elected executives on their successful campaigns and their new roles. Let us remember that the time for celebration is over, and now it is our collective responsibility to roll up our sleeves and embark on the task of delivering on our mandates. I assure each and every one of them of my unwavering cooperation and commitment to working together for the betterment of our student community.

Building upon the foundation we have established, I am thrilled to share with you the three-point agenda which I call the VEC agenda that will shape my administration’s endeavors at Obafemi Awolowo University. First and foremost, we will prioritize the eective welfarism of all Great Ife students. Our commitment to your well-being, both academically and personally, knows no bounds. We recognize the challenges that students face daily, and it is our duty to ensure that your needs are met and your voices are heard. From enhancing healthcare services to expanding scholarship opportunities, we will strive to create an environment that fosters holistic growth and supports your aspirations.

Recognizing the pressing need for accessible Wi-Fi and internet connectivity, we will provide students with reliable and easy access to the internet at strategic locations on campus. This will facilitate seamless learning, research, and communication, empowering students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.

Furthermore, we are committed to providing internship opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and the real world. By partnering with industry leaders, we will create avenues for hands-on experiences that prepare our students for successful careers.

To address the transportation challenges faced by students, we will diplomatically pursue the implementation of an alternative means of transportation within the campus. By exploring innovative solutions, such as shuttle services, we aim to alleviate the burden on students and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

In our pursuit of academic excellence, we acknowledge the financial obstacles faced by many students. To address this, we will advocate for scholarships for indigent students and those who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements. By securing additional resources, we can create opportunities that alleviate financial burdens and empower deserving students to reach their full potential.

Recognizing the importance of basic amenities, we will focus on the maintenance of existing public toilets and construct additional facilities where needed. Clean and functional sanitation facilities are essential for the overall well-being and comfort of our students.

Advocating for more lecture theatres, we aim to address the growing demand for learning spaces on campus. By increasing the availability of lecture halls, we can ensure a conducive environment for teaching and learning, allowing students to maximize their academic potential.

Additionally, we will prioritize the renovation of faulty lecture rooms, ensuring that students have access to safe and functional learning spaces. We recognize that the quality of our educational experience is directly impacted by the conditions of our classrooms, and we are committed to providing an environment that fosters eective learning.

Under the banner of “Operation Light Up OAU,” we will initiate an initiative to improve lighting in areas on campus that have experienced a history of security threats and attacks. By enhancing visibility, we aim to support security personnel in their eorts to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.

Furthermore, we will bring on board the 4S initiative, which stands for the Students Self Suciency Scheme, through the o ce of the welfare director and the o ce of the financial secretary. This program will empower students to develop self-suciency skills, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing support for income-generating activities. By equipping students with practical skills and opportunities, we aim to foster financial independence and promote holistic development.

In addition to our agenda, we are committed to implementing the recently passed Sexual Harassment Bill by the federal government on our campus. We will work closely with the university management to develop and enforce comprehensive policies that prevent and address any form of harassment, creating an environment where all students feel safe, respected, and empowered.

As your president, I commit to maintaining a formal and transparent approach in my dealings with the university management. By ensuring clear and timely dissemination of information, we will prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. Regular updates and notices will be posted on hostel notice boards and communicated through various channels, enabling every student to stay informed and engaged.

To enhance student welfare and safety, I will personally visit the halls of residence at least once every two weeks. These visits will serve multiple purposes: to announce important information, conduct inspections to ensure maintenance and security standards are met, and prevent any unfortunate incidents like the tragedy of Late Miss Heritage Ajibola, who lost her life in a septic tank due to negligence in maintenance. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Through these initiatives and commitments, we will create a harmonious and productive relationship with the university administration, ensuring that our student community’s needs and aspirations are at the forefront of decision-making and planning. Together, we will build an environment that nurtures academic excellence, empowers personal growth, and promotes the holistic well-being of each and every student.

As we move forward with our sustainable capital projects, it is imperative to address the unfinished projects funded by the previous administration. We arm that all ongoing projects funded by the previous administration will be completed in line with their original plans and timelines. For projects that are yet to be funded, we will conduct a comprehensive review to prioritize those that align with our vision and address the pressing needs of our student community.

In our pursuit of administrative synergy, we recognize the importance of fostering strong relationships between student representatives and the broader administrative bodies within our university. To promote a deeper understanding of governance and legislation, we are committed to ensuring the sanctity of our sacrosanct constitution by abiding by the words to the letter.

We are dedicated to improving the student-sta relationship, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and open communication. By establishing platforms for constructive dialogue, such as regular town hall meetings and feedback mechanisms, we will bridge the gap and ensure that student concerns and voices are heard and addressed eectively.

Furthermore, we recognize the need to enhance collaboration between the Central Executive Council, the Students Representatives Council, and the Hall Executive Councils. We will actively work towards strengthening communication channels and fostering a culture of teamwork and shared vision. By harmonizing eorts and perspectives, we can achieve greater outcomes for the student community as a whole.

In addition to administrative cooperation, we aim to cultivate the vibrant talents and artistic potential of our students. We will initiate programs Great Ife Week where all o cers of the central executive council would have individual events particular to their o ces and round it up with the OAU Got Talent initiative, leveraging the vast pool of talented alumni in the entertainment industry. These programs will provide platforms for students to showcase their skills and creativity, fostering a thriving arts and culture scene within our university.

As your president, I assure you that I will be as formal as possible in my dealings with the management, ensuring transparency and accountability. I will prioritize eective communication channels, ensuring that every student is informed of important developments and decisions. To this end, information will be disseminated through various platforms, including notice boards in the hostels, online portals, and regular visits to the halls of residence to provide updates and address any concerns.

Furthermore, I want to emphasize our commitment to implementing the recently passed Sexual Harassment Bill by the federal government on our campus. We will work closely with the university management to develop and enforce comprehensive policies that prevent and address any form of harassment, creating an environment where all students feel safe, respected, and empowered.

In line with our dedication to student welfare, I am aware of the widespread economic hardships faced by our students due to the current economic climate in our country. Therefore, I will work tirelessly with the university management to ensure a common ground that takes into account the financial constraints of our students when it comes to issues such as school fees.

We will engage in constructive dialogue and advocate for a fee structure that is fair and considers the economic realities faced by our student community.

Additionally, I am committed to staying informed about national issues and bills that relate to student welfare. By actively monitoring and engaging with relevant federal government bills, we will ensure that the voice of Obafemi Awolowo University resonates in the broader discourse of student welfare and development. We will be proactive in advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit our students not just within our campus, but also on a national scale.

In conclusion, my fellow Great Ife students, distinguished guests, and esteemed faculty members, today marks the beginning of a transformative chapter in the history of our beloved Obafemi Awolowo University. With humility and determination, I stand before you as your newly elected president, ready to embark on a journey of progress, unity, and empowerment.

Together, we have outlined a comprehensive agenda that focuses on the eective welfarism of all Great Ife students, administrative synergy, and sustainable capital projects. Our vision encompasses academic excellence, student welfare, security, connectivity, and infrastructure development. We are committed to bridging gaps, fostering collaborations, and championing the rights and aspirations of every student.

Let us remember that our success lies in our unity and collective determination. As we navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, let us always prioritize the interests and well-being of our fellow students. Together, we will shape a future where greatness thrives, where every dream is within reach, and where Obafemi Awolowo University continues to be a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and societal impact. Long Live Great Ife Students’ Union, Long Live Obafemi Awolowo University, Long Live Osun State, Long Live Nigeria.

Yours in service, Abbas Akinremi Ojo LoRdFeM President, Great Ife Students’ Union.