The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole has described as untrue, the speculation of a hike in tuition fees in the forthcoming 2012/2013 Academic Session.
Professor Oyewole made the clarification and dispelled other similar rumours as baseless and unfounded, at a luncheon, organised for the Students’ Union Executive, in appreciation of their contributions to the success of the just-concluded 2011/2012 Academic Session. The event was held at the International Scholars’ and Resource Centre, penultimate Friday.
The President of the Students’ Union, Comrade Kareem Bamigbade, had in his remarks sought the Vice-Chancellor’s clarifications on the alleged plan to increase school fees; Management’s bid to take-over the Students’ Union Building and the purported moves to stop their elections.
Responding, Professor Oyewole described the rumour as mischievous imagination of mischief makers, assuring that the old fee regime, paid by the students last session would still be maintained.
Professor Oyewole made reference to an advertorial placed by the University in some national dailies; which justified his position and corroborated that there was no plan whatsoever to effect any increase.
He equally debunked speculations that Management had resolved to take over the Students’ Union Building (SUB) from the Students’ Union Executive.
He said the ongoing renovation of SUB was not a ploy by the Management to take it over from them, assuring that it will be handed over once the face-lifting was completed.
Professor Oyewole, however, challenged the Executives and the Electoral Committee to forward the Union’s election Time-table, for approval.
He also implored the student leadership to lead by example by shunning thuggery, violence and other social vices that are inimical to peace and progress on campus.
Professor Oyewole said a situation where some students disregard decorum and behaved in unruly manner while boarding Student Bus was unbecoming of responsible FUNAAB students.
He challenged the students to evolve appropriate Vision and Mission Statements that would guide their conduct and help them to articulate a clear sense of leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor and the student leaders agreed to meet on a quarterly basis, to deliberate on important issues and to avoid a breakdown in communication.He expressed dismay over frequent robbery attacks on student residences, especially, at Camp, Isolu and Somorin areas and therefore directed the University’s Chief Security Officer to look into the matter and proffer a lasting solution.
The Vice-Chancellor gave his mobile telephone numbers to the student leaders, asking them to call him whenever the need arose.
He also directed the Chairman of MANCOT, Dr. O.S. Awokola to create additional Bus-Stops between Camp and the Campus, to save students from the stress of having to cover long distances to enjoy bus services.
Professor Oyewole said the luncheon was put together in appreciation of the students’ contributions to the success of the just-ended Academic Session, soliciting their continued support and cooperation, as he reiterated Management’s commitment to their welfare.
The President, FUNAABSU, Mr. Bamgbade thanked the University for organising the luncheon which he described as befitting.