Egbewole calls for responsible unionism, harmony
By Isaac Lewu and Muizdeen Adewole
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called on members of the University Chapter of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) to embrace responsible unionism anchored on constructive engagement, professionalism and mutual respect, describing labour unions as indispensable partners in the University’s quest for sustained excellence, stability and innovation.
Prof. Egbewole, who made the call last Thursday (July 9, 2026) at the first anniversary celebration of the UNILORIN RATTAWU Chapter, urged members to continue to promote industrial harmony by placing dialogue above confrontation in all their dealings with the University Administration.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, explained that the primary responsibility of every trade union is to advance the welfare of its members while supporting institutional development.
He noted that RATTAWU occupies a strategic position in the University through its contributions to broadcasting, media visibility, public communication and the creative arts, all of which strengthen the institution’s enduring culture of academic excellence, stability and innovation.
The legal luminary maintained that the Management of the University would continue to sustain cordial relations with all recognised unions and support their member within available resources, stressing that peaceful engagement remains the most effective pathway to resolving issues.
He, therefore, encouraged members of RATTAWU to remain committed to the ideals of cooperation, professionalism and responsible service.
Speaking in his capacity as the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Akogun commended the leadership of the Chapter for demonstrating maturity and commitment since its establishment, particularly in fostering a cordial relationship with the University Administration.
Mr Akogun specifically applauded the Chairman of the Chapter, Comrade Yinka Magaji-Nda, for providing purposeful leadership and steering the affairs of the union with diligence, tact and administrative acumen.
The Director also reminded the union members that the standing rules governing trade unions do not permit any worker to be a full-fledged member of two trade unions within the same trade group at the same time.
Stressing that dual membership is constitutionally unacceptable, Mr Akogun explained that every employee must belong only to the union that appropriately covers his or her professional cadre.
He further called on RATTAWU and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), both domiciled in the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, to continue to work harmoniously as partners pursuing a common institutional objective.
Pointing out that “there is no need for competition of any sort”, the Director urged the two unions to complement each other and sustain their cordial relationship in the overall interest of the Directorate and the University.
Delivering the Anniversary Lecture, titled “Leveraging User-friendly Software for Enhancing Workforce Credibility,” Prof. Lambe Kayode Mustapha of the Department of Mass Communication observed that digital competence has become an indispensable requirement for workplace relevance, adding that employees must continually acquire technological skills to remain productive and credible.
Prof. Mustapha, who is also the Director of the General Studies Division (GNS), explained that workforce credibility is built on competence, confidence and consistency, noting that integrity, professionalism, effective communication, reliability and timely service delivery remain essential qualities for every successful employee.
The communication scholar further identified user-friendly software, digital communication platforms, documentation tools, data analysis applications and Artificial Intelligence, productivity, transparency and accountability.
He, however, urged organisations to address challenges such as digital illiteracy, cybersecurity risks and poor internet connectivity through sustained ICT training and appropriate workplace policies.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the UNILORIN RATTAWU Chapter, Comrade Yinka Magaji-Nda, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support, assuring them that RATTAWU would continue to promote responsible unionism, protect members’ welfare and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in advancing the vision and aspirations of the University.
The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ibrahim AbdulGaniyu Jawondo; the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi; the General Manager of UNILORIN 89.3FM, Mr Idris Akintola Alooma; the Chairman of RATTAWU, Kwara State Council, Comrade Usman Oke; the Chairman of the NUJ, UNILORIN Chapel, Mr Tijani Adekola Adewoyin; the Chairman of SSANU, UNILORIN Chapter, Mr Naheem Olusola Falowo; abd the Chairman of NASU, UNILORIN Chapter, Mr Suberu Haruna Ibrahim, among other dignitaries.
