The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, has charged newly elected Students’ Union leaders to use their position to serve the students body and always be conscious that power is transient. The Vice Chancellor gave the charge at the Swearing in ceremony of the 40th elected officials of the FUTA students union on the 22nd of July 2024. She said leadership is a selfless task and not meant for personal aggrandizement. She said the transient nature of power should give leaders a sense of responsibility and the incentive to discharge their duties effectively with empathy and promptness.
Oladiji said "If you are a leader, you must remember that people are depending on you for direction. Serve them wholeheartedly and cater to their needs with mental and physical resources within your power. FUTA is counting on you to maintain the high standards of excellence it is known for. Be an example to the student’s body.” Professor Oladiji added that students are the most important Stakeholders in the university system and gave the assurance that FUTA management will always treat student matters with utmost importance.
On his part , the Dean of Student Affairs , Professor David Oke said " Student leaders hold a unique and vital position within every academic community. You should serve as the bridge between the student body and the administration. Your role will not just be to lead, but to listen, to inspire and to advocate for the needs and aspirations of your fellow students “Admonishing the newly elected leaders he said " leadership is not about wielding power, but about empowering others. It is about service, integrity and the courage to make difficult decisions for the greater good. Create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.”
The outgoing president Oluwasoromidayo Olayemi said the key to successful administration is maximum patience and detailed consultation with relevant bodies. He highlighted that his administration was able to overcome hurdles and obstacles with the required support and right mentorship. He implored the incoming administration to maintain a sustainable union through intentional collaboration and serve as a mediator between students and management to ensure that the peace in the university community is sustained. He appreciated the university management for their support and commitment to fostering the spirit of free and fair student unionism in the university.
In his response shortly after taking the oath of office administered by the Speaker of the Students Representatives Council, Adewale Adegbusi, under the guidance of the University Legal Directorate, the new President of the Students Union, Adegoriola Abejoye, promised to strengthen the collaboration with the university management and relevant communities for growth and betterment. He assured the students body of his commitment to their welfare. He said " Students' Union officials will make wise decisions on behalf of the students. We will respect everyone. I pledge to maintain high level of professionalism, promoting transparency and accountability at every turn. Addressing other officials, he said " let us remember that our success lies in our unity. As we face challenges and embrace opportunities, we must consistently place the welfare and interests of our fellow students at the forefront."
The occasion was graced by the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, President FUTA Alumni Association Worldwide, Engineer Adeyemi Bello, his predecessor, Olaitan Adesomoju, principal officers, deans, the Students Affairs Officer, Mr. Feyi Adetula, senior academic and non-teaching staff, and students’ union leaders from within and outside the University.
