POGSASS inaugurates new exco as Kuranga returns for second term
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Postgraduate Students’ Association (POGSASS) of the University of Ilorin has inaugurated its newly elected Executive Council with Mr Hakeem Abiodun Kuranga returning as President for a second term.
The inauguration, held last Monday (September 21, 2026), followed the election conducted by the Association on September 1, 2026, and marked the commencement of a new administration committed to purposeful leadership, effective representation and the advancement of postgraduate students’ interests.
Other inaugurated Executive Committee members are Abdulganiyu Aishat Ejide, Vice President; Babalola Folayemi Rebecca, General Secretary; Oluwadare Bamidele Samson, Assistant General Secretary; Wasiu Sulaimon Opeyemi, Financial Secretary; Abdullah Ayatullahi Kolawole, Welfare Director I; Ayodele Abiola Olaide, Social Director; Yusuf Idris, Sports Director; Hassan Jehoshaphat Emmanuel, Journal Director; and Usman Muktar Olamide, Public Relations Officer.
Administering the oath of office, the Chairman of the Independent Postgraduate Electoral Committee, Mr Akeem Ademola Ajadi, formally ushered in the new Executive Council, which is expected to pilot the affairs of the Association and promote the welfare, academic development and professional interests of postgraduate students.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kuranga said his leadership recognised that leadership was fundamentally a responsibility to serve, pledging to listen to the concerns of postgraduate students, strengthen communication within the Association and engage constructively with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
The President stated that the administration would work towards promoting an inclusive and responsive Association where the views and concerns of postgraduate students would be acknowledged and given appropriate attention.
According to him, the administration would also encourage initiatives supporting academic excellence, professional development, research engagement and the general welfare of members.
He acknowledged the efforts and contributions of previous administrations towards advancing the Association, expressing the commitment of administration to building on those foundations while pursuing initiatives that respond to the present needs and aspirations of postgraduate students.
Mr Kuranga called on all postgraduate students to regard the administration as a collective responsibility, noting that their participation, constructive feedback and cooperation would be essential to the success of the Association’s shared objectives.
He further expressed the readiness of his administration to collaborate with the University Management, academic and non-teaching staff, student bodies and other relevant stakeholders in the interest of the postgraduate community.
The President appreciated postgraduate students for the confidence reposed in the new leadership and pledged to uphold transparency, accountability, respectful engagement and dedicated service.
He invited members of the Association to join the administration in building an organisation that effectively represents its members and contributes positively to their academic and professional experiences.
Mr Kuranga reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to serving with responsibility, integrity and dedication while working towards a more inclusive, responsive and effective Postgraduate Students’ Association.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. F. O. Nwosu, and the Dean of the Student Affairs Unit, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, alongside other members of staff and students.
