The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SUG

  • FCET Umunze gets new SUG excos

    FCET Umunze gets new SUG excos

    A new set of Student Union Government (SUG) executives have emerged from the 2015/2016 SUG elections at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

    The elections, which was held on Tuesday, 1st March 2016, saw Okoye Augustine, a 300 level Industrial student, emerge President in the election.

    He defeated four other contestants.

    Okeke Grace emerged Vice President, unopposed while Okoli Chinonso was also elected Secretary General, unopposed.

    Ezeokafor Tinatamar emerged Assistant Secretary General, defeating Uwaeke Chukwuemeka. Uka Barnabas emerged Treasurer, unopposed.

    Ebubeoha Jane emerged Financial Secretary defeating three other aspirants while Nnadi Goodluck was elected Public Relations Officer defeating his closest rival, Mokwugwor Vivian.

    Okafor Kenechukwu emerged Director of Socials defeating three other aspirants.

    Others elected are; Madu Emmanuel (Director of Health and Sanitation, unopposed) and Ibeh Innocent (Director of Transport, unopposed)

    The SUG election is coming years after the ban for Students Unionism was lifted by the current Provost of the College, Professor J.O Ogbuagu since it was banned in the 2012/2013 Session when the students embarked on a peaceful protest due to some misunderstanding between the students and the management in the late 2013.

    Since the ban, Student Union Caretaker Committee has been adopted by the Institution to pilot the affairs of the Students.

    The Dean Students Affair Unit, Okafor C.U alongside the outgoing Student Union Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ezeonyedika Raphael made sure that the SUG election was a success.

    With the new development, the students of the Institution were very pleased with the management for restoring the Student Unionism.

    Nnadi Goodluck, Public Relations Officer elect of the Student Union contributed much ado to this important report.

     

  • A divided SUG

    A divided SUG

    An internal strife has hit the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students’ Union Government (SUG). The parliament has frozen the union’s accounts in five banks, following allegations of “illegal withdrawal” and “wasteful spending” against the executive, MIFTAUDEEN RAJI (300-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Students’ Union Government (SUG) has run into a crisis, barely two months after the inauguration of its executive council. The legislative arm froze the union’s accounts in five banks following allegations of wasteful spending against some members of the executive.

    The parliament accused the Mohammed Olaniyan-led executive of being a spendthrift, alleging discrepancies in the budget presented to the legislature. Mohammed was summoned by the parliament to answer to the allegation.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the crisis blew open when the parliament cancelled two programmes proposed by the executive last month. The programmes, tagged: “Freshers’ Orientation” and “Legends Unite”, were slated to hold penultimate Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University Sports Centre.

    The parliament’s Media and Publicity Committee chairman, Damilare Bayero, said the programmes were cancelled because the expenditure was “incredible” and “cannot be borne by the union”.

    “Besides, we also felt that it would be misplaced priority for the union to hold another round of orientation for freshers when the management, faculties, departments and students’ organisations have held similar programmes for students. Many students are yet to get accommodation; this should be our concern and not programmes that have been held,” Damilare said.

    The parliament said the executive proposed to spend N1.1 million on the orientation, with N1 million going for refreshment alone. It was gathered that the executive proposed to spend N700,000 on “Legends Unite”, which would be attended by a few students.

    Damilare added: “We felt both events are irrelevant and unnecessary. All students are busy with academic activities and there will be little or no time for wasteful events at this period.”

    There was a twist to the crisis at the third sitting of the parliament when members interrogated the financial secretary, treasurer and  internal auditor. The executive was accused of withdrawing money from the union’s accounts without the parliament’s approval.

    At the end of proceedings, the parliament resolved that the union’s accounts be frozen. The parliament directed the Clerk, Olamilekan Popoola, to inform the executive  of the development, with a warning that money should not be withdrawn from the accounts until the ban is lifted.

    A letter sent to the executive  reads: “The House has placed a ban, which is to take immediate effect on the following accounts of the union – UBA University of Lagos Students’ Union 1019031036; GTBank University of Lagos Students’ Union 0173598163; WEMA Bank University of Lagos Students’ Union 0121177896; Access Bank University of Lagos Students’ Union 0696317455 and First Bank University of Lagos Students’ Union 2028003373.”

    The parliament also directed that cash payment of dues be stopped. The resolution followed an observation by a member, who alleged lack of accountability in cash transactions. The Financial Secretary, Oluwatobi Ojo, had reportedly walked out on members of the parliament during a budget defence.

    The parliment directed Oluwatobi to apologise through the Clerk for his alleged misconduct.

    Damilare said Oluwatobi has apologised; but Oluwatobi cannot be reached for comment.

    The Speaker, Adeyanju Adeonipekun, said the parliament’s  resolution would not change. In a telephone conversation with CAMPUSLIFE, Adeyanju said: “Everything I have to say is contained in the statement we issued on our resolution. You know I am the speaker. It is the resolution of the House that I follow.”

    Asked if the university management has intervened in the issue,  Adeyanju said: “Everything we do, we inform the Dean of Students Affairs, because we have resolved to carry the management along and follow the law.”

    The Speaker said the parliament’s resolution should not be seen as  witch-hunting, noting that the parliament followed the union’s constitution.

    He added: “We have no issues with anybody. Everything we did was in order. There is no crisis in the union. There is no problem; we all have a very cordial relationship. It is the law that is taking its course. Our decision may not go down well with our supporters. But, the parliament has taken its resolution.”

    •Mohanmmed
    •Mohanmmed

    Mohammed is insisting that the events must go on, saying they were meant to add value to students’ lives. He said freshers should be sensitised on how they could improve their academic performance and keep the school rules.  He defended the events’ budgets, saying they were “well-scrutinised” before being sent to the parliament for approval. He neither confirmed nor denied whether money was withdrawn from the union’s accounts without the parliament’s consent.

    Mohammed said the executive would meet with the parliament on the cancelled events.

     

     

     

  • VC, SUG resolve row over N70,000 laptop fee

    VC, SUG resolve row over N70,000 laptop fee

    Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Prof Benjamin Ozumba and representatives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) have resolved the row over the payment of N70,000 laptop fee by freshers. JAMES OJO (300-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    When the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) announced that fresh intakes must pay N70,000 laptop acquisition fee before clearance, the students became jistery.

    Many especially the indigent, were afraid of losing their admission. They need not fear. The matter has been resolved following a meeting between the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) representatives.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the union leader pleaded with the management to allow students  pay installmentally.

    A statement accepting the SUG’s plea reads: “The university administration has arrived at the following resolution after an extensive discussion with the SUG leaders. The laptop fee is compulsory for all first year students, but there is an option to either pay once or in three installments.

    “For those to pay in three installments, they will make a yearly payment of N25,000 spread over three sessions. The installment will be added to the student’s service charge in the sessions. All non-freshers who want to be part of the programme must make single payment of N70,000. There is no installment provision for non-freshers.”

    The outcome of the meeting excited the freshers, who hailed the Students Union leaders for their intervention.

    Faith Godwin, a fresher, said she was relieved by the outcome of the meeting, noting that her parents could only afford the school fee at the time she was admitted. “I was thinking where I would get the money, because my parents only gave me the school fee. I found the laptop scheme to be good but many of us could not afford to pay at once. This is why I am happy that the fee has been divided into installments,” she said.

    While some students believe the laptop initiative would boost learning and research, others argued that such initiative should have been voluntary and not made compulsory. According to them, not all students can afford the fee.

    Before the VC’s meeting with the union leaders, the registration of freshers recorded low turnout, because of the laptop fee. The Convocation Arena, where the registration is taking place, was deserted by freshers. The school officials blamed the situation on the inability of students to pay for their school fees and laptop fee simultaneously.

    A non-teaching staff, who gave his name as Mr. Uchenna, described the initiative as good project, but said it came at wrong time.

    He said: “Economic situation is very bad and everyone is affected. Some students came in to register, but they could not pay because of the laptop fee. This is a good initiative but it came at a wrong time. If you go from faculty to faculty, you would hear the same story. Since we started the registration exercise, some faculties have not cleared more than 200 students.

    “Good enough, the school management eventually understood the country situation and introduced the installment initiative. This would make students to come for registration.”

  • Students’ protest stall activities at Akwa Ibom State University

    Students’ protest stall activities at Akwa Ibom State University


    Students of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Obio Akpa Campus, on Tuesday started a protest over closure of school portal. The students, whose protest disrupted activities on the school campus and force businesses in the neighbourhood to close down, are also angry with the institution over boycotting accreditation and mid semester break. The peaceful protest, led by the Students Union Government (SUG) Secretary General, Comrade John Bassey, was under Akwa Ibom Student Protestscontrol following the presence of heavy security men. According to eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, the Police Area Commander of Ikot Ekpene, Mr Chidozie Ike, was present at the scene of the protest. The Nation, gathered that the students are demanding that the institution opened school portal for full payment of tuition for 2014/2015 academic session Also, students demand that the new policies on the hiring of school bus by the students at about N30, 000 should be addressed. Similarly, a Campus Press Club member, reported that some students were unable to take examinations due to non-payment of their first semester tuition. Although, the eye witness could not confirm the number of students affected by the situation, it was gathered that most students had to pay house rents with their tuition since hostels were no more available. Akwa IbomMeanwhile, the students are appealing to the school management to understand the prevailing challenges that forced them into diverting their tuition. According to the students, landlords increased house rent upon knowing that School hostels were no more available for the students. They further blamed the situation on economic challenges in the country, where some of their parents are yet to receive salary. Hence, they (Students leaders) on behalf of the students make the plea on the grounds of humanity, saying: "However they are going to do it, we want the portal to be open for full payment of the entire session school fees," Comrade Bassey, SUG Secretary, was quoted to have said. The Nation was unable to confirm directly, the situation of things around the campus, but it was gathered that major road leading to the school was closed by heavy traffic as commercial activities were also interrupted.

  • SUG aspirants unfold manifestoes at ASUU debate

    The local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has organised a debate for Students’ Union Government (SUG) aspirants. The event, which was put together by Students, Labour and Mobilisation (SLM) Committee of ASUU, gave the aspirants opportunities to intimate students of their programmes should they be elected.

    The debate was witnessed by the ASUU chairman, Dr Adelaja Odukoye, Dean of Students’ Affair, Prof Tunde Babawale, and a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Dr Lara Quardri.

    The event started with one-minute silence in honour of the late Oluchi Anekwe, a 300-Level Accounting student, who was electrocuted recently on the campus.

    In his address, Dr Odukoya said students must exercise their rights in determining their leader and set agenda for the people that lead them. Prof Babawale, in his remark, hailed the organisers, saying the event gave students an opportunity to study their colleagues who wanted to lead them.

    The debaters were called out one after the other, starting with students vying for Sport Secretary. Each aspirant enthralled the audience with their manifestoes. The presidential hopefuls had hectic time with members of the audience, who hurled a barrage of questions bordering on welfare, cultism and ideology at the aspirants.

    The closing remark was given by ASUU chairman.

     

  • ‘UNN SUG is a disappointment’

    Chris Agu, the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) president of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has expressed reservations about the union under the leadership of his successor, Peter Oji. He spoke to KINGSLEY AMATANWEZE.

     

    The crisis that rocked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) may have been resolved but some say the union has lost its vibrancy. One of them is its immediate past president, Chris Agu, who declared that the current leadership has no clear-cut plan for the union.

    •Chris
    •Chris

    Chris said no sooner had he handed over to his successor than the union started to lose steam on its activities. He said his critical position was informed by torrents of complaints he got from students daily, saying: “I have to speak out.”

    With a few months to the end of their tenure, Chris said the present crop of SUG leaders led by Peter Oji had no meaningful programmes for the students. “They have been busy playing subordinate role to the management,” he said.

    Comparing his tenure with that of his successor, Chris stressed that Peter was privileged because he got resources to run the union.

    Chris said: “When I took over as the SUG president, I faced a lot of challenges. No single document was handed over to me, neither was there any readily available fund to run the union. This is not the case with the current union leaders. The atmosphere is stabilised but they have refused to work for the interest of the students.

    He alleged that projects started by his administration had been neglected by his successor. He said: “Personally, I saw my achievements as not enough. I was relieved when I remembered that governance is a continuum. I expected my successor to start from where I stopped. Regrettably, the reverse has been the case; the current union leaders have not been able to consolidate on the gains we recorded, let alone bringing in new ideas.”

    Chris said he led a crisis-free union, adding that he drastically reduced transport fares and prices of food on campus. He said he organised a free medical programme, where over 2,000 students and workers benefitted.

    “Towards the end of my tenure, the commercial cab operators hiked the fare again, because of fuel scarcity. One expected the current leadership to liaise with the commercial drivers and revert back to the approved fare. Many have expressed disappointment that the Peter Oji-led union leadership has been unable to do so,” he said.

    •Peter
    •Peter

    He decried a situation where the SUG president plays double roles as leader of another high-profiled organisation on the campus, describing it as a dereliction. Peter is also the president of the Rotaract Club in the school.

    He said: “When I was elected as the union president, I was still serving as the president of my cultural organisation. Because of the enormous tasks that came with my union leadership, I resigned my position in the cultural club before I took the SUG oath. During my days in office, I could count the number of classes I attended.”

    Saying leadership of union and Rotaract Club came with high demands, Chris advised Peter to resign from one of the positions and focus on the other.

    Chris lamented that the union had not proven itself to be independent, adding that there had not been any proactive step to address challenges facing the students. He maintained that the union stopped playing its role as pressure group against management’s anti-students’ policies.

    He added: “The unionism in UNN presently is the type, which sees itself as a subordinate to the school management. We now have a union leadership that willfully announces management’s plans and actions to students, whether or not the effect is harsh on students. It should be the responsibility of Students’ Union leaders to convince the management on any action that is perceived to have great effect on the students. In reaching agreement, the union is expected to show some level of force until the matter is resolved in a manner that will not affect students’ welfare. But, the current leader has not been doing this. This is a big disappointment and henceforth, students must find out the pedigree of the people, who aspire to lead them.”

    Peter described Chris’ criticism as misplaced, saying all projects he inherited from his predecessor had been completed. He said: “Chris never had a project. The price of food he claimed to have brought down has remained what it was during his administration. We made sure it was never altered with.”

    On his membership of another club campus club, Peter said his activities as the president of Rotaract Club did not affect his function as SUG president.

  • Candidate kidnapped as poly holds SUG election

    Candidate kidnapped as poly holds SUG election

    The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY) in Edo State has held its election amid intimidation and violence.

    One of the two presidential candidates in the election, David Utibe of the Department of Computer Science, was kidnapped by unknown hoodlums a few days to the election.

    David, who was kidnapped with others, was released on the day of the manifesto. He had bandage on his arm and walked with the aid of crutches.

    The school authorities are investigating the incident, which prevented David from carrying on with his campaign.

    Despite the violence and pressure from students, the Auchi Polytechnic Electoral Commission (APECO) did not postpone the election, clearing the way for David’s rival Joseph Iroghama, an HND 1 Accountancy student, to intensify his campaign. The election was held at the Philipa Idogho campus.

    Announcing the results, the electoral committee declared Joseph the winner, having polled 4,639 votes to beat David, who had 3,687 votes.

    Also, Adaeze Ofuzor is Vice-President with 3,437 votes, while Courage Ohenzuwa emerged the General Secretary with 4,414 votes.

    Others are Assistant General Secretary, Chinenye Ossai, Director of Finance, Smart Osarodion, Treasurer, Peter Nwaoshai, Director of Welfare, Itama Omoye, Deputy Director of Welfare, Taofiq Yakubu, Director of Socials, Samuel Ekhator, Director of Publicity, Isaac Imohimi, and Director of Sports, Ezekiel Osarumwense.

    Joseph, in his acceptance speech, promised to pursue policies that would have a direct impact on students’ welfare. He said dialogue would be the key tool of his administration, saying: “I will serve as an intermediary between management and students. I will not give reason to students to fight management or make management see reasons to victimise students. I will always employ dialogue and negotiation to drive our agitation.”

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that David had been admitted into an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

     

  • Unilorin SUG gets new president

    Unilorin SUG gets new president

    Comrade Alao Idris has been elected president of Student Union Government (SUG) at the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), Kwara state.
    Comrade Idris, also known as Observation, emerged winner of the election after gathering a total of 6,641 votes through an e-voting system.
    Hailing from Ilorin, Kwara State capita, he is a 400Level student of the faculty of Common and Islamic Law.
    Idris defeated two other colleagues simply known as Mr. Gifted and Mr. Quantum who were able to gather 4,512 and 1,161 votes respectively.
    He was the former chairman of Unilorin Campus Journalist (UCJ) and once lost out an election to Comrade Ishowo in 2014.
    Election was also conducted to fill offices such as that of the Vice President, General Secretary, Welfare Secretary and Public Relations Officer.
    Others include Financial Secretary, Social Secretary and Sport Director among others.
  • Kogi varsity resumes lecture after strike

    Kogi varsity resumes lecture after strike

    The Academic staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kogi state University chapter, has agreed to put to an end a 2-month strike.

    The strike was reportedly embarked upon following a demand for the state government to reach an agreement with the union in 2009.

    However, the action was suspended after the Student Union Government (SUG) had given a 48-hour ultimatum.

    Showing appreciation to the management of the institution, Comrade Victory Anselm, SUG spokesman hailed the vice chancellor, Prof. Hassan Isah for his response to the resolve the strike.

    Meanwhile, the school management has released an adjusted academic calendar and lectures resume on Monday, 27th April, 2015.

  • YABATECH axes SUG

    YABATECH axes SUG

    The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has suspended the  Students’ Union Government (SUG), following the violence that marred its election penultimate Monday. MUBARAK SALAUDEEN (ND II Student) reports.

    The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has been suspended. Its suspension followed the violence that marred its election penultimate Monday.

    The campus was thrown into disarray few minutes before the results of the six-hour election were to be announced. It was gathered that a fight broke out among  students while the election outcome was being awaited.

    The fight, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, led to shooting by a group of gunmen suspected to be secret cult members.

    The electoral committee members scampered for safety; students ran helter-skelter. In the commotion, a student whose name could not be confirmed was hit by stray bullet on the shoulder. Another, a women, fainted as guns boomed.

    The timing of the election seemed unsuitable, given that it came two days before the second semester examination.

    The election started peacefully at 9am in all faculties, with accreditation of students. By 3pm, voting ended and collation of ballots followed.

    But, a few minutes before the announcement of results, there was pandemonium, following a brawl among students.

    The election was keenly contested. The post of president had four contestants – Olawale Shebiolegebe (Office Technology Management) and Oladele Lawal (Accountancy), Akeem Adeniyi (Hospitality Catering Management), and Emmanuel Awoleye (Electrical Engineering).

    Other offices also had more than two students contesting to occupy them.

    It was gathered that there were signs of violence during the exercise but the school security personnel did not act fast enough to contain the threat. At 8pm, sporadic gunshot rented the air. The arrival of policemen from Sabo Police Station restored normalcy to the campus.

    Students chided the college management for poor security arrangement during the election, saying the authorities only invited the police when havoc had been wreaked.

    CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the gunshot victim was taken to the nearby Nigerian Army Reference Hospital. The unconscious lady was revived at the college’s medical centre.

    Eyewitnesses said the election was rowdy at the faculties of Engineering, Management and Business Studies, Science. A student in the School of Management and Business Studies, who pleaded for anonymity, said he could not vote because of the fight.

    The following day, the college management rose from an emergency meeting, announcing the suspension of students’ union activities on the campus.

    The Registrar, Ms BIekoroma Amapakabo, signed the memo which placed the ban on unionism indefinitely.

    The memo reads: “Students unionism in the college is suspended with immediate effect and till further notice. All form of protest and social activities are also banned. Students who violate this order will be sanction.”

    The Dean, Students’ Affairs Unit, Mr Omobayo Raheem, in a telephone chat, said some students resorted to violence when they became desperate and wanted their wishes at all cost, thereby disturbing the peace on the campus.

    He added that the suspension of the union became necessary to restore calmness to the school. He advised students to comply with the directive, adding that the incident would be investigated.

    Asked about the condition of the gunshot victim, the Dean said the student was recovering and “will be discharged soon”.

    Unconfirmed reports say the student has been transferred from the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Idi-Araba. But, Raheem refused to comment on this. The victim was said to be a Mass Communication student.