Egbewole canvasses responsible unionism
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the call for responsible unionism among staff members of the University, saying that there is no reason for the management and unions to see one another as rivals.
Prof. Egbewole stated this penultimate Friday (March 1, 2024) while receiving the institution’s branch of the newly established Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA).
While acknowledging the historical roles played by the unions towards the stability, growth and development of the nation’s University system, particularly the University of Ilorin, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that his primary goal as Vice Chancellor is to maintain a seamless and stable academic calendar in the University.
The UNILORIN Chief Executive urged NAMDA to establish a constructive working relationship with other unions on campus, noting that there must be a shared objective of advancing the University.
Speaking on the importance of unity, the Vice Chancellor stated that collective efforts benefit the University and the unions as well as their respective members.
Recognising the intrinsic nature of unionism as driven by individual interests, Prof. Egbewole expressed his support for NAMDA in advocating the rights and privileges of its members.
He, however, stressed the need for all the unions to prioritise the interests of their members while working together for the greater good of the University.
In view of occasional divergence within the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on significant matters, Prof. Egbewole called for caution and a constant awareness of their responsibilities as members of the University of Ilorin community.
Expressing gratitude for the NAMDA’s alignment with his vision 1:10:500, which is aimed at positioning the University as the best in Nigeria and among the first 10 in Africa and one of the leading 500 universities at global level, the Vice Chancellor commended the union’s adaptability and responsibility in the dynamic educational landscape of the country.
He pointed out that working collectively toward this ambitious goal reflects the union’s commitment to the university’s success.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of NAMDA, Prof. Muhammed Abdulkadir, said that the new Union, which was registered in January 2023, comprises qualified medical teachers in the universities, University Teaching Hospitals and various associated research centers.
Presenting a copy of the Union’s constitution to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkadir disclosed that NAMDA boasts 131 registered members from both the University of Ilorin and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, adding that similar chapters of the Association have been established in several other universities and medical centers across the country.
Addressing the controversy surrounding NAMDA’s establishment during the last ASUU strike, Prof. Abdulkadir clarified that the Association’s inception process began in the 2018/19 academic session and the primary aim for initiating it was to recognise the unique needs and challenges faced by medical practitioners within the University, which were not adequately addressed by the existing unions.
He clarified that, “We did not see our registration as a means to divide ASUU but as a means of providing a voice to who we represent.”
The NAMDA Chairman reiterated the Association’s commitment to advancing ideas within the University and expressed full support for the administration’s visions.
He reassured that NAMDA is ready to collaborate in every possible way to contribute to the realisation of the University’s goals.
Other members of the delegation were the Ag. Provost College of Health Sciences, Prof. L. O. Abdur-Rahman; the MDCAN Chairman, Prof. O. O. Ibrahim; Prof. E. A. O. Afolayan, Prof. A. A. Akanbi II; and NAMDA Auditor, Prof. O. A. Afolabi, among others.