The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC) in Ogun State, expresses deep concern and disappointment over recent developments at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) that threaten the democratic process within the institution.
In a series of troubling events, the OOU school management has undermined the will of the student body and disregarded established constitutional procedures, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
During a recent Senate session, a motion was proposed and passed to constitute electoral committees consisting of active students who had paid their fees for the current academic session, a decision that adhered to Section 2 of the constitution. However, the Acting Chief Judge, without providing any reference to constitutional violations, declared the electoral committee null and void.
Instead of offering a constructive intervention, the Vice-Chancellor chose to act against the wishes of the student representatives by canceling the duly constituted body. Furthermore, the VC imposed his own selection for the electoral committees, a clear violation of the constitution.
Another issue arose regarding the eligibility of students who were supposed to graduate in the 2021/2022 academic session. The Senate, guided by Sections 9(1) and 68 of the OOUSUG constitution 2014 (as amended), resolved that only students with active portals for the 2022/2023 academic session could be members of the commission.
However, students who were disqualified from participating in this process petitioned the Vice-Chancellor. In a subsequent meeting, the VC questioned the Senate’s authority to determine graduation status, leading to confusion and concerns about bias.
It is worth noting that school management representatives were present during the Senate session, overseeing proceedings. Despite this, the VC chose to intervene in a manner that seems to disregard the constitutional processes followed by the student representatives.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS JCC/Ogun Axis, strongly condemns these actions by the OOU school management. We call for a return to democratic norms, adherence to constitutional procedures, and respect for the will of the student body.
NANS Ogun also strongly condemns the alleged selling of aspiration forms by the illegal electoral committee. We categorically state that this is a charade that will not stand. We advise potential aspirants to shun any misleading, devilish, and controversial forms, as they do not come from the appropriately constituted authority. We urge all students to uphold the principles of fairness and democracy while seeking legitimate avenues for participation in the electoral process.
We want to make it clear that if the OOU school management fails to rectify these issues and uphold the principles of fairness and democracy within the next 24 hours, NANS JCC/Ogun Axis will take decisive action, including appearing on the OOU campus, to ensure justice prevails.
E-Signed
Comrade Adeyanju Francis Oluwafemi (Experience).
Chairman,
National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS JCC/Ogun Axis.
+234 806 468 3843.
Comrade Okereafor Bestman (The Best The First).
National President,
Progressive Students Movement (PSM).
Comrade Olufemi MVP Owoeye.
Secretary,
National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun Axis.
Comrade Sodiq Hassan (Fedmus).
PRO,
National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun Axis.
Leave a Reply