Akinsola Ayomide
On Friday, march 7th, The University of Ibadan has officially sworn in its newly elected executive council and members of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) in an inauguration ceremony held at Trenchard Hall. The event, which commenced in the early hours of friday, saw the presence of key university officials, which include the vice-Chancellor;Professor Kayode Adebowale; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics);Professor Aderonke Bayenuse; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships); Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose (SAN); Dean of Students, Professor Keye Abiona; Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu; and Professor S.G. Jonathan, a member of the University Governing Council. Deans from various faculties, including Professor J.O.A. Akintayo from the Faculty of Law, were also in attendance.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu, with the executive council members taking their oath first, followed by the members of the student representatives council. The new executive council will be led by Covenant Odedele as President, alongside Olabisi Owadayo (Vice President), Victor Segun Olowu (General Secretary), Emmanuel Olawoye (Assistant General Secretary), Oluwaseun Adeyemi (House Secretary), Oluwapelumi Bioku (Treasurer), Victor Kolawole (Sport Secretary), and Ezekiel Adekanbi (Public Relations Officer).In his opening address, the Dean of Students, Professor Keye Abiona, charged the new executives to uphold the tradition of responsible unionism. He reminded them of their duty to serve students with integrity and dedication.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebowale, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the high standards set by previous administrations.“When you train a mind, the mind should be given freedom to express itself,” Prof. Adebowale said, congratulating the new executives and expressing confidence in their ability to lead effectively. He also highlighted the university’s commitment to student welfare, announcing that an alumnus had donated ₦200 million for scholarship programs. Additionally, he disclosed plans for the installation of a 1MW solar-powered inverter—courtesy of the Federal Ministry of Finance—which will be used in the Halls of Residence.Outgoing Students’ Union President, Aweda Bolaji (Oloye), in his farewell speech, reflected on his administration’s achievements, including efforts to combat period poverty through the provision of free sanitary pads, training students in tech skills in partnership with Opex Academy, and renovating the SRC chambers with support from Itel. He advised the new executives to consult past leaders and the Dean of Students before making major decisions, urging them to continue the legacy of “purposeful unionism.”In his inaugural speech, newly sworn-in President Covenant Odedele pledged to work closely with the university management to enhance student welfare. “We shall work progressively with the University management in uplifting the welfare of our students,” he affirmed.The inauguration ceremony was later concluded at 11:40 AM with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Comfort Ade-Raji.
